Fu Manchu 39-06-05 (013) The Deadly Bargain

Summary

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Episode Overview

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Fu Manchu 39-06-05 (013) The Deadly Bargain
Air Date: September 13, 2025

This episode brings listeners into the action-packed, suspenseful world of The Shadow of Fu Manchu, one of Golden Age radio’s legendary crime thrillers. As Nayland Smith and Dr. Petrie close in on the elusive criminal mastermind Dr. Fu Manchu, tension escalates into a deadly confrontation on a moonlit Thames houseboat. Themes of loyalty, deception, and the eternal struggle between predator and pursuer drive the story, punctuated by betrayals, narrow escapes, and a perilous bargain.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Progression

Recap and Setting the Stakes ([02:26])

• The episode begins with a summary of previous events: Smith and Petrie, with Karame’s aid, save Sir Graham Guthrie from Fu Manchu’s agents.
• Scotland Yard tries to corner Fu Manchu at the Thames but fails; Fu Manchu escapes yet again.
• Karame, under suspicion and duress, seems poised to reveal Fu's hideout, motivated by her brother’s captivity.

The Interrogation and Sudden Disappearance ([03:08])

• Smith and Petrie question Karame at Baker Street, promising her brother’s rescue.
• Just as Karame is about to divulge Fu Manchu's hideout, the warning “cry of the dacoits” interrupts them.
• Instantly, Karame disappears. Smith reflects:
  • Nayland Smith (to Petrie): “She’s as elusive as one of Fu’s dacoits. But she hadn’t finished. She hadn’t told us where to find him.” ([03:45])
• They discover a mysterious note, “The houseboat on the Thames,” scrawled by Karame in haste—a vital clue left in the dark.

The Houseboat on the Thames ([04:40])

• Following the clue, Smith and Petrie set out toward the indicated houseboat.
• Discussion of Fu Manchu’s affinity for the Thames as his “highway of communication” and as a recurring base of operations.
  • Smith: “The fact that he invariably makes his headquarters somewhere on the river will be a clue to guide us in the future.” ([05:48])
• They approach the boat, anxious and watchful:
  • Petrie: “Dismal spot, Nayland. If it weren’t for the moonlight, I’d be tempted to go back.” ([05:29])

The Confrontation with Fu Manchu ([07:41])

• They board the houseboat, ready for a fight.
  • Smith, revolver drawn: “Sit still, Dr. Fu. I have you covered. Put up your hands and don’t try any tricks this time. The game’s up.” ([07:36])
• Suddenly, Fu Manchu’s loyal servant Lal gains the upper hand on Petrie, knife at his throat—a standoff ensues:
  • Fu Manchu: “An impasse, Nayland Smith. … The honors are even, Mr. Smith. Or are they mine?” ([07:53])
  • Smith threatens to shoot but Fu counters: “And should you fire that gun, our estimable Dr. Petrie also dies. Again, I say, an impasse. Stalemate.” ([08:08])

The Deadly Bargain ([08:51])

• Fu Manchu proposes a temporary truce:
  • They will all withdraw from the houseboat together, weaponless, parting ways safely after 300 yards across the marsh.
  • Each man must lay down their arms; trust is dangerously brokered.
  • Fu Manchu: "You will further agree to make no attempt on me until I have retraced my steps." ([09:02])
  • Smith: “I curse myself for a fool, Fu Manchu. No one on earth would dispute my right to shoot you where you stand.” ([10:20])
• Smith ultimately keeps his word, leaving the gun and allowing Fu Manchu to escape.

Flight and Pursuit ([10:38])

• Realizing the trap, Smith and Petrie must flee, as dacoits pursue them across the marsh toward a deserted cottage.
• Smith reveals the desperate odds:
  • "Tonight, old chap, we literally have to run for our lives. … Our chance of meeting a living soul besides Dr. Fu’s killers is practically nil.” ([10:54])
• They run as armed assailants close in:
  • “Hear that? Three. At least three armed dacoits. ... As hard as you can go now, Petrie, run. That cottage [is] our only chance. They’re right behind us.” ([11:30–12:30])
• Smith and Petrie barely make it to the deserted structure, barricading themselves as another threat appears inside.
  • “Sorry, Petrie. We’re in for it now. Down on the floor.” ([13:39])

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Nayland Smith (On Karame’s loyalty):
  • “Then you believe that the tale about her brother is rubbish, a red herring.” ([03:33])
  • “She’s an Oriental, Petrie. When you know them as well as I…” ([03:41])
• On the Thames Strategy:
  • “His highway, his line of communication, where he moves his mysterious forces.” ([05:42])
• Fu Manchu’s Diplomacy:
  • “An impasse, Nayland Smith. ... And should you fire that gun, our estimable Dr. Petrie also dies. Again, I say, an impasse. Stalemate." ([08:08])
  • “You will further agree to make no attempt on me until I have retraced my steps. ... I and my servant will leave you...” ([09:02])
  • "Good night, Nayland Smith. Dr. Petrie, may you reach London safely." ([10:31])
• Smith on Honor and Duty:
  • "A servant of the Crown in the east makes this motto. Keep to your word, though it break your neck." ([10:49])
• Racing Against Death:
  • "Run for your life. ... It's only a step. Now, the cottage. Someone just made in. The Goddess. Come on. Only one? Come in, quick. Down. Petrie, behind the door. They can't get in. Scott, over there. In the corner. Someone." ([12:45–13:40])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | Summary | |-----------|--------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | 02:26 | Recap of previous episode | Smith, Petrie, Karame's involvement | | 03:08 | Interrogation and clue discovery | Karame vanishes, houseboat clue found | | 04:40 | Making plans & approaching the boat | Strategic discussion of Thames as Fu's highway | | 07:41 | Boarding the houseboat | Armed confrontation with Fu Manchu | | 08:51 | Fu Manchu’s Bargain | Terms of truce and weapon exchange | | 10:38 | Aftermath & Escape attempt | Smith & Petrie run for their lives, pursued | | 13:39 | Cliffhanger in the cottage | Final stand; new danger inside |

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Episode Tone & Style

The episode vibrates with suspense, wit, and the clipped, formal dialogue characteristic of classic detective radio dramas. Tension is sustained through rapid reversals of fortune and the constant threat posed by Fu Manchu’s unseen forces. The interplay between British pragmatism (Smith and Petrie) and Fu Manchu’s cold logic anchors the story, alongside moments of dry humor and unyielding honor.

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This episode is a prime example of the taut, atmospheric storytelling that defined radio's golden age—full of danger, intrigue, and a closing cliffhanger that leaves listeners yearning for the next installment.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Wayfair. Every style, every home.

[C]

The Shadow of Fu Manchu.

[B]

Based on the stories by Tax Roamer It's Sam.

[C]

Trapped by Fu Manchu and held in the Thames river hideout. Nayland Smith and Dr. Petrie escapes with the help of Karame. Arriving at Sir Graham Guthrie's hotel in London, they are barely in time to save him from death at the hands of Fu's agents. Later, with Inspector Weymouth and Scotland Yard detectives, they surround the Thames river area in which they believe Dr. Fu to be hiding. The cunning Oriental, however, slips through the cordon of police and escapes. Smith has captured Karame and taken her to Petrie's Baker street quarters for questioning. Ann Smith promised to rescue her brother, held by Fu Manchu, as a means to force her to his service. Karame is about to divulge the criminal's hideout when the warning cry of the dacoits is heard.

[B]

Good heavens. The warning. Put out the lights. Be very quick. How could Fu Manchu have known we had Karami here? It's uncanny, Nayla. It would be if it were any other than Dr. Fu. Well, it's gone all right. Karame. You were saying? On the left bank of the Thames, five miles below the Burn Mansion is. What? What will we find, Karami? You can tell us. You're safe here. Oh, come on, Karami. We promised to help your brother. We must hurry. Turn on the light. Petrie. She's gone. Slipped through our fingers again. But she must be here. She couldn't have gotten out so quickly. She must be in the house. Ah, she's gone right enough, Petri. No use searching the house. She's as elusive as one of Foo's dacoits. But she hadn't finished. She hadn't told us where to find him. Oh, she hadn't meant to, old Shep. Then you believe that the tale about her brother is rubbish, a red herring. Oh, I can't believe she would deliberately mislead us, lie to us. She's an Oriental, Petrie. When you know them as well, as I. By Jove, that's odd. What? This piece of note paper on your desk. It wasn't there before. What is it? Listen. The houseboat on the Thames. The houseboat on the Thames. Did she write anything while I was out of the room? I know you recognize the handwriting. Look. No, I don't. Written hurriedly, unevenly, across the paper, as though written in the dark. Great Scott. Of course. She wrote this. After the light was turned out, before she left. But I don't understand. Why did you? She was about to tell us where to find Fu Manchu tonight. On the left bank of the Thames, five miles below the mansion that was burned. The dacoit warning interrupted her. And she finished by leaving us this clue. Right. Well, I apologize to the lady for thinking her story rubbish to lead us from the trail. Old chapter. This little piece of paper should mean the capture of Fu Manchu this very night. Come on, Petrie. Let's hope we are successful this time. A dangerous business, Nayland, our trying to take this monster alone. Wouldn't it have been better to have told Weymouth what we had in mind? And have a troop of heavy footed police stumbling through the dark? Might as well have brought the Royal Marine Band. Well, there's a light ahead of us. That's probably the houseboat. If we keep it straight before us, we can't miss. He certainly has isolated himself. If it is Fu in that boat, those cottages are half a mile behind us. And another habitation between them and the river. Wait. What is it you heard? Nothing. Nothing but the wind. We might be walking into a nicely set trap, old man. No, no, I trust Kadamy. Come along then. We're in sight of the Thames. Thames? Have you noticed, Nayland, how Foo's activities center about the Thames? Yes, very likely. His highway, his line of communication, where he moves his mysterious forces. That was my thought. Remember Shand's opium den off Shadwell? Highway, the Vern mansion upstream, and now this houseboat lying off the marshes. Yes, it is significant. Even if we fail tonight, the fact that he invariably makes his headquarters somewhere on the river will be a clue to guide us in the future. There. That black bulk must be the place. Bear to the right a bit. We'll reconnoitre first. Dismal spot, Nayland. If it weren't for the moonlight, I'd be tempted to go back. Yes, and yet it's bad for us if anyone should be watching. Hmm. That can't be her real name. Whose name? Karame or Karamane. That means merely A slave made the boat tied up to that old pier. And that light we've been following is coming from a cabin. Softly now. We're close. Wait. Before we go out on that pier, look closely. Do you see anyone down there on the boat? No, no one. Seems to be a ladder leading down to the deck. Careful. Step as lightly as you can. How the deuce are we going to get to that deck without being seen? We'll have to risk that. Here's the ladder. I'll go first. Follow as soon as I reach the deck. Make as little noise as you can. Mark. All right, come along. Oh, we've made enough noise to arouse the dead. Should have taken our boots off. Stay behind me. Hear the door open. Are you ready, Revolver? Confound it, no, I have not. Well, I have mine and we can't turn back now. Come on. Sit still, Dr. Pooh. I have you covered. Put up your hands and don't try any tricks this time. The game's up. Find something to tie him up with. Petrie.

[D]

I would advise Dr. Petrie to glance behind him before he moves.

[B]

An old, worn out trick. Fu Manchu. I'd given you credit for better. Nayland. Nayland. Don't look round. Keep him covered. Dacoit has a knife at my throat.

[D]

An impasse, Nayland Smith. You thought I was alone. So I was. But my faithful Lal followed you. I thank you, Lal. The honors are even, Mr. Smith. Or are they mine?

[B]

Don't you, Rufu. I warn you, or I'll blast you to kingdom come.

[D]

And should you fire that gun, our estimable Dr. Petrie also dies. Again, I say, an impasse. Stalemate. May I ask how you discovered my retreat?

[B]

This houseboat has been watched since dawn. So?

[D]

And today you forced me to burn a house. You have captured one of my people. I congratulate you, but she would not betray me. Though lashed with scorpions, I advise you to go now and set her free.

[B]

And if I don't?

[D]

Then someone very dear to her will die. However, the present situation calls for a suggestion. I know nothing of your resources outside this cabin. You, I believe, know as little of mine.

[B]

Come to the point, Fu Manchu.

[D]

Lal and Dr. Petrie will lead the way. You and I will follow. We will strike out across the marsh for 300 yards.

[B]

And then you will leave your pistol.

[D]

On the ground, pledging me your word to leave it there. You will further agree to make no attempt on me until I have retraced my steps. I and my servant will leave you at the expiration of the specified time you may act as you see fit. Regarding Carame.

[B]

Do you agree the dacoit will leave.

[D]

His knife on the ground with your pistol? I agree. Come.

[B]

No. Petrie and the dacoit first. Then you and I last.

[D]

Very well. Will be awkward on the ladder. I will accept your word, Dr. Petrie, to hold to the terms.

[B]

I. I promise.

[D]

You have heard, Lal?

[B]

Yes, master.

[D]

Lead the way with the doctor. And here, Nayland Smith. Wheat Pot. Lal, my friend, Drop your knife. So, Mr. Smith, I have kept my part of the bargain.

[B]

Search the deckoi. Petrie, you may have a second weapon hidden. No, nothing now. Search Fu Manchu. You will permit, Doctor? Of course. Yeah. Just a moment. No. No, nothing.

[D]

Nayland. No, Mr. Smith. You're part of the bargain.

[B]

I curse myself for a fool, Fu Manchu. No one on earth would dispute my right to shoot you where you stand.

[D]

But you will not.

[B]

No, I. I can't. There's the gun beside love's knife.

[D]

Good night, Nayland Smith. Dr. Petrie, may you reach London safely.

[B]

Come, Lao. Great heavens, what an experience. And to think we got through. The devil are you doing, Nayland? You'd better do the same. Take off your coat and vest and loosen your collar. We have one chance in a thousand. Thank heaven we're both fit. I don't understand. Tonight, old chap, we literally have to run for our lives. East is the river to the south. Fu Manchu. That last house at the edge of Lowe's Cottages to the north must be our goal. But that place is deserted. We found it so when we came out. But it's our only chance. Perhaps we can barricade ourselves inside. Come on. Hear that? Three. At least three armed accoids. I'm afraid it's hopeless. But your pistol. You forgot it? No. A servant of the Crown in the east makes this motto. Keep to your word, though it break your neck. It's a mile at least to that deserted cottage and another quarter mile to any that's occupied. Our chance of meeting a living soul besides Dr. Fu's killers is practically nil. Save yourself for the first half, my little chapter. They've gained on us. They're not more than a hundred yards behind us. As hard as you can go now, Petrie, run. That cottage our only chance. They're right behind us. I can't make. You must Run. Run for your life. It's only a step. Now the cottage. Someone just made in. The Goddess. Come on. Only one? Come in, quick. Down. Petri, behind the door. They can't get in. Scott, over there. In the corner. Someone. Sorry, Petrie. We're in for it now. Down on the floor.

[C]

The shadow of Fu Manchu.