Whistler 42-08-22 ep015 Death Has a Thirst

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio: "Death Has a Thirst" - Episode Summary

Title: Death Has a Thirst
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: June 26, 2025
Episode: Whistler 42-08-22 ep015
Show Description: Relive the Golden Age of Radio with timeless classics like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, and Dragnet.

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1. Introduction: A Night of Mystery

The episode opens with an eerie introduction by Dr. John Saunders and The Whistler, setting a suspenseful tone for the evening's tale.

• Dr. John Saunders: "Wait a minute. Have you heard the weird tales of the Whistler?" (00:02)
• The Whistler: "I'm the Whistler." (00:24)

We are introduced to the central characters:

• Donna Jackson: Struggling with her husband Victor's alcoholism.
• Harvey Davis: Donna's confidant and supporter.
• Victor Jackson: Donna's husband battling addiction.
• Dr. John Saunders: A physician involved in Victor's treatment.

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2. The Struggle with Alcoholism

Donna Jackson seeks help to save her husband Victor from his escalating drinking problem. She confides in Harvey Davis, revealing the depth of Victor's dependence and the strain it has placed on their marriage.

• Donna Jackson: "He may try to get away when he comes to worry." (00:52)
• Harvey Davis: "It's all right, Donna. I only hope it'll do some good." (02:15)
• Donna Jackson: "But the thing that hurts me most is that the drinking has completely changed him." (02:26)

Victor's history with alcohol is discussed, highlighting his transformation from a non-drinker to someone consumed by his addiction, leading to paranoia and distrust.

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3. The Plan to Save Victor

Determined to help Victor, Donna devises a plan to have him admitted to a sanitarium. With Harvey's assistance, they transport Victor, hoping professional intervention will curb his destructive habits.

• Dr. John Saunders: "If anything happens, we'll call you." (01:06)
• Donna Jackson: "I'll phone you tomorrow. Thank you. Good night." (01:08)

Later, Dr. Saunders informs Donna that Victor has escaped the sanitarium, prompting a more urgent response to find and help him.

• Dr. John Saunders: "He's in a cheap dive of a rooming house downtown." (04:30)
• Donna Jackson: "I'm determined to cure him if I have to take him to a desert island." (05:24)

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4. The Confrontation on the Boat

Donna, Harvey, and Dr. Saunders embark on a yacht journey to confront Victor. Tensions rise as Victor becomes increasingly suspicious and accusatory, leading to a heated standoff.

• Victor Jackson: "You and Harvey and me are prisoners. What a perfect setup." (10:27)
• Donna Jackson: "You're trying to poison me." (11:37)
• Dr. John Saunders: "I'll skin those men alive." (15:57)

A critical moment occurs when Victor accuses Donna and Harvey of plotting against him, exacerbating the already volatile situation.

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5. Climactic Resolution: Poison and Tragedy

As the days pass, survival becomes paramount. Harvey employs his chemistry knowledge to test water sources for poison, uncovering the sinister truth behind Victor's deteriorating condition.

• Harvey Davis: "I have an idea what he's up to." (20:38)
• The Whistler: "Heastens final mental breakdown more than alcohol, insanity." (08:02)

In a dramatic turn, Donna confronts Victor with the reality of his poisoning:

• Donna Jackson: "I stabbed him. It's my knife." (25:44)
• Harvey Davis: "He's better off." (27:57)

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6. The Aftermath and Revelation

After the ordeal, Dr. Saunders arrives with rescue, and the truth unfolds. Victor's death is revealed as a consequence of his own actions, influenced by extreme desperation and deception.

• Dr. John Saunders: "There's nothing to tell. Except Victor Jackson poisoned himself in a fit of extreme thirst." (27:12)
• The Whistler: "From drama to tragedy. From tragedy to a beautiful love story wherein they will live happily ever after." (27:35)

The episode concludes with reflections on the complexities of love, desperation, and the lengths one will go to save a loved one.

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Notable Quotes

• Donna Jackson: "Why not me? You written me a stranger to me." (10:38)
  Donna confronts Victor's altered demeanor, expressing her confusion and concern.

• Harvey Davis: "I'd do anything for you." (03:25)
  Harvey reassures Donna of his unwavering support.

• The Whistler: "I, the Whistler, know many things... the mysterious tale of death has a thirst." (01:16)
  Sets the narrative framework for the episode.

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Conclusion: A Timeless Tale of Love and Desperation

"Death Has a Thirst" masterfully weaves a story of love strained by addiction, the desperation to save a loved one, and the tragic consequences of extreme measures. Through engaging dialogue and suspenseful narration, the episode captivates listeners, leaving them reflecting on the depths of human emotion and the fine line between salvation and tragedy.

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Tune in next week for another enthralling story in The Whistler series: The Secret Seven.

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Original music composed and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. Written and directed by J. Donald Wilson, originating from Columbia Square in Hollywood.

Transcript

[Dr. John Saunders]

Wait a minute. Have you heard the weird tales of the Whistler?

[The Whistler]

I'm the Whistler.

[Donna Jackson]

Here's the sanitarium, Javi.

[Harvey Davis]

Is he still unconscious?

[Donna Jackson]

Yes. Here comes the attendant.

[Dr. John Saunders]

We're all ready for him, Mrs. Jackson.

[Victor Jackson]

Take his feet, Harold. Oh, had to tie him, eh?

[Harvey Davis]

Yes, I had to give him a good one on the chin.

[Donna Jackson]

You'll have to watch him. He may try to get away when he comes to worry.

[Dr. John Saunders]

We've got a lot of tough cases here.

[Donna Jackson]

Don't let him know who brought him here.

[Harvey Davis]

And don't let him know I had anything to do with it.

[Victor Jackson]

Leave everything to us.

[Harvey Davis]

It's a two hour drive back to the city, Donna.

[Donna Jackson]

Yes. Well, I'll phone you tomorrow.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Good. If anything happens, we'll call you.

[Donna Jackson]

Thank you. Good night.

[Harvey Davis]

Saturday night and again, CBS presents the Whistler.

[The Whistler]

I, the Whistler, know many things. For I walk by night. I know many strange tales. I know many secrets hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. And so I tell you tonight the mysterious tale of death has a thirst. The long black car with a handsome man at the wheel and the woman beside him returns to the highway and speeds on through the night. The man and woman sit staring ahead, lost in thought. The man is Harvey Davis. The woman, Mrs. Victor Jackson, wife of the unconscious man recently deposited at the sanitarium.

[Donna Jackson]

I'm sorry I dragged you into this, Harvey, but I had to have some help and I knew I could depend on you.

[Harvey Davis]

It's all right, Donna. I only hope it'll do some good. Victor never drank a drop while we were in school.

[Donna Jackson]

He didn't drink when we were first married. But after his father died and Victor took over the business he started.

[Harvey Davis]

It's a huge concern and I guess he just couldn't take it. He's always had an inferiority complex.

[Donna Jackson]

But the thing that hurts me most is that the drinking has completely changed him. Why? He's suspicious of every move I make. He accuses me of the most disgraceful things. Accuses me of lying to him about everything. And of being in love with other men. Oh, countless things.

[Harvey Davis]

Other men? What man?

[Donna Jackson]

Any man I speak to. Even you, Harvey.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Me?

[Harvey Davis]

Well, after all, if he's going to be suspicious of any man, it would logically be me. Why, you've brought most of your troubles to me. He knows that I'm as good a victim as any. He knows I'm terribly fond of you.

[Donna Jackson]

Are you, Harvey?

[Harvey Davis]

From the first day I met you, I said, here's a woman, a strong Woman. Maybe she'll develop some backbone in my willy nilly friend Victor.

[Donna Jackson]

That's very nicely put, Harvey.

[Harvey Davis]

Let's hope this sanitarium does him some good.

[Donna Jackson]

If it doesn't, I don't know what I'll do.

[Harvey Davis]

Don't worry, Donna. Just remember, I'll do anything for you.

[Donna Jackson]

Thank you, Harvey.

[The Whistler]

About midnight, the black sedan arrives at the Jackson mansion. The butler greets Harvey and Donna at the door.

[Victor Jackson]

Evening, Mrs. Jackson. Evening, Mr. Davis.

[Harvey Davis]

Evening.

[Victor Jackson]

Dr. Saunders is in the library, ma' am. He's waiting for you.

[Donna Jackson]

Dr. Saunders? At this hour? What on earth does he want?

[Harvey Davis]

You'd better see him, Donna. Maybe he knows how.

[Donna Jackson]

Could he come with me, Harvey?

[Harvey Davis]

Of course.

[Donna Jackson]

Oh, good evening, Dr. Saunders.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Good evening, Donna. Evening, Harvey.

[Harvey Davis]

Hello, Doctor.

[Donna Jackson]

This is quite a surprise.

[Dr. John Saunders]

I can imagine.

[Donna Jackson]

I. Harvey and I, we've just been for a little drive. I felt I needed some air.

[Dr. John Saunders]

All right.

[Donna Jackson]

So did you come to see Victor?

[Dr. John Saunders]

Victor isn't here.

[Donna Jackson]

Really?

[Dr. John Saunders]

But I know where he is.

[Donna Jackson]

You do?

[Dr. John Saunders]

He's in a cheap dive of a rooming house downtown.

[Harvey Davis]

What? But that's impossible.

[Dr. John Saunders]

That's where he always goes.

[Donna Jackson]

Well, you're wrong this time, Doctor. I took him by force to a sanitarium tonight. Harvey helped me. Maybe they can do something for him.

[Dr. John Saunders]

You told the sanitarium that I was his physician, didn't you?

[Donna Jackson]

Yes.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Well, they called me an hour ago. He's escaped.

[Harvey Davis]

What?

[Dr. John Saunders]

They said he came to and broke away from them. I know where he usually goes and I can find him. If you want me to find him.

[Donna Jackson]

What are you inferring, Doctor?

[Dr. John Saunders]

Donna, I know what you've been through with Victor. I know what a trial it's been. I've tried and you've tried. We've all tried everything we could do to make him stop. Not many women would have put up with what you have. We've dragged him through before. We probably can do it again. I just thought. Well, maybe you'd had enough.

[Donna Jackson]

You do know where he is?

[Dr. John Saunders]

Yes, I'm pretty sure I know.

[Donna Jackson]

Well, then find him. I'm determined to cure him if I have to take him to a desert island.

[Dr. John Saunders]

That's an idea. A long ocean trip might be the answer. You'd have to hog time.

[Donna Jackson]

I could do that, too.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Very well. I'll have a talk with him. I'll phone you in the morning. Good night.

[Donna Jackson]

Good night, Doctor. Oh, Harvey.

[Harvey Davis]

No, no, no. You've done your best, Donna.

[Donna Jackson]

Oh, but I feel so hopeless. I don't know what to do.

[Harvey Davis]

Try the desert island.

[Donna Jackson]

Why not? Harvey? It might work, mightn't it? You can help your yacht. Dr. Saunders may be right. Oh, at least it's worth a try.

[Harvey Davis]

I wonder.

[Donna Jackson]

Please. Javier may be the answer.

[Harvey Davis]

I can't get away just now, but if you're determined, you're welcome to the yacht.

[Donna Jackson]

Oh, please. I'd feel better if you came along.

[Harvey Davis]

All right, Donna, I'll go. I'll arrange it. But he won't want to come.

[Donna Jackson]

We'll take him aboard by force.

[Harvey Davis]

Shanghai. Well, all right. Just let me know when you find him and I'll arrange everything.

[Donna Jackson]

He sure was plastered. Well, leave you alone with him, Doctor.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Thanks. That hypo will bring him out of this. Victor. Victor.

[Victor Jackson]

What's going on here?

[Dr. John Saunders]

Who are you? Get away. Quiet. Quiet. Take it easy, Victor.

[Donna Jackson]

Huh?

[Victor Jackson]

Who are you?

[Dr. John Saunders]

Doc Saunders.

[Victor Jackson]

Doc, what you want?

[Dr. John Saunders]

I want to talk to you, Victor. It's very important.

[Victor Jackson]

Important?

[Dr. John Saunders]

Come on, Victor, snap out of it.

[Victor Jackson]

Okay. Hey, what's the idea? Would you slap me for it?

[Dr. John Saunders]

Wake you up? I've got to talk to you.

[Victor Jackson]

Hello, Doc. What are you after?

[Dr. John Saunders]

Is your head clear?

[Victor Jackson]

I guess so.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Then listen to me. You know where you are?

[Victor Jackson]

Yeah. Yeah, My old haunt.

[Dr. John Saunders]

You know how you got here?

[Victor Jackson]

Well, let me see. I know. I can't seem to remember.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Well, I'll tell you where you're going if you don't pull yourself together.

[Victor Jackson]

Where?

[Dr. John Saunders]

To the insane asylum.

[Victor Jackson]

Did you say asylum?

[Dr. John Saunders]

I did. I haven't told you this, but your great grandfather died insane.

[Victor Jackson]

What?

[Dr. John Saunders]

And that was your father's greatest fear, that he would be a victim. There's nothing that hastens final mental breakdown more than alcohol, insanity.

[Victor Jackson]

Are you just telling me that?

[Dr. John Saunders]

No. I can prove it.

[Victor Jackson]

Good Lord.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Do you want that to happen to you? No. No.

[Victor Jackson]

But I just can't seem to quit.

[Dr. John Saunders]

You're going away, Vic.

[Victor Jackson]

Away? Where?

[Dr. John Saunders]

I'm sending you on a long voyage with no liquor.

[Victor Jackson]

Oh, no. No, you're not. No. Now I'll get hold of myself.

[Dr. John Saunders]

You said that before.

[Victor Jackson]

I can take it or leave it alone if I want to.

[Dr. John Saunders]

What? You haven't so far. You've gone from bad to worse. Now you're going where you can't get it.

[Victor Jackson]

But, Doc, I can't. I die. I couldn't stand it.

[Dr. John Saunders]

You'll stand it and like it if I have to kill you.

[Victor Jackson]

No, No, I won't be pushed around by anyone. I know who's back of this. Donna. She wants to get rid of me. Asylum? Yeah. Yeah, that suit her fine. She'd like that. So she can cavort around with Harvey and all the others.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Shut up, Vic.

[Victor Jackson]

You're all planning to get rid of me. You don't like me.

[Dr. John Saunders]

You're taking a trip.

[Victor Jackson]

Get rid of me and you all share in the estate. Well, you'll see how much good it'll do.

[Dr. John Saunders]

But you are taking a trip, Victor.

[The Whistler]

And now here you are, Victor, several hundred miles at sea. And worried, too. Aren't you victorious? That talk about insanity really upsets you. You believe it too, don't you?

[Victor Jackson]

What's this? Where am I?

[Donna Jackson]

Donna, do you feel better?

[Victor Jackson]

What is this? It's moving. I feel dizzy.

[Donna Jackson]

I don't think you're dizzy. We're on a boat, darling.

[Victor Jackson]

What boat?

[Donna Jackson]

We're on a boat in the middle of the ocean.

[Victor Jackson]

A boat? Doug Saunders? That's what he said. A voyage.

[Donna Jackson]

It's his idea. Victor, everything's going to be all right.

[Victor Jackson]

I know what you're planning to do. You're planning to kill me. You want to get rid of me. Want me to die.

[Donna Jackson]

You won't die.

[Victor Jackson]

Whose vote is this?

[Donna Jackson]

Harvey. Jard Harvey.

[Victor Jackson]

Now I know it's a plot. Now I know what it's all about. You and Harvey. That's it.

[Donna Jackson]

Don't be ridiculous, Victor. Harvey consented to let me have the yacht.

[Victor Jackson]

Is he on board?

[The Whistler]

Yes, of course.

[Victor Jackson]

You and Harvey and me are prisoner. What a perfect setup.

[Donna Jackson]

You don't mean that, Victor.

[Victor Jackson]

I've been suspicious of you two all along. Who else is on board?

[Donna Jackson]

Nobody but the captain and the crew of four and Harvey and the doctor.

[Victor Jackson]

Where are you taking me?

[Donna Jackson]

We're just cruising.

[The Whistler]

Just cruising?

[Victor Jackson]

Did you find the right spot?

[Donna Jackson]

Right spot for what?

[Victor Jackson]

To dump me overboard. No one will ever know, will they? And you'll say I jumped over. I was washed over the side.

[Donna Jackson]

Oh, Victor, what has happened to you? You're like a stranger to me. I. I just don't know you. It doesn't seem possible that you're the man I married. My darling, what's happened to you?

[The Whistler]

Don't you know?

[Donna Jackson]

If I only did.

[Victor Jackson]

Why, I'm crazy. Insane. Surely you knew that my great grandfather was insane. And my grandfather, and undoubtedly my father. So why not me?

[Donna Jackson]

You're talking nonsense.

[The Whistler]

No.

[Victor Jackson]

Hasn't Doc Saunders told you what he knows?

[Donna Jackson]

No.

[Victor Jackson]

Oh, come now. You three are closer than that.

[Donna Jackson]

Stop talking such nonsense. I won't listen.

[Victor Jackson]

I'm getting out of this cabin. I can't stand to be cooped up like this.

[Donna Jackson]

No, no. Please stay here for a while. Victor, please. Here, I. I brought you some milk. Please drink It?

[Victor Jackson]

Milk. Ah. Got a funny color to it. And it smells strange. What's in it? Arsenic.

[Donna Jackson]

It's just plain milk, Victor. Now drink it.

[Victor Jackson]

Do you like milk, Donna?

[Donna Jackson]

Yes, I love milk.

[Victor Jackson]

Then drink it yourself.

[Harvey Davis]

Oh.

[Donna Jackson]

All over my dress.

[Victor Jackson]

You're trying to poison me. That's it. Now get out of here. Get out.

[Donna Jackson]

Oh, Victor, please, darling.

[Victor Jackson]

Get out. Oh, what do you want, Doc?

[Dr. John Saunders]

How do you feel?

[Victor Jackson]

Victor, they're trying to kill me. They plan to kill me.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Who?

[Victor Jackson]

Donna and Harvey. She just brought me some milk. And it had poison in it. I could tell by the color.

[Dr. John Saunders]

I think you're imagining things, Victor.

[Victor Jackson]

No. No, I'm not. They want me out of the way. I can tell.

[Dr. John Saunders]

What made you think the milk was poison?

[Victor Jackson]

It was a purplish color. Here is the glass.

[The Whistler]

Smell it.

[Victor Jackson]

Maybe I'm not so crazy after all.

[Dr. John Saunders]

I didn't say you were crazy. I only want you to stop drinking. Drink, May. Bring it on, Doc.

[The Whistler]

Where would they get poisoned?

[Dr. John Saunders]

Oh, come now. Forget it.

[Victor Jackson]

Do you know where they get poisoned, Doc?

[Dr. John Saunders]

I'll see you later, Victor.

[Victor Jackson]

Maybe.

[Donna Jackson]

Did you send for me, doctor?

[Dr. John Saunders]

Yes. Did you take some milk to Victor?

[Donna Jackson]

Yes, I did.

[Dr. John Saunders]

What'd you put in it?

[Donna Jackson]

Why should I put anything in it?

[Dr. John Saunders]

Victor thinks you did.

[Donna Jackson]

You should know me better than that, Doctor.

[Dr. John Saunders]

You did put something in it?

[Donna Jackson]

Oh, yes, I did. Some of that red liquid to make him quiet.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Oh, yes, of course. That's what it was.

[Donna Jackson]

And he threw it all over me. Oh, I. I'm thoroughly disgusted, Doctor. I. I can't go on with him this way. He isn't drinking. But there's something wrong. I decided to give it up as a bad job. I. I'm going to get a divorce.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Divorce? I'm afraid it's too late for that, Donna.

[Donna Jackson]

Too late? Why? What do you mean?

[Dr. John Saunders]

Well, there's something I haven't told you. I've been hoping it wouldn't be necessary, but after today, I've given up all hope.

[Donna Jackson]

Why can't I get a divorce?

[Dr. John Saunders]

You can't get a divorce from an insane person.

[Donna Jackson]

Insane? Good heavens.

[Dr. John Saunders]

There's been a secret in Victor's family for several generations. Not even Victor knew. Touched his father ever so lightly. But Victor has all the symptoms, and the liquor has hastened the crack up. I couldn't be certain as long as he was drinking. But today I realized the truth.

[Donna Jackson]

I'm bewildered. I've never been so shocked in my life. I wish you hadn't told me.

[Dr. John Saunders]

I'm sorry, Donna. I wanted you to be on your Guard. He has some strange hallucination about you and Harvey. He thinks you're planning to do away with him.

[Donna Jackson]

Do away with him? Oh, but that's ridiculous. I. I've never had such a thought. Never. Oh, but now I am frightened, Doctor. What about Alice?

[Dr. John Saunders]

Your daughter's only 8 years old. There are no symptoms and it may miss her entirely.

[Donna Jackson]

But think what this will mean if this gets out about Victor. Why, it may ruin her whole life.

[Dr. John Saunders]

I understand that.

[Donna Jackson]

That must never happen. It must remain a secret.

[Dr. John Saunders]

That'll be difficult. It's going to be hard to handle when that craving returns.

[Donna Jackson]

Yes, he will. I'll think of something. I'll find a way.

[Victor Jackson]

Doctor, come quickly. It's Harvey Davis.

[Dr. John Saunders]

What's wrong, Captain?

[Victor Jackson]

Found him in his bunk with a cord around his neck.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Good heavens. Be quiet, Donna. Come along.

[Donna Jackson]

Is he dead?

[Dr. John Saunders]

No, he's breathing. Found him just in time. He'll be all right in a few minutes.

[Donna Jackson]

Hi, Kevin.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Harvey. Harvey.

[Donna Jackson]

Harvey.

[Harvey Davis]

Donna, what's wrong?

[Dr. John Saunders]

What's happened? Nothing much, Harvey. Just a little accident. You'll be all right. Oh, my throat.

[Harvey Davis]

What's going on?

[Dr. John Saunders]

You don't remember?

[Harvey Davis]

No, I was just taking a little nap.

[Dr. John Saunders]

I feel as though I'd been choked. Better tell him, Donna. Come along, Captain. Any liquor aboard, Captain? Yes, Doctor.

[Victor Jackson]

Several bottles in the locker in my cabin.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Let's have a look. I keep it locked because. Hey, it's been jimmied. Well, what do you know?

[Victor Jackson]

It's all gone.

[Dr. John Saunders]

I expected that. I'll skin those men alive. Don't. Don't blame the men, Captain.

[Victor Jackson]

What do you mean? What the devil is that?

[Dr. John Saunders]

We've hit something.

[Victor Jackson]

Come on. Captain. Captain.

[Dr. John Saunders]

What is this, man? What's wrong with you?

[Victor Jackson]

The boilers blew up.

[The Whistler]

We must have hit a reef. All three of the men of the.

[Victor Jackson]

Crew were down there.

[The Whistler]

We've got to abandon.

[Donna Jackson]

I. I'm.

[Victor Jackson]

I'm a hurt bad captain. Now.

[Dr. John Saunders]

He'S dead seated.

[Victor Jackson]

The light boat.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Round up the others.

[Victor Jackson]

I'll go below.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Yes, Captain.

[Victor Jackson]

Murphy. John Murphy, are you there? Good Lord, what a mess.

[Dr. John Saunders]

I can't imag.

[The Whistler]

Two days pass. The sun beats down relentlessly on the five survivors in the open boat. The Doctor watches anxiously over the still unconscious Captain. Donna and Harvey keep a constant eye on Victor, who sits alone in the end of the boat, staring at the horizon.

[Harvey Davis]

How's the captain, Doctor?

[Dr. John Saunders]

Still holding his own. Must have had a bad fall down that companionway.

[Harvey Davis]

I don't think he fell.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Good thing you went down after him.

[Harvey Davis]

Running low on water. I hope we sight some land Today. How much water have you left in your canteen? Donna?

[Donna Jackson]

Couples.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Hey, look over there. What's that?

[Donna Jackson]

Why, it's a ship.

[Harvey Davis]

No, it's land. An island. Grab a note, Victor. Come on, do. Well, I've looked all around. Place is as barren of food and water as the Sahara Desert. I'm afraid if we do locate any water, it won't be fit to drink.

[Victor Jackson]

There must be water.

[Harvey Davis]

What do you care about water? You've got a canteen full of whiskey.

[Victor Jackson]

How much water is left?

[Donna Jackson]

I have some, and Dr. Saunders has.

[Harvey Davis]

Some, so I'd better get busy. Although my experiences on these islands haven't been so good.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Here's a chance to put your chemistry to use. Harvey, you know the test for lead and zinc?

[Harvey Davis]

Yes.

[Dr. John Saunders]

I'll give you two vials, some sodium sulfide tablets and some potassium chromate. You know the test. One tablet of each and ten cc's with water. A dark precipitate means poison.

[Harvey Davis]

Yes, I know. Thanks, Doc. Well, I'll start off and keep a direct line to the other side, wherever that is.

[Victor Jackson]

Wait a minute, Harvey. I think I'll go with you.

[Harvey Davis]

Oh, why?

[Victor Jackson]

Oh, maybe I can help.

[Dr. John Saunders]

I'd go with you, Harvey, but I'd better keep my eye on the captain. He's the only one who knows where we are. I've got to pull him through.

[Harvey Davis]

That's all right, Doc. I don't need any help.

[Victor Jackson]

I think I'll go anyway.

[Harvey Davis]

All right, if you insist.

[Donna Jackson]

Come on, Harvey, wait. I'm going, too.

[Victor Jackson]

Why?

[Donna Jackson]

Because I want to.

[Victor Jackson]

We don't need you.

[Donna Jackson]

But I'm coming just the same. Please, Harvey, I. I'd like to come.

[Harvey Davis]

All right, let's go. It set me heart. How do you feel, Donna?

[Donna Jackson]

All right. How far have we come?

[Harvey Davis]

Oh, 10 miles, I should say. This is a pretty big island at that. And nothing but desert.

[Victor Jackson]

Are you sure those last two water holes were poisoned? Certainly look good to me. I'm getting mighty thirsty.

[Harvey Davis]

Better quit drinking that whiskey. It'll only make you thirstier.

[Donna Jackson]

Harvey, can I have a little water?

[Harvey Davis]

I'm sorry, Donna, but you'll have to suffer it as long as you can. Please. Wait.

[Donna Jackson]

You suppose we'll ever get out of here?

[Harvey Davis]

I don't know.

[Donna Jackson]

It's all my fault. What a shame to get you into such a mess. Please forgive me, Harvey.

[Harvey Davis]

There's nothing to forgive, Donna. I'd do it again a hundred times over for you.

[Donna Jackson]

Would you, Harvey?

[Harvey Davis]

Yes. Poor Victor. What a sad thing.

[Donna Jackson]

No one must ever know. Harvey, promise me. If we get out of this. Promise me you'll never let anyone know.

[Harvey Davis]

No one will ever learn from me.

[Victor Jackson]

I got him. I got him.

[Harvey Davis]

What on earth got?

[Donna Jackson]

A gun.

[Harvey Davis]

Where'd he get it? Come on.

[Victor Jackson]

I got him. Look. Look. A lizard. A big one. I knew we'd find something.

[Harvey Davis]

Put that down. You can't eat that.

[Victor Jackson]

There must be water around here. There must be.

[Harvey Davis]

Where'd you get that gun?

[Victor Jackson]

Out of the captain's locker.

[Harvey Davis]

Better take it easy with those shells. We may need them.

[Victor Jackson]

Yeah, Maybe I will have a drink.

[Harvey Davis]

No.

[Victor Jackson]

Hmm. I'd sure like some water. How about it?

[Harvey Davis]

There's just enough for one of us to get back. And if only one goes back, it'll be. Donna.

[The Whistler]

Donna.

[Victor Jackson]

How chivalrous. Who's got the water?

[Donna Jackson]

I have.

[Harvey Davis]

Come on, let's keep moving.

[Victor Jackson]

There's water around here. There must be, and I'm gonna find it.

[Harvey Davis]

Donna, if we don't find water, he's going to start pleading for what you have. No matter how much he raves or pleads, don't give it to him, even if he threatens us with a gun. Tell him you drank it all. I want you to have the best break out of this.

[Donna Jackson]

Thanks, Harvey. I appreciate it.

[Victor Jackson]

I found it. Water. I found water.

[Harvey Davis]

Hurry, Donna, hurry.

[Victor Jackson]

Well, what about it? What's the test show?

[Harvey Davis]

Just like all the rest. It's full of lead and zinc and heaven knows what else.

[The Whistler]

Poison, huh?

[Harvey Davis]

Where's Jeff?

[Victor Jackson]

How about some of that water?

[Harvey Davis]

What water?

[Victor Jackson]

In Downer's canteen.

[Harvey Davis]

There isn't anymore.

[Victor Jackson]

Who drank it?

[Donna Jackson]

I did.

[Victor Jackson]

You both did. You left none for me.

[Harvey Davis]

You've got your whiskey.

[Victor Jackson]

I can't drink whiskey all the time.

[Donna Jackson]

Done pretty well on it for several years.

[Victor Jackson]

I've got to have some water.

[Donna Jackson]

Harvey warned you.

[Victor Jackson]

Harvey. Harvey, Harvey. Is that all you think about, Harvey? You should have married Harvey.

[Donna Jackson]

Perhaps you're right about that.

[Victor Jackson]

Are you sure that water's poison?

[Harvey Davis]

I'm not drinking it. And I'm thirsty, too.

[Victor Jackson]

Maybe you're just waiting.

[Donna Jackson]

For what?

[Victor Jackson]

I don't know. But I can imagine a few things.

[Harvey Davis]

We'd better stop here for the night. Are you very tired, Donna?

[Donna Jackson]

Awfully.

[Harvey Davis]

Better try and get some sleep. Where are you going, Victor?

[Victor Jackson]

Just going to look around. May find something. I'm hungry.

[Harvey Davis]

I'm gonna build a fire with this brush. Don't get too far away.

[Victor Jackson]

I'll be around. Don't worry.

[Harvey Davis]

Keep a close watch on your canteen. Donna. I have an idea what he's up to. I'll try not to sleep, but I'm dead tired.

[Donna Jackson]

I'LL do my best, Harvey.

[Harvey Davis]

If he goes to sleep, I'll try to get that gun away from him. Good night, Donna.

[Donna Jackson]

Good night, Harvey.

[The Whistler]

Night comes on. The fire burns low and only a red glow remains. Donna, in spite of herself, drops off into a sound sleep. Victor stirs from his place 20ft away, looks about him and crawls silently toward the sleeping Dahmer.

[Harvey Davis]

Put it down, Victor.

[Victor Jackson]

I want some water.

[Harvey Davis]

There isn't any more.

[Victor Jackson]

I think there is.

[Harvey Davis]

You heard what I said.

[Victor Jackson]

You're lying. You have got some.

[Donna Jackson]

Victor. What is it?

[Victor Jackson]

You've got some water and you won't give me any. Harvey, I'm wise to you. You don't want me to have any. You want me to die. You're in love with each other.

[Harvey Davis]

You're drunk.

[Donna Jackson]

What if I am in love with Harvey?

[The Whistler]

One of it?

[Victor Jackson]

You want me out of the way. Neither of you is very thirsty. No, because you had some water and you got it out of that pool. You're lying to me. It's good water.

[Harvey Davis]

You're crazy.

[Victor Jackson]

You sneaked it out of there while I was asleep. You tried to make me think it was poison. I ought to shoot you both.

[Harvey Davis]

All right, Victor. If you're so positive, go on down and drink out of the pool.

[Victor Jackson]

That gives me an idea. I'll just find out if that water's poisoned. Go drink some of it, Harvey.

[Harvey Davis]

Certainly not.

[Victor Jackson]

I'll give you 30 seconds.

[Donna Jackson]

It's poison, Victor.

[Victor Jackson]

Go ahead. Drink or I'll shoot.

[Donna Jackson]

No, don't do it, Harvey.

[Victor Jackson]

Then supposing you drink some, Donna.

[Donna Jackson]

Very well. I will.

[Harvey Davis]

Victor. It'll kill her. Donna. Wait. I'll drink it. You're a fool, Victor. But come along.

[Victor Jackson]

This is gonna be very interesting.

[Harvey Davis]

Not as much as you think.

[Victor Jackson]

Get off of me. I'll kill you. Maybe that'll hold you. Harvey.

[Donna Jackson]

Harvey.

[Harvey Davis]

I'm all right, Don. I dusted my shoulder. I hope you're satisfied now that it is poisoned, Victor.

[Victor Jackson]

Maybe. But you two are getting water for someplace. All right, hand over that canteen, Donna.

[Harvey Davis]

Please, Victor. That's what.

[Victor Jackson]

Donna. I'll take care of him for all of us. And if either of you make a move toward me, I'll shoot both of you. Good night, and sleep tight, both of you.

[The Whistler]

The night slowly fades. The chill of dawn creeps in. Then, as the sun comes over the horizon, Harvey stirs fretfully, opens his eyes and looks for Donna. She sits beyond the dead embers at the campfire, her hands folded before her, staring blankly into space. Harvey raises up with a start and moves Quickly to her side. Victor is sprawled on his back, the hilt of a hunting knife protruding from his breast.

[Harvey Davis]

Donna. Donna.

[Victor Jackson]

Good.

[Harvey Davis]

What's happened to Victor?

[Donna Jackson]

He's dead, Harvey.

[Harvey Davis]

Dead? At night? That's yours, Donna?

[Donna Jackson]

Yes, it's mine. Now no one will ever know. Will I, Harvey?

[Harvey Davis]

No.

[Donna Jackson]

I had to. I had to.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Harvey. Hello there.

[Harvey Davis]

It's Dr. Saunders. Here we are.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Thank heavens we found you. Sighted a ship, built a signal fire. They're waiting for us. Well, what's this?

[Harvey Davis]

Well, Victor must have. Must have gone crazy in the night and stabbed himself.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Now, let me see. He's dead, Harvey. How'd this happen?

[Harvey Davis]

I told you.

[Dr. John Saunders]

He.

[Harvey Davis]

He must have stabbed himself.

[Dr. John Saunders]

No, he didn't.

[Donna Jackson]

I stabbed him. It's my knife. I got to thinking and I did it. I crept over and I stabbed him.

[Dr. John Saunders]

I see. When did you do this, Donna?

[Donna Jackson]

It was now more than an hour ago. I couldn't help it, Doctor. I. I couldn't help it.

[Harvey Davis]

Please, Donna. Please. There's nothing to fear.

[Donna Jackson]

I didn't want anybody to know. Because of Alice.

[Dr. John Saunders]

They won't know. Donna, you didn't kill him.

[Harvey Davis]

What?

[Dr. John Saunders]

He's been dead for at least three hours.

[Victor Jackson]

What do you mean?

[Dr. John Saunders]

Look at his eyes. Look at his lips and his tongue, the swelling of his stomach. Did you test the pool, Harvey?

[Harvey Davis]

Yes. Every pool we've come to has been heavy in mineral content. I warned him, but he thought we were lying to him. Last night, he pulled a gun and took down his canteen. There wasn't much in it, but it was all we had.

[Dr. John Saunders]

He's been drinking whiskey, so a little water wouldn't satisfy him, so he drank from the pool. And poor Victor. I guess it's just as well.

[Harvey Davis]

Don't worry, Donna. No one will ever know, will they, Doctor?

[Dr. John Saunders]

There's nothing to tell. Except Victor Jackson poisoned himself in a fit of extreme thirst.

[Victor Jackson]

No, Donna.

[The Whistler]

No one will ever know. You did your best. You tried hard to make things work out, but somehow fate seemed to take things right out of your hands. But you know better, don't you, Harvey? You know what happened. Tell us, Harvey. Tell us.

[Harvey Davis]

After Victor took the canteen from Donna and drank the few swallows in it, he fell off to sleep. Then I took the canteen and filled it from the poison pool. I knew he'd wake up with a greater thirst. And he did. But I'm not sorry. He's better off. And I found I do love Donna. And I'll take care of her for the rest of her days.

[The Whistler]

There you are. From drama to tragedy. From tragedy to a beautiful love story wherein they will live happily ever after. I know.

[Dr. John Saunders]

CBS has presented the Whistler. Original music for this production was composed.

[Harvey Davis]

And conducted by Wilbur Hatch.

[Dr. John Saunders]

The Whistler stories are written and directed.

[Harvey Davis]

By J. Donald Wilson and originate from.

[Dr. John Saunders]

Columbia Square in Hollywood.

[The Whistler]

Next week, same time, I, the Whistler, will return to tell you the incredible tale of the Secret Seven.

[Victor Jackson]

Good night.

[Dr. John Saunders]

This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.