 Welcome to Hollywood Radio Theatre. Motion pictures represent radio adaptations of Hollywood's finest film. Tonight, Barry Sullivan stars in Rope of Sand. Who is your host on Hollywood Radio Theatre? Air Force Sergeant Tom Kozanovsky. For tonight's feature presentation, we've chosen a story of intrigue and romance set in South Africa's Diamond Fields. Rope of Sand. Our star is Barry Sullivan. Act one begins after this important message. There's on kitchen stones, forgetfulness. Mother is eating lunch for the children in a frying pan. The baby runs home crying with a nasty scratch. Mother rushes to the medicine shop to help baby. Then stays to comfort the child. The frying pan uncended, over seats. It turns out white, cherry red. The food inside smokes, then flames. Unless mother smells the smoke of burning food, chances are the house will burn down. Think fire prevention. And now act one of Rope of Sand. Barring Barry Sullivan. Nothing had changed. They were the same sheet-iron warehouses along the docks, the same slow-moving stevedogs waiting on a wall. Same glaring sky, the same suffocating heat. Report of Diamond Start, British South West Africa with its changeless as ugly as the souls of the men who live there. Straighter I could see the low hills behind the town. And along the crest of those hills, the silhouette of the watchtowers where men waited with rifles and machine guns. On the other side of those hills, there would be still other men in armored cars and have-facts. Men in machines that patrol the endless miles of sand dunes which surround like a rope of sand. The richest diamond-bearing area in the world. A great adaption of seam winches went to work bringing the cargo up from below deck. I was standing by the forward hold waiting for my own gear to be hauled up. David! You! David! It was Vogel. Commandant Vogel of the diamond company Special Police. He came up to gank mine with a couple of deputies at his heels. I warned you not to come back to Diamond Start. And yet you don't seem surprised to see me. No, I've been expecting you. I've been waiting. You still have your blue jacket? Was my blood stains on it? No, listen, David. Ah-ah, Commandant. Must have used your temper in his feet. Bad for the heart, you know. Where are you here, David? What do you want? Well, at the moment, just my gear. This is it coming up from the hold. Met with my equipment swung overhead and then suddenly it plummeted toward the deck. Thank you, Mr. David. I'm afraid your gear is completely ruined. A regrettable accident. I'm not so sure it was an accident. That's one of your deputies standing over there by the winches, isn't it? And you think that's the reverse biennial? Possibly he did, Mr. David. Quite possible. Well, go. Uh-uh. Must have used your temper in his feet. Bad for the heart, you know. Well, I came back here telling myself I'd forgotten what this place did to me and all I wanted was my license back. Seeing you again has changed my mind. I'm back for one thing. To get something I've already paid for. And you'll pay again, David. Don't forget my blue jacket. I've still got it. In all I want is an excuse to use it. It wasn't likely to forget Vogel's blue jacket. The jacket with the brass buttons and the yachting club insignia. The ceremonial code Vogel always wore whenever he conducted one of his famous interrogations. Where are the babies? Where are the diamonds? He's a stubborn man, Mr. Martin Gayle. But I have a question. He didn't. Vogel had a disappoint, Mr. Martin Gayle. The elegant Mr. Arthur Martin Gayle, general superintendent for the colonial diamond company, Limited. I wondered just how many minutes it would take Vogel to tell Martin Gayle I was back in diamond stock. And what Martin Gayle's first move would be. And to my first move I checked into the Sandy Hill Hotel and then headed to the bar. It was just one of the customers, Doc Hunter. Another one, Doc? Make it another four, Henry. That'll take care of the next hour. Since when did you start to ration yourself, Doc? Just since you've elevated, Mike. About two years ago. You feel better for it? The only thing that will make me feel better is the day I leave the diamond stock. Why don't you? Oh, I was still the company doctor. And why don't you quit? Why did you come back? Business? I'm making a survey. Oh, scotch and sodas, Doc. Thank you, Henry. My pleasure, Doctor. Survey is there. Yeah. To find which of Vogel's boys drinks the most, owes the most, and hates Vogel the most. So what happened to our friend Thompson? Thompson? Oh, he'll probably be in later. He really shouldn't, Henry. He's drinking far too much. By noon every day. He's already three-part elephant. Yeah, I guess I'd be too if I had Thompson's job. I don't know how anybody can drive one of those half-tracks across the desert for eight hours every night. So, hinted area must be patrolled and the greed must be guarded against that old cost. Maybe. But not by me, Doc. Not my care. What were you saying about this survey of yours? I just finished it. Henry. Yes, sir? One scotch in water. I'll be waiting for it at the table right over there. Make it two scotches, Henry. Mr. Davis has just invited me to a drink. It was totally. Nobody in Dynastops could remember what I drove, mainly. It was just totally. Always around, always available for a price. He called up me to my table and let me pay for his drinks. Excellent. For such a long time. Yes. A very long time. I heard a curious story the other day, Mr. Davis. It is about a young man, a hunter, who used to make his living around here as a guide until he got into trouble. What kind of trouble? Oh, it seems he took an impetuous gentleman on a lion hunt. At first, there was no success. And then, one day, they sighted their life. They trailed him for three days. And each day, they came nearer and nearer and nearer to the prohibited diamond area. Do you find this interesting, Mr. Davis? I find it interesting. Then, one night, the hunting party came very close to the prohibited area. And to amuse the gentleman, the hunter told some of the tales of the diamonds which could be found only a few inches below the sand. Diamonds which could be scooped up by the pound by the pusher. Mr. Davis, you are sure I'm not boring you? I'll let you know. Well, it seems that the following morning when the guide woke up, his gentleman was gone. And footprints led into the prohibited area. When the hunter finally found the gentleman, he was delirious and wallowing, actually wallowing in the bed of diamonds. According to the story? According to the story. The rest of it is rather tragic. The young hunter carried the delirious gentleman out of the prohibited area, only to be arrested by the diamond police. They were taken to come undone focal and while he was crushing them, the delirious gentleman died. Died appalling about the whole gun full of diamonds. Oh, he was badly beaten by the police, but he never told them where the diamonds could be found. He simply disappeared from Diamondstadt. It is rumored he might have been imprisoned, but the serious part of the story is that this young man, this guide, is supposed to be back here right now. The reason for his return is obvious, of course. Of course. Mr. Davis, if you should ever meet this young man, this guide, you might deliver a message for me. Saying what? Saying that I am here, a fountain of extraordinary knowledge, splendidly corrupt, and eager to be a profitable servant. I don't think he'll aid you. One never knows. Excuse me, Mr. Davis. Agent Davis called me away. The agent Davis was the appearance of a couple of special police in the doorway. I ordered another scotch and waited for the arrival of the man who drank too much, and who hated Vogueau just enough. Six o'clock, seven, then eight, but no company. He said he was Vogueau himself, with Martin Gale and a girl. She was tall and blond, and wore a dress far better suited to the Rue de la Paise than a smoky bar room in Diamondstadt. Martin Gale brought her over to my table. Mr. Rayneau, may I present Mr. Michael Davis? Michael, Mr. Zaneu Rayneau. Mr. Davis? Mr. Rayneau is beneath one of our largest police on this afternoon. Why? Why, Mr. Davis? Nobody comes to Diamondstadt unless he or she has to. I happen to enjoy big game hunting, Mr. Davis. I was told the lions are very good to the Norfolk. Would you care to show them to our Michael? After all, you were our best hunter. Guy, Dan, you know, as well as I do, I can't even guide Mr. Reynolds across the street without my license. Then I'll see that you get it back. As soon as you tell us where the diamonds are. Happy to have met you, Mr. Reynolds. Michael, the only diamonds I know anything about are Ace, King, Queen and Jack. I'll see you sometime, Martin Gale. I would have been talking. Doc Hunter had signal to me from the bar. I wandered up along Strider in order to have a drink. Doc whispered that the man I wanted to see, Thompson, drank poker with the mother outside on the hotel of the latter. Ten minutes later, I was finally seated across the table from him, but Thompson owed me five pounds. I'll have to give him an arrow of yours, Davis. I'll go back to the next time. I can't. I gotta go on patrol, if that's the emergency. Maybe tomorrow night, huh? Yeah, I'll be here. Mr. Davis? Excuse me, gentlemen. You can have a cigarette. I'm afraid I'll eat mine inside. Do you really want one or is this just an excuse? It wasn't very original of me, was it? Thank you, Mr. Davis, goal is me to spend the night listening to Mr. Martin Gale and Mr. Martin. Maybe they think that's the way to make an impression on the niece of the biggest French stockholder. I wish you could forget about that. Why? Because I'd like for us to be friends. Why? Because I think you are a friend. I hate to repeat myself, Mr. No, but again, why? I was going to say because I see that you are lonely and intense and unhappy, but now I think a man as suspicious as he is. Thank you. Don't make each other, don't you? Martin Gale and Logan? Yeah, literally. Martin Gale is on the board of directors of the Diamond Company, belongs to the best clubs in Cape Town and is a gentleman most of the time. Paul Vogel is the son of an illiterate German farmer who wants to be on the board of directors of the Diamond Company, wants to belong to the best clubs in Cape Town and wants to be a gentleman part of the time. Gale is climbed just about as high up the ladder as he will ever get. Thank you, Mr. Davies. What about you? I'm lonely and intense and unhappy and suspicious. Remember? My apologies, Mr. Davies. By the wish of welcome Mr. Davies. Thank you. I'll be in the bar, Mr. Davies. I hear you've been playing cards with one of my men. You know I'd heard that you even policed your own police. It's not to happen again, Davies. Is that clear? Vogel, I need money, lots of it. I'll play poker with anyone who's got cash to lose. I'd even play with you. For a moveable team shielding steak, I suppose. It wouldn't be worth my while. A gentleman to meet me. Mr. Davies, I shall be happy to back you. What stakes do you suggest? Make it five hundred pounds. Only five hundred? Shall we say one thousand? How about it, Vogel? All right. We'll come back into the bar and Martin Gale calls for a packet of cards. The news got around fast. On the second floor, everybody in the bar was crowded around our table, including Mr. Nolm. Fifty. All right. You win. Your information, Vogel, I have a ten high. And Vogel had an eight. Good luck, Michael. Mind the deck. I call that. Vogel raked in the pile of chips and collected Martin Gale's money. Then he got up, offered a dime to Mr. Nolm. She nodded and smiled, and they left the room together. You seem puzzled, Michael. Perhaps Mr. Reynolds? Yeah, I thought she came in with you. She did, but unfortunately women, especially beautiful women, have no allegiance to losers. Besides, I'm sure Paul Vogel will be your most gallant host. He's taking her there, isn't he? That's right. A pity you've never seen it. The furnishings and art works are an excellent taste. There's one bar he has in particular. A magnificent set of reports with a sign 1782, I believe. It's worthy of any sort. I happen to mind at least shuffle the playing cards as Vogel and I have used. Suddenly I notice something hard about the cards. I shove the packet in my pocket. Money girl, is your car outside? Yes, it is. May I borrow it for a few minutes? Of course, Michael. It was about ten minutes drive out of town. I didn't bother to ring the bell and since the front door was unlocked, I simply walked in. The autographed music came from some room at the end of the long hall. As you can see, it's signed right here. Claver, 1782. Really? The most perfect bar that I've ever seen. All my life... I've been back for two minutes. I waited until Vogel set the bars down on the side table, then I slipped up behind him and grabbed the bars. That'd be one man. The perfect woman. Forgive me, Vogel, for interrupting such a tender scene. Say right where you are, Vogel, or I might drop this exquisite bar to the others. Mademoiselle Reno, would you mind waiting in the other room? I'd rather stay. Maybe she'd be interested in knowing how you want to poke it tonight. If you're suggesting... I'm not even suggesting I'm saying that you mark those aces with your fingernails. So if you please, Vogel, 2,000 pounds. 2,000? Yeah, modern girls 1,000 for me for not dropping these bars. Well, I... I don't have the money on me. That's too bad. When did you say this bar was made? Do you remember, Miss Reno? I think 1782. Oh, must be kind of valuable. Yes, very valuable. You know, my hands are getting very slippery. The heat, you know. 2,000. Yes, yes, yes. You take it from her, Miss Reno. All right. Well, I think you'd better let me drive you back to town. Come on. Oh, yeah, I forgot. Here, catch. The way you will use yourself in Paris. But in Paris, you've got stop and go signals in the street corners and traffic cops to see that everybody follows the rules. But this is not Paris. And Vogel's no traffic cop, and there are no stop and go signals here. Because they haven't even put in the roads yet. That's what I'm finding out. So thank you for the rescue. I hope I'll be able to do the same for you. That makes you think I'll need rescuing just because I smashed Vogel's precious lives? No. Just because you've come back to Diamond's house. Just because you know about that girly sit with diamonds somewhere inside the private area. So you've heard about it too. Everybody has Mr. Davies. And everybody is waiting for you to do the foolish thing. The thing you must not do. Yeah, that's how God's coming from the nature of the largest French stockholder. If I show the company where the diamonds are, that means bigger and better dividend for Uncle. Is there any reason? Because I like you. I like you very much. That's flattering. But not exactly a reason. I think it is. I like you too much to want to see your dad. One more rope of sin to make speech a presentation on Hollywood Radio Theater. Act two begins in just one moment. A captain assigned a news station with his troops had a deep conversation. While you're overseas, man, be encouraged, and we'll continue with your education. What have you done about your education? Act two of a rope of sin starring Barry Sullivan as Mike. Send Martin Gale a thousand pounds to a matter of gratitude, I suppose. He invited me to a party that night at his house. A party in honor of his land alone. I told Martin Gale I'd be there if I finished my other business on time. You promised to meet me that evening in a bar over at Stanley Hill Hotel. Another one, Mr. Davis? I haven't finished this one yet. I shall be happy to read you of that char, Mr. Davis. Go away, Charlie. But to where, Mr. Davis? Outside the heat of the night oppresses me. There is a wind which blows and seals like the very sign of health's furnace. And it only increases my thirst. How do we hear, Mr. Davis? Why must we be so infatuated with this woman? What woman? This criticism. This enchantress. This desert. We pluck at her skirts and we hope for some small glittering favor. This wasteland where the gems lie just a few inches below the surface. Free. Free for the taking. If it were not for certain unfortunate restrictions, you diamond friends to Henry give this guy a drink. Let's rock someone else. The diamond friends. Chemically speaking, a bit of carbon. A collection of soup. Yet, the hardest of all matters. So hard, in fact, that whatever touches my stomach, glass, steel, the human soul. And yet, we will do anything for this bitter, sweet world, Mr. Davis. For example, if you were to ask I'm not asking. Let us assume for the sake of argument. Mr. Davis. Mr. Davis, please. I got away from Tony Jepsen, came into the bar. I motioned him to follow me out into the hallway. All right, so what are we going to do? That's another time. How would you like to have enough money to pay off all your gambling debts in your bar, Bill, and still have enough left over for a big time in Cape Town? I don't know what to do for always. You let me knock you out? Is that all? Well, not quite. You take your headtrack out on patrol at midnight. At 12.5, get that side town. I hold you up, knock you out, and take your headtrack. Yeah. Which just happens to have enough gasoline to take you out of the prohibitive area and on through the Portuguese territory. That's the idea. A one-way trip to Angola. Well, how about it? You're not from now on ever believe all those stories about you. I guess you really do know what those times are. I asked how about it. Let's see your money. I've doubled the two hundred and fifty pounds. Meanwhile, at Mollingale's house, the party's a mystery now over in full swing. May I get you some more champagne, Mr. Alonso? Thank you, Dr. Hunter. My pleasure. Yes, Commando? I must see Alonso. That's one. Well, I'm sorry, but, Mr. Hunter, if you will step out into the room. It is most important. And now, Commando? I must explain to you about last night about that card game with Dave. I'm sure it's none of my things. But I want you to respect, Susan. Why do you think I showed you my house last night? Why do you think I asked you to come out here right now? Come on, y'all. From the moment Martin Dave's thirsty produced us, I've known that you were the one woman I wanted for my wife. The one woman in the world of my home. Commando, the answer is no. No? I'm sorry. Okay. But this is ridiculous. Please don't listen to me. No, let me go. I've got to handle something. All right, Mademoiselle. I think it has someone else. Yes. Nice baby. Then how sad for you, Mademoiselle. Calm it down. Calm it down, Boca. Yes, who is it? Over here. Excuse me, Mademoiselle. Gladly. Well, well, well. Gladly gets the honor all alone. Not warming with suitors. Just as old girls. How do you mean? Just as old girls do. Oh, oh, how wonderful. And you rejected him? Of course. That's even better. Oh, dear, coming down to Boca, the great gentleman, the discerning art connoisseur, proposes to a cheap dance hall girl and is rejected by her. Mr. Martin Dave. Oh, is all that so soon forgotten, my dear? Only three days ago, a panelist danced in Cape Town and now a great lady with fine clothes. Sure. Well, my dear, forget what you wish, but not the bargain we make, you and I. No. I'm not going ahead with you. Too much. I think my David is already in love with you. That was to be step number one, remember? Step number two, you will whisper one question into his ear. Darling, where are the diamonds? Have you got a few? Then I can only conclude that you yourself have fallen in love. In which case I shall be obliged to let Boca have his way with Michael. He intends to anyway. I think something is going on right now. Right now? Look out there on the veranda. Do you see that man talking with Vogel? Yes, I see. And Henry the bartender at the hotel, one of Vogel's paid informant. Must be very important. In that case, perhaps I should... Mr. Inno. Mr. Inno. Well, well, at least she could have done me the good if she could have excused herself if one can't expect manners of a downfall girl. Michael, you mustn't do it. Don't try this. What are you talking about? Stop pretending, Mike. Don't you suppose I see your bathroom parked at this door on your bed? It's tonight, isn't it? Yeah, I'm leaving right now. No, Vogel knows he did everything for you. Oh, did he tell you? Of course not. But the most thing to see Vogel at the party is when Vogel talks about you as if you were already dead. You're being hysterical. You have to believe me. I haven't seen him in about tonight, apparently. I'm sorry, Suzanne. Don't go feminine on me. I haven't got time for hunches. I've got a time table to keep. No, Mike, no. No long. Wish me luck. Too much to take you to a road out of town. At five minutes past midnight, he would reach a certain spot in Waltham Canyon. I'd be waiting for him. A few minutes in which to think about Suzanne's warning. Then I throw the headlights over the headtrack boring through the night. I'd like to link through time. That too is according to plan. Getting OK? Yeah, sure it is. Get it? Not tonight. We're trying another time. No, it's got to be tonight. I don't dare rescue it again. Why, you dirty lad? I didn't want to tell him. They'll look on up somehow. He'll hold me in. His men beat me until I couldn't take it anymore. I just couldn't take it anymore. I'm busy, I'm afraid. That's enough of a whip. This is police hitcourses, a mapping game. I keep the orders here. And this is Diamond Stard, my dear Paul. I give the orders for this entire district. But for how much longer, if I tell the directors... No, you won't. Now take off that blue jacket. I prefer you dressed for more informal occasions. At once, Paul. Anything else? Yes. Tell the old doctor to carry Michael over to his hotel and then to send Dr. Hunter out to him. I did some more, but if they did, I didn't hear it because I was unconscious. Well, I came to, I was back in my hotel room and Dr. Hunter was putting compresses on my back. And I fell asleep. And I woke up sort of cruel. And I fell asleep. And I fell asleep. And I fell asleep. And I fell asleep. And I fell asleep. I woke up sort of cruel hands with caressing my face. Oh, Mike. Oh, my God, have they done to you? So then, so then, why have they let me go? Don't try to say that, I've been too serious. But I've got to know why. Oh, Mike, I love you. Martin Gale made Vogel stop, but he must have had a reason. Darling, it was me. You? I went to Martin D. I told him, he didn't stop Vogel, I'd go to Cape Town and tell them what's going on here about the horrible brutality. If Cape Town would increase, I'd go to Paris and tell my uncle. But for once, I don't mind you being a niece of the largest French doctor. Oh, Mike, I mean, if he wasn't able to save you again, you've got to forget about those diamonds. Never. Darling. No, no, don't you see, Suzanne, the first time Vogel beat me, it was for doing absolutely nothing. I was simply a hunter and a guy that followed his employer into the prohibited area to bring him out. He was delirious with heat and thirst, and I was trying to save him. I didn't pick up a single diamond. I didn't even want them then. Vogel beat me just the same and the government took away my license. Now, I'm going to get what I've already paid for. I'd call out of the grave to get what I came after. I'd call right, but this isn't the time for this. Oh, don't be a fool. There is a court you like. Can I just lose? You just leave me my life stuffed anyway. Well, Mike, let me get the diamonds for you. No, you can't. I'd never let you through the barrier. I'll get a special pass. I'm not going to. Someone bring me a system. Oh, no, you're a woman. You couldn't last out on that desert. You wouldn't know where to start looking. You wouldn't... Give me a map. And perhaps, sooner or later, I don't know. I'll have to think about it. There is no other way, Mike. Rugerin has his men watching you every minute doing it tonight. Now, let me think about it. We'll talk about it again tonight. Like any part of the idea. On the other hand, there wasn't much choice. After Suzanne left, I phoned out of the barn and had them tell Cody to come up to my room. I am delighted to see her again, Mr. Davies. And I hope you're an unpleasant experience when it keeps you a bit too long. It shouldn't. Rugerin left me already this time. The beginning of wisdom. Perhaps and at last decided you are a man immune to violence but receptive to the more gentle approach. It at least provides happy memories, eh? What are you talking about? Rugerin. The lady known here in Daimonstadt has met more than several men. No men, none of them. And, known in Cape Town under various other names and various waterfront cafes and therefore, you're lying. Mr. Davies, I assume that you knew that you were simply enjoying some flat flirtation with this person but without any reason. You're filthy-minded scum. Martin Gale gave a party in honor of Miss Renault just last night. She's the niece of one of his largest friends she stockholders. Ah, yes, of course. Mr. Martin Gale has dressed her and coached her very well for the part. But tell me, Mr. Davies, has she not once asked you about the diamond? Where they are to be found? Perhaps even in that? Get out of here. But she just invited me up here. Get out! Very well. Yes, you wish, Mr. Davies. Yes, you wish. Word of anybody like Tote, but just to play safe, I drew a map of where the diamonds were to be found. A false map. And when Suzanne came to see me again that evening, I gave it to her. I said I was making arrangements for somebody to go with her into the prohibited area. I'd let her know in the morning. And then Dr. Hunter came in to change my bandages and Suzanne left. I asked Dr. to stand at the window and watch the streets below. It's just what am I supposed to be looking for. Anything you see of interest? Well, the streets almost deserted. And you see the entrance to Vogel's police quarters? Sure. It's just across the street. Hey, there's somebody going inside right now. Anybody I know? I think so. Mr. Moselle Reynolds. Two of Ruppel's sand, our third and final act, begins after this brief message. A friend of mine had a bit of some stereo system. He had two of the two intruders that treated and woofers that worked. And day by day he added one more gadget to deepen the base or heighten the highs until one day he achieved the ultimate in a home stereo system. Perfect fidelity. Don't overdo it. At least not from one electric lamp. And now let's return for the final act of tonight's Hollywood radio theater featuring Ruppel of Sand with our star, Barry Sullivan. That Suzanne hurt almost as much as the bite of Ruppel's whip across my back. But this time I wasn't going to stay in bed in most of my wounds. As soon as dark color changed my bandage as I got up and dressed. You know, Mike, as your doctor, I don't recommend this. Just tell Bear Delf there, my doctor. In case anyone asks me. In case Vogel or Martin get accused. So very bad, Mike. Concussion of the brain won't be up out of your bed for three days, at least. That's well. Then maybe you better not wait for them to tell Vogel right now. Consider him told. And, Mike, good luck. I knew that the minute Suzanne gave the map wheels would begin to turn. Vogel wouldn't wait until morning to start out to the valley of diamonds. Already he must be loading a half track with gas and provisions. Stein Canyon at almost the same spot where I met Thompson the night before. The wind was blowing even harder this time. The dust and sand cut visibility to not more than 10 yards. That's the way I wanted it. First down of the half track I threw myself down on the ground directly in the path that the machine had to take. Stop! Put the wheels away. That's it. Only two men in the half track. There was even a man coming towards me. I waited until he got right up to me and sent over. If I died between the great iron threads and the machine passed harmlessly over my body. But what it did to the other man wasn't pretty. Vogel leaped out and ran back to check up. I stayed flat in the dirt and slipped the pit to out of my pocket. Stop your gun Vogel or the next time I want to fall for the same trick twice. Come on, help me get your driver into the half track. What for? He stayed, didn't he? Yes, you scum. You killed one of your old men just to get me. Come on, pick him up. No. I ain't nothing to kill. I said, pick him up. I got the body into the rear of the half track and I covered it over the top of them. And I shoved my pistol into Vogel's ribs and told him to drive us to the gate through the barrier. Thank you. He's already modified all of the patrols. Thank you. You may raise the gate. Yes, sir. But when do you return? No. Raise the gate. Yes, sir. And it's time nobody can get in my way or bring me back. Now, pick up that radio telephone and call your headquarters. You have thought of everything, haven't you? Everything. Now, quick. Think of a little speech that'll keep the boys back home fat, dumb and happy for the rest of the night. And remember, if you make one little mistake... I understand all that. Okay. Now, switch the switch. This is Vogel speaking. This is Vogel. I'm on an important reconnaissance. Clear all patrols from the northwest area. Do not try to contact me again. I will be operating on the radio, Stalin. Over and out. Okay. Now, get out. No. No! It's more than you deserve, Vogel. You kill one of your own men and you kill me if you could. All you're getting is a long walk home. Sir, it's here. In the middle of the desert, I don't know which way I... Isn't that just too bad? Now, out. Out. I lay up the door and I sighted the black hills that were my marker. In another hour, I reached the valley and the gully is damp. I think the top gravel exactly as I remembered. I filled my hat with them. In a few more hours, I'd be in Portuguese territory safe from a rich man. And in a few more hours, where would come a damn Vogel be? You ordered all patrols out of the area. I don't care what I ordered. After that length of time, you should have investigated. We did, sir. That's how the patrol found you. Stop arguing. Bring Dr. Hunter and the girl in here. Yes, sir. You stand guard outside. Yes, sir. Be pleased with yourself, doctor. And you, too, Mr. Reno. But if either of you have any hope of joining Mr. Davis in Angola to share his wealth, I must disappoint you. It is enough for me to know that Mike is safe in Angola. Dr. Hunter, I charge you with criminally underestimating your patient's powers of recuperation to mislead me and allow Davis to escape. As for you, Mr. Reno, you will be charged with giving aid to a criminal. You sent me to a trap with a counterfeit map. Counterfeit? Oh, come now. There's no need to pretend surprise. When you brought me that map, you set your tips so in order to save Mr. Davis from his own folly. You pretended to bargain with me for his life, and all the time you were lying, a cheap, lying girl of the dance hall. Stop, stop. Yes. Martin Gale finally told me what you were. Something from the doctor. Well, I suggest that you apologize. I will not. You have insulted this girl. You have insulted everyone. Stop! Stop! Dr. Hunter! Dr. Hunter! Come on! Come on! Get him on his feet! I can't. He's his head against the desk. He's dead. Ah. And you killed him? No. Yes. But these people wait for him right there. Thompson! Thompson! Yes, comrade. Mr. Reno is under arrest for the murder of Dr. Hunter. Take her away. No, no. This is Angola. It is not 2.40 in the morning. I want a drink. Sir, Portuguese law says this hour we must be close. No more to drink. Give me a drink. Yeah, a drink! Please, no, please. It is very fortunate, Mr. Davies, that you cannot smash a diamond that easily. Oh, wait for it. Ah, how quickly our little triumph's tarnished. How quickly conquest turns heavy and unlovely in our arms. Don't you remember, Mr. Davies, my little story about the Hunter and the guys? Well, there is another chapter to it now. Go away. It seems he made it. Yes, into the prohibited area and out again the glorious dash. And now he has the diamond. Of course, there is still a problem. Somewhere he must find an unscrupulous person to polish the diamonds and then to dispose of them. In such a matter, I have had very great experience. I think I have said it before. There is nothing but suffering from contact with his hardest of all matters. Glass, steel, the human soul, all must suffer. Dr. Hunter, for instance, he's dead, of course, now, but... Huh? The cover? Oh, yes, so very dead. I feel really sorry for Mademoiselle right now. I cannot believe that she killed him. And yet there is no one to prove differently. You know what you're talking about. You're drunk. I am Mr. Davis. No. I have even a newspaper clipping. Yeah, perhaps it is in my pocket. Oh, yeah, here it is. If you care to read it... No, I don't have to. I know what it says. It says that the French tramp tried to cross up Mike Davis and got herself crossed and... I want a drink. I want a drink! I want a drink! Oh, very well, Mr. Davis. So long as you are determined to sacrifice this great fortune and to go back to Diamondstout to help the girl, I think I know a man who can arrange for us to make this trip quietly. Of course, I will need some money. All right, Slater, Tothi and I split back into Diamondstout. I headed straight for Martingale's house. From the driveway, I could see lights in the library and the silhouette of Martingale working at his desk. Behind the desk was the screen door, on line. I thought I heard footsteps outside. Michael, I have extraordinary ears, you know. I hope you've also got extraordinary eyes. That can tell you this gun is loaded. Michael, I must tell you immediately that I can never accept your proposition. You haven't heard it yet. First, I want you to phone Vogel, get him over here. It happens that he's on his way here now to discuss some business. Perfect. Now, about my proposition... I know. You have your diamonds, now you want your girl. It's even better than that. And even trade. I give you the diamonds for the girl. You're serious? Completely. I never know what to think anymore. I'm being constantly disillusioned. Has money completely lost its power? Is everyone motivated now by love? Inspector, the point is that it do. It appeals to me. It would make a hero of me in the eyes of the company and it would distress Vogel. But no. Is that your front door? Yes, it's Vogel. All right, here. This is a note. I want you to copy onto your typewriter. May I read it, sir? Sure. I'll be standing behind the door when Vogel walks in. Stop tapping. Quite an amusing document. What is it? I'll read it to you, Vogel. David. All right. No gun coming in. I tell you, she's gotten since I left town. Martin Gale, what kind of a trick is this? None of my doing, I assure you. Ah. You're a document, Michael. Thanks. And here's what it says, Vogel. To whom it may concern, Madam Iselle Suzanne Renault, known by whatever egg it is, et cetera, et cetera, is innocent of the murder of Dr. Francis Kittridge Hunter. She will be released immediately. And there's a place for you to sign it for Martin Gale to witness. David, I'm getting very sick of your bluffs. Come on, sign it. Martin Gale, don't appeal to me, Paul. I have an enormous antipathy to dying. Very well. Your claim. You'll witness his signature, Martin Gale. Of course. This is a completely impigestra, David. I'll have you on there rest before you and your girl can get out of town. We do. Now, baby, it just sign says Suzanne Renault did not kill Dr. Hunter. But then who did, Vogel? Who else but you was in that room when he was killed. Comrade, you've just done a confession of murder. No. I can prove before any court that I signed it with a gun at my back. No, that's quite possible, Paul. By the way, won't you have a cigar? Well, gentlemen, that's over tonight. I'll send you the diamonds, Martin Gale. As soon as I'm sure Suzanne is all right. That's there enough. Goodbye, Michael. Sure. Paul, do cry one of the cigars in this box. Oh. Of course. Michael! You gave him that gun, didn't you, Martin Gale? It was in that box of cigars. Yes, Michael, but I was rather confident that his first shot would go wild. As for you, it was self-defense, of course. Yeah, but suppose he'd kill me. Well, I took that gamble. Oh. You know, in his way, Paul was quite a remarkable fellow. Nasty, but remarkable. We're together. I bet you've never once said the words to a thing that I've been waiting to hear. I don't like speeches. Oh, but, Mike... Mr. Davies! Mr. Davies! Oh, go away, Silly. Oh, come, Michael. Can't hold friends with you or bon voyage. Besides, I've got a going-away present for you. Here. How beautiful. These were two of the diamonds that you returned to me. Thanks, Martin, Joe. Toby? Yes, Mr. Davies? A diamond for you. Ah, yes, so large. So exquisite. And the other? For you, Mr. Davies. You're engaging me. Mike, but... Don't you do love me? Do you ever try to get away from me? I'd follow you until I rule the earth smooth. Is that what you wanted to hear? Oh, yes, darling. That's what I wanted to hear. Well, well. Time to go ashore, shall we? Come along. Yes. Goodbye, Mr. Davies. That was a pleasure. A pleasant voyage. Thanks, it will be. Oh, wow. An amazing thing, Mr. Martin, Gayle, diamond, carbon, a bit of soot, chemically speaking. And yet, the hardest of all matters. So hard that whatever is touched must suffer. Now... We've just heard the final act of tonight's Hollywood Radio presentation, Rope of Sand, starring Barry Sullivan. In a moment, news of next week's program. But first, this important message. An easily young airman named Dan, who was stationed somewhere in Japan, said, though here overseas, I can learn what I see. So I take all the courses I can. What have you done about your education? Next Sunday evening, Hollywood Radio Theater will bring you sangria. Our stars will be Arlene Dahl and Cicero Romero. Until next Sunday then, this is your host, Air Force Sergeant Tom Kozunowski, wishing you a very pleasant good evening.