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

Summary

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Man Called X 47-05-15 (07) The Stamp Story
Release Date: July 9, 2025

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Introduction

In this thrilling installment of "Man Called X", hosted by Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported to the tumultuous landscape of Libertago, where espionage, intrigue, and a high-stakes conspiracy unfold. Ken Thurston, the enigmatic protagonist known as the Man Called X, is tasked with thwarting a coup d'état orchestrated by the nefarious Borla. This episode intricately weaves elements of mystery, romance, and suspense, capturing the essence of the Golden Age of Radio drama.

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Departure and Mission Briefing

The episode opens with Ken Thurston receiving urgent instructions about Borla, a dangerous individual believed to be planning a coup in Libertago:

• [01:04] Herbert Marshall: "Wherever there is mystery, intrigue, romance and all the strange and dangerous places of the world, there you will find the man Called X."

Ken is informed by his chief about Borla's activities and the critical nature of his mission:

• [01:08] Chief: "He's planning a coup d'état in Libertago. It could be a threat to the whole hemispheric security."

Ken acknowledges the gravity of the situation and prepares to depart immediately, highlighting the high stakes involved:

• [01:40] Ken Thurston: "Borla may have his men in key spots, even in the government. Watch your step."

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Encounter with Marie Vilva

During the flight to Libertago, Ken meets Marie Vilva, a woman who appears friendly but harbors her own fears:

• [02:23] Marie Vilva: "Buenas noches. I am sorry to laugh at you."
• [04:00] Marie Vilva: "When I sing in a cafe in Libertago, he hears me. From then on, I have no peace. He wants to marry me."

Marie reveals her dread of Borla, who has been obsessively pursuing her. Ken's protective instincts are immediately apparent:

• [04:43] Marie Vilva: "I come back to Libertago to settle the estate of an only uncle. As soon as possible, I fly back to New York."
• [04:56] Marie Vilva: "Ken, there is in Libertado someone I fear."

This establishes a romantic subplot intertwined with the main narrative, adding depth to Ken's mission.

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Introduction of Pagon Zellschmidt

Shortly after, Pagon Zellschmidt emerges as a persistent figure seeking money from Ken:

• [03:06] Pagon Zellschmidt: "Oh, Pagon, I said to myself, now that the plane is safely up in the air, it is time to present myself to my employer."
• [05:08] Marie Vilva: "How did you know that?"
• [05:42] Ken Thurston: "Unless you can suggest some other bodyguard."

Pagon’s presence introduces additional tension, suggesting that Ken's mission is fraught with unexpected challenges.

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Arrival in Libertago and Sabotage

Upon landing in Libertago, an assassination attempt on Ken underscores the imminent danger posed by Borla:

• [06:20] Pagon Zellschmidt: "Have you really to land?"
• [07:19] Senor Florio: "This prisoner, he seems to know you, Mr. Thurston."

The death of Captain Oliphant serves as a pivotal moment, hinting at deeper layers of conspiracy:

• [14:07] Ken Thurston: "Borla's trail, Captain Oliphant is found dead with a knife in his back."

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Unraveling the Stamp Conspiracy

Ken and Senor Florio delve into the connection between the fire at the Government Printing Office and the rare stamps:

• [15:25] Ken Thurston: "The Director of Printing... find him for me. I've got to talk to him right away."
• [15:52] Senor Florio: "The Director of Printing, Mr. Prius... all the plates melted down."
• [16:00] Ken Thurston: "Baller has his hands on the new stamps. The only copies in existence. That'd be worth a fortune."

This revelation uncovers Borla’s motive: exploiting the scarcity of newly issued stamps to finance his coup, leveraging the immense value they hold for collectors worldwide.

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Climactic Blockade and Betrayal

In a tense confrontation, Senor Florio takes decisive action to prevent Borla from escaping:

• [17:01] Senor Florio: "Everything has been taken care of. We have blocked every possible means of exit from this country."
• [19:00] Marie Vilva: "You have already done enough. Let the others do the rest."

However, the plot takes a dramatic turn as Marie reveals her betrayal, aligning herself with Borla:

• [24:35] Marie Vilva: "Make them put an end to this."
• [25:00] Senor Florio: "They have found the stamps in her luggage."

Ken's realization of Marie’s deceit adds emotional complexity to the resolution, highlighting themes of trust and betrayal.

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Resolution and Conclusion

Ken neutralizes Borla’s scheme by ensuring the stamps are authenticated and the conspiracy is dismantled:

• [20:13] Marie Vilva: "The hobby of postage stamps. Well, it seems such an innocent pastime, Marie."
• [20:18] Ken Thurston: "In the United States alone, there are 11 and a half billion stamp collectors... These stamps have been used in the mails."

The episode concludes with Senor Florio expressing gratitude, and Ken foreshadowing future adventures:

• [25:30] Ken Thurston: "May every one of those stamps be a symbol of good government, the kind that will survive in spite of men like Borla."
• [26:21] Herbert Marshall: "And our Frigidaire star, Herbert Marshall."

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Notable Quotes

• Ken Thurston: "There’s only one X, you know, Even in the Alphabet."
  [01:30]

• Marie Vilva: "Now I tell you why I laugh... I might have been looking at you."
  [02:31]

• Senor Florio: "Senor Zellschmidt, you will forever be a hero."
  [23:51]

• Ken Thurston: "Sam."
  [25:30]

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Final Thoughts

"Man Called X: The Stamp Story" masterfully blends elements of suspense, romance, and strategic intrigue, keeping listeners engaged from start to finish. The intricate plot involving counterfeit stamps as a tool for political destabilization showcases the creativity and depth typical of Old Time Radio dramas. As Ken Thurston navigates the perilous streets of Libertago, the episode highlights themes of loyalty, deception, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

For enthusiasts of classic radio storytelling, this episode offers a captivating narrative filled with memorable characters and clever twists, ensuring that "Man Called X" remains a timeless favorite.

Transcript

[Ken Thurston]

Packages by Expedia. You were made to be rechargeable. We were made to package flights, hotels and hammocks for less. Expedia. Made to travel.

[Herbert Marshall]

You're twice as sure. With two great 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. Ken Thurston, the Man Called X.

[Ken Thurston]

Ever hear the name Borla? Ken Bawler. I should hope to tell you, 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? Sure. Could be a threat to the whole hemispheric security. 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. Good. One thing, Ken. Borla may have his men in key spots, even in the government. Watch your step. Don't you worry. I will. There's only one X, you know, Even in the Alphabet. But seriously, Ken, if there's anything I can do. There is. Chief. Yes? How much did you give Pagon to find me? Robber charged me 25 bucks. Slip him another 50 if he'll promise not to find me before I take off for Libertago. I beg your pardon. Hello.

[Marie Vilva]

Buenas noches. I am sorry to laugh at you.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Marie Vilva]

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

[Ken Thurston]

Lots of things. I'd like to say the same way. I hope I don't have until tomorrow noon when we get to Libertago.

[Marie Vilva]

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

[Ken Thurston]

Thurston. Ken Thurston.

[Marie Vilva]

I am Marie Vilva.

[Ken Thurston]

Marie Viva.

[Marie Vilva]

But now I tell you why I laugh.

[Ken Thurston]

Yes, yes.

[Marie Vilva]

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]

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

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

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

[Marie Vilva]

Employer?

[Ken Thurston]

Victim's the word, Senorita Velvet. This is Pagon Zlschmidt. All right, Pagon. Now you can go back to your seat.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But I came to collect the money you owe me.

[Ken Thurston]

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]

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]

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

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Okay, Mr. Thurston.

[Marie Vilva]

See how I trust Ken. This is the man from whom you were trying to hide.

[Ken Thurston]

I'm always trying to hide from him.

[Marie Vilva]

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

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Marie Vilva]

Oh. Were you sleeping, Ken?

[Ken Thurston]

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 Vilva]

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

[Ken Thurston]

Oh, good.

[Marie Vilva]

You have business there?

[Ken Thurston]

Of a sort. With the Senor Florio.

[Marie Vilva]

Oh, Florio.

[Ken Thurston]

You know him?

[Marie Vilva]

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

[Ken Thurston]

Depends on how long you'll be there.

[Marie Vilva]

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]

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

[Marie Vilva]

Ken, there is in Libertado someone I fear.

[Ken Thurston]

Well, anything I can do.

[Marie Vilva]

No kin. Even the police here cannot cope with him.

[Ken Thurston]

Bola.

[Marie Vilva]

How did you know that?

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Marie Vilva]

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]

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

[Marie Vilva]

You joke.

[Ken Thurston]

Oh, sorry. What happened?

[Marie Vilva]

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

[Ken Thurston]

But now.

[Marie Vilva]

Now I come back with a pistol.

[Ken Thurston]

Oh.

[Marie Vilva]

But sometimes I wonder if even that will be protection enough against Borla. When night comes, there's always Pagan Pagon.

[Ken Thurston]

Unless you can suggest some other bodyguard.

[Marie Vilva]

Oh, kid, you will come?

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Marie Vilva]

Number 17, Avenue Goya.

[Ken Thurston]

Number 17, Avenue Goya.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Mr. Thurston. Mr. Thurston. Have you really to land?

[Ken Thurston]

Yes, Pegar.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Good.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Mr. Thon, I've been hunting all over the airport for you. Where did you disappear to when we got off the plane?

[Ken Thurston]

Call From Washington was waiting for me, Pago. And 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]

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

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Mr. Thorson, are they expecting us here?

[Ken Thurston]

Only Senor Florio. He's only expecting me.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But what about me?

[Ken Thurston]

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 Bala.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

You can count on me as all.

[Ken Thurston]

Oh, yes. Drive up. See you, senor. Avenue Gobierno Numero. Look out. Pagan. Duck. You all right?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

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

[Ken Thurston]

That Pagan 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]

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]

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

[Senor Florio]

Money.

[Ken Thurston]

Yes, Baller's got to have money, lots of it. The posting of guards at all the banks and big business houses is stymied in temporarily, but he's gonna 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]

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]

What's that?

[Senor Florio]

Captain Oliphant has just made an important arrest.

[Ken Thurston]

One of Bola's men?

[Senor Florio]

Yes, and I suggest we go and question him at once. In here, now. Mr. Thurston.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Mr. Thurston.

[Senor Florio]

This prisoner, he seems to know you, Mr. Thurston.

[Ken Thurston]

Yes. Captain Oliphant.

[Senor Florio]

Si, senor.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Ken Thurston]

Oh, so many times.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Please, Mr. Thurston.

[Senor Florio]

You can vouch for him.

[Ken Thurston]

Perhaps his own mother wouldn't vouch for him.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Oh, thank you, Mr. Thurston.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Really?

[Senor Florio]

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

[Ken Thurston]

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. Thorsten.

[Ken Thurston]

No need to bother you, Senor Florio.

[Senor Florio]

Pardon.

[Ken Thurston]

Hello.

[Senor Florio]

Si.

[Ken Thurston]

One moment.

[Senor Florio]

For you, Senor Thurston.

[Ken Thurston]

Me? Well, hello.

[Marie Vilva]

Okay. Ken.

[Ken Thurston]

Marie. What's the matter?

[Marie Vilva]

I saw him and I think he saw me.

[Ken Thurston]

Darling, you saw Bola? Where? Borla. Borro. Tell me quickly, Marie.

[Marie Vilva]

On Camino Hirano, near the museum.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Senor Florio]

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

[Ken Thurston]

Come, come. Hello, Marie.

[Marie Vilva]

Ken. Darling, I am so frightened.

[Ken Thurston]

Baller's going to be too busy to think of you.

[Marie Vilva]

But I'm so worried.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Marie Vilva]

What time is it, Ken?

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Marie Vilva]

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

[Ken Thurston]

That's all the more reason.

[Marie Vilva]

Who's there?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Mr. Thurston. Mr. Thurston.

[Ken Thurston]

What's happened?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

A big fire.

[Senor Florio]

Where?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

It's at the Government center.

[Ken Thurston]

Marie, I got to run. But don't worry. Pagon will stay with you. But.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But I like to go to fire.

[Ken Thurston]

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. Thon. Mr. Thurston, over here.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Senor Florio]

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

[Ken Thurston]

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]

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]

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]

Well, Bola, for one.

[Senor Florio]

But how?

[Ken Thurston]

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]

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

[Senor Florio]

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

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Senor Florio]

Yes, yes, I remember.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Senor Florio]

What is it, amigo?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

A body.

[Ken Thurston]

Here in the rubble.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Help me leave.

[Ken Thurston]

Elephants.

[Senor Florio]

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

[Ken Thurston]

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.

[Herbert Marshall]

And now to continue with Frigid Ayers 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.

[Wendell Niles]

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[Ken Thurston]

Lowes.

[Wendell Niles]

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[Ken Thurston]

And the man who had been on.

[Herbert Marshall]

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]

Look here, Senor Fario.

[Senor Florio]

What is it, Mr. Thurston?

[Ken Thurston]

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 study the dossier from beginning to end.

[Ken Thurston]

Did you?

[Senor Florio]

Yes. And I found nothing.

[Ken Thurston]

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]

Isn't that where the stamps are printed?

[Senor Florio]

But I still do not understand.

[Ken Thurston]

The Director of Printing.

[Senor Florio]

May Seor Pries.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Senor Florio]

Here Here, Senor Thirsted. This is the way in which the stamps were printed.

[Ken Thurston]

This is where the fire started. Now, Senor Prius, do you agree that.

[Senor Florio]

There is a connection between Bola and the fire? Yes, but what it is, senor, I share. Florio signals. You see, Mr. Thurston. Just look around you, amigo. All the presses destroyed, all the plates melted down.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

The entire stamp supply reduced to ashes.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Senor Florio]

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

[Ken Thurston]

Oh, that's it.

[Senor Florio]

What if it were completely destroyed in the conflagration?

[Ken Thurston]

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

Yes. Now I begin to timing.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Senor Florio]

But why New York?

[Ken Thurston]

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.

[Ken Thurston]

Stamp collectors will come.

[Senor Florio]

Sure, with cash.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Senor Florio]

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

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Senor Florio]

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

[Ken Thurston]

Let's hope so. But there's no underestimating Bawler 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]

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

[Senor Florio]

Sleep well, Mr. Thirst.

[Ken Thurston]

Later. First I ought to have another talk with that Director of Printing, Mr. Prius. Pagan. Pagan. Wake up, Pagan. Pagon. How would you like to earn an extra $50, Mr. Fern?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Did I dream it or did you really?

[Ken Thurston]

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'll.

[Ken Thurston]

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]

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.

[Ken Thurston]

Worries, I mean, no. Yeah.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

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

[Ken Thurston]

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]

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 Vilva]

Who is. Oh, Ken. Darling, darling, hold me close.

[Ken Thurston]

Not a bad time of it, my dear.

[Marie Vilva]

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

[Ken Thurston]

What?

[Marie Vilva]

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]

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

[Marie Vilva]

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

[Ken Thurston]

Forget about the stamps.

[Marie Vilva]

You mean they've been recovered?

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Marie Vilva]

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

[Ken Thurston]

I'm telling you all about it now. Know anything about philately?

[Marie Vilva]

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

[Ken Thurston]

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 Vilva]

Yes, of course.

[Ken Thurston]

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 Vilva]

No.

[Ken Thurston]

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 Vilva]

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

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Marie Vilva]

You are not going to your own hotel?

[Ken Thurston]

Just a precaution.

[Marie Vilva]

Take every precaution, Ken.

[Ken Thurston]

Goodbye, Marie.

[Marie Vilva]

Only until New York, Mr. Thurston.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

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

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Did you say something?

[Marie Vilva]

For you, pagan. Also a king. 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]

You need help?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

No. I mean, yes. I mean. Why do we keep on going around and around so much? All these side streets and alleys.

[Ken Thurston]

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]

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

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

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

[Ken Thurston]

Then I'd learn nothing.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But, Mr. Rex.

[Ken Thurston]

Hold your hat, Pagod.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Mr. X. I'm here.

[Ken Thurston]

All right, Pig, I'm. Just keep your eyes open and your mouth shut. 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]

Good boy. Hang on to him. No.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Ride on the button, Mr. X.

[Ken Thurston]

Who?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Who is it?

[Ken Thurston]

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]

The airport, Senor Florio, to get there before Marie's plane takes off.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

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

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Senor Florio]

To me and my countrymen, Mr. Zellschmidt, you will forever be a hero.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Zellschmidt, a hero.

[Senor Florio]

Ah, this has been a great day for Libertado.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

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

[Ken Thurston]

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]

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]

Hello, Marie, darling.

[Marie Vilva]

Make them put an end to this.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

This outrage.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Marie Vilva]

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

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Marie Vilva]

Wires, I. Oh, no, darling.

[Ken Thurston]

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.

[Marie Vilva]

You devil.

[Ken Thurston]

Nice act. 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 Vilva]

I'll scratch his eyes out.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

I'll tear him to pieces.

[Ken Thurston]

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]

No, Senor Florio, 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 Bala who try to get personal wealth and power at the expense of the people. Sam.

[Herbert Marshall]

And our Frigidaire star, Herbert Marshall.

[Ken Thurston]

Thanks for being with us. And next week, I promise you a story that will fell and knock your head off. As usual, there'll be Leon Belasco along as Pagon Zellschmidt. So join us, won't you, when next I return as the man called it. Good night.

[Herbert Marshall]

Frigidaire's Man Card 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. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting Center.

[Wendell Niles]

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