Cloak and Dagger: People of the Forest (A0008)

Summary

Episode Summary: Cloak and Dagger: People of the Forest (A0008)
Release Date: August 9, 2025
Host/Author: Adam Graham | Old Time Radio Detective Host

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Introduction

In episode A0008 of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, titled "Cloak and Dagger: People of the Forest," listeners are transported to the perilous days of World War II. Set against the backdrop of occupied France in August 1944, the episode delves into the high-stakes world of espionage, betrayal, and the undying spirit of resistance.

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Plot Overview

The narrative follows Captain Robert Scarpella, an OSS agent tasked with a critical mission: infiltrate the German-occupied village of San Nazaire to retrieve defense plans essential for the Allied forces. Shortly after his plane begins its descent, tragedy strikes when his comrade, Chris Fowler, plummets to the ground after a parachute malfunction, leaving Scarpella to brave the mission alone.

Upon landing, Scarpella encounters Captain Fox, the enigmatic leader of the French Underground resistance group, the Maquis. Together, they navigate the dense forest and treacherous village landscapes, gathering intelligence and preparing for the daring heist to secure the vital documents.

As the mission unfolds, Scarpella trusts Marie, a seemingly dedicated member of the resistance. However, tension mounts when the group faces unforeseen German patrols, leading to a dramatic revelation of a traitor within their ranks. The episode culminates in a heart-wrenching confrontation that tests the loyalties and courage of all involved.

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Character Highlights

• Captain Robert Scarpella
  A dedicated OSS agent whose determination to complete his mission drives the story. His experience and resilience are evident as he faces the daunting challenges of enemy territory.

• Captain Fox
  The charismatic and resourceful leader of the Maquis. Fox balances his stern responsibilities with moments of humanity, showcasing a complex character who can be both deadly and compassionate.

• Marie
  Introduced as a young and courageous member of the resistance, Marie's character arc takes a dark turn as her true allegiance is revealed, adding layers of betrayal and emotional depth to the narrative.

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Key Moments

1. The Deadly Parachute Failure (03:08)
   Captain Scarpella witnesses the tragic failure of Chris Fowler's parachute, marking the first major setback in his mission.

   "Chris fell and fell and fell. The chute didn't work. It came out of the bag and streamed unopened behind him." (03:24)

2. Establishing Alliance with Captain Fox (05:14)
   Scarpella meets Captain Fox, leading to their uneasy alliance against the German forces.

   "The Germans themselves gave me that name. Look at this head. Would you believe there is a price on it?" (05:44)

3. Infiltration of German Headquarters (16:16)
   The team infiltrates the German headquarters, but tensions rise as trust issues surface.

   "I knew I didn't have much time. I had to find those plans. But where?" (17:09)

4. Revelation of the Traitor (20:35)
   The shocking betrayal by Marie is unveiled, leading to a climactic confrontation.

   "She told them. She told them. She sold out our mission." (21:23)

5. Fox’s Sacrifice and Scarpella’s Escape (26:02)
   In a final act of bravery, Captain Fox ensures Scarpella's escape, showcasing the ultimate sacrifice.

   "Perhaps we shall meet again one day, Captain." (26:36)

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Themes and Insights

• Trust and Betrayal: The episode intricately weaves themes of trust, highlighting how alliances can be fragile in high-pressure environments. Marie's betrayal serves as a pivotal point, emphasizing the devastating impact of deceit within resistance movements.

• Courage and Sacrifice: Both Scarpella and Fox exhibit immense bravery, often placing the mission and their comrades above their own safety. Fox's ultimate sacrifice underscores the sacrifices made by countless unsung heroes during wartime.

• The Complexity of War: The narrative doesn't shy away from depicting the harsh realities of war, including the moral ambiguities and the psychological toll it takes on individuals involved in clandestine operations.

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Notable Quotes

• Captain Robert Scarpella (03:24):
  "Chris fell and fell and fell. The chute didn't work."

• Captain Fox (05:44):
  "The Germans themselves gave me that name. Look at this head. Would you believe there is a price on it?"

• Marie (20:39):
  "I will do better. I will give you the traitor. Rene."

• Captain Robert Scarpella (22:31):
  "There's only one way out of this forest. It's blocked right now, thanks to her."

• Captain Fox (26:37):
  "Perhaps we shall meet again one day, Captain."

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Conclusion

"Cloak and Dagger: People of the Forest" is a gripping episode that masterfully portrays the intensity and emotional depth of underground resistance operations during World War II. Through its well-crafted characters and suspenseful storytelling, the episode offers listeners a vivid glimpse into the complexities of espionage and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.

Adam Graham's insightful commentary further enriches the listening experience, highlighting the nuances of character development and thematic exploration. For enthusiasts of old-time radio dramas and historical espionage tales, this episode stands out as a compelling addition to the series.

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Listen to "Cloak and Dagger: People of the Forest" on Great Detectives of Old Time Radio and immerse yourself in this thrilling journey of courage and deceit.

Transcript

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Adventures of Old Time Radio from Boise, Seattle. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment we're going to bring you this week's episode of Cloak and Dagger. But first I want to encourage you, if you enjoy this podcast, to follow us using your favorite podcast software and also to state that today's program is brought to you by the financial support of our listeners. You can support the show on a one time basis. Support.greatdetectives.net or become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month by going to patreon.greatdetactives.net but now, from June 11, 1950, here is the People in the Forest.

[Narrator]

Are you willing to undertake a dangerous mission behind the enemy lines, knowing you may never return alive? What you have just heard is the question asked during the war to agents of the oss ordinary citizens, who to this question answered yes. This is cloak and dagger, black warfare, espionage, international intrigue. These are the weapons of the oss. Today's story, the People in the Forest, is suggested by actual incidents recorded in the Washington files of the Office of Strategic Services, a story that can now be told.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

The plane began to slow down and then it circled slowly. Someone pulled the COVID off the jump hole and I got my first view of France. Occupied France, August 1944. Action stations on the ground to the right I could see fires like safety matches lit in the moonlight, and I wondered how big they really were, those fires that were out there to guide us in. The dispatcher told me I was to jump second running in.

[Narrator]

Ready Number one, ready.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

And then it happened. The first bad break of that mission. Only it didn't happen to me. It happened to Chris Fowler. See you in France, Capella.

[Narrator]

Okay, Fowler, Number one. Good luck.

[Geraldi Moore]

Geraldi Moore.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

I just stood there looking down, watching him go. And then my heart started to pound all over me. My breath caught and I nearly choked on it. Chris fell and fell and fell. The chute didn't work. It came out of the bag and streamed unopened behind him. Paratroopers call that a Roman candle?

[Narrator]

Tough break. Want to turn back, Scarpella?

[Captain Fox]

Huh?

[Narrator]

No, no.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

I'll jump it.

[Narrator]

Okay, then. Ready, number two? Number two, ready? Ready. Come.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

The wind came up and hit me in a rush. I felt myself falling. I think I died a few times until I heard the crack of the chute.

[Captain Fox]

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

The most beautiful sight in the whole world. That big white umbrella over me. The little safety matches on the ground got bigger and bigger. I realized they were torches. And then I saw a figure of a man waving. He started to get bigger too. And then the torches were put out. I was about to get my first introduction to the French underground.

[Captain Fox]

Are you all right?

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Yeah. Yeah, I'm all right.

[Captain Fox]

I saw what happened to your friend. It was too bad.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Yeah.

[Captain Fox]

You had courage to jump after that?

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Maybe if I'd stopped to think about it, I never would have. Maybe I was afraid I'd never jump again. If I didn't, then. Well, anyway, here I am. My name is Captain Robert Scarpella.

[Captain Fox]

Captain Robert Scarpella. American.

[Narrator]

Welcome.

[Captain Fox]

Welcome to France. I'm ecstatic to make your acquaintance, Captain.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

The little guy threw his arms around me and kissed me when I was 12. I'd said nix to kissing my father good night because it embarrassed me. And here was this little Frenchman with the beret and baggy pants and farmer's shoes with his arms around.

[Narrator]

Hey, cut it out.

[Captain Fox]

I'm just so happy to see you, Barry. Well, I'm the Fox. The Germans themselves gave me that name. Look at this head. Would you believe there is a price on it?

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Oh? Are you the leader?

[Captain Fox]

Yes, of one of our little bands. The British raider alerted us about your coming.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Well, there's a good reason for my coming, Captain Fox.

[Captain Fox]

You may call me simply Fox.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Okay, Fox.

[Captain Fox]

Now let's pick up supplies that were brought to you.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Right.

[Captain Fox]

As for your mission, Captain, there will be time enough to talk about it when we get deeper into the forest to our highway.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Is it very far from here?

[Captain Fox]

Unfortunately, there's a little walk. We were forced to move our headquarters last night after another German raid.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

What do you mean, another?

[Captain Fox]

Our positions have been raided three times the past month. Almost as if the Bosch were given a map of where we were in the forest.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Sounds to me like somebody's dirty work.

[Captain Fox]

I have thought of that, Captain. But if there is a traitor in our group, I shall find him. We know how to deal with such.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

I'll bet you do. Oh, here we are.

[Captain Fox]

Oh, that's nice. Very, very, very nice. This carbon rifle. Beautiful.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

There are shoes in those packages too. And food and grenades.

[Captain Fox]

Oh, I was to tell you to.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Expect a heavy supply drop in a few weeks.

[Captain Fox]

What a beautiful rifle. We still are using field pieces from the Franco Prussian War. But this is a beauty. Now gather up your things, Captain Scarpella. I'll be back in a few minutes. I'll be back.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

The fox disappeared into the woods. The whole thing seemed like a crazy nightmare. The whole forest surrounded by Germans. And yet here I was, passing the time of day just like nothing at all with a Frenchman who had a price on his head. And somewhere out there where he drifted, Chris was a dead heap under a lot of parachute silk. I grabbed a gun and I waited for trouble. I didn't know whether to go after the fox and take a chance on being ambushed. To stay where I was. Someone was coming. I ducked behind a tree. The only thing I could figure was the Germans had seen the plane, seen me land. I took aim carefully, slowly.

[Captain Fox]

American. American. Where?

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

I. Oh, for crying out loud. What happened? What were those shots?

[Captain Fox]

I just wanted to get the feel of your gun. So I simply tried it on a couple of Germans over the edge of the hill. It sights very well though.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Crying out luck.

[Captain Fox]

This little dinner party is in your honor, Captain Scarpelli.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Huh.

[Captain Fox]

I regret we have nothing better than wild rabbits to offer you.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Well, it's a swell. Quite a welco. Headquarters didn't tell me to expect anything like this.

[Captain Fox]

Lucette, more wine for the cap.

[Geraldi Moore]

But of course. Here, I will refill your glass.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

I'll thank you.

[Geraldi Moore]

Oh, Manon, in France we say thank you.

[Marie]

This way.

[Geraldi Moore]

Hey, you mind my kissing you?

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

No, no, not at all.

[Geraldi Moore]

I love Americans. All American. Come help me. I need your help.

[Captain Fox]

Lucette. Let's go. Marie is calling you.

[Geraldi Moore]

Oh, I am coming.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

She's a very pretty girl at Lizette.

[Captain Fox]

And very young. Yeah, only 17. Oh, already she has seen so much hiding like this in the forest. Sneaking back into the German held village.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Into the village?

[Captain Fox]

Oui, Monsieur. Many of our group work in the village right under the noses of the enemy. And the Germans do not know that they are members of the Maquis.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

But they know you're here.

[Captain Fox]

Oh, they know. They know that we're here. But they do not dare come near the forest except in big raiding parts. They know very well that to one dead of ours, there will be 12 dead of theirs. Well, Captain, now about your mission. Its purpose. Tell me more, please.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Well, I was sent here to find out the German defense plans for the port Of San Nazaire and the entire coastal area around here.

[Narrator]

Ah, now I know.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Those plans are in German headquarters in the village.

[Captain Fox]

And you request our help.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

I've got to have those plans. And in a matter of days I've got to deliver them personally to 8th Corps Hitman.

[Captain Fox]

Now put your mind at ease, Captain Scarpella. The fox will help you. Now, the first thing I will do is put you in contact with.

[Marie]

Captain Scarpella. I'm Marie.

[Captain Fox]

She's the mother cat of that little kitten who kissed you before.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Oh, happy to meet you.

[Marie]

And we are all enchanted to meet you, American. In your honor, we have a special surprise. Listen. Attention.

[Narrator]

Take me out to the ball again, for crying out loud.

[Captain Fox]

You're pleased kept Mr. Feather.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Well, this is something to write home about.

[Captain Fox]

Write home about?

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Yeah, yeah. Nice cozy evening with friends. You never know there was a war going on.

[Captain Fox]

Where is the lookout.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

From here, Captain Fox?

[Captain Fox]

I see, I see. What else? There are two divisions. At least have German soldiers surrounding us. Captain Scarpella, I regret very much to have interrupted your welcome party in this manner. Rene Wheeler Box. Renee, the new machine our American friend brought with him. Now, what is it called, Captain Scarpella?

[Narrator]

A bazooka.

[Captain Fox]

Oh, yes, this bazooka. Now take his. Take it to an advantageous position. You understand? Now listen now, my friend, my friend. Now is the best time for him and some of the others to learn how to use it.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

For crying out loud. If I thought it seemed like a nightmare before, it was nothing to what happened now. It's so mixed up in my mind I can't remember it clearly. It wasn't anything like the patrols I'd been trained for in the army.

[Captain Fox]

Captain Scarpella, follow me, please.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

All right.

[Captain Fox]

These Germans are becoming very annoying.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Would you mind pointing that the other way first?

[Captain Fox]

Yes. Excuse me. This bazooka is a beauty. Just a little beauty.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

From out of nowhere, a German soldier fell forward on his face. And then the fox and I moved on. I remember thinking, cripes, this is like kids playing cops. And others. French boys, still in their teens ran by with a cross of Lorraine sewn on their coats. I saw Marie take aim behind a tree. And all the time the fox kept smiling. He never stopped smiling.

[Captain Fox]

I feel selfish. Captain Scarpella, give me that gun. I will let you borrow yours a while. They are about 50 yards ahead. There is a juicy rabbit in German uniform. Please get him.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Captain. The fox was right. The rifle did side well. And then all of a sudden there were less Frenchmen around and more Germans.

[Narrator]

All around us.

[Captain Fox]

In a case like this, my friend, the best course is to run. Well, let us.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

This forest is like a jigsaw puzzle to me. You know it backwards.

[Captain Fox]

It is from necessity, of course. I regret exceedingly that I must ask you to join me here in this swamp. We will stay here till it is safe to leave under the water. Leave only your nose above it to breathe. These indolent drivers. They are ghosts. How can one fight what one cannot see?

[Narrator]

I think we have in this time, er.

[Captain Fox]

Halfman.

[Narrator]

They are scattered and disorganized. Perhaps this is the end of our trouble with them.

[Captain Fox]

We liked retreated. But those arrogant devils may return again.

[Narrator]

Well, we'll find out from our informant later how good a job we have done this time.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Yeah.

[Captain Fox]

I'm going off my hands.

[Narrator]

If you'll. I stay here as guard.

[Captain Fox]

No, it is not necessary.

[Narrator]

There's nothing here.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Come.

[Captain Fox]

Better with me.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Captain Fox]

They've posted a guy here. It would have been most inconvenient. Captain Scarpella, are you very wet?

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

What do you think?

[Captain Fox]

Well, there will be clean clothes for you at our hideout. Come. It is time for us to go there. Well, this has been a very annoying evening.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Fox.

[Captain Fox]

Fox. Did you hear what they said about an informant? I heard. I heard. Captain Scarpella, Marie has employed this charwoman in German headquarters in the village. She's the contact of whom I spoke.

[Marie]

What can I do to help you? Just tell me.

[Captain Fox]

There are plans for the defense of San Nazar. What do you think the chances are that they may be in the files of the office where you work? Marie?

[Marie]

Very good, I would say.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Marie. Marie. Tell me, what are my chances of getting into those files?

[Marie]

Also very good. The door of the Hauptman's office is left open for me, so I may wash the floors.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

I see.

[Marie]

It will be easy to enter. As for the files, I have a key.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

A key?

[Marie]

Wait, I will give it to you.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Well, this is better than I hoped for. When can we go? Tomorrow.

[Marie]

Tomorrow? Why not now? The Germans are still out searching the forest and the coast will be clear. Let us leave now.

[Captain Fox]

Well, I'll say it for you, Captain Scarpella, for crying out loud.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Less than an hour later we were in the village. It was five o' clock in the morning and there was no one around. The village slipped.

[Marie]

Captain Scarpella, listen to me. There is the German headquarters across the street. I will leave you and go inside to get my mop and bucket. You will watch through the window.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Right.

[Marie]

When I distract the guard, go quickly to the side Door. It is open. The Hauptman's office is the third door from the end.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

The third.

[Marie]

You have the key to the. To the files here?

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Yes, yes, yes, I have it.

[Marie]

Bo, I go now. Remember the signal I gave you in case of danger.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

I watched her go into the building. And then I took up my position at the open window. There was a guard at the front desk. No one else around. I pressed myself into the shadows. And after a while, Marie came to the front desk and began to mop the floor.

[Narrator]

How are you doing here? So?

[Marie]

I'm not that early, Sergeant. And the sooner I finish, the sooner I am through.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

I knew that soon she'd do something to distract him.

[Narrator]

You're disturbing me.

[Marie]

This too must be washed. No, I will be through presently. I'm so sorry. It was not deliberate.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

The side door was open and she said it would be 1, 2, 3. The third door from the end. I made it. The German captain's office. And in the corner were the files. The key in my hand was hot and sticky. It fit. It fit. The key fit. I knew it would. But somehow it slid in and turned. I took a breath of relief. I didn't have much time. I knew I didn't have much time. I had to find those plans. But where? The papers. Where were they? And I heard Marie's signal. And I froze.

[Captain Fox]

Morgan. Morgan. What a break.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

But I couldn't stop searching now.

[Marie]

I only meant that I would have been through with washing the floor in front of you.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Almost as if God had put it into my hand at the right moment. I found the photostatic copies of the defense plans. Now, if she could only hold them off until I got out of the place. Let's see now. Let's see. A window. That's it. There was only a short drop to the ground. And still no one in sight of.

[Captain Fox]

A woman nearly stanking.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

I had a feeling Marie could take care of herself. And I started back for the forest. The plans in my pocket.

[Captain Fox]

Now see here, Captain Scarfella. I'm the man you see. You come out of the forest. Three miles north at this point, Right?

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Is that a clear road, Fox?

[Captain Fox]

You will have no difficulty, Captain. There has never been any reason for the Boche to pose guards at this exit. Now pay attention.

[Marie]

I must talk to you. Both of you.

[Captain Fox]

Marie. What are you doing back at the farmhouse? Why are you not in the village?

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Marie? Was there trouble after I left? Through that window? Do they. Do they know about the papers?

[Marie]

They know because they were told. Told by a dirty little spy. From our own ranks.

[Captain Fox]

What now? Please, quiet. This is my business, Captain. Speak, Marie.

[Marie]

I overheard the spy. One of us. I blush with shame to think of it. The spy was telling the bush captain about the papers and the American's mission. Fortunately for you, Captain Scarpella, the spy was not able to warn him early enough.

[Captain Fox]

Go on. Go on, Marie. Go.

[Marie]

And the road is blocked. However, you are trapped here, American. You may have the plans, but there is no way for you to leave and deliver them. The road north is swarming with red ants of Germans.

[Captain Fox]

The traitor. His name. Give me his name. Marie.

[Marie]

I will do better. I will give you the traitor. Rene.

[Captain Fox]

Bring her in here. No, no, please.

[Marie]

On the floor. I said throw her on the floor.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

No.

[Marie]

Listen to her. Serve my own daughter torn from my own flesh. Cry, daughter, not for what is going to be done to you, but for what you have done. Spy. Traitor. This girl, my daughter. I spit on her.

[Geraldi Moore]

I did not know.

[Marie]

I waited for her outside. After I hurt her with her captain. Her German captain. I waited for her and dragged her back here.

[Captain Fox]

Fox.

[Marie]

Do what you want with her.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

No.

[Captain Fox]

Z.

[Geraldi Moore]

No. No.

[Captain Fox]

Lizeth, look at me.

[Geraldi Moore]

No. No.

[Captain Fox]

Was it you? You who gave away our positions each time? Hansa?

[Geraldi Moore]

Yes. Yes. I told them. It has been so hard. I have known war for so long now. All my life, it seems I have known two wars.

[Marie]

Would I turn on my own? I'm glad your. Your father is dead, so he does not see this.

[Geraldi Moore]

They promised me so much. I did not think it so bad. I only gave them small bits of information.

[Captain Fox]

Small bits of information.

[Geraldi Moore]

Except with his last about the American.

[Captain Fox]

You call giving away our hideout small? Loser.

[Geraldi Moore]

We are so much smarter than they. And it always gave us a chance to kill so many of them.

[Marie]

Your excuses disgust me. Say the word, Fox. Let me throw her to the rest.

[Captain Fox]

No.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

No, Maman.

[Geraldi Moore]

Affitted. Affitted. I am.

[Marie]

I am your mother no longer. Do not call me that.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Now, wait a minute. Listen to me, Fox. This may be your affair, but I've got a stake in it.

[Captain Fox]

Now, what do you wish to say, Captain?

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

There's only one way out of this forest. It's blocked right now, thanks to her. Now, let's forget that. All that matters to me is that I get through with these plans Now. Lisette. Lisette. Do you want a chance to prove yourself?

[Geraldi Moore]

Oh, oui, oui. I would do anything.

[Marie]

Do not listen to her.

[Captain Fox]

Marie. Marie.

[Marie]

My face is. She had.

[Captain Fox]

Now, quiet. Go on, Captain. Now.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

At German headquarters, before, Marie distracted the guard because she knew him. Now, who knows the Germans at the exit to the forest to distract them?

[Geraldi Moore]

I do. I will. Let me. Please. They trust me. I will give you a chance to slip by.

[Captain Fox]

It is too great a risk, my friend.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

I have no choice. I can't stay trapped here. The plans are no good in my pocket.

[Captain Fox]

Very well. On one condition. I will go alone. And if she does not do as she says, the fox will shoot her through the heart.

[Marie]

You have my permission.

[Captain Fox]

Ah. There are many clouds out tonight to hide the moon.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

The darker the better.

[Captain Fox]

Lisette, there are your friends at the foot of the hill. Go to them. We will hide here among these piles of firewood.

[Marie]

Oui, oui.

[Geraldi Moore]

I will go.

[Captain Fox]

And remember, Lucette, this gun is aimed at you. Go.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

We hid behind towering cords of tree trunks and branches piled in the wood lot for the village's fireworks. We watched. A few minutes later, we saw them, the soldiers and the girl, silhouetted against the moon. We couldn't hear what they were saying, but every once in a while we heard them laugh.

[Captain Fox]

They swarmed about her like bees about a flower. Come this way. We will sneak past them and into the brush. Why now?

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

She's doing a good job trying to redeem herself.

[Geraldi Moore]

And stupid American is completely. Tractor. No way out.

[Narrator]

You're a sly one, Lucien. To be fair. Clergy too. The Hoffman did not make a mistake with you? No. There are advantages to being an officer, eh?

[Captain Fox]

First off.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Oh, we're caught.

[Captain Fox]

They say you're.

[Geraldi Moore]

Now I can run, Captain.

[Captain Fox]

This way. Into the brush. I'll get back to it. I'll get back. Let go of the gun.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

I looked back over my shoulder and saw Lizette crumple into a heap on the road. I knew she was dead.

[Captain Fox]

Do not grieve for her, my friend. It is best this way. It is easier than living with herself.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

How do we get out of this? We're surrounded.

[Narrator]

You're surrounded, American.

[Captain Fox]

Surrender. Surrender? What means? That way we know you're in Deadwood, Not. We have you cornered. Come out.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

This will help.

[Captain Fox]

Come in too. Papa. Over there. Step by the bus. You do the same.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Trying to burn us out? If we come out, we'll be shot down by the machine guns. American.

[Captain Fox]

I have an idea.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

Yeah?

[Captain Fox]

Stand here. When you hear a loud crash and I call out, you run through the fire. It is not bad yet, my friend.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

He ran like the fox of his nickname, to the tallest pile of firewood in the dark night. I saw him struggle with a log at the base of the pile. And then a huge tower of wood came tumbling down and screamed. I plunged through the fire and found the pass. And a few minutes later the sly Fox. Fox miraculously joined me.

[Captain Fox]

You can make it from here alone to the American lines, Captain Scarpelli.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

What about you, Fox?

[Captain Fox]

Ah, don't worry about it, Fox. I'll get back all right. Perhaps we shall meet again one day, Captain. Who knows? Well, Auru, I. Then goodbye.

[Captain Robert Scarpella]

I never looked back and I never saw him again. But when I think of him now, I think of him not with a beret, but with a green hat and a feather a little like Robin Hood.

[Narrator]

Captain Scarfella delivered the plan personally to the Assistant G2 at eight Corps headquarters, and he was recommended for the Distinguished Service Cross for the American lives he had saved at the port of San Nazaire. Thus the exploits of another OSS agent closes with the words mission accomplished. A further adventure in black warfare is next week's Cloak and Dagger. Heard in today's Cloak and Dagger adventure were Joseph Buloff, Lily Darvas, Larry Haynes, Nancy Franklin, Barry Kroger, Raymond Edward Johnson, Carl Weber, Boris Aplin and Jerry Jarrett. Script for Cloak and Dagger was written by Winifred Wolf and the music was under the direction of John Garth. Today's true OSS adventure was based on the book Cloak and Dagger by Corey ford and Alistair McBain. This has been a Louis G. Cowan production in association with Alfred Hollander. It was under the direction and supervision of Sherman Marks. Robert Warren speaking. Stay tuned now for the up to the minute news on the Open Golf Championship.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. This continues to be a program that doesn't pull punches about some of the harsh necessities and situations that come up in the course of war. Having to jump out of a plane after your buddy's parachute didn't open because the mission is so vital is one example of that and a very jarring way to start the program. And certainly there are examples of the same principle with the McKee. But I think the Fox is an interesting character for his attempts to maintain his humanity and his unique personality and approach and to bring alotness where he can. He was willing to do what was necessary and could be very dangerous and deadly, but there was no necessity for him to go about grimly all the time. And the French Underground grim moments would come all too often all on their own. Listener comments and feedback now. And we go over to Facebook where Emmet writes regarding episode two, the Trojan Horse. This was a really good episode from a series I'd never heard of before. I hope there are lots more of these, though I doubt it. Thanks for finding this. Well, thanks so much. Emmet. Lots is a bit of a relative term. We have more than 20 episodes, which doesn't compare to some of the bigger series that we're going to do, such as counterspy, but is far better than so many other series which have really been ravaged by time, leaving only a few episodes extant for modern listeners to listen to. Well, thanks so much and now it's time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the day and I want to go ahead and thank Allen patreon Supporter since February 2024, currently supporting the podcast at the Detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Alan. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying this program on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and mark the notification bell. All those great things that help YouTube channels to grow. We'll be back next Saturday with another episode of Cloak and Dagger for those who are subscribed to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio only. The podcast will return on Monday with the Adventures of the Falcon. And for those who are subscribed to the Great Adventurers of Old Time Radio, we'll be back on Tuesday with Flash Gordon and Reminder. You can subscribe to that podcast at great adventures adventures.info in the meantime, though, send your comments to [e-mail] From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.