Future Tense 74-05-13 (05) Knock

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio: "Future Tense 74-05-13 (05) Knock"

Aired: January 22, 2026
Source: Classic radio adaptation of Frederick Brown’s story "Knock"
Episode Theme:
A chilling science-fiction fable about the last humans on Earth, an alien zoo, immortality, and the quirks of human—and nonhuman—nature.

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Episode Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio presents "Knock," adapted for radio from Frederick Brown’s famous short story, encapsulating both existential horror and sly humor. The narrative opens with the classic line: “The last man on Earth sat alone in a room. There was a knock on the door”—then quickly expands into a tale of alien invasion, captivity, and what it means to be human. Centered on Walter Phelan, an anthropology professor, and Grace Evans, another captive, the story explores their interactions with the logically motivated, near-immortal alien conquerors called the Zahn, touching on mortality, resistance, and—ultimately—renewal.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Premise and Setting

• The narrator poses a question with an air of suspense: “Suppose you were the last man alive on Earth—and suddenly there was a knock on the door. What knocked on the door? …Your mind supplies something vaguely horrible. But it isn’t horrible, really.” (00:46–01:33)
• The episode immerses listeners into a future Earth after an alien invasion has wiped out most life, sparing only selected "specimens" for a cosmic zoo.

2. First Encounter with the Aliens

• The protagonist, Walter Phelan, awakens to find himself questioned by Azan/“George,” a representative of the Zahn, who matter-of-factly explains:

  “The Zahns have annexed your world.” (03:52)
  “There is no longer any use for large numbers of lower life forms. Therefore, we have dispensed with them.” (04:09)

• Walter learns he is the last man on Earth, and his captor refers to humanity as “lower life forms." The Zahn’s cold detachment—contrasted with Walter’s mild sarcasm—sets a darkly comic tone.

3. The Zoo Arrangement and Alien Logic

• Walter deduces he is in a zoo, displayed for the Zahn:

  “I’m in a zoo, right?” (06:47) “Face the bars and perform for the people. I mean, for the Zahns.” (07:02)

• Aliens show a rudimentary grasp of biology, unaware of concepts like “natural death” and “aging.”

4. The Mistake of Immortality

• The Zahn’s logical worldview is challenged when animal specimens begin dying unexpectedly:

  “George, do you mean to tell me that you don’t know what natural death is?” (08:02)

• Walter explains that unlike the Zahn, humans and animals age and die naturally. The aliens are unsettled:

  “George, you’ve made a mistake, and I don’t think there’s very much you can do about it.” (09:13)

5. The Human Response: Detachment and Resistance

• Grace and Walter discuss their predicament, debating whether humanity should persist as zoo specimens:

  “The least favor we can do the human race is to let it end with us.” (12:48)

• Grace counters, calling for resistance:

  “We just can’t end it by giving up. We’ve got to keep on fighting.” (18:39)

6. Escalation: Alien Torture and Human Resilience

• The Zahn attempt to extract the “secret” of death from Walter via escalating "vibration" torture, but Walter stubbornly resists:

  “You will tell us how you stop these animals.” (21:52)

• Ultimately, the aliens calculate Walter won’t break; they switch to targeting Grace.

7. The Turning Point—A Deadly Solution

• Desperate to save Grace, Walter promises to reveal the “secret” and requests to see the recently deceased animals.
• Afterward, Walter confides to Grace:

  “After a while, I told them what they wanted to know.…As George pointed out, it seemed to be the logical thing at the time.” (24:30–24:41)

8. Death Comes for the Zahn

• Suddenly, a Zahn dies:

  “Zahn has been stopped.…That is correct.” (25:34–25:41)

• Walter explains their immortality is not suited to Earth; “old man Death” gets everyone here. More Zahn begin dying, causing panic:

  “You came to the wrong planet, George. Your immortality doesn’t go down here.” (27:20)

9. The Aliens Depart

• The aliens decide Earth is too dangerous, abandoning the planet:

  “We will leave your planet.…It is not safe for the Zahn, Walter.” (27:42–27:48)

• Walter and Grace are left alone, the true last humans.

10. The Real Secret and the Garden of Eden

• Walter reveals to Grace how he manipulated the Zahn:

  “I told them it was love that made the world go around. Having lost his mate, Donald [a rabbit] would die immediately unless he had affection and constant petting.…Then I let the Zahn take over with the animal in the next cage.…It’s a rattlesnake. The Zahn’s metabolism made it impossible for them to die of old age, but I had a hunch they could be poisoned.” (29:03–30:46)

• By tricking the aliens into exposing themselves to Earthly hazards, Walter secures freedom.

11. A New Beginning

• The episode ends with Walter and Grace, echoing Adam and Eve:

  “Yes, it’s the Garden of Eden all over again.” (32:10)

• The story closes on a humorous and romantic note as Walter flirts:

  “I wouldn’t love you if you were the last man on earth.”
  “That’s exactly what I am.” (32:42–32:47)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Narrator:

  “Suppose you were the last man alive on Earth…suddenly there was a knock on the door. What knocked on the door?” (00:46–01:33)

• Walter (to Zahn):

  “I gotta call you something. Do you mind if I call you George?” (05:23)

• Zahn/George:

  “That is characteristic of low life forms.” (05:43)

• Grace (on resistance):

  “If there was any good in man, it was that he kept on struggling against nature—at least he kept on fighting for what he thought was right.” (18:18)

• Walter (explaining death):

  “You came to the wrong planet, George. Your immortality doesn’t go down here. He can stop you but you can’t stop him.” (27:20)

• Walter (on his trick):

  “It was the snake that killed the two Zahn. If they never knew what bit them.” (30:57–30:59)

• Grace (humor):

  “I wouldn’t love you if…if you were the last man on earth.”
  Walter: “That’s exactly what I am.” (32:42–32:47)

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Key Timestamps

• The Two-Sentence Horror Premise: 00:46–01:33
• First Alien Interaction: 02:54–05:59
• Revelation: The Human Zoo: 06:44–07:02
• Understanding Mortality: 08:02–09:13
• Walter & Grace’s First Meeting: 09:52–10:44
• Debate over Human Resistance: 12:48–13:11
• “Torture” Sequence: 20:20–22:33
• Zahn Deaths and Retreat: 25:34–27:48
• Walter Reveals the Real Secret: 29:03–30:46
• Final Adam-and-Eve Humorous Exchange: 32:42–32:47

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Episode Tone

While the premise is existential and gently horrific, there is a constant undercurrent of sardonic humor—much of it delivered in Walter’s dry banter and the alien George’s literalism. The show mingles suspense, speculative fiction, and sly romance, ending with hope and a wink.

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Conclusion

“Knock” stands out as a gripping, darkly whimsical meditation on what it means to be human, the inevitability of death, and the irrational powers of affection and resistance. Through a clever blend of suspense, wit, and poignancy, this broadcast delivers both chills and a smile—reminding listeners that in the darkest future, humanity endures, sometimes against all odds.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Stay tuned now for adventure and excitement in the world of the future. It's entertainment for the entire family. Produced right here in Kalamazoo.

[C]

Tonight, we have a strange story to tell. A sweet, blood curdling little tale that is really only two sentences long. The last man on Earth sat alone in a room. There was a knock on the door. Think it over. Suppose you were the last man alive on Earth. In the universe, for that matter. The last man sitting alone in a room. And suddenly there was a knock on the door. What knocked on the door? You wonder, don't you? Your mind, faced with the unknown, supplies something vaguely horrible. But it isn't horrible, really.

[D]

You'll see. Join us now for a voyage into another dimension. A journey into a realm as infinite and limitless as time itself. Our destination, the farthest reaches of the imagination. WMUJ Special Projects presents Future Technology.

[C]

Knock by Frederick Brown the last man on Earth. All alone in a room. A rather peculiar room. He'd been studying the reason for its peculiarity. And his conclusion didn't horrify him. It annoyed him. There was a knock on the door.

[D]

What?

[E]

Good morning, man.

[D]

Who are you?

[E]

You have regained consciousness.

[D]

Who.

[C]

Who.

[B]

Who are you?

[E]

I am Azan.

[D]

Maybe if I. I close my eyes, it'll go away. I will not go away, man. Oh.

[E]

Oh, no.

[D]

I. I guess I am awake. Who. What are you?

[E]

I am a Z.

[D]

What's that?

[E]

A Zan is intelligent life. What.

[D]

What happened? So, where are you from?

[C]

From.

[E]

From planet 7 in the fourth galaxy of the third quadrant. Where it is not necessary to repeat information which is correct in the original statement.

[D]

Planet seven? You mean I'm not on Earth?

[E]

You are still on your planet.

[D]

Well, then, what are you doing here?

[E]

The Zahns have annexed your world.

[D]

You mean you've conquered Earth?

[E]

Yes, that is correct. We will now prepare your planet for habitation by the Zoms.

[D]

How about the people?

[E]

There is no longer any use for large numbers of lower life forms. Therefore, we have dispensed with them.

[D]

Dispensed with what? You mean you when did all this happen? Two days ago.

[E]

You have been unconscious until now.

[D]

Oh, you. You really mean that I'm the last man on Earth?

[E]

That is correct. Identify yourself now.

[C]

What?

[E]

Kindly provide data as to your position in the elementary social order of your planet.

[D]

Oh, I'm. I'm Walter Phelan, Associate professor of anthropology at Western Michigan University. Well, how is it you speak English?

[E]

We have deciphered your written and recorded records. It is not difficult to reconstruct your language. It is a primary type of auditory communication.

[D]

Oh.

[E]

Is there anything you want to complete your natural habitat? Well.

[D]

You mean I'm a prisoner?

[E]

That is correct. What will you want further in your room?

[D]

Well, do I. Do I have to stay here?

[E]

Yes.

[D]

The rest of my life?

[E]

Forever.

[D]

Well, you better bring in my books. I gotta call you something. Do you mind if I call you George?

[E]

It is immaterial.

[D]

All right, then, George. You know, I. I can't really believe this.

[E]

That is characteristic of low life forms.

[D]

I'm. I'm trying to take this in without going off balance completely. I will be back.

[E]

Associate professor of anthropology.

[D]

Oh, it's. It's all right, George. Just. Just call me Walter.

[E]

Very well, Walter. I will be back with your books.

[D]

All right, George. I'll see you around.

[E]

You will not be around, Walter.

[D]

You will be here. Come in. Oh, hello, George.

[E]

Hello, Walter.

[D]

What can I do for you?

[E]

Point 1. You will please henceforth sit with your chair pointed the other way.

[D]

I thought so. That plain wall is different from the other sides, isn't it?

[E]

That is correct. It is transparent.

[D]

Now, that's what I thought. I'm in a zoo, right?

[E]

That is correct.

[D]

I knew it. If I persist in sitting with my back to it, what then? You will kill me? I ask, hopefully.

[E]

No, we will not kill you.

[D]

Well, that's too bad, George. Face the bars and perform for the people. I mean, for the Zaans. How many other animals do you have here in the zoo, George?

[E]

216. Male and female of each of 108 kinds.

[D]

Male and female of. Of all the animals.

[E]

There is a female of your species among the collection.

[D]

Anyone I know? Well, never mind. It doesn't matter anyway. Well, George, you started out with point one. I suppose there's a point two kicking around somewhere. What is it?

[E]

One thing we do not understand. Two of the other animals sleep and do not wake. They are cold. What is wrong with them, Walter?

[D]

Well, they must be dead.

[E]

Dead? That means stopped. But nothing stopped them. Each was alone.

[D]

Well, sure, they. They just died.

[E]

But I told you they were Alone. Nothing stopped them.

[D]

George, do you mean to tell me that you don't know what natural death is?

[E]

Death is when a being is killed, stopped from living.

[D]

Well, maybe these animals just died of old age.

[C]

Old age?

[E]

I do not understand.

[D]

Well, George, how old are you?

[E]

Your planet went around its sun about 7,000 times since I was born.

[D]

7,000 years?

[E]

Yes. And I'm still young.

[D]

Look, George, you. You've got something to learn about this planet you hijacked here on Earth. We've got somebody that's a stranger. Where you come from? Down here, people and animals live in town until the Grim Reaper stops them.

[E]

This Grim Reaper stop the two animals?

[D]

Right.

[E]

Will he stop more?

[D]

He gets us all.

[E]

George, this is a new factor we have not considered.

[D]

And, well, you can consider it. Because when the Grim Reaper gets through, there won't be very much left of your zoo.

[E]

You mean he will stop more animals soon?

[D]

Well, with your lifespan, it won't seem more than a minute and we'll all be gone. It looks like you've made a mistake, George. And I don't think there's very much you can do about it.

[E]

That is not correct. The Zahn is a logical being. We will take action. You will live here. Now, Walter, it is a larger room.

[D]

Well, be it ever so humble.

[E]

Go inside.

[D]

Be careful with those books. George. Don't. Oh, excuse me.

[B]

Who are you? What are you doing here?

[D]

Well, I. I guess George didn't explain. George tries to be polite, but he hasn't quite caught on yet. I'm Walter Phelan.

[B]

I'm Grace Evans. Mr. Phelan, what is all this about? Why did they bring me here?

[D]

Well, I think I know why.

[C]

Why?

[D]

You see, I've been talking to George.

[E]

George, I leave you to.

[C]

Now.

[D]

Well, that's what I call him. All of them. There's no way to tell them apart. And anyway, there aren't many of them here yet. They come from outside the solar system. Sort of an advanced scouting party.

[B]

Yes, I saw their spaceship. It's as big as a mountain.

[D]

They're moving in on us. They've cleaned off the Earth with some sort of vibration that destroys all sorts of animal life. They killed everybody?

[B]

Oh, no.

[D]

The cheerful note is that you and I and 200 odd other animals were picked up beforehand as specimens for the zoo. You know that this is a zoo, don't you?

[B]

I suspected it, but I don't remember anything about being captured. I just woke up here.

[D]

Well, they solved a lot of problems for us. Housing shortages, wars. I don't Suppose the human race, you and I, that is, have to worry about anything now. It's awful. How are. They made one mistake. They overestimated us.

[B]

I don't understand.

[D]

They thought we were immortal.

[B]

Immortal?

[D]

Immortal, like they are? Oh, they. They can be killed. The Zaans don't know what natural death is, though. And they didn't know anyway until they lost two of us yesterday.

[B]

You mean there are more than two of us?

[C]

No.

[D]

Oh, no, no. More of our species. These were merely brother animals. A rabbit and a canary. And by the Zan's way of reckoning time, the rest of us are only good for a few minutes more anyway. Well, that's a joke on them. They figured they had permanent specimens here in their zoo.

[B]

But didn't they know that we all die eventually?

[D]

No, I don't think so. You see, George told me that he was 7,000 years old. No, he's supposed to be you. When they learned how quickly we die, they were probably shocked to the core. If they have cores.

[B]

How can you talk about it that way?

[D]

Academic detachment. I learned it at faculty meetings. At any rate, they've decided to reorganize their zoo two by two. They figure we'll last longer collectively, if not individually.

[B]

Well, if they think. That is, if you think for one minute.

[D]

Oh, no, don't. Don't worry, I don't.

[B]

But are they going to keep us locked up together in this one little room?

[D]

I'm afraid so.

[B]

It's horrible.

[D]

Well, I agree with you perfectly, my dear. But all personal considerations aside, the least favor we can do the human race is to let it end with us. I don't see much point in continuing it just for an exhibition in a zoo.

[B]

How can you just sit here and. And lecture?

[D]

Habit.

[B]

But we got to do something.

[E]

What?

[B]

Well, I don't know. It just seems we owe it to the human race to do something.

[E]

Does it?

[D]

You got a suggestion?

[B]

There must be some way they can be killed, you said.

[D]

Well, I think that anything that would kill one of us would kill one of them. You see, I figured it out.

[C]

I think.

[D]

Now George cut his. I suppose you'd call it his hand when he brought in my books. Now, it started to bleed red blood. But I could see the cut closing just as he stood there. And by the time he left, it was healed.

[B]

I don't understand.

[D]

Well, don't you see? Whatever factor there is in man that makes him grow old is missing in the Zan. They just go on and on and on until. Well, until they're stopped.

[B]

But Suppose we kill one.

[C]

What would be the use?

[D]

That way they wouldn't even punish us. They just give us our food through a trap door and put up a sign saying Beware of the man. Dangerous.

[B]

I don't think they have to bother. If your case, I don't see anything funny.

[D]

This reminds me of Martha.

[B]

Martha?

[D]

My wife. She died two years ago.

[B]

I'm sorry.

[D]

Oh, not at all. Oh, that will be George with my books. Come in. Hello, George.

[E]

Hello, Walter. Point one. I have brought your books.

[D]

Point one, huh? Well, what else is on your mind?

[E]

Point two. Another creature sleeps and will not wake. A small feathered one called a duck.

[D]

Well, it happens, George. I warned you. Old man Death. The Grim Reaper. I told you all about him.

[E]

Walter, The Council of Zahn has met. It has been decided. When, logically, that the only intelligent life to escape the vibration is you. Therefore, the logical conclusion is. You are stopping these animals by some means unknown to us.

[D]

George, you flipped your wing.

[E]

You will tell me now how this is done.

[D]

Why? Are you boys afraid you're going to lose the whole zoo?

[E]

It is necessary to save the remaining specimens as long as possible. If we do not get information, we may be forced to dispense with your species entirely.

[D]

Oh, now, wait a minute.

[E]

This means you, Walter, and the people.

[D]

Now, now, wait a minute, George. Now, don't go off half cocked. Let me take a look at these animals that won't wake up.

[E]

I will take you there now.

[D]

This is the weasel. You should have got him in the winter, George. His fur is worth more than then. It's an ermine.

[E]

This is the reptile cage. Here are the ducks. This is a male. The female has been stopped.

[D]

Lucky girl. What's the matter? Fell out here? You're lonely down there.

[E]

Walter, you will tell me how you stopped the female duck.

[D]

Well, you got me, George. I didn't do it. Maybe she died of a Dutch elm blight.

[E]

Walter, you are not being logical. We have concluded that you are stopping these animals. Tell us how it is done.

[D]

Well, I told you, George. I haven't the foggiest notion.

[E]

Very well. We will have to take further action.

[D]

What are you going to do, George?

[E]

We have methods of action. You will know soon. We will go back now to your room.

[B]

What happened, Mr. Balin?

[D]

Call me Walter. And after all, George does and we have more in common.

[B]

Oh, please. What happened?

[D]

Just a duck. A dead duck. George thinks I killed him by remote control. He thinks I'm holding out on him.

[B]

Good.

[D]

What?

[B]

Well, at least we can get back at them. At least we can do something to them.

[C]

But why?

[D]

After all, George isn't a bad trouble, if you like an ant mentality.

[B]

How can you say that? They wiped out the whole human race. They've murdered everybody.

[D]

I suppose they have. But we can't change that now. So I think about it.

[B]

We can't just sit here and do nothing.

[D]

Well, I fail to see how we can do anything else with all the.

[B]

Men in the world they had to pick. Don't you even want to fight back? Don't you want to keep on fighting until the end?

[D]

Because it hadn't occurred to me.

[B]

But we've got to, Walter.

[D]

Why?

[B]

Well, I. I can't really explain. But. Walter, if there was any good in man, it was that he kept on struggling against nature and in the end, even against himself. But at least he kept on fighting for what he thought was right. And we're all left, Walter. We just can't. Can't end it by giving up. We've got to keep on fighting.

[D]

You do remind me of Martha.

[B]

Oh, look, there isn't much left for us. But we could beat them in this one small thing. We can pretend that there's a secret about death and we could refuse to tell them anything.

[D]

But there isn't anything to tell.

[B]

They don't know that. Promise me you won't give in.

[D]

I suppose the worst they can do is to kill us.

[B]

Oh, Walter.

[D]

All right, Ms. Evans. Hello, George.

[E]

Hello, Walter. Now, you will tell us how these animals are stopped.

[D]

George, this may come as a great shock to you, but I've decided not to tell you.

[E]

Why?

[D]

Well, call it a romantic attachment to lost causes. My grandfather was a Confederate officer.

[E]

Walter, you are not being logical. But that is expected in lower life forms. You will come with me now. Walter.

[B]

Where are you taking him?

[E]

To the second level. Come now, Walter.

[B]

You won't tell them?

[D]

I can't guarantee anything, but as of now, I don't intend to.

[B]

We've got to fight. Remember that, Walter. We've got to go out fighting.

[E]

You will tell us now, Walter. That was the first level of vibration. There are many more. However, we have calculated that none of them exceeds your threshold of unconsciousness.

[D]

Very clever, George. Of course.

[E]

You will tell us now, how do you stop these animals?

[D]

As of now, no. However, I'm. I am not very brave, if that encourages you.

[E]

You are not being logical, Walter.

[D]

You're telling me.

[E]

We will now use vibration level two. You will tell us now.

[D]

You know, George, I can't figure it out myself, but I'm Stubborn. Maybe it has something to do with the dignity of man. The civilization such as it was that you wiped out.

[E]

I do not understand.

[D]

I didn't think you would. But go ahead.

[E]

Vibrate vibration level 2.

[D]

It will be very painful.

[E]

Walter. Walter. Walter, you are still conscious.

[D]

Let me alone. George, you will tell us now.

[E]

You will tell us how you stop the animals.

[D]

Oh, please, let me alone.

[E]

We have had vibration levels 1 through 10. There are still 15 more before your threshold of unconsciousness.

[D]

Oh, no. Let me alone.

[E]

Walter, listen to me. Another creature sleeps and will not wake. We must know now.

[D]

Oh, that's tough. You'd better start vibrating again, George.

[E]

No.

[D]

What?

[E]

It would not be logical. We have calculated that no further level of vibration will overcome your irrational psychological block. We conclude you will not tell you.

[D]

You mean you're going to let me go?

[E]

That is correct.

[D]

Well, that's real nice of you, George. I appreciate it.

[E]

We have calculated that the resistance of the female of your species will be lower. We will now place her under the conditions.

[D]

No, George, you can't do that.

[E]

Why not, Walter? It's the logical thing.

[D]

No, she. She couldn't take it.

[E]

Yes, that is what we expect.

[D]

Therefore, we will go and bring the woman here.

[C]

No.

[E]

No.

[D]

Listen to me, George. There is no secret now, do you understand that? There's no secret. Those animals died from natural causes. I'm telling you the truth.

[E]

That is not a logical answer.

[D]

We will get the woman now. I told you the truth now. Can't you understand?

[E]

We must not. No. Now, the female animal caged next to the duck has been stopped. We must preserve the survivor, the animal.

[D]

Next to the duck.

[E]

We will bring the woman here. She will tell us after the vibration.

[D]

No. No. Listen, George. George, do. Do you want the truth? Do you want to know how to save the mates to the. The animals that have been stopped?

[E]

You will tell us now.

[D]

Yes. Yes, I'll tell you. Take me to that stopped animal and I'll tell you how to save its mate.

[E]

Very well, Walter. You are being logical. Now, we will go.

[B]

Walter, I. Are you all right?

[D]

Yes. Just let me catch my breath a minute.

[B]

What happened?

[D]

Well, after a while, I told them what they wanted to know.

[B]

You didn't?

[D]

Sure. As George pointed out, it seemed to be the logical thing at the time.

[B]

You gave up?

[D]

Well, I suppose you can call it that. I. I guess I'm weak. Something might turn up. Martha.

[B]

But they've beaten us completely. Then there isn't anything we can do. The last of the human race and we give up. We don't even die fighting. Wait. You called me, huh?

[D]

I must have said Martha, not I'm sorry. She was my wife. She died two years ago. What were you saying?

[B]

Nothing. Nothing. It doesn't matter now. It's too late. Too late? The whole thing.

[D]

What now, George?

[E]

Zahn has been stopped.

[D]

What?

[B]

Zahn is dead?

[E]

That is correct.

[D]

You didn't believe me, George. But you can die. You can really die. You'll have to get used to that if you want to stay here.

[E]

The Council has decided. A, you have in some way stopped the Zahn. B, you and the woman must be eliminated.

[D]

Oh, you. You've got it wrong, George. I didn't stop that Zahn. It's just death. It gets all of us here.

[E]

You will be eliminated now.

[D]

But. But George, it won't do any good to kill us. It won't save you. Everything that lives on Earth must die.

[E]

That is not logical.

[D]

But it's true.

[E]

Council has decided. This time you will have the full vibration.

[B]

This time. Walter, what did they do to you?

[D]

They have a rather effective third degree.

[B]

They tortured you, Walter. Yes, yes, and I. Walter, it was all my fault.

[D]

I wouldn't have even tried without you. I suppose we have at least a chance now to end with some dignity.

[B]

I think you're a very brave man.

[D]

Well, there isn't much else to do. Do we go now, George?

[E]

Now, Walter.

[D]

What's that?

[E]

I have been told another Zan has died.

[D]

Well, now. Now will you believe me?

[E]

The Council of the Zan meets now.

[D]

Two Z's gone already. And. And you were with me, George. You know I didn't kill this one.

[E]

What stopped them then?

[D]

I told you. Why, it's old man Death. You came to the wrong planet, George. Your immortality doesn't go down here. He can stop you, but you can't stop him. And you'll all die if you stick around. Now what?

[E]

The Council has decided.

[D]

This is a place of death.

[E]

We will leave your planet.

[C]

Leave?

[B]

You mean you're giving up?

[E]

It is not safe for the Zan, Walter.

[B]

They're leaving. They're really going.

[D]

Well, go on then, George. And don't hurry back.

[E]

It would not be logical to do so. We are leaving the Earth now. Goodbye, Walter.

[D]

Goodbye, George. Well, they're all aboard now.

[B]

Oh, it's so wonderful to feel the wind in the sun again. Walter, is it safe for us to be out here?

[D]

Sure. They're not interested in us any longer. They only want to get away. And I want to see this Grace. The Zahn leaving Earth forever. Oh, no. They're blasting off.

[B]

There they go.

[D]

Yes, it's over now.

[B]

I still don't understand, Walter. What made them go?

[D]

Oh, I just told them the facts of life.

[B]

Of death, you mean?

[D]

No, no, of life. After all, I thought George was old enough to know. 7,000 years is getting be pretty, big boy.

[B]

I wish you'd stop joking and tell me what happened.

[D]

Well, do you remember when the first animals died?

[B]

Yes. The rabbit and the canary.

[D]

Well, their mates just wanted to pine and waste away.

[B]

Yes.

[D]

Well, that worried the Zan. They wanted to keep the last specimens alive, but they couldn't. So finally I broke down and told them about affection.

[B]

Affection?

[D]

And then I introduced Donald.

[B]

Donald? Who's that?

[D]

Come with me and I'll show you. Grace, I want you to meet Donald.

[B]

Oh, Walter, please. What does affection have to do with it?

[D]

Well, that's what the Zahn wanted to know. I told him it was love that made the world go around. Having lost his mate, Donald would die immediately unless he had affection and constant petting.

[B]

Petting?

[D]

I even showed him Hunter. Now, come here. Come here. Yes, I held Donald in my arms and I. I petted him a while. Then I let the Zan take over with the animal in the next cage.

[B]

What animal?

[D]

Take a look. Now, watch out. Don't get too close.

[B]

It's a rat snake.

[D]

Yes, it's a rattlesnake. The Zahn's metabolism made it impossible for them to die of old age. But I had a hunch that they could be poisoned.

[B]

It was the snake that killed the two zahn.

[D]

If they never knew what bit them.

[B]

Then you outwitted them, Walter.

[D]

Well, I suppose.

[B]

And I thought you'd just given up. Oh, Walter, I'm so proud of you.

[D]

You don't have to be. I had given up. I probably wouldn't have fought at all.

[E]

If you hadn't pushed me.

[B]

Oh, well.

[D]

Well, we've got a world to plan. A whole new world. Grace, I know we'll have to decide which animals to let out of the zoo and which ones it'll be safer to keep in. But first there's a much bigger problem.

[B]

What's that?

[D]

The human race. Oh, we've got to make a decision about that. It's a pretty important one.

[B]

Yes, but.

[D]

Well, it hasn't been a bad race. Of course, it may go backward for a while till it gets its breath, but. Well, we can save the books and all of the most important things and get it started ahead.

[B]

Once more, please, Walter.

[D]

Yes, it's the Garden of Eden all over again.

[B]

Don't be ridiculous, Walter.

[D]

How funny. You even blush like Martha. Only you're stronger than she was. And prettier, too.

[B]

I wish you'd forget about Martha.

[D]

I think I will, my dear, if you'll only give me a little time.

[B]

Now, Walter, f. You listen to me. If you think for one minute that we.

[D]

I thought it would never happen to me again. But it is love that makes the world go around. And so, Grace, if you could only.

[B]

I wouldn't love you if. If you were the last man on earth.

[D]

That's exactly what I am.

[B]

I don't care. I don't even want to talk about it. I'm going.

[D]

Well, all right, my dear. But think it over. And please, please come back.

[C]

You see, I told you it wasn't really so horrible. Our story. Remember how it goes? The last man on earth sat alone in a room, and then there was a knock on the door.

[D]

Come in. Come in. Come in, my dear.

[C]

You see? It wasn't horrible after all. Wmuk special projects has presented the frederick brown story knock, adapted for radio by ernest kinoy. Mark spink was heard as walter phelan, greg moody as the zahn, and mary godfrey as grace evans. Our narrator was douglas dudley. Future tense is produced and directed by ellie siegel. This is Gerard McLeod inviting you and your entire family to join us every Monday through Thursday at the same time for Future Tense. Be sure to listen.