 AutoLite and its 98,000 dealers bring you Mr. Charles Lawton in tonight's presentation of suspense. Tonight, AutoLite presents the dramatization of an amazing document in which an unbelievable voyage is chronicled, beginning with that moment when Fletcher Christian led the men on HMS Bounty to Mutiny, the revenge of Captain Dly, our star Mr. Charles Lawton. I'll have you doing a little reading. Looks like a good book. Well, it's not, Harlow. Sure can't tell a book by the cover. Well, it's the same with spark plugs, Hap. You may not always see it, but there's a big difference. What's the difference, Harlow? Well, in AutoLite spark plugs, the difference is ignition engineering. That means that AutoLite spark plugs are designed by ignition experts, the same AutoLite engineers who build complete ignition systems for many of our leading makes of cars, trucks and tractors. Spark plugs are the heart of the ignition system, and AutoLite specialists know just how to design and build spark plugs for the finest all-round performance money can buy. And ignition engineering makes the difference with me, Harlow. Well, it should with every driver who is interested in long, smooth and efficient performance. That's why millions of wise motorists specify and insist on world-famous ignition engineered AutoLite spark plugs, either standard or resistor type. Remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with AutoLite. And now AutoLite presents transcribed Mr. Charles Lawton in The Revenge of Captain Bly, hoping once again to keep you in suspense. This story is true. It is gathered from the court records and the diary of a naval officer who performed the incredible feat of sailing an open boat some 3,600 miles from the friendly islands to Timor, carrying himself and 17 others to safety. It is the story of a man's tenacious hold to life and a principle which he held even more dear. A ruthless disciplinarian, a great man of the sea, a man with one goal, to see justice done. This, then, is the chronicle of Captain William Bly in command of his majesty ship, Bounty. I'll do you all justice before I'm done for I know who's in the hold. You and the whole besotted lot of you. You hang. I'll see you hanged and your names will be cursed through every ship in his majesty's navy. Remember what I say, Mr. Christian. I'll come back. When 19 in number, the size of the launch was 23 feet from stem to stern and rode six oars. Four cutlasses were our armament and no other arms of any kind. We were cast to drift with 28 gallons of water, 150 pounds of bread, 30 pounds of salt pork, six quarts of rum and six bottles of wine. We were so deep and lumbered that there were seven and a half inches of wood amid ships between us and the sea. And that's the way it was when we dropped a stern of his majesty's ship, Bounty. A ship in full mutiny, commanded no longer by your obedient servant, Lieutenant William Bly. Having little or no wind, we rode pretty fast toward the island of Tafau, which bore northeast about ten leagues, assistant. The spirits of the men were low and I had to do my best to cheer them. For myself, I was resolute. I was going to live to see a trial and vindication of my command. I'd feel a sight better, Captain, if we had an arm full of muskets. So would we all, Mr. Hayward. So would we all, but we haven't. And must make the best out of what those scurvy knaves have given. Here, for the well, lads. Captain Bly won't let you down. You'd all live to swill ale and pinch a bit of strawberry jam again. Mark my words. Let's go, lads. If Bounty's home was told down, Captain. Aye, they're bound for Otohiti. They flatter themselves with the hope of a happier life on that island than they can enjoy in England. I heard some of the men talking about the women there a few days ago, sir. But I never believed that it would lead to mutiny. This! Well, it has, has it not, Mr. Helds. And like true British sailors, we must take the good with the bad. And the right, lads. Aye! Our task is to forget the past until an opportunity presents itself to remember. Then we'll have justice. Meanwhile, we'll put in a tefor and take stock of our positions. Give us a song, lads. An easterly breeze sprang up which enabled us to make sail and we reached tefor in the evening. Though not before dark. There being no anchorage and the shore so steep that we could not land, we were obliged to keep the boat under the lee of the island with two oars. Thus we spent our first night adrift. Captain Blazer, wake up. Not asleep, Mr. Hayward. What is it? April Seaman Hall, sir. He's been at the water car. So you say? Aye, sir. April Seaman Hall! Aye! You were drinking of the boat's water supply. I was thirsty. We got the island line over there. Come morning, we'll have all the water we want. You're familiar with the island of Tefor Hall? You know we'll find water? You know the natives are friendly? They'll allow us to come ashore? You know nothing! Now I speak to every last soul in this boat. Our situation is dangerous but not hopeless. If! If we maintain discipline. This we shall do. April Seaman Hall, no water for 24 hours. That ain't fair. 36 hours, April Seaman Hall. And you will address me as befits both your station and mine. Captain! Captain Blazer. Do you have anything else to speak of? April Seaman Hall? No, sir. Captain. Very good. Quarter Master! Aye, sir. You will be in charge of the water casks. We shall determine the rationing after we have explored the island in the morning. That is all. As I saw it, it had to be that way. These few men loyal to me are going to live. I would see to it. To live meant measures which in their very harshness could mean the salvation of us all. Little did we realize then that our lot on that first day was a veritable paradise compared to the hell that was to follow. Daybreak, a very nasty squall arose and we were in imminent danger between wind and wave of swamping. A great surf was running into the island. It was not until later in the morning that we were able to affect a landing. This we did in a cove with a stony beach where I dropped the gracknell about 20 yards from the shore which shelled very gently. The gracknell's holding, sir. Very good. Mr. Howard? Aye, sir. You will take four men, Lincletta, Norton, Smith and Samuel. Aye, sir. There is a possibility of finding breadfruit coconuts, but most important, water. However, I don't wish you to venture into the interior more than a quarter of a mile. Take two of the cutlasses. If you see any sign of natives, you ought to return immediately. Very well, sir. It didn't go for over an hour, Captain. I am well aware of the time of the day, Mr. Hayward. Well, sir, I was wondering, perhaps they've run afoul of the natives. In which case, if we followed, we could do no better than run afoul ourselves. No, Mr. Hayward, without musket and pistol, we dare not take the risk. Aye, sir. These islanders, all of them, Mr. Hayward. Cheshires. You must remember that. If anything were to happen to me, you would be next in command. I give you warning now, for I've sailed these parts. You must behave with the utmost circumspection. Undertake no landing unless you take reasonable precautions, such as we do here. Lying at anchor from the shore. Better wet feet than cut throat. Aye, I'll remember, sir. Captain. Captain Marschium, sir. Upon the broth there. They're running. There they are. It's natives. Natives after them. Thank you, sir. Oh, look. They're even great bloody stones. Come on! Come on! Hurry! Hurry! Oh, sir. There's over 100 of them. Two. Our lads will never get down in time, sir. We'll give them every chance, still, Mr. Hayward, until it is no longer safe to remain. Goal! One of our lads is down! No! He got back by one of them bloody stones! Come on! Come on! I can see Mr. Hallett, sir. I can recognize him, and, uh, Smith, Samuel, and Linkletter. It's not a new hit up there. Oh, you look like a do-do-do-do, sir! An optional quartermaster will stand by with a... One had his hand on the grapnel line. The grapnel still fouled wouldn't give it. If I had not had a knife in my pocket, with which I cut the rope, we would have all perished on that spot. As it was their attack with the heavy stones, which the natives threw with great accuracy and skill, disabled a number of us, including Mr. Midshipman Hayward. The unfortunate Jonathan Norton, who had been felled on the bluff, was a lost, I felt most guilty. Thus, we escaped the onslaught of the Tufoan natives, and setting sail steered for the open sea. It was at this point that I decided to tell the men what was in my mind. The provisions are accounted for, sir. We lost three bottles of wine, one of rum, five pounds of pork in the attack. Credit is in good condition. Thank you, Mr. Hallis. All right, lads. Here is the plan I have considered. I put it to you as the most reasonable for our well-being. Who was your captain? All right. We set a course for Timor, where there is a Dutch settlement. Timor, that's a full 1200 leagues, captain. Not in an open boat. In an open boat, Abel Seaman Hall. 3,600 miles. The closest point of safety, unless you prefer the sanctuary, of another Tufoan. Captain, I beg your pardon, sir, but we have no maps. I see a few instruments. I am aware of that fact, Mr. Hallis. I say no. Without provisions and overloaded as we are. I am not asking permission, lads. I am saying thus and thus. I give you the privilege as sailors of His Majesty's navy of knowing the captain's decisions. A rare privilege indeed. From this moment, the rations will be as follows. One ounce of bread and one quarter of a pint of water a day. The pork will be equally shared in one ounce portions every two days. I shall now demand your promise that you respect my order. For in so doing, I promise you that you shall see England again. You have mine, sir. I'll mine. I'll give mine gladly, Captain. So be it. Break out the rum, quartermaster, a taut for every man. We'll drink to Timoth. And we bore away across a sea where the navigation is but little known. In a boat 23 feet long from stand to stern deeply laden with 18 men. I was happy to observe that at that moment almost everyone seemed better satisfied with his situation than myself. A condition which unfortunately was not long to exist. Mr. Charles Lawton in The Revenge of Captain Bly, tonight's presentation in radio's outstanding theatre of thrills suspense. They have, have you had your car checked for spring? Well, no, I haven't, Harold. Well, now's the time and while you're at it, make sure you get those important spark plugs checked too. They're the heart of your car's ignition system and unless they're right, the chances are you won't get the smooth and efficient performance you should have. Right, Harlow. I'll see my auto light spark plug dealer tomorrow. Sure, he's an expert on spark plug cleaning and adjustment. And if replacements are needed, he'll recommend ignition engineered auto light spark plugs like the famous auto light resistor spark plug, which gives smooth performance for twice as long as ordinary spark plugs. And the resistor spark plug is only one of a complete line of ignition engineered auto light spark plugs. Yes, sir. So friends, see your auto light spark plug dealer before hitting the road for spring and summer driving. If replacements are needed, have him install a new set of those world famous ignition engineered auto light spark plugs, either standard or resistor type. Remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with auto light. And now auto light brings back to our Hollywood soundstage Mr. Charles Lawton in Elliott Lewis's production of The Revenge of Captain Bly, a true report well calculated to keep you in suspense. The remainder of that day and the following until noon we made with sail 94 miles. We passed a number of islands but did not venture to land and so the hours passed into days. We loved our passage, five, six hundred miles, always closer to England. Justice. The supply of food meager as it was was contentedly received by the crew but we suffered great thirst. It was this thirst which nearly brought upon us a second disaster. The wet weather came upon us. First it was a miracle from the heavens a replenishment of our water supply. As the seas rolled up and began to break over us it became an agony of torment. We were never dry, not for an instant. Then one morning after a severe blow in which we'd constantly bailed through the night the rain stopped, the sun appeared, cold and wintery. Water and bread rations. It's a misery, sir, all those islands lying so close that we can't put in for provisions. I know, Mr. Hayward, I may tell you I thought of it after the temptation is great but we must go on. It's an odd thing, sir. A few days ago I didn't mind. I don't think the men did either. Scanty bread rations. But since that rain I feel as though there were a hot poker in my stomach, sir. For long our lives with such as we have, Mr. Hayward is preferable. This is our duty. It's salt, the water's salt. Here, here, here, what's this? Water's turned salt in the cask, sir. That's another drop, Lance. Don't spoil the drop. Let me see. Foul, soil overboard. Must have ebbed last night, sir. Those wives breaking over us. Try the next cask. They can't all have spoiled. An ocean of salt about us and in the boat. In the precious water casks, not a jill fit to drink. An ocean of salt. Now the sky was cloudless. We endured this state for two days. On the third, Abel Seaman Hall approached me in the stern. I was readily apprised of what was to come by observing the furtive expressions on the faces of half a dozen or so of the men near him. Captain. What is it, Hall? Your station is forward. Beg permission to speak to the captain, sir. Permission granted. Me and some of the men, sir. We've been talking. Them islands we passed a day ago and more on the Lee Horizon. We respectfully request you to put in for water before we all perish from thirst. No. Sir. My answer, Abel Seaman Hall, is no. All of you. Do I have to remind you again of the foyer of Jonathan Norton? There are clouds building up to the north, perhaps in a few hours. We shall have rain. And if we don't, Captain? Then we'll wait. The rains will come again. In the meantime, we will wait. Wine, then, Captain. We've still got the wine. Give us a sip of that. Mr. Hallert. Aye, sir. Fetch me those wine bottles. Aye, sir. The wine will remain by my side. Whosoever desires to partake of it about my express orders will do so at his own peril. Do I make myself clear? Abel Seaman Hall, the interview is over. You may return to your station. Captain, you... Aye, aye. It was apprehensive to say the least. One calamity we had endured aboard the bounty. And here, I could see dark stirrings again. It was Hall who was the ringleader. And it was he that I should have to watch most closely. Beside the boat watch, I set another in the stern between midshipman's Hallert Hayward, Mr. Samuel The Clerk, and myself. A watch to prevent mutiny. Providence smiled upon us the next day and the rain fell in torrents. We replenished our supply, but equally were nearly swamped by the deluge. In the afternoon, we saw many birds about us, boobies and noddies, but none alighted to nourish us by their presence. In that great expanse of sea distance was measured by sameness. It might have been a thousand miles we had sailed or ten thousand, by my reckoning we were now approaching the coast of New Holland. Our appearance was shocking, and several of my people were half dead. I resolved, therefore, to risk all and make a landing on one of the New Holland Group, if such it was. This, a day and a half later, we did, without incident. Very small island, sir. Not much here, I'm afraid. Did you see a sign of natives? No, sir. Then we are at least fortunate in that. The men found some oysters, sir. They're bringing them in now. That's about all. A few berries. Very good, Mr. Hayward. Now listen to me. You, Mr. Hayward and you, Hayward, we can't remain here. If once the men accustomed themselves to this place we shall have great difficulty in making them return to the boat. I know, sir, but don't you think a few days... I do not. A few days and we shall have lost the will to continue on. There is a goal to be reached. Ten o'clock, the settlement where the processes of law may be affected, I purposely chose this island in the hope that it was not inhabited. But over there, from there may come the danger. Who may be uninhabited? And if it is not, these natives are a seafaring people who have not perhaps seen their canoes, Mr. Hallett. Take my word, we are even now more than likely observed. No, we must get underway before sunset. What is it called, Master? Where are the rest of the men? They say they aren't coming, sir. They'll take their chances here rather than the boat again. They say that? Yes, sir. Take me to the Mr. Hallett, Mr. Hayward. The cutleresses of you, please. Follow me. I have ordered you into the boat. I repeat that order. Captain, we can't. We're off, then, sir. They will say, man Hall, step forward. Hallett, I am determined to preserve my command or die. Mr. Hallett, give this man a cutleress. By the heen or any other man will cheat me of the justice which I will have. I have lived this long with that purpose. Hall, one of the otherers will have his way. You'll kill me. That is exactly what I intend to do. I will oblige, Mr. Hallett. Now, Hall, defend yourself. It ain't fair. I asked you. Is it fair? No, it is not fair. Stop! Pick up your cutleress, man. Have mercy. Mercy, Captain. You nasty little beast will get into the boat before I cut your ears off. I had maintained discipline, but at what risk I did not know. The men had laughed at Hall's discomforture, but I knew that unless our lot was soon bettered, their laughter might soon turn to growling. For the next few days, however, I must admit that I was pleased with their renewed confidence, all except for Abel Seaman Hall, who upon occasion cast glances which were laden with the villainy. His last attempt to defeat my purpose occurred in the early grey morning, 39 days since the mutiny on the bounty. I awoke from restless sleep to discover Hall who had the watch tearing at a booby bird which she had a moment ago captured. I heard all that was now. You foul excuse, my humanity. We are to sell out and sell out! I will not stand for any more. You think that I do not suffer as you, all of you? I thirst and hunger. I brought you more than 3,000 miles in this twig. We're alive. In two days, maybe, we should reach Timor. I have lived to see justice done. It will be done. I have lived because it is my duty to bring you men who have been loyal to me. To safely. This too will be done, do you hear me? Mr. Hayward. You will divide the bird amongst the men, equal shares, the bugle be given to the weakest, Ledward, LeBogan Nelson, the dollop of rum to the rest. I remember that last day, the day that we sighted the island of Timor. I did not know where the Dutch settlement was situated, but had a faint idea that it was the south-west part of the island. I decided to make for that point. If it's inland or even slightly hidden from view, Captain, we may pass the settlement, never know. Sure. The winds and currents are unfavorable. We may be blown further out to sea. I beg of you, let us put in now, regain our strength before we go on to the settlement. Break out the oars, we shall keep her on course, with the oars. The oars! Hold your tongue, Mr. Hayward. I've already given the order. We land at the settlement and at no other place. It was a daybreak of the next day that we came to a grapple of a small fort in town which I later learned was Koopang, that settlement of Timor. Among the things which the Bosnian thrown into the boat before leaving the bounty was a bundle of signal flags and the Union Jack. These I now had hoisted in the main shrouds as a signal of distress for I did not think it proper to land without leave. So ended our voyage. Captain Bly returned to England and saw that his justice was done. Some few of the bounty mutineers were captured, more of them were hanged, two convicted, then later pardoned and four others acquitted of the charges against them. Concerning the remainder, led by Fletcher Christian, they were never apprehended. However, their descendants may be found in person, living a now peaceful life on Pitcairn Island, deep in the wide latitudes of the Pacific Ocean. Suspense. Presented by AutoLite, tonight's star, Mr. Charles Lutton. This is Harlow Wilcox for AutoLite, the world's largest independent manufacturer of automotive electrical equipment. In 28 plants from coast to coast, the men and women of AutoLite build over 400 fine products for cars, trucks, tractors, planes, boats and industry. AutoLite contributes its manufacturing experience and skills to the fields of transportation, electronics, agriculture, die casting and plastics. The AutoLite name is famous all over the world for products of unsurpassed quality and performance. In service, too, AutoLite facilities are worldwide. Wherever you travel, you'll find trained experts prepared to serve your technical needs. So for superior products, always look for the name AutoLite, because from bumper to tail light, you're always right with AutoLite. Next week, the terrifying story of a double murder and the woman who became involved in this criminal activity. It's called Weekend Special Death. Our star, the First Lady of Suspense, Miss Agnes Moorhead. That's next week on Suspense. The Revenge of Captain Bly was written for suspense by Anthony Ellis. Suspense is transcribed and directed by Elliot Lewis, with music composed by Lucian Morrowick and conducted by Lut Bluskin. These are tonight's cast were Ben Wright, William John Stone, Charles Davis, Joseph Kearns, Anthony Ellis, and Larry Thor. And remember, next week, Miss Agnes Moorhead in Weekend Special Death. You can buy AutoLite standard or resistor type spark plugs. AutoLite stay full batteries or AutoLite original service parts at your neighborhood AutoLite dealer. Switch to AutoLite. Good night. Many people in Europe and Asia are still suffering from lack of food. $10 will send 21 pounds of nourishment to a starving family. Mail your contribution to Care, New York. This is the CBS Radio Network.