Man Called X 47-05-15 (07) The Stamp Story

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode: Man Called X 47-05-15 (07) The Stamp Story
Date: October 20, 2025
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio

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Overview

This episode features an installment of The Man Called X, a classic radio thriller starring Herbert Marshall as Ken Thurston—the enigmatic agent known only as "X." In "The Stamp Story," Thurston is dispatched to Central America to prevent a coup d’état orchestrated by the notorious Borla. The mystery unfolds against a backdrop of intrigue, danger, and deception, with the fate of an entire nation—and a rare stamp issue—hanging in the balance.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

The Mission to Libertago

• [01:20] The Chief sends Ken Thurston to Libertago, Central America, after Borla, who is believed to be plotting a coup d’état.
  • “He’s believed to be planning a coup d’état there. You realize what that would mean?” – Chief ([01:25])
• Ken is warned of double agents possibly embedded in the government and instructed to be cautious.
• Comedic banter with Pagon Zellschmidt, Thurston's recurring sidekick, who wrangles for extra pay.

Arrival and Introductions

• [02:39] On the flight, Ken meets Marie Dierva, a singer returning to Libertago to settle her uncle’s estate. She confides her fear of Borla, who wants to marry her and has made her life hell.
• Pagon humorously pesters Ken for money, claiming the Chief shorted him, showcasing his scheming flair.
  • “Subtract the hundred dollars the chief gave you not to make your services available to me.” – Ken Thurston ([03:46])

Danger Lands Immediately

• [06:10] Ken and Pagon, upon landing, are nearly killed in a drive-by shooting, despite only Senor Florio supposedly knowing of Ken's arrival.
  • “They tried to kill us. Yeah, but you said only Florio knew we were coming.” – Pagon ([07:16])
• Ken questions Florio’s trustworthiness but proceeds to strategize.

The Plot Thickens: Fire and Murder

• [11:00] A fire breaks out at the government center—specifically, the Government Printing Office.
  • “What could possibly be gained by burning down the Government Printing Office? And by whom?” – Senor Florio ([12:04])
• Captain Oliphant, who was on Borla's trail, is found dead with a knife in his back amidst the fire’s rubble—a clear sign of escalating stakes and treachery.

The Stamp Connection

• [15:05] Investigating Oliphant’s office, Ken uncovers that Borla has posed as a stamp dealer numerous times. The focus shifts to the new “memorial issue” of stamps, possibly destroyed in the fire—or maybe stolen.
  • “Baller poses as a stamp dealer. He knows stamps… Isn’t that where the stamps are printed?” – Ken Thurston ([15:19], [15:39])
• It is revealed only the plates and bulk supply were destroyed, leaving an opportunity for Borla to control the only surviving copies of a priceless stamp issue.

Race Against Time

• [17:47] As Florio secures exits to prevent Borla’s escape, Ken warns that Borla may already be ahead of them.
  • “If he hasn’t left already. A lot of time went by…” – Ken Thurston ([17:59])
• Ken instructs Pagon to “mingle with the riff raff” and investigate while he continues to interrogate officials and the Director of Printing.

Philately Foils the Villain

• [21:17] Ken cleverly realizes that the new stamps aren’t valuable unless some have been postally used—an important rule for international stamp recognition.
  • “When a new issue of stamps is printed… it isn’t recognized… unless a few of the stamps are actually used in the mail.” – Ken Thurston ([21:17])
• Ken sends word to international institutions, rendering Borla’s hoard worthless since none had been mailed.

The Double Cross Exposed

• [25:21] At the airport, Marie is revealed as Borla’s accomplice, not a damsel in distress. Ken had set up a trap, confirming her betrayal just as she attempts to flee with the stamps.
  • “Marie pretended to be scared of Borla when all the time you were working along with him.” – Ken Thurston ([25:46])
• The stolen stamps are discovered in Marie’s luggage.

Justice and Resolution

• [26:16] Senor Florio tries to thank Ken with a block of the recovered stamps.
  • “No, Senor Flavio. Get them to New York fast. They’ll bring enough to build you a new printing plant.” – Ken Thurston ([26:16])
• Ken makes a pointed statement about good government surviving the greed of men like Borla.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Wry humor between Ken and Pagon:
  • “Now, pipe down. Go back to your seat. I’ll settle with you later.”—Ken Thurston ([03:53])
• Marie’s supposed fear and the later revelation:
  • “Ken, darling, I am so frightened.”—Marie Dierva ([10:09])
  • “Marie pretended to be scared of Borla when all the time you were working along with him.” – Ken Thurston ([25:46])
• Ken on philately:
  • “A business that big has to have its rules… it isn’t recognized… unless a few of the stamps are actually used in the mail.” – Ken Thurston ([21:03], [21:17])
• Ken’s understanding of international affairs:
  • “It won’t be the first time stamps have started a war…” – Ken Thurston ([16:52])

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Key Timestamps

• [01:20] Chief briefs Ken and sends him to Libertago.
• [03:46] Humorous exchange about Pagon’s services and money.
• [06:10] Attempted assassination at the airport.
• [11:00] Government Printing Office fire and Oliphant’s death.
• [15:05] The stamp plot revealed.
• [17:47] Discussion on border lockdown and risks.
• [21:17] Ken’s plan to foil Borla through postal regulations.
• [25:21] Marie exposed as Borla’s accomplice.
• [26:16] Ken refuses the stamps, suggesting they fund public needs.

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Summary & Tone

The episode blends suspense and international intrigue with a hearty dose of dry humor—especially in the repartee between Ken Thurston and Pagon. The script is brisk, with rapid developments, from political assassination attempts to stamp-related subterfuge and double-crosses. Herbert Marshall’s “Man Called X” is depicted as sharp, wry, and always one step ahead, even as the plot twists unfurl around him.

Fans of classic radio dramas and detective stories will appreciate both the historical context and the timeless allure of a well-constructed mystery, with stamp collecting and political stakes intertwined in a memorable caper.

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End of summary.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

You're twice as sure with two great names, Frigidaire and General Motors. Frigidaire presents Herbert Marshall as the Man Called X. Wherever there is mystery, intrigue, romance, and all the strange and dangerous places of the world, there you will find the man Called X. And our Frigidaire presents Herbert Marshall as Ken Thurston, the Man Called X.

[Chief]

Ever hear the name Borla? Ken Bola?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

I should hope to tell you, Chief.

[Chief]

All right. He was last heard of in Central America. Libertago, to be exact. He's believed to be planning a coup d' etat there. You realize what that would mean?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Sure to be a threat to the whole hemispheric security.

[Chief]

Right. And you can quote the authorities at Libertago on it. It's at their urgent request that you're flying there tonight. Plane leaves in an hour.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Good.

[Chief]

One thing. Ken Borla may have his men in key spots, even in the government. Watch your step.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Don't you worry, I will.

[Chief]

There's only one X, you know, Even in the Alphabet. But seriously, Ken, if there's anything I can do.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

There is. Chief.

[Chief]

Yes?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

How much would you give Pagon to find me?

[Chief]

Robber charged me 25 bucks.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Slip him another 50 if he'll promise not to fire me before I take off for Libertago. I beg your par. Hello, Buen.

[Marie Dierva]

No, I am sorry to laugh at you.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Oh, no, no. Don't be a laugh like that. Nobody should be sorry for.

[Marie Dierva]

Senor. You say such a nice thing, and in such a way.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Lots of things I'd like to say the same way. I hope I'll have until tomorrow noon when we get to Libertago.

[Marie Dierva]

Oh, yes. And to think how much I had dreaded this trip. Mr. What is your name?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Thurston. Ken Thurston.

[Marie Dierva]

I am Marie Dierva.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Marie Viva.

[Marie Dierva]

But now I tell you why I laugh.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Yes, yes.

[Marie Dierva]

I sit down beside a man with hat over the eyes and his head held low. Not until the plane is off the ground does he raise his eyes to glance around.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

And all that time I might have been looking at you.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Ah, there you are. Mr. Thurston. Oh, pagan, I said to myself, now that the plane is safely up in the air, it is time to present myself to my employer.

[Marie Dierva]

Employer?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Victoria. Senorita Velva, this is Pagon Zellschmidt. All right, Pago, now you can go back to your seat.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But I came to collect the money you owe me.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Money? What for?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Do you realize how much money it cost me to make my unestimable services available to you on this trip?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Well, subtract the hundred dollars the chief gave you not to make your services available to me.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But he only gave me 50. I swear by the father of my father.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Now, pipe down. Go back to your seat. I'll settle with you later.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Okay, Mr. Thurston. See how I trust Ken?

[Marie Dierva]

This is the man from whom you were trying to hide.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

I'm always trying to hide from him.

[Marie Dierva]

Well, is it bad that he is along on this trip?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Well, it kind of keeps her from being alone with you.

[Marie Dierva]

Oh. Were you sleeping, Ken?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

No, Marie. No. I just closed my eyes for a minute to make sure that I hadn't been dreaming all through the night. And the morning.

[Marie Dierva]

A few more minutes, Ken. We will land in Libertado.

[Chief]

Oh, good.

[Marie Dierva]

You have business there?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Of a sort. With the Senor Florio.

[Marie Dierva]

Oh, Florio.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

You know him?

[Marie Dierva]

Does anyone really know Florida? I do not think so. But you will be in Libertago long?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Depends on how long you'll be there.

[Marie Dierva]

I come back to Libertago to settle the estate of an only uncle. As soon as possible, I fly back to New York.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

That fits my plans perfectly. You said something last night about dreading this trip.

[Marie Dierva]

Ken. There is in Libertado someone I fear.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Well, anything I can do?

[Marie Dierva]

Oh, no, Ken. Even the police here cannot cope with him.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Bola.

[Marie Dierva]

How did you know that?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Small world, isn't it? But why does this man make you so scared?

[Marie Dierva]

When I sing in a cafe in Libertago, he hears me. From then on, I have no peace. He wants to marry me.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

It's the first normal thing I've ever heard about the guy.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

You joke.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Oh, sorry. What happened?

[Marie Dierva]

I leave Libertago six months ago. I swear never to come back.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

But now.

[Marie Dierva]

Now I come back with a pistol. Oh, but sometimes I wonder if even that will be protection enough against Borla.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

When night comes, there's always Pagon.

[Marie Dierva]

Pagon.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Unless you can suggest some other bodyguard.

[Marie Dierva]

Oh, kid, you will come?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Of course I will. It would help to know the address.

[Marie Dierva]

Number 17 Avenue Goya.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

17 Avenue. Guide.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Mr. Thurston. Mr. Thurston. Have you really to.

[Narrator]

To land?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Yes, Pega.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Good.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

No, on second thought, I think I'll wait and do it with the plane.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Mr. Thurston, I've been hunting all over the airport for you. Where did you disappear to when we.

[Senor Prius]

Got off the plane?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Call from Washington was waiting for me. Pagon, the chief is all het up about the situation down here.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Ah, you should have told him I'm on the job.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

That's the trouble. I did. Now, let's grab that cab over there before somebody else does.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Mr. Thurston, are they expecting us here?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Only Senor Florio. He's only expecting me.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But what about me?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Like water. Pagon, you're going to seek your own level. I want you to mingle with the riff raff. Find out what you can about Baller.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

He can count on me, as always.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Oh, yes. Drive up.

[Senor Prius]

See you, senor.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Avenue Gobierno. Numero. Look out.

[Senor Prius]

Pagon.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Duck. Pago. You all right?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

I think so, Mr. Thierson. They tried to kill us. Yeah, but you said only Florio knew we were coming.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

That Pagon is something I want to go into with Florio.

[Senor Florio]

I still cannot shake it from my mind, Mr. Thurston. This attempt to assassinate you. Borla must have stumbled on the fact that you were coming.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

That's one explanation, Senor Florio. By getting back to business again. I have a suggestion.

[Senor Florio]

You have but to speak, and it shall be done.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

I'm convinced that your government's right. Only one thing is holding Borla back.

[Senor Florio]

Money.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Yes. Borla's got to have money, lots of it. The posting of guards at all the banks and big business houses has stymied him temporarily, but he's going to get more desperate every minute. Senor, why don't you double the number of guards at the banks?

[Senor Florio]

Right away, at once, Mr. Thurston. I shall notify immediately Capitan Oliphant, who is in complete charge of the campaign against Borla. Pardon?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Hello?

[Senor Florio]

Oh, yes, capitan. I'm with Mr. Ken Thurston, who has come from the United States to help us. Oh, Rapidemente.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

What's that?

[Senor Florio]

Captain Oliphant has just made an important arrest.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

One of Bowler's men?

[Senor Florio]

Yes, and I suggest we go and question him at once. In here now, Mr. Thurston. Mr. Thurston, this prisoner, he. He seems to know you, Mr. Thon.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Yes, uh, Captain Oliphant.

[Senor Florio]

Si, seor.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

What name did this man give?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Mr. Thurston, you can't do this to me. A joke is a joke. But this man, they don't joke. They think I'm mixed up with Born. Our spies heard him say he had.

[Senor Florio]

Valuable information for Borna.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

That was so he would look me up. I was trying to find him.

[Senor Florio]

I'm very suspicious. Tell me, Senor Thurston, you have seen this man before?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Oh, so many times.

[Senor Florio]

Please, Mr. Thurston, you can vouch for him.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Perhaps his own mother wouldn't vouch for him.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Oh, thank you, Mr. Thurston.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

You can let him go, Captain. He's perfectly harmless. I'll take care of him.

[Senor Florio]

A thousand pardons for making you rush over here, senor.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

That's all right, Captain. Matter of fact, I'd like to have a talk with you. Can we get together, say, this evening?

[Senor Florio]

Oh, with pleasure. I also would be free, Mr. Thurston.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

No need to bother you, Senor Florio. Pardon. Hello.

[Senor Prius]

Si, one moment.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

For you, Senor Thurston.

[Marie Dierva]

Me?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Well, hello.

[Marie Dierva]

Oh, Ken. Ken.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Marie, what's the matter?

[Marie Dierva]

I saw him and I think he saw me.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Oh, darling, you saw Bola? Where? Borla Borrower. Tell me quickly, Marie.

[Marie Dierva]

On Camino Hirano, near the museum.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Hold on. Camino Hirano, near the museum. Do you get it?

[Senor Florio]

See, I go. Senor Thurston, I will telephone you this evening.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Come, come.

[Senor Florio]

What am I feeding for?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Hello, Marie.

[Marie Dierva]

Ken, darling, I am so frightened.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Ball is going to be too busy to think of you.

[Marie Dierva]

But I'm so worried.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Marie, let me keep you too busy to think of him.

[Marie Dierva]

What time is it, Ken?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

10 o'. Clock. Good Lord. 10 o'. Clock. I was sure Pig would have heard from Captain Oliver by now and sent him over here.

[Marie Dierva]

Maybe the Kapiton has been detained. You said yourself that Borla might strike at any second.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

That's all the more reason. Right.

[Marie Dierva]

Who's there?

[Senor Florio]

Mr. Thurston.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Mr. Thurston.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

What's happening?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

A big fire.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Where?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

It's at the government center.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Maria.

[Senor Florio]

I got a rumble.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Don't worry. Pagon will stay with you. But.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But I like to go to fire.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

This is one you're going to miss. Oh. Oh, now, cheer up, Pagon. Where you're going, sooner or later they've got the biggest fire of.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Mr. Thurston. Mr. Thurston, over here.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Coming. Senor Florio. I've been looking for you.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Help me.

[Senor Florio]

Oh, Mr. Thurston, you. You might have been badly hurt in the crash of those timbers.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Well, you could say I might have been killed.

[Senor Florio]

Never will I forgive myself for having exposed you to such danger. I did not dream that the timbers were about to collapse.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Why does it call me?

[Senor Florio]

Because. Because where I was standing, it was so much safer. And I want to discuss with you this grave misfortune.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

It could have been deliberate, Senor Florio.

[Senor Florio]

Deliberate? What could possibly be gained by burning down the Government Printing Office? And by whom?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Well, Bola, for one.

[Senor Florio]

But how?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Wish I had the answer to that.

[Senor Florio]

Your pardon, Mr. Thurston, but I think you are mistaken. It is inconceivable that there could be any connection.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

How about Captain Oliphant? Maybe he can point to a connection.

[Senor Florio]

I have searched for the Capitan everywhere. Not since he left for Camino Arana have I been able to contact him.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

He was supposed to have a talk with me tonight, as you know.

[Senor Florio]

Yes, yes, I remember.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

That fireman seems to have found something. Let's see. Huh?

[Senor Florio]

What is it, amigo?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

A body.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Here in the rubble.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Help me leave.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Elephant.

[Senor Florio]

Ah, the Capitan dead, senor. He must have been helping fight the fire.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Senor Florio, I said that maybe Captain Oliphant could point to a connection between Baller and the Bernie of the Government Printing Office he has with a knife in his back.

[Narrator]

And now to continue with Frigidaire's Man Called X starring Herbert Marshall. The threat of a coup d' etat against the Central American Republic by a man named Borla has brought Ken Thurston to Libertago the night of his arrival. The Government Printing Office is gutted by fire.

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[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Is that guy with the binoculars watching us?

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Cut the camera. They see us.

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[Chief]

And the man who had been on.

[Narrator]

Borla's trail, Captain Oliphant is found dead with a knife in his back. Now, shortly after midnight, in the office.

[Senor Florio]

Of the dead Man.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Look here, Senior Prio.

[Senor Florio]

Huh? What is it, Mr. Thurston?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Little clue to the connection between Baller and the burning of the Government Printing Office. Here in Captain Oliphant's dossier on him.

[Senor Florio]

But I myself studied the dossier from beginning to end.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Did you?

[Senor Prius]

Yes.

[Senor Florio]

And I found nothing.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Well, I found something. Look, several times in his game of hide and seek with the law and order boys, Baller poses a stamp dealer. So a stamp dealer. He knows stamps.

[Senor Florio]

Forgive me if I seem stupid, but many people know stamps. What does that to do with the burning of the Government Printing Office?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Isn't that where the stamps are printed?

[Senor Florio]

But I still do not understand.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

The Director of Printing.

[Senor Florio]

May Seor Pries.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Yes, yes. Find him for me. I've got to talk to him right away. Here.

[Senor Prius]

He'S on your first in. This is the way in which the stamps were printed.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

This is where the fire started. Now, Senhor Pius, do you agree that.

[Senor Prius]

There is a connection between Bola and the fire? Yes, but what it is, Senor I. Chef Laurio signas.

[Senor Florio]

You see, Mr. Turston.

[Senor Prius]

Just look around you, amigo. All the presses destroyed. All the plates melted down. The entire stamp supply reduced to ashes.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Senor Prius, has there by any chance been a new stamp issue recently?

[Senor Prius]

Only yesterday. The memorial issue. The first new issue in over two.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Oh, that's it.

[Senor Florio]

What if it were completely destroyed in the conflagration?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

If it were completely destroyed. But what if it weren't? What if only the plates were destroyed? What if Balder had his hands on the new stamps, the only copies in existence. That'd be worth a fortune. A tremendous fortune.

[Senor Prius]

Yes, yes.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Now get this. It won't be the first time stamps have started a war. Far from it, D'. Annunzio. When he sees Fiuma in 1919, the form of Vilno in 1920. Don't you see?

[Senor Prius]

Yes.

[Senor Florio]

Now I begin to timing.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Everything ties in. Ball has got to be stuck before I can get out of this country. To New York.

[Senor Florio]

But why New York?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Because tomorrow. No, sir. Help me. It's after midnight. No. Today the International Stamp Exhibition opens there.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

From all over the world.

[Senor Prius]

Stamp collectors will come.

[Senor Florio]

Sure, with cash.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Where else would Baller head for but New York? Oh, gentlemen, there's a lot to be done.

[Senor Florio]

Ah, everything has been taken care of. We have blocked every possible means of exit from this country. And so, Mr. Thon, through your magnificent help, Borla will never leave Libertago with those stamps.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

If he hasn't left already. A lot of time went by between the start of the fire and the start of the blockade. What?

[Senor Florio]

No planes left of this? We are certain the blockade caught him by surprise.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Let's hope so. But there's no underestimating Baller and his pals. You can bet he's planned things pretty thoroughly.

[Senor Florio]

But he did not reckon with the man called Aix.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

I wouldn't even bank on that. Well, there's no point in hanging around here any longer. No.

[Senor Florio]

Sleep well, Mr. Felst.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Later. First I got to have another talk with that Director of Printing, Mr. Prius. Pagan. Wake up, Pagan. Pagon. How would you like to earn an.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Extra $50, Mr. Fern? Did I dream it or did you really?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

No, you dreamt it. And you'll also have to dream up all the rest of the money I'm supposed to pay you. Unless you can explain what you're doing out here in that hammock, hiding.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

So that if this terrible Borla creeps up on Marie inside the house, you.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Scare him away with your snoring. Pagon, when I left you here with Marie, I told you to keep your eyes open.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Who can sleep with eyes open? Besides, I made the delicious Marie give me her word that if anything happened, she would wake me.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Brilliant.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Unfortunately, Mr. Thurston, the same cannot be said of you. No. This adorable, exquisite, ravishing, this senorita, she thinks only of you all night long. Worries, I mean.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

No.

[Marie Dierva]

Yeah.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Finally, at daybreak, she sends me to find out what has happened. So I tell her everything.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

And with you, Pagon, everything is everything.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But she's a brave girl. She deserves to know that her heart has been given to Mr. X, who might die any minute.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

I get it. That'll leave only you. If you've done half as much damage as I think you have, they'll have to bury you in that hammock. See you later.

[Marie Dierva]

Who is of King? Darling. Darling. Hold me close.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Not a bad time of it, Marie.

[Marie Dierva]

Do not think of me. It's you kin. I have made up my mind to.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

What?

[Marie Dierva]

Come. You have enough responsibilities without having to worry about what Borla may try to do to me. And so you see, you're packing. Leaving on the plane two hours from now. Well, why don't you come with me, Ken? You have already done enough. Let the others do the rest.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

I kind of like to finish what I start, Marie.

[Marie Dierva]

Then finish it in New York. Pagon says that is where the stamps will end up.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Forget about the stamps.

[Marie Dierva]

You mean they've been recovered?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

No, but I'm going to send some wires That'll blow up Bowler's entire scheme.

[Marie Dierva]

I must not ask questions. I know, but you will tell me all about it later.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

What about it now? Know anything about philately?

[Marie Dierva]

Oh, the hobby of postage stamps. Well, it seems such an innocent pastime, Marie.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

In the United States alone, there are 11 and a half billion stamp collectors. Last year, they spent close to 45 million bucks in good American money on their collections. A business that big has to have its rules.

[Marie Dierva]

Yes, of course.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

When a new issue of stamps is printed anywhere in the world, it isn't recognized by philatelists unless a few of the stamps are actually used in the mail. That kind of makes it really official. I've just been to the home of the director of printing. Now, listen, not one stamp of the memorial issue has been used in the mail.

[Marie Dierva]

No.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

So all I have to do is to spread word in the proper places and Baller will find that his precious stamps are just so much, oh, so many pretty little scraps of paper.

[Marie Dierva]

My darling, I must not keep you a moment longer. Go. Go quickly and send your messages.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Yes, Betty. I think I better. But if Senor Florio should phone, will you tell him I'm at the Villa Pacifico?

[Marie Dierva]

You are not going to your own hotel?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Just a precaution.

[Marie Dierva]

Take every precaution, Ken. Only.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Goodbye, Marie.

[Marie Dierva]

Only until New York, Mr. Thurston.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

I'm fine, mister. Unless I have some breakfast immediately. I will.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Ah, yes, Pagon. You will what? Huh?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Did you say something?

[Marie Dierva]

For you, Pagan. Also, a kiss on the forehead. Now, off with you and take good care of my kin.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

For me, a kiss on the forehead. This is the lot of pagan self. Mr. X, have mercy. Are you trying to make me dizzy?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

You need help?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

No. I mean, yes.

[Marie Dierva]

I mean.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Why do we keep on going around and around so much? All these side streets and alleys.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

We've got to make sure nobody follows us to the Villa Pacifico.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

We'll be following ourselves if we keep this up.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Now, listen. While I'm inside the Villa Pacifico, write in the telegrams. I want you to wait outside because somebody there may try to stop me.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Me.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

It's up to you to keep them from shooting me in the back.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Shooting the back? Why don't you send them from somewhere else?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Then I'd learn nothing.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But, Mr. X. Hold your hat, Pagoda. Mr. X. I'm here.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

All right, Pigong. Just keep your eyes open and your mouth shut.

[Marie Dierva]

Okay.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

I've got him, Mr. Thacker. I've got him. But hurry up before he gets me. Please. Come on.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Good Boy, hang on to him.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Only he no ride on the button. Mr. X.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Who?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Who is it?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

That's a silly question, even from you. This, my friend, is baller.

[Senor Florio]

But Mr. Thurston, where are we rushing to now?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

The airport, Senor Florio. To get there before Marie's pain takes off.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

And I suppose I'll get another kiss on her forehead.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Maybe when she finds out how you tackle Bola, she'll really kiss you.

[Senor Florio]

Ah, to me and my countrymen, Mr. Zellschmidt. You will forever be a hero, Zealsmith.

[Marie Dierva]

A hero.

[Senor Florio]

Ah, this has been a great day for Libertado.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

I still wish we'd been able to make Baller talk.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

By the way, Mr. X, what did you disappear to while we were trying to find the stamps?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Oh, I had to send the police on a little errand.

[Senor Florio]

Ah, the airport. And there is the plane.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But the police. What are they doing here?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

I told you, pig. On a little errand. Come on. Now. Look, look.

[Senor Florio]

Great excitement around the plane.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

The police have got Marie. Marie. I will make you pay dearly for this mistake. How dare you do. Thank goodness you've come.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Hello, Marie, darling.

[Marie Dierva]

Make them put an end to this.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

This outrage.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

But my angel, I was the one who sent them here.

[Marie Dierva]

Oh, no, no, it isn't true.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Just as you told Border to knock me off before I could send those.

[Marie Dierva]

Wires, I. Oh, no, darling.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Nobody else knew I was going to the Villa Pacifico. And the wires, incidentally, were phonies. Those stamps had been used in the mails. Some had even been sent to the Universal Postal Union.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

You devil.

[Marie Dierva]

Nice act.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Marie pretended to be scared of Baller when all the time you were working along with him.

[Senor Florio]

Mr. Thurston, the stamps. They have found the stamps in her luggage.

[Marie Dierva]

I'll scratch his eyes out.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

I'll tear him to pieces.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

That's it, Pagon. Take her in your arms. But look out for that kiss of death.

[Senor Florio]

Ah, Mr. Thurston, I cannot express my country's debt to you. As a slight token, I beg you to accept this block of stamps from the Memoria issue.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

No, Senor Flavio. Get them to New York fast. They'll bring enough to build you a new printing plant. And Florio, may every one of those stamps be a symbol. A symbol of good government. The kind that will survive in spite of men like Borna, who try to get personal wealth and power at the expense of the people.

[Narrator]

And our Frigidaire star, Herbert Marshall.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Thanks for being with us. And next week I promise you a story that will fairly knock your head off as usual. There'll be Leon Belasco along as Pagon Zellsmith. So join us, won't you, when next I return as the Man Called It. Good night.

[Narrator]

Brigid Ayre's Man Called X is directed by Jack Johnstone with music composed and conducted by Johnny Green. Tonight's script is written by Maurice Zim. And so, until next week, same time, same station. This is Wendell Niles speaking for Frigidaire. Made only by General Motors. All characters and incidents used are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons or incidents is purely coincidental. Cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting Center.

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[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us.

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Cut the camera. They see us.

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