Violence Preferred by I Was A Communist For The FBI

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Violence Preferred

Podcast: Relic Radio Thrillers (Old Time Radio)
Episode: Violence Preferred by I Was A Communist For The FBI
Host: RelicRadio.com
Date: April 24, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Relic Radio Thrillers showcases a classic espionage drama, "Violence Preferred," an installment from "I Was A Communist For The FBI." The story follows Matt Svedic, an FBI undercover operative, as he navigates the dangerous internal shifts within the Communist Party in America—specifically, the transition from advocating “peaceful means” to endorsing revolutionary violence. Svedic’s mission centers on preventing the destruction of vital party records while preserving his own cover and survival.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Communist Party’s Shift to Violence (00:34 – 04:03)

• Matt Svedic (Dana Andrews) opens by reflecting on how "peace" was once an accepted ideal in Communist rhetoric, now replaced by a party directive of violent revolution.
  • Quote: "[At the convention,] the word of the Communist International became the law of the Communist Party USA." (02:34)
• The Party’s new orders dictate that records must be collected and destroyed to erase incriminating evidence.
• Communist Leader (03:00): "It is impossible to overthrow the power of capital by peaceful deed. This can only be achieved by revolutionary violence against the bourgeoisie."

2. Paranoia and Internal Tension (04:27 – 07:24)

• A visiting Party enforcer, Leon Plevner, outlines the plans and presses for strict secrecy through purge of official records.
  • Quote: "All incriminating evidence must go. Cell leaders have committed the essential points to memory. Now the evidence must go." (05:01)
• George Crenshaw, a minor cell leader, is placed in charge of collecting and destroying documents.
• Svedic, covertly working for the FBI, communicates with his contact, Beaker, alarmed by Plevner’s insistence that all evidence—even valuable overseas papers—is to be destroyed.

3. Svedic Tries to Intercept the Evidence (07:32 – 10:16)

• Svedic learns the vital files are stored at Crenshaw’s bowling alley office and attempts to convince Crenshaw to let him help safeguard them.
• Crenshaw becomes suspicious, rebuffing Svedic’s offers and staking his Party ambitions on this risky assignment.
  • Quote (Crenshaw): "When someone gets in my way, I get rough. Real rough." (09:49)

4. The Break-In and Close Call (10:16 – 14:12)

• Under cover of night, Svedic attempts a break-in to swap real documents for fakes, narrowly escaping detection by a night watchman.
• As he finishes switching the files, Crenshaw unexpectedly returns with a gun, intending to take Svedic to Plevner to "explain himself."

5. Under Party Suspicion (14:28 – 16:56)

• Svedic faces an interrogation by Plevner and Crenshaw; caught "red-handed," he claims he was only checking Crenshaw’s efficiency.
• Svedic bluffs, insisting the real party files are already missing, possibly taken by the FBI, and that only blank papers are left.
• When the party leaders go to check, they find only fake files—Crenshaw is incriminated for losing the records.
  • Quote: "You’d better look again. There's nothing but blank paper." (16:07)
• Crenshaw is led away for his failure; his fate within the Party is left ominously unresolved.

6. Desperate Retrieval of the Suitcase (17:02 – 22:14)

• Svedic returns at dawn to retrieve the suitcase with the real papers from the alley, only to discover it’s gone.
• After encountering a meticulous, rule-bound watchman and check-stand attendant Katie, Svedic negotiates and bribes his way to the suitcase, which is being held for identification.
• Katie hesitates, suspicious but ultimately hands over the suitcase with the intervention of Party men who suddenly appear, bringing a menacing urgency.

7. The Unexpected Resolution (22:19 – 24:33)

• Svedic, under escort, is delivered not to Party authorities but to a meeting with his FBI contact—revealing Katie had identified the compromising nature of the documents and called the authorities.
  • Quote (Beaker): "That suitcase you brought us will solve a lot of problems. There should be enough stuff in those papers to deport Plevner and a lot more like him." (24:00)
• The FBI expresses gratitude for Svedic’s risky operation; his cover and value as an operative are reaffirmed.

8. Reflective Epilogue—The Cost of Double Lives (24:33 – 25:20)

• The episode ends with Svedic walking away through a peaceful neighborhood, contemplating the personal sacrifice and loneliness inherent in his secret life.
  • Quote: "I was walking away from the sound of peace. No wonder I walked alone." (24:56)

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Communist Leader:
  "It is impossible to overthrow the power of capital by peaceful deed. This can only be achieved by revolutionary violence against the bourgeoisie." (03:00)
• Crenshaw, threatening Svedic:
  "When someone gets in my way, I get rough. Real rough." (09:49)
• Svedic, facing his own risk:
  "When you take action, it's bound to be drastic action. Very often, if downright desperate. Maybe you do it to save democracy, but more likely you do it to save yourself." (14:37)
• Beaker (FBI):
  "That suitcase you brought us will solve a lot of problems. There should be enough stuff in those papers to deport Plevner and a lot more like him." (24:00)
• Svedic, as the story closes:
  "I was walking away from the sound of peace. No wonder I walked alone." (24:56)

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Key Timestamps

• 00:34 – 04:03: Party’s move from "peace" to violence
• 05:23: Orders to destroy all Party evidence
• 09:40: Crenshaw’s ambition and warning to Svedic
• 10:16 – 12:28: Svedic’s break-in and close encounter with the night watchman
• 14:28 – 16:56: Svedic’s bluff and framing of Crenshaw
• 17:02 – 22:14: Attempt to retrieve the suitcase from alley and bowling alley staff
• 24:00: Reunion with FBI and safe transfer of evidence
• 24:33 – 25:20: Svedic’s introspective walk and closing reflection

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Tone and Style

The episode is marked by tense undercover intrigue, paranoia, and a somber introspective tone, consistent with noir-influenced radio drama. Svedic’s narration maintains a hard-boiled, world-weary sensibility, underpinning the gravity of living as a double agent amid the ever-present threat of exposure and physical danger.

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Summary Takeaway

"Violence Preferred" immerses listeners in a high-stakes world of Cold War espionage, where shifting ideologies have mortal consequences. Through terse confrontations, narrow escapes, and personal sacrifice, Matt Svedic’s journey highlights both the perilous cost of defending democracy and the isolation felt by those who operate in the shadows to protect it.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

Relicradio.com presents stories of mystery and intrigue, espionage and suspense. Hear tales of ticking time bombs, mysterious crime scenes and cloak and dagger action. This is Relic Radio Thrillers.

[Matt Svedic]

I was a communist for the FBI.

[Announcer]

Starring dana andrews at an exciting tale of danger and espionage. I was a communist for the FBI. From the actual records and authentic experiences of Matt Sevetic, how many of the incidents in this unusual story? Here is our star, Dana Andrews as Matt Sebetic, who for nine fantastic years lived as a Communist for the FBI.

[Matt Svedic]

There was a time when the word peace was included in the approved communist vocabulary. And there was a time only recently when that word was replaced by another. This is the story of that time and the other word.

[Announcer]

In a moment, listen to Dana Andrews at Matt Static Undercover Man. Now here is Dana Andrews as Matt se Undercover Man. This story from the Confidential file is marked Violence Preferred.

[Matt Svedic]

Here, listen to this. The Communist Party and capitalism can cooperate over a long period of time. And eventually the revolt of the proletariat may be attained by peaceful means. Strange talk these days, isn't it? But at the time I joined the Reds for the FBI, that was the official party line. Then a few years later, something happened. Something that turned the latent disease of Communism into an actively vicious crippler. An epidemic intent on polluting the world of free men. It happened at a big party convention when the word of the Communist International became the law of the Communist Party usa.

[Communist Leader]

The message from our comrades in the other parts of the world must be heeded. You in America must again become the party of struggle, the party of revolt. The teachings of Marx, Lenin and our exalted leader, Joseph Stalin has shown us that it is impossible to overthrow the power of capital by peaceful deed. This can only be achieved by revolutionary violence against the bourgeoisie. By a revolution that crushes the resistance of the exploiters and creates a new classless communist society. A dictatorship. What the trolloponic.

[Matt Svedic]

Pretty, wasn't it? And it really happened right here in the land of the free, in the home of the brave. Then, to help start the new Red Ball of Cara rolling, the Communist International sent missionaries to America who carried the word to all parts of the Party apparatus. One of those missionaries was Leon Plevner. And I was assigned to escort Comet Plebner to our District Committee meeting.

[Comrade Plevner]

So, comrade, revolution by peaceful means nearly defeats its purpose. It creates impatience. Detention.

[Matt Svedic]

Comrade Plebner, this new policy is a much greater risk.

[Comrade Plevner]

The only successful revolution, comrade theatric, is revolution by three force and violence.

[Matt Svedic]

But let's not kid ourselves. A policy of violence here in America will force the Party underground.

[Comrade Plevner]

So we are underground, then.

[Matt Svedic]

It's not that I don't agree, comrade partner. Naturally, I don't doubt the theories of Mark Engels and Comer Stalin.

[George Crenshaw]

Sit down, sp. You talk too much.

[Matt Svedic]

I'm trying to be realistic about this, Crenshaw. We're due for trouble and we might

[Comrade Plevner]

as well face it. No harshness with comrades.

[Matt Svedic]

Comrades.

[Comrade Plevner]

He is honest. He speaks his mind.

[George Crenshaw]

He can't have that much on his mind.

[Matt Svedic]

All right, Penshaw, you win.

[George Crenshaw]

No offense, comrade.

[Matt Svedic]

So.

[Comrade Plevner]

Enough. I am instructed to tell you that all Party records are to be collected and destroyed.

[Watchman]

Our membership cards, too.

[Comrade Plevner]

Everything. All incriminating evidence must go.

[Matt Svedic]

What about those documents you brought to us from Europe?

[Comrade Plevner]

They go, too.

[Matt Svedic]

But they outline the entire course with the follow places, assignments, the names of our most important leaders.

[Comrade Plevner]

Exactly. Such evidence, so vital, so important, your FBI would relish. Must go. Cell leaders have committed the essential points to memory. Now the evidence must go. Comrade Krenshoff.

[George Crenshaw]

Me?

[Matt Svedic]

Yes.

[Comrade Plevner]

I see. You are a most aggressive cell leader.

[George Crenshaw]

Thanks. Thanks a lot.

[Comrade Plevner]

Someone must be responsible for collecting the records, files and cards from the cell leaders. You will do it.

[George Crenshaw]

Well, say, I sure appreciate this chance.

[Matt Svedic]

Well, that's a big job, Penchaw. I'll be glad to help you.

[George Crenshaw]

No, thanks, Reddick.

[Matt Svedic]

It's a big job, all right, but

[George Crenshaw]

I can handle it.

[Matt Svedic]

Comrade, you will collect all the files

[Comrade Plevner]

and cards and see that they are destroyed. You will do this quickly and thoroughly. Mistakes will not be tolerated. The enemy must not find evidence to incriminate us.

[Matt Svedic]

Beaker, Deaker, this is Red. How'd the meeting go? Bad. Plevner wants all the party records destroyed. Membership cards, everything. What about the papers he brought from Europe?

[Beaker]

They go, too.

[Matt Svedic]

That stuff is invaluable to the FBI, chum. You've got to get it for us. I tried, but Plevna turned everything over to George Crenshaw. Crenshaw? A cell leader? He runs a crummy bowling alley on the edge of town. Can't you work with it? I tried that, too. No luck.

[Beaker]

We can't let them destroy those Party records. Well, what can I do?

[Matt Svedic]

I don't know, but try to do something. Anything.

[Beaker]

Okay. Beat out.

[Matt Svedic]

Don't try and listen.

[Beaker]

Be careful.

[Matt Svedic]

We need the evidence, but we need you more. I knew how much Biko wanted those records for the FBI. These were papers direct from the files of the Communist International, brought here by Comrade Pledner to acquaint American commies with the work of their overseas comrades, the big Reds here and abroad were named. Facts and figures were documented. In the hands of the FBI, it

[Beaker]

would be a potent weapon against subversive.

[Matt Svedic]

But George Crenshaw not.

[Beaker]

I was collecting the files to be destroyed.

[Matt Svedic]

I had to learn where the files were now and how to get them. So I headed across town to Crenshaw's bowling palace.

[Katie]

Check your accidental.

[Matt Svedic]

Oh, no.

[Katie]

How about your coat?

[Matt Svedic]

No, I'm sorry.

[Katie]

How do you expect a bull with all them clothes on?

[Matt Svedic]

I'm. I'm looking for George Crenshaw.

[Katie]

Oh, friend of the boss.

[Matt Svedic]

Know where he is?

[Beaker]

Over there.

[Katie]

Alley S. Hey, Georgie. Fell here to see you.

[Matt Svedic]

Okay, I'll be right there.

[Katie]

You'll be right here.

[Matt Svedic]

Thanks.

[Katie]

You know, if all the guys who come in this joint kept their hats and coats on, I wouldn't make a dime.

[Matt Svedic]

Well, I. I won't be staying long.

[Katie]

It ain't the time. It's the money. You know what I mean? Yeah. Him, the hats and coat.

[Matt Svedic]

Hi, George.

[George Crenshaw]

Well, Svedig, you old son of the gun. Didn't know you went in for bowling. Come on over here.

[Matt Svedic]

I didn't come to bowl, Conrad.

[George Crenshaw]

I figured that. What's on your mind?

[Matt Svedic]

Just a routine checkup, George. Got all the files collected from the cells yet? Smatter?

[George Crenshaw]

Comrade don't trust me?

[Matt Svedic]

We trust you, George. It's just that. Well, as long as those papers exist, the Party's in jeopardy.

[George Crenshaw]

Well, now, relax, buster. Relax. Right now, they exist. In my office, Right in my desk drawer.

[Matt Svedic]

They're all there. Even those European papers.

[George Crenshaw]

All ready to be burned.

[Matt Svedic]

Then why wait?

[George Crenshaw]

Pledner wants to check through them before they burn. Why are you so interested? I told you.

[Matt Svedic]

Routine checkup. If I can help in any way.

[George Crenshaw]

Listen, Comrade Fledler gave me this job.

[Matt Svedic]

Comrade?

[George Crenshaw]

Me, little Georgie.

[Matt Svedic]

It's a big job.

[George Crenshaw]

It's my big chance to be a wheel, a big shot in the Party.

[Matt Svedic]

And you don't want to share the glory. That is right.

[George Crenshaw]

This is my chance to shine, Svedek. All mine. Now, listen, I may look like a big, good natured, happy boy, comrade, but when someone gets in my way, I get rough.

[Matt Svedic]

Real rough.

[Comrade Plevner]

How rough?

[George Crenshaw]

Rough enough to report you to Plevener. For what? I don't believe your routine checkup gag. Maybe you have plans of your own for those papers.

[Matt Svedic]

Are you accusing me of disloyalty to the Party?

[George Crenshaw]

Not yet, but I might. Like I say, Spiddick, when you get in my way, I play rough.

[Matt Svedic]

At least I learned enough from Crenshaw to plan My next step.

[Beaker]

It was a big step, a drastic one. And it worried me more than Crenshaw's threats. Failure would mean disaster. But I had to take the chance. Crenshaw's Bowling palace closed at 2am At 2:15, I was across the street carrying a suitcase full of dummy cards, blank paper and phony files, waiting for the building to empty. When all the lights were out and the street was cleared, I ran for the alley behind the gloomy building. I was under the fire escape now, one flight below the window to Crenshaw's office. The street was silent. The shadows were stationary. I tiptoed up the metal stairs, lugging that suitcase full of paper. Every step was a prayer that the window would be unlocked. It wasn't. It was locked. Locked tight. Only this pane of glass stood between me and the evidence that could incriminate a select group of rotten hearted traitors. I had to get them somehow. Breaking that window was more desperate than daring.

[Matt Svedic]

But I got inside.

[Beaker]

And just in time, too.

[Communist Leader]

Who's there? Anybody here?

[Beaker]

I hadn't figured on this decrepit building having a night watchman, but there he was, the beam of his flashlight poking holes in the blackness. The light danced up and down the fire escape, flipped across the window I just broken, then hopped around the antiglow and blinked out. I was alone again and scared silly. No time to waste now. I took the blank paper, phony cards and files out of the suitcase and stuffed the Commie papers into it. Fast.

[Comrade Plevner]

There.

[Beaker]

Now to get out of here. I stacked the blank paper in the drawers where the Commie records had been. Then I ran to the window and opened it and shoved the suitcase out on the fire escape. Uh oh, a visitor. I gave the suitcase a panic push.

[Matt Svedic]

It went hurtling down to the alley

[Beaker]

below as the door to the office

[Matt Svedic]

opened and the light jumped on. Where?

[George Crenshaw]

Comrade Svetic. I wasn't expecting you tonight.

[Matt Svedic]

I wasn't expecting you either. Crenshaw.

[George Crenshaw]

Just what are you doing here, comrade?

[Matt Svedic]

You've heard of security, comrade? Of course.

[George Crenshaw]

That's why I came back here tonight.

[Matt Svedic]

That's why I'm here, too. Checking my files.

[George Crenshaw]

Me?

[Comrade Plevner]

That's right.

[George Crenshaw]

I'll just take a look.

[Matt Svedic]

All the papers and file cards are

[George Crenshaw]

just where I left them. Now what, Comrade?

[Matt Svedic]

This is security, leaving those important documents in an unlocked desk.

[George Crenshaw]

No one ever comes into this private office except me.

[Matt Svedic]

I did.

[George Crenshaw]

So I found out. Come on, buster.

[Matt Svedic]

Where to?

[George Crenshaw]

You and me, we're gonna visit Comrade Plevna.

[Matt Svedic]

Don't you think you should lock that Desk first.

[George Crenshaw]

Yes. Yes, I think that's a good suggestion.

[Beaker]

There he was, leaning over his desk. I had just started to pick up a chair when Crenshaw turned.

[George Crenshaw]

Come on, Zverek, let's go.

[Matt Svedic]

Wait. Why the gun, comrade?

[George Crenshaw]

Just to be sure I get you to Comrade Plevna. You've got a lot of explaining to do, Zverek. A lot of explaining.

[Announcer]

Now back to dana andrews, starring as matt semitic. And I was a communist for the FBI. And the second act of our story.

[Matt Svedic]

When you join the Reds as an

[Beaker]

undercover man, you're forced to live the back alley life of a comic and sweep the festering thoughts of a traitor. But you walk carefully and alone.

[Matt Svedic]

When you take action, it's bound to be drastic action.

[Beaker]

Very often, if downright desperate.

[Matt Svedic]

Maybe you do it to save democracy,

[Beaker]

but more likely you do it to save yourself. My desperate action, though, wasn't saving anything. Those Party records, so valuable to the FBI lay in a suitcase in the alley behind Crenshaw's Bowling Palace. And I. I sat in a stuffy hotel room facing comrades Plevner and Crenshaw, thinking wildly of an excuse, a reason, an alibi.

[Comrade Plevner]

Second story work does not become new. You have an explanation, huh?

[Matt Svedic]

Yes, Comet Plevner.

[Beaker]

A good one.

[George Crenshaw]

Yeah, I'll bet it's a dandy.

[Matt Svedic]

Look, Crenshaw, I've had just about enough of joining.

[Comrade Plevner]

The glory of the cause transcends these petty personal differences. Now, you, Svet, why did you break into Comrade Crenshaw's office?

[George Crenshaw]

He was after the Party files.

[Comrade Plevner]

That's why he's. Comrade.

[George Crenshaw]

All right, all right, it's true.

[Matt Svedic]

I was after the Party papers. We had put the entire Party's safety in Crenshaw's hands. I went to check on his efficiency,

[Comrade Plevner]

but I was too late.

[Matt Svedic]

What's that? The Party filed all the papers. They're gone. Gone? What woman?

[Comrade Plevner]

Crenshaw. You alone were responsible for those records.

[Watchman]

An explanation.

[George Crenshaw]

He's crazy. Comrade. They're right in my office. In my desk.

[Matt Svedic]

The FBI got there before I did. I guess the papers are gone.

[George Crenshaw]

I tell you, Sverik, you're crazy that the stuff is in my desk. It was there when I caught you in my office.

[Matt Svedic]

You'd better look again. There's nothing but blank paper.

[George Crenshaw]

All of it.

[Matt Svedic]

Nothing but blank paper. What?

[Watchman]

Is this true?

[George Crenshaw]

Sven, check his office and see if it is true. You better ask Spinning what he did with the comrade.

[Comrade Plevner]

Frederick did well to check your efficiency, Cringer. Come, gentlemen. We will see.

[Matt Svedic]

Back in Crenshaw's office. It Wasn't pleasant to watch his reaction

[Beaker]

when he saw the phony papers and

[Matt Svedic]

file cards where the party records had been.

[Beaker]

It was even more sickening to see him led out of the office. I come in, Plugna, but what could I do?

[Matt Svedic]

Is it better to eliminate a Red

[Beaker]

traitor with tactics approved by the Communist Party or to fail the FBI just to save the neck of a Commie?

[Matt Svedic]

Took Crenshaw back to the hotel. What happened to Crenshaw after that, I just don't know.

[Comrade Plevner]

I left them there and headed back

[Beaker]

to the bowling palace, hoping that no one had found the suitcase in the alley.

[Matt Svedic]

When I got there, dawn was hanging

[Beaker]

over that section of town like a wet gray blanket. The shadows in the alley were shrinking fast. I went straight to the area under the fire escape where the suitcase had fallen.

[Comrade Plevner]

It was gone.

[Beaker]

I ran to the other side of the alley.

[Matt Svedic]

I looked in all the corners, behind the garbage can, everywhere.

[Beaker]

Still no suitcase.

[Matt Svedic]

I ran the length of that dirty

[Beaker]

concrete canyon, searching frantically, but it just wasn't there. It had probably been picked up by some well meaning passerby.

[Communist Leader]

Hey. Hey, you.

[Watchman]

What are you doing back here, huh? What's going on with you?

[Matt Svedic]

Are you the watchman here?

[Watchman]

Yeah. Who are you?

[Matt Svedic]

I know it sounds silly, but I lost a suitcase somewhere around here. You didn't happen to see it, did you?

[Watchman]

Funny place to lose a suitcase, ain't it?

[Matt Svedic]

Yeah, it is. We were coming from a party. A welcome home party for me. I just got into town last night. What about it? Well, driving by here, I guess we were feeling kind of giddy. One of the gang heaved the suitcase out of the car window. You know, party and everything.

[Watchman]

Yeah, yeah, I know about them parties.

[Matt Svedic]

Did you. Can you find it?

[Watchman]

Yeah, I found the suitcase all right.

[Matt Svedic]

You did? Well, where is it? Let's get it.

[Watchman]

Keep your shirt on, son. How do I know it's yours?

[Matt Svedic]

Oh, now, how many people come up to you claiming a suitcase in an alley?

[Watchman]

You ain't answered my question, son. Describe it.

[Matt Svedic]

Well, it's about this long and this wide.

[Watchman]

What color?

[Matt Svedic]

Brown. Dark brown. It's got initials on it, too. MC that's me. Matt Cetic.

[Comrade Plevner]

Here.

[Matt Svedic]

Want identification?

[Watchman]

Well, I guess it's your suitcase, all right.

[Matt Svedic]

Let's get it then.

[Watchman]

I can't.

[Matt Svedic]

Why not?

[Watchman]

I locked it up.

[George Crenshaw]

Where?

[Watchman]

In the check room inside the bowling joint.

[Matt Svedic]

Well, can't you unlock it?

[Comrade Plevner]

Nope.

[Watchman]

Sorry. Rules is rules. All those articles get turned into the check room. Been operating that way for 18 years, huh?

[Matt Svedic]

But I. I need the suitcase now.

[Watchman]

Nothing's Going to happen to it. The place opens at noon. No, just go in and see Katie, the girl at the check stand.

[Matt Svedic]

Listen, I've got to make a train in about 45 minutes. I've got to have the suitcase now.

[Watchman]

I thought you said you was at a welcome home party.

[Matt Svedic]

Oh, sure I was, but you see, I. I'm just passing through. I need that suitcase, pop. Here. Will 10 bucks help with the rules?

[Watchman]

No, sir. Rules is rules. They ain't broke a rule in 18 years. I can't go losing my job just for 10 bucks.

[Matt Svedic]

Oh, for Pete's sake. All you have to do is go inside and hand me the suitcase. Is that a crime?

[Watchman]

Can't do it. A man has to have a little pride in his work, you know. I can't just up and sell out after 18 years of honest work without ever.

[Beaker]

Okay, okay.

[Matt Svedic]

Isn't there some way I can get the suitcase now?

[Watchman]

Not from me, son. Better come back at noon and see Katie.

[Matt Svedic]

She'll take area. Excuse me. You're Katie, aren't you?

[Katie]

Yeah, kid, I'll be right with you. I. Wow. If it ain't the boss's friend. Still wearing the same hat and coat. Yeah, well, you know, check them today. Why? I'm in here this time of day, you know.

[Matt Svedic]

Not this time. I. I came to pick up a suitcase case.

[Katie]

Suitcase?

[Matt Svedic]

The watchman found it outside last night. He said he turned it in here.

[Katie]

Matter of fact, lots of suitcase, huh?

[Matt Svedic]

Well, he found it outside.

[Katie]

Oh, you ain't that careless with your hat and coat, are you, kiddo?

[Matt Svedic]

No.

[Communist Leader]

Guess not, huh?

[Katie]

Come here. Over here. Here, take a look.

[Matt Svedic]

That's it. That's the one.

[Katie]

All yours, kiddo.

[Matt Svedic]

Oh, thanks, Katie. I sure appreciate it.

[Katie]

Wait a minute. Let's have the check.

[Comrade Plevner]

Check?

[Katie]

Yeah, check. You take the suitcase. Katie takes a check. That's how we play around here.

[Matt Svedic]

But I told you, the watchman found it outside. He brought it in here for me to pick up. He said if I didn't leave me

[Katie]

no notes or anything. I'm sorry, there's no checks, no suitcase.

[Comrade Plevner]

Katie, I've got to have that suitcase.

[Katie]

I gotta have the check or a note from the watchman.

[Matt Svedic]

Here. Well, $10 take care of it.

[Katie]

10 bucks? Are you kidding? This bag's worth more than a.

[Matt Svedic]

All right, here's 20.

[Katie]

Hey, you sure wanted that, huh? What's in it?

[Matt Svedic]

Oh, just some personal things, that's all, huh? Yeah, usual stuff. Shirts, handkerchiefs, odds and ends.

[Katie]

Nothing else, huh?

[Matt Svedic]

Katie, it's none of your business what's in that bag. Just take the money and give me the suitcase.

[Katie]

Take it easy, kiddo. I gotta be sure who gets what around here. Now, you ain't got a check. You won't tell me what's in this thing. How am I supposed to know for sure if it belongs to you?

[Comrade Plevner]

All right.

[Matt Svedic]

It's filled with papers. Business papers.

[Katie]

Well, now, that's a lot better, comrade. Okay, fellas, this is the guy.

[Matt Svedic]

Thanks, Katie.

[Comrade Plevner]

All right, let's go.

[Matt Svedic]

Wait a minute. What is it? Don't argue.

[Beaker]

Let's go.

[Comrade Plevner]

And take the suitcase with you.

[Beaker]

The two men led me to a car waiting outside. I sat between them in the front seat as we traveled across town to a quiet residential section of the city. Both of the men were ominously silent

[Matt Svedic]

all the way, and I knew there

[Beaker]

were no questions I could ask them. Secretly, though, I wondered how Katie fit into the party apparatus and how the truth of my motives had gotten back to Comet Cletner. We stopped in front of a small, vine covered bungalow. The sort of place you see in the ads in women's magazines.

[Matt Svedic]

But the charm of this house was wasted on me.

[Beaker]

Now I could see only its sinister aspects.

[Matt Svedic]

This way. Wait in here. Dawn. The room was furnished comfortably, inexpensive but tasteful. It was the average American family's extra room.

[Beaker]

The den complete with chairs, a chess set, books, phonograph.

[Matt Svedic]

There was a small desk to flatter a man's desire for an office at home.

[Beaker]

And a studio couch for the overnight guest. I waited and wondered about my status as a guest in this house and the sort of hospitality I could expect.

[Matt Svedic]

Well, Sabetik, welcome home. Brother, am I glad to see you. I'm sorry if the boys worried you, Matt. Only a few of us in the FBI know what you're really doing. Yeah, well, as long as you don't forget, I'll be okay. We won't.

[Beaker]

Don't worry.

[Matt Svedic]

That suitcase you brought us will solve a lot of problems. There should be enough stuff in those papers to deport Plevna and a lot more like him. Good. Thank you. How did you get a line on the suitcase? The girl at the bowling alley.

[Beaker]

What's her name?

[George Crenshaw]

Katie.

[Matt Svedic]

Yeah. She opened it, saw the county papers and called the cops. The cops called the FBI. I didn't think we'd be picking you up, but. Well, it's nice to see you again, Matt. Thanks, Beaker.

[Beaker]

Wish you could stay.

[Matt Svedic]

I really do.

[Beaker]

So do I, Beaker. So do I.

[Matt Svedic]

I walked away from the Beaker's home and down the quiet street, a dog barked in the yard. Nearby, a little girl sang a rope skipping song. A lawnmower clattered across the grass.

[Beaker]

These were the sounds I missed most of all. But I kept on walking, walking back

[Matt Svedic]

to the fury of red fanatics who cheered for violence.

[Beaker]

I was walking away from the sound of peace. No wonder I walked alone.

[Matt Svedic]

Dana Andrews will return in just a moment. This is Dana Andrews again in the story you just heard. Names, dates and places are fictitious to protect innocent persons. Many of these stories are based on incidents in the life of Matt Civetic, who worked undercover for the FBI. Next week, another fantastic adventure. Join us then won't.