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

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: The Black Book 52-02-02 (x) The Price of the Head
Release Date: April 27, 2025

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Introduction

Harold's Old Time Radio transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio with engaging storytelling and classic narratives. In this episode, titled The Price of the Head, hosted by The Man in Black, listeners are introduced to a riveting tale set in the Solomon Islands, exploring themes of friendship, betrayal, and survival.

Story Overview: The Price of the Head

Narrative by The Man in Black

Setting the Scene

The story centers around Christopher Pellet, a man plagued by alcoholism and longing, and Karaki, a native from Bougainville. Their unlikely friendship unfolds beneath the veneer of white civilization in the rugged Solomon Islands.

The Man in Black [00:33]: "The man in Black. Come with me down the long corridor, through the shadows to the secluded study of the famous teller of tales."

Conflict Emerges

Pellet's excessive drinking leads to frequent confrontations at Mojak's bar in Fafuti, where Karaki patiently waits each night to assist him. Their interactions reveal the strain of Pellet's dependence and Karaki's unwavering support.

Christopher Pellet [00:54]: "Bring me another bottle, Moyjack."

Karaki [04:09]: "No rum. You drink too much rum last night. Too much, Moyjak rum."

The Desperate Escape

After a heated altercation where Pellet threatens violence, Karaki intervenes, guiding Pellet away from Mojak's bar to a remote shelter. The bond between the two men deepens as Karaki nurses Pellet back to sobriety, showcasing his self-sacrifice and mysterious nature.

The Man in Black [07:04]: "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."

The Perilous Voyage

Determined to save Pellet from his destructive path, Karaki orchestrates a daring escape to Bougainville. The journey is fraught with challenges, including limited supplies and encounters with hostile forces, highlighting Karaki's resourcefulness and Pellet's growing appreciation.

Christopher Pellet [07:44]: "I look where we headed for anyway? What island we go, Karaki?"

Karaki [07:52]: "Bougainville."

Arrival and Betrayal

Upon reaching Bougainville, the tranquility masks a sinister agenda. Karaki's true intentions surface as he seeks to claim Pellet's head as a prized trophy, revealing the depth of his commitment and the complexities of their relationship.

Karaki [12:35]: "Me like."

Christopher Pellet [12:36]: "Oh, sir, me like too. This is a great place you have here, Karaki."

Conclusion

The story concludes with Karaki fulfilling his vow, leaving listeners to ponder the enigmatic motives and the tragic end of Pellet. The Price of the Head serves as a poignant exploration of loyalty, cultural differences, and the thin line between friendship and betrayal.

The Man in Black [13:34]: "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."

Notable Quotes

• The Man in Black [00:33]: "The man in Black. Come with me down the long corridor, through the shadows to the secluded study of the famous teller of tales."

• Christopher Pellet [04:09]: "Rum, Krake rum."

• Karaki [04:19]: "Moy Jack put white powder in bottle. Make him use sleep."

• The Man in Black [13:34]: "That was the way of it. That was all the mystery in Karaki's country."

Insights and Themes

The Price of the Head delves into the complexities of cross-cultural friendships and the sacrifices made in the name of survival. Karaki's actions question the boundaries of loyalty and the lengths one will go to save a friend, even when mysterious motives drive those actions. The narrative also highlights the destructive nature of addiction and the redemptive power of unexpected alliances.

Conclusion

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully encapsulates a gripping story that resonates with timeless human emotions and moral dilemmas. Through The Man in Black's narration, listeners are drawn into a world where friendship is tested by extreme circumstances, leaving a lasting impression of the intricate dance between humanity and primal instincts.

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Note: Advertisements and non-content segments were excluded to maintain focus on the core narrative and ensure an engaging and informative summary for those who haven't listened to the episode.

Transcript

[Styles MacKenzie]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Styles MacKenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com this has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Wayfair Voice]

Wayfair Every style, Every home.

[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.

[The Man in Black]

Welcome. I am 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's 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.

[The 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.

[Wayfair Voice]

Please, Mr. Pellet, we're closing up now. You're pretty drunk already.

[The 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.

[Wayfair Voice]

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

[Christopher Pellet]

And hurry up, you bald clown.

[Wayfair Voice]

Yeah, well, plenty good rum, eh, Mr. Pellet?

[Christopher Pellet]

It stinks, and so do you. And so does this old bloody eye.

[Wayfair Voice]

Then don't you like my rum?

[Christopher Pellet]

Yes, Well, I think of your rum. Oh, come here, Moy J. I'm gonna crack your ribs.

[Wayfair Voice]

Cracky. Karaki, take him out.

[The 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 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.

[Christopher Pellet]

Rum, Krake rum.

[Karaki]

No rum. You drink too much rum last night. Too much, Moyjak rum.

[Christopher Pellet]

What do you mean, too much, Mojak rum.

[Karaki]

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

[The Man in Black]

So that's it.

[Christopher Pellet]

Why this little rat? Poor Terry.

[The Man in Black]

Throttle.

[Karaki]

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

[Christopher Pellet]

That little wax man. I'll murder him. Come on, Karoki.

[The 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 for food. He 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 hurting me. Pull it like that.

[Christopher Pellet]

Feed me a Mickey, will you? Not again, you now I'll cut you, Pellet.

[The 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, crocky. I killed him.

[Karaki]

Yes, dead. Plenty trouble now. Police.

[The Man in Black]

Come on, let's get out of here.

[Christopher Pellet]

Where we go, Karaki? I gotta hide someplace.

[Wayfair Voice]

You go house.

[Karaki]

House on beach. Wait there. Me fix emboat. Leave foo footy.

[Christopher Pellet]

What boat you got? No boat.

[Karaki]

Me find them 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.

[Ray Milland]

But first, hello, everyone. This is Ray Milland. 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.

[The 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.

[Christopher Pellet]

Bougainville? You crazy? That's 800 miles from here.

[Karaki]

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

[Christopher Pellet]

All right, you idiot.

[The Man in Black]

Savage.

[Christopher Pellet]

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

[The 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 them. One of the men signaled for the canoe to stop and surrender. But Karaki had other ideas.

[Karaki]

No.

[Wayfair Voice]

No.

[Karaki]

Catching Karaki and Pellet. No way.

[Christopher Pellet]

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

[Karaki]

Okay, I shoot.

[The 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 Choise Il. 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, eh, Crocky?

[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.

[Karaki]

Yes, yes.

[Christopher Pellet]

You sure don't talk much.

[The Man in Black]

So I don't seem to reach you somehow. Why, even I'd like to know what goes on under that top nut of yours, my boy. I'd also like to tell you how grateful I am.

[Christopher Pellet]

Wish I could show you.

[The Man in Black]

Karaki.

[Christopher Pellet]

Now listen, me one big fellow friend long.

[The Man in Black]

You savvy?

[Christopher Pellet]

You big fellow friend long.

[The Man in Black]

Me savvy.

[Christopher Pellet]

We too damn big fellow friend always.

[Karaki]

Aye, yes. My word.

[Christopher Pellet]

My word.

[The Man in Black]

Oh, Karaki, you kill me. And so Christopher Pellet warmed to a man. For the first time in his mean life, 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 to shore, 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 Fafuti 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, Karaki.

[Karaki]

Me lack em head.

[Christopher Pellet]

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

[Karaki]

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

[The 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.

[The Man in Black]

You mean.

[Christopher Pellet]

You mean you. You're gonna.

[The Man in Black]

My head.

[Karaki]

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

[The 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.

[The 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.

[Nicole Byer]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms flyer. Today's style tip when it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com Ooh, beers. This has been your Wayfair style style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Wayfair Voice]

Wayfair Every style, Every home.