Cover-Up by Dark Venture

Summary

Relic Radio Thrillers: "Cover-Up" by Dark Venture - Detailed Summary

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Introduction

"Relic Radio Thrillers," hosted by RelicRadio.com, immerses listeners in the golden age of Old Time Radio, delivering gripping tales of crime, mystery, espionage, and suspense. In the episode titled "Cover-Up," originally aired on February 25, 1947, as part of the "Dark Venture" series, the narrative delves into a post-war intrigue centered around vengeance, deception, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

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Setting

The story unfolds in Munich shortly after World War II, a city still reeling from the devastation of bombings and grappling with the aftermath of Nazi occupation. The atmosphere is thick with tension, decay, and the lingering shadows of recent horrors, providing a fitting backdrop for the unfolding drama.

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Main Characters

• Elna Carl (voiced by Betty Lou Gerson): A determined woman seeking vengeance for the death of her beloved on their wedding day. Her courage and resilience drive the narrative forward as she navigates the perilous quest to eliminate Erich Stromer.

• Hans Bruner / Erich Stromer (voiced by David Ellis): Initially introduced as an ally in the hunt for Stromer, he is later revealed to be the antagonist orchestrating the cover-up and deception.

• Felcher (voiced by Leo Clary): A menacing Nazi figure described as a "werewolf," representing the enduring evil persisting even after the war.

• Train Clerk (voiced by Earl Lee): A minor yet pivotal character whose interactions with Elna and Hans add depth to the unfolding suspense.

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Plot Overview

Arrival in Munich

The story begins with Elna Carl arriving in Munich on February 2nd, underlined by the city's scarred landscape from bombings. Her mission is clear: to find and kill Erich Stromer, the man responsible for the death of her fiancé on their wedding day.

Quote:

Narrator [00:50]: "The story of a woman who set out to find the killer of the man she loved."

Meeting Hans Bruner

Elna's quest leads her to the residence of Hans Bruner, portrayed as the "Avenger" designated to assist in the mission against Stromer. Their initial interaction is formal but hints at underlying tensions and mistrust.

Quote:

Elna Carl [03:00]: "I want to see Hans Brunner."

Quote:

Hans Bruner [04:19]: "Well, your picture doesn't flatter you."

The Plan

Realizing the complexities of tracking Stromer, Hans proposes a plan to change their identities to avoid detection. This involves drastic measures, including altering their appearances and disposing of their past selves.

Quote:

Hans Bruner [09:05]: "When a man looks at you, the things he remembers clearest is his long golden hair."

Disguise and Train Journey

Elna and Hans undergo a transformation, cutting Elna's distinctive golden hair and donning disguises to blend into their surroundings. Their journey continues on a train, fraught with suspicion and the constant threat of discovery by Felcher, the Nazi antagonist.

Quote:

Elna Carl [10:25]: "I can't believe it. I know it's idiot. God is your too soft. I can't wear them. They headache."

Encounter with Felcher

The tension escalates when Felcher, described as a "fat, red-faced man," enters the narrative, heightening the sense of danger. Elna and Hans must navigate through encounters that test their resolve and the effectiveness of their disguises.

Quote:

Hans Bruner [05:35]: "These Nazi werewolves is their last great hope."

The Revelation

In a climactic twist, Elna discovers that Hans Bruner is, in fact, Erich Stromer in disguise. This betrayal forces Elna to confront Stromer directly. Demonstrating her resilience, Elna reveals she had neutralized Stromer's gun, preventing him from harming her.

Quote:

Elna Carl [25:05]: "I have listened to you in these last moments of your life. No."

Quote:

Erich Stromer [24:49]: "I am Erich Fromer. Not Hans Foner."

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Themes and Insights

"Cover-Up" weaves themes of revenge, trust, and identity under the shadow of war's aftermath. Elna's relentless pursuit of Stromer symbolizes the broader quest for justice and closure in post-war Europe. The narrative also explores the psychological toll of vengeance, as seen in Elna's transformation and the manipulation exerted by Stromer.

The portrayal of Felcher as a "werewolf" serves as a metaphor for the lingering evil and the challenges in eradicating deeply ingrained malice even after its apparent defeat.

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Notable Quotes

• Narrator [00:11]: "Relicradio.com presents stories of mystery and intrigue, espionage and suspense."

• Elna Carl [03:23]: "I was startled to see a man leaning at the doorway of the first floor apartment. A huge red faced man in a gray sweater reading a newspaper."

• Hans Bruner [05:17]: "Clipped it out of a newspaper the day my father was beheaded. At the command of Erich Stromer."

• Elna Carl [09:46]: "I'm thinking of Eric Stormer. He got my hair very short and gray."

• Erich Stromer [24:49]: "I am Erich Fromer. Not Hans Foner."

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Conclusion

"Cover-Up" by Dark Venture is a masterfully crafted Old Time Radio thriller that encapsulates the essence of post-war suspense. Through its intricate plot, complex characters, and evocative dialogue, the episode not only entertains but also offers a poignant reflection on the human cost of vengeance and the enduring quest for justice. Relic Radio Thrillers successfully transports listeners to a bygone era, celebrating the rich storytelling traditions of classic radio dramas.

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Credits:

• Written by: Larry Marcus
• Directed by: Leonard Reef
• Original Music: Rex Coy
• Narrator: John Lake
• Cast:
  • Betty Lou Gerson as Elna Carl
  • David Ellis as Erich Stromer
  • Leo Clary as Felcher
  • Jack Moyles as a Trainman
  • Earl Lee as a Hotel Clerk

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections as per the provided instructions.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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're going to hear from Dark Venture this week. A series that aired over ABC stations from June of 1945 to May of 1947 produced over 100 episodes. Our story today is Cover Up. This one aired February 25, 1947.

[Commercial Announcer]

Dark Venture presented by Wild Root Cream Oil for the Hare.

[Storyteller]

Over the minds of mortal men come many shadows. Shadows of greed and hate, jealousy and fear. Darkness is the absence of light. So in the sudden shadows which fog the minds of men and women are to be found the strange impulses which urge them into the unkn. Dark Venture. Tonight's Venture in the Dark features Betty Lou Gerson and David Ellis in Cover up. The story of a woman who set out to find the killer of the man she loved.

[Commercial Announcer]

Dark Venture is brought to you by the Wild Root Company, makers of Wild Root Cream Oil for the hair. Again and again, the choice of men who put good grooming first.

[Storyteller]

And now, tonight's Dark Venture. Cover Up.

[Elna Carl]

I will tell exactly what happened in the orders that have happened from the moment I arrived in Munich, February 2nd of this year. I went directly from the railroad station at a three story tenement that had been badly scarfed by bombs, a fountain named Hans Bruner and one of the doorbells. I pushed the bell and waited. Finally, upstairs, in the hallway, I heard a door open.

[Hans Bruner]

Yes, what is it?

[Elna Carl]

I want to see Hans Brunner.

[Train Clerk]

Come on up.

[Hans Bruner]

Second floor.

[Elna Carl]

The hallway was lit by a single gas chip. There was an odor, a depressive odor of decay. As I passed the first floor landing, I stopped for breath. I was startled to see a man leaning at the doorway of the first floor apartment. A huge red faced man in a gray sweater reading a newspaper. He didn't even look at me.

[Commercial Announcer]

Why so slow? Come on up. It's cold.

[Elna Carl]

In the hall, second flight upstairs. More quickly. A younger man was waiting for me. Was carrying a gun. My shoulder holster.

[Hans Bruner]

Don't let the gun bother you. Come in.

[Elna Carl]

Well, come in.

[Hans Bruner]

Now what do you want?

[Elna Carl]

Hans Bruner?

[Hans Bruner]

I'm Hans Bruner. What is it?

[Elna Carl]

You must forgive me, but since I've never seen you before.

[Hans Bruner]

You want to see my identification papers?

[Elna Carl]

Yes.

[Hans Bruner]

Why?

[Elna Carl]

I'm Elna Carl, from Berlin.

[Hans Bruner]

Oh, I see. The famous Elna Karl. Famed not only for her work in the underground during the war, but also for her beauty Magnificent golden hair. But I have never seen you before either, Elna. And many women have golden hair. So we will exchange papers. Here. Mine.

[Elna Carl]

And mine.

[Hans Bruner]

Well, your picture doesn't flatter you.

[Elna Carl]

They have located Erich Stromer.

[Hans Bruner]

I know where he is.

[Elna Carl]

Those of us who are left have decided that Stromer will not be turned over to the Allied authorities.

[Hans Bruner]

Why?

[Elna Carl]

As you know, Stromer signed a death warrant for every one of our group who died. It has been decided this once. We will allow ourselves the luxury of vengeance.

[Hans Bruner]

And I have been named the Avenger. Is that what you came here to tell me?

[Elna Carl]

Yes.

[Storyteller]

Good.

[Hans Bruner]

Stromer is the cleverest of the lot. If he were given up into the occupation authorities, he'd find some way of squirming through. Eric Stromer. His name is like acid on the tongue. Have you ever seen him? No, no, of course not. They plastered pictures of Hitler and Gering on every billboard. But Stromer, Stromer. He was a great believer in seclusion. Here is his picture in this billfold.

[Elna Carl]

This is Stromer.

[Hans Bruner]

Clipped it out of a newspaper the day my father was beheaded. At the command of Erich Stromer.

[Elna Carl]

Where's Stromer now?

[Hans Bruner]

In the Shepherd's Hut in The Wittenberger Forest. 300 miles south. But every mile of the way he is well protected.

[Elna Carl]

By whom?

[Hans Bruner]

These Nazi werewolves is their last great hope.

[Elna Carl]

The occupation armies.

[Hans Bruner]

Occupation armies? Let me tell you about one fanatic in particular Roaming the streets of Munich this very moment. His name is Feldschaft. He's one of the monstrosities we Germans have given for the world. With a fat, red faced lump with no nerves, no heart, but with enough strength in each hand. What?

[Elna Carl]

The man I saw in the doorway of the first floor apartment.

[Hans Bruner]

What man? First floor apartment had been sealed up for months.

[Elna Carl]

He was very fat. His face was flushed. He was wearing a gray sweater.

[Hans Bruner]

You stay here. You will see why I have such affection for this gun. He's not in the hall now.

[Elna Carl]

But I saw him in that first floor doorway right downstairs.

[Hans Bruner]

Let's go back to the apartment. How could Felcher have known anything?

[Elna Carl]

He may have followed me from the station.

[Hans Bruner]

Then how could he have been here ahead of you?

[Elna Carl]

I don't know.

[Hans Bruner]

Within an hour every rat and every so in Munich will know you're here. Start back from Lyn on the first train you can get. I'll leave for Eric Stromma at once. Wish me luck.

[Elna Carl]

No need to wish luck. I will know how things come out.

[Hans Bruner]

What do you mean?

[Elna Carl]

I'm going with you.

[Hans Bruner]

I'm afraid not.

[Elna Carl]

Those are my orders. There are to be two of us.

[Hans Bruner]

Why did they choose you?

[Elna Carl]

Perhaps because I suggest lending a reason for killing Herr Stromer. Oh, it chose my wedding day to marry the man I love. I'm going with you.

[Hans Bruner]

Do you have a gun?

[Elna Carl]

Yours will do. I will be satisfied to be a spectator.

[Hans Bruner]

Elche is spreading the word about it right now. We're to have any chance at all. We'll have to completely lose our identity. And once we begin. Once we begin, there's no turning back. You know that too?

[Elna Carl]

Yes.

[Hans Bruner]

All right then. Let us begin. And Nakal?

[Elna Carl]

We purchased four by notification. Paper became Hilda and Anthony. Then we went to the public square where the black market operated in the open. There I traded my raincoat and scarf, watches, the pattern, gloves, fresh scissors, a pair of reading glasses, a bottle of dye and an armful of old clothes. I wrapped everything in a bundle, went to a small hotel.

[Train Clerk]

Here we are, Mr. Ms. Ishila.

[Commercial Announcer]

Room 34.

[Elna Carl]

Thank you.

[Train Clerk]

I've been a clerk here for a very long time and I always pride.

[Commercial Announcer]

Myself on being able to tell what's what. I said I know something about you too.

[Hans Bruner]

What do you mean?

[Commercial Announcer]

It's your honeymoon, isn't it?

[Hans Bruner]

Why?

[Elna Carl]

Why? Do you have a marvel? And you will. I got my wish. I got my wish.

[Hans Bruner]

I'll leave you alone now.

[Elna Carl]

There.

[Train Clerk]

If you want anything, just tone down.

[Hans Bruner]

Look, Elena. We can get a train out of here for the south at five o' clock tonight. So we can't waste any time. Put the bundle down. Sit here.

[Elna Carl]

What are you going to do? What are you doing with those scissors?

[Hans Bruner]

You're not going to like it. Elna.

[Elna Carl]

What?

[Hans Bruner]

When a man looks at you, the things he remembers clearest is his long golden hair. Well, say goodbye to it. We've got to change our appearance completely.

[Elna Carl]

If only I.

[Hans Bruner]

Yes?

[Elna Carl]

Nothing. Go ahead, start cutting.

[Hans Bruner]

You'd like to cry?

[Elna Carl]

No.

[Hans Bruner]

Poor Ela. You're thinking of how he used to look at your hair. How he used to kiss it.

[Elna Carl]

I'm thinking of Eric Stormer. He got my hair very short and gray. While he dried, he shaved off his mustache, touched his own health grade. Then he went to the bathroom, changed clothes. When he came out, I felt a kind of chill in my heart, as if someone else had come out. He looked like a seedy old school teacher. Then he finished with me, who had the makeup for my face. Put the reading glasses on.

[Hans Bruner]

Now look at yourself in the mirror.

[Elna Carl]

I can't believe it. I know it's idiot. God is your too soft. I can't wear them. They headache.

[Hans Bruner]

All right, take them off for now. But when we're outside, we'll have to wear them. We'll have to do everything right.

[Elna Carl]

Yes, I know. I get it. Yes?

[Train Clerk]

Easteruch, the room clerk.

[Elna Carl]

Yes.

[Train Clerk]

There's a man in the lobby asking for Elnacarl and Hans Bruna.

[Elna Carl]

So why do you call us? My name is Shiloh.

[Train Clerk]

Because the man described the people he wanted and the description with you.

[Hans Bruner]

Honeymooners indeed.

[Train Clerk]

I'll give you 10 minutes to get out of my hotel. But listen to me and then I call the authorities.

[Elna Carl]

All right, all right. Where's this man?

[Train Clerk]

He's waiting in the lobby.

[Elna Carl]

What does he look like, this man? He may belong to the werewolves.

[Train Clerk]

Another one of your stories?

[Elna Carl]

Yes. Fat red faced man. Please tell me. It's very important.

[Train Clerk]

There's no need to tell you. He'll describe him as perfectly as he describes you.

[Elna Carl]

Very well.

[Hans Bruner]

Then.

[Elna Carl]

Go into the lobby. He swallowed us, Sir. Give us 10 minutes to get out.

[Hans Bruner]

I will soon know if our disguise is as good as we think.

[Elna Carl]

What do you mean?

[Hans Bruner]

Give me the bundle of our old clothes. They're going downstairs. This is the chance to find out. They've got to know if they can recognize us before we start. Are you coming, Mrs. Schiller? There's venture sitting in a chair reading a newspaper.

[Elna Carl]

He's the one I saw in the hallway.

[Hans Bruner]

He's looking up. He's seen us. Keep walking toward the door. Working back to his paper. Now we can start for Eric's Stormer.

[Elna Carl]

We went to the railway station just before we passed away. Police inspection. I suggested we hide. Big gun, a bundle of clothes. Luckily it wasn't found. Then I got another bit of luck. When we boarded the train located in our section upon the compartment which was meant for six passengers was empty.

[Hans Bruner]

Well, now you can take off those glasses.

[Elna Carl]

My head feels like sore thumbs.

[Hans Bruner]

It's darking to move in 10 hours. We'll be there. How do you feel?

[Elna Carl]

I lost a headache. I'm a little shaky. Oh no.

[Hans Bruner]

What is it?

[Elna Carl]

Look through the window.

[Hans Bruner]

Pilcher running for the train. He'll never make it.

[Elna Carl]

He did make it. You gonna train.

[Hans Bruner]

Starting out? Badly. And with Felshaw and boy, we'll have to change our plans. We'd like to leave the train at the next stop.

[Elna Carl]

But we look so different. I'm certain he didn't recognize us until take the chance. The first stop was at go. Passengers left the train for what little food they could buy. At the refreshment stands. We started walking past the little station. Tim is our feller waiting for us.

[Hans Bruner]

Come on. A corrupted tr.

[Elna Carl]

We ran down the tracks until I was ready to drop. When we looked back, the station was at least half a mile away. I sat down and rested. After a while, the train was on its way again. As we came by, we flung ourselves to the ground. Belcher hadn't followed us. Was he on the train? We waited till dark and started back to the station. At Gorn. A freight train was being loaded. By the light of bright red flag. We walked past the freight cars so we found one that was open.

[Hans Bruner]

Look around. Anybody watching us?

[Elna Carl]

No, I don't think so.

[Hans Bruner]

All right. Spare trains going south. It's as good as any. Here, you take the bundle. I'll boost you up. You all right?

[Elna Carl]

Yes.

[Hans Bruner]

When's the last time you ate?

[Elna Carl]

This morning. Breakfast? Not much, is there?

[Hans Bruner]

Train won't be leaving for a while yet. Go to one of those refreshment stands in the station and get us some apples.

[Elna Carl]

I wish you wouldn't.

[Hans Bruner]

We can't ride all night with nothing in our stomachs. I'll be all right.

[Elna Carl]

Soon as it was gone caused it to find at the freight car. All that happened that day began catching up with me. I caught myself yawning. Once I dozed off. I came out of it in time to hear someone approaching the car.

[Commercial Announcer]

Look, this car's open.

[Hans Bruner]

It does happen.

[Commercial Announcer]

These workers you get now, they don't care about anything.

[Hans Bruner]

Come on, help me. Locky.

[Elna Carl]

Locky. I wanted to run to the door and pound on it. I wanted to scream to them to let me out.

[Train Clerk]

But I didn't dare.

[Elna Carl]

I didn't know what to do. If I could make up my mind if Ray trained again, moving then her answer the door. Let me out. Let me out. Let me out. Let me out. There was no one to hear me. I will not forget that night. I started crawling back. There was nothing else to do. In the darkness I lost all my sense of direction. If only there had been just a little light. With such a dreadful suffocated feeling locked up alone. Then I thought I heard someone breathing. It could not be ours alone. I heard it again. Is anyone else in this car? Answer me. Answer me. I felt my own grasp to get better. Then the breathing stopped. But a rigid strain in listening until I sailed with a long sigh. Oh, it was me. I have heard it was me. It was my own belief. I could not let myself go to believe it. I could not. I could not signed. Out of sheer exhaustion. I must have fallen asleep, because the next thing I knew, the train had stopped. The freight car door was being pushed open. Elna, what happened to you? Tell you later.

[Hans Bruner]

Get the bundle and come over to the door.

[Elna Carl]

I had it.

[Hans Bruner]

Now give me your hand. Now jump.

[Elna Carl]

Where are we now?

[Hans Bruner]

Just outside Dryenberg. Train stopped at the water tower.

[Elna Carl]

What time is it?

[Hans Bruner]

Not quite midnight.

[Elna Carl]

Why did you leave me in that car? Why didn't you come back?

[Hans Bruner]

I did come back. I was already locked. Train was ready to move. Look at me. I had to ride in an open coal car. I told you this would be the longest 300 miles anyone ever traveled. We've gone most of the way, elna. There's barely 100 miles left between us and Eric Stober.

[Elna Carl]

After the rest of a while, we started for Dornburg. We found a bus station where a little group of people waited for a bus that was already five hours late. Finally, 2:30 in the morning, the bus came. And barefoot old military bus. They would leave us almost at the doorstep of the house. We were planning to. It was dark in the bus, very crowded with passengers trying to sleep in the uncomfortable seats. We stood in the aisle for a time, fighting to keep our back.

[Commercial Announcer]

No need to stand up.

[Elna Carl]

What?

[Commercial Announcer]

Yes, I'm talking to you. You and your friends. There are two seats over here.

[Hans Bruner]

Let's go.

[Elna Carl]

Yes. Thank you very much. We are coming. It's very kind of you.

[Hans Bruner]

Anything?

[Commercial Announcer]

Plenty of room. You, miss, you can sit next to me. And you, sir, there's room for you right in the back.

[Hans Bruner]

Yes, all right.

[Commercial Announcer]

Keep your bundle under the seat.

[Hans Bruner]

That's right.

[Commercial Announcer]

I saw you standing up. I thought to myself, now why shouldn't they be comfortable?

[Elna Carl]

I sat next to Felt from the dark. He was eating a melon, cutting off chunks with a large pocket knife, smacking his lips in appreciation. Completely at peace with the world. Somehow that made it even more terrible. I wanted to run to the bus driver who wanted to tell him about Felt that it was a Nazi werewolf who hunted down people and killed them. But how did I know about the bus driver? How did I know about anybody on the bus?

[Commercial Announcer]

I ask you, would you like some melon?

[Elna Carl]

What?

[Commercial Announcer]

My melon. Would you like some? There's plenty.

[Elna Carl]

No, not like you.

[Commercial Announcer]

How about you? You say it's very good, you know.

[Hans Bruner]

Well, I. I guess I am pretty hungry.

[Commercial Announcer]

Help yourself. More than enough. Here, take the whole thing. Cut yourself a good peel.

[Hans Bruner]

Thank you.

[Commercial Announcer]

Where are you headed for, miss?

[Elna Carl]

Oh, didn't you know? I'm Going to Wittenberg.

[Commercial Announcer]

Oh yeah? I hear it's very pleasant this time of year. Very healthful.

[Elna Carl]

I hope so.

[Commercial Announcer]

And have you come far?

[Elna Carl]

Has it been once? You said you just sit there. So I sat there like nothing had happened. Feeling life leaving the body of the man beside me. Feeling his blood seep down across my corpse. Vinny. He sagged suddenly against me. His head falling on my shoulder. I felt myself getting you?

[Hans Bruner]

Yes.

[Elna Carl]

I can't see you. I can't see.

[Hans Bruner]

You'll have to stand it. Someone will see this darkness. What will they see? He fell asleep. His head fell against your shoulder. I told you how it would be. Open his shirt. Look closely at the tattoo on his left shoulder. There's enough light for that. I'll open it for you. Now look close so you can see.

[Elna Carl]

Fuafstigo.

[Hans Bruner]

The mark of those who belonged to the Gestapo in the old days. The mark of the Werewolf. He was Eric Droma's right hand. Erich Stroma. The man who killed your lover on your wedding day. Or have you forgotten now? Can you sit beside him? Yes.

[Elna Carl]

It was almost three hours. Felt his body tagged against me. I was just about crazy by the time the bus stopped. The driver called. We were at Wittenberg. I was the only ones leaving. Hans cut his gun off from under the seat. I pushed Urcho's body against the window. We started out. The bus never stepped away. Expected someone to stop us, but no one did. The bus pulled away, leaving us standing.

[Hans Bruner]

In the cold dawn half a mile from town. Fine. How you feeling?

[Elna Carl]

Fine. Fine.

[Hans Bruner]

Into a lot?

[Elna Carl]

It will be worth it. Let's go.

[Hans Bruner]

There's that geometry.

[Elna Carl]

Now.

[Hans Bruner]

Lift the gun out of the bundle. Come. Great moment, Elna. Yes.

[Elna Carl]

Yourself. Anyone.

[Hans Bruner]

Besides, he lives alone. Close the door. Unlocked.

[Elna Carl]

Glass break.

[Hans Bruner]

No, no. It would wake him. This is better.

[Elna Carl]

Empty. You were wrong. Stroma isn't here.

[Hans Bruner]

I was not wrong. Eric Stromer is here. And in this room.

[Elna Carl]

What?

[Hans Bruner]

Welcome to my humble dwelling. El Natal. Yes. I am Erich Fromer. Not Hans Foner. Wait. Forgetting this gun. You're not leaving?

[Elna Carl]

Why did you bring me here?

[Hans Bruner]

This was best. The safest way also had provided me with such pleasant aversion. I don't get much of that these days. You must forgive me. It is so delightful to watch your change before my very eyes. From a beautiful, confident disciple of this new democratic Germany. Poor, weary, terrified, rather ugly creature. You had to bite your lips to keep from sobbing when I cut your lovely hair, didn't you, Eleanor? For my part, I had to bite my lips to keep from laughing in your face. And the glasses. Glasses, Eleanor, they give you a dreadful headache. That was delight. And your hours in the space car. And Felcher's cold head resting on your shoulder.

[Elna Carl]

Then you are. Oh, yes.

[Hans Bruner]

Belcher was a Nazi, all right. One of my trusted followers. How else do you think he was able to follow us? Why do you think he gave me the melon with his knife? When you told the hotel clerk about him, I fear you destroyed his usefulness.

[Elna Carl]

And what about me?

[Hans Bruner]

I would like to spare you, Elder. Despite your rather tattered appearance, I think it's a deep presence. Unfortunately, it would also be extremely dangerous.

[Elna Carl]

And so. So you're going to kill me?

[Hans Bruner]

Yes. No. Elena. No. Well, what's wrong? What did you do to this gun?

[Elna Carl]

What did you think I did, erect Stormer? When you left your brother in the freight car, I found the gun and I took the bullets out.

[Hans Bruner]

You knew about me?

[Elna Carl]

Yes, I knew about you right from the beginning. No, I don't think so. I found he had a gun. This gun. All the bullet.

[Hans Bruner]

I need you.

[Elna Carl]

You listen to me. I have listened to you in these last moments of your life. No. Yes. I knew you were. The moment I saw you in the doorway of Hans Bruno's apartment. You found out he discovered your hiding place on this voice, didn't you? You found out he'd been appointed to hunt you down and kill you. You couldn't take any chances. So you came to Munich to kill Hans Gundar. Afraid to kill you. I just finished killing and rang the bell, hadn't you, Stromer? And hadn't you?

[Hans Bruner]

Yes.

[Elna Carl]

You would have killed me there in that apartment too. If I show the slightest signs. I know you weren't Hans Bruner.

[Hans Bruner]

Yes, and it has. That's all very true, very true. But still, you. You can't shoot me in cold blood.

[Elna Carl]

I told you I had a very good reason for killing you. That your mare was a man I loved on the day we were to be married.

[Hans Bruner]

But, Ella, listen to me.

[Commercial Announcer]

That was long ago.

[Elna Carl]

That was long ago. Yesterday was to have been my wedding day. Yesterday. The man I love, the man I come to Munich to marry was Hans Krumer. Foreign.

[Storyteller]

Was written by Larry Marcus and directed by Leonard Reef. In tonight's dark venture, Betty Lou Gerson was heard as Elma, David Ellis as Stromer, Leo Clary as Belcher, Jack Moyles as a trainman and Earl Lee as a hotel clerk. Original music by Rex Coy. Your narrator has been John Lake until next Tuesday.

[Commercial Announcer]

Remember, smart girls Use Wild Root Cream oil too, for quick good grooming and to relieve dryness between permanent mothers. Say it's great for draining children's hair. This is abc, the American Broadcasting Company.

[Narrator]

There's more from Dark Venture Relic Radio Thrillers and all of the Relic Radio shows at the website relic radio.com you'll find our shoutcast stream there as well, with even more old time Radio lots to listen to, all made possible by your support. If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the support buttons on the website. Thanks to those who have thanks for joining me this week. I'll be back tomorrow with the Horror next Friday with our next episode of Relic Radio Thrillers.