The Digger by Suspense

Summary

Podcast Episode Summary: "The Digger" – Relic Radio Thrillers (July 3, 2026)

Overview

This episode of Relic Radio Thrillers revives a classic tale from the old-time radio series Suspense. "The Digger" is a tense exploration of guilt, survival, and the psychological aftermath of disaster, told through the story of Roger Fabian—infamously known as “The Digger”—a mining engineer haunted by a fatal cave-in. When an old colleague tracks him down to return to the mine, Fabian must confront both external dangers and the weight of his conscience.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: A Man Hunted by His Past

• Introduction to Fabian/The Digger: Once-respected, now broken by guilt from a mine disaster two years prior, Fabian lives in squalor, isolated and pursued by rumors and questions ([01:24]-[03:44]).
• Carton’s Mission: Carton tracks down Fabian at a seedy establishment, trying to persuade him to return to work in the now-reopened mine, with a promise of payment and redemption ([04:37]-[08:42]).
• Notable Quote: “You have been hiding. What you were hiding from has found you now.” – Carton's companion, foreshadowing Fabian’s fate ([05:02]).

2. Reluctant Return to Tabora Mine

• Moral and Financial Dilemma: Despite his protests, the desperation of Fabian’s situation and Carton’s persistence convince him to accept the job, driven by both the lure of money and the hope of escaping his private hell ([08:43]-[09:34]).
• “You buy me out of here, and I'll go.” – Fabian seals his fate with this agreement ([09:34]).
• Journey and Arrival: The trip is marked by personal struggle and withdrawal, underlining Fabian’s deteriorated state ([09:34]-[10:24]).

3. Tensions Surface at Tabora

• Meeting the Crew: At the mine, Fabian meets Sandy McGregor (mine manager) and Clark (geologist), and tension quickly builds, particularly with Clark, who is suspicious and confrontational ([10:24]-[13:16]).
• Notable Quote: “Place is overrun with rats and they're hungry, so watch yourself.” – Clark, hinting at the lurking dangers ([12:56]).
• Conflict with Natives: The local villagers, scared by past tragedy and superstition, threaten the safety of the new crew, forcing them into the mine for shelter ([13:45]-[14:17]).

4. Confession and Confrontation Underground

• Descent into the Mine: As the crew retreats into the depths, physical and emotional claustrophobia grows. Fabian’s guilt becomes the real trap ([16:18]-[18:50]).
• Clark’s Revelation: In a gripping confrontation, Clark reveals himself as the brother of Henry, one of the men lost in the cave-in. He accuses Fabian of abandoning the trapped men and lying about it afterward ([19:51]-[22:16]).
  • Notable Quotes:
    • “You saw the danger signs. You knew it was going to give way. But instead of taking time to warn them, you ran. Isn't that true?” – Clark ([22:02]).
    • “Yes. It's all true.” – Fabian, finally admitting his guilt ([22:12]).
• Catharsis or Condemnation: Sandy tries to broker a reconciliation, suggesting that forgiveness could bring healing, but neither Fabian nor Clark is ready for absolution ([22:47]-[22:59]).

5. Physical and Psychological Threats Escalate

• Smoke and Rats: As natives try to smoke the men out, the mine fills with smoke and hordes of desperate rats, amplifying the suspense and sense of entrapment ([23:08]-[24:47]).
• Notable Quote: “We'll make a nice meal for them, for their families and their family.” – Clark, grimly acknowledging the peril ([24:35]).

6. The Tragic Climax

• Sacrifice and Final Request: Realizing his physical limitations, Fabian urges Sandy and Clark to escape while he stays behind, asking Sandy to deliver personal effects to his companion if he doesn’t make it ([25:02]-[25:12]).
• Ambiguous Redemption: Against all odds, the men send the cage back down for Fabian. As it rises, they realize—in a harrowing twist—Fabian has been killed by the rats on his way to the surface ([26:10]-[26:50]).
  • Notable Moment: “Look at him. They must have been all over him. For a thousand feet…” – Clark, observing Fabian’s fate ([26:50]).

7. Aftermath and Closure

• Fabian is buried with the sunrise, and Sandy fulfills his promise, bringing closure—of sorts—to those Fabian left behind ([26:59]-[27:42]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Guilt & Nightmare:
  “I have nightmares. I see those men trapped down there waiting for me, expecting me to come back. To come back and lead them out.”
  – Fabian ([07:52])
• Revelation:
  “You’re Henry’s brother.”
  “That’s right. Why did he tell me?”
  – Fabian & Clark, at the story’s emotional core ([21:06])
• Judgment:
  “You ran. You left them behind... Yes. It’s all true.”
  – Clark and Fabian, the story’s critical confession ([22:12])
• Demise:
  “Look at him. They must have been all over him for a thousand feet...”
  – Clark, at the tragic end ([26:50])

Important Timestamps

• Fabian’s Introduction / Guilt Established: [01:24]–[03:44]
• Carton Offers the Job: [04:37]–[08:42]
• Fabian’s Final Agreement: [09:34]
• Arrival at Tabora / Tension with Clark: [10:24]–[13:16]
• Forced into the Mine by Natives: [14:03]–[14:17]
• Clark’s Confession & Fabian’s Admission: [19:51]–[22:16]
• Rats and Imminent Danger: [23:55]–[24:50]
• Fabian’s Fatal Escape and Aftermath: [26:08]–[27:42]

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Tone & Language

The episode maintains a brooding, fatalistic tone—saturated with regret, suppressed anger, and a tangible sense of dread. Dialog is clipped and often laden with subtext, as characters struggle under burdens real and imagined.

---

The Digger stands as a gripping, atmospheric tale of trauma, cowardice, and the steep cost of conscience—a fitting entry in the Suspense tradition, and a stark reminder that some debts can never be repaid, no matter how deep we try to bury them.

Transcript

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

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.

[Supporting Actor (Carton)]

This is Relic Radio Thrillers.

[Announcer/Narrator]

And now, tonight's presentation of radio's outstanding theater of thrills, suspense. Tonight we bring you a transcribed story of a man caught in a mineshaft, trapped by his own conscience. So now, starring Torin Thatcher, here is tonight's suspense play.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

The Digger.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Carlton was not a tall man, not over 5 foot 7. But the attitude of determination he had acquired the day before when he had unexpectedly sighted his quarry seemed to have added at least a foot to his stature. As a result, he walked through the dirty, narrow streets of the native section that morning without incident. No one blocked his path. No one cursed as he passed by. When he had walked approximately six blocks from the river crossing where he had had to park his car, he turned into a small open doorway.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Medio Bona.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

This is a place they call Winkie's Boy. Medio Bona. Where's your head, man? Thank you. N', Goby, Sir. You do not wish to drink here? There are many places better for gentlemen across the river. I didn't come here to drink. What other reason could you have for honoring my establishment, sir? Well, I'm told you rent rooms upstairs. You are a policeman, sir? No, sir. You have been misinformed. Now, please, Hugo. Huh? Then you don't have rooms here? Only two, sir, where my family and close friends may rest. So you. I suppose he could be a close friend of yours by now. Who, sir? The man I'm looking for. I got a job for him. No one here seek work, sir. Let him tell me. But I am telling you, sir. Now, look. Yesterday afternoon I caught a glimpse of him in the marketplace. And since then, I've spent quite a bit of money to learn that he's staying here. He's tall, has a bad leg. Are you willing to spend more money, sir? I am. You sit down, sir. Rest yourself in Gobi. Yes, mister. You will see if anyone know the man this gentleman seeks. What is his name, sir? Fabian. Roger Fabian. They used to call him the Digger.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Upstairs, in a small, musty room almost directly over Carton's head, Fabian sat on the edge of a narrow cot. He had aged in the past two years. His stomach had soured and he had grown thin, so that now he scarcely resembled the man once known as the Digger. For several weeks, he had heard that someone was asking questions about him, trying to track him down. And several weeks ago, if he could have Paid Winkie what he owed, he would have left his place and gone north. But he never seemed to have enough money. So now he waited, knowing the men would find him, wondering what the men wanted. Near Fabian, standing at the window, combing her hair, was a woman about 20. She turned toward the door when Ngobe knocked.

[Supporting Actor (Carton)]

Yes? Who is there?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

N'. Gobi.

[Supporting Actor (Carton)]

What do you want?

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Mister? Say buona. Come man here to see him.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Tell him I'll be. No, now. Tell him to come up here. Well, what's the matter with you?

[Supporting Actor (Carton)]

You will have to go away now.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Where'd you get an idea like that?

[Supporting Actor (Carton)]

You do not eat, and at night when you are sleeping, you cry out,

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

oh, and that means I'll be leaving you, eh?

[Supporting Actor (Carton)]

You have been hiding. What you were hiding from has found you now. He'd take you away.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Good thing you don't make your money telling fortunes. We'd starve. Carton, what are you doing here? Hello, Digger. Come in. Come in. Yeah, you sit here where it's clean. I'll squat on the floor. Tisha, get us a drink. Say, what would you like, Carter? Oh, nothing for me, thanks. Still a bit early. You sure? Yes, quite. Well, if you won't mind, I. Hurry it up. Tisha. You like a cigarette? Very much, thank you. Here, I have a light. You're hard to find, Digger. You're the one that's been looking for me. I'd heard someone was. Been a long time, hasn't it? Two years. Two years, seven weeks. You haven't forgotten? Could you have?

[Announcer/Narrator]

I don't know.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

It depends on what really happened down there. I told the court of inquiry what really happened. Yes, of course you did. How long have you been living here? Long enough, I suppose. You know how it looks. You know how it feels. Oh, I'm sorry, old chap.

[Announcer/Narrator]

I didn't mean to.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

You think I live here by choice? I couldn't get a job after I left the mine. Not a job, anyway. I tried for over a year before I gave up. I'm sorry. Yes, everybody is sorry, including me. Poor old Digger. Had a bit of a rough go, didn't he? Took 30 men down with him. Things got a bit touchy during a cave in and only old Digger makes it back topside. You know the mine was closed right after that? Yes. Should have been closed before. Was already worked out. Well, perhaps not, Digger. They've opened it up again. They've what? I received a letter from Sandy MacGregor. You remember him? Sandy? Sure. Now, look, he'd gotten some backing somewhere. Found tracings of another vein, most likely. Well, anyway, he asked me to look you up. He wants you to come back. And seeing you like this, well, naturally, I think you should. No. No, I couldn't. Not to Tabora. What happened wasn't your fault, Mary. I know it, but no one else does. Well, Sandy Mustry wouldn't have made you a firm offer. How much?

[Announcer/Narrator]

5,000.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Five? Why not? There's no other engineer in the Union knows that mine as well as you do. No, it's like my belly. And you've had experience with the natives up there, too. What's that got to do with it? Nothing, really. But, well, after they cave in, when they decided it'd be too dangerous to recover those bodies, the natives put some. Or they put some sort of a silly taboo on the mine. Hmm. 5,000, eh?

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

That's right.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Now, what do you say, Digger? I say no. Oh, but good heavens, man, you cart and I have nightmares. I see those men trapped down there waiting for me, expecting me to come back. To come back and lead them out. You won't get rid of your dreams in this pesthole, Digger. Believe me, it'll help to go back. And if things don't work out, man you please. Well, it's about time. Where's the drink, mister?

[Supporting Actor (Carton)]

Say no more. Without money and what you owe.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Well, now, imagine that, Carton and I only owe the few lousy quid. Imagine that, will you, Digger? I purchased a truck for MacGregor. Now, someone's gotta drive it up for him. If you like, I can have it at the river crossing tomorrow morning. I don't know. I'll get you out of here. Maybe your last chance.

[Supporting Actor (Carton)]

It would be better.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

What?

[Supporting Actor (Carton)]

It would be better for you to go back to this place.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Ah, you've been listening. Seems she cares more about you than you do for yourself, dear Buena. It's true. Well, let me have your answer, Digger. It's been already two weeks since he asked me to find you. Now, you won't wait forever. Two weeks? You started looking for me just two weeks ago. Well, that's quite a while to wait when you're anxious to get into production. I know he won't wait much longer. Now, what do you say? This woman would make a fine fortune teller. You buy me out of here, and I'll go.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

It was normally a pleasant three day trip to Tabora, but for the digger, his liquor supplies suddenly cut off.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

It was a nightmare.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Twice he had to stop for several hours while he fought to control his nerves. But by the time he finally reached the floor of the valley that led to Tabura. The worst was over. Late the fourth afternoon, remembering what Carton had said, he swung the truck wide around the native village. Then a few minutes later, he was driving down the hot, dusty street that separated the four frame buildings of the Tabura mine.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Hello? Anybody here? Yes? Sandy. Sandy McGregor. Who is it? It's the digger. Why, what's the matter? Didn't you recognize me? Well, now, of course I did. I just had to wait till I got close up. You haven't changed, Sandy. Neither have you. And I'm very glad to see you, Digger. Is that the truck, Captain Botany? Yes, and she's loaded with supplies. Good. We'll unload it in the morning. It'll give you something to do. Haven't you started working the mine? Well, I can't until I receive the permit. Come along inside. Carton thinks you've found a new vein. So I have. It should go about 600 a ton. I've got some more samples. You. You take a look, See what you think. Your leg been trouble? Oh, no, no. Muscles get tight when I don't use it, that's all. Too bad you didn't get entirely clear that day. But even so, you're a great deal better off than the others who were down there. Yes, yes. Anyone else here with you? The geologist seems to know his job. Oh, here we are. Clark, this is Fabian. Roger Fabian Clark.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

That's right. I was just about to fix myself a drink. You'll join me, won't you?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

No, thanks.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Oh, come now, Fabian. Surely you're thirsty after your long trip.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

No, no, I've decided to stay off it for a while.

[Supporting Actor (Carton)]

Oh.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Think you'll be able to?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Why, yes.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Why, I've always heard once the stuff's gotten hold of a man, it took real guts to leave it alone. Well, how about you, Sandy?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

No, not now. I'm going to take another look around for Miggy. Miggy's our newest recruit in the village. Digger. He disappeared right after luncheon today. Carton said you were having some trouble with the natives. Nothing to it except threats. They don't want us going down into the mine. Big taboo. I'll be back for a few minutes.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

So you're the famous Digger. I've heard a lot about you.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Oh, from Sandy?

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

No, he scarcely mentioned you. Sure you want to have that drink?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Quite sure.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

You've changed since Joburg.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Oh, did we meet there?

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

We had a mutual friend, Trudy Morgan. Remember him?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Oh, yes.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

You've been gone about a Month when I checked in. Well, did you like to see your room? It's right across the hall from mine. Doesn't matter if you snore though. Rats keep me awake most of the night anyway.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Rats? Here?

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Place is overrun with them and they're hungry, so watch yourself. Well, everything seems to be in order except the lock on this door.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Oh, I won't worry about that.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

I would. Someone might sneak in while you're sleeping and slit your throat.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

That's not very funny, Clark.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

It wasn't meant to be. Now come along. We'd better get your gear in before dark. That's all you have?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

All I brought with me. Hello.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

I wonder what they're up to.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Clark. Digger. Over here. Sandy.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

You find him?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

No, he's gone back to the village.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Looks as if I left to don the apron.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Tonight we'll not be eating here. Why not? I went over toward the village. That's no ordinary ceremony they're holding. They're being whipped up into something big. Lots of kola being passed about.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

For our benefit perhaps?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

I'm afraid so. You mean they might come here to attack us? I'm not going to find out. Where we go down into the mine. That's the one place they won't dare to come after us. Now you and Clark go ahead, Digger. I'll get some blankets and things from the house. What about the truck and your supplies? If we don't get out of this alive, we won't need them.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Oh, Digger, I wasn't going to tell you this before you got settled, but I think I should now.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Yes?

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

I've taken an oath to kill you.

[Supporting Actor (Carton)]

What?

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

I intend to do it within the next few days. Unless of course, the natives do it for me. Well, come along, Digger.

[Announcer/Narrator]

You are listening to the Digger. Tonight's presentation on radio's outstanding theater of thrills suspense.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar is no signature on a valentine. Not that our danger loving insurance investigator is opposed to romance. It's just that the detectives profession calls for a pragmatic approach to life if he wants to go on living. That's why no matter how lovely a lady may be and no matter how attracted to her Johnny Dollar may be, solving the particular case he's working on always takes precedence over sentiment. The case he's working on right now calls for courage as well as caution. And it's a baffling mystery thriller. You'll enjoy following clue by clue as you listen for yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Monday through Friday evening on most of these same stations.

[Announcer/Narrator]

And now we bring back to our Hollywood soundstage, Torren Thatcher starring in tonight's production, the Digger. A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

By taking advantage of the digger's bad leg, Clark managed to stay several paces in front of him as they walked toward the mine. This prevented Fabian from asking questions and pressing Clark for answers. Clark himself was the big question. The digger was not entirely convinced that Clark was serious. Yet there was nothing humorous in Clark's threat. Which had been made in an unemotional, completely fatalistic way. He was still undecided when MacGregor caught up with him. Together, they reached the hoist and climbed into the cage. The moment before they started down, they saw the natives set fire to the building they had just left. Then they lowered themselves and the digger began to remember the nightmares. And remembered this mine was also a tool.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

This will set us back.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Set us back more if they catch us.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

There's a bottle wrapped in that blanket, Clark. Will you break it out? Yes, yes. How, how far are we going down, Sandy?

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

The lower level.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

The lower level? Yeah, that's what I've been working. I've got a spot fixed up back near the cave in. You'll be more comfortable there.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Here we are. You look a bit shaky, Digger. Better take some of this.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Yes, yes, all right. Thanks.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Yeah, that's more like the old Digger. How about you, Sandy?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Go ahead.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

No, it won't bother me being down there.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Well, it couldn't bother any of us, that's all.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

How about it, Digger? Would it bring back some nasty memories?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Why should it?

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Well, last time you were down, you barely got out alive. You were lucky that day, weren't you, Clark?

[Supporting Actor (Carton)]

I I.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

You're right handy. I'm sorry, Digger. Didn't mean to remind you.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

You didn't.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

No, don't imagine I did. Here, you better take another drink. Wash away the ghost.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Well, very doone.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

You hang on to that bottle, Digger. I'll help Sandy with the other things.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Wait a minute.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

What is it?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

I'm not sure.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

It's smoke.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

What? It is smoke coming from up top.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

They're trying to smoke us out.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Yeah, well, that'll take a lot of doing. Come on, lets get back where we can rest.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

They started back then, their graphite lamps lighting away, casting shadows on the stone walls ahead of them. The digger remembered each foot of the level, each beam that supported it. And kept the earth from caving in on them. Once he would have remembered them as old friends, but not now. Then they rounded a sharp turn and came upon the fallen tons of shale and Loose rock. And it caused the death of 30 men.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Did you see that, Clark?

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Yes.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

What was it? A rat.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Filthy little rat.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Digger, you'd better go easy on that stuff.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Let him alone, Sandy.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

You let him alone. You're the ones been after him. It's all right, Sandy. Don't you worry about me. Come on, let me have the bottle together. Yes. Yes, sure. Here you are. Thank you. Now sit down. We'll be here all night anyway.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Cigarettes, Andy?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

No, thanks. We'd better not smoke down here, just in case.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Whatever you say, Digger. Did you know all the men that were in here that day?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

No, not all.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

But most of them, yes. I saw a letter you wrote to the wife of one of them after it happened.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

I wrote a good many letters, yes.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

This woman lived in Suffolk. Has two kids.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

No.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

At about 11 and 14. Now you know who I mean, Digger.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

No, I. I don't know. Well, was she Henry's wife? Yes. I. I wrote to tell her to try explain how it happened.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

How you managed to get out when no one else did. She believed you. But I didn't.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Why? Now. Now, wait a minute, Clark. You wait.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

I've been looking for him for over six months. I'd almost given up.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Why, Clarke? Why don't you know?

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Has your brain rotted that much?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

What?

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Can't you remember his last name?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

No.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Henry's last name. He was your friend.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

No, I. I don't.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

You sent his things back to her.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

I sent them, too. No. No, you. You can't be. Clark.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Henry Clark.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Digger. No, I. You're Henry's brother. That's right. Why did he tell me?

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

It didn't matter to you. Why did you lie to her like that, Digger?

[Narrator/Scene Description]

I didn't lie.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

You lied.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

No, I didn't.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Then. And at the inquest.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Now, stop it, Clark.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

He was cleared at the inquest because

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

there wasn't anyone to testify against him. But there is now. And he's right here, sitting beside me. You remember Trudy, don't you, Dicker? The woman in Joburg?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Yes.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

She told me about you. All about you. You have nightmares. The same one over and over.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Please.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Trudy told me she was to come into your room when it was at its worst. You'd be yelling. Should have warned them. Why didn't I warn them? And while you were saying it, to throw your arms and legs about as if you were fighting your way through hell.

[Announcer/Narrator]

No.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

No, Clark. Even if it is true, why not forget it?

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

I'll forget it when he can sit here on my brother's Tomb with a clear conscience without being sick. Afraid. Like he's been since we entered this place. You know what he's afraid of, Sandy? The men buried here.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

No.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Isn't that right, Digger? Isn't that right?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Yes.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Yes. And you're afraid of them because you ran. You left them behind. You saw the danger signs. You knew it was going to give way. But instead of taking time to warn them, you ran. Isn't that true?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Isn't it true? Yes. It's all true.

[Announcer/Narrator]

Yes.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Okay.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

I I I've known you a long time, Digger. I, I I've seen you do things that took more than I had in me. Believe me, I couldn't help it. Cave in is the only thing that I've ever been afraid of in my life. Fire, explosions, gas. Yes, I was afraid of them. But not like a cave in where I'd be crushed to death or die fighting for air. Please, Clark. I couldn't help it. Believe me, I could. No, no, no. It's all right, Digger.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

You speak for yourself, McGregor.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Now, Clark, you're not going to keep after him.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

You want me to shake his hand? Show him the meaning of brotherly love?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

That it there'll be no harm in it. And a lot of good for both of you.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

You goat.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

We may all do just that if they keep on pouring smoke in here.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

They sat quietly for a while, waiting. And then, just as MacGregor had feared it would, the smoke reached their level and came rolling down the shaft. And with it running in front of it were all the animals who had made their nests in the abandoned mine.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

What? What time is it?

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

About 4.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

It'll be daylight in another hour. The natives will stop, then go home to sleep. Off the cooler. What was that? Did you hear something? I don't know. I thought. Listen. Another rat.

[Supporting Actor (Carton)]

Look.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Look there at the turn. There were four of them.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Listen to them. They must be coming down here to get away from the smoke. Up top.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Let's take a look out over the cage.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Good Lord. Hundreds of them. Keep your lamp on them. They're afraid to light.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Sandy, look back there for the cage.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

More coming in. They're not moving. Come on. We'll get back.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

What?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

We'll go back where we were.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Come on.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

We're going to have us trapped in here. Sandy, we're going to be cut off from the cage. We've got to make a run for it.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Take it easy, Clark. Take it easy.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Thousand rats out there waiting for us.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

How are we going to get out?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

I'm not thinking about that. I'm thinking about keeping alive right where we are.

[Supporting Actor (Carton)]

Look. Look.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

They're moving this way. Sandy, we've got to make a run for it. We can't run.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

You mean he can't.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

I mean we're sticking together.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Then none of us will make it.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Well, I'll die here. Shut up, Clive.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

We'll make a nice meal for them, for their families and their family.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Shut up, Sandy. You two had better go now while there's still a chance. No, we'll stay. The air should begin to clear in another hour.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

How do you know? You don't know for sure. The natives are going to give up.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Sandy, Your only chance is to try and reach the cage. If you make it and it's clear on top, send the cage back down. I'll try for it then. It's not clear up there. It's. It won't make any difference anyhow.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Stop talking and let's move.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

But if we leave you alone digre. I will anyway, in a few moments. Go on, Sandy.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Go on.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

There's a shovel over there and I can hold off until you get up top.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Listen to him, Sandy. Do what he says.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

All right, we'll try. Go on, Sandy. Oh, Sandy. Yes? One thing. In case you get through and I don't, there's a woman. I. I'd like her to have my things. Will you send them to Cotton? You know where to take him? Yes. Good luck digging.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

A few minutes later, Clark and Sandy McGregor, having fought their way to the cage, reached the top of the mine and stepped out into a clear, blue dawn. Then, with an almost automatic gesture, because they had said they would and not because they expected the crippled digger to make it through the rats, they sent the cage back down. Then they waited.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

How long's it been?

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Long enough.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Yes. Clark. Clark. He made it. He made it. Come on. Help me pull him up.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

They looked down the shaft. There's the cage. Neared them. They could see rats clinging to the top of it and through the ropes on each side. Then the cage was clear. And they saw what it carried.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

No.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (Roger Fabian - The Digger)]

Oh, my God, no.

[Supporting Actor (Clark)]

Look at him. They must have been all over him. For a thousand feet,

[Narrator/Scene Description]

they buried him as the sun rose full above the horizon. A few days later, Sandy wrote another letter to his friend Carton. The day after receiving it, Carton drove again to the river crossing, parked his car and crossed into the native section. Before he reached Winkies, where he was to give the woman a very small package. He had been pushed, cursed and spat upon.

[Announcer/Narrator]

Suspense in which Torren Thatcher starred in tonight's presentation of the Digger. Next week we bring you a story of a boy who ran from a prophecy but couldn't escape its deadly promise. We call it the Strange Prophecy of Bertha Abbott. That's next week on Suspense. Suspense is directed and transcribed in Hollywood by Anthony Ellis. You have heard the Digger, written by Charles B. Smith especially for suspense. The music was composed and conducted by Leith Stevens. Featured in the cast were Herb Butterfield, Charlie Lung, Ramsay Hill, Stan Jones, Lillian Byeff and Harley Bear.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Now, a public service message from CBS Radio. In this second half of the 20th century, war could happen in a hurry. Nuclear fission and long range bombers have brought America within striking distance. And unless we're on our guard, an aggressor could deliver devastating blows. To help guard America, enlist in the Ground Observer Corps. Sign up for the Silver Wings. That mean you're doing your share. To man our vital aircraft spotter observation posts, write or telephone your nearest civil defense center and volunteer.