WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:08.000 You are about to hear a story based on actual events to protect the innocent names and places have been changed. 00:08.000 --> 00:20.000 Auto Light and its 96,000 dealers bring you Mr. Ray Milland in a story taken from life. 00:20.000 --> 00:25.000 Tonight's presentation of Suspense. 00:25.000 --> 00:30.000 Tonight, Auto Light presents the Log of the Marne. 00:30.000 --> 00:42.000 A true story concerning a British gunboat trapped by communist fire 140 miles from help, starring Mr. Ray Milland. 00:42.000 --> 00:47.000 Hi, Harlow. What's that? 00:47.000 --> 00:56.000 Why, Hap, that's my Auto Light Stay Full Battery, the battery that needs water only three times a year in normal car use. 00:56.000 --> 00:58.000 Looks like a sure starter, Harlow. 00:58.000 --> 01:08.000 Ah, dependable as a die, Hap. And what's more, it's famous among car owners everywhere because the Auto Light Stay Full needs water only three times a year in normal car use. 01:08.000 --> 01:14.000 And it gives longer life, too, as proved by tests conducted according to accepted life cycle standards. 01:14.000 --> 01:17.000 Sounds like a winning combination to me, Harlow. 01:17.000 --> 01:23.000 Right you are, Hap, and you can get one at your nearest Auto Light battery dealer. He services all makes of batteries. 01:23.000 --> 01:27.000 To quickly find his name, just call Western Union by number. 01:27.000 --> 01:35.000 And ask for operator 25. That's me, and I'll gladly tell you the location of your nearest Auto Light battery dealer where you can have your battery checked this week. 01:35.000 --> 01:41.000 And remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Auto Light. 01:41.000 --> 01:53.000 And now, with the log of the Marne and the performance of Mr. Ray Milland, Auto Light hopes once again to keep you in suspense. 01:53.000 --> 02:08.000 Log entry HMS Marne entered this day by Lieutenant Commander James G. Harland, officer in command. 02:08.000 --> 02:17.000 According to statements by surviving officers and men, the situation of the vessel during the morning, 20th of June, 1949, was as follows. 02:17.000 --> 02:23.000 Marne was proceeding west in the Mingqiang River on a routine supply mission from Fuchao to Yenping. 02:23.000 --> 02:31.000 According to edicts issued by the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Marne had more than 14 hours of grace in which to reach her destination. 02:31.000 --> 02:38.000 But at 20 minutes past nine, the Communist land battery opened fire. 02:38.000 --> 02:43.000 The second shell struck the wheelhouse. 02:43.000 --> 02:48.000 Three of the five men there were killed. 02:48.000 --> 02:58.000 All communication to and from the wheelhouse was destroyed and the Marne immediately went off course. 02:58.000 --> 03:03.000 Meanwhile, two consecutive direct hits were suffered by the bridge. 03:03.000 --> 03:07.000 All personnel there, including the captain, were either killed or wounded. 03:07.000 --> 03:19.000 Second in command, Lieutenant Bennett Moore, in spite of shell fragments in his right lung and side, alone on the bridge, had control of his faculties until the arrival of Lieutenant Hugh Fraser. 03:19.000 --> 03:32.000 Cabin, sir. Fraser reporting, sir. Good Lord, Moore. I'm all right. I've assumed command, Fraser. I'm glad you came. Is the captain dead? Not yet. How about the others? Some of them, yes. 03:32.000 --> 03:45.000 We're off course, Fraser. I can't contact the wheelhouse. Signal the engine room, will you? Full speed of stern, both. Right. Full speed of stern, both. Get a bearing on the battery. We'll return fire. 03:45.000 --> 03:51.000 No response from the engine room, Moore. Try again. Try again. Quickly. We're on a gong. 03:51.000 --> 03:59.000 It's no use, Moore. They don't answer. Something's been damaged. Why is this happening? Why did they fire on us? I'll try the transmitting station. 03:59.000 --> 04:14.000 Bridge, T.S. Bridge, T.S. Bridge, transmitting station. Nothing. No communication at all. Everything's gone. We haven't fired one round back. I'll try to get down to the engine room. Perhaps I can. 04:14.000 --> 04:18.000 It's no use, Fraser. No use. We're going aground. 04:22.000 --> 04:26.000 Fifteen minutes after the attack was opened, Marne was aground. 04:31.000 --> 04:39.000 Neither A guns nor B guns were able to bear on target since her stern was toward the battery. Consequently, X gun was ordered into local control. 04:39.000 --> 04:46.000 There was no care for the wounded. The sick bay had been hit. The medical officer and his assistant killed. 04:48.000 --> 04:56.000 X gun got off three rounds. Then it was hit. The entire gun crew being killed. Small arms were issued since they were the only remaining weapons. 04:56.000 --> 05:06.000 Winster, have you seen the person at the top? Yes, sir. I think he's just forward. Thank you. Moore? Yes, Fraser. Over here. Right. 05:06.000 --> 05:10.000 How are you feeling? I'm all right. 05:14.000 --> 05:19.000 Oh, it's 50 caliber. I wish they would send boarders and they'd stop firing. I don't expect them now. 05:20.000 --> 05:28.000 They would have sent them. They seem to have decided to reduce us to wreckage. Do you think we can abandon ship of the wounded? Get to the national side of the river. 05:28.000 --> 05:33.000 No, there aren't enough lifeboats left. They've seen to that the rotten... I say they've stopped. 05:33.000 --> 05:36.000 Why shouldn't they? Look what they've done to us. 05:43.000 --> 05:52.000 June 21st, the following day, I received orders in Hong Kong to proceed by air to Man and to take along medical supplies and the medical officer, Lieutenant Robert Lamb. 05:53.000 --> 06:00.000 Our Sunderland was fired upon as we landed. Although we sustained enough damage to make it impossible to transfer all of the supplies, 06:00.000 --> 06:04.000 we considered ourselves fortunate to have half a board when the flying boat was forced to leave. 06:04.000 --> 06:09.000 It was put to immediate use by the MO when I was taken to the officer in command. 06:10.000 --> 06:16.000 In here, sir? Oh, yes. We've had to use the radar room as a command center, sir. Almost everything else has been knocked out. 06:16.000 --> 06:20.000 I see. I shall want a complete report on the condition of the ship after I speak to Moore. Yes, sir. 06:20.000 --> 06:28.000 Do you think he's fit to carry on, Fraser? Oh, no, sir, no. I'm surprised that he's still alive. He's not able to stand now. Poor devil. 06:28.000 --> 06:38.000 Here we are, sir. Who is it? It's Fraser, Bennett. Oh, I heard a plane, didn't I? I'm sure I did. 06:38.000 --> 06:44.000 Yes. Sunderland brought a doctor in medicine, Bennett. This is Lieutenant Commander Harland, Lieutenant Moore. 06:44.000 --> 06:52.000 Oh, don't try Moore. Oh, thank you, sir. The C&C asked me to convey his admiration for what you've done, Moore. 06:52.000 --> 07:00.000 Oh, thank you, sir. Do I understand that I'm being relieved of my command? Good Lord, you've done all you can. You're in no condition to go on. 07:00.000 --> 07:09.000 I'm all right, sir. I feel much better than I did yesterday. I'm sorry, Moore. My orders are to assume command. I can't do anything else. 07:09.000 --> 07:16.000 Yes, sir. Now, Fraser, I should like to meet with the other executive officers. There's only one now, sir. Oh? 07:16.000 --> 07:24.000 Phil's died this morning. There's only Aldon and myself now, sir. I see. Then I shall want to meet him if you could suggest a place. 07:38.000 --> 07:43.000 This is Lieutenant Aldon, sir. How do you do, sir? Oh, how do you do? Sit down, won't you? Thank you, sir. 07:43.000 --> 07:48.000 You've had quite a go. Yes, sir. And I don't think any of us would mind if we knew the reason behind it. 07:48.000 --> 07:52.000 We were told that the communists had promised us 14 hours to reach Yen Ping. They had? 07:52.000 --> 08:00.000 So we were entirely within our right, but they fired on us. There's been no explanation. Dispatches were sent to their headquarters, immediately received your message. 08:00.000 --> 08:07.000 When were you shelled last? This morning. When we were sending some of the wounded ashore to the nationalists. Oh. Oh, I didn't know that. 08:07.000 --> 08:11.000 Yes, sir. They sent a junk out last night, and we asked them to come back at dawn with some more boats. 08:11.000 --> 08:17.000 They told us they'd see them safely to Poo Chow, but the men who really need help couldn't go. They were too torn up to live through the journey. 08:17.000 --> 08:26.000 How many did you send? 42, sir. How many seriously wounded are there? 35, sir. And how many dead? 31, sir. 08:26.000 --> 08:34.000 Your original complement was 149. Yes, sir. There are 41 of us left. I see. But we still have power. 08:34.000 --> 08:40.000 Oh, yes, sir. They fared quite well below decks, but the communication between the bridge and the engine room was knocked out. 08:40.000 --> 08:45.000 Is there anyone aboard who can repair it? I'm not sure, sir. Oh, yes, yes, Frazer. Lilis is left. Oh, I wasn't sure, sir. 08:45.000 --> 08:50.000 He can do it. Are you going to try to refloater, sir? Make a run for it? Refloater, if possible, yes. 08:50.000 --> 08:56.000 I'd like to be ready to make a run for it if we're ordered to. What about the guns? They're all gone, sir. 08:56.000 --> 09:01.000 What about fuel? Depends on how long we stay, sir. We were to refuel in Yen Ping. 09:01.000 --> 09:05.000 I'm afraid navigation will be a bit of a problem, sir. The charts were burned. 09:05.000 --> 09:10.000 Well, we shall have to do with what we have, won't we? Yes, sir. 09:10.000 --> 09:13.000 Then I'd like every available man put to work at once on the foredeck. 09:13.000 --> 09:16.000 I'd like everything that is heavy and can be broken loose moved aft. 09:16.000 --> 09:20.000 In the meantime, I want any water ballast and all the fuel oil in the forward tanks pumped out. 09:20.000 --> 09:26.000 Over the side, sir? Yes. I think the loss of fuel oil at the moment is not as important as getting man afloat again. 09:26.000 --> 09:40.000 June 22nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th were required to repair communications and lighten the bow. 09:40.000 --> 09:46.000 Small arms fire raked the decks occasionally and reminded us that the communists were watching our every move. 09:46.000 --> 09:53.000 Hoping to put them off guard, I therefore halted all activity until the 2nd of July, and then shortly after midnight, assisted by a moonless night, 09:53.000 --> 09:59.000 we raised steam and backed off to anchor without incident. Morale improved immediately. 10:05.000 --> 10:10.000 July 15th, an attempt to shift our berth was answered by a 30-minute barrage. 10:10.000 --> 10:14.000 It was obvious that the communists would destroy us if we tried to leave. 10:14.000 --> 10:29.000 July 18th, shortly after midday, communist forces were seen crossing the river below us against no nationalist resistance of any kind. 10:29.000 --> 10:35.000 Later that same day, they crossed above us as well, and we realized that we were completely cut off. 10:35.000 --> 10:45.000 I ordered all ventilation shut off to conserve fuel. 10:45.000 --> 10:52.000 July 20th, after a month had passed, we had our first direct contact with the communists. 10:52.000 --> 11:00.000 A major kung requested me to come ashore to talk with him. I accepted his invitation and met him in a hut a short distance from the river. 11:00.000 --> 11:08.000 I wish to make it clear that your ship will not be molested if she does not move, and that there is no more trouble from your ship. 11:08.000 --> 11:09.000 Trouble? 11:09.000 --> 11:13.000 You realize that this would not have happened if you had not fired first. 11:13.000 --> 11:19.000 I think you're mistaken. You fired first, and I would appreciate safe passage down the river. 11:19.000 --> 11:32.000 I cannot grant you a safe passage. It is up to my superiors. But first, you must admit that you fired first. 11:32.000 --> 11:42.000 July 26th, to conserve our already meager food stores, officers and men were put on half rations. One refrigerator was put out of service to save more fuel. 11:42.000 --> 11:46.000 On July 28th, I again met Major Kung. 11:46.000 --> 11:52.000 I talked to my superiors. They told me you would give a safe passage down the river. 11:52.000 --> 11:55.000 Oh, well, I'm happy to hear that. 11:55.000 --> 11:58.000 You are not too unhappy aboard your ship? 11:58.000 --> 12:00.000 No, not at all. 12:00.000 --> 12:02.000 But you would like to go down the river? 12:02.000 --> 12:07.000 Yes, especially since you have absolutely no reason to hold us here. 12:07.000 --> 12:20.000 I can't give you a safe passage if the British side will acknowledge that they invaded Chinese waters without the authority of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. This will be a document. 12:20.000 --> 12:25.000 The word invaded cannot be used. It is the most serious word to use. 12:25.000 --> 12:34.000 There may be some difference between the Chinese wording and the English wording. I am speaking of the Chinese wording. 12:34.000 --> 12:41.000 The word invade means to commit a hostile act, which we did not do. You cannot use the word invade. 12:41.000 --> 12:45.000 Do you admit that your ship was guilty of entering the river? 12:45.000 --> 12:54.000 Guilty of entering the river? It was not a guilty act and you cannot use the word invade. It means that we are at war and we are not. We are a friendly nation and always have been. 12:54.000 --> 12:59.000 If you do not wish to cooperate, I suggest that we leave this until a later meeting. 12:59.000 --> 13:02.000 I insist that we continue this discussion. 13:02.000 --> 13:06.000 Then you are ready to admit the British guilt. 13:06.000 --> 13:15.000 I think the subject at hand is your guilt. You are holding a British ship and British subjects under the threat of destruction. You are causing great suffering. 13:15.000 --> 13:24.000 Lack of fuel oil has caused me to stop the ventilation system in midsummer. My food is spoiling because I can't run the refrigerators. There is a danger that even drinking water will be unavailable. 13:24.000 --> 13:29.000 You are responsible for the condition of that ship and the welfare of the officers and men. 13:29.000 --> 13:32.000 Then you do admit the British guilt. 13:32.000 --> 13:34.000 I do not. 13:34.000 --> 13:44.000 Then I suggest that we leave this for a later meeting. I warn you too. If you move the ship, every effort will be made to destroy it. 13:44.000 --> 14:08.000 Auto Light is bringing you Mr. Ray Milland in The Log of the Marne. Tonight's production in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 14:15.000 --> 14:20.000 Say, Hap, what's the surest thing in the world? 14:20.000 --> 14:22.000 You got me, Harlow. 14:22.000 --> 14:29.000 Why, starting your car if you've got an Auto Light Stay Full battery. Hap, it stops in dependable starting power. 14:29.000 --> 14:32.000 And it needs water only three times a year, eh, Harlow? 14:32.000 --> 14:40.000 Right. Only three times a year in normal car use. That's because the Auto Light Stay Full has three times the liquid reserve of ordinary batteries. 14:40.000 --> 14:47.000 And the Auto Light Stay Full gives longer life, as proved by tests conducted according to accepted life cycle standards. 14:47.000 --> 14:49.000 There's not a better battery built. 14:49.000 --> 14:57.000 And it's carried by your neighborhood Auto Light Battery Dealer. He services all makes of batteries and has special test equipment. 14:57.000 --> 15:05.000 If a new battery is needed, he also has an Auto Light Stay Full for your car. So take a tip from me. See your Auto Light Battery Dealer this week. 15:05.000 --> 15:10.000 To quickly find his name, just telephone Western Union by number. 15:10.000 --> 15:16.000 And ask for operator 25. That's me and I'll gladly tell you the location of your nearest Auto Light Battery Dealer. 15:16.000 --> 15:21.000 And remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Auto Light. 15:21.000 --> 15:30.000 And now, Auto Light brings back to our Hollywood sound stage, Mr. Ray Milan, in Elliot Lewis's production of The Log of the Marne. 15:30.000 --> 15:36.000 A dramatic report well calculated to keep you in suspense. 15:48.000 --> 15:54.000 The entire months of July and August were taken up with trying to maintain life in an all but dead ship. 15:54.000 --> 15:57.000 And in pointless, decisionless meetings with the Communist. 15:57.000 --> 16:01.000 I, over and over again, repeated my demands for oil. 16:01.000 --> 16:04.000 They repeated their demands that I admit British guilt. 16:04.000 --> 16:08.000 By September 9th, conditions aboard were quite serious. 16:08.000 --> 16:12.000 Officers and men were without any of the conveniences afforded by a modern ship. 16:12.000 --> 16:14.000 And they were almost without food. 16:14.000 --> 16:17.000 Morel was at its lowest ebb when I heard a shout from the deck. 16:17.000 --> 16:19.000 Jumps coming down the river! 16:19.000 --> 16:20.000 Jumps! 16:20.000 --> 16:21.000 I think they're carrying oil! 16:21.000 --> 16:22.000 Jumps! 16:22.000 --> 16:27.000 Captain Harland, I think they're giving us our oil! 16:33.000 --> 16:37.000 It was Admiralty Fuels seized by the Communists when they took Yen Ping. 16:37.000 --> 16:40.000 They charged more than 400 pounds for its delivery. 16:40.000 --> 16:42.000 But it put life in demand. 16:42.000 --> 16:46.000 The drums were brought aboard by handfully and emptied in almost dry tanks. 16:46.000 --> 16:49.000 Everyone, officers and men, buckled down to the job. 16:49.000 --> 16:54.000 It took 11 hours, and when it was finished, every man on the ship was exhausted. 16:54.000 --> 16:57.000 But happier than they'd been for 100 days. 17:05.000 --> 17:07.000 Good morning, sir. You sent for me? 17:07.000 --> 17:08.000 Yes, come in, Fraser. 17:08.000 --> 17:10.000 Yes, sir. 17:10.000 --> 17:13.000 How much fuel oil did we take aboard last night? 17:13.000 --> 17:16.000 296 drums, sir. That's approximately 56 tons. 17:16.000 --> 17:19.000 Yes, well, that should do us nicely. 17:19.000 --> 17:22.000 Oh, yes, sir, it already has. Ventilation's running again. 17:22.000 --> 17:25.000 It reached 136 degrees in the engine room yesterday. 17:25.000 --> 17:27.000 Yes, yes, I know it was uncomfortable. 17:27.000 --> 17:30.000 Fraser, I'd like to have you arrange a working party. 17:30.000 --> 17:31.000 Yes, sir. 17:31.000 --> 17:33.000 I want the anchor cable lashed with bedding. 17:33.000 --> 17:37.000 But first, I want the bedding to be soaked thoroughly in soft soap and grease. 17:37.000 --> 17:38.000 The anchor cable, sir? 17:38.000 --> 17:41.000 Yes. Every time the ship swings at her moorings, 17:41.000 --> 17:45.000 the cable screeches and scrapes. It's rather getting on my nerves. 17:45.000 --> 17:49.000 After more than three months, it's getting on your nerves, sir? 17:49.000 --> 17:51.000 That's what I want you to tell the men. 17:51.000 --> 17:56.000 Fraser, look, old boy, I'm going to break out tonight. 17:56.000 --> 17:57.000 Yes, sir. 17:57.000 --> 18:00.000 When you've put your men to work, bring Alden, Lilis, Lamb and Nisbet. 18:00.000 --> 18:02.000 I'll explain the reasons for my decision. 18:08.000 --> 18:11.000 At 3 o'clock in the afternoon of 30th of July, 18:11.000 --> 18:13.000 I conferred with the two executive officers, 18:13.000 --> 18:16.000 the medical officer, engine room artificer Lilis, 18:16.000 --> 18:18.000 and the senior telegraphist Nisbet. 18:21.000 --> 18:24.000 I want to break out tonight at 10. 18:24.000 --> 18:28.000 I've asked you here so I could tell you my reasons why we should. 18:28.000 --> 18:31.000 And I want you to give me any reasons why we should not. 18:31.000 --> 18:34.000 Oh, I think all of us have had enough of this, sir. 18:34.000 --> 18:38.000 Yes. The delivery of fuel last night was important for two reasons. 18:38.000 --> 18:43.000 One, at least 47 tons of fuel will be needed to drive us to the open sea. 18:43.000 --> 18:46.000 They gave us 56 tons, which really leaves little to spare. 18:46.000 --> 18:48.000 That's right, sir. 18:48.000 --> 18:50.000 Tonight will be the last one for a month 18:50.000 --> 18:53.000 with the phase of the moon right for a breakout. 18:53.000 --> 18:55.000 The moon is due to set at 11 o'clock. 18:55.000 --> 18:57.000 I've decided to slip away at 10, 18:57.000 --> 19:00.000 excepting one hour of the waning moon is an unavoidable handicap. 19:00.000 --> 19:02.000 Now, we'll need every minute of time 19:02.000 --> 19:05.000 if we hope to get past the big guns at Lien Kong before dawn. 19:05.000 --> 19:08.000 Now, rains farther inland have raised the river, 19:08.000 --> 19:10.000 and traveling by night without a river pilot 19:10.000 --> 19:13.000 will need all the water there is to get us over the mudflats. 19:13.000 --> 19:15.000 Lillis. Yes, sir? 19:15.000 --> 19:18.000 If we come under fire, I shall ask for smoke, understand? 19:18.000 --> 19:21.000 Yes, sir. I think everything's in tip-top shape below decks. 19:21.000 --> 19:24.000 We'll do the best we can, sir. Good. Nisbet. Yes, sir? 19:24.000 --> 19:27.000 Wireless silence will be enforced until I'm ready to send a message. 19:27.000 --> 19:29.000 Then only flash procedure will be used. Yes, sir. 19:29.000 --> 19:31.000 Lamb and Fraser. Yes, sir. 19:31.000 --> 19:33.000 I want to make Maughan as splinter-proof as possible. 19:33.000 --> 19:35.000 Now, seat a bit at the wireless office, the bridge, 19:35.000 --> 19:38.000 and the habitable mess decks are sandbagged. 19:38.000 --> 19:40.000 If you haven't enough sand, use mattresses or cushion covers 19:40.000 --> 19:42.000 or canvas kit bags, anything. Yes, sir. 19:42.000 --> 19:44.000 Now, make your preparations as soon as possible, 19:44.000 --> 19:46.000 but do no work on deck until after dark. 19:46.000 --> 19:48.000 I don't want you to be seen. 19:48.000 --> 19:51.000 Grease all the bright work to cut reflection. 19:51.000 --> 19:53.000 Now, you can do that during daylight. 19:53.000 --> 19:55.000 After dark, break out canvas and stretch it 19:55.000 --> 19:58.000 from the superstructure fore and aft to change our silhouette. 19:58.000 --> 20:00.000 Very good, sir. Now, then. 20:00.000 --> 20:03.000 If we are hit and sinking, I will beach the ship 20:03.000 --> 20:05.000 if it's possible to save lives. 20:05.000 --> 20:07.000 The ship's company will get ashore. 20:07.000 --> 20:09.000 Then I will blow up Maughan. 20:09.000 --> 20:12.000 If disaster does come, your main object is to reach Fu Chao 20:12.000 --> 20:15.000 or escape in junks to the open sea. 20:15.000 --> 20:17.000 Any questions? No questions. 20:17.000 --> 20:19.000 Just one, sir. 20:19.000 --> 20:21.000 I wonder what old Major Kung will say tomorrow 20:21.000 --> 20:23.000 when he's dipped to private. 20:23.000 --> 20:25.000 Well, don't underestimate our Major Kung, Fraser. 20:25.000 --> 20:28.000 It's entirely possible that he arranged the oil delivery 20:28.000 --> 20:30.000 so that we would break out, 20:30.000 --> 20:32.000 so they'd have a chance to destroy us. 20:32.000 --> 20:35.000 However, pass the word along to the ship's company. 20:35.000 --> 20:38.000 And good luck to you all. I hope we make it. 20:38.000 --> 20:41.000 At least we'll have a delve of a good shot at it. 20:47.000 --> 20:50.000 At seven, I ordered steel helmets to be issued 20:50.000 --> 20:53.000 to the men who would be stationed on the upper deck. 20:53.000 --> 20:55.000 At nine, I climbed to the bridge 20:55.000 --> 20:57.000 to accustom my eyes to the darkness. 20:57.000 --> 21:00.000 At three minutes past ten, we prepared to leave. 21:02.000 --> 21:04.000 Engine room reports are ready, sir. 21:04.000 --> 21:06.000 Good. Order them to obey telegraphs. 21:06.000 --> 21:09.000 Yes, sir. Engine room, obey telegraphs. 21:09.000 --> 21:12.000 Rudder amidst ships, Winster. Amidst ships, sir. 21:12.000 --> 21:15.000 Half a head port. Half a head port, sir. 21:19.000 --> 21:21.000 Slip anchor cable. 21:21.000 --> 21:23.000 Slip cable, sir? 21:23.000 --> 21:27.000 Slip cable. 21:29.000 --> 21:31.000 Not a sound, sir. Not a splash. 21:31.000 --> 21:34.000 Half a stern starboard. Half a stern starboard, sir. 21:40.000 --> 21:42.000 Harder starboard. Harder starboard. 21:42.000 --> 21:44.000 Harder starboard it is, sir. 21:44.000 --> 21:47.000 Steady as she goes. Steady as she goes. 21:49.000 --> 21:50.000 Sir. Yes, Fraser? 21:50.000 --> 21:52.000 The funnel, sir. Spewing sparks. 21:52.000 --> 21:53.000 Oh, blast it. 21:53.000 --> 21:55.000 Well, there's nothing we can do about it now. We've started. 21:55.000 --> 21:58.000 They'll see that if they aren't blind, sir. Shall I order alarm? 21:58.000 --> 22:00.000 Not yet. Port 15. Port 15, sir. 22:00.000 --> 22:02.000 Steady now. Steady, sir. 22:04.000 --> 22:06.000 Well, we've got round. 22:06.000 --> 22:08.000 Half a head both, ten knots. 22:08.000 --> 22:10.000 Half a head both, ten knots, sir. 22:10.000 --> 22:17.000 I don't think they see us, sir. I don't think they do. 22:24.000 --> 22:27.000 It did seem that our departure had gone unnoticed. 22:27.000 --> 22:30.000 We passed downstream quietly and without trouble for 15 minutes. 22:30.000 --> 22:33.000 But then a flare illuminated the river. 22:33.000 --> 22:35.000 It went up from shore, sir. 22:35.000 --> 22:36.000 Yes. Shall we go? 22:36.000 --> 22:38.000 Probably control point. 22:38.000 --> 22:40.000 Another battery, too. 22:40.000 --> 22:42.000 There, sir. On the port bow. Is that a vessel? 22:42.000 --> 22:45.000 Yes. Yes, it's a patrol craft. Keep it 15 port, Winster. 22:45.000 --> 22:46.000 Yes, sir. 22:46.000 --> 22:48.000 Read the depth reports, Alden. We're closing the beach. 22:48.000 --> 22:49.000 Yes, sir. 22:53.000 --> 22:55.000 Is that the control vessel, Fraser? 22:55.000 --> 22:56.000 No, sir. Land battery. 22:56.000 --> 22:57.000 There, sir. See the flash? 22:57.000 --> 22:59.000 Yes. Full ahead both. 22:59.000 --> 23:00.000 Full ahead both, sir. 23:00.000 --> 23:02.000 What's the depth, Alden? 23:02.000 --> 23:04.000 Give me the readings. 23:04.000 --> 23:06.000 Six fathoms. 23:06.000 --> 23:08.000 Six fathoms. 23:08.000 --> 23:10.000 Six fathoms. 23:10.000 --> 23:12.000 Five and a half fathoms. 23:16.000 --> 23:17.000 Five and a half fathoms. 23:17.000 --> 23:19.000 What's the patrol vessel going to do? 23:19.000 --> 23:21.000 Set a crash course on that ship and steer into her. 23:21.000 --> 23:22.000 Into her, sir? 23:22.000 --> 23:25.000 I want to pass as close to her as possible. We'll smother her guns. 23:28.000 --> 23:31.000 One thing, Fraser. Our trip is no longer secret. 23:31.000 --> 23:33.000 No, sir. The gap's blown all right. 23:33.000 --> 23:36.000 I wish 140 miles lay behind us instead of ahead. 23:36.000 --> 23:38.000 But it's better than sitting still, sir. 23:38.000 --> 23:40.000 Four and a half fathoms. 23:43.000 --> 23:45.000 Just a bit of starboard wheel now, Winster. 23:45.000 --> 23:46.000 Aye, sir. 23:54.000 --> 23:56.000 We passed Shui Ka without sustaining damage. 23:56.000 --> 23:59.000 Shortly before 1 in the morning, still at full speed, 23:59.000 --> 24:03.000 we passed Kai Ning under much the same conditions. 24:03.000 --> 24:05.000 At 3 o'clock, Langsha. 24:05.000 --> 24:08.000 But from the outset, I had dreaded the final problem 24:08.000 --> 24:11.000 of passing under the 9-inch guns at Lien Kong. 24:11.000 --> 24:14.000 Searchlights probing the darkness told us before we reached it 24:14.000 --> 24:17.000 that they knew we were coming and were waiting. 24:17.000 --> 24:20.000 Our only advantage was the breadth of the river at its mouth, 24:20.000 --> 24:22.000 and we used it, hugging the north bank 24:22.000 --> 24:24.000 and chancing free fathom water. 24:24.000 --> 24:27.000 I remember that the cool air of the open sea 24:27.000 --> 24:29.000 was almost tantalizing and unreal. 24:29.000 --> 24:32.000 We reached a point directly across from the fort, 24:32.000 --> 24:34.000 and one of their searchlights found us. 24:39.000 --> 24:42.000 Give me smoke. Make as much black smoke as you can. 24:42.000 --> 24:45.000 Right, sir. Make black smoke as much as you can. 24:48.000 --> 24:50.000 Starboard 20, Winster. Starboard 20. 24:50.000 --> 24:51.000 Starboard 20, sir. 24:51.000 --> 24:53.000 Zigzag. Keep us from getting a fix on this. 24:53.000 --> 24:55.000 Five seconds to starboard, five seconds to port. 24:55.000 --> 24:57.000 Count them yourself. Count them aloud if you like. 24:57.000 --> 24:58.000 Aye, aye, sir. 24:58.000 --> 25:03.000 One, two, three, four, five, port. 25:03.000 --> 25:04.000 Give me the depth, Aldon. 25:04.000 --> 25:05.000 Yes, sir. 25:05.000 --> 25:09.000 One, two, three, four, five, starboard. 25:09.000 --> 25:11.000 Eight and a half bottoms. 25:11.000 --> 25:16.000 One, two, three, four, five, eight bottoms. 25:16.000 --> 25:17.000 One, two, three, four, five, starboard. 25:17.000 --> 25:18.000 Another 30 seconds, sir. 25:18.000 --> 25:20.000 Give us that, and I think we'll be safe. 25:20.000 --> 25:21.000 Make more smoke. 25:21.000 --> 25:22.000 Make more smoke. 25:22.000 --> 25:27.000 One, two, three, four, five, seven bottoms. 25:27.000 --> 25:33.000 One, two, three, four, five, starboard. 25:46.000 --> 25:48.000 Set course for Hong Kong, sir. 25:48.000 --> 25:50.000 Half speed ahead, both. 25:50.000 --> 25:53.000 Yes, sir. Half speed ahead, both. 25:53.000 --> 25:55.000 I'm going to the wireless room. 25:55.000 --> 25:57.000 Yes, sir. 26:03.000 --> 26:04.000 Hello, Nisbet. 26:04.000 --> 26:07.000 Hello, sir. And congratulations, sir. 26:07.000 --> 26:09.000 Thank you. 26:09.000 --> 26:12.000 It is good to feel her role to the sea again. 26:12.000 --> 26:17.000 Nisbet, I want to send a signal to Commander-in-Chief. 26:17.000 --> 26:20.000 Yes, sir. 26:20.000 --> 26:25.000 Have rejoined the fleet. 26:25.000 --> 26:27.000 Yes, sir. 26:27.000 --> 26:30.000 God save the King. 26:30.000 --> 26:51.000 I think that's all, Nisbet. 26:51.000 --> 26:54.000 Suspense. 26:54.000 --> 26:56.000 Presented by Auto Light. 26:56.000 --> 26:59.000 Tonight's star, Mr. Ray Milland. 26:59.000 --> 27:01.000 Hey, Hap, did you hear about the meeting? 27:01.000 --> 27:03.000 What meeting, Harlow? 27:03.000 --> 27:06.000 By the meeting of our American truckers this week in Chicago. 27:06.000 --> 27:09.000 You know, Hap, trucking is one of our most important industries. 27:09.000 --> 27:14.000 And it's the lifeline of the more than 25,000 American communities... 27:14.000 --> 27:18.000 which depend on trucks alone for the delivery of their necessities. 27:18.000 --> 27:19.000 And that's not all. 27:19.000 --> 27:20.000 Right you are, Hap. 27:20.000 --> 27:23.000 For those careful and competent cargo conveyors... 27:23.000 --> 27:26.000 can claim an unequaled highway safety record. 27:26.000 --> 27:30.000 Sure, with millions of accident-free miles every year. 27:30.000 --> 27:34.000 And that great record is largely due to the American Trucking Association's... 27:34.000 --> 27:36.000 never-ending safety campaign... 27:36.000 --> 27:40.000 which Auto Light is proud to have assisted for over a decade. 27:40.000 --> 27:44.000 Auto Light salutes the members of the American Trucking Associations... 27:44.000 --> 27:49.000 and wishes them continued success as the world's finest drivers. 27:49.000 --> 27:59.000 Next week on Suspense, our star will be Mr. Richard Widmark... 27:59.000 --> 28:03.000 in a dramatization of the most famous of all Texas feuds. 28:03.000 --> 28:07.000 A dramatic report we call The Hunting of Bob Lee. 28:07.000 --> 28:10.000 In weeks to come, we shall also present Mr. John Hodiac... 28:10.000 --> 28:13.000 Mr. Joseph Cotton and Mr. John Lund. 28:13.000 --> 28:15.000 All on... 28:15.000 --> 28:19.000 Suspense. 28:19.000 --> 28:22.000 Suspense is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis... 28:22.000 --> 28:27.000 with music composed by Lucian Morrowek and conducted by Lud Bluskin. 28:27.000 --> 28:30.000 The Log of the Marne was based on the book by Lawrence Earl... 28:30.000 --> 28:33.000 and was adapted for Suspense by Gil Dow. 28:33.000 --> 28:36.000 In tonight's story, Ben Wright was heard as Fraser... 28:36.000 --> 28:39.000 and featured in the cast were Joseph Kearns, Charles Davis... 28:39.000 --> 28:43.000 Anthony Ellis, Jack Crouchon, Raymond Lawrence and William Johnstone. 28:43.000 --> 28:48.000 Ray Milan is currently being seen in the paramount comedy Rhubarb. 28:48.000 --> 28:53.000 And remember next week on Suspense, Mr. Richard Widmark... 28:53.000 --> 28:56.000 in another story based on actual events. 28:56.000 --> 29:00.000 A dramatic report we call The Hunting of Bob Lee. 29:00.000 --> 29:06.000 For the location of your nearest autolite battery or spark plug dealer... 29:06.000 --> 29:09.000 or your nearest authorized autolite service station... 29:09.000 --> 29:13.000 phone Western Union by number and ask for operator 25. 29:13.000 --> 29:15.000 Switch to autolite. 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