Return to Christmas Island

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Return to Christmas Island"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: December 24, 2025
Main Cast: Gene Lockhart as Captain Caleb Harkness
Episode Theme: A golden age radio-style Christmas adventure exploring redemption, greed, and the true spirit of the holiday.

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Episode Overview

This special holiday episode presents a classic radio adventure, "Return to Christmas Island", starring Gene Lockhart as Captain Caleb Harkness. Set on a perilous sea voyage, the drama follows a group of fortune-seeking sailors whose journey is disrupted by a storm and a dramatic rescue. The story unfolds with themes of greed, compassion, faith, and redemption, culminating in a heartfelt celebration of Christmas and the birth of new life. The tone is traditional and evocative of vintage radio storytelling, rich with period dialogue and moral lessons.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Setting the Scene: Motives and Greed

[01:06 – 02:45]

• Introduction by Gene Lockhart highlighting how Christmas brings out the best in people, in contrast to the selfishness that consumes the other days of the year.
  • “The pressures put upon us... sometimes cause us to act contrary to the basically decent natures with which all of us are endowed. … The goodwill to Man Day—Christmas.” – Gene Lockhart as Captain Caleb Harkness [01:06]
• Crew conflicts established: Captain Caleb Harkness, Pablo, and Spike are on a greed-fueled voyage to hunt for pearls aboard the Spanish Cloud.

2. Storm and Rescue

[02:11 – 05:07]

• Amid a fierce storm, the crew rescues two native islanders, Tanaga and his pregnant wife Mahini, from an outrigger canoe, believing them to be dead at first.
  • “There’s a native and a woman in the canoe. And they’re both dead.” – Harkness [03:43]
  • “Look yonder. The woman, she moved. They’re not dead. They’re out cold. Bring em aboard and secure the outrigger to our ship.” – Harkness [03:49]

3. The Stolen Pearls and Rising Tension

[05:40 – 11:12]

• Pablo steals a pouch of pearls from the rescued natives, igniting a debate about sharing the spoils and dreams of becoming “kings” after their expedition.
  • “We will all be kings. Unless one of us should try to double cross the others.” – Pablo [07:34]
  • “And that one will die.” – Spike [07:38]
• Confrontation when Tanaga asks for his pearls, and Captain Harkness claims salvage rights while tensions soar.
  • “I work too hard. I not let you steal from me.” – Tanaga [10:28]
  • “You’re a fortunate lad, Tanaga, me boy. If Pablo and I hadn’t grabbed you, you’d be stretched out cold on the deck.” – Harkness [10:51]
• Captain Harkness decides to lock Tanaga up "for his own good," leading to further distress for Mahini and Tanaga.

4. Christmas Onboard and a Fiery Incident

[11:40 – 13:16]

• Below deck, Mahini and Tanaga are left as prisoners while the crew above prepare for Christmas.
• A fire breaks out, suspected by Harkness to be arson set by Tanaga. This motivates Harkness to set Tanaga and Mahini adrift in their canoe, despite pleadings.

5. Crisis of Conscience and Realization

[14:48 – 18:00]

• Harkness confesses to Pablo and Spike that the pearls are no longer in his possession—he claims to have given them back to Tanaga and Mahini. Spike threatens him, but Harkness subdues the threat, revealing he removed the bullets from Spike's gun.
• The cause of the fire is revealed: an accident in the galley (Christmas donuts). Realization dawns for Harkness that they were punishing the innocent.
  • “Through your blundering, you’ve proven a favorite theory of mine. I’ve always maintained the heart is divided into four sections... Avarice and greed… hatred and anger… charity and compassion… love and faith.” – Harkness [17:07]

6. Redemption & Christmas Miracles

[18:19 – 24:39]

• Tanaga and Mahini are rescued again; Mahini gives birth to a son aboard the ship.
• Harkness presents a Christmas tree made from outrigger driftwood, decorated with the returned pearls, symbolizing the crew’s newfound generosity and unity.
  • “If we sail the course we first set out on, we’ll not be kings. We’ll be slaves. Slaves to our own greeds and our lusts, our hatreds.” – Harkness [24:00]
  • “But if we act like three wise men, we will be kings. Only we three kings will have come from the west instead of the east.” – Harkness [24:23]
• The episode closes with the crew embracing a new course—valuing people over riches.

7. Closing Reflections

[25:28 – 26:13]

• The official date is reaffirmed as Christmas Day (having crossed the International Date Line), and Harkness celebrates the "fourth section of the heart"—love and faith.
  • “Ah, Greasy, I guess it’s the last ventricle working now. … The fourth section of the heart, huh? Love and faith.”
• Final wishes of Merry Christmas from the entire cast.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Goodwill to Man:
  “I like to think that someday, somehow, all of us will carry for the other 364 days of the year the feeling we have on that 365th day. The goodwill to Man Day—Christmas.”
  — Captain Caleb Harkness (Gene Lockhart) [01:08]

• On Greed:
  “If we sail the course we first set out on, we’ll not be kings. We’ll be slaves. Slaves to our own greeds and our lusts, our hatreds.”
  — Captain Caleb Harkness [24:00]

• The Heart’s Four Parts:
  “Avarice and greed. Two, hatred and anger. And three, charity and compassion. And four, love and faith.”
  — Captain Caleb Harkness [17:14]

• Three Wise Men Motif:
  “If we act like three wise men, we will be kings. Only we three kings will have come from the west instead of the east.”
  — Captain Caleb Harkness [24:27]

• Redemption:
  “With this, return to Christmas Island. And I guess we’ve all been given a second chance.”
  — Captain Caleb Harkness [25:30]

• Closing Blessing:
  “Merry Christmas, little one. Merry Christmas, everyone. Merry Christmas.”
  — Captain Caleb Harkness and crew [25:48]

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Important Timestamps

• [01:06] Captain Harkness’ Christmas and goodwill preface
• [02:11 – 03:45] Storm and rescue of Tanaga and Mahini
• [06:13 – 07:38] Division of pearls and ambitions for "kingship"
• [10:01 – 11:12] Tanaga demands his pearls; gets locked away
• [12:25 – 13:16] Fire breaks out; Tanaga and Mahini escape
• [14:48 – 16:19] Pearls are given up; Spike’s mutiny, Harkness’ wisdom about the heart
• [18:19 – 21:42] Reunion, birth of Mahini’s child, approaching Christmas Island
• [24:00 – 25:48] Harkness' speech on true kingship, Christmas message, final peace

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Episode Tone & Style

• The episode is rich in “old time radio” atmosphere—dramatic, moralistic, with larger-than-life dialogue and archetypal characters.
• The tone balances suspense and sentimentality, building toward a transformative, hopeful ending.
• Gene Lockhart delivers lines with gravitas and warmth, echoing timeless holiday themes about redemption and the value of compassion.

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Summary Takeaway:
"Return to Christmas Island" is a classic radio fable about confronting greed and rediscovering the enduring values of charity, faith, and love at Christmas. Through peril, loss, and redemption, Captain Caleb Harkness and his crew experience a powerful transformation that resonates with the spirit of the season—a message made all the more poignant for the old-time radio format and its evocative style.

Perfect for: Fans of vintage radio, Christmas stories that grapple with moral lessons, or anyone looking for a heartwarming tale of second chances and holiday miracles.

Transcript

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

Save on holiday essentials at Safeway and Albertsons this week. Get USDA Choice Beef Bone in Roast for $6.97 per pound with digital coupon and minimum purchase of $50 or more in a single transaction, excluding the price of the roast while supplies last. Limit one plus. Get broccoli, cauliflower, green beans or Brussels sprouts for 97 cents per pound with digital coupon. Limit six pounds and russet, red or yellow potatoes, yellow onions, yams or Sweet potatoes are 99 cents per pound member price. Visit safewayalbertsons.com for more deals.

[Narrator]

Greetings to all people in all places. The season's greetings. It is with pride and pleasure that we present the talented and popular star of motion pictures, radio and television, Mr. Gene Lockhart, in an unusual adventure Return to Christmas Island.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

This is Gene Lockhart. The pressures put upon us in the lives we lead sometimes cause us to act contrary to the basically decent natures with which all of us are endowed. I like to think that someday, somehow, all of us will carry for the other 364 days of the year the feeling we have on that 365th day. The goodwill to Man Day Christmas. Our story is of a man whose greed might have destroyed him, but instead who came to understand himself because of this day Christmas.

[Narrator]

And here is Gene Lockhart, starring in our dramatic holiday adventure, Return to Christmas Island.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

What in the name of Hebrides are you muttering about, Pablo?

[Pablo]

I am doing what you and the others should be doing during this storm, Captain Harkness. Praying.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Praying, is it? Why, you mealy mouthed hypocrite.

[Pablo]

Your lack of faith will cause the sinking of this ship. The powers of power. Hold on, Pablo.

[Spike]

Hold on.

[Pablo]

Spike and me. We got a right to tell you. We are as much boss on this voyage as you are.

[Spike]

That's right, Caleb. It's my money that's paying for this trip. And it's my map that's leading us to them hurling grounds.

[Pablo]

It will be my diving that will bring up those pearls once we get there.

[Spike]

I side with Pablo, Caleb Harkness.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Change your course, I say, before this black night in the sea swallows us all. You rum scullions. What do you two know about charting the courts? If I knock your heads together, maybe you'll remember who's skipper aboard this scow. Modern day.

[Pablo]

That lightning almost struck us this time.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Wait. He lay there off the starboard bow. Did you see it? You ain't fooling nobody, Caleb, you wooden headed idiot. That streak of lightning showed up a bit of wreckage yonder Lisi. Hey, can you make out what kind of craft it is? There it is. Cut the engine. Cap' n. Harness. Ah, you two lily livered land crabs. Come on here, give us a hand. The Spanish crowd. Shoot.

[Pablo]

What a rat.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Like a quirk of the duff. Look, another big whipper. Like the last winner, we'll all be in the drink. We'll drown. Pipe down, blaster. Well, by the hitch of a Dutchman's cape, it's an outrigger canoe.

[Narrator]

It's a miracle it's still afloat from the look of that battered sail.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

There's a native and a woman in the canoe. And they're both dead.

[Pablo]

Even as we will soon be unless we get away from here. This is a neighborhomean.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Look yonder. The woman, she moved. They're not dead. They're out cold. Bring em aboard and secure the outrigger to our ship.

[Narrator]

Any Greasy gentle with them two in the canoe without lots of care they'll die.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

And instead of wasting time without outrigger, let's get underway or we'll all die. Aye, that could come to pass. My billings. Pablo, you'd better say them prayers to me. If you live to see the light o morning. It'll be because of my hand on the wheel. Because of me. Do you hear me?

[Narrator]

It's a fine touch you have with that concertina, Greasy. Now if you could only cook as.

[Spike]

Good as you play.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

I didn't think I'd ever do either of them again during that storm last night.

[Pablo]

Turk.

[Narrator]

Hey, the captain's by himself at the wheel. This is as good a time as any to ask him.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Reese, stow that blasted whaling. Speak of the devil.

[Narrator]

He might just be concerned about waking up two natives. Come on, let's talk to him. Ash.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Four bells now. The man and his woman, are they all right?

[Narrator]

Aye, Captain Harkness. They're sleeping like babes.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

They were too tired to eat anything but the broth I fetched them. Captain. I must find out where they came from. Let me know when the man's awake.

[Narrator]

Captain Harkness, sir.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Aye, what is it?

[Narrator]

About tomorrow, sir.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

It's Christmas.

[Narrator]

Greasy and me would like to make a little party.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

A party? There'll be no partying aboard this boat. The Spanish Cloud has a mission and a destination. Christmas is for landlubbers with nothing better to do. But, Captain, we only thought this. Never mind what you thought. Get you back to the galley. Now, where's that argument coming from?

[Narrator]

Chart room.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

No, Pablo and Spike out of the game. Turk, take over the wheel. All Right, sir. I've taken all the guff I'm going to from those two swabs. Give it to me, Pablo, or I'll bash your head in. Give you what? Spike? What's Pablo got there?

[Spike]

He's got a pouch. He took it from the native and we helped lift him aboard. You thought I didn't see you, did you?

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Well, I'll have that pouch now, Pablo. Are you going to give it to me or do I take it from you?

[Pablo]

Here. There it is.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Now we'll have a look at what's inside.

[Spike]

On the table, Caleb. Dump it out here on the table, Would you? Have a look at them, would you?

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

We'll divide them and anything else we get from the sea when the voyage is over. You haven't had to dive yet, Pablo. Huh? And already you've made a start towards being a rich man.

[Pablo]

I will be more than just a rich man. When our journey is finished, I will be a king and back to Argentina and live in my valley like a king.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

You have the right idea, bucko.

[Spike]

I'll be doing the same. Only it's not to the Argentine I'll be going. It's to the biggest house on the highest hill in San Francisco. I'll become one of them swells you read about in the paper.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

A king of society.

[Pablo]

And you, Captain Harkness, what will you do when you are the possessor of great weather?

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Well, I'll not put myself in dry dock. I'll have me a ship ten times the size of the Spanish cloud. And if we sail the course we're set on, we'll all be kings. You, Pablo, you'll be king of the lowlands. And you, Spike, you'll be king of the mountains. And you'll be king of the sea. Caleb. We will all be kings. Unless.

[Pablo]

Unless one of us should try to double cross the others.

[Spike]

And that one will die.

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

Save on holiday essentials at Safeway and Albertsons this week, get USDA Choice Beef Bone in Roast for $6.97 per pound with digital coupon and minimum purchase of $50 or more in a single transaction, excluding the price of the roast while supplies last. Limit one plus. Get broccoli, cauliflower, green beans or Brussels sprouts for 97 cents per pound with digital coupon. Limit six pounds. And russet, red or yellow potatoes. Yellow onions, yams or Sweet potatoes are 99 cents per pound. Member price. Visit safewayalbertsons.com for more deals.

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[Pablo]

7.

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[Captain Caleb Harkness]

You Pablo. Remember that Captain Harkness native and his woman? Here they are. I figured you'd want to talk to him. All right, Breezy, go back about your duties. Aye, aye, captain.

[Spike]

You are the captain?

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

I'm Captain Caleb Harkness now. What do they call you?

[Pablo]

Tanaga.

[Spike]

This my wife, Mahini.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Mahiny. Missionary talk For Mary.

[Tanaga]

To you we owe our lives, Captain Harkness. We are great.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

All right, all right. Bash. Maybe Nichols. If he didn't come close to making a berth with Davy Jones. How would you happen to ship so far from land in an outrigger canoe?

[Spike]

We leave Baker island two day ago. We sail for Christmas Island. We make it. If not not for storm. Why didn't you take a steamer?

[Tanaga]

No steamer to island for three months.

[Spike]

We both born Christmas Island. Now Mahini soon to have baby. We want him born there too.

[Pablo]

You take a big risk to sailing an outrigger canoe when your woman is so heavy with giants.

[Tanaga]

Tanaga do it only because I beg him.

[Spike]

Captain Harkness. I come for my pearls.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

What pearls?

[Spike]

What are you talking about? Pouch of pearls tied around my waist.

[Pablo]

We know nothing of pearls. You must have lost them in the ocean during the storm.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Store it now, the both of you. Tanaga. We found the puddles. Where did you get them? I dived for them.

[Spike]

I learned to be best diver while I work for pearl seekers. And you stole them pearls from the skippers you worked for.

[Tanaga]

No. Tanaga speak truth.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Truth?

[Tanaga]

We work together. Iron boat. He and water.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

I work hard for pearls.

[Pablo]

You give them back.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Well, now they're no longer yours, my boy. They're salvage. I salvaged a bit of wreckage from the sea. And anything aboard that wreck belongs to me by right of sal not. I work too hard. I not let you steal from me. You're a fortunate lad, Tanaga, me boy.

[Spike]

That you are, bucko. If Pablo and I hadn't grabbed you, you'd be stretched out cold on the deck.

[Pablo]

Yes, they are. It is gospel truth. A huge blow from Captain Harkness and you would be a most unhappy one. You broke her neck.

[Tanaga]

Please do not Hurt him, I beg you.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

I can't have him sneaking up on me in the night. For his own good. We'd better lock him in the storeroom.

[Tanaga]

No, no, please, no.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Do not keep me there. I see your portrait. Take him below. Lock him up. No, Seagorn. Son of a rum scotch is going to stop me from I set out to do. I do not fear you, Captain. I will break out. Take him away. I will get even. I will stop you. Lock him up before I knock him down.

[Spike]

They sing of Christmas out there in mess room. While they keep us prisoners behind a locked door.

[Tanaga]

Do not rage against that which you cannot change, Tanaga.

[Spike]

You should not have insisted they lock you in here with me. Mahin.

[Tanaga]

Where else should I be but with you, my husband?

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Cock up there. Cut off that jib with that caterwaullen. Get about your duties. I'll come below swinging a belaying pin.

[Spike]

They fear the captain for the devil he is.

[Narrator]

The old man's blowing up a squall, Greasy. We won't get the chance to eat.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Them donuts later on, Turk. We best get going. Reasy h your carcass topside here. I want to word with you. Aye, aye, Captain.

[Tanaga]

Do not be so troubled, Tanaga.

[Spike]

I smell smoke, Mahi.

[Tanaga]

You are right. As if from fire.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

We'll be put alive in here like rats.

[Tanaga]

Surely they will smell smoke. Smoke. They will let us out.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

I will not take chance. I must break door from hit. You go, Mahi. This way.

[Tanaga]

He was fr. Don.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

You will be all right here. I will put out fire bucket and water car smoke from below. Spike, cut the engine. Break out the fire extinguishers. Give one to me.

[MyFico/Shopify Announcer]

Pablo.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

What in thunder's going on down here? You SC backed barracuda. You broke out, did you? And you set fire to the ship to get even like you said you would.

[Tanaga]

No, no, listen.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Soon as I put out the blaze.

[Pablo]

In was your comic.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

You won't be Pablo. This one's doing the job well.

[Pablo]

You have controlled it, Captain Harkness.

[Spike]

I did not fire your ship. I did not.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Tanaya, you're a lion. Warp rat. Now I intended to set you and Mahini adrift in your outrigger close to the shore of your Christmas Island. I'm still going to set you adrift. But right here in the middle of the Pacific. Live or die. You came from the sea and it's back to the sea you'll go.

[Narrator]

In just a moment we'll return to Jean Lockart and our Yuletide tale. Return to Christmas Island. Now a special holiday message. And now back to our yule time adventure. Return to Christmas Island. Starring Gene Lockhart.

[Spike]

You done right to set them adrift, Caleb. The man and his woman got what they asked for.

[Pablo]

See, they could have killed us all with that fire spike. Why do you pace back and forth like a general cut in a cage covered in art neck?

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

I've been backing and filling, thinking about whether to tell you or not.

[Spike]

And what is it that you can't decide to tell us?

[Pablo]

About.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

The pearls.

[Pablo]

What about the pearls?

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

They are. I don't have them anymore.

[Spike]

What?

[Pablo]

What did you say, Caleb?

[Spike]

Well, he must have some explanation. Let's hear him out.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

The explanation is clear and simple. We cast tanaga and mahini back into the sea. That brought them.

[Spike]

And rightly so.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Maybe that is it. May I drop the pouch of pearls into the outrigger with the provisions I gave them? Since I didn't salvage them, I have no right of salvage to the pearls.

[Pablo]

He lies. He has the pearls. He means to keep them for himself.

[Spike]

We'll heel over and follow the wind back after them. Two in the canoe. If they got the pearls, we'll hook onto them again.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

And what if I refuse to order the ship around, Captain?

[Spike]

The gun I've been carrying in my pocket for just such an emergency ought to convince you that I'm given the orders.

[Pablo]

Maybe. End spy. I want to take the wheel myself.

[Spike]

Go to it, bucko.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

You know this is Christmas Day. The day all men are supposed to be given another chance at living.

[Spike]

Caleb, those pearls better be where you said, or you'll get your last chance at dying.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Captain Harkness, the Turk and I'd like a word with you. Yeah, geese. What is it you want?

[Narrator]

The fire below in the galley. Them two natives had no hand in setting it.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

No, cap.

[Pablo]

You see, Well, I was frying some.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Donuts for Christmas in a pan of.

[Spike]

Deep fat and when you bellowed at.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Us, I forgot about the pan on the stove.

[Narrator]

We're sure that's what caused the fire, sir?

[Pablo]

Yeah.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Ah, then Tanaga was trying to put out the fire. Why didn't you tell me before?

[Narrator]

Oh, Greasy and me, we only figured it out just now.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Ah, Turk, me bully boy. Through your blundering, you've proven a favorite theory of mine.

[Narrator]

I don't rightly know what you mean, Captain Harkness.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

I've always maintained the heart is divided into four sections. And for more than the medical reason in my mind, I've numbered them. One, avarice and greed. Two, hatred and anger. And three, Charity and compassion. And four, love and faith. Oh, you mean it. When you, Spike and Pablo took the pearls, it was number one section was topside, huh? Aye. Avarice and greed. And then number two section, hatred and anger. And they caused me to set them adrift again. And now it's the number three section working away.

[Narrator]

Charity and compassion. Captain, I don't see how.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Oh, you will, my bully Turk. You will. And when the aler canoe is found, you'll see how. You'll see how.

[Pablo]

You are a fortunate man, Captain Harkness. If we had not found the outrigger and the two natives, you would not be alive.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Pablo, you did a good job at the wheel. And now that Mahiny and Taga are safely aboard, we can all forget our past differences.

[Pablo]

Here's Spike. Now you will tell us if there is a reason for laughter. Where's Spike?

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

How is the girl? How is Mahini?

[Spike]

You know the answer to that, Caleb. You made her comfortable in your cabin?

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Aye. Ah, her time is near. The child may be born tonight.

[Spike]

Your time is near, Caleb. You may die tonight.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Amy. No man knows his time.

[Pablo]

You did not find the pearl, Spike.

[Spike]

I combed that outrigger from stem to stern. I found nothing but this draft wood. I question Tanaga like a navy lawyer. All right, Caleb. What did you do with the pearls?

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

They're here. They're here aboard ship. They've been here all the time.

[Pablo]

But you said that you were.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Would you have agreed to go back after Tamaga and Mahini if I hadn't died?

[Spike]

You set them adrifts in the first place.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

There. That was when the number two section had the upper hand.

[Pablo]

The number two section?

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Yes, yes, yes. It must have been bad blood in the lower left ventricle.

[Pablo]

What?

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Never mind. Someday I'll explain the whole thing.

[Spike]

Right now you'll explain about the pearls. I want them.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Nothing's changed, Spike. They're safe. Safe where they are.

[Pablo]

The gun, Spike. Use it.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

It's as useless as a brisk wind when the sails are folded. You see, I took the precaution of removing the bullets.

[Spike]

You let us threaten you. And all the time you knew the gun was empty.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

I. Santos.

[Pablo]

There on the horizon. Deadline.

[Spike]

There's something to get excited about, Pablo. It's only a.

[Pablo]

It's nombre de Dios. It is a sign. We are all fortunate that we turned back after the woman and the unborn one. The light of the star there on the horizon is in the shape of a cross. It's the star of Bethlehem.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Ah, you and your superstitions Rigging your booms. Pablo, you're on the wrong tack again. Listen. Open the door.

[Pablo]

It's Babe. Then no child is born.

[Narrator]

Congratulations to you, Tanaga.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Same for me. And best wishes.

[Spike]

Thank you both. And for your good music, Grissy.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Oh, now. Congratulations to you, Tanaga. My boy. Is your new child a son or a daughter?

[Spike]

Oh, my Hinny, give birth to boy. A boy, is it? Buckle.

[Narrator]

Good.

[Spike]

Good for you.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Attack relief. Pablo, at the wheel. Maintain the same course. Now, according to my calculations, we should be nearing Christmas Island. Aye aye, Captain.

[Spike]

You are right, Captain Harkness. There on the horizon is Christmas Island. You mean that light's coming from the island? Yes. Yes.

[Pablo]

Turk tells me you have a nino. A Santa. Oh, my congratulations to you.

[Spike]

Thank you. Thank you, Lord. Pablo. The light on the horizon, Tanaga says it comes from Christmas Island. Yes, it is custom of my people for the whole of Christmas week. We keep huge fires burning day and night in celebration of him who was born on Christmas Day.

[Pablo]

Or this sign is the sign of the cross.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Aye, Pablo. And in your mind's eye, that's the way you want to see it.

[Spike]

Mahini and I, we'd be very proud for you to come see our son. It's great.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Not so much of a tin mates. The little one is too young for such a noisy lodging, huh?

[Spike]

I will look into Captain's cabin. See if Mahini is ready to receive us.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Listen to that. Ain't it wonderful?

[Tanaga]

Tanaka. Come in, Husband. Bring others.

[Spike]

Ah, my little one. You welcome your father.

[Tanaga]

I want to thank all of you. Thank you, Captain Harkness.

[Spike]

Where is he?

[Pablo]

Come to think of it, he did not come into the cabin with us.

[Spike]

The pearls, wife.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

He took those.

[Pablo]

There he is. Spike, what is that he is carrying?

[Spike]

I can't make it out yet.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Make way there now. Oh. My warmest congratulations to you, Mahiny. I'm sorry we didn't have more time to prepare our gift.

[Spike]

It's a sort of a Christmas tree.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Aye. I made it from the piece of driftwood you found in the outrigger.

[Pablo]

The decorations on the tree were they are. They are the pearls?

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Ay, they're the pearls all right. Pablo, you wanted to be king of the lowlands, see?

[Pablo]

But I would.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

And you, Spike, King of the mountains.

[Spike]

That's right.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

And you wanted to be king of the sea. Well, you know, these are not very lofty ambitions for three such wise men as we.

[Spike]

Have you gone deaf, Caleb? We've spent our lives searching for pearls.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Sure we have. We're irritated men Seeking the fruit of irritated oysters. But, mates, we've a decision to make.

[Pablo]

What decision?

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

If we sail the course we first set out on, we'll not be kings. We'll be slaves. Slaves to our own greeds and our lusts, our hatreds.

[Spike]

And if we navigate the new course.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

You'Re charting, Ah, then we'll stop putting value on things and put it instead on people. Spike, you hear that? What's the price of a new life, Pablo? How much value do you put on it? Now, if we act like three wise men, we will be kings. Only we three kings will have come from the west instead of the east.

[Tanaga]

There, there, little one.

[Pablo]

Too bad the little one could not have been born yesterday.

[Spike]

Ah, it's too bad, Pablo. Our present to him would have been more fitting had he been born on Christmas Day.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

The baby is born on Christmas Day. And he'll return to Christmas island on this very day.

[Spike]

You're wrong, Caleb. Today's the 26th of December.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Oh, you're forgetting, Spike. We passed the international date line last night. And this now is the 25th of December. Here, Gracie, set the tree here alongside the little babe and her mother, Mahiny Mary. Aye, aye, Captain. Yes, sir. Ah, Greasy. I guess it's the last ventricle working now. I know what you mean, Captain. Fourth section of the heart, huh? Love and faith. What?

[Spike]

What's he blubbering about?

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

You've no need for an explanation on how it works. You see it in action. Aye. With this, return to Christmas island. And I guess we've all been given a second chance.

[Tanaga]

We are forever in your debt, Captain.

[Pablo]

Thank you, Captain.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

Merry Christmas, little one. Merry Christmas, everyone. Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.

[Narrator]

In a moment, our star, Jean Lockhart, will return.

[Captain Caleb Harkness]

This is Dean Lothart. It makes me happy to be with you this Yuletide season. And may I thank the cast of Return to Christmas island for a splendid performance. And may I thank you for allowing us to share your holiday. All of us. Extend to all of you our warmest good wishes that you enjoy the best of everything during this and every other.

[Spike]

Season of the new year.

[Narrator]

Return to Christmas island was written, produced and directed by by Peter Curtis and is a copyright feature of World Broadcasting System Incorporated.

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