1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:10,080 Suspense! 2 00:00:10,080 --> 00:00:15,600 In the diners and club cars of America's finest trains, wherever the knowing traveler seeks 3 00:00:15,600 --> 00:00:27,760 the last word in luxury, the first word in wines is C-R-E-S-T-A, V-L-A-N-C-A, Cresta, 4 00:00:27,760 --> 00:00:36,720 Blanca, Cresta Blanca. Yes, Cresta Blanca California wine is the choice among those who set today's 5 00:00:36,720 --> 00:00:43,600 mode in travel as well as gracious living. So enrich your dining, distinguish your entertaining 6 00:00:43,600 --> 00:00:50,400 with Cresta Blanca. When you pour Cresta Blanca Burgundy, Sau Tern, or any Cresta Blanca selection, 7 00:00:50,400 --> 00:00:55,920 you enjoy the finest in wine. Schenley's Cresta Blanca Wine Company, Livermore, California. 8 00:00:55,920 --> 00:01:02,920 And now, Schenley brings you Radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense! 9 00:01:02,920 --> 00:01:12,240 Presented by Roma Wines, that's R-O-M-A, Roma Wines for your everyday enjoyment. 10 00:01:12,240 --> 00:01:19,640 Tonight, Roma Wines of Fresno, California bring you Mr. John Lund in Murder Aboard the Alphabet, 11 00:01:19,640 --> 00:01:26,200 a suspense play produced, edited, and directed for Schenley by William Spear. 12 00:01:29,160 --> 00:01:35,160 It is well past midnight now and I write these words so that other men may know the full story 13 00:01:35,160 --> 00:01:53,160 of that ill-fated voyage of the deep sea tug, Alphabet. 14 00:01:53,160 --> 00:01:58,600 Ours was not a large vessel but sturdily built for its task and though it seems an age, 15 00:01:59,480 --> 00:02:03,240 it was only a little over six months ago that we sailed from Liverpool, England, 16 00:02:03,240 --> 00:02:07,240 bound out across the North Atlantic to deliver our ship to her new owners, 17 00:02:07,240 --> 00:02:09,960 a salvage firm of Boston, Massachusetts. 18 00:02:13,960 --> 00:02:15,960 Stand by to cast off! 19 00:02:18,840 --> 00:02:22,840 We put out with a reduced compliment just a handful of men, 12 and all. 20 00:02:23,480 --> 00:02:27,080 We were a new crew sent on board for this journey over the deep sea lanes 21 00:02:27,880 --> 00:02:31,880 and I sailed as chief officer under the command of Captain Godfrey Walker. 22 00:02:31,880 --> 00:02:37,480 Second made Harvey Goodrum and Chief Engineer Alec McTavish being the other members of our small saloon. 23 00:02:48,200 --> 00:02:53,480 I remember we departed on a cold, wet day with the fog lying low over Birkenhead 24 00:02:54,040 --> 00:02:56,440 and the northwest wind blowing fresh in our teeth. 25 00:02:56,440 --> 00:02:58,440 I report! 26 00:02:58,440 --> 00:03:04,280 As the drab grey of the Liverpool dark side dropped back into the soaking mists, 27 00:03:05,000 --> 00:03:11,480 I doubt if any man aboard could have foretold what lay ahead over those 3,000 miles of heaving sea. 28 00:03:16,120 --> 00:03:19,720 When we had cleared the light ship, I went at the wheelhouse where Captain Walker 29 00:03:19,720 --> 00:03:24,520 searched the channel ahead, his deep black eyes staring out from under his shaggy eyebrows. 30 00:03:24,520 --> 00:03:29,160 I saw him, his huge frame bundled in a salt stain great coach. 31 00:03:34,760 --> 00:03:39,000 Ah, Mr. Marshland, everything secured proceed? 32 00:03:39,000 --> 00:03:42,040 Yes sir, everything on deck is lashed down as tight as a whistle. 33 00:03:42,040 --> 00:03:45,720 Good, good, we may get a dirty crossing this time of the year. 34 00:03:45,720 --> 00:03:49,960 Oh, sure be uncomfortable sir, when it comes to ships I'm used to something a little bigger. 35 00:03:49,960 --> 00:03:55,480 You're on no 10,000 tonner now, mister. If we hit it heavy there'll be many a man on board 36 00:03:55,480 --> 00:03:57,080 who'll wish he never left the dark side. 37 00:03:57,080 --> 00:03:59,080 Oh, I think the crew can take it, sir. 38 00:03:59,080 --> 00:04:01,800 Yeah, maybe, mister, maybe. Few days out and we'll see. 39 00:04:02,440 --> 00:04:04,040 Keep her to our course, Quartermaster. 40 00:04:05,720 --> 00:04:07,640 All right, Mr. Marshland, you can take her now. 41 00:04:07,640 --> 00:04:08,360 Very good, sir. 42 00:04:08,360 --> 00:04:10,120 Your course is south 70 west. 43 00:04:10,120 --> 00:04:11,400 South 70 west, sir. 44 00:04:11,400 --> 00:04:14,680 See these helmsmen, keep her on the course. I'll be back in the cabin if you want. 45 00:04:14,680 --> 00:04:22,520 Aye, aye, sir. 46 00:04:22,520 --> 00:04:24,760 Queer Cove the skipper, sir. 47 00:04:24,760 --> 00:04:25,560 Is he? 48 00:04:25,560 --> 00:04:28,760 Aye, fear gives me the creeps he does. 49 00:04:28,760 --> 00:04:32,920 Oh, he's probably harmless enough. Used to bigger commands than this, I imagine. 50 00:04:32,920 --> 00:04:35,720 Ah, but I'd keep a watch on him, sir, if I was you. 51 00:04:36,280 --> 00:04:38,440 Keep a watch on him. Why? 52 00:04:38,440 --> 00:04:42,840 Why? If you don't know now, sir, you'll find out soon enough. 53 00:04:42,840 --> 00:04:44,680 South 70 west, check your course. 54 00:04:44,680 --> 00:04:56,680 South 70 west is too, sir. 55 00:04:56,680 --> 00:05:00,680 Aye, who's that? 56 00:05:00,680 --> 00:05:06,680 Marshland, sir. You sent for me? 57 00:05:06,680 --> 00:05:13,480 Always. Come in, mister. Come in. 58 00:05:13,480 --> 00:05:14,680 Take a chair, mister. 59 00:05:14,680 --> 00:05:15,480 Thank you, sir. 60 00:05:15,480 --> 00:05:18,280 No, not that one over there. 61 00:05:18,280 --> 00:05:23,000 Oh, certainly, sir. Is there anything wrong? 62 00:05:23,000 --> 00:05:25,000 Oh, no, no, no, no, nothing's wrong. 63 00:05:25,000 --> 00:05:27,880 I just want to talk to you, discuss the affairs of the ship with you, 64 00:05:27,880 --> 00:05:30,280 give you some idea of what I expect. 65 00:05:30,280 --> 00:05:32,280 Oh, here, cigarette. 66 00:05:32,280 --> 00:05:34,280 Oh, thank you. 67 00:05:34,280 --> 00:05:38,200 Oh, by the way, you will not use that ashtray on your right. 68 00:05:38,200 --> 00:05:39,240 No, you will not use it. 69 00:05:39,240 --> 00:05:41,800 You may place your ash carefully on the other one. 70 00:05:43,560 --> 00:05:44,040 This one? 71 00:05:44,040 --> 00:05:45,160 Yes, yes, that one. 72 00:05:46,760 --> 00:05:50,680 Here we are. How long since you had your last berth, mister? 73 00:05:50,680 --> 00:05:53,560 Why, it's been some time, sir. 74 00:05:53,560 --> 00:05:56,520 Oh, the port captain says you know me. 75 00:05:56,520 --> 00:05:58,680 Well, only by reputation, sir. 76 00:06:00,040 --> 00:06:03,880 Would it surprise you to learn that I know something of you by reputation, 77 00:06:03,880 --> 00:06:04,840 mister? 78 00:06:04,840 --> 00:06:06,440 Why, I don't exactly. 79 00:06:06,440 --> 00:06:08,840 We ought to make quite a pair, mister, quite a pair. 80 00:06:08,840 --> 00:06:09,960 Oh, well, no matter. 81 00:06:10,760 --> 00:06:14,360 Now, I shall tell you the reason I summoned you to my cabin, mister Marshal. 82 00:06:15,160 --> 00:06:17,560 You will find, if you do not know already, 83 00:06:17,560 --> 00:06:20,840 that I have very definite ways I wish things to be done. 84 00:06:20,840 --> 00:06:22,280 Very definite ways. 85 00:06:22,280 --> 00:06:25,800 First of all, I demand complete unquestioning obedience. 86 00:06:26,760 --> 00:06:27,640 Of course, sir. 87 00:06:28,280 --> 00:06:31,240 I'm sure you'll get the fullest cooperation from myself and the crew. 88 00:06:31,240 --> 00:06:33,800 Yeah, good, good. I want that to be perfectly clear. 89 00:06:34,760 --> 00:06:38,680 I also insist that your supervision of the work on the ship be done in a certain manner 90 00:06:38,680 --> 00:06:39,560 I shall prescribe. 91 00:06:40,360 --> 00:06:44,760 All items of work will be carried out in alphabetical order. 92 00:06:45,800 --> 00:06:47,080 Alphabetical order, sir? 93 00:06:47,080 --> 00:06:50,360 Precisely. Starting with A and carrying through to Z. 94 00:06:52,200 --> 00:06:53,800 I'm afraid I don't understand, sir. 95 00:06:53,800 --> 00:06:55,720 I think my meaning is perfectly clear. 96 00:06:56,920 --> 00:07:00,040 If the hands are painting ship, they will start with the alleyways 97 00:07:00,040 --> 00:07:02,120 and all other items beginning with A. 98 00:07:02,120 --> 00:07:04,680 Then the bulkheads, then the decks and so forth. 99 00:07:06,200 --> 00:07:07,880 You understand me now, mister? 100 00:07:07,880 --> 00:07:09,000 Oh, yes. Yes, sir. 101 00:07:09,800 --> 00:07:10,920 I think I understand. 102 00:07:11,720 --> 00:07:14,440 But I'm afraid I don't quite see your reason. 103 00:07:14,440 --> 00:07:15,400 Mr. Marshal! 104 00:07:16,280 --> 00:07:18,280 My reasons are not to be questioned. 105 00:07:18,840 --> 00:07:21,320 You will remember while I'm in command of this vessel, 106 00:07:21,320 --> 00:07:33,960 I hold the power of life and death. 107 00:07:33,960 --> 00:07:34,680 Well, sir? 108 00:07:37,800 --> 00:07:41,080 He was sitting across from me on the small settee in his cabin, 109 00:07:41,800 --> 00:07:44,120 his massive face half hidden in the shadows, 110 00:07:44,840 --> 00:07:46,520 his eyes piercing into mine. 111 00:07:47,640 --> 00:07:50,360 In the nearness of him, I could see the bloodshot veins 112 00:07:50,360 --> 00:07:52,520 like thin red tracings against the white. 113 00:07:53,400 --> 00:07:55,960 The man was mad. Higgins was right. 114 00:07:56,520 --> 00:07:57,400 He was mad. 115 00:07:57,400 --> 00:07:59,960 Yes, life and death. 116 00:08:02,280 --> 00:08:03,640 I looked about his cabin. 117 00:08:04,440 --> 00:08:06,920 There was something inhuman in its ordered neatness, 118 00:08:07,720 --> 00:08:10,040 as if the warmth of man had not touched it. 119 00:08:10,840 --> 00:08:13,560 I saw the books stacked evenly in the bookshelf. 120 00:08:14,200 --> 00:08:17,400 I saw the titles arranged in alphabetical order. 121 00:08:17,400 --> 00:08:19,800 It was a pattern complete in itself. 122 00:08:19,800 --> 00:08:22,680 The desk, the bunk, immaculate, 123 00:08:22,680 --> 00:08:25,400 not a wrinkler speck of dust visible to the naked eye. 124 00:08:26,200 --> 00:08:28,280 On the bulkhead were four photographs, 125 00:08:28,280 --> 00:08:30,280 enlargements of outdoor scenes. 126 00:08:31,080 --> 00:08:34,200 At the start, I realized they too were in perfect order, 127 00:08:34,200 --> 00:08:36,920 arranged according to the seasons from left to right, 128 00:08:36,920 --> 00:08:39,560 spring, summer, autumn, winter. 129 00:08:40,440 --> 00:08:42,200 My eyes darted about me again, 130 00:08:42,680 --> 00:08:45,320 and on the shelf above his bunk, I saw three cameras. 131 00:08:45,320 --> 00:08:47,240 They also fitted the pattern, 132 00:08:47,640 --> 00:08:50,440 the smallest on the left, the largest on the right. 133 00:08:51,160 --> 00:08:53,160 I remembered the chair on the ashtray 134 00:08:53,880 --> 00:08:55,880 and turned towards him as he spoke again. 135 00:08:55,880 --> 00:08:58,840 Is that perfectly clear, Mr. Marshal? 136 00:08:58,840 --> 00:09:00,840 Yes, sir, perfectly clear. 137 00:09:00,840 --> 00:09:02,840 Good, good. Now, one final thing. 138 00:09:03,640 --> 00:09:06,440 I insist that the quartermasters taking the wheel 139 00:09:06,440 --> 00:09:09,960 appear in sequence of the first letter of their surnames. 140 00:09:09,960 --> 00:09:13,320 But, sir, that will mean rearranging the watches, surely, 141 00:09:13,320 --> 00:09:16,840 Silence! You will do as I order. 142 00:09:16,840 --> 00:09:18,840 Very good, sir. The watches will be changed. 143 00:09:18,840 --> 00:09:20,840 That's better, much better. 144 00:09:20,840 --> 00:09:23,320 Well, mister, now that we understand one another, 145 00:09:23,320 --> 00:09:25,320 we shall cease talking about the ship. 146 00:09:26,440 --> 00:09:29,320 Aha, I see you've noticed my photographs. 147 00:09:29,320 --> 00:09:31,320 Well, I can't say I know much about it, sir, 148 00:09:31,320 --> 00:09:33,320 but I'd say they're excellent. 149 00:09:33,320 --> 00:09:36,360 Of course they're excellent. I took them myself, a hobby of mine. 150 00:09:36,360 --> 00:09:39,320 You may have noticed I have three cameras. 151 00:09:39,320 --> 00:09:41,320 Two of them are of German make. 152 00:09:41,320 --> 00:09:43,320 The other American. 153 00:09:43,320 --> 00:09:47,320 The medium sized one in the middle I use with infrared film. 154 00:09:47,320 --> 00:09:49,320 Comparatively recent development. 155 00:09:49,320 --> 00:09:51,320 The other two are used for general purposes. 156 00:09:51,320 --> 00:09:55,320 Are you interested in photography, Mr. Marshal? 157 00:09:55,320 --> 00:09:57,320 I can't say I am particularly, sir. 158 00:09:57,320 --> 00:09:59,320 I've never done anything like that for a hobby. 159 00:09:59,320 --> 00:10:01,320 Very well. If you're not interested, you may go. 160 00:10:01,320 --> 00:10:03,320 Oh, I didn't mean that I... 161 00:10:03,320 --> 00:10:11,320 That is in order, Mr. Marshal, and you will now go. 162 00:10:18,320 --> 00:10:22,320 I left him then and stumbled into the cold darkness outside. 163 00:10:22,320 --> 00:10:27,320 The thoughts tumbling unendingly through my head as I made my way to my cabin. 164 00:10:27,320 --> 00:10:31,320 We were pushing our way over the restless waters of the North Atlantic 165 00:10:31,320 --> 00:10:33,320 and we saw a madman in command. 166 00:10:42,320 --> 00:10:46,320 On the morning of the third day, the second officer came running onto the bridge 167 00:10:46,320 --> 00:10:50,320 and flung himself excitedly into the wheelhouse. 168 00:10:50,320 --> 00:10:53,320 Mr. Marshal, I'd like a word with you. 169 00:10:53,320 --> 00:10:55,320 Go ahead, Goodrum. What is it? 170 00:10:55,320 --> 00:10:58,320 Would you come outside? I can't tell you here. 171 00:10:58,320 --> 00:11:01,320 Certainly. 172 00:11:04,320 --> 00:11:06,320 Now, what in the world is the matter with you? 173 00:11:06,320 --> 00:11:08,320 It's the wireless operator, sir. 174 00:11:08,320 --> 00:11:11,320 Cabo Crombie. He's gone. 175 00:11:11,320 --> 00:11:13,320 You mean he's disappeared off the ship? 176 00:11:13,320 --> 00:11:15,320 Disappeared. Maybe. 177 00:11:15,320 --> 00:11:19,320 But I wouldn't wonder if there was a better name for it than that, sir. 178 00:11:19,320 --> 00:11:28,320 What do you mean? I mean, murder. 179 00:11:35,320 --> 00:11:41,320 Cabo Crombie was gone, vanished without a trace from the decks of the alphabet. 180 00:11:41,320 --> 00:11:46,320 And although I didn't have the feeling myself, there was an uneasiness within the crew now. 181 00:11:46,320 --> 00:11:51,320 They seemed furtive, frightened, and they quietly drifted out of sight 182 00:11:51,320 --> 00:11:54,320 whenever the captain made an appearance on the deck. 183 00:11:54,320 --> 00:11:58,320 You could see they feared him and somehow connected his madness 184 00:11:58,320 --> 00:12:01,320 with the disappearance of the wireless operator. 185 00:12:01,320 --> 00:12:05,320 That night, I stood in the darkness of the wheelhouse, 186 00:12:05,320 --> 00:12:09,320 the faint light from the binnacle shining on the face of Higgins 187 00:12:09,320 --> 00:12:11,320 as he stood his trick at the wheel. 188 00:12:11,320 --> 00:12:17,320 It's a rum go, sir. That Cabo Crombie didn't just fall over the side by himself. 189 00:12:17,320 --> 00:12:19,320 Mark my words on that. 190 00:12:19,320 --> 00:12:22,320 Oh, come now, Higgins. Many a man has disappeared from shipboard, 191 00:12:22,320 --> 00:12:24,320 swept over the side by a sea. 192 00:12:24,320 --> 00:12:27,320 Ah, sir, on a stormy night, that may be. 193 00:12:27,320 --> 00:12:30,320 But last night was a pretty quiet one. 194 00:12:30,320 --> 00:12:34,320 Just a little kiss of rain. Done in he was, sir. 195 00:12:34,320 --> 00:12:35,320 But why? What reason? 196 00:12:35,320 --> 00:12:37,320 Reason? 197 00:12:37,320 --> 00:12:40,320 Ah, no one had no reason, sir. 198 00:12:40,320 --> 00:12:42,320 Maybe the queer one. 199 00:12:42,320 --> 00:12:43,320 The queer one? 200 00:12:43,320 --> 00:12:45,320 Aye, the skipper, sir. 201 00:12:45,320 --> 00:12:47,320 Good heavens, man. Are you accusing the captain of... 202 00:12:47,320 --> 00:12:49,320 He's not a normal man, sir. 203 00:12:49,320 --> 00:12:51,320 I wouldn't be too loud about the captain, Higgins. 204 00:12:51,320 --> 00:12:53,320 You can't accuse people without evidence. 205 00:12:53,320 --> 00:12:55,320 Well, keep me tongue. 206 00:12:55,320 --> 00:12:57,320 But the skipper's off his rocker. 207 00:12:57,320 --> 00:12:59,320 You know that as well as I do, sir. 208 00:12:59,320 --> 00:13:01,320 Oh, he's got some set ideas about things, but that doesn't... 209 00:13:01,320 --> 00:13:04,320 Alphabetical ideas, sir? 210 00:13:04,320 --> 00:13:06,320 Well, yes, but... 211 00:13:06,320 --> 00:13:11,320 Ain't you thought of this, sir? His name, Abercrombie. 212 00:13:11,320 --> 00:13:12,320 What of it? 213 00:13:12,320 --> 00:13:16,320 Beginning with the H, the first letter of the alphabet. 214 00:13:16,320 --> 00:13:19,320 Abercrombie was the first. 215 00:13:19,320 --> 00:13:22,320 But he won't be the last, sir. He won't be the last. 216 00:13:29,320 --> 00:13:33,320 For suspense, Roma wines are bringing you Mr. John Lund 217 00:13:33,320 --> 00:13:35,320 in Murder Abort the Alphabet. 218 00:13:35,320 --> 00:13:41,320 Roma wines presentation tonight in Radio's Outstanding Theatre of Thrills, Suspense. 219 00:13:48,320 --> 00:13:53,320 Suspense, Radio's Outstanding Theatre of Thrills, is being brought to you by Roma. 220 00:13:53,320 --> 00:13:59,320 That's R-O-M-A. Roma wines, America's largest selling wines. 221 00:13:59,320 --> 00:14:03,320 When it's nighty in the shade and there's no shade, 222 00:14:03,320 --> 00:14:09,320 that's the time to enjoy tall, tinkling glasses of ice-cold Roma wine and soda. 223 00:14:09,320 --> 00:14:15,320 Yes, treat your family and friends to the thirst-quenching goodness of Roma wine and soda. 224 00:14:15,320 --> 00:14:20,320 So simple. Half-fill tall glasses with any Roma wine, 225 00:14:20,320 --> 00:14:25,320 such as robust Roma Burgundy or delicate Roma Sauternes. 226 00:14:25,320 --> 00:14:29,320 Fill up with cracked ice and soda, sweeten to taste. 227 00:14:29,320 --> 00:14:34,320 Then take a long cooling sip and smile. 228 00:14:34,320 --> 00:14:39,320 You'll discover why Roma wine and soda is so cool to come home to, 229 00:14:39,320 --> 00:14:42,320 especially when the weatherman says warmer. 230 00:14:42,320 --> 00:14:47,320 And remember, for better taste, always enjoy Roma wines. 231 00:14:47,320 --> 00:14:54,320 That's R-O-M-A. Roma wines, the greatest name in wines. 232 00:14:54,320 --> 00:14:58,320 And now Roma wines bring back to our Hollywood Soundstage 233 00:14:58,320 --> 00:15:05,320 John Lund as Firt Mate Marshland and Joseph Kearns as Captain Walker in Murder Aboard the Alphabet. 234 00:15:05,320 --> 00:15:10,320 A play well calculated to keep you in suspense. 235 00:15:19,320 --> 00:15:24,320 Needless to say, the conclusions of the men were no surprise to me. 236 00:15:24,320 --> 00:15:29,320 But I didn't feel the time was right for further action. 237 00:15:32,320 --> 00:15:36,320 On the evening of the following day, the barometer started dropping. 238 00:15:36,320 --> 00:15:40,320 And next morning saw the low gray clouds scudding swiftly before the wind 239 00:15:40,320 --> 00:15:44,320 and the alphabet laboring heavily in the rising sea. 240 00:15:44,320 --> 00:15:49,320 It was at eight bells of the morning watch, the sixth day of sea. 241 00:15:49,320 --> 00:15:51,320 Who's there? 242 00:15:51,320 --> 00:15:53,320 It's McTavish, Mr. Mate. 243 00:15:53,320 --> 00:15:55,320 Oh, come in, Chief. 244 00:15:56,320 --> 00:15:58,320 Take a chair, Chief. 245 00:15:58,320 --> 00:16:01,320 What is it? You look bothered. 246 00:16:01,320 --> 00:16:03,320 Butterfield, Mr. He's lost. 247 00:16:03,320 --> 00:16:04,320 Lost? 248 00:16:04,320 --> 00:16:05,320 Aye. 249 00:16:05,320 --> 00:16:06,320 Are you sure, McTavish? 250 00:16:06,320 --> 00:16:08,320 Oh, I am sure enough. 251 00:16:08,320 --> 00:16:11,320 We've searched for him all around the ship. 252 00:16:11,320 --> 00:16:13,320 There's no place, Mr. 253 00:16:13,320 --> 00:16:14,320 Have you informed the captain? 254 00:16:14,320 --> 00:16:16,320 Ah, the old man. 255 00:16:16,320 --> 00:16:19,320 Didn't you think he knows it? 256 00:16:19,320 --> 00:16:21,320 Come on. 257 00:16:31,320 --> 00:16:33,320 Aye, come. 258 00:16:35,320 --> 00:16:36,320 Well, mister? 259 00:16:36,320 --> 00:16:38,320 There's another man gone, sir. 260 00:16:38,320 --> 00:16:39,320 Butterfield. 261 00:16:39,320 --> 00:16:40,320 Butterfield, eh? 262 00:16:40,320 --> 00:16:41,320 Aye, sir. 263 00:16:41,320 --> 00:16:43,320 How long have you known this, Mr. Marshall? 264 00:16:43,320 --> 00:16:44,320 The chief of the ship? 265 00:16:44,320 --> 00:16:46,320 How long have you known this, Mr. Marshall? 266 00:16:46,320 --> 00:16:48,320 The chief engineer informed me only a few moments ago, sir. 267 00:16:48,320 --> 00:16:50,320 Are you sure of this, Mr. McTavish? 268 00:16:50,320 --> 00:16:52,320 Aye, I'm sure. 269 00:16:52,320 --> 00:16:54,320 There's no trace of him anywhere aboard the ship. 270 00:16:54,320 --> 00:16:56,320 Very well, Mr. McTavish. You may go. 271 00:16:56,320 --> 00:16:58,320 I wish to speak to the chief officer alone. 272 00:16:58,320 --> 00:17:00,320 What about Butterfield, sir? 273 00:17:00,320 --> 00:17:02,320 Go, Mr. McTavish! That's an order! 274 00:17:02,320 --> 00:17:04,320 Aye, sir. I'll be off. 275 00:17:08,320 --> 00:17:10,320 Well, Mr. Marshall? 276 00:17:10,320 --> 00:17:12,320 I'm afraid this is beyond me, sir. 277 00:17:12,320 --> 00:17:14,320 No, I'm not referring to the engineer, mister. 278 00:17:14,320 --> 00:17:16,320 He's obviously disappeared. 279 00:17:16,320 --> 00:17:18,320 There's nothing we can do about it. 280 00:17:18,320 --> 00:17:20,320 Well, why are you standing? Why don't you sit down? 281 00:17:20,320 --> 00:17:22,320 Well, I... 282 00:17:22,320 --> 00:17:24,320 Thank you, sir. 283 00:17:24,320 --> 00:17:26,320 Yes, it's Thursday. You may sit in the armchair. 284 00:17:26,320 --> 00:17:28,320 Thank you. 285 00:17:28,320 --> 00:17:30,320 Well, 286 00:17:30,320 --> 00:17:32,320 what do you think of my ship now? 287 00:17:32,320 --> 00:17:34,320 Do you still find it uncomfortable? 288 00:17:34,320 --> 00:17:36,320 Oh, no, sir. I like it very well. 289 00:17:36,320 --> 00:17:38,320 I thought a long time before I shipped aboard. 290 00:17:38,320 --> 00:17:40,320 Oh, you did, eh, mister, huh? 291 00:17:40,320 --> 00:17:42,320 Well, she's small, 292 00:17:42,320 --> 00:17:44,320 but then any ship's a ship, eh? 293 00:17:44,320 --> 00:17:46,320 I'd like something a little more, 294 00:17:46,320 --> 00:17:48,320 but then... 295 00:17:48,320 --> 00:17:50,320 then the sea is the lady that counts. 296 00:17:50,320 --> 00:17:52,320 Am I right? 297 00:17:52,320 --> 00:17:54,320 That's right, sir. 298 00:17:54,320 --> 00:17:56,320 You love her. You love her very much, don't you, Marshall? 299 00:17:56,320 --> 00:17:58,320 I do. 300 00:17:58,320 --> 00:18:00,320 Yes, I do. 301 00:18:00,320 --> 00:18:02,320 You're young, but you love her 302 00:18:02,320 --> 00:18:04,320 more than anything? 303 00:18:04,320 --> 00:18:06,320 More than anything. 304 00:18:06,320 --> 00:18:08,320 More than his, uh, more than his natural? 305 00:18:08,320 --> 00:18:10,320 Captain, eh... 306 00:18:10,320 --> 00:18:12,320 And now you're seated, sir. 307 00:18:12,320 --> 00:18:14,320 Would you like to inspect my cameras, then? 308 00:18:14,320 --> 00:18:16,320 Tell me what you think of them. 309 00:18:16,320 --> 00:18:18,320 Well, I'm afraid I don't know a great deal about that sort of thing, sir. 310 00:18:18,320 --> 00:18:20,320 Oh, you know nothing about them. 311 00:18:20,320 --> 00:18:22,320 Eh, good you may leave my cabin. 312 00:18:22,320 --> 00:18:24,320 Certainly, sir. I shall look into the Butterfield matter. 313 00:18:24,320 --> 00:18:26,320 He's left the ship, mister. 314 00:18:26,320 --> 00:18:28,320 You're only wasting your time. Now go! 315 00:18:28,320 --> 00:18:30,320 For the second time, I left the cabin of that strange man. 316 00:18:30,320 --> 00:18:32,320 I left him alone with his madness. 317 00:18:32,320 --> 00:18:34,320 And, steadying myself against the roll of the ship, 318 00:18:34,320 --> 00:18:36,320 walked the deck, thinking my own thoughts. 319 00:18:36,320 --> 00:18:38,320 It was that night that Higgins came to me in my cabin. 320 00:18:38,320 --> 00:18:40,320 I bet him and her, 321 00:18:40,320 --> 00:18:42,320 and he settled his wizened body down upon my armchair. 322 00:18:42,320 --> 00:18:44,320 I was lying in my bunk, 323 00:18:44,320 --> 00:18:46,320 and he was sitting on the floor. 324 00:18:46,320 --> 00:18:48,320 I was sitting on the floor, 325 00:18:48,320 --> 00:18:50,320 and he was sitting on the floor, 326 00:18:50,320 --> 00:18:52,320 and he was sitting on the floor, 327 00:18:52,320 --> 00:18:54,320 and he was sitting on the floor, 328 00:18:54,320 --> 00:18:56,320 and he was sitting on the floor, 329 00:18:56,320 --> 00:18:58,320 and he had his kliner here. 330 00:18:58,320 --> 00:18:59,320 And he was sitting on the floor, 331 00:18:59,320 --> 00:19:00,320 and he was laying there, 332 00:19:00,320 --> 00:19:02,320 and he was laying there, 333 00:19:02,320 --> 00:19:06,120 and he was laying on that floor 334 00:19:04,120 --> 00:19:08,120 and he was strip in his royal bed. 335 00:19:08,040 --> 00:19:10,040 It's an unusual request I have, sir, no. 336 00:19:10,040 --> 00:19:12,040 I hope I can speak in confidence like. 337 00:19:12,040 --> 00:19:14,040 Go on, Higgins. 338 00:19:14,040 --> 00:19:16,040 Whatever you have to say will be just between the two of us. 339 00:19:16,040 --> 00:19:18,040 I, sir, 340 00:19:18,040 --> 00:19:20,840 we think the Skipper should be put away, sir. 341 00:19:20,840 --> 00:19:22,840 Put away? 342 00:19:22,840 --> 00:19:24,840 What do you mean? 343 00:19:24,840 --> 00:19:26,600 You know that's mutiny. 344 00:19:26,600 --> 00:19:30,800 It's mutiny, but Mr. Marshland, he'll murder us all. 345 00:19:30,800 --> 00:19:36,240 Abercrombie, Butterfield, he'll go clear on down the alphabet if we don't stop him. 346 00:19:36,240 --> 00:19:37,760 There's no proof. 347 00:19:37,760 --> 00:19:39,360 The lads are sure enough. 348 00:19:39,360 --> 00:19:40,600 Are they? 349 00:19:40,600 --> 00:19:43,600 Just give us the word, sir, and we'll help you. 350 00:19:43,600 --> 00:19:45,200 We'll put him away. 351 00:19:45,200 --> 00:19:48,040 Very well, Higgins. 352 00:19:48,040 --> 00:19:51,040 Keep it among yourselves, but you can tell the men this. 353 00:19:51,040 --> 00:19:55,160 If there's any more trouble, I'll take matters into my own hands. 354 00:19:55,160 --> 00:19:56,760 You can rest assured of it. 355 00:19:56,760 --> 00:19:59,600 Lord, thank you, sir. 356 00:19:59,600 --> 00:20:03,920 It ain't by the mutiny, but there ain't a court in the world as ever would convict you at 357 00:20:03,920 --> 00:20:04,920 it. 358 00:20:04,920 --> 00:20:05,920 No. 359 00:20:05,920 --> 00:20:11,120 No, Higgins, I don't think there is. 360 00:20:11,120 --> 00:20:23,200 It had to be done very carefully, and for quite a while I lay back upon my bunk thinking of 361 00:20:23,200 --> 00:20:24,960 what Higgins had said. 362 00:20:24,960 --> 00:20:27,640 It would be risky, but the men were behind me. 363 00:20:27,640 --> 00:20:30,000 That would more than sway the balance. 364 00:20:30,000 --> 00:20:31,120 Higgins was right. 365 00:20:31,120 --> 00:20:33,840 Any court of law would see the wisdom of my action. 366 00:20:33,840 --> 00:20:38,520 They would never convict from mutiny, and Captain Walker would be locked away forever. 367 00:20:38,520 --> 00:20:50,840 We continued on our way, and in the howl of the wind and the long seas, you could sense 368 00:20:50,840 --> 00:20:55,440 the cold hand of fear that had settled over the alphabet. 369 00:20:55,440 --> 00:21:00,240 By the evening of the seventh day, we stood well out on our great circle track, more than 370 00:21:00,240 --> 00:21:02,760 halfway between Liverpool and Boston. 371 00:21:02,760 --> 00:21:07,600 We plunged through dirty seas, rising to each crest and falling to the trough below, with 372 00:21:07,600 --> 00:21:11,600 the water curling green over the flare of our bluff bows. 373 00:21:11,600 --> 00:21:19,040 But we made fair time, and the knots slipped steadily astern. 374 00:21:19,040 --> 00:21:24,200 It was during the inky blackness of that night that death struck again on the decks of the 375 00:21:24,200 --> 00:21:29,760 alphabet, and another member of our dwindling band disappeared into the unknown. 376 00:21:29,760 --> 00:21:35,000 Abercrombie, Butterfield, and now the third man. 377 00:21:35,000 --> 00:21:39,000 His name was Chadwick. 378 00:21:39,000 --> 00:21:44,000 Who's that? 379 00:21:44,000 --> 00:21:55,920 Oh, good evening, sir. 380 00:21:55,920 --> 00:21:58,920 Dirty weather, sir. 381 00:21:58,920 --> 00:22:04,760 Well, I'll be getting below, sir. 382 00:22:04,760 --> 00:22:06,160 Would you please let me by? 383 00:22:06,160 --> 00:22:11,880 I, I want to go below. 384 00:22:11,880 --> 00:22:24,960 Oh, you clumsy fool. 385 00:22:24,960 --> 00:22:26,080 You dropped something, sir. 386 00:22:26,080 --> 00:22:28,320 Never mind, I'll get it. 387 00:22:28,320 --> 00:22:29,320 There. 388 00:22:29,320 --> 00:22:33,120 A brother late, aren't you, Mr. Marshal? 389 00:22:33,120 --> 00:22:34,700 You are too, aren't you, Captain? 390 00:22:34,700 --> 00:22:43,100 I thought I heard a scream. Oh did you now mister? Did you? 391 00:22:54,100 --> 00:22:59,340 We're all here sir. You all know why you're here. Yes sir. The lads know. 392 00:22:59,340 --> 00:23:04,140 We're with you mister. We'll stop his tricks we will. Good. Now we must do this 393 00:23:04,140 --> 00:23:10,300 quietly and quickly. There must be no bungling understand? Yes sir. All right here 394 00:23:10,300 --> 00:23:20,180 goes. Captain Walker will you come on deck a minute? Well mister what is it you 395 00:23:20,180 --> 00:23:25,220 want? Come out here sir. I want to show you something. 396 00:23:25,220 --> 00:23:31,060 Mr. Marshal. Never mind that men. The captain stay where you are. This gun is 397 00:23:31,060 --> 00:23:37,100 loaded. So now it's mutiny. Marshal you better shut up. One move and I'll shoot. 398 00:23:37,100 --> 00:23:43,020 Get my knife in your gizzard. Mr. Marshal these are skipper now. You swing for this 399 00:23:43,020 --> 00:23:48,300 Marshal and you and all the rest. You really think they'll hang a mate for 400 00:23:48,300 --> 00:23:52,500 mutiny when they can hang a captain for murder? 401 00:23:52,500 --> 00:24:03,940 We sailed into Boston Harbor with Captain Walker lashed securely to a 402 00:24:03,940 --> 00:24:09,620 chair in his cabin. After the first brief struggle he had grown quieter and during 403 00:24:09,620 --> 00:24:14,660 the last days of our voyage he had just sat there silently saying nothing. A 404 00:24:14,660 --> 00:24:24,060 strange mad smile leering from his lips. We arrived in Boston late in the 405 00:24:24,060 --> 00:24:28,420 afternoon and as we sailed up the harbor we hoisted the international signal 406 00:24:28,420 --> 00:24:33,500 calling for the harbor police. After we had docked alongside I went up to his 407 00:24:33,500 --> 00:24:37,700 cabin to ensure that all was in readiness for the arrival of the police. 408 00:24:37,700 --> 00:24:44,340 And as I stood over him bound there in his chair his eyes seemed to mark me. His 409 00:24:44,340 --> 00:24:53,860 smile taunting me. So Mr. Marshland this is to be the success of your little plan 410 00:24:53,860 --> 00:24:58,620 eh? I have nothing to say to you captain. The police will be aboard at any moment. 411 00:24:58,620 --> 00:25:05,540 You think I'm mad don't you? Well maybe I am but you bungled it badly mister you 412 00:25:05,540 --> 00:25:14,940 bungled it very badly. Have I? Who's that? Police. Police come in come in. Officer 413 00:25:14,940 --> 00:25:19,780 this man is... Yes you've bungled it Mr. Marshland. Why weren't you content to let 414 00:25:19,780 --> 00:25:25,300 me be with my madness as I was content to let you be with yours. Oh we'd have made 415 00:25:25,300 --> 00:25:30,380 quite a pair as I told you if you hadn't bungled it. What are you talking about? 416 00:25:30,380 --> 00:25:35,980 Oh I know all about you mister. Under a bit of a cloud eh? Haven't shipped for 417 00:25:35,980 --> 00:25:39,340 quite a while. Not the first vessel you've been on where men have disappeared 418 00:25:39,340 --> 00:25:44,260 in the black of the night eh? Oh but I wouldn't care. Oh I like your methods 419 00:25:44,260 --> 00:25:49,820 business like by the letters by the alphabet. You are mad. Take him away. Yes 420 00:25:49,820 --> 00:25:55,060 mad quite. But you should have taken more interest in my photography mister. My 421 00:25:55,060 --> 00:26:00,540 infrared film for instance. You can take pictures on the darkest night. Would I 422 00:26:00,540 --> 00:26:07,540 have one mister? An excellent likeness. A likeness? Of you mister. The night you 423 00:26:07,540 --> 00:26:11,460 pushed Chadwick over the side. 424 00:26:11,460 --> 00:26:27,100 The police have been very understanding. They could readily understand how a man 425 00:26:27,100 --> 00:26:33,500 could hate and fear the sea and yet love it like a woman. Love it enough to 426 00:26:33,500 --> 00:26:41,740 follow it and hunger for it and make every sacrifice. Even human sacrifice. But 427 00:26:41,740 --> 00:26:46,620 now they say they must send me away to a place where the sea can no longer 428 00:26:46,620 --> 00:27:04,900 torture me. A place of no land or sea or wind or rain but only rest. It is time my son. 429 00:27:04,900 --> 00:27:23,700 Can you pray? Yes to the sea only to the sea. 430 00:27:23,700 --> 00:27:29,500 Suspense. Murder aboard the alphabet starring John Lund presented by Roma 431 00:27:29,500 --> 00:27:35,820 Wines. That's R-O-M-A. Those better tasting Roma Wines. America's favorite 432 00:27:35,820 --> 00:27:42,660 wines. 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Roma Wines are 441 00:28:30,580 --> 00:28:37,020 enjoyed by more Americans than any other wines. John Lund will soon be seen in 442 00:28:37,020 --> 00:28:41,980 Paramount's 36 star production Variety Girl. Tonight's suspense play was by 443 00:28:41,980 --> 00:28:48,500 Charles Turrell. Next Thursday same time you will hear Lloyd Nolan as star of 444 00:28:48,500 --> 00:28:54,900 Suspense produced and directed by William Spear for the Roma Wine Company 445 00:28:54,900 --> 00:29:22,140 of Fresno California. 446 00:29:25,060 --> 00:29:38,740 Don't forget next week Suspense will present Lloyd Nolan the following week 447 00:29:38,740 --> 00:29:44,660 Edmund O'Brien. Make it a point to listen each Thursday to Suspense radio's 448 00:29:44,660 --> 00:30:02,380 outstanding theater of thrills. 449 00:30:02,380 --> 00:30:20,100 This is CBS the Columbia broadcasting system.