 Listen to Herbert Marshall as the man called X transcribed. Wherever there is mystery, intrigue, adventure in all the strange and dangerous places of the world, there you will find the man called X. The perpetually sunless capital of Peru was founded by Francisco Pizarro and built out of treachery and conquest and death. He named it the Ciudad de los Reyes, the city of kings. Today the kings have departed and we know it only as Lima, but treachery and death never depart. They are waiting now in the study of a small modern bungalow set on a low hill in the suburbs of the city. A man opens a desk drawer and searches through a hungrily. The door opens behind him and he swings around. What's in here? What are you... What are you doing here tonight? I didn't know you were coming by. I was going to bring you those... The man at the desk shoves the pistol into his pocket and steps through the French windows. For a moment, the study is silent. And then a tall red-haired girl runs into the room. Roger, what is it? What happened? I heard... Roger! Your friend, Ken Thurston. This is the reply we got from the Lima police, Ken. Inspector Morales seems perfectly satisfied that Roger Bright was shot by an ordinary prowler. I can't believe it, Chief. Betty wouldn't have telephoned me if there wasn't something more to it. No, not Ken. When a woman's husband is murdered... Betty Bright isn't just any woman, Chief. You know that. Sure. She's one of the best secretaries we ever had in the Bureau. She knows how important our work is. She wouldn't ask me to come down there. It wasn't pretty serious. Maybe not. But I don't see how this could involve us, especially... You met Roger Bright, didn't you, Chief? Of course. The wedding gave Betty away. Yes, that's right. Well, you know his reputation, one of the best petroleum geologists in the business. Well? A couple of years ago, you found that big oil fuel up in Alberta. Since then, he's been working for Tropic American Oil using lemur as a base. Yes, but we haven't any reports of South American discoveries by him. That's just it. He's been down there nearly two years. By now, he should have turned up something or come back home. Wait a minute, Ken. You don't think Bright's murder might have some connection with the new oil discovery? Could be, Chief. What are you just guessing? Forget Betty said he told her to send for me just before he died. Well, there is oil in Peru, lots of it. Think what a new discovery we'll meet right now, with all our trouble in the Near East. Yeah. It sure would change the whole picture. Right. And there are plenty of people who would like to keep news of such a fine from getting out. I don't know, Ken. Every time you start adding up two and two like this, you seem to end up with five, but you're not usually right. The Peruvian police have any objections to my going down there? Morales, why does he welcome any assistance? You know, I could postpone that Tokyo assignment for a couple of days. What do you think? All right, Ken. Just one thing, though. As far as I'm concerned, you're making this trip alone. Let's leave Zell Schmidt out of it. Oh, Chief, if you couldn't head Pagon off, I'm all for it. All right, don't worry about it. I'll have Miss Brooks get you a reservation on the next plane to South America. Miss Brooks, I want to take it for Ken Thurston on the next flight to Lima, Peru. And I don't want anyone else to find out about this. Is that clear? Sure, Mr. Chief. I'll keep it in my head. Oh, no. What are you doing out there, Zell Schmidt? Miss Brooks had to go outside for a minute, so I'm taking over for her. Did you say two tickets for Lima, Mr. Chief? I think that's the house Pagon there. There on the corner. Sure is a dirty rotten crime, Mr. X, that Betty Bright is a real nice girl. Yeah. Well, here we are. Whoever done in her husband is no better than a murderer. All right, I'm not able to see... Oh, Ken. Oh, I'm glad you're here. Hello, Betty. Oh, you remember Pagon? Hello, Pagon. Come in, both of you. Such a mess, but I haven't been able to do much since. Sure. I understand. Come, sit down. Would you like a drink or anything? I'm sure we have something. I mean, I have some brandy. Oh, Ken, I just can't get used to the idea. I can't believe that I'm alone. I know, Betty. It's only been three days. Just three days. Seems like a year. Sure. I'm not even able to make a decision anymore. I don't know if I want to stay here or if I want to go back to the States, but I've got to stay, at least until I'm sure, until I know why Roger was murdered. I talked to Inspector Morales a little while ago. I'm afraid he didn't have much for me to go on. No. I suppose it could have been a prowler like Morales says, but why would a prowler steal all Roger's maps and reports? Oh? Morales didn't mention that. He doesn't know it. I didn't tell him. Who suppose you told me about it, then? Of course. Roger had been on a field trip in the interior. He'd been gone for nearly three months. Came back to Lima the afternoon of the day he was killed. Go on, Betty. It was late in the afternoon, so he didn't go to the office, but came straight home. He was very excited, and we went out to dinner to celebrate. Oh? Yes. He told me he'd found formations that indicated a tremendous oil pool. I see. After dinner, we came home. We were in the bedroom when... and Roger thought he heard a noise in the study. He went to look. Next thing I heard was gunshots. I ran into the study and... he was dying. What about these maps and reports you mentioned? They were in the desk. Roger kept all his important papers there. I didn't realize they were missing until after the police had left. And you did not tell Morales? No. Wilhelm said it would be dangerous. Oh. Sorry, you don't know Wilhelm. Wilhelm Zuchland. He's with the Tropic American, too. I think he's in charge of exploration and discovery. Did Zuchland give any reason for not mentioning these stolen records? He said that if Roger had been killed because of them, that I'd be in danger, too, if I told anyone I'd seen them. Maybe I was wrong to take his advice, Ken, but I couldn't think very clearly. I wasn't making very good sense right after... afterwards. I see. I suppose this, uh, Zuchland has an office at Tropic American Oil? Yes, it's next to Roger's. Thanks. That sounds like a good place to start. Pagan? Yes? I suppose you'll stay here with Mrs. Bright, for a while. Oh, that isn't necessary, Ken. I can manage alone. Sure, but this way I'll know where Pagan is if I need him. Hmm? Sit down, Mr. Sirsten. Sit down. Thanks. It is unfortunate that we must meet under such tragic circumstances. Roger was an extraordinary geologist, a real genius. And he was my friend, as well. It's a tragic world we live in, Mr. Sirsten. Sometimes it seems that way. Here, Zuchland. I see my accent has betrayed me again. But you see, I am not German, Mr. Sirsten. No, I am a Czech. I thought I had seen my share of the world's unpleasantness, but even here in Peru it intrudes. You've been in South America sometime? Oh, since 1940, yeah. I escaped from Czechoslovakia when Hitler entered. I had been employed by one of the refining companies and managed to secure a position with Tropic American Oil. And here I've worked ever since. I see. Once I thought my exile was ended. Now, I was prepared to return to Europe. I even purchased my ticket. But before I could sail, mother, it was murdered. His government overthrown and my country was again imprisoned by dictatorship. So, here I remain, perhaps for the rest of my life. Who knows? Oh, I think you'll find that telling there usually ends by destroying itself. I hope so, Mr. Sirsten. I hope so. But now, you did not come to my office to discuss my affairs. You want to know why Roger Bright was killed and why I advised his wife not to mention certain missing reports, no? If you can help me along those lines, I'll appreciate it. Very well. Why was he killed? Well, I am not certain. It is possible that a housebreaker became nervous via this pistol and in his haste to depart took along letters, maps and records without even knowing what they were. Or it was possible that it was not a housebreaker and that he came for the express purpose of stealing those reports. Well, what do you think? I am inclined to the latter theory. That is why I advise Mrs. Bright not to mention the theft. Perhaps it was foolish advice, but then at the time I, too, was upset. I'm still most uncomfortable in the presence of death and I am very fond of Betty, uh, Mrs. Bright. Tell me, did you know Roger had found what looked like a new oil field? Uh, look at this map, Mr. Sirsten. Now, here this is the area Roger was exploring. It's a rough triangle from Kamutieros to Iqitor to Tapiti. A very inaccessible region. There was no way for Roger to communicate with us while he was there. You know, it's a pretty wide area. So if Roger did find a potential oil pool, you'd have no... you wouldn't have no way of knowing exactly where it was. Unfortunately, no. Yeah. He couldn't have made such a triple loan. Oh, no, he had a party of about 30. They were natives recruited in the vicinity. And we would have no record of their names, and if we had, they could tell us nothing. There was no one from this office with him? No, no one. We don't have a large staff and... Oh, now wait a moment. Yes. Now, that was his name. Ah, let me think. Now, I think I have it here. Yes, yes, this is it, I'm sure. Ramon Lopez. Lopez? Yes, sir. Young student geologist from Lima. He asked permission to accompany Roger. How well did you know this, Lopez? Not at all, but here, here. This here is the letter he wrote us. Thank you. Mm-hmm. I should consider it a great privilege to journey with you on your field trip next month. It would pay my own expenses. I would pay my own expenses, don't you? Hoping to hear from you. Ramon Lopez. 14 Avenida Norte Lima, Peru. Do you mind if I take this, Dr. Linda? Oh, shall I welcome to it? Thanks. These field trips of Roger's weren't kept secret, I take it. Oh, aye, yes, Mr. Sir. You see, the competition in the oil business is not only keen, but at the moment they met our international importance. Yet this Lopez boy knew Roger was leaving, and when? Oh, aye. Oh, aye, yes. I never saw that. You've been very stupid. Or maybe Lopez was very smart. Open up, Lopez. Lopez. Hmm. What? What do you think you're doing, senor? Sorry, I knocked when you didn't answer. You broke in. It is a Yankee custom to enter a man's apartment without his permission. We usually answer the door when someone knocks. May I remind you that you are not in this state now, senor... My name's Thurston. Ken Thurston. What do you wish? Are you a very promising young geologist in your Lopez? I am only a student. I have had no practical experience. Oh, aye. I thought you just returned from a field trip with Roger Bright. What are you talking about? This is your letter, isn't it? And if it is? The landlady downstairs said you'd been away from Lima for three months. You came back on Wednesday. The same day, Bright was killed. You have no authority to question me, senor. All right, then. Let's go down and see Inspector Morales. Wait. I will tell you anything I can. You know nothing. You know where Bright went. You were with him. Yes. And since you're a geologist, you must know where he found the potential oil field. You are wrong, senor Thurston. Huh? We found no oil field. The trip was a failure. Senor Bright was terribly disappointed. Oh, why lie about it, Lopez? Lie! I will not be insulted in my own apartment. Get out! You're afraid to tell me the truth. Why? Did someone get to you? Or were you planted on that expedition? Carl Lopez, what are you afraid of? I am afraid of no one, senor. You wish to test my courage. Okay. So I have told you to get out, and you will go. And so you will not come back. Oh, just a minute, Lopez. You think I am a coward? If that did not convince you, perhaps... All right. You asked for it? Life and death are something. Okay, Pagan, who's it? I've got to find him that Mr. Zuckland said he was maybe coming to see you. Pagan. Get off the line, Mr. Axe. I'm trying to... Oh, Mr. Axe. What's the trouble? Oh, it's awful. I was right in those houses when it happened. But what happened? I didn't see him myself, but... But she screamed, and then... Oh, it was a nightmare, Mr. Axe. I don't even know if I'm awake yet. Oh, blood all over the place. So the love of Mike, what are you talking about? That Mrs. Bright, that we come down here to help out somebody shot her. That's it. Pagan, is she all right? I don't think so, Mr. Axe. The doctor says maybe... Maybe she's not going to pull through. We will continue with the man called Axe in just a moment. The blood plasma reserve for the fighting men in Korea is exhausted. This condition must not continue. The lives of our loved ones must not be lost needlessly. Our soldiers in Korea are giving their blood for their buddies. Can we do less? The modern assembly line is a wonderful thing, but it cannot produce blood. We must have a human assembly line, and this is our job here at home. Call your local headquarters of the American Red Cross now. It is the right of your blood to save a life. Act 2 of the man called Axe starring Herbert Marshall with Leon Balasco as Pagan Zelschmitt. In Lima, Peru, Ken Thurston learns that the murder of an American petroleum geologist was committed to prevent the locating of a potential oil field. And now an attempt on the murdered man's wife brings the man called Axe to her home, where he confers with Inspector Jose Morales of the Peruvian police. The doctor accompanied the ambulance and she has been taken to the hospital. They lost San Gales Blancas. You got here before the left Inspector Morales? See, but the Senora Bright was unconscious. I could learn nothing from her. This man was the only witness. I was about to place him under arrest. However, he insists that he's a friend of yours. Tell me the truth, Mr. Thurston. Oh, I suppose you might call him that, Inspector. Then unless the Senora recovers consciousness, we are helpless. If you were right here, you must have seen something, Pagan. I wasn't there when it happened. My fellow was killed. What were you doing there? Well, I thought I might could find a clue or something. I heard a gunshot off and I came running in as fast as I could. Oh, sure. But when I got there, whoever did it was gone. If I've been around when it happened, he'd never get away. I guess he waited until I was out of sight. Didn't want to take no chances. Hey, Mr. Thurston. I imagine, Inspector, it'll be several hours before anyone can question Mrs. Bright. See, that is what the doctors said. At least that long. The wound was a serious one so until their X-rays. Tell me, what do you know about a man named Lopez? Ramon Lopez. Why, only that he accompanied Senor Bright on his trip to the interior. Had he told you he was going, Inspector? Oh, no. Senor Zucklin telephoned the information to me this afternoon. He said your visitor had reminded him of the fact. Well, he's pretty quick in getting to you, wasn't he? He seemed very eager to cooperate. Do you know this Ramon Lopez? I was with him when Pagan telephoned me. Oh, well, then the young man has an alibi for the time of the shooting today. Has he? See, if you were with him. His apartment is only five minutes from here. He didn't answer when I knocked. Maybe he was there, or maybe he was just coming in the back door. Ah, I see. I shall question him immediately. If you don't mind, I'd like to have a little talk with him first. Certainly, Senor Thurston. Thanks. Come on, Pagan. But, but, but, Mr. Thurston, if this character is the guy who has been doing all this shooting, maybe I ought to stay here in case the Inspector. Huh, Mr. Thurston? Come on, Pagan. I'm looking for Ramon Lopez. Lopez? This is his apartment, I believe. Oh, you mean the man who lived here before? Huh? He's moved. He's no longer here. Buenos noches. No, no, just, just a minute. Who are you? Nieto Pacheco. Senorita Pacheco. I'm Ken Thurston. And I am Mr. Pagan Zelschke. Feel pardoned me. I was about to drace for dinner. Sorry to bother you, Senorita, but Lopez was here this afternoon. I'd like to talk to him. I've told you he's not here now. He moved away about an hour ago. I've been hoping for a front apartment. When the landlady told me I could exchange mine for this one, I did not wait. The quarters are furnished, so it's very simple to move on a moment's notice. And you, uh, you don't know where Lopez moved to? You can ask the landlady. Thanks, I will. Senor Sirston. Huh? I've been very rude. You must forgive me. I was taking a nap when you knocked. My temper is not good when I'm awakened. If you and your friend will come inside. Oh, it's very kind of you, Senorita. Hey, I don't like this, Mr. Thurston. As I told you, I just moved in, but perhaps I have some wine. Don't bother, Nita. Senor Zelchman? Oh, well, as long as it's handy. Mr. Senor Lopez? I've met him. I don't know him myself. Even though we've lived in the same building, you know, we've never met. It's extraordinary, no? Yeah, very, especially since I happened to notice your picture on his dresser when I was here before. Oh, how clumsy of you. Hey, hey, don't, don't let all that wine go to waste. Yeah, let me help you, Nita. Oh, gracias. Sit through my fingers. Sure. About that photograph. You must have been mistaken, Senor Thurston. No, I don't think so. Well, there are many girls in Peru who look like me. And who would sign the picture with love from Nita? I'm afraid I cannot offer you the wine after all. I've spilled most of it. I just remembered I have an engagement. You will forgive me? Certainly. Oh, and if your engagement happens to include Raymond, tell him Senora Bright didn't die. She's at the Hospital of the White Angels, room 313, and she'll probably recover consciousness before midnight. You're wasting your time, Senora. I have no occasion to talk with Senor Lopez. Good night. Good night, Nita. Perhaps we'll meet again. I don't think so, Senor Thurston. She's certainly mixed up with that Lopez character, isn't she, Mr. Axe? Looks that way, doesn't she? Anything maybe he's the guy who killed Mr. Bright and tried to shoot his wife to death, eh? Could be. Just goes to show you you can't... Wait a minute, Mr. Axe. You told her about Mrs. Bright not being dead and what room she's in. Oh, if she tells Lopez, how could you do such a thing? Maybe that was a little careless. Sure was. Boy, I wouldn't tell nobody. They might try to kill her again. Yes. There are probably quite a few people in Lima who'd like to find out about Betty Bright. They won't find out nothing from me. I'm shot like a clam. Good. And just to show you how much I appreciate it, here's 20 bucks. Huh? Go on, take it. Oh, sure, sure, but what is it for? Well, you could probably get a lot more than that if you told the right person about Betty Bright's room, how she is. I couldn't? Well, I, uh... I wouldn't even consider you. You said she was in room 313? That's right. Say, I just remembered I've got a 30-second cousin in Lima, uh, cousin Grisha. Maybe I ought to see him sometimes. No, maybe. Sure, Pagon. Take it easy. Anybody in here? Hiya, Pagon. Mr. Thurston. Come on in. I'll be quiet about it. Where's Mrs. Bright? Did you regain conscience and take it on the land? Oh, no, no. She's up on the next floor. But, but this is room 313, like you said. Why are the lights off, and what are we doing here? Waiting. What for? Who? Depends on how many people you told about this room number. Mr. Axe, how can you say such a shh, but you still haven't told me who we're waiting for. Oh, a killer, perhaps. Oh, well, in that case, let me out of here. Quiet, you idiot. We're coming down the hall again. Make no sound, Mrs. Bright, or I would... Hello, what's this? Come on in. Oh, I must have the wrong room. I was looking for my patient. You came to the right room. No, no, no, no. You are mistaken. I have an important operation to perform on one of my patients. Oh, is it Dr. Zuchland now? Oh, now, look here. Oh, call it out. That surgical mask doesn't fool anybody. Hey, you said Zuchland. And he was right, wasn't it? Don't move, either of you. Mr. Axe, don't move. Oh, put that gun away, Zuchland. It's too late to do you any good now. It has been useful before, Mr. Axe, and it will be useful again. Now? I suppose that's the same one you used to kill Roger Bright. That's right. So, you see, I know how to use it. And what about Betty? Did you get worried about whether she might know where the new oil pool is? Is that why you took a shot at her? Tell me, how'd you find out about Roger's discovery in the first place? Lopez? Of course. Lopez is a loyal member of the party. Well, I don't have to ask you what party. You said you came over here in 1940, didn't you? So? Well, the comets have kept you standing by for a long time, haven't they? That's a perfect example of our careful preparation for whatever may lie ahead. Under the program of our great leader, we are always prepared for anything. That is where you Americans fail. Oh, I wouldn't say that. The Beast Inspector Morales is pretty well prepared for you tonight. What are you talking about? After sending some of his officers to pick up Lopez and his girlfriend, he was kind enough to offer a station, a few of his best men in the next room. Just, uh, just open that connecting door and you'll see what I mean. I don't believe it. No, this is a trick. Go ahead, open the door and see for yourself. I will. Yeah. You're lied. The store is locked. Then it looks like I'll have to take care of you. Oh, no, you're doing it. Rotten shot. So come try this. Hey, Pagan. You can come out from under that bed now. Well, I guess we showed him a couple of things or two, didn't we? Yeah, I guess we did. Now, how would you like to pick up that phone and ask Inspector Morales to come over? Oh, you bet I will. Do you want me to have him come over and pick up this crook? Hey, I must talk to you, Mr. Sarson. Hey, I thought you were out cold. Oh, put down that lamp, Pagan. Lara, don't, don't send for the inspector. Listen to me. I have the reports. The maps which describe Bryce's discovery now. Without them, you will never find that oil field again. Don't worry about that, Souklin. We'll find it. But I can give them to you. We'll make a bargain. She'll give me a chance to escape, and in return, you will have a new oil field. Not interested. You're going to be tried for Roger Bryce's murder. Of what value is the life of one man? How can you weigh that against the oil and gasoline that I offer to you? Seeing what this discovery can mean to your western world, how can you refuse? You don't understand, Souklin, people like you never do. But oil and gas and machinery, all the material things in the world, aren't as important as one human life. That's why you and your party will always be on trial before the decent people of the world. Okay, Pagan, call the inspector. Now, here is our star, Mr. Herbert Marshall. Thanks for being with us, and my thanks to Lucille Meredith, Peggy Weber, Will Wright, Bill Conrad, Ben Wright, and Harry Bartell. Next week, a flying trip to, well, believe it or not, to Nowhere. And if you like plot and twist and counterpart, I strongly advise you to listen, because I really think the story will keep you on the edge of your seat. Peg, oh, sure, he'll be along in the person of Leon Bellasco. Join us, won't you, where next I return as the man called X. Good night. Man called X starring Herbert Marshall is a J. Richard Kennedy production with music by Milton Charles. Tonight's transcribe story was written by Frank Burton. This program is directed by Jack Johnstone. All characters and incidents on this program are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual characters or incidents is purely coincidental. And so until next week, same time and station, this is Hellgipney saying good night for the man called X. This is NBC, the national broadcasting company.