 Hired of the everyday routine, ever dream of a life of romantic adventure, want to get away from it all. We offer you escape. Escape. Designed to free you from the four walls of today for a half hour of high adventure. Tonight we escape to a lonely schooner sailing through the hot Caribbean night, carrying a fortune and the heedless passions of reckless men, as John and Gwen Bagney tell it in their exciting tale, the sure thing. Before we hear tonight's story, a brief message from the Ford dealers of America. Over 140,000 delighted motorists are already driving the new 50 Ford. Here is what Mrs. William M. Kirby of Kansas City, Missouri, who believes the rare Sealy Ham and Dandy Denmark Terriers says about her new Ford. I think my new Ford station wagon is just wonderful. It has such style and beauty. I use it to transport my Terriers and they love it. And of course, it doubles as a passenger car as well. It's so comfortable and easy to handle. I've had station wagons before, but this one is the strongest, safest, and best I've ever had. Yes, we Ford dealers are swamped with comments like that. But don't take anyone's word for this new 50 Ford. Prove it for yourself. Look up your nearest Ford dealer in the classified phone directory. Perhaps you know him personally. He'll arrange a test drive in the 50 Ford. Test drive it for comfort, for power, for safety, for the quietness which is its mark of quality. Test drive it for the new Ford feel which stamps the 50 Ford as the one fine car in the low price field. Before you buy any car at any price. Test drive the 50 Ford at your Ford dealers tomorrow. And now we invite you to escape. This way, senor. Thank you. If you would please wait in here in the president's office. Fine. You understand, senor. I have not the authority to handle the matter myself. Yes, of course. I understand. You see, a bank draft of two million dollars, it is a matter of such importance. Senor Jose Perez, the president of the bank, he is the only one. That's perfectly all right. I'll wait for senor Perez. Gracias, senor. Gracias. Wait. Yes, I could wait. I'd come this far, I could afford a few more minutes. It was hard to believe. Just a short while ago, I'd been shipped doctor on the SS Martina. The gilded ferry boat of the Caribbean. And now, now I sat back in a comfortable chair and went over the whole thing again in my mind. Just the way it happened, from the beginning. We had just cleared the Straits of Yucatan on our way to Havana when the 23-word message came that started the whole thing. That's the same thing, doc. SOS Latitude 23 North, Longitude 85 West, Accident Case on Board Schooner Siddons, Enroute Havana. Urgently need doctor. Can you board us? That all? No answers to the type of injury. No, I don't get it, doc. She's standing just off the starboard and they still keep sending the same message. Life holds ready, doctor. Coming. Got all your gear? Well, I'll set. Let's go. As we pulled away from our ship, I could just barely make out the schooner's feelings for wandering current in the growing dust. She was a 42-footer. And from a high bow, she sloped away neatly in a sweeping shear line to a trimmed square stern. The sit-in. The names seemed to fit her. A loof and aristocratic. As we pulled alongside a huge swathefellow helped me aboard. Watch your step. Easy. Thanks. Now, where's the patient? He's below. Why don't you bring a stretcher for him? Who are you? I'm the owner of Felix Oruj. You can't take him out of this boat. He's too weak. I'll decide that. Come on, old son. Coming, doc. We went below, and in the forward state, well, I found my patient. An old man. And with him a girl. Oh, doc, thank heaven you're here. He had an accident. He's terribly... I've been so worried. Bad shark. Pulse, pretty slow. You're not going to take him away, are you? No way. No, no, Ken. Easy, no. Have you enough oil board to reach a van if the wind doesn't hold? Yes, I think so. Okay. Olson. Yeah, doc? You go on back. This man is in no condition to be moved. What about you? I'll meet the ship in Havana. We ought to be there in some time tomorrow. Yeah, but the skipper... I'll take the responsibility. Okay, you're the doctor. All right, let's have a look. Easy now. No, no, no. Don't try to talk. How long has he been this way? Two days. Two days? Doctor the wound, I'm afraid that... Yes, it's badly infected. Who did the surgery on him? Surgery. Who probed for the bullet? Bullet? There was no bullet. He was injured splicing a backstay with a Marlin spike. He was bought. You see, he was carrying the Marlin spike in his hand when Felix had it come about. It threw him off balance and he fell. I've dug out too many bullets not to recognize the kind of mess they make. It was a Marlin spike. Yes? Well, you can yell Marlin spike all the way to Havana, but it isn't going to change my report. Report? No. No bullet. Marlin spike. Marlin. Lie back. No. This won't hurt. What? What is it? Just a hypodermic. No, no, no, no. I don't want it. But I've got to probe. You can take it if you're conscious. No anesthetica. Only brandy. Doctor, give him the anesthetic. Oh, no. You'd like that, wouldn't you, Stephanie? You're out of your mind. Joseph. I just want to save you the pain in the doctor. Get in the brandy. But doctor... It's his body. If that's what he wants, that's the way you'll have to have it. Now get the brandy. Oh, thank you. And doctor? Yes? Send Stephanie away. Don't run her around me. She went away, but she didn't like it. And I got to work. For the next couple of hours, I was pretty busy. It was well after 10 o'clock when I felt it was safe to leave the old man and go up on deck to catch a smoke. Halfway up the companion way, I ran into Felix on his way down. Well, doc, how's the old boy? Is he going to kick off? I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I think he's going to be all right. You think? What do you know? I'm only a doctor. I've done everything I can for him. Wait a minute. Where are you going? I want to see him. I got a talk to him. I wouldn't advise him. Since when are you giving orders around here? Since I came aboard. I don't want him disturbed. He needs to rest. Oh. You got any objections if I give myself a cup of coffee? No. So long as you stay away from my patient. Oh, I didn't hear you come up. You handled the wheel like an old salt. Oh, I don't know much about it. I just knew what Felix told me. How's Joseph? You've been down there such a long time. I thought that maybe... That he died? That's a horrible thing to say. Of course not. Who is Joseph? Your husband? No, I'm his secretary. Oh. Then this is a business trip. In a way. Doctor, what are you getting at? Did you shoot him? Why would I shoot him and then call for a doctor out here in the middle of the ocean? I don't know. And after tomorrow I won't care. You realize, of course, that my report to the authorities in Havana will be according to my own findings. I suppose so. I don't imagine that there's any way of changing your mind. Is there, doctor? This is a beautiful schooner. Belong to your boss? Yes. I wonder... Do you mind if I take the wheel for a while? It's been a long time. Oh, you know how to sail? I used to, back in Maine. All right. Go ahead. Feels good. She sure handles like a dream. Uh-huh. Just as I thought. What's wrong, doctor? Look at that pinnacle. We're not headed for Havana. We're headed in the opposite direction. The siden was racing along the sail's flow. But she wasn't sailing due to Havana. The compass said she was sailing southwest. Away from Havana as fast as wind and sail could take her. I later on the starboard tack had started to bring her about. The sails bellied out, catching the winds that shifted across the bow. And then, as they started to fill away, the man's boom swung over. Just as I ducked to avoid it, I shot my hand. I put up my hand to steady myself against the main boom in there in the wood. Like where my head would have been if I hadn't ducked, was the bullet. Across the deck, siloing the life the companion way, stood Felix, polishing his gun with a handkerchief. You're setting the tack, doctor, when a man's cleaning his gun. Cleaning your gun in the dark in the middle of the night. Yeah, I suppose it is dangerous. I see you don't like our course. I was under the impression this craft was bound for Havana. That's right, Doc. We are. Then why are we sailing southwest? You can't trust the behind the wheel of a car and the better behind the wheel of a boat. Oh, no, Felix, you don't blame me for that. I don't know a thing about a course. I did what you told me. Now, why didn't you do it right? If I'm so incompetent, maybe you'd better handle it yourself. Maybe I will. I didn't know what the game was. The lies, Marlin's spite, nocturnal gun cleaning, change of course. But one thing was certain. I intended to get to Havana if it was the last thing I ever did. And to make sure it wasn't the last thing. This was one night I wouldn't sleep. I went down to the old man's stateroom where I'd left my bag to get some benzodine. While I was there, I checked on him. He was sleeping quietly. He wouldn't need me. I opened the bag, took the tablets, and suddenly my hand stopped in midair. My hypodermic needle, motored with the anesthetic that Joseph had refused, was gone. In just a moment we will return to escape. But first, a message from the Ford dealers of America. Already more than 140,000 new owners know that the 1954 is something really special. We Ford dealers know it. We want you to know it too. That's why we invite you to test the 1954 yourself. From the moment you get behind the wheel, you'll see and feel quality. A finger's touch brings the great new V8 engine quietly to life, no matter how cold the weather. Before you've driven a block, you'll experience the joy of that flashing V8 acceleration and power. You'll know the quietness of quality in the motor and the sound conditioned body. Your first touch of the brakes, the largest in the low price field, brings a new feeling of safety and security. And try the worst road you know. See how the midship ride gives you the comfort and rotability of America's most expensive cars. Any Ford dealer will be delighted to arrange a test drive. If you don't know him personally, he's listed in the classified phone book. Call him tomorrow, before you buy any car at any price. Test drive the 1954. It will open your eyes. And now we return you to the second act of escape. Can't you sleep? Are you still worried about the course? See, we're sailing due east. Very commendable. Mind if I take the wheel awhile? Oh, I don't mind at all. Keep a dewy stuck. I want to get to a van. I watched his truck you'll import back as he moved across the deck and disappeared below. The moon was his brightest day and his reassuring. And then the sails swung out covering it, throwing the deck into blackness. That's why I didn't realize at first anyone was approaching until I saw the glow of the cigarette. I tense myself. My hand clenched at something in the cockpit. The cigarette moved closer. I waited the sailbell out back and I saw her full in the moonlight. I have to talk to you. Go ahead. Talk. I'm afraid I haven't been very honest with you. I'm afraid you haven't. I lied to you and I realize now how foolish it was. Doctor, I'm afraid of Felix. Are you trying to tell me it was Felix who shot the old man? Yes, and he made me lie about it. Like you lied about the course. He'll never get to Havana. He's letting you think that you're going there now, but he'll figure out something. I'm sure he will. If that target practiced a few moments ago was any sample. Oh, you wasn't trying to kill you. Felix wouldn't kill you now, not as long as Joseph needs you. I mean... Well, you're not making sense again. Felix wants me to keep Joseph alive and yet Felix shot Joseph. It was just a fit of anger and argument. Felix has a terrible temper. Why he'd be a fool to kill Joseph? Felix, Joseph's so valuable. Well? I suppose I should tell you all of it. It might be a good idea. I told you the truth about one thing at least. I am his secretary. Only his name isn't just Joseph. It's Joseph Ingram. Ingram? No wonder his face was familiar. He's the big aviation tycoon. But Ingram was killed two weeks ago. I read it about it in the papers. A transcontinental airliner crashed into a mountain. That's the luck of Joseph Ingram. We were on our way to Washington. He'd been subpoenaed to have his war contract investigated. He was guilty of sin, and though public was really worked up about it, he was a cinch to be indicted. And his wife, who'd put up with his selfishness and greed through 20 years of marriage, couldn't take it anymore and left him. We had got off the plane at Albuquerque to answer a wire from his attorney. But the radio and newspapers obituaried him to death. I know. That's how things happened for him. Apparently there was just no record of us leaving the plane and they only found half of the survivors. Some of those, they couldn't identify. Go on. Well, when Joseph realized that he was officially dead, he saw the way out. He'd been looking desperately for a chance to disappear and now he had it. He phoned Felix and Florida to have the sit-in ready and we took a train down and boarded her there. I see. So why do you think I'm on this boat? Do you think I wanted to come? Do you think I wanted to leave my whole life behind? I was forced to come. I was the only one who knew that Joseph was still alive. And now you know. What about Felix? Felix is Joseph's handyman, so to speak, and Joseph owns Felix' body and soul, just like he owns everyone who works for him. And you? I saw a chance to go further with Joseph than with any other man. And maybe the needle isn't meant for Joseph. Needle? What needle? A hypodermic needle loaded with anesthetic. It's missing from my bag. And it looks now like it's meant for you. Oh no. Oh no, he can't. I'm afraid we'll have to be more realistic. We? If you'll forgive the pun. I'm afraid we're both in the same boat. There was desperation in her face. I felt sorry for her. She was in this mess up to her neck and she was afraid. And yet it was good having her beside me there in the cockpit. It was pleasant to be with her. Just the two of us. The moon and the sea. Well, anyway, the hypodermic needle was the farthest thing from my mind when I took her in my arms. Then it happened. I felt the sting of a pierce my flesh. Oh, the needle you... What are you talking about? The needle just stuck me with it. Oh, I'm sorry. It was just my brook. See, it's always coming up. Brooch? Oh, I thought... Oh silly. Here. Fasten it for me, will you please? Yes, of course. Why, you're shaking. It's that missing hypodermic that has me rattled. I've got to get it back. You'll get it back. Yes, but when? How? Right now, doctor. Like this. She used the needle definitely. In one motion, plunged it in my arms and tried to struggle to my feet. Her face was mocking me. I grabbed her, but the drug was warm and dead meat. And after a blood moment, I was gone. I could hear them from a long ways off. The king came slowly even. I lay there listening. I only did what you told me. You're the one who bungled it. They were both standing over me, working on me, doing everything they could to bring it to me. Well, a lot of trouble to use that needle. Now you've spoiled everything. Why did you have to rush things? You'd only left Joseph alone, but no, no. You couldn't wait. As soon as the doctor was unconscious, he had to work him over. If Joseph dies, now we'll never find out where he hid it. It's honest boat. I know that. You stupid temper of yours. That awful impatience. You'd think you could have waited for two million dollars. Now it began to make some sense. Now everything makes sense. As long as Joseph needed a doctor and wouldn't tell where the money was, we both lived. But if I couldn't keep him alive... Get on your feet, Doc! Come on, Doc, I'm on your feet! Feel it, CD! Since when are you getting so touchy? Come on! All right, all right, I'm on my feet. Welcome back. The old man, E.G., has had a relapse. Stephanie, take the wheel. Doc. I'm not in the mood to take orders. Maybe this will put you in a mood! My chin with the short chair, my knees buckled. I swung at him and listened. I saw another one coming. This time I ducked and connected with a round house on the side of his head that set him wheeling along the Wacken hour deck. I started after him. Just as the boat came about by and had been healing over with a lee rail under, I wildly grabbed the dialyne just in time to think he had thrown backwards into the sea. I hurled around. The girl had done it. Spinning the wheel like crazy. I dashed back to the cockpit, tried to grab it away from her. She flucked me like a tiger, but I finally pushed her off right at the boat and burned her about. But Felix was nowhere in sight. We tacked her on, searching for him, but it was useless. It was an accident! He's gone. You've killed him. You ought to be glad he's gone. Why? Your concern touches me. Besides, we don't need him, don't you see? You know how to handle a boat and you're a doctor. You could keep Joseph alive until we make him talk. And when we find out where his money is, we can get rid of him. And sail away into the sunset, huh? That's right. Just you and me. Yeah. No thanks. I'll play the original hand out in Havana. I don't think so, doctor. I'm setting the course now. And if you're interested, I'm a much better shop in Felix. I won't hit the boom. The gun glided in the moonlight and she was smiling at me. And then I wasn't looking at her but beyond her. First, I wasn't sure. I just sensed the movement. And then I saw him. Joseph Ingram barefooted and in pajamas, pulling himself painfully up the companion lane, forcing his body to make the effort. Joseph! You ordered too much, Stephanie. My money and Felix's youth. Felix is gone. He had an accident. Like mine, I suppose. If only I hadn't been so greedy. If only it waited, it'd have gotten your share. Joseph, you're sick. You are such a little fool, Stephanie. In the heel of my shoe, in my cabin, is a draft on the National Bank of Venezuela for two million dollars. Payable to bearer. And it is of you? In the stomach yet he kept coming out. Slumbering barefooted across the deck like a wounded bear in blue silk pajamas. Not so easy. She backed away from him. I'm seeing her gun into him. But he kept coming. Not so easy. He was at the edge of the deck as he collapsed against her. He had the arms and the depth grip around her like a cartwheel. They swung together over the side into the inky blackness of the sea. Million dollars in the heel of a shoe. It was in the heel of the shoe, all right. I went below and found it. Just a piece of paper that three people had died over. Two million dollars. Certified backwards and forwards. Payable to bearer. In just a few hours it would be daylight. I could be in Havana by noon, back to the Martina, back to the dispensary, back to the endless round of seasick pills, hangover remedies, and when I'm lucky maybe a sprained ankle. Or Venezuela. The choice was simple. There was no risk at all. It was a sure thing. It was payable. To bearer. Good afternoon, senor. Sorry I have kept you waiting. You presented this bank draft for payment, senor. Yes, are you, senor Paris? That is right. I am president of the bank. This draft, it is quite a large sum. There's nothing wrong with the draft, is there? Oh, no, senor, it is in order. Good. And you wish us to transfer this money to your bank in the United States? No. No, as a matter of fact, I wish to open an account here. Oh, but certainly, Gomez, you will make the arrangement for the senor. Yes, senor Paris, at once. And now, there is a lady, a countrywoman of yours, waiting to see you. Please, to step his way, senor. You can say me, but who? Oh, Joseph, I've been waiting so long. Senor Perez, is this the man who presented the draft for payment? Yes, senora. But he hasn't. And what has happened to Joseph? Joseph Ingram, of course. Senor Perez, who is this man? I heard the Sidon had come in this morning with only one person aboard, so I rushed right here to the bank. But you've cashed the draft. What have you done? Killed Joseph Horace? Look, madam, I don't know what you're talking about. Just who are you, anyway? I'm Joseph Ingram's wife. Oh, then surely you know. He died in that plane crash back in the States. He didn't, and you know it. Joseph wasn't on that plane. He boarded the Sidon in Florida. Now, look, madam, all the newspapers are... Look who I planned, the whole thing. Those highly publicized statements about our divorce were just a cover-up. So nobody would watch or care where I went. They phoned me from Albuquerque when the plane crashed, and he'd meet me here with a certified draft. He was to meet you here. And I know he would have. If he was still alive. Senor Perez, would you call the police? I accuse this man of murdering my husband. See, senora, if you... Call him. Call him at once. He must not get away. I will ring for the guard. Just a minute. I didn't kill him. She killed him. She? Stephanie, his secretary. Who is she? She's dead. He killed her. Oh, this doesn't make any sense. Then where is Felix? You see, Felix, he was killed when he... Yes? You see, it was... That is the guard, senor, waiting outside the door. Under these circumstances, Venezuelan law requires me to hold a payment on the draft pending investigation. And, senor, it is my duty to turn you over to the police. No, look, look. Those people, I had nothing to do with their murders. Have you any proof, senor? Have you any weaknesses? They were staring at me. They didn't believe me. Of course. No one would ever believe me. And it had looked like such a sure thing. I was trapped on a charge of triple murder. Not two million dollars, but triple murder payable to bearers. In just a moment, a word about next week's exciting story of escape. But first, a message from your local Ford dealer. More than 140,000 delighted motorists are already driving the new 50 Ford. Here is what J.B. Sperlock, a salesman, says about his 50 Ford. Anyone who's on the road as much as I am will sure appreciate the relaxing ride of the 50 Ford. You just take the wheel and sail away for hundreds of miles and you end up almost as fresh as you were when you started. It's not just the comfortable seats alone that are relaxing. It's the quietness of the Ford engine and the fine riding qualities too. Actually, it feels and holds the road like a much higher priced car. I wouldn't trade my 50 Ford for anything anywhere near its price class. We Ford dealers hear comments like that every day. But you don't have to take anyone's word for it. Just test drive the 50 Ford yourself. Look up your nearest Ford dealer in the classified phone directory or perhaps you know him personally. He'll gladly arrange a test drive in the 50 Ford. Then you can test drive it for comfort, for power, for safety, and for quietness. Test drive it for the new Ford feel which stamps the 50 Ford as the one fine car in the low price field before you buy any car at any price. Test drive the 50 Ford at your Ford dealers tomorrow. Escape is produced and directed by William N. Robson. Tonight we have presented The Sure Thing by John and Gwen Bagney. Featured in the cast were Anthony Ross as the doctor, Jeff Corey as Felix Arouge, Faye Baker as Stephanie, and Ian Wolf as Joseph Ingram. Also heard were Harry Bartell, Ruth Perot, Ramsey Hill, and Paul Freese. Special music was arranged and conducted by Adele Castillo next week. You are trapped with a lovely but dangerous woman on your own island of paradise. Trapped by overpowering greed for a huge buried treasure. And from the woman and the greed, there is no escape. Next week we escape with John and Gwen Bagney's exciting tale of a lost paradise, treasure incorporated. Goodbye then until this same time next week when once again we offer you escape. This is CBS, the Columbia broadcasting system. They tune for pursuit. 10 p.m. B-U-L-O-V-A, Boulevard watch time. For her choose the very latest, Lady Boulevard. Only $42.50. General Omar N. Bradley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Harvard University President, Dr. James B. Conant discuss a vital educational issue just 30 minutes from now. WCBS, a.m. and f.m.