1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:14,000 And now, tonight's presentation of radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 2 00:00:14,000 --> 00:00:21,800 Tonight, we bring you a story of betrayal and retribution on Devil's Island. 3 00:00:21,800 --> 00:00:24,600 We call it The Stool Pigeon. 4 00:00:24,600 --> 00:00:51,000 So now, starring Mr. John Danaer, here is tonight's Suspense play, The Stool Pigeon. 5 00:00:51,000 --> 00:00:56,100 It was hot that afternoon, which in itself you understand should not have been surprising. 6 00:00:56,100 --> 00:01:00,560 On that Devil's Island, it was always hot, unless there were the rains, and then it was 7 00:01:00,560 --> 00:01:03,120 a different, more steaming heat. 8 00:01:03,120 --> 00:01:09,040 There were four of us racing cockroaches in Cano's hut, Makil, Thibaut, Cano, and myself. 9 00:01:09,040 --> 00:01:13,880 We were what the authorities generously called libres, that is to say, we were free to roam 10 00:01:13,880 --> 00:01:17,000 within the confines of the island, but never to leave it. 11 00:01:17,000 --> 00:01:21,840 As I say, we were racing cockroaches, and Thibaut had already won three races. 12 00:01:21,840 --> 00:01:26,120 His animal was a huge red beast, fully three and a half inches in length, and possessing 13 00:01:26,120 --> 00:01:27,980 a remarkable stamina. 14 00:01:27,980 --> 00:01:33,360 She was named Marie, made me think of a filly I used to bet on in Paris. 15 00:01:33,360 --> 00:01:34,920 It's hot. 16 00:01:34,920 --> 00:01:36,440 My friends, it is hot. 17 00:01:36,440 --> 00:01:39,160 You never get tired of saying that, do you, Thibaut? 18 00:01:39,160 --> 00:01:40,160 Does he? 19 00:01:40,160 --> 00:01:43,080 Yesterday, you said the same thing last month and last year. 20 00:01:43,080 --> 00:01:45,760 You owe me five francs from the last race, babe. 21 00:01:45,760 --> 00:01:48,520 Oh, I always lose here. 22 00:01:48,520 --> 00:01:51,280 Shall we have another? 23 00:01:51,280 --> 00:01:53,280 No, it's too hot. 24 00:01:53,280 --> 00:01:54,280 Oh, there. 25 00:01:54,280 --> 00:01:55,280 Now who says it's hot? 26 00:01:55,280 --> 00:01:56,280 Who? 27 00:01:56,280 --> 00:01:57,280 Who said it? 28 00:01:57,280 --> 00:01:58,280 Oh, shut up. 29 00:01:58,280 --> 00:02:04,040 You little maggot, I could break your shell with my nail if I felt like it. 30 00:02:04,040 --> 00:02:07,440 But I like you, Makil, so I allow you to speak to me, just. 31 00:02:07,440 --> 00:02:09,240 I heard there's a ship coming next week. 32 00:02:09,240 --> 00:02:10,240 Oh? 33 00:02:10,240 --> 00:02:11,240 Where'd you hear that? 34 00:02:11,240 --> 00:02:13,880 Cano hears everything and knows nothing. 35 00:02:13,880 --> 00:02:15,960 I heard from a guard. 36 00:02:15,960 --> 00:02:18,400 It's a lie because I hear everything first. 37 00:02:18,400 --> 00:02:22,160 Did you call me a liar? 38 00:02:22,160 --> 00:02:23,640 I call you a liar. 39 00:02:23,640 --> 00:02:24,640 Stop, stop, stop it. 40 00:02:24,640 --> 00:02:25,640 Put away the knife, Cano. 41 00:02:25,640 --> 00:02:28,640 We'll all be put in solitary if you're seen. 42 00:02:28,640 --> 00:02:30,640 A knife? 43 00:02:30,640 --> 00:02:32,160 Knife? 44 00:02:32,160 --> 00:02:33,600 Where did you get a knife, Cano? 45 00:02:33,600 --> 00:02:34,600 Never mind. 46 00:02:34,600 --> 00:02:36,240 Oh, but I do mind. 47 00:02:36,240 --> 00:02:37,960 That's interesting that you have a knife. 48 00:02:37,960 --> 00:02:39,680 Are you thinking of escape, perhaps? 49 00:02:39,680 --> 00:02:41,680 Never mind. 50 00:02:41,680 --> 00:02:43,440 I'd like to buy your knife, Cano. 51 00:02:43,440 --> 00:02:44,440 Not for sale. 52 00:02:44,440 --> 00:02:45,440 100 francs? 53 00:02:45,440 --> 00:02:46,440 I'm not selling. 54 00:02:46,440 --> 00:02:47,440 150? 55 00:02:47,440 --> 00:02:48,440 No. 56 00:02:48,440 --> 00:02:49,440 Well, some other time. 57 00:02:49,440 --> 00:02:50,960 I've got half a bottle of wine. 58 00:02:50,960 --> 00:02:52,280 Let's go and drink it. 59 00:02:52,280 --> 00:02:54,160 I don't feel like quarreling. 60 00:02:54,160 --> 00:03:00,720 Oh, Makil, you have a divine soul, come, my little maggot. 61 00:03:00,720 --> 00:03:06,840 You too, Cano, exil. 62 00:03:06,840 --> 00:03:14,040 Makil, he of the divine soul, had been on Devil's Island for eight years. 63 00:03:14,040 --> 00:03:18,500 In Marseilles, he had been, among other things, an habitual thief and arsonist. 64 00:03:18,500 --> 00:03:22,480 He stood five foot six and had long been befriended by Thibaut. 65 00:03:22,480 --> 00:03:27,260 Thibaut was, by his very stature, and passed the King of the Libres on the island, a huge 66 00:03:27,260 --> 00:03:30,360 and gross man, towering over six feet. 67 00:03:30,360 --> 00:03:34,400 In Paris, he left behind him a series of syndicate murders for which he'd escaped the guillotine 68 00:03:34,400 --> 00:03:37,880 only by underground and political pressures. 69 00:03:37,880 --> 00:03:42,160 In spite of his terrible reputation and physical appearance, he was not an unfair man, and 70 00:03:42,160 --> 00:03:44,920 on the whole, well-liked by the rest of us. 71 00:03:44,920 --> 00:03:48,280 Cano was slim and dark, volatile as benzene. 72 00:03:48,280 --> 00:03:51,200 In a fit of jealous anger, he'd slit his wife's throat. 73 00:03:51,200 --> 00:03:55,720 A handy man with a knife, a moody, uncertain fellow, Cano. 74 00:03:55,720 --> 00:03:58,560 I was there because I was caught embezzling from the bank. 75 00:03:58,560 --> 00:04:01,480 A stupid thing to do, more stupid to be caught. 76 00:04:01,480 --> 00:04:05,760 I looked forward to six more years before release. 77 00:04:05,760 --> 00:04:07,360 Gone. 78 00:04:07,360 --> 00:04:12,560 Every last mortal drop. 79 00:04:12,560 --> 00:04:14,140 Half a bottle doesn't go far. 80 00:04:14,140 --> 00:04:18,520 Not for one with a mouth of a hippopotamus. 81 00:04:18,520 --> 00:04:23,560 I remember a wine in Paris, Montcher. 82 00:04:23,560 --> 00:04:24,560 Think of Emile. 83 00:04:24,560 --> 00:04:28,880 He might be tasting your wine soon, away from this pest hole. 84 00:04:28,880 --> 00:04:31,360 How long has it been now? 85 00:04:31,360 --> 00:04:32,360 Nine days. 86 00:04:32,360 --> 00:04:33,360 No, ten. 87 00:04:33,360 --> 00:04:34,360 He escaped on the 14th. 88 00:04:34,360 --> 00:04:36,320 I give odds he never reaches Maribaux. 89 00:04:36,320 --> 00:04:37,320 Five to one. 90 00:04:37,320 --> 00:04:38,320 Why not? 91 00:04:38,320 --> 00:04:39,320 Why shouldn't he? 92 00:04:39,320 --> 00:04:40,320 Well, the sharks, Cano, the sharks. 93 00:04:40,320 --> 00:04:42,320 Very bad this year, I've heard. 94 00:04:42,320 --> 00:04:44,480 And his boat wasn't much good either. 95 00:04:44,480 --> 00:04:45,480 Any other reason? 96 00:04:45,480 --> 00:04:48,400 Well, let's wish him luck by not talking about it. 97 00:04:48,400 --> 00:04:49,760 I'd like to talk about it. 98 00:04:49,760 --> 00:04:52,080 Martille, why else shouldn't he reach Maribaux? 99 00:04:52,080 --> 00:04:55,840 You know how many have tried in the past five years and been caught. 100 00:04:55,840 --> 00:04:58,760 We all know, don't we, Thibault? 101 00:04:58,760 --> 00:05:02,000 One informs, someone tells that swine of a governor. 102 00:05:02,000 --> 00:05:03,000 Yes. 103 00:05:03,000 --> 00:05:04,000 We only think that. 104 00:05:04,000 --> 00:05:06,360 It's only a guess, nobody's sure, only a suspicion. 105 00:05:06,360 --> 00:05:08,280 Now, isn't that so, Exil? 106 00:05:08,280 --> 00:05:11,280 Someone who knows everything that's happening before anyone else. 107 00:05:11,280 --> 00:05:12,280 He's right. 108 00:05:12,280 --> 00:05:13,760 My friends, he's absolutely right. 109 00:05:13,760 --> 00:05:14,840 It's true. 110 00:05:14,840 --> 00:05:20,520 I've long suspected it myself, and it's wise that it should be brought out into the open. 111 00:05:20,520 --> 00:05:27,760 Someone on the island is an informer, making himself fat on the sufferings of others. 112 00:05:27,760 --> 00:05:29,720 I shouldn't want Emile to be caught. 113 00:05:29,720 --> 00:05:32,040 He was a friend, a good friend. 114 00:05:32,040 --> 00:05:33,840 Terrible thing if he were caught. 115 00:05:33,840 --> 00:05:35,800 The question is, who? 116 00:05:35,800 --> 00:05:38,160 Ah, who not? 117 00:05:38,160 --> 00:05:40,760 It could be any one of a hundred, if it's true. 118 00:05:40,760 --> 00:05:43,040 That pig Louis Daudin, possibly Grosjean. 119 00:05:43,040 --> 00:05:45,640 Oh, one could imagine anything from him. 120 00:05:45,640 --> 00:05:46,640 What about Grosjean? 121 00:05:46,640 --> 00:05:49,360 Oh, Barry, oh, Bruce, Galena, Munch. 122 00:05:49,360 --> 00:05:52,080 Macile, Ruxil, Thibault. 123 00:05:52,080 --> 00:05:54,200 Any one of us, even yourself, Cano. 124 00:05:54,200 --> 00:05:58,080 Oh, no, that, that, that is a dreadful thing to contemplate, Thibault. 125 00:05:58,080 --> 00:05:59,800 No, not, not one of us. 126 00:05:59,800 --> 00:06:00,800 Over here. 127 00:06:00,800 --> 00:06:02,560 Oh, have you seen Thibault? 128 00:06:02,560 --> 00:06:04,000 Oh, here you are. 129 00:06:04,000 --> 00:06:06,720 Daudin, ah, we were speaking of you a minute ago. 130 00:06:06,720 --> 00:06:07,720 What's the matter? 131 00:06:07,720 --> 00:06:08,720 It's Emile. 132 00:06:08,720 --> 00:06:11,720 What about Emile? 133 00:06:11,720 --> 00:06:12,720 He's been caught. 134 00:06:12,720 --> 00:06:15,800 They were waiting for him in a patrol boat off Maribaux. 135 00:06:15,800 --> 00:06:16,800 They took him. 136 00:06:16,800 --> 00:06:17,800 Oh, sacre. 137 00:06:17,800 --> 00:06:23,120 Now the question is, how did they know he was going to Maribaux? 138 00:06:23,120 --> 00:06:25,040 I wonder. 139 00:06:25,040 --> 00:06:34,440 How did they know? 140 00:06:34,440 --> 00:06:38,440 Two days later, Emile was back on the island in solitary. 141 00:06:38,440 --> 00:06:40,840 We heard that he was in bad shape. 142 00:06:40,840 --> 00:06:44,200 Thibault managed to smuggle in some cigarettes through a friendly guard, and that was the 143 00:06:44,200 --> 00:06:45,880 best he could do. 144 00:06:45,880 --> 00:06:48,360 Things were very bad, worse than usual. 145 00:06:48,360 --> 00:06:52,280 The governor, Monsieur Planche, was angry, and restrictions even for librais became more 146 00:06:52,280 --> 00:06:53,280 intolerable. 147 00:06:53,280 --> 00:06:57,480 He seemed determined to make us all pay for Emile's attempted escape. 148 00:06:57,480 --> 00:06:59,240 There was a lot of grumbling. 149 00:06:59,240 --> 00:07:01,040 Even Thibault felt a pinch. 150 00:07:01,040 --> 00:07:02,400 Then Emile died. 151 00:07:02,400 --> 00:07:05,920 We heard from the beating he received when he was captured. 152 00:07:05,920 --> 00:07:07,720 Thibault was very quiet. 153 00:07:07,720 --> 00:07:10,920 For a week after, too quiet. 154 00:07:10,920 --> 00:07:14,400 Then one day he said, I'm fed up. 155 00:07:14,400 --> 00:07:16,760 Why don't you take a petition to the governor? 156 00:07:16,760 --> 00:07:17,760 Now, there's no joke. 157 00:07:17,760 --> 00:07:18,760 I repeat, I'm fed up. 158 00:07:18,760 --> 00:07:20,760 Something must be done. 159 00:07:20,760 --> 00:07:22,560 Escape, Thibault? 160 00:07:22,560 --> 00:07:25,120 That or... or what? 161 00:07:25,120 --> 00:07:26,120 Yes, what? 162 00:07:26,120 --> 00:07:27,120 We stand. 163 00:07:27,120 --> 00:07:30,280 We stand for better conditions. 164 00:07:30,280 --> 00:07:31,280 No more oppressions. 165 00:07:31,280 --> 00:07:37,720 We're prisoners, but there's still rights, human rights, to stand against tyranny and 166 00:07:37,720 --> 00:07:38,720 inhumanity. 167 00:07:38,720 --> 00:07:39,720 Bravo. 168 00:07:39,720 --> 00:07:44,200 You've just been elected to the Chamber of Deputies. 169 00:07:44,200 --> 00:07:46,240 I'm losing patience with you, Gano. 170 00:07:46,240 --> 00:07:47,680 Don't be a fool. 171 00:07:47,680 --> 00:07:49,480 We have no rights, even animals. 172 00:07:49,480 --> 00:07:51,080 The governor's dog has more rights than we. 173 00:07:51,080 --> 00:07:53,040 You know why, shall I tell you why? 174 00:07:53,040 --> 00:07:54,520 Because the governor's dog is clever. 175 00:07:54,520 --> 00:07:56,400 We are not clever. 176 00:07:56,400 --> 00:07:59,240 The governor's dog sits up fritily and begs for a morsel. 177 00:07:59,240 --> 00:08:05,640 He has no other dogs to contend with, no competition, while we, we fight and snarl among ourselves 178 00:08:05,640 --> 00:08:07,160 with the garbage in the streets. 179 00:08:07,160 --> 00:08:08,160 It's true. 180 00:08:08,160 --> 00:08:09,160 It's true what he says. 181 00:08:09,160 --> 00:08:10,160 What does he say? 182 00:08:10,160 --> 00:08:11,160 What do you mean, Thibault? 183 00:08:11,160 --> 00:08:13,680 We no longer fought among ourselves, but banded together. 184 00:08:13,680 --> 00:08:16,080 Unit of strength, a solid front. 185 00:08:16,080 --> 00:08:19,800 We could force the governor, the authorities in France, to better our conditions. 186 00:08:19,800 --> 00:08:20,800 And what do we do? 187 00:08:20,800 --> 00:08:22,400 Present a petition as cano putit? 188 00:08:22,400 --> 00:08:25,960 No, perhaps not, perhaps not. 189 00:08:25,960 --> 00:08:28,000 Something more forceful, eh? 190 00:08:28,000 --> 00:08:29,600 No good would come of it. 191 00:08:29,600 --> 00:08:32,720 If there is to be action, I'd rather try and escape. 192 00:08:32,720 --> 00:08:34,200 How far would you get, Oegsie? 193 00:08:34,200 --> 00:08:35,720 Are you forgetting the informer? 194 00:08:35,720 --> 00:08:37,240 We don't know. 195 00:08:37,240 --> 00:08:38,720 We don't know there's an informer. 196 00:08:38,720 --> 00:08:41,160 We suspect, but we suspect everything. 197 00:08:41,160 --> 00:08:43,240 There's nothing else to do. 198 00:08:43,240 --> 00:08:44,560 Suppose it's the natives who informed. 199 00:08:44,560 --> 00:08:45,560 They have before. 200 00:08:45,560 --> 00:08:47,560 Suppose the governor is just too smart for us. 201 00:08:47,560 --> 00:08:49,040 How many choices do we have anyway? 202 00:08:49,040 --> 00:08:50,600 Brazil, they turn us back. 203 00:08:50,600 --> 00:08:52,320 Dutch Guiana, Emile tried it. 204 00:08:52,320 --> 00:08:53,320 They're always watching. 205 00:08:53,320 --> 00:08:57,320 The West Indies, Venezuela in an open boat. 206 00:08:57,320 --> 00:08:58,680 Not much chance there. 207 00:08:58,680 --> 00:09:00,360 Or do you want the jungle? 208 00:09:00,360 --> 00:09:04,000 An informer doesn't lessen our chances too much, it seems to me. 209 00:09:04,000 --> 00:09:05,400 But it does lessen them. 210 00:09:05,400 --> 00:09:11,440 I have been thinking, thinking hard, my friends. 211 00:09:11,440 --> 00:09:12,920 We're agreed on one thing. 212 00:09:12,920 --> 00:09:13,920 Conditions could not be worse, eh? 213 00:09:13,920 --> 00:09:14,920 You agree? 214 00:09:14,920 --> 00:09:17,840 If we could escape, we would do so and take our chances. 215 00:09:17,840 --> 00:09:18,840 If, if. 216 00:09:18,840 --> 00:09:21,760 Therefore, there are two choices, it seems. 217 00:09:21,760 --> 00:09:24,640 Better conditions on the island or escape. 218 00:09:24,640 --> 00:09:26,280 And both impossible, I would say. 219 00:09:26,280 --> 00:09:27,720 Ah, you're a pessimist, Oegsie. 220 00:09:27,720 --> 00:09:28,720 That's why you'll never be a success. 221 00:09:28,720 --> 00:09:29,720 He's right, Oegsie. 222 00:09:29,720 --> 00:09:30,720 You'll never be a success. 223 00:09:30,720 --> 00:09:31,720 Go on, Thibaut. 224 00:09:31,720 --> 00:09:34,800 I think that we may accept both choices, one dependent on the other. 225 00:09:34,800 --> 00:09:35,880 What do you mean? 226 00:09:35,880 --> 00:09:38,880 If we had better conditions, we might be able to escape. 227 00:09:38,880 --> 00:09:40,280 Can't you ever talk in a straight line? 228 00:09:40,280 --> 00:09:42,920 Now, which of us has the greatest opportunity to see the governor? 229 00:09:42,920 --> 00:09:44,280 Well, you have. 230 00:09:44,280 --> 00:09:45,400 You have, Thibaut. 231 00:09:45,400 --> 00:09:46,400 You do his garden work. 232 00:09:46,400 --> 00:09:47,400 Exactly. 233 00:09:47,400 --> 00:09:48,400 Come on, come on. 234 00:09:48,400 --> 00:09:49,400 Patience, my friend. 235 00:09:49,400 --> 00:09:51,400 Monsieur Planche strolls in his garden. 236 00:09:51,400 --> 00:09:52,400 Thibaut, he says. 237 00:09:52,400 --> 00:09:53,400 Thibaut. 238 00:09:53,400 --> 00:09:56,960 The roses are not looking very well today. 239 00:09:56,960 --> 00:09:59,760 He stands next to me and he says this. 240 00:09:59,760 --> 00:10:04,640 And for the indignity this petty official heaps on my head and for what he allowed done to 241 00:10:04,640 --> 00:10:10,120 Emile, I could stretch out my hands and strangle him in five seconds. 242 00:10:10,120 --> 00:10:11,120 You understand? 243 00:10:11,120 --> 00:10:12,720 In five seconds. 244 00:10:12,720 --> 00:10:16,400 But if I chose, I would not strangle. 245 00:10:16,400 --> 00:10:18,960 I would hold him, hold him as a hostage. 246 00:10:18,960 --> 00:10:19,960 A hostage? 247 00:10:19,960 --> 00:10:21,760 And you follow me. 248 00:10:21,760 --> 00:10:24,680 Now, let's suppose that a revolt were begun, eh? 249 00:10:24,680 --> 00:10:25,680 The guards overthrew. 250 00:10:25,680 --> 00:10:26,680 Oh, la la la. 251 00:10:26,680 --> 00:10:27,680 It's a thought nobody's ever tried. 252 00:10:27,680 --> 00:10:31,480 But the guards would shoot us down. 253 00:10:31,480 --> 00:10:33,720 They would have to shoot the governor if they tried. 254 00:10:33,720 --> 00:10:36,740 And if we succeed in what you say, then what? 255 00:10:36,740 --> 00:10:37,740 What happens? 256 00:10:37,740 --> 00:10:38,740 What do we do? 257 00:10:38,740 --> 00:10:39,740 What? 258 00:10:39,740 --> 00:10:41,700 That remains in my head. 259 00:10:41,700 --> 00:10:42,700 You must trust me there. 260 00:10:42,700 --> 00:10:43,700 I trust no one. 261 00:10:43,700 --> 00:10:44,700 Exile. 262 00:10:44,700 --> 00:10:47,200 Well, if there were a chance, I'd be with you. 263 00:10:47,200 --> 00:10:49,760 I don't look forward to six more years of this. 264 00:10:49,760 --> 00:10:50,760 Ah, my key. 265 00:10:50,760 --> 00:10:54,160 If I'm at your side, my friend, as always, as always. 266 00:10:54,160 --> 00:10:56,160 That leaves you, Cano. 267 00:10:56,160 --> 00:10:58,160 All right. 268 00:10:58,160 --> 00:10:59,160 Excellent. 269 00:10:59,160 --> 00:11:04,000 Then we must start to make our plans carefully, very carefully. 270 00:11:04,000 --> 00:11:08,000 Cano, stand by the door and warn us if anyone approaches. 271 00:11:08,000 --> 00:11:10,840 We don't want the informer to overhear us. 272 00:11:10,840 --> 00:11:11,840 Do we? 273 00:11:11,840 --> 00:11:12,840 We're going to have to wait until we get there. 274 00:11:12,840 --> 00:11:33,680 You are listening to The Stool Pigeon, tonight's presentation in radio's outstanding theater 275 00:11:33,680 --> 00:11:40,440 of thrills, Suspense. 276 00:11:40,440 --> 00:11:48,880 If you're interested in spreading the truth about America to others, CBS radio suggests 277 00:11:48,880 --> 00:11:54,640 you contact Letters Abroad, 695 Park Avenue, New York 17, New York. 278 00:11:54,640 --> 00:11:58,880 Letters Abroad, once you've given them a few facts about yourself, job interests, hobbies, 279 00:11:58,880 --> 00:12:03,600 age, will furnish you with the name of a correspondent who lives overseas. 280 00:12:03,600 --> 00:12:09,080 Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Letters Abroad at 695 Park Avenue, New York 281 00:12:09,080 --> 00:12:11,760 17, New York. 282 00:12:11,760 --> 00:12:18,640 And now we bring back to our Hollywood soundstage, Mr. John Danaer, starring in tonight's production, 283 00:12:18,640 --> 00:12:39,880 The Stool Pigeon, a tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. 284 00:12:39,880 --> 00:12:42,080 We made our plans in Thiebaud's hut. 285 00:12:42,080 --> 00:12:43,640 Up to a point, they were simple. 286 00:12:43,640 --> 00:12:46,960 Thiebaud, on the next day, was to await the governor's presence. 287 00:12:46,960 --> 00:12:50,320 If he appeared, Thiebaud would grab him and take him to the greenhouse. 288 00:12:50,320 --> 00:12:53,240 We three, Canot, MacKeele, and I, would be in the vicinity. 289 00:12:53,240 --> 00:12:57,020 I had to stand guard over Monsieur Plonge with Thiebaud, MacKeele and Canot to spread 290 00:12:57,020 --> 00:12:59,760 word among the other libraies at the moment had come. 291 00:12:59,760 --> 00:13:03,660 If on the other hand, the governor did not put in an appearance, we would wait for our 292 00:13:03,660 --> 00:13:06,120 chance on the next day or the next. 293 00:13:06,120 --> 00:13:09,360 As it happened, it wasn't until the fifth day that the thing happened. 294 00:13:09,360 --> 00:13:10,360 It was well timed. 295 00:13:10,360 --> 00:13:15,160 The island was stifling, the prisoners restless, smarting under the still harsh restrictions 296 00:13:15,160 --> 00:13:18,280 which had followed Emile's escape and arrest. 297 00:13:18,280 --> 00:13:22,600 We were like a time bomb, ready to explode, and the explosion came. 298 00:13:22,600 --> 00:13:24,640 We joined Thiebaud in the greenhouse. 299 00:13:24,640 --> 00:13:27,560 He held the struggling governor in his massive arms. 300 00:13:27,560 --> 00:13:28,560 Let me go! 301 00:13:28,560 --> 00:13:29,560 All right, MacKeele, Canot. 302 00:13:29,560 --> 00:13:30,560 Let me go! 303 00:13:30,560 --> 00:13:31,560 Get the others quietly, but hurry. 304 00:13:31,560 --> 00:13:33,560 Tell them to gather at the governor's house. 305 00:13:33,560 --> 00:13:34,560 Let me go! 306 00:13:34,560 --> 00:13:35,560 You fools! 307 00:13:35,560 --> 00:13:36,560 You'll suffer for this! 308 00:13:36,560 --> 00:13:37,920 Do not speak of suffering, Monsieur Plonge. 309 00:13:37,920 --> 00:13:39,960 It is dangerous talk for you. 310 00:13:39,960 --> 00:13:40,960 Go on, go on, Canot. 311 00:13:40,960 --> 00:13:44,200 MacKeele, and remember, the guards mustn't suspect you everything quietly. 312 00:13:44,200 --> 00:13:46,000 Yes, Thiebaud, come on. 313 00:13:46,000 --> 00:13:52,520 If you continue to struggle, Monsieur Plonge, I shall be forced to break open your head. 314 00:13:52,520 --> 00:13:53,960 What can you gain by this, Thiebaud? 315 00:13:53,960 --> 00:13:55,840 It will mean a life sentence, you know it. 316 00:13:55,840 --> 00:13:57,360 And for you, possibly a death sentence. 317 00:13:57,360 --> 00:13:59,320 Do you know that, Governor? 318 00:13:59,320 --> 00:14:00,320 What are you going to do? 319 00:14:00,320 --> 00:14:01,920 Hold you as a hostage. 320 00:14:01,920 --> 00:14:04,680 We demand our rights as men. 321 00:14:04,680 --> 00:14:06,120 You understand? 322 00:14:06,120 --> 00:14:07,120 As men. 323 00:14:07,120 --> 00:14:08,120 You have no civil rights. 324 00:14:08,120 --> 00:14:09,120 Human rights! 325 00:14:09,120 --> 00:14:11,300 My friend Emile died. 326 00:14:11,300 --> 00:14:14,520 He took his chance in escaping, but he wasn't shot, he was beaten to death. 327 00:14:14,520 --> 00:14:15,520 An accident. 328 00:14:15,520 --> 00:14:16,520 He resisted. 329 00:14:16,520 --> 00:14:17,520 Things must change. 330 00:14:17,520 --> 00:14:18,520 I can change nothing. 331 00:14:18,520 --> 00:14:19,640 The regulations are set in Paris. 332 00:14:19,640 --> 00:14:20,760 I simply carry them out. 333 00:14:20,760 --> 00:14:22,440 You overdo your authority. 334 00:14:22,440 --> 00:14:24,520 You must apply for better conditions for the men. 335 00:14:24,520 --> 00:14:25,520 I can do nothing. 336 00:14:25,520 --> 00:14:26,520 We shall see. 337 00:14:26,520 --> 00:14:27,520 Stay quietly now. 338 00:14:27,520 --> 00:14:36,640 We'll wait until the others come back. 339 00:14:36,640 --> 00:14:37,640 We waited. 340 00:14:37,640 --> 00:14:42,280 It seemed a long time and the silence was more terrible than the heat in that place. 341 00:14:42,280 --> 00:14:46,520 The Governor's hobby was raising orchids and the greenhouse was full of them. 342 00:14:46,520 --> 00:14:48,800 I've always hated the things. 343 00:14:48,800 --> 00:14:55,280 Then suddenly it was too quiet, as it might be on a summer's day, a moment before a thunderstorm. 344 00:14:55,280 --> 00:14:56,440 What the devil's keeping them? 345 00:14:56,440 --> 00:14:57,720 I don't know. 346 00:14:57,720 --> 00:14:59,280 Maybe the guards know what's happened. 347 00:14:59,280 --> 00:15:00,280 Maybe they've been caught. 348 00:15:00,280 --> 00:15:01,280 Ben, listen. 349 00:15:01,280 --> 00:15:02,280 They're shooting them. 350 00:15:02,280 --> 00:15:03,280 Thiebaud, they're shooting them. 351 00:15:03,280 --> 00:15:04,280 Shut up! 352 00:15:04,280 --> 00:15:05,280 Someone get me a lighter. 353 00:15:05,280 --> 00:15:06,280 Where's my key? 354 00:15:06,280 --> 00:15:07,280 Coming. 355 00:15:07,280 --> 00:15:08,280 Coming. 356 00:15:08,280 --> 00:15:09,280 What happened? 357 00:15:09,280 --> 00:15:10,280 We got word to about a dozen. 358 00:15:10,280 --> 00:15:11,960 And word must have gotten to the guards about him. 359 00:15:11,960 --> 00:15:12,960 I told you. 360 00:15:12,960 --> 00:15:13,960 Now before it's too late, release me. 361 00:15:13,960 --> 00:15:15,640 It'll be better for you if you do. 362 00:15:15,640 --> 00:15:16,640 What happened to the others? 363 00:15:16,640 --> 00:15:18,200 Last I saw they were coming his way. 364 00:15:18,200 --> 00:15:19,200 Oh, Thiebaud! 365 00:15:19,200 --> 00:15:20,200 Thiebaud, it's horrible. 366 00:15:20,200 --> 00:15:21,200 I saw four of them. 367 00:15:21,200 --> 00:15:22,200 Four! 368 00:15:22,200 --> 00:15:23,200 All right, come on. 369 00:15:23,200 --> 00:15:24,200 Where? 370 00:15:24,200 --> 00:15:25,200 To his office. 371 00:15:25,200 --> 00:15:27,960 Monsieur Blanche, we are taking you to your office. 372 00:15:27,960 --> 00:15:30,560 If any guards try to stop us, you know what happens. 373 00:15:30,560 --> 00:15:32,240 You can do nothing, Thiebaud. 374 00:15:32,240 --> 00:15:33,240 Give yourself up now. 375 00:15:33,240 --> 00:15:34,240 All of you. 376 00:15:34,240 --> 00:15:35,240 Walk. 377 00:15:35,240 --> 00:15:36,240 Slowly. 378 00:15:36,240 --> 00:15:37,240 You in there! 379 00:15:37,240 --> 00:15:38,240 Come on with your hands up! 380 00:15:38,240 --> 00:15:39,240 The guards, Thiebaud. 381 00:15:39,240 --> 00:15:40,240 Tell them, Governor. 382 00:15:40,240 --> 00:15:41,240 Tell them that we're coming out. 383 00:15:41,240 --> 00:15:42,240 With you. 384 00:15:42,240 --> 00:15:43,240 Now tell them. 385 00:15:43,240 --> 00:15:44,240 This is the Governor speaking. 386 00:15:44,240 --> 00:15:45,240 These men are holding me. 387 00:15:45,240 --> 00:15:46,240 They're coming out. 388 00:15:46,240 --> 00:15:47,240 Tell them not to shoot. 389 00:15:47,240 --> 00:15:48,240 Don't shoot! 390 00:15:48,240 --> 00:15:49,240 Now, calmly, nicely, we walk out. 391 00:15:49,240 --> 00:15:50,240 Stay very close to them, my friends. 392 00:15:50,240 --> 00:15:51,240 That way you'll be safe. 393 00:15:51,240 --> 00:16:14,920 As bees clustered around the honeypot, we sidled along the path, past the guards who 394 00:16:14,920 --> 00:16:17,000 stood no more than 20 feet from us. 395 00:16:17,000 --> 00:16:21,440 It must have been a ridiculous sight, but the honeypot was the Governor and our protection 396 00:16:21,440 --> 00:16:22,440 from bullets. 397 00:16:22,440 --> 00:16:24,400 Then we were in his office. 398 00:16:24,400 --> 00:16:27,960 There were no others to join us, and the door closed. 399 00:16:27,960 --> 00:16:29,540 It was a strange thing. 400 00:16:29,540 --> 00:16:34,920 We none of us thought beyond the moment, and for that moment we were superior beings, prisoners 401 00:16:34,920 --> 00:16:37,360 no longer because we were now the captors. 402 00:16:37,360 --> 00:16:41,840 But when I glanced into the courtyard and saw the ring of guards looking up, rifles 403 00:16:41,840 --> 00:16:47,560 cradled in their arms, it was then another moment, and one this time of fear. 404 00:16:47,560 --> 00:16:48,560 What now? 405 00:16:48,560 --> 00:16:50,560 First the siren must stop. 406 00:16:50,560 --> 00:16:51,560 It offends my ears. 407 00:16:51,560 --> 00:16:52,560 Governor, give the order. 408 00:16:52,560 --> 00:16:53,560 This is the Governor. 409 00:16:53,560 --> 00:16:54,560 Turn off the siren. 410 00:16:54,560 --> 00:16:55,560 Good. 411 00:16:55,560 --> 00:16:56,560 You're cooperative. 412 00:16:56,560 --> 00:16:57,560 It's better that way. 413 00:16:57,560 --> 00:16:58,560 I repeat, what now? 414 00:16:58,560 --> 00:17:07,020 Now I think we go to the 415 00:17:07,020 --> 00:17:13,280 next part of my plan. 416 00:17:13,280 --> 00:17:16,840 Markeel, little maggot, stay by the window and observe. 417 00:17:16,840 --> 00:17:19,840 Report if there is an attempt by the guards to move into the building. 418 00:17:19,840 --> 00:17:20,840 Yes, sir. 419 00:17:20,840 --> 00:17:21,840 What do you think you can accomplish? 420 00:17:21,840 --> 00:17:22,840 Escape? 421 00:17:22,840 --> 00:17:23,840 Impossible? 422 00:17:23,840 --> 00:17:24,840 You know that. 423 00:17:24,840 --> 00:17:25,840 It's been done. 424 00:17:25,840 --> 00:17:27,720 When there's been no informer, it's been done. 425 00:17:27,720 --> 00:17:29,000 I don't know what you're talking about. 426 00:17:29,000 --> 00:17:30,760 First things first. 427 00:17:30,760 --> 00:17:32,880 Now we come to the matter of conditions here. 428 00:17:32,880 --> 00:17:33,880 I have told you that the- 429 00:17:33,880 --> 00:17:38,200 Oh, what you've told me, and I say to you it is within your power to ease the suffering 430 00:17:38,200 --> 00:17:39,280 of the men. 431 00:17:39,280 --> 00:17:42,520 Give them better food, better medical care. 432 00:17:42,520 --> 00:17:45,520 Your concern for your fellow man touches me, Thibaut. 433 00:17:45,520 --> 00:17:48,160 Did you have as much conscience over those you murdered? 434 00:17:48,160 --> 00:17:49,760 That is an entirely different matter. 435 00:17:49,760 --> 00:17:50,760 Enough of this, Thibaut. 436 00:17:50,760 --> 00:17:51,760 What happens to us? 437 00:17:51,760 --> 00:17:53,800 My dear Canoux, it is happening to us now. 438 00:17:53,800 --> 00:17:54,800 You'll see. 439 00:17:54,800 --> 00:17:55,800 Trust me. 440 00:17:55,800 --> 00:17:56,800 The devil with that talk. 441 00:17:56,800 --> 00:17:57,800 When do we get out of here? 442 00:17:57,800 --> 00:17:58,800 All in good time. 443 00:17:58,800 --> 00:18:04,080 Therefore, Governor, you will assign your pledge to do these things of which I have 444 00:18:04,080 --> 00:18:05,080 spoken. 445 00:18:05,080 --> 00:18:06,080 If I don't? 446 00:18:06,080 --> 00:18:07,080 I'll kill you. 447 00:18:07,080 --> 00:18:08,080 Slowly. 448 00:18:08,080 --> 00:18:09,080 I can. 449 00:18:09,080 --> 00:18:10,080 I've had practice. 450 00:18:10,080 --> 00:18:15,720 Let us suppose that I agree to this. 451 00:18:15,720 --> 00:18:16,720 What then? 452 00:18:16,720 --> 00:18:17,720 Then you don't die. 453 00:18:17,720 --> 00:18:19,720 Now, the second point. 454 00:18:19,720 --> 00:18:20,920 We have a chance to escape. 455 00:18:20,920 --> 00:18:21,920 No. 456 00:18:21,920 --> 00:18:22,920 A fair chance. 457 00:18:22,920 --> 00:18:26,120 Not the chance that Borémeil had, but then he had no chance at all, did he? 458 00:18:26,120 --> 00:18:27,240 There will be no escape. 459 00:18:27,240 --> 00:18:31,080 In order to escape, there must be secrecy. 460 00:18:31,080 --> 00:18:34,920 And there can be no secrecy when you know beforehand of the plan. 461 00:18:34,920 --> 00:18:36,400 You will not have a chance to escape. 462 00:18:36,400 --> 00:18:39,680 If you let me go, I warn you, I will deal with you all. 463 00:18:39,680 --> 00:18:40,680 There will be no escape. 464 00:18:40,680 --> 00:18:44,720 My dear Governor, I said nothing about when we attempt to make this escape. 465 00:18:44,720 --> 00:18:46,520 What are you talking about? 466 00:18:46,520 --> 00:18:47,520 Escape now, now, Thibaut. 467 00:18:47,520 --> 00:18:48,520 Yes, of course, now. 468 00:18:48,520 --> 00:18:50,520 Each to his own desire for me. 469 00:18:50,520 --> 00:18:55,800 It may be now or sometime later, but the opportunity, if it comes, must at least allow a reasonable 470 00:18:55,800 --> 00:18:58,120 margin of success. 471 00:18:58,120 --> 00:18:59,920 That is up to you, Monsieur Blanche. 472 00:18:59,920 --> 00:19:01,680 What do you mean? 473 00:19:01,680 --> 00:19:04,920 Here now, the third point. 474 00:19:04,920 --> 00:19:08,600 I wish to know the name of your informer. 475 00:19:08,600 --> 00:19:14,000 The one who has for what must be at least five years supplied you with information concerning 476 00:19:14,000 --> 00:19:17,840 every thought and deed of the prisoners. 477 00:19:17,840 --> 00:19:19,040 There is no informer. 478 00:19:19,040 --> 00:19:20,480 You are lying, Governor. 479 00:19:20,480 --> 00:19:22,000 No, I have no need. 480 00:19:22,000 --> 00:19:25,000 You have a great need if you wish to go on living. 481 00:19:25,000 --> 00:19:26,600 What are you up to, Thibaut? 482 00:19:26,600 --> 00:19:29,640 Don't interrupt His Excellency Canot. 483 00:19:29,640 --> 00:19:32,360 He is about to tell us something. 484 00:19:32,360 --> 00:19:34,960 If I tell you, will you give yourselves up? 485 00:19:34,960 --> 00:19:38,240 I cannot speak for the others, for myself. 486 00:19:38,240 --> 00:19:39,240 Yes. 487 00:19:39,240 --> 00:19:40,240 You pig. 488 00:19:40,240 --> 00:19:41,240 You sell us out? 489 00:19:41,240 --> 00:19:43,360 No, no, no, no, no, my dear Canot. 490 00:19:43,360 --> 00:19:46,560 You're free to do as you will. 491 00:19:46,560 --> 00:19:50,800 Who is the informer, Monsieur Blanche? 492 00:19:50,800 --> 00:19:53,000 I'm getting impatient. 493 00:19:53,000 --> 00:19:54,480 Who? 494 00:19:54,480 --> 00:19:56,440 Him. 495 00:19:56,440 --> 00:19:58,440 Ah. 496 00:19:58,440 --> 00:20:06,680 That is what I wanted to know. 497 00:20:06,680 --> 00:20:08,200 Then I ask you one favor, Governor. 498 00:20:08,200 --> 00:20:09,840 Do not be hard on these two. 499 00:20:09,840 --> 00:20:13,280 All this was done to gain what you've just told me, nothing more. 500 00:20:13,280 --> 00:20:14,280 I don't understand you. 501 00:20:14,280 --> 00:20:15,880 My friend, Emile. 502 00:20:15,880 --> 00:20:17,800 I have other friends. 503 00:20:17,800 --> 00:20:23,100 I should not want to see them go as he went. 504 00:20:23,100 --> 00:20:25,200 You had better escape now, Maquil. 505 00:20:25,200 --> 00:20:27,280 No, no, Thibaut. 506 00:20:27,280 --> 00:20:28,280 It's not true. 507 00:20:28,280 --> 00:20:29,280 He's lying to you. 508 00:20:29,280 --> 00:20:30,280 Run, Maquil, run. 509 00:20:30,280 --> 00:20:33,280 Or I'll throw you out with the wind. 510 00:20:33,280 --> 00:20:34,280 On my honor, Thibaut. 511 00:20:34,280 --> 00:20:35,280 I'm your friend. 512 00:20:35,280 --> 00:20:36,280 You know me. 513 00:20:36,280 --> 00:20:37,280 I know you. 514 00:20:37,280 --> 00:20:38,280 Run. 515 00:20:38,280 --> 00:20:40,280 Exile Canot, you don't believe it, do you? 516 00:20:40,280 --> 00:20:42,280 Run, little maggot, outside. 517 00:20:42,280 --> 00:20:43,280 Quickly. 518 00:20:43,280 --> 00:20:44,280 No, Thibaut, no. 519 00:20:44,280 --> 00:20:46,280 Hope that the guard shoots you. 520 00:20:46,280 --> 00:20:47,280 Please, please. 521 00:20:47,280 --> 00:20:48,280 Run. 522 00:20:48,280 --> 00:20:51,400 I would have cut his throat. 523 00:20:51,400 --> 00:20:54,160 That is murder, my friend, you wouldn't want that. 524 00:20:54,160 --> 00:21:12,000 I hope that your guards will shoot first and inquire later, Monsieur Blanc. 525 00:21:12,000 --> 00:21:13,000 We all went to solitary. 526 00:21:13,000 --> 00:21:16,680 It was expected, but somehow things were different, a little better on the island. 527 00:21:16,680 --> 00:21:18,660 How do you explain it? 528 00:21:18,660 --> 00:21:20,200 Perhaps the governor was ashamed. 529 00:21:20,200 --> 00:21:23,040 Perhaps he admired something about Thibaut that none of us understood. 530 00:21:23,040 --> 00:21:24,680 How does one know these things? 531 00:21:24,680 --> 00:21:27,600 There's not much else to tell. 532 00:21:27,600 --> 00:21:31,800 A year after we were released from solitary, Thibaut tried to escape. 533 00:21:31,800 --> 00:21:34,580 And this time it wasn't a prison informer who turned him in. 534 00:21:34,580 --> 00:21:37,560 It was the native from whom he bought the boat. 535 00:21:37,560 --> 00:21:51,960 How do you explain these things? 536 00:21:51,960 --> 00:22:09,760 Suspense, which Mr. John Danaer starred in tonight's presentation of The Stool Pigeon. 537 00:22:09,760 --> 00:22:14,480 Next week, the story of a man who returned home to find his people in the grip of a strange 538 00:22:14,480 --> 00:22:15,600 disease. 539 00:22:15,600 --> 00:22:18,840 We call it The Frightened City. 540 00:22:18,840 --> 00:22:34,600 It's next week on Suspense. 541 00:22:34,600 --> 00:22:38,680 Suspense is produced and directed by Anthony Ellis, who wrote tonight's script. 542 00:22:38,680 --> 00:22:42,920 The music was composed by René Garaguin and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. 543 00:22:42,920 --> 00:22:47,000 Featured in the cast were Parley Bear, Joe Kearns, Tony Barrett, Jim Nusser, and Edgar 544 00:22:47,000 --> 00:22:48,000 Barrier. 545 00:22:48,000 --> 00:22:54,280 Tomorrow night on the FBI in Peace and War, a criminal comes up against a determined socialite 546 00:22:54,280 --> 00:22:56,120 who doesn't scare easy. 547 00:22:56,120 --> 00:23:00,280 And it isn't long before the G-men move in on the ex-con's new racket. 548 00:23:00,280 --> 00:23:06,440 Remember the FBI in Peace and War, tomorrow evening over most of these same stations. 549 00:23:06,440 --> 00:23:11,480 Stay tuned now for George Herman and the News, followed by Disc Derby. 550 00:23:11,480 --> 00:23:34,440 Thursday nights, The Whistler brings mystery on the CBS Radio Network. 551 00:23:34,440 --> 00:23:46,680 Phantoms rise in front of bring with them the Working 552 00:23:46,680 --> 00:23:48,740 East.