Yankee Yarns 44-03-23 (x) Wreck at Widow's Island

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio - "Yankee Yarns 44-03-23 (x) Wreck at Widow's Island"

Release Date: June 18, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Introduction

"Yankee Yarns" transports listeners to bygone eras, weaving tales of adventure, mystery, and the supernatural. In episode 44-03-23, titled "Wreck at Widow's Island," the podcast delves into a gripping narrative that intertwines maritime mystery with elements of voodoo and detective intrigue. This summary encapsulates the episode's key points, discussions, and dramatic twists, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

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Opening Narration and Context (00:30 - 04:03)

The episode begins with a nostalgic recounting reminiscent of Mark Twain's storytelling style. The narrator reminisces about a 1916 visit to Widow's Island in Penobscot Bay, Maine, where he explored an old naval hospital and encountered remnants of a shipwreck. This setting establishes the mysterious aura surrounding Widow's Island and introduces the legend of a Russian shipwreck, sparking the narrator's lifelong curiosity.

Notable Quote:

"It's funny how just a few words are a bar of music of the name of a person or place that you haven't thought of for a long time will bring back memories and visions of things that happened long, long ago." (04:03)

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The Legend of the Russian Wreck (04:03 - 05:07)

The narrator recounts receiving a poem titled "The Rescue," which details a shipwreck on Widow's Island in the early 19th century. This poem becomes the catalyst for his investigation into the wreck, drawing parallels between past events and unresolved mysteries.

Notable Quote:

"The author’s name is not given. The poem begins like this..." (04:55)

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Mark Twain's Reflection and Unanswered Questions (05:07 - 10:57)

Mark Twain's voice overlays the narrative, expressing frustration over the unanswered questions surrounding the shipwreck. His unsuccessful attempts to uncover records or testimonies about the Russian ship highlight the elusive nature of the truth behind the wreck.

Notable Quote:

"But now, like Mark Twain, I'll have to go through life always wondering what happened." (10:57)

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Transition to Richard Diamond, Private Detective (11:46 - 36:48)

The episode seamlessly transitions into an episode of "Richard Diamond, Private Detective," a classic radio show starring Dick Powell. The story centers around Detective Richard Diamond, who becomes embroiled in a case involving mysterious illnesses, burning fields, and suspected voodoo practices on a farm in Haiti.

Case Introduction and Initial Investigation (12:57 - 16:18)

Detective Diamond meets Abel Gunther, a farmer from Haiti seeking help for his ailing wife and livestock. Gunther hints at foul play involving a person named Arthur Cotswold, prompting Diamond to investigate.

Notable Quote:

"My wife is dying, Mr. Diamond. I must get help quickly, before it is too late." (14:10)

Arrival in Haiti and Encounter with Local Culture (18:52 - 21:18)

Upon arriving at Gunther's farm, Diamond meets Little Cheever, a towering native servant entrenched in the local voodoo traditions. Inspector Laplanche, the local authority, advises Diamond to abandon his investigation, hinting at deeper, possibly supernatural forces at play.

Notable Quote:

"You have to forget Mr. Cotswold." (21:24)

Deepening the Mystery and Supernatural Elements (22:20 - 26:29)

Diamond persists despite warnings, uncovering evidence of deliberate cattle infection and crop burning. The narrative intertwines elements of voodoo rituals, culminating in a dramatic scene where a ritual brings Little Shiva, Little Cheever's brother, back to life before his untimely death.

Notable Quote:

"It's like a little kid spotting the Empire State for the first time." (22:34)

Confrontation and Climax (27:06 - 36:48)

The investigation leads Diamond and Inspector Laplanche to the Cotswold mansion, where they discover incriminating evidence against Arthur Cotswold. A climactic confrontation ensues, blending detective work with supernatural horror as voodoo rituals manifest violently. The episode concludes with a twist revealing the true nature of Little Cheever and the depth of the voodoo influence, leaving Diamond and listeners questioning the boundaries between reality and the supernatural.

Notable Quotes:

"If you persist in this investigation, I will have to take drastic measures." (28:14)
"This is him. It's in your team." (34:41)

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Conclusion and Reflection (36:38 - End)

The episode wraps up with reflective commentary, blending “Mark Twain” narration with the conclusion of the "Richard Diamond" case. Diamond contemplates the thin line between skepticism and belief, especially in the face of inexplicable phenomena, and decides to return to the States, leaving listeners with lingering questions about the events on Widow's Island and the true nature of the mysteries unraveled.

Notable Quote:

"Next week for another exciting, transcribed adventure of Richard Diamond, Private Detective starring Dick Powell." (36:42)

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Final Thoughts

"Wreck at Widow's Island" masterfully combines historical intrigue with classic detective storytelling, enriched by supernatural elements. Through meticulous narration and engaging dialogue, the episode captivates both old-time radio enthusiasts and new listeners, offering a compelling blend of mystery, cultural folklore, and dramatic resolution.

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Key Takeaways:

• Historical Mystery: The unresolved Russian shipwreck on Widow's Island serves as the central mystery, blending real historical elements with fictional detective work.

• Supernatural Integration: Voodoo practices and supernatural events add layers of complexity and horror, challenging the protagonist's skepticism.

• Character Dynamics: Detective Richard Diamond's persistence contrasts with Inspector Laplanche's caution, driving the narrative tension.

• Dramatic Resolution: The climax balances action and the supernatural, culminating in unexpected revelations and a thought-provoking ending.

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Notable Quotes Compilation:

1. "It's funny how just a few words are a bar of music of the name of a person or place that you haven't thought of for a long time will bring back memories and visions of things that happened long, long ago." (04:03)

2. "The author’s name is not given. The poem begins like this..." (04:55)

3. "But now, like Mark Twain, I'll have to go through life always wondering what happened." (10:57)

4. "My wife is dying, Mr. Diamond. I must get help quickly, before it is too late." (14:10)

5. "You have to forget Mr. Cotswold." (21:24)

6. "It's like a little kid spotting the Empire State for the first time." (22:34)

7. "If you persist in this investigation, I will have to take drastic measures." (28:14)

8. "This is him. It's in your team." (34:41)

9. "Next week for another exciting, transcribed adventure of Richard Diamond, Private Detective starring Dick Powell." (36:42)

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Recommendation

Listeners intrigued by maritime mysteries, classic detective tales, and supernatural folklore will find "Wreck at Widow's Island" particularly engaging. The episode's seamless narrative flow, rich character development, and atmospheric storytelling make it a standout installment in the "Yankee Yarns" series.

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Credits:

• Title: "Yankee Yarns 44-03-23 (x) Wreck at Widow's Island"
• Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Original Broadcast: June 18, 2025

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Disclaimer: This summary is based on a fictional transcript provided and serves as an illustrative example of podcast content summarization.

Transcript

[Nicole Fire]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Nicole Fire 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 Wayfarer style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Steve Burke]

Please Every style every home Brought to.

[Mark Twain]

You by the friendly First National Stores, New England's largest retailer of fine food. Good evening. One day when Mark Twain was riding through the south, he looked out the train window and saw a lanky colored yard chasing a turkey through the underbrush. Just as the darky was about to pounce on his Thanksgiving dinner. Some trees in a board fence passed between the car window and the boy, and Mr. Clements, with a pained expression, turned to the man beside him and said, dear, dear, dear. Now I've got to go through life without knowing whether or not that fellow caught the turkey. Someday I'm going back and find out. But like most people, he never did. How many men, especially at this time of year when the old spring feeling gets them, will say, you know what I'm going to do, Joe? I'm going up country and pick up an old house with a little piece of land. Leave my old ones and have some fun.

[Captain Robinson]

Get a place of fireplace and some woods back there not too far from the village, back to the city. And tell how many times has the dear lady in the back seat tapped you on the shoulder when you drove through some elevated town and said, daddy.

[Mark Twain]

Let'S go over and call those folks we met on the Westies trip we promised to three years ago. And you say, not today, Mama. You will some other time. I used to know a man in Boston who. Who said the same thing every spring. Well, boys, in about a month I'm taking the family for a little trip. Yep, we're going up to Penobscot, Boston to Bangaran, back. I've been putting it off too long. I'm really going this year. I told the wife so yesterday. Then the first thing he knew, the years rolled by and there wasn't any boat on the Penobscot. And that fellow died without ever seeing the sun go down behind the spruces on Owl's Head. It's funny how just a few words are a bar of music of the name of a person or place that you haven't thought of for a long time will bring Back memories and visions of things that happened long, long ago. Last week I received a letter from Mrs. George Gilchrist of Thomaston, Maine. She wrote to say that her family always listens to Yankee yarns, and she enclosed a poem about the wreck of a Russian ship many years ago on the jagged ledges of Widow's island down near North Haven in Penobscot Bay. Widow's Island? Why, I hadn't thought of that place since the fall of 1916, when the late John Cogswell of the Boston Sunday Post came to Rockland, Maine and hired me to go with him to Widow's island to make pictures of a naval hospital that had been built there in 1883. We took a motorboat from Tilson's Wharf and crossed Penobscot Bay. I photographed the buildings and then, leaving the Post reporter to wander through the empty corridors of the old hospital, I walked along the shore looking for shells, arrowheads, pieces of eight. A pirate treasure. Islands have always held a fascination for me, and this was just the place where Captain Kidd or any pirate should have buried his treasure. It is in fact, quite near that romantic island that Elizabeth Ogilvie has written about in her new book, High Tide at Noon, one of the best books about island people I have ever read. A few berries were turning from red and the bakery was every man on the straggly pines above the overhanging Long medsler grave. In the warm breeze the sun was hot, and aside from the gulls, there wasn't a sound save the rippling of the waves as they rolled in on the beach. I followed a path along the edge of the rocks and looked down onto an old wreck. Nothing but the ribs of some long forgotten ship that had piled up on the outer ledges in a winter storm. The heavy surf had swept the timbers up on the beach and there like the bones of some sea monster reaching.

[Captain Robinson]

In the summer sun.

[Mark Twain]

If I could get down there at low tide and prowl around, I might find something in that old hut, maybe a coin or two, and it would be thrilling what ship it was and when it was wrecked. But hearing a shot from Fogswell, I returned to the motorboat for the trip back to Rockland. The smell of the fish barrels and the motion of the boat vanished. For the time all thought of that wreck on Widow's Island. Someday soon I vowed I'd go back and examine those timbers. That was 1916. The next summer the football was on. Then I enlist in the Navy. The old wreck was forgotten until just a few days ago when Mrs. Gilchrist left me with a poem about a shipwreck on Widow's island early in the 19th century. The poem is called the Rescue, and it was published in a book of verses in 1882. The author's name is not given. The poem begins like this.

[Captain Robinson]

No. That fiercer strikes the tempest, and upon the coast of Maine, when the bitter cold of winter turns to ice the falling rain, Heaven help the lockless vessel.

[Mark Twain]

Which the winds have blown this way.

[Captain Robinson]

And among the rugged islands of our own bay. Then we learn from the yellow pages of that old book that on a wild, wintry night, one Captain Salapio Robinson, listening to the roar of the surf as it crashed and boomed against the rocky hills behind his coated hobbit, heard another, more ominous sound above the howl of the gale and the pounding of the sea. A sound at that old salt knew at once was a ship's strong timbers being smashed on the ledges of Fox island thoroughfare. Quickly Captain Robinson got into his oil.

[Mark Twain]

Skins, and with lighted lantern and hip boots he waded out into the shrieking gale where the air was filled with salty spume and sand and the cries of men on the ship. He rounded up his crew of fishermen, young and all together, and they made their way to the wharf over which the gale lash tide was breaking. They could barely see the topness of a big vessel caught fire and square in the jaws of the ledge only a few yards offshore, with no hope of immediate rescue in that wildly churning water. So the men went about getting ropes and lumber and blankets, and the women folks hurriedly dressed and fierced up their fires, broke out the brandy and made pots of steaming tea, for daylight was near at hand. And when the first faint flush of pale grey light showed behind the tall black spruces on the island, that was a most unwelcome sight, for offshore a little distance, they discerned a helpless wreck at the mercy of the breakers that swept clean across her deck with her crew up in the rigging in the driving wind, so bleak, and a tattered Russian incense flapping wildly from her feet. One of the old timers says, huh, Russians? Are we going to risk our lines.

[Captain Robinson]

For a lot of foreigners? All eyes were on sale, Robin dark.

[Mark Twain]

Hat, waving his lantern to let the freezing men in the rigging know that help was coming. And with all the conflict that he could muster, he shouted above the roar, the breaking surf, we'll forget that they are Russians and remember they are men. But not a man moved. Robinson wiped the sleep from his face, and shaking with anger, he shouted if only Skipper Lewis were here, he and I would show you whether there's anything to fear. We at least would do again if it were but to shame you, you who should be stronger men. And turning from the silent fisherman, he stomped off up the hill in the faint cold light of dawn, walking his fast foot over the frozen slippery ground in his heavy boots. It was full two miles to the house of Skipper Lewis, and when he got there, the door was open and there stood the old man like a warrior clad for the fray. Neither asked what brought at certain hour of such a day. And as they hurried back to the shore, Captain Robinson told the old skipper that he men were afraid to man the boats in such a sea. The old poem was, if you had seen the skipper of a Sunday in his pew, you'd have marked him for his meekness. But all the island people knew there was force beneath his fire. And though now long past his prime, there was no more daring boatman than he'd been at the beach. At length arriving, he suppressed his angry frown, saying, let's get the longboat ready. I think the wind is going down. The unsuspecting men brought the boat and shoved it into the water. Skipper Lewis raised his gold headed cane and said, all aboard. The man who flinches goes back home with a broken head. Not one of them, but would rather face the wrath of the sea and sky than the anger of Skipper Lewis. So, grumbling under their frosty mustachios, they climbed in and grabbed the oars. The old man stood in the prow, and when the frail craft slid down the long green swells to crash head on into a wall of water, he clung on like a demon and rose, dripping and coughing, to urge them on toward the sinking ship. It was his old, wrinkled hand that first touched the rail of the Russian boat. The half frozen survivors were lowered from the rigging one by one, and all were taken to shore in safety. Well, folks, that's the end of that poet. But what I want to know is whatever became of those Russian sailors? Could that be the ship whose timbers I saw back in 1916 on the beach of Widow's Island? And what was the name of that vessel? I started out one rainy day last week to check up on that story. I went to the Boston Public Library and rummaged all through the early histories of Rockland, Vinyl Haven, North Haven and the Fox Islands. No luck. I went down to Williams Bookstore and pored over stacks of dusty volumes on the Maine coast and shipwrecks. No luck. Even the Boston Herald reference library couldn't find anything. I telephoned Freddie Green of the Watertown Sun. He knows a lot about the Maine coast and such things, but he'd never heard about it. I wrote the select men of North Haven, but I haven't heard from them. Then I telephone Governor Salton Stahl's office. You know he has a summer place on North Haven. And from him I learned that the old hospital buildings were torn down 15 years ago and that Widow's island is now a bird sanctuary. But not a word about the Russian ship or whatever became of her crew. Last Friday evening, after the broadcast about Donald Bain, I went down to Winthrop and consulted Edward Roe Snow, the well known authority on New England storms and shipwrecks. But even he hadn't heard it. We burned the midnight oil to going through old books and records, but this saga of the sea was not to be found. So you see, if I had returned to Widow's island when there was plenty of time, I might have learned the truth about that Russian ship. But now, like Mark Twain, I'll have to go through life always wondering what happened. And now here's Steve Burke with a message from my sponsor. This is Westinghouse.

[Nicole Fire]

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 warriors superior.

[Steve Burke]

This old Time radio program was originally aired live long before the advent of high fidelity. As a result, you may detect an occasional surface noise. Surface noise, Surface noise or volume drop due to transmission problems so common to old radio. We hope, however, that any variance in.

[Abel Gunther]

Audio quality will not take away from.

[Steve Burke]

Your pleasure in listening to this. The world is listening to OTR now. Here transcribed is Richard Diamond, Private Detective starring Dick Powell. It was about two o'clock in the afternoon. It was cold out and it had been raining. When it got a little warmer, it would probably snow. The whole city was covered with a heavy sheet of ice and the steam heat in my office gurgled and clouded up the windows. I was feeling pretty good. I was born. I'd had one client in the past week and my bank account was on its way to recovery. And a good breakfast in the drugstore downstairs had made me comfortable and drowsy. I put my feet upon the desk, leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes. Mr. Diamond.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Mr. Diamond.

[Steve Burke]

I must have been napping and didn't know it. I hadn't heard the door open. But there he stood, framed in the door, resting his weight on the jamb and looking across the room at me with tired eyes. It's a diamond. And yes. What can I do for you?

[Abel Gunther]

My name is Abel Gunther. I want to hire you.

[Steve Burke]

All right, Mr. Gunther. I charge 100 a day in expenses.

[Abel Gunther]

I don't think I can pay it. I can pay you some, but I don't think I can pay you that much.

[Steve Burke]

Well, that's my fee for you or Rockefeller. I got expenses.

[Abel Gunther]

I see. Well, I'll keep looking. I need help. Perhaps you could recommend someone.

[Steve Burke]

You'll pardon me for saying so, but you don't look too well, Mr. Gunther.

[Abel Gunther]

I'm pretty sick, Mr. Don.

[Steve Burke]

Maybe you'd better sit down and tell me what your problem is.

[Abel Gunther]

I can't afford the money.

[Steve Burke]

That's all right. Tell me about it anyway.

[Abel Gunther]

I think I had better sit down.

[Steve Burke]

Yes, you better. What's wrong? You got the flu or something?

[Abel Gunther]

No, no, I'm afraid it's a little more serious. Would you really like to hear my story?

[Steve Burke]

I think I really would.

[Abel Gunther]

I'm a farmer, Mr. Damon. My home is Haiti, near Saint Luzur.

[Steve Burke]

Haiti?

[Abel Gunther]

Yes, the West Indies. I was born there, raised there. My parents died when I was 13. I have a wife. She's there now. And she's the main reason I have come here seeking help. My wife is dying, Mr. Diamond. I must get help quickly, before it is too late.

[Steve Burke]

I have a kept talking, telling me about his life on Haiti. He told me about his farm. A fairly good sized farm by his description. He told me how in the past two years things began to go wrong on his farm. Farm? And soon all the farms in the area were also having troubles.

[Abel Gunther]

Would burn every year.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Then it was the cattle.

[Abel Gunther]

One by one they became sick. Then my wife, and now me.

[Steve Burke]

And you don't know what's wrong with either of you, huh?

[Abel Gunther]

Yes and no. My Christian religion fights it. But my life on Haiti has taught me deep respect for it.

[Steve Burke]

Respect for what?

[Abel Gunther]

Voodoo, Mr. D. Oh, I. I know just what you're thinking. But a doctor in Haiti has examined my wife and can find nothing wrong.

[Steve Burke]

Well, I don't particularly believe in anything like that, Mr. Gunther. But if you do, why did you come to me?

[Abel Gunther]

I said I have a healthy respect for it. I don't entirely believe it. Some of the things I've seen make it difficult to disbelieve. I came to you because I suspect a possibility of something more. Immediately after my wife was taken ill, I received an offer from my farm. A very low offer from a Saint Leger banker. I investigated found it had been made in the interest of one Arthur Cotswold.

[Steve Burke]

Arthur Cotswold?

[Abel Gunther]

Katie's biggest planter.

[Steve Burke]

Oh. How about the other farmers?

[Abel Gunther]

They received offers like mine being the oldest farmer. The rest looked to me for guidance. I told them to wait. And I came here to hire someone to look into the matter.

[Steve Burke]

Would you like some water?

[Abel Gunther]

No, thank you. All right.

[Steve Burke]

Anyone else become ill besides you and your wife?

[Abel Gunther]

Yes, several others. I. I have $368 in my ticket home. The money is yours if you will go to Haiti and investigate.

[Steve Burke]

Have you been to a doctor here in New York?

[Abel Gunther]

No. Mr. Diamond, here's directions how to get to my farm. My servant, Little Sheba, is where no one knows I can.

[Steve Burke]

Mr. Gunther. Mr. Gunther? Levinson, Homicide. Hello, Walt.

[Mark Twain]

Oh, Rick.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Yeah.

[Steve Burke]

Better get up to my office. I've got a dead man for you.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Are you kidding?

[Steve Burke]

That's what gun to do mean.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Voodoo.

[Steve Burke]

Voodoo.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Smoodoo.

[Steve Burke]

That's what the man said.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Steady, boy.

[Steve Burke]

Oh, stop it, Walt. You know, I don't believe it, but.

[Mark Twain]

You'Re going down to Haiti.

[Steve Burke]

Well, somebody's got to tell a wife.

[Mark Twain]

The local authorities can do that.

[Steve Burke]

Hey, now what's the matter?

[Mark Twain]

The local authorities in Haiti. Why didn't Gunther go to them if he thought there was something phony about the setup?

[Steve Burke]

You want an opinion? If you constrain one out. Well, Gunther probably didn't go to the Haiti authorities because he knew they'd think just what you're thinking.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Okay, so I'm crazy.

[Steve Burke]

Well, Gunther died in my office. He came a long way for help and the poor guy wanted to give me his last $368. So I'm going to Haiti. I'll send you a zombie. Promised to send a wire and care of the authorities in Saint Leger as soon as he got an autopsy report on Mr. Gunther. And I headed to the airline's ticket office. By 8 o' clock that evening I was in an airlines flagship at 12,000ft heading for the West Indies. And hait the trip wasn't bad. We landed in Miami, where I grabbed a cup of coffee and then climbed aboard a clipper for Porto Prince. At Port au Prince I took a bus to Saint Leger and from there a beaten up taxi to the gunther farm. About 10 miles into the country. As we neared the farm, I could see a crowd of people standing around in front of the house. And as I climbed out of the cab and approached them, they turned and their hushed conversations were suddenly still. I didn't know what it was. No one said a word. But something was wrong, I could feel it. I walked through the crowd of the house and stopped cold as the door opened for you. I'd never seen anything like him. He was a native, and he ducked his head as he stepped out of the door to face me. He was a good 7ft tall, or maybe more. It must have weighed close to 300. He stood on his bare feet, his long, muscled arms hanging loosely at his sides, and looked at me with dark, shining eyes.

[Little Cheever]

Me Little cheaper. Who? You?

[Steve Burke]

Me very little. Richard Diamond. Mr. Gunther hired me to come here.

[Little Cheever]

You from New York?

[Steve Burke]

Yes. Mr. Gunther couldn't come back.

[Little Cheever]

He died?

[Steve Burke]

That's right. How did you know?

[Little Cheever]

Did you come in? Sure.

[Steve Burke]

What are all those people doing out there?

[Little Cheever]

Their friends. Madam. She died too.

[Steve Burke]

Little Shiva led the way into the bedroom where Mrs. Gunther lay on the bed, covered with a fresh white sheet, her eyes closed in death, her face drawn and tired. Little Shiva told me she had died the day before, about three in the afternoon, and a cold chill had up my back. I remembered her husband lying on the floor of my office about 3:00 in the afternoon. The day before.

[Little Cheever]

What do you do here?

[Steve Burke]

Mr. Gunther wanted me to find out why the cattle are getting sick, why the fields are burning, why he and his wife became ill. Bad voodoo. Well, he thought it might have something to do with a man named Cotswold.

[Little Cheever]

He big man.

[Steve Burke]

What are those drums?

[Little Cheever]

For madam and Mr. They voodoo. Good voodoo give blessing for spirit. For madam and mister.

[Steve Burke]

You see, little Shiva, the Mr. Mr. Gunther wanted me to help him. He paid me money to help him and died asking for help. I'm going to try and do what I can.

[Little Cheever]

The madam and Mr. Good People teach little Cheever. They take little Cheever when he's small boy and make good life. You good man, Little Cheever help you.

[Steve Burke]

Right then I inherited little Jiva. And if there was going to be any trouble, the giant servant would certainly help to make up the difference. The first thing I wanted to do was contact the local authorities in Saint Leger. A Little Shiva told me my man was one Inspector Laplanche.

[Inspector Laplanche]

A very fine person. Mr. Gunther. I'm sorry he's dead.

[Steve Burke]

How'd everybody know he was dead?

[Inspector Laplanche]

On Haiti, things of such nature are never a secret. The natives Know voodoo? Being a stranger to Haiti, Mr. Diamond, I expect you to be a skeptic.

[Steve Burke]

But you believe in voodoo?

[Inspector Laplanche]

Let us say I have been in Haiti too long not to be deaf.

[Steve Burke]

Gunther thought the whole thing might have something to do with a man named Cotswold.

[Inspector Laplanche]

I would suggest you forget Mr. Cotswold.

[Steve Burke]

Then I suggest you give me a good reason to forget him.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Mr. Cotswold is a very big man on Haiti. The largest plantation on the West Indies. And a self made man with a considerable temper.

[Steve Burke]

Well, thanks for the advice, Inspector. But supposing I come up with something incriminating?

[Inspector Laplanche]

If Mr. Cotswold has breached the law, it would certainly be my duty to arrest him. But I am not considering the arrest. Nor the necessary steps that would have to be taken to prove the guilt. Dangerous steps, Mr. Diamond. One might trip on those steps and break his neck. Yes.

[Steve Burke]

You like the middle of the road, huh?

[Inspector Laplanche]

It is much easier to see what is ahead.

[Steve Burke]

It's possible to get run down from behind.

[Inspector Laplanche]

I do as much as I can to prevent that possibility. Example? My suggestion. You forget, Mr. Cotswold.

[Steve Burke]

I left the philosophical inspection, went outside where Little Chief had been waiting. Every time I looked at Shiva, it was like a little kid spotting the Empire State for the first time. He smiled a mouth full of white teeth as he said, the inspector.

[Little Cheever]

If they forget, Mr. Cotswold.

[Steve Burke]

That's right. What do you think, little Shiva?

[Little Cheever]

I think I do what you want.

[Steve Burke]

You know what I want.

[Little Cheever]

You want go see Cotswold.

[Steve Burke]

Think I'm crazy?

[Little Cheever]

You're not afraid. You're not strong like little Shiva. Let little Cheever think of all the men he know you would fight hardest.

[Steve Burke]

I don't like to fight little Shiva.

[Little Cheever]

Little Jeeva know that we go see Cotswold.

[Steve Burke]

Little Shiva led the way up a long narrow road, surrounded on both sides by high sugar cane fields. Somewhere from not too far away, I heard the drums start again. Little Shiva stopped, looked off to the north. He began moving his shoulders slowly, keeping time to the steady rhythm of the drums. He began to sing softly. What does that mean, little Shiva?

[Little Cheever]

It means in your language, it is our papa who passes.

[Steve Burke]

Papa? Papadambala.

[Little Cheever]

The great source.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Voodoo?

[Little Cheever]

Yes. Later I must leave you. Today is Wednesday. This is the day of Papa Dambala.

[Steve Burke]

He continued his little chant until we reached the beginning of a long high fence running along next to the narrow road. Shiva leaned down and swung a gate open. Then we walked up the path that led through the Cut Wall property until we reached the house. There, sitting back between two Huge trees was the Cut Wall mansion. I walked up to the front door. Alone.

[Little Cheever]

Mr. Diamond?

[Steve Burke]

Yes, Eva?

[Little Cheever]

Watch out for Mr. Josly. He guard Cutwell. Thanks.

[Steve Burke]

I'll. What do you want? I want to see Caswell.

[Inspector Laplanche]

You do, eh? What are you doing here, little Cheever? I wait for Mr. Found himself a new governor. What? You must be that fellow Diamond.

[Steve Burke]

I must be.

[Inspector Laplanche]

We'll come in. Mr. Koto has been expecting you.

[Steve Burke]

He introduced himself as Jocelyn and led the way into a large panel study. And I met the big man himself, Arthur Cotswold. The drum stopped.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Today is Wednesday. It belongs to the great God Damballa.

[Steve Burke]

So I understand.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Most days of the week are significant in voodoo. Will you have a drink, Mr. Diamond?

[Steve Burke]

No, thank you.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Jocelyn makes me a gin and tonic. Yes, Mr. Thursday and Saturday belong to Uzelia Frida, the goddess of love.

[Steve Burke]

I'll have to remember that.

[Inspector Laplanche]

I know why you are here, Mr. Diamond.

[Steve Burke]

I'm glad you do.

[Inspector Laplanche]

For some reason, Gunther and the rest of the miserable farmers think I'm responsible for their trouble.

[Steve Burke]

Of course you're not.

[Inspector Laplanche]

I simply tried to help them. With their cattle sick and their crops gone, I had my banker make them an offer.

[Steve Burke]

Have any of your cattle taken sick?

[Little Cheever]

None.

[Steve Burke]

Pretty strange.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Ad is a strange land.

[Steve Burke]

Now you're not going to start talking voodoo.

[Inspector Laplanche]

You're a stranger, Mr. Diamond. There are many things that you would not understand. And I would certainly not try and convert you.

[Steve Burke]

I appreciate your interest, but I intend to find out why Gunther and his wife died.

[Inspector Laplanche]

At this point, I would most certainly give you advice on. Go home, Mr. Diamond.

[Steve Burke]

Leave well enough alone after I come up with an answer.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Mr. Diamond, I am not a patient man. I have gone out of my way.

[Steve Burke]

To give you some healthy advice.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Heed it. For your sake, heed it.

[Steve Burke]

No, thanks. I'll let you know when I find out.

[Inspector Laplanche]

You persist in this investigation.

[Steve Burke]

I always persist. In fact, I'm the persistentist. I left Arthur Cotswold cooling his fit with a gin and tonic, went back to Chiva, and he led me back to town. On the way, I got an idea. When we arrived in town, I sent a receiver back to the Gunther farm. Then I went in to talk to Inspector Laplanche. Inspector had received a wire from 1 Lt. Walt Levinson, 5th Precinct, New York Police.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Well, I had no idea the New York police were interested in this affair.

[Steve Burke]

They're always interested when someone drops dead. Now, here's something pretty interesting, Inspector. Mr. Gunther died of a disease known as brucellosis. Commonly known in cattle as Dang's disease. Ever heard of it?

[Inspector Laplanche]

I am not a medical man, Mr. Diamond.

[Steve Burke]

Well, it's undulant fever. Both Gunther and his wife probably caught it from their sick cattle.

[Inspector Laplanche]

What do you intend to do?

[Steve Burke]

I think those cattle were infected deliberately and the cane fields burned purposely. If the cattle were infected deliberately, there must be some of the Brucellosi still around. And I'm going to find it maybe at Mr. Cotswold's. I think you better issue a search.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Warrant and come with me, Mr. Damon. The Middle of the road, remember?

[Steve Burke]

I think you'd better forget the middle of the road, Inspector, unless you want me to get in touch with the authorities and have you held as a material witness in the murder case.

[Inspector Laplanche]

I. I will issue the warrant.

[Steve Burke]

I kind of thought you would.

[Inspector Laplanche]

I will issue it. But you certainly do not think it will be enough to get you into the Cotswold house?

[Steve Burke]

No, but it'll make it legal. I sent Little Shiver back to collect some of his friends. They're going to help us get in that house, Inspector.

[Inspector Laplanche]

I will have no part of Violets.

[Steve Burke]

Oh, they won't even be with us. It would be easy to search the Cotswold place if Cotswold was out fighting fire. Fire? Just a harmless fire, Inspector. But find up a way so that Cotswold will think it's his cane fields.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Oh, well, then I will certainly issue the warrant, Mr. Diamond. As long as we are going to do everything open and above board, I will certainly issue it.

[Steve Burke]

Welcome back to the gutter, Inspector. The view isn't much, but you can't miss where you're going. Let's go get a little shiva.

[Inspector Laplanche]

What are all those natives doing at the Gunpowders?

[Steve Burke]

I don't know.

[Inspector Laplanche]

It looks like something's wrong.

[Steve Burke]

We piled out of the car and pushed our way through the crowd of natives. Inside the house, we found what was wrong. Lying in the middle of the room was a little Cheever. He was almost dead when I knelt beside him. I, I, I talked to friends.

[Little Cheever]

They light fire for you.

[Steve Burke]

Thanks, Cheever.

[Little Cheever]

Now gumball away.

[Steve Burke]

Don't take me.

[Inspector Laplanche]

He's been stabbed and he cut him in two.

[Steve Burke]

They got him from behind. Never would have faced him.

[Little Cheever]

You stayed. You see? Wait. Non tepe.

[Steve Burke]

See what?

[Inspector Laplanche]

It is a ritual. It means taking the spirit from the head of the dead.

[Mark Twain]

He wants you to see it.

[Little Cheever]

You stay. You believe Voodoo.

[Steve Burke]

All right, Shiva. I'll stay.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Now, who did this to you?

[Little Cheever]

Nazi and back.

[Steve Burke]

He's dead. The next few hours I'll never forget, Inspector. Knew what was coming and he wanted no part of it. So he waited outside. I don't know whether I can describe it, but I'll try. And even though I saw it with my own eyes, I still don't quite believe it. The natives came into the house and picked up little Cheetah. They placed him on a bench and the ceremony began. Some of them had already obtained the necessary items used for weighty loa non faithy young mode. They included several live pigeons, olive oil, 30 pieces of fat pine wood, a pair of chickens, some coarse cornmeal, and a saddle blanket and a large white plate. Little Shiva's body was covered with a blanket. And then the pigeons were killed and cooked without seasoning. The cornmeal was roasted and placed in a white plate. The 30 slivers of pine wood were lighted and carried by the natives like candles. Then one of the natives took the white plate with a meal in one hand and the pot with the chicken in the other and approached the fire, chanting a strange dirge. I nearly ran out of the screaming Mimi's. As he finished the last line of the chant, the dead body of Little Shiva sat straight up with straining eyes, bowed his head and fell.

[Inspector Laplanche]

You look a little pale, Mr. Damon.

[Steve Burke]

Well, I can't understand why. Probably because my blood's hiding in my feet.

[Inspector Laplanche]

What do you think of voodoo now?

[Steve Burke]

Let's forget it, shall we? I haven't got the money for a good rest home.

[Inspector Laplanche]

We're close to the cuts, will us.

[Steve Burke]

Good. Let's park it here and wait until the fire starts inside. Inspector and I sat in the car and waited while the moon climbed up over the clouds and the drums in the distance tangled my nerves into complete knots. After about an hour of waiting, a dull glow to the south started the expected commotion in the Cutswell household, and we climbed out of the car.

[Mark Twain]

Fire, Mr. Goodwood.

[Inspector Laplanche]

The pain feels.

[Steve Burke]

Fire hit the servants.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Get every man out there to fight that fire.

[Steve Burke]

It had worked. The inspector and I stayed through the shadows until the last man went running out of the house. Then we went in. We worked as fast as we could. We took the place apart. And I must say, the timid inspector had really gotten out of the middle of the road. He tore the place apart like he'd spent most of his time on a wrecking crew.

[Inspector Laplanche]

I have not found a thing.

[Steve Burke]

No, the house is clean.

[Inspector Laplanche]

There's a barn.

[Steve Burke]

Then let's go. We went out of the house and headed for the barn about 50 yards away. The drums were louder now, and the dull glow of the Fire had nearly vanished. It was obvious that the inspector and I had to work fast. He took one end of the barn and I took the other. We worked toward each other. Just about the time I was ready to give the whole thing up.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Diamond. Diamond.

[Mark Twain]

Inspector.

[Steve Burke]

You find something?

[Inspector Laplanche]

This hypodermic for cattle.

[Steve Burke]

That's not enough.

[Inspector Laplanche]

This bottle hidden under this box.

[Steve Burke]

Well, it's more like it. Let's get it back to town, have it analyzed.

[Inspector Laplanche]

That won't be necessary, Mr. Diamond.

[Steve Burke]

It was Cotswold, and he had three things on his side that made the situation very uncomfortable. His bodyguard, Jocelyn, and two guns. They stepped through the open door and.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Moved up to us. I see you found my secret, Mr. Diamond.

[Steve Burke]

This is the stop you've been infecting the cattle with. And this is what killed the Gunters?

[Inspector Laplanche]

That's correct. You see, you should have really taken my advice and returned to the States.

[Steve Burke]

You'll be held for murder, Cotswold.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Who will convict me, Mr. Diamond? No evidence. No one to testify. I'm surprised at you, Inspector.

[Steve Burke]

I thought you had more sense.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Sometimes a man finds his pride and does the best thing. You know, of course, I can't allow either of you to live.

[Steve Burke]

We had a hunch. Now, tell me something. Who killed little Cheever? He was getting to be a nuisance. I had Jocelyn here attend to the matter. What's that?

[Inspector Laplanche]

Cannon, Mr. Kosher?

[Little Cheever]

Look.

[Steve Burke]

Well, now, I want to tell you. I'd seen a lot that day, but that was just a little too much. The howl had come from the open door. And standing in it, framed against the yellow moon.

[Inspector Laplanche]

It's him. It's in your team.

[Steve Burke]

No.

[Inspector Laplanche]

No.

[Steve Burke]

But there he was. And he looked even bigger as he shuffled toward the two men. His arms swinging at his sides like two giant sledgehammers. He was going all the way. He hadn't just come back from the dead to sit up. He was taking a walk.

[Mark Twain]

Get away.

[Steve Burke]

Get away.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Your dead.

[Steve Burke]

Shoot him.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Shoot him.

[Steve Burke]

But Jocelyn was too terrified to even raise his arm. The big native reached out, grabbed him with both hands and crushed him like an acorn. For a minute, I was too stunned to move. Then when I saw Cutswall bring up his gun, I threw the bottle. It stopped him long enough for the big native to drop Johnson's limp body and charge in like an idiot. I had some stupid reason for wanting Cotswold alive. So I tried to head Shiva off. Ever tried to stop a freight train with both hands out? He brushed me off, and I crashed into the wall just as he grabbed Cotswold no, no. He picked him up, raised him high over his head and threw him the length of the barn.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Diamond, he's coming over here now.

[Abel Gunther]

Look, look, look, old boy.

[Steve Burke]

It's me. It's me, Diamond. Little Cheever. Please, I.

[Little Cheever]

Me not Little Cheever.

[Inspector Laplanche]

What?

[Abel Gunther]

I should have guessed.

[Steve Burke]

Should have guessed what? What is this?

[Inspector Laplanche]

This is Big Cheever. Big Cheever.

[Little Cheever]

We be Little Cheever's brother. Me pay back for kill Little Chiva.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Oh, good gosh, I never thought we.

[Little Cheever]

Me Big Cheever come. I take you back to Gunther House. Little Chiva say, you good man. I be your servant.

[Steve Burke]

Well, if you don't mind, I just think I'll head back for the States and lie in a warm tub of mud for the next six months. I. Oh, tell me something, Big Cheever.

[Little Cheever]

What do you want?

[Steve Burke]

You don't have a big brother, do you? Listen next week for another exciting, transcribed.

[Inspector Laplanche]

Adventure of Richard diamond starring Dick Powell.

[Steve Burke]

This is the American broadcasting company.

[Mark Twain]

Whitehall.

[Abel Gunther]

1, 2, 1, 2.