1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:16,000 And now, tonight's presentation of radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 2 00:00:16,000 --> 00:00:27,480 Tonight, in answer to many requests, we bring back a charming fantasy about a small boy 3 00:00:27,480 --> 00:00:32,720 who discovered a new world and lived forever after in its enchantment. 4 00:00:32,720 --> 00:00:34,880 We call it The Cave. 5 00:00:34,880 --> 00:00:42,280 So now, starring Richard Beals with Billy Chapin, here is tonight's Suspense play, The 6 00:00:42,280 --> 00:00:43,280 Cave. 7 00:00:43,280 --> 00:01:09,840 It's on days like this that I remember how it used to be before I found The Cave. 8 00:01:09,840 --> 00:01:14,120 This day in particular, of course it's hard to see everything as it really was. 9 00:01:14,120 --> 00:01:17,840 Time has a habit of distorting the memories. 10 00:01:17,840 --> 00:01:25,400 Memories, Christmas, Christmas Day, what a long time ago that was. 11 00:01:25,400 --> 00:01:30,500 I was ten and an unpopular uncle had distinguished himself by giving me a flashlight. 12 00:01:30,500 --> 00:01:36,140 It was enormous, four batteries and a most incredible glean to its metal case. 13 00:01:36,140 --> 00:01:40,140 I couldn't wait to try it out and because it was still early afternoon, I could think 14 00:01:40,140 --> 00:01:45,120 of only one place that was dark enough for the exciting test, The Cave. 15 00:01:45,120 --> 00:01:50,440 The big cave whose mouth was near the sand dunes and whose recess was rumored to be miles 16 00:01:50,440 --> 00:01:51,440 deep. 17 00:01:51,440 --> 00:01:57,380 George Fennell and I had never ventured more than 200 yards or so inside, but on that Christmas 18 00:01:57,380 --> 00:02:02,920 afternoon I knew that the cool darkness of the cave would have no fears for George and 19 00:02:02,920 --> 00:02:03,920 me. 20 00:02:03,920 --> 00:02:08,880 We went to the sand dunes as arranged to compare notes on our respective Christmas presents. 21 00:02:08,880 --> 00:02:13,000 It was quite warm and the snow was beginning to melt in patches. 22 00:02:13,000 --> 00:02:15,000 A few gulls were wheeling about nearby. 23 00:02:15,000 --> 00:02:18,720 It was as I have remembered it all my life. 24 00:02:18,720 --> 00:02:20,720 That's key. 25 00:02:20,720 --> 00:02:23,960 Listen, I did work like a searchlight tonight. 26 00:02:23,960 --> 00:02:24,960 I guess it would all right. 27 00:02:24,960 --> 00:02:30,480 Maybe they'll let us stay up tonight if it doesn't get too cold and we could play pirates. 28 00:02:30,480 --> 00:02:33,480 I could use my new gun. 29 00:02:33,480 --> 00:02:37,120 I thought we might go in the cave this afternoon. 30 00:02:37,120 --> 00:02:39,320 Hey, that's key. 31 00:02:39,320 --> 00:02:42,320 Uh oh, maybe they'll get sore. 32 00:02:42,320 --> 00:02:43,960 I had to get all dressed up today. 33 00:02:43,960 --> 00:02:44,960 We won't get dirty. 34 00:02:44,960 --> 00:02:48,560 Besides, we could go a real long way inside with this. 35 00:02:48,560 --> 00:02:50,040 I wouldn't want to go in too far. 36 00:02:50,040 --> 00:02:53,160 They say the cave goes off in a lot of tunnels. 37 00:02:53,160 --> 00:02:54,520 We could get lost. 38 00:02:54,520 --> 00:02:56,520 Maybe if you haven't got a flashlight. 39 00:02:56,520 --> 00:02:58,800 Sure, that's right. 40 00:02:58,800 --> 00:02:59,800 And with my gun. 41 00:02:59,800 --> 00:03:00,800 Sure, we can explore. 42 00:03:00,800 --> 00:03:01,800 Come on. 43 00:03:01,800 --> 00:03:14,800 I'll race you to the cave. 44 00:03:14,800 --> 00:03:18,760 I won the race and we stood at the entrance of the big cave. 45 00:03:18,760 --> 00:03:24,440 The arch had a span of about 25 feet, but just inside it widened until the walls were 46 00:03:24,440 --> 00:03:28,040 70 feet apart and the ceiling over 50. 47 00:03:28,040 --> 00:03:34,000 As we passed from sunlight to shadow, I turned for a moment and looked down to the sea. 48 00:03:34,000 --> 00:03:38,840 At the water's edge, a gull stood motionless, looking up at us. 49 00:03:38,840 --> 00:03:44,440 Then solemnly, as though with disapproval, it too turned about and gazed out over the 50 00:03:44,440 --> 00:03:45,960 water. 51 00:03:45,960 --> 00:03:51,960 The opening of the cave receded and became small and we went deeper and deeper. 52 00:03:51,960 --> 00:03:56,520 Hey, shut it up there, Dan. 53 00:03:56,520 --> 00:03:57,520 Way up. 54 00:03:57,520 --> 00:03:58,520 Okay. 55 00:03:58,520 --> 00:03:59,520 Gee, I'll bet that's high. 56 00:03:59,520 --> 00:04:00,520 Well, a mile, I guess. 57 00:04:00,520 --> 00:04:01,520 You're silly. 58 00:04:01,520 --> 00:04:02,520 Maybe 100 feet. 59 00:04:02,520 --> 00:04:03,520 Boy, that's the cave. 60 00:04:03,520 --> 00:04:04,520 Sounds like a real gun. 61 00:04:04,520 --> 00:04:05,520 Come on. 62 00:04:05,520 --> 00:04:06,520 Looks like the cave turns down there. 63 00:04:06,520 --> 00:04:07,520 See? 64 00:04:07,520 --> 00:04:08,520 Okay, but we better not go too far. 65 00:04:08,520 --> 00:04:09,520 You scared? 66 00:04:09,520 --> 00:04:10,520 Heck no, but, well, I've got to get back for dinner. 67 00:04:10,520 --> 00:04:11,520 They'll be awful sore if I'm late. 68 00:04:11,520 --> 00:04:12,520 You won't be late. 69 00:04:12,520 --> 00:04:13,520 Come on. 70 00:04:13,520 --> 00:04:14,520 I want to see what's around there. 71 00:04:14,520 --> 00:04:15,520 Okay. 72 00:04:15,520 --> 00:04:16,520 Hold on. 73 00:04:16,520 --> 00:04:17,520 I'll go get you. 74 00:04:17,520 --> 00:04:18,520 Okay. 75 00:04:18,520 --> 00:04:19,520 I'll go get you. 76 00:04:19,520 --> 00:04:20,520 Okay. 77 00:04:20,520 --> 00:04:21,520 I'll go get you. 78 00:04:21,520 --> 00:04:22,520 Okay. 79 00:04:22,520 --> 00:04:23,520 I'll go get you. 80 00:04:23,520 --> 00:04:24,520 Okay. 81 00:04:24,520 --> 00:04:25,520 I'll go get you. 82 00:04:25,520 --> 00:04:26,520 Okay. 83 00:04:26,520 --> 00:04:27,520 I'll go get you. 84 00:04:27,520 --> 00:04:28,520 Okay. 85 00:04:28,520 --> 00:04:29,520 Hold the light on my gun. 86 00:04:29,520 --> 00:04:30,520 I've got to reload. 87 00:04:30,520 --> 00:04:31,520 Fish? 88 00:04:31,520 --> 00:04:32,520 Who ever heard of fish in a stream like this? 89 00:04:32,520 --> 00:04:33,520 Where's it come from? 90 00:04:33,520 --> 00:04:34,520 Where? 91 00:04:34,520 --> 00:04:35,520 I don't know. 92 00:04:35,520 --> 00:04:36,520 They say there are fish in caves sometimes. 93 00:04:36,520 --> 00:04:37,520 Flying fish. 94 00:04:37,520 --> 00:04:38,520 You're silly. 95 00:04:38,520 --> 00:04:39,520 What are you stopping for, George? 96 00:04:39,520 --> 00:04:40,520 We've got to go back now. 97 00:04:40,520 --> 00:04:43,520 Who ever heard of fish in a stream like this? 98 00:04:43,520 --> 00:04:45,520 Where'd they come from? Where? 99 00:04:45,520 --> 00:04:49,520 I don't know. They say there are fish in caves sometimes. 100 00:04:49,520 --> 00:04:50,520 Flying fish. 101 00:04:50,520 --> 00:04:51,520 You're silly. 102 00:04:51,520 --> 00:04:54,520 What are you stopping for, George? 103 00:04:54,520 --> 00:04:56,520 We gotta go back now. 104 00:04:56,520 --> 00:04:57,520 Why? 105 00:04:57,520 --> 00:05:01,520 Because it's late. How do you know which tunnel we took? How? 106 00:05:01,520 --> 00:05:02,520 Maybe we could get more. 107 00:05:02,520 --> 00:05:06,520 Listen, George, maybe if we kept on going, we'll find treasure in here. 108 00:05:06,520 --> 00:05:07,520 Treasure? 109 00:05:07,520 --> 00:05:12,520 Stands to reason. Maybe like in the pirate book, somebody came here and buried treasure. 110 00:05:12,520 --> 00:05:13,520 Henry Morgan or somebody. 111 00:05:13,520 --> 00:05:14,520 No. 112 00:05:14,520 --> 00:05:19,520 Sure, stands to reason. Everybody's like you. They say no, but just suppose. 113 00:05:19,520 --> 00:05:21,520 If no one's looked, how would they know? 114 00:05:21,520 --> 00:05:27,520 I think we better get back. Maybe tomorrow we can look. The cave's getting awful narrow. 115 00:05:27,520 --> 00:05:30,520 We might even find old pirate's bones and swords. 116 00:05:30,520 --> 00:05:36,520 You've got too much imagination. I've heard them say so at home. I don't want to go any further. 117 00:05:36,520 --> 00:05:37,520 Well, I'm going to. 118 00:05:37,520 --> 00:05:39,520 Okay, give me the flashlight. 119 00:05:39,520 --> 00:05:44,520 No. You want to go back? You go back. In the dark. 120 00:05:44,520 --> 00:05:50,520 Oh, I don't want to go back. You go back in the dark. They'll be mad at sleep. 121 00:05:50,520 --> 00:05:54,520 Well, just for a little while. If we don't find anything, we'll go back. 122 00:05:54,520 --> 00:05:59,520 All right, but only a little while. 123 00:05:59,520 --> 00:06:00,520 I'm thirsty. 124 00:06:00,520 --> 00:06:03,520 You better not drink out of that water. It's probably poison. 125 00:06:03,520 --> 00:06:07,520 Oh, why, here, hold the light. I'm going to have a drink. 126 00:06:07,520 --> 00:06:14,520 There you are. See? I told you. Now you'll probably die. It's poison. 127 00:06:14,520 --> 00:06:17,520 No, no, it's soft. It's like the ocean. 128 00:06:17,520 --> 00:06:19,520 Hey, look. 129 00:06:19,520 --> 00:06:20,520 What? 130 00:06:20,520 --> 00:06:24,520 There, coming down the stream. That white thing. 131 00:06:24,520 --> 00:06:25,520 Yeah. 132 00:06:25,520 --> 00:06:27,520 Looks like a piece of paper. 133 00:06:27,520 --> 00:06:29,520 I'm going to get it. Hold on to my hand. 134 00:06:29,520 --> 00:06:30,520 You'll fall in. 135 00:06:30,520 --> 00:06:34,520 No, no, I won't. 136 00:06:34,520 --> 00:06:36,520 What is it? 137 00:06:36,520 --> 00:06:39,520 Well, it looks like a handkerchief. 138 00:06:39,520 --> 00:06:43,520 That's silly. It's too small. Who uses a handkerchief like that? 139 00:06:43,520 --> 00:06:46,520 Well, my mother does. 140 00:06:46,520 --> 00:06:50,520 Gee, hate to blow my nose on that. You can almost see through it. 141 00:06:50,520 --> 00:06:52,520 How'd it get down here? 142 00:06:52,520 --> 00:06:53,520 Who cares? 143 00:06:53,520 --> 00:06:54,520 Maybe it's a message. 144 00:06:54,520 --> 00:06:55,520 Huh? 145 00:06:55,520 --> 00:06:56,520 Like from someone in distress. 146 00:06:56,520 --> 00:06:57,520 I'm going home. 147 00:06:57,520 --> 00:07:01,520 Like a damsel in distress in the pirate book. We've got to find out. 148 00:07:01,520 --> 00:07:04,520 Give me my flashlight. We'll follow the stream. 149 00:07:04,520 --> 00:07:14,520 We followed the stream. We walked by it as the cave twisted and curled. 150 00:07:14,520 --> 00:07:20,520 We didn't notice the passageway, which had been getting smaller all the time, suddenly widen out. 151 00:07:20,520 --> 00:07:26,520 And the stream, which was becoming a river. And the river is a river. 152 00:07:26,520 --> 00:07:29,520 Hey. 153 00:07:29,520 --> 00:07:30,520 What? 154 00:07:30,520 --> 00:07:33,520 Where's the other side of the water? 155 00:07:33,520 --> 00:07:40,520 There isn't any. It keeps going. It's like a lake. 156 00:07:40,520 --> 00:07:43,520 Maybe a sea. There's a lot of waves. 157 00:07:43,520 --> 00:07:44,520 Dan? 158 00:07:44,520 --> 00:07:45,520 Huh? 159 00:07:45,520 --> 00:07:49,520 Turn the light around. 160 00:07:49,520 --> 00:07:52,520 The walls have gone. There's no walls. 161 00:07:52,520 --> 00:07:55,520 There must be. It's a cave. 162 00:07:55,520 --> 00:07:57,520 There's no top to it either. 163 00:07:57,520 --> 00:07:59,520 It's just too high to see. That's all. 164 00:07:59,520 --> 00:08:02,520 Let's go home. Let's go home right now. 165 00:08:02,520 --> 00:08:03,520 What are you afraid of? 166 00:08:03,520 --> 00:08:09,520 I'm not. But I'm hungry and it's Christmas. And well, I've got things to play with. 167 00:08:09,520 --> 00:08:16,520 Come on, Dan. Come on. I want to get outside. 168 00:08:16,520 --> 00:08:18,520 What'd you do that for? 169 00:08:18,520 --> 00:08:19,520 Turn on the light. 170 00:08:19,520 --> 00:08:20,520 Turn it on. 171 00:08:20,520 --> 00:08:22,520 Don't you notice something? 172 00:08:22,520 --> 00:08:24,520 Turn that on. Give it to me. 173 00:08:24,520 --> 00:08:26,520 Wait a minute. I want you to see something. 174 00:08:26,520 --> 00:08:27,520 Give it to me. 175 00:08:27,520 --> 00:08:32,520 I'm not going to lose you. 176 00:08:32,520 --> 00:08:35,520 See what you've done? You dropped it in the water. 177 00:08:35,520 --> 00:08:39,520 It's all your fault. I didn't want to come here anyway. 178 00:08:39,520 --> 00:08:41,520 How are you going to get back? It's dark. 179 00:08:41,520 --> 00:08:44,520 No, no it isn't. That's what I wanted you to see. 180 00:08:44,520 --> 00:08:46,520 Look up there. 181 00:08:46,520 --> 00:08:47,520 I don't see anything. 182 00:08:47,520 --> 00:08:50,520 You will? 183 00:08:50,520 --> 00:08:55,520 Oh, it's like stars way, way up there. 184 00:08:55,520 --> 00:09:05,520 That's what it is. It's stars. 185 00:09:05,520 --> 00:09:15,520 We stood there, George and I, ten years old, and for a moment no longer afraid because of the wonder of the thing. 186 00:09:15,520 --> 00:09:20,520 There was light from a sky, a sky I knew I had never seen before. 187 00:09:20,520 --> 00:09:28,520 Yet I knew I was still in the big cave because when I spoke the echo of my voice returned. 188 00:09:28,520 --> 00:09:30,520 It's beautiful. 189 00:09:30,520 --> 00:09:33,520 I can't find the flashlight. The water's too deep. 190 00:09:33,520 --> 00:09:35,520 That's funny. 191 00:09:35,520 --> 00:09:39,520 You're always saying that. It's not going to be funny when you can't get home. 192 00:09:39,520 --> 00:09:40,520 Listen. 193 00:09:40,520 --> 00:09:45,520 Dan! Dan! 194 00:09:45,520 --> 00:09:47,520 Now you do it. 195 00:09:47,520 --> 00:09:49,520 What for? It's just an old echo. 196 00:09:49,520 --> 00:09:51,520 Go on. 197 00:09:51,520 --> 00:09:59,520 Uh, George! George! 198 00:09:59,520 --> 00:10:03,520 There. How can there be an echo when there's no cave anymore? 199 00:10:03,520 --> 00:10:08,520 You're just kind of scaring. Well, I'm going. You can come too if you want. 200 00:10:08,520 --> 00:10:10,520 Dan? Please? 201 00:10:10,520 --> 00:10:14,520 I'll bet nobody's ever been in here ever. I'll bet we're the first. 202 00:10:14,520 --> 00:10:18,520 Except for pirates, maybe. Oh, I wish we could see more. 203 00:10:18,520 --> 00:10:22,520 If my mother hadn't taken our matches away, we could find our way out. 204 00:10:22,520 --> 00:10:31,520 Gee, Dan, it's night. Come on, please. I'm hungry. 205 00:10:31,520 --> 00:10:34,520 Somebody's here. Somebody else. 206 00:10:34,520 --> 00:10:36,520 Sounds like it's over there. 207 00:10:36,520 --> 00:10:40,520 No, don't go, Dan. 208 00:10:40,520 --> 00:10:44,520 Dan, I'm scared. I don't like this place. 209 00:10:44,520 --> 00:10:48,520 Go home if you want. 210 00:10:48,520 --> 00:10:51,520 I can see someone. Look. 211 00:10:51,520 --> 00:10:55,520 Gee, he's deeper than the sand. 212 00:10:55,520 --> 00:10:57,520 Don't. Let's not go any closer, Dan. 213 00:10:57,520 --> 00:10:59,520 Let's go. I want to see what he's doing. 214 00:10:59,520 --> 00:11:01,520 No, no. Look. 215 00:11:01,520 --> 00:11:05,520 There's some other people. They got swords. 216 00:11:05,520 --> 00:11:10,520 Aha! I caught you, Namby, you scurvy wretch. Look at him, bully. 217 00:11:10,520 --> 00:11:14,520 No, don't hit me, Captain. I just wanted to see if the treasure was still there. 218 00:11:14,520 --> 00:11:15,520 The strews are dead. 219 00:11:15,520 --> 00:11:17,520 I'll show you what's there, you pot-billy. 220 00:11:17,520 --> 00:11:19,520 Soon! 221 00:11:19,520 --> 00:11:22,520 No! 222 00:11:22,520 --> 00:11:24,520 No! 223 00:11:24,520 --> 00:11:25,520 No! 224 00:11:25,520 --> 00:11:28,520 Nobody's touching the treasure, don't hit me, Dan. Don't kill me. 225 00:11:28,520 --> 00:11:31,520 See, I haven't started a killing yet, Namby. 226 00:11:31,520 --> 00:11:36,520 Come on, bullies, lay on. We'll exercise our appetite for the feast. 227 00:11:36,520 --> 00:11:39,520 Yeah! 228 00:11:52,520 --> 00:11:55,520 You are listening to The Cave, 229 00:11:55,520 --> 00:12:01,520 tonight's presentation in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 230 00:12:10,520 --> 00:12:15,520 A new superhighway, a throughway, attracts the bad as well as the good, 231 00:12:15,520 --> 00:12:18,520 as you well know if you've driven along a superhighway recently. 232 00:12:18,520 --> 00:12:24,520 But it's not the speeders and reckless drivers the FBI goes after tomorrow night on CBS Radio. 233 00:12:24,520 --> 00:12:30,520 It's a smooth schemer and swindler who's in operation as soon as a new superhighway is announced. 234 00:12:30,520 --> 00:12:34,520 He's cooked up a lovely plan for getting farmers and other landowners 235 00:12:34,520 --> 00:12:37,520 along the proposed right-of-way to fall for his tricks. 236 00:12:37,520 --> 00:12:41,520 The resulting story is timely and essential. 237 00:12:41,520 --> 00:12:49,520 Hear it tomorrow night when the FBI in Peace and War comes this way on most of these same stations. 238 00:12:49,520 --> 00:12:57,520 And now we bring back to our Hollywood soundstage, Richard Beals with Billy Chapin, 239 00:12:57,520 --> 00:13:04,520 starring in tonight's production, The Cave, a tale well calculated to keep you in... 240 00:13:04,520 --> 00:13:07,520 Suspense. 241 00:13:07,520 --> 00:13:22,520 In that faint light from the stars of another world, the world of the big cave, George and I watched. 242 00:13:22,520 --> 00:13:28,520 We could only see shadows until someone lit a lantern, and then I knew I'd been right. 243 00:13:28,520 --> 00:13:32,520 Pirates! Pirates! I want to go home! 244 00:13:32,520 --> 00:13:38,520 Pirates they were, the most glorious and gaudiest pirates to sail under the Jolly Roger. 245 00:13:38,520 --> 00:13:44,520 The leader was a huge man with a fine, bushy beard and a voice like the trombone in the village band. 246 00:13:44,520 --> 00:13:48,520 How shall we cook him, bullies? Right out of the steam. 247 00:13:48,520 --> 00:13:50,520 No, Captain, no, no! 248 00:13:50,520 --> 00:13:55,520 Oh, he's too tough a morsel for that, Captain. I says roast him! 249 00:13:55,520 --> 00:13:57,520 I shall roast him! 250 00:13:57,520 --> 00:14:01,520 There's nothing like roastmumby, I always say. 251 00:14:01,520 --> 00:14:05,520 But we'll cut out his heart first and feed it to the dog. 252 00:14:05,520 --> 00:14:07,520 All right! 253 00:14:07,520 --> 00:14:12,520 Now, you lily-livered aggravation, say your prayers. 254 00:14:12,520 --> 00:14:16,520 He's gonna kill him! I don't want to watch, Dan! Dan! 255 00:14:16,520 --> 00:14:18,520 Shut up! 256 00:14:20,520 --> 00:14:22,520 Who was that? 257 00:14:22,520 --> 00:14:24,520 I don't know, Captain. 258 00:14:24,520 --> 00:14:26,520 Sounded like a boy. 259 00:14:26,520 --> 00:14:29,520 A boy? A boy? 260 00:14:29,520 --> 00:14:31,520 It may have been the Lady Alicia. 261 00:14:31,520 --> 00:14:34,520 Build, shivvy, in the dungeon, Gonfalon. 262 00:14:34,520 --> 00:14:36,520 Aye, that's true. 263 00:14:36,520 --> 00:14:38,520 It came from over there. 264 00:14:38,520 --> 00:14:40,520 Hold the lantern high, shiv. 265 00:14:40,520 --> 00:14:42,520 Aye, Captain. 266 00:14:43,520 --> 00:14:46,520 They'll get us. Dan, we've got to run. 267 00:14:46,520 --> 00:14:50,520 Don't be afraid. If you're not afraid, nothing can happen. 268 00:14:50,520 --> 00:14:52,520 Do you see anything, Gonfalon? 269 00:14:52,520 --> 00:14:54,520 Oh, no, but... 270 00:14:55,520 --> 00:14:57,520 Save us all! Disaboy! 271 00:14:57,520 --> 00:14:59,520 Nate, there's two of them! 272 00:14:59,520 --> 00:15:01,520 Scumpery! 273 00:15:01,520 --> 00:15:03,520 Boys! 274 00:15:03,520 --> 00:15:05,520 Hold the little dreamer! 275 00:15:05,520 --> 00:15:08,520 That's it! Boys! 276 00:15:08,520 --> 00:15:11,520 Two small boys! 277 00:15:11,520 --> 00:15:13,520 Ha-ha! 278 00:15:13,520 --> 00:15:17,520 And now what shall we do with them, Captain? 279 00:15:17,520 --> 00:15:19,520 Hang them. I'll say, hang them. 280 00:15:19,520 --> 00:15:21,520 Maybe after the treasure. 281 00:15:21,520 --> 00:15:26,520 You! Were it not Christmas, Namby, I should have turned you inside out! 282 00:15:26,520 --> 00:15:29,520 Hold your blistering, blattering jaw, you! 283 00:15:29,520 --> 00:15:31,520 Aye, Captain, sir. Aye, aye. 284 00:15:31,520 --> 00:15:33,520 Boy! 285 00:15:33,520 --> 00:15:36,520 Boy, what's your name? 286 00:15:36,520 --> 00:15:38,520 Dan Ilbury, sir. 287 00:15:38,520 --> 00:15:39,520 And that one? 288 00:15:39,520 --> 00:15:40,520 George... 289 00:15:40,520 --> 00:15:42,520 He's my friend, George. 290 00:15:42,520 --> 00:15:45,520 George Fennel. His father's a policeman. 291 00:15:45,520 --> 00:15:47,520 Ha-ha! 292 00:15:48,520 --> 00:15:51,520 Where do you come from, boy? 293 00:15:51,520 --> 00:15:53,520 Greenfield. That's outside the cave. 294 00:15:53,520 --> 00:15:55,520 Cave? What cave? 295 00:15:55,520 --> 00:15:57,520 What cave? 296 00:15:57,520 --> 00:15:59,520 What do you do here? 297 00:15:59,520 --> 00:16:02,520 Who spies? The answer up now! 298 00:16:02,520 --> 00:16:05,520 We were just exploring, and we got here, that's all. 299 00:16:05,520 --> 00:16:08,520 Exploring? Where be your ship? 300 00:16:08,520 --> 00:16:10,520 We didn't come in a ship. 301 00:16:10,520 --> 00:16:11,520 No ship? 302 00:16:11,520 --> 00:16:14,520 They're boys, Captain. What harm can they do? 303 00:16:14,520 --> 00:16:17,520 Grum, it's Christmas. I say feed them and send them on their way. 304 00:16:17,520 --> 00:16:19,520 What's Christmas got to do with it? 305 00:16:19,520 --> 00:16:22,520 If they be spies, it's the plight! 306 00:16:22,520 --> 00:16:25,520 No, no, we're not spies, honest! 307 00:16:25,520 --> 00:16:27,520 Ah, we look into this further. 308 00:16:27,520 --> 00:16:31,520 Meantime, the goose and suckling pig should be ready. 309 00:16:31,520 --> 00:16:33,520 I say it's time for the feast! 310 00:16:33,520 --> 00:16:35,520 How say you, buddy? 311 00:16:35,520 --> 00:16:37,520 Be a hungry boy. 312 00:16:37,520 --> 00:16:38,520 Yes? 313 00:16:38,520 --> 00:16:39,520 And him. 314 00:16:39,520 --> 00:16:40,520 He's hungry, too. 315 00:16:40,520 --> 00:16:42,520 Then join us at a Merry Christmas, 316 00:16:42,520 --> 00:16:47,520 for no man can say Captain Blackton lacks the Christian spirit. 317 00:16:47,520 --> 00:16:48,520 Am I right, Namby? 318 00:16:48,520 --> 00:16:52,520 Oh, you're right, Captain. Right as I've been. 319 00:16:52,520 --> 00:16:56,520 Ah, I'd have slicked your gullet if you said me nay. 320 00:16:56,520 --> 00:16:59,520 Merry Christmas and break out the rum! 321 00:16:59,520 --> 00:17:01,520 Hooray! 322 00:17:11,520 --> 00:17:14,520 I remember that day, that long ago. 323 00:17:14,520 --> 00:17:18,520 The great dining board set upon trestles, the fruits and wine, 324 00:17:18,520 --> 00:17:23,520 roast goose and pig, the pirates rough in their colorful patched clothing, 325 00:17:23,520 --> 00:17:29,520 the songs and drinking, stories, stories of home and sea. 326 00:17:29,520 --> 00:17:34,520 Such Christmas as I've dreamt of, and I had dreamed it to come true. 327 00:17:34,520 --> 00:17:38,520 George sat next to me, eyes wide and unbelieving. 328 00:17:38,520 --> 00:17:42,520 After the plum pudding, we were called upon to sing a carol. 329 00:17:42,520 --> 00:17:49,520 Silent night, holy night. 330 00:17:49,520 --> 00:17:52,520 As we sang, they became quiet, 331 00:17:52,520 --> 00:17:57,520 and each sat lost with his own thoughts of sweetness and sadness. 332 00:17:57,520 --> 00:18:03,520 The little man, Namby, birdlike and asleep, gone fallen thin as a twig, 333 00:18:03,520 --> 00:18:08,520 a patch over one eye, the other kindly and wise. 334 00:18:08,520 --> 00:18:13,520 A chill and a captain, tears coursing down their cheeks. 335 00:18:13,520 --> 00:18:17,520 These were my pirates, my own. 336 00:18:17,520 --> 00:18:21,520 Sleep in heavenly peace. 337 00:18:21,520 --> 00:18:29,520 Sleep in heavenly peace. 338 00:18:29,520 --> 00:18:37,520 Pfft! Well done, I say! Well done! A double rum for the boys! 339 00:18:37,520 --> 00:18:40,520 Captain, Captain, it's been a happy day with us. 340 00:18:40,520 --> 00:18:43,520 Let's share it with those less fortunate. 341 00:18:43,520 --> 00:18:46,520 Less fortunate who? We are all well-matched. 342 00:18:46,520 --> 00:18:48,520 With the lady, Alicia. 343 00:18:48,520 --> 00:18:54,520 Nay, she be our prisoner, and until ransom be paid, so she will remain. 344 00:18:54,520 --> 00:18:57,520 Oh, what matter if she grace our table for the evening? 345 00:18:57,520 --> 00:19:01,520 It's been a long time since a woman has been with us. 346 00:19:01,520 --> 00:19:03,520 Very well. 347 00:19:03,520 --> 00:19:08,520 Send the prisoner here! Fetch her from the dungeon! 348 00:19:08,520 --> 00:19:17,520 Then I thought of the fine lace handkerchief we had found in the stream. 349 00:19:17,520 --> 00:19:22,520 Would this prisoner, the lady Alicia, would she have sent the message of distress? 350 00:19:22,520 --> 00:19:27,520 And how? 351 00:19:27,520 --> 00:19:31,520 They brought her in, and to me, she looked as she should have looked. 352 00:19:31,520 --> 00:19:34,520 The most beautiful lady in the world, 353 00:19:34,520 --> 00:19:38,520 gowned in silks with a pale but proud face. 354 00:19:38,520 --> 00:19:50,520 I fell in love with her, and I was ten. 355 00:19:50,520 --> 00:19:55,520 As the night wore on, the pirates grew drowsy, and one after another their heads drooped, 356 00:19:55,520 --> 00:19:58,520 and soon all were asleep. 357 00:19:58,520 --> 00:20:02,520 Even George, sitting small in his great chair, nodded. 358 00:20:02,520 --> 00:20:06,520 I went to the lady Alicia's side. 359 00:20:06,520 --> 00:20:09,520 It was your handkerchief we found in the stream, wasn't it? 360 00:20:09,520 --> 00:20:11,520 Yes, I had not dared to hope. 361 00:20:11,520 --> 00:20:13,520 But they have you locked in a dungeon. 362 00:20:13,520 --> 00:20:15,520 Beyond my window is a running brook. 363 00:20:15,520 --> 00:20:20,520 I prayed that when I dropped the kerchief, it would by some happy chance be discovered. 364 00:20:20,520 --> 00:20:22,520 I found it all right. 365 00:20:22,520 --> 00:20:25,520 You are very brave to have come here. 366 00:20:25,520 --> 00:20:27,520 Well, how long have they kept you prisoner? 367 00:20:27,520 --> 00:20:29,520 Six months now. 368 00:20:29,520 --> 00:20:31,520 We were sailing to the Indies. 369 00:20:31,520 --> 00:20:35,520 Our ship was taken, and I...I alone survived. 370 00:20:35,520 --> 00:20:37,520 Now they hold me for ransom. 371 00:20:37,520 --> 00:20:38,520 Oh, that's terrible. 372 00:20:38,520 --> 00:20:41,520 Gosh, I wish I could do something to save you. 373 00:20:41,520 --> 00:20:43,520 There is nothing. 374 00:20:43,520 --> 00:20:46,520 I know I'm not very big, but maybe I could fight them. 375 00:20:46,520 --> 00:20:48,520 They are too many for you. 376 00:20:48,520 --> 00:20:51,520 Dan, Dan, they're all asleep. 377 00:20:51,520 --> 00:20:53,520 Come on, we can get away now. 378 00:20:53,520 --> 00:20:54,520 Let's go home. 379 00:20:54,520 --> 00:20:55,520 Home? 380 00:20:55,520 --> 00:20:57,520 Sure, our folks are going to be mad. 381 00:20:57,520 --> 00:20:59,520 George, we've got to save them. 382 00:20:59,520 --> 00:21:02,520 If you could but escape and deliver a message to my father. 383 00:21:02,520 --> 00:21:04,520 Sure, okay. Where does he live? 384 00:21:04,520 --> 00:21:08,520 London. Lord Basenstoke. He would reward you well. 385 00:21:08,520 --> 00:21:10,520 Sure, but we've got to go now. 386 00:21:10,520 --> 00:21:13,520 I don't want to leave you. They'll be angry when they wake up. 387 00:21:13,520 --> 00:21:15,520 My hope will rest in you. 388 00:21:15,520 --> 00:21:18,520 I shall pray for your safety and return. 389 00:21:18,520 --> 00:21:20,520 Gee, Wiz, Dan, come on. 390 00:21:20,520 --> 00:21:23,520 You go ahead. I'll be right along. 391 00:21:23,520 --> 00:21:27,520 Okay, but hurry up. I'll wait by the water. 392 00:21:30,520 --> 00:21:32,520 Will you be all right? 393 00:21:32,520 --> 00:21:33,520 Yes. 394 00:21:33,520 --> 00:21:35,520 Suppose I come back and you're not here. 395 00:21:35,520 --> 00:21:38,520 I shall try to leave a message. 396 00:21:38,520 --> 00:21:40,520 I'm Dan. 397 00:21:40,520 --> 00:21:41,520 I know. 398 00:21:41,520 --> 00:21:44,520 When I get older, I shall marry you. 399 00:21:44,520 --> 00:21:46,520 You're beautiful. 400 00:21:46,520 --> 00:21:48,520 I'll wait for you. 401 00:21:48,520 --> 00:21:50,520 Now you must go before they awake. 402 00:21:50,520 --> 00:21:52,520 I don't want to go. 403 00:21:52,520 --> 00:21:55,520 You'll come back to me here. 404 00:21:57,520 --> 00:21:59,520 I love you. 405 00:22:02,520 --> 00:22:05,520 Hurry up, Dan. Gee, Wiz. 406 00:22:05,520 --> 00:22:08,520 I want to get home. They'll be mad. 407 00:22:08,520 --> 00:22:10,520 Mother said not to be late for dinner. 408 00:22:10,520 --> 00:22:12,520 We've got to save Lady Alicia. Don't forget. 409 00:22:12,520 --> 00:22:15,520 Okay, but hurry up. 410 00:22:16,520 --> 00:22:19,520 It's kind of dark, but I know which way to go. 411 00:22:19,520 --> 00:22:23,520 I don't want to fall in the stream and get all wet. 412 00:22:23,520 --> 00:22:25,520 I've got my good clothes on. 413 00:22:25,520 --> 00:22:27,520 You won't. 414 00:22:27,520 --> 00:22:29,520 I'm sorry I dropped your flashlight, Dan. 415 00:22:29,520 --> 00:22:31,520 I'll save up and get you another. 416 00:22:31,520 --> 00:22:33,520 I don't mind. 417 00:22:33,520 --> 00:22:35,520 I'll bet it's awful late. 418 00:22:35,520 --> 00:22:38,520 I'm glad it's Christmas. Maybe they won't mind. 419 00:22:44,520 --> 00:22:46,520 We followed the tunnels one to the other. 420 00:22:46,520 --> 00:22:49,520 The stream flowed with us, urging us on. 421 00:22:49,520 --> 00:22:51,520 It was dark, but I knew the way. 422 00:22:51,520 --> 00:22:54,520 We felt along the damp walls of the cave, 423 00:22:54,520 --> 00:22:58,520 and at every step we moved further away from my world. 424 00:22:58,520 --> 00:23:00,520 Suddenly, from a great distance, 425 00:23:00,520 --> 00:23:03,520 we saw a tiny circle of light, 426 00:23:03,520 --> 00:23:06,520 a dot which grew and grew, 427 00:23:06,520 --> 00:23:09,520 until it was the size of a golden sovereign. 428 00:23:09,520 --> 00:23:11,520 There it is, Dan. It's the entrance. 429 00:23:11,520 --> 00:23:13,520 And it's still light out. 430 00:23:13,520 --> 00:23:15,520 I won't be late for dinner. 431 00:23:15,520 --> 00:23:17,520 And I was afraid. 432 00:23:17,520 --> 00:23:19,520 I was afraid because I knew 433 00:23:19,520 --> 00:23:21,520 that when I stepped out into that sunlight, 434 00:23:21,520 --> 00:23:24,520 I should never be able to find my way back again. 435 00:23:24,520 --> 00:23:26,520 Never. 436 00:23:26,520 --> 00:23:28,520 Hey, what are you stopping for? 437 00:23:28,520 --> 00:23:29,520 Why? 438 00:23:29,520 --> 00:23:31,520 George. 439 00:23:31,520 --> 00:23:33,520 If we can run, 440 00:23:33,520 --> 00:23:35,520 we can make it home before the sun goes down. 441 00:23:35,520 --> 00:23:37,520 For Pete's sake, Dan. 442 00:23:37,520 --> 00:23:39,520 What's the matter with you? 443 00:23:39,520 --> 00:23:41,520 I'm not coming with you. I've got to go back. 444 00:23:41,520 --> 00:23:43,520 Go back? 445 00:23:43,520 --> 00:23:45,520 Why do you want to do that for? 446 00:23:45,520 --> 00:23:47,520 I've got to. I don't want to leave her. 447 00:23:47,520 --> 00:23:49,520 The pirates. I want to go back. 448 00:23:49,520 --> 00:23:51,520 Pirates? Who? 449 00:23:51,520 --> 00:23:53,520 Lady Alicia. 450 00:23:53,520 --> 00:23:55,520 Gee whiz, Dan. Come on. 451 00:23:55,520 --> 00:23:57,520 It's only a game. Come on. 452 00:23:57,520 --> 00:23:59,520 You've forgotten. I knew you would. 453 00:23:59,520 --> 00:24:01,520 I'm not going with you. 454 00:24:01,520 --> 00:24:03,520 You better. I'll tell your mother, 455 00:24:03,520 --> 00:24:05,520 and you'll get it. 456 00:24:05,520 --> 00:24:07,520 Goodbye, George. 457 00:24:07,520 --> 00:24:09,520 Dan? 458 00:24:09,520 --> 00:24:11,520 Dan, come back, Dan. 459 00:24:11,520 --> 00:24:13,520 What's the matter with you? 460 00:24:13,520 --> 00:24:15,520 Dan? You'll get lost, Dan. 461 00:24:15,520 --> 00:24:17,520 Dan, don't go in there. 462 00:24:17,520 --> 00:24:19,520 We've played long enough. 463 00:24:19,520 --> 00:24:21,520 Come back. 464 00:24:21,520 --> 00:24:23,520 Come back, Dan. 465 00:24:23,520 --> 00:24:25,520 Dan. 466 00:24:25,520 --> 00:24:27,520 Hey, Dan. 467 00:24:33,520 --> 00:24:35,520 I had turned away from George 468 00:24:35,520 --> 00:24:37,520 and the speck of light that was outside. 469 00:24:37,520 --> 00:24:39,520 His voice had followed me, 470 00:24:39,520 --> 00:24:41,520 disdainful and lonely. 471 00:24:41,520 --> 00:24:43,520 Then as I found the stream again, 472 00:24:43,520 --> 00:24:45,520 there was no sound 473 00:24:45,520 --> 00:24:47,520 but that of gentle water and my own steps. 474 00:24:47,520 --> 00:24:49,520 And the stream became a river, 475 00:24:49,520 --> 00:24:51,520 and the river broadened, 476 00:24:51,520 --> 00:24:53,520 the walls of the cave fell away, 477 00:24:53,520 --> 00:24:55,520 and I'd found my pirates again. 478 00:25:05,520 --> 00:25:07,520 God rest ye merry gentlemen, 479 00:25:07,520 --> 00:25:09,520 let nothing you do 480 00:25:09,520 --> 00:25:11,520 It's on days like this that I remember 481 00:25:11,520 --> 00:25:13,520 how it used to be before I found the cave. 482 00:25:13,520 --> 00:25:15,520 This day in particular. 483 00:25:15,520 --> 00:25:17,520 Sometimes I wonder 484 00:25:17,520 --> 00:25:19,520 what happened to George 485 00:25:19,520 --> 00:25:21,520 and what it's like outside the cave. 486 00:25:21,520 --> 00:25:23,520 But I don't really mind. 487 00:25:23,520 --> 00:25:25,520 After all, the Lady Alicia 488 00:25:25,520 --> 00:25:27,520 kept her promise and waited 489 00:25:27,520 --> 00:25:29,520 for me until I grew up. 490 00:25:29,520 --> 00:25:31,520 Now everything is as I'd always 491 00:25:31,520 --> 00:25:33,520 dreamed it in the books. 492 00:25:33,520 --> 00:25:35,520 Oh, Captain Blaketon? 493 00:25:35,520 --> 00:25:37,520 He's still here. 494 00:25:37,520 --> 00:25:39,520 A little less ferocious perhaps than 20 years ago. 495 00:25:39,520 --> 00:25:41,520 Captain? 496 00:25:41,520 --> 00:25:43,520 Yes, Blaketon? 497 00:25:43,520 --> 00:25:45,520 If you and my Lady are ready, sir, 498 00:25:45,520 --> 00:25:47,520 the turkeys be cooked and the men wait in your pleasure. 499 00:25:47,520 --> 00:25:49,520 Very well, Blaketon. Thank you. 500 00:25:49,520 --> 00:25:51,520 And a Merry Christmas. 501 00:25:51,520 --> 00:25:53,520 Thank you, Captain. 502 00:25:53,520 --> 00:26:11,520 And a Merry Christmas to you, sir. 503 00:26:11,520 --> 00:26:13,520 Suspense. 504 00:26:13,520 --> 00:26:15,520 In which Richard Beals 505 00:26:15,520 --> 00:26:17,520 with Billy Chapin 506 00:26:17,520 --> 00:26:19,520 starred in tonight's presentation of 507 00:26:19,520 --> 00:26:21,520 The Cave. 508 00:26:21,520 --> 00:26:23,520 Next week, we bring you 509 00:26:23,520 --> 00:26:25,520 one of the great mysteries of the sea. 510 00:26:25,520 --> 00:26:27,520 A ship found drifting in perfect 511 00:26:27,520 --> 00:26:29,520 condition with no human aboard. 512 00:26:29,520 --> 00:26:31,520 We call it 513 00:26:31,520 --> 00:26:33,520 The Mystery of the Marie Celeste. 514 00:26:33,520 --> 00:26:35,520 That's next week on 515 00:26:35,520 --> 00:26:51,520 Suspense. 516 00:26:51,520 --> 00:26:53,520 Suspense is produced and directed by 517 00:26:53,520 --> 00:26:55,520 Anthony Ellis, who also wrote tonight's script. 518 00:26:55,520 --> 00:26:57,520 The music was composed by 519 00:26:57,520 --> 00:26:59,520 Rene Garagang and conducted by 520 00:26:59,520 --> 00:27:01,520 Wilbur Hatch. Featured in the cast 521 00:27:01,520 --> 00:27:03,520 were John Danaer, Hans Conreread, 522 00:27:03,520 --> 00:27:05,520 Ben Wright, Lawrence Dobkin, 523 00:27:05,520 --> 00:27:07,520 Ellen Morgan, and Raymond Lawrence. 524 00:27:07,520 --> 00:27:09,520 Next Saturday, 525 00:27:09,520 --> 00:27:11,520 Christmas Eve, the whole nation is invited 526 00:27:11,520 --> 00:27:13,520 to the largest carol services ever held. 527 00:27:13,520 --> 00:27:15,520 CBS Radio is bringing you its great 528 00:27:15,520 --> 00:27:17,520 star, Bing Crosby, 529 00:27:17,520 --> 00:27:19,520 in a full hour of the beloved Christmas hymns 530 00:27:19,520 --> 00:27:21,520 and songs and airs from olden 531 00:27:21,520 --> 00:27:23,520 times to the present. 532 00:27:23,520 --> 00:27:25,520 You and your family are cordially invited to 533 00:27:25,520 --> 00:27:27,520 gather around your own Christmas tree 534 00:27:27,520 --> 00:27:29,520 as millions of other families gather around their 535 00:27:29,520 --> 00:27:31,520 trees and sing with this wonderful 536 00:27:31,520 --> 00:27:33,520 dear. From points all over the 537 00:27:33,520 --> 00:27:35,520 country and the world, Bing 538 00:27:35,520 --> 00:27:37,520 will also bring you the Yuletide 539 00:27:37,520 --> 00:27:39,520 songs of special localities and 540 00:27:39,520 --> 00:27:41,520 foreign nations. Next Saturday, 541 00:27:41,520 --> 00:27:43,520 Christmas Eve, as America 542 00:27:43,520 --> 00:27:45,520 sings with Bing, on most 543 00:27:45,520 --> 00:27:47,520 of these same CBS radio stations, 544 00:27:47,520 --> 00:27:49,520 you and your family 545 00:27:49,520 --> 00:27:51,520 join in. 546 00:27:51,520 --> 00:27:53,520 Stay tuned now for five minutes of 547 00:27:53,520 --> 00:27:55,520 CBS radio news to be followed 548 00:27:55,520 --> 00:27:57,520 on most of these same stations by 549 00:27:57,520 --> 00:27:59,520 The Jack Carson Show. 550 00:27:59,520 --> 00:28:01,520 ... 551 00:28:01,520 --> 00:28:03,520 ... 552 00:28:03,520 --> 00:28:05,520 ... 553 00:28:05,520 --> 00:28:07,520 ... 554 00:28:07,520 --> 00:28:09,520 ... 555 00:28:09,520 --> 00:28:11,520 ... 556 00:28:11,520 --> 00:28:13,520 ... 557 00:28:13,520 --> 00:28:15,520 You hear America's favorite shows on the CBS 558 00:28:15,520 --> 00:28:17,520 Radio Network. 559 00:28:17,520 --> 00:28:19,520 ... 560 00:28:19,520 --> 00:28:21,520 ... 561 00:28:21,520 --> 00:28:23,520 ... 562 00:28:23,520 --> 00:28:25,520 ... 563 00:28:25,520 --> 00:28:27,520 ... 564 00:28:27,520 --> 00:28:29,520 ... 565 00:28:29,520 --> 00:28:31,520 ... 566 00:28:31,520 --> 00:28:33,520 ... 567 00:28:33,520 --> 00:28:35,520 ... 568 00:28:35,520 --> 00:28:37,520 ... 569 00:28:37,520 --> 00:28:37,520 ... 570 00:28:37,520 --> 00:28:39,520 ... 571 00:28:39,520 --> 00:28:41,520 ... 572 00:28:41,520 --> 00:28:43,520 ... 573 00:28:43,520 --> 00:28:45,520 ... 574 00:28:45,520 --> 00:28:47,520 ... 575 00:28:47,520 --> 00:28:49,520 ... 576 00:28:49,520 --> 00:28:51,520 ... 577 00:28:51,520 --> 00:28:55,520 ...