 From the heart of the jungle comes a savage cry of victory. This is Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle. From the black core of dark Africa, land of enchantment, mystery and violence comes one of the most colorful figures of all time. Transcribed from the immortal pen of Edgar Rice Burroughs. Tarzan, the bronzed white son of the jungle. And now in the very words of Mr. Burroughs, the story of Congo murder. Johnny Convey had met many men since he'd arrived in Africa. But of them all, Tarzan was the only one he looked upon as a real friend. The handsome suntan youth had hurried the 50 miles to Tarzan's seacoast cabin. Now he burst in, too full of excitement and enthusiasm to bother with knocking. I found it, Tarzan. Johnny, hello. I found it at last. The gold you've been searching for? You're not kidding. Wait till I show you something. Yeah, here's Lulu, the first gold nugget I found. I drilled that hole through so I could wear the string around my neck. Lulu sure brought me luck. Lulu was not the last gold you found, I presume. Tarzan, I made a richer strike than I ever dreamt of. More of it than I can spend in a lifetime. Johnny, do you want my advice? Sure, what? Take the pick you used to unearth the gold and bury it twice as deep as it was. Then forget about it. Are you nuts? You're happy today and I'd like to see my friends happy. But you won't remain that way if you keep the gold, Johnny. It brings nothing but evil. Evil? Are you kidding? This gold is going to do more good than a barrel of lemonade at a Fourth of July picnic. I've never seen gold do anything but bad. Watch my dust when I get home. I've got a dad who was hurting a mind cave in when I was just a kid. My folks haven't had a really decent meal or a halfway foot place to live since then. But that's all going to change now. I'm going to buy him the best house in town. Then I'm going to buy dad the most expensive suit that's made and I'll doll mom up like she was a queen. She always wanted a black velvet dress with real lace. And you want nothing for yourself, Johnny? Well, sure I do. I'm no tin angel. I got a girl who's been waiting for me for six years now. Won't even go to a movie with any other guy. Well, I'm going to make everything up to her now. We'll have a wedding like a couple of movie stars and after we're married, we'll live the life of Riley. Yes, I thought that's the sort of thing you'd plan for yourself. Oh, now you think I'm selfish, huh? Well, I won't be honest. I won't, Tarzan. I'm one guy who's going to get a thrill out of being rich. Well, it's a beautiful picture, Johnny. I hope it works out the way you've planned. And I'm glad you came to tell me you're good news. Well, frankly, I came because I've got to have a hand taking the gold to Amdur Mara. They've got some sort of a government agency there that gives you cash or letters of credit or something for the gold. I'm going to straighten things out with them and then head back for the good old USA. I figure that if you help me, we can get to Amdur Mara by Tuesday and then I can see about the rest of... Oh, I'm sorry, Johnny, but I can't do what you ask. Are you serious? Yes. I don't get it. You've always made a big thing about being my pal. Well, I am your friend, and were you in trouble, I'd gladly risk my life for yours, Johnny, but you want me to leave my jungle to transport gold, gold for which men lie and rob and kill. Even though you now plan to do good with your gold, Johnny, I can't help you. Well, that's a pretty fancy speech, but boiled down all that amounts to is a turn down. A real noble-sounding way of turning down a guy you don't want to help. I intended to give you something for your trouble, but I suppose you're too high and mighty to dirty your hands on my filthy looker. Just a minute. Try to understand my way of thinking. You see, many times in the past, men have wanted my help in searching for gold or ivory or treasures, and every time I gave in, I saw nothing but violence. As a result, I finally made certain laws for myself and, well, wrong or right, I must follow those laws. Okay, okay, forget I asked you. Just skip it. I'll lug it to Amdur Mara myself. Or you'd be foolish to travel through the jungle with a great quantity of gold. Johnny, why don't you take samples to the government metal exchange at Amdur Mara? I understand they need gold badly, and they'll be undoubtedly willing to send an armed safari to bring it back. Hide it somewhere and let them... You're just full of advice, aren't you? Oh, don't take it that way, Johnny. I value your friendship, and though I refuse to transport gold for you, I'll be happy to come with you and see that you reach Amdur Mara safely. Thanks just the same, pal, but I wouldn't enjoy traveling in your company. And I can reach there without any help from you. We'll return in just a moment to our story of Congo murder. Few men would have dared to cross the African Congo alone, but Johnny Convy was brave, and his three years in the jungle had taught him many secrets of the belt. But not one man among thousands could have distinguished between the trailing green jungle vines and the slender green body of the deadly atheris viper which hung directly over the narrow trail, directly over a spot where Johnny would pass in a matter of seconds. The viper's neck glands were distended with poison. Its beady eyes gleamed wickedly, and its hungry fangs darted from the cruel slash of mouth. Johnny walked on near and near the tree. The viper glided another inch downward. The leaves crinkled under Johnny's feet. The viper arched its flat ugly head ready to strike. And as the head shot forward, an arrow sang through the air and pinned it to the tree. What? An arrow right through its ugly head. Only one man in the world could have made a shot like that. Tarzan! Tarzan! Don't have to shot, Johnny. First you save my life, then you scare me half to death. Do you always sneak up on people? No, not always. You sound a little more like the old Johnny now. Well, I've been burned up ever since we had that talk a couple of days ago, but I think I'm over it now. How long have you been following me? Ever since you hid your gold in that cave near the Yosanga village. You saw me hide it? No, your secret's safe with me. Oh, I wasn't worried about that. I was afraid you might get into trouble trying to cross the jungle alone. That's why I followed you. Well, thanks, Tarzan. You are a friend. But I think I'll be okay now. I'd really rather go on alone. I've played it single-handed for three years now and it'll mean something to me to be able to finish up the job by myself. Do you mind? Oh, no, no, Johnny. I've always liked completing my tasks alone, too. And the worst stretch of jungle is behind you. Yeah, that's right. One more day's march, a few business matters, and then for home. I'm still wearing lulu around my neck, and she's good luck. Nothing can happen to me now. Congratulations to you, Mr. Convay. The assay to Paul and the gold you brought is amazing. Whew, that's a relief. You were in that laboratory so long, I figured maybe my high school chemistry wasn't so hot. Oh, it was quite hot enough. If the gold you've hidden in that cave is the same as the samples you've brought to Andamara, you will be an extremely wealthy young man. It's got to be the same, Mr. Beaumont. It's all from the same load. But you do understand that it's impossible for us to pay until the gold is here and has been carefully weighed and analyzed. Oh, sure, I understand that, but I'm anxious to get home. Could you make me a little advance? Oh, we'd be happy to pay you for the samples. That'll be more than enough to see you home in style. And as soon as our safaris return with the balance of the gold, we'll forward a check for the full amount. Oh, that's terrific. Oh, could I have the money now? For the samples, I mean. I might draw up a draft for you immediately. But you're forgetting one little incidental, Mr. Conbet. You haven't given me the map so that our safari can get the balance of the gold. Oh, yeah. Well, I guess you'll need the map, all right, but what sort of a guarantee do I have that someone won't take my map and do me out of my three years' work? You mean you don't trust me, Mr. Conbet? Oh, sure, sure. I trust you, Mr. Beaumont, but you won't be going in the jungle for this yourself. You're mistaken. This gold is very important to my government. I have every intention of personally heading the safari. Oh, well, that's different. I'm sorry to rush you, but I have a great many things to take care of before I leave. So if you don't mind, the map, please. Mr. Monsieur, you are most fortunate. I can give you reservations on a ship leaving Amdoumara within a few days. Ah, that's swell. But there is but one difficulty. What's that? All of the less expensive cabins were reserved many months ago. All that I have left are the Deluxe cabins. They are quite expensive. Is that all? For a minute you had me worried. The price of your reservation is not important to you? Listen, I'll tell you a secret. It wouldn't bother me if you charged me $5,000 to get home. Listen, in a couple of months, I'll have enough dough to buy my own ocean liner. Oh, you have recently come into an inheritance? No, sir. I work for this dough myself, gold mining in the jungle. In the jungle? Oh, but that is amazing. You know, I was told that there was not sufficient gold in the jungle to warrant mining. Well, don't you believe it, pal? Perhaps you are pulling my leg. You Americans are great jokers. Oh, this isn't any joke. A guy doesn't kid about something he spent three years working for. Ah, no, no, no, no. You are right, Monsieur. For many years I have worked in this dreary steamship office, and I do not joke about it. Well, share up, pal. Maybe you can go into the jungle someday and strike it rich too. Or even the adventure without the gold would be enough. But, Monsieur, tell me, is it not dangerous coming into a city like Andromara, laden with gold? Oh, you don't have to worry about me. All I brought were a few samples. I have heard it is possible to make the arrangements at the exchange for them to transport the gold when it is found. If I were to go into the jungle and make such a discovery, I would make a map showing where I had hidden it, and I would let them take the risk of going after it. You got it all figured out, huh? Yes, Monsieur. I would make a map to give them, and then I would keep a copy so that... I didn't say anything about a map or a copy. Of course not, Monsieur. I was only saying what I would do where I... You seem to be getting awfully nosy about my business. Oh, Monsieur, a thousand apologies. I did not mean to pry. It is only that when I speak of the jungle, I get carried away. Always the jungle to me has the great fascination. But please, forgive me, Monsieur. Ah, that's all right. Now, how about the ticket, huh? Well, it will take some time to fill out the forms. You are probably staying at the Hotel Internationale, eh? That's right. Well, I shall bring the ticket and the required papers to your hotel tonight. Thank you for the drink, man, here. Ah, just call me Johnny, you are pals, aren't we here, Berger? Yeah, we are pals. Johnny and Carl. Tell me, Johnny, how did you happen to pick an old rummy like me to drink with? I should have thought you'd pick a young woman, or at least a younger man. Oh, no, no, no. No dames for me till I hit the States. But I came in here to celebrate some good luck, and you look like someone who could stand a little celebrating. See? Yeah, celebrating, I can stand. Six years, I've had nothing to celebrate. Still, I spent my evening drinking. Yeah, there's no place in this world for a useless old man, Johnny. Oh, you don't look useless here, Berger. burger I bet in your day you were a real sharp guy huh what'd you do I was a metallurgist but I made mistakes and I was thrown out what kind of mistakes well I was working for a company that searched for gold I selected the spots for their mining operations only there was no gold there I wish I could tell you where to look so you could get a new start oh but I can't do that it's too late for me anyway Johnny we have another drink I'm sure bartender bring us some schnapps I've been standing here for the last 10 minutes is a bodily a burger the clock a big evening I'm Mr. Bowman my clock says you insisted on seeing me that's right Mr. Bowman my name is Tarzan I'm happy to meet you Tarzan now state your business I'm in a bit of a hurry why well I hardly think my business concerns you but for what it's worth I'm leaving tomorrow morning on a jungle safari to find Johnny Convy's gold perhaps just how much do you know about the gold all there is to know I imagine Johnny Convy is my friend he told me about his discovery and his plans before he left for Amdumara he intended to come here to the exchange first oh he did see you yes and he gave you the map showing the location of the cave perhaps exactly what you know about the cave I know where it is what now don't worry I'm not interested in the gold but I am interested in Johnny after I left him in the jungle I started worrying about him and well I followed him here very considerate of you and just when did you arrive this morning and I can't find Johnny anywhere he's not at the hotel and his name wasn't on the passenger list of the French vessel that sailed last night of course it wasn't you sure you arrived only this morning of course I'm sure what what are you getting at I don't know why those at the hotel didn't inform you but Johnny Convy was murdered there last night in just a moment the exciting conclusion of Congo murder it seems to me Tarzan that you had the most to gain by young Convy's death I gained by Johnny's death how well that's a very simply you knew the location of the cave and you were aware he intended turning the map over to me yes having your own secret hideaway not far from the cave it would be a simple matter for you to steal the gold and keep it hidden until the story of Johnny Convy's death was forgot just a minute bowman you figured that when I came for the gold and found none there I'd assume that Convy's story was just another of those fables invented by men who've been in the jungle too long but the comparatively small amount of gold he brought to me was the sum total of his discovery if that was my plan why should I have come to call on you perhaps to cover up your own tracks you may have already removed the gold from the cave I haven't touched the gold and quite frankly bowman I suspect that you intend to take Johnny's treasure for yourself instead of for your government now see here you may have already sent someone ahead to get it and your safari may be nothing but a blind I've sent no one well then according to our claims the gold should still be there it should be I'll make a bargain with you bowman we'll enter the jungle together we'll travel all the way to the cave in the same safari we shall be able to keep an eye on one another agreed and both of us know that the jungle often reveals the true nature of the man by the time one of us returns the truth should be known we miss you Tarzan I waited on you show Convy I was most distressed to learn of his death how did the hotel happen to tell you of his death they wouldn't tell me I know the manager very well when I came to the hotel when Mr. Convy's reservations the manager confided the terrible news to me but he wanted to get quiet of course the reputation of the hotel you see the reputation of the hotel has never been too shining you are right but if other explorers learned that when they emerge from the jungle with a fortune and then stopped in the hotel naturally they would you know about Johnny Convy's fortune well he was a very friendly young man he spoke about the gold he was most fascinating I dare say you everything about the jungle is fascinating to a man who works in a home drum the steamship office I hope someday I can travel into the jungle and suppose suppose I gave you that opportunity come on I'm doing a member of a safari headed by Mr. Hugh Beaumont that leaves for the jungle in the morning we should be delighted to have you as our guest but that should be most exciting I have a vacation coming soon I am sure the manager can arrange things so I can leave tomorrow I would be happy to join you miss your tough I told her burger that Johnny Convy's last night on earth was spent in your company yeah that's his rickety we were drinking right here at this very table you'll have to drink no thank you then I have a drink alone bartender bartender don't see a bartender on duty where did they not go certainly need a drink first I hear of the violent death of a friend then I have a great disappointment in my business what was that you wouldn't be interested in my business you're a friend of my friend I am interested well you see I am a metallurgist not a very successful one but I learned recently about the very interesting discovery of the jungle today I tried to raise money to finance an expedition into the interior I found out when credit is not good your burger it just so happens that I'm leaving on tomorrow with a large safari in the morning we should be delighted to have you join us the next morning the strange safari started out Beaumont and his bearers her burger who claimed to be a metallurgist delarie who said he quested only for adventure and Tarzan each suspecting the other of Johnny Convy's murder each believing the rest were interested only in the gold the trail was rough and the jagged nerves of the travelers even rougher by the time camp was made on the second night the men were snarling at each other well delarie you're going to help bring the cartons of food to the cook stove or do you intend to rest where can the bears do it oh they're my bearers not yours and you'll do your share of the work around here I know the reason why come on the lady you carry one of the cartons together we don't have to stand for the insults of the English I'll carry the packages they may weigh little and I wait what's wrong Tarzan someone's very carefully drilled a hole into each of the food parcels they're alive with white ants I fight that all the food spoiled is it some of your work done are you do I like a man who would enjoy starving see what burger has to say about this he's been carrying his own food I suppose your food supply is all right there burger of course it is all right I've been carrying it on my own back is but why because I can't eat the swill the rest of you seem to enjoy they've got the sensitive stomach but your conscience isn't so sensitive you just assume see the rest of a star so that you can get the gold without interfering I swear I'm not responsible never shall starve I'll hunt for our dinner but you will all have to get along with each other until I get back I'll make them behave themselves as a point of my gun if I have to what happened to burger it's been shot a little of your discipline Mr. Bowman certainly not a delirium burger started arguing the moment you were out of sight I got good and sick of it in order them out of the camp there hadn't gone beyond the fringe of the trees over there when I heard a shot I see much as I've mistrusted burger I don't like to see him dying like this perhaps I can dig out the bullet and we can stop the bleeding hamburger this will be very painful but I'll try to be as gentle as possible oh can you see it yes it's not really embedded very deeply but it's in a critical place I can just get hold of it what can I help you don't know I'm getting it now I think you can't help you know I'm no poor fellow but I did get the bullet out Beaumont it's a 32 by a strange coincidence the same caliber as your pistol my pistol hasn't been fired you can examine it if you like what have you done with the lot yet my men are holding him in that tent over there I saw no gun on him I admit I couldn't find his gun after the shooting but he's responsible all right he killed burger and the undoubtedly killed Johnny can be too push it that far thousand did you find out no by the time I pulled you and a lot yeah part whoever it was it made his escape I don't believe it was anyone from outside the camp I think Deladia here set the fire in order to kill the rest of us he's here I see perfectly the gold is very tempting isn't it Deladia you want to know mr. Brahman's cousin I demand that you help us fire Deladia and take him back as a present we have no evidence of his guilt on any of those charges remember we suspected poor hair burger just yesterday we didn't even believe he was a scientist well if each one is the papers we later found in his wallet I personally am less suspicious of the than I am of you Bourmont perhaps you and the Frenchman are in this together don't forget burger was killed during a period when you were out of sight of the camp perhaps you were hunting and perhaps you weren't if we're through with our accusations for the night maybe we can all get some sleep where we we are awake so we might as well get on we should reach the cave by dawn I'm for pushing on tonight all right perhaps this time we got this over with I have a feeling that the site of our goal will make the murderer reveal his hand the safari reached the jagged rocks that protected the cave just as the sudden Congo dawn broke over the jungle Tarzan watched Beaumont and Deladia carefully but neither of them dashed forward neither revealed the all-consuming mania for gold that leads a man to murder they walk slowly forward toward the caves yawning mouth together the three of them entered the damp inky black cavern cautiously they approached the corner where Johnny Convey had hidden his treasure come outside while we can see you right he's a rough looking character all right how did he find out about the king who is he why did you fire at us I thought you were animals and savages or something I've been lost in the jungle for days I just wanted in their box in unlikely just a moment Beaumont he may be telling the truth why I am telling the truth I didn't touch any the gold maybe you just got here maybe you didn't have time you and your continuous suspicious Vermont I think the man is telling the truth and we ought to help him he got badly scratched up in this coming Mr. Bowman has some first aid equipment if you'll take off your shirt we'll paint those right no I don't want to take off my shirt why what are you trying to hide you can't make me do it I'll do it for you then oh yeah gold nuggets around his neck the one for Johnny Convey war no you don't staying right here and you're answering a few questions I've got my gun trained on him Tarzan you can count on me if he starts any trouble Mr. Tarzan looks as though Lulu didn't bring you any more luck than it brought Johnny Convey I should have left it on him who are you why did you kill him to get the map I was a bartender at a cafe back in on Dumara I heard burger and him talking about the gold one night I thought I could get here for the rest of you but you're getting closer and closer to me we were afraid we'd meet and that burger would recognize you that's why you killed him too huh yes go ahead kill me no now we'll take you back to under Mara for punishment and we'll take Johnny's gold back too so the three people in America may have the things he'd planned ironic that they have to be purchased at the cost of Johnny Convey's life that you've enjoyed our story of Congo murder and that you remain for a preview of our next exciting story of Tarzan it is a strange world this isolated village of the karmic people at one side of the Magi is the mission school in the tiny church at the other the temple of Miyamoko the moon god and the Hema of Miyamoko its high priest the constant struggle between the high priest and the Reverend Collier between paganism and Christianity flares into dramatic battle in our story of Congo Christmas included in our cast were Jack Moyles Eddie Firestone Raymond Lawrence and Jane Avello Tarzan the transcribed creation of the famous Edgar Rice Burroughs is produced by Walter White Jr. prepared for radio by Bud Lesser with original music by Albert Blasser this is a Commodore production listen to our next story Congo Christmas another thrilling episode of the Lord of the jungle