The Key and Box 13

Summary

The Relic Radio Show: "The Key and Box 13"

Episode Overview

In the January 7, 2025 episode of The Relic Radio Show titled "The Key and Box 13," listeners are transported back to the golden age of radio drama. This episode intricately weaves themes of war, personal struggle, mystery, and adventure through a compelling narrative centered around Sergeant Slim Heavyweather, a nurse, and the enigmatic Dan Holliday. The story unfolds in two main segments: "The Dear John Letter" and "Box 13 and the Treasure of Hang Lee," each exploring different facets of human emotion and intrigue.

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Part 1: The Dear John Letter

Setting the Scene

The episode opens with Sergeant Slim Heavyweather addressing the audience, introducing the series' overarching motif: "Every door has a key. There's a key to every situation. Behind every unopened door there is a mystery" (01:03). This philosophical statement sets the tone for the ensuing drama, emphasizing the themes of secrets and revelations.

Interpersonal Tensions

The narrative delves into the strained relationship between Sergeant Heavyweather and Corporal Harvey. A poignant moment occurs when a nurse reads a heart-wrenching letter, revealing personal turmoil:

"This letter is the hardest I ever had to write... Please forgive me." (01:36)

Sergeant Heavyweather's aggressive demeanor emerges during a conversation fraught with tension:

"Why, you. Yeah, you stink... I hate sitting around. Yeah? Seems to me you just hate to stay alive." (02:59)

This exchange highlights the psychological strain of war, showcasing the fragile mental states of the soldiers. The Sergeant grapples with feelings of inadequacy and fear, reflecting the broader impact of combat on individuals.

A Glimpse into the Sergeant's Past

A significant turning point occurs when Padre (the chaplain) engages with Sergeant Heavyweather, uncovering layers of his history. The Sergeant shares a deeply personal story about his relationship with Annabelle, revealing themes of forgiveness and redemption:

"That preacher said I didn't have no charity in my soul... I went right on out to Annabelle's place. And I said, annabelle, I love you. You love me, and I'm gonna marry you." (18:19)

This confession not only humanizes the Sergeant but also sets up his internal conflict, driven by past regrets and the quest for personal peace.

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Part 2: Box 13 and the Treasure of Hang Lee

The Mysterious Letter

Transitioning from the personal struggles of war, the episode shifts focus to a classic adventure narrative involving a mysterious letter. Dan Holliday, portrayed by Alan Ladd, receives a cryptic message instructing him to purchase a specific piece of jade from Quan Hai's shop in Chinatown. The letter details precise steps to authenticate the valuable "Hang Lee" piece, setting the stage for a treasure hunt:

"If you like murder... Buy the Hang Lee. This will be worth a lot of money to you." (25:44)

Entrapment and Revelation

Upon securing the jade piece, Dan Holliday encounters Mr. Kwan, the shop owner, who reveals the deeper significance of the jade:

"Confucius said that jade is like truth... It gives out a bright rainbow and it shows a pure spirit among the hills and stream." (31:12)

The conversation uncovers a legend surrounding the jade, indicating that assembling all three pieces of the Hang Lee screen will lead to an invaluable treasure. This mystical element intertwines with the tangible quest, blending folklore with the adventure narrative.

Climactic Confrontations

As tensions escalate, Padre becomes embroiled in the unfolding drama, leading to confrontations with Greta Loring and Dan Holliday. The plot thickens as Greta reveals her vendetta against Padre, whom she holds responsible for her father's death:

"You went after the Hangly jade. No one else in the world but you would want that piece." (44:23)

The ensuing showdown is fraught with betrayal and violence, culminating in a pivotal moment where the true nature of the "treasure" is unveiled. Dan Holliday, driven by vengeance for his murdered father, orchestrates the final confrontation:

"The treasure of holly. Right here. Treasure, but not gold... Happy is the man who is contented with his lot." (49:40)

Philosophical Resolution

The episode concludes with a profound revelation that the true treasure is not material wealth but the wisdom encapsulated in a Chinese proverb:

"Happy is the man who is contented with his lot. Gee, you know something, Mr. Holiday?" (50:37)

This resolution reinforces the episode's central theme: the pursuit of personal fulfillment and peace over external riches.

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Key Themes and Insights

1. The Impact of War on the Human Psyche: Through Sergeant Heavyweather's character, the episode explores the psychological toll of combat, highlighting themes of fear, regret, and the struggle for redemption.

2. Forgiveness and Personal Growth: The Sergeant's journey toward forgiving himself and seeking forgiveness from Annabelle underscores the transformative power of acknowledging one's past mistakes.

3. Mystery and Adventure: The treasure hunt for the Hang Lee jade introduces listeners to classic adventure motifs, blending mystery with cultural folklore to create an engaging narrative.

4. The True Meaning of Treasure: The culmination of the episode reveals that true wealth lies in contentment and inner peace, challenging conventional notions of what constitutes valuable treasure.

5. Cultural Integration: The incorporation of Chinese legends and proverbs adds depth to the story, enriching the narrative with cross-cultural elements that enhance the intrigue.

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Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Sergeant Slim Heavyweather on Personal Struggle:

  "I didn't before, but I sure enough did after that sermon." (19:50)

• Dan Holliday on Truth and Value:

  "Truth is very often a figure of speech, is it not, Mr. Holliday?" (31:46)

• Greta Loring on Vengeance:

  "I've had that desire for a long time. Ever since I found my father dead." (37:35)

• Sergeant Slim Heavyweather on Forgiveness:

  "You have to ask her forgiveness for making her feel so bad, so lonely." (19:50)

• Conclusion Proverb:

  "Happy is the man who is contented with his lot." (50:37)

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Conclusion

"The Key and Box 13" masterfully blends personal drama with a gripping adventure, encapsulating the essence of old-time radio storytelling. Through its multidimensional characters and intertwined narratives, the episode offers listeners a rich tapestry of emotion, mystery, and philosophical insight. Whether delving into the scars left by war or unraveling the secrets of a legendary treasure, The Relic Radio Show delivers an engaging and thought-provoking experience that stands the test of time.

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For more captivating tales from radio’s golden age, visit RelicRadio.com

Transcript

[Jim]

This is the Relic Radio Show. Old Time Radio Entertainment. Still standing the test of time from relicradio.com with another 60 minutes of radio drama. This is the Relic Radio Show. Thanks for joining me once again. We'll begin this week with the Key and an episode that aired sometime in 1956 titled the Dear John Letter. After that, it's Box 13 and the Treasure of Hang Lee. That story aired May 29, 1949.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Every door has a key. There's a key to every situation. Behind every unopened door there is a mystery. And the opening of this door introduces us to another in the series, the Key. Okay, Corporal, sound mail call. Yes, sir.

[Nurse]

This letter is the hardest I ever had to write. And I guess it's not one you're going to like. If I weren't such a power, I suppose I'd wait till you come home on funeral. But maybe this is the best way after all. I know how you hate scenes. And I don't know how I could tailor this to your face without creating some kind of a scene. However, I've always felt that we would never get married. That you really wanted some kind of out from me. You could say I'm giving you out there because I'm afraid I've been untrue to you since you went back to the end. I know this will hurt you, and I really don't know what else to say except please forgive me.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

You're out there right enough, Serge. How many? You know, a dozen, I guess. Well, a dozen. We can take half the word. Are you crazy? And if it's dark, they'll mow us down. We're supposed to get back to HQ tonight, remember? Yeah. We supposed to get there. That's just it. You rush that bunch out there, nobody's gonna get back to each other. What's the matter, Corporal? Last your nerve. Looking for an out on section eight? What? Why, you. Yeah, you stink. When we get back, Corporal. If we get back. You mean if we get back. I'll be only too happy to settle with you. Sergeant. That was a lousy thing to sing. Okay, we're square. Let's forget it. I don't fake you. Lately you act like a heel. Always break me a neck to take risks. You know as well as I do there's no sense in jumping those Reds out there. We wait, they'll most likely move on. I hate sitting around. Yeah? Seems to me you just hate to stay alive.

[Nurse]

Oh, Yance. Hey, Yankees, what now? Hey, Yank.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Your wife, pretty girl.

[Nurse]

I love your wife. Yank.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Those dirty. Take that easy. Take that easy. You know that old gang.

[Nurse]

Hey, Yank.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

All I want is for one of us to show they'll straddle his whole position.

[Nurse]

Hey, Yank, your girlfriend got another guy. How you like that, Yank?

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

All right, all right. Shove yourself to death. What about your wife, Yank? Into the bar. Wait a minute. Take it easy.

[Nurse]

Hey, Yankees.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

You don't have a wife anyway. I love your girlfriend. Yeah. Come on, give it to me. Let's leave it be a clean and a belly full of sitting here listening to that.

[Nurse]

What if you answer right?

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Here's your answer. You got a swine that was a mighty poor ever, sergeant. I guess you know that. I did what seemed best at the times. Yes, well, your best was to lose six men, including Corporal Harvey. We're short of men here and shorter of noncoms. I can't afford to let you make too many showings like that. Yes, sir. If I wasn't so short of sergeants, I'd have one of your stripes right now. So consider yourself lucky. But next time, I'll break you to the ranks, so help me. Now get on the ball, Sergeant. And stay there. May I come in, Sergeant? Oh, Padre. Yeah, sure. I didn't wake you, did I? I wouldn't want to break up a man's rest. No, no, I wasn't asleep. Fair enough to sleep nights without trying it in the daytime. But you've been on night patrols lately. You wouldn't get to sleep at night anyway. I'm not on night patrol anymore. Oh, yes, I. I heard about the trouble you ran into a week back. Must have been pretty rough. Yeah. Yeah, it was rough. Mind if I sit a while? Sure.

[Padre]

Copy.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Sub. Thanks. Smoke? Nothing. You know, I was thinking, Brad. It's quite a time since you had a furlough. Man gets beat up after too long a stretch out here. And sometimes the top brass gets forgetful of that. There's a war on, Padre. A man can't expect to take a rain check on combat. It really feels like it. Like me to have a word with the CO Sometimes. He'll take notice of me. Not often, but sometimes. No, thanks. I'm okay. You want to help out, there are plenty of guys who need it. You need it, Brad. Look, lay off, will you, Faudrey? Just because I goofed that patrol, it doesn't mean I'm beat. They made a mistake. Show me the sergeant who has it. Yeah, true enough. But remember, it's. It's battle fatigue. Makes a man prone to errors of judgment, you know that Brad, I'm okay. Well, anyway, wouldn't you like to get home and see your folks for spell? I don't have any folks. There's nobody I want to see. Brad, I haven't seen you around at mail call for quite a while. Tommy Pulaski told me that when he handed you a couple of letters that had been lying in the office for three days, you tore him up without reading him. Pulaski's got a big mouth. He has no right to discuss my business with anyone. He meant well. I know you're not married, Brad. Were those letters from a girl? If you don't mind, Padre, I guess I am a little sleepy after all. I'll take a nap. Okay. But I can tell you right now, Brad, if you're trying to forget something that really matters, something that goes deep. What are you talking about? I don't have anything to forget. Yet you destroyed those letters without reading them. On the night of that patrol. It was the enemy taunts about girlfriend that got you mad. It doesn't figure partway. I don't like to be rude, but why don't you mind your own business? The peace of a man's soul is my business, Brad. Yeah, well, I'm okay, thanks. Look, just leave me alone, will you? I guess maybe you're not much of what they used to call a praying man, Brad. I don't get to see much of you at church parade. Man's gotta sort things out for himself. Whining for somebody's help is in the way. I wasn't talking about whining. I was talking about praying. There's a difference, though. Maybe. Maybe you're not smart enough to know that. I didn't mean any offense. Look, praying. I wouldn't even know how to start. I'd have to feel it. Well, the words wouldn't. There's no special way to pray, Brad. But you're right. You've got to feel. You want help. Then the words will come. Padre. Yes, Lieutenant. Padre. Better get over to the hospital. A patrol just come in. Some of the men are in a bad way. Oh, I'll come right away. They struck real trouble over toward Bruno's Hill. If it hadn't been for Carswell. Carswell? Brad Carswell. The sergeant Carswell? Yes. Bombed the machine gun position from the rear. They had the section pinned down. If it hadn't been for him, none of the men would have made it back here. Funny, I had him figured for a guy that was going to pieces. But he sure did that job this time. Yeah, sure enough, Padre, that's the way it was. Them Reds had us sitting there just waiting for them to take us anytime they wanted to. Wasn't nothing we could have done. No, man, I tell you, I had the. What? Excuse me, Padre. But anyways, that's just how it was. What about the sergeant? Him? Why, he up and turned the tables on them Reds, that's what. He went out there with two grenades and worked his way right around to the back of them enemy men till he was right on top of them. Yes, sir. I nigh on bust out laughing. Just see the way he done it. He bombed him out, huh? He sure enough did where he was sitting. It would have been like shooting fish in a barrel if it hadn't been for that Red seeing him up there and let him have it with him. Automatic pistols. Man, I. I don't know how he's alive. I mean, it's a fact. Yes, he's badly shot up. One bullet struck his helmet, gave him pretty bad concussion. Yeah, well, they didn't shoot him up bad enough or quick enough because he just dropped them two grenades right in their laps and wham. No use saying I. I ain't glad it was eminent in that hole and not me. I'd be lying elsewhere. I show him. Sure am Real obliged to that sergeant. Well, I think you all are. The whole party is playing. Yeah, sure enough. He's quite a man, that sergeant. Hey, padre. Though, quite a thing about him.

[Padre]

Yeah?

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

What's that? Well, I reckon you wouldn't have any chaw in the backyard on you, would you, Padre? No, not right now, but I'll see what I can do about it. Thanks. I sure could. You, son? Well, as I was saying about the sergeant, when we was bringing him in, he was kind of, well, unconscious, you know. Yeah, but kind of dreaming or something like he was asleep, you know. Well, how do you know he was dreaming? Well, he was kind of moving his mouth around, you know. I reckon he was trying to say something. Did he actually say anything? No, no, not much. But he. He sure looked like he was trying for fair. But all he could get out was the one thing and that you couldn't quite hear. And only after you got real close and he kept on saying this one thing again and again. What was it, Saint? Well, now, I reckon it's the kind of thing that you ought to know about you being a chaplain and all. I wouldn't tell them other men, but I reckon you ought to know.

[Padre]

Yes, perhaps I should.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Yeah. Well, you know what he was Saying? He was saying, please help me. Please help me. Kept on all the time. Only he wasn't saying it like I said it then. He was saying it like he was real desperate. And he wasn't speaking to no man neither. You know what I reckon? I reckon that man was praying. Yeah, he was praying like he needed something real bad.

[Nurse]

Good morning, boys. Mail call. Now here now, take it easy. I'll get around you all. That's key now. Sergeant Greta Carswell. Oh, sweet to you, Sergeant. Nice feminine hand, too. There you are. Private first class th headwater, 2p.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Oh, man. Oh, man. Thank you, ma'am. For my wife, I reckon.

[Nurse]

Oh, lucky you. Oh, can you manage?

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

I sure can. I can open them all right enough. But I reckon I might have to get you to answer them for me on account I can't write with this little old arm of mine. Sure.

[Nurse]

I'll be back in a little while. Private First Class R.M. ridley. Now two for you. Here.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Man, am I glad to hear my little old Annabelle. That's my wife's name. Annabelle. See now what you say? My own dear Slim. Boy, that's sure nice to read. My own dear Slim. Yeah, you, Richness. Hey, Sarge. Hey, hey, listen. This will make you laugh. Fit to kill, she says. Hey, Sarge. Hey, you ain't reading your letters, huh? Oh, yeah, I'll read them later. Well, if you wait the. Well, I can hardly wait to get my letters from home. Don't you want to read them? I said I'll get to them later. Read your own mail. Never mind about mine. Yeah, all right. Just don't seem right to me, though, that's all.

[Nurse]

I'll be free in about half an hour, soldier. Would you like to take your letter then?

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Oh, yeah. Yes, thank you, ma'am. That'll suit me just fine.

[Nurse]

Good. Well, what's the matter, Sergeant? Not reading your mail?

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Crying out loud. Why does everybody have to ask me a lot of silly questions? I don't want to read them. Take them away.

[Nurse]

Why? Look, I'll open them.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Take them away, do you hear? Take them away. I sure hope the crop is real good like you say, Annabelle. Cause. Because I wouldn't want you to fool me none and say things was going fine if. When they want. You got that nurse and say things.

[Nurse]

Were going fine if they weren't.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Yep. Now, what else can I say? You got any ideas?

[Nurse]

Well, I don't know. What does she say in her letters? Isn't there something else you can comment on?

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Yeah, let's see. There's back There. Recall that? Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. I reckon I better say something about young Jeff.

[Nurse]

Jeff? Your son?

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Yeah. Well, at least ways. He ain't exactly my son, as you might say. But I look on him as my own. He's fine boy, too. Gonna be quite a man someday. Fifteen, is he?

[Nurse]

Well, he must be growing up fast, I suppose.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Oh, sure enough. But I ain't set eyes on him for more than a year. He's a fine boy, though. Fine boy.

[Nurse]

Well, what would you like to say about Jeff then? Or how about sending the message specially for himself?

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Hey, that's an idea, though. Yeah, Put this here down. Let's see. Tell Jeff I'm glad to hear he's so growed up now. And I'm mighty proud of my boy. And tell him if he uses my gun to go after them possums and forgets to clean it, I'm going to belt the daylights out of him when I get back.

[Nurse]

Are you sure you want to say that? What about? About belting him, I mean.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Oh, oh, sure, sure. He'll understand. I ain't never belted him yet, but I talk like that to him all the time. Oh, shucks, I wouldn't lay a finger on that boy. Yeah, I reckon Annabelle just about killed me if I never did. He's the apple of her eye, that boy is. Reckon it's natural, him being her own flesh and blood and all.

[Nurse]

Oh, she's his son by another marriage.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Another marriage? Well, no, Annabelle ain't really been married but once to me. No, no, you see, it was this the way she met this piece of powhite trash. And they was married all right. Only turned out the ceremony want a real one. And then, well, he just up and left her. I got so mad I was going to kill him. And that's a fact. I got out my gun and I was going to blow that man to kingdom come. You see, I'd know Annabelle since we was just babies and, well, I reckoned I was going to marry him as. But she was always kind of difficult, you know, acting like I wasn't good enough for her. Well, I didn't know she was just putting it on to make me chase.

[Nurse]

After the oldest chick in the world. Slim.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Oh, sure enough, I know that now. But I was proud. I was a mighty good looking fellow then. You can laugh now, but that's true. And the way I reckoned it was. Well, Evans, he wanted to act difficult. That was all right with me. And I could get me plenty of other gals.

[Nurse]

So she went with this other man?

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Yeah. And I reckon I pushed things a bit further. She got to think that I was serious about some other gal who just didn't care no more for her. And I reckon she must have been mighty unhappy at that. I know now, but I didn't know then. Anyways, I was all set to kill this man.

[Nurse]

But you didn't shoot him, did you?

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Oh, no, no, ma'am, I didn't. The preacher doesn't stop me.

[Nurse]

The preacher?

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Oh yeah. Ma'am, you know we have the all firedest preachingest man in the town you ever did see. He preached fire and brimstone like he was the angel of the Lord himself. And he come up to me while I was walking down Main street with my gun. And he said, slim Heavyweather. He said, slim, you got a killing look in your eye. And I said, sure enough. And he said, slim, you ain't gonna kill no man. And I said, preacher, you're about the wrongest man I know. And you know, ma'am, I got to laugh now. But it sure twan't funny then.

[Nurse]

I suppose not. What happened?

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Well, he sat to right then and there, right in the middle of the main street. And he preached me right out of that killing mind. First he preached me on the sixth commandment till that gun just fell from my hand. And I stood there mighty scared and I was hoping he was gonna let me go home. But he just went right on a preaching. Slimy says you're in love with Annabelle and you know it. I said, sure enough, he said, and she's in love with you. And you'd know that too if you want, but blinded by a sinful pride. And he said, well, I forget the words, but it's in the Bible about faith and hope and charity. And the greatest of them all is charity, you know?

[Nurse]

Yes, I know.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Well, that preacher said I didn't have no charity in my soul. Well, I allow this. How I put money in the pool box whenever I could, thinking to please him. But man alive, he went all red in the face and he bawled out at me. Not that kind of charity, he says. He meant the charity of forgiveness. He said. You understand that, ma'am?

[Nurse]

Of course.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Well, I didn't before, but I sure enough did after that sermon. And I realized that he was right. I had been proud and sinful. Me thinking I was too good for Annabelle because she'd been with that other man when maybe anyways, it was all my fault in the first place. So being fair minded and all, I went right on out to Annabelle's place. And I said, annabelle, I love you. You love me, and I'm gonna marry you. So it ain't no good of you putting me off no longer.

[Nurse]

Well, that's quite a story, Flem.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Hey, I'm sorry I run on so, nurse, but. Well, I ain't told that story to nobody. I reckon I must be homesick a piece.

[Nurse]

Well, you should have a furlough coming when you get out of here. So you'll be getting back to see your wife pretty soon. And now let's finish your letter.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Hey, you asleep, Sarge? Oh, no, I didn't reckon you was. You've been tossing and turning around over there. Hey, do. Do you think you can reach my chore in the backyard? I hit it in my drawer when the nurse was around. Now I can't reach it with. I see a little old arm of mine. Sure should be able to. Where'd you. All right, now, I got it here coming over. Careful, now. Thanks. Boy, I sure need that. Man, that sure tastes good. Say, Slim, I couldn't help overhearing what you were telling the nurse today about your wife. Mm. Say, mind if I ask you a question? Personal one? Sure. You go ahead. Are you. You happy with your wife? I mean, knowing about the other man? Man, when I'm home with my Annabelle, I don't reckon there's a man happier in the whole world than me. Joy's a fine gal. She loves me. And she's knowed that I love her, too. All this time that we've been together, and ain't nobody gonna come between us again. What that old preacher man told me was true enough about the charity of forgiveness. Not only that, he. He said it wasn't only for me to forgive her, but for me to ask her forgiveness for making her feel so bad, so lonely, that she could fall for another man. Hey, Sergeant, you mind if I ask you a personal question? Well, I reckon you'd be a mighty proud man yourself, Sergeant. I got you figured that a way, anyway. And pardon me, but I noticed you got letters from a gal and you ain't even got to read them yet. So I'd say you got woman trouble, man. Oh, but here's my question, Sarge. Did you ever bother yourself to tell your gal that you're so in love with her it hurts? Or did you always just reckon she'd be around after you felt like marrying her someday? Hey. Hey, what are you doing there? What are you looking for? Letters. Where'd she put them? Say, can I Borrow your flashlight. Sure enough. Go ahead. Yeah, sure enough.

[Nurse]

My darling. I can harden like my hand is trembling so. And if work is blotted with tears, I'm sorry, but I can't help it. I just can't. Oh, my dearest, of course I marry you. There never could be anyone else for me anyway. I love you. Love you. I can't think how I was ever stupid enough to imagine any other man could take your place. Nothing I have done could ease this desperate longing I've always had for you, Brad. And I know that what I did was a senseless and cruel thing to you and to myself. If you can indeed forgive and forget the past, you will never need to doubt me in the future. For as long as I know I have your love, I am completely yours and my heart is bound to yours till the end of time. Hurry back to me. My man. My man. My man.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Thank God. Oh, thank you. A closing door finishes the story. Next week, another key will open another door to another story. Mystery, romance or adventure, all start when a door is unlocked by.

[Dan Holliday]

The key.

[Padre]

Box 13 with Alan Ladd as Dan Holliday. Box 13. Careless star ties. If your advertisement is on the level, I think you find this worth your time. Be in the Quan Hai Shop in Chinatown at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Pretend you want to buy some jade, reject the first two pieces offered, then mention the Hang Lee piece in the window. Buy the Hang Lee. This will be worth a lot of money to you. Remember, it's the Quan Hai shop, Chinatown. That was the letter. No signature. It sounded interesting. And it was. If you like murder. And now back to the treasure of Hang lee. Another box 13 adventure with Alan Ladd as Dan Holliday.

[Nurse]

I don't get it, Mr. Holliday. Why should you reject the first two pieces?

[Padre]

Ah, that's what makes the letter interesting, Susie. Why reject the first two pieces and then mention the Hangley piece?

[Nurse]

All right. Why?

[Padre]

I think I've got an idea. What is it? Pretty obvious, Susie. Look, the letter doesn't say anything about identifying myself, does it? No, it doesn't. Well, if I follow instructions. Follow them exactly. I'll be tipping myself to someone in the store. You get it?

[Nurse]

Oh, sure. Whoever wrote the letter will be there too, waiting for you to follow instructions.

[Padre]

That's a great deduction.

[Nurse]

And I did it all myself, too.

[Padre]

You sure did. Okay, Susie. I'm going to make like Marco Polo and visit our Chinese friends. It took me a half an hour to drive to chinatown and another 10 minutes to find a Shop, of course. I looked in the windows. There was the usual line of stuff. Back scratchers, Quan yens, bamboo trinkets, red lacquer bowls. But only one piece of jade was roughly square and seemed to have been broken. It looked like a part of a bigger piece. So I went into the shop. There were six or seven other people besides myself and, well, they were looking at curios and no one paid any attention to me. Then a young Chinese clerk smiled and came over to me.

[Dan Holliday]

Oh, yes, sir, Can I help you, please?

[Padre]

Oh, yes, I. I want to buy a piece of jade. Yes, sir.

[Dan Holliday]

You want a certain color?

[Padre]

Well, I don't know.

[Dan Holliday]

This is a very nice piece, sir. It is what we call the mutton fat color.

[Padre]

It's very nice, but not quite what I want. A ring, perhaps.

[Dan Holliday]

Coughlinks, a snuff bottle.

[Padre]

I don't know. You see, it's for a gift.

[Dan Holliday]

Oh, this piece is very fine, sir, and the carving is excellent. But it is not very old.

[Padre]

There's a piece in the window, the only piece. What? Is that the piece in the window, sir? Yes. It's a hang leap piece, isn't it? Well, if you will please to follow me, sir.

[Dan Holliday]

This way, please.

[Padre]

If you please, sir. In here.

[Dan Holliday]

I will send for Mr. Quan. You will please excuse me now, sir. The other customer.

[Padre]

Yeah, sure. Thank you.

[Dan Holliday]

He's nothing at all.

[Padre]

He went out and I heard a key turn in the lock of the door. For a moment, I was left alone in a room that was different from the rest of the store. Very different. Instead of the usual junk that tourists buy, this room was a treasure house. Rose quartz, wonderful jade screens, beautiful porcelain bowls that seemed to be lighted from inside. Lacquerware that shone like satin in the dim light. I was looking around me when.

[Dan Holliday]

Good afternoon, sir.

[Padre]

Oh, how do you do, Mr. Kwan?

[Dan Holliday]

I am Mr. Kwan. Please to sit down, sir.

[Padre]

Thank you.

[Dan Holliday]

May I help you, mister?

[Padre]

My name is Holiday. Dan Holiday.

[Dan Holliday]

I am honored, Mr. Holiday.

[Padre]

Your clerk told me I'd have to see you about that hang Lee jade in the window.

[Dan Holliday]

Yes, that is true. You won the piece, Mr. Holiday.

[Padre]

Yes, I. I'd like to buy it.

[Dan Holliday]

One moment. It is strange. That hungry piece has lain in the window for two weeks now. You are the first to ask for it.

[Padre]

I saw it, liked it, of course.

[Dan Holliday]

You are a man of excellent taste. It is a very fine piece. Incredibly ancient. The Hanley piece, Mr. Quan. Thank you, La. That is all. Yes, Mr. Quan.

[Padre]

Does he always lock the door when he leaves this room?

[Dan Holliday]

There are very Valuable things in this room, Mr. Holliday.

[Padre]

Oh, I see. But the Hang Lee piece, Is it valuable, Mr. Quan?

[Dan Holliday]

Yes, Mr. Holliday. So valuable that there is no price on it. Odd that you should ask for it.

[Padre]

You have no idea how odd it is.

[Dan Holliday]

A piece of a larger work at 12 inches by 12 inches to be exact. This is only one third of the original.

[Padre]

May I see it?

[Dan Holliday]

Certainly.

[Padre]

It looks like a wonderful piece of jade.

[Dan Holliday]

Do you know what Confucius said about jade?

[Padre]

Well, I seem to have heard quite a few things Confucius was supposed to have said, but I doubt if any of them would fit the bill just now.

[Dan Holliday]

Yes, but Confucius said that jade is like truth. It gives out a bright rainbow and it shows a pure spirit among the hills and stream.

[Padre]

Truth gives out a bright rainbow. That's a very pretty figure of speech, Mr. Quan.

[Dan Holliday]

Yes, truth is very often a figure of speech, is it not, Mr. Holliday?

[Padre]

Yes, I'm afraid you're right. But about this piece.

[Dan Holliday]

Ah, yes. You will note the carving. Very beautifully done.

[Padre]

These are Chinese characters, aren't they?

[Dan Holliday]

Yes. It is too bad the other 2/3 of the entire piece are missing.

[Padre]

Oh, why is that? I mean, beyond the fact that it seems a shame to ruin such a magnificent thing.

[Dan Holliday]

A foolish old Chinese legend, Mr. Holiday. It says that he who translates the writing will be led to a treasure beyond all price.

[Padre]

But you'd have to have all three piece.

[Dan Holliday]

You would need all three pieces.

[Padre]

And where are the other two?

[Dan Holliday]

I do not know.

[Padre]

I see. Well, Mr. Kwan? How much for this piece?

[Dan Holliday]

Mr. Holiday? It has no price.

[Padre]

You mean it's not for sale?

[Dan Holliday]

It is not for sale.

[Padre]

But I don't understand. It was in the window.

[Dan Holliday]

Yes. And no one inquired about it. Perhaps because collectors would not be interested in a broken piece.

[Padre]

That could be. But that still doesn't explain why you had it in your window and yet not have it for sale.

[Dan Holliday]

Because, Mr. Holladay, the piece is yours.

[Padre]

I beg your pardon? What did you say?

[Dan Holliday]

The Hungley piece is yours. There is no price on it.

[Padre]

But I can't take it without paying for it.

[Dan Holliday]

You ask for it?

[Padre]

Of course I did, Mr. Kwan, but I'm prepared to pay for it.

[Dan Holliday]

I am sorry, There is no price. The piece is yours for the taking.

[Padre]

Well, suppose someone else had come in and asked for it. Would you have given it to anyone?

[Dan Holliday]

Only to one who asked for it by name, as you did.

[Padre]

I don't understand.

[Dan Holliday]

Truth, Mr. Holliday, is a figure of speech. I have told you the Truth? The Hungry piece is yours. Please take it. Now if you will excuse me just.

[Padre]

A moment, Mr. Kwan. Suppose I refuse to walk out with this?

[Dan Holliday]

It is a matter of indifference to me.

[Padre]

Then as a matter of curiosity, how much is the piece worth?

[Dan Holliday]

That depends upon who has it.

[Padre]

And that means what?

[Dan Holliday]

That is hard to say. To a collector the Hungry piece would be worth perhaps no more than a hundred dollars. To you. It is worth what you make to me. To me it is priceless. Ah, here is Lun lun. Please show Mr. Holliday to the door. His business here is concluded.

[Padre]

It will be great honor, Mr. Quan.

[Dan Holliday]

Just so. Well, goodbye, Mr. Holliday. And may the bat roost upon your roof.

[Padre]

May the white rest for where the.

[Dan Holliday]

Bat is a Chinese symbol for good fortune.

[Padre]

Goodbye.

[Dan Holliday]

Please to come with me, Mr. Holliday.

[Padre]

You're sure you won't change your mind, Mr. Klein? About what? The Hangley piece.

[Dan Holliday]

It is yours. Perhaps we shall meet again, Mr. Holiday.

[Padre]

Oh, wait just a minute, Mr. Crime. I.

[Dan Holliday]

He is gone, Mr. Holiday. Now if you will please to follow me.

[Padre]

All right, thanks.

[Dan Holliday]

Is there anything else you wish, Mr. Holiday?

[Padre]

Yes, I think there is. And that is? I wish someone would tell me why I advertise for adventure and get mixed up in things like this. Goodbye. So with a Hang Lee piece tucked under my arm and a great big question mark tucked under my hat, I left Quan Lee's place. For a moment I stood in front of the store. No one followed me out, although I knew that whoever had sent me the letter was watching. So I drove home and waited in my apartment. I didn't wait long. Hello?

[Dan Holliday]

This Holiday?

[Padre]

Yes, it is.

[Dan Holliday]

I'm the one who sent you the letter. Bring the hangley piece to 721 South.

[Padre]

Ferry street, room six. Oh, just a minute. How do you know I've got the piece?

[Dan Holliday]

I was in the store this afternoon.

[Padre]

And why didn't you ask me for it there? You're wasting time. Please bring the Hangly piece. You will be sorry. What was that address again? 721 South Ferry street, room six. And the name you've got? All you need to know. I'll be waiting. Well, well, well. All right, Mr. South Ferry Street. We will see what you have to offer.

[Nurse]

Please go back in, Mr. Holiday.

[Padre]

Oh, I've got company.

[Nurse]

Please go back. Sit down.

[Padre]

I. I just got up.

[Nurse]

Sit down.

[Padre]

Well, thank you, won't you?

[Nurse]

You're much younger than I thought you'd be.

[Padre]

Oh, is that so? I'll keep pointing that gun at me and I can age 10 years.

[Nurse]

You have quite a sense of humor for a murderer.

[Padre]

Murder? Well, this is news. Go on. Miss.

[Dan Holliday]

Loring.

[Nurse]

Greta Loring.

[Padre]

How do you do?

[Nurse]

Doesn't the name loring mean anything, Mr. Holliday?

[Padre]

Beyond the fact that it belongs to a very pretty girl holding a very ugly gun? I'm completely at loss.

[Nurse]

Lying seems to be another of your doubtful accomplishments.

[Padre]

Oh, yes, I'm very talented, but I'm no good at puzzles.

[Dan Holliday]

You see, I give up.

[Nurse]

I had a hard time finding you, especially since you changed your name.

[Padre]

No, this is news. I'm a murderer, a liar, and I'm living under an alias.

[Nurse]

This afternoon you gave yourself away by getting the Hangly jade from that shop. Sooner or later I knew I'd trace you through that piece of jade.

[Padre]

So you were there, too.

[Nurse]

I've watched that shop for days waiting for you to get the Hang Lee.

[Padre]

And now that I've got it, I'm.

[Nurse]

Going to take it, then kill you.

[Padre]

In that order, I suppose.

[Dan Holliday]

Give it to me.

[Padre]

It's right there on the table.

[Nurse]

It was a long time ago that you killed my father.

[Dan Holliday]

I was a little girl then, lady.

[Padre]

How you've grown up. Complete with a gun and a murderous desire to kill me.

[Nurse]

I've had that desire for a long time. Ever since I found my father dead.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Murdered.

[Padre]

Go on, Miss Loring. What then?

[Nurse]

You know as well as I do, and being charming and flip won't help.

[Padre]

Now, look, Ms. Loring, maybe you've got the wrong man. Have you thought of that? After all you said, I seem to be much younger than you thought I'd be.

[Nurse]

All I know is that you went after the Hangly jade. No one else in the world but you would want that piece. No one else would know what it means.

[Padre]

That's circumstantial evidence, Ms. Lawrence.

[Nurse]

Stay where you are. We're through talking. Mr. Holliday. Or shall I call you Benson?

[Padre]

You can call me anything you like, but think before you squeeze that trigger.

[Nurse]

I've thought quite a lot.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

No.

[Nurse]

I'm going to take the jade.

[Padre]

All right. Here, take it.

[Nurse]

Giving it to me won't solve everything. Stay there. No, don't.

[Padre]

With a slam of the door, Ms. Loring was gone. So was the Hang Lee J. And so was a piece of my coat where the bullet from her gun ripped through it. But I had the gun. Maybe it could be traced. But first I had to see a man about a piece of Jade at 721 S. Ferry St.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Yes?

[Dan Holliday]

Who is it?

[Padre]

Holliday. All right, just a minute. Come on in. No. Give me the Hangly piece. Sorry, but you're about a half hour too late. What are you talking about? Well, I haven't got it. Maybe this will show you. I don't like jokes. Now, look, whatever your name is, take the gun out of my ribs. Developing an allergy. Give me the Hangly piece. What if I told you a girl who called herself Greta Loring took it away from me? Lauren, you have that name, right? I have every reason to remember it, but. Good. Where is she? I don't know. Will you? All right, turn around. Face the window. Now look, fella. Turn around. Now, where did that girl go? I told you, I. Don't. Don't. How did she find you? The same way you did. She was in Quan High shop this afternoon. Huh? Okay, Mr. Hollad, thank you for running that errand for me. And now back to box 13 and Dan Holiday's newest adventure, the treasure of Hang Lee. A nice hit. Over the top of my head. When the birds and the bees left my skull, I sat up. The room was dark. I started to get to my feet.

[Dan Holliday]

When you're feeling better, Mr. Holiday.

[Padre]

Huh? Mr. Kwan.

[Dan Holliday]

Oh, I'm flattered you recognize my voice. But you are feeling better?

[Padre]

Except for a new head, I couldn't ask for anything more.

[Dan Holliday]

I'm sorry I did not arrive in time to save you that inconvenience.

[Padre]

But now that you are here. Why?

[Dan Holliday]

Why am I here? I came to see your friend today.

[Padre]

I have no friends.

[Dan Holliday]

Wait a moment. I shall turn on the light.

[Padre]

I could use some. Mostly on. What's going on?

[Dan Holliday]

Yes. Here. You gave our friend the Hung Lee jade.

[Padre]

Now, wait a minute. I.

[Dan Holliday]

Just a moment. Before you answer, you had better look in this little alcove. Look, Mr. Holliday.

[Padre]

Who. Who's that? He's dead.

[Dan Holliday]

Quite dead. Stuffed in the back.

[Padre]

But he's not the man I came here to see.

[Dan Holliday]

I'm afraid not. I wish he were.

[Padre]

Well, then who is this?

[Dan Holliday]

One of the men I have been seeking for 10 years.

[Padre]

Ten years? Look, Mr. Kwan, I have a large headache. You're no aspirin with your. Your Chinese puzzles.

[Dan Holliday]

The man you came to see was named Benson.

[Padre]

That doesn't help the dead man.

[Dan Holliday]

There is a man named Fisher.

[Padre]

And what about a man named Loring?

[Dan Holliday]

Oh, you know. A man named Lauring?

[Padre]

I. I met his daughter today.

[Dan Holliday]

His daughter? Now I am beginning to see. But I presume you gave Mr. Benson the hungry jade you got from me today.

[Padre]

I did not. Mr. Loring's daughter relieved me of it?

[Dan Holliday]

She has it, you know she has. I have only your word for that.

[Padre]

That's all you're going to get, Mr. Kwan.

[Dan Holliday]

I think you mean that. Very well, Mr. Holliday. I shall have to leave now.

[Padre]

Oh, no, you don't. There's a murdered man here. How do I know you didn't kill him?

[Dan Holliday]

That is a reasonable question. You have only my word that I did not kill him.

[Padre]

You'll go with me to the police. Oh, it's funny, huh?

[Dan Holliday]

No, I was thinking of something. A proverb. And being Chinese, I am permitted one proverb.

[Padre]

I've got one for you, Mr. Kwan. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Right now, you're the number one bird.

[Dan Holliday]

Very good, Mr. Holiday. But my proverb is more to the point. Two men of different minds must soon say goodbye.

[Padre]

We're going to the police, Mr. Kwan.

[Dan Holliday]

You leave me no alternative but this.

[Padre]

What would you use? That cap?

[Dan Holliday]

I'm afraid I would if you tried to stop me. But please do not blame me, Mr. Holiday. This is the fault of my ancestors.

[Padre]

Your ancestors?

[Dan Holliday]

They invented gunpowder. Goodbye.

[Padre]

And so there I was. But where? I called the police report without my name. I didn't want to stick around because I had other things to do. I had a bullet hole through my coat and out of my head. And a big burning desire to catch up with Mr. Benson and Ms. Loring. Not to mention a certain Mr. Kwan. The only lead I had was Greta Loring's gun that I'd taken from her. If she had bought it in the city, it would be registered. So I made one more phone call and found out what I wanted. Her address. There's an inner part in the building, and her apartment was number eight. I pressed the buzzer.

[Nurse]

Yes? Who?

[Padre]

Good evening, Ms. Loring.

[Nurse]

How did you find me?

[Padre]

Oh, I had to. I always return things that I borrowed. I believe this is your guy. What are you going to do, play questions and answers?

[Nurse]

Please get out of here.

[Padre]

This afternoon you call me a murderer.

[Nurse]

Why, I. I thought you were someone else.

[Padre]

Who?

[Nurse]

Yes.

[Padre]

Oh, but I'm.

[Nurse]

I know that now.

[Padre]

Oh, now she tells me. After she puts a bullet through my coat. You know, Ms. Loring, two inches higher and you'd have had yourself a corpse. Me, I dislike being a cars. Now you'll talk.

[Nurse]

Benson killed my father in China 10 years ago.

[Padre]

Seems he also killed a man called Fisher.

[Nurse]

David Fisher.

[Padre]

David or not, he's just a number at the morgue by now.

[Nurse]

Then. Then Benson is still alive?

[Padre]

I think he is.

[Nurse]

And you came here?

[Padre]

Of course. Why not?

[Nurse]

Don't you see what you've done?

[Padre]

Done?

[Nurse]

Think about it.

[Padre]

He wouldn't know where to find you. But I told him. I bet you. And he'll keep track of me and come here. Listen, have you still got that Hang leaks Jade?

[Nurse]

Yes.

[Padre]

Well, he wants that. If you give it to him, maybe he'll go away.

[Nurse]

My father was killed because he had the Hangly piece.

[Padre]

What is there about that piece?

[Nurse]

There were three pieces, all part of the same screen. It was something about a treasure.

[Padre]

The carving on the screen would lead to the treasure.

[Nurse]

Yes.

[Padre]

You have one piece. Benson has the other two. One he killed your father to get. The other he killed Fisher to get.

[Nurse]

And he'll come here after this third piece.

[Padre]

Come on, we've got to get out of here. Wait. Where's your phone?

[Nurse]

All right, there.

[Padre]

But I'm gonna call the police.

[Dan Holliday]

Not yet, Mr. Holiday.

[Padre]

Quan.

[Dan Holliday]

Yes. I followed you, Mr. Holiday. Then, because I feared Ms. Loring would not extend her hospitality to me, I came up the fire escape. Quan.

[Nurse]

Juan. My father told me.

[Dan Holliday]

Yes, your father, Fisher and Benson killed an old Taoist priest in China to get the Hungry Screen and its secret.

[Nurse]

My father never killed anyone.

[Dan Holliday]

I'm afraid he did.

[Padre]

But there are three pieces on the screen.

[Dan Holliday]

Yes, Mr. Holiday. The three men did not trust one another. They broke the screen up into three pieces. One valueless without the other two.

[Padre]

Why? Why did they do that?

[Dan Holliday]

Because they had to leave China and go their separate ways. They arranged to meet later, but.

[Padre]

But Benson killed Lauren.

[Dan Holliday]

Yes, but Loring did not have his piece of the Hung Lee. I got it before Benson got to him.

[Padre]

And you, you put the piece in the window to trap Benson. Why, Mr. Quan? Why?

[Dan Holliday]

The Taoist priest was my honorable father.

[Nurse]

Oh, I didn't know. I didn't know that.

[Dan Holliday]

I'm sure you did not. I have been all over the world waiting, waiting, Hoping that sooner or later the murderers of my father would trap themselves. Two are dead. And the third.

[Padre]

Benson.

[Dan Holliday]

Yes, Vincent.

[Padre]

He must be Benson.

[Dan Holliday]

Let him be, Mr. Holliday.

[Padre]

Let him in. Are you crazy? Quantities of killer said let him in.

[Dan Holliday]

One moment. I will take that gun you put on the table, Mr. Holliday. Give it to me.

[Padre]

Take it.

[Dan Holliday]

Thank you. Now I have two guns, Mr. Benson. Probably this one. Let him in, Mr. Holiday.

[Padre]

Do you think I'm gonna open that door and let him in? You're crazy.

[Dan Holliday]

Two guns. Are you afraid, Mr. Holliday?

[Padre]

All right, slowing it back. Thanks to the law. Now you get back in there. Better not. Come in, Benson. Move away. Now. Who's that?

[Dan Holliday]

Come in, Mr. Benson.

[Padre]

Come in, Holiday. Stand in front of me. Right where you are. All right, go ahead and shoot.

[Dan Holliday]

I would hit Mr. Holiday.

[Padre]

That's right.

[Dan Holliday]

I'm sorry, Mr. Holiday, but you seem to have been caught between the dragon and the tiger.

[Padre]

I want that Hang Lee piece.

[Nurse]

I'll give it to him.

[Dan Holliday]

Let's do that, Ms. Loring.

[Padre]

Give it to him, Benson, you've already killed two men. A third won't make any difference. The Hangly piece, Ms. Loring.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

On the table there.

[Nurse]

Take it. Take it.

[Padre]

Good enough. All right, Holiday, move in front of me. Always in front of me. Now, stop. Hand me the jade. You, Ms. Loring, hand it to me. That's it. Now I'm going to move back toward the door. If you shoot, Holiday gets it. Stop right here, Mr. Holiday.

[Dan Holliday]

My life means nothing because I have devoted it to this moment. But I regret this inconvenience to you.

[Padre]

Quan, think what you're doing. Benson won't get away. The police will have his description and be picked up within an hour. Nice dreaming, Holiday. Mr. Kwan, don't. Stay where you are.

[Dan Holliday]

I regret, Mr. Holiday.

[Sergeant Slim Heavyweather]

Twist away.

[Nurse]

Quickly.

[Padre]

Twist away.

[Nurse]

Mr. Holliday.

[Padre]

I'm all right. I got out of the way.

[Dan Holliday]

But Mr. Benson is going to his ancestors.

[Padre]

Mr. Kwan, are you all right?

[Dan Holliday]

Yes, it's quite all right. Thank you.

[Padre]

Go ahead. Ms. Loring called the doctor fastly.

[Dan Holliday]

No, no, please. There are three pieces of this screen. Give them to me. You will find two of them in Mr. Benson's pocket.

[Padre]

Look, Mr. Klein, you're hurt badly. You've got to have a doctor.

[Dan Holliday]

No, that would do no good. Old Chinese proverb. Greatest code is he who fears death. I'm sorry, Mr. Kwanh, the hungry feces. Please put them together.

[Padre]

All right. There they are.

[Dan Holliday]

The treasure of holly. Right here. Treasure, but not gold. My people learned centuries ago. Not real Treasure is not gold. Treasure of Hong Li is written here, Jane. But happy is the man who is contented with his love.

[Padre]

Mr. Kwan. Mr. Kwan. It's all right, Miss Lorna. Mr. Kwan is contented.

[Nurse]

You mean that was all there was to the treasure, Mr. Holiday? Just. Just that proverb?

[Padre]

That's right, Susan. Maybe it's the best after all. You see, we beat our brains out going after something. And when we've got it, the thing on the other side of the hill always looks better.

[Nurse]

Happy is the man who is contented with his lot. Gee, you know something, Mr. Holiday?

[Padre]

What, Susan?

[Nurse]

I can't think of anything silly to say.

[Padre]

That's as it should be. Good night, Susan. Next week, same time, Alan Ladd stars as Dan holiday and box 13, that's.

[Jim]

The relic Radio show for this week. There's more from the key box 13, this podcast and all of the Relic radio shows@ Relicradio.com. there's a shout cast stream there as well with even more old time radio. All of that is 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. Can't do it all without your help. Thank you as always to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this week. Be back tomorrow with Case Closed, next Tuesday with our next episode of the Relic Radio Show.