John Steele and Frank Race

Summary

The Relic Radio Show: "John Steele and Frank Race"

Episode Date: October 7, 2025
Podcast: Relic Radio Show (hosted by RelicRadio.com)
Theme: A double feature of classic radio drama: "John Steele, Adventurer" — "The Unsuspected" (1950) and "The Adventures of Frank Race" — "The Six-Week Cure" (1949). Both stories delve into the shadows of human nature against romantic and exotic backdrops: the treacherous Amazon jungle and the world of Reno's divorce ranches.

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Overview

This episode of The Relic Radio Show, "John Steele and Frank Race," transports listeners to two dramatically different, yet equally atmospheric, adventures from radio's golden age. "The Unsuspected," a John Steele tale, takes us deep into the Amazon jungle, exploring the cost of honesty, loyalty, and personal codes. "The Six-Week Cure," featuring Frank Race, delivers a twist-laden murder mystery amid Reno's notorious divorce culture, complete with colorful characters and classic hard-boiled repartee.

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Segment 1: "John Steele, Adventurer" – "The Unsuspected"

Airdate: Originally aired May 9, 1950
Timestamps: 01:00–30:26

Key Story Summary

• Setting: Amazon Basin, mid-century South America, in the midst of constructing airfields.
• Main Characters:
  • Charles Maloney – Honest to a fault, the protagonist and narrator.
  • Alicia – The empathetic daughter of Jose.
  • Jose – Alicia’s father, obsessed with finding his lost friend Bill Harris.
  • Supporting cast: Tony, Hans, John Steele (foreman).

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Burden of Truth

• Charles is defined by his inability to tell a lie, often at the expense of his own standing and relationships.
• Charles’ refusal to indulge in harmless group banter isolates him:
  Charles: "Why should I lie for anyone? It does not matter if they asked for the truth." (04:54)

The Quest for Bill Harris

• Jose is haunted by his friend Bill Harris's disappearance; despite widespread belief that Bill is dead, Jose is determined to search the jungle.
• Alicia intercedes, persuading Charles to help her father, not for the likelihood of success, but for closure and camaraderie:
  Alicia: "Even if Papa do not find Bill, at least he will be happier knowing he tried to." (05:40)

Jungle Hardships and Clashing Motives

• The expedition quickly faces setbacks: loss of essential medical supplies, harsh terrain, and the ever-present threat of disease and animals.
• The relationship between Charles and Jose frays, with each questioning the other's resolve and motives.

Increasing Desperation and Tragedy

• Jose’s health deteriorates due to malaria and exhaustion. Malaria-induced delirium leads him to mistake Charles for Bill and confess to a murder back at camp.
• As Jose grows sicker, paranoia peaks, and a confrontation nearly turns deadly.

Resolution with No Closure

• Charles returns to camp, weak and heartbroken, forced to tell Alicia that her father has died of malaria—while withholding the darker truth.
• Heartbreaking choice: Charles lies for the first time, sacrificing honesty to spare Alicia pain:
  Charles: "Your father, Jose, he died on the way back. Sorry, Alicia... He died of malaria." (26:38–27:07)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Alicia about Charles's honesty:
  "That is why I most want you to go with Papa. You are honest, no matter what happens." (05:21)
• Jose’s confession and delirium:
  "You only want to know. I killed him, Bill. Everyone else think he died like natural, but, you know not." (Approx. 29:00)
• Alicia’s heartbreak:
  "I don't never want to hear you again." (28:09)
• Charles's resigned reflection:
  "The story of a man who told a lie and lost the only person he really cared for. But one peace of mind." (28:21)

Memorable Moment

• The moral twist: Charles, having lost everything to his unbending truthfulness, lies to Alicia to spare her, recognizing that sometimes, a lie can be kinder than the truth.

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Segment 2: "The Adventures of Frank Race" – "The Six Week Cure"

Airdate: November 6, 1949
Timestamps: 30:26–56:33

Key Story Summary

• Setting: Reno, Nevada — the notorious locale for American divorcees; a dude ranch for the rich, bored, and broken-hearted.
• Main Characters:
  • Frank Race – Ex-OSS attorney turned detective.
  • Mark Donovan – Frank's loyal sidekick.
  • Olga Petrov – Celebrated ballerina, seeking divorce.
  • Boris Petrov – Olga's husband, ambitious and unfaithful.
  • Big Rocky (Joe Rocklin) – Shady financier and would-be gangster.
  • Fran Maitland – Glamorous, dangerous, and ultimately murderous divorcee.
  • Ma Westcott – No-nonsense ranch owner, sharp and colorful.

Key Plot Points and Insights

Reno’s Underbelly

• Frank observes that Reno's reputation for "gay divorcees" is a myth—there is little joy beneath the surface:
  Frank: "There's nothing gay about a marriage that doesn't work, Mark. For most of them, this is the bitter end of a sweet dream." (31:59)

Olga’s Predicament

• Olga seeks Frank's help: she's caught between her estranged husband Boris, her gangster patron Rocky, and the enigmatic, wealthy Fran Maitland.
• Frank is drawn into complex romantic and criminal entanglements.

Ma Westcott’s Realm

• The tough-as-nails ranch owner, her wayward son, and helicopter rides create a Wild West meets noir atmosphere.
• Ma Westcott provides both comic relief and a credible red herring as a suspect.

Two Murders, Multiple Suspects

• Sylvia Towner, another desperate divorcee, is found murdered (brandishing iron through the throat), followed soon after by Rocky, shot dead.
• Suspicion sweeps across the entire cast, including Boris, Fran Maitland, Ma Westcott, and even Frank himself.
• Frank’s classic hard-boiled exchanges, quick wits, and layered narration drive the investigation:
  Frank: "You think you're pretty good, don't you, huh? Big man, tough guy. Just like my husband." (39:07, spoken to Frank by Sylvia)

The Showdown and Solution

• Frank deduces two murderers: Rocky kills Sylvia to prevent her from disrupting his plans; Fran Maitland kills Rocky with a rifle shot from above, expertly, due to her skeet shooting skills.
• The setup for Fran’s capture is pure detective theater—Frank waits in the dark, exposes her, and Mark Donovan foils her attempted escape with a timely, non-lethal gunshot.
• The story ends on a bittersweet note; Olga is momentarily safe but still trapped in her unhappy world.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Ma Westcott (on riding her own helicopter):
  "You're something of a flyer, too, Mr. Race. Most ranchers think I'm crazy, though." (36:43)
• Rocky’s threat disguised as advice:
  "You’re smart, Race... I sort of feel there ain’t no reason for you to be in Reno." (38:16)
• Mark Donovan’s world-weary humor:
  "Yeah, yeah, I know what you mean. Me." (55:14)
• Frank’s classic closer:
  "Why do nice dames always marry heels?" (55:21)

Memorable Moments

• Helicopter spotlight search (42:44): Ma Westcott’s unique night ride leads to the discovery of Sylvia’s body—a striking piece of radio atmosphere.
• Final confrontation (53:29–54:55): The denouement in Rocky's cottage where Frank and Mark catch Fran in the act, tying together all the narrative threads.

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Episode Highlights & Timestamps

• John Steele Introduction & Setup (01:00–04:45)
• Alicia Convinces Charles (04:45–06:23)
• Journey into the Jungle & Loss of Supplies (06:47–10:44)
• Jungle Suffering and Jose’s Delirium (13:00–24:00)
• Jose’s Death and Charles’s White Lie (26:25–28:21)
• Frank Race Introduction: Reno Divorce Culture (30:26–32:13)
• Olga’s Dilemma and Entry of the Villains (32:43–38:38)
• Ma Westcott, Helicopter Sequence & Murder Discovery (42:44–44:39)
• Frank Race’s Investigation & Solution Unfold (47:07–54:55)
• Episode Closer & Reflections (55:00–56:33)

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Tone and Style

• Atmospheric & Hard-Boiled: Both stories are rich in descriptive language and period dialogue, with a focus on human frailty, moral ambiguity, and poignant choices.
• Cinematic Storytelling: Sound effects, character-driven narration, and sharp exchanges pull listeners deep into the heart of each drama.

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For New Listeners

This episode offers a prime example of classic radio drama's power: suspenseful, character-driven, and often morally complex. "The Unsuspected" unspools a meditation on honesty, sacrifice, and the weight of truth. "The Six-Week Cure" pairs sharp detective work with the soap opera world of Reno divorcees, capped with witty banter and a double-murder plot. Both segments showcase the enduring appeal of old-time radio’s storytelling craft.

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Transcript

[Announcer]

This is the Relic Radio show, Old time Radio entertainment. Still standing the test of time from relicradio.com this week on the relic radio show, our hour of radio drama begins with John Steele, adventurer. We'll hear the unsuspected from May 9, new 1950. After that, it's the adventures of Frank Race and the adventure of the six week cure. That story aired November 6, 1949.

[Charles Maloney]

Take one man who never learned to lie. Place him in the steaming jungles of South America and let him discover a secret he knew no one would believe. That's the story of the unsuspected, taken from the files of John Steele, adventurer. Hello, friends. This is John Steele with another story of action and suspense designed to please those of us who can only dream of adventure. The other day I happened to run across an article about the fabulous country of the Amazon basin. Well, it brought back pleasant memories and the name of an old acquaintance, Charles Maloney. I've never been able to think of one without thinking of the other and of what happened that summer. But here's Charles to tell you as only he can.

[Alicia]

Charles.

[Charles Maloney]

I guess everybody has some kind of code. They live by that swell if you don't get blinded by it. Gotta learn that there are times when the things you believe in have to be forgotten. If you don't want to hurt someone, it ain't easy. Leastways, not for me. I guess it really started the day I signed on to work as a surveyor on the great diagonal. That's a projected direct air route across the Amazon jungles from Caracas to Rio de Janeiro. My outfit was laying out an emergency airfield in the Mato Grasso country. One night we were all gathered in the thatched hut that served as a bar. Tony and Hans, Jose and Alicia. As usual, Tony was razzing my buddy Hunt about making more money than anyone. And Jose was pestering me. You will go. No. No. Why? I told you why, Jose. But it is the soul leaders. For the thousandth time, no. Why not? You not go with me, huh? Why should I go on a wild goose chase in the jungles? Especially with you, it is not a good chase. Besides, I got work to do. You can get off. Oh, get someone else, Jose. No. Because they won't do it either. No. Same here. You the only one, Jose. It's about time you accepted the truth about Bill Harrod. You know I've always told the truth to everyone, no matter who they were. I'm telling it to you now. Bill Harris is dead. No. Lay off me, will you? I'LL not believe until I see with my own eyes. Okay, you see? But I'm not looking for any dead man. Please, Senor Charlie. Oh, don't hang on to me. She would talk to you. I've already told her the same thing. She wait at table. Now you come over. Okay? Bueno. You good guy, Charlie. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Hun, come here. In a minute. Hence, I gotta yell for some help. Fellas, are you see you. You. You speak for my Alicia first, signore? Yes, yes. All right, then we're gonna come over there. Please, please, please, signore. Hey, look, I won't take but just one minute, Jose. But, but please, I wanna prove the point. What point, Tony? We say that Hans, he's a save his money to go back to United States and make a marriage. Yeah, yeah, yeah, that is right. So who is he, Charl? Well, you're the only one who goes to town with Hans when he sends that money in Mexico. You know who he is? Hans has never even been in this place. Jolie sends his money to his father in German. How do you like it? What's the matter with them?

[Alicia]

You don't know?

[Charles Maloney]

I only told them what they asked.

[Alicia]

It would have been better to say they were right.

[Charles Maloney]

Perhaps. Well, it wasn't so.

[Alicia]

It would have made them all happy if you say what they want.

[Charles Maloney]

Oh, why should I lie for anyone? It does not matter if they asked for the truth.

[Alicia]

I told them they were but having fun.

[Charles Maloney]

They all walk out on me.

[Alicia]

Not me.

[Charles Maloney]

It was a plague or something. Let us sit down. I just don't get it. Is there something the matter with me? Alicia, no. This isn't the first time they've actually.

[Alicia]

I do not understand you.

[Charles Maloney]

Do you?

[Alicia]

That is why I most want you to go with Papa. You are honest, no matter what happens.

[Charles Maloney]

But that trip's ridiculous. Not to Papa. You know as well as I do, if there was any chance that Bill Harris's plane came down safely, the search parties would have found them.

[Alicia]

But Papa was so great a friend of Bill.

[Charles Maloney]

Oh, so what?

[Alicia]

Can't you see how he wastes away these two months?

[Charles Maloney]

Yeah.

[Alicia]

Even if Papa do not find Bill, at least he will be happier knowing he tried to.

[Charles Maloney]

Well, I'm not going on any jungle hunt with Jose. Yeah.

[Alicia]

If you go with Papa, it will bring your friends back to you.

[Charles Maloney]

Yeah.

[Alicia]

See why they all have great respect for Jose? They would like you if you make him happy.

[Charles Maloney]

Yeah.

[Alicia]

And in the week you're gone, they will forget tonight.

[Charles Maloney]

Think so? And I'd be happy too. Yeah, maybe. It wouldn't be a wasted trip far as I'm concerned. Okay.

[Alicia]

You will?

[Charles Maloney]

Yeah.

[Alicia]

Muchas gracias.

[Charles Maloney]

I went back to my hut. None of the guys said anything. They all just hit the bunks. But I didn't go to sleep right away. I wish I told Alicia how it made me feel that she hadn't gone off when Tony and them had. She was different. By morning the news had gotten around. Everyone was wishing Jose luck while I loaded the boat. We thought a lot of the old Spaniard because of his devotion to Bill Harris, shoved off at 9 o'. Clock. John Steele, our foreman, handling the outboard in midstream. John looked at Jose and he jerked his thumb toward the south. Upstream. Now I knew he was crazy. Billet headed his plane north toward Manaus. Steele followed orders and late that afternoon we pulled into the bank and started to unload so hot you could actually see this. We got a lot of stuff, Jose. We going to bury part of it here? No, we can't carry it all. Not too. Oh, don't be crazy. In this genre, everything is important for a couple week trips. I didn't say anything about no. Two weeks maybe. No be two weeks. Never know. Here's your quinine supply. I'll carry that. That's all we see you maybe in a week. What's your rush? We must make stock while still daylight. And I have to get back to camp. Another hour won't matter. I have to make another trip downriver before Hans has made me into Santari. A British freighter was there. I didn't know he was going there. After last night. I didn't know. Too late now. See you in a week, Jose. Right here, see? If not, then one week more, right? Two weeks. It's the latest. Come on, Charlie. Yeah, sure, sure. We go this way, Charlie. Okay. It doesn't matter which way he goes. You ask me, here's a good spot to stop it in jungle. Animal trailer. 50 miles out of the way to start. Where do you think? So Bill was headed north. No reports know he. I saw him when he took off. Yeah, he turned over jungle and head of river. You saw him head this way? That is so. Why didn't you tell them when they were searching? I tried to, but I don't believe he was supposed to go north. That's what everyone think, Jose. No different. Maybe you got something, Jose See Aruna closer. Do you think it was headed for our opponent? D. Why? Don't know. Why didn't we just fly to Arapuna? Then he did not make it there. Not yet. Well then if he didn't, he went down in this territory, huh? We see man. That'd be the thing, huh? Finding pill. He set me up. Me too. Not the same way these frost running river. We call them creeks where I come from. We can wait it. No that's not over wasted these fields with the run cannibals. Maybe we find free fell over. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Here's one. Jose. Bueno. You gotta sit down and send me across with this load. I'm packing him. Me too. Jose. Hey. Make it to the bank, Jose. Quick. Beast don't eat.

[Alicia]

Come on.

[Charles Maloney]

That lord break los call. Bad way to start. Senor. Your pack is gone. Fell off watch away before I could grab him the coin 92. Yeah. Hey, we can't do without that drive to get packing. Come on. We gotta catch Steve before he gets away. Guns. John. This is spot. Jose is gone. Yeah people quite a way down the river. But Steel wasn't in sight. I wanted to camp right there and wait for John's return. In a week. Make a raft and float downstream. Jose wouldn't hear of it. We couldn't go on. Not to leave jungles without quinine. There was no arguing with Jose. For four days we hacked our way through the steaming jungle. The rain never stopped. Neither did the chatter of monkeys. Like we were caught in a nest of a thousand snakes. Hacking. Hacking at vines. Finally we worked our way under a bunch of broadleaf plants. Like umbrellas. You are you want we eat nothing else. I don't care. Well, I don't care. Okay. We eat. What this bird I shot before. At least it's not hard to feel a couple of hours till nighttime. So we eat, then go. Not me, Lee. I'm worn out. Me older men than you, but so what? Okay, senor. Salu. We stay. Sure. Rain, huh? Rain. Rain too much. Yeah. Lower town makes me sleepy. Why so I like when I was a kid. Ain't on the roof you would speak, eh? No, no, no. Just sleepy. Why don't we go back, Jose? Back there ain't a chance of finding anything in this jungle. No? No. Go back. Only two days till Steel comes back. When he's just naked. With luck and they'll go back. Must fine deal. You know you're not going to. You know, I've been thinking all that you tell Alicia what you saw? What do you mean? About Bill turning his plain socks. If not, why? Huh. I. I just noticed. You really want to find Bill. Well, you think I do. These I'VE been wondering about that. Never knew you were such a close friend of Bill before this happened. We're much close. Yeah. Yeah. Sure there isn't something else? What do you mean, Charlie? It seems funny you're the only one who doesn't think Bill's dead. Maybe you think too much. No one's going all this trouble unless it's more than friendship. Somebody's gonna slug me. You one smart fellow, huh? I'll show you that. Where'd you get that? I. I shoot man who say. Oh, forget it. Forget it. You get on your high horse. I didn't mean anything by no. Ah, jungle's getting big. You gotta stick together, Jose. If we both want to get back. You are alive. Like a drink jail a little Alicia no understand Jelly gets much Bill alive. Find your Bill, they find you. They find you. Bill find you. Hey, Jose. Wake up. Bill. I know you hate, right? Wake up, Jose. Spirit. Yeah, this is Tom. Come on, wake up. Just dreaming. Dreaming. What's the matter, Jose? Nothing of the morning. You got a fever? Nothing. Malaria? No, nothing. Dr. Going back after we lost the quinine. Got to find baby. Nothing wrong with Jose. We're starting back. No, we are. We go on now. Well, I'm not. Okay, you go back, Jose. Go on. You can't do that. See? I do. You're out of your head. Haven't a chance fighting malaria when we're wearing ourselves out. Hacking through the jungle. I find Beatles. Look at us all cut up. Scratches. Getting ulcers already. We're going back. See you go both of us. Civil dre trouble later. I'm sorry I came. They sorry too. You're no good. No. No good for jungle. And I don't want to be. Only reason I came was because of Alicia. See? Jungle wise make her happy. Well, I've got to stick by you. Take care of you for her. So you go where I go. Yeah. Far as I'm concerned, you could stay here and run. You always say what she is on your mind. Yeah. Known all along what I thought of you. Maybe her days feel same way too. Well, good. The record's straight. Get your back on. Are we going to eat? Could have been Dre Woodford. Okay. I wish I had a cup of coffee right now. Yeah, Drown out this stinking milk for a few minutes. Once it isn't raining. We'll find Drywood an open spot. Yeah. Jose. Don't think she's wrong. Senor. On the tree limit. What Panther no can see. Where do I get my gun? On the floor. No can see. Stand still. Your eyes are playing. Jose, you're hurt. I'm all right. I told you to stand still. No sleepwalker. Couldn't get my gun out in time. I see. You're sicker than I thought. No burning up. Go away soon. Get up to that clearing and rest. Gee. Hey, come on. Put your arm around my shoulder. A little bit more. Everything go wrong for me. Got ready. Eat these goals. Sure, sure. I'll try to rust myself. Something to eat. Maybe a panther steak. I know hungry. Now you gotta eat. Keep your straight. Some drywood. Senor Kelly? Yeah. Senor Kelly. Senor. Yeah. Come and Colin. Don't. You sealed up my eyes. They no fool me. No. What? Look in valley over there. Yeah. Look for what? Wingtip of airplane. There. There were three types of regards. I don't see. Wait a minute. Yeah, I think it is a wingtip. Maybe we have Jose. We must go. You can't. Jose go. No. Get the Bill. It's not a time of your state. Let me show you now. Be dragon probably is crying on you. I hope so. Bill. Bill. Close enough yet. Sorry. Yes. Come on. Put an arm around my shoulder. Leg hurt. Fell on it. You. You lie. It's a bit Charlie. Lie? I don't lie about anything. You're not gonna leave Jose here to die. You're making sense for once, huh? Out of your mind for hours. What I say nothing. I see the plane now. Bueno. Yeah. Yeah, that's it. Nasty bail. Doesn't look like there was any fire. Maybe. Maybe he got out. Bill. Bill. You run somewhere, Bill? No answer. Stay here. No. Probably in the plane. Look for food. We wait. Yeah. Look in plane first. Yeah. Yeah, yeah. Is there Jose? What's left of you. I know you hear, Bill. I'm not Bill. Jose. He's mad. Hey, snap out of it, Jose. Jose was in a bad way. Malaria can kill an old man like him quickly. Especially in his weakened condition. I ripped a piece of metal off the plane and dug a grave for Bell Harris. Then I got some things to prove. We'd found him and started back with Jose. Had a half drag, half carry him. But at least the trail was easier. There's only three days left to meet steel and a good five days journey. The rate I was making there was made me time to stop and look for food. Three days. I had to get back get back to John Steele. On the next to last day, Jose perked up a little. He was still delirious, but he could walk some. Maybe the little quinine in the Plane was taking effect. He stepped at a brook to wash our faces. Didn't dare to drink, no matter what. Feel better, Jose See Bill. Chelsea. I know what happened to Charlie. Oh, come on. We gotta get back. Jose get back. Sure. Not you, Bill. Cut out the crazy. You know, fool. Me, Bill? I'm not Bill. You killed Charlie. What? Jose no. Come right here. Think Jose asleep, but me see. You bury Charlie. You saw me, Charles burying Bill. Stay away. Hey, what are you doing? Get guns. Oh, shoot, Jose kill you, right? Put the gun down. Kill your work out of your head. I'm Charles, not Bill. You want to go back now? Yeah. Yeah. So you tell on me. There's nothing to tell. You want to go back and tell police? Police? Well, what about the Indian that died in Camp Lalo? You only want to know. I killed him, Bill. Everyone else think he died like natural, but, you know not. So no one. No one cares. Now I kill you too. No, you don't. Kill that gun. I got it eaten. You're nice. Better when close. Yes. I wouldn't get you now. Charles. Are you all right? Are you hurt? Yeah. Feeling better, Charlie? Yeah, I guess so. What happened? You passed off. How'd I get here? When you didn't show up the second week, I came after you. Jose. I buried him. I tried unhurt at all. You saw, I tried to stop it, but couldn't cut through the jungle in time. I couldn't help it. Yeah, I know. I had to. I'd never have believed it if I hadn't heard. No. No one would. Makes it tough. What do you mean? Explaining what happened. No one will believe the truth. Well, they'll believe you. Not where Jose is concerned. They think too much of them. Yeah. I can fix it up with the rest of the camp. What are we worrying about then? Alicia. Alicia. Only you can handle that. Yeah, but I, I, I. It'll wreck her life. Why you always tell the truth when she finds her father was a murderer. I know what you mean. Well, that's your problem. Yeah. Yeah. Almost there. What are you gonna do? I don't know.

[Alicia]

Charles. Mr. Steel.

[Charles Maloney]

Where's Papa? Did he find Bill? Yes.

[Alicia]

Oh. And he stay there till the rescue party come?

[Charles Maloney]

Not exactly, no.

[Alicia]

Tell me.

[Charles Maloney]

Well, Charles. Alicia, your. Your father, Jose, he died on the way back. Sorry, Alicia. Weed. We all feel the same way about Jose. Yes.

[Alicia]

Huh.

[Charles Maloney]

Holy shit. Why? How did it happen? Your. Your father died of malaria. I'll tell the rest of the cabin. See you, Alicia.

[Alicia]

Malaria?

[Charles Maloney]

Yeah.

[Alicia]

How? How could he? Well, you took quinine Alone.

[Charles Maloney]

We lost it.

[Alicia]

Lost How?

[Charles Maloney]

I was carrying it.

[Alicia]

You?

[Charles Maloney]

Yeah, I fell in with scream and lost it.

[Alicia]

You lost it?

[Charles Maloney]

What? Couldn't be helped.

[Alicia]

When?

[Charles Maloney]

First day.

[Alicia]

And you didn't come back?

[Charles Maloney]

No.

[Alicia]

You forced my papa to go on like that?

[Charles Maloney]

No. He was the one. You should have come back then. Yeah, I guess so.

[Alicia]

You make him die.

[Charles Maloney]

Oh, listen.

[Alicia]

I don't never want to hear you again.

[Charles Maloney]

Never.

[Alicia]

Never.

[Charles Maloney]

Best way. Yeah, Guess that was the best way. The title, the Unsuspected. The story of a man who told a lie and lost the only person he really cared for. But one peace of mind. If you like Charlie's story, friends, why not come back next week? I'll have a man who looked for sanctuary in a murky swamp and found the answer to his escape in a buried treasure chest. I like to call it Quagmire. So until next week then. This is John Steele saying a life of adventure is yours for the asking wherever you find it. Only don't look for it. It may find you. Well, goodbye and good hunting. John Steele, Adventurer is produced by Robert Monroe, directed by Elliot Drake and written by Royal Dees. Ross Martin was heard as Charles. Also in the cast were Jim Bowles and Briana Raper. John Steele is played by Don Douglas. Musical effects were created by Doc Whipple. Your announcer is Ted Melly. Remember next week, Mutual presents Quagmire. Another story of suspense and action. From the files of John Steele, Adventurer.

[Frank Race]

The Adventures of Frank Race. Starring Paul Dubov. The war changed many things. The face of the earth and the people on it. Before the war, Frank Race worked as an attorney. But he traded his law books for the cloak and dagger of the oss. And when it was over, his former life was over too. Adventure had become his business. The Adventures of Frank Race. And now we join Frank Race for the adventure of the six week cure. Reno, Nevada. A simple city like any other American city. The one made notorious for its gambling clubs and for harboring the sickest people in the world. The temporary home of would be divorcees taking the six week cure from the ills of marriage. You could see their strained white faces on the streets and in the restaurants and the clubs. The faces of women not quite sure what had happened. Not quite sure why they were here. Not quite sure where they were going tomorrow. You know something, Race?

[Charles Maloney]

All my life I've been hearing about gay divorcees. But the babes around here do not look so gay to me.

[Frank Race]

There's nothing gay about a marriage that doesn't work, Mark. For most of them, this is the bitter end of a sweet dream.

[Charles Maloney]

That's never fun.

[Frank Race]

Well, leave us not stay around to.

[Charles Maloney]

Be poor bearers, huh?

[Frank Race]

You got your business for the insurance.

[Charles Maloney]

Company all cleared up. Leave us, get back to New York.

[Frank Race]

What's your rash? We can take a little vacation. Some great fishing in the mountains here.

[Charles Maloney]

Oh, no, you don't. No, you don't. Not with me. I remember the last time I got.

[Frank Race]

More hooks into myself than I get into the fish. Besides which, I wind up eating nothing but bread because it is the only.

[Charles Maloney]

Food we have which don't have bones.

[Frank Race]

All right, Marcus, you in?

[Charles Maloney]

Besides, I'm not so sure that you'd go fishing.

[Frank Race]

What do you mean?

[Charles Maloney]

There is a dish sitting at that table over in the corner. And she has been making passes with her eyeballs ever since we come in here.

[Frank Race]

And she ain't no trout.

[Charles Maloney]

Where?

[Frank Race]

Oh, it's. It's Olga Petrov.

[Charles Maloney]

You know she's coming over.

[Frank Race]

I most certainly do know her. Olga. Olga, baby.

[Alicia]

Oh, Race, I wasn't sure it was you.

[Frank Race]

Olga Petrov. If there's a better ballerina in the world, I've never seen her. She moved with infinite grace and your heart left your body to walk beside her on stager of.

[Alicia]

It's been so long, Race.

[Frank Race]

Paris, just before the gems took over.

[Alicia]

You left without saying goodbye.

[Frank Race]

Boris was jealous, remember? And with good reason. I was beginning to fall in love with you.

[Alicia]

That's nice, Race. That's very sweet.

[Frank Race]

Oh. Oh, excuse me. Olga, this is Mark Donovan, my very good friend.

[Alicia]

Hello, Mr. Donovan.

[Charles Maloney]

Oh, baby, sing it again.

[Frank Race]

By the way, how is Boris?

[Alicia]

He's fine.

[Frank Race]

He's here with you.

[Alicia]

He's here, Race, but not with me.

[Frank Race]

Don't tell me that you're.

[Alicia]

Yes, I'm here for what you so quaintly call the six week cure. Divorce.

[Frank Race]

I'm really very sorry to hear that.

[Alicia]

Where are you staying, Race?

[Frank Race]

Well, we're really not staying. We came in on the plane this morning to settle a claim. We're going right back.

[Alicia]

Race, please stay for a little while. I am in trouble. Desperate trouble. I am staying at a dude ranch 10 miles out on the highway. There are accommodations open.

[Frank Race]

Mark will drive us out. We can talk it over on the way. What went wrong, Olga? I know you didn't take your marriage lightly.

[Alicia]

I guess I am a war casualty, Race. Even at this late date. The ballet is ruined. Temporarily in Europe. They can't support it. Not on the scale Boris demands. They can barely find food.

[Frank Race]

I know.

[Alicia]

So we came to America. You know Boris. You know how he likes to live. Like an emperor. He found somebody to finance it to.

[Frank Race]

Her patron of the arts.

[Alicia]

I would hardly say that. He was financed by a man named Joe Rockland.

[Frank Race]

Big Rocky the Hood financing a ballet company?

[Alicia]

That's right, Race. Big Rocky, as you call him, is in love with me.

[Frank Race]

And he's forcing you and Boris to split.

[Alicia]

I wish that were so. If it were, we could run away. But it isn't. There is another woman.

[Frank Race]

Another woman? Boris must be blind.

[Alicia]

He isn't in love with her. At least I don't think so. But she's very wealthy. That's an attraction Boris cannot resist.

[Frank Race]

Want to tell me who she is?

[Alicia]

Ron Maitland.

[Frank Race]

Wilson Maitland's wife. But she's still married.

[Alicia]

She's here too, Race, getting a divorce. We are all what you call one big happy family.

[Frank Race]

She started to cry and I put my arms around her. She wasn't meant for tears. Not this baby. Her perfume was taboo, exotic, like everything else about her. Even if Fran Maitland had all the money in the world, Boris Petrov was a chump to give this up.

[Alicia]

I'm sorry, Reis. All I know about dancing or life, I learned from Boris. He has been all things to me. I don't relish the thought of being alone.

[Frank Race]

I know. And you're going to find it difficult to be alone with Big Rocky after you. Very difficult. The Bar Triple X Dude Ranch was very much on the sedentary side. So far as the guests were concerned, the most strenuous activity seemed to be the lifting of cocktail glasses. But there was nothing sedentary about the owner of the ranch, Ma Westcott. She was pressing 70, but doing it the hard way. This gentle old lady, believe it or not, could sit on a mustang like Roy Rogers. She could also pilot her own helicopter.

[Alicia]

Understand? You're something of a flyer, too, Mr. Race.

[Frank Race]

I've never been checked out in a helicopter.

[Alicia]

It's good for keeping the herds in sight. Most ranchers think I'm crazy, though.

[Frank Race]

It's something new in range riding. They'll come around.

[Alicia]

Mrs. Westcott, maybe you'd like to come with me someday and see how big this ranch really is.

[Frank Race]

Anytime.

[Alicia]

Good. Get you away from these crazy females for a while. Women oughtn't to be without their men, folks. It makes you mean.

[Charles Maloney]

Ma been looking all over for you.

[Alicia]

It's my son, Boz. What do you want?

[Charles Maloney]

Oh, that fool woman.

[Frank Race]

Mrs. Bry ain't back my ride yet. She must be lost. Someone ought to go find her.

[Alicia]

You were supposed to go with her?

[Frank Race]

Well, I had other things to do.

[Alicia]

Sure. Shining up to that friend Maitland. Now, I told you to stay away from the guest.

[Frank Race]

Now, don't go yelping at me. Coming or ain't you?

[Alicia]

I'm coming. Excuse me, Mr. Race. I. I'm gonna close down it.

[Charles Maloney]

Old girl's quite a character, ain't she?

[Frank Race]

He spoke from just behind my left shoulder, but I didn't have to see his face to know him. Joe Rocklin. Big Rocky. Hardly the type to be calling anybody else a character. I turned and looked into those small black eyes. He was wearing a bow tie, and if it had been the kind that lit up, it would have spelled murder. Done cheaply.

[Charles Maloney]

You gettin a divorce, Race?

[Frank Race]

I'm not married, Rocky.

[Charles Maloney]

Ordering several kinds of divorces. Sometimes a guy gets his arm broke. That's a kind of a divorce from using it anymore. Sometimes a guy gets tired of living and signs off. You could call it a divorce.

[Frank Race]

What you say and what you mean aren't the same.

[Charles Maloney]

You're smart, Race. I sort of feel there ain't no reason for you to be in, Rena.

[Frank Race]

I'm a friend of Olga Petrov's. She's playing a tough hand. I want to stick around until the cards are counted.

[Charles Maloney]

Boris and me can take care of that. I don't remember inviting you to my wedding.

[Frank Race]

I'm coming anyhow, just to make sure there's no shotgun pointing at the bride.

[Charles Maloney]

So you really did come for a divorce. The tough kind. Well, from now on, I'm your lawyer. Gonna handle the whole thing for you. Starting with a broken arm.

[Frank Race]

Afraid you're even gonna supply the arm, Rocky? Let me go, Reese. All right.

[Charles Maloney]

Go. I'll get out of here and see you again, fella.

[Frank Race]

I. I'm sorry, everybody.

[Charles Maloney]

We're.

[Frank Race]

We're old friends. He gets playful.

[Alicia]

You think you're pretty good, don't you, huh? Big man, tough guy. Just like my husband.

[Frank Race]

Sorry to evoke Unpleasant memories, Mrs. Mrs. Towner.

[Alicia]

Mrs. Robert Towner. But you can call me Sylvia. Because you're just like him. Just like my big, tough husband. What's your name?

[Frank Race]

Race. Frank Race.

[Alicia]

Sure of yourself, aren't you? Just like Robert. You're just a man. Just another heel. I'll be rid of him in another week. What do you think of that, huh?

[Frank Race]

Congratulations.

[Alicia]

I'm lonesome. I don't like to be alone. I'm almost 30 and I don't like it. I gave him 10 years. Now I'm alone.

[Frank Race]

You could go back to him, Sylvia. Ever Think of that.

[Charles Maloney]

I don't think of anything else.

[Alicia]

I can't. You know why he doesn't want me back? Cause I had him arrested for hitting me. And I should have killed him.

[Frank Race]

You better come outside. People are staring.

[Alicia]

Why do I care?

[Charles Maloney]

I'll come out now.

[Frank Race]

Get a grip on yourself.

[Alicia]

Take your hands off me.

[Frank Race]

Stop it. You're getting hysterical.

[Alicia]

Take your hands off me.

[Charles Maloney]

Let go.

[Frank Race]

All right.

[Alicia]

I never want to see another man again as long as I live. Give me that horn.

[Charles Maloney]

Yes, ma'. Am. Well, Grace, you seem to have lost your way with the ladies.

[Frank Race]

Oh, hello, Boris.

[Charles Maloney]

Olga told me you were here.

[Frank Race]

Olga told me a lot of things, too. What are you setting her up for?

[Alicia]

We are getting a divorce, that's all.

[Charles Maloney]

That should not disturb you.

[Alicia]

You are very fond of Olga.

[Charles Maloney]

Of course, you may have some rough competition this time.

[Frank Race]

Don't be a fool, Boris. That girl never looked at anybody but you. You've been her whole life.

[Charles Maloney]

She will find another life, just as I will find another one with Fran Maitland.

[Frank Race]

Your new life might be more interesting than you think. More interesting and less peaceful.

[Alicia]

Is that so, Mr. Race?

[Frank Race]

I hadn't seen her come around the end of the ranch house, but suddenly she was there. A striking woman of 35. Everything about it was reckless. Her face, her figure, the way she wore her clothes. I had met her once before, investigating the loss of some jewelry. And once met Fran Maitland was not easily forgotten.

[Alicia]

Let's hear your theories about life with me, Mr. Race. It might brighten my day. I've been bored.

[Frank Race]

That's your trouble, baby. You get bored too easily. And it takes a new man to snap you out of it.

[Alicia]

Are you volunteering, Race, for assignments like this?

[Frank Race]

I never volunteer.

[Charles Maloney]

I do not like your attitude, Race.

[Alicia]

I do. I love it. I'm finding you more and more intriguing, Race.

[Frank Race]

Don't try too hard. I don't fit into your collection of oddities. I'm not an artiste like Boris, and I can't match Buzz Westcott's drawl What.

[Charles Maloney]

Do you mean by that, Race?

[Alicia]

I'll tell you what he means. He means I've been riding with Westcott while you've been chasing after Sylvia Towner. She's younger than I am, Boris, darling. But she doesn't have any money. Her husband won't settle a dime.

[Frank Race]

Well, I can see you two lovebirds have a lot to discuss. Mark and I had only one interest. Keeping an eye on Olga Petrov. And we avoided the rest of the guests until night came. It was Ma Westcott who Broke up a dull evening for us by taking us for a ride in her helicopter.

[Alicia]

I do this every once in a while at night. Check up on Rushling.

[Charles Maloney]

You know, I don't see how you can spot him from up here.

[Alicia]

You got a powerful spotlight. Just have to shine it down when I see something suspicious. Suspicious going on. Can she? Part of the herd up ahead there. You see him in the moonlight? Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. When we get over them, we'll light up.

[Charles Maloney]

Hey, what a gimmick, huh?

[Frank Race]

You think the Texas Rangers would give.

[Charles Maloney]

Up their ponies and learn to fly things like these instead, huh?

[Alicia]

I'll hang right over them. Now, turn on that light, will you, Race?

[Charles Maloney]

Sure. Look at that.

[Frank Race]

Petty ain't scared or anything.

[Charles Maloney]

Seen a light from way up here, Mark?

[Frank Race]

They're used to a thing called the sun. It comes up every morning.

[Alicia]

Yeah.

[Charles Maloney]

Yeah, you're right. Wait a minute. Look.

[Frank Race]

They're on the other side of the herd.

[Alicia]

It's one of our horses.

[Frank Race]

Yes, and he saddled.

[Charles Maloney]

Hey, he's standing by something. What is it?

[Frank Race]

I don't know, but we better go down and find out. Ma Westcott set the helicopter down and we walked around the herd to where the horse stood. The animal was nuzzling the thing we had seen on the ground. It was the body of a woman. I knelt over her. A pointed branding iron had been stabbed through her throat. It was Sylvia Tanner and she was dead. We'll return to the Adventures of Frank Race in just about one minute. And now back to the Adventures of Frank Race. Sylvia Toner had had her last drink and her last heartache. Mark stood guard over the body while Ma Westcott and I flew back to the ranch house to call the authorities. There wasn't much to be done, so I went to the cottage to turn in.

[Charles Maloney]

Don't go in, Race. It's a nice night.

[Frank Race]

It was rocky again. This time he wasn't playing it on the physical side. He was using science. The science of a deadly automatic. It produced the desired chemical reaction. It dispelled my inclination to ignore him.

[Charles Maloney]

I figured we might take a little walk down the road. I got a car there. We could take a spin. The night air, who knows?

[Frank Race]

Might give you pneumonia or lead poisoning.

[Charles Maloney]

That's a possibility. You're a cinch to catch a fatal.

[Frank Race]

Disease like Sylvia Tanner.

[Charles Maloney]

I got a theory about her Race.

[Alicia]

I think you killed him.

[Frank Race]

I think I can clear myself.

[Charles Maloney]

Nah. You and Sylvia had quite a beef today. You were trying to get romantic in broad daylight and Dame had to scratch you up a Bit.

[Frank Race]

Horace told me you spent quite a yarn.

[Charles Maloney]

Well, it gets more interesting.

[Frank Race]

Go ahead.

[Charles Maloney]

She rides off. You wasn't around all afternoon, so it figures you followed him.

[Frank Race]

I was in my cottage.

[Charles Maloney]

Yeah, but the cops won't know that you followed it. See, you was mad about them scratches on your pretty puss and boom, you blew your top and killed.

[Frank Race]

You ought to change your brand. Whatever you're smoking. You can't sell that to the police.

[Charles Maloney]

Oh, I ain't finished. I'm coming to the best part.

[Frank Race]

Good eve.

[Charles Maloney]

You went for a plane ride. And who spotted the body? You. That is something a guy always does to cover up. Only after the call for the body bulls goes up, you get nervous.

[Frank Race]

Yes.

[Charles Maloney]

So you hop into your rented car, which I have down by the road. You drive out to a lonely spot. Then you take this automatic, which also happens to be yours.

[Alicia]

I just lifted it.

[Charles Maloney]

And you blow your brains out. Neat.

[Frank Race]

Very neat. But there's one weak point.

[Charles Maloney]

Yeah? What?

[Frank Race]

Your chin. Give me that gun.

[Charles Maloney]

Sure. Here.

[Frank Race]

Fist again.

[Charles Maloney]

Come on, let it go.

[Frank Race]

Into the bushes.

[Charles Maloney]

Rocky.

[Frank Race]

Reese.

[Charles Maloney]

What?

[Frank Race]

Is somebody with a long range rifle trying to get into the act?

[Charles Maloney]

Keep low, gun back so I can blast.

[Frank Race]

Who's back? Mine. Keep low and stay happy.

[Charles Maloney]

Whoever it is took a party and wouldn't stay around. Lights are going on in the other cottages.

[Frank Race]

You're right. Now you can get lost, Rocky, and don't come.

[Charles Maloney]

You, my friend, are a real sweet pal.

[Frank Race]

What's wrong, Marcus?

[Charles Maloney]

Ah, leave me on that cactus with.

[Frank Race]

A dame who was in no condition.

[Charles Maloney]

To be company for me.

[Frank Race]

And I'm Coyote Holland. Well, thanks for lovely. It was fully as interesting here. Rocky had me set up for an obituary that would have blackened the family escutcheon.

[Charles Maloney]

Talk English. You think Rocky croaked it then?

[Frank Race]

I don't know. Anybody could have done it. There are too many people and too many reasons. Even Robert Towner is a possibility. Sylvia's husband. He might be around someplace, but he's very unlikely.

[Charles Maloney]

Why?

[Frank Race]

Because he'd have no reason to be taking rifle shots at me or Rocky. I've got to find out who was behind that rifle, who they were shooting at and why. You know something? We toss this crowd into a mixmaster.

[Charles Maloney]

We could whip up a dilly of a cape mark.

[Frank Race]

Tomorrow we start a mingle with the guests. Sooner or later, one of them will make a mistake. The next morning a tennis match got underway and I found myself teamed in the doubles with Fran Maitland. Our opponents were Olga and Boris Petrov.

[Alicia]

Nice recovery race.

[Frank Race]

These are tough opponents. Watch it got it.

[Alicia]

Very good, friend.

[Charles Maloney]

And I get this race.

[Frank Race]

That's a beautiful shot.

[Alicia]

That's the set for us.

[Charles Maloney]

Congratulations.

[Alicia]

You are still very good, Rafe.

[Frank Race]

Well, we had a win. I don't think I could leap that net as easily as you and Boris do.

[Alicia]

It seems to me it's time for a little liquid refreshment. I'll go back to skeet shooting in the future. It's less strenuous.

[Charles Maloney]

Who is that on the horse?

[Frank Race]

He comes like the pictures of the Pony Express. Buzz Westcott. Looks like there's something wrong. You men better come help me.

[Charles Maloney]

We gotta get a wag.

[Frank Race]

What's happened? Except Mr. Rock found him out on the range. You'd been shot. The bullet had gone through Big Rocky's back. And if he had known who fired it, it was knowledge he'd never pass on. He was dead. But his demise filled in one bit of information. He, and not I, had been the target of the long range rifle of the night before. How long you reckon he's been dead, Race? I should say since early this morning, about 5am Anybody who's conscious at that.

[Alicia]

Hour deserves to be shot. How can you say? Have you no heart?

[Charles Maloney]

Well.

[Frank Race]

Gun. All right, Svengali, this is no place to be choosing up sides.

[Charles Maloney]

You fought with him yesterday, did you not?

[Frank Race]

Brace that I did. Boris and I may fight with you today if you don't get out of the way and keep quiet. Look at this wound, Wesker.

[Charles Maloney]

I don't want.

[Frank Race]

Body entered the back between the shoulder blades and came out through the stomach. It follows a downward course.

[Alicia]

Does that have a significance, Grace?

[Frank Race]

Yes. It means that the shot might have been fired by somebody mounted. Might have come from the top of that hill there too. That's possible. Must have told her the range.

[Alicia]

All of you get off the range and get back to the ranch and stay there.

[Frank Race]

Mrs. Westcott, there's no point in blaming anybody for this until we.

[Alicia]

I ain't blaming anybody but myself, Mr. Race. I never liked this guest business and I'm closing it down today. Now, I want everybody off the place by sundown.

[Charles Maloney]

Now, wait a minute.

[Frank Race]

I reckon I got something to say about that.

[Alicia]

Well, you just reckon again. This ranch is mine until I die. And I ain't close to that yet. You don't like it, you can clear off with the rest now. Load them on the wagon and follow me.

[Frank Race]

I'll go with you, Mrs. Westcott.

[Alicia]

I don't need an extra hand, Mr. Race. You can go back with your friends.

[Frank Race]

I don't want you to put them off the ranch just yet. If you do, the murderer may never be caught.

[Alicia]

That's none of my affair. I ain't the sheriff.

[Frank Race]

No, but you're a suspect.

[Alicia]

You mind explaining that?

[Frank Race]

The shot that killed Rockland was fired from a point above and behind him. It could have been fired by a rider or from the top of a hill. Might also have been fired from a helicopter.

[Alicia]

I'd have to have a reason, wouldn't I?

[Frank Race]

Your son might have been the reason. You told him to stay away from the guests. Sylvia Tonner fluctuated between loneliness and hysteria. Maybe Buzz was getting involved with her.

[Alicia]

That wouldn't make me kill Mr. Rockland.

[Frank Race]

It's always easy to tie up a second murder if you have a motive for the first.

[Alicia]

Sort of got me corralled, haven't you, Mr. Ace?

[Frank Race]

I don't like it, but that's the way it is.

[Alicia]

All right, I'll meet you halfway. Everybody can stay for 24 hours.

[Frank Race]

Listen, race, you're off your rocker.

[Charles Maloney]

What do you want to go riding the night for?

[Frank Race]

You're setting yourself up like a clay pigeon. It's the only way to play it. We haven't much time. You go into the house and just drop a hint that I've discovered something. It may force a move.

[Charles Maloney]

Yeah, like the move big Rocky got. He rode out of here, too. And he come back. Very unhealthy.

[Frank Race]

Yes, he did, but.

[Charles Maloney]

What's the matter? Rode out of here.

[Frank Race]

Did he ride out? There was no horse near him and it was too far for him to walk.

[Charles Maloney]

I don't get it.

[Frank Race]

He was packed out, Mark. He was killed here and carried out there. Get your flashlight out. Open that corral gate.

[Charles Maloney]

Yeah, yeah. Look. What are you looking for?

[Frank Race]

It's just a chance. I'll show you if I find it. One side, boy.

[Charles Maloney]

Come here, fella. Come here.

[Frank Race]

All right, Mark. Pull the light close. No, try that room there.

[Charles Maloney]

Yeah, sure, but if you'd only tell me what.

[Frank Race]

Here it is. Here it is.

[Charles Maloney]

Look.

[Frank Race]

All right, so he's got a straight gut going on him.

[Charles Maloney]

So what?

[Frank Race]

It isn't dirt, Marcus. It's blood. Dried blood on his hide. And now I know. I mistake. What's that? I was looking for one murderer, and there are two. Or rather, there were two. You mean Rocky was one of them? Yes. He killed Sylvia to keep her away from Boris. He was safe. There were other suspects with good motives.

[Charles Maloney]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. But who brought Brocky?

[Frank Race]

We'll know within the hour. You're still going to spread a little propaganda in the ranch house. All right, sure. What do you want me to say? Tell him that Rockland wasn't killed on the range. Tell them I'm checking the scene of the murder.

[Charles Maloney]

Yeah, but, Race, you don't know where.

[Frank Race]

Yes, I do. Rocky was killed in his own cottage. That explains the course of the bullet. He was in bed asleep, and the murderer fired the rifle from the window above the head of the bed.

[Charles Maloney]

Hey, chum, let's go to Redmond.

[Frank Race]

I'll stake myself out in his cottage. Go past the word.

[Alicia]

Race.

[Frank Race]

I'm here, friend.

[Alicia]

Couldn't we have a little light?

[Frank Race]

We don't need it, baby. It's more romantic this way. Besides, I found what I was seeking.

[Alicia]

What did you find, Race?

[Frank Race]

I dug a rifle slug out of Rocky's mattress. It was clever of you to change the linens.

[Alicia]

What made you suspect me?

[Frank Race]

Rocky was a rough customer. Your infatuation with Boris was wearing thin. You wanted to dump him. That didn't gel with Rocky's plan, so he made threats. But you beat him to the gun.

[Alicia]

I'm a determined woman. You should get to know me better.

[Frank Race]

I don't think I'd get to know you for very long, though my divorce.

[Alicia]

Settlement is quite liberal. Razor. I might make you forget a lot of things. Money and me. That should be a tempting combination.

[Frank Race]

Money and you are tempting. But I imagine there's a rather forbidding pistol in your hand, isn't there?

[Alicia]

Yes. I tried to be more clever the last time. The rifle seemed to be a rather unlikely weapon for a woman to use.

[Frank Race]

Not for you, Fran. You made a mistake. You mentioned skeet shooting as one of your favorite pastimes.

[Alicia]

Why don't you move out of the shadows, Race?

[Frank Race]

They give you a better shot.

[Alicia]

That might make it quick and painless.

[Frank Race]

I have some bad news for you, Fran. Mark Donovan steered you here deliberately. Right at this moment, he's outside the window drawing a bead on you through the screen.

[Charles Maloney]

That's right. Sister.

[Alicia]

Help me.

[Frank Race]

Take it easy, Fan.

[Charles Maloney]

I only meant to, Winger.

[Frank Race]

That's all you did. She's fainted. She lived to stand trial.

[Charles Maloney]

Well, you sure got that Alga dame out of a pickle.

[Frank Race]

I wonder. Mark, Boris has nobody to run to now, so he'll stick to her for a while. It'll give her a chance to be miserably happy for a little longer.

[Charles Maloney]

Yeah, yeah, I know what you mean. Me.

[Alicia]

But, Bryce, will you tell me something?

[Frank Race]

I should be delighted, old boy.

[Charles Maloney]

Look, look, look. Why did a nice dames always marry Hilton?

[Frank Race]

That is one of the mysteries of life Mark One of the major mysteries, the Adventures of Frank Race, starring Paul Dubov with Tony Barrett as Mark Donovan, comes to you from Hollywood. Others heard in tonight's cast were Lynn Allen, Charlotte Lawrence, Alice Drake, Michael Ann Barrett and Tom Holland. This series is written and directed by Buckley angel and Joel Murcott. The music is composed and played by Ivan Ditmars. Be sure to be with us again this time next week for another dramatic chapter in the Adventures of Frank Race. Art Gilmore speaking. This is a Bruce Ells product.

[Alicia]

Sam.

[Announcer]

There's more from John Steele, Frank Race, the Relic Radio show and all of the other podcasts@ Relicradio.com shoutcast stream is up and running there as well, with even more old time radio streaming 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Lots to listen to there, all made possible by your support. If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. Thanks to those who have helped out. 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.