Diary Of Fate - Matt Cooper

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Diary Of Fate – Matt Cooper
Date: May 9, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode features a suspenseful tale from “Diary Of Fate,” an anthology series from the Golden Age of Radio known for exploring the inexorable principle of justice. The episode follows Matt Cooper, a deep-sea diver whose pursuit of a sunken treasure leads him down a path of greed, betrayal, and murder. With Fate as the omnipresent narrator, listeners are guided through Matt’s ill-fated decisions and their deadly consequences, echoing the show’s signature lesson: fate is impartial, justice inescapable.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

Introduction by Fate (00:47 – 03:01)

• Introduction of Matt Cooper:
  The narrator, Fate, introduces Matt Cooper, whose adventurous life as a deep-sea diver has brought him to the Philippines in search of treasure.

• The Premise:
  Matt's ignorance of the universe’s simple truths sets him on a doomed trajectory.

  “But you, Matt Cooper, learn nothing of the simplest truth of the universe—the inexorable principle of justice.”
  — Fate (00:47)

The Treasure Hunt Team (03:01 – 07:10)

• Crew Dynamics:

  • Matt works alongside George (partner/friend), Barney (mechanic), and Nina Lawrence (adventuress and love interest).
  • Nina’s belief in the treasure is motivated by a dying cabin boy’s tale.

• Dreams vs. Reality:

  • Nina shares a dream about finding gold and living a glamorous life, but admits to fatigue and disappointment, deciding to leave the quest.

  “‘It’s just a habit, fellows. You’ll get over it. …I’m just tired of this kind of living.’”
  — Nina (06:06)

Matt’s Emotional Confession (07:10 – 09:38)

• Matt Confesses His Love:
  During a drive, Matt tells Nina his feelings; she admits caring for him but does not share his passion. Nina also reveals George is in love with her, providing another reason for her departure.

  “I’m in love with you.”
  — Matt (08:11)
  “He’s in love with me too, Matt.”
  — Nina (09:05)

• Matt’s Determination:
  Matt’s motivation to secure both wealth and Nina intensifies—he wants to change their fortunes within the week Nina is away.

The Discovery of the Gold (11:08 – 16:24)

• A New Lead:

  • A splash of blue paint on a gold ring inspires George: the sunken ship’s safe door, also blue-painted, could be gold concealed.

  “It’s blue paint. Isn’t it like the blue paint on the small safe door in the captain’s cabin?”
  — George (12:24)

• The Dive:

  • Matt goes down to investigate. Upon discovering gold, Matt lies to George, claiming it’s just steel, determined to keep the treasure for himself.

  “And even as you stared in rapt fascination at the unmistakable glimpse of the gold before you, you lied to your partner above.”
  — Fate (15:56)

Matt’s Descent into Evil (16:51 – 22:54)

• Plans of Murder:

  • Matt, resentful and desperate, plots to poison George. He tampers with George’s medicine, replacing some capsules with rat poison.

  “He went to the pantry... emptied three of the capsules and filled them with a deadly powder.”
  — Fate (20:11)

• George Unaware:

  • George remains oblivious, takes the poisoned pills before planning to leave for Tacloban.

  “Might as well take them all. Just three left.”
  — George (23:17)

Matt’s Final Dive & Ironic Twist (24:25 – 28:24)

• Matt Races Greedily for the Treasure:

  • Confident of George’s impending death, Matt dons the diving suit for a solo descent to claim the gold.

• Fateful Return:

  • Underwater, Matt suddenly hears George’s voice over the radio—the poison has not yet killed him.

  “George? Oh, sorry. Can’t be. George.”
  — Matt (27:33)

  • Because a broken ignition key delayed George, he ran the air pump for Matt, but as the poison takes effect, George cannot continue. Matt, trapped with no air, succumbs as well.

  “The poison which destroyed your partner’s life also destroyed your own. And the treasure for which you sacrificed everything remained locked forever beneath the sea.”
  — Fate (28:24)

Fate’s Closing Words (28:24 – 29:08)

• Moral Reflection:

  • Fate closes Matt’s story, reiterating the impartiality of justice and the inescapability of life’s little ironies.

  “And now it is time to close the book. In the case of Matt Cooper, as in the cases of all mortals, I, Fate, am but the instrument of a plan.”
  — Fate (28:24)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Fate plays no favorites. It could happen to you.”
  — Intro/Narrator (00:25)

• “Remember, Matt, how it all started? You were aboard your deep sea diving barge off a remote village in the Philippine Islands…”
  — Fate (03:01)

• “I don’t know, Max. Oh, I care for you, of course. But love? Well, it’s not that simple…”
  — Nina (08:31)

• “Oh, by the way, I asked Barney to bring my medicine in off the barge. You see him get it for me, will you?”
  — George (18:13)

• “Yes, a man could die on the mountain road after dark, Matt. It had happened before, and you were counting on that.”
  — Fate (22:07)

• “Because of a little potential, a splash of paint, a treasure in gold had been discovered. Now, in a matter of minutes, you, Matt Cooper, would have that treasure for your own.”
  — Fate (25:26)

• “The poison which destroyed your partner’s life also destroyed your own. And the treasure for which you sacrificed everything remained locked forever beneath the sea.”
  — Fate (28:24)

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Timeline of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Event Description | |-------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:47–03:01 | Fate’s introduction, Matt’s life context | | 03:01–07:10 | Crew’s situation, Nina’s decision to leave | | 07:10–09:38 | Matt’s confession, Nina’s response | | 11:08–14:14 | The blue paint clue, plan to revisit the safe | | 14:14–16:24 | Matt’s solo dive and deceit | | 16:51–22:54 | Matt’s plot to poison George | | 22:54–24:25 | Dinner, George takes the poisoned pills | | 24:25–25:26 | Matt’s impulsive dive for the gold | | 27:00–28:24 | Underwater confrontation and double tragedy | | 28:24–29:08 | Fate’s final moral and closing |

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Tone & Takeaways

“Diary Of Fate: Matt Cooper” delivers its signature blend of suspense, fatalism, and noir morality, emphasizing how greed and ill intent inevitably circle back on the evildoer. The dramatic narration and dialogue underscore the Golden Age’s belief in cosmic justice:

“Heed well my word, you who listen and remember. There is a page for you in the Diary of Fate.”
— Fate (29:00)

This episode is a masterfully constructed lesson in crime and consequence, brilliantly voiced and paced, and a classic sample of 1940s radio storytelling.

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End of Summary

Transcript

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[Faith (Narrator)]

Book 81, page 409. Yes, here it is. The life record of Matt Cooper. A detailed account of high adventure in distant lands. Yes, Matt, as a deep sea diver, your work carried you to the far corners of the globe where you learn much of the complex flora and fauna of the world. But you, Matt Cooper, learn nothing of the simplest truth of the universe, the inexorable principle of justice. And because of that ignorance, now I, faith, can look ahead to a single instant of decision in your life.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Matt, I can't stand this. What's the word? Tell me, Matt, what is it?

[Matt Cooper]

I'm protein. It's hard to swing.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's what? What have you found?

[Matt Cooper]

Is it gold, Matt?

[Faith (Narrator)]

Is it?

[Matt Cooper]

No, no, I'm afraid it's not, George. I'm afraid it's just plain old fashioned steel.

[Faith (Narrator)]

Like all mortals, Matt Cooper ultimately stood at the crossroads of decision. But his choice was the path of evil. Then I, fate intervened. And now, because of a little thing, a broken key, Matt Cooper soon will be dead. But mark well my words, you who listen for fate is not unjust. In a moment, I will read again from the Diary of Faith

[Narrator/Announcer]

before the unusual story of Matt Cooper. Here is our announcer.

[Faith (Narrator)]

Matt Cooper will find as others have found, let little things, the tools with which I fate work are beyond the calculations of mortal minds. Remember, Matt, how it all started? You were aboard your deep sea diving barge off a remote village in the Philippine Islands where you had been led by the attractive adventuress Nina Lawrence. For she believed the treasure to be hidden within a sunken ship 20 fathoms below. You had just completed another of your many futile searches under the sea for that treasure. And now, together with your partner George, and a mechanic named Barney, you discussed an unpromising future.

[Matt Cooper]

George had the 10th dive. And still not like him.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, certainly looks like Nina was taken in all right.

[Matt Cooper]

That's the funny part. Why should a cabin boy that Nina befriended lied to her on his deathbed?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Maybe he had a sense of humor.

[Matt Cooper]

Maybe you don't. This is only another job to you, Barney. But for Nina, George and me, it's everything.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, easy now, Matt. Don't start blaming Barney here.

[Matt Cooper]

Well, I. I'm sorry, Bonnie. I guess it's a he.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Just you, man. You know, guys shouldn't spend too much time in a rat infested pole like this place. Maybe you fellas ought to bunk out of here on the barge with me. No dice, Barney. We couldn't leave Nina alone on shore.

[Matt Cooper]

That's right. Besides, she's the only thing around here that keeps our morale up.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, you better start bubbling over now, brother. Cause here she comes.

[Matt Cooper]

Oh, hi, boys.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hi, Nina.

[Matt Cooper]

Morning, Nina. You sleep well?

[Nina Lawrence]

No, I was too busy dreaming.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Usual stuff. The luxurious bubble bath, smart clothes.

[Nina Lawrence]

This dream was about the craziest. We found the gold, and believe it or not, it was right in the captain's private safe, just like the cabin boy said. Oh, there it was. Bars and bars of beautiful gold. We were rich and famous. And guess what? At a big reception back home, I made a sheet about it.

[Matt Cooper]

The whole story, Aha.

[Nina Lawrence]

Started with the ship sinking during the war and went right up to a year ago when I met the cabin boy in the miller. Then there was the auto accident and

[Narrator/Announcer]

the boy's dying words. The gold, Miss Nina, it's in the private safe in the captain's cabin. We know all that part by heart. But what happened then, Nina?

[Nina Lawrence]

Then I woke up.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's a great story, Nina. If you pile out of that forward, I'll get started for sure. Come on. Say, Barney, on the way out, will you bring my medicine? Yeah. You know, I still figure I can lick this anemia and get back to diving myself.

[Faith (Narrator)]

Okay, George.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'll try to remember.

[Matt Cooper]

Well, Nina, we got news for you. We didn't find that gold again. But we're not late yet.

[Nina Lawrence]

Well, I am. That's why I came out here to talk to you boys. I'm getting out right away, too.

[Matt Cooper]

Oh, no. No, Nina, you can't leave me. You can't leave us now.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's right, Nina. We're used to you, both of us.

[Nina Lawrence]

It's just a habit, fellows. You'll get over it. Look, when I met you two six months ago, I had the information on a sunken treasure. You had the equipment to get it. We formed a partnership and had a go at it. Well, it. It hasn't paid off. I'm sorry, but I. I'm just tired of this. This kind of living.

[Narrator/Announcer]

But we'll fix things up for you, Nina. Yeah.

[Matt Cooper]

Yeah, we'll take a day off. Don't you know, Shaq?

[Nina Lawrence]

No, no, that won't do the trick. My mind's made up, boys.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Gee, Nina, I. I wish I could make you stay.

[Matt Cooper]

Yeah, so do I. I'm gonna miss you, Nina. I'm gonna miss you an awful lot.

[Faith (Narrator)]

Yes, Matt. Now that Nina was about to leave, you suddenly realized that you were in love with her. The thought grew in your mind. And by that afternoon, as you waited to drive her the 60 mile to Tacloban and the Air Force, you were impatient about.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ready, Nina?

[Nina Lawrence]

Oh, yes, Matt.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Coming.

[Nina Lawrence]

Is the Jeep gas?

[Matt Cooper]

Uh huh. Yeah, I'm in the Arnold.

[Nina Lawrence]

What is it? What's the matter?

[Matt Cooper]

This blasted ignition key. It's been out of shape.

[Nina Lawrence]

Oh, you might try inserting it all the way before you turn.

[Matt Cooper]

Yeah, you got something.

[Nina Lawrence]

Oh, and Mr. Cooper, another thing. Electric. Take it easy over this mountain road. You know, those terrapin curves give me the willies. Besides, I've got a whole week in Tacloban before my plane arrives.

[Matt Cooper]

Yeah, I know you have. Nina. Nina, there's. There's something I want to say. I don't know how to start.

[Nina Lawrence]

Oh, Matt, that curve. Watch out.

[Matt Cooper]

All right. I'm sorry. I guess I was thinking about you instead of my driving.

[Nina Lawrence]

Then pull over, Matt. We'll talk now and drive later, okay?

[Matt Cooper]

None. I might as well come right to the point. I'm in love with you.

[Nina Lawrence]

I know you are, Matt.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What?

[Matt Cooper]

You know. But hounding?

[Nina Lawrence]

What's the difference?

[Matt Cooper]

You. How do you feel?

[Nina Lawrence]

I don't know, Max. Oh, I care for you, of course. But love? Well, it's not that simple. You see, I'm kind of different. Clowning around looking for a treasure of gold is fun for about six months, maybe a year. But it's no good for a lifetime. Not for little Nina, at any rate.

[Matt Cooper]

Then it's money, Nina. Nice things, nice places.

[Nina Lawrence]

Well, that's part of it.

[Matt Cooper]

Part of it? What other reason could you have for leaving George? George? What's George got to do with him?

[Nina Lawrence]

Everything. He's in love with me too, Matt.

[Matt Cooper]

No. No, it couldn't be. You're wrong, Nina.

[Nina Lawrence]

No, I'm not wrong, Matt. He told me so himself last night. So you see, altogether, I. Three good reasons for leaving. I don't care about roughing it anymore. And I don't want to come between you and George. At any rate, that's the way things stand right now. Maybe we'll meet later, Matt. Maybe things will be different then.

[Matt Cooper]

Yeah. Yeah, I'm sure of it, Mamie. I'm sure things will be different then.

[Faith (Narrator)]

Even as you spoke, Matt Cooper, the double meaning of your own words became clear to you. Nina would be in Tacloban for only another week. That gave you exactly seven days in which to establish yourself financially and defeat your partner, George, as a rival.

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[Matt Cooper]

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[Faith (Narrator)]

It was late when you finally returned to camp and George was already asleep in your own quarters. You spent a long night tossing restlessly, and with each hour, your resentment of George increased. The next morning, you set out at once in search of him.

[Matt Cooper]

George. George, where are you? I'm out here, Matt, behind the house.

[Faith (Narrator)]

George, and painting.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Nina, get the taco bomb. All right?

[Matt Cooper]

Of course she's out there.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All right, that's good. Say, what do you think of this job? Found a few extra cans of blue paint around and thought I'd spruce up the gear.

[Matt Cooper]

I'm not interested in your sprucing wood. Huh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

What's the matter with you anyway? What is it?

[Matt Cooper]

What do you think? For two cents ain't mad. Watch out. That paint can. What?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, confound it. Now look what you've done. Blue paint all over me. My clothes, my hands. You've got my gold ring. Hand me that turf.

[Matt Cooper]

Get it yourself. I'm still working with or for you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You don't make sense. And as soon as I get this paint off my hand.

[Faith (Narrator)]

Matt.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Matt, look. Look. There's paint on my ring.

[Matt Cooper]

What about it?

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's blue paint. Isn't it like the blue paint on the small safe door in the captain's cabin? Yeah, but look, Matt. Look at the color when it's over. The gold on my ring.

[Matt Cooper]

Huh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

You don't think that the safe door is made of gold?

[Faith (Narrator)]

Why not, Matt?

[Narrator/Announcer]

We know the skipper was a screwy old geezer. Why couldn't he have made the door of gold and given a couple of coats of blue paint for disguise?

[Matt Cooper]

But gold is soft, Georgie. It's no good for a safe door.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Skipper wouldn't be worried about anybody breaking in on him. But he might have been suspicious of his supposedly trustworthy men. The purser, the first mate. Matt, it's only a hunch, but we've

[Matt Cooper]

got to try it. Yeah, yeah, you gotta try it.

[Faith (Narrator)]

Yes, Matt, because of a little thing, a splash of paint. Your partner had an idea that could be worth thousands of dollars. You rushed out to the barge as George hurriedly explained his hunt to Barney, who scarred the mechanical air pump. You got into your diver suit, descended to the wreck below. But as you entered the black waters inside the sunken ship, you were forced to move slowly through the narrow passageways, lest your life giving airline foul on a jagged metal edge. You described your every move to your anxious partner above. But an hour later, when you finally entered the captain's cabin, your thoughts were only of Nina and what the gold would mean to you alone if the gold were really there.

[Matt Cooper]

Well, so far so good. I'm in the captain's cabin now. I can see the Safeway, the light of my lamp.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's painted blue all right, isn't it?

[Matt Cooper]

Yeah, that's blue. I'll be over to it in a minute.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now I've got my fingers crossed, man.

[Matt Cooper]

I will not sound enough. I'm up to it now. George, the pump.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I don't know. He's kicked off. Barney. Barney, get on the hand pump.

[Matt Cooper]

Quick.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Evan. Name?

[Matt Cooper]

Hurry, hurry.

[Narrator/Announcer]

We'll have it going, Matt.

[Faith (Narrator)]

Hold on.

[Narrator/Announcer]

We'll have it going in a. There it goes. Matt, you okay now?

[Matt Cooper]

Yeah, yeah, I'm all right. Let's see that. Barney keeps turning that hand wheel. And he goes. I'm at the same door, they start chipping away.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Max, I can't stand this. What's a word? Tell me. Map. What is it?

[Matt Cooper]

I'm cramped here. How do you swim?

[Narrator/Announcer]

What? What have you found? Is it the gold?

[Faith (Narrator)]

Is it Matt?

[Matt Cooper]

No, no, I'm afraid it's not good. I'm afraid it's just plain old fashioned steel.

[Faith (Narrator)]

Now, Matt Cooper, you had reached an evil decision. And even as you stared in rapt fascination at the unmistakable glimpse of the gold before you, you lied to your partner above. You knew that soon you would have to destroy him. Soon I will write again under the name of Matt Cooper in the Diary of Faith.

[Narrator/Announcer]

In a moment, our story will continue. But now, here is our announcer.

[Faith (Narrator)]

Yes, Matt. Deep in the eternal shadows of the sea, you made a decision for evil. When you came to the surface, the tropical sun was bright, but the dark thoughts of murder remained locked in your heart. As you elaborated on your lie about the failure to find the gold, disappointment grew in George's eyes. And two hours later, in the house on shore, George had given up.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, Matt, I guess that does it. I'm through a crazy hunch anyway. To think that old skipper might have cast a safe door out of gold. Well, I think I'll go to Tacoban right away.

[Matt Cooper]

Tonight. All right. What's the hurry, Jordan?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'm fed up. I'll make the arrangements to dispose of the gear and book passage to Manila and.

[Matt Cooper]

And maybe drop in on Nina. She's going to be in Taco Bell another five days. You're not kidding me, George. I know how you feel about her.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What do you mean?

[Matt Cooper]

I'm not blind. You're in love with her, and it's written all over you. Oh, don't get me wrong, George. I think it's great.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I do love her, Matt. Someday I'm going to marry her. Right now. That someday's a long way off. I've got to have money first. A girl like Nina.

[Matt Cooper]

I know exactly what you're going to say. Believe me, we didn't find a golden, raw, most black. So there's really no big hurry, is there?

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, I guess there isn't. Oh, by the way, I asked Barney to bring my medicine in off the barge. You see him get it for me, will you?

[Matt Cooper]

Sure. And you never can tell, George. If you relax a while, something might come up that'll take care of all your worries.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You've been treasure hunting too long, Matt. You're expecting miracles.

[Faith (Narrator)]

But you weren't expecting miracles, were you, Matt? No. You were merely gambling for time until you could devise a satisfactory method for murder. A murder you intended to commit sometime before Nina left Tacloban. An hour later, your mind was busy with your plan. When Barney came to the

[Narrator/Announcer]

well, the pump motor shot Matt. Try to fix it, but it's no use. It'll have to go to the shop. You know, it doesn't matter no how. We'll be Moving in a couple of days.

[Matt Cooper]

Moving? Who says we're moving, huh? Well, we've got to get all this gear packed.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, no, it's all taken care of.

[Matt Cooper]

What are you talking about?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sure, sure. Saving us all the work and the worry. See, friend of mine's coming out tomorrow to see me and looking for a rig that takes the whole outfit just as is. I mentioned it to Joe. He's in favor of it, too.

[Matt Cooper]

You say this guy's coming out tomorrow?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, that's right. That's right.

[Matt Cooper]

What's the matter, man? Matter? Nothing. Huh? I just didn't know you had friends with that kind of money.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, sure. This guy's got contact. Big contact. He can get the dough right away. He'll be out early tomorrow, so I better go get the equipment.

[Matt Cooper]

Now, wait a minute. You leave that here like it is. Don't sew any of it until I tell you to. I. I'll help you with it tonight after dinner.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, but fine. You're the boss. Hey, here's that bottle of pills for George. You told me to bring it in.

[Matt Cooper]

Yeah, I'll take him and Barney. Don't bother George about the gear, understand? You and I'll take care of it tonight.

[Faith (Narrator)]

Now, you had to move fast. You racked your brain for a logical means of killing George and. And then you became aware of the medicine. The red capsules filled with dark powder that George took for his anemia. He went to the pantry and poured the contents out onto the table. Then you took the can of rat poison from its shelf, emptied three of the capsules and filled them with a deadly powder. You put the can of poison away and dropped the three capsules back into the bottle. At that instant, the door behind you opened.

[Matt Cooper]

George, what's the matter, man? You startled me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What are you up to? You look as guilty as a kid stealing cookie.

[Matt Cooper]

Me? Well, I guess I feel guilty. You see it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, that's my medicine. What's going on here anyway?

[Matt Cooper]

That's what I'm trying to tell you. I set the bottle down, then knocked it over like a clumsy oaf. I spilled most of them on this dirty table. These are all ruined. Oh, but these say.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, luckily, there are three left in the bottle. Anyway, that's enough for tonight.

[Matt Cooper]

Yeah, yeah, sure. And you can get more in Taco Bell tomorrow. I'm really sorry, George.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, forget it. But I don't figure I'm going to Taco Bell now. Change my mind. Barney's got a buyer for our gear coming out here tomorrow.

[Matt Cooper]

Yeah, I Know, but that's all the more reason why you should go. Gotta have a line on that guy, check up on his credit and all before we sell out.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I don't know. Barney swears by the guy.

[Matt Cooper]

Yeah, but you know how Barney is. And nuts to rely on him completely in a deal like this.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, maybe you're right.

[Matt Cooper]

Certainly I'm right. If you leave after dinner tonight, you can get into the mountains before it gets too dark. You know what that road is? Man could get killed driving up there in the dark.

[Faith (Narrator)]

Yes, a man could die on the mountain road after dark, Matt. It had happened before, and you were counting on that. You knew how the poison would react. You had watched rats stop short an hour after swallowing it. Then twist helplessly in convulsion and pain. If convulsion seized the driver of a speeding automobile on the treacherous mountain road, there was no doubt of what would happen. No one would ever question the method of his death. At dinner that night, you had no appetite, Matt. You watched with impatience as George ate heartily. Then, at last, the meal was over.

[Matt Cooper]

What's the matter, Matt?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hardly touched your food?

[Matt Cooper]

I don't know. Just not hungry.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, change will do us both a lot of good.

[Matt Cooper]

You can say that again, partner.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, I guess I'll get my stuff together and shove off.

[Matt Cooper]

But, Georgie, you forgot to take your pill. Huh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, so I did. Pass me the water, will you?

[Matt Cooper]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Might as well take them all. Just three left.

[Matt Cooper]

There.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That ought to make my blood red.

[Matt Cooper]

Yeah. Yeah, that certainly oughta.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, I better get going.

[Matt Cooper]

I'll give you a hand with your bag.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Never mind. Why don't you round up Barney and go on out to the barge? There's a lot to be done.

[Matt Cooper]

Whatever you say, George. I just wanted to be sure you got started.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Don't worry. I'll be on my way in 10 minutes.

[Faith (Narrator)]

You had nothing to worry about now, Matt. When your partner left, you knew he'd never come back. Because in less than two hours he would be dead. You found Barney waiting at the launch. You got aboard, and as he started the motor, you glanced back through the trees at the house. George was already busy with his luggage. Later, as you drew near the barge, you were sure that by now George was well on his way. And so, with greedy impatience, you turned at once to the task before you.

[Matt Cooper]

Now, bring a port side, Barney. Leave the diving rig clear. Okay, Matt.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, what do you want to start on, Matt?

[Matt Cooper]

Oh, we're not packing. I'm gonna make a dive instead.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Huh? You what?

[Matt Cooper]

Going down to the Rake again, Barney. Right now and for the last time.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, but Matt, it's so late. The pump's busted too. Hey, that's a two hour dive.

[Matt Cooper]

least the hand pump works, doesn't it?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sure, but you.

[Matt Cooper]

And you're strong enough to run it, aren't you?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, you know I am, Matt.

[Matt Cooper]

Then let's get going. Come on, give me a hand to this suit.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, it's gonna be dark before Barney down there.

[Matt Cooper]

It doesn't make any difference. And I can take care of the lines and everything else all by myself. You just keep that pump going. That's all you have.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Okay? Okay. I don't like it. But I guess you know what you do.

[Matt Cooper]

You know exactly what I'm doing, Barney. Exactly. This time I've got a hunch upon that gold. You can bet money on it. Lots of money. Let's go.

[Faith (Narrator)]

Because of a little potential, a splash of paint, a treasure in gold had been discovered. Now, in a matter of minutes, you, Matt Cooper, would have that treasure for your own. Girded securely in the weighted diving suit, you sank below the surface of the sea and into the familiar darkening shadows of the depths. Soon, Matt, you would have everything you wanted in life. But heed well my word, you who listen. Fate is not a conspirator, evil. Soon I will record the final entry under the name Matt Cooper in the Diary of Fate.

[Narrator/Announcer]

In a moment, the surprising conclusion to the story of Matt Cooper. But now, here is our announcer.

[Faith (Narrator)]

Yes, Matt Cooper. As you labored against the pressure of water far into the tangled steel hull of a sunken ship, you forgot about the poison you had given your partner. And you thought only of the treasure and Nina. And the constant hiss of air into your helmet assured you that everything was going right. But then, Matt, unknown to you, a little thing happened.

[Matt Cooper]

I'm in the skipper's cabin now, Barney. How you doing?

[Faith (Narrator)]

Okay.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Okay. You've been down there an hour.

[Faith (Narrator)]

You all right, Matt?

[Matt Cooper]

Don't worry about me. Just keep that pump with it. How. Barney, this is. That's half of it. I won't be long now. Barney. Barney, do you hear me? Barney. Barney. What? What's wrong up there? Barney, where are you?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Barney Scott, this is George, man.

[Matt Cooper]

George? Oh, sorry. Can't be. George.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's okay, Matt. I sent Barney ashore to fix the car. Funny little thing happened. Know how you bent the ignition key? Well, I finished it. It twisted off in the lock so I couldn't start the motor. I'll run the pump until Barney gets back.

[Matt Cooper]

Georgie, I'm coming up I gotta get up right now. Georgie.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You don't understand, Matt. Don't follow your lines. Remember, you

[Matt Cooper]

do it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Do it. My stomach got. Can't move.

[Matt Cooper]

George, bring me up. George, keep that pump gone so I

[Narrator/Announcer]

can get out of here.

[Matt Cooper]

And hear me. The pump.

[Faith (Narrator)]

Yes, Matt Cooper. The poison which destroyed your partner's life also destroyed your own. And the treasure for which you sacrificed everything remained locked forever beneath the sea. And now it is time to close the book. In the case of Matt Cooper, as in the cases of all mortals, I, faith, am but the instrument of a plan. And the endless little things that happen are the tools with which I work. Heed well, Lamar, you who listen and remember. There is a page for you in the Diary of Faith.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Our cast included Herbert Lytton, Sammy Hill, Tom Holland, Donald Curtis, Gene Trombley, Ray Erlenborn and Hal Sawyer. Diary of Fate is a Larry Finley production, transcribed in Hollywood.

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[Liberty Mutual Announcer]

Liberty Mutual customizes your car and home insurance. And now we're customizing this rush hour ad to keep you calm, which could help your driving. And science says therapy is great for a healthy mindset. So enjoy this 14 second session on us. I think you've done everything right and absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, anything that hasn't gone your way could probably be blamed on your father not being emotionally available because his father wasn't emotionally available, and so on. And now that you're calm and healing, you're probably driving better too.

[Matt Cooper]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.