Flying Trip To Nowhere by The Man Called X

Summary

Relic Radio Thrillers: "Flying Trip To Nowhere" by The Man Called X

Episode Details:

• Title: Flying Trip To Nowhere
• Series: The Man Called X
• Release Date: June 13, 2025
• Hosted by: RelicRadio.com
• Description: This episode delves into espionage and suspense as Ken Thurston, an acting co-pilot, uncovers a sinister plot aboard a transatlantic flight involving missing microfilm of the devastating Formula H weapon.

---

I. Introduction to the Crisis (00:11 - 00:59)

The episode opens with the narrator setting the stage for a tale of mystery and espionage. The story revolves around Formula H, the most destructive weapon ever conceived, and the sudden disappearance of its microfilm, which could spell global disaster if it falls into the wrong hands.

“There was not the slightest hint that the entire civilized world might be in terrible danger.” [00:59]

II. The Emergency Call (01:54 - 04:01)

Ken Thurston receives an urgent call from his chief alerting him about the missing Formula H microfilm. The chief informs him that three top atomic scientists from England, France, and Belgium had access to these plans and were about to depart for a scientific convention in Paris.

“If they fall into the wrong hands, the whole world could go up and smoke.” [02:49]

Ken debates the decision to detain the scientists, contemplating taking over as co-pilot to uncover the truth behind the missing microfilm.

“They are not leaving Washington until midnight. That gives us plenty of time...” [03:34]

III. Boarding the Flight (04:28 - 08:46)

Ken successfully integrates himself into the flight as a co-pilot alongside Captain Bill Allen. The passengers include Sir John Saunders, Professor Charles Gomar, and Dr. Aline Najda—each a prominent atomic scientist under suspicion.

“We'll be flying the beam tonight.” [05:21]

Interactions among passengers hint at underlying tensions and possible espionage activities. Dr. Najda appears particularly anxious, hinting at potential threats.

“As a woman as well as a scientist. And like most women, my heart yearns for peace.” [12:20]

IV. Suspicious Activities Aboard (09:31 - 16:12)

Ken becomes increasingly suspicious as he discovers attempts on his life:

• Poisoned Coffee Plot: Pagon Zellschmidt, the steward, attempts to poison Ken's coffee, signaling a clear threat to his life. This leads Ken to deduce that someone aboard intends to eliminate him to secure the microfilm.

  “It smells like coffin. Maybe burned nuts of some kind.” [14:18]

• Murdered Pilot Revelation: The chief reveals that the real pilot, Bill Allen, was found murdered, casting further doubt on the authenticity of the current Captain Allen.

  “Our plane was put inside for repairs.” [26:20]

V. Unraveling the Conspiracy (16:12 - 24:25)

Ken confronts Zellschmidt, who reveals critical information about the passengers being spies. Concurrently, fundraising advertisements segue into the plot's escalation, emphasizing the high stakes involved with Formula H.

“But one of our friends out there put something in it. Poison.” [14:25]

As the plane begins to ice up due to failed de-icer systems, Ken devises a plan to land the aircraft at a deserted airfield, raising suspicions among the passengers about the sudden change in flight plans.

“I don't know about Bill Allen, but I think you could have put it on.” [18:15]

VI. Confrontation and Revelation (24:25 - 28:57)

Upon landing in Gander, Ken assembles all suspects in a private office. Through meticulous investigation, he uncovers that Sir John Saunders is the mastermind behind the plot to steal Formula H. Key pieces of evidence include a charm found near the pilot's body and inconsistencies in Saunders' behavior.

“That man wasn't Bill Allen. He was helping one of you here get some stolen microfilm out of the United States.” [21:45]

Dr. Aline Najda’s mysterious behavior and the discovery of microfilm in the alcohol tank solidify the accusations against her. The confrontation leads to a tense standoff, culminating in Ken subduing the conspirators.

“I've got to find it before we reach island.” [09:08]

VII. Resolution and Wrap-Up (28:57 - 30:23)

With the culprits apprehended, Ken reflects on the narrow escape from potential global catastrophe. The episode concludes with a teaser for the next adventure, hinting at new threats emerging from the icy slopes of the Matterhorn.

“Let's pray that it's short of war.” [28:27]

The narrator wraps up by inviting listeners to tune in for the next episode, promising more thrilling tales of mystery and espionage.

---

Notable Quotes and Attributions:

• Chief: “We can't let those plans get out of the States. Why, Ken, if they fall into the wrong hands, the whole world could go up and smoke.” [02:49]

• Ken Thurston: “They are not leaving Washington until midnight. That gives us plenty of time...” [03:34]

• Captain Bill Allen: “We have to switch planes for them. The de-icers on this one don't work, remember?” [26:23]

• Dr. Aline Najda: “I have lost.” [28:27]

• Pagon Zellschmidt: “All I know is that I was working busy in my Uncle Ahmed's elite haberdashery emporium...” [09:19]

---

Conclusion

"Flying Trip To Nowhere" masterfully intertwines suspense, espionage, and mystery, keeping listeners engaged as Ken Thurston navigates through deceit and danger to prevent a global catastrophe. With well-developed characters and a gripping plot, this episode exemplifies the essence of Old Time Radio thrillers, delivering an immersive and captivating experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

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. This week on Relic Radio Thrillers, we'll hear Brian Dunleavy as the man called actor and his story from January 8, 1952. Titled Flying Trip to Nowhere. The series debuted over CBS in 1944 and ended in May of 1952. By that time it was over NBC stations. Over 200 episodes were produced. Here's Flying Trip to Nowhere.

[Herbert Marshall]

Listen to 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. There was no warning, no presentment of impending disaster. The papers headlined the cliche of another impasse at the United Nations. Radio commentators announced a new gangland murder, the firing of a football coach. There was not the slightest hint that the entire civilized world might be in terrible danger. And then a telephone started to ring in a certain New York City apartment.

[Ken Thurston]

Hello, Ken.

[Chief]

Better get down to the bureau right away.

[Ken Thurston]

What's up, Chief?

[Chief]

Formula H.

[Ken Thurston]

I'll be right there. Sure there's no mistake, Chief?

[Agent]

Not a chance, Ken. It's Formula H all right. The key to the most destructive weapon ever conceived by man. And a set of the microfilm is missing.

[Ken Thurston]

When was the last discovered?

[Agent]

I got a call from Los Alamos 20 minutes ago.

[Ken Thurston]

Any idea who?

[Agent]

Take your choice, Kim. Sir John Saunders of England. Charles Gomar of France. Aline Najda of Belgium.

[Ken Thurston]

Good Lord.

[Agent]

Yeah. Three of the world's greatest atomic scientists. All of them cleared to work with our top men. And all of them had access to those plans.

[Ken Thurston]

What's been done about them?

[Agent]

Washington just reported on a personal security search. And no trace of the film?

[Ken Thurston]

No, that wouldn't be.

[Agent]

Well, what the devil are we going.

[Ken Thurston]

To do about it?

[Agent]

We can't let those plans get out of the States. Why, Ken, if they fall into the wrong hands, the whole world could go up and smoke.

[Ken Thurston]

Chief, weren't the three of them about to leave this country for a scientific convention in Paris?

[Agent]

That's right. They were all set to take off at midnight from Washington on a chartered plane. But don't worry about that. We'll cancel the flight and hold them in custody.

[Ken Thurston]

Why?

[Captain Bill Allen]

Why?

[Agent]

For Pete's sake, Ken, One of them's obviously using that trip as an excuse to get out of the country with those plans.

[Ken Thurston]

That's why I think we should let him go. What? Look, Chief, it's 100 to 1 that formula H is on its way out of the States right now. None of the three has the plans on him. So what are you going to accomplish by holding them in custody?

[Agent]

Well, I don't know, but we just can't let them skip the country.

[Ken Thurston]

Why not? If I go along.

[Agent]

What have you got in mind, Ken?

[Ken Thurston]

They are not leaving Washington until midnight. That gives us plenty of time to make arrangements for me to take over as co pilot on the flight. Co pilot? I'll have until we land at Shannon island to come up with something. Maybe learn which one it is or get some hint as to what's happening to that microfilm.

[Agent]

Oh, but you haven't anything to go on, Ken. Nothing to work with.

[Ken Thurston]

Got any other ideas, Chief?

[Agent]

All right, let's go.

[Captain Bill Allen]

Hi there, Mac. You looking for somebody?

[Ken Thurston]

Yeah. Captain Bill Allen. Have I found him?

[Captain Bill Allen]

Well, you couldn't have done it better with radar, pal. You must be thirsting. The new call.

[Ken Thurston]

That's right. Hope we don't mind the last minute switch.

[Captain Bill Allen]

Oh, brother. There's been nothing but switches on this flight. We're going. We're canceled. We're going again. I've even filed two flight plans. One for Shannon and one for the Savoy Bar. No, Thurston, you don't bother me a bit.

[Ken Thurston]

Well, thanks, Ellen. This our ship?

[Captain Bill Allen]

Yep. Fuel check? Cleared and ready to go as soon as our three VIPs get here.

[Ken Thurston]

Just the three of them going along?

[Captain Bill Allen]

That's right. Two of us and the steward will make a total of six. We'll be flying light, high and handsome. That's why I file non stop.

[Sir John Saunders]

Right.

[Captain Bill Allen]

Hey, looky there. Seems as if the brain tries showing up. Hey, Thurston, I thought we were carrying electronic gray beds.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Who's that?

[Captain Bill Allen]

Streamlined jet jab.

[Ken Thurston]

She must be one of them. Alan. Dr. Aline. Nashville, Belgium.

[Captain Bill Allen]

Well, don't tell me she's got all that. And brains, too. Wow. We'll be flying the beam tonight.

[Herbert Marshall]

Are you all set to go, Captain?

[Captain Bill Allen]

Just let him get aboard, sir. We'll be off.

[Chief]

Good.

[Herbert Marshall]

The plane's all ready, so if you'll all get aboard.

[Agent]

Dr. Nasdaq.

[Captain Bill Allen]

Here, let me help you with that bag, Ms. Nesda.

[Dr. Aline Najda]

Well, thank you, Captain.

[Captain Bill Allen]

Oh, think nothing of it, ma' am. Nothing at all. Oh, you button up after we're all aboard, will you, Thurston? I'll see our passengers and they come short.

[Sir John Saunders]

Passengers, did he say, that's a relief. For a moment I thought Dr. Nashley was the only one traveling tonight. So you were bored, Mr. Thurston, you.

[Professor Charles Gomar]

Are certain that this plane is capable of making the journey? Monsieur Thurston, it does not seem very large or very strong.

[Ken Thurston]

No need to be concerned, Professor Gomar. We'll make it easily. Perhaps.

[Professor Charles Gomar]

Perhaps. Still, it is such a long voyage. And over water so much of the way. A boat would be so much safer, so much more. Oh, well, it is too late for that now. As you say, the die is now cast. It has no cast.

[Agent]

Everything all right, Ken?

[Ken Thurston]

Okay here, Chief. What about you?

[Agent]

Oh, they've been under constant surveillance. I'll guarantee not one of them is carrying the plans aboard.

[Ken Thurston]

What about Alan?

[Agent]

He's been checked. Not a thing on record against him. You're going on a wild goose chase, Ken. You haven't got a prayer of turning anything up. Why don't I take them all into custody before it's too late?

[Ken Thurston]

If I can't turn anything up, it's already too late, Chief. I'll let you know how I come out. See you later.

[Agent]

Come on, Ken.

[Captain Bill Allen]

NC6X943 to tower. Ready for takeoff or how do you make the altitude, Thurston?

[Ken Thurston]

10,001, course 070 degrees.

[Captain Bill Allen]

Well, check and triple check. It's all a known house, the man says. Nothing to do but relax from now on, eh?

[Ken Thurston]

Yeah. Suppose I go out, check on the passengers and have the steward rustle up some coffee.

[Captain Bill Allen]

Yeah, you do that, Thurston. Only don't you get lost on the way. I'm reserving hand holding privileges with that beautiful hunk of atomic fishing for yours truly.

[Ken Thurston]

I little know, Alan.

[Captain Bill Allen]

You just do that, Thurston. You just do that.

[Sir John Saunders]

Nice take off, Mr. Thurston. If the rest of the trip is as pleasant, I'll be more than satisfied.

[Ken Thurston]

Thanks, Sir John. We'll try to keep you that way.

[Sir John Saunders]

By the way, do you happen to have the time?

[Ken Thurston]

It's 12.35.

[Captain Bill Allen]

Thank you.

[Ken Thurston]

Everything all right, Dr. Najda?

[Dr. Aline Najda]

Oh, it is indeed, Mr. Thurston, with but one exception.

[Ken Thurston]

Oh, what's that?

[Dr. Aline Najda]

Well, traveling by airplane always stimulates me. And as I do not feel the least bit sleepy, I. I am certain that some coffee could do me no harm.

[Ken Thurston]

You have it, Doctor. I'm going back to light a fire under the steward now.

[Professor Charles Gomar]

Monsieur Thurston. Monsieur Thurston, some attention, please.

[Ken Thurston]

What's the trouble, Professor Gomer?

[Professor Charles Gomar]

That Captain Allen, he did not do as I wished. I told him I wanted my briefcase here on the seat beside me, and he has put it up there, but I cannot easily reach it.

[Ken Thurston]

Well, that's a simple matter, Professor.

[Professor Charles Gomar]

I have important notes, you understand. If anything should happen to the plane, perhaps I might be able to save them.

[Ken Thurston]

I wouldn't worry about it, Professor. You'll be in Paris before you know it. Hello. Pig out.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Boy, am I ever glad to see you, Mr. X. I've been sitting back here cooped up in this coup waiting for you to show what's going on here anyways?

[Ken Thurston]

Didn't the Chief tell you?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

And nobody tells me nothing. All I know is that I was working busy in my Uncle Ahmed's elite haberdashery emporium and this Bureau agent walks in right in the middle of a 400 spade hand with double pinnacle besides.

[Ken Thurston]

Then you didn't see the chief?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

He took me out of this airplane. I didn't see nobody. And he told me to stay in here until I heard from you. Believe me, I would have walked right off this thing if I didn't figure you wanted my invaluable services. And don't forget, we were playing double in space.

[Ken Thurston]

Hagon. Somebody on board this plane has got some missing microfilm or knows where it is. I've got to find it before we reach island. And you're going to help me?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Oh sure. Well, what do you want me to do?

[Ken Thurston]

Hang around the passengers? Drop a few remarks about scientific secrets, H bombs Microflow. Let them know you've got a few friends behind the Iron Curtain.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

The cinch. Then what?

[Ken Thurston]

That's all?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

That's all.

[Ken Thurston]

It'll be enough to start putting the pressure on. I'll handle the rest of it. Wait a minute. Something you wanted, Sir John?

[Captain Bill Allen]

I.

[Sir John Saunders]

As a matter of fact there is, Mr. Thorson.

[Captain Bill Allen]

That.

[Sir John Saunders]

That coffee you spoke about.

[Ken Thurston]

The steward will have it ready in a minute. Anything else?

[Sir John Saunders]

Yes. Captain Allen asked me to get you. He'd like to see you up forward.

[Ken Thurston]

Thanks for your trouble, Sir John.

[Sir John Saunders]

Perfectly all right, Mr. Thorson.

[Captain Bill Allen]

Perfectly all right.

[Ken Thurston]

You wanted to see me anon?

[Captain Bill Allen]

Not nearly as much as I want to see Miss Nuclear Fishing in 1951. And 2 and 3. Why don't you take over here and I'll take over there?

[Ken Thurston]

Fair enough, Bill.

[Captain Bill Allen]

Oh, and you might bend your ears around that radio headset. Some friend of yours in Washington wants to yakety yak with you for a while.

[Ken Thurston]

Oh, thanks.

[Captain Bill Allen]

Yeah. Now you just keep your Geiger counters handy. Chilling. Daddy's gonna be radioactive tonight.

[Ken Thurston]

NC6X943 Thurston calling Washington 3 7. NC6X943 ThurSTON calling Washington 3 7. Come in please.

[Chief]

Hello, Ken. All clear?

[Ken Thurston]

All clear, Chief. Talk up, Ken.

[Chief]

You're in trouble. There's something awfully wrong aboard that plane.

[Ken Thurston]

That's not news, Chief.

[Chief]

Well, this is. The Washington police found a dead man a couple of hours ago. Murdered. They just got a positive identification on him.

[Ken Thurston]

What about it?

[Chief]

He was an airplane pilot with the name of Bill Allen.

[Ken Thurston]

Come here.

[Dr. Aline Najda]

May I have a word with you in private, Mr. Thurston?

[Ken Thurston]

Of course. I got the measure. Please come in.

[Dr. Aline Najda]

Thank you. I wanted to speak with you about the steward, Mr. Thurston.

[Ken Thurston]

Zell Schmidt. What about him?

[Dr. Aline Najda]

He was talking to Charles Gomar a little while ago. Using your name quite frequently. If I am not mistaken, he was linking it with a certain letter of the Alphabet.

[Ken Thurston]

Is that supposed to mean something to me?

[Dr. Aline Najda]

I would not know, Mr. Thurston.

[Ken Thurston]

Well, then why tell me about it?

[Dr. Aline Najda]

Perhaps. Perhaps it is because I am a woman as well as a scientist. And like most women, my heart yearns for peace. Thank you for your time, Mr. Thurston. I hope I have not wasted it for you.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Hello, Mr. Thurston. Coffee time.

[Ken Thurston]

Come in here, you idiot. And close that door.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Oh, sure. Happy to oblige any old airplane pilot. Any old time.

[Ken Thurston]

Now, I had a visit from Dr. Najda a little while ago. Pega. She told me you would up your old tricks again.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Well, once the salmon always leave him laughing, you know. Well, here you are, Mr. X.

[Ken Thurston]

Did you learn anything out there?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Did I learn anything? Believe me, I learned plenty. You know, that smells so good, I think I'll have a cup myself.

[Ken Thurston]

Come on, let's have it.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Well, don't breathe the door show, Mr. X. But those three jokers out there, they're all spies.

[Ken Thurston]

What?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

That's right. I heard them telling that Captain Allen all about it. All three of them were in that atom bomb place down in New Mexico. And you know, nobody but spies can get in there. Oh, well, let's taste this good old Java, huh? Mr. X, there's mud in your eyes.

[Ken Thurston]

Drop that coffee.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Hey, what's the big idea knocking that coffee out of my hand? I'm dying for a drink of that stuff.

[Ken Thurston]

You almost were dying for effect, huh? Yeah. Smell this coffee.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

So what? It smells like coffin. Maybe burned nuts of some kind.

[Ken Thurston]

Yeah, bitter almonds.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But I didn't put any nuts in that coffee.

[Ken Thurston]

No, but one of our friends out there put something in it. Poison.

[Herbert Marshall]

We'll return to the man called X in just a moment. The blood plasma reserved for the fighting men in Korea is exhausted. Unaccountably, donations have decreased sharply in the last few months. Now this condition must not continue. The lives of our loved ones must not be lost needlessly. Our soldiers in Korea are giving their blood for their buddies. Can we do less? Call your local headquarters of the American Red Cross now. Make an appointment this week to give just a pint of your blood to save a life. And now, Act 2 of the Man Called X. Starring Herbert Marshall. With Leon Belasco as Pagon Zeld Schmidt. It is known simply as Formula H. And yet it holds the key to the most powerful, the most terrifying weapon ever conceived by man. And a microfilm set of the plans is suddenly discovered to be missing. Ken Thurston, acting as co pilot, is aboard a transatlantic plane chartered by three international atomic scientists, all under equal suspicion of having stolen the missing plants. And now, in the pilot's compartment, Ken has just become aware of an attempt to kill him with poison coffee.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Poison?

[Ken Thurston]

That's right, Pago.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But. But who? But why?

[Captain Bill Allen]

Oh, but what?

[Ken Thurston]

Take your pick. Four to choose from. Four? Our pilot, he's a phony. The real Bill Allen was found a couple of hours ago by the Washington police, murdered.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Oh, we gotta get out of here. We gotta get out.

[Ken Thurston]

Oh, sure, go right ahead.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Sure, why not? We can. We do.

[Ken Thurston]

Yeah, but.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But we're stuck up here in the middle of nothing with somebody who wants to mop us out. What do we do, Mr. Thierson?

[Professor Charles Gomar]

What can we do?

[Ken Thurston]

I don't think we'll have much to say about it. Huh? Listen. Listen to those engines. The ship's beginning to ice up.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

What are you talking about, ice?

[Captain Bill Allen]

There's plenty warp in here.

[Ken Thurston]

Take a look at those wings. The ice is piling up fast. Another 30 minutes of that and we'll spin down out of control.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Ice, missing plans, poison coffee. That puts us right between the devil.

[Captain Bill Allen]

Wow, Pelosi, it sounds like our butt parts are playing knock, knock.

[Ken Thurston]

What?

[Captain Bill Allen]

Gears out there.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Ice.

[Ken Thurston]

That's right. Building up fast.

[Captain Bill Allen]

Well, that lovely whistleblowing Najda ain't the only de icer we got aboard.

[Ken Thurston]

I switched on the deices half an hour ago. Something's wrong with them. They're not working.

[Captain Bill Allen]

Well, now that's a revolting thought. You got any suggestions?

[Ken Thurston]

There's an old deserted landing field this side of Gander, Newfoundland. The ferry in command used it during the war. And there's just a prayer we can make it.

[Captain Bill Allen]

Fair enough. I'll let our paying passengers in on the scoop, then come back and help you set it down. I got a hunch, though, that somebody Aboard this flying chemistry class ain't gonna like the change of plans.

[Ken Thurston]

You know, Ellen, or whatever your name is. I was just thinking the same thing.

[Captain Bill Allen]

Nice flying thirst. Bill Allen couldn't have done better himself.

[Ken Thurston]

I don't know about Bill Allen, but I think you could have put it on.

[Captain Bill Allen]

That friend of yours back in Washington. Tipped you off to the switch.

[Ken Thurston]

That's right. Well, well.

[Captain Bill Allen]

Now you can't chew out a guy for helping out a pal in a jam.

[Ken Thurston]

What kind of jam?

[Captain Bill Allen]

Too much elbow bending. When this flight was canceled the first time he made for the Savoy Bar, he wasn't in no fitting condition when it was scheduled again, so I took over.

[Ken Thurston]

It won't wash. Alan's dead. Murdered.

[Captain Bill Allen]

Are you leveling Thurston?

[Ken Thurston]

Yeah.

[Captain Bill Allen]

Well then, I tell you what. Let's take care of the paying freight while I think it over. Whether ought to clear in a couple hours and a. Could be. I'll have something. Something mighty interesting to talk over with you by then.

[Professor Charles Gomar]

Hey, I. I knew that some disaster would overtake us upon this trip. Did I not say so? Misery, did I not?

[Sir John Saunders]

Oh, it's not as bad as all that, Gomar. Can't you look upon it as an adventurer's lark?

[Professor Charles Gomar]

I do not care for adventure in an ice bound wilderness, Sir John. Only in a safe passage back to Paris. What is to be done now, Monsieur Thurston, I ask of you.

[Ken Thurston]

As soon as the steward and Captain Allen secure the plane, we'll head for that shelter hut at the end of the Runway. You can light a fire and be comfortable in there until the weather clears.

[Dr. Aline Najda]

Now those are pleasing words, Mr. Thurston. What is more inviting than a roaring fire and God good company while a storm rages outside?

[Professor Charles Gomar]

Yes, very well, very well. If we have no alternative, let us be about to do.

[Sir John Saunders]

Ellen and I will go with him. Thurston, we'll have the fire going by the time you get there.

[Ken Thurston]

Thanks, Sir John.

[Sir John Saunders]

Oh, by the way, do you have the time?

[Ken Thurston]

Yeah, it's 7:15.

[Sir John Saunders]

Thank you. One of the penalties of exacting scientific research seems to be a nervous stomach and pills have to be taken on schedule. Come along, Ali, my dear. See you later, Thurston.

[Ken Thurston]

Yeah.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Well, I got the sandwiches and the hot drinks, Mr. X. A tea that is so. Let's take a powder for that ramshack over there.

[Ken Thurston]

Where's Alan?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

I haven't seen him. I guess he's still on board the airplane somewhere. Ah, but who cares?

[Ken Thurston]

I think we'd better care. Pago. Come on.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Hey, it's Cold on that board of that plane.

[Ken Thurston]

It'll be a lot colder here if he takes off without us, huh?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Now, how would he do that?

[Ken Thurston]

We still haven't found the missing plans. And they're more than worth a gamble with a little ice.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Mr. X. He's not here.

[Ken Thurston]

He's got to be. Let's try the office.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Mr. X.

[Ken Thurston]

Yes.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But who. How?

[Ken Thurston]

This time the coffee gag worked. Pago poison.

[Dr. Aline Najda]

Captain Allen poisoned. But it does not make any sense, Mr. Thurston.

[Ken Thurston]

It makes plenty of sense to one of you here. Dr. Najda.

[Sir John Saunders]

I'm not certain that I understand, Thurston.

[Ken Thurston]

That man wasn't Bill Allen. He was helping one of you get some stolen microfilm out of the United States.

[Professor Charles Gomar]

What kind of nonsense is this? Monsieur Thurston, we are scientists of international repute. It is ridiculous to accuse one of us of stealing formula H. I didn't.

[Ken Thurston]

Know I'd mentioned what formula was missing.

[Professor Charles Gomar]

Perhaps you did not. But this kind of accusation, the inquiry and searching back in Washington, I. But drew the natural conclusion.

[Ken Thurston]

Yeah.

[Sir John Saunders]

You know, Thurston, I'm almost convinced that Gomar is right. This pilot of ours was a confederate in stolen microfilm. Why would he have been killed?

[Dr. Aline Najda]

There can only be one answer, Sir John. To prevent him from telling what he knows.

[Ken Thurston]

Is that guesswork, Doctor? Nausea? Or knowledge?

[Dr. Aline Najda]

Why can't we term it? Fundamental deduction, Mr. Thurston.

[Ken Thurston]

Maybe we would if it wasn't for this.

[Sir John Saunders]

Now, what in the world would that be?

[Ken Thurston]

A charm from a lady's bracelet, Sir John. I found it on the floor of the plane under the pilot's body.

[Sir John Saunders]

Well, I presume you have some explanation for that, Aline, my dear.

[Dr. Aline Najda]

Well, of course. The simple truth.

[Ken Thurston]

And that is?

[Dr. Aline Najda]

Well, I noticed that charm was missing from my bracelet hours ago. I must have lost it aboard the plane and someone else picked it up. For what purpose is now rather obvious.

[Professor Charles Gomar]

The only thing obvious about all this, Mamzel, is the identity of the guilty party.

[Ken Thurston]

Suppose we let the Newfoundland authorities decide about that, Professor.

[Professor Charles Gomar]

But while she is free, all our lives are in danger.

[Ken Thurston]

They won't be for long. The weather's starting to clear now. Another hour and we'll wind up this little affair in the town of gander.

[Chief]

Gander calling MC6X943. Thurston. Gander calling NC6X943. Thurston, can you read me? Come in, please. Over.

[Ken Thurston]

Read you loud and clear, Chief. Glad to hear you got the gander all right.

[Chief]

Sure, that army jet got me here in plenty of Time. But what's been holding you up? According to our plan, I expected you here hours ago.

[Ken Thurston]

Had a little trouble, Chief. Ice murder.

[Chief]

What?

[Ken Thurston]

Auto land in about 30 minutes now. Have a private office ready for us. I'll tell you all about it. Then.

[Herbert Marshall]

Here's the office, Ken.

[Agent]

You want everybody in to talk things over?

[Ken Thurston]

It'll be simpler that way, Chief. Will you all step inside, please?

[Sir John Saunders]

Certainly. Care to oblige those?

[Professor Charles Gomar]

I am sorry, monsieur, but I cannot say the same. All this officiousness, this delay. It's inexcusable.

[Dr. Aline Najda]

Why should you object, Professor Gomar? After all, I am the one who is suspect at the moment. Come along.

[Professor Charles Gomar]

Very well, very well.

[Herbert Marshall]

You want to take over, Ken?

[Ken Thurston]

If you don't mind, Chief. Won't take long. You all know. Well, you know by now why we're here. One of you suspected of espionage, of having stolen top secret microfilm. Microfilm of Formula H. Then Gomar's guess was right, Thurston? If it was a guess, Sir John.

[Professor Charles Gomar]

I told you, I. But drew a natural conclusion, monsieur.

[Ken Thurston]

So you did. And Dr. Najda told us she was innocent of the pilot's murder. Now I'm wondering what Sir John has to say.

[Sir John Saunders]

What I have to Say what? About, Mr. Thurston?

[Ken Thurston]

About your stomach pills. Your wristwatch.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

What?

[Ken Thurston]

A poisoned pellet can easily be disguised as an innocent pill. And I'm curious as to why a man who's wearing a watch is always asking the time.

[Sir John Saunders]

I don't know what you're driving at, Thurston. Is there anything unusual about a man's watch stopping?

[Ken Thurston]

Not unless there's a microphone concealed in the case that's caused it to stop.

[Agent]

Microfilm, Ken.

[Ken Thurston]

I told you I'd wind things up in Gamba. Chief, you better take him away.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Well, I guess we put the wraps on this one. All right, Mr. X. I knew all the time it was that Sir John Saunders joker.

[Ken Thurston]

Oh, sure, sure.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

It was as plain as my nose. Hey, hey, what are we stopping at the airplane garage for?

[Ken Thurston]

Our plane was put inside for repairs.

[Captain Bill Allen]

What?

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But I thought Professor Gomar and that Aline Najda were taking off for Paris.

[Ken Thurston]

In a little while they are. We have to switch planes for them. The de icers on this one don't work, remember?

[Professor Charles Gomar]

Well, sure, sure, sure.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Hey, it's dark in here, Mr. X. Why don't we turn on light or something?

[Ken Thurston]

It's large enough for our purpose.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Oh, that's right. Yeah, it's. Hey, what is our purpose anyway?

[Ken Thurston]

Keep quiet. I'll show you.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But but, Mr. X.

[Ken Thurston]

Quiet.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But we've. We've come to the end of this place. There's no plane in here.

[Ken Thurston]

The hanger's divided into two sections. It's in the next one, through this door. There it is. Big one.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Mr. X. Look. Yeah, but what's going on there with that plate?

[Ken Thurston]

The plate covering the alcohol tank being removed.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

What alcohol tank?

[Ken Thurston]

The one used to fuel the deices.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

Hey, where's the alcohol?

[Ken Thurston]

That's why the de icers didn't work. There's something else being taken out of that tank.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

You see it, Mr. X? That's. That's it.

[Ken Thurston]

Yeah. I'll take that, if you don't mind. Aline. The microfilm, Aline.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But.

[Dr. Aline Najda]

But it was Sir John. That is. Well, I thought you. So it was a trap.

[Ken Thurston]

That's right. We had to get proof, so Sir John played along with us. You had to feel safe enough to walk into it.

[Dr. Aline Najda]

I see.

[Pagon Zellschmidt]

But. But the microfilm on the tank. How'd you know about that?

[Ken Thurston]

It figured, Pago. She had to get it out of the country some way. The pilot was working with her. And the de icers didn't work.

[Dr. Aline Najda]

You know you are not going to walk out of here alive, don't you, Mr. Thurston?

[Ken Thurston]

Mr. X. Oh, put that thing away. The chief's got to hang us around and you're all through.

[Dr. Aline Najda]

For the time being. I have lost.

[Ken Thurston]

You lost a long time ago, Aline. When you decided you try to help destroy the world. Well, someday we'll find a remedy for what's wrong with you and a lot of people like you. We've got to find it. Let's pray that it's short of war.

[Herbert Marshall]

And now, here is our star, Mr. Herbert Marshall.

[Ken Thurston]

Thanks for being with us. And my thanks to Lucille Meredith, Will Wright, Daniel Hurley, Howard McNear and Stacy Harris. Next week. Well, who would dream that the icy slopes of the Matterhorn would hold the key to one of the most disruptive forces at work in the world today? And no, no, I don't mean Leon Belasco. But he'll be along on the trip to Switzerland as Pagon Zellschmidt. So join us, won't you, when next I return as the Man Called X. Good night.

[Herbert Marshall]

A MAN Called X, starring Herbert Marshall is a J. Richard Kennedy production with music by Milton Charles. Tonight's story was written by Sidney Marshall. This program is directed by Jack Johnstone. All characters and incidents on this program are fictitious and any resemblance to actual characters or incidents is purely coincidental. And now, until next week, same time and station. This is Hal Gipney saying good night for the Man Called X. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.

[Narrator]

There's more from the Man Called X, Relic Radio Thrillers and all of the podcasts@ Relicradio.com our shoutcast stream is 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 us out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. Your support makes all of this possible. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining the this week. I'll be back tomorrow with the Horror next Friday with our next episode of Relic Radio Thrillers.