Operation Fish Hook by Dangerous Assignment

Summary

Operation Fish Hook: A Detailed Summary of Relic Radio Thrillers' "Dangerous Assignment" Episode

Relic Radio Thrillers presents a gripping Old Time Radio adventure in its episode titled "Operation Fish Hook" from the series Dangerous Assignment, originally aired on January 6, 1951. This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, plot developments, and character interactions, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps to provide a comprehensive overview for both longtime fans and new listeners.

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Introduction to Operation Fish Hook

The episode opens with the host setting the stage for a tale of espionage and suspense:

Host: "Our story today is Operation Fish Hook. This one aired January 6, 1951." [00:12]

Operation Fish Hook revolves around Steve Mitchell (played by Brian Donlevy), a rugged government agent tasked with a perilous mission in Haiti. The operation centers on recovering crucial data related to anti-submarine warfare, which was developed by a team of scientists whose plane was mysteriously sabotaged.

---

The Assignment

Steve Mitchell receives his assignment from the Commissioner, setting the plot in motion:

Steve Mitchell: "Yeah, danger is my assignment. ... Trouble." [01:16]

Commissioner: "We got a spread on Haiti here, take a look at it. This picture in particular." [01:53]

Mitchell is briefed on Operation Fish Hook, emphasizing the secrecy and potential threats associated with the mission:

Commissioner: "It's the most effective weapon against a submarine that's ever been devised." [02:35]

He learns that the mission's success hinges on locating a photograph featuring a man named F. Carlson, linking back to the lost scientists' mission.

---

Arrival in Haiti and Hotel Christoph

Upon arriving in Haiti, Steve checks into the Hotel Christoph in Port-au-Prince, where he plans to meet his contact, Virginia Collins:

Steve Mitchell: "I'd like to talk. Do you?" [07:08]

Virginia Collins is depicted as a determined reporter eager to uncover the story behind the mysterious photographs she took for her magazine.

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Meeting the Professor and Suspicions Arise

Steve encounters Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple, an ostensibly knowledgeable folklorist with a dubious expertise in voodoo:

Professor Dalrymple: "I am one of the foremost authorities on that subject." [06:10]

Dalrymple's introduction raises suspicions, especially when coupled with the presence of a guide named Lubo, whose loyalty comes into question as the journey progresses.

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The Jungle Trek and Suspense Builds

As Steve, Virginia, and Lubo venture into the Haitian jungle, tensions escalate. Suspicious events, such as a sniper's attempt on Steve's life, hint at underlying conspiracies:

Steve Mitchell: "You know, you handle that camera like an expert." [19:00]

Virginia Collins: "It ought to make a great picture." [28:11]

The trio navigates through dense foliage, encountering local ceremonies and unexplained phenomena that add layers of mystery and danger to their mission.

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Climactic Confrontation

The climax unfolds as Professor Dalrymple's true intentions emerge. During a voodoo ceremony honoring Damballa, Dalrymple attempts to seize the vital data, leading to a tense showdown:

Professor Dalrymple: "Hand over that file at once." [27:03]

Virginia Collins plays a pivotal role by distracting Dalrymple with her camera flash, allowing Steve to incapacitate the professor:

Steve Mitchell: "Little too late, Professor." [28:05]

This confrontation reveals the depth of the betrayal and underscores the themes of deception and survival.

---

Resolution and Aftermath

With Dalrymple subdued and the crucial data secured, Steve and Virginia reflect on the mission's perilous journey:

Steve Mitchell: "Glad I couldn't. One thing still puzzled me." [28:16]

Virginia hints at future endeavors, leaving the door open for continued adventures:

Virginia Collins: "Sure, I'll give you the story." [28:45]

The episode concludes with a sense of accomplishment tempered by the lingering mysteries of Haiti's dark jungles.

---

Conclusion

Operation Fish Hook masterfully blends elements of crime, mystery, espionage, and suspense, delivering a compelling narrative that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. Through Steve Mitchell's daring mission, the episode explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of truth amidst danger.

Notable moments, such as the revelation of Professor Dalrymple's deceit and Virginia Collins' crucial intervention, highlight the intricate plotting and character dynamics that make this episode a standout in the Relic Radio Thrillers lineup.

For those seeking thrilling Old Time Radio adventures, "Operation Fish Hook" offers a quintessential experience filled with intrigue and action that embodies the essence of classic radio storytelling.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Foreign.

[Host]

Welcome back to relic Radio. Thrillers, action adventure, intrigue and suspense every Friday@ RelicRadio.com. our story comes from Dangerous Assignment this week, an NBC series that debuted in 1949 and aired for 167 episodes until July of 1953. There was also an Australian production of the series in 1955 that was 52 episodes. Our story today is Operation Fish Hook. This one aired January 6, 1951.

[Announcer]

Dangerous Assignment starring Brian Dunleavy as Steve Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, danger is my assignment. I get sent to a lot of places I can't even pronounce. They all spell the same thing though. Trouble. But when I walk into the commissioner's office, I don't realize this assignment's gonna end up with me having somebody picture of my own murder. Morning, Commissioner. Ruth said you had an assignment for me.

[Commissioner]

I do. Steve, you're plane leaves for Haiti in one hour.

[Steve Mitchell]

Haiti? Well, guess I'd better brush up on my voodoo before somebody puts the double whammy on me.

[Commissioner]

Might be a good idea, Steve, because I'm sending you down there to put the whammy on somebody else.

[Steve Mitchell]

What's the deal, Commissioner?

[Commissioner]

Have you seen the current issue of this picture magazine?

[Steve Mitchell]

No, what about it?

[Commissioner]

We got a spread on Haiti here, take a look at it. This picture in particular.

[Steve Mitchell]

Native jungle deep in interior of Haiti. So it's a native village. What am I supposed to do? Go down there and check the plumbing?

[Commissioner]

Take a look at those natives in the background.

[Steve Mitchell]

Just a bunch of them standing around the Hudson. Hey, wait. One of them looks like he's wearing a leather flight jacket.

[Commissioner]

Right? We got a copy of that picture and had a section of it blown up. Can you read the name on that flight jacket now?

[Steve Mitchell]

F. Carlson.

[Commissioner]

F. Carlson it is.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, look, Commissioner, I still don't remember Operation Fishhook. I heard the name a couple of months ago, but I never knew what it meant or anything.

[Commissioner]

Two months ago, a group of scientists left for the Caribbean to conduct research and tests. They were working on a revolutionary theory of anti submarine warfare. A self propelled depth charge with a proximity fuse.

[Steve Mitchell]

That was Operation Fishhook.

[Commissioner]

Yes. I'll skip the technical details, but what it boils down to is the most effective weapon against a submarine that's ever been devised.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hmm. How'd the tests work out?

[Commissioner]

We don't know. They were conducted in secret over small island in the. The scientists completed their research and compiled all the data. Then they took off for the States in a plane. That's the last we ever heard of them.

[Steve Mitchell]

Wait a minute. I seem to remember reading about a group of scientists being lost at sea.

[Commissioner]

The same group, Steve, we suspected that plane had crashed into the ocean, that had been sabotaged. That is, we suspected it until this magazine came out.

[Steve Mitchell]

The magazine? You mean.

[Commissioner]

I mean the pilot of that plane was a man named F. Carlson.

[Steve Mitchell]

The flight jacket.

[Commissioner]

Steve, it's possible Carlson or some of the others are still alive. And it's also possible that data they compile is floating around in Haiti somewhere. I'm sending you down there to get it.

[Steve Mitchell]

Just like that, huh?

[Commissioner]

It's quite possible, even probable, that other interests have seen this picture in the magazine, too. That means it's going to be a race.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sounds real jolly. Any contacts in Haiti who can help me? Only one.

[Commissioner]

The photographer took the pictures. Her name is Virginia Collins. And we've learned she's still in Haiti at the Hotel Christoph in Port au Prince. Now, Steve, get down there, talk to Virginia Collins and go anywhere and do anything that's necessary to recover that data. Well, I said you've got your assignment.

[Narrator]

Good luck.

[Announcer]

The National Broadcasting Company is presenting Dangerous Assignment, starring Brian Donlevy in the role of Steve Mitchell, colorful, two fisted government agent. At all those places of the world where danger and intrigue walk hand in hand. There you'll find Steve Mitchell on another dangerous assignment.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sure, I've got my assignment. Just a little matter of poking my way through a jungle in Haiti to find a leather flying jacket, the pilot who used to own it, and some vital data on anti submarine warfare. And according to the Commissioner, I'm sure to have some competition on the deal. Which gives me an uneasy hunch that sooner or later I'll run into an amateur voodoo artist who will be trying his best to charm me to sleep with a slug. Now, it's Thursday when my plane lands at Port au Prince. The air is like a hot wet blanket and I check in at the Hotel Kristoff. But the clerk tells me Virginia Collins has gone out for a while. So I get a drink and go out on the veranda to wait for it. I drop into a seat beside a neat looking little gent in a panama suit.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

Good afternoon, sir.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hi.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

I believe the proverbial question is, is it hot enough for you?

[Steve Mitchell]

I believe the proverbial answer is yes.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

Well, you'll be very much encouraged to hear that it gets much hotter than this sometimes.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, thanks for the good news. You seem to be enjoying the weather.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

No, quite to the contrary. I detest it. I wouldn't be here at all if it weren't for My infernal conscience.

[Steve Mitchell]

Conscience? Yes.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

Without that, I could be quite comfortable sitting in my New York apartment writing my books. But, no, my conscience tells me I must make them authentic.

[Steve Mitchell]

So.

[Lubo]

Here I am.

[Steve Mitchell]

You write novels? Hardly.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

Allow me to introduce myself. I am Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple.

[Steve Mitchell]

Mine's Steve Mitchell.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

I see my name doesn't mean anything to you, Mr. Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, it's quite a mouthful, Professor Dalrymple, but beyond that, I.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

You apparently are not a student of folklore.

[Steve Mitchell]

Not exactly.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

They tell me I am one of the foremost authorities on that subject. As a matter of fact, that's why I'm here. Now, my next book is to have a section devoted to voodoo. And I've learned that there's to be a very rare ceremony performed in the back country in a few days now. So I'm here to witness that if I can.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. That stuff still goes on in the back country, huh? Oh, yes.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

Yes, indeed. And some of the things which happen are completely incredible to most people. For instance, there's one particular ceremony.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah?

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

More properly an initiation rite. The mamaloi.

[Steve Mitchell]

Mama who?

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

The mama loy. The native priestess. She takes a rooster.

[Virginia Collins]

But do one of you men happen to be Steve Mitchell?

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, yeah, I am. Right now. It looks like a lucky name.

[Virginia Collins]

Leave us not be, coy. I have a hangover. Oh, the clerk said you were asking about me.

[Steve Mitchell]

You're Virginia Collins.

[Virginia Collins]

Mm, the same.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'd like to talk. Do you?

[Virginia Collins]

Could it be done over a rainbow sphere?

[Steve Mitchell]

It could.

[Virginia Collins]

Well, Lead the way.

[Steve Mitchell]

Excuse me, Professor. Maybe you can fill me in on the mama loy and her rooster some other time.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

I should be delighted, sir.

[Virginia Collins]

You know, Steve, if I don't watch out, I'm going to be feeling almost human again. Now, what was it you wanted to talk about?

[Steve Mitchell]

You took some photographs of a native village for a picture magazine recently. Virginia.

[Virginia Collins]

What about them?

[Steve Mitchell]

That's what I want to know. Where'd you take them?

[Virginia Collins]

Say, what is this, anyway?

[Steve Mitchell]

What do you mean?

[Virginia Collins]

Well, you're the second guy who's asked me about those pictures.

[Steve Mitchell]

What?

[Virginia Collins]

Yeah. Somebody sidled up to me in the lobby just a couple of hours ago and wanted to know all about them, too.

[Steve Mitchell]

Who was he?

[Virginia Collins]

I don't know. Never saw him before.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, they're not losing any time.

[Virginia Collins]

What's with the pictures, anyway?

[Steve Mitchell]

There was a native in one of them. He was wearing a leather flight jacket.

[Virginia Collins]

Oh. Oh, yeah. I remember.

[Steve Mitchell]

Now, I'd like you to tell me where the village is.

[Virginia Collins]

Okay. It's a little village inland, near La Chapelle. But I'll do better than just tell you about it. I'll take you there.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, that sounds real obliging of you.

[Virginia Collins]

Look, I'm Virginia Collins, girl reporter, remember? And if there is a story, I want it.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, it's a deal. I suppose we'll need a guide to get there.

[Virginia Collins]

Yeah, and I know a good one. I'll take care of it, Steve. You just meet me out on the terrace a little before dawn and we'll start then.

[Steve Mitchell]

It's just getting gray the next morning when I walk out onto the terrace. I start towards the other end where I'm supposed to meet Virginia. And then suddenly I hear a rustle in the bushes. I whirl around. There's a glint of metal and I hit the ground. The slug whistles by my ear. I scramble to my feet and take off in the direction of the shot. No one in the bushes, but I spot a native running across the courtyard. I cut him off as he gets to the other side.

[Lubo]

Let go.

[Steve Mitchell]

Let's go. Who hired you to take a shot at me?

[Lubo]

Lubo no shoot.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, don't give me that. Ah, this joker just threw a shot at me. No. Who?

[Virginia Collins]

Lubo. Oh, Steve, Lubo wouldn't do anything like that.

[Steve Mitchell]

Wait a minute. You know this guy?

[Virginia Collins]

Sure, he's our guide. Lubo. Why, he's okay, Steve. I'm sure of it.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, if you aren't the guy who shot at me, Lobo, why were you running just now?

[Lubo]

Lobo here shot some bushes. Lobo think maybe somebody shoot at him. Lobo start to run.

[Steve Mitchell]

Then where did the sniper go, I wonder?

[Virginia Collins]

There's a lot of bushes around the terrace, Steve. Whoever it was could have worked his way clear around the hotel.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, he or she could have. All right, I'll skip it.

[Virginia Collins]

You know, it looks like somebody doesn't want you to take this trip, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

It sure does, Virginia. Which means the sooner we get started, the better. We go as far as we can in the jeep and then we take off through the jungle. It's hot and sticky, and after about four hours of thrashing around through the brush, Lubo motions up ahead.

[Lubo]

Village just ahead.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's good news. I've had enough of this jungle for a while.

[Virginia Collins]

But a girl Hutu for a story.

[Lubo]

Our people go to village too.

[Steve Mitchell]

What do you mean, Lubo?

[Lubo]

Lubo see marks. A long trail. Somebody passed this way before us.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, you mean some natives?

[Lubo]

No, not natives. Here is village.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, brother. These villages are well hidden. You don't see them until you're Right on top of them.

[Virginia Collins]

Looks like the whole town's turned out to greet us.

[Steve Mitchell]

This is the village where you took the picture of the native in the flight jacket, huh? Virginia, huh?

[Virginia Collins]

Oh, yeah, yeah, sure.

[Steve Mitchell]

Here, Lubo, take this picture and see if any of the people here know where this guy lives.

[Lubo]

Lubo do.

[Virginia Collins]

So what happens if you find the native with the flight jacket?

[Steve Mitchell]

Steve, look. I thought you were just along to take some more pictures.

[Virginia Collins]

Talk about the proverbial clam.

[Steve Mitchell]

You never heard of a clam who could keep his trap shut getting killed, did you?

[Virginia Collins]

Maybe you got a point.

[Steve Mitchell]

Wait a minute. Lubo's beckoning to us. Did you locate that native?

[Lubo]

Lubo people say he lived with white plant man.

[Steve Mitchell]

White plant man?

[Lubo]

Yes, in house over there.

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't see any. Wait. There is a small house back behind those trees.

[Virginia Collins]

Yeah, yeah, so there is. Funny, I. I didn't even notice it when I was here before.

[Steve Mitchell]

What did they mean by white plant man? Lubo?

[Lubo]

Lubo do not know. But they say native works for this.

[Narrator]

We.

[Steve Mitchell]

I take it you're the white plant man.

[Narrator]

Well, I am a botanist, if that is what you mean.

[Steve Mitchell]

Henri Valday. My name's Mitchell. This is Ms. Collins.

[Narrator]

How do you do, mademoiselle? Pleased to come in.

[Virginia Collins]

Thank you.

[Narrator]

Visitors to my house are most infrequent, but always welcome. How may I serve you?

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, first, I think you'd better look at these credentials, Monsieur Val. There.

[Narrator]

So, a government agent.

[Virginia Collins]

Well, you're full of surprises, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Next, I'd like you to look at this picture.

[Narrator]

Why, it is a picture of Bala.

[Steve Mitchell]

He worked for you? Oh, oui.

[Narrator]

As I told you, I am a botanist. Bala knows his country like the palm of his hand. I send him into the jungle for botanical specimens and he never fails me.

[Steve Mitchell]

He takes a lot of trips into the jungle. Oh, to be sure.

[Narrator]

And would you believe it, monsieur, I simply described to Bala an opuntia picardi, and voila, he brings me back his specimen.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, right now I'm a little more interested in another specimen Bala brought back here a while ago. A leather flight jacket.

[Narrator]

Oh, the leather jacket. Oh, oui. He brought that back a month ago, I would say.

[Steve Mitchell]

You happen to remember where you'd sent him the time he brought it back? Quite.

[Narrator]

Well. Observe, on this map, this village is here, to the east, this large plateau.

[Steve Mitchell]

That could be where he got the jacket. Then somewhere on that plateau. Oui.

[Narrator]

It is a most wild country.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. I'd like to talk to Bala. Monsieur Valde.

[Narrator]

I am sorry, Mitchell, but I Fear it is impossible.

[Steve Mitchell]

What do you mean?

[Narrator]

Well, not one hour ago, Bala left for the plateau country.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, great. Alone? No.

[Narrator]

Two men came here to the village and hired him as a guide.

[Virginia Collins]

Looks like you've been running a poor second all the way, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, and I've got to make it at least a. Could I borrow this map of yours, Valdair?

[Narrator]

Why, certainly.

[Steve Mitchell]

Thanks. Come on, Virginia, let's get Lubo and start moving.

[Virginia Collins]

You think we're gaining any on Valer and the boys who hired him? Steve?

[Steve Mitchell]

I'm beginning to think we're not supposed to be gaining any on them.

[Virginia Collins]

Virginia, what do you mean?

[Steve Mitchell]

Stop here.

[Virginia Collins]

But Luba won't get too far ahead of us.

[Steve Mitchell]

Let him go for a moment.

[Virginia Collins]

What's the matter, Steve?

[Steve Mitchell]

Look at this map I borrowed from Val Dare.

[Virginia Collins]

What about him?

[Steve Mitchell]

There's the village where Val Dare lives. And over here, directly to the east of the village is the river we're supposed to cross before we get to the plateau.

[Virginia Collins]

So what?

[Steve Mitchell]

So we should have been traveling east since we left the village three hours ago. Now, take a look at the sun. It's setting on our left. Unless they've changed things pretty recently, the sun sets in the west.

[Virginia Collins]

Steve. Steve, that means.

[Steve Mitchell]

It means we're going north.

[Virginia Collins]

North? Steve, you think Lubo's trying to get us lost?

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't know. Here he comes. I guess I better have it out with him right now.

[Virginia Collins]

Be careful, Steve.

[Lubo]

No, follow Lubo. Something is wrong.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, Lubo, I think something is wrong.

[Narrator]

That surprise you, Lubo?

[Lubo]

Do not know what you mean.

[Steve Mitchell]

No? You sure somebody didn't pay you to take us in the wrong direction and delay us?

[Lubo]

Lubo guide you good?

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, sure, you guide us great. Except all the while we've been going north instead of east.

[Lubo]

Lubo go north on purpose.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, that's the point.

[Lubo]

Now, the cause of river.

[Virginia Collins]

River?

[Lubo]

What do you mean, river? Big with rain, too hard to cross at usual place. So we go north to narrow place, then we cross it.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, Just how much farther is this narrow place?

[Lubo]

Not far. Maybe one hour.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, Lubo, we'll go along with you for one hour. Keep going. But just remember, I'll be right behind you, watching you every foot of the way.

[Virginia Collins]

Oh, Steve, we've been going at least an hour and there's no sign of a river.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, starting to get dark too.

[Virginia Collins]

Look at Lubo walking along ahead of him. He's probably just waiting until it does get dark enough and then he'll.

[Steve Mitchell]

I thought you were the one who told me Lubo could be trusted, Virginia.

[Virginia Collins]

Well, I. I thought he could be, Steve. When he brought me to that village to get the pictures that time, he seemed all right. That's why I hired him for this trip. It's obvious he's just trying.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hold it, Virginia. Quiet. Well, what do you know?

[Virginia Collins]

Steve? That sounds like a river.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sure does.

[Lubo]

Everybody here?

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, Lubo. Come on, Virginia. Looks like I had Lupo pegged all wrong.

[Lubo]

See? Nano crossing here.

[Steve Mitchell]

It sure is.

[Virginia Collins]

Well, I. Wait. What's that?

[Lubo]

Voodoo drums.

[Virginia Collins]

Voodoo? Oh, great.

[Lubo]

Do not be afraid. Drums tell of ceremony in village tonight.

[Steve Mitchell]

How much farther to the village, Lubo?

[Lubo]

By sound of drums, he's not far.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, you better get started.

[Virginia Collins]

Look, my feet are killing me. How about me just dunking them in the river a few minutes, huh?

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, but hurry it up.

[Virginia Collins]

I'll just be a minute.

[Lubo]

We save much time by coming this way.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. I gotta hand it to you, Lubo. I guess you know this country pretty well. All right. Of course. You made a trip as far as the last village only a couple of weeks ago, didn't you?

[Lubo]

Yes. Lubo guide the woman who take pictures to village.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah.

[Lubo]

Virginia Lubo did not know her name.

[Steve Mitchell]

I mean, Virginia Collins, the woman who's with us now.

[Lubo]

No, he's not the one.

[Steve Mitchell]

What?

[Lubo]

This woman with us. He's not the one who took the pictures. You sure about that, Lubo? Sure. And who is he, Lubo do not know. She come last night in city. Asked Lubo to guide her and view appear. Lubo never see her before in his life.

[Announcer]

You are listening to Dangerous Assignment, starring Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, at this point, the whole deal is turned into a game of who's who. First, I think that Lugo's in with the other team, but he turns out to be okay. Now, it looks like Virginia Collins, or whatever her name is, is my grade A suspect. Now, we cross the river and head for the village. And the drums keep getting louder.

[Lubo]

Village very close now.

[Virginia Collins]

Oh, good. I don't have any desire to be wandering around this jungle in the dark.

[Steve Mitchell]

Think it's too dark to take a picture, Virginia?

[Virginia Collins]

A picture?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Isn't that what you do for a living? Take pictures?

[Virginia Collins]

Sure, but I.

[Steve Mitchell]

Why don't you take a picture of me?

[Virginia Collins]

You now?

[Steve Mitchell]

Why not?

[Virginia Collins]

Well, it's pretty dark.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, don't you know how to use a flashbulb?

[Virginia Collins]

Say, what is this anyway?

[Steve Mitchell]

Nothing. I just want to have my picture taken.

[Virginia Collins]

But you. Okay. Wait till I put a bolt in. All right, smile. Pretty good. That make you Happy?

[Steve Mitchell]

You know, you handle that camera like an expert.

[Virginia Collins]

I make my living at it, remember?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. I wonder if my picture will turn out as good as those you took for your magazine.

[Virginia Collins]

Look, Lubo's leaving us behind. Hey, we better catch up.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, sure.

[Virginia Collins]

Those drums give me the creeps.

[Steve Mitchell]

You better get used to them. They'll probably be going on quite a while.

[Virginia Collins]

Oh, look. There's a village in the clearing.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. I wonder who that native woman is that Luba just talked to.

[Virginia Collins]

Whoever she is, she sure looks official.

[Lubo]

Everything all right? I've arranged with Mama Thibaut for us to stay overnight.

[Steve Mitchell]

Mama who?

[Lubo]

Thibaut. She's Mama Loy here, whatever that means.

[Steve Mitchell]

Mamaloi is the voodoo priestess. Funny you wouldn't know that after all those pictures you've taken in Haiti.

[Virginia Collins]

Mamaloy shmamaloy. Do you have to be a student of voodoo to take pictures?

[Lubo]

Mama Thibault? Say, there are other guests in village.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I see them standing over there. Two men.

[Virginia Collins]

Steve.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

Wait a minute.

[Virginia Collins]

Isn't one of them the man you were talking to back at the hotel when I first met you?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, Professor Dalrymple, the folklore king.

[Virginia Collins]

But who's the other one?

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't know. I never saw you.

[Virginia Collins]

Think they're the ones who hired the navy boy in the leather jacket? What's his name? That ballot?

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't know.

[Lubo]

Mama Thibault. Say, hut over there is for you, miss.

[Virginia Collins]

Okay. Might as well go and take a look at it. See you later.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. Virginia Lubo.

[Lubo]

Yes?

[Steve Mitchell]

Circulate around the village. See if you can locate Bala. And tell him I want to see him secretly.

[Lubo]

Lubo du Mitchell.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hello, Professor Delrin.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

Well, I thought I recognized you and Ms. Carlos as you were at the village. This is my guide, Prince Knock.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hi.

[Commissioner]

I am honored, Monsieur Mitchell.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

Well, I didn't realize you two were interested in voodoo, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'm interested in quite a few things, Professor.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

Well, you've certainly come to the right place. The ceremony in honor of Damballa is to start any moment.

[Steve Mitchell]

Who's Damballa?

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

The principal voodoo God. It's quite a fascinating spectacle. Mama Tebow has kindly given me permission to witness it, which is quite a rare privilege, I might add. Would you care to be my guest?

[Steve Mitchell]

I'm sorry. I'm afraid that's a little out of my line. Perhaps it is.

[Commissioner]

Just as well. Such ceremonies often have an undesirable effect on spectators. Oh, I'm going to get something to eat, Mr. Ripper. I will meet you later.

[Lubo]

Yes.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

Very well. Very Strange fellow, to be sure.

[Steve Mitchell]

Precise.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

Yes. Yes. He's the one disappointment on an otherwise rewarding trip.

[Steve Mitchell]

What do you mean?

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

Well, back in Port au Prince, I tried to hire the native guide I've had for these trips in the past, but he was unavailable. In this chap, Brissac introduced himself to me and prevailed on me to hire him as my guide. Oh, but soon after we started, I realized he knew very little about this country. Then, when we reached the village where the French botanist lives, Brissac was quick to hire this Bala as another guide. He seized upon Bala as soon as he saw him. It was almost as if he recognized him.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, that's very interesting. Professor, I. Mitchell. Oh, excuse me, Professor.

[Lubo]

Good.

[Steve Mitchell]

What is it, Lubo?

[Lubo]

Bella at the voodoo ceremony.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, thanks. I've changed my mind. Professor Dalrymple, I'd like to witness that ceremony with you.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

Well, splendid, splendid.

[Lubo]

Come.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

It may have already started.

[Steve Mitchell]

The professor and I start walking through the village. On the way, I spot Virginia standing outside, her hot dog talking to Brissac, which doesn't surprise me much at this point. The two of them could be in the deal together. We reach the clearing where the ceremony is being held, and it's quite a sight. The natives are squatting around in a circle, and in the middle of them, Mama Tebo is whirling around and around. Professor Dalrymple eagerly starts taking notes.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

Mitchell, just look at her. Isn't she magnificent?

[Steve Mitchell]

Hardly what you'd call ballroom dancing.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

Dance is ever. Now comes the incantation. See the native who just stood up.

[Steve Mitchell]

The chant drones on. One by one, the natives jump up and start dancing. If you can call it that. Then I spot Bala, the boy in the leather jacket. He's whirling around, kicking up his heels and in general, having himself a time. I catch his eye couple of times and jerked my head for him to come over. But he doesn't pay any attention, just keeps whirling around faster and faster. Then my eyes slide past Bala to a figure on the other side of the clearing. It's Brisac, and he's watching Bala like a hawk. This is just great. How am I going to get to Bala without Brisack knowing about it? Finally, Bala keels over in a trance and a couple other natives drag him away. The dance continues. By now, I've had it. My one chance of talking to Bala is gone. I think I can see a grin on Grisack's face. After a few minutes more, I go back to my hut and I've got a visitor.

[F. Carlson]

You Wanted to see me, Bala?

[Steve Mitchell]

I thought you were in some kind of a trance.

[F. Carlson]

Bala saw your signal, pretended to be in trance so could talk to you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, you're a really cagey character, aren't you?

[F. Carlson]

All of a sudden, everybody want to talk to Bala. Bala think maybe you pay more money.

[Steve Mitchell]

Than other men who hired him? You mean Greece?

[F. Carlson]

Not know his name.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I want to talk to you. All right. Look, you're wearing a leather jacket with the name F. Carlson on it. Where'd you get it?

[F. Carlson]

In small village, two, three hours from here. White men there with broken legs.

[Steve Mitchell]

What?

[F. Carlson]

Natives caring for him.

[Steve Mitchell]

But he's still alive, huh?

[F. Carlson]

Still alive.

[Steve Mitchell]

Will you take me to him? For money? Okay, for money. Let's get. We've been going at least two hours, Bala. We should be getting close, huh?

[F. Carlson]

Not more than one hour or.

[Steve Mitchell]

What's the matter?

[F. Carlson]

Somebody follow us. You sure, Balash?

[Steve Mitchell]

Could be Brisack in Virginia.

[F. Carlson]

Bala fix.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh.

[F. Carlson]

You follow river lead you straight to village. And white flyer man.

[Steve Mitchell]

Bala go other direction and lead them away, huh? Okay, Go to it, Bala. I'll see you. Bala disappears into the brush, and I start following the river towards the village ahead. Then as I'm walking along, I notice all of a sudden there's no sound in the jungle. No birds, nothing. It's all quiet. Too quiet. The scream comes from my left. I take off in that direction. I pound along round the tree trunk. And then there he is on the ground in front of me. Bala. Now I know why he stopped screaming so suddenly. How can you scream when your throat's been cut? Now I know that whoever's following me is way too close for comfort. I duck back into the brush and take off for the village on the double. Half an hour later, I'm there. I managed to make the natives understand I'm looking for a white man. They point to a small hut. Inside, there's a guy lying on the floor with both legs bandaged. Hi, Carlson.

[F. Carlson]

Yep, what's left of me.

[Steve Mitchell]

Steve Mitchell, agent from the States. I traced you here by your flight jacket.

[F. Carlson]

Oh, brother, My glad you did. I was beginning to think I was gonna rot away.

[Steve Mitchell]

Carlson, what happened?

[F. Carlson]

I was piloting some scientists back in the small island in the Caribbean. Something went wrong with a plane. Sabotage would be crashed into a mountain.

[Steve Mitchell]

Not far from here.

[F. Carlson]

The others were all killed. Some natives found me, brought me here. They've been taking care of me ever since.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, those scientists were bringing back some valuable data about a new underwater explosive.

[F. Carlson]

Yeah, I managed to get the whole file out of the wreckage.

[Steve Mitchell]

Good.

[F. Carlson]

Been using it for a pillow.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'll take it.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

Just in time to give it to me. Mitchell, hand that over, please.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, the old professor himself.

[Narrator]

Yes, precisely.

[Steve Mitchell]

Quite an act you put on about being an authority on voodoo, Dalrymple.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

Amazing the things one can learn out of a book.

[Steve Mitchell]

And throwing suspicion on your guide, Brisek. That was pretty neat, too.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

Mitchell, do not attempt to stall. Hand over that file at once.

[Steve Mitchell]

Suddenly, I spot somebody standing in the shadows outside the hut. It's Virginia with her camera over her shoulder. She acts like she's trying to keep out of sight. This I don't get at all. If she's working with Dalrymple, why the hide and seek act? Then an idea hits me. A wild chance, but my only one.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

Did you hear me, Mitchell? Give me that file.

[Steve Mitchell]

You know, this would make quite a picture, Professor. Me handing over a file of secret information to a foreign agent. Quite a pict indeed.

[Professor Ernest A. Dalrymple]

Mitchell, I warn you, I will count three if you have not given me the file by then.

[Steve Mitchell]

Virginia gives me a puzzled look. I don't know whether she's gotten the message or not. 1. She looks at her camera, then slips it off her shoulder. 2. Dalrymple starts swinging the gun towards me just as Virginia presses the shutter.

[Virginia Collins]

What?

[Steve Mitchell]

The blinding flash startles the professor. He jerks his head towards the door. But before he gets back to me, I get to him with a right hook. Little too late, Professor.

[Virginia Collins]

Steve. Steve, how you look?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, thanks for the assist with the flashbulb, Virginia.

[Virginia Collins]

Oh, sure. It ought to make a great picture.

[Steve Mitchell]

Not that I'm not happy to see you, but how'd you get up here?

[Virginia Collins]

Well, I had Lubu bring me when I discovered you'd left. You know, you just can't shake a girl reporter that he feeds you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Glad I couldn't. One thing still puzzled me. Are you really Virginia Collins?

[Virginia Collins]

Oh, certainly.

[Steve Mitchell]

But according to Lubo, you're not the one who took the pictures for the magazine.

[Virginia Collins]

Who's that? Well, just between us two, Steve, I was in Cuba when I got the assignment to Haiti. But. Well, there was a guy in Cuba. I ended up by missing the boat. So I wired ahead to my assistant, who was already in Haiti, to take the pictures for me. But don't you tell anyone about that, okay? Now, how about giving me the whole story?

[Steve Mitchell]

First, we gotta get Carson back to civilization, but after that. Sure, I'll give you the story. But of course, it'll take some time. What do you mean you do somewhere else on another assignment?

[Virginia Collins]

Well, yes, I. I should be on my way to Trinidad in the morning.

[Steve Mitchell]

Where's your assistant?

[Virginia Collins]

As a matter of fact, she's in Trinidad right now.

[Steve Mitchell]

You better send her a wire. Virginia. I got a strong hunch you're gonna miss that boat.

[Announcer]

Dangerous Assignment, starring Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, is written by Bob Rife and Adrian John Doe, music by Robert Armbruster, and is produced and directed by Bill Karn. Be with us again next week at this same time when Brian Donlevy, starring in the role of Steve Mitchell, will embark on another Dangerous Assignment. Next the man called X on NBC.

[Host]

There's more from Dangerous Assignment at relicradio.com alongside other episodes of Relic Radio Thrillers and all of the other podcasts and a shoutcast stream with even more old time radio. Running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, everything@ Relicradio.com is made possible by your support. If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com and check out some of the downloadable sets. Your donation of any amount is always appreciated and helpful. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this week. I'll be back tomorrow with the Horror and next Friday with our next episode of Relic Radio Thrillers.