Secret Agent K7 - Information Peddler - Aired 1939

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Secret Agent K7 – "Information Peddler"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Airdate: Originally aired 1939
Date Uploaded: July 31, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode features the classic radio drama “Secret Agent K7” with the story "Information Peddler." Set in the tense pre-WWII era, the plot explores espionage, loyalty, and subterfuge as Agent M and his assistant Yvonne work to uncover a ring of information peddlers leaking military secrets. The story is a taut cat-and-mouse tale about double agents, diplomatic intrigue, and the moral ambiguity of those who sell secrets under the guise of patriotism.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Structure

Introduction: The Threat of Spies

• [01:55] Narrator opens by highlighting the peril posed by spies and information peddlers to global peace, setting a grave and suspenseful tone for the story.

  “Spies and information peddlers are a great menace to the peace of the world.” – Narrator [01:55]

K7’s Brief & The Case Setup

• [02:27] John Holbrook introduces the mission: Secret Agent M, with new assistant Yvonne, is investigating the leak of diplomatic code books and information.
• Agent M’s arrival in a continental city is timed with the discovery of missing code books by Sandor, a minor diplomat.

Encounter with Sandor: The Desperate Informant

• [02:54–04:00] Agent M & Sandor meet clandestinely in the hotel lobby.
  • Sandor admits to being entrusted with code books that have now disappeared—an act that threatens his diplomatic career.

  “Unless I get them back, I will be ruined.” – Sandor [03:36]

  • M is skeptical but agrees to investigate.

Yvonne’s Role: The Trap is Set

• [04:48–07:00] Yvonne is summoned to assist M.

  • She is instructed to dine alone at the same table each evening, receive coded mail, and burn it in public view—intentionally drawing the attention of interested parties.

  “You will be a trap. A very beautiful trap.” – Agent M [06:54]

• M alerts Yvonne to the blind man outside the hotel, hinting at surveillance.

  “And watch the blind man who stands in the street outside the hotel door. The one to whom you gave a coin this morning.” – Agent M [07:00]

Testing the Lure: Yvonne as 'Patriot'

• [07:33–08:51] Yvonne follows instructions, acting as a patriot potentially interested in buying secrets.

  • The head waiter probes Yvonne about her interest in military defense, hinting at a possible contact.

• A subtle agreement is struck: Yvonne will be contacted with further information in exchange for payment.

  “When I am given information that interests me, I pay well for it.” – Yvonne [08:33]

The Exchange: The Information Sale

• [09:45–10:10] Yvonne receives instructions to call a number, leading to a clandestine meeting arranged by Sandor.

• [10:18–11:38] In a dramatic drive outside the city, Sandor attempts to sell Yvonne secret information about robot plane tests for 200,000 francs.

  “Tests are being conducted at Seaman's Head. A robot plane controlled by radio...Every message...has been decoded. The information is here in this envelope.” – Sandor [10:18]

• Yvonne feigns interest but insists on returning to the hotel to get the money—careful not to get fully entrapped.

The Sting: Unmasking the Traitors

• [12:04–13:10] In the hotel’s empty dining room, M and Yvonne confront the head waiter and Sandor, revealing the sting.

  “I have a perfect right to those papers... Your government is not testing a robot aeroplane.” – Agent M [12:31, 12:42]

• The documents Sandor tried to sell were fabricated by K7 as bait; the entire operation was an elaborate trap to expose the spies.

  “This information is all false, sent out to prove that you are a spy.” – Agent M [12:50]

• Both Sandor and the head waiter are arrested, their duplicity confirmed.

Epilogue: Reflections on Betrayal and Peace

• [13:34] Narrator closes with a moral reflection on the dangers of information peddlers and the resolve of agents to prevent future wars.

  “Such men as Sandor are dangerous to their own countries and to the peace of the world... we will help prevent another.” – Narrator [13:34]

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Yvonne’s wit in the face of danger:

  “You will be a trap. A very beautiful trap.” – Agent M [06:54]

• The revelation of the sting and the fabricated evidence:

  “This information is all false, sent out to prove that you are a spy.” – Agent M [12:50]

• Agent camaraderie and fatigue:

  “Then will you put away your dark glasses? ...I want to have dinner and with you. I'm tired of dining alone.” – Yvonne [13:10]

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Important Timestamps

• 01:55: Narrator introduces the theme of spies and information peddlers
• 02:54: Agent M meets Sandor about the missing code books
• 04:48: Yvonne arrives and M outlines her role as bait
• 07:33: Yvonne engages the head waiter, drawing the spies in
• 10:18: The exchange scene in the car with Sandor
• 12:04: The sting operation is executed in the hotel dining room
• 13:34: The narrator sums up the threat and mission’s success

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Tone and Style

Classic radio drama suspense, with crisp dialogue and strong 1930s sensibilities about loyalty, duty, and national peril. The interactions have an undercurrent of suspicion and tension, with Yvonne and M utilizing sharp wit and subtle ruses.

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Summary

"Information Peddler" exemplifies Golden Age radio intrigue—a story of espionage where not everything is as it seems, and even the most trusted can be a double agent. The episode builds suspense through clever setup, a believable spy trap, and last-minute revelations, all underpinned by the tense international climate of the late 1930s. The closing reflections remind listeners of the era’s pressing dangers and the unending vigilance required to keep peace.

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Transcript

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[Agent M]

Secret agent K7 returns.

[Narrator]

Sam.

[John Holbrook]

America's number one adventurer. K7, former United States secret agent who operated in 22 countries, on land, on sea and in the air, brings you another modern story of today. Here is K7.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, may I repeat a statement I have made many times today. Spies and information peddlers are a great menace to the peace of the world. It is the story of an information peddler I bring to you now. This man, whom I have called only by his first name, was doubly despicable since he posed as a servant of his country and a patriot. My friend John Holbrook will introduce the story.

[John Holbrook]

Thank you, K7. Recently, K7 told the story of how Secret Agent M first encountered Yvonne, the girl who became his assistant. Now we bring you the story of the second time M and Yvonne worked together. EM was investigating a case which involved the leakage of diplomatic secrets. His findings took him to a continental city. He'd been there but a few hours when he was approached in his hotel lobby.

[Sandor]

Monsieur, the agent. You remember me?

[Agent M]

Yes, yes, of course I do. You are.

[Sandor]

Please, it is enough that you know me. Do not call me by my name here on this place.

[Agent M]

As you wish.

[Sandor]

We can talk better over there, across the room. You will listen to me?

[Agent M]

Of course. I will then follow

[Sandor]

you see, it is better here. I am glad that you do not hold all scores against me. Monsieur, I am in trouble. I need your help.

[Agent M]

I'll be glad to give it if I can.

[Sandor]

During the war, I was a.

[Agent M]

A politician.

[Sandor]

That is a kind way to put it. But it is true. Now I serve my country. Here I am in the diplomatic service.

[Agent M]

So I understand.

[Sandor]

Certain code books were placed in my keeping.

[Narrator]

They.

[Sandor]

They have disappeared.

[Agent M]

I see.

[Sandor]

Unless I get them back, I will be ruined.

[Agent M]

Monsieur, how long have these code books been missing?

[Sandor]

How long? It is hard to say. You see, I did not have to use them often. Only today I noticed they were gone

[Agent M]

and I arrived only today.

[Sandor]

What do you mean, monsieur?

[Agent M]

Nothing. It's a coincidence, that's all. Sando. I may be busy for a few days. However, I'll keep your code books in mind. And if I hear anything.

[Sandor]

I thank you, monsieur. I knew you would help me. I. I cannot afford another scandal, Monsieur. I thank.

[Yvonne]

You.

[John Holbrook]

Later that evening, M telegraphed Yvonne. He wrote the message out, then studied it.

[Agent M]

You asked to assist me. Have case on which you can help. Come here at once. Register at hotel and wait for message from me. Expenses enclosed. Yes, that should bring him. Send this immediately. Also this money.

[John Holbrook]

At once, monsieur.

[Agent M]

Thank you. Let's see. The cable office is to my right. Yes, there it is. I must contact Case 7 at once.

[John Holbrook]

Two days later, Yvonne arrived. She registered at the hotel, went to her rooms and waited. A few hours later, M knocked on her door.

[Yvonne]

Who is it?

[Agent M]

Let me in. Ivan.

[Yvonne]

Em. I wondered when you would come.

[Agent M]

Quick, close the door.

[Yvonne]

I'm so glad to see you. Thank you for calling me.

[Agent M]

I promised I would. Yvonne, I need your assistance. You will be especially valuable to me here because you're unknown. I can't remain with you long, so I'll outline our case at once.

[Yvonne]

Now I'm ready.

[Agent M]

Briefly, here are the facts. Diplomatic and military information has been leaking out the results of certain tests. Valuable information has been decoded from wireless messages and sold.

[Yvonne]

How could that be him? Unless the spies possess the code books.

[Agent M]

They do possess them, Ivan. The books have been reported stolen. They were in the hands of a minor diplomatic representative.

[Yvonne]

Then why have the codes not been changed?

[Agent M]

That has also been done. The information continues to leak out.

[Yvonne]

Then it is not going to be easy, is it, Em?

[Agent M]

I'm afraid not. Unless you are successful, tell me what I'm to do. I was coming to that. On my first day here, the man who has reported the loss of the code book said to me, do not call me by name here in this place. We were downstairs in the hotel lobby at the time. What do you make of that, Ivan?

[Yvonne]

That someone here might recognize you?

[Agent M]

Exactly. You do, Ivan. He was afraid that either he or I or both of us would be seen. Evidently, this hotel is the headquarters. Of course, it may be some of those involved lived here.

[Yvonne]

What is your plan, Ian?

[Agent M]

It may not sound like much of one, but all I want you to do is have dinner alone each evening in the dining room.

[Yvonne]

Is that all?

[Agent M]

That is all. I want you to always sit alone and at the same table. Oh, yes. There's one thing more. I have arranged that you will receive some mail. It will come to you from another country. You Are never to stop at the desk for that mail. Ivan, when you're in the dining room, ask the head waiter to bring it to you.

[Yvonne]

That is all I am to do?

[Agent M]

Nearly all. After opening your mail, burn it at your table. And if anyone should ask who you are, merely say that you're a patriot. Tell them that you think only of your country's welfare.

[Yvonne]

And I aim to be a sort of trap. Is that it?

[Agent M]

Yes, Ivan, you are right. You will be a trap. A very beautiful trap.

[Yvonne]

Thank you.

[Agent M]

Now I must leave you. Good luck, Yvonne. And watch the blind man who stands in the street outside the hotel door. The one to whom you gave a coin this morning. Goodbye. I may contact you later.

[John Holbrook]

Yvonne followed M's simple instructions. Each night she dined alone. And each night she received a letter which bore an important seal. M seemed to have disappeared completely.

[Head Waiter]

Good evening, ma'. Am. You will want your same table?

[Yvonne]

Yes, of course.

[Head Waiter]

This way. I have reserved it for you. May I take your wrap?

[Yvonne]

Thank you.

[Head Waiter]

Here is your mail, Mandel. I took the liberty of getting.

[Yvonne]

Put it down. I will read it later.

[Head Waiter]

Yes, ma'. Am. Is there anything else I can get for you?

[Yvonne]

My dinner, of course.

[Head Waiter]

I was not thinking of that. Only that you are always alone. You are not expecting anyone or perhaps a message?

[Narrator]

No.

[Yvonne]

Evidently there is no one here who is interested in me. You see, I am a patriot. I am interested in nothing but the welfare of my country.

[Head Waiter]

You serve your country, Mamzel?

[Yvonne]

In a small way. Sometimes I hear useful information.

[Head Waiter]

Your country, is it interested in air defense?

[Yvonne]

Of course.

[Head Waiter]

Then perhaps I can help you. If you would receive a message in your room.

[Yvonne]

I shall look forward to its coming. You will accept this. To the 100 franc note.

[Head Waiter]

Mandela's generous.

[Yvonne]

When I am given information that interests me, I pay well for it. Now, my dinner at once.

[John Holbrook]

Was the trap working? Yvonne finished her dinner and decided to take a short walk. The head waiter escorted her to the hotel's door.

[Head Waiter]

There is a wind, Mamzel. Now let me hold your hand.

[Yvonne]

I'm not going fast. Wait. My bag. I can see the blind man through the window. I must get a coin for him.

[Head Waiter]

I have not seen him there before.

[Yvonne]

I'm ready. Good night.

[Head Waiter]

Good night, Mamzel. Tomorrow you will receive a note. Follow its instructions carefully.

[Yvonne]

I will. It is cold for you to be standing in the street, Monsieur. I will put a coin in your cup. Perhaps you can go home now.

[John Holbrook]

The next day, Yvonne received a note. She was instructed to telephone to a certain number. She made the call immediately.

[Yvonne]

Hello? Hello.

[Sandor]

You are interested in my offer, ma'? Am?

[Yvonne]

Yes, I am very much interested. Who are you?

[Sandor]

That does not matter. Tonight I will send a car for you.

[Yvonne]

At what time?

[Sandor]

9 o'.

[Yvonne]

Clock.

[Sandor]

Be ready.

[Yvonne]

I'll wait in front of the hotel until tonight myself.

[John Holbrook]

That evening the car arrived and Ivan was driven away. Outside the city, it stopped for another passenger. Then it drove into the night.

[Sandor]

Tests are being conducted at Seaman's Head. A robot plane controlled by radio flies over a target and drops bombs. It could fly over a city.

[Yvonne]

Do you have complete information as to how it operates?

[Sandor]

The tests have been going on for a week. Every message between the technical staff conducting the tests. And the military officers ashore has been decoded. The information is here in this envelope.

[Yvonne]

Then I will buy it. How much do you want?

[Sandor]

200,000 francs, Mansell.

[Yvonne]

Oh, it's a lot of money. I. I have not that much with me. You will have to drive me back to my hotel.

[Sandor]

To the hotel? Very well. But I must warn you, mamzel. If you turn, try anything. Go back to the hotel. Driver.

[Agent M]

Where, monsieur?

[Sandor]

He's not far. The officers of your army will gain much information from these notes, ma'. Am. If war should come.

[Yvonne]

Do you think there will be war someday?

[Sandor]

Who knows when?

[Yvonne]

You have not told me your name,

[Sandor]

or does it matter? I have the information you need. I will let you inspect it before you pay me.

[Yvonne]

But what if I should want to contact you again?

[Sandor]

You need only contact with the head waiter.

[Yvonne]

That is useful information, monsieur.

[Sandor]

It is a simple method, but here's the hotel. Remember my warning.

[Yvonne]

I'll be gone only a few moments.

[Sandor]

I will wait here. M. You will be watched.

[Yvonne]

Oh, mon. Have your coin. It is for the blind man.

[Sandor]

Of course. M. Here is one.

[Yvonne]

Thank you. Good evening, monsieur. Here is your coin. He has the papers written in the car in.

[Agent M]

Yvonne, wait for me inside.

[Head Waiter]

Ah, Mamzel.

[Sandor]

You have returned.

[Yvonne]

Yes. Your dining room is deserted.

[Head Waiter]

Yes. It is past the dinner hour.

[Yvonne]

Then step inside. I want to talk to you.

[John Holbrook]

Here will be all right?

[Head Waiter]

Yeah. You wanted to say something?

[Yvonne]

Wait.

[Head Waiter]

Is this a trick? I have a pistol.

[Yvonne]

Look before you attempt anything.

[Head Waiter]

The blind man.

[Yvonne]

And Sandor is with him.

[Agent M]

Stand over there. Sandor, take my gun. Yvonne, keep them both covered. I want to have a look at these papers.

[Sandor]

You cannot do this.

[Agent M]

I have a perfect right to those papers.

[Sandor]

They tell about tests conducted by my government.

[Yvonne]

Everything there.

[Agent M]

Everything. Sandon, you're under arrest.

[Sandor]

You cannot prove anything. I have a right to the papers.

[Agent M]

Perhaps you would have had a right to them if they dealt with real tests, Sandon as it is, they trap you. Your government is not testing a robot aeroplane.

[Yvonne]

Huh?

[John Holbrook]

What?

[Agent M]

What do you mean? An old friend of yours, K7 arranged these messages. They were part of a trap. This information is all false, sent out to prove that you are a spy.

[Head Waiter]

I have nothing to do with it.

[Yvonne]

He lies in Frango told me that they work together.

[Agent M]

We'll have no trouble proving that Yvonne, these two have sold out their company for the last time. The authorities will be here for them in a minute.

[Yvonne]

Then will you put away your dark glasses? New tin cup? I want to have dinner and with you. I'm tired of dining alone.

[Narrator]

Such men as Sandar are dangerous to their own countries and to the peace of the world. Special agents hate them, for we know their menace. We have seen the horror of one war and if it is within our power, we will help prevent another. Listen for my next story. This is K7 speaking. Sa.