A Ruby For Pearl by The Man Called X

Summary

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Relic Radio Thrillers: "A Ruby For Pearl" — The Man Called X

Originally aired: March 28, 1948 | Podcast Release: July 31, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this classic espionage and crime thriller from the golden age of radio, Ken Thurston — known as "The Man Called X" — finds himself entangled in a deadly international mystery revolving around a priceless ruby, smuggled stones, and murder. The episode opens innocently in a New York supper club but soon escalates into a chase that spans continents, involving double-crossing criminals, diplomatic intrigue in Paraguay, and a plot that threatens a nation’s economy.

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Major Discussion & Plot Points

1. A Chance Meeting and a Dangerous Ruby (00:11–04:00)

• Ken Thurston (The Man Called X) and his sidekick, Pagon Zellschmidt, meet Pearl (Felicia Ruiz) in a New York club. Pagon has given Pearl a cheap-looking pin, claimed to cost $200, which catches Ken’s eye.
• The pin turns out to contain a real ruby, worth around $100,000. ("Offhand, I'd say it's worth about $100,000." — Ken Thurston, 03:35)
• Suspicious circumstances draw Ken and Pagon to a jewelry shop owned by Sal Rubin, only to discover Rubin dead in his own safe.

2. The Stolen Herncastle Collection (04:00–07:00)

• Colonel Massaro and Dr. Soderlin reveal that the ruby is part of the infamous Herncastle jewel collection, confiscated from a Nazi and supposedly locked in Paraguay’s treasury vaults.
• Ken suspects an international smuggling operation: "There's at least one ruby that isn't [in the treasury]." (Ken Thurston, 06:03)
• The gems serve as economic backing for Paraguay’s currency, making their theft a national crisis.

3. Down to Paraguay — More Than Meets the Eye (07:00–10:00)

• In Paraguay, Ken, Pagon, and local officials discover all the jewels in the treasury are fakes.
• Accusations fly between Colonel Massaro and Deputy Hernandez, with both denying any role in the switch.

4. Danger at the Estrella Company (10:06–14:00)

• Ken and Pagon visit the Estrella Company, the source of the jewelry shipments, and are shot at by a man in a police uniform.
• Felicia Ruiz confronts them at gunpoint, suspecting they know something about her missing father, owner of Estrella.

5. Unraveling the Deaths — The Web Tightens (14:00–18:00)

• The safe at Estrella yields no answers, but Ken soon discovers Felicia’s father, Senor Ruiz, has also been murdered.
• Ken pieces together the smuggling chain: Ruiz created costume jewelry for export, hiding real gems in the shipments to a New York contact named "Mr. Smith."
• The New York partner killed Rubin over a missing gem; Ruiz was also silenced.

6. The Real Villain Revealed (18:00–20:40)

• The evidence points to someone with access to the treasury vault: Hernandez or Massaro.
• Ken deduces Hernandez is the ringleader, hiding the missing gems in his diplomatic briefcase. ("In that diplomatic briefcase he carries everywhere he goes. To have a look over that case." — Ken Thurston, 19:23)
• Hernandez is apprehended and, pressed for information, identifies his New York partner as Martin N. Hill at the Hotel Barstone ("You will find him at the Hotel Barstone in New York." — Hernandez, 20:06).

7. The Language of Gems and a Final Reflection (20:10–21:27)

• Ken's coded message with "sapphire" guided Felicia to safety, illustrating the clever use of jewel symbolism. ("In the language of gems, a sapphire means escape from danger. And the hotel key tell me where to go." — Felicia Ruiz, 20:18)
• The episode closes on a somber note, reflecting on the price of greed and the ongoing battle against those who would "sacrifice their countries, even the world," for personal gain. ("We've stopped Hernandez, sure. But we're letting others a whole lot smarter go on running loose. What's the matter with us? When are we going to wake up?" — Ken Thurston, 20:40)

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Memorable Quotes

• "Offhand, I'd say it's worth about $100,000." — Ken Thurston (03:35)
• "There's at least one ruby that isn't [in the treasury]." — Ken Thurston (06:03)
• "With me in charge, such a thing could not happen." — Colonel Massaro (07:10)
• "I was admiring that pin you're wearing. It's very unusual, ain't it?" — Ken Thurston (02:18)
• "You can't find a body every time." — Ken Thurston, after opening an empty safe (14:06)
• "In the language of gems, a sapphire means escape from danger." — Felicia Ruiz (20:18)
• "We've stopped Hernandez, sure. But we're letting others a whole lot smarter go on running loose. What's the matter with us? When are we going to wake up?" — Ken Thurston (20:40)

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Key Timestamps

• 00:11–01:29 — Relic Radio intro; series context
• 02:07 — Meeting Pearl and the mysterious pin
• 03:35 — Ken identifies the ruby’s true value
• 05:13 — Discovery of Sal Rubin’s body
• 06:03 — Ken deduces the Paraguayan treasury is missing real jewels
• 07:44 — Gems in the treasury proven to be fakes
• 09:41 — Investigation at the Estrella Company begins
• 10:19 — Attempted shooting at Estrella Company
• 13:56 — Estrella safe found empty
• 15:34 — Ruiz’s body is discovered
• 17:24 — Ken reconstructs the smuggling operation
• 19:23 — Hernandez’s diplomatic briefcase searched; the gems are recovered
• 20:18 — Felicia explains Ken’s coded message with sapphire
• 20:40 — Ken’s closing moral reflection

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Overall Tone & Style

The classic radio drama style is vivid, witty, and brisk, blending suspenseful detective work with charming banter between Ken and Pagon, along with a dose of international intrigue. The episode combines clever codes ("the language of gems") with a sobering moral about greed and vigilance in a turbulent world.

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Conclusion

This episode of The Man Called X showcases the intrigue and excitement typical of the series: international smuggling, murder, deception, and a protagonist who is both quick-witted and deeply principled. The finale packs a thoughtful punch, reminding listeners of the underlying perils of unchecked ambition — all wrapped in the silver tones and pulpy atmosphere of classic radio thrillers.

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Transcript

[Relic Radio Host]

Relicradio.com presents stories of mystery and intrigue, espionage and suspense. Hear tales of ticking time bombs, mysterious crime scenes and cloak and dagger action. This is Relic Radio Thrillers. Welcome back to Relic Radio Thrillers. We've got more from the Man Called X this week series that aired over CBS or NBC, depending on the year. From 1944 to 1952, it produced over 200 episodes. Our story today is from March 28, 1948. It's titled A Ruby for Pearl.

[Narrator/Wendell Niles]

You're twice as sure with two great Frigidaire and General Motors. Frigidaire presents Herbert Marshall as the Man Called X. Wherever there is mystery, intrigue, romance in all the strange and dangerous places of the world, there you will find the man called X. More Frigidaires serve in more American homes

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

than any other maker.

[Narrator/Wendell Niles]

And now frigidaire presents herbert marshall as ken thurston, the man called x. There was nothing unusual in the way of starting. The girl was one of Pagon's big moments. And Ken had met the two of them accidentally in a New York supper club. All in all, a pretty ordinary incident with not the slightest hint of the strange and dangerous things to follow. After all, how can you become involved in a murder just by saying, how

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

do you do, Ms. Martin?

[Felicia Ruiz]

How likewise, Mr. Thurston. Only why don't you just call me Pearl? Everybody does. Don't say pagon.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

That's right, Mr. Thurston. Of course it's all right with me, you understand.

[Felicia Ruiz]

Why, Pagon, you told me just the other day.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Pardon me, Ms. Martins. I've been admiring that pin you're wearing. It's very unusual, ain't it?

[Felicia Ruiz]

So? All them different colored jewels in it.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

I. I just gave her that this evening, Mr. Thirst. 200 simoleons. Nothing but the best for Pearl.

[Felicia Ruiz]

How beg.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

200 bucks, eh, miss? Mountains. I'll give you 250 right now. Do you want to sell it, Mr. Thirst?

[Felicia Ruiz]

Gee whiz, I. I mean, well, gosh, it's got a kind of sentimental value and all. Well, I just couldn't possibly. Gosh, let me get it on thin, Pearl.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

There you are. Five fifties.

[Felicia Ruiz]

Thanks. Pagon told me about you and him going on secret missions, but he didn't say nothing about your being such a heavy spec.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Well, as a matter of fact, I came in here to look for Pagon. We've got to leave right away on a secret mission.

[Felicia Ruiz]

Oh, ain't that the way it is just when the party gets started.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But Mr. Thurston.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Come on, Pagon. Happy to admit you, Ms. Martins.

[Felicia Ruiz]

Likewise. If you're ever around this way again, Mr. Thurston.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

In all my life I never saw anybody pull such a thing.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Pagon, there wasn't any other way around it. I'll explain later.

[Felicia Ruiz]

But I was trying to tell you.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

I was just kidding, Harry. I only paid 10 bucks for that paint. I can get you a hundred like that.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

You better buy them, Pagon. You'll never get a real ruby any cheaper.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

A ruby?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Offhand, I'd say It's worth about $100,000.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But then you bought, then I gave, but then you. But I'm telling you, I don't know anything about it, Mr. Thurston. Maybe some stick up guy was in the shop.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Looks more like a tornado. You say the owner's name is what, Reuben?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Sure. Sal Rubin. He's a very good friend of mine. Absolutely legitimate, you understand. Like all my friends are. But I don't know why he went off and left the shop empty like this.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Somebody's given it a going over, all right.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

At least they didn't get the safe open. Yeah, it's still locked.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Yeah, I'd like to get a look inside of it too.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Well, I might just possibly be able to.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

All right, go to it.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

These big old fashioned kinds are a cinch. So I've heard. Of course.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Now, let's see now, Saegon, did Reuben try to make you buy that particular pin?

[Felicia Ruiz]

Oh, no.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

In fact, he said he shouldn't sell any of them until Mr. Smith had a chance to pick out what he want.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Who's Mr. Smith?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Oh, some customer of south that always wants first chance at the South American shipment. I think I'm getting somewhere now.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

South America. You must have bought the stuff from this Estrella company listed here in the ledger. Asucion, Paraguay. Funny place to buy costume jewelry.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

See, Look.

[Felicia Ruiz]

Look.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Yeah. Is that your friend Reuben? Sure.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

That's the first time I ever saw him inside a safe.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Yeah, and it's probably the first time you ever saw him dead.

[Colonel Massaro]

Well, there's not much question about it, Ken. Dr. Soderlin says the ruby is pretty well known to gem experts. It's a part of the Herncastle collection.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Herncastle? Isn't that the Nazi who died in South America a few years ago?

[Colonel Massaro]

Yeah, a couple of months after he was convicted of espionage. They confiscated all his property. Including the three million dollar collection of jewels.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Wait a minute, Chief.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

That was. Sure it was in Paraguay.

[Colonel Massaro]

That's right, Ken Asuncion.

[Narrator/Wendell Niles]

According to the wire I got just

[Colonel Massaro]

now from The Paraguayan authorities. The entire collection is still in their treasury vaults.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

There's at least one ruby that isn't.

[Colonel Massaro]

They had the stuff appraised and it's held now as part of the backing for their monetary system.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Million. I might pay the dickens with their economy if anything happened to it.

[Narrator/Wendell Niles]

Yes, Yes.

[Colonel Massaro]

I think their annual budget's only around 8 or 9 million.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Chief, I think I know where to pick up the trail. Hang on.

[Colonel Massaro]

Must have dozed off a little.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Or doze back in again. We're heading for Paraguay.

[Colonel Massaro]

It's not possible, Senor Thurston. I'm aware that Dr. Sutherland here is a recognized authority, but it is simply not possible that these jewels are imitations. Gentlemen, please.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

I don't think Dr. Soderlin has made any statement like that yet, Mr. Hernandez. Oh, but he is going to.

[Colonel Massaro]

I can tell it by his face. See? He has placed them on the table and looked at them one by one. And each time he shakes his head. It is not possible.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

What makes you so sure it is impossible, Colonel Massaro?

[Colonel Massaro]

Because, Senor Thurston, I am in charge of the Federal police in association the men who guard these treasury vaults. And with me in charge, such a thing could not happen.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

I see, Colonel.

[Colonel Massaro]

I. I might suggest, however, that you ask the worthy deputy of economic affairs whether the real jewels were ever placed in the vaults.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Well, Mr. Hernandez, I can assure you

[Colonel Massaro]

that they were single. Thurston. You may recall, my dear Colonel, that the collection was appraised by several experts at the time.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Have you finished looking at them, Dr. Soderland?

[Colonel Massaro]

Yes, Mr. Thurston.

[Felicia Ruiz]

And the results are?

[Colonel Massaro]

You have already anticipated my conclusion. These gems are imitations, Chris. Have to set the office, Thurston. When this information gets to the public, the exchange value of the Guarani will drop to 10 cents.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

It's your job to see it doesn't get to the public, Mr. Hernandez. Meanwhile, I'll talk a pre plan of action with Colonel Mazzaro.

[Colonel Massaro]

Very good. And perhaps the talk should be a private one.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Senior Thorsten, I can. Let's go.

[Colonel Massaro]

It might also be well if we had a private talk signal.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Yeah. I'll see you later in the day, Mr. Hernandez. Along.

[Colonel Massaro]

I. I must warn you, this man Hernandez is. Is not to be trusted. It is best not to tell him anything we are doing.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Yeah.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Well, There you are, Mr. Thurston. What did you find out?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Tell you later. Pagon. Colonel Massaro. I got a couple of things I want to check on. Suppose I meet you at staff headquarters in about an hour?

[Colonel Massaro]

Excellent. As a matter of fact, I certainly recall an engagement I forgot.

[Felicia Ruiz]

Well, at least you remember. Carriedo. You're late already.

[Colonel Massaro]

You know Felicia. Oh, boy. Felicia, may I present Senor Thorsten from the United States. This is Senorita Ruiz.

[Felicia Ruiz]

How do you do?

[Colonel Massaro]

I was in a very important conference, my dear.

[Felicia Ruiz]

Well, in that case, I forgive you. Thank you.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

I'm sorry, I. Lisa, I was admiring that pin you're wearing.

[Colonel Massaro]

It's quite unusual, Mr. Thurston.

[Felicia Ruiz]

Thank you. It was made for me by a rather close friend.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Set with onyx from Paris, isn't it?

[Felicia Ruiz]

No, it's a local brother. In the language of the gems, onyx means a happy marriage.

[Colonel Massaro]

Which of course refers to me. Senor Durston. Felicia and I are engaged.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Oh, congratulations, Colonel.

[Colonel Massaro]

Well, I shall be in my office in about an hour. Come, queridra.

[Felicia Ruiz]

Mi hay la vite.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Goodbye, senorita.

[Felicia Ruiz]

Phew.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

I thought you were gonna give her 250 bucks for it.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

I thought it was a phony. Come on, P on, let's go. See now. It should be right along. Oh, yeah. There's a sign over the door. Estrella Co.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Dump your little joint, eh? What's the rest of the time mean,

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Mr. X manufacturing jewelers Con. Let's go in. Doesn't seem to be anybody here.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Good. In that case, maybe. Get down. If I get out of. If I get out of this alive, I swear by the Father.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

You're all right.

[Felicia Ruiz]

You're all right.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Gotta wait for the back. To who?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Gotta wait.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Who? But he had on a police uniform.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

What was he trying to do anyhow?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

He was crouched down there in front of the safe, found to try and open it.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Oh, no, not another safe. I guess I better go and get some lunch, Hagon. Yeah, but maybe inside. I mean, after all, who knows?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Would be nobody in the shop. Come on, Jimmy Valentine, get to work.

[Narrator/Wendell Niles]

And now to continue with Frigidaire's Man Called X starring Herbert Marshall. When a hundred thousand dollar ruby turned up in a worthless piece of costume jewelry and the body of one Sal Rubin was found stuffed in his own safe, Ken Thurston decided the best place to pick up a lead would be down in Paraguay. Strangely enough, the trail down there has led to another safe. The combination of this one is giving Phagon some trouble.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

What's wrong? Phagon? He's going around there. 20 minutes.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Oh, who knows, Mr. Rex? Maybe the combination of this one is in Spanish.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Well, come on, get on with it.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Please, quiet.

[Felicia Ruiz]

Quiet, please.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

I think something clicked just then.

[Felicia Ruiz]

I stopped that very much, senor.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Hey, that tamale with a gun.

[Felicia Ruiz]

You will both be so kind as to raise your hands.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

I was looking forward to seeing you again this year, but not quite this soon, obviously.

[Felicia Ruiz]

May I ask what you are doing here?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

May I ask what you are doing here?

[Felicia Ruiz]

My father happens to be the owner of the Estrella Company, Senor Ruiz, eh?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

So that's who makes this jewelry.

[Felicia Ruiz]

Where is he now? What have you done to him?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

The only person here when we came in, took a couple of shots at us and left. He was wearing a police uniform.

[Felicia Ruiz]

Police? That is ridiculous.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Is it?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

That gun makes me nervous, Mr. Thurston. Why don't you take it away from her?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Any suggestions as to how?

[Felicia Ruiz]

I do not wish to listen to this talk. You will tell me at once what has happened to my father or I will shoot you both. Both?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Now, now, now, wait a minute. Maybe we can make a deal.

[Colonel Massaro]

Senorita is not going to shoot anybody. Drop the guy gun, Felicia.

[Felicia Ruiz]

Animal.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Thanks, Mr. Hernandez. Come in.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Everybody's got a gun.

[Colonel Massaro]

Since you leave the treasury, Senor Thurston, I have concentrate and put 2 and 2 together. There is only one man in Asuncion who makes jewelry, Senor Ruiz. The father of Felicia. I've come to talk with him.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

So have I. Only seems to have stepped out.

[Felicia Ruiz]

My father is guilty of nothing. Manuel told me what this is all about.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Manuel? Is that Colonel Mazaru, your fiance?

[Felicia Ruiz]

I will tell you nothing. I demand you find my father at once.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Senorita, that's exactly what we were trying to do. All right, Pagon, back to work in the safe.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Well, the truth is, Mr. Thurston, I mean, I. I don't know just how to say this, but. Well, you see, it's like.

[Felicia Ruiz]

If it will help any to find him. The combination is left 21, right 236. Left 81.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

What were you going to say, Pagan?

[Felicia Ruiz]

Quite pleased you see him?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Concentrate.

[Colonel Massaro]

Left 21.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Right 36.

[Felicia Ruiz]

Left 81.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Mr. Thurston, I did it.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Open it up then.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Oh, no, not me. You remember the last time.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

All right then, I'll. Hmm.

[Felicia Ruiz]

It's empty.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Well, you can't find a body every time. Well, that's that.

[Colonel Massaro]

Perhaps somebody warned him. Singer. Thurston?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Could be. Senorita, with the color your eyes are right now, you're wearing the wrong kind of jewelry, senor.

[Felicia Ruiz]

I do not.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Yeah. Instead of onyx, it should be sapphires.

[Felicia Ruiz]

Sapphires? Yes, they are very difficult to find. White would not know where to look.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

No, I suppose not. The way seen this Before.

[Felicia Ruiz]

A hotel key? No, senor, I have never seen it before.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Now, Mr. Thurston, why don't we scrum out of this joint and find something to eat?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Yes, Mr. Hernandez. Why don't you stick that gun in your pocket and we'll all fall. Talk this thing over to the nearest cafe.

[Colonel Massaro]

Whatever you think. Best thing. Or Thurston.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

There.

[Colonel Massaro]

But I. I really think we should do something.

[Felicia Ruiz]

I was waiting for you to do that, Felicia.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

There she goes, Mr. Thurston.

[Colonel Massaro]

She escaped from us.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Yeah, I kind of thought she would.

[Colonel Massaro]

But now she will rejoin her father.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

I doubt she'll get far. Suncion's not a very big city. Shouldn't be too hard to block off the exits.

[Colonel Massaro]

I shall notify the police immediately.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Good idea. But maybe you'd better get some of your own men out, too. Don't forget who's in charge of the police.

[Colonel Massaro]

Oh, Colonel Massaro. I will give the orders at once. And I shall watch the airport myself.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Good. And you may as well limit the search to police here. Never mind, Senor Royce.

[Colonel Massaro]

But why not, senor?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Because he's lying dead over there behind that workbench in the corner.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

I hope you remember I still haven't had anything to eat, man.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Mr. Thurston, you can order something sent to the room. Pagan, come on.

[Colonel Massaro]

Oh, just a moment, Senor Thurston.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

What is it? I have a call for you.

[Colonel Massaro]

Just came in. The party is on the line now.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Oh, thanks.

[Felicia Ruiz]

You can take it,

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Ken. Firston speaking.

[Colonel Massaro]

This is Colonel Mazado. I've been trying to reach you.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Oh, go on.

[Colonel Massaro]

A very bad thing has happened. I've just found the body of Senor

[Felicia Ruiz]

Ruiz in the river.

[Colonel Massaro]

He has been shot to death.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

What?

[Colonel Massaro]

He's the padre of Alicia. He's the maker of jewelry. There's possibly some connection with this case.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Yeah, I know. Where do you say you found his body?

[Colonel Massaro]

Floating in a river at the south side of town.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

All right, Colonel Mazzaro, meet me at the treasury office in half an hour.

[Colonel Massaro]

Very well, senor. Adios.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Pay. Go on. Take a taxi up to the airport and find Hernandez. We'll meet you at the treasury office in half an hour.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Okay, Mr. Thurston.

[Felicia Ruiz]

Now, what do you mean, we?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Oh, Felicia and I. Oh, well, I thought.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Felicia. Hey, where are you gonna find her?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Miss, I'm badly mistaken. She is upstairs in my hotel room. I hope we haven't kept two gentlemen waiting, captured her.

[Felicia Ruiz]

Alicia, what is it?

[Colonel Massaro]

Have you been placed under arrest?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Oh, no, Colonel Mazaru. Not yet, anyway.

[Felicia Ruiz]

I at least have nothing to hide, Manuel. I'm not afraid.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

At least we're all here together. So let's take a quick look at the thing. In the first place, somebody here stole the Herne Castle collection of gems and substitute limitations in the treasury vault.

[Colonel Massaro]

I hope you are not implying then

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

they worked out the scheme with Royce to get the real stones out of the country into the United States.

[Felicia Ruiz]

Cannot understand then my father would ever do such a thing.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

He would make up cheap costume jewelry for shipment to a man named Reuben in New York. And with each order he'd include two or three of the real stones. Wasn't much chance of him being caught in customs.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

You mean my old friend Sal was mixed up in this room?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

I don't think so, Phagon, The New York partner was this Mr. Smith who always insisted on first chance at the Paraguayan shipments. He's the boy who killed Reuben when he found the real stone was missing from the last order. Thought Sol had got wise to him, Senor Reece.

[Colonel Massaro]

He was killed too, right?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

That was so I wouldn't have a chance to talk to him.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But Mr. Thurston, who is the big shot that's back of all that?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

It had to be somebody with access to the treasury vault. That lets Felicia out and leaves Colonel Mazaro and Hernandez in.

[Colonel Massaro]

I will not be insulted, senor.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

You're ducking before you hit Colonel.

[Colonel Massaro]

You were accusing me by impregation.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Look, you're engaged to the daughter of a man we know was in on the scheme.

[Colonel Massaro]

She knew nothing about it.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Dagon and I were shot at by a man in a police uniform. You reported finding Royce's body in the river when I'd already seen it in the back of his shop.

[Colonel Massaro]

I did find it in the river, senor. I told you Colonel Mazzaro was guilty.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

In New York, everything was pretty carefully covered up. But down here, the whole case points to Colonel Mazzaro. Which adds up in my book to somebody else.

[Felicia Ruiz]

What? Oh, gracias.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

For instance, to Mr. Hernandez, maybe in Paraguay.

[Colonel Massaro]

Singer, Thurston. We insist upon evidence.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Well, how about the jewels themselves? They ought to be pretty good evidence.

[Colonel Massaro]

And where do you think they are, Senor Thurston?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

A man with a fortune concentrated in gems will probably keep them pretty close around him. Ready for a quick break in your case, Colonel. They might be in the vouchers of that cartridge belt.

[Colonel Massaro]

You're at liberty to look with Senor

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Hernandez, I'd say in that diplomatic briefcase he carries everywhere he goes. To have a look over that case.

[Colonel Massaro]

I'm Warning.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

You watch him, Colonel.

[Colonel Massaro]

One more, Fernandez, and I shall kill you

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

in the bottom. Suppose we just. Well, there's your evidence.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Just look at them jewels.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Yeah, there's about a third of them missing, though. Your partner in New York ought to do all right with him, Hernandez, since we don't know who he is.

[Colonel Massaro]

Senior Thurston, I am well aware of the treatment I can expect from my old friend, Colonel Massaro. I have no desire that my partner should be free of the same difficulties he is. Martin N. Hill. You will find him at the Hotel Barstone in New York.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Good. Then that winds it up.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Wait a minute, Mr. Thurston. Hey, how did you know Felicia was going to be in your hotel room?

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

I sent her there, Pagon. By mentioning sapphires, huh?

[Felicia Ruiz]

Senor, in the language of James, a sapphire means escape from danger. And the hotel keep tell me where to go. You see?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Yeah, yeah, I get it now.

[Felicia Ruiz]

All right.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Okay, Ms. Thurston, let's blow out of this town and get back to New York. I want to see Pearl.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Oh, but he's probably spent that 250 by now.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Well, after all, Mr. Thurston, money isn't everything.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Why, Pagon, coming from you, sure it isn't everything, but there are an awful lot of people who think it is, who sacrifice their countries, even the world, for it. We've stopped Hernandez, sure. But we're letting others a whole lot smarter go on running loose. What's the matter with us? When are we going to wake up?

[Narrator/Wendell Niles]

And our Frigidaire star, Herbert Marshall.

[Ken Thurston (Man Called X)]

Ladies and gentlemen, America needs more steel. Scrap metal helps make steel, but it is very scarce. So look around your home, won't you, for scrap iron and steel, turn it into your local scrap dealer or to your local scrap metal drive. And thanks for being with us as usual. I'm sure you all know that Pagon Zellschmidt was played by Leon Velasco. Next week, ladies and gentlemen, a very special broadcast. One that I'm sure every one of you will want to hear. A little off the beaten track, but of vital importance to every one of us. So be sure to listen. And of course, join us, won't you? When next I return is the Man Called X. Good night.

[Narrator/Wendell Niles]

Frigidaire's Man Called X is directed by Jack Johnstone, with music composed and conducted by Johnny Green. Tonight's story was written by Les Crutchfield. So until next week, same time, same station, this is Wendell Niles speaking for Frigidaire. Made only via General Motors. All characters and incidents used on this program are fictitious and any resemblance to actual persons or incidents is purely coincidental. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Relic Radio Host]

There's more from the man called X, Relic Radio Thrillers and all of the other podcasts at the website relicradio.com our shoutcast stream is running there as well, with even more old time radio lots to listen to there, all made possible by your support. If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the support links in the show notes. My thanks, as always to those who have thanks for joining me this week. I'll be back tomorrow with the Horror and next Friday with our next episode of Relic Radio Thrillers.