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Schenley's Cresta Blanca Wine Company, Livermore, California. 00:55.920 --> 01:02.920 And now, Schenley brings you Radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense! 01:02.920 --> 01:12.240 Presented by Roma Wines, that's R-O-M-A, Roma Wines for your everyday enjoyment. 01:12.240 --> 01:19.640 Tonight, Roma Wines of Fresno, California bring you Mr. John Lund in Murder Aboard the Alphabet, 01:19.640 --> 01:26.200 a suspense play produced, edited, and directed for Schenley by William Spear. 01:29.160 --> 01:35.160 It is well past midnight now and I write these words so that other men may know the full story 01:35.160 --> 01:53.160 of that ill-fated voyage of the deep sea tug, Alphabet. 01:53.160 --> 01:58.600 Ours was not a large vessel but sturdily built for its task and though it seems an age, 01:59.480 --> 02:03.240 it was only a little over six months ago that we sailed from Liverpool, England, 02:03.240 --> 02:07.240 bound out across the North Atlantic to deliver our ship to her new owners, 02:07.240 --> 02:09.960 a salvage firm of Boston, Massachusetts. 02:13.960 --> 02:15.960 Stand by to cast off! 02:18.840 --> 02:22.840 We put out with a reduced compliment just a handful of men, 12 and all. 02:23.480 --> 02:27.080 We were a new crew sent on board for this journey over the deep sea lanes 02:27.880 --> 02:31.880 and I sailed as chief officer under the command of Captain Godfrey Walker. 02:31.880 --> 02:37.480 Second made Harvey Goodrum and Chief Engineer Alec McTavish being the other members of our small saloon. 02:48.200 --> 02:53.480 I remember we departed on a cold, wet day with the fog lying low over Birkenhead 02:54.040 --> 02:56.440 and the northwest wind blowing fresh in our teeth. 02:56.440 --> 02:58.440 I report! 02:58.440 --> 03:04.280 As the drab grey of the Liverpool dark side dropped back into the soaking mists, 03:05.000 --> 03:11.480 I doubt if any man aboard could have foretold what lay ahead over those 3,000 miles of heaving sea. 03:16.120 --> 03:19.720 When we had cleared the light ship, I went at the wheelhouse where Captain Walker 03:19.720 --> 03:24.520 searched the channel ahead, his deep black eyes staring out from under his shaggy eyebrows. 03:24.520 --> 03:29.160 I saw him, his huge frame bundled in a salt stain great coach. 03:34.760 --> 03:39.000 Ah, Mr. Marshland, everything secured proceed? 03:39.000 --> 03:42.040 Yes sir, everything on deck is lashed down as tight as a whistle. 03:42.040 --> 03:45.720 Good, good, we may get a dirty crossing this time of the year. 03:45.720 --> 03:49.960 Oh, sure be uncomfortable sir, when it comes to ships I'm used to something a little bigger. 03:49.960 --> 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 03:55.480 --> 03:57.080 who'll wish he never left the dark side. 03:57.080 --> 03:59.080 Oh, I think the crew can take it, sir. 03:59.080 --> 04:01.800 Yeah, maybe, mister, maybe. Few days out and we'll see. 04:02.440 --> 04:04.040 Keep her to our course, Quartermaster. 04:05.720 --> 04:07.640 All right, Mr. Marshland, you can take her now. 04:07.640 --> 04:08.360 Very good, sir. 04:08.360 --> 04:10.120 Your course is south 70 west. 04:10.120 --> 04:11.400 South 70 west, sir. 04:11.400 --> 04:14.680 See these helmsmen, keep her on the course. I'll be back in the cabin if you want. 04:14.680 --> 04:22.520 Aye, aye, sir. 04:22.520 --> 04:24.760 Queer Cove the skipper, sir. 04:24.760 --> 04:25.560 Is he? 04:25.560 --> 04:28.760 Aye, fear gives me the creeps he does. 04:28.760 --> 04:32.920 Oh, he's probably harmless enough. Used to bigger commands than this, I imagine. 04:32.920 --> 04:35.720 Ah, but I'd keep a watch on him, sir, if I was you. 04:36.280 --> 04:38.440 Keep a watch on him. Why? 04:38.440 --> 04:42.840 Why? If you don't know now, sir, you'll find out soon enough. 04:42.840 --> 04:44.680 South 70 west, check your course. 04:44.680 --> 04:56.680 South 70 west is too, sir. 04:56.680 --> 05:00.680 Aye, who's that? 05:00.680 --> 05:06.680 Marshland, sir. You sent for me? 05:06.680 --> 05:13.480 Always. Come in, mister. Come in. 05:13.480 --> 05:14.680 Take a chair, mister. 05:14.680 --> 05:15.480 Thank you, sir. 05:15.480 --> 05:18.280 No, not that one over there. 05:18.280 --> 05:23.000 Oh, certainly, sir. Is there anything wrong? 05:23.000 --> 05:25.000 Oh, no, no, no, no, nothing's wrong. 05:25.000 --> 05:27.880 I just want to talk to you, discuss the affairs of the ship with you, 05:27.880 --> 05:30.280 give you some idea of what I expect. 05:30.280 --> 05:32.280 Oh, here, cigarette. 05:32.280 --> 05:34.280 Oh, thank you. 05:34.280 --> 05:38.200 Oh, by the way, you will not use that ashtray on your right. 05:38.200 --> 05:39.240 No, you will not use it. 05:39.240 --> 05:41.800 You may place your ash carefully on the other one. 05:43.560 --> 05:44.040 This one? 05:44.040 --> 05:45.160 Yes, yes, that one. 05:46.760 --> 05:50.680 Here we are. How long since you had your last berth, mister? 05:50.680 --> 05:53.560 Why, it's been some time, sir. 05:53.560 --> 05:56.520 Oh, the port captain says you know me. 05:56.520 --> 05:58.680 Well, only by reputation, sir. 06:00.040 --> 06:03.880 Would it surprise you to learn that I know something of you by reputation, 06:03.880 --> 06:04.840 mister? 06:04.840 --> 06:06.440 Why, I don't exactly. 06:06.440 --> 06:08.840 We ought to make quite a pair, mister, quite a pair. 06:08.840 --> 06:09.960 Oh, well, no matter. 06:10.760 --> 06:14.360 Now, I shall tell you the reason I summoned you to my cabin, mister Marshal. 06:15.160 --> 06:17.560 You will find, if you do not know already, 06:17.560 --> 06:20.840 that I have very definite ways I wish things to be done. 06:20.840 --> 06:22.280 Very definite ways. 06:22.280 --> 06:25.800 First of all, I demand complete unquestioning obedience. 06:26.760 --> 06:27.640 Of course, sir. 06:28.280 --> 06:31.240 I'm sure you'll get the fullest cooperation from myself and the crew. 06:31.240 --> 06:33.800 Yeah, good, good. I want that to be perfectly clear. 06:34.760 --> 06:38.680 I also insist that your supervision of the work on the ship be done in a certain manner 06:38.680 --> 06:39.560 I shall prescribe. 06:40.360 --> 06:44.760 All items of work will be carried out in alphabetical order. 06:45.800 --> 06:47.080 Alphabetical order, sir? 06:47.080 --> 06:50.360 Precisely. Starting with A and carrying through to Z. 06:52.200 --> 06:53.800 I'm afraid I don't understand, sir. 06:53.800 --> 06:55.720 I think my meaning is perfectly clear. 06:56.920 --> 07:00.040 If the hands are painting ship, they will start with the alleyways 07:00.040 --> 07:02.120 and all other items beginning with A. 07:02.120 --> 07:04.680 Then the bulkheads, then the decks and so forth. 07:06.200 --> 07:07.880 You understand me now, mister? 07:07.880 --> 07:09.000 Oh, yes. Yes, sir. 07:09.800 --> 07:10.920 I think I understand. 07:11.720 --> 07:14.440 But I'm afraid I don't quite see your reason. 07:14.440 --> 07:15.400 Mr. Marshal! 07:16.280 --> 07:18.280 My reasons are not to be questioned. 07:18.840 --> 07:21.320 You will remember while I'm in command of this vessel, 07:21.320 --> 07:33.960 I hold the power of life and death. 07:33.960 --> 07:34.680 Well, sir? 07:37.800 --> 07:41.080 He was sitting across from me on the small settee in his cabin, 07:41.800 --> 07:44.120 his massive face half hidden in the shadows, 07:44.840 --> 07:46.520 his eyes piercing into mine. 07:47.640 --> 07:50.360 In the nearness of him, I could see the bloodshot veins 07:50.360 --> 07:52.520 like thin red tracings against the white. 07:53.400 --> 07:55.960 The man was mad. Higgins was right. 07:56.520 --> 07:57.400 He was mad. 07:57.400 --> 07:59.960 Yes, life and death. 08:02.280 --> 08:03.640 I looked about his cabin. 08:04.440 --> 08:06.920 There was something inhuman in its ordered neatness, 08:07.720 --> 08:10.040 as if the warmth of man had not touched it. 08:10.840 --> 08:13.560 I saw the books stacked evenly in the bookshelf. 08:14.200 --> 08:17.400 I saw the titles arranged in alphabetical order. 08:17.400 --> 08:19.800 It was a pattern complete in itself. 08:19.800 --> 08:22.680 The desk, the bunk, immaculate, 08:22.680 --> 08:25.400 not a wrinkler speck of dust visible to the naked eye. 08:26.200 --> 08:28.280 On the bulkhead were four photographs, 08:28.280 --> 08:30.280 enlargements of outdoor scenes. 08:31.080 --> 08:34.200 At the start, I realized they too were in perfect order, 08:34.200 --> 08:36.920 arranged according to the seasons from left to right, 08:36.920 --> 08:39.560 spring, summer, autumn, winter. 08:40.440 --> 08:42.200 My eyes darted about me again, 08:42.680 --> 08:45.320 and on the shelf above his bunk, I saw three cameras. 08:45.320 --> 08:47.240 They also fitted the pattern, 08:47.640 --> 08:50.440 the smallest on the left, the largest on the right. 08:51.160 --> 08:53.160 I remembered the chair on the ashtray 08:53.880 --> 08:55.880 and turned towards him as he spoke again. 08:55.880 --> 08:58.840 Is that perfectly clear, Mr. Marshal? 08:58.840 --> 09:00.840 Yes, sir, perfectly clear. 09:00.840 --> 09:02.840 Good, good. Now, one final thing. 09:03.640 --> 09:06.440 I insist that the quartermasters taking the wheel 09:06.440 --> 09:09.960 appear in sequence of the first letter of their surnames. 09:09.960 --> 09:13.320 But, sir, that will mean rearranging the watches, surely, 09:13.320 --> 09:16.840 Silence! You will do as I order. 09:16.840 --> 09:18.840 Very good, sir. The watches will be changed. 09:18.840 --> 09:20.840 That's better, much better. 09:20.840 --> 09:23.320 Well, mister, now that we understand one another, 09:23.320 --> 09:25.320 we shall cease talking about the ship. 09:26.440 --> 09:29.320 Aha, I see you've noticed my photographs. 09:29.320 --> 09:31.320 Well, I can't say I know much about it, sir, 09:31.320 --> 09:33.320 but I'd say they're excellent. 09:33.320 --> 09:36.360 Of course they're excellent. I took them myself, a hobby of mine. 09:36.360 --> 09:39.320 You may have noticed I have three cameras. 09:39.320 --> 09:41.320 Two of them are of German make. 09:41.320 --> 09:43.320 The other American. 09:43.320 --> 09:47.320 The medium sized one in the middle I use with infrared film. 09:47.320 --> 09:49.320 Comparatively recent development. 09:49.320 --> 09:51.320 The other two are used for general purposes. 09:51.320 --> 09:55.320 Are you interested in photography, Mr. Marshal? 09:55.320 --> 09:57.320 I can't say I am particularly, sir. 09:57.320 --> 09:59.320 I've never done anything like that for a hobby. 09:59.320 --> 10:01.320 Very well. If you're not interested, you may go. 10:01.320 --> 10:03.320 Oh, I didn't mean that I... 10:03.320 --> 10:11.320 That is in order, Mr. Marshal, and you will now go. 10:18.320 --> 10:22.320 I left him then and stumbled into the cold darkness outside. 10:22.320 --> 10:27.320 The thoughts tumbling unendingly through my head as I made my way to my cabin. 10:27.320 --> 10:31.320 We were pushing our way over the restless waters of the North Atlantic 10:31.320 --> 10:33.320 and we saw a madman in command. 10:42.320 --> 10:46.320 On the morning of the third day, the second officer came running onto the bridge 10:46.320 --> 10:50.320 and flung himself excitedly into the wheelhouse. 10:50.320 --> 10:53.320 Mr. Marshal, I'd like a word with you. 10:53.320 --> 10:55.320 Go ahead, Goodrum. What is it? 10:55.320 --> 10:58.320 Would you come outside? I can't tell you here. 10:58.320 --> 11:01.320 Certainly. 11:04.320 --> 11:06.320 Now, what in the world is the matter with you? 11:06.320 --> 11:08.320 It's the wireless operator, sir. 11:08.320 --> 11:11.320 Cabo Crombie. He's gone. 11:11.320 --> 11:13.320 You mean he's disappeared off the ship? 11:13.320 --> 11:15.320 Disappeared. Maybe. 11:15.320 --> 11:19.320 But I wouldn't wonder if there was a better name for it than that, sir. 11:19.320 --> 11:28.320 What do you mean? I mean, murder. 11:35.320 --> 11:41.320 Cabo Crombie was gone, vanished without a trace from the decks of the alphabet. 11:41.320 --> 11:46.320 And although I didn't have the feeling myself, there was an uneasiness within the crew now. 11:46.320 --> 11:51.320 They seemed furtive, frightened, and they quietly drifted out of sight 11:51.320 --> 11:54.320 whenever the captain made an appearance on the deck. 11:54.320 --> 11:58.320 You could see they feared him and somehow connected his madness 11:58.320 --> 12:01.320 with the disappearance of the wireless operator. 12:01.320 --> 12:05.320 That night, I stood in the darkness of the wheelhouse, 12:05.320 --> 12:09.320 the faint light from the binnacle shining on the face of Higgins 12:09.320 --> 12:11.320 as he stood his trick at the wheel. 12:11.320 --> 12:17.320 It's a rum go, sir. That Cabo Crombie didn't just fall over the side by himself. 12:17.320 --> 12:19.320 Mark my words on that. 12:19.320 --> 12:22.320 Oh, come now, Higgins. Many a man has disappeared from shipboard, 12:22.320 --> 12:24.320 swept over the side by a sea. 12:24.320 --> 12:27.320 Ah, sir, on a stormy night, that may be. 12:27.320 --> 12:30.320 But last night was a pretty quiet one. 12:30.320 --> 12:34.320 Just a little kiss of rain. Done in he was, sir. 12:34.320 --> 12:35.320 But why? What reason? 12:35.320 --> 12:37.320 Reason? 12:37.320 --> 12:40.320 Ah, no one had no reason, sir. 12:40.320 --> 12:42.320 Maybe the queer one. 12:42.320 --> 12:43.320 The queer one? 12:43.320 --> 12:45.320 Aye, the skipper, sir. 12:45.320 --> 12:47.320 Good heavens, man. Are you accusing the captain of... 12:47.320 --> 12:49.320 He's not a normal man, sir. 12:49.320 --> 12:51.320 I wouldn't be too loud about the captain, Higgins. 12:51.320 --> 12:53.320 You can't accuse people without evidence. 12:53.320 --> 12:55.320 Well, keep me tongue. 12:55.320 --> 12:57.320 But the skipper's off his rocker. 12:57.320 --> 12:59.320 You know that as well as I do, sir. 12:59.320 --> 13:01.320 Oh, he's got some set ideas about things, but that doesn't... 13:01.320 --> 13:04.320 Alphabetical ideas, sir? 13:04.320 --> 13:06.320 Well, yes, but... 13:06.320 --> 13:11.320 Ain't you thought of this, sir? His name, Abercrombie. 13:11.320 --> 13:12.320 What of it? 13:12.320 --> 13:16.320 Beginning with the H, the first letter of the alphabet. 13:16.320 --> 13:19.320 Abercrombie was the first. 13:19.320 --> 13:22.320 But he won't be the last, sir. He won't be the last. 13:29.320 --> 13:33.320 For suspense, Roma wines are bringing you Mr. John Lund 13:33.320 --> 13:35.320 in Murder Abort the Alphabet. 13:35.320 --> 13:41.320 Roma wines presentation tonight in Radio's Outstanding Theatre of Thrills, Suspense. 13:48.320 --> 13:53.320 Suspense, Radio's Outstanding Theatre of Thrills, is being brought to you by Roma. 13:53.320 --> 13:59.320 That's R-O-M-A. Roma wines, America's largest selling wines. 13:59.320 --> 14:03.320 When it's nighty in the shade and there's no shade, 14:03.320 --> 14:09.320 that's the time to enjoy tall, tinkling glasses of ice-cold Roma wine and soda. 14:09.320 --> 14:15.320 Yes, treat your family and friends to the thirst-quenching goodness of Roma wine and soda. 14:15.320 --> 14:20.320 So simple. Half-fill tall glasses with any Roma wine, 14:20.320 --> 14:25.320 such as robust Roma Burgundy or delicate Roma Sauternes. 14:25.320 --> 14:29.320 Fill up with cracked ice and soda, sweeten to taste. 14:29.320 --> 14:34.320 Then take a long cooling sip and smile. 14:34.320 --> 14:39.320 You'll discover why Roma wine and soda is so cool to come home to, 14:39.320 --> 14:42.320 especially when the weatherman says warmer. 14:42.320 --> 14:47.320 And remember, for better taste, always enjoy Roma wines. 14:47.320 --> 14:54.320 That's R-O-M-A. Roma wines, the greatest name in wines. 14:54.320 --> 14:58.320 And now Roma wines bring back to our Hollywood Soundstage 14:58.320 --> 15:05.320 John Lund as Firt Mate Marshland and Joseph Kearns as Captain Walker in Murder Aboard the Alphabet. 15:05.320 --> 15:10.320 A play well calculated to keep you in suspense. 15:19.320 --> 15:24.320 Needless to say, the conclusions of the men were no surprise to me. 15:24.320 --> 15:29.320 But I didn't feel the time was right for further action. 15:32.320 --> 15:36.320 On the evening of the following day, the barometer started dropping. 15:36.320 --> 15:40.320 And next morning saw the low gray clouds scudding swiftly before the wind 15:40.320 --> 15:44.320 and the alphabet laboring heavily in the rising sea. 15:44.320 --> 15:49.320 It was at eight bells of the morning watch, the sixth day of sea. 15:49.320 --> 15:51.320 Who's there? 15:51.320 --> 15:53.320 It's McTavish, Mr. Mate. 15:53.320 --> 15:55.320 Oh, come in, Chief. 15:56.320 --> 15:58.320 Take a chair, Chief. 15:58.320 --> 16:01.320 What is it? You look bothered. 16:01.320 --> 16:03.320 Butterfield, Mr. He's lost. 16:03.320 --> 16:04.320 Lost? 16:04.320 --> 16:05.320 Aye. 16:05.320 --> 16:06.320 Are you sure, McTavish? 16:06.320 --> 16:08.320 Oh, I am sure enough. 16:08.320 --> 16:11.320 We've searched for him all around the ship. 16:11.320 --> 16:13.320 There's no place, Mr. 16:13.320 --> 16:14.320 Have you informed the captain? 16:14.320 --> 16:16.320 Ah, the old man. 16:16.320 --> 16:19.320 Didn't you think he knows it? 16:19.320 --> 16:21.320 Come on. 16:31.320 --> 16:33.320 Aye, come. 16:35.320 --> 16:36.320 Well, mister? 16:36.320 --> 16:38.320 There's another man gone, sir. 16:38.320 --> 16:39.320 Butterfield. 16:39.320 --> 16:40.320 Butterfield, eh? 16:40.320 --> 16:41.320 Aye, sir. 16:41.320 --> 16:43.320 How long have you known this, Mr. Marshall? 16:43.320 --> 16:44.320 The chief of the ship? 16:44.320 --> 16:46.320 How long have you known this, Mr. Marshall? 16:46.320 --> 16:48.320 The chief engineer informed me only a few moments ago, sir. 16:48.320 --> 16:50.320 Are you sure of this, Mr. McTavish? 16:50.320 --> 16:52.320 Aye, I'm sure. 16:52.320 --> 16:54.320 There's no trace of him anywhere aboard the ship. 16:54.320 --> 16:56.320 Very well, Mr. McTavish. You may go. 16:56.320 --> 16:58.320 I wish to speak to the chief officer alone. 16:58.320 --> 17:00.320 What about Butterfield, sir? 17:00.320 --> 17:02.320 Go, Mr. McTavish! That's an order! 17:02.320 --> 17:04.320 Aye, sir. I'll be off. 17:08.320 --> 17:10.320 Well, Mr. Marshall? 17:10.320 --> 17:12.320 I'm afraid this is beyond me, sir. 17:12.320 --> 17:14.320 No, I'm not referring to the engineer, mister. 17:14.320 --> 17:16.320 He's obviously disappeared. 17:16.320 --> 17:18.320 There's nothing we can do about it. 17:18.320 --> 17:20.320 Well, why are you standing? Why don't you sit down? 17:20.320 --> 17:22.320 Well, I... 17:22.320 --> 17:24.320 Thank you, sir. 17:24.320 --> 17:26.320 Yes, it's Thursday. You may sit in the armchair. 17:26.320 --> 17:28.320 Thank you. 17:28.320 --> 17:30.320 Well, 17:30.320 --> 17:32.320 what do you think of my ship now? 17:32.320 --> 17:34.320 Do you still find it uncomfortable? 17:34.320 --> 17:36.320 Oh, no, sir. I like it very well. 17:36.320 --> 17:38.320 I thought a long time before I shipped aboard. 17:38.320 --> 17:40.320 Oh, you did, eh, mister, huh? 17:40.320 --> 17:42.320 Well, she's small, 17:42.320 --> 17:44.320 but then any ship's a ship, eh? 17:44.320 --> 17:46.320 I'd like something a little more, 17:46.320 --> 17:48.320 but then... 17:48.320 --> 17:50.320 then the sea is the lady that counts. 17:50.320 --> 17:52.320 Am I right? 17:52.320 --> 17:54.320 That's right, sir. 17:54.320 --> 17:56.320 You love her. You love her very much, don't you, Marshall? 17:56.320 --> 17:58.320 I do. 17:58.320 --> 18:00.320 Yes, I do. 18:00.320 --> 18:02.320 You're young, but you love her 18:02.320 --> 18:04.320 more than anything? 18:04.320 --> 18:06.320 More than anything. 18:06.320 --> 18:08.320 More than his, uh, more than his natural? 18:08.320 --> 18:10.320 Captain, eh... 18:10.320 --> 18:12.320 And now you're seated, sir. 18:12.320 --> 18:14.320 Would you like to inspect my cameras, then? 18:14.320 --> 18:16.320 Tell me what you think of them. 18:16.320 --> 18:18.320 Well, I'm afraid I don't know a great deal about that sort of thing, sir. 18:18.320 --> 18:20.320 Oh, you know nothing about them. 18:20.320 --> 18:22.320 Eh, good you may leave my cabin. 18:22.320 --> 18:24.320 Certainly, sir. I shall look into the Butterfield matter. 18:24.320 --> 18:26.320 He's left the ship, mister. 18:26.320 --> 18:28.320 You're only wasting your time. Now go! 18:28.320 --> 18:30.320 For the second time, I left the cabin of that strange man. 18:30.320 --> 18:32.320 I left him alone with his madness. 18:32.320 --> 18:34.320 And, steadying myself against the roll of the ship, 18:34.320 --> 18:36.320 walked the deck, thinking my own thoughts. 18:36.320 --> 18:38.320 It was that night that Higgins came to me in my cabin. 18:38.320 --> 18:40.320 I bet him and her, 18:40.320 --> 18:42.320 and he settled his wizened body down upon my armchair. 18:42.320 --> 18:44.320 I was lying in my bunk, 18:44.320 --> 18:46.320 and he was sitting on the floor. 18:46.320 --> 18:48.320 I was sitting on the floor, 18:48.320 --> 18:50.320 and he was sitting on the floor, 18:50.320 --> 18:52.320 and he was sitting on the floor, 18:52.320 --> 18:54.320 and he was sitting on the floor, 18:54.320 --> 18:56.320 and he was sitting on the floor, 18:56.320 --> 18:58.320 and he had his kliner here. 18:58.320 --> 18:59.320 And he was sitting on the floor, 18:59.320 --> 19:00.320 and he was laying there, 19:00.320 --> 19:02.320 and he was laying there, 19:02.320 --> 19:06.120 and he was laying on that floor 19:04.120 --> 19:08.120 and he was strip in his royal bed. 19:08.040 --> 19:10.040 It's an unusual request I have, sir, no. 19:10.040 --> 19:12.040 I hope I can speak in confidence like. 19:12.040 --> 19:14.040 Go on, Higgins. 19:14.040 --> 19:16.040 Whatever you have to say will be just between the two of us. 19:16.040 --> 19:18.040 I, sir, 19:18.040 --> 19:20.840 we think the Skipper should be put away, sir. 19:20.840 --> 19:22.840 Put away? 19:22.840 --> 19:24.840 What do you mean? 19:24.840 --> 19:26.600 You know that's mutiny. 19:26.600 --> 19:30.800 It's mutiny, but Mr. Marshland, he'll murder us all. 19:30.800 --> 19:36.240 Abercrombie, Butterfield, he'll go clear on down the alphabet if we don't stop him. 19:36.240 --> 19:37.760 There's no proof. 19:37.760 --> 19:39.360 The lads are sure enough. 19:39.360 --> 19:40.600 Are they? 19:40.600 --> 19:43.600 Just give us the word, sir, and we'll help you. 19:43.600 --> 19:45.200 We'll put him away. 19:45.200 --> 19:48.040 Very well, Higgins. 19:48.040 --> 19:51.040 Keep it among yourselves, but you can tell the men this. 19:51.040 --> 19:55.160 If there's any more trouble, I'll take matters into my own hands. 19:55.160 --> 19:56.760 You can rest assured of it. 19:56.760 --> 19:59.600 Lord, thank you, sir. 19:59.600 --> 20:03.920 It ain't by the mutiny, but there ain't a court in the world as ever would convict you at 20:03.920 --> 20:04.920 it. 20:04.920 --> 20:05.920 No. 20:05.920 --> 20:11.120 No, Higgins, I don't think there is. 20:11.120 --> 20:23.200 It had to be done very carefully, and for quite a while I lay back upon my bunk thinking of 20:23.200 --> 20:24.960 what Higgins had said. 20:24.960 --> 20:27.640 It would be risky, but the men were behind me. 20:27.640 --> 20:30.000 That would more than sway the balance. 20:30.000 --> 20:31.120 Higgins was right. 20:31.120 --> 20:33.840 Any court of law would see the wisdom of my action. 20:33.840 --> 20:38.520 They would never convict from mutiny, and Captain Walker would be locked away forever. 20:38.520 --> 20:50.840 We continued on our way, and in the howl of the wind and the long seas, you could sense 20:50.840 --> 20:55.440 the cold hand of fear that had settled over the alphabet. 20:55.440 --> 21:00.240 By the evening of the seventh day, we stood well out on our great circle track, more than 21:00.240 --> 21:02.760 halfway between Liverpool and Boston. 21:02.760 --> 21:07.600 We plunged through dirty seas, rising to each crest and falling to the trough below, with 21:07.600 --> 21:11.600 the water curling green over the flare of our bluff bows. 21:11.600 --> 21:19.040 But we made fair time, and the knots slipped steadily astern. 21:19.040 --> 21:24.200 It was during the inky blackness of that night that death struck again on the decks of the 21:24.200 --> 21:29.760 alphabet, and another member of our dwindling band disappeared into the unknown. 21:29.760 --> 21:35.000 Abercrombie, Butterfield, and now the third man. 21:35.000 --> 21:39.000 His name was Chadwick. 21:39.000 --> 21:44.000 Who's that? 21:44.000 --> 21:55.920 Oh, good evening, sir. 21:55.920 --> 21:58.920 Dirty weather, sir. 21:58.920 --> 22:04.760 Well, I'll be getting below, sir. 22:04.760 --> 22:06.160 Would you please let me by? 22:06.160 --> 22:11.880 I, I want to go below. 22:11.880 --> 22:24.960 Oh, you clumsy fool. 22:24.960 --> 22:26.080 You dropped something, sir. 22:26.080 --> 22:28.320 Never mind, I'll get it. 22:28.320 --> 22:29.320 There. 22:29.320 --> 22:33.120 A brother late, aren't you, Mr. Marshal? 22:33.120 --> 22:34.700 You are too, aren't you, Captain? 22:34.700 --> 22:43.100 I thought I heard a scream. Oh did you now mister? Did you? 22:54.100 --> 22:59.340 We're all here sir. You all know why you're here. Yes sir. The lads know. 22:59.340 --> 23:04.140 We're with you mister. We'll stop his tricks we will. Good. Now we must do this 23:04.140 --> 23:10.300 quietly and quickly. There must be no bungling understand? Yes sir. All right here 23:10.300 --> 23:20.180 goes. Captain Walker will you come on deck a minute? Well mister what is it you 23:20.180 --> 23:25.220 want? Come out here sir. I want to show you something. 23:25.220 --> 23:31.060 Mr. Marshal. Never mind that men. The captain stay where you are. This gun is 23:31.060 --> 23:37.100 loaded. So now it's mutiny. Marshal you better shut up. One move and I'll shoot. 23:37.100 --> 23:43.020 Get my knife in your gizzard. Mr. Marshal these are skipper now. You swing for this 23:43.020 --> 23:48.300 Marshal and you and all the rest. You really think they'll hang a mate for 23:48.300 --> 23:52.500 mutiny when they can hang a captain for murder? 23:52.500 --> 24:03.940 We sailed into Boston Harbor with Captain Walker lashed securely to a 24:03.940 --> 24:09.620 chair in his cabin. After the first brief struggle he had grown quieter and during 24:09.620 --> 24:14.660 the last days of our voyage he had just sat there silently saying nothing. A 24:14.660 --> 24:24.060 strange mad smile leering from his lips. We arrived in Boston late in the 24:24.060 --> 24:28.420 afternoon and as we sailed up the harbor we hoisted the international signal 24:28.420 --> 24:33.500 calling for the harbor police. After we had docked alongside I went up to his 24:33.500 --> 24:37.700 cabin to ensure that all was in readiness for the arrival of the police. 24:37.700 --> 24:44.340 And as I stood over him bound there in his chair his eyes seemed to mark me. His 24:44.340 --> 24:53.860 smile taunting me. So Mr. Marshland this is to be the success of your little plan 24:53.860 --> 24:58.620 eh? I have nothing to say to you captain. The police will be aboard at any moment. 24:58.620 --> 25:05.540 You think I'm mad don't you? Well maybe I am but you bungled it badly mister you 25:05.540 --> 25:14.940 bungled it very badly. Have I? Who's that? Police. Police come in come in. Officer 25:14.940 --> 25:19.780 this man is... Yes you've bungled it Mr. Marshland. Why weren't you content to let 25:19.780 --> 25:25.300 me be with my madness as I was content to let you be with yours. Oh we'd have made 25:25.300 --> 25:30.380 quite a pair as I told you if you hadn't bungled it. What are you talking about? 25:30.380 --> 25:35.980 Oh I know all about you mister. Under a bit of a cloud eh? Haven't shipped for 25:35.980 --> 25:39.340 quite a while. Not the first vessel you've been on where men have disappeared 25:39.340 --> 25:44.260 in the black of the night eh? Oh but I wouldn't care. Oh I like your methods 25:44.260 --> 25:49.820 business like by the letters by the alphabet. You are mad. Take him away. Yes 25:49.820 --> 25:55.060 mad quite. But you should have taken more interest in my photography mister. My 25:55.060 --> 26:00.540 infrared film for instance. You can take pictures on the darkest night. Would I 26:00.540 --> 26:07.540 have one mister? An excellent likeness. A likeness? Of you mister. The night you 26:07.540 --> 26:11.460 pushed Chadwick over the side. 26:11.460 --> 26:27.100 The police have been very understanding. They could readily understand how a man 26:27.100 --> 26:33.500 could hate and fear the sea and yet love it like a woman. Love it enough to 26:33.500 --> 26:41.740 follow it and hunger for it and make every sacrifice. Even human sacrifice. But 26:41.740 --> 26:46.620 now they say they must send me away to a place where the sea can no longer 26:46.620 --> 27:04.900 torture me. A place of no land or sea or wind or rain but only rest. It is time my son. 27:04.900 --> 27:23.700 Can you pray? Yes to the sea only to the sea. 27:23.700 --> 27:29.500 Suspense. Murder aboard the alphabet starring John Lund presented by Roma 27:29.500 --> 27:35.820 Wines. That's R-O-M-A. Those better tasting Roma Wines. America's favorite 27:35.820 --> 27:42.660 wines. Yes Roma Wines taste better because Roma brings you the captured natural 27:42.660 --> 27:48.260 richness of California's choicest grapes. Gently pressed and guided unhurriedly 27:48.260 --> 27:53.060 with ancient skills and America's greatest wine making resources to 27:53.060 --> 27:58.420 tempting taste luxury. These better tasting Roma Wines are placed with 27:58.420 --> 28:03.940 mellow Roma Wines of years before and from these the world's greatest wine 28:03.940 --> 28:10.260 reserves. Roma later selects for your enjoyment. This weekend share with your 28:10.260 --> 28:15.660 friends the hospitality of delicious Roma California wine. Before dinner serve 28:15.660 --> 28:22.980 nut-like Roma Sherry. After dinner enjoy rich fruity Roma Port. Yes the better 28:22.980 --> 28:30.580 taste of choice Roma Wines tells you why Roma that's R-O-M-A. Roma Wines are 28:30.580 --> 28:37.020 enjoyed by more Americans than any other wines. John Lund will soon be seen in 28:37.020 --> 28:41.980 Paramount's 36 star production Variety Girl. Tonight's suspense play was by 28:41.980 --> 28:48.500 Charles Turrell. Next Thursday same time you will hear Lloyd Nolan as star of 28:48.500 --> 28:54.900 Suspense produced and directed by William Spear for the Roma Wine Company 28:54.900 --> 29:22.140 of Fresno California. 29:25.060 --> 29:38.740 Don't forget next week Suspense will present Lloyd Nolan the following week 29:38.740 --> 29:44.660 Edmund O'Brien. Make it a point to listen each Thursday to Suspense radio's 29:44.660 --> 30:02.380 outstanding theater of thrills. 30:02.380 --> 30:20.100 This is CBS the Columbia broadcasting system.