The Missing Witness by The Man Called X

Summary

Podcast Summary: Relic Radio Thrillers – "The Missing Witness" (The Man Called X)

Release Date: September 19, 2025
Original Broadcast Date: March 24, 1951
Host: Jack Latham (RelicRadio.com)

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Episode Overview

This episode of Relic Radio Thrillers revisits the classic espionage drama, "The Missing Witness," from the old-time radio series The Man Called X. The story centers on Ken Thurston (aka Mr. X), who races against time and international enemies to locate and protect a vital witness, William Crile. Crile is the only man capable of convicting notorious foreign agent John Verander, but is now on the run in Ecuador, with both the law and lethal criminals in pursuit. The narrative is packed with suspense, shifting allegiances, and the moral imperative of standing up for justice.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Framing the Mystery (00:11–04:57)

• Context: Host Jack Latham introduces The Man Called X, highlighting its storied history in radio and setting the tone for the classic thriller.
• The Case: In an office high above Manhattan, Chief and Ken Thurston discuss the press and public pressure over failing to deport John Verander, an internationally known spy.
  • Chief: “Everyone knows Verander's a foreign agent...and we haven't got one blessed shred of legal evidence to hang it on him.” (03:56)
• The Lead: Thurston reveals a potential breakthrough—William Crile, an insider ready to testify. Crile, however, has disappeared, and Thurston relies on the resourceful (if shifty) Pagon Zelschmitt to find him.

2. The Search Begins (04:57–08:14)

• Pagon's Intel: Pagon channels information that Crile has fled to Guayaquil, Ecuador, to escape Verander’s assassins.
  • Pagon: “He figured this Vernder character would have been bumped out if he told the government what he knows about him...So Krile took himself a fast brush out Powder.” (05:26)
• Dilemma: Verander's killers are hot on Crile's trail, and Mr. X must reach him first.

3. Arrival in Ecuador and New Suspects (07:33–10:23)

• Atmosphere: Thurston and Pagon land in Ecuador, already feeling the tension and surveillance from mysterious figures, including a suspicious professor, Savadel, who seems to know more than he lets on.
• Key Interaction: The eccentric Professor Savadel introduces Desolation Island as a clue, sparking Mr. X’s suspicion.
  • Prof. Savadel: “You'd be surprised at what can be found on some of its islands. Such as San Cristobal, Santa Maria, Desolation Island.” (09:21)

4. Danger Closes In (10:23–15:12)

• Double Crosses: Savadel appears to have a heart attack after an ominous encounter at the airport, but Mr. X suspects foul play.
• Hospital & Apartment: Thurston tracks Savadel to his apartment, only to encounter Carla Reiner, a tough and crafty woman with her own agendas and a gun.
  • Carla: “So long as I have the gun. You will answer the questions, not ask him.” (13:23)
• Revelation: A corpse in the closet (Bruno Nasto, Verander’s henchman) raises the stakes, and allegiances are suspect on all sides.

5. Unlikely Alliances and Further Betrayal (16:57–20:54)

• Motives Laid Bare: Carla admits she tried to obtain Crile's location to sell for profit. She denies killing Nasto, but the truth is murky.
  • Carla: “I have made it My business to know many things about many people in many places. I have found it to be a most profitable vocation.” (17:04)
• Pagon’s Trouble: Following Carla puts Pagon in danger—he's knocked out by a thug with a bloodhound after seeing Carla depart via speedboat.

6. Desolation Island Showdown (21:02–26:28)

• Climax: Mr. X and Pagon travel to Desolation Island, a desolate outpost in the Galapagos, to find Crile.
  • Ken Thurston: “What else would you do if you wanted to hunt a turtle on the Galapagos Islands, huh? There it is, Pagon. Desolation Island.” (21:05)
• Crile Found: Crile, paranoid and desperate, pulls a gun on the newcomers, thinking they’re working for Verander.
  • Crile: “You're wrong, Krile. I'm on government business.” (22:37 – Ken)
• Moral Choice: Thurston persuades Crile that isolation is no escape from duty—or from oneself.
  • Ken Thurston: “You can't hide from yourself. How did you find me...?” (23:08)
• Villains Arrive: Carla, with Savadel captive and the bloodhound-handler, corners Thurston’s party, using Savadel as a shield and sending the dog to finish the job.
• Counter-trick: Thurston defeats their tracking with an old subterfuge: “I used the old trick of spreading blood plasma and cocaine across the trail.” (25:45)
• Final Confrontation: Carla’s duplicity is revealed—she’d used Nasto’s gun to commit murder. Crile decides to return and testify, realizing there’s no true escape.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Moral Responsibility:
  • Ken Thurston: “We’ve only got two choices to make these days. To stand up against the villains of the world or try to run away. And the earth’s just too small to h[ide].” (26:40)
• On Espionage:
  • Chief: “Everyone knows Verander’s a foreign agent...and we haven’t got one blessed shred of legal evidence to hang it on him.” (03:56)
• Comic Relief:
  • Pagon: “The closer we get to where we’re going, the farther away I think we should ought to be.” (07:33)
• On Deception:
  • Carla: “I have made it My business to know many things about many people in many places. I have found it to be a most profitable vocation.” (17:04)

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Important Timestamps

• Host’s Introduction and Show Setup: 00:11–01:06
• Case and Chief’s Frustration: 03:17–04:57
• Pagon Reveals Crile’s Whereabouts: 05:13–05:59
• Arrival and Suspicious Professor: 09:10–10:23
• Savadel’s Collapse and Clues: 11:31–12:17
• Carla’s Confrontation: 13:17–15:12
• Moral Dilemma on Desolation Island: 22:16–23:08, 26:40

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Tone and Style

The episode blends classic cloak-and-dagger suspense with moments of lighthearted banter (mostly through Pagon), a sense of moral gravity, and hard-boiled, fast-paced dialogue emblematic of vintage radio thrillers. Mr. X’s determination is juxtaposed with both the villains’ ruthless cunning and secondary characters’ self-interest or fear.

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Conclusion

"The Missing Witness" is a tight, suspenseful classic of espionage, offering listeners not only an action-packed quest across borders but also a reflective ending about courage, responsibility, and the impossibility of running from conscience. Ken Thurston’s victory isn’t just about capturing a criminal, but about persuading a crucial witness to do the right thing—no matter the cost.

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For more old-time radio adventures, visit RelicRadio.com or check out their Shoutcast stream.

Transcript

[Jack Latham]

Relicradio.com presents stories of mystery and intrigue, espionage and suspense. Hear tales of ticking time bombs, mysterious crime scenes and cloak and dagger action. This is relic radio thrillers. Welcome back to relic radio thrillers. We're going to hear from the man called X this week. Series that debuted in 1944 as a summer replacement for the Lux Radio Theater. Eight episodes originally over CBS stations. It returned in the fall of 1944, this time over NBC stations where it aired until 1947 when it returned to CBS for a year. It was back over NBC after that until the series ended in 1952. Over 200 episodes were created. The one we'll hear today is from March 24, 1951. It's titled the missing Witness.

[Narrator]

Now we present Herbert Marshall as the man called X, the Saturday night feature on NBC's Five Show Festival of Comedy, music, mystery and drama. Brought to you by Chesterfield, the cigarette that has for you what every smoker wants. Mildness plus no unpleasant aftertaste. The cigarette that brings you Bing Crosby and Bob Hope by the makers of anison for fast relief from pain of headache, neuritis, neuralgia and by RCA Victor, world leader in radio, first in recorded music, first in television. Herbert Marshall as the man called X. Wherever there is mystery, intrigue, romance, in all the strange and dangerous places of the world, there you will find the man called X. Whoa. Now listen to this.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Say, Bing, you got a minute?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Oh, sure, Bob.

[Chief]

I got all the time in the world.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Don't tell me you own that too.

[Chief]

Never mind that stuff.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Get to work with it. Okay, folks, better tasting Chesterfield is the only cigarette that combines for you mildness with no unpleasant aftertaste. And you can prove that yourself. Just make our mildness test. Buy Chesterfields, then open them and enjoy that milder, mellow aroma. Now light one up and you'll know Chesterfield's milder because it smokes milder and Chesterfield leaves no unpleasant aftertaste. That fact has been confirmed by the country's first and only cigarette taste panel.

[Chief]

Yes, mildness and no unpleasant aftertaste are.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

What you and I and every smoker wants.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Hurry up, dad.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Here comes the music. My Chesterfield.

[Chief]

Chesterfield.

[Narrator]

The one that proves its case. Yes, Chesterfields are milder, milder plus no aftertaste.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Ho.

[Narrator]

Open a pack and give them a sniff. Then you'll smoke them. It is early evening in New York City. In the offices of the bureau high above Manhattan's teeming streets, two men are listening to a news broadcast.

[Chief]

Now, as I've done for the past four weeks, I'm about to ask the big question. The question that has the people of Budapest, Prague, Warsaw and Moscow laughing at these United States. And here it is once again, ladies and gentlemen, the big, big question. What is being done about John Vernder? I repeat, what is being done about John Verender? Why is this enemy of democracy allowed to remain in this country? Why hasn't he been deported? As this reporter has demanded time and time again? I tell you, ladies and gentlemen.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Ah, what's the matter, Chief? Don't you like those questions about John Verander?

[Chief]

You know darned well I don't.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

He's got a right to ask him.

[Chief]

Sure he has, Ken. So is the rest of the world. Everyone knows Veranda's a foreign agent. We're morally certain that he's responsible for 9/10 of the espionage going on in this country. And we haven't got one blessed shred of legal evidence to hang it on him.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

That's right.

[Chief]

So what are we gonna do about it?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Well, we could beat a confession out of him. We could purge him. What? But, Chief, we're living in a country that believes in democratic rights. So I guess we've got to dig up some legal evidence.

[Chief]

What in blazer do you think we've been trying to do for two years? What's going to make things different now?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

At least we know now there's a man who worked with Veranda who's got the goods on him, whose testimony can convict him.

[Chief]

You mean William Crile?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

When I ran Krile down three weeks ago, he promised to turn state's evidence, remember?

[Chief]

Of course I do. And I remember that Kyle hasn't been seen anywhere since. He's the one who's been purged. I've earned a stooges.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Pagon doesn't think so.

[Chief]

Pagon? What's that cheap crook got to do with this?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Oh, there's big money in military secrets, Keith. And nobody has an instinct for digging up dope about big money like Pagon. I put him on the payroll to see what he can find out about Kyle.

[Chief]

Ken, you're throwing your money away. Why, I'll give you 100 to 1 right now. That that petty chisel just milked you for expense money. And you'll never even hear from him again. I'll bet that. Yes?

[Carla Reiner]

A telephone call from Mr. Thurston, sir. Pagon. Zelchimit's on the wire.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Zelman. Well, Chief, still want to bet? So William Kyle skipped the country. Pagon?

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

That's right, Mr. X. He was scared to Pieces. He figured this Vernder character would have been bumped out if he told the government what he knows about him. So? So Krile took himself a fast brush out Powder.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

And this friend of yours, he knows where Kyle's gone?

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

That's what he told me. And he said he'd tell you. For a slight consideration, of course. See a seat in yours, Thurston. This man whom you seek, this Senor Cry, three weeks ago he took an airplane passage to Guayaquil, Ecuador.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Ecuador?

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

That's in South America, Mr. Thurston.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

No.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Oh, yeah.

[Carla Reiner]

Yeah.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

I guess this Cry really wants to put a distance between himself and that verander, see, Piggon? But it will do him no good. Huh?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

What do you mean?

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

This Signor Ferinda, he knows that Senor Cry has left the country. He has sent his most deadly killers to find him. See, your Cry will never leave to offer testimony to your government.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Oh, he will. If I can find him first.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Barinda's killers will never allow you to do that. Senor.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Who are these gunmen? What are their names?

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

One would never suspect that through occupation for even a moment. Senior. One of them is killed. Who?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

All right, Pagone, they're gone.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

They are, But. But why were they shooting at me?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

They were not.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Huh? Oh. Oh, look, Mr. X. He's dead.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Yeah. Verinder, Stooges aren't wasting time. Come on.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Where are we going?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

To the airport.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Airport?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

We've got to win a race to Guayaquil, Ecuador.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

You know something, Mr. Rex? The closer we get to where we're going, the farther away I think we should ought to be.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Little late to think of that now. We'll be landing in a couple of hours.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

That's what I mean. What are we going to do in Gil, anyways?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

You've got friends there, haven't you?

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Sure. So what?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

So William Crow's got to hide somewhere. Unless he wants Veranda's men to kill him. Maybe your friends can help us.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

What, again, boy? You don't care who gets bumped off by who.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

The only hope of getting Kyle back alive is us to find him first.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

But. But we don't even know who these stooges are. What they look like. Maybe they're even flying with this airplane. With that?

[Carla Reiner]

I beg your pardon, gentlemen. Oh, dear.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

I didn't mean to startle you. Did I say something?

[Carla Reiner]

Oh, dear.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

No, that's all right. My friend gets a bit nervous in airplanes.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Oh, he does? Well, now, isn't that strange? Strange? Yes. I'm affected that way myself. Particularly on long Ocean flights. I. But that wasn't what I wanted to speak to you about at all now was it?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

I don't know. You haven't said, Mr. Oh yes.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

It's because I'm Professor Savadel. I was wondering if you knew me. That is, I mean, you. You don't happen to be Professor Williams of the Botany department at Washington University, do you?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

No, I'm afraid not, Professor. My name's Ken thurston.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

And I'm Mr. Zellschwerk. Oh dear. Now that's too bad. Well, I mean, I'm sorry I bothered you. I heard Professor Williams speak at a botanical convention some years ago. He's a very interesting speaker.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Oh, very.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

He gave a masterful discourse on the fauna and flora of the Galapagos Islands. Oh, yes, it was. Master. Yes. Well, you look a great deal like him, Mr. Thurston. When I first saw you, I thought. Well, you understand the course.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Well, yes.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

I don't suppose you are interested in the Galapagos Islands yourself, Mr. Thurston?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Should I be?

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Oh, yes, yes, indeed. Everyone should be. I've spent considerable time there in recent years collecting rare specimens. You'd be surprised at what can be found on some of its islands. Such as San Cristobal, Santa Maria, Desolation Island.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Desolation Island? I don't think I've heard of that one.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Oh dear, no, no, no, no, of course not. It was Professor Williams who mentioned it during that lecture, you know. And you're not Professor Williams, are you? Well, Sergeant Both. I hope you shall meet again sometime. Good day, Mr. Bell Smith. Good day, Professor. William. I mean Mr. Thirst, you know. Well, good day, gentlemen.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Goodbye, Professor Sabadel.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Hey, how do you like that guy?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

I do.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Talk about having screws loose.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

I'm not so sure, Pago. Not so sure?

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

What about all that gallop popping island junk and thinking you were this Professor Williams character?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

That's what I mean.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Huh.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Only an hour ago he asked the stewardess about me and she told him who I am.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

I don't get it, Mr. X. Why are we letting our heels get cooled off here at the airport anyways?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

I'm looking for somebody, Pago.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

You mean that Robert Crile?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

No, some of the Villender boys.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Veranda boys, but crowd got here three weeks ago. They wouldn't be looking for anyone down here now. And unless it was us.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

That's right.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Oh, well, goodbye, Mr. Thurston. I just got time to get the train back to Panama.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Good luck, Pagone. And give my regards to Brune and NASCO.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Sure, Mr. Thurston. Be glad to. Bruner Nastal. Who is he?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

He used to be one of the Gestapo's hatchet men.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

So what's he got to do with me going to Panama?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

That's what I was wondering. He's standing over there near the Panama plane, watching us.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

On a second thought, mister, this night, couldn't you leave your upper couple of trees? Or to. After all, you're. You're liable to need me around to protect you. Yeah. So there you are. I've been looking for you, Professor.

[Carla Reiner]

Will you.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Oh, I mean, Mr. Thayston, as I was looking for you.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

That's so, Professor.

[Chief]

Oh, yes.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Yes, indeed. I wish to see say goodbye before you left for the Galapagos Islands. Oh, my, my, my. I mean, before I left. Yes, I wish to say goodbye.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Mighty nice of you, Professor. Have a good trip.

[Carla Reiner]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

I am certain that I shall. I'm most anxious to study some new specimens of the order. Chelonia. Turtles. You want to. Yes, Turtles. The waters of the Calapag. My, my heart. I go. Go.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

It's a heart attack.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

What?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Yeah, Pig on. Take over.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Yes.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

She is taken to Providencia.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Where are you going?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

To follow the man who did this to him.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

What?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

The professor just took a good look at Bruno.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Nostalgia.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Wake up.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Oh, it's you, Mr. Thurston. Hey, how come you got here to the hospital so soon? Couldn't you follow that nasty guy?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

I followed him to a little apartment out in the suburbs.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

So what?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

So it's time to have a little talk with the professor.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

But. But why should the professor know anything about it?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

The name on the apartment door was Victor Savadel. Oh. Let's go in.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Boy, it's cold in here. Why've they got that window wide open?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

The window doesn't bother me as much as the bed. Yes, the professor's gone.

[Carla Reiner]

Stop right there.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Whoa.

[Carla Reiner]

What are you doing here, senor?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

I might ask you the same, senorita.

[Carla Reiner]

So long as I have the gun. You will answer the questions, not ask him. What are you doing here?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

I'm looking for Professor Savadel.

[Carla Reiner]

How are they?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

This is his apartment, isn't it?

[Carla Reiner]

Who are you?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

My name is Ken Thurston. What's yours?

[Carla Reiner]

Leave his apartment, senor, at once before I call the police.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

You sure you want them here?

[Carla Reiner]

Why not?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

I don't know. They might be curious as to what you're doing here, too.

[Carla Reiner]

I can assure you, Senior Thurston, they will be entirely satisfied with my explanation. And it would be no crime to Kill you when you're attempting to break into my home. Now leave at once or I just. What's that?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

I'll take that gun. Thanks. Now who's in that closet?

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

What?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

That's where the noise came from.

[Carla Reiner]

I don't know. Senor.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Stand here a minute, all right? Yeah.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Who. Who is he?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

His name was Bruno Nasto. You want to talk now or do you still think it's safe to call the police?

[Carla Reiner]

Senor, I know that you are looking for William Crile because his evidence will convict John Verander of being a dangerous alien agent.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

How do you know all this?

[Carla Reiner]

Very simple, senor. I know it because.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Look out.

[Carla Reiner]

Senor.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

First.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

He's gone.

[Carla Reiner]

Why was he trying to kill you?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

He wasn't.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

What?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Trying to kill you.

[Carla Reiner]

Me? You saw him. Do you know who he was?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Yep. A harmless old professor, name of Savadel.

[Narrator]

We'll continue with the man called X in just a moment. Every day you hear more and more about an incredibly fast way to relieve the pains of headache, neuritis and neuralgia. It's Anacin A N a C I n. Now the reason Anacin is so wonderfully fast acting and effective is this. Anacin is like a doctor's prescription. That is, Anacin contains not just one but a combination of medically proven active ingredients in easy to take tablet form. Thousands of people have received envelopes containing Anisen tablets from their own dentist or physician and in this way discovered the incredibly fast relief Anacin brings from pains of headache, neuritis or neuralgia. So the next time a headache strikes, take Anacin A n a C I n anison in handy boxes of 12 and 30 economical family size bottles of 50 and 100. Ask for Anison at any drug counter. Now Act 2 of the Man Called X starring Herbert Marshall with Leon Belasco as pagans Elschman it The United States is on trial in the eyes of the world for failure to deport John Verander, international spy and espionage agent. But only one man possesses evidence to convict him. A man by the name of William Crile who has fled to Ecuador. Ken Thurston, knowing Verander's agents are out to silence Crile, has followed him to Guayaquil. Now Ken is in a Professor Sabadel's apartment talking to a mysterious woman he found there. The woman who was just shot at by the professor himself.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

So your name's Carla Reiner?

[Carla Reiner]

Si. That is so. Senior Thirst.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

How come you're mixed up in this? How do you know about me and about William Crile?

[Carla Reiner]

I have made it My business to know many things about many people in many places. I have found it to be a most profitable vocation.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

How about that dead man there in your closet? Bunin Astol.

[Carla Reiner]

He's the one who has informed Vernder's agent as to the present whereabouts of William Crile.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Then they know where Cry lives.

[Carla Reiner]

See?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Do you?

[Carla Reiner]

No. Though I had hoped to coax the information out of National.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Why?

[Carla Reiner]

So I could sell it to you.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

That's frank enough.

[Carla Reiner]

I told you that was my business.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Yeah. So what happened to Nastol?

[Carla Reiner]

He told me to meet him here. When I arrived, I found him lying on the floor, dead. Just then you rang the bell. I had just enough time to prop him up in the closet before you walked in.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

You.

[Carla Reiner]

You don't believe me?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Go on.

[Carla Reiner]

You have the proof in your hand. If you will examine my gun, you will find it's not been fired.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

I know. I've checked.

[Carla Reiner]

Then you will let me go?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

I'd still like to know why Sabadel wanted to kill you.

[Carla Reiner]

So would I, senor. But unfortunately I do not. Well, all right.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

The Swiner, you can go.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

What took you so long inside that house anyways? Mr. X? It's dark already.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Dagon. Did you see the woman who left the apartment just before I did? The one who's walking down the street now?

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Did I see her?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Never mind that. How'd you like to follow her?

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Are you kidding? See you back at the hotel, Mr. X.

[Carla Reiner]

Later.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Samigo.

[Chief]

Amigo. You have una Lucy Pharaoh, huh?

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Oh, a match. Oh, look, my oldest, dearest friend. I'm in a hurry, see? What was that?

[Chief]

That is both, Senor. Satan, amigo.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Senor Satan? What kind of a name is that for. For an elephant.

[Chief]

Elephant, amigo? No, no. She's what you call a hound of blood. See, that is what you call her.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

You call her. I got my own names for her, look, like I said before, and I'm in a hurry. You know how this ladies don't like to keep me waiting.

[Chief]

Well, there is no hurry, amigo. The senorita will not go away from you. Look, she is even now getting about that big. How do you call it? Speedboat at the docks?

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Hey, what do you know? She is.

[Chief]

See, like I told you. So you give me the match and then you go. That's all the dope I have, Ken. Not much to go on, but maybe it'll help.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

It does, chief, Plenty.

[Chief]

What's your next move?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

As soon as Pagon gets back, we start out to pick up William Cryo.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

And that's all I know, Mr. X. Honest. After this big guy with that bloodhound conked me. I didn't know nothing else.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

What happened to Carl Reiner and the speedboat?

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

And who knows? When I got my conscience back, they were gone.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Okay, Pagon, let's go. Go?

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Go where?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

I have to go to a chemist. Then we'll see if we can borrow a seaplane from the government of Ecuador.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Huh? What are we gonna do all that for?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

What else would you do if you wanted to hunt a turtle on the Galapagos Islands, huh? There it is, Pagon. Desolation Island.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

That. Do you mean we're going to land down there?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

That's right.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

But. But there's nothing at that place. But. But rocks and sand and rocks.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Oh, I think we'll find some living things down there, too.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Like what?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Like birds, lizards, turtles. William Cry.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Mr. X.

[Carla Reiner]

No.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

This is the end. I'm absolutely not walking anymore. One bleeding step, I'm kaput, finished. Besides, M. Qu. That guy, Cry, he just isn't in this place.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

We'll find him, Pega.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

But. But what makes you think he's on here anyways?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Because he's standing on top of that rock wall behind you.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

What kind of a reasoning is that? Believe me, Mr. X is standing behind me. Don't move, neither of you. I've got you covered.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

It's obvious.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Who are you?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

What do you want here? My name's Thurston. And we had to take you back to the States.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Verander sent you after me, didn't he? Verander sent you?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

You're wrong, Krile. I'm on government business.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Government?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Yeah. I want you to go back to testify against Verander. Go back?

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

You. You must be crazy. Even if Veranda didn't send you, he's got men looking for me, looking everywhere.

[Narrator]

I wouldn't stand a chance if I went back.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

I can't go back. I can't.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

It finally got you, didn't it? Cry?

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Got to me? What are you talking about?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

You picked the loneliest spot on earth to hide in. But you've learned that it doesn't work. It never does. You can't hide from yourself. How did you find me there, sir? Professor Sabadel.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Sabadel? Yeah. But he didn't tell you Nothing about crime, Mr. Fish.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

No, but the chief does. Sabadel and Krile were old friends. What was he going to do, Krile bring out some supplies for you?

[Narrator]

Never mind all that, Thurston.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

The only important thing is what happens to Me?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Now you haven't much choice. We found you. It's only a question of time before Verendra's men find you too. You take it from there.

[Narrator]

No. There must be another answer.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

There must be. Mr. X. Yeah.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Sounds like you're bloodhound friend.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Bloodhound? What are you talking about? What's going on?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Let's go climb up here and take a look.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Look, look. It's him. The big guy with the dog. And that Carlo Rhino is with him. Sabadel. They've got his hands tied. They're pushing him in front of them for a shield.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

That's right, Krile. It won't take long for that hound to track you down. And you can't shoot unless you want to kill a Sabadel too.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

But. But we gotta do something. They'll kill us murderous. What can we do, Mr. Ricks?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

That's something Cry will have to decide.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

I.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

That's right. The choice is up to you. Whether you go back to the States as a witness against vendor or as a corpse.

[Carla Reiner]

So this is the way that dog of yours will follow any trail, huh? Can't you see the fool has lost the scent?

[Chief]

And I tell you, senorita, he will find it again. This dog can follow anyone, anywhere.

[Carla Reiner]

Then why does he not do it? Look at him, acting as though Krile has spread wings and flown away.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

I told you Mr. Crile is not on this island. He is not here.

[Carla Reiner]

Shut your mouth, you idiot. We know he is here. And when we have found him and killed him, then it will be your turn.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

If I had only managed to shoot you back at the apartment. Now there is nothing that can be done.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Don't be too sure about that, Professor. Hey, who is that turning round?

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

That's right, my amigo friend. The professor is in front. There's nothing behind us but us and our guns.

[Carla Reiner]

So it is you, Thoresten.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

That's right, Carla.

[Carla Reiner]

The dog. He was the cause of this losing the trail, letting you sneak up behind us.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Don't blame the dog, Carla. I used the old trick of spreading blood plasma and cocaine across the trail. But you used an old trick too, when you killed Nostal.

[Carla Reiner]

Are you mad, Thurston? You checked my gun. It hadn't been fired.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

That's what I mean. After you left, I found the gun.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

You?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

You rarely used Nasto's gun.

[Chief]

All right, then he go.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Thanks, Cryo Bill.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

Then you're all right. Mr. Thurston found you first. That's right, Sabadel. Yes, he found me. But I Suppose you haven't. Well, I mean, you still haven't changed your mind about. About.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

You're wrong. Professor Cryo's going back with us to testify against Verender.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

He. He is?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

You.

[Pagon Zelschmitt]

You mean you really persuaded him to?

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

I didn't persuade him. I didn't have to. He learned his lesson. The lesson that all of us had better learn. We've only got two choices to make these days. To stand up against the villains of the world or try to run away. And the earth's just too small to h.

[Narrator]

Our star, Herbert Marshall will return in just a moment. Here's a word from RCA Victor. Fill your life with a new magic world of fun. Enjoy yourself. Have a Highland fling. Yes, that's just what it is. When you and your family start enjoying RCA Victor's new 17 inch television console, the Highland. It's fun, it's fine. And it'll be the favorite of your family. That's right, the most famous name in home entertainment. RCA Victor now brings you the best in 17 inch television with the new Highland console. There's a lot we can say about the Highland. But you just have to see it with its remarkable pictures. Clear, bright and steady. Its distinctive console cabinet beautifully styled, beautifully finished and priced to fit your family budget. Then you'll know why this is million proof television. Now, over 2 million American families have tried, tested and purchased RCA Victor television. Let your family in for a Highland fling with RCA Victor's exciting new Highland television console. See it at your RCA Victor dealers tomorrow. Now, here is our star, Mr. Herbert Marshall.

[Ken Thurston (Mr. X)]

Thanks for being with us. And I think you'd like to know that in tonight's cast were Lillian Byeff, Will Wright, Howard McNear, Polly Bear, Paul Feast and Robert Boone. Next week, our story takes Ken to Ireland on a real puzzler called the Blue Unicorn. But believe me, it has nothing to do with animals. Despite the fact that, as usual, the owner, ESC will be along as Pagan Zelschmitt. So join us, won't you, when next I return as the Man Called X. Good night.

[Narrator]

The Man Called X is a Saturday night feature on NBC's Five Show Festival of comedy, music, mystery and drama. Brought to you by the makers of Anison for fast relief from pain of headache, neuritis, neuralgia and by RCA Victor, world leader in radio, first in recorded music, first in television. The Man Called X, starring Herbert Marshall, is a J. Richard Kennedy production with music composed and conducted by Felix Mills. Tonight's story was written by Sydney Marshall and Maurice Zim. All characters and incidents on this program are fictitious and any resemblance to actual characters or incidents is purely coincidental. Be sure to listen tomorrow evening for the Big show with Tallulah Bankhead and a Great Parade of Stars, the Sunday night feature of NBC's Allstar Festival. And until next week, same time and same station. This is Jack Latham saying good night for the man called X.

[Carla Reiner]

Foreign.

[Narrator]

Tomorrow hear Tallulah's Big Show. Now it's your hit parade on NBC.

[Jack Latham]

There's more from the Man Called X, Relic Radio Thrillers and all of the other Relic radio podcasts@ Relic Radio.com. you'll find our shoutcast stream there as well, with even more old time radio lots to listen to there, all made possible by your support. If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. Thanks to those who have 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.