Counterspy: Murdering Messenger (A0100)

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio — Counterspy: "Murdering Messenger" (A0100) Host: Adam Graham | Original Airdate: August 25, 1949 | Episode Release: June 27, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this classic episode of Counterspy—"Murdering Messenger"—listeners are swept into a tense web of espionage, betrayal, and subterfuge. Agent Peters (aka Argyle) must unravel a deadly plot in which a spy ring is systematically being wiped out by its own shadowy masters. Posing as a compromised agent, Peters races against time across Detroit, Memphis, and New Orleans to uncover the killer’s identity and the ring’s secrets, risking his own life in the process.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Spy Rings and Deadly Mistakes

• The episode opens with a chilling note about espionage: "In espionage, the penalty for mistakes is death. Every member of the guilty spy ring is doomed by its faraway superiors..." ([03:59]).
• An undercover agent, George Argyle, delivers a coded message indicating suspicions that the spy ring’s "superiors" suspect a mole and are orchestrating deadly accidents to eliminate compromised members.

2. Undercover Operations and Coded Communication

• Argyle and Harry J. Peters use clever tradecraft, including coded messages hidden in library books, to communicate.
  • "Here's the decoded transcript. Aunt Bessie." ([06:15])
• Suspense intensifies as Argyle believes he may be in imminent danger:
  • "...the only man in the spy ring I ever saw was killed in a car smash...a fake accident." ([06:18])

3. The Memphis Cave Incident

• Peters joins Argyle in Memphis. A threatening postcard and an arranged meeting at the "High Mountain Caves" are clear signals for a spy rendezvous ([07:48–08:11]).
• During the cave tour, Argyle is stabbed. The attacker’s chilling line:
  • "Otherwise, how can I finish you off for good?" — Anthony Blix (disguised as the guide, [10:11])
• Amid the chaos, Peters suggests faking Argyle’s survival to draw the killer out by entering the hospital under Argyle’s name ([10:55]).

4. Contacts, Conspiracies, and Misdirection

• Peters (as Argyll) is approached by Anthony Blix from the Tri State Travel Agency, who provides a riverboat ticket to New Orleans and hints at future contacts and new dangers ([11:31–12:36]).
• On the riverboat, Peters meets Valerie Arden, another agent, who delivers further instructions:
  • "On reaching New Orleans, you’re to see a man named Avery L. Clark..." — Valerie Arden ([14:29])
• The banter between Peters and Arden reveals suspicion and mutual mistrust:
  • "If I had to kill anyone, I’d use poison or a gun, wouldn’t you? Knives are so...uncertain, aren’t they?" — Valerie Arden ([14:54])

5. The New Orleans Showdown

• Peters reports to his contacts, Harding and Lieutenant Fabian, and discusses that the spy ring members may all be marked for death by their own bosses ([15:20–16:31]).
• At Avery Clark’s home, Clark is mortally wounded and confirms the dire situation:
  • "Somebody’s trying to wipe us out... whether you’re my friend or my enemy, Argyle, never sit with your back to a window." — Avery Clark ([18:19–18:45])

6. Abduction, Interrogation, and Twist Revelations

• Peters is falsely arrested by impostor police and spirited away to a remote house owned by Valerie Arden ([19:44–22:24]).
• Arden interrogates Peters, suspecting him of being both the killer and a counterspy. Tension mounts in their ambiguous verbal duel:
  • "You’re a Counterspy, aren’t you, Mr. Argyle?" — Valerie Arden ([23:11])
  • "If I were a counterspy, I wouldn’t have shot Clark. I’d have arrested him, wouldn’t I?" — Peters ([23:13])
• Blix arrives, and as suspicion whirls, all three realize the killer could be among them. In a private exchange with Peters, Blix confesses:
  • "The information the real Argyle sent us turned out all wrong. All of us are supposed to pay for them." ([27:49])
  • Blix, trying to play both sides, offers to betray the spy group fully in exchange for freedom.

7. Resolution: Ambush and Arrest

• An attempted double-cross is foiled, and Harding and police surround the house, arresting Blix, Arden, and their henchmen just as Blix threatens Peters ([28:46–29:04]).
• Fabian offers Blix a deal:
  • "You give us that full report and we’ll see that it reaches the government that employed you. They wanted this ring wiped out. Now you can report complete success with some help from the Counterspies." — Lt. Fabian ([29:08])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Suspenseful Espionage Tone:
  "In espionage, the penalty for mistakes is death..." ([03:59])
• Tradecraft Wisdom:
  "Never sit with your back to a window." — Avery Clark ([18:45])
• Wry Banter:
  "If I had to kill anyone, I’d use poison or a gun, wouldn’t you?... Knives are so uncertain, aren’t they?" — Valerie Arden ([14:54])
• Villain’s Paranoia:
  "All of us are supposed to pay for them." — Blix admitting every agent is on the kill list ([27:49])
• Host's Commentary:
  "Blix made for an interesting villain... In retrospect, he seems a poor choice for this task given that he started looking for the exit as soon as it became clear that counterspy was in some way involved." — Adam Graham ([31:57])
• Comic Relief:
  "I did like the housekeeper as well, even though I don’t know, maybe she would identify me as riffraff too." — Adam Graham ([31:57])

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:59] — Introduction of spy ring peril and Argyle’s undercover message.
• [07:48–08:11] — Postcard clue sets Memphis cave rendezvous.
• [09:43–10:11] — Argyle stabbed in High Mountain Caves by undercover murderer.
• [11:31–12:36] — Blix visits Peters disguised as Argyle in hospital/riverboat ticket delivered.
• [14:29–14:54] — Valerie Arden delivers instructions with veiled threats.
• [18:19–18:45] — Dying Clark warns Peters about enemy tactics.
• [23:11–23:13] — Valerie Arden accuses Peters of being a counterspy.
• [27:39–28:17] — Blix offers to betray the spy group in exchange for safety.
• [28:46–29:08] — Police storm in, ending the deadly intrigue.
• [31:57] — Host Adam Graham’s commentary and listener feedback.

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Host's Closing Thoughts

Adam Graham praises the episode’s suspense and well-drawn villain, Blix, with a dose of characteristic humor about the housekeeper’s “riffraff” quip. He reflects on the show’s blend of FBI/CIA-style counterespionage and thanks long-time Patreon supporter “Doc.”

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Listener Information

• For new mysteries, reviews, and archival episodes, visit greatdetectives.net.
• Next Tuesday’s teaser: “Case of the Cold Blooded Professor”—another classic Counterspy tale.

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Summary prepared by your expert podcast summarizer. Enjoy your sleuthing!

Transcript

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[Adam Graham (Podcast Host)]

Welcome to the great adventurers of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Counterspot. But first I want to encourage you if you're enjoying the podcast, to please follow us using your favorite podcast software. Today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can support the show on a one time basis. Support.greatdetectives.net and become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month. Just go to patreon.greatdetectives.net now from August 25, 1949, here is the murdering messenger.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Pepsi Cola. Pepsi, that's your smartest callaby. Pepsi Cola presents Counterspy.

[David Harding]

Washington calling David Harding. Counterspy Washington calling David Harding. Counterspy Harding.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

Counterspy calling Washington.

[Narrator/Announcer]

United States Counterspies especially appointed to investigate

[Harry J. Peters]

and combat the enemies of our country both at home and abroad.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Tonight, the case of the murdering messenger. Another counterspy report to the American people brought to you each Tuesday and Thursday by Pepsi Cola.

[Pepsi Cola Advertiser]

Pepsi Cola hits a spot. Two full glasses. That's a lot.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Pepsi Cola Advertiser]

take less when Pepsi's best?

[Narrator/Announcer]

And now to count. In espionage, the penalty for mistakes is death. Every member of the guilty spy ring is doomed by its faraway superiors. Yet the sentence is rarely carried out by direct means. The watchwords are concealment and mystery. In the city of Detroit, a small branch library stands in a quiet side street. One morning a young man with eyes alert entered the building and went to the main reading room.

[George Argyll]

Excuse me, miss.

[Library Assistant]

Yes, sir?

[George Argyll]

I want to turn this book in.

[Library Assistant]

Julius Caesar's commentaries in the original Latin.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes.

[Library Assistant]

You're quite a student, Mr. Argyll.

[George Argyll]

Caesar was quite a boy.

[Library Assistant]

Are you taking out another book?

[George Argyll]

No, I'm leaving Detroit very soon. Goodbye and thanks a lot.

[Library Assistant]

Goodbye, Mr. Argyll.

[Harry J. Peters]

I beg your pardon.

[Library Assistant]

Yes, sir?

[Harry J. Peters]

I was looking on the shelves for Julius Caesar's commentaries, but it doesn't seem to be there.

[Library Assistant]

No, it's right here. Our only copy was just returned a moment ago. Do you want to take it out?

[Harry J. Peters]

Yes, please. Here's my library card. Harry j. Peters. From peters counterspy field office, Detroit to David Harding, Washington. Have just received coded report from counterspy. George Argyll operating undercover inside foreign spy ring in United States code used alternate word and line transposition. What are your orders?

[David Harding]

Leaders have message decoded in Detroit. And hold there. I'm flying Detroit immediately.

[Harry J. Peters]

Mr. Harding. This is the original message Argyle left for me in the library book disguised as a letter home.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

Thanks, Peter still addresses me as aunt Bessie.

[Harry J. Peters]

Here's the decoded transcript. Aunt Bessie.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

Thanks, Junior. Dear Mr. Harding, trouble ahead. Last night the only man in the spy ring I ever saw was killed in a car smash out on Woodward Avenue. A fake accident.

[Harry J. Peters]

There was an accident, Dave, and a man was killed.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

What's more, I've been ordered to leave my job in the turbojet factory here and go to Memphis, Tennessee. I think the superiors of the spy ring now realize that someone has fed them nothing but false information for a year. I don't believe they know I was the one. But evidently all members of the ring are to be moved around.

[Harry J. Peters]

Oh, fine.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

I don't like that either, Peters. We still don't know who the other members of the ring are.

[Harry J. Peters]

It may be getting dangerous Wanna pull our guy out.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

And lose three years of our work and preparation. Still, I don't want Argyle to be left entirely alone in Memphis.

[Harry J. Peters]

Is Aunt Bessie worried?

[Lieutenant Fabian]

Definitely. Argyle adds here that he'll be at the hotel. Lee Peters, brush up on your Southern accent. You're going to be there too.

[Harry J. Peters]

Mr. Agile?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes.

[Harry J. Peters]

I'm the hotel fire inspector.

[George Argyll]

Oh, come in. Good to see you, Peters.

[Harry J. Peters]

Any news, Argyle?

[George Argyll]

I got this postcard today.

[Harry J. Peters]

The Southern Beauty Tourist Bureau, Memphis Guided tours of historic Southland. See monuments and battlegrounds of the War between the States. Special feature.

[George Argyll]

Visit the High Mountain Caves. You'll notice that last one is circled in red ink. The High Mountain Caves. And notice here in the schedule of tours.

[Harry J. Peters]

Yes, another circle of red ink around the date.

[George Argyll]

Thursday, 5pm Obviously, that's when my next contact with the spy rings to be made.

[Harry J. Peters]

Look, Argyle, I'd better join the group too.

[George Argyll]

I think that'll be too risky, Peters. Those tourist groups aren't very large. Wherever the contact is, we'll take a good look at everybody.

[Harry J. Peters]

Well, how are you to be recognized?

[George Argyll]

My name is known to the ring. I'll simply give it when I buy my ticket for the tour. Then I'll just wait and see what happens.

[Tour Guide]

Now, folks, we're pretty near finished our tour. The famous High Mountain cave. Scene of beauty with the selectites. Stalagmites. Kind of scary too. One more little demonstration before we step outside again into our lovely Southern evening. This here underground river we've been following from one of these caves to another ends right here, you see, in a deep well or chasm. Leave me tell you, the fellow that falls down here ain't never coming up. You see this rock? I'm gonna drop it down now. You'll have to listen hard to hear the splash.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

Ready?

[Anthony Blix]

There she goes.

[Tour Guide]

Well, that was that. Now, if you'll be so good as to step to the exit there. The bus will return us to Memphis and to your hotels. Yes, he has. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Excuse me, folks. Wait out there. Just a minute. One of our members seem to be missing here. I'll locate him.

[Library Assistant]

I'll be right out of here.

[Tour Guide]

Hey, mister. Mister. Hey, there you are.

[Harry J. Peters]

Helping, please.

[Anthony Blix]

Good heavens. My friend, you've been stabbed. Guide, get me to a doctor, quick.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

But the knife.

[Pepsi Cola Advertiser]

Don't pull it out.

[Housekeeper]

Don't.

[Anthony Blix]

But I must. Otherwise, how can I finish you off for good?

[David Harding]

Argyle was stabbed to death right there in the cave. Speeders.

[Harry J. Peters]

That's right, Mr. Harding. It was my fault. I should have gone right with Argyle. No Matter what he said.

[David Harding]

Now, don't blame yourself, Peters.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

You took every reasonable precaution. How are the police handling the case?

[Harry J. Peters]

All members of the tour have been questioned, except the guide. He's disappeared. So he must have been the murderer.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

Peters, in my opinion, this spy ring isn't just being moved around.

[David Harding]

It's being wiped out.

[Harry J. Peters]

Well, Dave, there's one way to make sure. Let me take Argyle's place.

[David Harding]

Good idea. But how?

[Harry J. Peters]

First, a squib in the papers that Argyle was only wounded. Second, I'll enter a hospital under his name.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

The murderer will make another try.

[David Harding]

Peters.

[Harry J. Peters]

All right, let him, Dave. That's exactly what we want.

[Tour Guide]

Nurse, you said Mr. Argyle had this

[Valerie Arden]

hero to go right into.

[Anthony Blix]

Mr. Argyle. How fortunate you were to have lost nothing but a little blunt. May I sit down by your bed? I was about to visit you at your hotel, Mr. Argyll, when I read in the papers of the attempt on your life in the High Mountain cave. So I came straight here to the hospital. I'm surprised, if I may say so, to find you alive, receiving visitors.

[Harry J. Peters]

It was only a flesh wound, Mr.

[Anthony Blix]

Forgive me, Mr. Argyll. My name is Anthony Blix, B L I X the Tri State Travel Agency. The reason I was so anxious to see you was to give you this. Your river steamship ticket from Memphis to New Orleans. The one you ordered through our office.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

Oh, yes, yes, of course.

[Anthony Blix]

The boat leaves on Tuesday, Mr. Argyll. Will you be able to travel?

[Harry J. Peters]

I think so. I. Take it easy.

[Anthony Blix]

I'm delighted.

[Harry J. Peters]

Will I be seeing you again, Mr. Blitz?

[Anthony Blix]

The world is growing so small, Mr. Argyll. I wouldn't be at all surprised.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

Oh, by the way, we were unable

[Anthony Blix]

to get you a cabin entirely to yourself. I'm sorry to say you will have a cabin mate. Goodbye.

[Harry J. Peters]

To Aunt Bessie from nephew Argyle. First contact made, Anthony Blix of Tri State Travel Agency, Memphis. Next contact may be somebody on riverboat to New Orleans.

[Valerie Arden]

Thank you, Stuart. Put my suitcase down here, then you may go. I beg your pardon.

[Harry J. Peters]

Good morning.

[Valerie Arden]

What are you doing in this cabin?

[Harry J. Peters]

My ticket says I was booked in here.

[Housekeeper]

Why are you lying down?

[Valerie Arden]

Are you ill?

[Harry J. Peters]

I'm recovering from an accident.

[Valerie Arden]

It's ridiculous.

[Harry J. Peters]

There was nothing ridiculous about it.

[Valerie Arden]

I mean, you're being booked into this cabin when I was booked in here, too.

[Harry J. Peters]

Obviously a mistake.

[Valerie Arden]

Obviously.

[Harry J. Peters]

I'll have myself moved right now.

[Valerie Arden]

No, no, no. It's easier for me. You're halfway settled already. I'll ring for the steward.

[Harry J. Peters]

Buttons.

[George Argyll]

Right here.

[Valerie Arden]

Thank you. I'm sorry, Mr. Argyle. Argyle, I'm sorry. I was angry My name is Valerie Arden. Are you going to stay in New Orleans after we get there?

[Harry J. Peters]

That's hard to say. How about you?

[Valerie Arden]

I live in New Orleans, Mr. Argyll. Even though I'm English. Mr. Nagyo, I have your next instructions.

[Harry J. Peters]

Yes.

[Valerie Arden]

On reaching New Orleans, you're to see a man named Avery L. Clark. River Road number 821.

[Harry J. Peters]

Yes.

[Valerie Arden]

Tell him I sent you. And say that you're applying for the job he has open in Los Angeles. Clear?

[Harry J. Peters]

Clear. There's the steward.

[Housekeeper]

Just a minute, Stewart.

[Valerie Arden]

Well, Mr. Argyll, I do hope your fever's better.

[Harry J. Peters]

It was a knife wound, Ms. Arden.

[Housekeeper]

A knife?

[Valerie Arden]

Good gracious. If I had to kill anyone, I'd use poison or a gun, wouldn't you?

[Housekeeper]

Knives are so.

[Valerie Arden]

So uncertain, aren't they?

[Harry J. Peters]

To Aunt Betsy from nephew Argyll. Boat contact made by one Valerie Arden. Next contact to New Orleans, avery L. Clark, 821 River Road.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

To Argyle from Aunt Bessie.

[David Harding]

On arriving New Orleans register Hotel Esplanade.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

You will be given room 484. I will be there with Lt. Fabian

[David Harding]

of New Orleans Police.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

See you tonight.

[David Harding]

Nice to know you.

[George Argyll]

Peters or Argyll.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Which is it?

[Harry J. Peters]

Peters will be safe. Lieutenant Fabian in this hotel room anyway. Any news, Mr. Harding?

[Lieutenant Fabian]

Well, I've ordered a complete checkup on that man Blix back in Memphis.

[George Argyll]

Peters. I expect a report very soon about Valerie Arden. Peters? She really lives here in New Orleans? Runs a high toned gift shop.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

About Avery El Clark.

[George Argyll]

All we know is that he's in the sugar business.

[Harry J. Peters]

Well, Dave, Valerie Arden said I'm to talk to Clark about going to Los Angeles.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

Well, I think that's just talk, Peters. I'm pretty sure now that every member of this spy ring is marked for death by its own employers abroad. Clark may try to kill you.

[Harry J. Peters]

I'll have to take that chance, Dave.

[Anthony Blix]

Peters.

[George Argyll]

Did either Blix or the woman act like they suspected you're not the real Argyll?

[Harry J. Peters]

No, Lieutenant. But the guide who murdered Argyle in the caves would know I'm not the right man.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

Well, that's the big risk, Peters. That Blix and the girl have somehow been warned by the murderer are just leading you on. Now, when are you to see Clark?

[Harry J. Peters]

The longer I wait, the bigger the risk. I think I'll go right now. 821 River Road.

[Library Assistant]

Well, what is it? What is it? Well, don't stand there on the porch gaping.

[Harry J. Peters]

I'm sorry, may I ask who you are?

[Library Assistant]

I'm Mr. Clark's housekeeper. Come from Oklahoma. And I don't like New Orleans. And I don't like the riff raff that comes to see Mr. Clark. Tim. You want to see, I guess.

[Harry J. Peters]

Yes. My name's Argyle.

[Library Assistant]

Welcome in, young man. But don't expect me to announce you. He's in the living room. You can go right in and announce yourself.

[Harry J. Peters]

All right. Thank you.

[Library Assistant]

And tell him not to ring for drinks because I got the bacon to do.

[Harry J. Peters]

Mr. Clark?

[Pepsi Cola Advertiser]

Yes?

[Harry J. Peters]

My name's argyle.

[Fake Police Officer]

Come in.

[Harry J. Peters]

I met a Valerie Arden on the boat from Memphis. She says you need a man for a job in Los Angeles.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

A galaxy.

[Fake Police Officer]

Somebody's trying to wipe us out. They tried to get you in Memphis, didn't they? You see? First you, now me you.

[Harry J. Peters]

Do you know who's trying it?

[Anthony Blix]

What?

[Fake Police Officer]

Individual? No. But death for everybody. That's the high command's way of punishing failures. Look at that double window behind me.

[Harry J. Peters]

One pane is broken.

[Fake Police Officer]

Three bullets did it 10 minutes ago. Those three bullets are now in my back.

[Harry J. Peters]

What?

[Fake Police Officer]

Yeah.

[Harry J. Peters]

You need a doctor.

[Fake Police Officer]

It's no use. I'm going to die. Whether you're my friend or my enemy, Argyle, never sit with your back to a window. Now, you better get out of here.

[Pepsi Cola Advertiser]

You'll be caught.

[Narrator/Announcer]

For my mercy.

[David Harding]

Clark.

[Library Assistant]

Say, Mr. Clark, about the bacon. I got to say you. What's the matter with him?

[Harry J. Peters]

He's dead. He was murdered.

[Housekeeper]

Murdered?

[Library Assistant]

He's all blood. You murdered him. You riff raff. You murdered him.

[Harry J. Peters]

No, I didn't. Listen, I want you to call the police.

[Library Assistant]

Me? If you didn't kill him, why don't you call him? Where are you going?

[Harry J. Peters]

I'm getting out of here.

[Library Assistant]

Getting out? You're murdering riffraff. But you won't get away with murder.

[Housekeeper]

I'm calling the police. And I'm shouting from the house. Ups. You're murdering ri. Rat. They'll catch you. They catch you.

[Fake Police Officer]

Hey, you.

[Harry J. Peters]

What?

[Fake Police Officer]

You're under arrest, buddy. There was a murder.

[Harry J. Peters]

You under arrest and you the police.

[Fake Police Officer]

Yeah, me and my friend here. Come on.

[Harry J. Peters]

Where?

[Fake Police Officer]

We got a car.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

Come on, snap it.

[Harry J. Peters]

I'd like to see your credentials. Credentials, papers to prove your police.

[Fake Police Officer]

Sure. Hey, Bing, show them. What do you call them? Credentials. There's our credentials, buddy.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

Come on, Bing.

[Fake Police Officer]

We're taking this to your guy for a ride.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Back to counterspy in just a moment.

[Pepsi Cola Advertiser]

But first, Pepsi Cola hits a spot. Too full glasses. That's a lot more value. Lots more zest. Why take less when Pepsi's best More

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Pepsi Cola Advertiser]

Pepsi Cola so delicious and each bottle makes two drinks it is certainly the cola for the purchaser who thinks everybody's drinking Pepsi Just compare it with the rest so much more and so much finer why take less when Pepsi's best?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Today, tomorrow always get America's biggest cola value. Take home a carton of six big, big Pepsi bottles. Insist on Pepsi at the store and say Pepsi at the fountain, say Pepsi at the stand, say Pepsi whenever you reach for refreshment. Remember, why take less when pets is best? And now back to Counter spy. It is late night on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain outside New Orleans. A house with all blinds shut stands secluded behind a grove of cypress trees. And inside the lonely house.

[Valerie Arden]

Well, Mr. Argyll, I must say you took a long time to recover your senses.

[Harry J. Peters]

Oh, miss Valerie.

[Fake Police Officer]

On.

[Harry J. Peters]

Are you the one who hit me on the head?

[Valerie Arden]

Good gracious, no, Mr. Argyll. That was Byng. For your information, we're in my house, and both Bing and George are in the very next room.

[Harry J. Peters]

That's interesting.

[Valerie Arden]

I brought along some brandy. I thought you might need it.

[Harry J. Peters]

How about you?

[Valerie Arden]

Oh, I don't need a drink. I haven't committed a murder.

[Harry J. Peters]

Meaning? Clark. Who did it?

[Valerie Arden]

You.

[Harry J. Peters]

Me? You know better than that. Your men must have been watching.

[Valerie Arden]

Clark's housekeeper said you did it.

[Harry J. Peters]

So you grabbed her, too. You work fast.

[Valerie Arden]

I couldn't afford to have her screeching all over New Orleans. Neither could I until I was sure her screeching was useful.

[Harry J. Peters]

Useful?

[Valerie Arden]

You're a Counterspy, aren't you, Mr. Argyll?

[Harry J. Peters]

If I were a counterspy, I wouldn't have shot Clark. I'd have arrested him, wouldn't I? Clark told me somebody was trying to wipe all of us out. Is that you?

[Valerie Arden]

He's crazy.

[George Argyll]

Not anymore.

[Harry J. Peters]

He's dead.

[Valerie Arden]

What a wild idea. It's absolutely fantastic.

[Harry J. Peters]

Who's next? Blix.

[Valerie Arden]

You saw Blix in Memphis, didn't you?

[Harry J. Peters]

In the hospital? Yes, but you were in Memphis, too. You could have arranged my little knifing. You could have shot Clark. Tonight.

[Valerie Arden]

Mr. Argyle, I think I will have some brandy.

[Harry J. Peters]

With pleasure.

[Valerie Arden]

Thank You.

[Harry J. Peters]

You're really scared, aren't you? So I guess it's not you who's trying to wipe us out. It's Blix.

[Valerie Arden]

Mr. Argyle, why couldn't you be the one sent out from the home office to get rid of us all?

[Harry J. Peters]

If I were, why would I have stabbed myself back in that Tennessee cave?

[Valerie Arden]

Wounds can be faked. Where were you knifed?

[Harry J. Peters]

Here, in the side.

[Valerie Arden]

Right there. Oh,

[Harry J. Peters]

it's a dirty trick. They hit me there.

[Valerie Arden]

I've made sure you were knifed.

[Harry J. Peters]

Yes, haven't you? It knocks out your theory of my being the official killer, but not of

[Valerie Arden]

your being a counter spy. Maybe you could fool Blix alone or me alone, but not the two of us together. Suppose we settle that now, tonight.

[Harry J. Peters]

How? Blix is way up in Memphis.

[Valerie Arden]

Oh, no. He arrived here in New Orleans this morning. And in a few minutes he can be here, and we can find out whether he murdered Clark and whether or not you're a counter spy. I shall phone him, Mr. Argyll. Meantime, have another drink, won't you?

[Lieutenant Fabian]

Harding Speaking.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Go ahead.

[David Harding]

Lieutenant Fabian. Mr. Harding, I got bad news.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

Let's hear, Lieutenant.

[David Harding]

We saw Peters come out of Clark's house fast. But before he could reach us, two men grabbed him and took him away in a car.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

Did you follow?

[David Harding]

Oh, we lost him on a turn, Mr. Harding. So we went back to the house and found Clark shot to death. Any idea where Peters is?

[Lieutenant Fabian]

No, but I'm on my way to your headquarters with a report on Blix from Memphis. He was the one who abducted the real guide in the caves, took his place and murdered Argyle.

[David Harding]

But Blake Snows. Peters is not our guy. It's lucky they caught him in Memphis.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

They didn't catch him in Memphis, Lieutenant. He's probably here in New Orleans right now. And he's the one who knows that Peters is a plant. We've got to find him and stay close to him, or Peters won't live out the night.

[David Harding]

My dear Valerie.

[Anthony Blix]

How exquisite you look, as always.

[Valerie Arden]

Hello, Blick. We've been waiting for you and Mr.

[Anthony Blix]

Argyle, as I suggested. In Memphis. It is a small world, isn't it?

[Harry J. Peters]

And getting smaller.

[Valerie Arden]

Blix, something's gone seriously wrong among us. Clark was killed earlier tonight.

[George Argyll]

Oh.

[Valerie Arden]

Perhaps because he'd become too expensive, like you, Blix and me and Mr. Argyll.

[Anthony Blix]

I wasn't aware that Mr. Argyll so expensive he is.

[Valerie Arden]

If he's really a counterspy, she's crazy. Blix, you ought to know. You saw Argyll in Memphis. He is a Counterspy being in Georgia. Handy. They can take care of him tonight.

[Anthony Blix]

Valerie, you're being ridiculous. I trust Mr. Argyll as. As much as I trust you.

[Valerie Arden]

And how much is that? If Argyle's to be trusted, then who tried to kill him? Who murdered Clark? Blix? Have you been sent here to get rid of us all?

[Anthony Blix]

Valerie.

[Valerie Arden]

What?

[Anthony Blix]

I heard a car outside for your

[Valerie Arden]

men in the front room. Why?

[Anthony Blix]

I want to ask them about the car. Please trust me about it. Go and see him.

[Valerie Arden]

Very well.

[Anthony Blix]

Listen, Argyle. Don't waste a second. Both our lives depend on it. I know you're not really Argyll. I've known it since I saw you in the hospital in Memphis. I realized then that my game was up. So I sent you along to meet Valorin Clark, purposely as evidence of my goodwill. You are a counterspy, aren't you?

[Harry J. Peters]

What if I were?

[Anthony Blix]

I'm ready to tell you everything you want to know about this spy group in exchange for your letting me go free.

[Harry J. Peters]

So you're the man sent out to wipe out this group.

[George Argyll]

Mm.

[Anthony Blix]

The information the real Argyle sent us turned out all wrong. All of us are supposed to pay for them.

[Harry J. Peters]

You don't add up, Blix. If you've been betraying your own friends by exposing Valerie Arden and Clark to me, why did you murder Clark?

[Anthony Blix]

A shrewd question, Mr. Arnau. Or whatever your real name is. Frankly, I thought it best at the last moment to make myself look good both to my own people at home. And do you? Whatever happened, I'd have a good story to tell.

[Harry J. Peters]

Smart boy.

[Anthony Blix]

Now, if you're really a counterspy, well, let me go free. I can save us both from this woman. Those two Plugglies. If not, I'll have to kill you.

[Harry J. Peters]

Now, did you really hear a car outside?

[Anthony Blix]

Of course not. What's your answer?

[Harry J. Peters]

I'm sure I hear a car. Maybe two.

[Anthony Blix]

You're evading my question, Mr. Argyll. That means that you're not a counterspy. Yes, I see I've made a mistake. That's easily corrected. With a gun.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

Drop your gun, Blake. The house is surrounded.

[David Harding]

Drop it, Blake.

[Tour Guide]

Got it, Mr. Harding.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

Sorry that was so close, Peter.

[Harry J. Peters]

It's all right. Now, how about the woman?

[Lieutenant Fabian]

Lieutenant Fabian, these men are out front. They've already got her and her two gunmen. And here we've got the murderer of Argyll and of Clark, haven't we, Mr. Harding?

[Anthony Blix]

You mistake me. I just made an important offer to this gentleman here.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

A full report, Blix. I'll make you an offer. You give us that full Report and we'll see that it reaches the government that employed you. They wanted this ring wiped out. Now you can report complete success with some help from the counter spies.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

in every Tuesday and Thursday. Same time, same station, two counterspy. Listen next Tuesday for the exciting counterspy case of the Cold Blooded Professor.

[Lieutenant Fabian]

The secret cellar that hid the mysterious inventions of a calculating killer, the dark patches on the square film that indicated the suspect would visit a certain type of store, and the hit and run victim who used a leg hook and kick to catch the carrier of vitriolic acid off guard. That's next Tuesday's counterspy. Make sure to tune in to Case

[Narrator/Announcer]

of a Cold Blooded Killer on Counter Spy. Tonight's counterspy program, originated in new york, was directed by william m. Sweets and featured don mclaughlin and mandel kramer with music by jesse crawford. Counterspy is a phillips h. Lord production for pepsi cola. Enjoy some pepsi ice cold tonight.

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[Adam Graham (Podcast Host)]

Welcome back. Well, another very solid spy adventure with Peters getting into some serious jeopardy here. Blix made for an interesting villain. I loved his answer to Peter's asking if he would see Blix again, although that doesn't mean he was particularly good at his job. In retrospect, he seems a poor choice for this task given that he started looking for the exit as soon as it became clear that counterspy was in some way involved. I did like the housekeeper as well, even though I don't know, maybe she would identify me as rifraptu. Listener Comments and Feedback now and we go to Spotify, where we have a comment from dawn regarding the episode Desert Explosion, Another successful caper by the Central Federal and Intelligence Bureau Agency of Investigations. Well, I think that's fair. It's kind of suggesting that this counterspot at this point is kind of an amalgamation of the FBI and the CIA, though I think most functions of counterspy we've heard so far could just be handled by the FBI. Well, now it's time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the day and I want to go ahead and thank Doc patreon Supporter since May 2019, currently supporting the podcast at the first mate level of $7.14 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Doc, and that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software and be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. We will be back on the Great Adventurers of Old Time Radio on Tuesday with Tarzan and then join us on the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio on Monday for the Saint. In the meantime, do send your comments to box13reatetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at Radio Detectives. Check us out on Instagram Instagram.com Great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.

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