 Tired of the everyday grind? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all? We offer you... Escape! Escape. Design to free you from the four walls of today for a half hour of high adventure. You are standing in a lonely forest clearing the dawn turned grey by the creeping fog. While standing on the yards from you, his eyes filled with his hate for you, is a man who's come to take your life. Unless you first take his. Listen now, as Escape brings you the second shot. A story based on the classic tale by Alexander Dumar. You ready, gentlemen? Ready? Yes, yes. Get on with it. There is no way by which you can compose your differences, settle your quarrel, except by this Lieutenant Dumier. There is none. Lieutenant Musin? I am not the challenger. Lieutenant Dumier is. If my opponent wishes to withdraw at this point with a certain loss of honor... The Lieutenant forgets himself. My apologies. Monsieur, will you be kind enough to proceed? Very well. Your seconds have examined these pistols and pronounced them perfectly matched. They are loaded. Would you make your choice, Lieutenant Dumier? This one should do nicely. Lieutenant Musin? Gentlemen, you will take your places. Here, where I have planted my saber in the ground, back to back, if you please. You will raise your pistols to shoulder height, hold them pointed upward. Good. Now the terms of the duel are these. At major calls count, you will walk slowly away from each other. At a count of ten, you will turn and fire. Regardless of the effects of the shots of the duel is then declared finished, and the quarrel ended. Is that satisfactory to both of you? Quite satisfactory. Yes, of course. Are you ready in major calls? Yes. There's no other way of... Yes, I'm ready. Gentlemen, it's your pleasure. Yes, yes, go ahead. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten. Dr. Bajuk, hurry please, see what you can do for him. The sound had a premonition, this would have a major cause. A common sense could have told him. True, Domier never misses. Is he dead, major? Fact, I think, is obvious. Congratulations, Lieutenant Domier. Once again, you have distinguished yourself by your excellent shooting. It's unfortunate, however, that you so often see fit to direct it against your own comrades in arms. He insulted me, sir. A man must defend himself. Good day, Lieutenant. Lieutenant Domier reporting is requested, sir. Please, Lieutenant. Let me see here. According to this dossier, you were assigned to my regiment some seven months ago, having just been commissioned from the Academy of Sun Seal. Yes, sir. Though the regiment has not been engaged in military action during that period, you have shown exemplary ability in the performance of duties assigned to you. Thank you, sir. Your official record is excellent, and it can be assumed you will give a good account of yourself when we move against Vienna at the end of the month. I hope so, sir. I'm more concerned at the moment with your unofficial record, Lieutenant Domier. One week after your assignment to my command, you challenged Subaltern Mikhailov to a duel and shot and killed him. He insulted me, sir. Six weeks later, you challenged Lieutenant De Ville to a duel, shot and killed him. Two months after that, Captain Mohasse, your bullet smashed his shoulder, and he was forced to retire from the service. Three weeks ago, your victim was Lieutenant Leclerre, who still lingers in the hospital. Does the colonel know that... You're the forest of Marengo. You shot and killed the leader of my eight-foot-two Lieutenant Moussin. That duel was conducted fairly, sir. It was murder. You're a dead shot with a pistol. Those men didn't have a chance against you. Then they should not be so free with their insults, colonel. The gentleman has the right to defend his honor. Lieutenant Domier, if all you know of honor is what you have learned on the dueling field, then I fear your education has been arrested at a very primitive stage. I resent your implication. If you care to withdraw your remark at once, perhaps... Lieutenant Domier, you were on the point of issuing a challenge to your commanding officer, while standing for an official interview. You were aware of the penalty? Was it an action? Are you not? Yes, sir, the guillotine. Lieutenant, in seven months I've lost five men, excellent officers, all of them, sacrificed at that exalted sense of honor of yours. Well, there'll be no more of it. Do you understand? If you persist in this career of mayhem, if you challenge another man of this regiment, I will convene a court of inquiry. If that court should find your provocation insufficient, and I am quite sure that it would, I will have you stripped of your commission and thrown out of the army. Is that clear? Yes, sir. Any questions, Lieutenant? With the colonel's permission, yes. The colonel has mentioned the penalty for challenging one superior officer under official restraint. I suppose such a challenge should be given in circumstances which are not official, and for reasons which are personal. In that case, there is no penalty, Lieutenant Domié. Thank you, sir. Dismissed. If I step in, colonel. Of course not. Come in, Major. Sir Domié leaving. He was boiling. What did you do to him? He had a boyish nonsense out of his head with somewhat dubious success, I'm afraid. He has a hellish temper, all right. He was in one of my courses at Sancier. He needs a campaign to settle him down. You'll get it. The orders are confidential, but the little corporal arrives in two weeks. We move against Vienna the week after. Good. The regiment needs shaking down. Found it, Major Colm. Domié is worth saving if there's any way of doing it. He could be the best junior officer when he grow up. If he could only develop the slightest maturity. Do you realize that I am barely 12 years older than he is? It's the campaigns. Italy, Egypt, you had to grow up. Wait till we move against the Austrian army. That'll settle him down. I hope so. Oh, by the way, colonel, you recall my telling you of a niece of mine. Marianne? Yes. Well, she's here. I'm from Sancier this afternoon for a surprise visit. I wondered if you would go to join us at dinner tonight. Of course. Well, then it's settled. Forget about Domié. You'll straighten out in time. Possibly. If he doesn't destroy himself first. Or someone else. Or someone else. You're a most remarkable man. Remarkable? I've been telling it to Marianne for three years now. By the way, you described to Macauchan I had pictured a battle-scarred veteran of a dozen campaigns. Tired and worn. And even older than you are. Oh, heaven forbid. But instead I find... Well... You find what, Marianne? No, not another word. I fear I may have said enough now to turn your head. Oh, I rather think you'll find his head a bit more firmly attached than those of the cadets you know in Sancier. Captain Dothraker has just come in. There's a matter I'd like to see him about if you'll excuse me, sir. Of course, Major. Well, Marianne? How long will you be here? A week. Possibly two. Unless the campaign begins sooner. Oh, I know, it's a dark secret. But there is gossip, of course. I see. Oh, they're going to dance. Of course I accept. I'd love to. Oh, no, really, really now. Come on, there's much less danger in a cotillion than there is in a cavalry charge. Is there? My arm, Marianne. And that thin blue line far across the valley, they're almost hidden in the haze. What is that, Colonel Perot? The Danube. It's an objective once we open the campaign. The campaign? Danger, death, it's difficult to imagine when everything is so peaceful now. The birds, flowers, even the hills are happy today. And you, my dear? I'm happy too, very happy. Then forget the campaign. Today doesn't matter. And what does matter today? You. I? You must have known it. I'm not experienced at hiding such things. Marianne? I think the carriage driver is anxious to leave. The devil take the carriage driver. Well, you're more impetuous than a cadet. We're your concern. We're getting late. Marianne? No, please. We only met three days ago. A week then. Will a week be long enough, my dear? I think perhaps it will. Ask me then. Assembly and review in five minutes. Are you ready? Yes, if I can get this tunic straight. Here's your sabre. Full review every third day now. Something must be up. The campaign will move in a matter of days. Not my words. I hope you're right. Dormier, there's something I think you ought to know. We'd better go. You told me once that while you were at the academy, you exchanged rings with Marianne called the Major's niece, right? Yes, we're planning to be married. She wrote me she'd try to come here for a visit, but so far she... Dormier? What? Dormier, she's here. She's been here for a week. What's she been doing? Dining, dancing, driving in the countryside, walking in the garden, the usual activities of a girl who's been courted. Courted? By whom? By our commanding officer, my friend. Colonel Perot, that's a lie. It's true, Dormier. The Major introduced them. The whole regiment is known, but they kept it from you. From me as well, knowing I was your friend. I just heard of it. What are you going to do about it, Dormier? I'll be on my way. Now let's go. You are listening to The Second Shot, tonight's presentation on Escape. On CBS Radio's Saturday Night series called Gunsmoke, we go back to the early west for the exploits of United States Marshal Matt Dillon. On most of these same stations, CBS Radio brings you the excitement of gun smoke every Saturday night. And now, Escape and act two of The Second Shot. Are you leaving us, Major? If you will excuse me. Yes, it's bedtime for a man my age. Good night, Uncle Jean. Good night, my dear. Good night, Major. Marianne. Yes? Do you know what day this is? Well... It's the day before tomorrow, of course, and a day later than yesterday. But beyond that, I must confess, I've lost track of the time. It's a week. One week today. You said a week should be long enough, my dear. I did? I love you, Marianne. It seems so strange. For you who have been so many places, known so many women... I don't remember any women. For you to love me, who knows nothing and has been nowhere. The cadets at the academy? Not one of them mattered. Not as you matter, my dear. Marianne. Then you will marry me. Could it be at this time of night? No, no, no. I suppose we should answer it. Wait. I hear Uncle Jean coming down. He'll see who it is. Good. I'm much too comfortable to move. And the view from here is excellent. View? You, my dear. Lieutenant Dornier? By compliments, Colonel Ferro, Major. Tell him I'd like to work with him. And tell him it's personal, rather than official. Right person. Have the Lieutenant come in, Major Colm? I gathered from your remarks to Major Colm at the door that you are not here on official military business. The Colonel has an excellent sense of hearing. It's too bad his sense of decency is not equally admirable. Lieutenant, may I remind you that you're addressing your superior officer? I am aware of it, Major. Then while you're in my home, you'll conduct yourself in a manner proper to your rank. My manner is proper enough for a man who's been grossly offended. I'm certain the Colonel will admit that his reputation he has given me... Lieutenant Dornier! Let him talk, Major. What provocation do you fancy I have given you, Lieutenant? I would prefer to discuss the matter without the presence of Major Colm's niece. Dornier, you're being a fool. I was once, but no longer. You know each other? Ask your niece, Major. Stop it, Dornier. We were both fools, mere children. Oh, and now in less than a year I have a little regard for his feelings since I perceive you still wear my ring on a chain about your throat. Take it. Here. Each day I meant to give it back, but I put it off. It meant nothing. It meant a pledge of betrothal once. Shall I remind you of the circumstances, our children's words, our children's actions? Marianne, I must add my request to the lieutenants. Will you leave us alone, please? Will you go, my dear? Very well, Uncle Jean. Colonel Perot, I... Lieutenant, were you implying some sort of understanding between you and Marianne before she came here to visit? Is the Colonel trying to imply he was not aware of it? I was not. You lie! For my major, I think our young friend hardly knows what he's saying. Then you choose to ignore my insult? Well, I will not be so lenient, Colonel Perot. Captain Armand will call at your quarters tonight and arrange the affair. A duel? You're challenging your commanding officer? With the Colonel's permission, of course. Naturally, he can refuse to accept. I accept. No, Colonel. I shall expect Captain Armand at my quarters later. Colonel Perot. And now, Lieutenant Domier, you are a fool. A brash, unreasoning, young fool. I'm telling you that quite officially. Dismissed. He's taking his time. It's 10 o'clock. Captain Armand is hardly as reckless as Domier. I imagine it's taking some persuasion to get him to act in this matter. Do as I suggest, Colonel. Demand that the duel be fought with sabers. I saw you on the barricades at Firenze. Everyone would believe the choice was made through cowardice. It's well known that the Lieutenant fights with a pistol, so be it then. But he's a dead shot, he'll kill you. The probabilities are in his favor. Then how in the name of heaven can you sit there and be so calm about it? Calm. Major, I am anything but calm. Oh, no, no. Not about the possibility of death. I've spent my life with death. Cheated it for years. When it comes, it comes, and for me, it's over due. It's not death. It's Marianne. Oh, she was young. Too young. Not yet awakened. She said herself a childish thing. It meant nothing. I am not so sure, Major. Perhaps the strength and surge of my own feeling may have blinded me to hers. She's been here a week and made no effort to see him. But she wore his ring. You see my position, Major. If I should kill him, it would be a terrible injury to her. And on the other hand, should the result be reversed, her life with him would be clouded forever by the thought that she had brought about my death. First you insist on believing she cares for don't you? I can see no other explanation. Except the obvious one. Maria. I am not ordinarily an eavesdropper. Anymore than I am other things you seem to believe I am. Marianne, at this hour, gentlemen's quarters are hardly getting... I think I'm amply chaperoned by Uncle Jean. In fact, too much so for what I have to say. I'll wait in the passage outside, Colonel. Keep an eye out for Captain Armand. Do you believe I have played with your affections? Treated your love lightly for some feeling of vanity and such a conquest? I don't condemn you, my dear. My rank, perhaps. The nearer of experience. Anyone can be misled for a week. I meant what I said to Domier. It was a childish thing. So there is no reason for this deal. You see, you can't go through with it now. But I have to, my dear. There's nothing else I can do. Domier is being a fool. Must you be one too? I have no choice. Under the circumstances I can own... It's Captain Armand. Come. You can go out this way. It's better he not see you here. But the deal you must not risk your life. Life is risk, Marianne. Goodbye, my dear. Come in, Captain Armand. How do you, Captain? Yes, sir. Major Kohl here has kindly agreed to act as my second. The precise details of time and place can be arranged between you. Yes, sir. But as to the conditions of the duel itself, I wish to state definite requirements. This is, of course, my right as the challenged party. Lieutenant Domier has instructed me to accept whatever conditions you may impose, sir. Good. And here they are. Dueling pistols, of course. Very good. The distance? Two paces. Two paces? Correct. Colonel, are you sure of what you are saying? Two paces. It is impossible to miss. Each of us shall take his position and aim at his opponent and may fire his shot at will after the count of three. But I... Now a final condition, Captain. One of the pistols will not be loaded. I hardly know what to... Colonel, it means certain death for one of you. For the one who draws the empty gun leaves everything else to chance. Better so than leave it to the Lieutenant's marksmanship. Well, Captain? The Major is right. The result is purely a matter of chance, sir. Which is proper, I think, in an affair of honor. Shouldn't fate be given a hand at the matter? And you decline my terms, Captain Atmorene? No, we can't decline. It's your right. Very well, Colonel. On behalf of Lieutenant Domier, I accept. Colonel, you're being as foolish as he is. Stop now before it's too late. I think it's too late now, Major Colonel. It appears they're all here ahead of us. It can only mean tragedy, no matter what happens. Good morning, gentlemen. Mr. Dutrec, I understand that you are to officiate. If the Colonel pleases. Of course. Pistols are in this case. I've already seen to the loading. Do you know which is the loaded gun, Colonel? It doesn't matter since Lieutenant Domier will have first choice. Quite so. Will you choose your weapon, Lieutenant? I will. You hesitate, Lieutenant. I was told you always approach these affairs with a certain ease and confidence. This one. That is your final choice, Lieutenant? Yes. Very well. Colonel. Thank you. If he will take your place as gentlemen, the savers are planted in the ground two paces apart. You will stand back of them and face your opponent. Are you ready, gentlemen? At your pleasure, Monsieur. Lieutenant Domier. Yes, of course. Get on with it. You understand that neither of you will fire before the count of three. Good. Gentlemen. You will take aim. You're trembling, Lieutenant. Did you tremble in your other duels? Count. Go ahead and count. One. Three. Fate seems to be against you, Lieutenant Domier. You drew the empty gun. Fire. Fire and get it over with. It's a new feeling for you, isn't it, Lieutenant? Looking into the muzzle of a pistol and knowing it holds death for you, it's a feeling five of your previous opponents had of feeling one learns in campaigns and battles. At the same time, one learns the real meaning of honour. It's called fear, Lieutenant. Fire, you devil. Don't torture him, Colonel. Do as he says. Get it over with. Torture. Is his torture any greater than that he imposed on others? Men who meant no insult to him but were forced to face certain death from his marksmanship because of his self-acclaimed sense of honour? Is it too bad such drastic measures as this were required to bring to an end your career of slaughter, Lieutenant? Fire. Pull the trigger. We beg of you, Colonel. Very well, gentlemen. And then to your last duel, Lieutenant. And this fight? A miracle. No. Quite the contrary. Lieutenant Domier, next week we move against Austria and France will have need of all her officers. I did not wish to waste your life. Or mine. Neither of the pistols was loaded. Under the direction of Norman McDonnell, Escape has brought you the second shot based on a story by Alexander Jumaugh, specially adapted for radio by Les Crutchfield, starring John Daener with Vic Perron. Featured in the cast were Ellen Morgan, Ben Wright, Harry Bartel, Jack Krushen and Lou Krugman, your announcer George Walsh. The special music for Escape is composed and conducted by Leith Stevens. Next week. You are standing at the entrance of a walled Arab town. I'll behind you, coming slowly through the night of the shuffling footsteps of a blind beggar who will lead you into a harrowing world of darkness and terror. So listen next week when Escape brings you Kathleen Heit's terrifying story, The Return. Your purchase of Easter Seals is your way of extending the only aid there is for the crippled and disabled, organized hospital, clinical and laboratory campaigns to cure the curable and to lessen the burdens of those who can't be completely well again. Why Easter Seals? Make your generous contribution of fighting force to expand treatment, research and education. The three weapons of hope and cure for the crippled and disabled in America. America listens most to the CBS Radio Network.