The Black Book 52-02-02 (x) The Price of the Head

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "The Black Book 52-02-02 (x) The Price of the Head"

Release Date: June 8, 2025

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "The Price of the Head," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. Hosted by Harolds Old Time Radio, the show presents classic radio dramas that evoke nostalgia for an era when families gathered around the radio to enjoy thrilling tales. This particular episode, released on June 8, 2025, features the gripping story "The Price of the Head" by John Russell, narrated by the enigmatic Man in Black.

Plot Overview

"The Price of the Head" unfolds in the remote Solomon Islands, where Christopher Pellet, a hard-drinking expatriate with a notorious reputation, forms an unlikely friendship with Karaki, a native islander. Their relationship is tested through a series of events marked by addiction, betrayal, and survival against the backdrop of tropical peril.

Act 1: The Downward Spiral (00:55 - 06:31)

The story opens with Pellet's abrasive behavior at Mojak's bar in Fafuti, where his excessive drinking and antagonistic interactions set the stage for conflict. Karaki patiently stands by, hinting at a deeper bond between the two men.

Notable Quote:

• Man in Black (00:55): "These magnificent volumes you see surrounding me contain the world's greatest collection of unusual and fantastic stories."

Pellet's volatile nature culminates in a confrontation where he threatens Mojak, leading Karaki to intervene and take Pellet home to his humble shelter.

Act 2: The Escape Plan (06:31 - 08:18)

As Pellet recovers from a hangover induced by drug-laced rum, tensions rise when he accuses Karaki of sabotage. Fearing imminent trouble from locals, Karaki devises a daring plan to escape to Bougainville Island, 800 miles away. Their departure by canoe marks the beginning of a perilous journey.

Notable Quotes:

• Christopher Pellet (06:10): "I gotta hide someplace."
• Karaki (07:53): "Bougainville. Yes. All same we go my home."

Act 3: The Voyage and Betrayal (08:18 - 14:16)

The journey to Bougainville is fraught with challenges. Pellet battles through withdrawal while Karaki demonstrates unwavering dedication, ensuring their survival. Upon reaching their destination, a serene facade masks the underlying tension. In a tragic twist, Karaki betrays Pellet, culminating in the taking of his prized head—a traditional act of ending a rival's life.

Notable Quotes:

• Christopher Pellet (12:37): "Oh, sir, me like too. This is a great place you have here, Crocky."
• Karaki (13:22): "Fine head. Very fine head. Cut him off. Now."

Character Analysis

• Christopher Pellet: A complex protagonist whose struggles with alcoholism and volatile temperament drive much of the plot. His transformation from a self-destructive individual to someone who forms a genuine, albeit doomed, friendship adds depth to his character.

• Karaki: Represents loyalty and resilience. His actions, though ultimately leading to betrayal, showcase a profound commitment to Pellet's survival, highlighting themes of sacrifice and cultural conflict.

Themes and Insights

1. Friendship and Loyalty: The evolving relationship between Pellet and Karaki underscores the complexities of cross-cultural friendships forged under duress.

2. Addiction and Redemption: Pellet's battle with alcohol and his reliance on Karaki for survival reflect the harsh realities of addiction and the elusive path to redemption.

3. Cultural Conflict: The narrative delves into the tensions between Western expatriates and native islanders, illustrating misunderstandings and the clash of differing value systems.

4. Survival and Betrayal: The story explores the lengths individuals will go to survive, even at the cost of betrayal and loss of trust.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Advocate on Vaping (00:00): "Nearly 90% of kids who vape say flavors are why they do it."

• Teen's Reflection (00:04): "It makes it seem like more childlike and innocent... But then eventually it becomes a problem."

• Man in Black on Story Collection (00:55): "These magnificent volumes you see surrounding me contain the world's greatest collection of unusual and fantastic stories."

• Pellet's Confrontation (03:02): "It stinks. And so do you. And so does this old bloody island."

• Karaki's Warning (09:31): "No catching Karaki and Pellet."

• Pellet's Desperation (12:37): "Oh, sir, me like too. This is a great place you have here, Crocky."

• Karaki's Final Act (13:22): "Fine head. Very fine head. Cut him off. Now."

Conclusion

"The Price of the Head" is a masterfully crafted radio drama that encapsulates the essence of the Golden Age of Radio. Through its rich storytelling, dynamic characters, and exploration of profound themes, the episode offers listeners an immersive experience that resonates with timeless human emotions and conflicts. Harold's Old Time Radio succeeds in bringing classic tales to life, preserving the magic of radio storytelling for modern audiences.

Additional Content

Interwoven within the narrative are brief segments addressing contemporary issues such as flavored tobacco usage among teens, underscoring the podcast's blend of classic storytelling with relevant societal themes.

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End of Summary

Transcript

[Advocate]

Nearly 90% of kids who vape say flavors are why they do it.

[Teen]

A lot of the flavors I've heard are like peach, mango, watermelon. It makes it seem like more childlike and innocent. Oh, I try this once, it won't be that much of a problem. But then eventually it becomes a problem.

[Advocate]

It's time to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products in Oregon and protect our kids from nicotine addiction. Urge lawmakers to Pass Senate Bill 702A. Take action at flavorshookoregonkids.org for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.

[Narrator]

THE man in Black. Come with me down the long corridor, through the shadows to the secluded study of the famous teller of tales.

[Man in Black]

Welcome. I am the man in Black. These magnificent volumes you see surrounding me contain the world's greatest collection of unusual and fantastic stories. Today, I have selected A tale by Mr. John Russell. A strange story of the South Seas. The Price of the head. The possessions of Mr. Christopher Pellet were these a bad name in the islands? A continuous thirst of liquor and a set of fine red whiskers. Also, he had a friend, Karaki. It was a strange thing, this friendship between Pellet and the native. For down among the Solomon Islands, the terrors of pure savagery lay just beneath the thin cover of the white men's civilization.

[Christopher Pellet]

Bring me another bottle, Moyjack.

[Man in Black]

At first, it involved nothing more than Karaki patiently standing outside Mojak's bar at Fafuti and waiting for Pellet to get drunk enough to take along home. Please, Mr. Pellet, we're closing up now.

[Christopher Pellet]

You're pretty drunk already.

[Man in Black]

Night after night, Karaki waited while the white man sat roaring inside.

[Christopher Pellet]

Don't tell me when to drink. Now you get that bottle. Jump.

[Mojak]

All right. All right, Mr. Pellet. All right. I'll get the bottle. I'll fix you the bottle.

[Christopher Pellet]

Right. And hurry up, you bald clown.

[Mojak]

Yeah, well, plenty good rum, hey, Mr. Pellet.

[Christopher Pellet]

It stinks. And so do you. And so does this old bloody island.

[Mojak]

Don't you like my rum?

[Christopher Pellet]

Yes, Well, I think of your rum. Come here, Mojek. I'm gonna crack your ribs. Cracky.

[Mojak]

Karaki, take him home.

[Man in Black]

A few minutes later, Karaki had the white man across his shoulder and bore him down the beach to the miserable shelter of Pandana sleeves that they called home. There he eased Pellet to a mat, bathed him with cool water and carefully brushed the dir from his bright red hair and whiskers. It was quite a mystery at Fufuti, the friendship between these two men. After all, Karaki was nothing more than a heathen from Bougainville, a place where some people were smoked and others eaten. It was midday when Mr. Christopher Pellet awoke. Ground his way out of a painful fog of alcohol. Rum, Crocky.

[Christopher Pellet]

Rum.

[Karaki]

No rum. You drink too much rum last night. Too much moi, Jack? Rum, huh?

[Christopher Pellet]

What do you mean, too much, Mojak?

[Man in Black]

Rum.

[Karaki]

Moy Jack put white powder in bottle. Make him use sleep.

[Christopher Pellet]

So that's it. Why, that little rat. Poor Terry Throater.

[Karaki]

Be careful, Moy Jack. All time carry knife. Cut face all up.

[Christopher Pellet]

That little wax man.

[Man in Black]

I'll murder him.

[Christopher Pellet]

Come on, Karoki.

[Man in Black]

Half an anger and half in anticipation of the pleasure of beating someone up, Pellet staggered off down the beach toward Mojak's bar. Karaki followed him. It was the noon hour of repose and all fufuti was asleep. Pellet reached the bar and found Mojak dozing peacefully among his bottles. He woke him with a savage kick.

[Christopher Pellet]

Get up, you dirty scum. Get up so I can bust holes.

[Karaki]

You're at me.

[Christopher Pellet]

Pull it like that. Feed me a Mickey, will you? Not again, you won't.

[Karaki]

Now.

[Christopher Pellet]

I'll cut you, Pellet.

[Man in Black]

Ah, will you now?

[Christopher Pellet]

Well, I'll just fix me a knife, too. Come on, my Jack. I want to twist this bottle around in your face. That'll learn you to fight with a reddited man. That'll learn. He's dead.

[Man in Black]

I killed him.

[Karaki]

Yes, dead. Plenty trouble now. Police.

[Christopher Pellet]

Come on, let's get out of here. Where'll we go, Karaki? I gotta hide someplace.

[Karaki]

You go house. House and beach. Wait there. Me fix some boat. Leave foo footy.

[Christopher Pellet]

What boat? You got no boat.

[Karaki]

Me find the boat.

[Christopher Pellet]

All right, all right. I trust you. But hurry, man. Hur.

[Narrator]

We return to the price of the head in just a moment. But first.

[Mojak]

Hello, everyone. This is Ray Milan. You know, making motion pictures is a difficult chore and doesn't leave one very much time for too many outside interests. However, even when making something to live for, there was one must on my weekly schedule, and that was listening to the Amos and Andy program every Sunday on CBS Radio.

[Narrator]

Thank you, Mr. Milland. And now, once again, the man in black.

[Man in Black]

Pellet waited in terror in the shack on the beach while Karaki broke into the boat sheds and with an axe smashed the bottoms out of the three craft sheltered there. Then he opened the trade room and quickly gathered together a big bundle of supplies, including a Winchester rifle and box of cartridges. Next, he carried everything out onto the beach and loaded it into a stout outrigger canoe that belonged to the company agent. And finally he fetched Pellet from the shack. And together they hurriedly launched the canoe. In the lagoon, Karaki rigged the big mat sail. And they paddled out into the breeze just beyond the harbor entrance.

[Christopher Pellet]

We made it, Karaki. We're safe.

[Karaki]

Yes.

[Christopher Pellet]

I look where we headed for anyway? What island we go, Karaki?

[Karaki]

Bougainville.

[Man in Black]

Bougainville?

[Christopher Pellet]

You crazy? That's 800 miles from here.

[Karaki]

All same we go my home. 800 miles we go all fine. Otherwise want to bring you my home.

[Christopher Pellet]

All right. You idiot.

[Man in Black]

Savage.

[Christopher Pellet]

I don't know why you're doing it for me, but I'll see you through.

[Man in Black]

It was not the beginning of a very pleasant voyage for Mr. Christopher. For Pellet, the fear of being captured and hanged was great enough. But added to it were the horrors brought on by a sudden and complete lack of alcohol. And Pellet had been constantly drunk for over two years. The first night he was too seasick to care, but by morning he was raving. However, Karaki quickly tied him up hand and foot and lashed him under a thwart and continued to sail off into the open sea. Now and again, he threw a dipper full of seawater over the white man. And occasionally fed him with coconut milk. Karaki was an excellent nurse. He even combed Pellet's red hair and whiskers twice every day. By the time they reached the Santa Cruz region, Pellet's condition had improved and Karaka released him. They were now in an area peppered with tiny islets, and Karaki decided to land on the lee of one in order to replenish their water supply. He dropped sail and was paddling slowly into the beach. When suddenly, from out of nowhere, a cutter carrying two white men appeared behind him. One of the men signaled for the canoe to stop and surrender. But Karaki had other ideas.

[Christopher Pellet]

No.

[Karaki]

No catching Karaki and Pellet.

[Mojak]

Go away.

[Christopher Pellet]

Put that gun down, Karaki. We're in enough trouble now.

[Karaki]

Okay, I shoot.

[Christopher Pellet]

Stop, Karaki.

[Man in Black]

For some foolish reason, the two white men didn't believe a native would dare resist them. And for their mistake, they were both killed and the cutters sunk. Karaki, however, wasted no time, sailing back into the open sea without his precious water. 29 days later, he was doling out the few remaining drops to Pellet, taking none for himself. His every gesture was one of sacrifice. That his white companion might survive. Finally, on the 36th day, they sighted Choisil, and by noon they came ashore. There they stayed for a week, fattening themselves on the unlimited supply of coconut.

[Christopher Pellet]

Do you think Bougainville's just under the horizon?

[Man in Black]

Eh, Karaki?

[Karaki]

Yes.

[Christopher Pellet]

Well, all right, old chip. You got me this far. I trust you. You know, Crocky, you're quite a fellow. Yes, yes.

[Man in Black]

You sure don't talk much, though. I don't seem to reach you somehow.

[Christopher Pellet]

Oh, I'd like to know what goes.

[Man in Black]

On under that top nut of yours, my boy.

[Christopher Pellet]

I'd also like to tell you how grateful I am. Wish I could show you.

[Man in Black]

Rocky. Now, listen, me one big fellow friend long. You savvy?

[Christopher Pellet]

You big fellow friend long me savvy. We too damn big fellow friend always. Aye.

[Karaki]

Yes. My word.

[Christopher Pellet]

My word.

[Man in Black]

Oh, Karaki, you kill me. And so Christopher Pellet warmed to a man for the first time in his. He actually felt grateful to this quiet savage who had, with rarest self sacrifice, saved his life again and again. And now that he was thoroughly sober, he could understand it even less. The native islander was a mystery to the end. The end came two days later at Bougainville. Under a gorgeous dawn. They sailed into a bay that was crystal blue and right up onto a dazzling white beach. Pellet was the first ashore, and he ran up to a rocky point to see all the charm of the place for himself. Karaki, in his simple and efficient way, proceeded about his own affairs. He landed what was left of the supplies stolen at Fafudi and piled them high on the beach. A few minutes after, Pellet heard a gentle footstep behind him and turned to find Karaki standing there with the rifle at his hip and an axe in his hand.

[Karaki]

Me like.

[Christopher Pellet]

Oh, sir, me like too. This is a great place you have here, Crocky.

[Karaki]

Me lack em head.

[Man in Black]

Huh?

[Christopher Pellet]

Huh? Oh, well, I like you too, Karaki. We big fellow freight right?

[Karaki]

Me like em too much. One flat head blong you.

[Man in Black]

What do you mean?

[Christopher Pellet]

I don't understand.

[Karaki]

Red hair, fine red whisker. Big prize here. Smoke em head. Make em Karaki big man on island.

[Man in Black]

You mean.

[Christopher Pellet]

You mean you. You're gonna.

[Man in Black]

My head.

[Karaki]

Fine head. Very fine head. Cut him off. Now.

[Man in Black]

That was the way of it. That was all the mystery in Karaki's country. A white man's head, well smoked, was indeed a prize. But that of Mr. Christopher Pellet, with his precious red whiskers, was a thing to be desired above the love of women. And the simple, patient, enduring Karaki had served hard to win it. And did it really matter to Pellet how or why he died, since his own race would have hanged him for murder? Anyway.

[Narrator]

And so ends the man in Black story for today, the Price of the Head by John Russell. Before we hear of next week's tale, let me remind you that Hearthstone of the Death Squad follows on this station in just a moment.

[Man in Black]

Next week, I've selected for you one of the most unusual and terrifying stories in my library. Mr. William Faulkner, one of America's most distinguished authors, wrote it, and he calls it simply A Rose for Emily.

[Narrator]

The man in Black stars Paul Freeze today, assisted by the noted Hollywood actor John Dana. This is the CBS Radio Network.

[Teen]

Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they aren't. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Oregon legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me. @ flavorshookorgankids.org paid for by the Campaign.

[Advocate]

For Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund packages by Expedia.

[Man in Black]

You were made to be rechargeable.

[Christopher Pellet]

We were made to package flights, hotels and hammocks for less. Expedia. Made to travel.