Peril xx-xx-xx The Wonderful Deception

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Peril xx-xx-xx The Wonderful Deception

Release Date: June 29, 2025

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Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "The Wonderful Deception," listeners are transported into a tense and suspenseful narrative set against the backdrop of Red China. This installment of Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully blends intrigue, psychological manipulation, and personal drama, capturing the essence of the Golden Age of Radio storytelling.

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Setting the Scene: An Interrogation in Red China

The episode opens with the stern presence of Colonel Tanyaski addressing three Western individuals detained in a Chinese prison. The primary focus is on identifying Mr. Kirk, an enigmatic saboteur accused of undermining Chinese efforts through sabotage and espionage.

• [00:36] Colonel Tanyaski: "Good morning, gentlemen. I am Colonel Tanyaski."

The three Westerners are:

1. Joe Wilson ("Snowy") – An Australian searching for a lost love.
2. Captain John Danton – An Englishman investigating his brother's disappearance.
3. Samuel Edwards – An American journalist purportedly covering the political shifts in China.

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Accusations and Rising Tensions

Colonel Tanyaski systematically interrogates the trio, asserting that one among them is Mr. Kirk, responsible for significant sabotage. He employs psychological tactics, threatening execution if the saboteur does not confess.

• [03:16] Colonel Tanyaski: "One of you is Mr. Kirk... You are going to die whether you decide to confess to your crimes against China or not."

The tension escalates as the Colonel outlines a grim ultimatum: if Kirk remains unidentified, all three men face execution, with the first shot to be fired in 25 minutes.

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Character Dynamics and Interactions

The diverse backgrounds of the characters lead to a series of exchanges that both tensions and camaraderie:

• Joe Wilson expresses skepticism about the Colonel's accusations, emphasizing his innocent motives:

  • [02:21] Joe Wilson: "To look for a lady... I fell in love with her."

• Captain John Danton shares a personal vendetta, seeking answers about his missing brother:

  • [02:45] Captain John Danton: "The British Foreign Office has tried to investigate, but you people haven't been very cooperative."

• Samuel Edwards professes his role as a journalist, delving deeper into the political climate:

  • [02:01] Samuel Edwards: "I want to see what's happened to your people since you changed your politics."

These interactions build a complex web of trust and suspicion among the trio, setting the stage for deeper revelations.

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Unfolding Deception: The Identification of Mr. Kirk

As time dwindles, the psychological games intensify. Samuel Edwards emerges as a suspicious character, revealing deeper layers of the plot. His interactions hint at ulterior motives, especially regarding Lil LeBlanc, Joe's lost love.

• [10:39] Samuel Edwards: "I once wrote a magazine series on police methods. American cops hide mics in cells."

The tension reaches a boiling point when Samuel Edwards admits his true identity:

• [18:17] Joe Wilson: "And you are Kirk. Admit it, Edwards."
• [18:20] Samuel Edwards: "All right, I admit it."

This confession unravels the mystery, positioning Samuel Edwards as the elusive Mr. Kirk, complicating the dynamics further.

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Personal Backstories: Love and Betrayal

The narrative delves into Joe Wilson's poignant backstory with Lil LeBlanc, a cafe singer caught in the crossfire of espionage and war. Their love story adds emotional depth, highlighting themes of loss, duty, and sacrifice.

• [20:09] Joe Wilson: "She loved China... I tell her I loved her. I thought I'd be back one day."

Conversely, Samuel Edwards reflects on his involvement in the underground movement, revealing the sacrifices made for a greater cause.

• [20:59] Samuel Edwards: "She was ready and willing to die for it."

These backstories not only enrich the characters but also underscore the personal costs of political turmoil.

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Climactic Conclusion: The Final Deception

In the final moments, Colonel Tanyaski orchestrates a perilous game to expose Mr. Kirk, culminating in the impending execution of Captain Danton. However, Joe Wilson's courage and strategic thinking lead to a dramatic turn of events, ensuring the safety of his companions.

• [22:54] Joe Wilson: "You're important to the underground. Me? I'm not important to anybody. Well, you've played hero for a long time. Now it's my turn."

The episode concludes with a tense standoff, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats, yearning for the resolution in the next installment.

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Notable Quotes

• Colonel Tanyaski:

  • "[03:16] One of you is Mr. Kirk... You are going to die whether you decide to confess to your crimes against China or not."
  • "[09:00] I did not expect him to confess voluntarily."

• Joe Wilson:

  • "[02:21] To look for a lady. I was here when you people were fighting the Japs."
  • "[22:54] You're important to the underground... Now it's my turn."

• Samuel Edwards:

  • "[10:56] I'll show you what I mean. Hello, Colonel."
  • "[18:12] All right, I admit it."

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Conclusion

"The Wonderful Deception" masterfully weaves a tale of espionage, love, and survival, capturing the essence of classic radio dramas. Through its intricate plot and well-developed characters, the episode offers listeners a captivating journey into the shadows of political intrigue. For those who haven't experienced this episode, it promises a rich and engaging narrative that exemplifies the timeless allure of old-time radio storytelling.

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Transcript

[Joe Wilson]

HERALD.

[Samuel Edwards]

STORIES OF SUSPENSE.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Good morning, gentlemen. I am Colonel Tanyaski.

[Samuel Edwards]

Are you in charge of this prison, Colonel?

[Colonel Tanyaski]

I am proud to say that I am.

[Samuel Edwards]

And I insist on my rights as an American citizen. I want to get in touch with my dear sir.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

It is a most deplorable situation. But at the present time this humble person cannot guarantee that.

[Joe Wilson]

You're right.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

How safeguarded.

[Joe Wilson]

I don't like the sound of that.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

You are the Australian, eh?

[Joe Wilson]

Yeah, Joe Wilson's the name. Friends call me Snowy, but I guess you better call me Joe.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

I have heard much of the Australian sense of humor. It is all they say it is.

[Joe Wilson]

Thanks.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Ill mannered and uncouth.

[Joe Wilson]

You know, I don't think you and I are going to get along, Colonel.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Oh, that would be very sad and undesirable.

[Joe Wilson]

Ah, you.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

My third guest must be the Englishman.

[Captain John Danton]

Yes, Colonel John Danton is my name.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Captain John Danton of the British Army.

[Captain John Danton]

I entered China as a civilian.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

You are listed as an active officer in the British Army.

[Captain John Danton]

I was given three months leave two weeks ago.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Then you have been in China for only two weeks?

[Samuel Edwards]

Yes.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

I suggest, Captain Danton, that you may have been here for many years. That you may be known to Chinese traitors as Mr. Kirk.

[Captain John Danton]

That is not true.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Perhaps not. But perhaps Mr. Wilson is the man I seek. Hey, Mr. Wilson. Could it be possible that you are Mr. Kirk?

[Joe Wilson]

The name's Wilson. It's the only name I ever use.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Then perhaps Mr. Samuel Edwards is Mr. Kirk.

[Samuel Edwards]

I entered Red China less than a month ago.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

You claim you are a writer?

[Samuel Edwards]

Yes, a magazine writer. A special correspondent for Flick magazine.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Who is the editor of flick magazine?

[Samuel Edwards]

James McIntyre.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Where is Flick magazine published?

[Samuel Edwards]

Brooklyn, New York, 257 Flatbush Avenue.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Why did you enter in China?

[Samuel Edwards]

To see what's happened to your people since you changed your politics.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

And you, Mr. Wilson, why did you enter China?

[Joe Wilson]

To look for a lady. I was here when you people were fighting the Japs. I met her in a cafe. She was a singer. Called herself Lil LeBlanc. Mother was Chinese, her father a Frenchman. I fell in love with her.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

And you, Mr. Denton?

[Captain John Danton]

My brother entered Red China six months ago. He never returned. The British Foreign Office has tried to investigate, but you people haven't been very cooperative.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

So you decided to investigate personally, eh?

[Captain John Danton]

Yes.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

One of you three is lying. You are the only three Westerns in the city who do not have valid reasons for being here. One of you is Mr. Kirk.

[Joe Wilson]

What do you got against this bloke who calls himself Kirk?

[Colonel Tanyaski]

He organized an underground movement using Chinese traitors. Miserable creatures who have sold their soul to capitalism. Kirk has cost the Chinese government a fortune in materials. He sabotages. Trains, trucks, factories.

[Samuel Edwards]

War materials, Colonel.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Defense materials to be used in the event we are attacked.

[Samuel Edwards]

You mean to be used in the event you decide to attack?

[Colonel Tanyaski]

That is precisely the sort of thing that Kirk would say, Mr. Edwards.

[Samuel Edwards]

Would he? But I'm not Kirk.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

One of you is, and I am now addressing that one. You are going to die whether you decide to confess to your crimes against China or not.

[Captain John Danton]

Exactly what does that mean, Colonel?

[Colonel Tanyaski]

It means, Captain Denton, that if Kirk does not confess, all three of you will die. The first one in 25 minutes from now.

[Samuel Edwards]

We'll be back in just a minute to tell you more of tonight's story.

[Captain John Danton]

The wonderful deception.

[Joe Wilson]

Murder. That's what it'll be.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

No, Mr. Wilson. Execution of a saboteur.

[Captain John Danton]

You'll kill two innocent men just to get at the guilty ones? Yes.

[Joe Wilson]

How are you going to carry out.

[Samuel Edwards]

This little party of yours?

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Well, if the one who is Kirk does not agree to sign a statement consenting to all his crimes against China, then we will play a game. One of you will lose. He will be taken outside and shot. Then, after a suitable period, if the confession is still not forthcoming, the game will be played again.

[Captain John Danton]

And the man who's left?

[Colonel Tanyaski]

We will assume that he is a man who calls himself Kirk. He will be tried by a people's court and shot, hanged. Gentlemen, I will now leave you alone. You have 24 minutes.

[Joe Wilson]

So Kirk refuses to confess, eh?

[Colonel Tanyaski]

I did not expect him to confess voluntarily. Lieutenant Zuko.

[Joe Wilson]

Which one do you think he is, Colonel?

[Colonel Tanyaski]

He could be any of the three.

[Joe Wilson]

Even the Australian? Why not? But the Australian's reason for entering China, to look for a woman. It is so weak and improbable.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Any one of the three stories could be a fabrication. Well, we have left them in the cell and they will talk. Perhaps the innocent ones will find a flaw in the guilty man's story. If so, we will learn of it immediately.

[Joe Wilson]

Yes.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Turn on the loudspeakers, Duko, and let us listen to what their friends have to say.

[Joe Wilson]

All right, Jim Blacks, According to Colonel Tanyaki, one of us is this fellow who calls himself Kirk. Now, it's not me. So I'm telling you two to prove who you are.

[Samuel Edwards]

Why?

[Joe Wilson]

Well, that should be plain enough, Johnny, for me. I didn't come here to China to be shot or hanged. These cows want the bloke who's known as Kirk. So if I find out which one of the Two of you is Kirk. Then I'm gonna save my hide.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

This is very interesting, Lieutenant.

[Samuel Edwards]

You're doing a lot of talk. How do we know you're not Kirk?

[Joe Wilson]

I know I'm not.

[Captain John Danton]

How do we know you're not?

[Joe Wilson]

Because I'm telling you, Johnny, if you.

[Captain John Danton]

Don'T mind, I'd rather not be called Johnny.

[Joe Wilson]

Sorry, Captain Danton, but you see, out in the colony of Australia, our manners ain't so good. Maybe it's just that we don't stand on ceremony like you, Limey.

[Samuel Edwards]

Oh, boy, what a trio we make. An American, an Aussie and an Englishman. One big scrappy family with nothing in common but our language.

[Captain John Danton]

Oh, have the Americans started to speak English?

[Samuel Edwards]

Very funny, Captain. You know, the Englishman's impression of an American is a guy in a loud checkered suit with a cigar stuck in the side of his mouth. The American's impression of an Englishman is a fat, bumbling Colonel Blimp or a.

[Joe Wilson]

Tall butler with a time Yank.

[Samuel Edwards]

Being an Aussie, you should be used to that.

[Joe Wilson]

I'll let that pass. Look, one of us is Kirk. Let's find out which one and then.

[Samuel Edwards]

Throw him to the wolves.

[Joe Wilson]

Yeah, how very unsportsmanlike. Oh, yeah, I suppose Kirk's a sportsman, eh? He's letting two of us die.

[Samuel Edwards]

What do you suggest, Snowy?

[Joe Wilson]

Only my friends call me Snowy.

[Samuel Edwards]

How do you know I'm not a friend?

[Joe Wilson]

You gotta prove it first.

[Samuel Edwards]

And how do I go about doing that?

[Joe Wilson]

By showing me that you're really a magazine writer who came into China to get us.

[Samuel Edwards]

Well, I can tell you, every member of the editorial staff of Flick Magazine.

[Joe Wilson]

That's not good enough. How about you, Captain Danton? Can you prove that you entered China to look for that brother of yours who disappeared?

[Captain John Danton]

I'm afraid you'll just have to take my word for it.

[Samuel Edwards]

That brings us back to you, Wilson. You say you came here to look for a girl?

[Joe Wilson]

Yeah, and I got a photo to prove it. J didn't take it away from me.

[Samuel Edwards]

It's.

[Captain John Danton]

A beautiful Eurasian girl. That hardly proves anything, Wilson.

[Samuel Edwards]

You know, it seems to me we've reached the stalemate. Any of us can be Kirk, so all we can do is wait.

[Joe Wilson]

Oh, no. I'm not gonna die.

[Samuel Edwards]

There's still a possibility that Colonel Tanyaki is bluffing.

[Joe Wilson]

I don't feel like taking a chance on that Yank. We've only got about 20 minutes to find out which one of you is Kirk. And I'm gonna find out.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

We may soon learn what we want to know, Lieutenant.

[Samuel Edwards]

What Are you gonna do Wilson?

[Joe Wilson]

I don't know yet. But I'm gonna do something.

[Samuel Edwards]

You know, you might be putting on a knack for the benefit of Colonel Ternyaki.

[Joe Wilson]

What do you mean by that, Yig?

[Samuel Edwards]

I'll show you what I mean. Hello, Colonel.

[Joe Wilson]

Hello, Connor. He knows about the microphone. What's got into you, Edwards?

[Samuel Edwards]

Well, you see, Ozzy, I never could resist a microphone.

[Joe Wilson]

A microphone?

[Samuel Edwards]

Yeah, very clumsily camouflaged.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Look healthy American.

[Samuel Edwards]

They used to call me Sammy, the life of the party. My dream of genie with a light brown hair. How do you like that, Colonel?

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Let me in that microphone.

[Captain John Danton]

This is Captain Dant, Colonel. I'm just letting you know that we're disconnecting the wires.

[Joe Wilson]

The American, he was the one who found the microphone.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

That does not mean he is Kirk. In America, microphones are used extensively in police work. If he is a magazine writer, he knows all about them. The Englishman disconnected the microphone. He could be Kirk and the Australian. It could be, as the American said, that he was putting on an act for our benefit.

[Joe Wilson]

It appears as though we will have to get rid of the three of them.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

I would rather not do that. Our orders are to avoid trouble with the foreign departments of all Western countries. We would be within our right to execute the mysterious Mr. Kirk. He has caused the lives of Chinese soldiers and many million dollars worth of war equipment. But they would prefer to let the two innocent ones return to their countries where they can spread the news that we are not to be trifled with.

[Joe Wilson]

But if Kurt does not come forward. Then we must liquidate all three.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Yes. However, I think that Kurt will come forward. The microphone did not help us identify him. But there is still a final plan. See that it is put into operation, Lieutenant.

[Joe Wilson]

Funny you're able to spot that microphone, Edwards. Why?

[Samuel Edwards]

Is it fun?

[Joe Wilson]

Well, it was only a few feet away from me and I didn't see it. Maybe you were looking for it, eh?

[Samuel Edwards]

As a matter of fact, I was.

[Joe Wilson]

That proves you know something about how the Chows operate.

[Samuel Edwards]

No, Wilson. You see, I once wrote a magazine series on police methods. American cops hide mics in cells. They let a suspect have a long talk with a friend or his lawyer. That's how they get a lot of their information.

[Joe Wilson]

I still think it looks funny. I wasn't even thinking about a microphone.

[Samuel Edwards]

A clever, suspicious fellow like you missing out on something, Wilson? I find that hard to believe.

[Joe Wilson]

You know something, Yank? I reckon you'll Kirk. And to make sure, I think I'll beat it out of you.

[Samuel Edwards]

Oh, you might Be overmatching yourself, Wilson.

[Joe Wilson]

We'll see about that.

[Captain John Danton]

As you were, Wilson.

[Joe Wilson]

You let go of me, limey.

[Captain John Danton]

As soon as you cool off, let go. Listen to me, you fool. Particles told of nothing.

[Joe Wilson]

Yeah, well, maybe you can think of something better, limey.

[Captain John Danton]

Perhaps not. But if you persist in fighting, I'll hold on to you so that Edwards can have a good shot at you. Now, what will it be?

[Joe Wilson]

Yeah, okay. Okay, you win. I can't fight both of you.

[Samuel Edwards]

Well, I thought we were going to have fun there for a while.

[Captain John Danton]

Hey, what is it?

[Samuel Edwards]

Down the corridor, behind the guard.

[Joe Wilson]

The chow soldier. He's got to bolt, the guy. Truth. He really flattened him. Here he comes.

[Captain John Danton]

Mr. Kirk.

[Joe Wilson]

I've come to get Mr. Kirk. Nice work, Mike. Come on, you boys. Let's get out of here. I know not all of you. Hey, why the gun? The other two of you will stay in the cell or I will shoot. The escape has been arranged for only.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Mr. Kirk. Quickly, Mr. Kirk, there is not much time.

[Joe Wilson]

We must hur.

[Captain John Danton]

In just a moment we return to our story, the wonderful deception.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Quickly, Mr. Kirk, come with me.

[Samuel Edwards]

Why can't the three of us come?

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Because it is not possible for more.

[Joe Wilson]

Than one of you to escape.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Hurry, please. There is no time to lose.

[Joe Wilson]

Well, which one of us goes?

[Samuel Edwards]

Beats me. Wilson.

[Joe Wilson]

Please. Go on, Kirk. Whoever you are, don't leave the bloke waiting. Hurry, hurry, Mr. Kirk. It is just time to make the escape.

[Captain John Danton]

Are you a member of the underground?

[Joe Wilson]

Yes. Yes.

[Captain John Danton]

Then surely you know which one of us is Kirk.

[Joe Wilson]

There is no time to talk. We must leave before more guards come point out Kirk who is. Please, please. What are you laughing at?

[Captain John Danton]

It's obvious what amuses him, Wilson. This is just another of Colonel Tanyaki's little tricks.

[Joe Wilson]

Mr. Kirk, we must hurry. There is not much time.

[Samuel Edwards]

Save it, friend. You might as well lock the door again.

[Captain John Danton]

It didn't work, Colonel.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Can Yaakov pleasant lock the cell door?

[Joe Wilson]

Yes, Colonel. Well, I'll be see to the guard.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

He seems to be hurt badly.

[Joe Wilson]

Yes, colonel. From what I saw, Colonel, that guard may be dead.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Then he has died gloriously in the service of his country.

[Samuel Edwards]

You really want to get this Kirk, don't you?

[Colonel Tanyaski]

I will get him one way or another.

[Captain John Danton]

That was a clever trick, Colonel. But Kirk was a little too smart for you.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

I am not worried. But Kirk's slightest will cost two innocent lives.

[Joe Wilson]

And you're going through with your plan? Of course.

[Samuel Edwards]

You can murder three of us and get away with it. Our governments will investigate only to find.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

That you have crossed the Chinese border and disappeared. You have no business here.

[Captain John Danton]

Our intelligence people will find out the truth.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Like they discovered the truth about your brother who disappeared, Captain Danton. Oh, was that just a story? Now, listen to me. I am quite willing to set free the two of you who are innocent. But I know that one of you is Kirk. And I am determined that Kirk will die. Time is passing, gentlemen. The firing squad is waiting in the courtyard. Unless Kirk reveals himself, the firing squad will perform their first duty in nine minutes.

[Samuel Edwards]

You're quiet, Wilson. What happened? Did that chip fall off your shoulder?

[Joe Wilson]

I was just thinking about that guard. Another Blake. Didn't bother to fake that smack on the head. He hit hard enough to kill the man.

[Captain John Danton]

Life here is cheap, Wilson.

[Joe Wilson]

Yeah, I can see that. And I'm beginning to see that this Kirk, whoever he is, may have the right idea. Now, I was here in China during the war. Grew pretty fond of the people. They weren't like Tanyaki. They were good, fun loving people.

[Samuel Edwards]

Seems the fun's been knocked out of them, Wilson. From what I've seen of them, they're not people anymore. They're robots pushed around by guys like Tanyaki.

[Joe Wilson]

Yeah. Makes me wonder what happened to Lil then.

[Captain John Danton]

There was a girl.

[Joe Wilson]

Look, I'm not Kirk, Danton. I'm a bloke who came back to China because I couldn't stop thinking about a Sheila. You saw the photo of it.

[Captain John Danton]

It wouldn't be too difficult to get a photograph of a beautiful Eurasian girl.

[Joe Wilson]

I'm not Kirk, I tell you, trying.

[Captain John Danton]

To convince me won't do you any good. In fact, I'm not sure I care which of you is Kirk.

[Samuel Edwards]

That's a funny statement, Danton.

[Captain John Danton]

Well, before I entered China, I'd heard of this Kirk. I have a lot of respect for him. He's fighting for an ideal, a free, united China.

[Joe Wilson]

But why did he stay in China, hiding all the time? He didn't have a chance right from the beginning.

[Captain John Danton]

Perhaps he knew he'd be caught sooner or later.

[Samuel Edwards]

Yeah. Maybe he thought it was worth it.

[Captain John Danton]

General. 10 Yaqui again.

[Joe Wilson]

He's got another officer with him.

[Samuel Edwards]

I wonder what he has on his mind this time.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Well, gentlemen, have you yet discovered which of you is Mr. Kirk?

[Captain John Danton]

No.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Once again, I ask Mr. Kirk to come forward.

[Joe Wilson]

No. Very well, then.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

We commence our little game. Lieutenant Sukoff, write the number one or two or three on that slip of paper.

[Joe Wilson]

Yes, Colonel.

[Captain John Danton]

What's the idea of this?

[Colonel Tanyaski]

You will find out in just a moment.

[Joe Wilson]

You are Colonel Tanyaki.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Thank you.

[Joe Wilson]

Now, the United States.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

First, select a number from one to three.

[Samuel Edwards]

Mr. Edwards, there's nothing I like better than party games.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

I'll take number three, Mr. Wilson.

[Joe Wilson]

One.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

That leaves you, Captain Danton, with the number two. Observe the number, gentlemen, on this slip of paper.

[Joe Wilson]

Two.

[Captain John Danton]

All right, that's me.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Open the third door, Lieutenant. Come on out, Captain Denton. Go. As the Colonel orders.

[Joe Wilson]

Captain Denton.

[Captain John Danton]

Where are you taking me?

[Colonel Tanyaski]

To the courtyard where the firing squad waits.

[Joe Wilson]

You gave us a time limit, Colonel. There's still seven minutes to go.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

I will observe that, my friend. The execution will be carried out exactly on time. Come, Captain Danton.

[Samuel Edwards]

We'll be back in just a minute.

[Joe Wilson]

To peril.

[Captain John Danton]

And our story, the wonderful deception.

[Joe Wilson]

Six minutes six minutes ago.

[Samuel Edwards]

Yeah.

[Joe Wilson]

Wonder if he is Kirk.

[Samuel Edwards]

No. If he was, he would have come clean after drawing that number.

[Joe Wilson]

If he isn't, and you are, or you. It's you, Edwards. I'm sure it is now.

[Samuel Edwards]

And if it is me, you're not.

[Joe Wilson]

Gonna let them shoot the line.

[Samuel Edwards]

Here's still a chance the Tanyaki is bluffing.

[Joe Wilson]

And you are Kurt. Admit it, Edwards.

[Samuel Edwards]

All right, I admit it.

[Joe Wilson]

Why, you stinker. You're just sitting here while outside a man stands in front of a firing squad.

[Samuel Edwards]

That's not my fault. He had no right to enter China.

[Joe Wilson]

I suppose you have.

[Samuel Edwards]

I've proved my right to be here.

[Joe Wilson]

You're going to call Tani. You're gonna admit your Kirk.

[Samuel Edwards]

I intend to, but not till just before the deadline. Don't you understand? My work in China is important. I've got to wait out every second.

[Joe Wilson]

But Tanyaki may decide to shoot Danton ahead of time.

[Samuel Edwards]

If we can't accept his word on that, then we can't trust him to carry out his promise to set you and Danton free.

[Joe Wilson]

Okay, okay, you win. But I'll be looking at my watch. Edwards, you're gonna shout for Tanyaki one minute before the deadline.

[Samuel Edwards]

All right, Wilson. One minute before.

[Joe Wilson]

That gives you a little less than four minutes.

[Samuel Edwards]

Yeah. About Lila LeBlanc. Wils.

[Joe Wilson]

Well, what about her?

[Samuel Edwards]

I knew her. Knew her?

[Joe Wilson]

Well, where is she?

[Samuel Edwards]

She's dead, Wilson. What? She was executed a few months.

[Joe Wilson]

How do you know that?

[Samuel Edwards]

She worked with me. She was one of the best agents in the organization.

[Joe Wilson]

I don't believe she's dead. I don't believe he even knew her.

[Samuel Edwards]

She had a tiny crescent shaped scar.

[Joe Wilson]

Beneath her right eye.

[Samuel Edwards]

Around her neck, she always wore an opal on a gold chain.

[Joe Wilson]

The opal? I gave that to her. She kept it. But Lil was a cafe singer. She wasn't a spy.

[Samuel Edwards]

She loved China. The old China. She was ready and willing to die for it. If you really knew a Wilson, you'd realize that.

[Joe Wilson]

Yeah. Yes, she loved China. Oh, why did I go away without her? I told her I loved her. I thought I'd be back one day. But when I got to Australia, my family talked me out of it. Marriage like that wouldn't work, they said. So I figured I'd forget her for a while. I fooled myself into believing I had drink till I was as silly as a snaker. Then I'd sit there just thinking of it. Finally, I just had to see her again. I write her letters, but I never got an answer.

[Samuel Edwards]

She changed her name. Your letters never reached her.

[Joe Wilson]

What did she do in the underground?

[Samuel Edwards]

She used a beauty to get information from Red officers. Movements of troops and supplies. That was why we were so successful with our sabotage. Eventually she was suspected the SA A trap. And she fell into it. But she didn't break under torture.

[Joe Wilson]

Torture?

[Samuel Edwards]

She was as brave as they come. I'm proud to have known her.

[Joe Wilson]

You know her well?

[Samuel Edwards]

Pretty well, if it makes you feel any better. She made no bones about the fact that there was somebody in her life. She never mentioned the name. But when she talked about him, she fingered that opal she wore well.

[Joe Wilson]

Oh, why didn't I come back soon?

[Samuel Edwards]

You wouldn't have got her to leave China, Wilson. Not after the Reds took over. She knew what she had to do, and she went right out and did it. She wasn't kidding herself. She must have known they'd get us sooner or later. Just as I knew they'd get me.

[Joe Wilson]

Where's she buried?

[Samuel Edwards]

I don't know. Tanyaki's friend saw to that.

[Joe Wilson]

She took orders from you, eh?

[Samuel Edwards]

Yeah.

[Joe Wilson]

Guess she must have had a lot of respect for you.

[Samuel Edwards]

Well, we were fighting for the same thing, so I guess she did. But I never touched her, if that's what you're wondering about. Not that I didn't try. But I was always the fellow who.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Gave her that opal.

[Joe Wilson]

I let her down. I'd taken her with me, she'd be alive.

[Samuel Edwards]

Look, Wilson, she died doing what she wanted to do. Just keep remembering that. It's not going to do you any good to spend the rest of your life torturing yourself. You'll admit you made a mistake.

[Joe Wilson]

All right?

[Samuel Edwards]

So forget it.

[Joe Wilson]

No, I'm not gonna forget it. Not when I get the chance to show Lil how much I love her. I'm gonna do what she'd want me to do.

[Samuel Edwards]

And what's that?

[Joe Wilson]

You're important to the underground. Me? I'm not important to anybody. Well, you've played hero for a long time. Now it's my turn. All right, Colonel Tanyaki, you win. I'll sign that statement. Come and get me.

[Samuel Edwards]

Now wait a minute, Wilson, you don't know.

[Joe Wilson]

Just keep your trap shut.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Well, so it is the Australian who is Mr. Kirk.

[Joe Wilson]

Yeah, but I don't sign any statements till I'm sure Edwards and Danton are safe.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

That will be arranged. Lieutenant Zuko. Mr. Dore.

[Joe Wilson]

Yes, Colonel Canyon.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Come out, Mr. Kirk. Lieutenant Fuko, you will get Captain Denton from the courtyard.

[Joe Wilson]

Yes, Colonel. Will I bring him back to the cell? Remember Colonel, I don't sign till I'm sure they're safe.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Lieutenant, you will escort Denton and Edwards to the British Embassy. Yes, Colonel.

[Joe Wilson]

How will I know they'll be taken to the British Embassy? You can take the Colonel's word for that, Mr. Cock. No, not good enough. I want to be sure there is.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

A phone in my office. Denton and Edwards can phone you from the British Embassy.

[Joe Wilson]

The code word. If you're safe, Edwards will be what a certain Sheila wore around her neck.

[Samuel Edwards]

Yeah, I understand.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Go to the courtyard and be Dilan.

[Joe Wilson]

Yes, Hannah.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Shall we go to my office, Mr. Kirk?

[Samuel Edwards]

Yeah, Wilson.

[Joe Wilson]

My friends call me Snowy. Wrong, Edward.

[Samuel Edwards]

So long, snow. And that concludes tonight's Peril story, the Wonderful Deception. Well friends, we hope you've enjoyed tonight's story.

[Colonel Tanyaski]

Join us again next week when we.

[Samuel Edwards]

Shall hear another exciting experience. Moments of danger and mystery in people's lives in our dramatic stories of peril.