 proudly we howl another proudly we hail one of radio's outstanding dramatic half-hours starring Lee Tracy and presented transcribed by your army and your Air Force from Radio City New York here is your star and host on proudly we hail the distinguished Broadway stage screen and radio star Lee Tracy thank you Kenneth Bang heart and hello everyone welcome again to proudly we hail a story of men and ships a Lee right Ken of men their ships and a treacherous business we'll be ready for the first act in just a moment after your brief but very important message can you hold on a man's job if the answer is yes there's a man's job for you and our fast-growing United States Army visit your nearest United States Army and United States Air Force recruiting station for full details and now with your star Lee Tracy in the role of Matt your army and your Air Force present the proudly we hail production of the records during the middle of the last century along lonely bits of jagged coastline a practice that had been known since ancient times was still carried on for lack of a better name we'll call it wrecking wrecking was the organized art of luring a ship off its course and letting it crash on the rocks it was a vicious combination of piracy and highway robbery for records and one hard and fast law dead men tell no tales this was a dangerous and evil game played by men who placed great value and what they could get off a stricken ship before she broke up but no value on human life it was such a band that held sway in the Florida Keys back in the days of the clippers up more ahoy cut more ahoy copy of change course that's right Mr. Adams don't want to put her on the lock up my win hasn't veered that much we hold this pack we'll pile up on shark reef Mr. Adams you need rest look there just after the port beam watching you see the light on the point the weather shark reef see it there aye sir but it's not right I can't disagree with my eyes nor can you captain I know these waters that's right where were you all night out with some friends now mind your own business man you think I'm dumb just because I'm your sister don't you know you're just nosy bossy too you think ever since mom and dad died that you've got to take care of me like I was some kid it's none of your business what I do now it's just that I don't want to see you get into trouble I wish you weren't so friendly with Flynn and what's the matter with him he's been mighty good to me gave me a job doing what what do you care as long as the money's good I know what I hear and I know what other people say if any of the money you bring me isn't honest money I don't want any of it well what do you hear people don't say much they're afraid to they're afraid of Finn I wish we'd stayed in homestead and hadn't come down here I don't know what it is but there's something wrong going on and that man Finn is behind it stop imagining things I'm tired I'm going back to the house and get some sleep Tom won't tell me hey look down there looks like like a man you you'd better wait here he may be dead well he can't hurt me if he is come on he may be alive too no we let go of my wrist what's the matter with you I was just thinking maybe we'd better go back to town and get help help for what let's see if he needs help first he looks like he was washed up on the shore well I'm sure it didn't just grow there you'd better let me go first is he is he dead I can't tell I think so have to roll him over he must be a sailor cold as a mackerel see if I can find any papers are you sure that he's a wallet slightly watered you're spread the papers on the sand this looks like a good one I would say Matthew Matthew Adams there is made of papers I wonder how the poor man ever came to be here we'll never know perhaps he fell overboard or something like that come on we've got to try and save him get a fire built well don't just stand there like you've seen a ghost the man's alive come out of it yet no he's hardly budged all day I got some soup into him I hope he doesn't get attached to my bed I don't know why you have to be such a good Samaritan anyway what did you want to do leaving there on the shore sometimes you make me sick we could have taken him into town and go go fishing will you Tom as soon as he's on his feet you'll have to get out we don't have room here for our hardest star break that's all he said and and something about rocks well what's the matter nothing I'm I'm going into town and tell your friend Finn all about it I I may do just that all right Mr Adams we found you on the shore and brought you here I don't understand what what happened can't you recall cap more said and then her rocks what places this this is Boca Chica shark reef that's right it's off the headland there's a light there yes yes it's a very bad place who tends for the life man named Finn runs things here he'd have to tell you why what's your name girl Nancy McRae I owe you my life Nancy McRae I'm in your debt huh how did you know my name we found your papers who we my brother Tom and I we were out walking I see where is he now he went into town he'll be back later I suppose he'll talk about this about you're finding me alive knowing Tom I wouldn't doubt it especially the Finn who is this Finn I don't know who he is I know I don't like him he's a great big man and people are afraid of him what's he do for a living he seems to run things you know if your brother talks about me my life will be in great danger danger but why because I remember how I got here horrible to believe more than one ship has disappeared without trace in this area why it's a way of getting rich if you don't care how many people you kill doing it I knew there was something but I Mr. Adams is feeling better so I see how do you do how do you do I thank your sister I'll thank you no need Tom did you tell Finn about Mr. Adams I I didn't go into town I walked I'll take it as a kindness if you didn't tell anyone about this why my ship was lured on the shark reef last night by wreckers all hands but me were lost those who didn't go down with it when she broke up were shot when they tried to get to shore and I saw what was happening I took my chances in the sea I had luck whatever it is there must be those hereabouts who had a hand in it you can see how much my life would be worth if any of them came to know there was a survivor what what do you plan to do your sister tells me there's a packet that stops here next week I'll lie low until she does and I'll be off for the mainland and the authority but how can you prove all this I'll prove it if I have to take this island apart and I'll find the guilty parties too I'll see them hanging from a yard arm before this is done what do you want you best keep your voice down tom Mcgray but think that that you my own brother there's no good denying it you're a murderer the worst kind of murderer thank god I have more mercy on you than you had on those poor men I I couldn't help it man I didn't know it was that Finn told me they were gonna have a bit of sport I never realized man you've got to believe me when finally I knew what they'd planned I was too frightened to do anything I knew they'd kill me if I try to get away now to stay there and see the whole dirty thing was horrible horrible didn't didn't have a hand in it oh not the killing I swear it then made me help carry some of her cargo off before she went down what am I going to do man I'm the one who always has to pull you out of your scrapes I told you he was an evil man when we came here but you you'd have none of it I could mind my own business and I should say it serves you right oh Tom when are you gonna start being a man well how did I know that was his way of getting rich all right I'll tell you what you're going to do and you're gonna do it right now you are going to tell Mr. Adams and hope he doesn't strangle you with his bare hands and then if you can you're gonna help him catch the others even if you go to jail for it how many in the gang about 20 could you give me their name some not all there was someone I'd never seen before this Finn he's the leader he runs everything around here he'd kill me if he knew I told you this blame yourself for that there's no ships in here until the packet comes anything go out before that not unless Finn knows about it suppose I was your cousin could I come here without anyone knowing not likely why because I want to meet this Finn I don't want him suspicioning where I came from he suspicions all strangers it doesn't like them here if they're smart they don't stay around if I laid low and when the packet arrived say I'd come off that well what he knows who comes on and off the packet he's got things well organized oh not much gets by him he's got a man named slick who goes about with him he's a great ugly devil mean as a snake I've seen Finn sick him on a man as though he was a dog if you showed your face in town like his nut you'd not last long no law and order here Finn's the law and as time the law was changed well you can't be the whole gang you'd be a fool to try never mind who's the fool just remember you've never seen me before and perhaps I'll try and forget what I know about you a man named Finn put some out of your death I said where do I find a man named Finn no need to shout at Johnny there matey what business you got with mr. Finn certainly none of yours if you're looking mr. Finn it is your fin mr. Finn I don't believe in formality then I may have to change your beliefs for long who are you how did you get here and what do you want name is Matt none of your business how I got here and what I want will have to be said in private stranger I don't like the cut of your jib and I don't like your manners I think you need to be taught that this is a peaceable and respectable place and we don't like bully boys tumbling off the quarter deck and flapping the canvas of four all hands mr. slick would you attend to the lesson with pleasure mr. Finn I've been feeling in the need of exercise you got any moral lessons you want to teach Finn maybe I'll give you one for good magic slack off matey any man that can keel whole flick is a man I'll drink with Johnny let's have a talk all around what's on your mind I'm looking for a job I don't have any love for ships with a man that sail on him I ain't at all particular about the work as long as the pay is good why come to me a man named Marquisa and Key West he thought it might be a good idea you don't say what do you know of Marquisa Marquisa is a trader he trades all sorts of things that come to him is not particular where they come from how'd you get here schooner on her way to rock harbor dropped me off last night you know in my business I could always use a man like you I'll sign you on Matt but in the meantime I'll do a little check now if you're square you've got a good birth here if you're not if you're a snooper I promise you'll be shocked later for the week out now drink up man and we'll have another for luck Lee Tracy starring in the role of Matt Adams in the proudly we hail production of the Wreckers will return in just a moment for the second act you young men who graduated from high school in the class of 51 listen to this there's real opportunity for you and our growing United States Army and you can continue your education too you see the army gives its soldiers the finest technical training in the world today's soldiers go to excellent schools where they learn to do their jobs right what's more you can even get a college degree through you saffi the United States Armed Forces Institute and because our army is expanding so rapidly promotions come fast for there's lots of room at the top you'll lead an interesting healthy life too and work side by side with other intelligent young Americans remember an army uniform today is the mark of a man if you think you can fill a man's shoes go to your nearest United States Army and United States Air Force Recruiting Station and find out what the army has to offer you enlist today you are listening to proudly we hail now with your star Lee Tracy in the role of Matt Adams we present the second act of the Wreckers it's that season luck for me what do you mean I met Finn and slick I used a name you gave me it worked until he checks he can't put out the key west in this I had him just tumbling evening ma'am I'm just telling your brother come with me quickly easy does it now Tom coming just a second mr. Finn even lad where's that pretty sister of yours she'll be right back back what's she doing out on a night like this I mean she's out in the back oh what's the matter slick uh look I might change tell the lad how you got your face dove in slick I'll settle that lover's hash of or I'm through slick was always one to bear a grudge lad I I've been worried about you haven't seen you in town you've been sick well I haven't been feeling so well well now that's too bad what you need is some good searing your lungs and a job to do isn't that so slick I no better time than tonight but but what glad I I'd rather not he's rather not slick what do you think of that I could change his mind oh I don't think that'll be necessary be at the coven an hour Tom lad it's a good night for work and give my respects to your charming sister sometimes I have a feeling she doesn't take to me but I'm a patient man in an hour Tom if this is a kind of luck you usually have we'll all starve no fear of that it's getting light and we'd better put out the fire lad you begin to worry me I have the feeling that your heart isn't in the work I'd hate to lose you young welts are no good at man's work come take a couple of the other boys and put out the fire Tom did you hear me yes well then get at it if you take a word from a man who knows I've been watching that jellyfish I'd not trust him no and what would you do about it accidents can happen I have a mind you're right would you like to tend to it what do I do or whatever I do I get paid for you're a hard man maybe suppose you suppose you to walk out there and help them with putting out the fire and the lad slipped and fell into the sea now I have no witnesses to my work I'll follow him when we're done here good enough see that you don't botch it I never botch anything Finn I'll be on my way pleasant dream good night Matt slick follow him and don't let him out of your sight I'll have him one night between his belly there you keep your knife where it belongs unless I tell you otherwise just follow him understand god there were no ships aim into that the wind is shifted by noon Finn will be able to send his flute to Key West we don't have much time what can we do the first thing I'm gonna do is kill you huh not really come on come on keep walking do you know a place on this island where you could hide put caves where are they those clips there are honeycombs with them all right I'll tell your sister and keep you supplied with food now you're not to move until I come for you what are you gonna do I'm gonna try and save both our lives but I don't know how much luck I'm gonna have let's have a look at this one here got a narrow opening but it seems to widen out there's a light coming from a hole up there somewhere do you know what this is it's Finn's storehouse it's where he hides what he steals that chest there and those bags that came off my ship how is it you didn't know about this they told me to go home before they took what they'd gotten off the ship away look at it all I suppose he takes a bit of it at a time to Key West I think we better find you another cave up higher where you can watch this place come along there's plenty roomy time you shouldn't be too uncomfortable and you can watch down there without being seen up here you better go back and tell them I'll do that and later I'll bring you some food and a book or two I just want to say that that slick look out he's got a knife I figured you for a dirty spy now I'll settle that score keep away Tom how is this not good enough look out Matt he's trying to force you over the air calm yourself ma'am I don't keep watch on the lad how could I know where he is he went out last night and I know he went to see you here at his midday and there's no sign of him yet what have you done with him I like your spirit last you do me ill to think that I'd harm your brother Tom's a good lad and I like him if he doesn't show up by nightfall I'll have some of the boys have a look for him now I've got business in town Mr. Slick will be looking for me and good day to you last no need to fear he's in a safe place I don't have much time now don't make a light it's better just like this I want you to do something for me the packet is due to arrive tomorrow when she comes you go aboard her and find the captain give him this letter you know the cliffs just around the point yes you'll want you to show him how to find them what are you planning to do well this is the way it stands where you've been taking care of your business it's good somebody is what do you mean you underestimated that lad no wonder he acted so gutless I followed him when he left he didn't go home he led me to some cliff what but how the devil did go on there were a lot of caves in the cliffs he entered one and he thought it better not to follow after a while he came out lugging a chest a rock broke loose where I was standing he spotted me I went for him but he dropped the chest ran back in the cave I started to follow when he shot it he had a gun and he'd shoot me I saw no reason to doubt his words so I just piled up some big boulders in front of the entrance so he couldn't get out then who should show up but slick he'd seen the whole thing what's the matter Finn don't you trust me get on with the story well it's about all there is slick and I spent the day trying to get him out and slick suggested I come get you he said you'd probably like to settle with McRae yourself I slick was right I'll tear his throat out with my bare hands I don't understand slick not being here slick probably around somewhere no matter the entrance is still blocked now hold the torch and I'll clear it you try to come in here I'll kill you I mean it he didn't have a gun when he went in and I know there aren't any in there nice place for a storehouse Finn put in your hat there now shall I go in first or will you follow me I'm coming to get you Tom say your prayers yes curvy little bills wrap got that gun Finn make one move and I'll blow a hole in your back get the torch Tom quick right the gun Finn pick it up all right I just stand aside and keep the torch burning what's got India maybe maybe you better now get up I can't kill you the authorities will take care of that but I'm going to beat you within an inch of your life I was first mate on the wanderer Finn she was a ship you sank last week with all hands all hands except me you've reached the end of your dirty rope and before they hang you with it come and get it Finn that's good Tom go right man yeah fine you sure did a job on him they'll carry him out of there now why don't you let me stay here all night you get some rest I wouldn't leave here for anything when the captain from the packet gets here I want to hand over Finn and all the evidence in there with him but what'll happen then I mean don't worry Tom if I have anything to say about it you won't go to jail you can bet I'll have plenty to say I hope you'll learn your lesson you and your sister will be smart to get back to the mainland then I could keep an eye on you especially your sister I wonder if she'd think it presumptuous of me if I if I called her Nancy why don't you try and find out well I think you'll well tomorrow after we've said goodbye to Finn and his friends hey from the looks of the sky up there and the feel of the wind I'd say it was going to be a nice day tomorrow yeah mighty night Harley Tracy will return in a moment with a word about next week's show I have a message of interest to all young men who graduated from high school this year listen to this the United States army needs intelligent young men to handle the thousands of important jobs now opening up in our growing army if you can qualify for one of the army's many technical training schools and come within this quota you'll study such interesting subjects as radio radar meteorology mechanics or electronics and then you'll have the know how it takes to get ahead faster what's more when you're in the united states army you'll wear with pride the uniform that's the mark of a man so don't worry about what you're going to do now that you finish school you'll find the answer to that all important question at your nearest united states army and united states air force recruiting station volunteer in the united states army now this has been another program on proudly we hail presented in cooperation with this station by the united states army and the united states air force recruiting service proudly we hail stars we trace the records was written by duit cop the music was composed and conducted by john guagnar this program was produced under the supervision of charles and roger's production and directed by charles wilms this is kenneth banghardt speaking and here again as your host and star the tracing we causally invite you to join us next week over the same station for proudly we hail our story is entitled port of call jacarta and it's a tale of mystery and violence and the fabulous east indies until then goodbye