Box 13 and Escape

Summary

The Relic Radio Show – Episode: Box 13 and Escape
Date: May 12, 2026
Podcast Host: RelicRadio.com
Episode Focus: “Design for Danger” (Box 13) & “Funeral Fires” (Escape)

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Episode Overview

This week’s episode of The Relic Radio Show brings listeners two vintage radio dramas. First up is Box 13 with "Design for Danger" (originally aired June 5, 1949), starring Alan Ladd as Dan Holliday, a writer and amateur detective drawn into a tangled web of revenge and suspicion. Next is Escape with "Funeral Fires" (original air date: November 26, 1950), a tense, atmospheric story set during a plague outbreak in Malaya, centering on suspicion, peril, and the mystery of stolen life-saving medicine.

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Segment 1: Box 13 – "Design for Danger"

(Start: 00:11)

Key Points & Plot Summary

• Dan Holliday responds to a desperate letter:

  • Janice Reed pleads for help, fearing her boyfriend Johnny Tide will kill or be killed after his release from prison.
  • Notable quote (00:22):
    “If you fail, Johnny Tide will kill or be killed by morning. And that would be wrong, because there’s lots of good in him. I know. I love him.” — Janice Reed

• Watertown’s Shadows and Tension:

  • Holliday explores Watertown, a place "quiet, too quiet" and gripped by fear of Johnny's return (02:46).
  • He eavesdrops on Fatty Ralston and other locals showing fear and suspicion toward Johnny (03:40).

• Tangled Motives and Old Scores:

  • Fatty Ralston claims Johnny was framed by Rick Martin and hints Janice might be involved (05:57).
  • Rick Martin, local tough, framed Johnny to win Janice and eliminate competition (06:20).
  • Holliday resolves to help Johnny and Janice, questioning loyalty and truth.

• The Clubhouse and Confrontation:

  • Holliday finds Johnny hiding at the old childhood clubhouse (12:06).
  • He tries to talk Johnny down:
    “You waste five precious years in prison and on your first day out… you get into a jam that'll either mean the chair or a pine box.” — Dan Holliday (11:19)

• Murder and a Framing:

  • Rick Martin is found murdered; Johnny's gun is placed at the scene (16:46).
  • Fatty Ralston is killed, and suspicion piles higher on Johnny (18:18).

• Revelations and Final Showdown:

  • Holliday deduces Tyler Bennett, Janice’s boss, is playing both ends against the middle—engineering the murders and framing Johnny (21:40).
  • Clues: oily footprints (from a barge), Egyptian cigarette smoke (Johnny doesn't smoke), and Bennett’s access.
  • The truth unravels in a warehouse confrontation; Bennett is exposed as the killer, motivated by power and desire for Janice (23:32).
  • Holliday’s injury and final reflection on the night’s events (25:47).

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Wry banter with Susie the secretary: “The word is stumped. Maybe you’ve got something.” — Dan Holliday (02:36)

• Tense exchange as Holliday confronts Fatty: “If I wanted to know anything about Johnny Tide, Fatty was the boy to ask...” (03:58)

• Janice Reed’s faith: “He just craved excitement, that’s all… he needs help. He needs it badly.” (10:19)

• Reveal of Bennett’s guilt by detective logic: “Once I got to Johnny Tide and found out that he didn’t have oil on his shoes, I would have realized the footprints couldn’t have come from anyone but Tyler himself.” (25:57)

Notable Timestamps

• 00:57 — Janice Reed’s letter sets the plot.
• 02:46 — Tension in Watertown described.
• 05:57 — Fatty Ralston’s confession and frame-up explained.
• 09:29 — Holliday’s interview with Janice at the Blue Chip.
• 11:19 — Holliday’s confrontation with Johnny Tide.
• 16:46 — Discovery of Rick Martin’s murder.
• 18:18 — Holliday finds Fatty’s body.
• 21:40 — The clues: footprints, Egyptian cigarettes.
• 23:32 — Warehouse showdown: Bennett revealed.
• 25:47 — Holliday’s wrap-up with Susie.

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Segment 2: Escape – "Funeral Fires"

(Start: 26:59)

Key Points & Plot Summary

• Death and Dread in Malaya:

  • Dr. Mark Donovan arrives in Lepore bringing precious plague serum amid funeral fires and mass panic (28:11).
  • Atmosphere: “They were burning the dead. The column of flames sucked up against the night sky…” (28:11)
  • The natives are fearful but respect the medicine, recalling a previous plague.

• Suspicion and Tensions Among Expatriates:

  • Key characters:
    • Dr. Grimes (local, unreliable doctor), often drunk (34:42).
    • Ms. Randall (tireless American volunteer, organizing relief).
    • Oscar R. Ford (brash American plantation owner).
    • Mr. Kung (half-Chinese informant with a monkey), cryptically warns Donovan to leave for his life.

• Theft of Serum; Murder Follows:

  • The life-saving serum is stolen from Donovan’s hotel closet (40:00).
  • Ms. Randall accuses Donovan of selling the serum; trust rapidly erodes (41:43).
  • Kung Tae, the pet shop owner, is murdered—shot with a foreigner’s gun (.45), not a local weapon (44:43).

• Confrontation, Accusations, and Deception:

  • Donovan gathers all suspects (Ms. Randall, Ford, Grimes) and administers what he claims is plague serum to each (47:26).
  • Claiming he’s inoculated them with plague instead, Donovan demands the truth, creating panic:
    “That injection I gave all of you, it wasn’t serum. That was plague. Bacteria. Straight plague.” (50:19)

• Truth Surfaces Under Pressure:

  • Under threat, Ms. Randall and Ford turn on each other; Ford finally confesses the serum’s location (53:44).
  • Donovan reveals he only injected distilled water.
  • The serum is recovered in time; the village is saved.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Eerie opening—sense of doom: “Plague had come to Lepore.” (28:48)

• Ms. Randall’s exhausted dedication: “Get yourself some sleep, huh?”
  “Sure, doctor. As soon as they stop dying.” (34:10)

• Donovan’s psychological tactic: “That was plague. Bacteria. Straight plague.” (50:19)

• Final relief: “Oh, not plague. Water.” (54:28)

Notable Timestamps

• 28:11 — Arrival in Lepore, funeral fires described.
• 33:02 — Donovan meets Ms. Randall.
• 34:42 — Encounter with Dr. Grimes in the gin parlor.
• 40:00 — Discovery of serum theft.
• 44:43 — Kung Tae’s murder.
• 47:26 — Donovan gathers suspects, prepares showdown.
• 50:19 — Threat of plague injection.
• 53:44 — The confession and recovery of the serum.
• 54:28 — Reveal: water, not plague.

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Memorable Moments & Speaker Highlights

• Alan Ladd’s sardonic Dan Holliday (Box 13): Quick with a quip (“Just medium. But I can smell a bad story.” — 05:57) and a punch, but always compelled to help.
• Ms. Randall (Escape): Tirelessly working for the sick, her fatigue and devotion evoke real empathy (“Get yourself some sleep...As soon as they stop dying.” — 34:10).
• Dramatic Unmasking: The motifs in both stories (clever deduction, tense confrontations, last-minute reveals) exemplify the classic radio drama’s suspense and ingenuity.

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Conclusion

This episode of The Relic Radio Show delivers classic radio drama at its best—gritty detective work and moral ambiguity in Box 13, and desperate, sweaty tension from Escape. Alan Ladd’s Dan Holliday navigates a threatening cityscape to uncover the truth behind a multi-layered frame-up. In “Funeral Fires,” the struggle against disease and human greed is palpable, climaxing in a psychological gambit worthy of vintage suspense. For listeners yearning for twists, atmosphere, and vintage radio flair, this hour is a treat.

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For more old-time radio treasures, visit relicradio.com

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End of Summary

Transcript

[Dan Holliday]

This is the Relic Radio Show, Old Time Radio Entertainment still standing the test of time from relicradio.com. On this week's episode of the Relic Radio Show. Our hour of radio drama begins with box 13. We'll hear Design for Danger from June 5, 1949. After that it's Escape with their episode from November 26, 1950 titled Funeral Fires. Box 13 with the star of paramount pictures, alan ladd as dan hol.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Box 13 care of Star Times. I need your help desperately. Johnny Tide was released from the state penitentiary this morning with murder in his heart. I don't know any of the details but I'm sure that he'll be back here in Watertown by nightfall at the latest. If you mean what you say in your ad in the Star Times, be at the waterfront tonight.

[Dan Holliday]

I mean what you say and you're at the start times. Be at the waterfront tonight and stop him. Remember, if you fail, Johnny Todd will kill or be killed by morning. And that would be wrong because there's lots of good in him. I know. I love him. Janice Reed. Yeah, that's the way it started. Just a girl worrying about a boy. But before it was all over a lot of people were worrying about that boy that they had to if they wanted to live. And now Back to box 13 and Dan Holliday's newest adventure designed for Danger.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Holiday. An ex convict on the prowl and in the tougher section of the city.

[Dan Holliday]

Uh huh. That part of the city doesn't get the carriage trade as the expression goes. Well, do we accept the challenge Susie?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

We? Oh hey, I'm only your secretary Mr.

[Dan Holliday]

Holliday and I. I was using the editorial way, Susie.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Oh well in that case Mr. Holliday, I don't know what to say. Frankly I'm trumped Susie.

[Dan Holliday]

The word is stump. The word is stumped. Maybe you've got something.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

What?

[Dan Holliday]

I don't know. Tell you what, suppose I get down to Watertown and nose around.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Why?

[Dan Holliday]

Oh I don't know. Maybe to see what's doing. It was called Watertown not because it was a separate city but because it was a separate and different order from the rest of the town. But tonight there was none of the usual rowdy noises. None at all. Watertown was quiet, too quiet. I could feel a peculiar tension in the air as I walked, as though Watertown was waiting for something to blow up. The people I saw hurried along, vanished in the dark doorways and shuttered houses. Afraid. A place like Watertown lives within itself. The news travels fast. Then I Heard two men talking. I stopped. Stopped in the shadows and listened. No one's talking about Fatty. Tide was sprung this morning. We headed straight for here. Maybe he ain't in Watertown. Maybe he'd be afraid to come back. Oh, Johnny Tide. Afraid of what?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Of you, Fatty Ralston.

[Dan Holliday]

You know he ain't afraid. And he had forgot. Oh, shut up. You talk like I had to be afraid of Johnny.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Don't you have to.

[Dan Holliday]

You guys make me sick. That punk set it for someplace else. He ain't coming back to Watertown. Well, just the same. If I was you, Fatty, I'd pull a blanket over me and haul up some. Ah, go on, Peter. Get out of here.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

You ain't afraid much.

[Dan Holliday]

Oh, not much. I ain't afraid of Johnny Tide. I ain't. Why not, Fatty? Why should you be? Who are you? What are you doing here? I just wanted to ask you a question, Patty. You don't know me. I don't know you. That's right. Then run along and mind your own business. Mister, I got business here. I just want to know who is Johnny Tide. You had your ears open, didn't you? Yeah, wide open. So you want to know who Johnny Tide is, huh? That's right. Okay, you want it? Here it is. Say this for Patty. He was quick with his fist. By the time I got my breath back, I saw his 300 pounds disappearing around a corner. So if I wanted to know anything about Johnny Tide, Patty was the boy to ask. I got up and followed. Saw him duck into a place that had a sign above it. Patty's Pool. I slipped inside, stepped into a dark corner and waited. All right, everybody, we're out. I'm closing up for the night. Peter. You heard me. Look, look, look. Nobody owes me nothing. Now, that ought to make everything all right. Here.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Out. Go on, go on.

[Dan Holliday]

Turning in early, aren't you, Fenn? You again. You don't learn lessons, do you? I don't like the way you teach. Now you're going to tell me about Johnny Todd. Was I? What makes you think that? I had an idea you might. It's another idea with details, starting with this cue ball. It's your window, Fatty. Now beat it. Stay away from me. I asked you a question outside. I didn't like the way you answered it. You a cop? No. Stay away from me. Stay away. Let go. Sure, but who is Johnny Tide? The Pug kid, that's all. Anybody can tell you that. I like the way you tell it, but come on, ease up, will you? That's my I know it is my stomach. Outside.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Look.

[Dan Holliday]

Tide's a punk kid. Just finished a five year stretch for sticking up my place. This place? Yeah, yeah. He robbed me of four grand. $4,000. Try it again Fatty. I doubt if you ever had $4,000 in this place. That's what it was. Why are you afraid? He robbed you and served time. Why should you be afraid? Now said it get me. Well let me go. I'm sorry fatty, but your story doesn't make sense in the first place. Like I said, you never had $4,000. Not in this place. You're smart, ain't you just medium. But I can smell a bad story. What's your stake in this anyway? Who are you? An hour ago I was just a curious bystander. I wanted to know who and what is Johnny Tide. But I took a punch in the midsection and now you're telling me a lie. So that makes me more than curious. It gives me a personal interest. Yeah. Let me go when I tell you it all depends. Go on. All right, all right. I'm only telling you because I got to get out of here before Johnny gets here. Oh, so there is a reason for you to be afraid of him. Maybe. But Johnny was framed. Rick Martin. Rick Martin? The Rick Martin? Yeah, big shot boss at Watertown. He gave me four grand. Then he told Johnny I was a pushover for a stick up. And Rick Martin also told the police? Yeah, he did. Johnny was framed like I said. Why should Rick Martin want to put that frame around Johnny Todd? Because Rick liked the girl. So did Johnny. So Rick took the easy way in love and war. Let me go, Willie. I told you everything. I gotta get out of here before Johnny comes. You're in on the frame? Maybe not exactly, but Johnny won't believe I wasn't. You know Fatty, somehow I can't blame Johnny for that. How did Johnny find out he was framed? Somebody talked. Somebody that don't like Rick Martin. Now is the girl Janice Reed? Yeah, yeah, that's Johnny thinks she was in on the frame too. Now please, will you let me go? I gotta get out. Yeah, yeah, sure Patty, you can go now. I gotta go far away because Johnny Tide will go for Rick Martin and then me and then Janice Reed. So that was it. Johnny Tide was coming back to settle old scores. But where was he? How could I help? I was thinking about it. No. Stop. Stop. You truck. You hold them. Stop. He did it. He broke my showcase window. Who did that? No good. Johnny Tide. I saw him. He broke my window and took A gun? Oh, now, Johnny Tide had a gun and he was close, very close. But it was also out of my hands and into the hot little hands of Lieutenant Clint. Now look, Holiday, I know that Tide was released from prison this morning. I know that he's in Watertown tonight. I know he intends to kill Rick Martin before morning. But I also know that all of this, including that pawn shop he just knocked over, is none of your business. How do I make myself clear? Yes, you do. But before I go back to my typewriter, one question. What do you know about a girl named Janice Reed? Very little. Only that she's a singer over at the Blue Chip, Watertown's most exclusive nightclub. Now, anything else, Danny Boy? No, nothing else, Lieutenant. Good night. Maybe I made a mistake when I asked Kling about Janice Reed. Because up until then I was convinced that the Lieutenant was right. I didn't belong in this mess. But now, well, I couldn't just step out and forget the whole thing. Not without talking to the girl. Anyway. I got a table at the Blue Chip without too much trouble. And 10 minutes later, Janice joined me. She was younger, prettier, much more upset than I had expected.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Mr. Holliday, what have you found out about Johnny?

[Dan Holliday]

Well, rumor has it that he intends to commit a few murders tonight. Oh, and incidentally, you're on his list.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

I don't believe that. Look, Mr. Holliday, I know Johnny. I grew up with him right here in this neighborhood. Why, Johnny and I and Tyler Bennett were inseparable. Please, Mr. Holliday, you've got to believe me.

[Dan Holliday]

Maybe I do, James. Let's start off slowly. First of all, who's Tyler Bennett?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

My boss. He owns this place. He and Johnny and I used to play together as kids. Why, we even had a secret clubhouse under the pier. All that kind of stuff. And how Johnny loved it. You know, that kid used to climb the old water tower over the clubhouse every day and pretend to sight pirate ships on the horizon. He'd get mad if we said they were just barges.

[Dan Holliday]

The Chad's up to what, Janice?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

That Johnny was never really a bad boy, Mr. Holliday. He just craved excitement, that's all.

[Dan Holliday]

But what about Rick Martin? How do you explain that?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Right. Rick meant action and fast money. And Johnny liked both. He was young and he made a mistake. But he's paid for it. He served his time. Don't you see, Mr. Holliday? He needs help. He needs it badly.

[Dan Holliday]

You certainly got a lot of faith in him, Janice. But what about you and Rick Martin?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Go out with him once in a while. I. I have to. To keep my job. Don't forget Rick Martin runs Watertown.

[Dan Holliday]

That might be hard to explain to Johnny Time.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

No, it won't. Believe me, Mr. Holliday, if you can find him, you can talk sense into him. I know that.

[Dan Holliday]

I'm not so sure.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

But you'll try?

[Dan Holliday]

Okay, I'll try.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Oh, thank you. Thank you so much.

[Dan Holliday]

Pardon me, but you're on in a minute, Janice.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

All right, Tyler. Oh, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Holiday.

[Dan Holliday]

How do you do? Hello. How are you?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Excuse me. I'll only be a few minutes.

[Dan Holliday]

Janice was telling me how you two grew up with Johnny Todd, Mr. Bennett. Oh. Have any idea where he might be? Well, if I did, I'd go directly to the police with the information. Johnny was a good kid once. But that was a long time ago. He's dangerous. He's very dangerous. Janice won't buy that. I know she was in love with him five years ago. She can't believe he's changed. But mark my word, Johnny Tide will kill before this night is over. I only hope he doesn't get to Janice. When I left the Blue Chip, I knew that in spite of both Kling and Tyler Bennett, I was on Janice's side now. My only problem was to stop Johnny Todd if I could find him. I walked around aimlessly for the better part of an hour before I got a break. I stopped to look up at the sky and I found myself staring at the remains of a rotted water tower. For a moment, the jumble of old boards didn't mean a thing. But suddenly it struck home. Johnny Todd used to play pirate on that water tower. And there was a secret clubhouse below. It could be just the spot for a hideout. But I felt my way through the blackness. When you move one more step, fellow, and I blow your head off. Who are you? My name's Holliday. Dan Holliday. I'm not a policeman and I don't work for Rick Martin. Your open is okay. I'll keep talking. All right, here it is. You're Johnny Tide. Maybe. Keep talking. Well, Johnny Todd, you're the world's biggest sucker. Yeah. You waste five precious years in prison, and on your first day out with a clean slate, you get into a jam that'll either mean the chair or a pine box. And what's that to you personally? Nothing. But I'm around because a friend of mine believes in you. A girl named Janice Reed. Janice? You. You've seen her? That's why I'm here. Leaning against that. 45 in your hand side. Why don't you get smart? That girl's in love with you. But what about Rick Martin? Oh, forget him. Sooner or later the cops will catch up with Martin. They'll put him away for keeps. Sure, sure. Meanwhile, what's to keep Martin and his boys from coming after me? I'll do what I can about that, but to play it safe, why don't you get out of town, away from here for a while? What's that? Holiday. Holiday, if this is a trap, you'll never leave here alive. Then we've got a deal. Because that was probably a stray cat. Now listen to me, Johnny. Do what I say, will you forget Rick Martin. Get out of town for your own sake and for Janice. Yeah, yeah, sure. Forget the whole thing. Forget I was framed and went up for five years. That's a long time, Holiday. An awful long time. I know it, Johnny. But it's done now. Yeah, done me with a wreck it. You can't wipe that away. Suppose. Suppose we fix it so that everybody finds out about the frame. How? Well, first give me that gun. Then get out of town and let the police take care of Rick Martin. Patty Ralston can be made to talk. Oh, he talked to me because he was afraid of you. He'll talk, Johnny. When he does, that record of yours will be wiped off. Come on, what do you say? Well, here I'm a SAP. A gold plated 14 karat SAP. But. But here. That's a good boy. I'll go someplace or you'll be out of the way. You leave this to the police. Sure, but so help me, Holiday, if I get another loop thrown around me. If anything slips, Johnny Tired will be back for you. When I left Johnny, I was sure everything was going to be all right. I put his gun in my pocket and started up the street for Rick Martin's place. I wanted to be sure that Martin would let Johnny get out of town under his own power. I took a shortcut through an alley. Brother, how foolish can you get? I hadn't gone 10ft when I heard footsteps behind me. I tried to duck, but I wasn't quick enough. Huh? Mr. Dan Holiday in his usual position after sticking out his neck. Come on, see if we can get up. Oh, clang. We ought to do something about these buildings around here. They fall on people. Yeah, somebody slugs it. You know, I gathered that. That isn't all you gathered. What are you talking about? Three guesses. Just take only one thought you'll need. Still don't know what you're talking about. But I know one thing, and that is don't worry about Johnny Todd anymore. I had a talk with him. So you talk Johnny Todd into being a good boy. You let that fast talking little Holiday while you were lying here asleep, tied good to Rick Martin and kill. And now back to Design for danger. Another box 13 adventure with Alan Ladd as Dan Holiday. The moment Lieutenant Kling told me that Rick Martin was shot to death, I plunged my hand into my pocket for the.45 I'd taken from Johnny Todd. But it was gone. Looking for this? Maybe the gun? Yeah, we found it next to Rick Martin's body. Holiday, you've been taken in by a fast talking punk. Any way you look at it, your name spells sucker. Yeah, you're right. Johnny Todd sang a pretty lullaby and I went to sleep. Forget this clink. Before the sun comes up, I'm going to plant Rick Martin's murder right in your lap. Well, sunrise was only six hours away and that meant I had to move fast. I remembered Fatty's warning that he and Janice Reed would be next if Johnny Todd ever got to Rick. So I lost no time in getting to the girl's apartment.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

What? Mr. Holiday, what are you doing here?

[Dan Holliday]

Rick Martin's just been murdered, Janice.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Yes, I know. Tyler Bennett called me a few minutes after it happened.

[Dan Holliday]

Look, Janice, that Johnny's off on a killing spree and you and Fatty are next in line.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

No, no, I don't believe that. Johnny isn't a killer.

[Dan Holliday]

Rick Martin wouldn't see it that way. Janice. Now listen to me. I want you to lock this place up tight and stand the COVID But I can't.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

I've got to be back at the club for the late show.

[Dan Holliday]

I'll tell her, Bennett, when it's time, you'll take care of it.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

But where are you going?

[Dan Holliday]

To find £300 named Fatty Ralston. It cost me a $50 bill and a lot of legwork, but I finally located Fatty out on a old oil barge anchored off the end of a deserted pier. I took off my shoes, stripped of the waist, and quietly swam out to the barge. Once on deck, I could hear the voices of two men coming from the cabin. One of them was Fatty. I couldn't see the other man. I edged closer and then I banged against the steel drum. And the noise it made shattered the silence. The light in the cabin went out. Who's that? Come on. Who is it? It's an old friend. Fatty.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Huh?

[Dan Holliday]

You again? Let's go in the Cabin, Fatty? I'm a little wet. Sure, why not? Come on, Light the lamp. Anything to oblige. See better now? Not yet. Who is with you? Nobody. Where's Johnny Todd? I said, where's Johnny? He ain't here. Don't give me that. Why don't you look around? Put on a gun first. You're mixed up, fella. I give the orders. I got the gun. That's right. Give me a cigarette, will you? I don't smoke. No? Not even Egyptian cigarettes, huh? This cabin's thick with smoke from Egyptian cigarettes. Maybe you better go now. Hand me that towel, Patty. I'm a little chilly. Yeah, thanks. Drop that gun, Patty.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Drop it.

[Dan Holliday]

You're breaking it. Drop that gun. All right, move back. Okay. Now I give the orders. I've got the gun. Listen, don't do nothing. Don't, please. No, I'm not. I'm going to stand perfectly still and listen to you talk. Okay, okay, I'll talk. Whoever fired those shots couldn't have missed that. And whoever it was got off the barge and into the boat that was tied on the opposite side. I ran over. I slipped once on the oil covered deck and the motorboat made for the shore. I had to stand and watch Johnny Tie get away. Get away. After killing Fatty. And that made two down and one to go. And the one was Janice Reed. I swam back, slipped into my things, got to a phone, told the police about Fatty. Then I headed for Janice Reed's apartment was dark, deserted. I found an unlocked window and got inside. And I had the sickening feeling that I was just one step behind Johnny tied in his gun. Then I knew it wasn't Janice. She'd use a key. I moved to the door quietly. What? Get your hands off me. Holiday. Why, Mr. Bennett, I'm sorry. I thought you were Johnny. Ty. Obviously. I came to take Janice to the club. Where is she? I don't know. I was just going through the place when I heard you at the door. Here, I'll switch on the light. Come on, let's look in the bedroom. Well? There's nobody in here. I guess I'm too late again. Wait a minute. This memo pad here near the phone. What about it? What does it say? It's written with an eyebrow pencil. Here. 42 at 1:30.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Sure.

[Dan Holliday]

That girl's just crazy enough to keep a rendezvous with Johnny Todd. What time is it now? Ten after one. Why? What are you going to do? Maybe three's a crowd, Mr. Bennet. But I'm going to be there when Johnny Tide and Janice get together. I'm going to. What is it, Holiday? What are you staring at? Look there on the rug. Those smudges. That's oil. Oil? I don't follow you. What does it mean? The tide's been here already. Those are his tracks.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

What?

[Dan Holliday]

Yes. You see, he was out on the oil barge an hour ago and the deck was slick with that stuff. I know. I slept myself. Well, then, couldn't those be your footprints? No. I left my shoes on the pier. I swam out. But why would Johnny make an appointment with Janice and still come up here? I don't know. Only Johnny can answer that. Just like he can tell me where he gets those smelly Egyptian cigarettes he smokes. I took a cab to within the block of Pier 42. Then I got out. Walk quietly to the rendezvous spot. Janice was already standing in the soft light of a street lamp, waiting. So I ran back to the phone and called Lieutenant Clay. The girl set up like a clay pigeon. I didn't want to take any chances. And I got back to Janice. It was 1:30 on the button and a second later a man stepped from the side door of a warehouse. It was Johnny Tide. I moved closer as Johnny went up to Janice.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Johnny. Johnny, darling.

[Dan Holliday]

Hello, Janice.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Oh, Johnny, it's been such a long time.

[Dan Holliday]

Yeah, five years. An awful long time, Janice.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

What's the matter, Johnny? Aren't you glad to see me?

[Dan Holliday]

Sure, sure, awful glad, Janice. Awful glad.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

But what's the matter, Johnny? Why are you looking like that?

[Dan Holliday]

I. I'm just trying to figure out something.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Oh, never mind. Now, Johnny, look, you've got to get away.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Wait a minute.

[Dan Holliday]

Listen. Cops. You did it again, didn't you, Johnny?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

No.

[Dan Holliday]

I might have known.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

I was going to give you a chance to explain.

[Dan Holliday]

Hold on, Johnny. Holiday, you. She didn't call the police either. I'll get both of you later. I'll be back. Yeah, I'll be back. Johnny. Johnny, don't run away anymore. Don't run away. Holiday. Dan, you there? Right here, Kling. Where is he? He ran into the warehouse. Okay, Put a ring around that warehouse. Smart like shit. No, let him alone.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Let him alone.

[Dan Holliday]

Okay, boys, let's go. I'm going with you. Cling. It's no use, Johnny. The police are here. You're licked, kid. Come on, give up. Not me, Holiday. Me and the law just don't seem to get along. Well, Johnny, it's your only chance. Will you give up? Answer me, Johnny. Look, you hurt, Dan. Just in the shoulder moment. There he is up there on that Rafter Kennedy. You're right. Shining up there. There he goes, Lieutenant. Get him. No, don't clink. Don't shoot. Hey, out of this. Are you crazy, Holliday? Not quite, Kennedy. Shine your light up behind you. Up there. Higher. There. There's your man playing. Who is that, Holiday? That, Lieutenant, is the man who killed Rick Martin and Fatty Ralston and tried to frame Johnny Tide for the whole thing. The name is Tyler Bennett. Well, how are they? How are you this morning? Oh, pretty good cling. Doc says I'll be out in a couple of days. Good. Well, like you figured, the whole thing was a scheme of Bennett's to kill Rick Martin and take over as number one man in Watertown. Yeah, and with Tide Frame for the murder, Tyler Bennett would also have had a clear field with Janice. He was the one who knocked you out just before Rick Martin was shot. He must have followed me from the blue chip to Johnny's hideout where he heard me talk Johnny out of his gun. From there on out, he was in the driver's seat. But I still don't see why Bennett killed Fatty out on the barge. Because Fatty was Bennett's sidekick. In this frame. I mean, it looked as though you might get the truth out of him. Bennett was forced to shoot one of you. You were lucky Patty made a better target. But now I've got one for you. The jackpot question. When you were in the warehouse, how did you know that Johnny Tide was innocent? Well, I found that out the hard way. You see, I was facing Johnny when I was shot in the back.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Gee, Mr. Holliday, you certainly had a long night in Watertown. But there's one thing I don't understand.

[Dan Holliday]

And what's that, Susie?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Why did Tyler Bennett follow you down to the pier?

[Dan Holliday]

He had to. Because of the oily footprints in Janice's apartment. You see, once I got to Johnny Tide and found out that he didn't have oil on his shoes, I would have realized the footprints couldn't have come from anyone but Tyler himself. Besides, I would have also found out that Johnny didn't smoke Egyptian cigarettes.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

But what about Johnny now?

[Dan Holliday]

I mean, always on probation for stealing the gun. Everyone knows he was framed for the other deal.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

You know, Mr. Holliday, I wonder if I would have thought of that Egyptian cigarette thing. No, I guess I wouldn't.

[Dan Holliday]

Why not?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Because I don't know a single Egyptian.

[Dan Holliday]

Oh. Good night, Susie. Next week, same time, through the courtesy of Paramount Pictures, Alex Alan Ladd stars as Dan Holliday in Box 13. Box 13. Is directed by Richard Sanville with this week's original story by Gene Levitt and Bob Mitchell. Original music is composed and conducted by Rudy Schrager. The part of Susie is played by Sylvia Picker and that of Lieutenant Kling by Edmund McDonnell.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Production is supervised by Vern Carstensen.

[Dan Holliday]

Box 13 is a Mayfair production from Hollywood. Watch for Alan Ladd in his latest Paramount picture. You finding life rather dull, dreaming again of exotic places, wishing you were somewhere else. We offer you escape. Escape with us now to Malaya, where a young doctor and a beautiful girl are faced with the horrors of plague and the bloody holocaust of a native revolt. As Charles Israel tells it, in funeral fires.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

They were burning the dead. The column of flames sucked up against the night sky of the river town, leaned against it held, and from far away the dirge, the melees, mourning their dead. Then drifting down to the landing where I stood. Somehow the word, always the word in Malay and Chinese and English.

[Dan Holliday]

Plague.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Plague had come to Lapore.

[Dan Holliday]

Plague.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

That's why I was here. All the way from Delhi, I'd come my plague serum. And I. The police lieutenant who met me at the rickety little wharf had been there for five days already. He was very young, and he didn't like his job.

[Dan Holliday]

Ready? Awful show, this.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Don't you think so, sir? And it's gonna get worse.

[Dan Holliday]

You've brought serum, sir. That should do the trick.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

It should, but it's not that easy. Every time a native sees a needle, he takes off for the hills. Thinks it's something to kill him quick.

[Dan Holliday]

Not these natives, sir. There was a plague epidemic here about 15 years ago. Serum wiped it out. The natives call it foreign devil medicine, but they respect it.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

That's good. It'll save us some time.

[Dan Holliday]

Oh, there'll be a boy here in a minute for your luggage.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Good.

[Dan Holliday]

I'm glad you've finally arrived, sir. It's good to have a doctor here.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Well, they told me there was a doctor here. A Dr. Grimes.

[Dan Holliday]

It says doctor on his sign, sir.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Fine. I need his help.

[Dan Holliday]

I wouldn't count on it, sir. Why not? You'll see, sir.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

What are you talking about?

[Dan Holliday]

Wait till you meet Dr. Grimes. If you want a bit of free advice, sir, I'd rely more on Ms. Randall.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Ms. Randall?

[Dan Holliday]

Who's she? An American, sir.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

An American? What's she doing here?

[Dan Holliday]

I don't know, sir, but she walked in and took over the whole ruddy show. Converted an old warehouse into a hospital. Been slaving day and night. Wonderful, sir. Lieutenant,

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

someone's calling you.

[Dan Holliday]

Lieutenant. He'll find me. Who?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Compatriot of yours.

[Dan Holliday]

Oh, there you are, Lieutenant. I've looked all over town for you. Now I'd like to know who's allowed all this. You're responsible for this, Lieutenant. Responsible for what, Mr. Ford? For this here funeral business. Every native in Nepal down there by that fire. Is there anything wrong with that, Mr. Ford? I'll tell the world there's something wrong. My whole night, every last man down there singing and carrying on. I'm afraid I can't stop them, Mr. Ford. You'd better stop them, Lieutenant. Get down there and send them back on the job.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

He can't stop them, Ford. Who are you? My name is Donovan. Dr. Mark Donovan.

[Dan Holliday]

So your name is Donovan. So? That don't give you a right to. Hey, wait a minute. Holy smoke, man. You're an American.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

That's right.

[Dan Holliday]

Well, now, that's different. Shake hands, Doc. Holy smoke. Why didn't you say so? Ford is my monarchy. That name is American. As the hole in the lifesaver. Oscar R. Ford. Cleveland, Ohio. Ever been to Cleveland, Doc?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

What are you doing in Lepore, Ford?

[Dan Holliday]

Rubber. Own a rubber plantation near here. Best little outfit in the whole shebang. And you know why, Doc? Because it's run by an American, that's why. Efficiently. Say, Doc, you'll get my men back to work, won't you?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

I'm here to wipe out plague in Lepore, Ford.

[Dan Holliday]

Oh, sure, Doc. That's what I mean. Wipe out the plague. We'll show him document. And if you need help, you can count on Oscar R. Ford. Remember that, Doc.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Yeah. I'll call you when I need you, Lieutenant.

[Dan Holliday]

Yes, sir.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

I'll be going over to the hospital.

[Dan Holliday]

Righto, sir. Straight down this road, sir. You can't miss it.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Thanks. I'll let you know when we're ready to set up our serum station.

[Dan Holliday]

Right you are, sir.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

I left him standing there with Ford and walked through the town. Everywhere I turned, I brushed against death got into my nostrils, crept into the lining of my clothes. The deserted streets shrieked of it. So did a ravaged face seen through the door of a straw hut.

[Dan Holliday]

Plague.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

And only the serum I brought with me could stop it. I walked into the warehouse that had been converted into a hospital. Rows of people lying on the wooden floor. Hundreds of them. The dying and the dead. Then I saw her, Lieutenant's girl. On her knees beside a dying man. She looked up at me.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Hand me that cloth, please.

[Dan Holliday]

This one?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

No, not that one.

[Dan Holliday]

There.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

In the basin. Bring out the water first.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Ms. Randall?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Yes. What do you want?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

My name is Mark Donovan. I've just come in from Delhi.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

That's fine. I'm busy.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

I'm a doctor.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Did you bring the serum with you?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Yes.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Well, get it and get to work.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Ms. Randall. I'm in charge here now.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

I'm sorry. It's just that I'm tired.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

I know. I. I need your help. We're going to set up a serum station.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

It's about time. When do we start?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

As soon as we can get organized.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Good.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Oh, by the way, Ms. Randall, is Dr. Grimes around the rum pot? The resident medical officer.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Look, if you want to find Grimes, there's only one gin parlor in la porte. They call it the Nine Dragons. He'll be there.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Thanks. Ms. Randall.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Yes?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Get yourself some sleep, huh?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Sure, doctor. As soon as they stop dying.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Hey, you there, boy. You seen Dr. Grimes?

[Dan Holliday]

Dr. Grimes? You will find him there, sir, at the corner table.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Thanks. You're Dr. Grimes? What as I am? Who wants to know? I'm Dr. Mark Donovan, World health organization. I just got in from Delhi.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Hey.

[Dan Holliday]

Well, now, that's a fancy introduction, laddie. It's worth the drink. Here, laddie. Kind. Drinkable.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

No, thanks. Ah, Genevieve. Well, laddie, take it. No, thanks.

[Dan Holliday]

Take the glass, laddie. Take it, and we'll have a wee toast. Ha. That'll be the ticket. We toast.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

I said no.

[Dan Holliday]

You didn't have to knock the drink from my hand, lady.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Dr. Grimes, how soon can you be ready to give plague injections?

[Dan Holliday]

Ah, there's no blasted plague here, young man. You drunk? I see. There's no plague here. No plague, you hear? That's what I see, and that's what I mean.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Come on, Grimes. We'll get some coffee.

[Dan Holliday]

Ah, you're insolent, young man. I'm in charge here.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Let's go, Grimes.

[Dan Holliday]

You come to send a bad report

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

on me, have you not?

[Dan Holliday]

Ay. Well, you'll not do it.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

I said.

[Dan Holliday]

Come on. I'm coming, young man.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

I ain't coming.

[Dan Holliday]

Put that knife away.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Coming right at you, laddie.

[Dan Holliday]

I told you to put that knife away. Get up. You won't send a bad report to him, will you? Let it tell me you won't get up. Now, what is it you want from lady?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Meet me at the hospital in one hour. We're gonna begin shooting serum.

[Dan Holliday]

Anything you say, laddie. And if you please, know about the report.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Just be there.

[Dan Holliday]

I'll be there.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

I looked back at him. He was standing propped up against the table, staring at me. He was grinning like a great evil cat.

[Dan Holliday]

Grinning

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

I walked through the swinging doors into the street. Outside was silence. The cool silence just before dawn. I stood there, letting it surround me.

[Dan Holliday]

Don't be rude, Mr. Wu.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

He stood barring my way. On his shoulder was perched a tiny black monkey. The Chinese leaned his face close to mine.

[Dan Holliday]

Please to talk with me. And if you are kind, also with Mr. Wu.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Another time. I'm in a big hurry.

[Dan Holliday]

Mr. Wu is my greatest friend. The ruler of King Thus Petshop. I am Khun.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

I'm. I'm sorry.

[Dan Holliday]

No, Dr. Donovan. It is to save your life that I desire to enter into conversation.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

How do you know my name?

[Dan Holliday]

I know many things. Please to talk with me. All right. Make it quick. To waste time is not Countess wish to hoard. Time is his greatest ambition. Is it not, Mr. Wu?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Go ahead, Mr. Kung.

[Dan Holliday]

My father was Chinese. My mother meile. What the Chinese and Lapore choose not to tell. I learned from the family of my mother.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Look, Mr. Kung.

[Dan Holliday]

If you value your life, leave. Lapore. Leave at once.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

What are you talking about? Why should I leave?

[Dan Holliday]

What a pity. Doctor, Mr. Wu says he's tired.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Just a minute, Mr. Kung. We haven't finished talking yet.

[Dan Holliday]

Another time, other doctor. Mr. Wu says he must go now. Say goodbye, Mr. Wu.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

He backed away from me, nodding and bowing the monkey on his shoulder. Doing the same, I turned and started for the hotel. Dawn was coming. The funeral fires were spent, the dirges finished, the Malays gone back to their huts to sleep. It was almost daylight when I climbed the stairs and walked down the hall to my room.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

I've been waiting for you. Where have you been?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

What are you doing here, Ms. Randall?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

I'm here. That's enough.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

I asked you why you're here.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

To help with the serum. We're going to need help, aren't you?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Yes.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Good. Well, do we get the serum?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Remind me to ask you a question, Ms. Randall.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Like what?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Like what brought you to Leor?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

I'll remind you. The serum, Doctor.

[Dan Holliday]

All right.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Here in this closet.

[Dan Holliday]

I.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Yes, Doctor. What's the matter, Doctor?

[Dan Holliday]

What?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

I said, what's the matter with you?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

The serum.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

What about it?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

It's been stolen.

[Dan Holliday]

Escape, under the direction of Norman MacDonald returns in just a moment. The new CBS comedy star Frank Fontaine will pay a visit to CBS's Jack Benny this evening. The young comedian who celebrated for his impression of a sweepstakes winner and for his other impressions will be given a royal welcome. Even though Jack believes in buying a sweepstakes ticket only when a single horse is in the race. Mary Dennis, Don Phil, And Rochester will be on hand too. So join the fun that only the Jack Benny show can bring tonight on cbs. And now back to escape.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

When they sent me from Delhi to Lepore, they said it was plague and they said it was bad. Now I was here, and it was the way they said it would be. Plague and bad. Only from here on, it was gonna be worse. Because the serum I brought with me was gone. Someone had stolen it from the closet where I'd locked it. Someone who wanted to keep the plague in Lepore. I stood there in my hotel room, staring into the empty closet.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

How long are you gonna stand there, Doctor?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

I can't believe it.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Face it, there's no serum.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Well, it was there. I put it there myself. Right next to that Bromo Quinine.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Cold tablets won't stop a plague, Doctor.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

I said I put it there.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

I heard you, but I don't have to believe you.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

I don't care what you believe.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Maybe you sold the serum before you ever came to Lepore. Maybe you're trying to cover yourself.

[Dan Holliday]

Sold it?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Why would I want to do that?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

How do I know why you'd sell it? You would have an angle.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

All right, you've said what you wanted to say.

[Dan Holliday]

Get out.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

All right, I'm going.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Wait a minute. I'll ask you a question.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

And I'll give you an answer. The police, lieutenant. That's where I'm going.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

How long were you in my room before I got here?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

I'm going to the police, Doctor.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

How long were you here?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

You won't get out of it.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

How long?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

I don't know. Fifteen minutes, maybe 20. Not very long.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Long enough to take the serum yourself?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Sure, I was here. That long?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Long enough to hide it and then come back here.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

You're forgetting something.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Like what?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

I had no reason to take it.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

You've got a reason.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Like what?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

What are you doing in Lepore?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Maybe I write books.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Maybe a steel serum.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

You'd better get that serum back, Doctor. There are people dying. It's your fault. Get it back. Goodbye, Doctor.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

And I had a couple of things to do. Ask the lieutenant to organize a search patrol cable deli for more serum. Four days it would take to get here. Four days of raging death because I had no serum. People would die before the sun went down. People didn't have to die. And Ms. Randall had said was my fault.

[Dan Holliday]

All right.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Just a minute,

[Dan Holliday]

master. You know. Move. You. Listen. Who are you? Number one boy in shop of One. Conte Kong. Oh, the.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

The old man with a monkey.

[Dan Holliday]

That same Conte all right.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Got a message.

[Dan Holliday]

What is it? Conti say master fire. Pay $5. Your message. Here. Now.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

What's the message?

[Dan Holliday]

Conti say he knew Master have trouble. Kong Tae say Master come see him. Chop chop. No. Come chop chop. Too late. Is that all? Him say come chop, chop. Chop, chop. Master.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Anything was worth a try. I found Kang Tae's pet shop in a narrow, musty street just off the marketplace. Wasn't difficult to pick out because there was a crowd jammed around the door. Holding them back were two melee police. I pushed through the crowd and up to the open door.

[Dan Holliday]

Good morning, sir. I didn't expect to see you here.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

What's all this about, Lieutenant?

[Dan Holliday]

You haven't heard, sir? What about the unpleasantness.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

What unpleasantness? What are you trying to tell me?

[Dan Holliday]

You'd better come inside with me, sir. All right.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Oh, what's this unpleasantness you're talking about?

[Dan Holliday]

Right over there, sir, in the corner.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Kuntay.

[Dan Holliday]

What happened, Lieutenant? Murder. A large calibre bullet. I'd say probably a.45. You want to examine him, sir?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

No, that won't be necessary.

[Dan Holliday]

Quite right, sir. You know, I can't understand it.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

What?

[Dan Holliday]

You see, sir, besides yourself, There are only three foreigners in Nepal. Ms. Randall, Mr. Ford and Dr. Gry.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Well?

[Dan Holliday]

Well, that's it, sir. Why should one of them want to kill the old man?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

How do you know it was one of them?

[Dan Holliday]

Weapon. Natives kill with a knife for a rope. Mostly a rope, never with a gun.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Yes, that's interesting, Lieutenant. And there's something else I don't think natives do.

[Dan Holliday]

What's that, sir?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Steel serum.

[Dan Holliday]

I meant to ask you about the serum, sir. Ms. Randall mentioned it to me. There's going to be trouble, sir.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

With Ms. Randall?

[Dan Holliday]

With the native, sir. I told you they were waiting for medicine. Somehow it's gotten out of them. They know you don't have the serum.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

They're right, Lieutenant. It's been stolen. Look, I want all the foreigners and the poor at your office an hour from now. Can you arrange it?

[Dan Holliday]

Yes, sir. You think there's some connection between the

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

murder and the serum? Maybe you have them there.

[Dan Holliday]

If you don't mind my saying so, this sounds like a police matter.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

You're wrong, Lieutenant. It's medical. Strictly medical.

[Dan Holliday]

I don't understand, sir.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

You will. Just get those people to your office.

[Dan Holliday]

Yes, sir. Ms. Randall, Mr. Ford and Dr. Grimes.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

You forgot somebody, Lieutenant.

[Dan Holliday]

Who, sir?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

You.

[Dan Holliday]

Me, sir? Quite right. I forgot, sir.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

I turned and walked out of the shop into the street. I had trouble getting through the crowd. It didn't mean much when somebody poked an elbow in my face. That could have been an accident. But not the man who jumped out in front of me and spat on the ground at my feet. This was no accident. This was meant for me. All at once they were silent, watching me. Then, from the hills outside the town, the sound of a drum. Slow, ominous. And from somewhere in Lepore itself, the answer. Urgent, threatening. Finally I understood. It had gotten out to the natives. Somehow the people had found out that I had lost the serum. And in their minds, I was the medicine man who had failed. The man who was making them die. My plan for getting the serum back had to work. I picked up my medical bag from the hotel, hurried to the lieutenant's office, a one room wooden shack near the edge of town. I had things almost set up when the first person arrived. It was Ms. Randall.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

What's all this about? What are you trying to do?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

It'll take a little while, Ms. Randall. Sit down.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

I don't want to sit down.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

She stood and watched me take things out of my bag and place them on the table. The hypodermic syringes, needles, alcohol. And finally, the little vial of colorless liquid. Then Dr. Grimes came in, cold sober. He walked across the room, sat down

[Dan Holliday]

where he could look at me.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

The natives know something, laddie.

[Dan Holliday]

Something you didn't want them to know. They are heading this way. Hey, take your hands off. I had a little trouble with this one, sir. And you're gonna have more, so help me.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Sit down, Ford.

[Dan Holliday]

Why, you little two bit quack. I said sit down.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

That's better.

[Dan Holliday]

Well, Levy, you've got us all here. Now perhaps you'll tell us why there

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

is an epidemic on. I'm going to inoculate all of you with plague serum.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

What are you talking about? You haven't got any serum.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Just this one vial from my bag, Ms. Randall. The rest was stolen. All right, Ford, you're first. Roll up your sleeve.

[Dan Holliday]

Move. It's right here.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

I wasn't that bad for it.

[Dan Holliday]

All right.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Now you, Ms. Randall.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

You're gentle. Dr.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Grimes.

[Dan Holliday]

He ly. Get it over with.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Yeah.

[Dan Holliday]

Okay, Doc. Now we've had the shots. How'd it go?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Now, just a minute. Nobody leaves here. I said nobody leaves here. Then stand by the door.

[Dan Holliday]

Yes, sir. What's the big idea?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

This morning somebody stole plague serum from my room. I want that serum back.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

That's your worry, Doctor.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Yeah, my worry and yours.

[Dan Holliday]

Now, all of you.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

There's one of you took that serum.

[Dan Holliday]

You're off your rocket Doc, maybe you took it.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Ford, you got a rubber plantation. You could shoot your workers full of serum.

[Dan Holliday]

What would I want to do that for?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Oh, efficiency, Ford. The workers on the other plantations would die, and you'd have the field to yourself. Are you Grimes? You were afraid I'd tell you I had office about you. I know you're wrong, laddie. You've had it pretty good till now, haven't you? No work, plenty of gin. You were afraid I'd spoil it, so you thought you'd make it look bad for me, too.

[Dan Holliday]

No, no, laddie. You've got it wrong. All right, Doc, you've got us here. Now what are you gonna do?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

I've already done it.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

You've done what?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

That injection I gave all of you, it wasn't serum. That was plague. Bacteria. Straight plague.

[Dan Holliday]

So what does that mean, Doc?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

It means I have to get that serum within an hour. Otherwise every one of you is going to get plague.

[Dan Holliday]

That's right.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

And think about it. Plague. Pain a human can't stand. Then when you get used to it, you die, each one of you.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

This is ridiculous.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

You're gonna die, all of you, because there's no serum.

[Dan Holliday]

Serum would save you.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Serum I haven't got.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Look, Doctor, those sick people at the hospital, they need me. Let me go there.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

You forget, Ms. Randall, you're sick, too.

[Dan Holliday]

You've got plague. You're gonna die.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

I'm not forgetting. Let me go to the hospital, Doctor, please.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

What could you do there? Put cold towels on their heads?

[Dan Holliday]

It doesn't help.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

It doesn't help much. I know that. They die just the same, but at least they're comfortable.

[Dan Holliday]

Don't do it, Doc. Don't let her go. It ain't right. If she goes, we all go.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

You keep out of this. Doctor, please.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

I can't. Ms. Randall. Mr. Ford says it wouldn't be right to let you go.

[Dan Holliday]

Keep her here, Doc. Here with the rest of us.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

I told you to keep out of it.

[Dan Holliday]

You want a weasel on me, don't you?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

You're a fool. Fat and a fool.

[Dan Holliday]

Yeah, I'd be a fool to let you get out of here, Doctor.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

You'll stay here, Ms. Randall.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

But there's no point in.

[Dan Holliday]

You heard what the doc says. Stay here.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

This is your fault, Ford chap. It's all your fault, the whole thing.

[Dan Holliday]

I said shut up.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

You better say something, Ms. Randall.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

I got nothing to say.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

All right, we'll wait. We'll wait here as long as.

[Dan Holliday]

Hey, there's rogues letting their throwing rocks.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Gordon.

[Dan Holliday]

What do you want? How do you feel? I. I feel all right.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

That's funny. You're sweating. But if you say you feel all right, fine. Because in a little while, you won't feel so good. And you won't feel anything.

[Dan Holliday]

You'll be dead.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Have anything to tell me, Ford?

[Dan Holliday]

All right. We'll wait.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Doctor,

[Dan Holliday]

huh?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

I. Nothing.

[Dan Holliday]

All right.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

You're going to die, Ms. Randall.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Die.

[Dan Holliday]

Don't let me die.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Where's the serum?

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Make him tell. Make Ford tell where it is.

[Dan Holliday]

He's crazy.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Tell him. Tell him how you paid me to steal it.

[Dan Holliday]

Listen to her.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Tell him, Ford. You wanted the serum for your own workers. You killed Kung Tae because he found out you.

[Dan Holliday]

Move, Ford. Keep him covered, Lieutenant. All right, Ford.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Where's that serum?

[Dan Holliday]

How do you like that? Trust it to serum for it.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Where is it?

[Dan Holliday]

It's in my house. The living room, under the floorboard.

[Janice Reed / Susie / Tyler Bennett / Fatty Ralston / Lieutenant Kling / James / Mr. Bennett]

Get it. Doctor, I don't want to die. Please. Please.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Cannot you speak Malay?

[Dan Holliday]

Yes, sir.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Get out there and tell those people

[Dan Holliday]

they'll have serum in 30 minutes. Right us. A pleasure.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

And take these two, will you?

[Dan Holliday]

You're a hard one, laddie.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

You ready for work, Grimes?

[Dan Holliday]

But, laddy, you'll be taking care of me first, will you not?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Oh, you're taking care of Grimes?

[Dan Holliday]

Aye, I'm taking care of you. Film here full of plague. Oh, not plague. Water. Water?

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

Yeah, water.

[Dan Holliday]

Don't worry.

[Dr. Mark Donovan / Dr. Grimes / Mr. Wu / Mr. Kung / Ms. Randall / Oscar R. Ford / Narrator]

It was distilled.

[Dan Holliday]

Under the direction of Norman MacDonald. Escape has brought you funeral fires by Charles Israel. Lamont Johnson was starred as Mark with Georgia Ellis as the girl Ellis Featured in the cast were Don Diamond, Ben Wright, Wilms Herbert and Leon Lontock. The special music for Escape was composed and conducted by Ivan Ditmars. Next week, Escape with us to the barren wastes of northern Mexico and the story of a million dollars in cash to be had for the asking. If you live as Anthony Ellis tells it in his exciting story, this side of Nowhere, Wouldn't you like to help wipe out tuberculosis? Wouldn't you like to help those now afflicted with the dread disease and prevent others from getting it? All the wonderful work carried on by the National Tuberculosis association is. Is financed by the sale of the Christmas seals you buy each year. So don't forget, help to fight TV by putting a Christmas seal on every letter you write. Escape is one of the fine programs that CBS brings you every Sunday afternoon. On most of these same stations, you can also hear the New York Philharmonic Symphony, the Symphonet, the Arthur Godfrey Digest, the New Meet Frank Sinatra Show, Earn your vacation and Make Believe Town. Stay tuned now for Make Believe Town, which follows immediately on most of these same CBS stations. This is Roy Rowan speaking. This is cbs, where you spend an hour with Frank Sinatra every Sunday afternoon on the Columbia Broadcasting System. Visit relicradio.com for more from Box 13, Escape, the Relic Radio show, our shoutcast stream and everything else we have going on. You can donate through that website as well if you'd like to help support this and all of the shows. My thanks as always to those who have thanks for joining me this week. Be back tomorrow with an hour of mystery on Case Closed and next Tuesday with our next episode of the Relic Radio Show. It.