1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:15,000 And now, tonight's presentation of radio's outstanding theater of thrills, The Spence. 2 00:00:15,000 --> 00:00:24,300 Tonight, the story of two small boys who carry death in their pockets. 3 00:00:24,300 --> 00:00:27,000 We call it two platinum capsules. 4 00:00:27,000 --> 00:00:33,000 So now, here is tonight's The Spence play, Two Platinum Capsules. 5 00:00:33,000 --> 00:01:01,400 The story you are about to hear is based on fact. 6 00:01:01,400 --> 00:01:02,400 It happened. 7 00:01:02,400 --> 00:01:09,400 It involved the lives of six people. 8 00:01:09,400 --> 00:01:15,400 That sound is being made by a Geiger counter, a device for detecting radioactivity. 9 00:01:15,400 --> 00:01:26,400 It plays an important part in the following events. 10 00:01:26,400 --> 00:01:32,400 Place, a city in northern California, population, 41,300. 11 00:01:32,400 --> 00:01:37,400 For Johnny Murphy, age 11, the day started like any other day. 12 00:01:37,400 --> 00:01:41,400 The time, 8.36 a.m. 13 00:01:41,400 --> 00:01:42,400 Apple car! 14 00:01:42,400 --> 00:01:43,400 Baltimore! 15 00:01:43,400 --> 00:01:44,400 Who are your friends? 16 00:01:44,400 --> 00:01:45,400 The mailman. 17 00:01:45,400 --> 00:01:46,400 Careful! 18 00:01:46,400 --> 00:01:47,400 Hey! 19 00:01:47,400 --> 00:01:48,400 Hey, you boys! 20 00:01:48,400 --> 00:01:49,400 You stop that! 21 00:01:49,400 --> 00:01:50,400 You weren't even close. 22 00:01:50,400 --> 00:01:51,400 I could have hit him if I wanted to. 23 00:01:51,400 --> 00:01:52,400 Johnny! 24 00:01:52,400 --> 00:01:53,400 Johnny! 25 00:01:53,400 --> 00:01:56,400 Yeah, Mom! 26 00:01:56,400 --> 00:01:57,400 Come here. 27 00:01:57,400 --> 00:02:00,400 I'll be right back, please. 28 00:02:00,400 --> 00:02:03,400 What do you want? 29 00:02:03,400 --> 00:02:07,400 Come up here. 30 00:02:07,400 --> 00:02:09,400 I saw you throw that apple car at the mailman. 31 00:02:09,400 --> 00:02:10,400 I didn't hit him, Mom. 32 00:02:10,400 --> 00:02:11,400 I didn't even try. 33 00:02:11,400 --> 00:02:13,400 So, ever let me catch you doing a thing like that again. 34 00:02:13,400 --> 00:02:14,400 Now, come inside. 35 00:02:14,400 --> 00:02:15,400 The father's home. 36 00:02:15,400 --> 00:02:16,400 Can you? 37 00:02:16,400 --> 00:02:17,400 When do you get back? 38 00:02:17,400 --> 00:02:18,400 Just a minute ago. 39 00:02:18,400 --> 00:02:19,400 Hi, boy. 40 00:02:19,400 --> 00:02:20,400 Did you find some uranium, Pop? 41 00:02:20,400 --> 00:02:21,400 No, I'm not doing it. 42 00:02:21,400 --> 00:02:23,400 We didn't expect you on until tonight, George. 43 00:02:23,400 --> 00:02:26,400 Well, I woke up with a lousy cold yesterday. 44 00:02:26,400 --> 00:02:29,400 And on top of that, the water can sprung a leak. 45 00:02:29,400 --> 00:02:32,400 Didn't even have enough to make coffee before I left camp last night. 46 00:02:32,400 --> 00:02:33,400 There's some on the stove. 47 00:02:33,400 --> 00:02:36,400 Hey, Pop, let me listen to the guy you're telling us. 48 00:02:36,400 --> 00:02:37,400 Not now, Johnny. 49 00:02:37,400 --> 00:02:39,400 Your father's tired from driving all night. 50 00:02:39,400 --> 00:02:41,400 Please, Pop, just for a second. 51 00:02:41,400 --> 00:02:42,400 Sure. 52 00:02:42,400 --> 00:02:43,400 Okay. 53 00:02:43,400 --> 00:02:44,400 Now. 54 00:02:44,400 --> 00:02:51,400 Oh, he's eating. 55 00:02:51,400 --> 00:02:58,400 Is that how it sounds when it's near uranium? 56 00:02:58,400 --> 00:03:00,400 No, it clicks a lot faster. 57 00:03:00,400 --> 00:03:01,400 So they tell me. 58 00:03:01,400 --> 00:03:02,400 I'll fix your breakfast, George. 59 00:03:02,400 --> 00:03:03,400 Scramble them, huh, man? 60 00:03:03,400 --> 00:03:04,400 Hey, Johnny, come on. 61 00:03:04,400 --> 00:03:05,400 Hey, Pete's waiting for me, Pop. 62 00:03:05,400 --> 00:03:06,400 Okay, boy, you run along. 63 00:03:06,400 --> 00:03:07,400 Johnny, you'll be home for lunch. 64 00:03:07,400 --> 00:03:08,400 Okay, Mom. 65 00:03:08,400 --> 00:03:09,400 I'll be home. 66 00:03:09,400 --> 00:03:10,400 I'll be home. 67 00:03:10,400 --> 00:03:11,400 I'll be home. 68 00:03:11,400 --> 00:03:14,400 Where are we going? 69 00:03:14,400 --> 00:03:15,400 I don't know. 70 00:03:15,400 --> 00:03:16,400 Where do you want to go? 71 00:03:16,400 --> 00:03:17,400 I don't know. 72 00:03:17,400 --> 00:03:18,400 Hey, how about to my house? 73 00:03:18,400 --> 00:03:19,400 Nah, nothing to do over there. 74 00:03:19,400 --> 00:03:20,400 Well, what do you want to do? 75 00:03:20,400 --> 00:03:21,400 I don't know. 76 00:03:21,400 --> 00:03:22,400 Something. 77 00:03:22,400 --> 00:03:25,400 Hey, I listen to my Pop's guy you're telling us. 78 00:03:25,400 --> 00:03:26,400 Yeah? 79 00:03:26,400 --> 00:03:27,400 What did you hear? 80 00:03:27,400 --> 00:03:28,400 Uranium? 81 00:03:28,400 --> 00:03:29,400 No, I don't know. 82 00:03:29,400 --> 00:03:30,400 What did you hear? 83 00:03:30,400 --> 00:03:31,400 Uranium. 84 00:03:31,400 --> 00:03:32,400 Uranium. 85 00:03:32,400 --> 00:03:33,400 Uranium. 86 00:03:33,400 --> 00:03:34,400 Uranium. 87 00:03:34,400 --> 00:03:35,400 Uranium. 88 00:03:35,400 --> 00:03:36,400 Uranium. 89 00:03:36,400 --> 00:03:37,400 Uranium. 90 00:03:37,400 --> 00:03:38,400 Uranium. 91 00:03:38,400 --> 00:03:39,400 Uranium. 92 00:03:39,400 --> 00:03:40,400 Uranium. 93 00:03:40,400 --> 00:03:41,400 Come on. 94 00:03:41,400 --> 00:03:42,400 Where are we going? 95 00:03:42,400 --> 00:03:43,400 I don't know. 96 00:03:43,400 --> 00:03:44,400 Why don't we go down to that new dump? 97 00:03:44,400 --> 00:03:45,400 Where? 98 00:03:45,400 --> 00:03:46,400 The new dump the city opened. 99 00:03:46,400 --> 00:03:47,400 They're filling in that old gravel pit over near Afton High. 100 00:03:47,400 --> 00:03:48,400 What do we do down there? 101 00:03:48,400 --> 00:03:49,400 I don't know. 102 00:03:49,400 --> 00:03:50,400 Look around. 103 00:03:50,400 --> 00:03:51,400 See if we can find something, maybe. 104 00:03:51,400 --> 00:03:52,400 Okay. 105 00:03:52,400 --> 00:03:53,400 But I gotta be home for lunch. 106 00:03:53,400 --> 00:03:54,400 At 850, George Murphy, the Pot-Tower, is on the run. 107 00:03:54,400 --> 00:04:18,400 Five miles away, Ms. Helen Webster, a registered nurse employed at the Middle Branch Hospital, 108 00:04:18,400 --> 00:04:21,400 entered the staff cafeteria. 109 00:04:21,400 --> 00:04:28,400 A few moments later, the administrator, Dr. Carl Hudders, stopped at her table. 110 00:04:28,400 --> 00:04:33,400 Well, how did you like working up in 222 yesterday, Ms. Webster? 111 00:04:33,400 --> 00:04:34,400 Fine, doctor. 112 00:04:34,400 --> 00:04:36,400 Burton didn't give you any trouble, did she? 113 00:04:36,400 --> 00:04:37,400 Well, no. 114 00:04:37,400 --> 00:04:38,400 Get along with her all right? 115 00:04:38,400 --> 00:04:39,400 Yes, I think so. 116 00:04:39,400 --> 00:04:40,400 I think she probably hates your gut. 117 00:04:40,400 --> 00:04:41,400 But why? 118 00:04:41,400 --> 00:04:42,400 She's leaving next week. 119 00:04:42,400 --> 00:04:43,400 We've asked her to retire. 120 00:04:43,400 --> 00:04:44,400 She knows you're taking her place. 121 00:04:44,400 --> 00:04:45,400 Oh, I see. 122 00:04:45,400 --> 00:04:46,400 Did she explain why she's leaving? 123 00:04:46,400 --> 00:04:47,400 No, she didn't. 124 00:04:47,400 --> 00:04:48,400 She's not leaving. 125 00:04:48,400 --> 00:04:51,400 Oh, I see. 126 00:04:51,400 --> 00:04:52,400 Did she explain everything to you carefully? 127 00:04:52,400 --> 00:04:53,400 Very carefully, doctor. 128 00:04:53,400 --> 00:04:54,400 Well, we want you to take charge as soon as she's gone. 129 00:04:54,400 --> 00:04:55,400 Is that all right with you? 130 00:04:55,400 --> 00:04:56,400 Yes, sir. 131 00:04:56,400 --> 00:04:57,400 It's very interesting work. 132 00:04:57,400 --> 00:04:58,400 It could be dangerous. 133 00:04:58,400 --> 00:04:59,400 But if you're careful, there's no risk involved. 134 00:04:59,400 --> 00:05:00,400 Did Burton have you working with the real thing or the dummies? 135 00:05:00,400 --> 00:05:01,400 Well, the dummies at first. 136 00:05:01,400 --> 00:05:02,400 And then she opened the safe. 137 00:05:02,400 --> 00:05:03,400 Those capsules certainly don't look dangerous. 138 00:05:03,400 --> 00:05:04,400 They're killers, Ms. Webster. 139 00:05:04,400 --> 00:05:05,400 Don't ever forget it. 140 00:05:05,400 --> 00:05:29,400 Every large hospital has a room, 222. 141 00:05:29,400 --> 00:05:35,400 And in it, in bold letters across the lead line door are the words, danger, radioactive. 142 00:05:35,400 --> 00:05:36,400 We're not occupied. 143 00:05:36,400 --> 00:05:37,400 The room is padlocked. 144 00:05:37,400 --> 00:05:45,400 At 914, Ms. Elsie Burton, registered nurse, inserted the key in the padlock and entered 145 00:05:45,400 --> 00:05:46,400 the room. 146 00:05:46,400 --> 00:05:51,400 She opened the heavy safe, and using a pair of forceps, looked at a small metal box from 147 00:05:51,400 --> 00:05:52,400 it. 148 00:05:52,400 --> 00:05:54,400 She quickly placed the box on the table. 149 00:05:54,400 --> 00:05:59,400 Then, stepping behind a lead shield designed to protect her body from the contents of the 150 00:05:59,400 --> 00:06:00,400 box, she opened it. 151 00:06:00,400 --> 00:06:07,400 Inside the box were several platinum capsules, and each capsule was filled with radium. 152 00:06:07,400 --> 00:06:17,400 It was 927 when she picked up the phone to report two of the platinum capsules missing. 153 00:06:17,400 --> 00:06:27,400 Nine twenty-eight, George Murphy had finished his second cup of coffee, glanced through 154 00:06:27,400 --> 00:06:32,400 the morning paper, and was watching his wife at the kitchen sink. 155 00:06:32,400 --> 00:06:35,400 More coffee, George? 156 00:06:35,400 --> 00:06:36,400 No, thanks. 157 00:06:36,400 --> 00:06:37,400 You look coffee-tired. 158 00:06:37,400 --> 00:06:38,400 I am. 159 00:06:38,400 --> 00:06:43,400 We got a notice from the bank today. 160 00:06:43,400 --> 00:06:45,400 The payment's overdue again. 161 00:06:45,400 --> 00:06:47,400 I know, Mae. 162 00:06:47,400 --> 00:06:54,400 On that Geiger counter, you had to buy $160, when I think what I could have done without 163 00:06:54,400 --> 00:06:55,400 your help. 164 00:06:55,400 --> 00:06:56,400 All right, all right. 165 00:06:56,400 --> 00:06:59,400 George, we can get along on your salary. 166 00:06:59,400 --> 00:07:01,400 You don't need a million dollars. 167 00:07:01,400 --> 00:07:06,400 We can get along just fine on what you make at the gas station, if you'd only work instead 168 00:07:06,400 --> 00:07:10,400 of taking three days a week away, traits enough, goodness knows where. 169 00:07:10,400 --> 00:07:13,400 Let's talk about it some other time, huh? 170 00:07:13,400 --> 00:07:15,400 I'm going in and lie down. 171 00:07:15,400 --> 00:07:16,400 You close the bedroom door. 172 00:07:16,400 --> 00:07:19,400 I want the radio on while I do the ironing. 173 00:07:19,400 --> 00:07:30,400 Nine thirty, the two boys, Johnny Murphy and Peter Kahn, were approaching the city dump. 174 00:07:30,400 --> 00:07:32,400 Hey, Peter, wait up. 175 00:07:32,400 --> 00:07:34,400 Come on, we're almost there. 176 00:07:34,400 --> 00:07:36,400 Look, see it? 177 00:07:36,400 --> 00:07:37,400 Huh? 178 00:07:37,400 --> 00:07:40,400 Doesn't look like nothing but a big hole in the ground. 179 00:07:40,400 --> 00:07:43,400 That's where they took all the gravel from. 180 00:07:43,400 --> 00:07:45,400 They're dumping all kinds of stuff in that old pit now. 181 00:07:45,400 --> 00:07:47,400 Hey, who's that? 182 00:07:47,400 --> 00:07:48,400 What? 183 00:07:48,400 --> 00:07:49,400 What about the shop? 184 00:07:49,400 --> 00:07:51,400 Oh, I don't know. 185 00:07:51,400 --> 00:07:53,400 Maybe he's a watchman. 186 00:07:53,400 --> 00:07:54,400 He's crazy. 187 00:07:54,400 --> 00:07:56,400 What does he have a watchman at a dump for? 188 00:07:56,400 --> 00:07:58,400 Who'd steal junk? 189 00:07:58,400 --> 00:08:00,400 Morning, boys. 190 00:08:00,400 --> 00:08:02,400 You can answer him. 191 00:08:02,400 --> 00:08:04,400 Are you the watchman? 192 00:08:04,400 --> 00:08:06,400 That's right. 193 00:08:06,400 --> 00:08:08,400 You boys out exploring? 194 00:08:08,400 --> 00:08:11,400 Well, kind of, if it's all right. 195 00:08:11,400 --> 00:08:15,400 Oh, it's all right, providing you look out for the trucks. 196 00:08:15,400 --> 00:08:17,400 Yes, sir. 197 00:08:17,400 --> 00:08:19,400 We'll be careful. 198 00:08:19,400 --> 00:08:28,400 By ten fifteen, Dr. Hutter and Miss Burton and Miss Webster had made a preliminary search for the missing radium. 199 00:08:28,400 --> 00:08:31,400 It was not in room 222. 200 00:08:31,400 --> 00:08:36,400 A further check revealed that only one patient in the hospital was receiving radium therapy. 201 00:08:36,400 --> 00:08:42,400 According to the day chart, the radium used on the patient the day before had been returned to the safe. 202 00:08:42,400 --> 00:08:48,400 Nevertheless, the patient was examined, and the immediate area surrounding her bed carefully searched. 203 00:08:48,400 --> 00:08:50,400 The radium was not found. 204 00:08:50,400 --> 00:09:00,400 At ten thirty-five, Dr. Hutter and the two nurses reentered room 222. 205 00:09:00,400 --> 00:09:03,400 I don't understand how it could have happened, Doctor. 206 00:09:03,400 --> 00:09:05,400 Could someone have taken it during the night? 207 00:09:05,400 --> 00:09:11,400 No, even if they had a key to fit the padlock, Miss Burton is the only person in the hospital who has the combination to the safe. 208 00:09:11,400 --> 00:09:15,400 You'll have all this responsibility next week, Miss Webster. 209 00:09:15,400 --> 00:09:18,400 Burton, what time did you show the capsules to Miss Webster yesterday? 210 00:09:18,400 --> 00:09:20,400 Just before lunch, Doctor. 211 00:09:20,400 --> 00:09:23,400 Did you count the capsules before returning them to the safe? 212 00:09:23,400 --> 00:09:27,400 Well, they weren't away from this table. I didn't think it was necessary to count them. 213 00:09:27,400 --> 00:09:29,400 Well, we've done all we can. 214 00:09:29,400 --> 00:09:31,400 I'll notify the insurance company. 215 00:09:31,400 --> 00:09:34,400 Let them send a radium hound up from San Francisco. 216 00:09:34,400 --> 00:09:36,400 A radium hound? 217 00:09:36,400 --> 00:09:42,400 Yes, a man who specializes in finding lost radiums by using a scintillator or a guide to a counter. 218 00:09:42,400 --> 00:09:46,400 You go through the hospital carefully and the counter will locate the radium. 219 00:09:46,400 --> 00:09:49,400 Doctor, before you go, may I speak to you alone? 220 00:09:49,400 --> 00:09:50,400 Certainly. 221 00:09:50,400 --> 00:09:53,400 I'll be in the hall, Doctor. 222 00:09:53,400 --> 00:10:05,400 Doctor, you know I've never been one for carrying tales, but I refuse to take the responsibility for losing those capsules. 223 00:10:05,400 --> 00:10:08,400 No one is blaming you, Burton. Accidents happen. 224 00:10:08,400 --> 00:10:10,400 This was no accident. 225 00:10:10,400 --> 00:10:11,400 Go on. 226 00:10:11,400 --> 00:10:16,400 Doctor, I just happen to know that Miss Webster is engaged to a young doctor. 227 00:10:16,400 --> 00:10:19,400 I don't see that that has any bearing on the lost radium. 228 00:10:19,400 --> 00:10:28,400 I'll finish. This doctor is setting up his own office, and I'm sure he'd be mighty grateful for a gift of 200 milligrams of radium. 229 00:10:28,400 --> 00:10:33,400 Burton, you've been around here too long. You've soured. 230 00:10:40,400 --> 00:10:42,400 Doctor, I just remembered something. 231 00:10:42,400 --> 00:10:43,400 Yes, Miss Webster? 232 00:10:43,400 --> 00:10:49,400 All the night, Leonard, Dr. Perry, told me that one of his patients goes away every weekend to hunt uranium. 233 00:10:49,400 --> 00:10:51,400 Would he own a Geiger counter? 234 00:10:51,400 --> 00:10:54,400 He might. Yes, see if you can reach him. 235 00:10:54,400 --> 00:10:55,400 Yes, sir. 236 00:10:55,400 --> 00:10:58,400 We'll take this building apart if we have to. 237 00:10:58,400 --> 00:10:59,400 Oh, Miss Webster? 238 00:10:59,400 --> 00:11:00,400 Yes, sir? 239 00:11:00,400 --> 00:11:03,400 Notify all hospital personnel of the loss immediately. 240 00:11:03,400 --> 00:11:13,400 If someone's picked up those capsules without realizing what they are, they're in trouble. 241 00:11:13,400 --> 00:11:18,400 May Murphy had just tuned in the 11 a.m. news broadcast when the phone rang. 242 00:11:18,400 --> 00:11:25,400 Recognizing the urgency in Miss Webster's voice, she promised to wake her husband immediately. 243 00:11:25,400 --> 00:11:29,400 George? George, you've got to wake up. George. 244 00:11:29,400 --> 00:11:30,400 Hmm? 245 00:11:30,400 --> 00:11:32,400 George, they want you down at the hospital. 246 00:11:32,400 --> 00:11:35,400 What's the matter, Johnny? Something happened to Johnny? 247 00:11:35,400 --> 00:11:39,400 Oh, no, not Johnny. They've lost some radium at Middle Branch Hospital. 248 00:11:39,400 --> 00:11:42,400 The nurse that called thought you might be able to find it. 249 00:11:42,400 --> 00:11:44,400 Hand me the cigarette, will you? 250 00:11:44,400 --> 00:11:46,400 Thank you. 251 00:11:46,400 --> 00:11:48,400 You got any hot coffee out there? 252 00:11:48,400 --> 00:11:51,400 I'll heat it. Here. 253 00:11:51,400 --> 00:11:53,400 Thanks. 254 00:11:55,400 --> 00:11:57,400 Do you think you could find it, George? 255 00:11:57,400 --> 00:12:01,400 I don't know. Maybe, if it's still in the hospital. 256 00:12:01,400 --> 00:12:04,400 What does radium look like? You ever see any of it? 257 00:12:04,400 --> 00:12:07,400 I wouldn't know radium if I tripped over it. 258 00:12:07,400 --> 00:12:18,400 Atomic number 88. Atomic weight, 226.05. 259 00:12:18,400 --> 00:12:23,400 Radium is an intensely radioactive element emitting strong gamma rays. 260 00:12:23,400 --> 00:12:28,400 It is used principally in the treatment of cancer to destroy malignant tissue. 261 00:12:28,400 --> 00:12:33,400 Unfortunately, the gamma rays cannot tell the difference between healthy and unhealthy tissue, 262 00:12:33,400 --> 00:12:37,400 making it extremely dangerous to handle. 263 00:12:37,400 --> 00:12:41,400 Unless caught in time, there is no cure for radium poisoning. 264 00:12:41,400 --> 00:12:43,400 Only a slow, lingering death. 265 00:12:43,400 --> 00:12:46,400 Hey, mister. You know what time it is? 266 00:12:46,400 --> 00:12:51,400 What time? Well, let's see now. It's eleven-thirty. 267 00:12:51,400 --> 00:12:54,400 You see? I told you it wasn't more than that. 268 00:12:54,400 --> 00:12:57,400 You boys are too young to be worrying about time. 269 00:12:57,400 --> 00:12:59,400 He's always worried about something. 270 00:12:59,400 --> 00:13:01,400 I gotta be home for lunch. 271 00:13:01,400 --> 00:13:05,400 Well, did you find anything valuable down in the dump? 272 00:13:05,400 --> 00:13:07,400 No. Nothing there I wanted. 273 00:13:07,400 --> 00:13:09,400 I don't know if what I found is valuable or not. 274 00:13:09,400 --> 00:13:13,400 Well, that's it. Can't judge what it's worth if you don't let me take a look at it. 275 00:13:13,400 --> 00:13:15,400 I've got them in my pocket. 276 00:13:15,400 --> 00:13:16,400 Them? 277 00:13:16,400 --> 00:13:21,400 Yeah. Two little pieces of metal. See? 278 00:13:21,400 --> 00:13:24,400 Oh, yeah. Mighty nice. 279 00:13:24,400 --> 00:13:28,400 Looks like they might have been used for counterweights of some sort. 280 00:13:28,400 --> 00:13:32,400 Excuse me, boys. Gotta tell that fellow where to unload. 281 00:13:32,400 --> 00:13:34,400 We'll see you, mister. 282 00:13:34,400 --> 00:13:38,400 You be careful crossing the street, you boys. Don't want to get hurt. 283 00:13:38,400 --> 00:13:46,400 It was twelve-thirty when George Murphy arrived at the hospital. 284 00:13:46,400 --> 00:13:50,400 He was quickly briefed by Dr. Hutter and the search started. 285 00:13:50,400 --> 00:13:58,400 Slowly, carefully, they walked through the sterile corridors, 286 00:13:58,400 --> 00:14:05,400 listening for any change in the normal count of the Geiger counter. 287 00:14:05,400 --> 00:14:10,400 I understand you do quite a bit of uranium protecting, Mr. Murphy. 288 00:14:10,400 --> 00:14:17,400 Yeah, I guess I do. I usually take off and work at the gas station on Thursdays and come back Sunday. 289 00:14:17,400 --> 00:14:20,400 You ever find any? 290 00:14:20,400 --> 00:14:21,400 Not yet. 291 00:14:21,400 --> 00:14:23,400 I'm still hoping. 292 00:14:23,400 --> 00:14:28,400 Oh, my. You find this radium, I mean. 293 00:14:28,400 --> 00:14:30,400 Is that valuable? 294 00:14:30,400 --> 00:14:32,400 That deadly. 295 00:14:32,400 --> 00:14:37,400 There's always a chance someone has picked it up without realizing what it is. 296 00:14:37,400 --> 00:14:40,400 Something? 297 00:14:40,400 --> 00:14:43,400 The background count was a little high, but it's gone down. 298 00:14:43,400 --> 00:14:46,400 Oh. 299 00:14:46,400 --> 00:14:49,400 Say, just what do those capsules look like, Doctor? 300 00:14:49,400 --> 00:14:58,400 Oh, they're about two inches long, metal, approximately as big around as those thick lead pencils. 301 00:14:58,400 --> 00:15:04,400 Well, doesn't look like it's up here. Come on, I'll buy you a cup of coffee. 302 00:15:04,400 --> 00:15:06,400 Hey, Doctor, wait a minute. 303 00:15:06,400 --> 00:15:09,400 I'm thinking of some response on this thing. 304 00:15:09,400 --> 00:15:11,400 Oh, that's from 222. 305 00:15:11,400 --> 00:15:12,400 What? 306 00:15:12,400 --> 00:15:17,400 We keep our regular supply of radium in 222 just to hit. 307 00:15:17,400 --> 00:15:22,400 Oh. Well, I'm glad to know this thing works. 308 00:15:22,400 --> 00:15:28,400 Sure like to see it act up like that out in the desert. 309 00:15:28,400 --> 00:15:31,400 Time, 1.40. 310 00:15:31,400 --> 00:15:34,400 After having a cup of coffee, the men continued their search. 311 00:15:34,400 --> 00:15:36,400 Drain pipes were examined. 312 00:15:36,400 --> 00:15:40,400 Trash and waste was put into the incinerator. 313 00:15:40,400 --> 00:15:46,400 The incinerator itself and finally the ground surrounding the entire hospital were checked. 314 00:15:46,400 --> 00:15:54,400 At 4.15, as far as they were supposed to determine, they agreed the radium was not in or near the hospital. 315 00:15:54,400 --> 00:15:59,400 Doctor Hunter then contacted the trucking service that removed the non-combustible radium. 316 00:15:59,400 --> 00:16:02,400 That's pretty good. 317 00:16:02,400 --> 00:16:08,400 Previous act, we thought for sure the watchman of the yard would remember where he had unloaded. 318 00:16:08,400 --> 00:16:14,400 Time, 4.59. 319 00:16:14,400 --> 00:16:20,400 There's the watchman's shack. 320 00:16:20,400 --> 00:16:22,400 Doesn't look like anybody's here. 321 00:16:22,400 --> 00:16:24,400 He's probably gone for the day. 322 00:16:24,400 --> 00:16:27,400 Well, anyone want to look around? Might get lucky. 323 00:16:27,400 --> 00:16:35,400 Yep, you bet I. 324 00:16:35,400 --> 00:16:36,400 Funny. 325 00:16:36,400 --> 00:16:37,400 What's that? 326 00:16:37,400 --> 00:16:44,400 Oh, and I'm shaving in the morning. I can usually see myself later in the day at the gas station working, you know what I mean? 327 00:16:44,400 --> 00:16:46,400 Sure, I think so. 328 00:16:46,400 --> 00:16:49,400 I sure did see myself down here looking for a needle in a haystack. 329 00:16:49,400 --> 00:17:18,400 I hate saying this, but I'm beginning to think Burton might be right. 330 00:17:18,400 --> 00:17:19,400 Burton? 331 00:17:19,400 --> 00:17:25,400 She's in this, in charge of 222. She believes the radium was stolen. 332 00:17:25,400 --> 00:17:29,400 Could be. I'd sure give ten bucks to know where it is. 333 00:17:29,400 --> 00:17:32,400 I'd give a lot more just to know those capsules aren't poisoning someone. 334 00:17:32,400 --> 00:17:35,400 Hey, howdy. Help you, fellas? 335 00:17:35,400 --> 00:17:36,400 Oh, are you the watchman? 336 00:17:36,400 --> 00:17:37,400 That's right. 337 00:17:37,400 --> 00:17:39,400 We were looking for you about an hour ago. 338 00:17:39,400 --> 00:17:44,400 I quit at five, went to eat. Oh, I live out here. What do you want to see me about? 339 00:17:44,400 --> 00:17:48,400 Do you remember a consolidated truck here yesterday afternoon? 340 00:17:48,400 --> 00:17:51,400 Yes, I do. I had them dump out in Area 4. 341 00:17:51,400 --> 00:17:52,400 Where's that? 342 00:17:52,400 --> 00:17:55,400 Right where you fellas were standing when I first spotted you. 343 00:17:55,400 --> 00:17:58,400 Oh, well, thanks. 344 00:17:58,400 --> 00:18:03,400 Hey, hey, wait a minute. You still ain't said what you wanted to see me about. 345 00:18:03,400 --> 00:18:05,400 Do you know what radium looks like? 346 00:18:05,400 --> 00:18:07,400 No, can't say I do. 347 00:18:07,400 --> 00:18:13,400 A couple of capsules containing radium were lost from the hospital. We thought they might have been carried out here. 348 00:18:13,400 --> 00:18:16,400 Well, how would I know them if I didn't see them? 349 00:18:16,400 --> 00:18:19,400 About two inches long, little capsules of metal. 350 00:18:19,400 --> 00:18:24,400 Oh, mm-hmm. 351 00:18:24,400 --> 00:18:27,400 Where to now? Would you mind dropping me off at the hospital? 352 00:18:27,400 --> 00:18:33,400 Okay. 353 00:18:33,400 --> 00:18:36,400 Hey, here. Hey, hey, hold on a minute. 354 00:18:36,400 --> 00:18:38,400 Yes? 355 00:18:38,400 --> 00:18:41,400 Two boys down here this morning. Should be something like that. 356 00:18:41,400 --> 00:18:42,400 Two boys? 357 00:18:42,400 --> 00:18:46,400 Yeah, sure. I remember what they found. Looked like little counterweights. 358 00:18:46,400 --> 00:18:48,400 Well, do you know the boys, either one of them? 359 00:18:48,400 --> 00:18:49,400 No, never saw them before in my life. 360 00:18:49,400 --> 00:18:51,400 Did they mention their names? Can you describe them? 361 00:18:51,400 --> 00:18:54,400 No names, but I reckon I could give you an idea of what they looked like. 362 00:18:54,400 --> 00:18:55,400 Get in. 363 00:18:55,400 --> 00:18:56,400 What for? 364 00:18:56,400 --> 00:19:00,400 They're taking you down to the police station. We've got to find those boys fast. 365 00:19:00,400 --> 00:19:18,400 By 7.30, the two radio stations in the city were broadcasting a description of the boys every half hour. 366 00:19:18,400 --> 00:19:23,400 And all points full of them had been relayed to the police substations and all patrol cars. 367 00:19:23,400 --> 00:19:27,400 The morning newspaper was setting up a story on the front page. 368 00:19:27,400 --> 00:19:32,400 There is nothing to do now but wait. 369 00:19:32,400 --> 00:19:33,400 Hey, Mom. 370 00:19:33,400 --> 00:19:34,400 Yes, Johnny? 371 00:19:34,400 --> 00:19:36,400 Take a look at my leg, huh? 372 00:19:36,400 --> 00:19:37,400 Your leg? What's the matter with it? 373 00:19:37,400 --> 00:19:39,400 I don't know. Sort of burns. 374 00:19:39,400 --> 00:19:43,400 You probably skinned it, let's see. 375 00:19:43,400 --> 00:19:46,400 Well, there's nothing there. Just a little red is all. 376 00:19:46,400 --> 00:19:49,400 Feels like it's burned. 377 00:19:49,400 --> 00:19:51,400 There's your father. Now you go get ready for bed. 378 00:19:51,400 --> 00:19:53,400 Okay. 379 00:19:53,400 --> 00:19:54,400 Hi, boy. 380 00:19:54,400 --> 00:19:55,400 Hi, Pa. 381 00:19:55,400 --> 00:19:57,400 George, I kept your dinner warm. It's in the oven. 382 00:19:57,400 --> 00:19:59,400 I didn't get a chance to call you. 383 00:19:59,400 --> 00:20:02,400 I know. I heard all about it on the news. 384 00:20:02,400 --> 00:20:04,400 My poor kid. 385 00:20:04,400 --> 00:20:08,400 Now you sit down. 386 00:20:08,400 --> 00:20:09,400 What'd you fix? 387 00:20:09,400 --> 00:20:14,400 Lamb chop. I heated up some of those frozen biscuits. 388 00:20:14,400 --> 00:20:16,400 Is that boy going to die from the radium? 389 00:20:16,400 --> 00:20:18,400 I don't know. 390 00:20:18,400 --> 00:20:23,400 Dr. Hudders said something about the rays burning deeper and deeper as time went on. 391 00:20:23,400 --> 00:20:26,400 Something to do with the square road and I don't know. 392 00:20:26,400 --> 00:20:28,400 Hand me the butterwhip. 393 00:20:28,400 --> 00:20:31,400 The description they gave on the radio. 394 00:20:31,400 --> 00:20:33,400 That boy must be about Johnny's age. 395 00:20:33,400 --> 00:20:35,400 Yeah. 396 00:20:35,400 --> 00:20:38,400 Johnny, I told you to get ready for bed. 397 00:20:38,400 --> 00:20:41,400 Oh, golly, Mom. I haven't hardly seen Pop in three days. 398 00:20:41,400 --> 00:20:43,400 That's right. 399 00:20:43,400 --> 00:20:45,400 Well, boy, what have you been doing? 400 00:20:45,400 --> 00:20:49,400 Nothing. Just taking it easy. 401 00:20:49,400 --> 00:20:53,400 Taking it easy. You just wait, boy. You just wait a few years. 402 00:20:53,400 --> 00:20:56,400 Can I put your guide, your counter, away for you? 403 00:20:56,400 --> 00:21:00,400 Look, how many times do I have to tell you that it isn't a toy? It costs a lot of money. 404 00:21:00,400 --> 00:21:02,400 That's the truth. 405 00:21:02,400 --> 00:21:04,400 Can I listen to it, Pop, please? 406 00:21:04,400 --> 00:21:07,400 Johnny, leave your father alone. He's dead tired. 407 00:21:07,400 --> 00:21:08,400 Go on. Get ready for bed. 408 00:21:08,400 --> 00:21:09,400 Oh, Mom. 409 00:21:09,400 --> 00:21:10,400 Mind your mother, boy. 410 00:21:10,400 --> 00:21:12,400 Yes, sir. 411 00:21:12,400 --> 00:21:14,400 All right. Come back here. 412 00:21:14,400 --> 00:21:15,400 Yes, sir. 413 00:21:15,400 --> 00:21:16,400 Come here. 414 00:21:16,400 --> 00:21:19,400 Now, wait a minute. 415 00:21:25,400 --> 00:21:27,400 What's wrong with it? 416 00:21:27,400 --> 00:21:30,400 Oh, the switch is stuck. 417 00:21:30,400 --> 00:21:33,400 Okay, now. 418 00:21:33,400 --> 00:21:35,400 What the devil? 419 00:21:35,400 --> 00:21:48,400 What the hell? Wait a minute. 420 00:21:48,400 --> 00:21:49,400 Where did you go today, boy? 421 00:21:49,400 --> 00:21:50,400 Huh? 422 00:21:50,400 --> 00:21:51,400 You went to the city dump, didn't you? 423 00:21:51,400 --> 00:21:53,400 George, no. Pop, what are you looking at? 424 00:21:53,400 --> 00:21:55,400 Answer me, Johnny. You went to the city dump, didn't you? 425 00:21:55,400 --> 00:21:56,400 What? 426 00:21:56,400 --> 00:21:57,400 Give me the radium, son. 427 00:21:57,400 --> 00:21:58,400 I didn't do nothing wrong. 428 00:21:58,400 --> 00:21:59,400 Give me the radium. 429 00:21:59,400 --> 00:22:01,400 I didn't do anything wrong, Johnny. 430 00:22:01,400 --> 00:22:13,400 I was messing with these little fools with the sections. I thought it was these little directions. 431 00:22:13,400 --> 00:22:15,400 The search was over. 432 00:22:15,400 --> 00:22:21,400 Fortunately, because of Johnny's normal activity, the radium capsules had bounced around in his pocket. 433 00:22:21,400 --> 00:22:26,400 The burns covered a wide area, but the rays had not penetrated as deeply as they could have done. 434 00:22:26,400 --> 00:22:30,400 The Murphys were told to consider themselves lucky. 435 00:22:30,400 --> 00:22:36,400 If the boy had carried the capsules another few hours, it would have been impossible to save him. 436 00:22:36,400 --> 00:22:42,400 On being informed of the boy's condition, Ms. Burton, the nurse in charge of room 222, 437 00:22:42,400 --> 00:22:48,400 admitted to throwing the two capsules in with the non-combustible rubbish, hoping a replacement would receive the blame. 438 00:22:48,400 --> 00:23:16,400 She was immediately discharged and barred from any further practice in the nursing profession. 439 00:23:16,400 --> 00:23:23,400 Suspense, in which we brought you tonight's presentation of two platinum capsules. 440 00:23:23,400 --> 00:23:46,400 Be sure to listen next week when we again bring you radio's outstanding theater of thrill, Suspense.