Secret Agent K7 39-xx-xx (10) Suicide Ships

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Secret Agent K7 – "Suicide Ships"

Date: August 30, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This classic episode from the Golden Age of Radio brings to life an intense espionage story featuring Secret Agent K7 in "Suicide Ships." The plot follows Special Agent B9 and his assistant, Rita Drake, as they investigate a ring of smugglers using innocent-looking cargo ships to transport illicit weapons. With intrigue, danger, and clever spycraft, the episode delivers a suspenseful tale of international crime and patriotism.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. The "Suicide Ships" Phenomenon

• [01:22–02:04] Secret Agent K7 provides context on “suicide ships”: merchant vessels smuggling arms as commercial cargo, often involved in mysterious fires.
  • Quote (K7, 01:22):
    “Recently the words suicide ships have appeared in public print. It is a sailor's term for freighters carrying what appears to be harmless cargo, yet often found to be bales and boxes bearing commercial labels, but concealing smuggled ammunition and arms.”

2. The Investigation Begins

• [02:04–03:11] Insurance underwriters prompt Special Agent B9 to investigate repeated fires on ships from a particular line.
• B9 and Rita Drake visit the harbor master in a foreign port to begin their undercover work.

3. Undercover Operations

• [03:11–03:56] Plan is hatched: B9 becomes a stevedore; Rita is installed as the harbor master’s secretary for inside access.
  • Quote (John Holbrook/B9, 03:33):
    “The ship, I suspect, sails tomorrow. We haven't much time, Rita. I've got several things to do before tomorrow morning. Be careful. Don't take any unnecessary chances.”

4. Suspicious Cargo and Capture

• [04:36–05:45] B9, undercover as a stevedore, discovers a suspicious heavy crate labeled as typewriters, which actually contains ammunition.
• He is confronted and ultimately caught by those running the smuggling operation.
  • Memorable Moment (05:09):
    Stevedore: “He didn't want me to take it. Something funny about this case. It's labeled typewriters. It weighs too much for the number its size would contain. I think this is the packing case. I'll drop.”

5. Life or Death Stakes

• [06:17–06:52] The captain, harbor master, and smugglers reveal they are aware of B9’s identity. He is locked away with his “last lunch” as the ship prepares to sail.
  • Quote (Captain, 06:52):
    “Lock him in one of the rooms below. Let him have his lunch. It may be the last he eats for a long time.”

6. Desperate Communication and Turning the Tables

• [07:59–08:07] Rita discovers B9's dinner pail floating in the harbor, inside which he has left a hidden message.
  • Memorable Moment (Rita, 08:07):
    “V9's dinner pail. If I had a stick, I could pull it in... There's a message in it. There it is. Contact K7. Tell him to arrest harbor master. Follow ship down harbor. Stay off port side and watch bridge.”

7. Daring Escape and Rescue

• [09:13–10:16] B9 uses a hidden gun (smuggled in his dinner pail) to free himself, confronts the captain, and seizes control of the ship with the help of approaching authorities.
  • Quote (John Holbrook/B9, 10:14):
    “I said give the order to the engine room or I'll use this gun. And don't try any tricks. I know engine room signals. Well, what are you waiting for? That shot went over your head. The next one won't.”

8. The Unveiling of the Conspiracy

• [11:15–11:47] As Rita and officials board, they arrest the captain and receive confirmation that the harbor master is an international crook and the smuggling ring is broken.
  • Quote (Rita Drake, 11:39):
    “It's already proved. Look, B9. This message came by radio to the cruiser just before we came alongside. Read it.”
  • Quote (John Holbrook/B9, 11:47):
    “Harbor master arrested. He is Dimitri Vargan, international crook and munitions smuggler. He has confessed everything. Seize captain of freighter. Captain. This message is signed K7.”

9. Aftermath and Closing Thoughts

• [12:17–13:00] Secret Agent K7 warns about the global threat of suicide ships and the need for constant vigilance.
  • Quote (K7, 12:17):
    “For it is known that certain militaristic nations are employing international crooks and spies to smuggle arms to sympathizers in foreign lands. Every nation must guard against this menace.”

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “Recently the words suicide ships have appeared in public print...” – K7 [01:22]
• “You will both go to prison for a long time.” – John Holbrook/B9 [11:16]
• “Harbor master arrested. He is Dimitri Vargan, international crook and munitions smuggler. He has confessed everything. Seize captain of freighter.” – John Holbrook/B9 [11:47]
• “For it is known that certain militaristic nations are employing international crooks and spies to smuggle arms...” – K7 [12:17]

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Important Segment Timestamps

| Timestamp | Event Description | |------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 01:22 | K7 explains the concept of suicide ships | | 03:33 | B9 and Rita plan their undercover roles | | 05:09 | The suspicious “typewriter” crate is dropped | | 06:52 | B9 is locked below decks with his “last lunch” | | 08:07 | Rita discovers and retrieves the secret message | | 09:13 | B9 escapes from captivity | | 10:14 | B9 confronts the captain and seizes the bridge | | 11:47 | Confirmation of the harbor master's confession | | 12:17 | K7 closes with a warning about international crime |

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Final Remarks

“Suicide Ships” delivers a tight, suspense-filled 1930s radio drama, highlighting espionage, danger, and clever sleuthing. Packed with undercover work, quick thinking, and a satisfying takedown of international criminals, it exemplifies the thrilling storytelling of radio’s golden age. The message remains poignant—vigilance against crime and subterfuge is always a matter of national security.

Transcript

[Captain]

Secret agent K7 returns.

[Special Agent B9]

Sam.

[Rita Drake]

Foreign.

[Narrator]

Adventurer K7, former United States secret agent who operated in 22 countries, on land, on sea and in the air.

[Captain]

Brings you a story of today.

[Secret Agent K7]

Here is K7, ladies and gentlemen. Recently the words suicide ships have appeared in public print. It is a sailor's term for freighters carrying what appears to be harmless cargo, yet often found to be bales and boxes bearing commercial labels, but concealing smuggled ammunition and arms. When, as frequently happens, such criminally dangerous cargoes catch fire, the simplest thing is to accuse the dockers and seamen in foreign ports of planting explosive infernal machines. Such is the background of my story, which John Holbrook will introduce.

[Narrator]

Thank you, K7. The suicide ships case first came to Special Agent B9's attention through commercial sources. Underwriters, suspicious of the frequent fires aboard the ships of one particular line asked him to investigate. The assignment took B9 and his assistant, Rita Drake to the office of the harbor master of a foreign port.

[Harbor Master]

Come in. Special Agent B9 and Ms. Drake. Glad to see both of you again.

[Rita Drake]

Thank you.

[Harbor Master]

You have discovered something since you were here yesterday?

[John Holbrook]

Very little, monsieur. However, thanks to your letter, I'm to start work tomorrow morning as a stevedore. That may give me the lead I want.

[Harbor Master]

Good. I hope you will be successful.

[John Holbrook]

I want to ask you a few more questions. These ships, before giving them clearance papers, do you inspect them?

[Harbor Master]

Why, yes, of course. My men go below and look over the cargo and then examine the ship's papers.

[John Holbrook]

You accept the labels on all cargo as being authentic?

[Harbor Master]

We are forced to, monsieur. I have no right to order cargo open unless I have reason to believe it contains smuggled goods.

[John Holbrook]

I see. Then it's my job to discover whether or not there is smuggling going on.

[Harbor Master]

If you can do that, monsieur, I'll see that it is stopped.

[John Holbrook]

I. I'm sure you will. Now, about my assistant, Ms. Drake. I'm going to need her help, and I want you to make her your secretary. If you will take her aboard a few of the ships with you on one of your inspection trips and introduce her, then the captains will allow her to come and go at will. That arrangement will give me a chance to send messages back to you and to K7.

[Harbor Master]

K7? He is also on the case.

[John Holbrook]

He has agreed to help me if I call on him about Ms. Drake.

[Harbor Master]

I will do what you request. Going on a trip of inspection in about an hour. She can come with me.

[Captain]

Good.

[John Holbrook]

The ship, I suspect, sails tomorrow. We haven't much time, Rita. I've got several Things to do before tomorrow morning. Be careful. Don't take any unnecessary chances.

[Rita Drake]

I won't be none.

[John Holbrook]

And thank you, monsieur. Remember, Rita, it's up to you to keep your eye on my dinner pail. I'll contact you later.

[Rita Drake]

I'll remember.

[Harbor Master]

You were to keep your eye on his dinner. A pair. That is strange. What did he mean by that?

[Rita Drake]

When? Nothing. Nothing, monsieur. Only that I'm to arrange with a little restaurant near the waterfront to have his lunches sent to him while he's working.

[Harbor Master]

Oh, that is all. I see. Now, if you will wait outside, we will be ready to leave in a few minutes.

[Narrator]

The next morning, B9 went to work dressed as a stevedore. He became one of the workmen who wheeled cases and bales up the gangplank and into the hold of the ship. B9 kept a sharp lookout, but he was able to discover nothing. Then he came to a packing case that seemed unusually heavy for its size.

[Stevedore]

This one is heavy. That's all I can do to move it.

[Harbor Master]

Let one of the other men take that case.

[John Holbrook]

It's all right. I'm putting it on my truck now. I can handle it.

[Stevedore]

He didn't want me to take it. Something funny about this case. It's labeled typewriters. It weighs too much for the number its size would contain. I think this is the packing case. I'll drop.

[Harbor Master]

Look out.

[John Holbrook]

You're too near the side of the gameplay with that.

[Harbor Master]

Look out. Oh.

[Special Agent B9]

You fool. It's broken open. Well, the gray canvas over there. Now, monsieur, you go aboard ship.

[John Holbrook]

And if I refuse?

[Special Agent B9]

If you refuse, you will get a bullet in your back. A bullet? Like the ones you saw spill out of that case.

[John Holbrook]

You mind if I take my dinner pail?

[Special Agent B9]

You may need it before you get back. I got a boat over to the bridge. Stop.

[Captain]

Come in. What do you want? Nearly ready to sail.

[Special Agent B9]

This man deliberately dropped the packing case. He wheeled it off the side of the gang length it broke open.

[Captain]

I see. It is one of the ones which contained typewriters.

[John Holbrook]

It was labeled typewriters, Captain, but it contained ammunition.

[Captain]

That is most unfortunate for you, B9.

[John Holbrook]

So you know who I am?

[Captain]

Yes. Yes, very well. You see, we were warned. Search him.

[Special Agent B9]

He has no gun.

[Captain]

What is that in his hand?

[Special Agent B9]

Dinner pail. I opened it when he first started work. Contains only sandwiches.

[Captain]

Lock him in one of the rooms below. Let him have his lunch. It may be the last he eats for a long time.

[Special Agent B9]

Come along.

[Captain]

If the girl should come here again, see that she's not allowed aboard A.

[Narrator]

Few minutes later, the gangplanks were drawn in. The Prater inched away from the dock. As this happened, Rita appeared.

[Rita Drake]

Wait. Wait.

[Special Agent B9]

I've got to come aboard myself.

[Rita Drake]

I have orders from the harbor master. I've got to give them to the captain.

[Special Agent B9]

The harbor master was here a few minutes ago. He left with your friend.

[Rita Drake]

My friend? Who do you mean?

[Special Agent B9]

The man with whom you talked when you were here this morning.

[Rita Drake]

I talked with no one.

[Special Agent B9]

Well, perhaps I was wrong. By myself. In any event, it does not matter. The ship has gone. Good day, mademoiselle. I hope you find what you are looking for.

[Narrator]

As the ship made its way slowly into the harbor, Rita was left alone on the dock. Suddenly she saw something floating in the oily water.

[Rita Drake]

V9's dinner pail. If I had a stick, I could pull it in. There's one now. If I can climb down near the water, it's long enough coming now. If only. There's a message in it. There it is. Contact K7. Tell him to arrest harbor master. Follow ship down harbor. Stay off port side and watch bridge.

[Narrator]

Slowly the ship made its way through the great harbor. An hour later, it was almost at sea. In a cabin below decks. B9.

[Stevedore]

If she got my message, she should be alongside by now. I can't wait much longer. We'll be at sea, not in sight. I have to take a chance alone. Lucky they didn't examine my dinner pail too closely. I may be able to shoot the lock off this door. It worked. Sound of the ship probably covered the noise. Now to get to the bridge.

[Narrator]

B9 made his way cautiously along a passageway. Meanwhile on the bridge, the captain issued orders.

[Captain]

We're almost out of the harbor. Increase speed ahead.

[Harbor Master]

Aye, aye, sir. Increase speed. Captain, there's a cruiser coming up behind us, sir.

[Captain]

Hand me the glasses.

[Harbor Master]

Here, sir.

[Captain]

It's your girl. I can see it on the cruiser's bridge. Full speed.

[Harbor Master]

Full speed.

[John Holbrook]

Never mind giving the signal, mate.

[Captain]

How did you get up here?

[John Holbrook]

It isn't important how I got here. Captain, issue orders to heave to.

[Captain]

You can't touch us. We're out of the harbor.

[John Holbrook]

Oh, no, you're not. Heave to. I said give the order to the engine room or I'll use this gun. And don't try any tricks. I know engine room signals. Well, what are you waiting for? That shot went over your head. The next one won't.

[Harbor Master]

I give the signal. Don't shoot.

[John Holbrook]

Now see that both of you. Keep your hands over your heads. You'll have more company in a minute.

[Captain]

Where did you get that gun?

[John Holbrook]

Have you had looked for yourself, Captain? He would have found it under the sandwiches in my dinner pail.

[Rita Drake]

We're coming alongside.

[John Holbrook]

All ready for you. Rita. Have your men seize the crew.

[Harbor Master]

What are you going to do with us?

[John Holbrook]

You will both go to prison for a long time.

[Captain]

Be nice. I make your proposition. If you let us go.

[John Holbrook]

Wasting your breath, Captain.

[Captain]

Look.

[John Holbrook]

The cruiser is coming alongside. Now boardings.

[Rita Drake]

Where are you?

[John Holbrook]

Up here on the bridge. Come on up, Reader.

[Rita Drake]

I was afraid we'd be too late.

[John Holbrook]

It was lucky you found my dinner pail for them.

[Rita Drake]

Yes, just after the ship sailed. This captain, he works with a harbor master.

[Captain]

You will have to prove that.

[Rita Drake]

It's already proved. Look, B9. This message came by radio to the cruiser just before we came alongside. Read it.

[John Holbrook]

Harbor master arrested. He is Dimitri Vargan, international crook and munitions smuggler. He has confessed everything. Seize captain of freighter. Captain. This message is signed K7.

[Secret Agent K7]

Within the last few months, many suicide ships have burned at sea. Many others have been seized in world ports. More of these stories may appear in newspapers. For it is known that certain militaristic nations are employing international crooks and spies to smuggle arms to sympathizers in foreign lands. Every nation must guard against this menace. Listen for my next story. This is K7 speaking.

[Captain]

It.