 Adventures by Morse. Carton E. Morse presents, You'll Be Dead in a Week, featuring Captain Friday. If you like high adventure, come with me. If you like the stealth of intrigue, come with me. If you like blood and thunder, come with me. Nine o'clock in the evening, somewhere out on the Strip to the west of Hollywood. In case you don't know, the Strip is a portion of Sunset Boulevard, which runs through and adjacent to some of the more exclusive residential districts between Hollywood and the Pacific Ocean. In the Strip are some of the more expensive shops, salons, and eating and drinking places. The Strip is not a portion of Los Angeles, Captain Friday, and his operative skip Turner would be apt to patronize. Certainly not the flossy drinking establishments with soft lights, boudoir furnishings, and intimate music. And yet, here they are, Captain Friday and Skip Turner, uncomfortably seated on two small chairs before a two small table in a half-lighted corner of Maggie's intimate drinking salon. Hey, Captain. You've shown up trying to bore me to death. You weren't any more bored than I am. Well, then what are we sticking here for? All this plush and soft lights and elegance. Business. We're going to do business in Maggie's intimate drinking salon? Not saloon. S-A-L-O-N? Salon. Well, pardon me while I arch my pinky. I asked you a question, Captain. Did you? Yeah. What kind of business we got here in Maggie's place? By the way, where is Maggie? I don't know. Well, it says Maggie's saloon. Salon. Yeah. All the folks I've seen is a half-checked girl right down to the one waiter and a bartender in the next room. And you know, that ain't very many people. Not a very large establishment. Yeah. Seat about 20 or 30 at the most. That's what it means by Maggie's intimate drinking salon. Small, quiet, and exclusive. Very exclusive, if you ask me. We're all the guests I got. Isn't there anyone in the other room? No. I can see in there. Nobody but the bartender and the piano player. That makes four of them and only two of us. Piano player, bartender, waiter, and hat-check girl. Now look at Cap about his hat-check girl. Skip, right at the moment we're not interested in hat-check girls. Who ain't interested in the hat-check girl? Oh, you mean the business we got here? Right. OK, Spill it. Just a minute. Waiter's coming over. Why? We don't want no more of this stuff. Order anyway. Yeah, will there be something, girl, gentlemen? I guess so. Same as before. And you, sir? Yeah, bring me a glass of milk. Milk? That's what I said, milk. I beg your pardon? Go on, get me a glass of milk and quit looking like you never heard of the stuff. I will see what can be done. Hey, and wait a minute. Yes. Why ain't that piano player in there playing? It is a little early in the evening yet. Well, it ain't early if he's got paying customers, is it? I will have to pick that up with him. You do that, will you? Tell him to rip off the last roundup of the Darktown Stratus ball, something like that. I will mention your suggestions to him. Darktown Stratus ball. I don't think he cares for me. Can you blame him? When did you take up milk as a beverage? Oh, I'm just ordering milk now on account of it makes our waiters a darn mad. He takes it as a personal insult. Hey, what's that? Letter. Well, yeah, I can see it's a letter. Hey, does it explain the reason for I being here? Yeah. Want to hear it? Why, sure. Kind of fancy paper, ain't it? He'd had a girl's handwriting? Yes, it's fancy paper and it's a girl's handwriting. Anything else you want to know? Yeah, what's it say? If you keep still long enough, I'll rate it. Okay, sure. Letter signed Eve Carson, girl who wired us in San Francisco. This is what she says. It will be very much to your advantage to meet me in Maggie's intimate drinking salon on the strip sometime between 8 and 9 this evening. I will come directly to your table and join you as though I were an old friend. Please treat me as such. What I have to say to you will take only a few moments but will mean a great deal to me as well as to you and your friend, Eve Carson. Is that all? That's all. And that's why we're here. Meet Eve Carson and treat her like an old friend. That's right. Yeah, let me have a look at that letter. Go ahead. Very much to your advantage to meet me. Hmm. Does she mean by that that she's young and good looking, you suppose? Yeah, give me that letter. Well, I always did say it was to her fellow's advantage to meet a young, good-looking girl. But lucky cap, she said between 8 and 9 and it's 10 minutes after 9 right now. Yeah, I know. You mean she ain't coming? You know as much as I do. But if she's not coming... Hold it. Waiter's coming back. Well, hi, Sport. See you found some milk. Quite. Sure, I knew you'd find some if you try. However, I am to inform you this is positively the last milk I can serve. This is all, huh? Positively. Don't know any accommodating cows personally, I don't suppose. If you please. Okay, let it go. Hey, did you talk to the piano player? I did. Well, why ain't he playing? He has not so disposed. He's what? He has not so disposed. Now what kind of talk's that? Did you tell him I asked for him to play? I did. What'd he say? I'd rather not say. Oh, he did, did it. He was done. He's already hired. Hey, Skip, sit down. But, son... Sit down. Hey, our waiter, keep the change. Thank you. Okay, beat it. With the greatest pleasure. Captain Friday, we're being insulted by the whole outfit. You started it. Me? You've been writing the waiter ever since we came in. Yeah, but I ain't done nothing to the piano player. I mean, not yet, I ain't. And you're not going to do anything to him, either. Just rough him up a little, maybe? No. He a friend of yours? No. Well, then, what hurt? We aren't starting anything in this place until we know why we're here. Don't look to me like we're ever gonna know. Well, girlfriend Eve Carson said between eight and nine and at nine and fifteen right now. Wait a minute. Somebody's coming in. Well, sure enough, more customers. No women, though. You can see out in the hallway? Yeah, three men. Given up to coach to the head check girl. Funny place for three men to come without women. Well, after all, we came without women. For a reason. Besides, we expected to meet a woman here. And here they come. Yeah. Sitting down across the room from us. Queer looking set up. Skip. Yeah? Do you have to stare at them? Huh? Was I? Yeah. Now relax. Hey, do you see what I see? What do you see? Well, two of our three customers are gorillas. They're totem pistols and they don't seem to care who knows it. Well, on the flea bit side, don't seem to have much in common with a third member of the party. Yeah, he's kind of nice looking fella, ain't he? Now, what just suppose he's doing associating with them kind of monkeys? Skip, stop looking in that direction. Yeah, why? I know we're talking about them. They don't like it. So, they don't like it? Now look, Skip. We came here for a special purpose. We don't care why a good looking, well dressed, obviously cultured young man's associating with a couple of thugs. It's none of our business. Okay, fella. Hey, waiter. Now, what do you want? Hey, waiter. You spoke to me? Hashtag. Get me another glass of milk. I think I told you there is no more milk. Ah, lucky. Am I going to have trouble with you? I beg your pardon. Get me another glass of milk. And perhaps you'd prefer to go to some other establishment. No, I wouldn't prefer to go to some other establishment. Get me a glass of milk and step on it. I will see what I can do. Well, go on and do it. Next thing he'd be wanting is a nursing bottle. You hear that? Yeah. What are you antagonizing him for, Skip? You really don't want any more milk? I know it. It's just that I'm bored. Besides, he's been trying to hi-hat us all evening. Hey, will you excuse me for a minute? Skip, sit down. No, I got something I got attend to. Well, at least tell me what you're up to so I can be prepared. Well, I'm going in there and talk to the piano player for a minute. What about? Music, son. Music. What do you talk to piano players about? Look, Skip, take it easy. This place is loaded with dynamite. Yeah? Yeah. Now, watch your step. Oh, shucks. Captain, can you do no hurt just having a little music lesson? Well, hi, son. You the whole dog on Symphony Orchestra in this here joint? That's right. Yeah. Mind if I lean on your piano? Why not? Thanks. My name's Skip Turner. Yeah? Mm-hmm. That's my sidekick in yonder, Captain Bart Friday. So what? Nothing. That's a funny joint you got here. Yeah? Mm-hmm. Why? Well, it's all dolled up like a woman's bedroom. If you don't like it, there's lots of other places on the strip. Sure, I know. Funny thing, though, it don't seem like this was the kind of place that would attract a couple of gunsling and gorillas, and how does it? What's the matter? There's a couple of trick'em in here now. Well, I sure. You surprised? Why do you come in here and tell me? Sit down. Stop looking over your shoulder. I still want to know why you came in here and told me. Just thought you might be interested. Oh, here comes a waiter with my milk. In here, waiter. You always drink milk? Not always. Sometimes, more than others. How about having a real drink on the house? Nope. Thanks, just the same. Oh, you wish your milk served here? Yeah, I'll tell you. Hey, did you ever try sipping milk like wine? Tastes all right. You threw that milk in my face. Yeah, I threw that glass of milk in your face. Oh, damn. Listen, son, don't ever try to serve me no Mickey Finn. Don't ever do it, especially in a glass of milk. You threw that milk in my face. Look at my uniform. Maybe you want to make something of it? Well, what's the matter with you, piano player? Sit down. This ain't your party. That's right. It ain't my party, is it? Well, what about it, waiter? We should bounce each other around for a while, or she'll call it quits. There. He'll be good. And there he goes. Call me an ill-bred clod on the count I didn't drink is Mickey Finn. We don't serve Mickey Finns in this place. The heck you don't? We don't serve Mickey Finns in this place. Well, son, I'm awful sorry to have to differ with you, but that waiter shown up tried to dish me up wanting that glass of milk. I think it's time you and your friends were leaving. Hey, is that friendly? You're more trouble in your words. Get your things and get out. You don't say. Yeah. You know, fella, you almost talk like you was the owner of this joint. I am. Oh, now, come on. Don't give us that stuff. It says right on the sign outside the door that this is Maggie's drinking Emporium. I'm Maggie. No kidding. And I want you and your pal out of here in two minutes and just approve it. Hey. You're now looking down the muzzle of a 38. Captain Friday and his right-hand man Skip Turner rushed from San Francisco to Hollywood on a strange and mysterious mission. They were directed to Maggie's intimate drinking salon on the Sunset Strip where they were to meet a certain Eve Carson. So far, all they've discovered is Maggie and Skip has just found out that Maggie is a pretty tough customer. I'm Maggie. Hey. No kidding. I want you and your pal out of here in two minutes and just approve it. Hey. You're now looking down the muzzle of a 38. Well, during the fight, that was a cute trick flipping a pistol out of your coat that away. Never mind the compliment. Gather up your pal and get going. Can you play that 38 as good as you play the piano? I hope for your sake, I don't have to show you. Yeah. Well, I might have glad to see you're standing up. What do you mean? Because I just hate hitting a fella when he's sitting down. Oh, goodness, son. You sure did go down easy than I expected. Feeling kind of rubbery in the knees. Mm-hmm. Well, it's just like I always said, a fella should never ought to pull a gun unless he intends to use it. Felly, you're just playing out on your feet. That's it. Sit down. Okay, sprawl on the piano, that's how you feel. I got to be getting back to Captain Friday. Nice meeting you. Be seeing you later. Hey, Captain, you... Well, I'll be doggone, a little old female girl. Where'd you get her, boss? Don't pay any attention to him. He's only skipped her. Hello, honey. Hello, Skip. She's ours all right, ain't she? What's that? I mean, she's a little old Eve Carson sugar we've been waiting for. Yes, she's Eve Carson. Where'd we get her? She came in while you were in the other room with a piano player. What happened? Oh, I had to smack him a little. He's in there now with his head and his arms laying over the keyboard, listening to the birdies. And say, you know who he is? No. Do you? Why, sure. He told me. He's Maggie. Maggie? Sure, you know. Maggie's in a madrink and saloon. Salon, Skip. Yeah. Ain't that a heck of a name for a man? Maggie. Well, his name isn't Maggie. But he said he owned this place. That's right. But his name isn't Maggie. Well, he can't imagine very much. Playing his own piano, acting as his own bouncer and his own little dive. That's where you're mistaken. Skip. Yeah? How did you get away with it? Well, you mean socking it? Yes. People don't smack Blackie North. Who's Blackie North? The owner of this place. The man you hit. A gang leader and plenty dangerous. Him dangerous? Yes. And what I want to know is why hasn't one of his Triggermen shot holes in you? Triggermen? See here. Who are you, anyway? Eve Carson? Sure, we know that. But who are you? Why did you ask us to meet you in this hangout? Why is it to our advantage to meet you? Who's Blackie North and why does he have Triggermen? And what connection have you with him? Well, that's a lot of questions. And I want a lot of answers. You'll get them. Don't worry. Yeah, and there's one more thing I want to answer too. What's that? I want to know why a good looking boy and them two gorillas across the room haven't taken their eyes off you since I come back to the table. And you'll get an answer to that too. You mean those three men over there are in this too? Yes. Those two rats are a couple of Blackie North's torpedoes. Yeah? And who's a good looking dude? Oh, that's Wesley. Wesley, huh? Yes, my brother, Wes Carson. Oh, oh yeah. Captain Matt there's her brother, Wes Carson. Yeah. Apparently, Wesley doesn't like his sister out with a couple of strange men in a dump of this kind. Well, I don't know. I blame him so much at that. How about me going over and introducing myself and bring them over here? Oh, no. Why not? For two reasons. First? One of those gunmen will probably blow a hole in anyone who goes near Wes. You don't say. Second? What? You said you had two reasons for not going after your brother. Oh, oh, second. Well, I've got to tell you why I asked you to come here before anything more happens. Oh, you're expecting something more to happen? Well, it's bound to, since Skip here slapped Blackie North around. Okay. Relax and tell us about it. Well, first I've got to tell you who Wes and I are. We're the only members of our family left. I'm 24 and Wesley's 28. And between us we're worth maybe a million, maybe two million dollars. Don't go on, little old female goldmine. Oh, that's what a lot of the smart boys thought. Nobody's worked me yet. Here? Go on with your story, Eve. Oh, yes. We came to California about two years ago after father, our last living relative died in the East. We loved it out here. The first year just getting acquainted. All the resorts and places to play. Oh, it was wonderful. Finally, about a year ago, we rented a house in Beverly Hills because Wes thought it would be fun to be near Hollywood and thought we might get acquainted with some of the motion picture crowd. That's all he's leading to. To what's happening tonight? I'm almost through now. About two weeks ago, something happened to my brother. He was coming downstairs to breakfast one morning when he suddenly lost consciousness and plunged head first downstairs. Oh, I get it. He bumped his head in the fall and he ain't been the same ever since. And now he's mixing with gangsters. No, I almost wish it was that. What did happen? Well, he wasn't hurt in the fall, but he went to our doctor to find out why he lost consciousness. And why did he? Well, that's the whole story. There's something dreadful to matter with him. Something incurable. I don't know much about it. All I know is the doctor told Wes, in a week, you'll be dead. What's that? Hey, he didn't. Yes, he did. In so many words, in a week, you'll be dead. You didn't just take one doctor's word for it? Oh, no. We checked with three other specialists. And they all say in a week your brother Oveon will be dead. Yes. Well, where do we come into the picture? Well, well, I heard about you boys, read about some of your adventures. I mean, you sounded like the kind of men a couple of people in trouble could depend on. Yeah, darn tootin', honey. Just a minute, Skip. Huh? Let's hear what you have in mind first, Miss Carson. Well, it's perfectly simple. Naturally, when Wes heard the bad news, he was hit pretty hard. He didn't make a big scene or anything, but he kind of shrugged his shoulders and said, what have I got to lose? And he's been running wild ever since? Well, he's been doing everything he can think of that amuses him. And right now, it amuses him to be tied up with Blackie North and his bunch of cutthroats. Yes. And what do you want us to do? Look, he's only got a week more to live. Well? Well, if you two could sort of look out for him, take care of him, protect him. Protect him from what? Well, from himself, I suppose. That's a funny assignment. Oh, no, it isn't. Look, you don't understand. Well, if he's got to die, at least he can die with a family name clean, not as a criminal. Say some more. What else? Well, that's all. Get him out of Blackie North's clutches. Keep him out of the hands of the police. Keep him from losing his life in some crazy or criminal experience. Or from committing suicide when he's low in his mind. Keep him from hurting himself or anyone else for this week that's left. Hey, now, that's an order that is an order. In other words, your brother figures he's got just a week to live, so what difference does it make? What he does or how he doesn't? Yes, that's it, exactly. Well, honey, it ain't pleasant to say, but what difference does it make? Oh, no, he mustn't. He's fine and clean and good. He's always lived that way until... until this happened. He can't become something evil now, something that society once wiped out, something to make sensational headlines for the paper. Oh, no, he mustn't. If I get you right, you want us to curb his last week of fun just so you can write he was a good man on his tombstone. You're wrong. You were never more wrong. I want him to have all the fun and excitement he wants. All I am asking is that you folks keep him out of trouble, keep him out of jail, keep him from harm or violence. Oh, so that's it. And he'll not care what he does. Well, it's worth $10,000 to me. $10,000? Cappy, that ain't hey. You mean that? $10,000 and expenses. And here's $1,000 in small bills to show good faith. Yeah? What about it, Skip? Put that grand in your pocket before she changes her mind. All right, Miss Carson, it's a bargain. And a bad one if I'm not mistaken. It won't be easy. The police are looking for Wes right now. Hey, you didn't tell us that. Why should I? Hey, Cappy, trouble's coming up. What sort of trouble? Well, I've been watching the hat check, girl. This is the third time she's turned customers away. She keeps telling people the place is full up. Not letting anyone in, huh? Blackie North still unconscious on the piano in the next room? Yep, still laying just like a laughter. Miss Carson. Yes? I think our first move to help your brother will be to free him from those two triggermen over there. Well, they're just Blackie North's men. I really want to help him. Free him from Blackie North. Eventually. But first we'll wrap up those two gorillas. Skip. Yeah? I'll go get them. Hey, what about me? You sit tight with Miss Carson. Keep an eye on the next room, and especially watch the back door. Don't let anyone poke a gun through a crack and open up on us. Oh, you'll be shut down before you get halfway across the room to my brother. Are those two men with you, brother? Yes. Watch and see. Keep me covered, Skip. Dive in when I yell. You bet you. Why, Skip? What's the matter with Captain Friday? He acts like he was drunk. Good job acting, too. Staggering closer and closer to your brother's table. You mean it's just an act? Yeah. He's almost close enough now. Now watch. Get him, Skip. Yeah! Whoo! Hey! You! Whoo-hoo! Whoo-hoo! Yeah! Yeah! That's a boy. Captain, that's both of them. And now if you'll excuse me, son, I'll tap that weight on the chin and make it a hundred percent. Hello, Wes, little kid. Boss wants to talk to you. Say, what's the idea? Who asked you to crash my party? Sorry to butt in like this. Well, I was sitting here quietly drinking with a couple of friends. The next thing I know, you two have beaten them into unconsciousness. Take it easy, fella. Well, who do you think you are anyway? How about coming over to our table and talking it over? Why? Because I think that's how your sister would like it. She is your sister, isn't she? Eve? Certainly. Well, then come on. Well, how'd we do, Miss Carson? You boys are rather wonderful, you know that. Oh, how the lady does talk. Sit down, Carson. Hello, Wes. What's the idea, Eve? Are you the cause of all this? The cause of what, Wesley? Well, a whole Blackie North gang lying around like a bunch of stiffs. Even Blackie himself sprawled across his piano in there. Do you really mind? I mean, they're nothing to you. Are they? Oh. Why should they be anything to me? I just thought they might be amusing. But Eve, if you think anyone's going to bounce Blackie North and his men around the way, they've been bounced around a knife and not pay for it. Well, how about letting us worry about that, son? Well, who are you? Oh, I'm sorry. This is Skip Turner, and this is Captain Bart Friday. Will somebody tell me what this is all about? Sure. Your sister here has hired us to play bodyguard and fall guy for you during the next week. She told you I'd be dead in a week? That's right. During that time, I intend doing whatever it suits me to do? Yeah. And you two guys are crazy enough to agree to see me through? Why not? It suits me. You asked for it. Hey, you seemed doubtful, fella. Really? Dangerous, huh? Unless you or the police put Blackie North out of the way, he'll get you. Assures we're sitting here. Yeah, let's not worry about that for now. Your sister said the police wanted you. Eve, you told them... Why not? They're here to protect you from the police as well as everyone else. Is that on the square? Looks like it. We gave our word. We'd see you through everything for a week. Well, if you mean it... We do. Now, why did the police want you? They don't know they want me. They just want the guy who stole this handful of diamonds out of a certain movie star's bedroom last night. Holy mackerel, Captain. Look at them diamonds. Does anybody else know you stole them? No. Why'd you do it? Just for the thrill, just to see if I could. Mind if I take them? Sure, why not? What are you up for? You know, just thinking how pleased the police would be to come along and find these diamonds in Blackie North's pocket. What's that? Yeah, and how surprised Blackie it'd be. You mean, plant them on Blackie? Why not? Didn't you say that unless we finished him off or the police got him, he'd stop at nothing until we were dead? Yes, that's true. And we're doing two good deeds, helping the police capture a criminal and fixing it so we won't be murdered. Skip, go out the bar and get the police on the telephone. Tell them to hurry out to magazine and have a drink and saloon? Salon Skip. Yeah. And what'll I say when they ask me who's talking? Oh, tell them you're a fairy godmother to all good policemen. Man, that's something I always wanted to be. Fairy godmother to a policeman. Captain, we're not going to be here when the police arrive, are we? Not at all. As soon as Skip has stirred up the police, I suggest we adjourn to the Carson home for a good night's rest. Yes, everything's prepared for you two to stay with us. No, I don't want to go home. But, Wes... I don't want a good night's rest. You know what I want to do. What do you want to do? I want to rob a bank. Wes... And I know just the bank I want to rob. Wes, you can't rob a bank. Yes, I can. For seven days I can do anything I want to. You've agreed to cover up for me. But why do you want to rob a bank? Because I've never robbed a bank. And in seven days I'll be dead. Hi, Capy. I tied up the hat-check girl and gagged her. Hey, you hear that? What's the matter? The police. They're coming. You mean you called her? I didn't have to. They got wind or something. Hey, we better get moving. Everybody out the back way. We can't get caught here. Carson, take your sister. Come on, Skip. Whoopee! First it's black in the north and now it's the police. Come on, let's go. Here is a strange assignment for Captain Friday and Skip Turner. The guarding of a man who has only a week to live. Listen next week to the second episode of You'll Be Dead in a Week entitled $200,000 to lose. Next week at the same time you are listening to Adventures by Morse.