Top Secret 1950-08-13 (010) The Case of the Tattooed Pigeon

Summary

Summary of "Top Secret 1950-08-13 (010) The Case of the Tattooed Pigeon"

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Top Secret 1950-08-13 (010) The Case of the Tattooed Pigeon
Release Date: July 11, 2025
Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
Description: Relive the intrigue of the Golden Age of Radio with classic espionage tales before television swept families into living rooms.

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1. Assignment and Introduction ([00:02] – [01:21])

The episode opens with an introduction by Fred Collins, segueing into the thrilling narrative titled "The Case of the Tattooed Pigeon," starring Ilona Massey as Baroness Karen Gaza. Baroness Gaza is entrusted by Central Intelligence to uncover leaks of top-secret information from Britain's Department of Internal Security to German intelligence in Berlin.

Notable Quote:
Baroness Karen Gaza: "Assignment 10 began and ended with tragedy." ([01:21])

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2. The Tragic News and Invitation ([02:01] – [03:28])

Baroness Gaza receives distressing news from Sir Roger Fenfield, the head of the Department of Internal Security, informing her of Leslie Hodge's sudden death in a plane crash. The Baroness is summoned to Fenfield's country estate at Spurnhead over the weekend, signaling escalating tensions in the investigation.

Notable Quote:
Sir Roger Fenfield: "I have bad news. Horribly bad news." ([02:05])

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3. Meeting Everett Rowan ([03:28] – [04:18])

On the train to Spurnhead, Baroness Gaza meets Everett Rowan, a renowned American spy. They discuss the recent leaks under Fenfield's department, highlighting eight significant breaches in four months, all traced back to within his ranks.

Notable Quote:
Everett Rowan: "Sabotage at Croydon, the affair at Birmingham, the blueprints of the Spitfire..." ([03:09])

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4. Arrival at Spurnhead and Initial Investigations ([04:02] – [07:19])

Upon arrival, the trio explores the isolated stone house. They plan to question the staff—Captain McLeod, Jennifer Ames, and Molly the cook. Rowan expresses suspicion towards Fenfield, accusing him of deceit.

Notable Quote:
Everett Rowan: "Baroness, Sir Roger Finfield is a liar." ([04:42])

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5. Unveiling the Betrayal ([07:00] – [12:20])

During the interrogation, Sir Roger Fenfield shocks everyone by admitting to stealing the last page of Molly's dossier, which lists Jennifer Ames as his daughter—a revelation hinting at personal motives. Meanwhile, suspicions mount as Baroness Gaza discovers two carrier pigeons with encoded messages in Captain McLeod's room, indicating impending espionage activities.

Notable Quote:
Sir Roger Fenfield: "I stole it. Are you surprised?" ([07:03])

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6. The Attack and Escalation ([12:11] – [16:37])

As the situation intensifies, Molly and Jennifer Ames attempt to send out urgent messages via pigeons. However, Baroness Gaza is ambushed, leading to a tense chase through the woods. She narrowly escapes with a crucial message that exposes the plot.

Notable Quote:
Baroness Karen Gaza: "They're clever, Philip. Too clever." ([09:34])

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7. Decoding the Message and Final Confrontation ([16:35] – [27:43])

Baroness Gaza deciphers the pigeon messages, revealing a rendezvous point for a German submarine. With Rowan's assistance, they alert the British Navy, leading to a showdown with the impostor Captain McLeod, who is revealed to be a German spy. The real Captain McLeod is confirmed to be missing, solidifying the betrayal within the Department.

Notable Quote:
Sir Roger Fenfield: "The real Captain McLeod is still in a concentration camp in Germany." ([26:23])

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8. Resolution and Aftermath ([27:40] – [28:24])

The British Navy intercepts the submarine B14, thwarting the German plot. Baroness Gaza confronts Fenfield, uncovering his personal connection to Jennifer Ames, who is revealed to be his daughter. The episode concludes with reflections on the successful prevention of espionage and hints at future adventures.

Notable Quote:
Ilona Massey (as Baroness Karen Gaza): "They've just cleaned the gun." ([25:48])

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9. Teaser for Next Episode ([28:11] – [28:40])

Ilona Massey, reprising her role, hints at the next thrilling episode, "The Church Without a Cross," promising another tale of intrigue and adventure in the world of espionage.

Notable Quote:
Baroness Karen Gaza: "Next week, a story of a church that sheltered evil..." ([28:24])

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Conclusion

"The Case of the Tattooed Pigeon" masterfully weaves suspense, betrayal, and heroism, capturing the essence of classic radio espionage. Baroness Gaza's relentless pursuit of truth and the dramatic unraveling of Sir Roger Fenfield's duplicity offer listeners a captivating journey through wartime intrigue. With strategic use of encoded messages and tense confrontations, the episode stands as a testament to the Golden Age of Radio storytelling.

Transcript

[Fred Collins]

Two weeks from tonight at this time, the American album of familiar music returns to the air, bringing you the finest of light classical music. Styled in the popular manner, the American album of familiar music has been preferred listening for many, many years. Its tops for refreshing Sunday evening entertainment. Your favorite soloists return with the orchestra on the American album of familiar music such Sunday, August 27, over most of these NBC stations. And now, Top secret.

[Ilona Massey]

This story is top secret. Top secret. Exciting stories of intrigue and espionage brought to you, transcribed by NBC and starring Ilona Massey as the Baroness Karen Gaza, a woman who fought without protection, without recognition and without fear for the forces of freedom. Tonight, as Assignment 10, the Case of the Tattooed Pigeon.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Assignment 10 began and ended with tragedy. I had been assigned by Central Intelligence to trace leaks of important top secret information from the Department of Internal Security in London to German intelligence in Berlin. A dozen other operators were working on the case with me. But in spite of tremendous effort, we had uncovered nothing. And then one Tuesday, I got an invitation. An invitation from Sir Roger Fenfield, Chief of Britain's Department of Internal Security.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Hello, Karen, it's Roger Fenfield.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Yes, Roger?

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Karen, I have bad news. Horribly bad news. Leslie Hodge has been killed in a plane crash.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Oh, Roger. No.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Yes, an hour ago.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Was the leak from your department, Karen?

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

I don't know. I just don't know.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Well, is there anything I can do?

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

I have a country place at Spurnhead. Can you come for the weekend?

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Yes, yes, of course.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

The situation has become so desperate, I've decided to call in Everett Rowan.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Everett Rowan? For months I had heard of this fabulous American. Ostensibly, he worked for a New York firm in London. Few people knew that he was one of Washington's most trusted agents. One of America's top spies. The train for Spurnhead left London at noon on Friday. Everett Rowan and I got a first class compartment to ourselves.

[Everett Rowan]

Sabotage at Croydon, the affair at Birmingham, the blueprints of the Spitfire, the sinking of the Athena. And now Leslie Howard's death.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Eight vital leaks in the last four months.

[Everett Rowan]

All from Sir Roger Fenfield's department. Yes, but many people knew that Mr. Howard was making this trip.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Only the pilot and Roger Fenfield knew the route the plane was to take.

[Everett Rowan]

I see. Tell me, what goes on at Spurn Head.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

It's Roger's country home. The very inside heart of the department has been moved up there. Much of a staff, an aide named Captain McLeod and a secretary, Miss Ames.

[Everett Rowan]

And a cook named Molly.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

How do you know?

[Everett Rowan]

I asked to see their records, too. Baroness, before you requisitioned them and put them in your little black briefcase.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Then you know about Molly?

[Everett Rowan]

I know that she's a cook and harmless. There were two pages in her dossier. Quite routine information. The last page is missing. I'd like to know why.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Our job, Mr. Owen, is to discover how vital British secrets are getting to the enemy. Not to persecute house servants.

[Everett Rowan]

Baroness, I know this business as well as you do. Roger Fenfield stole a page from the dossier internal security hat on his cook. I want to know why.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Perhaps you'll find out this weekend.

[Everett Rowan]

Perhaps. Baroness.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Yes, Mr. Owen?

[Everett Rowan]

Have you ever heard the expression the oldest game in the world?

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

I don't quite know what you mean.

[Everett Rowan]

The real criminal calls in the police to throw suspicion elsewhere.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Sir Roger Fanfield is one of the most respected men in England. He's had a long career in the diplomatic service. He has been head of internal security for three years.

[Everett Rowan]

Baroness, Sir Roger Finfield is a liar.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Everett Roan frightened me. We did not have to get involved with a cook, get into a witch hunt filled with ugly insinuations. For most of the afternoon we sat in the train without speaking. It began to get dark and there were rain clouds in the east. We got off at Hull and took a taxi through the gloomy October countryside. Soon we were skirting the shore of the angry looking North Sea. The house was located at Skern Head, a tiny finger of land with the North Sea on the east and the Humber river to the west. The taxi let us off at the gate and we stood there in the twilight, Everett, Rowan and I, looking at the huge stone house. Bleak, gray, isolated.

[Everett Rowan]

Be interesting if that house could talk, wouldn't it? Will Fenfield?

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

I'm going to ask him.

[Everett Rowan]

When?

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

After dinner. I want to question each one of them. McLeod, Miss Ames and Molly.

[Everett Rowan]

And Fenfield. Especially Fenfield.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Mr. Orne.

[Everett Rowan]

Yes?

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

I think you are a very honest man.

[Philip McLeod]

Thank you.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Along with being honest, will you try to be kind?

[Everett Rowan]

What would you suggest?

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

After dinner, before we start to question the others, let me have a few moments in his office with Roger. Alone. Alone.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Karen, I spend 12 hours a day in this office. Can't we have coffee with the others?

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

There are four people in this house. Roger, Philip McLeod, Jennifer Ames, Molly and you. Routine security checks were made on all of them. I brought the files with me. Molly's records were borrowed by your office on July 16 and returned July 17. Why is the last page of her dossier missing?

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Cause I stole it.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

You? You what?

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Stole it. Are you surprised? I have instant access to the files on any person in England.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Can you tell me why you took it?

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Yes, I can. I have it here in my wallet.

[Philip McLeod]

Here.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

You can read it if you like.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Thank you.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Molly has worked in this house for 32 years. I'm determined to protect her. Now you want to question Captain MacLeod and Ginny?

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

If it's convenient. Where? In the drawing room.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Is that where Rowan is?

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Yes.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

You go on, apple. I'll send Captain McLeod up in a moment.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

They can come together. Send them both up.

[Philip McLeod]

Are you nervous, Jenny?

[Jennifer Ames]

Yes.

[Philip McLeod]

Well, don't be.

[Jennifer Ames]

I can't help it.

[Philip McLeod]

Jenny, for heaven's sake, don't panic. They'll get into that harbor tonight, and this will be the last time we sleep in this house. Now, hang on to yourself. They can ask questions until they're blue in the face. They can't know. They can't.

[Everett Rowan]

Well, Baroness, we don't know anything more than when we started. McLeod is an ex prisoner of war. A flyer who escaped from Germany and transferred to internal security. Ms. Ames is a veritable model of demure discretion. And an orphan. Molly's a dear old family retainer. We're leaked, Baroness?

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Yes, I am afraid we are.

[Everett Rowan]

Unless the leak is through Roger Fenfield himself.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Oh, will you stop that, please?

[Everett Rowan]

Just the same, Baroness, I'd like to know what he's doing right now.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Make five copies of that, Jenny.

[Jennifer Ames]

Yes, sir.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Type them up and mail them. Then you can quit for the night.

[Jennifer Ames]

Yes, sir.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

And don't look so depressed, Jenny. We'll beat this thing yet.

[Jennifer Ames]

I hope so.

[Philip McLeod]

You've seen a ghost or something.

[Jennifer Ames]

Philip, I'm frightened. I'm so frightened I can hardly stand it.

[Philip McLeod]

For heaven's sake, Jenny, control yourself.

[Jennifer Ames]

He wrote a memo. He said he'd come to the conclusion that the leak must be someone very close to him.

[Philip McLeod]

They've 1,200 employees in London. The leak could be anywhere. Now relax.

[Jennifer Ames]

Then what are they doing here? The Baron? They're clever, Philip. Too clever. They're within an inch of stumbling on the whole thing.

[Philip McLeod]

Look, Jenny, if they sink that ship tonight, our job's finished. We'll pack up and be out of here in five hours, maybe less.

[Jennifer Ames]

What about Von Karsh?

[Philip McLeod]

I've written the message in duplicate. One for each pigeon. They're in the capsules. The moment I hear, I'll release both birds.

[Jennifer Ames]

I'll get it. Hello? Who's calling, please? Oh, yes, sir. Just a moment. Mr. Churchill is on 081, sir.

[Philip McLeod]

Churchill. Can you hear them?

[Jennifer Ames]

Yes.

[Philip McLeod]

Keep your hand over the mouthpiece.

[Jennifer Ames]

For heaven's sake, will you shut up? Yes, they got through. They sank it.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Shh.

[Philip McLeod]

When?

[Jennifer Ames]

An hour ago.

[Philip McLeod]

Then we'll leave here at night.

[Jennifer Ames]

The moment you get a chance, release those two pictures.

[Philip McLeod]

Here he comes.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Captain McLeod, I'm leaving for London at once. Telephone the airfield to have my plane ready in half an hour.

[Philip McLeod]

Is something wrong, sir?

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

A German submarine torpedoed the Royal Oak at anchor in Scapa Flow.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

The news burst upon England in an explosion of horror and stunned disbelief. Scapa Flow was considered impregnable. Only a few top naval people knew that the submarine traps and nets on the eastern approaches has been found inadequate. Under the greatest secrecy, they had been taken up to be repaired and rebuilt. Replacements and additions had been ordered in advance. Scapa Flow had been defenseless for only 50, yet it was long enough. Out of 1200 in the crew of the battleship Royal Oak, only 400 had been saved. Sir Roger left immediately for London. Mr. Owen went with him. I decided to stay at Spurnhead. I had an eating inward suspicion of the fleet in this house. It was a fear. A fear so tangible I could almost smell it.

[Jennifer Ames]

Philip, I'm frightened.

[Everett Rowan]

There they go.

[Jennifer Ames]

Why did she stay?

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Why?

[Philip McLeod]

I'll take care of the Baroness, Jenny. Don't worry.

[Jennifer Ames]

You're afraid too. Why, you're sweating like a steer.

[Philip McLeod]

Take care of Molly first. Then start working on the files in his office. Pack everything you think is important. I'll release the pigeons, the messages are written in duplicate and both birds are fed. Then I'll settle with the Baroness.

[Jennifer Ames]

Are you going to to?

[Philip McLeod]

I'm going to kill her, Jenny.

[Jennifer Ames]

Why not bring her with us?

[Philip McLeod]

Too dangerous.

[Jennifer Ames]

You are afraid of her.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Am I?

[Philip McLeod]

Wait and see. Drop it. Here she comes.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

I have never seen a man so agonized. He is positively grave with horror.

[Philip McLeod]

Yes, it's a tragedy.

[Jennifer Ames]

Will Roger have to resign, Baroness?

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

I am afraid he will. Have you? Have you lost something, Captain?

[Philip McLeod]

My handkerchief. Oh, here it is.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Are you warm?

[Philip McLeod]

It's been a bit of a shock.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Yes, it has. Good night. As I was going up to my bedroom, something white pushed itself into my mind. A handkerchief. He had wiped his forehead with a white handkerchief. And when he did, my heart began to pound. I walked past my bedroom down the hall. This was a clue. It had to be. There had to be a reason why a man in Captain McLeod's position carried loose grains of wheat in his pocket. Pocket? I had seen them fall to the carpet downstairs. When he pulled out his handkerchief, his door was unlocked. Nobody saw me go in. I searched it thoroughly. And underneath his bed I found them. Two of them, carrier pigeons in regulation army flight coupes. The first bird hardly moved as I touched it. It was stuffed with food, with wheat. To my horror, I saw on the underside of the wing, next to the body, the letters tk tk Top core. German words meaning pigeon core. I opened the capsule around the bird's leg. Inside was a message written in English. Rendezvous at agreed position 54 degrees, 40 minutes north latitude, 0 degrees, 10 minutes, 18 east longitude with submarine B14, 3 miles off Spurnhead 2am this morning. McLeod. I closed the capsule quickly replaced it around the bird's leg. Then I. I heard a noise. I crept from his room. I. I had the message in my hand. There wasn't time to examine the other pigeon. The house was in darkness. Everything was silent. Nothing moved. Slowly, I. I stole down the stairs to the telephone, into the entrance hall.

[Operator]

Number, please.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Operator, there is a private landing field two miles outside Haddon. Can you connect me, please?

[Operator]

I beg your pardon, madam.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Operator, listen, this is a terribly urgent call. I'm speaking from Sir Roger Fenfield's Hawsert Spurnhead.

[Operator]

Yes, madam. And what number did you want?

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Sir Roger has a private landing field two miles outside Heddon. There is a telephone there.

[Operator]

How would the landing field be listed, madam?

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

I don't know how it would be listed.

[Operator]

Just a moment, madam.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Operator. Operator.

[Operator]

I'm sorry, madam. For security reasons, we are not allowed to give out that number.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Operator, you don't understand. In a few moments, Sir Roger Fenfield is taking a plane from that field for London. He's got to be stopped. I've got to speak to him.

[Operator]

I'm sorry, madam. Our orders are that for security reasons that number is not to be given out under any circumstances.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Operator, there's someone coming. I'm in danger. Don't you understand? Sir Roger must not catch that plane. Dimly, I could see a figure at the head of the stairs. I felt the bullet graze my hair. I dropped the receiver to the floor and ran out the house. Dense woods boarded the driveway. The rain beaded my face. Gasping and stumbling, I made my way through the dense forest in the direction of the highway. I knew McLeod would kill me. I knew that somehow I had to get help. I pressed myself into the shelter of an enormous oak tree and stood there gasping, terrified.

[Everett Rowan]

Baroness.

[Philip McLeod]

I know you're in there, Baroness. You're by the big oak tree. I know these woods very well. I don't want to kill you, but I can't spend all night Chasing you. Will you come out, please, Baroness?

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

I stumbled on. I tripped and fell. I got up. Branches tore off my clothes. I could only guess at the direction of the road. I could hear him behind me in the darkness. Cruel. Relentless. Cultivating. For 20 minutes, we played this terrifying hide and seek in the wet, soaking blackness of the forest. Then, almost in front of me, I saw headlights crawling through the fog. It was the highway from Spurnhead to Hull. The rain beat at my face. I had lost one of my shoes, and my foot was bleeding. Desperately, I stumbled on toward the road. Somewhere behind me was death. Ahead of me was a car that meant people safety. I had to reach it. I had to. Just a few yards more. Then I heard him. Almost directly behind me. He crouched down not 10ft from the road. The car drew closer. I crouched there without moving. When the car was beside me, I would jump. Jump out and scream. I took a deep breath. This scream would be heard all the way to London.

[Everett Rowan]

Shut up, Baroness, or you'll get it right now.

[Philip McLeod]

Now I'll take you home the easy way.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Would you please hurry, Mr. Rowan, the pilot is ready to take off.

[Everett Rowan]

I'll be right there. Yes, operator. Yes. All right.

[Philip McLeod]

Thanks.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

What is it?

[Everett Rowan]

The operator says a woman with a Hungarian accent asked for this number. The operator wouldn't give it to her. Said it was unlisted for security reasons. Then she said she heard a shot over the phone.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

A shot?

[Everett Rowan]

That's what she said. Supposing I call the house and make sure everything's all right?

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Give me the phone. I'll call myself.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

All right.

[Operator]

Number, please.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Spun head. 4081, please.

[Operator]

One moment.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Hello, Jenny.

[Operator]

Sir Roger, what is it?

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Are you all right?

[Operator]

Why, of course.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

And MacLeod and the Baroness?

[Jennifer Ames]

The Baroness is in bed. MacLeod and I are working.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

And everything's all right?

[Jennifer Ames]

Yes, of course.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

All right, Jenny. We're just taking off for London. Good night. That was Jenny. Everything's all right. The operator was hearing things.

[Everett Rowan]

I don't believe it, Sir Roger.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Oh, nonsense. Telephone operators make mistakes all the time.

[Everett Rowan]

I mean, I don't believe you.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

You. You what?

[Everett Rowan]

Go ahead and take the plane. I'm driving back to Spurn Head.

[Philip McLeod]

Baroness, if I have to hit you again, I'll break your jaw. I'm telling you to keep quiet.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

You'll never get away with it.

[Jennifer Ames]

Never. Baroness, we have gotten away with it.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

They'll get you. It takes whatever.

[Philip McLeod]

Jenny, smash that Teletype machine.

[Jennifer Ames]

Right.

[Philip McLeod]

In two hours, we'll be on a submarine for Germany, Baroness. And you're coming with us.

[Jennifer Ames]

There's. There's nothing left in the files.

[Ilona Massey]

Smash the radio.

[Jennifer Ames]

We can't. Coastal patrol would know it was out of order. Come on, let's get down to the dock.

[Philip McLeod]

Where's the kerosene?

[Jennifer Ames]

There, in the can.

[Philip McLeod]

You lock the windows?

[Jennifer Ames]

Yes. Use lots of it.

[Philip McLeod]

No. We don't want the whole house to burn. Just his papers. He won't know what we've taken and what we've left behind.

[Jennifer Ames]

Hurry, Philip. Please.

[Philip McLeod]

I'm finished. Get outside, Jenny, and keep the Baroness covered.

[Jennifer Ames]

After you, Baroness.

[Philip McLeod]

I'm going to light a match and then make a dive for the door. Ready?

[Jennifer Ames]

Ready.

[Philip McLeod]

That does it. You took care of Molly?

[Jennifer Ames]

Yes. She won't come to for a week.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Captain McLough, please. I'm soaked through. Can I have a coat?

[Everett Rowan]

Certainly, Baroness.

[Philip McLeod]

We're going out the front way. You can take one of Rogers from the closet in the hall. I want your voyage to be comfortable.

[Ilona Massey]

We're in position.

[I]

Now shut it off.

[Jennifer Ames]

Right.

[Everett Rowan]

See anything?

[Jennifer Ames]

What time is it?

[Philip McLeod]

10 minutes to 2. You watch north. I'll watch south.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Captain McLauri.

[Philip McLeod]

Baroness, please keep quiet. I dislike hitting women. I'm telling you to shut up.

[Jennifer Ames]

Flash a light once.

[Philip McLeod]

Too risky. There are coastal patrol ships all over the place.

[Jennifer Ames]

You're sure we're in the right position?

[Philip McLeod]

Of course I'm sure. I'd had that message recently written for weeks. I know it by heart. 53 degrees, 40 minutes north latitude. 0 degrees, 10 minutes east longitude.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Captain McClaug, I found your pigeons. I took the message out of the capsule. I left it lying on the floor inside the door of Roger Fanfield's house.

[Ilona Massey]

Did you really?

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Your submarine will not be here.

[Philip McLeod]

Tell her, Jenny.

[Jennifer Ames]

There were two pigeons, Baroness.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

I know that.

[Jennifer Ames]

There were two messages. Both the same. One for each.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Two messages, the pigeons.

[Philip McLeod]

Would be in Hull in 20 minutes. When Karsh would radio at once. So if the sub is 30 miles out, it should be here by 2 o'.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Clock.

[Philip McLeod]

Don't try to fool Germans, Baroness. It can't be done.

[Everett Rowan]

Coastal Baker calling it her Charlie. Coastal Baker calling Iter Charlie. Did you receive me? Over.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Why don't they answer, Mr. Rowan? Why don't they answer?

[Everett Rowan]

Take it easy, Molly. You've been great this far.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Mr. Rowan, how could she? Jenny hit me with a gun on the head. I've known that child all her life.

[Everett Rowan]

You can't tell about people, Molly. Ever. You sure they took the motorboat?

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Oh, yes, sir. I heard it.

[Everett Rowan]

If I'm wrong, I'll have to leave England. Why don't they answer transmitter may have been damaged by the fire. It must have been gotten pretty hot in this room.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Inter Charlie calling Coastal Baker. Are you receiving me? Come in, please.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

God be praised.

[Everett Rowan]

Coastal Baker calling Inter Charlie. Receiving you loud and clear. Over.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Message received and understood. Coastal patrol notified to watch for note about. Please repeat position. Repeat position.

[Everett Rowan]

Position taken from small paper found in hall of Fenfield House at Spurn Head. Repeating message rendezvous at agreed position 53 degrees, 40 minutes north latitude, 0 degrees, 10 minutes east longitude with submarine B14, 3 miles off Spurn Head, 2am this morning. Sign McLeod.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Over.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Received and understood. North Sea patrol ordered. Rise and shine Navy interceptor proceeding this position also. Rise and shine out.

[Everett Rowan]

Well, Molly, that's that. All we can do now is wait.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

What's meant by rise and shine?

[Everett Rowan]

That means the British Navy's fighting mad.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Well, then, I think I'll make you and I a cup of tea. For two hours we drifted three miles off Spurnhead. The rain cut at our faces. We drift correct position. Drift again. Suddenly, a huge black shape broke through the surface of the angry sea. Not 20ft from the little boat. The submarine had reached the rendezvous. A searchlight picked us up, ringing us with a dazzling circle of brilliant light. Blinding us.

[Jennifer Ames]

We've made it. We've made it. There's the sub. They found us.

[I]

Ahoy, B14.

[Jennifer Ames]

Why don't they answer? I. I can't see anything. The light is blinding.

[I]

Ahoy, B14.

[Jennifer Ames]

They're opening the cunning tower.

[I]

Ahoy, B14. McLeod here. A thousand. B40.

[Jennifer Ames]

Philip, what's he saying?

[Fred Collins]

You keep calm.

[Philip McLeod]

We'll be safe in a minute. A rope.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

He's.

[Philip McLeod]

He's throwing us a rope.

[I]

Our fastened and to ready for rope. Got it.

[Jennifer Ames]

Keep still, Baroness. We want you alive.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Oh, no, you don't. Let me go. Let me go. I'll drown before I'll get on that German submarine.

[Philip McLeod]

Give me a hand.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

B14.

[Philip McLeod]

I.

[Everett Rowan]

We have organs. Captain McLaren, His Majesty Submarine R27 has a 50 millimeter cannon trained right smack on your boat. Please don't make us use it. We've just cleaned the gun.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Right up until the last minute. I thought it was a German submarine.

[Everett Rowan]

The Navy can work fast when it has to. Did McLeod confess, Sir Roger?

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Yes.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

And the real Captain MacLeod is still in a concentration camp in Germany.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Or dead. We don't know. This imposter took his papers, his credentials, identification, everything. For over a year, a German speaking perfect English has been working for Internal security. The real MacLeod grew up in India. Nobody in England knew him. That's how the impersonation was possible.

[Everett Rowan]

How about the girl?

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

When she realized the submarine was British, she jumped into the water. She drowned almost immediately.

[Everett Rowan]

Baroness, it was mighty smart of you to drop that message right at the door. I wonder if the other pigeon got through.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

It did.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

The German sub reached the rendezvous and was sunk by the boat that rescued Karen.

[Everett Rowan]

Well, I have one more question. What about that last page in Molly's dossier?

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Molly is a wonderful woman. When she was 20, she got into trouble with a man who loved her very much but who couldn't marry her.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Why couldn't he?

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

Because Molly wouldn't have him. She refused him a dozen Times. You see, Mr. Rowan, Jennifer Ames was Molly's daughter.

[Everett Rowan]

I suspected she was.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

The girl never knew that Molly was her mother. She was sent to the best schools. And I kept her here as my secretary to give Molly happiness. The last page of the dossier, which I took the liberty of confiscating, listed Jennifer Ames as Molly's child.

[Everett Rowan]

Will she never marry this man? No.

[Sir Roger Fenfield]

She keeps insisting that he has a great career, that she is just a cook.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Roger, I have a feeling Molly would marry you now. Why don't you ask her once more?

[Ilona Massey]

You have just heard Ilona Massey as the Baroness Karen Gaza. In another transcribed story of intrigue and espionage brought to you by NBC. Here is Ms. Massie to tell you about next week's show.

[Baroness Karen Gaza]

Next week, a story of a church that sheltered evil, a trip to Brussels and an escape. A top secret story called the Church Without a Cross.

[Ilona Massey]

Top Secret is written, directed and produced by Harry W. Junkin. Heard in support of Ms. Massey tonight were Louis Van Ruten, Alfred Shirley, David McKay, Brooke Byron and Briana Rayburn. The music was composed and conducted by Dr. Roy Shield. This is Fred Collins speaking. Take it or leave it provides gay entertainment for you next on NBC.