Favorite Story and Rocky Jordan

Summary

---

The Relic Radio Show – May 5, 2026

"Favorite Story – Mutiny on the Bounty" (originally aired Nov 11, 1947)

"Rocky Jordan – The White Beetle" (originally aired Mar 12, 1950)

---

Episode Overview

This episode of The Relic Radio Show dives deep into radio’s golden era with two contrasting tales:

1. A dramatic retelling of Mutiny on the Bounty from the anthology series Favorite Story, capturing the tension and tragedy of the infamous naval rebellion.
2. A hard-boiled adventure with Rocky Jordan in “The White Beetle,” where murder, stolen antiquities, and the mystery of a genuine Egyptian artifact collide in the heart of Cairo.

The episode highlights the emotional intensity, memorable performances, and the atmospheric suspense that defined old time radio drama.

---

Key Segment Timestamps

• [00:40] Favorite Story – Mutiny on the Bounty (start)
• [26:41] Rocky Jordan – The White Beetle (start)

---

Favorite Story: Mutiny on the Bounty

Main Theme

A gripping dramatization of the legendary 1789 mutiny aboard HMS Bounty, exploring the brutal authority of Captain Bligh and the fateful choices faced by midshipman Peter Heywood and first mate Fletcher Christian. The adaptation, chosen by movie producer Walter Wanger, reflects on leadership, duty, and the cost of rebellion.

Key Discussion Points & Dramatic Moments

• The Tyranny of Captain Bligh

  • Bligh's leadership is established as both heroic (in official records) and deeply resented:

    "Despite the official records, there are reasons for believing that William Bligh was one of the most hated men who ever sailed the sea." – Ronald Colman, Narrator [00:40]

• Personal Stakes: Peter Heywood's Dilemma

  • Emotional farewell between Peter and his mother, establishing innocence and hope:

    "If you must go, you must. Seems a strange looking man with all the work there is to do on board a ship." – Mrs. Heywood [03:25]

• Discontent and Hardship at Sea

  • Disputes over provisions, harsh punishments, and Bligh’s paranoia foster resentment:

    "The pumpkins you’ve ordered us to eat instead of bread, sir... they’re all spoiled." – Fletcher Christian [08:24]
    "There shall be no redress and I shall flog the first one who dares to make any complaint to me." – Captain Bligh [08:49]

• The Spark of Mutiny

  • Bligh’s escalating mistrust and arbitrary punishments create a powder keg:

    "You accuse me?... You must have stolen them from me, or you could give me a better account of them." – Captain Bligh accuses Fletcher Christian of theft [11:37]

• The Mutiny

  • The mutiny is depicted as a last resort, fueled by Bligh’s cruelty and Christian's despair:

    "I have taken command of the Bounty. And if you interfere with me in any way I shall not hesitate to fire a ball directly through your head." – Fletcher Christian [12:43]
    "[‘Mahmoud’.] In the language of the people of Tahiti, sir, it means silence or death will be your portion." – Fletcher Christian [14:24]

• Bligh Cast Adrift

  • The cruel consequences of command and rebellion:

    "You would set me out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in an open boat?" – Bligh [15:40]
    "It’s a large ocean, Mr. Heywood. Shall I go or stay?" – Christian, counseling Heywood [16:24]

• Aftermath and Moral Reflection

  • Bligh’s arduous survival and the court martial of Heywood. The narration poses difficult questions about justice and character:

    "If I acted wrongly, please attribute it to my confusion and my inexperience." – Heywood at his trial [23:07]
    "Though this may be held against me, I was proud to consider [Christian] my friend... he was as generous and tolerant as Mr. Bligh is bigoted and tyrannical." – Heywood [24:10]
    "I should not presume to say which man would fare best before that last and highest court which judges us after death." – Heywood [24:49]

Notable Quotes

• On Command:

  "His word was law, there was no appeal and the man who disobeyed could be hung by his neck from the highest yard arm as a warning..." – Ronald Colman, Narrator [00:40]

• On Mutiny:

  "There’s a basic dignity to living creatures. And those who flout that dignity and trample it deserve less favor from their fellow men than we’re granting." – Fletcher Christian [17:16]

• On Justice:

  "I plead my innocence in this cause. If I acted wrongly, please attribute it to my confusion and my inexperience." – Peter Heywood [23:07]

Memorable Moments

• The mutiny’s tension, as Christian and others deliberate whether to risk their lives or stand for what is right.
• The final soliloquy reflecting on which fate is truly tragic—exile, death, or living with a clear conscience.

---

Rocky Jordan: The White Beetle

Main Theme

A classic Cairo-based murder mystery: Scrappy Sims dies for possession of the "white beetle" — a rare scarab. Rocky Jordan navigates a web of deceit involving black market antiquities, forgeries, and murder, ultimately exposing a plot to steal and replace a priceless museum artifact.

Key Plot Points & Developments

• The Setup: Crime and Intrigue

  • Scrappy Sims bursts into Rocky’s café with a bullet wound and a mysterious package:

    "Bullet wound. That what it is?" – Rocky Jordan [27:14]
    "Nobody gets the white beetle." – Scrappy Sims [27:25]

• Mysterious Visitor

  • Maria Silvestri, gun in hand, demands the package:

    "I'm interested only in what he holds in his hand. Get it for me and don't open it." – Maria Silvestri [29:48]

• Police Involvement & Suspects

  • Captain Sam Sabia investigates, considering various suspects – Dr. Kleberg and his son, black market buyers eager for the scarab’s value.

• The Scam Unraveled

  • Silvestri, a ceramics dealer, made a fake white scarab for Sims to sell, but someone switched the real with the fake at the museum:

    "He asked my father... to make an imitation of a white antique scarab." – Maria Silvestri [44:19]
    "Scrappy Sims had it all figured to get Silvestri to make a phony. But what he didn’t tell Silvestri was... that he had a further plan." – Rocky Jordan [48:56]

• The Real Murderer Revealed

  • Bannister, a museum employee, is unmasked as the killer and thief:

    "Ready to tell me where you work now? How about the Cairo museum? In a trusted position, maybe." – Rocky Jordan [51:24]

• Resolution

  • Justice prevails as Bannister confesses, the real scarab is recovered, and Rocky reflects on the senselessness of greed and deception.

Notable Quotes

• On Greed and Obsession:

  "All this over a little white beetle. Was it worth it, Sam?" – Rocky Jordan [53:57]
  "If all people's sense of values were equal, there would be little adventure in this world." – Captain Sam Sabia [54:04]

• On Justice:

  "According to the notes in my dossier on the case, Maria fired the shots at Bannister only to save your life." – Captain Sam Sabia [53:29]

Memorable Moments

• The confrontation with Maria in her father’s shop and Rocky’s forceful detective work [39:17]
• The final, tense showdown with Bannister in the shadows outside Professor Minouf’s home [51:15]
• The story’s twist: the true value isn’t in the artifact, but in the truth uncovered and lives lost

---

Episode Highlights

• Classic storytelling and taut, emotional performances by William Conrad, Lon McAllister, Frank Lovejoy, and Jack Moyles.
• Vivid portrayals of authority, rebellion, desperation, and morality in both stories.
• Rich period atmosphere: Nautical tension and Pacific adventure in "Mutiny on the Bounty," contrasted with the gritty bazaars and intrigue of Cairo in "The White Beetle."
• Thought-provoking endings: Both segments prompt listeners to consider the price of pride, greed, and the gray edges of justice.

---

Additional Notes

All timecodes are approximate, based on the provided transcript content. Commercials and sponsor messages (Del Monte Foods) have been omitted from this summary.

---

For continued exploration of old-time radio gems, listeners are invited to visit RelicRadio.com and tune in weekly for more classic audio adventures.

Transcript

[Relic Radio Host]

This is the relic radio show. Old time radio entertainment still standing the test of time from relicradio.com welcome back to the relic radio show. This week's hour of radio drama begins with favorite story. We'll hear their episode from November 11, 1947. It's their adaptation of mutiny on the Bounty. After that, it's Rocky Jordan and the white beetle. That story aired March 12, 1950.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

This is Ronald Coleman inviting you to radio's most dramatic half hour favorite story. The captain of an 18th century sailing ship was absolute dictator with life and death authority over the men he commanded. His word was law, there was no appeal and the man who disobeyed could be hung by his neck from the highest yard arm as a warning to others who might contemplate mutiny. Our favorite story this week is a true adventure. Probably the most famous mutiny in the history of sailing ships on the seven seas. The mutiny of the Bounty. The records of the British Admiralty depict Captain Bly as a great hero. He received the gold medal of the society of arts. He was honored by Lord Nelson for his heroism, and he attained the high rank of vice admiral of the blue. But despite the official records, there are reasons for believing that William Bligh was one of the most hated men who ever sailed the sea. Here are some of the facts of mutiny aboard the Bounty. The favorite story choice of the distinguished motion picture producer, Mr. Walter Wenger. Peter.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Peter, is everything ready?

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Your luggage is all packed, Mother. You don't call it luggage. It's my sea chest. Oh, I hope you have enough woolen stockings. I'm sure I do. Perhaps he won't come.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Perhaps he decided that you're too young

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

to go on such a voyage. My little boy going off to sea. Don't talk as if I were still a child, mother. And please don't be crying when Lieutenant Bligh comes.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

So young, so young.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Oh, that must be Mr. Bligh coming up the walk. Peter, are you certain this is what you want to do? Mother, you want me to have a career, don't you? You want to be proud of me? Oh, yes, yes. Well, if you must go, you must. Seems a strange looking man with all

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

the work there is to do on board a ship.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

How can the captain grow so fat? The Deemster says Mr. Bligh is one of the finest sailors in His Majesty's Navy. I don't like his face, Mother. Yes, yes, I'm coming, I'm coming. Lieutenant Bligh, humble and obedient servant.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

You, madam, I presume to be Mrs. Heywood?

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

That is correct. Correct.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Will you come in, Mr. Blythe?

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Thank you. Your son is ready to depart with me.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

I'm all ready, sir. So this is Peter Heywood, at your service. Stop, lad. I shall be happy to have you

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

serve under me aboard His Majesty's ship, Bounty.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

You don't think that Peter is too young, madam?

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

No. Age is too tender for a man to begin a seafaring career. I myself first shipped as cabin boy

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

at the age of nine years. Will there be danger, Mr. Blythe? Mother?

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

There is danger in any voyage, Mrs. Heywood. Now, Mr. Hayward, do you have everything in readiness to depart?

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Aye, sir. My chest is all ready. Goodbye, Mother. Peter, here.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Here is your father's Bible and my prayer book. Take them with you. Be a good boy and God speed you home again.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

This is Mr. Hayward, who will serve as midshipman during the voyage of the bounty. Mr. Haywood, these are your fellow officers.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

I'm Morrison. Boson's mate. I'm pleased to know Mr. Morrison.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

This is Mr. Friar, the ship's master. Your first voyage, Mr. Haywood?

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

That's correct, sir.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Well, lad, you could not serve under a better captain than Lieutenant Blay. And this is our first mate, Fletcher Christian.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Welcome aboard the Bounty, son. If you need any help or any advice, call on me. Thank you, Mr. Christian.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

That is all, gentlemen. You'll return to your duties. Have everything in readiness to sail at sunrise. Good day, gentlemen.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Oh, Mr. Bly.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Well, Mr. Christian, aren't you going to

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

tell us the purpose of our voyage? The cargo? Our destination?

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

I am captain of this ship, Mr. Christian, and I shall tell my crew only such information relating to my orders as seems, in my opinion, to concern them. Is that clear?

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Are we to infer that you do not trust us with this information?

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

You may infer whatever you like. You will sail the course which I prescribe. When it is necessary for you to know certain things, Mr. Christian, I shall tell you. You were all dismissed. Lieutenant Fly.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Yes, sir.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Mr. Hayward.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Yes, sir.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Mr. Heywood, before the Bounty sails, do

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

you think it will be fitting for

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

me to go ashore to bid farewell to my good wife, Mrs. Bly?

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

I. I do, sir.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

And do you think, Mr. Heywood that it would be fitting for me to take Mrs. Bly some small present or token on the occasion of my departure on this long voyage? Some provisions or supplies of some sort?

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

I should think it proper, sir.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Then you will ask the steward to

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

stow a large cheese two large cheeses

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

and a small cask of vinegar in the longboard. For me to take ashore as a

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

gift for Mrs. Bly. I shall attend to it, sir. Stop that.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

We shall get on.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Mr. Heywood. Mr. Christian. I know where we're going. The captain told my mother just as I was leaving home. Well, it's common knowledge, lad. I don't know why old Fuss and Fury won't tell us about it. When we round Cape Horn, we'll cross the Pacific to Tahiti. Then we'll load the hole with a cargo of young breadfruit trees. Breadfruit trees? Then we'll carry them to the West Indies, plant them and set the Bounty's course for England again. Why do they want breadfruit trees in the West Indies? Well, the breadfruit's a cheap diet. Grows all the year round. The British plantation owners in the West Indies can feed breadfruit to their workers and their slaves and save the expense of growing potatoes for them. Oh, I see. People in the West Indies will be cursing us for centuries. Ever taste a breadfruit? I think even breadfruit would taste good to me right now. You don't like the food the old man's giving us, does anybody? Well, if you're hungry, at least you have the satisfaction of knowing that 44 other men aboard the Bounty are just as hungry as you are. As for the 45th man, well, I think old Bligh keeps his gullet pretty well filled. I've never tasted such bad mess. The dried beef must be horse meat. Mule, more likely. Yes.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Lieutenant Bly, have all hands dropped to work. Some of the officers and men. Send them a. I want to speak to everyone.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Aye, sir. Mr. Heywood called the hands from below. Aye, Mr. Christian.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

All hands on. All hands above deck. Captain. All hands on deck. Samuel.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

All hands reporting, sir.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Hear me, every man jack of you. Is there grumbling on board the Bounty? Is anyone dissatisfied with his provision?

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Yes, lieutenant, we are dissatisfied.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Be so good as to make your complaint. Mr. Christian.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

The pumpkins you've ordered us to eat instead of bread, sir. They're all spoiled. No. The beef is too tough for a man to cut with his teeth. I see. And your oatmeal, sir, is thinner food than salt water.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Do other officers and men share Mr. Christian's views? Well, Speaker. Tell me, Miss Christian, who is captain of this vessel?

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

You are, sir.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Then the vessel will be run according to my orders with no questions asked. It is needless for you to complain to me for I am the fittest judge of what is right and what is wrong. There shall be no redress and I shall flog the first one who dares to make any complaint to me.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

But, Mr. Blythe.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Mr. Christian, you will give that man 15 lashes. I will have no insubordination aboard a vessel in my command. As penalty for this grumbling, rations will be reduced to two thirds. Butter will no longer be served to officers of men. This is very harsh, Lieutenant. I'll make you eat grass, sir. Or anything you can catch before I've done with you. Mr. Friar. The Triad. What was it you reported to me about the cheeses? Two of the large Yorkshire cheeses are missing, sir. They were obviously stolen by some member of the crew.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

But, Lieutenant Bligh, those are the two

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

cheeses that you stolen, Mr. Hayward. Your captain tells you they were stolen. Unless the man who has taken those two cheeses from the ship store returns them, there will be no more cheese served to the officers. Are meant for the remainder of the voyage. Silence. Do you dare grumble at me? Now get to your stations, every blasted man. Jackaville. With a fair wind, we can round Cape Horn tonight, Mr. Christian. Aye, Lieutenant. This is your watch.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

My watch, sir?

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Will we raise Otaheite the third day from now, Mr. Christian? Unless this wind makes us haul down

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

the top gallant sails.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

You expect a storm, Mr. Christian?

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

I expect a storm, sir.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

A severe storm, Mr. Christian.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

By every indication, Lieutenant, we are in the track of the worst storm you or I have ever remembered.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Good night, Mr. Christian.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Good night, Mr. Blank.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Seamen of H Ms. Bounty. While we were imported otaheite, we all purchased coconuts from the natives. I was among you. Some of the coconuts which I purchased have been stolen from my cabin. Mr. Friar. Aye, sir? How many coconuts did you obtain in Port? 11, sir. Mr. Hayward?

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

6.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Mr. Molson. Ms. Christian. Ms. Christian, state the number of coconuts now in your possession.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

I really do not know, sir.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

How many did you purchase? Several.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

I don't recall Exactly. Surely, Mr. Bligh, you don't think that I would be so petty, so small, as to steal some of your coconut?

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Yes, I do think so. You must have stolen them from me. Or you could give me a better account of them.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

You accuse me?

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Yes, I accuse you. Why am I plagued with such officers? Thieves, all of you. You're in league with the men to rob me. You'll steal my yams next. I'll flog you, Mr. Christian, and make you jump overboard before we reach the Endeavor Straits. I am not accustomed to such language or such treatment, sir. No? Well, you'll grow accustomed to it under my command, Mr. Samuel. Confiscate all coconuts on board ship. Cut the allowance of yams to 1/2 pound per person.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

What?

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

A quarter pound a penny are missed. That understood? Now go below, all of you.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

What are you doing in my cabin? Get out of bed. Get dressed.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

I give the orders here, Mr. Christian.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

No longer mutineer. Call it what you like. I have taken command of the body. And if you interfere with me in any way I shall not hesitate to fire a ball directly through your head. Favorite story is bringing you an eyewitness account of the mutiny aboard HMS Bounty based on the diary of one of her officers, Mr. James Morrison. William Conrad is Lieutenant Bligh. Lon McAllister is Peter Haywood. We are now in the wastes of the South Pacific. In that gray half light before sunrise. The sea is utterly calm, the sky slate gray and they blend at an unseen horizon. The sails of the Bounty hang dead and lifeless and she looks like a painted ship upon a painted ocean. But this is the morning of April 28, 1789 and there is something stirring below decks aboard the Bounty.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Seamen and officers of the Varney gather aft, have something to say to you. This man is no longer an officer of this vessel. I have stripped him of his command.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Correction, Mr. Bligh. It is you who have been stripped of your command.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Must I stand here with my hands sputtered behind my back while you drag me about by a cord like a dog on a leash? I'll not undergo this indignity, sir. I'm an officer in His Majesty's service.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Mahmoud. Mr. Bly. Mahmoud. And what does that mean, Mr. Christian? In the language of the people of Tahiti, sir, it means silence or death will be your portion.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

All hands, hear me.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

I, Fletcher Christian, have taken command of the Bounty.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

We shall carry Lieutenant Bligh as a

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

prisoner to England to answer for his

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

maltreatment of officers and crew. Sir. Warm welcome. The Admiralty will give you at Plymouth Home as Christian, they have ropes for mutineers.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

We have just complaint against you, sir.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

You have no complaint, Mr. Christian. My word against yours. Which do you think they will believe, captain or mutineer? Now untie my hand. Set me free.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

No. Lieutenant Blythe, I borne all the insult and degradation I can take from you. I'll not be starved and sworn at for another year.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

What say you, men?

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Mr. Christian, if you do this thing, you can never go back to England. So I shall never go back.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Churchill keeper, weather eye on the carpenter. He's up to something.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

I want to avoid unnecessary bloodshed where's the arm's chest? Mr. Blay, we raise a party and retake the ship.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Good man. Mr. Friar.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

The arms chest is in my possession, gentlemen.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

And all firearms are in the hands

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

of men who are loyal to me. Mr. Bligh, you will prepare yourself to leave the bounty. What?

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Mr. Morrison, lower a boat. Aye, aye, sir. Miss Christian, you would set me out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in an open boat?

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

You have brought this on yourself, lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

There's such an act as murder. I'll have no part of murder. Very well.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Mr. Friar, you shall go with Lieutenant Bly and the cutter.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

No. No. We will die for sure. Take your choice. I leave it to every crew member, officer or man whether he wants to

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

throw his luck with Mr. Bligh or with me.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Mr. Christian. This is a joke, Mr. Christian. A game you play. You may go below, sir.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Your hands will remain tied. Take which supplies, provisions, personal effects you may wish. The men will help you stow them in the boat. 15 minutes from now you will be master of a vessel again. A vessel 19ft long and with no first mate whom you can cur and smear with petty charges.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Churchill.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Take him below. Mr. Christian, what shall I do? Follow your conscience, Mr. Heywood. As I follow mine. I. I want to stay with you, Mr. Christian. I hate the captain as much as you do, but I can't be a mutineer, sir. You're not a mutineer, lad. I'll swear in the highest court of England that you are as innocent of mutiny as I am guilty. Will they have a chance in the open boat? They'll have a chance. A bare chance. It's a large ocean, Mr. Heywood. Shall I go or stay? It is a great pity, lad that this should happen to you on your first trip to sea. You're not out of your teens, are you? No, sir. Then I say, choose life. You'll be closer to life with us on the Bounty than you will be with Bligh in an open boat.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

I beg you, reconsider, man.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

I've considered and reconsidered, Mr. Friar. There's a basic dignity to living creatures. And those who flout that dignity and trample it deserve less favor from their fellow men than we're granting.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

The lieutenant summons myself.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Have you made ready, Mr. Bligh? Aye. Now, down the ropes with you, sir. Let's have this business done with.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Mercy.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Mr. Christian. Your vote is waiting, sir.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Upon my honor, Mr. Christian I'll give my word never to think of this if you let me stay Your word.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Your honor. If you had any honor, Lieutenant, things

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

would not have come to this extremity. Consider my wife and family. You had any regard for your wife and family, you should have thought of them sooner. For blessed human charity. What do you know of human charity, Mr. Bly? Help them. Downmates cast off have done with it.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

God save you, Mr. Bly. God save you, Mr. Christian.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Journal of Lt. William Bligh. Entry of Wednesday, April 29, 1789. Reached the island of Tofoa. The shore is so steep and rocky that it is impossible to land. Entry of Saturday, May 16th. Dark, gloomy weather. I've resolved to try to reach the Dutch settlement at Timor, which is a full 1200 leagues distant. This night has been truly horrible. Not a star to be seen, so that steering was uncertain. Journal of Lt. William Bly. Entry of Friday, June 12, cited. The island of Tomoe, bearing from west southwest to west northwest. 41 days after having been set adrift by the mutineers of the Bounty and having traversed 3,618 miles. I'm extremely weak. My legs and arms are swollen. I have allowed myself only a teaspoonful of water per day and my lips and tongue are parched with this. Sunday, June 14th. This is the happiest day of my life. After hard rowing arrived at the town of Kupang and slept the sweetest sleep that man ever enjoyed. Shall embark immediately on board a Dutch packet boat bound for England. Mr. Bly. Lieutenant Bly. Captain Bligh. Madam, you're on the seven.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Where is he? What happened? We got such confused reports here in England.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

You will forgive me, madam. I do not seem to recall your face.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

And Mrs. Hayward? Peter Hayward's mother. How is my boy? Mr. Bligh? He is well, madam.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

I have most distressing news for you.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Not dead. Oh, not dead.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

I suspect that your son is alive.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

He was not one of the mutineers.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

One of the ringleaders of the mutineer? No.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Oh, not Peter. Not my Peter.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

It causes me untold anguish to reveal that your son's conduct aboard the Bounty. His ingratitude to me was of the deepest die. For I was a father to him in every respect. I beg you, Mrs. Hayward, to think of your son Peter as one who is dead.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Where is he? Will I never see him again?

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

I have no doubt that Mr. Hayward returned to the island of Otaheite with the other mutineers. The Admiralty has dispatched the frigate Pandora, 24 guns, 160 officers and men to scour the islands for the Bounty and Its crew? They will be brought back to England. Your son perhaps among them.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

What will happen to him?

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

What usually happens to mutineers. He will be hanged. Good day, madam. This court martial will proceed now to investigate the charges against the prisoner, Peter Haywood late midshipmen of His Majesty's ship, Bounty. Do it. That he aided and abetted Fletcher Christian and other members of the crew to take over the Bounty from its rightfully appointed captain, William Bligh by violence and force. The prisoner will stand.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

With your permission, Mr. President, may I give my testimony without standing?

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Why, Mr. Heywood?

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

My imprisonment on board the Pandora during the return to England was so confining that I'm afraid my health was affected. I've been quite ill. Is this true? Yes, your lordship. It's come to the boy buried in.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Permission granted. The prisoner may testify from a sitting position. Mr. Heywood, describe your actions on the morning of the 28th of April, 1789.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Well, when I awoke, Mr. President, I came upon the deck of the Bounty and found considerable confusion. Mr. Bligh had been bound and disarmed by the first mate, Mr. Christian.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Were you armed at this time, Mr. Heywood?

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

I carried no firearms at any time on the day of the mutiny.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

But Captain Bligh deposes under oath that you forced entrance into his cabin with a loaded musket.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

With all due humility, sir, Captain bligh is lying.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Mr. President, would you take the word. That mutual arrogance mine. If this man was a loyal officer, why did he not raise the party and retake the ship on my behalf?

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Great saints in heaven, sir, how could I?

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

He is only a boy of 19 years. Mr. Bligh.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Why didn't you retake the vessel yourself? Mr. Bligh. Mr. President, I plead my innocence in this cause. If I acted wrongly, please attribute it to my confusion and my inexperience.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

In the light of your testimony and other evidence, Mr. Haywood this court will exercise the greatest clemency in your case. We have only one other question. What of Mr. Christian? Why did he mutiny?

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Because he was too much of a man to suffer the indecent treatment given him by the captain.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Again, I object, Mr. President. Who is on file? A mutineer to myself. Silence. Mr. Heywood. If this court releases you as a free and honorable citizen of the British Empire which we are minded to do, tell us this. Would you help us find Fletcher Christian?

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

No, sir.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Where do you think Mr. Christian is at present?

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

On some island of the South Pacific off the seaways, perhaps on some call rock, Unmarked. On our navigational charts. Mr. Christian is a man of resource, gentlemen. Though this may be held against me, I was proud to consider him my friend. He was as generous and tolerant as Mr. Bligh is bigoted and tyrannical.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Again, I ask of my own trial. Mr. President, The pursuit. Silence, Mr. D. Continue, Mr. Heywood.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

I say Fletcher Christian would have no defense before this court martial for the rash act which he committed two years ago. And for this one tragic action aboard the Bounty he must live out his life in exile and shame 10,000 miles from England. But I should not presume to say which man, Mr. Bligh or Mr. Christian would fare best before that last and highest court which judges us after death. I can only say that before my Maker I would throw my lot as I did aboard the Bounty with Fletcher Christian. May God help and protect him as few men need divine help and protection. Amen. You've just heard Mutineers of the Bounty. The favorite story of Mr. Walter Wanger. With Lon McAllister as Peter Heywood Frank Lovejoy as Christian and William Conrad as Captain Black. Our congratulations to a fine cast for a memorable performance. Some of the descendants of the mutineers of the Bounty are still living on Pitcairn island in the South Pacific. And one can imagine some great, great grandson of Fletcher Christian fishing in the bay of Pitcairn island finding in his nets a rusty nail or a bit of ancient copper tubing all that remains of His Majesty's ship, the Bounty which ended its last voyage on the floor of the bay which bears its name.

[Mr. Bannister]

Sunday is a big day on cbs,

[Rocky Jordan]

still waiting in the wings to bring you a variety of entertainment.

[Announcer]

Our Rocky Jordan, Horace Height.

[Rocky Jordan]

Our Miss Brook, Dick Haymes and Evelyn Knight. The Whistler and Red Skelton.

[Announcer]

Now Del Monte Foods brings you a world of adventure with Rocky Jordan.

[Rocky Jordan]

Go around the front way, will you? The tambourine's. Open the front door, I said.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Rocky.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Let me in.

[Rocky Jordan]

All right, just cut out the pounding. Scrappy Sims.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Rocky, help me.

[Rocky Jordan]

What's the matter with you?

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

I can't.

[Rocky Jordan]

I. Yeah, over on this couch. Easy does it.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Oh, thanks, Rocky. Yeah.

[Rocky Jordan]

Bullet wound. That what it is?

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Yeah.

[Rocky Jordan]

I'll get help. Just give me that package.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Oh, no, Rock.

[Rocky Jordan]

Easy, fella. You're all right here.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

No, the beetle.

[Rocky Jordan]

The what? Tell me, Scrappy, what are you trying to say?

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Nobody gets the white beetle.

[Announcer]

Del Monte. The brand you trust for flavor in so many good foods. Yes, Del Monte. The best like brand of canned fruits and vegetables in the whole wide world. Takes you now to the Cafe Tambourine in Cairo, gateway to the ancient east, where modern adventure and intrigue unfold against a backdrop of antiquity. Tonight's Rocky Jordan story, the white Beetle.

[Rocky Jordan]

The heat had settled down over Cairo that afternoon. A good time for me to catch a nap in my tambourine office. That's when the big pounding had come at the alley door like a wild horse put in the wrong stall. I'd no sooner got the door open than he came staggering in. Scrappy Simms, somebody I hadn't seen in quite a while. The bullet hole in his side wasn't doing him any good. I put him on the couch, but he clung to a package in his hand and kept mumbling something that didn't make sense. Sense.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Beetle. No, no, Rocky.

[Rocky Jordan]

What about it, Scrappy? Clear it up, will you? White beetle. Now listen to me. Who shot you and why? You gotta tell me what happened. Rocky. Scrappy, listen to me.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Scrappy.

[Rocky Jordan]

Get me the emergency hospital. Rush it. Emergency, Rocky Jordan Cafe Tambourine. There's a man here that shot up bad. Get an ambulance over here the quickest way you can. I'll explain when you get here. Now step on it. My next call was meant for Captain Sam Sabai of Cairo Police. But I didn't finish dialing.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Make that call later, Mr. Jordan.

[Rocky Jordan]

I turned and saw her standing right behind me. She was small and olive skinned, with dark, deep set eyes. Lips held as tight as her white dress that fit every bit right. There was no fear there at all. Maybe because of the gun she held in her hand.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Later, I said, put down the phone as I told you.

[Rocky Jordan]

Doesn't anybody use the front door?

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

I'm not here for pleasure, Mr. Jordan.

[Rocky Jordan]

Unless you like playing with guns.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

This is hardly a game. I'm doing only what is necessary.

[Rocky Jordan]

Like finishing up your job and Scrappy Sims.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

You're much too hasty with your conclusions.

[Rocky Jordan]

Just don't touch him, lady, I'm telling you, leave him alone.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

I'm interested only in what he holds in his hand. Get it for me.

[Rocky Jordan]

Scrappy wouldn't like that.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Get it for me and don't open it.

[Rocky Jordan]

Yeah, it's all yours.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Lay it on the table and then keep back.

[Rocky Jordan]

Hey, by the way, what good is a white beetle?

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

No Good to you, Mr. Jordan, I assure you. Now be careful that you stay just where you are. This man's misfortune is quite enough for

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

one day, I'm convinced.

[Rocky Jordan]

Sounds like you better get moving.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

But don't follow me. I'll shoot you if I have to.

[Rocky Jordan]

She was out of sight before the ambulance pulled up. I got my call through to Sabia. Then I stuck around to answer some questions and stay with Scrappy Sims until they took him away. After that, I went to headquarters and briefed Sam on everything that had happened. He took it all down.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

As always, Jordan, you give me little to go on.

[Rocky Jordan]

Well, maybe Scrappy will be able to tell you the rest.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Sam, you have not told me of your acquaintance with him, Mr.

[Rocky Jordan]

Customer. I'd gotten to know real well. A construction worker of some sort of. He hadn't been around.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Just a moment.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Yes, yes, go on.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

I see. No, that is all for now.

[Rocky Jordan]

Thank you.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Jordan, I have sad news for you. Scrappy Sims is dead.

[Rocky Jordan]

Yeah, I'm not much surprised.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

So now it becomes a problem of murder. You are certain that he said nothing more to you?

[Rocky Jordan]

All I could get was the white beetle had something to do with that package.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

He had.

[Rocky Jordan]

What could it mean, Sam?

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Who can say? Of course, an Egyptologist might have a theory.

[Rocky Jordan]

The sacred beetle you're reaching perhaps, Jordan, perhaps.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

But such an insect was once a thing of worship in Egypt. Venerated as a type of sun God. Through the known history of the pharaoh.

[Mr. Bannister]

Sure, sure.

[Rocky Jordan]

All very interesting.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Yes, I fear that we digress about the girl now, Jordan, who took the package from Scrappy Sims. You do not know who she is?

[Rocky Jordan]

No, Sam. But if I see her again, I'll know.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Yes, what is it now?

[Rocky Jordan]

Bannister.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

John Bannister. Inquiring about Scrappy Sim.

[Rocky Jordan]

Oh, very well.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Tell him in it once.

[Rocky Jordan]

Want me out, Sam?

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

No, Jordan. I prefer that you remain.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Captain.

[Mr. Bannister]

I'm sorry to be so impatient, but this is important, very important.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Yes, yes, of course. Mr. Bannister. Oh, Mr. Bannister, this is Mr. Jordan.

[Rocky Jordan]

Hello, Mr. Banster.

[Mr. Bannister]

How do you do, Mr. Jordan? Captain, you must help me see Scrappy Sims.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

What do you know of this?

[Mr. Bannister]

Why, nothing, except that I heard just a short time ago he'd been shot.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

I can't believe it.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Nevertheless, it is true.

[Mr. Bannister]

I went to the hospital as soon as I could, but they wouldn't let me see the boy. I'm asking you to help me, captain.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

I fear that it would do you no good.

[Mr. Bannister]

But you must understand, he's my dearest friend. He's almost like a son to me.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Mr. Bannister, I regret then to inform you that Scrappy Simms.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

He's dead.

[Mr. Bannister]

Oh, but that's impossible.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

But we can hope that you might help us find the answer.

[Mr. Bannister]

Why, yes, anything.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Did you know that young Sims was back in Cairo Mr. Bannister?

[Mr. Bannister]

Yes. He'd been on a construction job up the Nile. New irrigation there.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

You were with him?

[Mr. Bannister]

No, I have other work here. But why these questions? Don't you know anything?

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Only that after being shot, he made his way to Mr. Jordan's Cafe.

[Mr. Bannister]

Well, then he must have told you something, Jordan.

[Rocky Jordan]

Nothing I haven't told the police. Sam, if that's all for me.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

That is all, Jordan. However, I would like to talk further with Mr. Bannister.

[Rocky Jordan]

Well, Sam was carrying the ball, so I went back to my own problems at the tambourine. Only the memory of Scrappy Sims stayed with me. I had a strong feeling a lot more was to come. And it happened that way when a stocky man with close quarters, clipped hair and his young shadow invited themselves into my office without the formalities.

[Dr. Eric Kleberg]

Mr. Jordan, I am Dr. Eric Kleberg. This is my dutiful son, Hans.

[Rocky Jordan]

All right, Klebergen son, what do you want? We want to know where it is. Well, what is?

[Dr. Eric Kleberg]

We must be more specific, hans. The scarab, Mr. Jordan.

[Rocky Jordan]

Scarab?

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Oh, sure.

[Rocky Jordan]

The white beetle.

[Dr. Eric Kleberg]

The same. And you do know Scrappy Sims brought it here and it was not seen again. Do we get it, Mr. Jordan?

[Rocky Jordan]

Maybe. Just tell me why you should have it. Man likes to know those things.

[Dr. Eric Kleberg]

A fair bargain. Very well, I will tell you.

[Rocky Jordan]

We are wasting our time, Father.

[Dr. Eric Kleberg]

Patience, Hans.

[Rocky Jordan]

Look, if you two like to argue

[Dr. Eric Kleberg]

this outside, Mr. Jordan. A short time ago, while working in an excavation on an irrigation project up the Nile, Scrappy Sims uncovered this scarab of the white beetle. Because of its size and remarkable preservation, he realized its value and brought it into Cairo seeking a buyer.

[Rocky Jordan]

And I take it he found one through a friend.

[Dr. Eric Kleberg]

I contacted him at the Silvestri Ceramic shop in old Cairo. He showed me the scarab. I, too realized its value. The finest example of the 18th Dynasty.

[Rocky Jordan]

What about the law, Klebourg? It says Scrappy should have turned it over to the government.

[Dr. Eric Kleberg]

They'd have paid him a nominal sum. Yes, but he wanted more. And I was willing to pay it.

[Rocky Jordan]

They call that black market.

[Dr. Eric Kleberg]

Regardless of that, I advanced him £2,000. And now the scarry, Please.

[Rocky Jordan]

There's just one little hitch, Kleberg.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

I haven't got it.

[Dr. Eric Kleberg]

And where is it?

[Rocky Jordan]

I wouldn't know, Mr. Jordan.

[Dr. Eric Kleberg]

You might as well know that my son and I are fully armed.

[Rocky Jordan]

Oh, yes. The guns show through your coats. So maybe you put the bullets in Scrappy Sims, huh? I told you that talking was a waste of time, Father.

[Dr. Eric Kleberg]

A man must listen to his son we will find it then and quickly, Hans.

[Rocky Jordan]

Give it up, Junior. You won't find it that way.

[Dr. Eric Kleberg]

We shall soon see. And if we do not find it here and we learn that you have light, we shall return to try another way. Make very sure of that, Mr. Jordan.

[Announcer]

Del Monte Foods is presenting tonight's adventure with Rocky Jordan. Springtime's just around the corner. Yes, and with fine weather ahead, a man's fancy turns to thoughts of sports and baseball and things to do in the garden. And the women, well, they're thinking of snacks and sandwiches and picnics and things.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Yes, Larry. And chances are they'll be thinking about catsup, too. Del Monte catsup seems as if there's nothing like its zippy, zesty flavor to make hamburgers and cold meats or a plain sandwich. Perk right up and come to the party.

[Announcer]

So many things taste so much better with Del Monte catsup. You see that hearty spiced tomato flavor of Del Monte catsup gives just the right lift to plain foods. And that marvelous flavor doesn't just happen. Del Monte takes red, luscious field ripened tomatoes, simmers them down with fragrant spices and blends them all together with that wonderful new ingredient, pineapple vinegar. No other vinegar coaxes out all the very best tomato flavor the way pineapple vinegar does. And Del Monte catsup is the only catsup made with pineapple vinegar.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Larry, every homemaker wants to know about price too. So be sure to say that for all its goodness, Del Monte catsup actually costs less than many other quality brands.

[Announcer]

So catsup fans, get set for good eating. Enjoy. Del Monte Katsup soon. And now we take you back to Cairo and tonight's Rocky Jordan story. The white Beetle.

[Rocky Jordan]

Well, Dr. Eric Kleberg and his dutiful son kept it up till they'd made my office look like a bargain basement after a dollar sale. They didn't find the white beetle scarab because it wasn't there. Then they were gone right away. I started across town for old Cairo to look in on Silvestri's ceramic shop. I got there before closing time. It was the usual dusty place, cluttered with every gym crack that ever lured an unsuspecting tourist. A little white thatched Italian whose jaw muscles twitched too much came hurrying up.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Could I help you, senior?

[Rocky Jordan]

Yes, if you're the proprietor here, Mr. Silvestri.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

That's my name.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

What could I show you?

[Rocky Jordan]

Please. Let's start with the white beetle.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

White beetle?

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

If you mean scarab, senor, I got none in white. They're quite Rare, but.

[Rocky Jordan]

Well, let's talk about Scrappy Sims. He brought it here to sell, remember?

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Now, Sims, same as it.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Oh, there's so many counties. Sure, sure.

[Rocky Jordan]

All the best. Black market trade, huh? Who set up the deal here between Scrappy and Kleeberg? Was it you, senor?

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Who sent you here?

[Rocky Jordan]

Dr. Eric Kleberg.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Well, then there must be some mistake.

[Rocky Jordan]

Now, if that is all, senora, I

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

am about to lock up for the night.

[Rocky Jordan]

All right, all right, we'll make it later. I turned to go, figuring to file Silvestri under active. That's when my eyes caught a big mirror on the sidewall that reflected through the door to the back wal. And the face I saw there sent me running back. It was the face of the girl. The same one who'd come to my cafe that afternoon to take the package from Scrappy Sims. This time she had no time to do anything, Mr. Jordan. Don't try for the gun this time, lady.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Let me go.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Stop with this.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Senor. What is Maria to you?

[Rocky Jordan]

Oh, so Maria's the name, huh? What's the last one? Silvestri?

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Yes, she's my daughter.

[Rocky Jordan]

Now, what's at the meaning over this?

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

It's nothing, Father.

[Rocky Jordan]

We'll see what your purse says.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Give it to me. Give it back to me.

[Rocky Jordan]

Not on your life. Have a look, Silvestri. A nice shiny.32, Marie.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Father, you don't understand.

[Rocky Jordan]

But Captain Sabay. I'll understand. He wants very much to see you.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Come on, I go with you, Marie.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

No, please stay here, Father.

[Rocky Jordan]

Yeah, that's right. Stay here. Silvestri. They'll come when they want you.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

What is the meaning of this?

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Yes, Captain. Captain, let Mr. Jordan explain. He knows so much more than I.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Quickly, Jordan. Who is this girl?

[Rocky Jordan]

Maria Silvestri. She's all you want, Sam.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Do I understand that this is the one who was at your cafe?

[Rocky Jordan]

One and the same. The whole answer to Scrappy Sims murder sealed and delivered.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Is this true, Ms. Silvestri?

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

It is not. I've never killed anyone.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Jordan, this is a serious accusation, one which must have good proof.

[Rocky Jordan]

All right, here it is. The gun right out of her purse.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Is this all you bring?

[Rocky Jordan]

What else do you want, Sam? Pictures?

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Jordan, you come dragging a girl into my office on a charge of murder, and you call this evidence?

[Rocky Jordan]

And you call it.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

This gun is a.32. Scrappy Sims was killed by a.45.

[Rocky Jordan]

You didn't tell me.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Nor did you ask me.

[Rocky Jordan]

Very well.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

That is all me, Sylvester.

[Rocky Jordan]

Wait a minute, Sam.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

What is it now, Jordan?

[Rocky Jordan]

She stole the package with a white beetle from Scrappy. That's enough to hold her.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

You say it was the white beetle that she took, but are you quite sure?

[Rocky Jordan]

Sure as anyone could be.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

And are you willing to swear to it that what she took was not hers and that it was the white beetle?

[Rocky Jordan]

Well, no, Sam, I'm not.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Surely you know that we deal with facts here. And until you have them, I do not intend that you further embarrass this department. You are at liberty, Ms. Silvestri.

[Rocky Jordan]

I knew my mistake, so I got out in a hurry. It looked like Maria couldn't have fired the shot that killed Scrappy Sims. So if I was ever to get back in Sam's good graces, I had to dig up the whole story. The Jon Bannister I'd met in Sam's office might shed some light. So I looked up his apartment address and paid him a visit.

[Mr. Bannister]

Mr. Jordan, I deeply appreciate what you're trying to do to get to the truth of this affair.

[Rocky Jordan]

You knew Scrappy pretty well, didn't you, Mr. Bannister?

[Mr. Bannister]

Yes, very well. There were close family ties.

[Rocky Jordan]

But no dealings with him in your line of work?

[Mr. Bannister]

No, there's no connection with my work. Not that I mind your asking.

[Rocky Jordan]

I'll skip it. You never saw the scarab he brought back from up the Nile?

[Mr. Bannister]

Scarab?

[Rocky Jordan]

Oh, he called it the white beetle.

[Mr. Bannister]

Oh, yes. Captain Sabaya questioned me about that. No, Scrappy never mentioned it.

[Rocky Jordan]

Then maybe you can give me something in his relationship with a ceramic dealer named Silvestri and his daughter Maria.

[Mr. Bannister]

Yes, he did mention a deal with Silvestri.

[Rocky Jordan]

What kind?

[Mr. Bannister]

He didn't say, except that it was something. Something that would lead to money. Sure.

[Rocky Jordan]

He was handling the sale of the white beetle for Scrappy.

[Mr. Bannister]

Then it seems that Silvestri's quite deeply involved in this.

[Rocky Jordan]

Yeah. You wouldn't know where I could find a guy named Kleberg?

[Mr. Bannister]

I'm afraid not. Who is he?

[Rocky Jordan]

The buyer. Thanks, Mr. Bannister. I'll keep trying. I spent some time looking around for Kleeberg without any lead. Then it occurred to me that finding the relic itself might smoke out the right people. Maria had taken it and her father's shop would be a good place to hide it. I got there around 10 o'.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Clock.

[Rocky Jordan]

There was a night light in back and the front door was barred. I tried the lock on the back door and it was easier in a couple of minutes. I was inside the back room, about to move on to the front. But what I saw on the floor in the Dim light stopped all that. It was Silvestri. His hair, not all white now a.45 revolver was still clutched in his hand. The bullet hole was in his right temple.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Jordan, have you forgotten that you were already wrong once tonight?

[Rocky Jordan]

All right, Sam, but that doesn't make it happen again.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

The bullet which killed Silvestri is from a.45 revolver such as you saw clutched in his own hand. I have no doubt that ballistics will report that the bullet was fired from that gun.

[Rocky Jordan]

With that, you close the books and call it.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

It is all quite obvious. After killing Scrappy Sims, Silvestria took the easy way out by taking his own life.

[Rocky Jordan]

Only have left a blank space. Why would Silvestri want to kill Sims?

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Will you come in here please, Ms. Silvestri? Please sit down.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Whatever you wish.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Captain Sapire, I want you to tell Mr. Jordan everything as you told it to me. Beginning with the time Scrappy Sims approached your father with his scheme.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

He asked my father, with his knowledge of ceramics, to make an imitation of a white antique scarab.

[Rocky Jordan]

A phony?

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

That's right. My father used a genuine scarab as his model. Sims was to make believe that he'd found the imitation while he was digging and he would say it was real. The plan was to contact Dr. Eric Kleberg and sell it to him at a good price.

[Rocky Jordan]

With your father making all the arrangements?

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Yes. My father needed the money very badly, so we agreed. It wasn't until after the imitation had been made that I found out. And then I knew my father had done a very foolish thing.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Continue.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

What did you do then?

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

I tried to make amends by getting the imitation back from Scrappy Sims before the damage was done. But I was too late. Contact had already been made with Kleberg.

[Rocky Jordan]

Sure. And he'd made a 2,000 pound down payment.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

I complicated things as she will tell you, Jordan.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

I saw Sims leave the scare leave with the scarab this afternoon. He seemed very excited, so I followed him. A short distance from the cafe. I heard a shot. I didn't see who fired it. Sims was wounded, but he kept on going until he reached your cafe and

[Rocky Jordan]

you showed up, conveniently to get it away from him.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Believe what you like, Mr. Jordan. I took it only to keep my father from being brought into this killing.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Is it not clear to you now, Jordan?

[Rocky Jordan]

No, not all of it, Sam.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

You yourself told me that Silvestri had seemed nervous and despondent. And rather than bring his daughter into this mess, he took what seemed to him the only possible course.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

So that's what you think? Well, I don't. And if I were a man such as you, I'd find out who killed

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

my father and Ms. Silvestri. You must learn to face that which is obvious to you.

[Rocky Jordan]

It is, Sam. Only. Where's the phony scarab?

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

It's hidden in my home. If you wish me to get it for you, I will, Captain Sepia.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

I will trust you to bring it here and as soon as possible.

[Rocky Jordan]

Mind if I go with us, Sam?

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

If you like, Jordan. I'm sure that Ms. Silvestri will appreciate your company.

[Rocky Jordan]

Maria and I went out together. She didn't seem to care one way or the other. We caught a taxi that took us to her home in the Italian sector. There wasn't much conversation until I paid the cabbie. We were going up a walk to the house. Maria, it happens. I don't think your father committed suicide.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

He. It's difficult to know what you think, Mr. Jordan.

[Rocky Jordan]

I don't think he killed Scrappy Sims.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

No, he did not.

[Rocky Jordan]

Sam Sapia doesn't think so either.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Didn't you hear what he said himself?

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Oh, sure.

[Rocky Jordan]

The quick answer. When Sam acts like that, you can be sure he's thinking a lot more. He's a real careful guy.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

You know him better than I do. Just a minute. Here's the scarab, Mr. Jordan. Take it.

[Rocky Jordan]

Yeah. Your father did a real good job with this.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

He was an artist at his trade.

[Rocky Jordan]

Now, please wait, Maria. I got an idea. I'm gonna take this and do some checking.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

But the Captain's waiting.

[Rocky Jordan]

No, he'll always settle for answers. There may be a lot more to this than we figure, Maria.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Isn't there enough trouble with Survivor already?

[Rocky Jordan]

You said you'd like to know who killed your father. That still go?

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

You know it does. But who could it be?

[Rocky Jordan]

Somebody who wanted the scarab real bad.

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Maybe Kleberg.

[Rocky Jordan]

He's a good bet. You wait here, Maria. By then, Maria was all for it, like I knew she'd be. She promised to wait. I was out on my own. In another half hour. I was pounding at the door of my friend, Professor Menu, whose home was just off the campus of the Cairo University. A servant finally let me in and I waited in minutes library until he came down, still pulling a rope around him.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

The impatience of your Americans, Mr. Jordan. What can it be this time?

[Rocky Jordan]

There's something that might interest you, Professor. Look this thing over, William.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Why, a scarab, white and excellently preserved.

[Rocky Jordan]

Unless it's a phony. That's what I want to know.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

I see A few tests will tell. If you will kindly remain here a moment.

[Rocky Jordan]

Professor Manouf took the scarab with him to another room. And I kept busy till I found a science room who's who on his library shelf. I thumbed through the K's. Finally there the name was Kleberg. Dr. Eric, University of Munich, University of Ankara. Authority on archaeology and antiquities. And I had all I wanted.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Mr. Trophen.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Mr. Jordan, do you realize what you have here?

[Rocky Jordan]

I Don't bother to tell me. I know now this is a real scarab. It is absolutely genuine. Sure. Kleberg knew way too much about antiquities to offer to buy a phony. He knew he was going to get the real article.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

A remarkable specimen, 18th Dynasty, I would say. There is only one like it in the Cairo Museum.

[Rocky Jordan]

Now you better look there again, Professor. One of the museums are phony.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

What?

[Rocky Jordan]

Oh, you.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

You cannot be serious.

[Mr. Bannister]

Yeah.

[Rocky Jordan]

Scrappy Sims had it all figured to get Silvestri to make a phony. But what he didn't tell Silvestri was that he had a further plan. That somebody else was in on the deal.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

I fear that I do not understand

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

what you are saying.

[Rocky Jordan]

Somebody who switched the real one with the phony in the museum so Scrappy could sell this one, the real one, to Cleaverd.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Should I know what you are talking about, Mr. Jordan?

[Lieutenant Bligh / Captain Sabia]

Yeah.

[Rocky Jordan]

Just find out about that one in the museum. You can read the rest in the morning papers.

[Announcer]

In just a moment. Rocky Jordan returns to conclude tonight's story. Have you ever been out in the field when the tomatoes are ripening? Ever seen a big red tomato so ripe it fairly begs to be picked? Then you know just how taste tempting a tomato really can be. How wonderfully rich and full bodied and satisfying the juice is. But if you've never had that experience, then the closest thing to it is Del Monte Tomato Juice.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Yes, the real test of a tomato juice is how fresh and natural it tastes. That's why I keep several cans of Del Monte Tomato Juice on hand at all times. It is so fresh tasting and natural tasting, dad, the children, the whole family enjoy it so much for its refreshing, clean taste.

[Announcer]

Yes, that's Del Monte Tomato Juice all right. Fresh tasting, natural tasting and refreshing. Pressed from the finest vine, ripened tomatoes packed fast under the closest quality control. It all means extra enjoyment for you at breakfast, lunch or dinner or any time during the day. You'll find Del Monte Tomato Juice really hits the spot. Back now to Rocky Jordan for the conclusion of tonight's story.

[Rocky Jordan]

I left Professor MinoWF's library, knowing two more things. That the scarab that had already brought death to two people was genuine. And the Dr. Kleberg knew it was real when he moved to buy it. Now I was on my way for the clincher, and I didn't have to go far. I was being real careful of the dark steps to the street.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Jordan.

[Rocky Jordan]

You like the dark.

[Mr. Bannister]

Lay the scarab down carefully. Then go quickly.

[Rocky Jordan]

I don't see you and I don't see a gun.

[Mr. Bannister]

Nevertheless, we're both here. I'm giving you your chance, Jordan.

[Rocky Jordan]

Even when I know who you are. John Bannister.

[Mr. Bannister]

Oh, that does make a difference.

[Rocky Jordan]

I had to guess the gun too. 45.

[Mr. Bannister]

You still haven't done what I told you.

[Rocky Jordan]

Ready to tell me where you work now? How about the Cairo museum? In a trusted position, maybe. Where you'll have plenty of chance to switch stuff around.

[Mr. Bannister]

Mr. Jordan, I'd hate for the professor to have to find your body lying on his doorstep.

[Rocky Jordan]

But you didn't hesitate to kill your close friend Scrappy Sims.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Why?

[Rocky Jordan]

Because he found out he was playing with something too hot. Could he have gotten scared and started for the police?

[Mr. Bannister]

What should concern you is that he's dead.

[Rocky Jordan]

Sure. First Sims and then Silvestri. So the truth about the phony white beetle scarab will never be known.

[Mr. Bannister]

I could hardly stop now and then.

[Rocky Jordan]

You're gonna be real busy. Maria knows, so does Professor Minouf.

[Mr. Bannister]

And you, Jordan. So I'll begin at once.

[Rocky Jordan]

The shot had come from the shadow of the Wall. The next one was equally wild as the figure of a small girl, that of Maria Silvestri darted away down the street banister swung around, taking careful aim. I took it from there. I came down on his hand and a heavy gun clattered to the steps. He made a dive for it, but I kicked it away. I waited for his next move. But he just stood there as the Cairo police came in from all direct.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

No sugar in your coffee, Jordan?

[Rocky Jordan]

Oh, no, thanks, Sam. I like to drink my coffee not.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Your

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

people have been drinking coffee in this manner for countless years. You could get used to it.

[Narrator/Various Characters (Favorite Story)]

Maybe.

[Rocky Jordan]

Some things I'll never get used to.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Such is the problem of all mankind, Jordan. Learning to accept that which Allah decrees.

[Rocky Jordan]

I'm thinking about Maria.

[Mr. Bannister]

Oh? What about her?

[Rocky Jordan]

A try for revenge. Attempted murder.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

What you say puzzles me. According to the notes in my dossier on the case, Maria fired the shots at Bannister only to save your life. Is that not how it was?

[Rocky Jordan]

I say let's just leave it that way, huh? What does your dossier say about Bannister?

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

You were quite right about him. He was an employee of the Cairo Museum. He has confessed to switching the relics. The true one will be returned to its place.

[Rocky Jordan]

All this over a little white beetle. Was it worth it, Sam?

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Well, who can say? To Bannister, perhaps.

[Rocky Jordan]

Doesn't make sense to me.

[Sam Sabia / Police Captain]

Why should it? Remember, if all people's sense of values were equal, there would be little adventure in this world. You would not like that, would you, Jordan?

[Announcer]

For the finest in tomato flavor, enjoy the whole family of Del Monte tomato products.

[Mrs. Heywood / Maria Silvestri]

Del Monte Catsu and chili sauce, Del Monte tomato sauce and tomato juice and Del Monte whole peel tomatoes.

[Announcer]

Remember, buy wisely. Buy for flavor. Buy Del Monte, Del Monte, the brand you trust for flavor in so many good foods. Rocky Jordan, written by Larry Roman and Gomer Kuhl, stars Jack Moyles in the title role with Jane of Ello as Sam Sabia and is produced and directed by Cliff Howell with original music composed and conducted by Richard Arundt. Remember, you have a date next week at the Cafe Tambourine run by Rocky Jordan. Same time, same station and the story is the perfect witness. If it's gay summer flavor you want in a quick dessert or salad, serve Del Monte Fruit Cocktail. It's ready cut and ready mixed. A real flavor treat. So good looking. Ask for Del Monte Fruit Cocktail. Larry Thor speaking. Rocky Jordan is presented over cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Rocky Jordan]

Foreign.

[Relic Radio Host]

Visit relicradio.com for more from favorite story, Rocky Jordan, the Relic Radio show and all the other Relic Radio podcasts. Lots to listen to there along with a shout cast stream with even more old time radio. All for free. Thanks to your support. If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the support links in the show. Show Notes thanks to those who have thanks for joining me this week. I'll be back tomorrow with an hour of old time Radio crime on Case Closed and next Tuesday with our next episode of the Relic Radio Show.