Gentleman Adventurer 1948-02-06 The Bandit And The Blonde

Summary

Episode Summary: "Gentleman Adventurer 1948-02-06 The Bandit And The Blonde"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: March 2, 2025
Episode Title: Gentleman Adventurer 1948-02-06 The Bandit And The Blonde

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Introduction

"Gentleman Adventurer: The Bandit And The Blonde" transports listeners to the tumultuous streets of Kunming, China, during the late 1940s. This episode, starring James Meehan as Alan Drake, delves into the high-stakes world of international shipping insurance, piracy, and personal adventure. As the leader of Drake and Company, Alan Drake is portrayed as a resourceful and determined troubleshooter tasked with safeguarding valuable cargo against relentless bandits on the infamous Burma Road.

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Setting the Stage: Kunming and the Plum Blossom Cafe

The narrative unfolds in the bustling backroom of the Plum Blossom Cafe, strategically located on the street of the opium cellars in Kunming—a city teeming with intrigue and danger. Here, Professor Yee, Mandalay, and Shipwreck convene to discuss a pressing issue: the hijacking of a shipment containing precious goods like penicillin and vitamin pills.

• Professor Yee (00:23): "The last tunho you hijacked on the Burma Road."
• Mandalay (00:28): "That's the trouble deporting that cargo with penicillin, vitamin pills. That's worth more than gold."

The gravity of the situation is underscored when Professor Yee reveals that the convoy belongs to Mukherjee and Sons, Calcutta, who are insured by Drake and Company. This connection mandates the involvement of Alan Drake to resolve the conflict.

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Introducing the Team: Alan Drake and Steve Lawler

Alan Drake arrives in Kunming alongside his partner, Steve Lawler (played by John Larkin), aboard the 2 o'clock plane. Their mission is clear: protect the convoy from further bandit attacks and ensure the safe passage of the valuable cargo.

• Mandalay (01:50): "The last tunho you hijacked on the Burma Road."
• Alan Drake (02:13): "To deal with Steve Law of In China."

Their strategic approach involves running a seemingly innocuous convoy meant to lure out the bandits. This tactic is designed to entice the adversaries into attacking, thereby exposing their operation and enabling Drake and Lawler to dismantle it effectively.

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The Arrival of Mandalay: A Mysterious Ally

Mandalay, a striking blonde woman seeking to escape Kunming, becomes an unexpected yet pivotal addition to the team. Her charisma and resourcefulness quickly earn her a place within the convoy's inner circle.

• Mandalay (05:31): "But don't forget, I'll be riding in the lead truck of that convoy."
• Alan Drake (06:41): "Well, I'll go. Come on. With a present. Beautiful."

Despite initial tensions, Mandalay's true intentions are soon revealed. She proves to be an invaluable ally, assisting the team in navigating the perilous landscapes and countering the bandits' strategies.

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Conflict with Professor Yee and Mr. Porteus

Professor Yee emerges as a complex antagonist with deep ties to Alan Drake's past. His warnings against proceeding with the convoy plan introduce a layer of suspense and betrayal.

• Professor Yee (07:47): "Dear Alan... If we don't put a stop to this Burma Road hijacking..."
• Alan Drake (08:31): "Then I wonder if I might give you a word of a type."

The altercation escalates when Yee attempts to sabotage their mission, leading to a dramatic confrontation where Steve Lawler physically overpowers him in an attempt to extract vital information.

• Alan Drake (11:39): "We've got to bring him to... I want to be sure he understands about that convoy."
• Steve Lawler (14:30): "That’s when everything changes."

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Ambush and Capture: Turning the Tables

As the convoy progresses, Drake and Lawler face an unexpected ambush orchestrated by Mr. Porteus and his cohort. The team finds themselves ensnared in a deadly trap, leading to Drake's brief capture and the suspension of their mission.

• Mr. Porteus (14:30): "You know what's become of our army, right?"
• Alan Drake (14:43): "Why change? For Pete's sake?"

In a tense standoff, Mandalay's loyalty is tested, revealing her as a crucial player who rescues the team from imminent danger. Her intervention allows them to overcome the immediate threat and regain control of the situation.

• Mandalay (22:02): "I did. Would I give it to you?"
• Alan Drake (24:04): "We've got to get out."

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Climactic Resolution: Defeating the Bandits

The episode reaches its peak as Drake, Lawler, and Mandalay confront Mr. Porteus in a final showdown. Utilizing wit and tactical prowess, they neutralize the antagonist, ensuring that Mukherjee's cargo remains secure and the bandits are effectively dismantled.

• Alan Drake (28:15): "I'm going to send you back stateside."
• Steve Lawler (28:28): "The end of the lie?"

The resolution underscores the themes of loyalty, courage, and ingenuity, with the team successfully thwarting the bandits' schemes and securing their client's interests.

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Concluding Adventures and Future Endeavors

As the dust settles, Alan Drake receives a directive from his Uncle Dan, setting the stage for future adventures involving the investigation of missing radar equipment consigned to Raja in Rangoon.

• Alan Drake (30:05): "Proceed soonest to Rangoon. Investigate disappearance..."
• Steve Lawler (30:20): "That's it."

The episode wraps up with the team celebrating their victory and preparing for the next mission, highlighting the continuous cycle of challenges and triumphs that define Drake and Company's legacy.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Mandalay (00:28): "That's the trouble deporting that cargo with penicillin, vitamin pills. That's worth more than gold."
2. Alan Drake (02:13): "To deal with Steve Law of In China."
3. Professor Yee (07:47): "Dear Alan... If we don't put a stop to this Burma Road hijacking..."
4. Steve Lawler (14:30): "That’s when everything changes."
5. Alan Drake (24:04): "We've got to get out."
6. Alan Drake (28:15): "I'm going to send you back stateside."
7. Steve Lawler (30:20): "That's it."

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Conclusion

"Gentleman Adventurer: The Bandit And The Blonde" masterfully blends suspense, action, and character development, immersing listeners in a bygone era of radio dramas. Through dynamic dialogue, strategic plot twists, and memorable characters, the episode exemplifies the essence of the Golden Age of Radio. Alan Drake's unwavering dedication, combined with the team's resilience and Mandalay's unexpected heroism, culminates in a satisfying resolution that not only safeguards valuable shipments but also cements Drake and Company's reputation as formidable protectors against maritime and terrestrial threats.

This episode serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic radio storytelling, offering both nostalgia and timeless adventure to new and seasoned audiences alike.

Transcript

[Mandalay]

Oh.

[Shipwreck]

Oh, oh.

[Alan Drake]

O'Reilly.

[O'Reilly]

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[Shipwreck]

Today, auto Parts Mutual presents Gentleman Adventurer. Starring James Me as Alan Drake. Young man called Alan Drake is the last of his names. He earns his living in a remarkable way. He's a troubleshooter and investigator for the ancient firm of Drake and Company, insurers of shipping, who protect all comers against piracy on the high seas or robbery on the open road anywhere in the world. Tonight's adventure, the Bandit and the Blond. Our story begins in the wild west of China under the Himalayan mountain barrier, which is called the Hump. At the starting point of the Burma Road. In the brawling city of Kunming, in the back room of the Plum Blossom Cafe, on the street of the opium cellars, three people meet.

[Professor Yee]

Sit down, Mandalay.

[Mandalay]

Thank you, Mr. Floyd.

[Professor Yee]

You too, Shipwreck, if you please.

[Shipwreck]

You don't sound too happy.

[Alan Drake]

Boys. What's the problem?

[Professor Yee]

The last tunho you hijacked on the Burma Road.

[Mandalay]

That's the trouble deporting that cargo with penicillin, vitamin pills. That's worth more than gold.

[Shipwreck]

Sure. What's wrong with that hall?

[Professor Yee]

And you don't know who owns the convoy?

[Steve Lawler]

Yeah.

[Shipwreck]

Mukherjee and Sons, Calcutta. What's the difference?

[Professor Yee]

You, Hammett, Mukherjee and Sons are insured by Drake and Company. That means that we'll have Alan Drake.

[Alan Drake]

To deal with and Steve Law of In China.

[Professor Yee]

In China, my dear girl. Drake and his partner arrive in kunming on the 2 o'clock plane today.

[Shipwreck]

From what I hear, those buckaroos are begging for trouble. Let's say we let them get it.

[Steve Lawler]

That's the idea, my friend.

[Professor Yee]

We'll find out their plans and we'll blast them.

[Steve Lawler]

Sure.

[Professor Yee]

Yes, but I know that fellow Drake.

[Alan Drake]

He's tough.

[Steve Lawler]

He plays for keeps.

[Professor Yee]

He won't stand for that client being hijacked. And if he got the jump on.

[Mandalay]

Us, we might be the ones to have the trouble.

[Steve Lawler]

Precisely, my dear, precisely.

[Professor Yee]

Therefore, we shall apply the basic rule of warfare.

[Mandalay]

And that would be?

[Alan Drake]

Strike the first blow at first, huh?

[Professor Yee]

That suits me fine.

[Alan Drake]

I thought it would.

[Professor Yee]

Northern Menderly.

[Mandalay]

Yes.

[Alan Drake]

They tell me that this partner of Drake's, the fellow is evil, is especially partial to blonde.

[Steve Lawler]

I follow you. Give me the other guy.

[Alan Drake]

No, Shipwreck. You wait for orders.

[Steve Lawler]

I will deal personally with Mr. Cook.

[Professor Yee]

Dance?

[Shipwreck]

Beautiful.

[Mandalay]

I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you. And it would have been a pleasure to.

[Alan Drake]

That calls for the build up.

[Steve Lawler]

How does the buildup go?

[Alan Drake]

Presenting your friend and mine, Steve Lawler.

[Mandalay]

Hello, Steve.

[Alan Drake]

Steve is right. Can I catch your name?

[Mandalay]

They call me Mandalay.

[Alan Drake]

What's the rest of it?

[Mandalay]

Sit down, Steven. Don't ask too many questions.

[Alan Drake]

Lady, if I'm coming, more like it. Sam, put that wine bottle here. And the glasses.

[Mandalay]

Tiger bone wine.

[Steve Lawler]

Quite a spender, aren't you, Bess?

[Professor Yee]

It's none too good.

[Alan Drake]

Drink, Harding.

[Mandalay]

Steve?

[Alan Drake]

Yeah?

[Mandalay]

Excuse me for seeming so inquisitive, but.

[Alan Drake]

But what?

[Mandalay]

Is Alan Drake in Kunming?

[Alan Drake]

He ain't in Philadelphia. Why worry about Drake when Lawler's here? What was it you wanted?

[Steve Lawler]

Oh, I don't know.

[Mandalay]

Nothing.

[Alan Drake]

Nothing. My, my.

[Mandalay]

What are you staring at?

[Alan Drake]

That green brooch you're wearing. It's in a beautiful setting.

[Mandalay]

Given to me.

[Alan Drake]

Well done.

[Steve Lawler]

You know, I would like to look at that.

[Shipwreck]

May I?

[Steve Lawler]

Hey, kitty. Must touch.

[Alan Drake]

Some other time, maybe.

[Mandalay]

Maybe. Look here, Steve. I suppose you and Mr. Drake are here on business.

[Steve Lawler]

Yeah.

[Alan Drake]

Going to run the convoy over the Burma Road.

[Mandalay]

Carrying something pretty important.

[Alan Drake]

Yeah, It's a big cargo of ore from the mines.

[Mandalay]

Steve, I've got to get out of Kunming.

[Steve Lawler]

You do?

[Alan Drake]

Just as we got to town. Well, that's fine.

[Mandalay]

I know it would be a big favor. But could I leave with you and Mr. Drake on that convoy?

[Alan Drake]

A long, tough trip to Vermont. But, sweetheart, if you want it, you can have it.

[Mandalay]

Thank you. I do want to get out of Kung Ling so badly.

[Alan Drake]

And now you're the one that's staring.

[Mr. Porteus]

How's that?

[Alan Drake]

You're giving somebody the glad eye over my shoulder. They always do.

[Mandalay]

Oh, no.

[Steve Lawler]

Oh, yes.

[Alan Drake]

And when I turn around, there will be a fight. There always is. And I did want things to be peaceful my first day in Kunming.

[Mandalay]

Maybe there won't be a sight to see. He's coming over here now.

[Shipwreck]

That's great. An eager eagle, huh?

[Alan Drake]

All right, come on. Put him. Hello, Steve. Oh, you. Who's the lady? Name's Mandalay. Hello, Mandalay. I'm Alan Drake.

[Mandalay]

Hello, Drake. I saw you getting a quiet laugh over there. Must have been a very funny joke.

[Alan Drake]

I was just happy to see that.

[Professor Yee]

Steve had already made friends in Kun.

[Shipwreck]

Me.

[Mandalay]

Your partner could make friends anywhere.

[Alan Drake]

Well, he could try. Look, Alan. The blonde character here says she'd like to ride on our convoy of Burma.

[Steve Lawler]

The water.

[Alan Drake]

And why do you want to go to Burma?

[Mandalay]

I'll ask you one. How long have you been in Kun Neet?

[Alan Drake]

Long enough not to ask questions. Sure, you can have a list. Say, that's a magnificent brooch you're wearing, isn't it?

[Steve Lawler]

Mean jade.

[Mandalay]

How'd you know?

[Alan Drake]

My grandmother had something like it. Present from a friend at Shanghai. Never mind me, Steve.

[Professor Yee]

I've got good dealers.

[Alan Drake]

I can stand a gift. Our crumble was getting organized in Kunming. The Rover. I just ran into Professor Yee. Oh, who's that? Used to be a friend of my father's. Came out here from the coast as a refugee when the Japs moved in. He's waiting for us now at the hotel. Okay, let's go. Come on. With a present. Beautiful.

[Steve Lawler]

Hello.

[Alan Drake]

Goodbye for now.

[Steve Lawler]

Mandalay. Hi.

[Alan Drake]

You're booked for a ride.

[Steve Lawler]

We'll be seen.

[Mr. Porteus]

Alan, you are back quickly.

[Alan Drake]

Thank you for waiting. Professor Yee, this is Steve Lawler.

[Mr. Porteus]

I am delighted to make your acquaintance.

[Alan Drake]

I am. I wanted to get Steve here so we'd all three know where we're heading very by.

[Shipwreck]

Hey, Alan, what's the professor got to.

[Alan Drake]

Do with our business? During the war, Professor Yee was with the American combat commander. He's been all through the wild country where we're going. Oh, good. Now, professor, here's why we're in Kun Ri. This letter from my uncle back in Philadelphia.

[Shipwreck]

I want you to hear it.

[Steve Lawler]

Yes, yes.

[Alan Drake]

Dear Alan, we have just settled the claim of Mukherjee and Sons, Calcutta, for losses due to the bandit activity on Burma Road. In the sum of two hundred thousand rupees. Eight anna. And that is seventy thousand bucks. Removal of this organized menace to truck shipments on the Burma Road is highly desirable. Understatement of the year. In fact, a real headache is coming to Drake and Co. If we don't put a stop to this Burma Road hijacking. I understand, Alan. There are no police in your part of the world. So you and Steve will have to take care of those bandits personally. Go get them. Yours, Uncle Dan.

[Mr. Porteus]

Well, professor, what is your plan of attack?

[Alan Drake]

We're going to run a convoy from here to Burma. But not a real convoy.

[Mr. Porteus]

Ah, a decoy.

[Steve Lawler]

You got it.

[Alan Drake]

Our convoy's got just one purpose. To bring those bandits out of hiding. We want them to attack us. That's the only way we can knock them off and stop their rack.

[Mr. Porteus]

You need not worry about that. They will attack you as the tiger springs on the lamb.

[Alan Drake]

I've got to be sure they know our plans.

[Mr. Porteus]

They Know old Kuming is buzzing about Mr. Lawless. Conversation with a blonde young woman at the Plum Blossom Cafe.

[Shipwreck]

Hey, bro, I'm not as simple as I look. That's why I went there.

[Steve Lawler]

Absolutely.

[Mr. Porteus]

And now there remains the question of arming your convoy. So you may turn the ambush back upon the bandits.

[Alan Drake]

That's where it gets tough. There's going to be a pitched battle before we're through.

[Mr. Porteus]

You need weapons? Well, my friends, I have here a small list.

[Steve Lawler]

Let me see.

[Mr. Porteus]

16 carbines, 12 machine pistols. 4,000 rounds, 30 caliber ammunition. Six light machine guns.

[Steve Lawler]

And cooled. Right.

[Alan Drake]

Professor, where is this stuff?

[Mr. Porteus]

At mile zero on the Burma Road. In the freight pull down.

[Alan Drake]

We've got to hire a crew of guards, Steve. And they'll have to be good men too.

[Mr. Porteus]

A private army, so to speak. Perhaps a group of former frontier guerrillas. American train would serve their purpose.

[Professor Yee]

You bet they would.

[Alan Drake]

Professor. It isn't so easy to recruit men like that.

[Mr. Porteus]

These men also you will find waiting on the go down at mile zero.

[Alan Drake]

And you're the one who always says Americans go too fast for Chinese.

[Mandalay]

Let us go forward together.

[Shipwreck]

Professor.

[Alan Drake]

You sent a convoy forward. Come in. Open it, Steve.

[Steve Lawler]

Okay. Mr. Blake of Jake and Company. That's me.

[Professor Yee]

Good afternoon, gentlemen.

[Shipwreck]

Gordier is the name.

[Professor Yee]

J. Kenneth Gortier. He's been here a lot of years. Old China ant, you might say.

[Alan Drake]

Good afternoon, Mr. Poas. This is Steve Lawler and Professor Yee.

[Steve Lawler]

Yes, I know Professor Yee.

[Professor Yee]

Now, gentlemen, I won't waste your time. It is being said around Kunming. That you are planning to take a.

[Alan Drake]

Convoy over the Brummer Road. Right. We are running a convoy.

[Professor Yee]

Then I wonder if I might give you a word of a type.

[Alan Drake]

Let's have it.

[Professor Yee]

Give up this idea of running a.

[Steve Lawler]

Convoy and stick to the insurance business. What happens if I don't? Disaster, Mr. Drake. Complete disaster.

[Alan Drake]

Well, thanks for the advice, Mr. Porteus. And now if you'll excuse us, we have some last minute preparations to attend.

[Professor Yee]

Do you think you're going on that trip?

[Alan Drake]

We're certain of it.

[Professor Yee]

I say no, Alan.

[Alan Drake]

Look, old timer, you oughtn't to go around pointing guns at people. It's not being done this season.

[Professor Yee]

Listen to me. Take this advice. Get out of China. Go back to the United States for good.

[Alan Drake]

The gentleman talks like he held cards, doesn't he?

[Steve Lawler]

Steve?

[Shipwreck]

Yeah.

[Professor Yee]

Do not quibble. I come to see you to the airport.

[Steve Lawler]

Just walk ahead of me. You too, Professor.

[Alan Drake]

You heard the boss say we had things to do.

[Shipwreck]

What?

[Steve Lawler]

You're getting to be A boar danced.

[Alan Drake]

Hey, you broke a bottle on his head, Steve. Oh, that was empty. The bottle, I mean.

[Mr. Porteus]

The man is unconscious.

[Alan Drake]

We've got to bring him to. I want to be sure he understands about that convoy. Well, that's easy. This slow to water cycle will do that trick. Who is this operator anyway? You know what uncle dad said about organized bandits. This is one of the organizers.

[Mr. Porteus]

He has organized nothing but couples so.

[Alan Drake]

Far, so it seems like I was totally bringing him out of it.

[Steve Lawler]

You?

[Alan Drake]

We didn't want to leave you here.

[Steve Lawler]

In a siesta, Mr. Porteous.

[Alan Drake]

People might not understand. And I wanted you to know we're still going to Burma.

[Steve Lawler]

All right, go ahead. Get yourselves in trouble.

[Professor Yee]

You've had your warning.

[Alan Drake]

Come on, Steve.

[Steve Lawler]

The convoy rolls at midnight.

[Mandalay]

Well, Mr. Porteous, what happened to you?

[Professor Yee]

Never mind, Mandalay. Never mind.

[Shipwreck]

I can tell you what happened without no crystal ball.

[Mandalay]

What?

[Shipwreck]

He went to see Drake and Lawlor.

[Alan Drake]

And they played too rough. Should have took me along.

[Professor Yee]

You get your chance at both of them, Shipwreck.

[Shipwreck]

I promise you that, Swan.

[Professor Yee]

I was hoping that I could bluff Drake out of Kunming, but I should have known better. He's not only staying, but just as you told me, Mandalay. He's planning to take a convoy over the Burma Road.

[Mandalay]

But don't forget, I'll be riding in the lead truck of that convoy.

[Steve Lawler]

Good girl. Good girl. Now pay close attention.

[Professor Yee]

The second night out on the road, you'll come to the village of Palham.

[Mandalay]

Palham?

[Steve Lawler]

Right.

[Professor Yee]

And thinly west of the village, you enter the 7 Dragons Valley.

[Mandalay]

7 Dragon Valley?

[Professor Yee]

Keep your eyes open there for a row of torches burning on a hill to your left.

[Steve Lawler]

And when you. Hey.

[Mandalay]

You boys are gluttons for punishment.

[Alan Drake]

How do you mean that, Mandalay?

[Mandalay]

Thought you stayed for the night back in Paran.

[Alan Drake]

Have to keep rolling.

[Shipwreck]

Sorry, we're sort of on a schedule.

[Mandalay]

How about Are we now, Steve?

[Professor Yee]

Coming into Seven Dragons Valley?

[Shipwreck]

Have you heard of it?

[Mandalay]

No. Strange name, isn't it?

[Alan Drake]

Not for China.

[Mandalay]

What are those? Those torches burning up on the side of that hill?

[Professor Yee]

I imagine they're signals.

[Mandalay]

Signals? How do you mean?

[Alan Drake]

For you to get us to stop the convoy.

[Shipwreck]

What?

[Alan Drake]

Never mind dropping your bag out the window or hauling on the handbrake. Mandalay, we're going to stop anyhow. This is what we were looking for. Machine gun, there she flows. Come on, Steve.

[Steve Lawler]

All right.

[Professor Yee]

This is my body.

[Alan Drake]

All right.

[Steve Lawler]

Police.

[Mandalay]

Take half the men and fen out from the road.

[Steve Lawler]

Over here.

[Mandalay]

Ship left. Over here.

[Mr. Porteus]

Hands up.

[Steve Lawler]

You guys free? You're Surrounded.

[Alan Drake]

Oh, that don't sound like a bluff. You know what's become of our army, right?

[Shipwreck]

There's 20 guns aimed at your head. Go easy. Who you shipwreck? Trent? I'm taking over your convoy. And if you think that private army.

[Professor Yee]

Is going to fight for you, guess again.

[Shipwreck]

They're working for thee.

[Alan Drake]

That te. Some army. Some professor E. He was sold out. Make a break for it.

[Steve Lawler]

Come on.

[Shipwreck]

Stop this guy.

[Steve Lawler]

Coming from behind.

[Alan Drake]

Ask sportsman. Now what happen?

[Shipwreck]

Stay throws Lawler. Unless you want the same. I got order. Bring your hard last. Hey, there's a change.

[Alan Drake]

Why change? For Pete's sake?

[Shipwreck]

Why do you think? To keep you quiet while you and your partner go for a nice long trip. Alan Drake in chains, captured by the enemy. In just a few seconds, we'll continue with this complete episode of the Gentleman Adventurer. You know, for any young man today, the regular United States army is a pretty good deal. Especially for the kind of young man who wants the finest technical training and education in the world. The new regular army, composed entirely of volunteers, is also the greatest school, university and scientific research outfit in the world. So if you're a young man who wants to learn things and go places, put in now for your share of the world's finest training in any technical field that interests you. In the regular U.S. army. And now back to Gentlemen Adventurer and Alan Drake.

[Alan Drake]

Why? Oh, still got a headache. Are you okay, Ellen? You were out a long time. I must have been, but I'll live. Which one of the Himalayas fell on my head? You were sapped up by the bandits when they carried you here. That big guy gave the order.

[Steve Lawler]

Oh, him.

[Alan Drake]

Pleasant type, skilled chain.

[Steve Lawler]

We're in trouble, pal.

[Alan Drake]

You're kidding, pal.

[Steve Lawler]

Say, this place is abandoned temple.

[Alan Drake]

Notice the carving on the wall? Yeah, and the two big stone guards by the courtyard entrance in this room.

[Steve Lawler]

Wide door, bars at the window. Some kind of a straw. I'll say it is.

[Alan Drake]

Look what you're sitting on.

[Steve Lawler]

Huh?

[Alan Drake]

Take a look at Chinese money. About a billion dollars, I'd say.

[Steve Lawler]

Yeah.

[Alan Drake]

Now look at this box I'm sitting on. Notice this scuttle medical shipment. Mukerjee and Sons, Calcutta.

[Steve Lawler]

Mm.

[Alan Drake]

That's the loot.

[Steve Lawler]

And we insured it.

[Alan Drake]

This is the bandit's rooster, right in this room. Is there a safety positive? There's nothing we can do about it. I'm not too active with my hands changing.

[Shipwreck]

I need not.

[Steve Lawler]

Tell me.

[Alan Drake]

And by the way, how about that private army of ours?

[Steve Lawler]

Where were they when we needed them?

[Shipwreck]

Some old friend, that professor.

[Steve Lawler]

I can't understand it, Steve.

[Alan Drake]

We've got to crash out of here. I'll have a look out the window. I already looked. The view is lousy. What's this rubbish over here in the corner? Just an old overcoat under a pile of straw.

[Steve Lawler]

Wait a minute.

[Alan Drake]

It's been dark the first time you look around. Well, have another look at that old Robocop. Hey, that's a man.

[Steve Lawler]

It's Professor Yee. Yee. You must be dead. Professor. Professor, can you hear me? Yes, I hear you, Alan.

[Mandalay]

I have just awakened.

[Mr. Porteus]

I thought when I was brought here.

[Steve Lawler]

It would be for the long sleep. Yes, let me help you as well as I can.

[Alan Drake]

What have they done to you, Professor?

[Mr. Porteus]

40S men.

[Steve Lawler]

They have taken away my spectacles, which makes me practically blind.

[Mr. Porteus]

And they have shown me disrespect.

[Steve Lawler]

Alan, look at him.

[Alan Drake]

Professor Vergaiva did this to you, ain't you?

[Mr. Porteus]

Those guards on your convert, they were not my men. My men were sent away when I was kidnapped.

[Mandalay]

I have permanently lost faith.

[Alan Drake]

Don't you worry about that, Professor. I'm going to get you out of here.

[Steve Lawler]

And Steve, too.

[Alan Drake]

That will take a bit of doing, old boy. Of of doing?

[Professor Yee]

Things are looking up. Relax, you two.

[Shipwreck]

That's the first smile I've seen on.

[Alan Drake]

The boss's face for three days.

[Mandalay]

Why shouldn't he smile? He just pulled off a job.

[Professor Yee]

Yes, you're a sensible girl. And my friends do business.

[Steve Lawler]

Shipwreck.

[Professor Yee]

I want you to radio down the mountains to Kunming.

[Steve Lawler]

What's the message?

[Professor Yee]

Have our Shanghai agents make an offer to Philadelphia to buy Drake and Company.

[Shipwreck]

Buy it?

[Mandalay]

What for?

[Professor Yee]

This Mukherjee claim has hurt them badly. And there'll be plenty more now that we've got Ellen, Drake and Lola where we want them.

[Mandalay]

Well, they'll see what we'd get out.

[Steve Lawler]

Of an insurance company if you could take twice. That's all. Once for the insurance and once for the goods we lift from the convoys.

[Mandalay]

How about the Clank?

[Steve Lawler]

Those we would overlook.

[Alan Drake]

What?

[Professor Yee]

They couldn't go on indefinitely, I grant you. But there'd be a fortune for us while it lasted.

[Mandalay]

Drake and Lawler would be interested in that.

[Steve Lawler]

They will be removed from circulation permanently.

[Shipwreck]

Yeah?

[Mandalay]

How's that?

[Professor Yee]

My dear? I wonder if you've ever heard of the Lolo tribes.

[Mandalay]

The Lolo? You mean those savages around us here in the hills?

[Alan Drake]

Say, I've heard of them.

[Steve Lawler]

Then it may interest you to know that the Lolos keep slaves.

[Professor Yee]

And the local chieftain is extremely pleased with the idea of owning a couple of American slaves.

[Mandalay]

American slaves?

[Professor Yee]

Drake and Lola and that old Chinaman are going to live in chains for.

[Steve Lawler]

The rest of their lives.

[Professor Yee]

I don't get you, but you've lived in the Orient.

[Steve Lawler]

You've seen slaves. Slaves, you understand.

[Professor Yee]

Coolies grubbing in rice, studies living worse than dogs.

[Mandalay]

But Drake and Lawler are Americans just right.

[Professor Yee]

And Lola Keith will be glad to give them employment.

[Alan Drake]

But they have good wholesome exercise during the day.

[Professor Yee]

And he'll keep them locked up at night in case they should become discontented.

[Steve Lawler]

End up in these mountains.

[Professor Yee]

Who would ever come to rescue them?

[Shipwreck]

Don't look so dumb, Mandalay. The cross means what he says.

[Professor Yee]

Before we start our friends on their new careers, I have one thing to find out. I want to see how that fellow.

[Alan Drake]

Lola reacts to torture.

[Professor Yee]

Far from it, my girl.

[Steve Lawler]

This man Lola's done me a deep injury. Offered me humiliation. Those who live in the Orient will understand. To put it another way, by attacking me in that hotel room. He left a mark on my push. New thing. But I proposed to erase. We won't kill him. We'll only make him beg us to.

[Mandalay]

But you've made your point. You got away with the hijacking. You can't torture helpless people. You just can.

[Professor Yee]

Perhaps it can't be done.

[Mandalay]

I'm just beginning to see you clear.

[Steve Lawler]

Boy, you. Are you heavy.

[Mandalay]

Thank you, Boyeus. I might have expected that after all these years.

[Steve Lawler]

I know it'll take a bit of duty to get out of here.

[Alan Drake]

Maybe a bit of ransom is more like it.

[Mandalay]

Mr. Podius is a very greedy man.

[Steve Lawler]

Professor, you're not chained.

[Mr. Porteus]

No, but I am very weak and without my glasses, I can.

[Alan Drake]

We've got the key to get these shackles off anyhow.

[Shipwreck]

Somebody's coming. Don't try any tricks. This cannon is looking right at you.

[Alan Drake]

What do you want?

[Shipwreck]

Not you, drink. The other boy. Lawler. Yeah, what's up? You'll find out. Lawler, come on. We've got a treatment for you.

[Professor Yee]

He has really shown the most amazing powers of resistance.

[Shipwreck]

Fly out.

[Professor Yee]

Just give that rope under his arms. Another turn, Shipwreck.

[Steve Lawler]

Okay, there.

[Mandalay]

Don't you think you've had enough? Enough?

[Alan Drake]

Another turn of the rope.

[Shipwreck]

Here goes.

[Steve Lawler]

No relapse. Missing, unconscious.

[Mandalay]

What is the. No sense in killing the guy. Kill Steve Lawler?

[Professor Yee]

You forget, my dear, he's tough. And besides, we have other plans for Lawlor and Blake.

[Mandalay]

The play business. I still don't quite believe that.

[Steve Lawler]

Oh, you don't, huh?

[Mandalay]

Well, I didn't believe it when you hit me. I began to wise up.

[Alan Drake]

Now yes.

[Shipwreck]

Now.

[Mandalay]

Torture trick of yours.

[Professor Yee]

Don't like it?

[Mandalay]

It's sickening. Why do you let him down?

[Alan Drake]

You forget yourself.

[Shipwreck]

She break?

[Steve Lawler]

Yeah.

[Professor Yee]

Continue. Another turn of the rope.

[Shipwreck]

Okay.

[Alan Drake]

Then go somewhere else.

[Steve Lawler]

Professor, they must be torturing Steve.

[Alan Drake]

That's the only thing that gorilla could have meant when he said they had.

[Steve Lawler]

A treatment for you.

[Mandalay]

I fear so.

[Alan Drake]

Why did I let you people in for this?

[Steve Lawler]

We're going to get you out. Out?

[Mr. Porteus]

Harm yourself, Alan. No one blames you.

[Steve Lawler]

Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Professor, I risk much.

[Alan Drake]

Can you get the crystal off for me?

[Mr. Porteus]

I can hardly see it, but I will try.

[Steve Lawler]

It did sound. Professor.

[Mr. Porteus]

Yes.

[Steve Lawler]

Try it. No.

[Mr. Porteus]

Here I am too weak.

[Alan Drake]

Alan, try.

[Mr. Porteus]

We have company.

[Alan Drake]

Someone looking at us through the grating in the door.

[Steve Lawler]

Manley.

[Alan Drake]

You've come to do a little gloating, perhaps?

[Mandalay]

No, I don't feel much like bloating.

[Alan Drake]

I should think you'd be on top of the world.

[Steve Lawler]

You ruined your friends.

[Mr. Porteus]

What friends?

[Alan Drake]

Men who are torturing a helpless prisoner.

[Mandalay]

Believe me, Drake, that wasn't my idea.

[Alan Drake]

Then they are torturing Steve?

[Mandalay]

Yes.

[Alan Drake]

I've got to get out.

[Mandalay]

It's no use bumping the door. You can't knock it open with your shoulder.

[Steve Lawler]

You were. You wouldn't have a key to this door, would you?

[Mandalay]

I did. Would I give it to you?

[Steve Lawler]

If you had a key, Mandalay. And if you're the person I think.

[Alan Drake]

You are, I believe you'd slip that key through the.

[Mandalay]

The person you think I am. Who's that?

[Alan Drake]

A girl who speaks my language. An American. And I still don't believe that you.

[Steve Lawler]

Hold still for what Porteus is doing.

[Mandalay]

What could I do about it? They've got guards all over the place.

[Steve Lawler]

Just get me the key.

[Mandalay]

I haven't got a key.

[Alan Drake]

Oh, but if you did have.

[Mandalay]

If I did have, would I let you out? Yes. I'd like to do one decent thing. Let's see if it's still possible.

[Steve Lawler]

Sure it's possible.

[Shipwreck]

And you can do it.

[Steve Lawler]

Now.

[Mandalay]

Even if I got a dorky, you'd still be in those. Change.

[Steve Lawler]

Never mind.

[Alan Drake]

Just get my watch crystal off.

[Steve Lawler]

It's a burning glass.

[Alan Drake]

It'll focus the rays of the sun.

[Mandalay]

You'll set fire to the straw.

[Alan Drake]

No. Just do a few million dollars worth of Chinese money.

[Steve Lawler]

The professor will scatter it around for. Could you.

[Mandalay]

Could you get your arms up here by the grating?

[Steve Lawler]

Yes.

[Alan Drake]

If I turn around.

[Mandalay]

Yes, I can reach it.

[Alan Drake]

The crystal had to be pried up from the frame.

[Steve Lawler]

I think it.

[Mandalay]

I can't do it.

[Alan Drake]

Could he use a pin from your bro?

[Mandalay]

Yes.

[Steve Lawler]

Go to it.

[Alan Drake]

Get me that burning glass and we'll have shipwreck here in two minutes. Where there's smoke, there's flame.

[Steve Lawler]

Shipwrecked, his resistance is astounding.

[Professor Yee]

But for the moment he appears unconscious.

[Shipwreck]

Yeah, he's out.

[Professor Yee]

And we're not through with this fellow.

[Shipwreck]

Hey, Mr. Portes, I smell smoke.

[Steve Lawler]

What?

[Professor Yee]

Well, find out where it is.

[Mandalay]

Come, shipwreck.

[Alan Drake]

Check out the sight of other clock.

[Shipwreck]

Hey, what goes on? I'll set fire to this place.

[Steve Lawler]

You better come in and put it out.

[Alan Drake]

Shipwreck or the Mookaji cargo burn.

[Shipwreck]

You'll get that strike you're going to get. Valles, can you?

[Steve Lawler]

Splendid.

[Mr. Porteus]

And an excellent. I have never seen such good use. Made of a hard feel against your head.

[Alan Drake]

Yes, I bullet this swan. Step out that fire, professor, and then get his keys and his gun.

[Mr. Porteus]

Let us go forward together.

[Steve Lawler]

Where was it, man?

[Shipwreck]

Where did they have Steve?

[Mandalay]

That door right here.

[Steve Lawler]

Steve Allen.

[Alan Drake]

Get me down here, man. Take this knife.

[Steve Lawler]

Cut Steve down.

[Mandalay]

Right.

[Alan Drake]

Who are you working for?

[Mr. Porteus]

Mand?

[Mandalay]

Not you anymore.

[Alan Drake]

Bous.

[Mandalay]

I'll cut that rope.

[Steve Lawler]

Thanks, kid. As for you, Porteus, I'm gonna kill you.

[Shipwreck]

Right. A long break.

[Steve Lawler]

I'm ready for you, Helen.

[Mandalay]

Look how he keeps a gun under the cap.

[Alan Drake]

That's your reward from Adelaide.

[Steve Lawler]

You killed her.

[Alan Drake]

You're not dead yet, Porteus. I just drilled your shooting hand. Don't kill me, Drake.

[Professor Yee]

Don't kill me.

[Alan Drake]

No. I've changed my mind about killing you.

[Steve Lawler]

You. You want to tell me? It's asleep. Bordeus.

[Alan Drake]

The US Government is going to take care of you. I'm going to send you back stateside.

[Shipwreck]

So that all the way you can.

[Alan Drake]

Think of what's waiting for you at.

[Steve Lawler]

The end of the lie?

[Shipwreck]

In just a moment, Alan Drake will tell you the final outcome of the adventure of the Bandit and the Blonde. Right. At this point, may I take a few seconds to speak to you on behalf of the new volunteer regular United States Army? There's adventure in the army, sure. Plenty of it. But on the serious side, don't forget that this new peacetime army of ours is a solid professional organization which trains the soldier in any technical branch that he's interested in. Information on the hundreds of different trades and skills taught at army schools is waiting at any recruiting office. It may be the turning point in your career to find out about the new volunteer regular army. And now, here are Alan Drake and Steve Lawler.

[Alan Drake]

You know, Steve, if it hadn't been for Mandalay we would have been sold.

[Shipwreck]

As slaves to the lolos. Well, that's what we should have done to that guy Shipwreck. Oh, no, I'm kidding.

[Professor Yee]

He's 100% heel, but he's an American heel.

[Alan Drake]

So he'll go to an American prison where he belongs, and Porteous to the.

[Shipwreck]

Gallows where he belongs.

[Alan Drake]

And you'll be happy to know that Mukherjee's cargo is now on its way to their agents in Chung King, where it belongs.

[Steve Lawler]

Uh huh.

[Alan Drake]

How do we do? In the financial end, we got our claim back, so we can afford these drinks.

[Steve Lawler]

All right.

[Shipwreck]

But not to linger over, uh, cable from Uncle Dan. Correct.

[Alan Drake]

Here's what it says. Proceed soonest to Rangoon. Investigate disappearance. Shipload of radar equipment consigned to Raja.

[Steve Lawler]

Mitnapur, insured by Drake and Company.

[Shipwreck]

Oh, so that's what we'll be working on next week. The Rajah's radar, huh?

[Steve Lawler]

That's it.

[Alan Drake]

Well, I'll pay for the drinks. I have my wallet handy.

[Steve Lawler]

Well, and what's that you got?

[Shipwreck]

It's Mandalay's brooch.

[Steve Lawler]

Yeah, she used it to get me.

[Shipwreck]

Loose and save all our lives.

[Steve Lawler]

But I kept it to remember by. You want it?

[Shipwreck]

No, not anymore.

[Steve Lawler]

You keep it, Alan. All right, kid. I think I will. You know, Steve, that Mandalay was quite a girl.

[Shipwreck]

You have heard a complete episode of Gentlemen Adventurer, the Life of Alan Drake, starring James Meehan in the title role. Featured were John Larkin as Steve Lawler, with Elspeth Eric, Edgar Staley, Eric Dressler and Don Douglas. The music is composed by Morris Momorski, the story and dialogue written by Fidus Barr, and the entire program is under the direction of Herbert Rice. John Frederick speaking. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.