CBS Radio Mystery Theater (a.k.a. Radio Mystery Theater and Mystery Theater) is a radio drama series created by Himan Brown that was broadcast on CBS Radio Network affiliates from 1974 to 1982, and later in the early 2000s was repeated by the NPR satellite feed.
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00:00The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents...
00:04Come in.
00:22Welcome.
00:25I am E.G. Marshall.
00:26Welcome to the terrifying world of your own imagination.
00:33I have an unusual story about foreign intrigue, murder, and love.
00:40Interesting combination.
00:42You know, that great mystery writer Edgar Allan Poe once wrote...
00:46that the best way to hide something was to leave it in full sight.
00:51And that's what this story is about.
00:53Steve Nash, agent for the Federal Narcotics Bureau, was awakened from a sound sleep by his chief.
01:00Steve, Manny and LaFaro got it tonight.
01:04Wounded?
01:05Dead.
01:06Oh, no.
01:08Manny's wife just had a baby.
01:10She's still in the hospital.
01:12Start packing a bag right now, Steve.
01:14Am I going somewhere?
01:16Paris.
01:16And anywhere else you feel it necessary to go from there.
01:19Paris?
01:19I don't get happy.
01:21It's not exactly a vacation, Steve.
01:24You're in for plenty of trouble.
01:33Our mystery drama, Conspiracy to Defraud,
01:37was written especially for the Mystery Theater by Sidney Sloan and stars Paul Hecht.
01:43It is sponsored in part by the Kellogg Company, makers of Kellogg Special K Cereal,
01:49and by Anheuser-Busch Incorporated, brewers of Budweiser.
01:53I'll be back shortly with Act One.
01:55What the police and the Federal Narcotics Bureau believe to be a well-planned and secret bust of a big narcotics ring
02:21is taking place in a warehouse district in New York City.
02:25Stand by, Sergeant.
02:26I'm going to talk to them on a bullhorn.
02:28If they don't come out, we go in.
02:29Right, I got it.
02:31You are completely surrounded.
02:34I repeat.
02:36You are completely surrounded.
02:39Come out with your hands behind your head, and we will not fire.
02:43Come out with your hands behind your head, and you will not be harmed.
02:48Keep the windows covered.
02:49I'm going to blast the lock on the door.
02:55That's got the door.
02:56Let's go.
02:59Looks like there's nobody here.
03:01Careful, there might be a trap.
03:04This is your last chance.
03:07Come out with your hands behind your head.
03:10Cover me.
03:11Hit the lights.
03:12Go ahead, man.
03:13There's a...
03:14The body.
03:14Careful.
03:15Careful.
03:16Chief, it's Manny.
03:17Manny.
03:19He's dead.
03:20Manny.
03:22Faro may be here, too.
03:23He's here, Chief.
03:25Still alive?
03:26No.
03:27Dead.
03:29They got him, too.
03:30Yeah?
03:45This is Borden, Steve.
03:47Yeah.
03:47Chief, what's up?
03:49Manny and Lo Faro got it tonight.
03:52Wounded?
03:53Dead.
03:54Oh, no.
03:56Manny's wife just had a baby.
03:58She's still in the hospital.
03:59I haven't spoken to her yet.
04:02Talked to Mrs. Lo Faro.
04:03Took it hard, eh?
04:05I hate this job.
04:07Steve, you're a good friend of Manny's.
04:11Would you talk to his wife for me?
04:13Sure.
04:13I'll go to the hospital first thing in the morning.
04:15Rotten business.
04:16Uh, you better start packing a bag right now, Steve.
04:20Oh, am I going somewhere?
04:21Harris.
04:22And anywhere else you feel it necessary to go from there.
04:24I beg your pardon?
04:33Uh, yeah.
04:34Uh, what?
04:35Uh, this seat.
04:36Seat?
04:36Oh, I'm sorry.
04:37Am I in the wrong seat?
04:39No.
04:40I am.
04:41Oh.
04:41You see, I was sitting forward, the second row on the outside.
04:47Yeah.
04:47And I asked the stewardess to change my seat.
04:51This was the only unoccupied seat in first class.
04:53Oh, sure, sure.
04:54Sit down.
04:56I don't mind.
04:56I thought this was going to be a dull flight.
05:01My name is Helene Fray.
05:03Oh, I'm Steve Nash.
05:04Pleased to have you as a traveling companion.
05:07I'm pleased, too.
05:09I, are you going to be in Paris long, Mr.?
05:12Nash, call me Steve.
05:15So seldom I get called Mr. I'm not sure whether I'm the one.
05:19Steve, then, are you going to be in Paris long?
05:22Well, it all depends on business.
05:25Are you?
05:27No.
05:27No, I was rushing back to...
05:29Well, you see, my aunt and my brother are in Paris,
05:31and I was with them until last Thursday when I had to fly back to New York.
05:35Up and back across the Atlantic.
05:37I'm impressed.
05:38This is my first time over.
05:40I'm as excited as a kid.
05:41Your first time?
05:43Well, that must be exciting.
05:45You must let us show you the sides.
05:47Nothing I'd like better, Helene.
05:56Entrez.
05:59Inspector Boivin?
06:00Oui.
06:01You are Stephen Nash, Federal Narcotics Bureau?
06:04That's right.
06:05Entrez.
06:06Come in.
06:06Come in, please.
06:07I have been expecting you.
06:11May I say that we are not pleased by this visit?
06:16I'm sorry.
06:16I didn't set it up.
06:17Oh, it is not personal, you understand.
06:20But we feel that France is, how shall I say it,
06:24is being insulted by the charges that we are the center of the illicit narcotics trade in Europe.
06:30Inspector, a lot of heroin is getting into the States.
06:33We know it's coming from France.
06:35Well, that is doubtful.
06:37In the last six weeks, we have intercepted and destroyed over 100 pounds of refined heroin coming into New York alone.
06:44From France?
06:44Definitely.
06:46Three men from my department have died in the operation, and that is no exaggeration.
06:50Well, as you say, it is foolish for me to France with you.
06:54That is not my job.
06:55As I understand it, Inspector, your job is not to question nor to argue.
07:01Your job is to cooperate.
07:04That was the information handed down to my boss from the State Department.
07:07You may be assured of our cooperation.
07:10Entree, the door is open.
07:22Oh, hello.
07:24You must be the chap Helene picked up on the plane.
07:27Uh, picked up?
07:28Oh, that is just a figure of speech, of course.
07:31I'm Harrington Frame, Helene's brother.
07:33Oh, hi.
07:34I'm Steve Nash.
07:35Yes, well, hello, hello.
07:36Sit down, sit down.
07:38Helene should be back in a minute.
07:39Just stepped out to a bit of last-minute shopping.
07:42Uh, that you, Helene?
07:43Oh, Auntie.
07:45This is that chap that Helene met on her flight back, Mr. Stephen Nash.
07:50This is our Aunt Phyllis, Mrs. Starrows.
07:52Oh, how do you do, Mr. Nash?
07:55How do you do, Mrs. Starrows?
07:56Oh, please, please, call me Phyllis.
07:59Mrs. Starrows reminds me of that I'm an old widow woman.
08:02Are you going to be in Paris long, Stephen?
08:04Oh, uh, two, three weeks, perhaps longer.
08:07Auntie thinks of herself as an unofficial tourist bureau,
08:11feels she must take her fellow countrymen under her wing and show them her Paris.
08:15Oh, you be quiet.
08:16I just want to be pleasant.
08:18Don't you like people who are pleasant, Steve?
08:21Oh, uh, yeah, yeah, of course.
08:24I don't suppose that Harrington or Helene has told you of our troubles?
08:28Oh, good Lord, Phyllis, must you tell everyone you meet?
08:31Mr. Nash has only been here a few minutes, and you ought to burden him with the story.
08:35Well, I must say it's rather a traumatic experience, wouldn't you say, Stephen,
08:38to lose emeralds worth $150,000?
08:42$150,000?
08:45Oh, that must be Helene.
08:47Let her in, Harrington.
08:48Phyllis is angry with me.
08:50She always calls me Harrington when she's annoyed.
08:53Oh, Helene!
08:55Is Mr. Nash here yet?
08:56Oh, indeed, yes.
08:58Phyllis and I have been staging a little domestic spat to keep him amused.
09:02Well, I wasn't amused,
09:04and I'm sure that this nice Mr. Nash wasn't amused either.
09:08I'm certain he wasn't.
09:10Hello, Steve.
09:10Helene.
09:11Sorry I was late and allowed my abrasive brother and aunt to put on a show for you.
09:16I enjoyed every moment, Helene.
09:20Penny for your thoughts, Steve.
09:29Oh, I'm sorry.
09:31I shouldn't have let the maitre d' seat us here in the window with a view of Notre Dame and the river.
09:36It is beautiful, isn't it?
09:40I was worried that perhaps you might feel that I'd steered you to a tourist trap.
09:44This place is frightfully expensive, you know.
09:47It's great.
09:48I'm on an expense account.
09:50Stop worrying.
09:51All right, I shall.
09:52And speaking of worry, you seem to have something bothering you.
09:57Is it something personal?
09:59Well, it's about my aunt and Harrington.
10:01Yeah?
10:02Well, you see, my aunt has lost a very valuable piece of jewelry.
10:06Oh, the emeralds.
10:08You know.
10:09One of the first things she told me when I called worth $100,000 or more.
10:13They're insured for $120,000.
10:16Why should she worry?
10:17She's not worrying.
10:19I am.
10:21The emeralds are not lost, strayed, or stolen.
10:25What?
10:26It's just a stump to bilk the insurance company.
10:29Well, she's being very foolish.
10:31She's desperate.
10:32She's completely without money.
10:34For that matter, both Harrington and I are, too.
10:37If they go through with this insurance swindle, they're going to be in big trouble.
10:40Even a professional crook would have serious problems, and they're...
10:43Blank amateurs.
10:44When I went back to New York to see if I could raise some money...
10:48Oh, no good, eh?
10:49Aunt Phyllis has been to the well too often.
10:53No credit.
10:54Well, why doesn't she sell the emeralds, honestly?
10:56Well, I believe it's Harrington's idea, but...
10:59He wants her to sell them to, uh...
11:01Some, uh...
11:02Events?
11:03Yes.
11:04And also collect the insurance.
11:07He's made several tentative moves in that direction.
11:11He's spoken to several mysterious callers.
11:13I don't know how far the transaction has gone.
11:24Taxi!
11:26Taxi!
11:27I can find you a taxi, monsieur.
11:30What?
11:31You, uh, want a taxi.
11:33I can get one for you.
11:34Uh, no, no thanks, sir.
11:36What a town.
11:37Even the taxi drivers have agents.
11:40You will not make a move, monsieur.
11:43It is a revolver that is pressing into your back.
11:46Come on!
11:47Come on!
11:47Oh!
11:54Perhaps you underestimated your strength, Gab.
11:57The blow on the head...
11:59No, he'll be all right.
12:02We dropped her at the Concord.
12:05That is the hotel where she is staying, is it not?
12:08Yes.
12:09Oh.
12:10Uh, Nash.
12:11Uh...
12:11Can you hear me?
12:12What?
12:14Ah, you are opening your eyes.
12:16That is better.
12:17Oh, my head.
12:18Unfortunately, Gab found it necessary to, uh...
12:21Persuade you to come with him.
12:24Ah, yeah.
12:25It's a neat little persuader he used.
12:27Right in the back of my head.
12:29Thanks.
12:31Uh, don't try to move yet, Mr. Nash.
12:34Who are you?
12:36I?
12:37You do not know me?
12:38I am quite well known.
12:40I am Orestes Colaginos.
12:42Yeah, rings no bells.
12:44Why should you try to make me come here?
12:46Wait a minute.
12:48Uh, where, where is she?
12:49What, what have you done with her?
12:50Now, now, now, compose yourself, Mr. Nash.
12:52I take it you are referring to Miss Elaine Freyne?
12:56Where is she?
12:57Back at her hotel.
12:59I had her sent back immediately.
13:02We did not want to speak to her.
13:05Just you.
13:07Okay.
13:08You have the floor, Mr. Colaginos.
13:11Colaginos, Mr. Nash.
13:13It is an old name.
13:14In my country, a revered name.
13:17I'll do my best to remember.
13:19Well, continue.
13:20A question, monsieur.
13:22Why are you in France?
13:24As we say at home, none of your business.
13:27I like you, monsieur Nash.
13:29You are refreshingly candid.
13:31You are working for FNB.
13:35You are a trusted, intelligent worker.
13:38Well thought of.
13:39Thanks for the information.
13:40When I get back, I'll put in for a raise.
13:42If you get back, monsieur.
13:46If you get back.
13:48There is no doubt in Steve's mind that Colaginos would and could carry out his threat.
14:00Three men had already been permanently silenced.
14:05And it was not likely that Colaginos would hesitate at the fourth.
14:08I'll be back shortly with Act Two.
14:11Act Two.
14:23After his meeting with Colaginos, Steve was taken back to his hotel.
14:27It was too late to do anything but call Elaine to reassure himself of her safety.
14:34It may have occurred to him that his feelings for her were more than that of a casual friend.
14:40And the sound of her voice on the phone convinced him of her personal concern for his safety.
14:47Steve!
14:48You're safe!
14:49Oh, I was so worried.
14:51They told me that you'd been driven back to your hotel, but I wanted to be sure.
14:54I saw that man hit you.
14:56There was a car waiting.
14:58He forced me into the car and they dragged you in.
15:02Oh, you were so white.
15:04I thought...
15:04With my hard head, you needn't have wore it.
15:06I'll tell you all about it when I see you.
15:08Well, when?
15:09When will I see you?
15:11Oh, there's so many things to ask you.
15:13I'm sorry.
15:14I can't tell you what time.
15:15I'll call you again.
15:17Okay, Steve.
15:19Till then.
15:20Bye.
15:21Bye, darling.
15:32Ridiculous.
15:33And croire, monsieur.
15:34It could not have occurred.
15:35I tell you, he told me that his name was Calodinas.
15:39It could not be he.
15:41It is a, how do you say, imagination, hallucination.
15:45This lump on my head is not the result of a vivid imagination, inspector.
15:49And also, I have a witness.
15:50I was with a Miss Helene Frane when the incident occurred.
15:54Frane?
15:55Frane is an English name?
15:57Possibly English in origin, but she's an American.
15:59She has a husband by name Arrington Frane?
16:03No, that's her brother.
16:05Ah.
16:06This is a most interesting development.
16:09Monsieur Frane was here not 20 minutes before you
16:12to report that his aunt, Madame Philistero,
16:16had been robbed of a valuable collection of emeralds.
16:19I believe he estimated the jewels to be worth, um...
16:23I have the report here.
16:25Ah, yes.
16:27700,000 francs.
16:29In dollars.
16:30150,000.
16:32Look, inspector, let's stay with my problem.
16:34What are you going to do about Calodinos?
16:36Do?
16:37But you are jesting, monsieur.
16:40Monsieur Calodinos is a very rich, very powerful man.
16:44So he can get away with hitting a man over the head
16:46and forcibly detaining him, kidnapping him, threatening him?
16:49Monsieur Calodinos could not have been involved in this matter.
16:53What do you mean?
16:53I spoke to him.
16:55He introduced himself.
16:57He insisted that I pronounce his name correct.
16:59It was not Calodinos, monsieur.
17:01Who was it then?
17:02What was this man's purpose in posing as Calodinos?
17:05That, monsieur, I cannot answer.
17:08But I know that it could not have been Calodinos.
17:12He is just at this time, 1,900 hours,
17:15arriving in France at Aureli Airport in his own plane.
17:20Steve.
17:22Oh, you...
17:35You kissed me.
17:37Surprise you?
17:39No.
17:40I was sort of expecting you to kiss me.
17:44Uh, don't you think we ought to shut the door?
17:46I wanted to take you in my arms 20 minutes after we met on the plane.
17:52I wanted you to 13 minutes after we...
17:55Oh, Dan, let's ignore it.
18:02You better answer it.
18:04Oh, dear.
18:05Yes?
18:10Yes, he's here.
18:13Steve, it's for you.
18:14New York calling.
18:15Oh, yeah.
18:15I left word at my hotel where I was going to be.
18:18Here, darling.
18:18Oh, thanks.
18:20Hello?
18:21Steve.
18:22This is Hal Orton in New York.
18:24Oh, right, chief.
18:25You got my cable?
18:26Yeah, and I have all the info you requested,
18:28but I can't give it to you where you are.
18:30Incidentally, where are you?
18:31Oh, Suite 1013 at the Concord Hotel.
18:34Well, it's all right.
18:35It's a friend.
18:36All right, now go to the railroad station.
18:38Guard to Knorr.
18:40And in the ticket window on the south side of the station,
18:43you'll see a line of 10 telephone booths.
18:47Counting from left to right, you go to booth three
18:49at three o'clock your time.
18:53You better get to it 15 minutes early to be sure it's available.
18:55Now, wait a minute, chief.
18:56Let me see if I got it all.
18:57Guard to Knorr, three o'clock, third booth
18:59on the south side of the station, counting from the left.
19:01Correct.
19:02Why all these precautions, chief?
19:04Steve, you are being watched, followed, bugged 24 hours of the day.
19:09Don't trust anyone.
19:11I'll talk to you later.
19:12Bye.
19:12Bye, chief.
19:15Well, what was that all about?
19:17Oh, I have something.
19:18It's the business I'm in, Elaine.
19:20Oh, it sounds very mysterious.
19:22Rushing off to the Guard to Knorr
19:24to receive a phone call at three o'clock in booth three.
19:27Oh, I almost forgot.
19:29What?
19:30When I came to the hotel just now,
19:31the clerk at the desk could give me a message for you.
19:34Hang on, I got it here someplace.
19:36For me?
19:36I think it's for your brother.
19:39What did I do with it?
19:40Ah, darn it.
19:42Well, don't be upset.
19:43It's probably nothing important.
19:44Hang on, hang on.
19:45I can remember it.
19:46It was very short.
19:48Just call El Morae.
19:50What?
19:51Yeah, it was, uh, sounds sort of Arabic.
19:55El Morae.
19:56E-E-L-M-O-R-E-Y.
19:59Did you ever hear of it before?
20:00Oh, no.
20:01Uh, well, maybe.
20:03I'm not sure.
20:03You seemed a bit upset when I mentioned it.
20:06Well, I was, actually.
20:08I, I think it's the man Harrington has been trying to contact.
20:11About the sale of the emeralds.
20:13Yes.
20:14We've had several calls.
20:16I've heard him deep in muffled conversation on the phone at least three times in the last week.
20:21Elaine, you can't let them.
20:22You've got to help me.
20:24I'm desperate.
20:25I can't think how I can stop them.
20:27Except by going to the police, as you said.
20:30Oh, not that.
20:32No.
20:34Well, that would be the last resort.
20:43I should have brought a book along.
20:51Hello?
20:52Hello?
20:54Hello?
21:01Hello?
21:02Hello, Steve?
21:04Yeah, Borden.
21:05Steve Nash.
21:06Steve, is that you?
21:07Yeah.
21:08Good.
21:08I'm glad you got to the booth early.
21:10I'm seven minutes and thirty-five seconds early.
21:13Now, listen.
21:15We have reason to believe that we may be bugged right here at headquarters.
21:19Now, here's the info on Kaladinas.
21:21He's a rich exporter of olives and olive oil.
21:25He's jabbled in other things.
21:26Art, petroleum, some shipping.
21:28But mainly olives and olive oil, eh?
21:30Clean?
21:31Well, who knows?
21:32Then explain why he picked me up, brought me to this place,
21:35and gave me more than a gentle warning to get the hell out.
21:39I don't get it.
21:40He's reputed to be one of the richest men in Europe.
21:43Now, here's what I wanted to tell you.
21:45We have it on good authority that a very large shipment of raw opium came into Marseille yesterday.
21:52It'll take a few days to process, and then the refined product will be slipped out of France for a year.
21:57Do the French know?
21:58They're just being told through official channels.
22:01We've asked them to check all personal baggage going out of France.
22:05Going out?
22:06Big order.
22:07I know. It's going to be tough to check.
22:09A lot will slip by.
22:10We'll have to try to spot it here.
22:12Wait a minute, Chief.
22:13What is it?
22:14Someone just slipped into the booth next to mine.
22:17Public phone, Steve.
22:18This guy I recognize.
22:20You know what time it is on my watch?
22:22Exactly three.
22:23Yeah, but Steve, what is that country?
22:25The character I ran into on the street the other night,
22:27the one who let me have it on the back of the head.
22:29Don't you see?
22:30He's in the next booth,
22:31probably hooking up some sort of electronic device to listen in on us.
22:36He expected you there at three.
22:38Yeah, you were right.
22:39You were right about the phone being bugged.
22:41But we got the jump on him by several minutes because I was early.
22:45I won't hang up my phone, Chief.
22:46Stay on the phone.
22:48I'm going to get him.
22:49I got you, you little punk.
22:54Let me go.
22:55I'll call the police.
22:57You call the police.
22:58Good.
22:58Save me the trouble.
22:59But before they get here,
23:01I have a little something I owe you from the other night.
23:04You're quitting so soon?
23:05Come on, buddy boy.
23:06Don't play unconscious with me.
23:09Uh-oh.
23:09Looks like we're going to have some company.
23:13Hello.
23:14Chief, are you still there?
23:16Yes, Steve.
23:16What's going on?
23:17I just, I just nailed our eavesdropper.
23:20And I was right.
23:20He is one of Coladina's boys.
23:22Now, you better get in touch with the French police
23:24and point the finger at Coladina's.
23:26And while you're getting Coladina's into trouble with the police,
23:29you might tell them that they got me locked up.
23:32I, I don't think I'll be able to explain.
23:35Locked up?
23:36What are you talking about?
23:37You're not locked up.
23:38No.
23:39But by that time, I will be.
23:41Here comes the gendarme now.
23:44Bye, Chief.
23:47It is one thing to point the finger at Coladina's.
23:54It is another to pin him down.
23:57Coladina's is a man used to wield in great power.
24:01A very cunning and wily antagonist.
24:05We'll be back shortly with Act Three.
24:07At times, Steve Nash's assignment has him feeling as though he's chasing phantoms.
24:25He keeps reaching out to grab something tangible and ends up with empty hands.
24:31After ten days in Paris, he is as much in the dark about the narcotics racket as he was before he came.
24:39Coladina's is probably deeply involved.
24:43But Coladina's is untouchable.
24:45You can close the cell door, guard.
24:49Ah, thanks for being so prompt, Inspector.
24:53I didn't think I could stand your Bastille for another ten minutes.
24:56Monsieur Nash, we have received a call from your bureau in New York asking us to come here and release you.
25:03How they knew you had been arrested is a mystery.
25:05I told them on the phone.
25:07You called from here?
25:09Ah, no, no.
25:10When I was making a call to my chief in New York from a booth in the Gare du Nord.
25:14I still do not understand.
25:16I knew I was in trouble after I hit that man that Coladina sent.
25:20Coladina's is becoming, how you say, an obsession.
25:24You still don't believe he was the man?
25:25No.
25:26And I do not wish to continue this useless conversation.
25:30You have been released.
25:32You may leave.
25:33Good day.
25:33Hey, wait a minute.
25:34Wait a minute, Inspector.
25:35What happened to the man I hit?
25:37He was treated for his injuries and sent home.
25:40Hey, let him go.
25:41He is Coladina's man.
25:43He's the one who cracked me over the head and took...
25:46Monsieur!
25:47I will not listen to more from you.
25:50I am three years from retirement, and I am not stupid to jeopardize my pension.
25:56What's your pension got to do with this?
25:57What, indeed?
25:59I have told you that Monsieur Coladina's is very important, very powerful.
26:05You're afraid of him.
26:06I would not exactly say that.
26:09Well, I would exactly say it.
26:11I think he's the fat butterfly I came here to catch.
26:15And I'm going to net him with your help, or without it.
26:29Monsieur Nash.
26:30Monsieur Nash.
26:32Here.
26:32Well, Mr. Coladina's fancy meeting you here.
26:36May I give you a lift?
26:37No, thank you.
26:38My head still aches when I remember my last ride in your rolls.
26:42Get in.
26:43We're tying up traffic parking here.
26:46Come on.
26:46You're perfectly safe.
26:48Okay, okay.
26:51Good.
26:52Drive on, Andre.
26:54As a matter of fact, I was anxious to see you, Coladina's.
27:02Really?
27:03I am flattered.
27:04You wanted to say goodbye?
27:06Goodbye?
27:07Yes.
27:08Because you are leaving Paris.
27:10Where did you get that information?
27:12I mean, how come I haven't heard?
27:14You will, Monsieur.
27:16You will.
27:17And you are very lucky, you know?
27:20Go on.
27:22You are alive.
27:25Monsieur Nash, you have been walking in dangerous territory.
27:30And do you know why you have survived?
27:33Tell me.
27:34Because you have been completely ineffectual.
27:39Because you have discovered nothing in all the time you have been here.
27:43In fact, your superiors are of the opinion that you have wasted your time and your government's money.
27:50So, I'm going home in disgrace.
27:52Friday afternoon.
27:53Flight 225 International.
27:56Suppose I decide to stay on until I've nailed you.
28:01That would be a very unfortunate decision.
28:05Learn to quit when you're ahead.
28:07You are ahead right now.
28:09Well, I want to thank you for everything.
28:13All the arrangements.
28:14Very neat.
28:15Very efficient.
28:18And now I should like to drop you at your destination.
28:21My hotel?
28:23I was thinking, perhaps, that you would be going to the American Embassy.
28:28There to call your superior in New York.
28:32Chief Borden.
28:33And verify the information that I have given you.
28:43Borden here.
28:44Steve?
28:45Right, Chief.
28:46I've been trying to reach you all day.
28:48I, uh...
28:49I haven't got good news for you.
28:51I know, I know.
28:53I'm coming home Friday.
28:55I'm sorry, Steve.
28:56I'm just following orders.
28:57Oh, don't bother to explain, Chief.
28:59Someone over here doesn't like me.
29:01That is?
29:02That's about it.
29:03Maybe because I'm getting close to something.
29:06Beginning to press where it hurt.
29:08Well, if you want it straight.
29:10We got the info that you were having a big thing with a certain Miss Helene Freed.
29:15Spending government bread on her fancy restaurants.
29:18Things like that.
29:19Yeah, no mention of Orestes Colodinos in all the memos on me.
29:24No, not a thing.
29:26Marvelous.
29:27It's simply astounding how that overweight olive salesman can be everywhere at the same time.
29:32Wield influence strong enough to get our government to back down and still not show himself.
29:37Steve, I'm sorry.
29:39Yeah.
29:41I'm not fired yet, am I?
29:43No, not yet.
29:44It's nice to know where you stand.
29:46But I'm still employed until Friday.
29:52That gives me three and a half days.
29:55I'll do what I can for you, Chief.
29:57Thanks, Chief.
29:58I knew you'd say that.
30:00Now, listen.
30:01Call on me for anything I can do from here.
30:03Any time of the day or night.
30:05Now, here's my home number.
30:06Don't hesitate to call.
30:09It's 415-3132.
30:12Hang on, hang on.
30:13I haven't got a pencil or a paper handy.
30:15Oh, just, listen.
30:16Just remember the name Macaulay.
30:19M-C-H-O-L-L-Y.
30:22That's how I remember all telephone numbers.
30:24I convert them to names.
30:25Oh, you use the letters on the telephone dial instead of the numbers?
30:27Yeah, it's an old trick.
30:29You remember, Steve?
30:30Can't forget.
30:31Macaulay.
30:31Okay.
30:32Good luck, Steve.
30:42Steve.
30:43Darling.
30:44Hi.
30:44How are you?
30:45Oh, come in.
30:46Come in.
30:47Let's shut the door.
30:49Oh, I called you all day yesterday.
30:52I left messages.
30:53I was in jail.
30:55Jail?
30:55Yeah, I ran into the buzzard.
30:57It hit me that night.
30:58Oh, that night?
30:59Yeah, I was making that overseas call in the Gardu-Nor when I noticed him getting into
31:03the booth next to mine.
31:05What a coincidence.
31:06Oh, that was no coincidence.
31:07Someone knew I was to be there at three o'clock and tipped him off.
31:11I hit him and the gendarme.
31:13Say, you've been packing.
31:16Are you leaving Paris?
31:18Well, that's what I wanted to tell you.
31:20We're flying to New York on Friday.
31:22Friday?
31:22I'm going back on Friday, too.
31:24Flight 225 International.
31:26You're kidding.
31:27Oh, that's our flight.
31:29Oh, Steve, that's wonderful.
31:32Oh, we'll have six whole hours together.
31:35Oh, speaking of coincidence.
31:36I'm beginning to wonder if it is really that or if someone isn't programming my whole life
31:41to suit his own wishes.
31:42I don't understand you.
31:43I'm just talking to myself.
31:45You're going to be a wee bit overweight, Elaine.
31:47All these boxes and packing crates, are they going with you?
31:50Oh, heavens no.
31:52We'll just carry suitcases.
31:54This will all be sent by freighter.
31:55Oh, I see.
31:56Ship via SS Andreas Bordeaux.
32:01Is that a French ship, Elaine?
32:02I wouldn't know.
32:03Harrington made all the arrangements.
32:05Oh, speaking of your brother, how's his little swindle going?
32:09I'm afraid that it's all been settled.
32:11He sold it, eh?
32:12Well, he seems to have a great deal of money on him.
32:15And auntie's out shopping at the most expensive couturier in Paris.
32:20What about you, Elaine?
32:22I couldn't do it, Steve.
32:25Couldn't turn them in.
32:27Oh, the whole thing's a mess.
32:28I feel helpless.
32:29Well, take heart.
32:31They may get caught yet.
32:33Wait till they try to collect.
32:35Oh, Phyllis.
32:36Oh, I am exhausted.
32:39Utterly exhausted.
32:41One doesn't realize how tiring shopping for clothes can be.
32:45Oh.
32:46Oh, hello.
32:48You're Mr. Rose.
32:49Nash, Mrs. Starr.
32:50Oh, of course, of course.
32:52Nash, Philip, Nash.
32:54Now, where did we meet, young man?
32:56Right here, Phyllis.
32:58Not more than ten days ago.
33:00And his name is Stephen, not Philip.
33:02Oh, yes.
33:04And?
33:05And?
33:07And he's the man I'm going to marry.
33:10If you'll have me.
33:11Will you, Steve?
33:12Will I?
33:14Darling, I thought you'd never ask.
33:16Hello?
33:27Chief.
33:28Steve.
33:29Huh?
33:30You know what time it is?
33:32Yes, eight o'clock in the morning.
33:34Where you are here, it's just two o'clock in the morning.
33:37I just got to sleep an hour ago.
33:39I'm sorry, Chief.
33:40I had to call.
33:40It's urgent.
33:42Chief, I'm in Bordeaux.
33:43What the hell are you doing in Bordeaux?
33:45I'll explain it to you later.
33:46Just tell me this.
33:47You mentioned that Coladinos had varied business interests.
33:51One you mentioned in passing, shipping?
33:53Yes, he has.
33:55He owns two ships, both under Liberian registry.
33:58He uses them mainly for his olive oil company.
34:00Would the name of one of them be the S.S. Andreas?
34:06I can't remember the names.
34:08The files are at the office.
34:09I'll be in Paris in a few hours.
34:11Would you check and call me?
34:13You sound like you've latched on to something, Steve.
34:15I may have.
34:16I'll tell you about it when I see you.
34:18I'm flying home this afternoon, remember?
34:20Yeah.
34:21If I have anything, I'll have you to thank.
34:23Thanks for the tip, McCauley.
34:26Now, really, I can't understand.
34:36I distinctly remember ordering all three tickets for first class.
34:40Now, they tell me that we have two firsts and one tourist.
34:43Now, don't get so worked up about it, Har.
34:46I suppose you expect me to sit in the tourist class seat?
34:50No, I shall.
34:51Being a martyr, Helene?
34:53Nope.
34:54But I'll have more charming company and tourist than you, dear brother.
34:58Ah, here he comes now.
35:01Nash!
35:02That's right.
35:03Phyllis said he'd be on this flight.
35:05Steve, over here.
35:07I'm sorry I'm a little late.
35:08I had to wait for a call from New York.
35:10Hello, Harrington.
35:10Hello.
35:11Please excuse me.
35:12I've got to find Phyllis.
35:13She's buying perfume in the duty-free shops.
35:17She'll never know what time it is.
35:18Don't be too long.
35:20They'll be calling our flight any minute.
35:23Oh, Steve, I missed you.
35:25Where have you been for the last two days?
35:27Oh, a few things to wrap up before I left Paris.
35:29I wanted to take a look at a little more of the country.
35:32I may not be back for years, if ever.
35:35Well, why didn't you tell me?
35:37I'd have gone with you.
35:38Madame, monsieur.
35:40Oh, Inspector Boivin.
35:43Come to see us off, monsieur?
35:45Not exactly.
35:46Uh, mademoiselle, madame Starot, and monsieur Harrington Frayne should also be present.
35:53They are here?
35:54They're here, monsieur Boivin.
35:56My aunt is doing some last-minute shopping.
35:59Oh, here they are.
36:00Oh, I've had the most glorious time, Elaine.
36:04Oh, Miss Nash and monsieur Boivin.
36:07Well, I'm afraid I'm way, way over my quota.
36:11I have bought some big gallons and gallons and...
36:12Pardon, madame.
36:13But, uh, we have very little time,
36:16and it is necessary that all your luggage be examined before you board.
36:21Be examined?
36:22At this end?
36:23We're going out, not coming in.
36:24I am sorry, monsieur.
36:26Regulations, if you will be so kind.
36:30Regulations?
36:31Since when?
36:32Tuesday, this week.
36:33All luggage must be examined before departure.
36:37Ah, red tape.
36:39Bureaucratic red tape.
36:41If you'd stop arguing, we'd be through it in a matter of minutes.
36:44Quiet, Harrington.
36:46Now, monsieur Boivin, where do we go?
36:48Please, be so kind as to follow me.
36:51You too, monsieur Nash.
36:53Through this door, please.
36:54Our bags are already on the plane.
36:56They were checked through.
36:57You will find that all your luggage is on that table, ready for examination.
37:04Now, the attendants will help you,
37:08but we should like you to open your own luggage.
37:12Who is first, dear?
37:13That's mine.
37:15Open, please.
37:20Now, let us look inside the case,
37:23containing your articles of toilet, monsieur.
37:25This is toothpaste.
37:29Is this necessary, monsieur?
37:31Must you remove and examine everything in the case?
37:34Patience, monsieur.
37:36I know what I am looking for.
37:38This tube is most interesting.
37:42Regarde.
37:43It has been opened at the bottom and sealed again.
37:47When one presses firmly on the tube,
37:49one discovers that there are unnatural lumps within.
37:54Then, we shall see what they are.
37:58I take my pocket knife and...
38:01There.
38:04These are emeralds, wouldn't you say, madame?
38:09Yes.
38:09They are my emeralds.
38:11Now, would you be so kind as to give them to me?
38:13Presently, madame.
38:15Monsieur Frayne, madame Starow,
38:17you are under arrest.
38:20On what charge?
38:21Oh, my nephew did not steal my jewels.
38:24I gave them to him for safekeeping.
38:26You reported a theft, madame.
38:28A false theft.
38:30A mistake.
38:31A misunderstanding.
38:31We have found the emeralds,
38:33and now we report them found.
38:36You are in a conspiracy to defraud the insurance company, madame.
38:40That is a crime.
38:43Now, you will both come with me.
38:45You, Nash.
38:46You did this, snooping around.
38:48I knew he was some sort of a cop, Phyllis.
38:50You are clear, madame.
38:53The attendants will see that your luggage is placed above the plate.
38:56So, you have finally decided to do it, eh, Elaine?
39:05Yes.
39:06I discovered that the emeralds hadn't been sold yet.
39:10Also, that Phyllis hadn't reported the loss to the insurance company.
39:13I knew the charges couldn't be too severe and would probably be dismissed.
39:17Of course, they'll probably never forgive you.
39:20Oh, I think they will in time.
39:23And I'll have you to console me, Steve.
39:24They'll be calling our plane now.
39:29Too bad Phyllis and Harrington's tickets won't be used.
39:32Oh, look, there's Boisvin.
39:34Huh, he's alone.
39:36I guess he sent them off to the Bastille.
39:38I don't envy them their visit.
39:40My experience was pretty bad.
39:42We have met Mrs. Hilliard, please.
39:44Come to information, please.
39:45Oh, you're being paged, Elaine.
39:47I can't imagine what it is.
39:49We have met Mrs. Hilliard, please.
39:49Come to information, please.
39:50Let's find out.
39:51Come on.
39:51You have a message for me?
39:55Oui, madame.
39:57Allé, le frère?
39:58Yes.
39:59Ah, oui.
40:01I have it here.
40:04Merci.
40:07What is it, Elaine?
40:08You look worried.
40:10Oh, nothing.
40:12Nothing, Steve.
40:13I just got to make a telephone call that I neglected to.
40:16Oh, there's a booth over there.
40:17Do you want me to come with you?
40:19No, no.
40:20Wait for me here.
40:20E-L-M-O-R-E-Y
40:37Yes?
40:43This is Elaine.
40:44I'm at the airport.
40:45I got your message.
40:46What message?
40:47A message of information.
40:49I was paged.
40:49What message?
40:51The usual.
40:52Call El Moray.
40:54You fool.
40:55You little fool.
40:57I sent no message.
40:58You've been trapped.
41:00You are caught.
41:01And so am I.
41:03They will be waiting when you come out of the booth.
41:05You have involved me, you stupid fool.
41:08Thank your American lover for this.
41:10You are under arrest.
41:11You are under arrest, ma'am, sir.
41:16Would you be so kind as to accompany me?
41:20Yes.
41:21Monsieur Nash, I leave the prisoner in your custody.
41:25Your plane is already boarding.
41:27You do not have much time.
41:29Thanks, Inspector.
41:33Steve, I...
41:33Don't cry.
41:34It can't change matters.
41:36Steve, I won't try to defend myself.
41:40You were planted on the plane I came over on, weren't you?
41:43Yes.
41:44This whole business of the stolen emerald was a diversionary move, eh?
41:48Harrington and Phyllis would be caught and the police satisfied with the capture.
41:53This would allow you to slip through?
41:56Yes.
41:57It's true.
41:58It's all true.
42:00We were the clearinghouse.
42:02The crates we sent to Bordeaux...
42:04I know, I know.
42:05Narcotics.
42:06The ship SS Andreas belongs to Calodinas.
42:09I checked it out.
42:11Sailed yesterday for New York.
42:13One dozen gallon tins in the cargo contain heroin.
42:17Not olive oil.
42:19They'll be found when the ship docks in New York.
42:21I've wired ahead.
42:22I'm sure you have.
42:24Oh, this has all been a performance.
42:25It's a charming charade to throw dust in my eyes.
42:29No.
42:30No, that isn't entirely true.
42:31Come on, Elaine.
42:32It started that way, I admit.
42:35Please believe me.
42:38I love you.
42:38Mademoiselle?
42:42Yes, I'm ready.
42:45Goodbye, Stephen.
42:46Steve stood there and silently watched the woman he had just begun to love being led away by the French police.
43:01For long minutes after she disappeared through the main doors, he stood there without moving.
43:08Finally, with an effort, he responded to the last boarding call for flight 225.
43:15I'll be back shortly.
43:28When Steve Nash got off the plane in New York, his chief was waiting to congratulate him.
43:35But all the praise and promises of a promotion couldn't wipe out the last look on Elaine's face.
43:43He knew it would stay with him forever.
43:46Our cast included Paul Hecht, Suzanne Grossman, Ruth Warwick, George Petrie, Leon Janney, and Gil Mack.
43:55The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown.
43:58And now, a preview of our next tale.
44:02Jenny, that stone ain't gold.
44:06And what is it?
44:08It's pyrite.
44:10What's pyrite?
44:12Oh, it's just what everybody calls...
44:14Well, it...
44:15It's a sort of metal.
44:17Well, anyways, whatever it is, it's real precious to me.
44:22It's my lucky charm.
44:24Well, that's why you better not let Pa know what you think about it.
44:27Why?
44:29Well, you know what he's like.
44:30He cares about gambling more than he cares about anything.
44:33And all gamblers are real superstitious.
44:37Now, if he knew you had a lucky piece, especially if he heard the crazy story about you and that school burning down,
44:43he'd have it off of you so fast that it'd set your head to spinning.
44:46It isn't crazy.
44:47You heard me wish on the stone for no school, and now there is no school.
44:51That was just happenstance.
44:54You don't think it happened just because I wished it?
44:57Of course it didn't.
44:58Then I'm going to prove it to you.
45:00Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by New Sugar-Free Diet 7-Up.
45:05This is E.G. Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre.
45:13Until next time, pleasant dreams.