I Won’t Die Alone by The Mysterious Traveler

Summary

Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Relic Radio Thrillers (Old Time Radio)
Episode: "I Won’t Die Alone" by The Mysterious Traveler
Release Date: December 12, 2025

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Overview: Main Theme & Purpose

"I Won’t Die Alone" is a classic Old Time Radio crime drama originally aired as part of The Mysterious Traveler series. The story plunges listeners into the world of criminal betrayal, greed, and vengeance. It follows the dark tale of two bank robbers, Steve Martin and Chuck Williams, whose partnership unravels after a heist, leading to years of pursuit, revenge, and a chilling, ironic twist of fate. The episode delves into themes of loyalty, retribution, the corrupting power of money, and the ultimate futility of crime.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Bank Heist and Betrayal

[01:26]

• Steve Martin and Chuck Williams flee after robbing the Third National Bank of Lewisburg.
• Police alerts go out. Chuck, panicked, wants to escape on his own.
• Chuck convinces Steve to let him out, offering Steve his share. Steve reluctantly agrees, sending Chuck towards a possible escape while he continues the high-speed flight.

Notable Quote:

• Steve Martin: "You gotta keep driving. It's our only chance." [03:24]
• Chuck Williams: "You gotta get me out of this, Steve." [03:36]

2. Aftermath: The Money Goes Missing

[04:53]

• Chuck meets with Flo Duval, a close associate, and discovers Steve has been captured but the money was never found.
• Suspicion arises: Steve must have hidden the loot before being caught.

Notable Quote:

• Flo Duval: "Steve's too smart to risk being caught and having all that dough taken away from him." [05:56]

3. Seventeen Years Later: A New Life and Old Grudges

[07:42]-[08:55]

• Chuck, having built a new life through black market deals, is wealthy and married to Flo.
• News arrives that Steve is being released from prison after 17 years.

Notable Quotes:

• Mysterious Traveler (narration): "Seventeen years passed...with the passing of time, Steve Martin became just a memory to Chuck Williams and Flo Duval." [07:42]
• Chuck Williams: "I've always gotten what I wanted in the end." [07:16]

4. The Hunt for the Lost Money

[09:59]-[13:14]

• Chuck insists on visiting Steve upon his release, under the guise of friendship but with the real aim of tracking down the money.
• Steve, worn by prison, is reluctant but eventually accepts Chuck’s hospitality.

Notable Quotes:

• Chuck Williams: "To be exact. 254 grand." [09:11]
• Flo Duval: "Leave Steve alone. That money, by rights, is his. He paid 17 years for it." [09:26]

5. Steve’s Return to West Virginia: Surveillance and Tension

[13:14]-[16:35]

• Steve returns to his inherited farmhouse in West Virginia; Chuck orders his men to discreetly follow him, convinced that Steve will lead them to the loot.
• Extensive surveillance yields no results—Steve lives a simple, solitary life.

Notable Quote:

• Felix: "All he does is fish and read." [15:25]
• Chuck Williams: "Nothing ever goes right unless I'm running this show." [15:43]

6. Confrontation and Violence in the Farmhouse

[17:15]-[18:45]

• Chuck finally loses patience and confronts Steve with his henchman, Felix.
• They beat Steve brutally to extract the money’s location.

Notable Quotes:

• Chuck Williams: "Before we're through with him, he'll be begging to tell us what he knows." [17:30]
• Felix (after the beating): "He's already got a couple of busted ribs...that beating around the head didn't help him." [19:18]

7. The Secret Revealed: Devil’s Caverns and Ironic Fate

[20:00]-[26:38]

• Under duress, Steve agrees to take Chuck (alone) to the location: the Devil’s Caverns, a vast and labyrinthine series of caves.
• Inside, Steve produces the suitcase full of money, but reveals the cruel twist—all the bills are outdated, unredeemable Gold Certificates, worthless since 1933.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Martin: "All those bills are goldbacks...you try passing any of that dough and you'll end up doing time." [24:29]
• Chuck Williams: "You known all along that doe was no good." [24:46]

8. Final Vengeance: Moral and Literal Isolation

[25:05]-[26:38]

• Steve reveals the final blow: he's dying, with only three months to live, and has chosen to die in the cave, taking Chuck with him so Chuck "won't die alone."
• Chuck is left to die, lost and desperate in the caves.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Martin: "So I've decided to die here with you as company." [25:41]
• Steve Martin: "You plead with me to lead you out of here… you'll go wandering from one cavern to another, and then in the end, you'll probably wander back here to find me dead." [26:19]
• Chuck Williams: (desperately) "Get me out of here, Steve!" [26:04]

9. Epilogue: The Mysterious Traveler

[27:36]

• The host returns, summarizing Chuck’s fate. His body is found clutching worthless bills, having gone mad, underscoring the story's dark irony.

Notable Quote:

• Mysterious Traveler: "Seems Chuck had wandered from cavern to cavern without being able to find his way out. Evidently, he'd gone mad in his last hours before he was found, with his pockets stuffed full of bills, goldbacks." [27:44]

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Memorable Moments & Quotes with Timestamps

• Steve's resignation to fate: "Okay, then, we'll be dead pigeons." [03:33]
• Flo’s cold assessment: "You haven't got brain, muscle or dough. What's the attraction?" [07:06]
• Chuck's obsession: "I always get what I go after." [09:33]
• Futile greed: "You mean that dough is no good?" [24:38]
• Iron revenge: "So I've decided to die here with you as company." [25:41]
• Descent into madness: Chuck's final, desperate cries in the darkness. [26:33-27:04]

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Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:55: Title & opening by The Mysterious Traveler
• 01:26–04:34: The crime, chase, and original betrayal
• 04:53–07:42: The consequences and missing money
• 07:42–08:56: Time skip: Chuck’s rise and Steve’s imprisonment
• 09:59–13:14: Steve’s release, Chuck’s plot resumes
• 13:14–16:35: Steve's move to West Virginia, Chuck's surveillance
• 17:15–18:45: Confrontation and violence
• 20:00–24:11: The journey to Devil’s Caverns, discovery of the money
• 25:05–26:38: Steve’s final act and Chuck’s doom
• 27:36: Epilogue and moral summary by the Mysterious Traveler

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Tone and Atmosphere

The tone is tense, gritty, and cynical—classic for postwar radio noir, laced with fatalistic humor, hardboiled dialogue, and a chilling sense of inevitable doom.

Sample Tone:

• Steve Martin (quiet threat): "There's something else I didn’t tell you… I got out because the doctor said I was gonna die in three months." [25:30]
• Chuck Williams (desperate): "I'll give you a hundred Gs… two hundred Gs if you get me out of here." [26:06]

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Conclusion

"I Won’t Die Alone" delivers a masterfully woven tale of treachery and poetic justice. The episode stands as a gripping moral parable: the fruit of crime rots the hands that seek it, and vengeance, when nursed for decades, turns deadly and bleakly ironic. Filled with pulpy dialogue, sharp twists, and a true sense of creeping dread, this episode represents Old Time Radio suspense at its best.

Recommended for fans of classic noir, tales of revenge, and anyone who loves a story where just deserts are served, icy cold.

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. This is Relic Radio Thrillers. Thanks for joining me this Friday. We'll hear from the Mysterious Traveler this week. A mutual series of over 300 episodes that aired between December of 1943 and September of 1952. Our story today is titled I Won't Die Alone.

[Narrator]

Mutual presents the Mysterious Traveler.

[Mysterious Traveler]

This is the Mysterious Traveler inviting you.

[Narrator]

To join me on another journey into.

[Mysterious Traveler]

The realm of the strange and the terrifying.

[Narrator]

I hope you will enjoy the trip.

[Mysterious Traveler]

And it will thrill you a little.

[Narrator]

And chill you a little. So settle back, get a good grip.

[Mysterious Traveler]

On your nerves and be comfortable if you can, as you hear the story.

[Chuck Williams]

I call.

[Mysterious Traveler]

I Won't Die Alone. Our story begins in 1931. Two young men are speeding along in a car on a lonely West Virginia Road at 70 miles an hour. There's a tight, tense look on the face of the driver, Steve Martin, as he takes the curves on the road without slowing down, his companion, Chuck Williams, wipes the perspiration from his face with trembling hands. He turns and watches the road behind fearfully now and then, glancing at Steve's face for reassurance.

[Steve Martin]

Turn on the radio, Chuck. Let's see if they got an alarm out yet.

[Chuck Williams]

Yeah, okay. What do you think our chances are, Steve? Hard to say.

[Steve Martin]

All depends on how fast the cops spread the word.

[Chuck Williams]

The two men robbed the Third national bank of Lewisburg of over a quarter of a million dollars shortly before closing time. Word has just been received that the two bank robbers are now driving east on Highway 6B towards the Allegheny Mountains.

[Steve Martin]

That's not good.

[Chuck Williams]

State Police Car 9, take up position at junction of Highway 11A and River Road.

[Steve Martin]

They're moving fast.

[Chuck Williams]

Police Car 10, take up position at junction of highway 3 and highway 6B. Steve, Highway 6B. We're on it. Yeah. That is all. Stand by for further orders. Steve, you gotta turn back. We're headed for a trap.

[Steve Martin]

Take it easy, will ya? There's still a chance. 20 miles ahead there's a small dirt road that'll detour us right around them.

[Chuck Williams]

20 miles will never make it. Steve, isn't there any other road we can turn off on?

[Mysterious Traveler]

No.

[Chuck Williams]

Are you sure?

[Steve Martin]

I was born in these parts. I know every inch of the country.

[Chuck Williams]

Steve, let's ditch the car and cut toward the mountains. On foot?

[Steve Martin]

Are you crazy? It's 40 miles to the mountains. We'd never make it. Walking we gotta keep driving. It's our only chance.

[Chuck Williams]

We'll run right into that trap. I tell you, they'll be waiting with Tommy guns. We'll be dead pigeons.

[Steve Martin]

Okay, then, we'll be dead pigeons.

[Chuck Williams]

I give up my share to hall right now to be out of this. You gotta get me out of this, Steve.

[Steve Martin]

You gotta.

[Chuck Williams]

Shut up. Look, Steve, if you were to let me out of the car and keep on going yourself, I might be able to get away. The cops would be so busy chasing you, I'd be able to give them the slip.

[Steve Martin]

You lousy rat.

[Chuck Williams]

Now, look at it my way, Steve. There ain't no use both our getting caught. That don't make sense.

[Steve Martin]

You're great when it comes to sharing.

[Narrator]

The dough, but when the heat's on, you want out.

[Chuck Williams]

Yeah, but. But I'm willing to pay for. You can keep my share at a bank corner. That's fair enough, ain't it, huh?

[Steve Martin]

Lot of good that dough'll do me if I get caught. But I'm sick of hearing you whine. All right, it's a deal. If I get through, the dough's all mine. If I don't, well, I don't.

[Chuck Williams]

Thanks, Steve. Thanks. I'll never forget this. Come on, get out. Hey, which. Which way do I go, Steve?

[Steve Martin]

Head across the fields until you hit a small stream.

[Narrator]

Then head upstream for about six miles. There's a railroad water tower there.

[Steve Martin]

You ought to be able to hop a freight.

[Chuck Williams]

Thanks, Steve. I'll be seeing you.

[Steve Martin]

Yeah. So long.

[Chuck Williams]

Ch. Hello?

[Flo Duval]

Hello.

[Chuck Williams]

Where are you?

[Flo Duval]

Here, Chuck. Wondering why he'd show up. See for the paper they got Steve.

[Chuck Williams]

Yeah. Let me see that paper. Says here they caught him Yesterday afternoon at 5. An hour after I left him.

[Flo Duval]

What'd you do, run out on him?

[Chuck Williams]

No, I didn't run out on him. I just played it smart. What are you looking at me like that for? There was no sense in both our being caught, was there?

[Flo Duval]

No, I guess not. Where's the dough?

[Chuck Williams]

What dough?

[Flo Duval]

The 254 grand you got in the bank job.

[Chuck Williams]

Steve had the dough.

[Flo Duval]

What? Look what it says there in the paper. Go ahead, read it.

[Chuck Williams]

Martin, when captured, told police he knew nothing about the stolen bank money. Police believe that Martin's unknown companion escaped with the loot. But I didn't fly. Didn't Steve had that doe when I left him.

[Flo Duval]

Then why didn't the police find it when they caught him?

[Chuck Williams]

There's only one answer. Steve stopped and hid the doe someplace before they got him.

[Flo Duval]

Yeah, that must be it. Steve's too smart to risk being caught and having all that dough taken away from him. Poor guy. They'll probably throw the book at him.

[Chuck Williams]

Where have you been so long? Why? What happened at the trial?

[Flo Duval]

They give him 25 years.

[Chuck Williams]

25 years? How did he take it?

[Flo Duval]

He didn't bat an eye.

[Chuck Williams]

Maybe he'll think things over and squeal on him.

[Flo Duval]

Oh, stop sniffling, will you? He isn't the kind of a guy to do anything like that.

[Steve Martin]

Yeah, sure.

[Chuck Williams]

Why should he want to squeal on me? Besides, if he did, the cops would find out that I didn't have the bank though that it's stable. Got it? He wouldn't want that to happen. Sure. Why? With good behavior he'll be out in 18 or 19 years. Then he'll have all that dough head.

[Flo Duval]

I'd rather have the 18 or 19 years than the dough. Well, so nice knowing you, Chuck.

[Chuck Williams]

Wait a minute, Flo. Don't go.

[Flo Duval]

What?

[Chuck Williams]

Why not stick around? We'd make a good team. We don't need Steve.

[Flo Duval]

We don't, huh? And just what would I get sticking around? You haven't got brain, muscle or dough. What's the attraction?

[Chuck Williams]

Listen, Flo, stick with me and I'll get dough. I've always gotten what I wanted in the end.

[Flo Duval]

Without Steve, you haven't got a chance. He had all the brains, all the guts.

[Chuck Williams]

Yeah, and where did it get him? You notice I ain't behind bars and I'll get that big doe yet.

[Flo Duval]

Three cheers. When you do, look me up.

[Mysterious Traveler]

Seventeen years passed. Seventeen years in which earth shaking events took place. With the passing of time, Steve Martin became just a memory to Chuck Williams and Flo duval. During the 30s, Chuck struggled desperately to make money in a half dozen petty rackets, but failed miserably. However, with the coming of the war, his luck changed. And in the years that followed, he thrived on the black market. And with his newfound wealth, he was able to win. Flo du Papa 1948 found Chuck Williams a happy, prosperous citizen without a care in the world.

[Chuck Williams]

How many times have I told you to knock before you come into this office?

[Flo Duval]

Look, Napoleon, save that big shot stuff for your stooges.

[Chuck Williams]

Same old flow, I guess. That's what I like about you, baby.

[Flo Duval]

Yeah, I'll bet. Well, you've got that superior look on your face again. Who are you planning to knife now?

[Chuck Williams]

Just got word that our old pal Steve is getting out of prison tomorrow.

[Flo Duval]

Steve Martin.

[Chuck Williams]

One and only. Been 17 years now. It's a long time.

[Flo Duval]

Yeah.

[Chuck Williams]

Think I'll Drive down to the prison. Be there when Steve gets out.

[Flo Duval]

What for? You haven't bothered to write or visit him since the day he was sent up.

[Chuck Williams]

I know, but as a matter of unfinished business between the two of us.

[Flo Duval]

Unfinished business?

[Chuck Williams]

Yeah, to be exact. 254 grand.

[Flo Duval]

You mean you're going after that dough that Steve has stashed away?

[Chuck Williams]

That's just what I mean.

[Flo Duval]

But you gave up your share of that bank dough the day you and Steve separated.

[Chuck Williams]

Man can always change his mind, Chuck.

[Flo Duval]

Leave Steve alone. That money, by rights, is his. He paid 17 years for it. Besides, you don't need it. You got more dough than that already.

[Chuck Williams]

Maybe so, but that isn't going to stop me from getting that 254 grand. And you ought to know by this time, I always get what I go after. I got you, didn't I, baby, huh? And remember, baby, when those gates open and Steve comes out, let me do the talk.

[Flo Duval]

Don't worry, I will. I don't want any part of this dirty.

[Chuck Williams]

Relax, baby, relax. When I get that 254 GS, I'll buy you fancy diamond bracelet. Then you'll feel better.

[Felix]

Hey, boss, they're opening the gate.

[Chuck Williams]

Is that him?

[Flo Duval]

No.

[Chuck Williams]

Steve's twice as big as that guy.

[Flo Duval]

Chuck, that is Steve.

[Chuck Williams]

Can't be that guy looks at least six. You're right. It is Steve. Stay in the car. Hey, Steve. Steve, over here. What's the matter? Don't you remember an old pal?

[Steve Martin]

Hello, Chuck. Well, I. I didn't recognize you at first.

[Chuck Williams]

Well, in here, pal.

[Steve Martin]

Yeah. I guess I'm kind of surprised to see you after all these years.

[Chuck Williams]

Well, I've been living in South America most of the time. Only got back a year ago. I know I should have written you, but I never was any good at that.

[Steve Martin]

Boy.

[Chuck Williams]

Yeah.

[Steve Martin]

Sure smells better out here.

[Chuck Williams]

Come on, come on, let's get in my car. I got a surprise for you, huh?

[Steve Martin]

Surprise?

[Chuck Williams]

Yeah. You remember Flo Duval. Foul, don't you? There she is.

[Flo Duval]

Hello, Steve.

[Mysterious Traveler]

Hello, Flo.

[Steve Martin]

Hey, it's nice seeing you again.

[Chuck Williams]

Come on, Steve, get in. We're driving you to town.

[Steve Martin]

Thanks, Chuck.

[Chuck Williams]

Okay, Felix, back to town. Right, boss.

[Flo Duval]

You don't look well, Steve.

[Steve Martin]

It's just this prison parlor flow and 17 years.

[Chuck Williams]

Well, that's all behind you now, Steve. Few weeks of good rest and good food, you'll be a new man.

[Steve Martin]

I'd like to believe that.

[Chuck Williams]

Just take my word for it. I'm never raw.

[Steve Martin]

Well, you seem to have done all right, Chuck.

[Chuck Williams]

Yeah, Not Bad. I own a nightclub, a bowling alley, used car business, couple of apartment houses. I can't complain.

[Steve Martin]

I'm glad to hear it.

[Chuck Williams]

I'm not forgetting an old pal either. Now, Flo and me want you to come and stay with us until you get on your feet. You know, a house guest.

[Steve Martin]

I'd rather not, Chuck. I don't want to put you out.

[Chuck Williams]

Put me out? Listen to the guy. Well, we got sweet servants, everything. Steve, I just won't take no for an answer.

[Mysterious Traveler]

A week passed, then two weeks, during which Steve Martin did little other than eat and sleep and take long walks. Chuck Williams played the role of the gracious host to perfection, and his guests lacked nothing in the way of comfort. So concerned was Chuck with his guest's welfare that he always knew exactly where Steve was and what he was doing. Then one day, as Chuck had known it would happen, Steve came into his office for a private chat.

[Steve Martin]

Are you busy, Chuck?

[Chuck Williams]

No, no. Have a seat, Steve.

[Steve Martin]

Thanks.

[Chuck Williams]

What's on your mind?

[Steve Martin]

Well, while I was doing time, my old man died and left me a small farm in West Virginia. That's where I was born and raised, you know.

[Chuck Williams]

Yeah, I remember you telling me.

[Steve Martin]

Well, I'm going back to the old farmhouse and settle down there for a while.

[Chuck Williams]

I see. Well, anything you say, Steve. Only let's keep in touch, huh?

[Steve Martin]

Yeah, sure thing, Chuck.

[Chuck Williams]

When are you thinking of leaving?

[Steve Martin]

Tomorrow morning.

[Chuck Williams]

That soon, huh? Well, we'll have to have a little farewell party tonight. Okay? Yeah, fine.

[Steve Martin]

I'll see you later.

[Chuck Williams]

Right. Yeah. Felix, come in here.

[Steve Martin]

What's up, boss?

[Chuck Williams]

My pal Steve is getting ready to make his move.

[Felix]

Guess he can't wait no longer to get his hands on that dough.

[Chuck Williams]

Looks that way. He's leaving tomorrow morning for a small farm he's got in West Virginia.

[Felix]

West Virginia, huh?

[Chuck Williams]

Yeah. Farmhouse can't be more than 30 or 40 miles from where he stashed the dough.

[Felix]

Is there any chance he might have hidden it on the farm?

[Chuck Williams]

Nah, cops caught him before he got that far. He hid that, though, someplace off Highway 6B.

[Felix]

How many of the boys you want me to take along?

[Chuck Williams]

Take four. I don't want any slip ups. Watch him day and night and without being seen.

[Felix]

Just leave it to me.

[Chuck Williams]

Sooner or later he'll lead you to the DOE. When he. When he does, well, you know what to do.

[Steve Martin]

Yeah.

[Chuck Williams]

Okay, then you better start packing.

[Mysterious Traveler]

The next morning, when Steve Martin took a train for West Virginia, two very inconspicuous men were seated at the other end of the coach. He was riding in I watched him get off the train at an all but deserted station in West Virginia, but made no move to follow him. As the train started off, Steve hired a car to take him to the farm he'd inherited. It was dusk when he finally reached the deserted farmhouse on a heavily wooded hill a hundred yards away. Felix and a companion watched through field glasses as Steve lit a fire in the farmhouse and prepared to settle down for the night. In the days and nights that followed, Felix and his men took turns watching Steve Martin's every action. And every evening, Felix would phone Chuck Williams and report that Steve hadn't made a move as yet.

[Chuck Williams]

How many times have I told you to knock before coming into this office?

[Flo Duval]

What's the matter, Napoleon? Aren't things working out?

[Chuck Williams]

I told you to lay off that Napoleon stuff. I don't like it. That must be Felix. Hello.

[Steve Martin]

Hello, boss. Felix.

[Chuck Williams]

Well, what's happening?

[Flo Duval]

Nothing.

[Steve Martin]

He still hasn't made a move. All he does is fish and read.

[Chuck Williams]

What about visitors?

[Steve Martin]

He hasn't seen anyone since the day he got here.

[Chuck Williams]

Are you sure he didn't give me the slip during the night and get the dough?

[Steve Martin]

Not a chance.

[Felix]

I got two boys watching the house at night.

[Chuck Williams]

Well, maybe he knows he's being watched and that's why he hasn't tried anything.

[Steve Martin]

I bet my last buck he hasn't spotted us.

[Chuck Williams]

Nothing ever goes right unless I'm running this show. I'm leaving tonight for West Virginia. I'll see you in the morning.

[Felix]

Okay, boss.

[Steve Martin]

I'll be expecting you.

[Felix]

That's a farmhouse down there, boss. Look through the field glasses. You can see it. Just like you were standing in the.

[Chuck Williams]

Front yard, sitting on the porch, reading.

[Felix]

Yeah, reading and fishing is all he does. He hasn't been more than a couple of hundred yards away from the house.

[Steve Martin]

Since he got here.

[Chuck Williams]

Well, he must have spotted you. That must be the reason he hasn't made a move.

[Felix]

How could he have spotted us? You can see how careful we've been.

[Chuck Williams]

Well, I'll wait a couple more days, see what happens. He doesn't move soon, I'll have to think of something else.

[Mysterious Traveler]

Leaving Felix to continue his watch over the farmhouse, Chuck returned to the village and registered at the village inn. The hours that followed dragged interminably, and the hatred that Chuck felt for Steve Martin grew with each passing hour. In the evening, Felix drove into the village and reported that nothing new had occurred. Four more fruitless days went by. Chuck Williams was unable to contain his fury any longer. He got into his car and drove to within a half Mile of the farmhouse, then walked the rest of the way to where Felix and his men were hidden on the hill.

[Felix]

Boss, what are you doing here?

[Chuck Williams]

I got tired of waiting.

[Felix]

You better get down, boss, or Steve Martin's liable to spot you.

[Chuck Williams]

Forget that. We're through playing a waiting game. We're gonna move in on him. Move in on him? Yeah. Maybe after a light workout, my pal Steve will be willing to tell me where he stashed the dough.

[Felix]

Ah, that sounds more like it. I never did go for this cat and mouse game.

[Chuck Williams]

Before we're through with him, he'll be begging to tell us what he knows. Hello, Steve. Got lonesome for you? Decided to pay your corp?

[Steve Martin]

I thought you'd get around to it sooner or later.

[Chuck Williams]

You don't sound very glad to see me. That's a fine way to act towards a pal. Who was your host for the last three weeks. Didn't I treat you right?

[Steve Martin]

Yeah. That's what made me figure I hadn't seen the last of you. What do you want?

[Chuck Williams]

I'll give you one guess.

[Steve Martin]

I haven't got it.

[Chuck Williams]

I know you haven't. But you know where it is.

[Steve Martin]

So what? That money belongs to me, not you.

[Chuck Williams]

That's where you're wrong, pal. That dough belongs to the guy strong enough to get it. That's me.

[Steve Martin]

Okay, then you go ahead and get it.

[Felix]

Should I let him have it, boss?

[Chuck Williams]

That's not up to me, Felix. That's up to Steve. Well, pal, you gonna dig up that dough for me?

[Steve Martin]

No.

[Chuck Williams]

You're not as smart as you used to be, you know. I'll get what I want in the end.

[Steve Martin]

I wouldn't count on it.

[Chuck Williams]

Okay, Felix. I guess it's up to you and Slim now.

[Narrator]

They'll talk.

[Felix]

Won't you, pal?

[Steve Martin]

That's it, pal.

[Felix]

Try getting on your feet. Here, let me help you.

[Chuck Williams]

How is he, Felix?

[Felix]

Sound cold, boss.

[Chuck Williams]

He always did have a stepping streak. You think in his condition he couldn't take all that punishment?

[Felix]

We give him any more, he's liable to kick off.

[Chuck Williams]

Sure.

[Steve Martin]

Yeah.

[Felix]

He's already got a couple of busted ribs. And that beating around the head didn't help him.

[Chuck Williams]

We gotta make him talk. We gotta.

[Felix]

We have to figure out some other ways.

[Chuck Williams]

Throw some water in his face.

[Felix]

Okay, come to boss.

[Chuck Williams]

Wrap him up in that chair.

[Felix]

Come on.

[Steve Martin]

You there.

[Chuck Williams]

Steve, can you hear me?

[Mysterious Traveler]

Yeah, I can hear you.

[Chuck Williams]

Felix here wants to try the water treatment.

[Mysterious Traveler]

Water treatment?

[Chuck Williams]

Yeah. Now, why don't you play it smart and tell me where you hid that dough? Won't Talk, huh? Okay, Felix. Wait. Wait.

[Steve Martin]

I'll talk.

[Chuck Williams]

Well, it's more like it. Where is it?

[Steve Martin]

You could never find it alone. I'll have to take you to it. Just you and me.

[Chuck Williams]

What's the matter with Felix coming along?

[Steve Martin]

Just you and me.

[Mysterious Traveler]

Okay, pal, okay.

[Chuck Williams]

Only I'm wondering if you're in condition to make it.

[Steve Martin]

Hey, Felix.

[Chuck Williams]

Yeah, boys? Give him a few drinks. Try to fix him up. Right. As soon as you've done that, Steve and me will be on our way.

[Mysterious Traveler]

An hour later, Steve, with the assistance of Felix, tottered to Chuck Williams car and got in the front seat. Chuck slid behind the wheel and started the motor. As he drove off, he waved to Felix triumphantly. In a few minutes, the farmhouse had faded from view. Steve, huddled in a corner of the front seat, fought to keep from crying out every time the car hit rot in the road. Now and then he opened his pain filled eyes to look out the window. Chuck watched him with satisfaction as he drove.

[Chuck Williams]

How much further is it?

[Steve Martin]

You drive about five miles until you reach a small gravel road where you'll see a big sign saying the Devil's Caverns. You turn right there and go two miles.

[Chuck Williams]

The Devil's Caverns. What are they?

[Steve Martin]

They're a big tourist attraction in these parts during the summer. Hundreds of huge underground cabins that run for miles in all directions.

[Chuck Williams]

I mean, that's where you stashed it though.

[Mysterious Traveler]

Yeah.

[Steve Martin]

The best place in the world.

[Chuck Williams]

How do you know you'll be able to find it again?

[Steve Martin]

I know every inch of the cabins. When I was a kid, my old man worked as a tourist guide there. I learned my way around from him.

[Chuck Williams]

Okay, but you better find that though. I'm warning you.

[Steve Martin]

I'll find it. Now, you should be reaching the gravel road in a couple of minutes. Turn right, then it's two miles to the Devil's Caverns. This is it. Park the car in that shed over there.

[Chuck Williams]

Place sure looks deserted.

[Steve Martin]

No one ever comes here until June.

[Chuck Williams]

Is that the entrance to the cabin? That door set in the rock?

[Mysterious Traveler]

Yeah.

[Steve Martin]

You'll have to shoot the lock off the door.

[Chuck Williams]

Is this okay?

[Mysterious Traveler]

Yeah.

[Steve Martin]

No one will ever be able to.

[Chuck Williams]

Spot the car here. But you said no one comes here till June.

[Steve Martin]

No one does. Why take chances? We'll need a flashlight.

[Chuck Williams]

I got one. Come out this way. If you're thinking of any tricks, don't remember I got this gun. And you're in no condition to try anything.

[Steve Martin]

You saw to that.

[Chuck Williams]

How come you didn't hide out here when the cops were after you?

[Steve Martin]

There wasn't any place to hide the car. Jet wasn't here 17 years ago.

[Mysterious Traveler]

Tough.

[Chuck Williams]

Never saw such a lonely looking place.

[Mysterious Traveler]

Yeah, well, you ought to be able.

[Steve Martin]

To blow this padlock off at one shot.

[Chuck Williams]

You better stand over there. That does it. How much further is it? Seems like we've been walking an hour already.

[Mysterious Traveler]

It's right up ahead.

[Chuck Williams]

Sure you can find your way out again. All these cabins look alike to me.

[Steve Martin]

Yeah, I know the way out.

[Chuck Williams]

Sure is damp in here. Hey, what was that?

[Steve Martin]

Oh, probably just a rat running past you. Place is full of them.

[Chuck Williams]

Seems to me it's taken a long time to find that place where you hid the dough. If you're trying anything.

[Steve Martin]

Hold the flashlight a little higher. That's it. I hid the suitcase behind this rock.

[Chuck Williams]

Got it, Star?

[Steve Martin]

Not yet. Here it is.

[Chuck Williams]

Yeah, that's it. That's it all right. I can still recognize it. Open it up.

[Steve Martin]

Well, there's a dope.

[Chuck Williams]

Yeah, filling up bank raptors.

[Mysterious Traveler]

Look at it.

[Chuck Williams]

Over a quarter of a million bucks. What's so funny? Answer me.

[Steve Martin]

So you're the guy always gets what he goes after in the end, huh?

[Chuck Williams]

Yeah. Now I got the dough and I'm asking you again, what's so funny?

[Steve Martin]

Look at the money. Go ahead, look at it.

[Chuck Williams]

I'm looking. What about it?

[Steve Martin]

Yeah, you're looking, mastermind. But you don't see. All those bills are goldbikes.

[Chuck Williams]

Goldbikes?

[Steve Martin]

Yeah, that's right. In 1933, the government called in all Goldbachs. That's how the kidnapper, Bruno Hoffman got caught trying to pass goldbikes after the government had called him in.

[Chuck Williams]

You mean that dough is no good?

[Steve Martin]

That's just what I mean. You try passing any of that dough and you'll end up doing time you've.

[Chuck Williams]

Known all along that doe was no good.

[Steve Martin]

Ever since 1933. Knowing it was worthless. I never intended coming here for it. But you made it.

[Chuck Williams]

I ought to let you have it, you rat, for leading me on like this.

[Steve Martin]

Well, why don't you?

[Chuck Williams]

Come on, pick up that suitcase. Let's get out of here. Oh, wait a minute.

[Mysterious Traveler]

I forgot to tell you, Chuck.

[Chuck Williams]

Tell me what?

[Steve Martin]

I'm staying here.

[Chuck Williams]

You're staying here?

[Steve Martin]

Yeah, that's right.

[Chuck Williams]

Look, they've had enough out of you. Start leading their way out.

[Steve Martin]

I guess you didn't understand. I said I'm staying here.

[Chuck Williams]

Get gone and you'll get it right between the eyes.

[Steve Martin]

That doesn't scare me. You see, Chuck, there was something else I didn't tell you.

[Chuck Williams]

Something else Yeah.

[Steve Martin]

I didn't get out of prison on good behavior. I got out because the doctor said I was gonna die in three months.

[Chuck Williams]

Gonna die in three months?

[Steve Martin]

That's right. I thought I'd die peacefully on my farm, only you wouldn't let me do that. So I've decided to die here with you as company.

[Chuck Williams]

Steve, you can't do that. Can't do that. Steve. You gotta get me outta here. You gotta.

[Steve Martin]

I don't have to do anything I don't wanna.

[Chuck Williams]

Get me out of here, Steve. I'll make it worth your while. I got dough. I got lots of dough.

[Steve Martin]

It's too bad you won't be able to take it with you, Steve.

[Chuck Williams]

I'll give you a hundred cheese. 200 cheese if you get me out of here.

[Mysterious Traveler]

Not gonna be tough for me to.

[Steve Martin]

Die because I only got three months anyway. But I'm gonna enjoy watching you.

[Mysterious Traveler]

You're gonna get weaker and weaker as.

[Steve Martin]

You plead with me to lead you out of here. Then you're gonna get desperate and try to find a way out by yourself. But you'll never make it. You'll go wandering from one cabin to another. And then in the end, you'll probably wander back here to find me dead.

[Flo Duval]

And.

[Steve Martin]

And your flashlight's gonna go out. You'll be all alone in the dark.

[Chuck Williams]

With the rats and the bats.

[Steve Martin]

Oh, stop it. Stop it, or I'll show you weaker. The rats are gonna close in on you before you know it.

[Chuck Williams]

Steve. Steve, I didn't mean it. But you made me. Steve, say something.

[Mysterious Traveler]

Gotta get out of here.

[Chuck Williams]

Gotta get out of here.

[Mysterious Traveler]

This is the mysterious traveler again. Did you enjoy our little trip?

[Narrator]

What happened to Jack Williams?

[Mysterious Traveler]

Oh, the poor fellow was found dead a month later when the cabins were open for the summer tourist trade.

[Narrator]

Seems Chuck had wandered from cavern to.

[Mysterious Traveler]

Cavern without being able to find his way out. Evidently, he'd gone mad in his last hours before he was found with his pockets stuffed full of bills, gold, wax. Now I recall another case in which two ghosts came face to face only to discover that. Oh, you have to get off now. I'm sorry, but I'm sure we'll meet again. I take this same train every week at this time.

[Narrator]

You have just heard. The Mysterious Traveler. A series of dramas of the Strange and terrifying. In tonight's story, all characters were fictional, and any resemblance to the name of an actual person, living or dead, was purely coincidental. In the cast were Maurice Tarplin, Joe Julian, Art Carney, Elspeth Eric and Alan Manson. Original music was played by Paul Taubman. The Mysterious Traveler is written, produced and directed by Robert J. Arthur and David Cogan. Listen next week to a tale titled Death Writes a Letter, another strange and suspenseful tale of the mysterious traveler. Don't miss the chilling tale titled Seven Casks of Death, written by Maurice Tarplin. Your Mysterious Traveler, which appears in the current issue of Dime Mystery magazine, now on sale at your local newsstand. This program has come to you from New York. Another program of dramatic action will follow in just a minute. Stay tuned to the station for official Detective Carl Caruso speaking. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[Steve Martin]

Foreign.

[Relic Radio Host]

There's more from this podcast, the Mysterious Traveler and all of the other Relic Radio shows at the website relicradio.com Lots to listen to there, all made possible by your support. If you'd like to help this and all of the shows keep coming every week, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the support links in the show notes. Thanks to those who have helped out over the years. Thanks for joining me this week. We'll be back tomorrow with the Horror next Friday with our next episode of Relic Radio Thrillers.