Shadow 228 1941-10-19 The Hoodoo Ship (Johnstone)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Shadow 228 - "The Hoodoo Ship"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Episode: Shadow 228
• Original Air Date: October 19, 1941
• Release Date: July 11, 2025
• Description: Dive into the Golden Age of Radio with classic episodes like "The Shadow," where mystery and intrigue unfold before your ears.

---

Introduction

"The Hoodoo Ship" is a gripping episode from "The Shadow" series, set aboard the ill-fated slave ship Raven in the year 1850. This installment weaves a tale of supernatural legends, murder, and suspense, showcasing the enigmatic persona of Lamont Cranston, also known as The Shadow.

---

Main Characters

• Lamont Cranston/The Shadow: A wealthy young man with the mysterious ability to become invisible, using his hypnotic powers to combat evil.

• Margot Lane: Lamont's loyal companion and confidante, privy to his secret identity.

• Mr. Car Waste: The original captain associated with the Raven's dark past.

• Captain Flanagan: The current captain of the Raven, who becomes the target of a sinister plot.

• Mr. Carew: The ship's owner, orchestrating the voyage under peculiar circumstances.

• Rock the Bosun: A rough and intimidating crew member with a hidden agenda.

• Jess Stewart: A crew member exhibiting unusual behavior aboard the ship.

---

Plot Summary

Setting Sail

The episode opens with Lamont Cranston accepting an invitation from Mr. Carew to sail aboard the Raven. Despite the ship's ominous history—marked by death on nearly every voyage since 1850—Lamont is determined to uncover the truth. His companion, Margot Lane, expresses concerns about the ship's cursed reputation, citing the gruesome death of a former captain in his cabin.

Unsettling Atmosphere

As the Raven sets sail, tensions rise among the crew. Captain Flanagan introduces Mr. Rock, a new skipper whose stern demeanor quickly earns the crew's respect. Suspicion arises when anomalies like unexplained odors and eerie noises plague the ship, deepening the mystery of the haunted vessel.

Rising Suspicion

Late one night, Captain Flanagan is found dead in his cabin under mysterious circumstances, mirroring the fate of Captain Rutherford from the ship's cursed past. Lamont, observing from his vantage point, grapples with the inexplicable nature of the deaths, noting the absence of visible violence.

The Confrontation

Facing mutiny from the fearful crew, Mr. Carew seeks Lamont's expertise to quell the unrest. Lamont devises a plan to investigate the captain's cabin under the guise of his alter ego, The Shadow. Margot assists by monitoring the cabin's porthole, setting the stage for a confrontation with the murderer.

Unmasking the Killer

During the tense investigation, the Shadow intervenes to prevent another murder attempt on Mr. Carew. Through strategic maneuvering and deduction, Lamont and Margot expose Rock as the hired assassin, revealing his method of using a poisoned dart hidden in a sharp steel needle. Rock's motive stems from a conspiracy to sabotage Mr. Carew, ensuring his dominance over seafaring ventures.

Resolution

With Rock apprehended and the Raven's curse debunked as mere superstitions and staged phenomena, peace returns to the ship. Mr. Carew prepares to take Rock into custody as they approach their destination, concluding the harrowing journey aboard the Hoodoo Ship.

---

Notable Quotes

• Lamont Cranston:

  • "The Shadow knows. Be sure to hear our special guest at the end of today's program." [00:15]
  • "I've cast a hypnotic mist over your mind which makes me invisible." [18:44]
  • "Be patient, Mr. Carew, and obey my orders and we will outwit the killer." [23:54]

• Margot Lane:

  • "A pretty gruesome history, Mr. Poe." [04:13]
  • "Something unearthly about it. Do you notice that odor?" [14:02]
  • "Hold him on. Mr. Crew is about the happiest man in the world this morning." [24:56]

• Captain Flanagan:

  • "Never in all my years at sea have I seen a meaner or uglier bunch of men." [08:30]
  • "I'll not tolerate that. As soon as we're out to sea, I want to talk to the entire crew." [09:15]

• Mr. Carew:

  • "I've been through that same thing, Captain." [16:53]
  • "I feel as though I'm taking that last long walk tonight." [21:14]

---

Key Themes and Insights

• Superstition vs. Reality: The episode explores the tension between superstitious fears surrounding the Raven and the tangible, human-driven motives behind the tragedies.

• Identity and Secrecy: Lamont's dual identity as The Shadow underscores themes of hidden truths and the lengths one must go to unveil justice.

• Isolation and Fear: The confined setting aboard the ship amplifies the characters' fears and suspicions, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere ripe for intrigue.

• Justice and Morality: The Shadow's intervention serves as a catalyst for uncovering the truth, highlighting the eternal battle between good and evil.

---

Conclusion

"The Hoodoo Ship" masterfully blends elements of mystery, suspense, and supernatural legend, delivering a captivating narrative that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. Through clever plotting and dynamic character interactions, the episode not only entertains but also delves into deeper themes of trust, deception, and the quest for truth. As The Shadow navigates the perils of the Raven, listeners are treated to a timeless tale that exemplifies the allure of Golden Age radio dramas.

---

Note: This summary focuses solely on the narrative content of the episode, omitting advertisements and non-essential segments to provide a clear and engaging overview for those who have yet to experience this classic radio drama.

Transcript

[Lamont Cranston]

Meet Olivia. Hey, what's up? Olivia dreams big. I want to go back to school and get a pet and buy a house and save for retirement and travel the world. That's quite the list.

[Margot Lane]

Thank you.

[Lamont Cranston]

Numerica Credit Union is the perfect partner to help turn Olivia's dreams into reality.

[Margot Lane]

Really?

[Lamont Cranston]

Yep. We're all about helping our members create a life that feels like theirs. And we have the tools, expertise and guidance to make it happen. I'm in. Let's get started. Money where it matters. Federally insured by ncua. Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows. Be sure to hear our special guest at the end of today's program. And now, the thrilling adventures of the Shadow are on the air. Brought to you each week at this time by your neighborhood blue coal dealer. These dramatizations are designed to demonstrate forcibly to old and young alike that crime does not pay. Get the jump on winter. Put in a supply of blue coal now and you'll have a head start on cold weather. Don't wait until some of your families start catching cold before you tackle your heating problem. It's so easy to start the season off right with comfortable, economical blue coal. So place your order now. And remember, this year it's well to start the season with a big supply. The producers of blue coal expect no shortage of this finest of all hard coal. But present unsettled conditions make it wise to be prepared. Call your neighborhood blue coal dealer tomorrow and order your winter supply of Blue co. The Shadow, mysterious character who aids the forces of law and order is in reality Lamont Cranston, wealthy young man about town. Several years ago in the Orient, Cranston learned a strange and powerful secret. The secret of hypnotic power to cloud men's minds so that they cannot see him. Cranston's friend and companion, the lovely Margo Lane, is the only person who knows to whom the voice of the invisible Shadow belongs. Today's drama, the hoodoo ship. The date 1850. The place aboard the slave ship Raven flying between Africa and America. Mr. Car waste. What is it now, Peters? What thunderation do you want? That ship, sir. What ship? The ship, sir, that has been following us since yesterday noon. Tell the first make the pile on more canvas. We'll outrun her. Every piece of canvas we have is in use, sir. If we're caught with our cargo. We'll not be caught with our cargo. But the ship's a man of war and she's faster taking us. We'll not be caught with our cargo, Mr. What do you mean, sir? I mean we're dumping those slaves overboard, but they'll drown without a trace. The man of war may catch us, mister, but she'll never be able to prove we carried slaves. Well, while you're standing there, Gate George, you heard my orders. Over the side with a lot of them. And when the man of war comes athwart us and asks our cargo, tell them we don't carry one, that we're just traveling for our health, and that the mountainous lane is the history of this old ship, the Raven.

[Margot Lane]

A pretty gruesome history, Mr. Poe.

[Lamont Cranston]

But how does the haunted story originate? On almost every voyage this old ship made after that, someone died. Finally, men refused to sail her. She's been harbored for the last 20 years. How long have you had this ship? Only a short while. You see, I was in something of a spot with the government taking over most of the merchant marine, and when I found the Raven for sale, it was a godsend. Well, were you told about this legend of death concerning the ship when you bought it? Yes, but I thought it was just a story. A story such as any old sailing ship might have acquired in its long life.

[Margot Lane]

Something has happened to make you think otherwise?

[Lamont Cranston]

On its first trip from my plantations, the captain was murdered in his cabin, but that doesn't necessarily mean the door was locked from the inside and there wasn't a mark on his body. Frankly, Cranston, I too am beginning to believe this ship is accursed. I was watching the men taking the stuff off in that boat while I was waiting for you and Ms. Lane, Mr. Cranston. Oh, were you, Shrevey? Yes, sir. Ain't it too bad that the days of sailing boats is over? That they're over?

[Margot Lane]

Why do you say that, Shrevey?

[Lamont Cranston]

Oh, I don't know. Maybe because I read it somewhere. I was just making with the conversation, like they say. You two have been so quiet. I was just making with the conversation, like they say. Yeah. Gee, I would like very much to be a sailor, sailing on the briny deep and batting down the hatches and stuff. Well, Shrevey, I don't think you'd like that ship. Why not? I can take it to myself.

[Margot Lane]

That ship is beautiful in a repulsive sort of way.

[Lamont Cranston]

Yeah, it certainly is. Shrevey, that ship once carried slaves from Africa to America. Is that so? Well, you can't blame the ship. You can't blame. No, but the taint of the men who indulged in that business still seems to stick to her. Well, that's quite understandable. What do you mean, Mr. Cranston?

[Margot Lane]

That ship is haunted.

[Lamont Cranston]

Oh, well, I. You mean it's got ghosts? It's got.

[Margot Lane]

Shrevey, Watch where you're driving.

[Lamont Cranston]

Yes, ma'. Am. I thought for a minute you said the ship was haunted. She did.

[Margot Lane]

Oh, Shrevey, you're too excitable.

[Lamont Cranston]

Yes, ma'. Am. I'll keep reminding myself of that Al Qaeda. Well, after all, it may be only a peculiar combination of circumstances.

[Margot Lane]

Come on. Don't you believe what Mr. Carew told us?

[Lamont Cranston]

That the captain was found dead in.

[Margot Lane]

His cabin with the door locked on the inside.

[Lamont Cranston]

Margot, the captain may have died from natural causes. There were no marks of violence on his body. And as he was buried at sea.

[Margot Lane]

What about the wailing noises that were heard the night he died? What about that awful smell aboard ship? An odor of death? Was all that just coincidence?

[Lamont Cranston]

Yeah. How about that, Mr. Cranston? Coincidence? Well, it hardly seems likely.

[Margot Lane]

But what about all the trouble Mr. Crewe had with the men being afraid to sail the ship again? Do you think you could scare all those men with a peculiar combination of circumstances?

[Lamont Cranston]

No, that's very true. Well, you've convinced me, Margot. Well, convince me that I ought to accept Mr. Carew's offer to sail with him aboard the Raven.

[Margot Lane]

Sail? But Lamont will have to start shopping like mad for cruise clothes.

[Lamont Cranston]

Well, Margot, let me see. Margot, you didn't hear me correctly. Mr. Carew asked me to sail with him. Just me.

[Margot Lane]

Oh, Lamont, you wouldn't.

[Lamont Cranston]

Margo, that's final. This is one time you're not going along. Well, Lamont, needless to say, I'm glad that you've decided to come along this trip. Funny, but I've got a strange feeling about this particular voyage. A feeling that I may not come back alive. Now, Carew. Well, Mr. Carew, we'll be sailing with the tide in about 20 minutes. Good. Captain Flanagan, this is our one and only passenger, Lamont Cranston. How do you do? Well, how do you do, sir? So you're the gentleman who's going to ferret out our spook, eh? Oh, you know the ghost legend. Captain Flanagan knows all about it. Mr. Cranston, I am not a superstitious man. I've examined my cabin where this so called murder took place from stem to stern and can't find a hiding place big enough even for a ghost. If a spook is going to clamber down that porthole tonight, I'll welcome him with open arms and buy him a spot of rum. He'll deserve it. Now, gentlemen, I'm more worried about my crew than I am of any ghosts. Never in all my years at sea have I seen a meaner or uglier bunch of men. Well, they were the only man we could get, Captain. Sailors are superstitious about a hoodoo ship. Hey, Captain, look aloft. That man's going to fall off the rigging. Oh, don't worry about him. Even with one leg, he's more agile than the rest. Yes, that wooden leg of his doesn't seem to hinder him at all. That's Rock the bosun, Captain. And he's the ugliest of an ugly lot. He's a good man. I don't know how I'd ever have a crew for you if he hadn't persuaded the men to sign on for another voyage. I hear you, Parson. Come here. Aye, aye, sir. Rock, this is our new skipper, Captain Flanagan. Welcome, sir. Welcome to the boat Ship Raven. Haven't I met you someplace before, Mr. Rock? Not that I recall, sir. You look familiar to me. Not. Perhaps I'm mistaken. Yes, sir. Is that tobacco you're chewing, Mr. Rock? That it is, sir. I won't have any chewing or smoking while you're on duty. Yes, sir. Over the side it goes, sir. Good. Mr. Rock, I have been informed the discipline aboard the ship has been very lax. I'll not tolerate that. As soon as we're out to sea, I want to talk to the entire crew. I'll see that they're assembled on deck, sir. Good. Now back to your work, Mr. Rock. Aye, aye, sir. Don't you think you're being a little hard on him, Captain? Mr. Carew, I hope you won't mind my telling you this, but I'm the captain of this ship. You're the owner. But once we're out to sea, this ship is my responsibility. No offense, Captain. I quite understand. Captain Flanagan, For a moment you thought you recognized Rock. Yes. Who did you think he was? A man who used to work for me some years back. But I must have been mistaken. And now, gentlemen, will you do me the honor of dining in my cabin tonight? Perhaps the presence of three men who don't believe he exists will discourage our ghost. Well, Mr. Cranston. Mr. Carew, when we hit that typhoon, there weren't enough able bodied men aboard her to bury the dead. Oh, yes, yes. Captain, Is it all right if I clean the dishes away, sir? Yeah, clear away, Jess. Yes, sir. Well, you were saying, Captain, about the typhoon. Yes, that's a very interesting Yarn, Captain? Well, for three days and three nights it blew. I lashed myself to the wheel with the waves breaking across the deck. Finally, the first mate relieved me and I crawled into my cabin more dead than alive. I didn't care whether the ship sank or not. I've gone through that same thing, Captain. You mean lashed to the wheel? Oh, no. Seasickness. As a matter of fact, Lamont, I'm afraid I have a touch of it myself right now. Oh, no, Garou. Yes, Cranston. So if you'll both excuse me, I think I'll go out on deck for a little fresh air. Yes, yes. What's the matter with you? You've broken all the dishes. What are you staring at? The horse. They've come. I noted. He's looking at that locker over there in the corner. Yeah, I seen the dog move. Hear that? There's something in there. Well, there's only one way to find out. Come out.

[Margot Lane]

Yes. Come on.

[Lamont Cranston]

Margot. Who is this woman? I'll explain, Captain. Margot, what do you think you're doing?

[Margot Lane]

Very bad job of stowing away, Lamont.

[Lamont Cranston]

What?

[Margot Lane]

A very good job of being seasick. Oh.

[Lamont Cranston]

Margo. Margo.

[Margot Lane]

Here I am, Lamont.

[Lamont Cranston]

Oh. Feeling any better, Margot?

[Margot Lane]

Yes, a little, thanks.

[Lamont Cranston]

Well, you can go below now if you want to. You ought to have my cabin. Carew and I are going to bunk together.

[Margot Lane]

Oh, thanks, Lamont. You're a dear.

[Lamont Cranston]

Wait till this voyage is over before you thank me. Margot, things are brewing aboard this old ship. Things that may result in the death of any of us.

[Margot Lane]

Have you learned anything yet, Lamont?

[Lamont Cranston]

Not yet, Margot. But the Shadow is going to Captain Flanagan's cabin tonight.

[Margot Lane]

Well, what can you gain by questioning Captain Flanagan?

[Lamont Cranston]

I'm not going to question him, Margot. Tonight the Shadow is going to be merely an observer. Because I think that an attempt will be made on the captain's life. And I'm going to prevent it if I can.

[Margot Lane]

Who's there? Who's there?

[Lamont Cranston]

It's only me, Miss Jesse Stewart.

[Margot Lane]

Will you frighten me for a minute?

[Lamont Cranston]

You pardon my saying so, miss. The deck of this ship ain't no place for a young lady to be alone this time of night.

[Margot Lane]

I'm beginning to think you're right, Jess.

[Lamont Cranston]

This ship is haunted. What? I got a feeling that something's gonna happen tonight.

[Margot Lane]

Jess, you don't believe in ghosts, do you?

[Lamont Cranston]

Maybe yes, maybe no. But I don't like the feel of death in the air. Is that you over there?

[Margot Lane]

No, no, it's I. Margot, where's Lamont?

[Lamont Cranston]

He didn't come back to the cabin.

[Margot Lane]

I don't know what's the matter.

[Lamont Cranston]

Something unearthly about slane. Do you notice that odor?

[Margot Lane]

What? Yes.

[Lamont Cranston]

Oh, the order of death. The same order that permeated the ship when Captain Rutherford was killed on the last voyage.

[Margot Lane]

Quick, we've got to find Leman. Jess, you go around to the. But where is he? Who? Jess. I was just talking to him.

[Lamont Cranston]

Are you sure?

[Margot Lane]

Of course I'm sure. He was right here a minute ago.

[Lamont Cranston]

I didn't see anyone talking to you when I came up.

[Margot Lane]

But he was here. I know it.

[Lamont Cranston]

But that wailing I heard, too. When Captain Rutherford was killed, that scream came from Captain Flanagan's cabin. Come on, hurry. In a moment, our curtain will rise on Act 2. Meantime, let's talk about how you and your family can keep warm from now until next May. Heat your home with blue coal. You know, it's a fact that with blue coal, which is the finest of Pennsylvania hard coal, you can enjoy comfortable, even warmth throughout your house. Let the cold winter winds blow. You'll be snug and completely free of heating care. One reason it's so easy to heat with blue coal is that it's delivered to your home and exactly the right size for your heating plant. Another reason, and one you want to be sure to remember, is the new deluxe blue coal heat regulator. Every home should have one. It's as easy to operate as an electric light switch. It automatically opens and closes the dampers on your furnace and keeps every room at an even temperature. You can let the weatherman do his worst. You're always comfortable. Ask for a free demonstration of the blue coal heat regulator in your own home. No obligation whatever. Get in touch with your reliable neighborhood blue coal dealer tomorrow. He's listed under the words blue Coal in your classified phone directory. Remember the name Blue Coal. Blue coal is color marked for your protection with a harmless blue tint. But now, back to the shadow. He's dead. Captain Flanigan is dead.

[Margot Lane]

Oh, Mr. Carew. His face is so contorted. He must have suffered horribly. Oh, Lamond.

[Lamont Cranston]

I heard the scream and came running. What is it? Look for yourself, Cranston. Captain Flanagan is dead the same way that Rutherford got it. And not a mark on him. I think you're wrong, Carew. There's a slight scratch on his forehead. Let me see. So there is. How could a little scratch like that have caused his death? And where is the murder weapon? Mr. Carew, you've had plantations in the West Indies for many years, haven't you ever heard of a native poison brewed from the roots of strange herbs called maunagua? It's known to cause instant death. Why, no. No, I don't know the poison. Why do you ask? Why? Because in some mysterious way, Captain Flanagan was murdered. With that?

[Margot Lane]

The way you talk, Lamont, it seemed that you believed Mr. Carew had committed the murder.

[Lamont Cranston]

Perhaps he has, Margot.

[Margot Lane]

But you were there when it happened. You must have seen how it was done.

[Lamont Cranston]

Margot, I was right in the cabin when it happened. But I might have been in New York for all the good it did me. The shadow went to Captain Flanagan's cabin last night. The door was locked and bolted, so I knocked. When he opened the door to see who it was, the shadow slipped into the cabin. Then he locked and bolted the door again. But before I could, I could have sworn I heard someone knock at the door. Must be my imagination. Well, to bed. Strange. What's that odor? Smells like it's coming from that ventilator. And the wailing. Just as Carew said, he. Then he screamed and fell to the floor of the cabin. I heard you and Carew coming toward the cabin. And when Carew forced the door, the shadow slipped out.

[Margot Lane]

And you didn't see how it happened?

[Lamont Cranston]

No, Margot, I saw it happen. But the whole thing had me completely baffled.

[Margot Lane]

Come in.

[Lamont Cranston]

Begging your pardon, miss, but Mr. Carew wants both you and Mr. Cranston, sir, to come up on the bridge. Did he say what for? Rock. There seems to be some trouble, sir. The men refuse to go on. It looks pretty serious. I think you'd better talk to them, Mr. Carew. They look like they're in a pretty dangerous mood. Yes. They know how Flanagan died and they want to turn back. Well, we can't sail the ship without them. I guess you'd better unit. But this is mutiny. It's unheard of in this day and age.

[Margot Lane]

Oh, please do something, Mr. Carew.

[Lamont Cranston]

All right, I'll do something. Something that may convince them. Let's have some action around here. Men, listen to me. We're going to continue our course to the West Indies. Not in this present ship, we're not. We want to turn back. What happened to Captain Flanagan happened to. Let me speak. What happened to Captain Flanagan, Captain Russell. But don't forget, this ship is hard. It was all an accident. There was nothing supernatural about it. This ship is cursed. And we're not saying it. We want to turn back. Men, please. Suppose I prove to you that there is nothing to fear on this ship. How are you going to do It. If I sleep in the captain's cabin and nothing happens to me, will you continue the voyage? That's fair enough. Fair enough it is. You do it, and if nothing happens to you, we'll go on your proverb. I've never asked a man working for me to do anything that I wouldn't do. I'm sleeping in the captain's cabin tonight. Now, have you got all that, Margo?

[Margot Lane]

Let's see if I've remembered everything. I'm to watch the porthole in the captain's cabin.

[Lamont Cranston]

And don't forget to stay out of sight.

[Margot Lane]

Right. When I get your signal, and not.

[Lamont Cranston]

My direct signal, the porthole slamming shut will be the signal.

[Margot Lane]

That's right. Then I'm to shoot the gun, remember?

[Lamont Cranston]

Just into the air to arouse the men of the crew. You're not to take a shot at the murderer. I'd like to take him alive.

[Margot Lane]

Who is he, Lamont?

[Lamont Cranston]

Well, I'm still not sure, Margot. But I do know how the murders were committed. I spent the whole afternoon inspecting the captain's cabin again, and at last it came to me. You see, the victims were awakened by.

[Margot Lane]

Come in.

[Lamont Cranston]

Carew. I was looking for you, Lamont. I wonder if you'd do me a favor. Well, I can.

[Margot Lane]

Do you want to speak with Lamont alone, Mr. Carew?

[Lamont Cranston]

No. No, thank you. May sound silly to you, Lamont, but would you take care of this letter for me? A letter? What do you mean? It's to my wife. Just in case, you know.

[Margot Lane]

Nothing's going to happen, Mr. Carew.

[Lamont Cranston]

Why, of course not. Of course not. I feel as though I'm taking that last long walk tonight. It's something I've got to do. Nice evening, isn't it? Seems pretty fine to be alive. Well, I won't bore you with my emotions. Better have a go at that cabin. You will take care of that letter for me, won't you, Lamont? Certainly. So long.

[Margot Lane]

He spoke as if he were gonna die tonight.

[Lamont Cranston]

And well he may, Margot. If anything goes wrong with the trap I've set for the killer. Well, let's get along. The shadow has work to now to lock and bolt the door. There. Now there's nothing to do but wait. I could go to bed and wait. What's that? Who's there? Strange. I thought I heard someone knocking. Huh. Must be my nerves. Mr. Carew voice. Maybe they're right. Maybe the ship is haunted. No, Mr. Carew. It is the shadow's voice you heard. I can't see you. The shadow is invisible. To your eyes. But let me reassure you, I am a man of flesh and blood and I am your friend. I've cast a hypnotic mist over your mind which makes me invisible. I don't understand. What do you want of me? I've come to help you. To save you from almost certain death. How can you save me? Be patient, Mr. Carew, and obey my orders and we will outwit the killer. But I. That order. The order of death. The killer has come earlier than I expected. And now, the morning shadow. That awful smell. It seems to be coming from the ventilator. Mr. Carew. What is it? Don't move another step. You see the ventilator in front of the porthole? Yes. The murderer is just outside waiting for you to go to that ventilator. As you pass the open porthole, he will strike. Then I won't pass it. I'll be safe if I don't. You must pass it. What? If we are to catch our killer red handed, Please follow my instructions. Now, count three to yourself and walk toward the ventilator. When I shout now, drop to the floor instantly. Ready? Ready. One. Two. Three. Now. Are you all right, Mr. Carew? Yes. Yes, I'm all right. What's all that shouting about? Unless I'm mistaken, that means our killer's criminal days are over. If you'll examine the porthole, you'll find a sharp steel needle dangling from a silk thread. But be extremely careful of the way you handle it as it's coated with a very deadly poison. That, Mr. Carew, is the murder weapon.

[Margot Lane]

Hold him on. Mr. Crew is about the happiest man in the world this morning.

[Lamont Cranston]

Well, he should be. He came very close to following Captain Rutherford and Captain Flanagan as the killer's third victim.

[Margot Lane]

And Rock is in chains in the hole. Lamont.

[Lamont Cranston]

Yes. Carew's turning him over to the authorities as soon as we duck at Tacito.

[Margot Lane]

Well, did Rock finally admit why he had committed these murders?

[Lamont Cranston]

Well, Margot, it seems Rock had been hired by another concern to ruin Carew. Not only on this ship, but on any other ship that Carew might try to hire.

[Margot Lane]

You know, Lamont, I still don't know how Rock could do all those things.

[Lamont Cranston]

What things, Margot?

[Margot Lane]

Well, for instance, the wailing sound that we heard.

[Lamont Cranston]

That's simple enough. He rigged up some large tin drums on a rosin cord hung to the yard arm. When the wind whirled him about, it produced a moaning sound.

[Margot Lane]

But what about the odor? That terrible odor of death?

[Lamont Cranston]

That was nothing more than a few basic chemicals placed in the Ventilators. Our imagination supplied the so called odor of death.

[Margot Lane]

Simple enough. But how did Rock actually commit the murders?

[Lamont Cranston]

I knew, Margot, that the killer had used a blowgun and a poisoned dart. But what puzzled me was what became of the dart. You remember, we couldn't find it.

[Margot Lane]

Oh, now, Lamont, that's not so simple.

[Lamont Cranston]

On the contrary, Margot. Rock merely slid down a rope to the porthole, shot his poison dart and retrieved it by pulling it back on a silk thread.

[Margot Lane]

As simple as all that. Why, I could have figured that out if I'd had time enough.

[Lamont Cranston]

Of course you could, dear. Give you time enough and you could have figured it out. Certainly. There's only one thing you overlook, Margot.

[Margot Lane]

What's that, Lamont?

[Lamont Cranston]

A peculiar characteristic of our friend Carew.

[Margot Lane]

Really? What characteristic?

[Lamont Cranston]

He just doesn't like being buried at sea.

[Margot Lane]

Well, you can understand. Oh, Lamont.

[Lamont Cranston]

We have a special announcement to make in just a few moments. But now we'd like to present to you Blue Coal's distinguished home heating Expert, John Barclay. Mr. Barclay. Thank you. Friends, they say that well begun is half done. And I want to point out to you today the truth of that old saying as it applies to modern home heating. You know, there's really nothing complicated about the operation of a furnace. Although, as experience perhaps has shown you, there are seemingly simple things that can cause you trouble. Now, why do these troubles arise? Believe me when I tell you that most of them are caused by not starting out right. Well begun is half done. You'll find it pays you over and over again to take pains at the beginning of the season to start your heating plant off right. Now, here's my suggestion. Call your reliable Blue Coal dealer and he'll send an expert, John Barkley, trained serviceman, to your home. There's no charge whatever for this. He'll check your heating plant thoroughly and start you on a comfortable and economical fall and winter season. Call him tomorrow before cold weather settles in for good. You'll be surprised and delighted to find how much easier and how much more efficient it is to heat your home the Blue Coal way. Phone your friendly Blue Coal dealer tomorrow. Thank you. It's our great privilege to present to you at this time Mr. Norman Weiser of Radio Daily. Mr. Weiser, as editor and critic, has long been regarded as a leading authority in the world of radio drama. Mr. Weiser? Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Radio today is certainly a major influence in the field of drama. Radio dramatizations such as the Shadow are very carefully selected and are designed particularly to suit the listening tastes of an exceptionally discriminating audience. Today I am representing Harper and Brothers in commemoration of their new book Writers radio theater of 1940, 1941, which contains the ten outstanding radio dramas of that period. It is my honor to present one of the 10 merit awards to the Shadow as having contributed one of the best radio dramas of the year. It was called the Ghost Walks Again, written by Jerry Devine, produced by Wilson Tuttle and presented over this network March 16, 1941. Thank you, Mr. Norman Wiser, and thank you, Radio Daily. Today's program was based on a copyrighted story. The characters, names, places and plot affectician. Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows. Next week, same time, same station, your neighborhood blue coal dealer brings you another thrilling adventure of the Shadow. Be sure to listen and be sure to phone your friendly blue coal dealer for greater heating comfort at less cost. So don't forget, keep the home fires burning with blue coal.