 The Whistler, another signal mystery. Parts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak. Beneath marketers of signals famous, go farther, gasoline and motor oil. Bring you another in a series of strange tales by the Whistler, a story of darkest Africa and two strangers who brought it no light. Listen to black magic. First, I'd like to read you what the driver of a 1929 LaSalle thinks of signals go farther service. Wilfred Pollard of Los Angeles writes, naturally, when a car gets 15 years old, parts wear out and are difficult to replace. My radiator cap, for instance, is rusted so it no longer holds tight. Pop Figot at my signal station on Western and Harold Way has on three occasions been considerable time with pliers and wire repairing it. Pop does it without asking and with a smile it makes you feel like you're doing him a favor. It's this kind of service over and above the line of duty that makes me like to trade with signal oil dealers. Many folks are surprised these days to find signal dealers going out of their way like that to please a customer. But there's a reason for it. Each signal dealer is permanently in business for himself. He knows that the best way to keep his business good year after year is to give you thorough, reliable service that will keep you his steady customer. Such service is the reason so many drivers who want their cars to go farther are switching to signal stations. Why don't you drive in and get acquainted with your neighborhood signal dealer this week now? The Whistler. In the sub-equatorial Africa, a land of violent rains and oppressive heat, a small village huddled at the mouth of an American-owned mine, carefully set apart from the squalid native huts, stands the house of Paul Arnold, manager of the mine, master of the village. On this sticky afternoon, Paul is busy with his report. Suddenly, his door is open to the tall man in dirty white centers. Yes? Mercy, I just wanted to tell you four more in the last hour. Maybe you want to add that to your report. I can take care of the reports without your help. No, sir. Perhaps you can run the mine without my help. Perhaps you can run the mine with half of the native's state of malaria. I told you I've done everything possible. Dr. Kent should have been here days ago until he arrives. There's nothing more we can do. We could have forced the natives to take the queenine before they see... Coming from you, that's a laugh. You've been here long enough to know you don't force these devils into doing anything. When Kent gets here, we'll take care of it until then I don't want to hear anything more about it. No, bien. But I think these doctors must have taken one look at Africa and turned back. Yes, Ackman. Mr. Arnold, the automobile from New York. Oh, good. You'd better give up thinking, Pepe. That's Kent now. Come on. Oh, Ackman, stir up some of the natives to help with the luggage. If I can, Mr. Arnold? Never mind if, still as you're told. Yes. Pepe, be careful what you say to this doctor, you understand? You make it very clear. Oh, welcome, Dr. Kent. Hello. Oh, we got here finally. Well, we're almost giving you up. I'm Paul Arnold, of course. Let me... Don't look so startled. This is my wife, Nora Kent. Paul Arnold. How do you do, Mr. Arnold? I... How do you do? Well, this is something I hadn't counted on. I'm sure it must be. I mean, of course, your letters, Kent. You didn't say anything about bringing your wife. I know. Nora decided to come at the last minute. Well, we... This is an honor, an unusual honor. We'll do our best to make you comfortable, Mrs. Kent. I'm sure I'll be able to manage quite well. Yes. Well, come along into the house. It keeps out a little of the heat, some of the rain, and none of the bugs. Pepe will see to unloading your equipment, Doctor. No, thanks, but that's something I make it a rule to see to myself. Can't afford to have anything broken out of it. If you take Nora in, of course. This way, Mrs. Kent. Thank you, Mr. Arnold. Oh, Paul, it's worth it. It's worth every unbearable mile of the trip out here just to see the look on your face. Yes, I must be very amusing. Just a clown. You'll have to be nasty. You? Married to Kent. When did that happen? When do you suppose? After you ran away so suddenly? I ran away. You're not going to pretend my leaving had anything to do with it. I'm not pretending anything. No, this is all very open and aboveboard, isn't it? Your husband, does he know anything about me? I suppose you've told him all about us. I've told him nothing. I didn't even know it was your mind we were coming to his life. Otherwise, you wouldn't have come. I didn't say that. You thought it. You hate me, don't you, Paul? What do you expect? To be welcomed with flowers and kisses after the week? I don't have, Paul. Perhaps we went just right for each other then. Well, I know it would have sound crazy to you, Paul, but I need you now. You need me? You have no idea why I'm off here. You couldn't possibly know. Oh, Roger, I mean, I better warn you, he's very jealous. Now it's my turn to laugh. Jealous, a pittian. Things all set. Oh, good, Doctor. I'll see about some coffee after your wife's description of the trip you can probably use some. Thanks. Sounds wonderful. Just make yourself comfortable. Right. He's like a nice guy, I don't. Very. Of course, this isn't exactly paradise, but I'm sure we'll be able to manage quite well. You're enjoying this, aren't you? Enjoying it immensely. And are you, darling? Oh, sometimes I could kill you, dragging me out to a hellhole like this. When you'd much prefer to stay in New York with your many friends. No, I'm sorry, darling, but you happen to be my wife. Roger, I won't stay in this horrible place. You'll stay wherever I want you to stay. Besides, it's too late to think about getting out now. I'll get out if you're more easily than you can imagine. Much more easily. I don't think so, darling. It's really going to be almost like the second honeymoon. Just you and me. Just you and me, Roger. Kent and his lovely wife, Nora, begin a delightful stay in Africa. They unpack, eat sparingly of a dull dinner, and spend the evening in equally dull conversation. Now it's the following morning, and while Nora sleeps late, Paul and Dr. Kent begin the work at hand. How far to this building you say they're going to use for a clinic, Arnold? It's there just ahead through the grove. Not too well isolated from the village, not too large. This is Africa, doctor. You can't expect to find everything exactly that you're liking. I realize I've alarmed about the death rate. From your reports to the company, I didn't gather it was nearly this bad. Most of the deaths have occurred since you and Mrs. Kent left the States. By the way, where is Mrs. Kent this morning? I'm surprised she's not with you. What do you mean by that? Well, you did insist on bringing her out here. You do think it was a mistake, is that it? Since you ask, yes it is. If I were you, I'd send her back as soon as possible. Perhaps. But Nora happens to be my concern. If you don't mind, I'd rather not discuss it. As you say. Who's that fellow making all that noise? The native medicine man. He's calling off the evil spirits. My competition, eh? It's over. He hasn't been very successful. No, but don't underrate his influence with these people. Oh, sounds like trouble in the village. Come on. Hey, what's the trouble? The usual thing these fellow refusers do work. All right, take care of it. I'd like to talk to him. Go ahead. Hey, Nebo. Why aren't you at the mine? Begging in our evil, bring curse, big sick. But we're going to take care of the big sickness. You go back to the mine. Nebo, go to Mazaka. Mazaka? What do you mean? No evil in Mazaka. Nebo, go. But I'm trying to tell you. You're wasting your breath. Can't you? Can't reason with him. Take him away, Pepe. We? Come on, you. What was he talking about? This Mazaka. That's a village on the plateau. They'll all run there if you don't watch them. Why? Oh, some more of their magic, I suppose. He said no evil in Mazaka. What did he mean? The natives have an idea there's no malaria there. It's possible. Narrative immunity, maybe? I don't know. Let's get back to the house. Not as well. These, uh, these people, they don't seem to be too fond of you. I'll take care of that. You stick to your test tubes. Death can't stick to your test tubes. There's not time to lose. The mine's output, you know. Besides, Nora's beginning to act strangely. Almost as if some kind of a plan were beginning to take form in her pretty head. And you really can't watch her properly while your job is yet to be done. Can you, Doctor? Well, experimenting, eh, Kent? No, hello, Arnold. Glad you're here. Mr. Decaulay at the mine, but it couldn't seem to make the phone work. Maybe he didn't crack it right. Anyhow, what's up? Find out something? Have you heard of Blackwater fever, Arnold? It's a form of malaria, particularly deadly form. That's what hit us? No. Now, that'll be easy. I've treated Blackwater cases. The worst of them was nothing like this. What are you getting at? I'm telling you that we're up against something. This is a form of malaria worse than anything I've ever seen before. Frankly, I don't know exactly what it is. But I do know that the usual treatments, quinine, arsenical salts, and the rest don't even touch it. What do you intend doing? I'm going to Misaka. Misaka? If it's an area of immunity as the natives seem to think, there must be some reason. You'll go up there alone. That's what I intend. And you won't find the natives too cordial to white men. I know that. I have to take the chances. It's your funeral, Kent. Maybe. I'm starting from Misaka this afternoon. And if you should happen to run into my dear wife, you might tell her that. You've packed my toothbrush. Anxious for me to leave? You don't have to be crude. I don't think you should make this trip, Roger. No, don't worry. I'll be back. At least there's no fever in Misaka. No, stop it. I'm sick of hearing about this. Get hold of yourself. Ouch! Don't drag my arm. You listen to me. I don't want to listen. This time you're going to. While I'm gone, I want you to stay away from Arnold. Shall I say again? Do you think I've forgotten? Just wipe the slate clean and start over? No, Roger. You don't forget. You're like an elephant. I don't want to forget. Night after night, you running around while I plan how to do away with myself so I can stop thinking. You know it's so busy. You presented the fact that men found me beautiful. We'll see how much good your beauty does you out here. Oh, Roger. Can't you give up this trip to Misaka? Can't we both get out of here? I'll change. I'll do anything you say, only let's leave this place. After you've learned your lesson, Arnold. All right, Roger. Have it your way. Make me glad for every hour I've made you some. Yes, come in. Fine. I'm ready. Why don't you give up this insane trip? Still trying to talk me out of it? It's for your own good. I wonder if all you're worried about is my health. You're a stubborn fool. Remember, I told you. You too. It's my second warning in the last few minutes. Well, I'm off. Oh, yes, one thing more, Arnold. While I'm gone, see that Nora doesn't leave this house. Don't worry. I'll be here waiting. You are listening to The Whistler, another signal mystery brought to you by your friend, the Signal Oil Company. Marketers of signals famous go farther, gasoline and motor oil. And Dr. Kent is on his way to Misaka, leaving two people with very much on their minds. To help things along, rain has begun to fall. Cold, drizzling, clammy rain, falling without stop for three long dreary days. Now it is night. Nora's pacing the room like a caged Tigris. Arnold is trying to get something on the radio. That thing. That's pretty bad tonight. The case of nerves were developing. Why don't you relax? Let's have a laugh in rain, rain, rain. We all get used to it. I don't want to get used to it. He had no right bringing me here. Well, that's your affair. Why don't you try to get some sleep? Oh, sleep. I've been in my room listening to the rain, feeling that it's hay that's all around. There's no use getting all worked up again. It's easy for you, sitting there so calm. Don't you think for one minute that I like it here? 10,000 miles from nowhere, day after day, with nothing but filth and disease? I can't understand why you stay, Paul. I have my reasons. I could go back where there are people. But there is a good place. I could be happy. Let's not talk about it. We meant so much to each other once. You killed all that. We could go away together. Anywhere. Not all over again. Promise I'll make you happy. Like we were before. You couldn't make any man happy. You still love me. Stop it, Nora. We're meant for each other. I'm meeting her again. Prove it. Keep away from me. You never could love anyone. Men are just something that you fit into that world you've built around yourself. But it's true. I do love you. It isn't going to work this side. Oh, can't you forget my past? No, no, because I know what you're after. You want to get away from here, and I look like a convenient return ticket home. How can you say that? You're afraid. Afraid of being out here with him. No. Roger will do anything I say. I overheard your little love scene when he left. Looks like he's finally onto your tricks. Oh, stop it. And now he's going to make you pay. I'm your last hope, but it isn't going to work. You know everything, don't you? I know you, Nora. You're bad medicine. Just a minute. Gladly. You hear, Chief Usman. My brother, the fever has him. What do you want from me? The new one. When does he return from Azaka? Now, two or three days. You send for him now. Maybe he'll say my brother. I've got my own troubles. You told me the new one will help us. Can't you understand? It takes time. Too much time. The fever is very bad. I'm sick and tired of hearing you complain. Get out. For so long, you do nothing. Bring no help. I said, get out. You tell company nothing. You want my people to die. I know. What did you say? You want mines to be bad. Company, go away. Leave the mines. Shut up. You want to take mines. I will tell the new one. I'll stop your blabbing. Don't, don't. You're joking. Take your guns and I'll never talk after I get to him. Through with you. Curves of leg bump on your head. Curse, of course. Talk, you stupid fool. You killed him. Chief Osman. He threatened me. You hurt him. The curse is evil. You should not have killed him. He deserved it. Always talking. All right, take him out of here. Make sure they won't find him. And if you say anything about this, I shall take him. Remember, Ahmed, not a word. 21. The natives die off so the company will abandon the mines. Then you will take over. Very clever, perhaps. All Ahmed won't dare talk and Osman can't. Now there is only Kent and his beautiful wife, Nora. Another day passes and still another. Now it is night. The rain has gone and the quietness has come. The sort of quiet that creeps into the bones and ferments in the mind. But now suddenly the silence is broken. Ahmed, the drums. They're beating the drums. It is evil each. They haven't done that for days. I don't understand. What's happening? The natives, something's wrong. It began so suddenly. Oh! They're shouting. Listen to them like wild savages. It's strange. I don't like it. Come on, Ahmed, let's see what's wrong. You can't leave me here alone. Don't be safe. I'm going with you. I won't stay here. Go in the sky. They've got a fire going. End of your flight. Lady Chantazora, some more of that stupid magic. To my people, magic is important. What good does it ever do you? It can save that we call white magic. White magic? It can also kill that this black magic. That's enough of that kind of talk, Ahmed. Dancing around the fire. Wait a minute. This is close. Yes, yes. It is better that they do not see you. It is not a man. But what is it? An effigy, a straw image of one who is evil. We call it a leg bath. A leg bath? Oh, that effigy. No, you're a matchmaker. He's walking toward the leg bath. Watchman, great chief, by death shall be avenged. Watchman, they found it. On the evil one who killed our chief, the curse of leg bath upon him. Forget you, not you. That's right. Now get your things together. Hurry, there's no time. You've got to bother me. There's no time. You can't leave me here. Don't be a fool, your husband. My chance, I'm going with you. I'd be crazy to take you, you're poisoned. No use, Paul. You'll never get on that boat without me. Why not? Because I know why you're running away. That effigy, it was you. No, I can't. You killed that chief. Unless you take me, the police will be waiting for your chair. You tell them. You know I would. Ahmed, bring my leg bath. I have it here. And you're done. Good, I mean needed. Chance, if you're back, they've gone mad. I don't know what on your bags. What are you talking about? They'll kill me, the curse of leg bath. Calm down, man. Listen to me. Stop each other. No, she's lying. Can't you see she's lying? We've been together for a long time. He's on his way to Jana. Catch him. He just killed my husband. The Whistler will return to give you the strange ending of tonight's tale. But first, I'd like to recall for you Oliver Wendell Holmes' poem, The One Horses. It lasted 100 years to a day. And then the whole thing fell apart. That's a lot different from the way cars wear out today. Only one vital part that can't be replaced has to wear out. And the whole car goes off the road. Uncle Sam says that will happen to one in every 12 cars this year. Well, so that no vital part on your car will wear out from lack of lubrication, signal dealers take special precaution when they lubricate your car. They use the famous signal safety chart, on which the maker of your particular car shows every lubrication point and the exact oil or grease it should have. Before your signal dealer returns your car to you, he checks every point on your car against the safety chart, not just once, but twice, so not a single part can be missed. That's your guarantee that every part on your car will have its full share of the lubricant that will help it last out the duration. Yet you pay no more for this finer, longer life lubrication. So if it's been 1,000 miles or two months since last lubrication, why not protect your car by driving it into your neighborhood, signal dealers, for a signal safety chart lubrication. Back to the whistler. Everything has worked out fine, hasn't it, Nora? Only a few minutes now, and you'll be saying goodbye to Africa forever. That's right. Sit down at your stateroom dressing table. Admire your beauty in the mirror. You did get away after all. Of course, poor Paul, but he's getting just what he deserves. You think you played your cards well? Of course, you couldn't know that Roger had found the answer to the strange form of malaria, that he was planning to take you away. You couldn't know that. So admire yourself in the mirror. Oh, what's the matter? No use breaking the glass, Nora. It's too late. You've seen it, that strange pallor to your skin. The fever is in your beautiful body, Nora. The fever, Roger said, was much worse than black water. But of course, Roger is dead, and he can hardly save you now. By signal gasoline and motor oil, and your neighborhood signal dealer, at your service to keep your car running for the duration. The whistler was produced and directed by George W. Allen. The story by Sal Steele and Martin Warke. Music composed and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. This program is being transmitted to our troops overseas by the Armed Forces Radio Service. Listen again next Monday night at 9 for The Whistler. Bill Penel speaking. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.