John Steele Adventurer 49-07-12 012 Cargo Unknown

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "John Steele Adventurer 49-07-12 012 Cargo Unknown"

Introduction

In the episode titled "Cargo Unknown," part of the "John Steele Adventurer" series, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with a thrilling tale of intrigue, adventure, and suspense. Hosted by Harold's Old Time Radio, the story unfolds through rich dialogue and immersive soundscapes, capturing the essence of classic radio dramas. This episode, released on May 21, 2025, delves into the mysterious operations of Lou Cardone, a decorated war hero turned cargo pilot, and his entanglement with the enigmatic John Steele.

Background on Lou Cardone

The narrative centers around Lou Cardone, a former fighter pilot who served with distinction during the war, completing 71 missions in England. Post-war, Lou struggled to find peace, yearning for the adrenaline of his previous life. His quest for excitement led him to the aviation business, where he purchased a twin-engine trainer plane, embarking on cargo missions that initially seemed standard but hid deeper secrets.

Invitation by John Steele (Disguised as Joseph Gunther)

Enter John Steele, a suave and persistent investigator posing as Joseph Gunther. John meticulously investigates Lou’s cargo flights, uncovering questionable activities that suggest more than mere transportation of goods.

Key Interaction:

• John Steele: "You are a very capable young man." (03:33)
• John Steele: "Your advertisement in the paper first attracted my attention." (03:49)

John reveals that Lou’s cargo missions included hidden valuables, such as art treasures and over a million dollars in jewels concealed within ordinary materials. This revelation pressures Lou into accepting a new high-stakes mission: transporting a significant individual to Argentina for $20,000.

Setup for the Mission to Argentina

Despite initial reluctance due to the distance and potential scrutiny, Lou agrees to the mission, showcasing his professionalism and dedication. He swiftly upgrades his aircraft with wing tanks and additional safety measures to ensure the long flight goes smoothly.

Flight and Interactions Between Characters

The flight introduces Lisa Tauber, a confident woman, and Joseph Gunther, whose true intentions remain obscured. As the trio navigates the skies, underlying tensions surface, hinting at deeper conflicts and hidden agendas.

Notable Quote:

• Lou Cardone: "I’d miss my own funeral." (06:48)

Crash and Survival on the Raft

A critical event occurs when the plane faces mechanical issues, forcing a crash landing into the ocean. The survivors—Lou, Lisa, and Joseph—find themselves on a raft with limited supplies. The scarcity of food and water exacerbates the strain among them, leading to growing suspicion and friction.

Key Plot Points:

• Lou shares his dwindling food supplies with Lisa while nearing starvation.
• Joseph Gunther’s mysterious behavior raises Lou’s suspicions about his true identity and intentions.

Escalation of Tensions

As days pass, the psychological pressure intensifies. Lou becomes increasingly paranoid about Joseph’s potential betrayal, especially after noticing discrepancies in his behavior and the disappearance of gun cartridges.

Notable Dialogue:

• John Steele: "You have a complete record of your activities over the past year." (05:30)
• Lou Cardone: "Sometimes I want to hit him for no reason at all." (15:00)

The interactions reach a boiling point when Joseph confronts Lou about his suspicions, leading to a tense standoff where survival instincts clash with hidden motives.

Rescue by John Steele

Just as the situation seems dire, John Steele arrives to rescue the trio. The rescue reveals John’s true identity and his role in uncovering Lou’s illicit cargo operations. The aftermath leaves Lou reflecting on the thin line between trust and betrayal, as well as the unforeseen consequences of his post-war ambitions.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Lou and Lisa being safely onboard John Steele’s ship, highlighting themes of redemption and the relentless pursuit of truth. The subtle hints of deception and the complex character dynamics provide a satisfying resolution, while leaving listeners eager for the next installment in the "John Steele Adventurer" series.

Final Quotes:

• John Steele: "You are both coming along fine." (28:10)
• John Steele: "I’ve been holding up my radiogram till you came around." (28:43)

Overall Insights

"Cargo Unknown" masterfully blends classic radio storytelling with intricate character development and suspenseful plot twists. Through Lou Cardone’s journey from a war hero to a shadowy cargo pilot, the episode explores themes of loyalty, survival, and the moral ambiguities that arise in the face of adversity. John Steele’s role as both ally and investigator adds a layer of complexity, making this installment a standout in the series.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• John Steele: "You are a very capable young man." (03:33)
• Lou Cardone: "I've seen that color before. On the barrel of a rifle or revolver." (09:13)
• Joseph Gunther: "You flew during the war? Yeah, combat." (09:54)
• Lou Cardone: "We gotta have this out. Rain." (20:28)
• Joseph Gunther: "You are beginning to tire." (25:17)

This episode stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of radio dramas, offering a captivating narrative that intertwines action, mystery, and human drama, all while staying true to the nostalgic charm of its golden-age predecessors.

Transcript

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[Unknown Narrator]

Take one man with the courage born of freedom and another with the strength born of hate. Put them in an open boat with a beautiful woman. That's the story. Cargo unknown. Taken from the files of John Steele, adventurer.

[John Steele]

Hello friends, this is John Steele and how are you tonight? Oh, is that so? Well, don't worry, we'll take care of that for you. Because this week, friends, we have another tale of adventure. This is one of those unusual stories, a yarn that leaves you doing some serious thinking and a lot of wondering too. So I suggest that you relax for a moment before I introduce this week's guests. The reason, a simple one. Once my friend Lou Cardone starts his story, you'll find it very difficult to relax. Well, enough of me. Here is Lou Cardone, a man with an aeroplane and ideas.

[Lou Cardone]

Lou, you've heard the old saw about strange bedfellows. Well, I've got one that really takes a cake. I guess it started right after I came home from the war. Been a fighter pilot with the eighth in England for two and a half years and finally got relieved after my 71st mission. Little flak happy, but who wasn't? I couldn't settle down. Still wanted that old excitement. One day I read in the paper where XGIS could pick up surplus ships for a song. And that started me thinking. Scraped up all I could, bought me a sweet little twin engine trainer and I was in business. Jobs was slow at first, but I wasn't fussy as long as there was money in it. Well, one day I was out in the hangar cleaning up the ship. Pressure went out on the hydraulic system night before and I had to crank the flaps and landing gear down by hand. Was checking to find the leak where I was losing pressure.

[John Steele]

Ayolu, Caton.

[Lou Cardone]

Get quick.

[John Steele]

Are you Lou Cardone?

[Lou Cardone]

Sorry mister, can't hear you.

[John Steele]

I said, are you Mr. Carton?

[Lou Cardone]

Wait a minute. Hey, cut her, Joe Cutter. What did you say?

[John Steele]

I said, you're Mr. Carton, are you not?

[Lou Cardone]

Yeah, it's me.

[John Steele]

I would like to talk to you.

[Lou Cardone]

Okay, mister.

[John Steele]

No, I do not mean here, outside, someplace.

[Lou Cardone]

Sorry, mister. I haven't got the time.

[John Steele]

I assure you, it will be worth your while.

[Lou Cardone]

Oh, that way, huh? Okay, okay. Break it, Joe. Be back in a minute. Right. Follow me.

[John Steele]

Thank you.

[Lou Cardone]

Didn't catch your name.

[John Steele]

I didn't say it.

[Lou Cardone]

Well?

[John Steele]

Gunther. Joseph Gunther.

[Lou Cardone]

Okay, Mr. Gunther, what's on your mind?

[John Steele]

I hoped we could find someplace more private.

[Lou Cardone]

I've made a lot of deals standing right here.

[John Steele]

Very well. I have followed your career with great interest, Mr. Cardew.

[Lou Cardone]

Get to the point.

[John Steele]

You are a very capable young man.

[Lou Cardone]

Go on.

[John Steele]

Your advertisement in the paper first attracted my attention.

[Lou Cardone]

Yeah?

[John Steele]

The anything Anyway.

[Lou Cardone]

Airline. It's just a name I got tagged with.

[John Steele]

I went to the trouble of having you investigated. Well, by my own men, of course. We discovered several things of interest.

[Lou Cardone]

Such as?

[John Steele]

On March 2, you loaded a cargo of bowls of assorted materials. Your destination was recorded as Municipal airport, Chicago. At 5:30 on the afternoon of the 23rd, you landed at a small airport outside of Las Cruces, Mexico and made delivery to a representative of the Rogers Packing Company.

[Lou Cardone]

So what's wrong with flying material in Mexico?

[John Steele]

Your cargo was not assorted materials. Rolled inside the balls were art treasures valued at over $100,000.

[Lou Cardone]

Your men are pretty efficient.

[John Steele]

The order was placed through me. On the 18th, you loaded a cargo of canned foot. Same destination and delivery.

[Lou Cardone]

Another of your orders?

[John Steele]

Yes. Scattered through the cans and sealed inside them was over a million dollars in jewels and precious stones. Shall I go on?

[Lou Cardone]

You've made your point. What's next?

[John Steele]

We had to be sure of our man, Mr. Cartoon. Very sure.

[Lou Cardone]

The cargoes were delivered and you were well paid.

[John Steele]

Well, the next delivery is to Argentina.

[Lou Cardone]

Hey, that's a long hop. What's a cargo?

[John Steele]

A man. Will 10,000 be enough?

[Lou Cardone]

Pretty important guy.

[John Steele]

Yes.

[Lou Cardone]

Why is he so hot?

[John Steele]

Let us say he has disagreed with the authorities.

[Lou Cardone]

I like money, but I like free air too. 20,000 Argentina. It's a lot of open water flying. I'd need wing tanks. That means questions. I don't like it. You better find it.

[John Steele]

I have gone this far, Mr. Cardone. I cannot take no for an answer.

[Lou Cardone]

You've got the wrong boy, Mr. Gunther. Sorry.

[John Steele]

I'd like to have to point out that I have a complete record of your activities over the past year. The administration would find it interesting reading.

[Lou Cardone]

I'M sure the publicity will look good on you too.

[John Steele]

I've been careful about that. You underestimate me.

[Lou Cardone]

So it's that way.

[John Steele]

Yes.

[Lou Cardone]

20 grand.

[John Steele]

When can you leave?

[Lou Cardone]

There's a lot to be done. End of the week.

[John Steele]

No later. I will get in touch with you about the details.

[Lou Cardone]

Okay.

[John Steele]

I knew you would see this my way, Mr. Cardon.

[Lou Cardone]

Yeah, yeah. I worked round the clock for the next few days. Cancelled all my other jobs and just stuck close to the hangar. I'd have worked 30 hours a day for 20,000 bucks. A lot of the stuff could be done during daylight without starting too many questions. But I did most of the important work at night. It was the old excitement. Just like the war days. I installed the wing tanks and checked the ship from stem to stern. Then I moved in all the equipment. Picked up a 12 foot life raft and was careful to see it was completely outfitted. Wasn't taking any chances. Was all set in four days. And Gunther phoned and set five o' clock the next morning as takeoff time.

[John Steele]

You're punctual, Cardone.

[Lou Cardone]

20 grand. I'd miss my own funeral.

[John Steele]

Yes. No time to waste.

[Joseph Gunther]

The.

[John Steele]

These are your passengers.

[Lou Cardone]

You said one.

[John Steele]

It does not matter. There are two.

[Lou Cardone]

Ship's heavy as she stands.

[John Steele]

It will make it.

[Lou Cardone]

What a woman.

[Lisa Tauber]

I. I'm not afraid.

[Lou Cardone]

Okay, in you go. Here, let me help you.

[Lisa Tauber]

I'm quite capable, thank you.

[Lou Cardone]

Have it your own way. Your turn, mister.

[John Steele]

Stand off.

[Lou Cardone]

Can he talk?

[John Steele]

The bandages. A precaution.

[Lou Cardone]

He must be hot bags next. This one stays too heavy.

[John Steele]

It must go.

[Lou Cardone]

Want us to pile up at the end of the field?

[Lisa Tauber]

Does not matter. Gunther.

[John Steele]

Farewell, Madame.

[Lou Cardone]

I'll be back for my 20,000.

[John Steele]

I will contact you when you return.

[Lou Cardone]

I see that you. Do you want to come up front for the takeoff, Miss? Or is it Madam?

[Lisa Tauber]

Miss. Ms. Tauber? Yes, thank you. I would like to.

[Lou Cardone]

Maybe this won't be such a bad chant after all.

[Lisa Tauber]

Beg your pardon?

[Lou Cardone]

Oh, nothing. There. You sit in that one. You make it okay? Good. Hang on, Ms. Tauber. Here we go. Wave goodbye to your boyfriend. Come on, baby, lift a little. Come on, sugar. Act nice for Pappy.

[Lisa Tauber]

Will we make it?

[Lou Cardone]

Your guess is as good as mine. Come on, you old hag. Gotta do better than this.

[Lisa Tauber]

Watch out for those.

[Lou Cardone]

Ah, that's my sweetheart. Knew you wouldn't let me down. You ever have that funny feeling that you've seen a meta total stranger someplace before? That was my reaction to Stender the first time I saw him. We couldn't pin it down to any particular time or place? It wasn't anything as concrete as that. We'd been in the air for about six hours when I put the ship on automatic pilot and went aft. You comfortable, Mr. Stender?

[Joseph Gunther]

Quite, Mr. Cardon.

[Lou Cardone]

Must be a relief to get those bandages off.

[Joseph Gunther]

They serve their purpose.

[Lisa Tauber]

The water looks beautiful from up here. Like burnished metal.

[Lou Cardone]

I've seen that color before.

[Lisa Tauber]

Where?

[Lou Cardone]

On the barrel of a rifle or revolver. Like Mr. Stender has under his jacket.

[Joseph Gunther]

You think I am armed, Mr. Cardon?

[Lou Cardone]

A bottle's the only other thing. Make a bulge like that, you don't look like a drinking man.

[Joseph Gunther]

You object, then, to my carrying a revolver?

[Lou Cardone]

Hadn't given him much thought.

[Joseph Gunther]

But you object?

[Lou Cardone]

I don't have one.

[Joseph Gunther]

Very well. You shall keep the cartridges. I shall hold the weapon.

[Lou Cardone]

How do I know that's all the shells you have?

[Joseph Gunther]

In the same way that I know you are unav.

[Lou Cardone]

Okay.

[Joseph Gunther]

You have done a great deal of flying, Mr. Cardone.

[Lou Cardone]

Enough.

[Joseph Gunther]

You flew during the war? Yeah, combat.

[Lou Cardone]

71 missions.

[Joseph Gunther]

Pacific, Europe. So then you are responsible for the destruction of a great many German cities?

[Lou Cardone]

Not directly. I was a fighter pilot.

[Joseph Gunther]

So you have shot down many aircraft?

[Lou Cardone]

16. And two probables. Probables not recorded by my wing cameras.

[Joseph Gunther]

You must have been well rewarded by your country.

[Lou Cardone]

Never thought of it that way.

[Joseph Gunther]

I always found your army system of awards and decorations a bit amusing.

[Lou Cardone]

We did all right.

[Joseph Gunther]

But then you weren't professional soldiers.

[Lou Cardone]

We won the war, didn't we?

[Joseph Gunther]

Yes, you did.

[John Steele]

The mortars Sounds bad.

[Lou Cardone]

If I can just get her to catch again. Gotta set it down. Back to your seats. Fasten your belts. Try to lay her in. Easy.

[Joseph Gunther]

Can you lend her back to your seat?

[Lou Cardone]

Lucky. Water. Smooth. Pull her up a hair. That's it. How easy. How easy. Hang on. Everyone comfortable?

[Lisa Tauber]

Yes, thank you.

[Lou Cardone]

Raft's not the Queen Mary, but it'll keep afloat.

[Joseph Gunther]

That was excellent flying.

[Lou Cardone]

Oh, we were lucky. If the water hadn't been.

[Joseph Gunther]

That was not luck. That was. What is it? Fate?

[Lou Cardone]

Maybe.

[Joseph Gunther]

Did you have time to radio our position?

[Lou Cardone]

No.

[Lisa Tauber]

But surely a ship will pass this way.

[Lou Cardone]

Regular shipping channels are about 150 miles west of us. I figure we're drifting about due southwest.

[Joseph Gunther]

The sail will help some.

[Lou Cardone]

Yeah, if the weather holds, we might drift into shipping lanes in 10 to 12 days.

[Lisa Tauber]

Have we enough food?

[Lou Cardone]

I stocked the raft for two.

[Lisa Tauber]

What does that mean?

[Lou Cardone]

Have to be careful. It won't be like the stork.

[Joseph Gunther]

The stork?

[Lou Cardone]

Oh, nothing.

[Joseph Gunther]

Do many aircraft fly this route?

[Lou Cardone]

Can't count on that.

[Joseph Gunther]

No, I Suppose they follow the shipping lanes too?

[Lou Cardone]

That's right.

[Joseph Gunther]

Well, we'll just have to make the best of it.

[Lisa Tauber]

Sun is terribly hot.

[Lou Cardone]

Oh, I'm sorry. Here, let me rub some ointment on your face.

[Lisa Tauber]

You've thought of everything.

[Lou Cardone]

It's part of the crash equipment.

[Lisa Tauber]

Is there Nerf?

[Lou Cardone]

We have one too.

[Lisa Tauber]

It is not very much.

[Lou Cardone]

Faces get tough in a few days. Won't eat it then.

[Lisa Tauber]

Tis cooling.

[Lou Cardone]

You have a lovely face.

[Lisa Tauber]

Covered with oil.

[Lou Cardone]

Even that way.

[Lisa Tauber]

You should use them.

[Lou Cardone]

I don't need it.

[Joseph Gunther]

Very charming, Mr. Cardone. If somewhat foolhardy.

[Lisa Tauber]

Mr. Cardone was not trying to be charming.

[Joseph Gunther]

Gallantry is a luxury he cannot afford.

[Lisa Tauber]

That is contemptible.

[Joseph Gunther]

The truth is often contemptible.

[Lou Cardone]

Lisa, you'd better use some. Stander.

[Joseph Gunther]

Thank you.

[Lou Cardone]

Your face is quite white.

[Joseph Gunther]

What do you mean, Cardone?

[Lou Cardone]

I don't know.

[Joseph Gunther]

Are you implying that there is anything unusual about my face?

[Lou Cardone]

Why should I? Hey, when did you eat last, beautiful?

[Lisa Tauber]

Four o' clock this morning.

[Lou Cardone]

It's 12 hours.

[Lisa Tauber]

Yes.

[Lou Cardone]

Okay. Time for lunch.

[Lisa Tauber]

I can wait.

[Lou Cardone]

We'll eat now. Won't be much, though.

[Lisa Tauber]

I am hungry now.

[Lou Cardone]

Let's see. Must be something good on the menu.

[Lisa Tauber]

I'll see if I can catch the waiter's eye.

[Lou Cardone]

They have very good steaks here.

[Lisa Tauber]

I'm not really that hungry.

[Lou Cardone]

No? How about a nice third of a bar of chocolate, a biscuit and a swallow of water?

[Lisa Tauber]

That's exactly what I wanted.

[Lou Cardone]

Stander.

[Joseph Gunther]

Thank you.

[Lou Cardone]

How's it taste?

[Lisa Tauber]

Wonderful. I love that misty taste in the chocolate.

[Lou Cardone]

Army specialists work years to develop it.

[Lisa Tauber]

You're not eating, Mr. Stender?

[Joseph Gunther]

I may have greater need of it tomorrow.

[Lou Cardone]

Maybe you won't need it at all tomorrow. The first few days weren't so bad. But after that it was pretty tough to take. Sun was blistering hot during the day and we would chill to the bone at night. We tried to keep the raft bailed out, but our clothes were always wet. By the third day, our legs were covered with ugly saws from the salt water. The ointment was all gone by the fourth day. But it didn't matter much because our faces and arms were as tough and dry as leather. We set up a system of watches so one of us would always be awake while the other slept. I was standing watch on the sixth night. Sea was calm and the moon was bright. Hungry?

[Lisa Tauber]

A little.

[Lou Cardone]

You have to wait for Stender.

[Lisa Tauber]

Yes.

[Lou Cardone]

Wouldn't be fair.

[Joseph Gunther]

No.

[Lou Cardone]

Someday I'll buy a whole cow.

[Lisa Tauber]

Don't, Louis.

[Lou Cardone]

Sorry. He sure is a funny one.

[Lisa Tauber]

Funny?

[Lou Cardone]

Peculiar. Keeps to himself so much.

[Lisa Tauber]

That's the way he wants it to be.

[Lou Cardone]

He's learned a lot about me.

[Lisa Tauber]

So have I.

[Lou Cardone]

I know nothing about him.

[Lisa Tauber]

No.

[Lou Cardone]

Sometimes I want to hit him for no reason at all.

[Lisa Tauber]

I know.

[Lou Cardone]

He never seems to be as hungry or as thirsty as we are.

[Lisa Tauber]

He's more careful with his food.

[Lou Cardone]

Yeah. How can he sleep so well?

[Lisa Tauber]

I don't know.

[Lou Cardone]

The minute he lies down, he's asleep.

[Lisa Tauber]

He knows how to relax.

[Lou Cardone]

Doesn't anything bother him?

[Lisa Tauber]

No.

[Lou Cardone]

I have the feeling he's laughing at me all the time.

[Lisa Tauber]

You imagine that?

[Lou Cardone]

No, I don't. I'm not the kind of guy goes around hitting people for no reason.

[Lisa Tauber]

I know.

[Lou Cardone]

Someday. How'd you get mixed up with him?

[Lisa Tauber]

Please don't ask.

[Lou Cardone]

Family?

[Lisa Tauber]

Yes.

[Lou Cardone]

Tell me about yourself, Lisa.

[Lisa Tauber]

What do you want to know?

[Lou Cardone]

I don't know. Where you were born, what you were like when you were little. What you believe in. Anything? Everything.

[Lisa Tauber]

You sound like the immigration authorities.

[Lou Cardone]

Didn't mean to.

[Lisa Tauber]

I was born in Vienna on August 8, 1920. Which makes me 2829. Not till August.

[Lou Cardone]

Okay.

[Lisa Tauber]

When I was 14, I was sent to live with my aunt in the United States and finished my education in American schools.

[Lou Cardone]

Lucky.

[Lisa Tauber]

Why?

[Lou Cardone]

Because we can talk to each other.

[Lisa Tauber]

I went back to Austria in the early days of the war.

[Lou Cardone]

Why?

[Lisa Tauber]

I thought I should.

[Lou Cardone]

Go on.

[Lisa Tauber]

The rest isn't nice.

[Lou Cardone]

I want to know.

[Lisa Tauber]

It isn't important.

[Lou Cardone]

Okay. What do you believe in?

[Lisa Tauber]

Myself.

[Lou Cardone]

That all?

[Lisa Tauber]

I don't know.

[Lou Cardone]

Okay. Okay. I lost track of time. What difference did it make? As near as I could figure, we'd been in the raft for 10 or 11 days. It was close enough. Our water was almost gone. Our food supply was running low. We used the fishing lines from the crash kit every day, but nothing ever happened. Lisa showed the strain more than Stender and me. And I began sharing my chocolate and biscuits without her knowing. Stender knew and smiled. It was Stender's watch. On the 11th day, I was sleeping lightly when I woke with a start and remembered the cartridges from his revolver. I slipped my hand into my pocket. They were gone. I had no idea how many days they'd been missing.

[Joseph Gunther]

You've lost something, Caldon?

[Lou Cardone]

No. No.

[Joseph Gunther]

I thought I saw you looking.

[Lou Cardone]

It was nothing.

[Joseph Gunther]

I must have imagined it then.

[Lou Cardone]

Yeah.

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[John Steele]

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[Joseph Gunther]

Void where prohibited by law 21/ terms and conditions apply.

[Lou Cardone]

Clouds ahead.

[Joseph Gunther]

You've seen many such before. They never brought rain.

[Lou Cardone]

These are cumulus.

[Joseph Gunther]

Cumulus.

[Lou Cardone]

Rain bearing.

[Joseph Gunther]

Perhaps.

[Lou Cardone]

If it only rain, it would help. Sorry we woke you, Lisa.

[Lisa Tauber]

I was only half asleep.

[Lou Cardone]

You feel all right?

[Lisa Tauber]

Yes.

[Lou Cardone]

Here. Just watch your mouth with this.

[Joseph Gunther]

You're getting careless, Godon.

[Lisa Tauber]

There's not enough flu.

[Lou Cardone]

Take it.

[Lisa Tauber]

Thank you. How is your sunburn?

[Lou Cardone]

It's okay.

[Lisa Tauber]

You're lucky.

[Lou Cardone]

Why?

[Lisa Tauber]

Your beard gives you some protection.

[Lou Cardone]

It's funny.

[Lisa Tauber]

What? Lou?

[Lou Cardone]

No beard.

[Lisa Tauber]

Do not understand, Stander.

[Joseph Gunther]

What do you mean? Card zone.

[Lou Cardone]

White skin. No beard.

[Joseph Gunther]

You have suggested before that there's something unusual about my face.

[Lou Cardone]

Maybe there is.

[Lisa Tauber]

I told you to forget.

[Lou Cardone]

All right, Lisa. I'm just beginning to wake up.

[Joseph Gunther]

You're. How is it? Skating on thin ice, Cardone.

[Lou Cardone]

How would you say it in Germany?

[Joseph Gunther]

These are dangerous words, Cardone.

[Lou Cardone]

I don't care. Leave us alone, Lisa.

[Lisa Tauber]

It's raining.

[Lou Cardone]

We gotta have this out. Rain.

[Joseph Gunther]

Rain.

[Lou Cardone]

So cool.

[Joseph Gunther]

Good.

[Lou Cardone]

No, no.

[John Steele]

Just a shower.

[Lou Cardone]

The sail. Get the sail down. The sail. Patch it in. The sail. Stretch it out.

[Lisa Tauber]

Dip it in.

[Lou Cardone]

Little tender. Look out. You're spilling it.

[Lisa Tauber]

Now it's coming.

[Lou Cardone]

We were able to fill one canteen and a half another before the rain stopped. But that was enough to keep us alive for a few more days. A lot of things were beginning to get straightened out in my mind. I was sure now that I'd seen Stender before. Peculiar whiteness of his skin and the lack of hair. Well, if that wasn't plastic surgery, I'd never seen it. I knew I had to be careful because he still had the revolver and the cartridges. It was the 14th or 15th day in the raft. I was half awake. Lisa was bending over me, shielding my face from the sun.

[Lisa Tauber]

Mr. Stender says you've been sharing your food with me.

[Lou Cardone]

What'd you tell her that for?

[Joseph Gunther]

I hoped she would see you for what you are.

[Lisa Tauber]

True. It's true.

[Lou Cardone]

Don't waste your strength, Lisa.

[Joseph Gunther]

Oh. Silence, both of you. Silence.

[Lou Cardone]

What's the gun?

[Joseph Gunther]

Silence. The bird.

[Lou Cardone]

What? Up there.

[Joseph Gunther]

A bird.

[Lou Cardone]

Go.

[Joseph Gunther]

I can just shoot.

[John Steele]

Don't shoot yet.

[Joseph Gunther]

Getting closer.

[Lou Cardone]

Wait.

[Joseph Gunther]

Circling.

[Lou Cardone]

Looking for food.

[Joseph Gunther]

Coming down.

[Lou Cardone]

Not yet, Caesar.

[Joseph Gunther]

Yeah, Coming for the raft.

[Lou Cardone]

Wiggly Lance.

[Joseph Gunther]

There.

[Lou Cardone]

Right on the raft. Careful.

[Joseph Gunther]

One shot.

[Lou Cardone]

If you hit the raft.

[Joseph Gunther]

I am an excellent shotgun.

[Lou Cardone]

Got him. Got him. Food, Lizzie.

[Joseph Gunther]

Food. Never any doubt.

[Lou Cardone]

Yeah. Lucky I had the gun.

[Joseph Gunther]

Superior mind must do as it thinks best.

[Lou Cardone]

Gotta take care of the bird.

[Joseph Gunther]

I thought I detected a note of alarm, Godon, huh? Yeah. You thought perhaps I had some other use for the revolver.

[Lou Cardone]

No, no, I.

[Joseph Gunther]

Imagination, perhaps.

[Lou Cardone]

You know what this means, Stander?

[Joseph Gunther]

Means how the bird. You're safe for another few days.

[Lou Cardone]

Besides that. Well, we're getting near shipping lane, Stander. So we may get through this.

[Joseph Gunther]

Yes.

[Lou Cardone]

First thing I do will be turn you in. So one thing you can't stand, be beaten.

[Joseph Gunther]

You're talking bravely, considering I have the revolver. My captain. Oh. Was it Major?

[Lou Cardone]

Colonel? Private? Or was it Corporal?

[Joseph Gunther]

How long do you think you can stand this card on?

[Lou Cardone]

As long as you can.

[Joseph Gunther]

One of us must fall asleep. In the end, it'll be you. I'm stronger than you. Maybe I've been more careful with my food. It's been what, 18, 19 hours?

[Lou Cardone]

I guess so.

[Joseph Gunther]

And now you. You are beginning to tire.

[Lou Cardone]

No.

[Joseph Gunther]

Splash Some. Some water on you. On your face. It'll help keep you awake.

[Lou Cardone]

Shut up.

[Joseph Gunther]

Look at Lisa. Lisa's sleeping. It would be so, so easy. Just close your eyes.

[Lou Cardone]

Shut up.

[Joseph Gunther]

Your patience is wearing thin, Kazan.

[Lou Cardone]

You can't last forever. You.

[Joseph Gunther]

You should not allow yourself to become so upset. It uses valuable energy.

[Lou Cardone]

I don't get it. This cat and mouse business.

[Joseph Gunther]

Perhaps I am enjoying myself.

[Lou Cardone]

How?

[Joseph Gunther]

Proving to you conclusively that I am your superior in every way.

[Lou Cardone]

So this is what it was all about.

[Joseph Gunther]

About the war. Your eyes are heavy, Caldon.

[Lou Cardone]

Huh?

[Joseph Gunther]

You will not last much longer.

[Lou Cardone]

Okay.

[Joseph Gunther]

Another hour at the most.

[Lou Cardone]

Shut up. Sir.

[Joseph Gunther]

So easy. Just close eyes. Never wake up.

[Lisa Tauber]

Oh, you care.

[Lou Cardone]

Food. It's all right, Lisa.

[Lisa Tauber]

Give water.

[Lou Cardone]

Here, baby. Drink this.

[Lisa Tauber]

Give food.

[Lou Cardone]

Give food.

[Joseph Gunther]

You could use that water more than she.

[Lisa Tauber]

Give food.

[Lou Cardone]

Give water. Can't last forever.

[Joseph Gunther]

All right.

[Lou Cardone]

Eyes. Heavy.

[Joseph Gunther]

Shrine.

[Lou Cardone]

Horn can last forever. Superior gonna get the gun.

[Joseph Gunther]

Payback.

[Lou Cardone]

Gonna beat you.

[Joseph Gunther]

Superior gonna turn you in. I feel you.

[Lou Cardone]

Gonna beat you. Beat you. Reach ya. Gotta get gun. Gun. Got it. Got it. Gotta throw it. Throw it. You and me now. You and me. Beat you. Superman. Beacher. Whistle Heard Whistle. Can't see. Whistle. Shep. Must be ship. Ship. There's a standard ship. Ship. Stand up. Stand up. Yeah, a ship. American.

[John Steele]

He's coming out of it. Take it easy, son.

[Joseph Gunther]

Here.

[John Steele]

Drink this. Everything's all right.

[Lou Cardone]

Thanks.

[John Steele]

Lie back and rest, son. You're going to be all right.

[Lou Cardone]

Lisa. Lisa.

[John Steele]

She's safe too.

[Lou Cardone]

You're going to be okay. Where am I?

[John Steele]

On board my ship. I'm John Steele, Skipper.

[Lou Cardone]

Oh, these are safe.

[John Steele]

Yes. You're both coming along fine.

[Lou Cardone]

Both?

[John Steele]

Lucky we picked the two of you up when we did.

[Lou Cardone]

Two?

[John Steele]

Yes, you were both unconscious when we got here.

[Lou Cardone]

Two?

[John Steele]

Yes. It's a funny thing. When I first picked you up with my glasses, I thought I saw three people in the raft. When we got close enough to lower a boat, there was just you.

[Lou Cardone]

And the girl couldn't take a beating.

[John Steele]

Pardon?

[Lou Cardone]

Nothing. Yes.

[John Steele]

Now you just lie back and take it easy.

[Lou Cardone]

Yeah? Yeah.

[John Steele]

Oh, just one thing more.

[Lou Cardone]

Yeah?

[John Steele]

I've been holding up my radiogram till you came around.

[Lou Cardone]

Yeah.

[John Steele]

Any casualties to report?

[Lou Cardone]

No. No casualties.

[John Steele]

No, I didn't think so. By the way, we found this in your pocket. Thought you might like to have it.

[Lou Cardone]

Oh. What is it?

[John Steele]

A ring.

[Lou Cardone]

Thanks.

[John Steele]

Indian good luck charm, isn't it?

[Lou Cardone]

Yeah. Yeah. Superman.

[Unknown Narrator]

John Steele Adventurer is produced by Robert Monroe Written and directed by Elliot Drake. Don Douglas is featured as John Steele. Also in tonight's cast were Ross Martin, Connie Lemke and Earl George. The orchestra was conducted by Sylvan Levin. Sound by Walt Shaver. Remember. Next week, Mutual presents Kid Brother. Another story of suspense and action. From the files of John Steele Adventurer. Ted Malley speaking. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

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[John Steele]

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[Lou Cardone]

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