Cloak and Dagger: The Trojan Horse (A0004)

Summary

Episode Summary: "Cloak and Dagger: The Trojan Horse (A0004)"

Release Date: July 26, 2025
Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio | Daily Mystery Dramas
Host: Adam Graham

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of "Cloak and Dagger," titled "The Trojan Horse," listeners are transported back to the tumultuous days of World War II. The story intricately weaves themes of espionage, trust, and sacrifice, offering a compelling glimpse into the shadowy world of intelligence operations. Through masterful storytelling and authentic period dialogue, the episode captures the high stakes and moral dilemmas faced by those behind enemy lines.

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Plot Overview

The narrative centers on Agent Henri Fontaine, an operative of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), who undertakes a perilous mission in occupied France. His objective: to extract Gabrielle Monet, a singer with critical intelligence, from the clutches of the German Armistice Commission in Casablanca.

Initial Encounter in Paris

The story opens on the evening of August 15, 1942, at the Bluebeard Cafe in Paris. Agent Fontaine discreetly approaches Gabrielle Monet, inviting her for a drink. Amidst the presence of German officers, Fontaine reveals his true identity as an OSS agent, attempting to convince Monet to join the Allied cause.

"[02:28] Agent Henri Fontaine: ...These are the weapons of the oss. Today's story, the Trojan Horse, is suggested by actual incidents recorded in the Washington files of the Office of Strategic Services, a story that can now be told."

Despite Monet's initial skepticism, Fontaine persuades her by emphasizing their extensive observation and understanding of her character.

The Extraction to Casablanca

Fontaine orchestrates Monet's extraction by transporting her under the guise of a routine move. However, the journey is fraught with tension. Monet expresses discomfort and suspicion, especially when encountering a vigilant customs officer and a curious black dog, Jeff, which Fontaine cleverly manipulates to maintain their cover.

"[07:52] Agent Henri Fontaine: But Gabi did not like the automobile trip to Casablanca. It was probably nothing like the old days..."

Upon reaching Casablanca, the setting transforms into a hotbed of international intrigue, with various factions vying for control and information.

Unveiling the Deception

Once in Casablanca, Agent Steve Lytel reveals the true purpose of Monet's mission: to deceive Paul Vogel, the head of the German Armistice Commission. Monet is tasked with feeding false intelligence about the planned American invasion, steering the Germans away from the actual target, Oran.

"[14:02] Agent Steve Lytel: ...Then perhaps we can broaden your horizons."

As Monet integrates herself into Vogel's personal life, a complex web of trust and deception unfolds. Her rekindled relationship with Vogel places her in a position to relay crucial misinformation, essential for the success of the Allied invasion.

The Climactic Betrayal

The tension peaks when Monet confronts Vogel, leading to a dramatic revelation of his true intentions. Feeling betrayed and recognizing the imminent danger to the war effort, Monet makes a heart-wrenching decision to eliminate Vogel, ensuring the mission's success.

"[27:12] Gabrielle Monet: ...The tablet had begun to work, as I knew it would. I got the automatic pistol that had been given to me by the Americans and shot him twice through his very blond head."

Mission Accomplished

With Vogel neutralized, the OSS agents receive confirmation that the American invasion has commenced. Monet's sacrifice underscores the personal costs of war and the relentless pursuit of duty.

"[30:07] Agent Steve Lytel: The code name Robert's arrived. The invasion's begun."

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Character Dynamics and Interactions

Agent Henri Fontaine
Fontaine embodies the quintessential spy—calculating, persuasive, and deeply committed to his mission. His interactions with Monet are marked by a delicate balance of authority and empathy, often quoting literary figures to humanize his otherwise clandestine role.

"[09:19] Agent Henri Fontaine: ...I remember what another poet once said. A German, by the way, but not a Nazi. His name was Goethe."

Gabrielle Monet
Monet's character is a testament to resilience and inner strength. Initially wavering, her journey from doubt to decisive action highlights the moral complexities faced by operatives. Her relationship with Vogel adds emotional depth, showcasing the personal sacrifices intertwined with espionage.

Agent Steve Lytel
Lytel serves as Fontaine's counterpart, providing strategic insights and unwavering support. His professional demeanor contrasts with Fontaine's more poetic approach, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of intelligence work.

Paul Vogel
Vogel's return introduces a pivotal twist. Once close to Monet, his involvement exposes vulnerabilities within the OSS strategy, culminating in a dramatic confrontation that underscores the high stakes of war-time intelligence.

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Themes and Insights

Espionage and Trust
The episode delves into the precarious nature of trust in espionage. Monet's ability to navigate her relationships with both Fontaine and Vogel illustrates the intricate dance of deception and allegiance.

Sacrifice for the Greater Good
Monet's ultimate act of killing Vogel highlights the personal costs of war. Her decision underscores the theme of sacrifice, portraying the harsh realities faced by those in the shadows of conflict.

Moral Ambiguity
The story masterfully navigates moral gray areas, questioning the ethical boundaries of espionage. Characters grapple with loyalty, duty, and personal sentiments, reflecting the complex human emotions underpinning intelligence operations.

The Human Element in Warfare
Beyond the strategic maneuvers, the episode emphasizes the human aspect of war. Relationships, emotions, and personal histories play crucial roles in shaping outcomes, adding depth to the narrative.

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Notable Quotes

• Agent Henri Fontaine on Espionage Tools:

  "[02:28] Agent Henri Fontaine: ...These are the weapons of the oss. Today's story, the Trojan Horse..."

• Monet’s Skepticism:

  "[05:23] Gabrielle Monet: You sit here in a room full of Germans and tell me this. What makes you think I will believe you?"

• Fontaine's Persuasion Tactic:

  "[09:19] Agent Henri Fontaine: ...Give up what perished long ago and let us love what's living. Do you hear, Gabi?"

• Monet’s Revelation:

  "[29:31] Gabrielle Monet: He meant a great deal to me a long time ago. I killed him."

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Adam Graham’s Reflection

Host Adam Graham provides insightful commentary post-episode, highlighting the intricate portrayal of intelligence work and the inherent dangers operatives face.

"[31:40] Adam Graham: ...This episode shows how this world of black ops is not only dangerous, but messy on so many levels."

Graham reflects on the emotional depth and tension, emphasizing the authenticity of Monet's internal struggles and the broader implications of her actions on the war effort.

Additionally, Graham shares his experience acquiring the book "Cloak and Dagger" by Corey Ford and Alistair McBain, which inspired the episode. He notes the book's succinct yet impactful storytelling, suggesting that while it may not cover every plot point from the radio series, it serves as a solid foundation for the narrative.

"[31:40] Adam Graham: ...I love the way that they structured the Dr. Drama on this. ...It's 216 pages long print that is pretty easy to read."

Graham concludes by thanking his Patreon supporter and providing information on upcoming episodes, ensuring listeners stay engaged with future mysteries.

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Conclusion

"Cloak and Dagger: The Trojan Horse" masterfully blends historical context with suspenseful storytelling, offering listeners a nuanced portrayal of wartime espionage. Through well-developed characters and a tightly woven plot, the episode captures the essence of old-time radio detective dramas, delivering both entertainment and thoughtful reflections on the complexities of intelligence work.

Listeners new to the series will find this episode a compelling entry point, showcasing the blend of action, emotion, and strategic intrigue that defines "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio."

Transcript

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[Unknown Host]

Welcome.

[Adam Graham]

To the Great Adventurers of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment we are going to bring you this week's episode of Cloak and Dagger. But first I do want to encourage you to please subscribe to the podcast. Using your favorite podcast software, you are listening to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio. You can search for the Great adventurers of Old Time Radio and also enjoy Flash Gordon and other adventure content coming your way. Today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can support the program at support.greatdetectives.net and become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters at patreon.greatdetectives.net now as I mentioned, last week there was a lost episode. In addition, one episode was preempted by speech by President Truman. So today's episode originally aired made 28th, 1950 and the title is the Trojan Horse.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

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.

[Agent Steve Lytel]

Question asked during the war to agents.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

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 Trojan Horse, is suggested by actual incidents recorded in the Washington files of the Office of Strategic Services, a story that can now be told. August 1942 report to OSS headquarters in Casablanca from agent Henri Fontaine. In France, contact with girl Gabrielle Monet was made in the Bluebeard Cafe in Paris. I went there alone on the evening of the 15th and sent her a note with a waiter asking her to come to my table when she'd finished her song. Then I sat and waited. German officers were spread about the room as they were spread about all of occupied France, I wondered what they would say if they knew why I had come.

[Gabrielle Monet]

You send me this note, huh?

[Agent Steve Lytel]

Oui, ma'.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Am. Will you join me?

[Gabrielle Monet]

Why not? I drink with anyone these days.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

What will you have, eh?

[Gabrielle Monet]

What have you let me taste from your glass?

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

It is very bad wine.

[Gabrielle Monet]

You are right. The only time a girl may get good wine nowadays is when she drinks with the Bosch. Never mind. I'm not thirsty.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

I enjoyed your song.

[Gabrielle Monet]

Is that what you wanted to tell me?

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

I think you are wasting your time here in Paris.

[Gabrielle Monet]

Paris is wasting our time on Paris these days.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

I can offer you a better position in Casablanca.

[Gabrielle Monet]

What did you say? Who are you?

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

My name is Henri Fontaine. I, too, have a good position with the American OSS in North Africa.

[Gabrielle Monet]

What are you saying?

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Before the Germans came to France, I was a poor poet. They did me a service. Now I'm a rich spy.

[Gabrielle Monet]

You sit here in a room full of Germans and tell me this. What makes you think I will believe you? What makes you think I won't turn you over to the Germans if I do?

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Eh, mamzel, I am not such a brave man. Neither am I a fool. We have kept you under observation for months. We know you better than you know yourself. Is there anything you'd like to know about yourself?

[Gabrielle Monet]

What do you want of me?

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

On our side, we have only the very best forgers, counterfeiters, cutthroats and spies. Will you join us?

[Gabrielle Monet]

Ah. Just tell me what you want me to do.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Agent Henri Fontaine in France to Agent Steve Lyttel in Casablanca. Arrangements have been made to transport the girl, Gabrielle Monet, to the south of France and then to Casablanca. Awaiting further instructions. Over. Bonjour. Bonjour. The roses will bloom early this year, I think. Oui. But not too early, I hope. Good. Good. I have been waiting for you. It is dark. I can't see you well. Is the girl with you? She is here. Gabby says something so our friend will know you are here.

[Gabrielle Monet]

I am tired.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Do you have difficulty reaching my safe in Paris? Not too much. With swarms of displaced persons all over France to mingle with and a slight bit of help along the way from the underground. It was not too bad. Good, good. Now follow me. I will take you to the fishing schooner.

[Gabrielle Monet]

But.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

I know, I know you're tired. Cheer up, Gabby. You'll have a nice long trip by water to rest up. And then another nice long trip by auto to Casablanca.

[Gabrielle Monet]

Oh, I like automobiles. In the old days, I like nothing better than a pleasant Ride.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

But Gabi did not like the automobile trip to Casablanca. It was probably nothing like the old days. I drove up front alone, while she was fitted in the trunk of the car behind gasoline drums. There were gunny sacks in a Moroccan rug thrown over her. Across everything a heavy canvas cover lashed down with just enough air left for her to breathe. We drove that way over rough roads for several hours. When it got dark, I pulled over to a side lane and let her out. Gabby. Come out. Come out.

[Gabrielle Monet]

My back, it is broken.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

I will gladly massage it for you.

[Gabrielle Monet]

You are too kind.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Not at all.

[Gabrielle Monet]

No, thank you.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Pity.

[Gabrielle Monet]

Why did we stop?

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

To give you a chance to stretch your legs. And a cigarette if you want one.

[Gabrielle Monet]

Oh, I would die for one. Give, give, give, give.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

I have one lit here.

[Gabrielle Monet]

Ah.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

You see? I try to be gentle. I try to make up for the inconvenience I am causing you. I remember what another poet once said. A German, by the way, but not a Nazi. His name was Goethe.

[Gabrielle Monet]

What did he say?

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

He said, be gentle with women. Remember, they were made from a broken rib.

[Gabrielle Monet]

I am not amused.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

I am sorry.

[Gabrielle Monet]

You are always smiling. Do you enjoy the war?

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Eh, I am a poet. There is poetic excitement in being behind the lines, working underground. I enjoy being a spy.

[Gabrielle Monet]

Well, I am no Mata Hari.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

You will do.

[Gabrielle Monet]

You still have told me nothing. Why did they send for me?

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

You remember a German named Paul Vogel? Paul?

[Gabrielle Monet]

What do you know of him? Tell me.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Not now. The time is late.

[Gabrielle Monet]

But I must know. Why did you mention me?

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

I said later. We have a long journey ahead. If we pass the border post, I will tell you. If we do not, the words and minutes would only be wasted.

[Unknown Host]

Ala.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

I thought I would never reach the border. It's been a long trip. Where are you headed? Casablanca. You anything to declare? No, nothing. Let me see your passport. Here you are. All of a sudden I spotted a small black dog sniffing and whining at the trunk of the car where Gabrielle was hidden. The customs officer had not noticed him, and I knew I had to find somewhere to keep him from noticing. Ah. One becomes stiff after so long a ride. While he looked over my passport, I went to the rear of the car, picked up the dog by the scruff of the neck and started to pet him. Your passport seems to be in order. But what's the matter with Jeff? Nothing. Perhaps he does not like to be picked up. No. If he did, he wouldn't try to bite you. Better put him down. I knew if I push off down, he'd go back to sniffing around the trunk. I felt like strangling that cute little black puppy. Put him down. I. I have taken a fancy to him. How do you feel about sending him to me, eh? Well, I. You. You are serious, monsieur? Oui. I like him. Come, come. How much? Eh? Oh, take him. There are two more like him around somewhere. Thank you. He will liven up the journey. Wait. Before you go. Yes? What is in your trunk? Huh? I said, what is in your trunk? Let me put the dog in the car, and then I will show you the trunk. I will show you. You see? Gasoline drums. Yes, I see. Very well. Close the trunk. I may go? Of course. Thank you again. For Joffre.

[Agent Steve Lytel]

August 27, 1942. Report to OSS headquarters in Washington. From Agent Steve Lytel in Casablanca. Fontaine and the girl arrived. I knew as soon as she walked in that Paul Vogel could not have forgotten her. I only hoped her memories of him weren't too strong. Now, as you know, Miss Monet, this is an international zone. We are, in effect, neutrals. In Casablanca, we pass each other in the streets. Germans, Americans, Vichy and Free French. You can imagine what a hotbed of international intrigue we have here.

[Gabrielle Monet]

I know nothing of that kind of intrigue.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Then perhaps we can broaden your horizons.

[Agent Steve Lytel]

Hold it, Henri. Now listen to me, Yebby. The head of the German Armistice Commission in Casablanca is a man named Paul Vogel. Does that name mean anything to you?

[Gabrielle Monet]

We knew each other once before the war.

[Agent Steve Lytel]

Knew each other?

[Gabrielle Monet]

He was an attache to the German consulate in Paris.

[Agent Steve Lytel]

You almost married him once, isn't that so?

[Gabrielle Monet]

That is my business.

[Agent Steve Lytel]

I'm afraid we've made it our business. Now, Gabby. We've kept close watch on you these past months. And we're sure that you're no Nazi or Vichy sympathizer.

[Gabrielle Monet]

Oh, I hate them all for what they are doing to France.

[Agent Steve Lytel]

But Vogel, what are your feelings toward him?

[Gabrielle Monet]

I haven't seen him in years.

[Agent Steve Lytel]

That's not answering my question.

[Gabrielle Monet]

If he is a Nazi, I have no feelings toward him.

[Agent Steve Lytel]

All right, then. Now, the open secret here in North Africa is the planned American invasion. The closed secret is where and when. Now, that's what Paul Vogel wants to find out for German headquarters.

[Gabrielle Monet]

I still don't understand what I.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

You're to tell him, cherie.

[Gabrielle Monet]

What?

[Agent Steve Lytel]

Henri's right. You're to take up this friendship with him once more. Give him all the information he wants. You'll get it direct from us. Look, now, rest assured it'll be the wrong information. You understand now?

[Gabrielle Monet]

I'm beginning to.

[Agent Steve Lytel]

Good we have a job for you at the Three Lanterns Cafe. Now, starting tomorrow, Agent Henri Fontaine and I were at the Three Lanterns Cafe. The next night when Gabrielle opened there, cafe was packed. But even the crowd around the bar, officers with ribbon chests, waterfront riffraff and black marketeers, all of them were quiet. When she sang, she was wearing a red dress. In the spotlighter, her face looked smaller and whiter, and her hair looked blacker. There wasn't a man in the room who could take his eyes off her. I wondered how soon it would be before Paul Vogel came in and saw her, too.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

A girl like that could make you forget the war, eh, Steve?

[Agent Steve Lytel]

I've got a wife I can. Syracuse.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Can she wear red like that?

[Agent Steve Lytel]

My wife can be trusted. And this girl? She and Vogel were pretty close in the old days.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

I know my own kind. She can be trusted.

[Agent Steve Lytel]

I hope you're right. The success of the whole American invasion may end, Johnny.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

A lot depends on how hard Vogel falls for that little bait. Up there on the bandstand. Steve. Vogel's just come in.

[Agent Steve Lytel]

That's all I wanted to see. Come on, let's get out of here.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Excuse us. Pardon. Pardon.

[Unknown Host]

This table is free. Waiter.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

It will.

[Unknown Host]

Do you wish to see the wine list?

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Oh, I.

[Unknown Host]

That girl, how long has she been here? The singer, you mean? She started only tonight. Tell her to come to this table when she's finished. You understand?

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

I understand.

[Unknown Host]

No, you don't.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

You only think.

[Unknown Host]

Think you do. Go tell her what I said. And bring a bottle of your best wine.

[Gabrielle Monet]

And I had no idea it was you, Paul, when the waiter came to me. How like you to walk back into my life so quietly after making so violent an exit.

[Unknown Host]

Ah, the world is small after all.

[Gabrielle Monet]

Gabi, I'm amazed to find you in Casablanca.

[Unknown Host]

I can say the same of you. What are you doing here?

[Gabrielle Monet]

I arrived here a few days ago. But I've been in North Africa for months. Tangier, Tunis, singing.

[Unknown Host]

How were you able to leave France after the occupation?

[Gabrielle Monet]

You should know how well I always got along with Germans.

[Unknown Host]

You don't seem angry with me any longer, Liechen. After that last time, six years ago.

[Gabrielle Monet]

Life is too short to be angry for too long at anyone. Besides, I was a fool to have been jealous of that silly blonde with the bad legs. I've even forgotten her name.

[Unknown Host]

Suzanne.

[Gabrielle Monet]

Aha. I see you have not forgotten.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Oh.

[Unknown Host]

Gabby. How good it is to be with you again.

[Gabrielle Monet]

How good it is to be with you, Paul.

[Agent Steve Lytel]

For you.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

For me.

[Unknown Host]

Now we will drink to what is to me.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Leave you know.

[Unknown Host]

You could have no better guide through Casablanca than I. Gy come. What else would you like me to buy you from the marketplace? A scarf, perhaps a gold scarf to put around your hair.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Yeah?

[Gabrielle Monet]

Have you taken many girls to the marketplace? Huh?

[Unknown Host]

Will you be forever jealous of me, Liebling? What? Is it the French in you?

[Gabrielle Monet]

Ah, it is the woman in me. I imagine you are in great demand by the women here. The chief of the German Armistice Commission.

[Unknown Host]

How did you know that?

[Gabrielle Monet]

I know more than you think. Would it interest you to know the name of one of the most important American agents in North Africa?

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Who?

[Gabrielle Monet]

Steve Lyttle.

[Unknown Host]

What do you know of him?

[Gabrielle Monet]

I know him. And he knows the details of the planned American invasion.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Come.

[Unknown Host]

I will buy you a gold scarf. Well?

[Gabrielle Monet]

Have you nothing to say of what I just told you?

[Unknown Host]

I knew that already. I, too, have agents, however. Thank you for telling me. I can promise you more than a gold scarlet if you find out additional information for me. Is this possible?

[Gabrielle Monet]

It might be very possible.

[Agent Steve Lytel]

Agent Lyttel in Casablanca to OSS in Washington. The girl, Gabrielle Monet, has been in the paid employ of the German government here for several weeks, according to our plan, and will transmit to them the dakar cover project.

[Gabrielle Monet]

September 1942. Report to OSS headquarters. From agent Monet. I had a feeling that things were going too smoothly. I seemed to be holding my breath, waiting for something to go wrong. And on the night of the 29th, it did. Paul Vogel was in my room above the cafe. We were listening to my record of our favorite song. You'll have to go soon. It is late.

[Unknown Host]

Forget the time. Who would think it would come to this again, Gabby, after that day in Paris when we quarreled.

[Gabrielle Monet]

So I remember that day. We showed poor judgment to argue out of doors. It was raining. I got a terrible cold in the nose.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Poor goblin.

[Unknown Host]

Let me kiss that poor nose.

[Gabrielle Monet]

Sherry, you really must go. But before you do, I. I have a paper for you in my purse. Dates when high officials will be in Casablanca. I get it for you.

[Unknown Host]

I want to talk to you.

[Gabrielle Monet]

You. You're hurting my arm.

[Unknown Host]

Let me go for it. Paying you well for this information.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Please.

[Unknown Host]

Some of it is useful information, but none of it is as important as I would like.

[Gabrielle Monet]

I will try to do better.

[Unknown Host]

You had better do better. You know what would happen, Gabi, if I found out you were crossing me?

[Gabrielle Monet]

I would not cross you.

[Unknown Host]

It is nothing for me. Twist your arm like this. Such a small arm. Think what I could do if I really tried to hurt you.

[Gabrielle Monet]

You hurt me now, because you don't trust me. What do you want?

[Unknown Host]

You claim to know this American like you I do. You claim you get your information from him. Is that all he gives you? What about his love? Does he give you that, too?

[Gabrielle Monet]

Oh, the shoe is on the other foot now. It is you who are jealous. Oh, how foolish of you. Think. Would I lie to you?

[Unknown Host]

Copy. Copy. Oh, copy. If you ever lie to me, I would rather see you dead at my feet than standing looking at me and lying. You hear what I say?

[Gabrielle Monet]

Yes. Yes, I hear. I hear.

[Unknown Host]

No, no. No more wine. I must keep my head clear. To think of what you have just told me.

[Gabrielle Monet]

Now, are you satisfied that I'm earning my money?

[Unknown Host]

So the Americans will land in a few weeks at Dhaka? Very likely.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Very likely.

[Unknown Host]

Dakar is strategically important.

[Gabrielle Monet]

It will be more important if the German fleet is there to stop the invasion.

[Unknown Host]

That bungled attempt at a landing under de Gault's leadership failed. So the Americans probably figure we would not dream that they would try it again in the same place.

[Gabrielle Monet]

One American, Steve Lyttel, does not dream. You know this. Are you going to tell German headquarters?

[Unknown Host]

But of course. This is something they will want to know.

[Gabrielle Monet]

He believes it, Steve. Every word of it.

[Agent Steve Lytel]

Good.

[Gabrielle Monet]

The German plead is being sent to stop the invasion at Dakar.

[Agent Steve Lytel]

Good, Gabby. Good work.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Steve. Radio report just in from Gibraltar.

[Agent Steve Lytel]

What is it?

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

No, no, no, no. Let me tell it, Geoffrey. General Clark will rendezvous on October 21st at point agreed near Alger.

[Agent Steve Lytel]

You know what that means? Final preparations for the Iran invasion. Nothing must go wrong now. Nothing.

[Gabrielle Monet]

November 4th in 1942. Something very wrong happened. Paul came to my room just before I was ready to go downstairs to the cafe. Paul.

[Unknown Host]

Gabby, Your friend Lyttel has been playing you for a fool. Do you hear what I say?

[Gabrielle Monet]

I don't understand.

[Unknown Host]

The invasion is not the car. I just learned myself. It's to be Oran.

[Gabrielle Monet]

Oran.

[Unknown Host]

And the German fleet, on my suggestion, is waiting in Dakar for nothing, Paul. And will continue to wait for nothing. Do you know what this will mean to me? Do you realize what the High Command will do to me for this?

[Gabrielle Monet]

Please. Please, Paul. Ruin. Perhaps. Perhaps your latest information was wrong about Oran.

[Unknown Host]

No, no, no, no, no, no, no. It all ties in.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

They.

[Unknown Host]

The Americans wanted me to believe. Gaby. What had you to do with this?

[Gabrielle Monet]

Now what are you saying? I'm getting tired of your suspicions. One day you trust me, the next day you don't.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

You're French.

[Unknown Host]

What kind of French?

[Gabrielle Monet]

Instead of questions, ask yourself this would I betray you, Paul, not Germany. But you think. Look at me. Look at your Gabby and Elsa.

[Unknown Host]

II no, of course not. Not you. You wouldn't dare. There may still be time to stop the Americans at Orion. I must get back to headquarters and let them know by radio. I should have done that right away instead of coming here.

[Gabrielle Monet]

Have a drink first.

[Unknown Host]

No, no. Later I'll be back.

[Gabrielle Monet]

It will not be easy for you to tell the high command this. A drink will fortify you.

[Unknown Host]

Yes, perhaps. Perhaps you're right. One drink, then.

[Gabrielle Monet]

Paul sat on the edge of the couch, his head in his hands. I remember thinking how very blonde was his hair. How large his hair. It was not difficult for me to drop half the L tablet from my purse into his glass as I poured the liquor over it. Here you are. Poor Paul. Poor petit. You look so tired. Drink.

[Unknown Host]

Where are you going?

[Gabrielle Monet]

To put on the record you like. We played it so often lately, Paul, that one of these days it will just rise up in protest. You tired?

[Unknown Host]

No, no. Why should I be tired? I must go now.

[Adam Graham]

I've had my drink.

[Gabrielle Monet]

Hear my record through. Then you will go.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

No, no. Now.

[Unknown Host]

I must go now. You're so good to me, Kabi. You love me. You love me very much.

[Gabrielle Monet]

His head had fallen on his arms and rested on the table. The tablet had begun to work, as I knew it would. I got the automatic pistol that had been given to me by the Americans and shot him twice through his very blond head. Report from Agent Gabriel Monet.

[Agent Steve Lytel]

Well, it ought to come any minute now. News of the invasion. I've had word that Eisenhower and Clark were in Gibraltar on November 8th. I'll let you both know as soon as something comes through on the radio.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Are you all right?

[Gabrielle Monet]

Bemis me. Don't concern yourself.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

You did what you had to do. It took courage.

[Gabrielle Monet]

If I had thought about it longer, perhaps I would not have had the courage. You cannot know.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

I think I do.

[Gabrielle Monet]

He meant a great deal to me a long time ago. I killed him.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Listen to me. I told you something once that the poet Goethe said. He also said this. Give up what perished long ago and let us love what's living. Do you hear, Gabi? Do you hear? Yankee? Franklin, Midway, Lincoln, Robert. Ar? Re. Robert, that's it.

[Agent Steve Lytel]

The code name Robert's arrived. The invasion's begun.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Do you hear? Did you hear, Gabby? Did you?

[Gabrielle Monet]

Yes, yes. Yes, I heard.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

And once again, the report of an OSS agent is closed with the words mission accomplished. A further adventure in black warfare is next week's Cloak and Dagger. Heard in today's story were Jane White, Barry Kruger, Leon Janney, Joseph Julian, Carl Weber, Raymond Edward Johnson, Guy Sorrell and Bernie Gould. Script was by Winifred Wolf. Music under the direction of John Gart. Today's true OSS adventure was based on.

[Agent Steve Lytel]

The book Cloak and Dagger by Corey.

[Agent Henri Fontaine]

Ford and Alistair McBain. This has been a Louis G. Cowan production under the supervision and direction of Sherman Marks. Stay tuned for the second big mystery, High adventure on NBC.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. This story really does a great job showing a lot of aspects of intelligence work and many of the pitfalls that operatives have to deal with. Certainly the danger was a big aspect. I found myself wondering at different points. First of all, like what the American agent wondered, could she be trusted to work for the Allies? Then I found myself feeling the danger of the situation she was in, particularly at that point where he threatened her life. And then we finally get to the way it plays out and the decisions she had to make. You feel the internal turmoil of all she had to do. And I love the way that they structured the Dr. Drama on this. Now, of course, if she hadn't, the consequences to the war effort as well as the effort to free France would have been disastrous. But this episode shows how this world of black ops is not only dangerous, but messy on so many levels. Now, on another note, I did want to mention that I ordered the book Cloak and Dagger. It was a bit of a challenge to find a copy that was anywhere near reasonable. There are a lot of books where you can find decent, in good condition copies for, you know, five or ten dollars. Not this one, but I got this particular copy used off Amazon. Pretty good condition, missing the dust jacket, but otherwise looks really good. I will say that a general perusal doesn't show the plot of all of the episodes taken from here. And they did mention here that these stories were based on files from the OSS in Washington. That doesn't necessarily mean everything was covered in this book. And this book is actually relatively short. It's 216 pages long print that is pretty easy to read. So I don't even know if you could have enough stories for a radio series based on the incidents in that book. I did see one chapter that actually had the same title as an episode, so that might have come out of the book. I'm going to read through it, though not with the expectation that I'm going to find every single plot that was used on the radio series and the pages of the book. Well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the Day and I want to thank Carol Ann patreon, supporter since April 2019, currently supporting the podcast at the Psalmist level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Carol Ann, and that will do it for today. If you are enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. If you are listening to this on the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio feed, we will return on Monday with the Adventures of the Falcon on the Great Adventurers of Old Time Radio. That will be back on Tuesday with Flash Gordon. And if you'd like to subscribe to that podcast, please check it [e-mail] and do send all your comments to box13reatetectives.net from Boiseatta Home, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.