Rocky Jordan 48-12-12 Ace High Straight

Summary

Rocky Jordan 48-12-12 Ace High Straight

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: July 11, 2025

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Introduction and Setting

In this gripping episode titled "Ace High Straight", listeners are transported to the vibrant streets of Cairo during the Golden Age of Radio. The protagonist, Rocky Jordan, is the proprietor of Cafe Tambourine, a bustling establishment located near Cairo's native quarter and within sight of the majestic Mosque Sultan Hassan. The cafe serves as a melting pot for men from various waterfronts around the world, each bringing their own stories and languages, setting the stage for a tale filled with intrigue, deceit, and high-stakes gambling.

"Time now for Rocky Jordan."
[00:02] Narrator

First Encounter: Jack and Thoman King

The story kicks off with Rocky Jordan's frustration over a losing streak in poker. After a restless night filled with incomplete straights, he decides to cash in his remaining chips and heads to bed, only to be confronted the next morning by unexpected visitors seeking his attention.

Early in the day, Chris, Rocky's bartender, informs him of a mysterious caller named Jack wanting to speak at the front payphone. Simultaneously, another patron, Thoman King, makes a loud and unwelcome appearance at the back of the bar, demanding to speak with the manager after expressing dissatisfaction with the cafe's service.

"Thoman King: I demand respect. Where is the manager?"
[02:32] Transcript

Rocky skillfully handles Thoman King's outburst, escorting him out of the cafe and dismissing his complaints with a mix of charm and authority.

The Robbery and Police Interrogation

As Rocky attempts to address Jack's call, he encounters Milton Queen, a cheerful tourist seeking directions to local mosques. Their brief interaction is interrupted when Rocky discovers his office has been vandalized: Chris lies unconscious on the floor, and the money from the desk is missing. A native woman with a veiled face is seen escaping, hinting at a deeper conspiracy.

Upon reporting the incident, Sergeant Greco of the Cairo police arrives to investigate. Suspicion quickly falls on Rocky, especially since Ace Warner, a fellow gambler, was found murdered with a gun planted in Rocky's desk drawer.

"Sergeant Greco: Ace Warner was just found in his casino, shot to death."
[08:28] Transcript

Rocky vehemently denies any involvement, suggesting that the gun was planted to frame him due to his IOU with Ace Warner.

Investigation and Clues

Determined to clear his name, Rocky begins piecing together the events leading up to the murder. He identifies three key players: Jack, who made the initial phone call; Thoman King, whose disturbance served as a diversion; and Milton Queen, whose friendly facade masks ulterior motives.

Rocky ventures into Cairo's bustling bazaar, following leads that align with his poker-themed investigation. His quest leads him to Dahabia number 10, a houseboat on the Nile, where he meets Angel, a woman with a mysterious past and a limp in her step—echoing the veiled woman from earlier.

"Rocky Jordan: To find your husband."
[20:58] Transcript

As Rocky delves deeper, he uncovers that Junior Queen, Milton's nephew, has been impersonating Angel, orchestrating events to pin Ace Warner's murder on Rocky.

Discovery of Angel and the Truth

The climax unfolds in a high-tension chase through the crowded bazaar. Rocky confronts Angel, revealing her true identity as Junior Queen. This revelation exposes the intricate plot devised by Milton Queen to eliminate Ace Warner and frame Rocky.

"Rocky Jordan: Naturally. You killed Ace Warner and he wants to kill me."
[26:12] Transcript

In a final showdown, Sergeant Greco intervenes just as Milton Queen's plans unravel. The police apprehend Milton, while Junior Queen attempts to escape but is thwarted by Sergeant Greco’s intervention.

Conclusion and Resolution

With the conspirators exposed and his innocence proven, Rocky Jordan reflects on the perilous journey that almost cost him everything. The episode concludes with Rocky returning to his beloved Cafe Tambourine, now free from the shadows of deceit and ready to embrace the simple pleasures of life, like a rewarding game of poker.

"Rocky Jordan: I kept moving. I backtracked through the bazaar, grabbed a roving taxi and directed it to Dahabi at 10 on the double."
[25:53] Transcript

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Notable Quotes

• Rocky Jordan on Poker:
  "There's nothing I like better than a good game of poker. But I get tired of always drawing to straights that never fill."
  [00:12] Rocky Jordan

• Thoman King Confronting Rocky:
  "I demand respect. Where is the manager?"
  [02:32] Thoman King

• Sergeant Greco Accusing Rocky:
  "Ace Warner was just found in his casino, shot to death."
  [08:28] Sergeant Greco

• Rocky on the Frame-Up:
  "The killer knew I owed Ace Warner too much dough after that poker game last night. So he planted his gun in my desk to throw the blame on me."
  [11:03] Rocky Jordan

• Climactic Revelation:
  "You killed Ace Warner and he wants to kill me."
  [26:12] Rocky Jordan

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In Summary

"Ace High Straight" masterfully intertwines elements of noir detective stories with the rich cultural backdrop of Cairo. Through Rocky Jordan's relentless pursuit of the truth, listeners experience a tale of betrayal, strategy, and redemption. The episode exemplifies the charm and suspense characteristic of Harold's Old Time Radio, making it a standout story in the Rocky Jordan series.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Time now for Rocky Jordan.

[Rocky Jordan]

There's nothing I like better than a good game of poker. But I get tired of always drawing to straights that never fill. You have to keep throwing your chips on the table. Only the last card pays off if you're lucky enough to get it. This time I had to fill my straight. The stakes were too high.

[Narrator]

Again we bring you a story of adventure with Rocky Jordan, proprietor of the Cafe Tambourine, which stands in a narrow street off Cairo's native quarter. Within sight of the Mosque Sultan Hassan. The Cafe Tambourine crowded with forgotten men from the world's waterfronts, alive with the babble of many languages. Now, Rocky Jordan and tonight's story. Ace high straight.

[Rocky Jordan]

I had spent half the night before in a poker game and I always kept drawing to straights that didn't fill. Finally, I cashed in what chips I had left, wrote out an IOU for plenty and went home to the tambourine, to bed. Even in my sleep, I kept drawing to inside straits and outside straits that never filled. I got up late the next morning and knowing my gambling friend would soon be around for his dough, I took a bag of money out of the safe in my office. I just sat down at my desk to count it out when Chris, my bartender, came in.

[Chris]

Hey, Rocky, guy named Jack wants to talk to you on the front payphone.

[Rocky Jordan]

Jack who?

[Chris]

I don't know. Just said Jack wants to talk to you.

[Rocky Jordan]

Yeah, you said that. Why'd he call me on the payphone?

[Chris]

Shall I give him your office number?

[Rocky Jordan]

Smart thinking, Chris. Do that.

[Chris]

Sure, Rocky. Oh, and there's a man been asking to see out front. I told him he was busy.

[Rocky Jordan]

What's his name?

[Chris]

Mr. Queen.

[Rocky Jordan]

Jack and Queen. Not bad with the first two cards.

[Chris]

Cards, Rocky?

[Rocky Jordan]

Skip it. I still got poker in the brain.

[Chris]

You want me to send him away?

[Rocky Jordan]

No, I'll see what he wants. Might as well take the phone call while I'm out there. I'll watch the money on my desk till I get back, huh?

[Chris]

Sure, Rocky.

[Thoman King]

Bring him to me. Bring him to me at once.

[Rocky Jordan]

As I stepped out into the cafe, it sounded like business was starting a little early. The big voice came from the big mouth of a swarthy, well dressed Egyptian sitting at the rear end of the bar. I sidetracked over his way.

[Thoman King]

Not be treated this way. I demand respect. Where is the manager? Bring him to me.

[Rocky Jordan]

Right on tap, mister.

[Thoman King]

Who are you?

[Rocky Jordan]

Name's Rocky Jordan. I own the tambourine. What's the trouble? The trouble?

[Thoman King]

Everything, sir. I ask for food and what do they bring me?

[Rocky Jordan]

Garbage. Oh, our specialty. Now listen.

[Thoman King]

The drinks are abominable. And where is your bartender? The service is unspeakable.

[Rocky Jordan]

Then try the Hotel Shepherd. Why come slumming here?

[Thoman King]

No, you are insulting. Do you know who I am? I am Thoman King. Come on, King.

[Rocky Jordan]

Never heard of you. Take my advice and get some sleep. This is no time, sir.

[Thoman King]

I will show you what I think of the Cafe Tambourine.

[Rocky Jordan]

Okay, Kingpin, now we go.

[Thoman King]

Bye.

[Rocky Jordan]

Bye. Come on.

[Thoman King]

Stop it, sir. Get your hand off me. I am warning you.

[Rocky Jordan]

I twisted Tom and King's arm behind him, escorted him the full length of the bar, out the front door and discarded him with a shove. Two doors down he retreated, still shouting insults. I brush my hands and stroll back into the cafe. This routine. I was about to take the call on the payphone when a smiling man of uncertain nationality and thick glasses stepped up.

[Milton Queen]

Pardon. Are you Mr. Jordan?

[Rocky Jordan]

Yeah.

[Milton Queen]

Ah, I am Mr. Queen. Milton Queen.

[Rocky Jordan]

Oh, sure. I'd forgotten about you.

[Milton Queen]

I am a visitor in your city, Mr. Jordan. A chance acquaintance. A Mr. Willoughby told me to look you up when I came to Cairo.

[Rocky Jordan]

Willoughby? Well, have a good time.

[Milton Queen]

Oh, thank you. I am to meet my nephew, Junior Queen. He should be here now. We are especially interested in the mosques of Cairo. Could you direct me to the Sultan Hassan?

[Rocky Jordan]

Oh, right down the street. See, I've got a phone call waiting.

[Milton Queen]

Well, just one more thing. Perhaps you can also tell me how to get the mosque Al Azhar.

[Rocky Jordan]

Sorry, I lost my tourist book.

[Milton Queen]

Did you know the mosque? El Azar is the first known Egyptian use of the pointed arch. Interesting.

[Rocky Jordan]

I am very, very. Look, what you need is a guide. You'll find at least three hiding behind every lamp post.

[Milton Queen]

Oh, yes, perhaps you are right. But you being a resident here, my friend suggested that you might.

[Rocky Jordan]

If you'll excuse me.

[Milton Queen]

That phone call.

[Rocky Jordan]

Oh, of course.

[Milton Queen]

Thank you very much, Mr. Jordan. You have been most kind. Most guys.

[Rocky Jordan]

I dragged myself away from Queen and went over to the payphone. Whoever Jack was, he must have gotten t and hung up. I didn't blame him. Before the smiling tourist with the thick glasses could buttonhole me again, I headed for my office. I couldn't help thinking how well my poker hand was filling out. A jack, a queen and now a king. Then I opened the office door. Lying face down on the floor, an ugly lump the size of an ostrich egg. Just behind his left ear was Chris, my bartender. The money was gone from the desk and the back door to the alley swung open. I Ran out into the alley and up to the narrow side. There was no one inside except a native woman. Her somber brown eyes gave me a startled look. She quickly drew a veil over her face and limped away. I've been around Cairo long enough to know not to look at a native woman twice. So I got back to the office and while the help tried to bring Chris to his senses I called the police and reported the robbery. It took six pitchers of water and a gin sling, but Chris finally sat up.

[Chris]

Hey, Rocky, you all right?

[Rocky Jordan]

Me? Of course I am. Chris, what happened?

[Chris]

I don't know.

[Rocky Jordan]

Come on, you gotta remember I left you here to watch the money on my desk.

[Chris]

Oh, yeah? Well, I heard the yelling out front, so I thought you needed help. So I put the money in the safe.

[Rocky Jordan]

In the safe?

[Chris]

Sure. Then I heard somebody come in the door behind me. I stood up and somebody grabbed me. I stepped back on somebody's foot. I think hard.

[Rocky Jordan]

Did you see who it was?

[Chris]

No. I guess that's when I got slugged.

[Rocky Jordan]

You sure you put the money in the safe?

[Chris]

I hate it there.

[Rocky Jordan]

I'm gonna have a look.

[Chris]

Rocky, what do you know?

[Rocky Jordan]

The money was all there, every cent of it. We had a look around the office, but so far as we could tell, nothing had been touched. There was a knock at the door, but before I could answer, in walked Sergeant Greco of the Cairo police. The usual sour look and his face.

[Sergeant Greco]

What's this all about, Mr. Jordan?

[Rocky Jordan]

Greco. Where's Captain Sapia?

[Sergeant Greco]

Captain Sapia is busy. He sent me to get the details of the robbery.

[Rocky Jordan]

Sorry to disappoint you, Greco, but it was all a mistake.

[Sergeant Greco]

One moment. I must make a full report now. How much money was involved?

[Rocky Jordan]

Oh, a few hundred pounds, more or less. But it's all here.

[Sergeant Greco]

Then what has been going on here?

[Thoman King]

Nothing.

[Rocky Jordan]

Forget it.

[Sergeant Greco]

We do not take slugging so lightly, Mr. Jordan.

[Rocky Jordan]

Chris stumbled over his own foot or somebody didn't like his ugly face. Those things happen around here.

[Chris]

Yeah, I didn't get a chance to turn around, but something.

[Sergeant Greco]

If you please, I will question you one at a time.

[Rocky Jordan]

Look, Greco, I'll put in a good word for you to Sibia. Now, if you'll just.

[Sergeant Greco]

Now, Mr. Jordan, did you strike?

[Rocky Jordan]

No, I told you, there's no complaint. For the last time, I will take it. Get away from that phone, Greco. It's for me.

[Sergeant Greco]

Sergeant Greco speaking.

[Rocky Jordan]

Oh.

[Sergeant Greco]

Oh, Captain Sapai.

[Rocky Jordan]

Yes.

[Sergeant Greco]

Yes. Oh, by all means, sir. Yes. Yes, Jordan is here.

[Rocky Jordan]

Yeah, I'll take it.

[Sergeant Greco]

He is not at all cooperative, but so yes. Yes, Yes, I will ask him.

[Rocky Jordan]

Of course. Of course.

[Sergeant Greco]

You can depend on me completely. Yes, I will handle everything at once. Goodbye.

[Rocky Jordan]

Don't hang up that phone. Let me talk to him. Well, Jordan, what did Sabia want?

[Sergeant Greco]

Jordan, when did you last see Ace Warner?

[Rocky Jordan]

Don't tell me I drew an ace.

[Sergeant Greco]

Answer my question.

[Rocky Jordan]

I played poker with him till about 3 o' clock this morning. Remind me not to send him a greeting card this year. Why not? You won a little too easily, I thought. But I asked for it. I'll pay him off.

[Sergeant Greco]

You won't, Jordan. Ace Warner was just found in his casino, shot to death.

[Rocky Jordan]

Maybe somebody will give me a black tie for Christmas.

[Sergeant Greco]

I believe you own a.45 caliber automatic, Jordan.

[Rocky Jordan]

Now look, Greco, you can do better than that.

[Sergeant Greco]

I am instructed to conduct a routine investigation. Let me see the gun.

[Rocky Jordan]

Okay. I keep it in my desk drawer. Haven't touched it in six weeks.

[Sergeant Greco]

Well chosen.

[Rocky Jordan]

Yeah, Greco. And you'll find my fingerprints on it.

[Sergeant Greco]

Thank you.

[Rocky Jordan]

Having fun?

[Sergeant Greco]

Greco has not been fired recently.

[Rocky Jordan]

Oh. Disappointed?

[Sergeant Greco]

Now, what is in these other drawers?

[Rocky Jordan]

Greco, get out of those drawers or get a search warrant. Wait.

[Sergeant Greco]

Another gun. Jordan.

[Rocky Jordan]

What? How did that get there? Let me see it.

[Sergeant Greco]

Don't touch it.

[Chris]

Mm.

[Sergeant Greco]

A definite smell of cordite. Two shells missing. This automatic has been fired within the last 12 hours.

[Rocky Jordan]

A plant if I ever saw one.

[Sergeant Greco]

I would deliver this gun to Captain Sabaya for his inspection. And under the circumstances, you, Jordan, will accompany me to the Cairo J.

[Narrator]

Rocky Jordan will be back in just a moment. Remember, over your CBS station every Sunday night you'll hear not only Rocky Jordan, but Sam Spade, Dashiell Hammett's great private eye, and the Whistler, one of the most popular shows on the air. Remember, this half hour each Sunday evening is the time for Rocky Jordan. Now back to tonight's story. Ace High Straight.

[Rocky Jordan]

I was well on my way to an Ace High Straight. A phone call from a guy named Jack who didn't wait for me to answer. A loud Egyptian named King and a smiling tourist named Queen. And finally, a murdered gambler named Ace. I wondered when the 10 would show up to fill my straight. It was no secret that Ace Warner had my IOU for plenty of money, won in a poker game the night before. But when a.45 automatic, recently fired, turned up in my desk drawer, I was taken to headquarters. Captain Sam Cebia sent the gun to ballistics two doors down. Kept me in his office.

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

Jordan, I had hoped there would someday be a murder in Cairo in which you were not involved.

[Rocky Jordan]

Keep trying, Sam.

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

Now, you were about to give me one of your fantastic theories.

[Rocky Jordan]

Nothing fantastic about it. The killer knew I owed Ace Warner too much dough after that poker game last night. So he planted his gun in my desk to throw the blame on me.

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

You seem quite certain that gun killed Ace Warner.

[Rocky Jordan]

What's your idea, sir? Never mind.

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

Go on.

[Rocky Jordan]

Somebody contrived to get me out of my office while his accomplice entered it from the alley. He didn't count on finding Chris. Where was I?

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

Calm yourself, Jordan. Ballistics must fire the gun to compare bullets.

[Rocky Jordan]

Sure, sure.

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

Jordan, supposing you are right, can you suggest who contrived to get you out of your office?

[Rocky Jordan]

It could be any one of three. Somebody named Jack called me on the front payphone just before this happened.

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

Jack who?

[Rocky Jordan]

I don't know. By the time I answered, he'd hung up. Then a swarthy Egyptian named Tommen King started a phony one man riot in the cafe. I had to throw him out.

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

Tom and King and the third.

[Rocky Jordan]

Well, after I get rid of King. Sam, how many times do they have to go on?

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

Joel?

[Rocky Jordan]

A tourist with thick glasses named Milton Queen buttonholed me at the door. I had trouble getting rid of him. Any one of those three could have given the accomplice plenty of time to get in the alley door to my office.

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

One moment, sir. By speaking, you are sure? No, no, not at present. That will be all.

[Rocky Jordan]

Call him out, Sam.

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

Jordan, Ace Warner was killed with the gun found in your desk drawer.

[Rocky Jordan]

Surprise.

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

Now, suppose you continue your story.

[Rocky Jordan]

All of it. I've told you everything, Sam. How about talking to Chris? For one thing, he thinks he stepped on somebody's foot. He's a big fan. I have his statement.

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

Jordan, I will release you for the present. In the meantime, let me suggest.

[Rocky Jordan]

Did I give up a weekend at my country estate? Sure, Sam. I'll stay in Cairo. Watch me. I got out quick before Sam could change his mind and was on my way back to the tambourine. Now all I had to do was find a tent spot to fill my straight. I also wanted a better look at a couple of cards named King and Queen. As I walked into my cafe, Chris nodded his head painfully toward a man sitting at a front table. The man got up and drooped his way toward me like an underfed dog with its tail between its legs. The Egyptian one man riot. Tom and King.

[Thoman King]

Mr. Jordan, I've been waiting to see.

[Rocky Jordan]

You get the glasses off the bar, Chris.

[Thoman King]

Oh, please, Mr. Jordan. I want to apologize.

[Rocky Jordan]

Why didn't you bring your hole card with you? I don't understand. Your helper who delivered the gun?

[Thoman King]

Mr. Jordan, I am afraid you are confused. I created a disturbance here this morning. My actions were inexcusable.

[Rocky Jordan]

I could phrase it a different way.

[Thoman King]

You see, I had been drinking all night. There have been things on my mind.

[Rocky Jordan]

Like murder. Please. Worries.

[Thoman King]

Why I came to the tambourine, I do not know.

[Rocky Jordan]

A lot of people wonder then.

[Thoman King]

Mr. Jordan, I am a respectable person.

[Rocky Jordan]

It's one man's opinion.

[Thoman King]

You can understand why I would not want a disgraceful affair like this to reach the papers. I did considerable damage. I wish to pay for everything. Would £100 be sufficient?

[Rocky Jordan]

100? That's your last offer?

[Thoman King]

I realize that I am in no bargaining position.

[Rocky Jordan]

Well, give me your card. I'll send you an itemized bill.

[Thoman King]

You are very kind, Mr. Jordan. And you will tell Noah?

[Rocky Jordan]

Well, that depends. Keep in touch with me, King. He handed me his card and backed out the door, bowing all the way. I asked Chris if the guy named Jack had called again. He hadn't. There was a chance I could learn something about Ace Warner to help me find my tin. So I taxied over to his gambling joint on the other side of town. A lone policeman was on guard out front, but he let me in. One of Ace's boys was in a back room testing a roulette wheel. Maxie.

[Maxie]

Oh, hi, rock. Watch your 13 coming up. Watch it. See? 13. What'd I tell you?

[Rocky Jordan]

Yeah, I see. Works something like that poker game I was in last night.

[Maxie]

Oh, yeah, Rock. Sorry about that. We had a fix to clean out a couple of the other boys. They had some tricks, too. There was too much dough on the table Ace couldn't afford.

[Rocky Jordan]

You know Ace is dead.

[Maxie]

Yeah. 23 this time. Watch it.

[Rocky Jordan]

What do you know about the killing?

[Maxie]

I tell you, Rock, he. Watch it now. 23 coming up. 23, just like I said.

[Rocky Jordan]

Come on. What do you know about the killing?

[Maxie]

Nothing, Rock. Not a thing.

[Rocky Jordan]

Who were his enemies? Who's the angel behind this affair?

[Maxie]

Angel? It's funny. How do you know?

[Rocky Jordan]

Know what?

[Maxie]

That was his girlfriend. He smothered her in France or someplace. Quite a dish, Rocky. He was getting rid of her dough.

[Rocky Jordan]

Why?

[Maxie]

He got most of it anyhow. She's too jumpy. Scared her husband show up.

[Rocky Jordan]

You know what the husband's name was?

[Maxie]

Let's see. No, I forgot it. Four this time.

[Rocky Jordan]

Try to remember, Maxie. Was it King? Maybe?

[Maxie]

King? Yeah, King, that's it. How do you know?

[Rocky Jordan]

I didn't. Where's angel hiding these days?

[Maxie]

Got no idea. Hey, wait.

[Rocky Jordan]

Rock.

[Maxie]

Watch this.

[Rocky Jordan]

Sorry, Maxie. Time for the next deal. Things were beginning to gel now, but I still needed a 10 to fill my straight. I figured I'd find it back to back with a king Tom and King had given me his address down toward the river on the other side of the bazaar. It takes a taxi all day to get through the bazaar, so I walked. Ordinarily I like to take in the bazaar. Get a kick out of the snake charmers who always play a little louder when a tourist walks by. I tossed a tattered musician a couple of fiascos and I saw a familiar looking veiled native woman coming up from behind. She limped like the one I saw on the side street off the tambourine that morning. I wasn't sure she saw me, so I darted into a booth and waited for her to pass.

[Sergeant Greco]

Effendi, you like my rug?

[Rocky Jordan]

Yeah, sure, but not this time.

[Sergeant Greco]

Only two Egyptian pounds, effendi, for this filove.

[Rocky Jordan]

Ah, not interested. Sorry.

[Sergeant Greco]

I see you bargain well, effendi, only for you.

[Rocky Jordan]

One pound. Look, I got a rug now.

[Sergeant Greco]

Don't bother, effendi, you will ruin me.

[Rocky Jordan]

Half a pound and 40 piazza. I'm not buying anything. Let it go of me, will you?

[Sergeant Greco]

Very well, but only for you, effendi.

[Maxie]

Half a pound.

[Rocky Jordan]

No. Less.

[Sergeant Greco]

Not a bell. Yummy.

[Rocky Jordan]

Less.

[Sergeant Greco]

We'll come back.

[Rocky Jordan]

By the time I got out of the booth and shook the excited peddler off, a veiled native woman was way down the street. I thought I saw her turn in somewhere. I wasn't sure. Anyhow, I couldn't have followed her. Like I said, a foreigner doesn't look at a veiled woman twice if he values his life. So I hurried on down the street. As I passed an open air cafe, I changed my course again. Another one of my cards had turned up. He sat at a secluded table sipping tea. Across from him sat a shy brown eyed boy of uncertain age. I went up to their table. Why?

[Milton Queen]

Why, Mr. Jordan.

[Rocky Jordan]

Mr. Milton Queen.

[Milton Queen]

I believe this. This is a pleasure. May I present my nephew, Junior Queen. How do you do, sir?

[Rocky Jordan]

Yes, we've met, we have?

[Milton Queen]

Why? Oh no. I was to meet him this morning but he had not arrived when I talked to you.

[Rocky Jordan]

Oh yeah, yeah, of course.

[Milton Queen]

A logical mistake.

[Rocky Jordan]

Ever play poker, Mr. Queen?

[Milton Queen]

Poker? No, no. I'm so sorry. It's so kind of you to invite me.

[Rocky Jordan]

I just thought you might know Ace Warner.

[Milton Queen]

Warner? Ace? No, no, I'm afraid not. But I would enjoy meeting him. There are so many, many friendly people in Cairo. Oh, Mr. Jordan, I must confess a very foolish mistake.

[Rocky Jordan]

You must? Ah.

[Milton Queen]

You will recall I said the Mosque El Azhar was the first Egyptian example of the pointed arch. I was wrong. It was the Ahmed IBN Tulun.

[Rocky Jordan]

Stupid of me, but think nothing of it. See you later, Mr. Queen. You too, Junior. Goodbye, sir.

[Milton Queen]

Won't you have some tea with us, Mr. Jordan?

[Rocky Jordan]

Tea? No. No, thanks. Kills the taste of the lemon. As I left the table, I wondered why I said I had met Junior before. I thought I had a good memory for faces. Well, I found Tom and King's address. A large brownstone modern apartment house. But King wasn't in. The clerk said he'd been out most of the day. I waited around the lobby for a while, then stepped into a phone booth and called the Tambourine.

[Chris]

Cafe. Tambourine?

[Rocky Jordan]

Chris, this is Rocky. That fellow named Jack ever called me back?

[Chris]

No, never did. But somebody else called.

[Rocky Jordan]

Who?

[Chris]

I don't know.

[Milton Queen]

Hey, Bot and a service.

[Chris]

Just a minute. He said if you wanted a fine angel, try 10 Dahabia.

[Rocky Jordan]

10 Dahabiya. What else?

[Chris]

That's all. He hung up.

[Rocky Jordan]

Oh, great. Now you can do something.

[Chris]

Why, Rocky.

[Rocky Jordan]

Hang up. Well, looked like I finally had that 10 to fill my Ace High straight. I remembered the paddle streamers along the Nile are known as dahabiyas. Then I thought again. Swank. Little houseboats anchored along the Nile are called the same thing. A five minute walk from King's Place took me to Dahabia number 10. I walked up the narrow awning covered gangplank that led to the little deck and knocked at the door.

[Angel]

Who is it?

[Rocky Jordan]

The name's Jordan.

[Angel]

I don't want to see anyone. Wait. I.

[Rocky Jordan]

Sorry, blue eyes, I gotta talk to you.

[Angel]

Who did you say you were?

[Rocky Jordan]

Rocky Jordan. I was a friend of Ace Warner's.

[Sergeant Greco]

Oh.

[Angel]

Well, how did you find me here?

[Rocky Jordan]

Oh, I just filled it straight and there you were.

[Angel]

I don't understand. Straight. It's. Oh, well, if you mean you want a drink, it's on the side cabinet. Go ahead.

[Rocky Jordan]

Thanks. I believe I will.

[Angel]

I'm sorry I couldn't get it for you. But you see my foot.

[Rocky Jordan]

Yeah, I noticed it. Why.

[Angel]

Why did you come here, Mr. Jordan?

[Rocky Jordan]

To find your husband.

[Angel]

My husband?

[Rocky Jordan]

Did you know you had one?

[Angel]

Well, I. I have not seen him since I left Bordeaux. You had better go, Mr. Jordan.

[Maxie]

Oh, sure.

[Rocky Jordan]

But the next time you see Mr. King, tell him I said hello.

[Angel]

Mr. King? Who is he?

[Rocky Jordan]

Isn't that his name?

[Angel]

I don't know what you are talking about. Now kindly get out of here.

[Rocky Jordan]

I'm going. Oh, one more question, Angel. What happened to your foot?

[Angel]

A camel stepped on.

[Rocky Jordan]

Seemed almost too easy. But just in case Sam Sabaya hadn't already found the answer, I figured I'd throw in my two bits. So at the nearest pay phone I put in a hurry up call to headquarters. Captain Sam is Rocky.

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

Well, Jordan, you did stay in Cairo.

[Rocky Jordan]

I'll make it short and sweet in case you still want to know who killed Ace Warner.

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

You mean you can tell me.

[Rocky Jordan]

All wrapped up neat like a package from Santa Claus. Try a man named Tom and King at 1114 Fingal Place, Jordan, I have.

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

Already talked to Mr. King.

[Rocky Jordan]

And next, look up a blue eyed beauty named Angel. Or didn't you know Tom and King was her husband?

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

This is news, Jordan.

[Rocky Jordan]

All right, add it up, Sam. While King got me out of my office at the tambourine with his drunk act, angel put the gun on my desk. She still has a sore foot.

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

That lovely creature knocked Chris out.

[Rocky Jordan]

Well, she had to. Then made her get away disguised as an Arab woman maybe.

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

Ridiculous, Jordan. How do you explain?

[Rocky Jordan]

Ma', am, if I figure this any farther, you'd have to put me on your payroll. Come on. Better be on your way. From there on, it was Sam's baby. 10 dahabiya did it. My first four cards had been people instead of a house address. But I was satisfied. Found myself walking back through the bazaar. And this time I was enjoying it. I slowed down to listen to the tattered beggar musician. I was about to put in a request for the St. Louis Blues when I saw her again, right behind me. This time still following me. The veiled native woman limped. But this time I figured I knew who she was. She hesitated. Her somber brown eyes flicked my way. Then she quickened her pace and went on by. I stood there puzzled. Then it hit me. My house of cards collapsed like a tent in a sandstorm. Rocky Jordan, the prize sucker of Cairo. Sure, I figured it. Just enough to leave a girl named angel at the mercy of a killer and get another murder rap pinned on me. This time I didn't dare let the veiled woman get out of sight. Again I turned and started after her. Three natives eyed me suspiciously and fell in behind. She saw me coming and limped faster. Then she began running. So did I. And with every step I picked up another native bent on mayhem. There we went, the veiled woman followed by me, followed by a pack of Moslems right through the bazaar. Of cair.

[Narrator]

Rocky Jordan returns in a matter of seconds with the ending of tonight's story. Here's a note of importance to you listeners who like top flight adventure mysteries. Rocky Jordan joined Sam Spade and the Whistler to make this CBS threesome the best mystery adventure listening on the air. Remember that this is the time you will hear Rocky Jordan every Sunday night. And you'll want to hear too Sam Spade and the Whistler Top notch mystery on cbs. Now for the ending of tonight's story. Ace high straight.

[Rocky Jordan]

If you're ever in Cairo and crave excitement, try following a veiled woman. You'll get it. I did better than that. I chased this woman at a dead run past the beggars and the snake charmers and the street vendors of the crowd of bazaar. A pack of natives on my tail were beginning to close in. One big bo tried to block my path. I bowled him over and gathered speed again. I picked up three blocks and 30 more natives. When I caught her, she gave me quite a tussle. Let go. Let go of me. Turn around. Turn around and face him.

[Sergeant Greco]

Oh, no.

[Rocky Jordan]

My veil coming off quick and everything with it. Look her over, folks. She's not a native and she's not a woman. He's uncle's little nephew, Junior Queen. Right then the cop in the corner came pushing through the crowd. I turned Junior Queen over to him for safekeeping and gave him a message for Sabia. Within two minutes, the pack of natives had faded away like a snowman in the desert. Well, I kept moving. I backtracked through the bazaar, grabbed a roving taxi and directed it to Dahabi at 10 on the double. We got there in record time. I hit the pier running, crossed it and went up the canopy gangplank that led to Angel's little houseboat on the Nile. I didn't stop to knock. It seems I was just in time.

[Angel]

Raji, you ain't here.

[Milton Queen]

Close the door, Mr. Jordan.

[Rocky Jordan]

And lock it.

[Milton Queen]

This is most convenient.

[Rocky Jordan]

I see you found another gun, Queen.

[Angel]

Oh, Rocky. Milton. What?

[Rocky Jordan]

Shut up. Yes, I know Maxie's memory was bad. Your husband's name is Queen, not King.

[Angel]

Oh, yes.

[Rocky Jordan]

Natural mistake.

[Milton Queen]

Now that you know, it makes no difference.

[Rocky Jordan]

Naturally. You killed Ace Warner and he wants to kill me.

[Milton Queen]

Rocky and I will.

[Angel]

Oh, no.

[Milton Queen]

The husband doesn't appreciate his wife leaving him. Especially when she takes his last cent and gives to a no good gambler.

[Rocky Jordan]

So you killed him and planted the gun in my office. Then you sent me here to angels planning to kill her. After I left you were a little slow, Queen.

[Milton Queen]

Not at all, Jordan. Now that you are here, it will be even more simple. I don't know why you came back.

[Rocky Jordan]

Oh, just to clear up a mistake, Queen. I thought Angel's address filled my straight. I was wrong. I should have known I was holding the Joker all the time. Very wild. Joker?

[Milton Queen]

Joker?

[Rocky Jordan]

Yeah. Junior Queen. Your shy little nephew. Yes.

[Milton Queen]

He is not my nephew.

[Rocky Jordan]

No, no, no. You hired him to disguise himself as a native woman. Knowing I wouldn't dare follow him, he planted the gun on my desk. But when Sabaya released me, you had Junior keep up the masquerade and tail me. Just in case.

[Milton Queen]

You narrate quite well, Jordan. What comes next?

[Rocky Jordan]

When you introduced me to Junior in the bazaar, I was sure I'd seen that brown eyed face before. I finally remembered it was the face on the native woman in the side street off my cafe this morning. Junior was careless with his veil.

[Milton Queen]

I will reprimand him. The police will enjoy such an incredible story, Jordan. After they find angel dead and know that you have been here.

[Angel]

Oh, Milton, Please, no.

[Rocky Jordan]

Go ahead, Queen, shoot her. Get it over with. What?

[Angel]

Rocky, what are you saying? Please don't.

[Rocky Jordan]

What do you think Sam Sabai has been doing since he talked to Junior? Junior?

[Milton Queen]

Where is he?

[Rocky Jordan]

Locked up in the Cairo jail? No. The police know everything. Queen, if you doubt me, look out the front window.

[Milton Queen]

Oh, I daunt you.

[Rocky Jordan]

It's an old trick, but it worked. As Queen turned toward the front, I reached out and knocked off his thick glasses. He whirled and started firing blindly. I grabbed angel and dragged her to the floor. But the bullets didn't hit anywhere near us. Just then, Sam Savia started pounding in the front door. Queen dropped the gun, ran through the back room. And the last I saw him, he was disappearing through an open window.

[Chris]

Jordan, you here?

[Thoman King]

Where's Milton?

[Rocky Jordan]

Queen, get out your water wing. Sam, Milton went for a swim.

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

Greco, get after him.

[Sergeant Greco]

But Captain, I cannot swim.

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

It is an order, Greco.

[Rocky Jordan]

All right. Don't worry, Greco. It's only three feet deep. You'll find Queen among the bulrushes.

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

Now, Jordan, about Angel, is she.

[Rocky Jordan]

No, she's not dead. Just passed out. I must have stepped on her sore foot when I pulled her down. Yes, yes.

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

She's suffering only mild shock.

[Rocky Jordan]

You know, that's something I'm still trying to figure out. Sam, how did she hurt that foot?

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

Her foot?

[Rocky Jordan]

Jordan.

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

Why? I received a full report on the accident yesterday.

[Rocky Jordan]

Yeah? What happened?

[Captain Sam Sabaya]

A camel stepped on it.

[Narrator]

Rocky Jordan is presented from Columbia Square in Hollywood. And stars Jack Moyles in the title role. Tonight's story was written by Gomer Cool and was produced and directed by Cliff Howell with original music by Milton Charles. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.