 Proudly, we hail! New York City, where the American stage begins, here is another program of the cast of Outstanding Players. Public Service Time has been made available by this station to bring you this story, as proudly we hail the United States Army. Our story is entitled, The Vanishing Peacock. It involves two men of Mars, M-A-R-S. That stands for Military Affiliated Radio System. For the men who operate these stations, there is hardly a place in the world not within their grasp. In this story, a friendship formed by a couple of these radio hams leads to intrigue and danger. Our first act curtain will rise in just one moment, but first, in the world of music, the melody plus a good arrangement and a good performer most often determines a song's success. In the drama, well, there the plays a thing, plus, of course, good actors to deliver the lines. And in whatever occupation you choose, training and teamwork are the reasons for success. If you're a young man of service age, you can be trained for success in the course of your choice by enrolling now in your United States Army's new Reserve U Training Program. There are over 100 courses to choose from, and such feels as radar, guided missiles, automotive maintenance, and the medical services. But, well, by golly, these are only a few. And if you act now, you can make your application and rest assured that you have a class space set aside in your name. If you're a high school graduate, we suggest you investigate this outstanding opportunity right away. So, for complete information, I tell you what to do, fellas, you visit Generous United States Army Recruiting Station. Remember, team up with the Army, and you team up with success. And now we present Act One of the proudly-we-hailed production The Vanishing Peacock. I'm Sergeant Bill Crane. Mars, you know, is strictly a spare time operation. We run our own equipment and we do it entirely on our own time. Jimmy Yanamura was a regular member of our crew in Sendai when I was still back in the States. Jimmy had wormed his way onto the staff by coming up with a couple of pretty brilliant ideas which improved our transmission and reception and cost us practically nothing. After that, he was in. One night, a few months after, I had been in the Far East. I was in the mess hall finishing supper when I heard the loudspeaker asking me to report to the guard at the main gate. When I got out there, to my surprise, I found Jimmy waiting for him. Jimmy, hey, what's the matter? You look like you've seen a ghost. Sorry to disturb, Bill-san. It's okay. What's up? You are a friend, Bill-san. Well, of course. We both know that. Have bad news at home. Need advice. Well, I hope I can help. Bill-san, can you leave? You can talk. Fine. Now, tell me what this is all about, Jimmy. You know Honorable Father Bill-san. Oh, sure. Met him in our house several times. Something terrible happened to Father. Last night, he was working late at factory. The silver factory? Right. You know, used to belong to my family. A few years ago, Father forced to sell. However, he worked there still, manager. Sometime does very intricate work. Father based Silver Smith in Sendam. Maybe all of Japan. Oh, well, he was working late. Robbers come. Hit Father and knock him out. Make off with large amount of silver. All in bars. Gee, that is terrible. No, wait. Story is not yet finished. Father still in hospital. Has not regained consciousness. Doctors say concussion. Maybe all right. Maybe not. Yeah, I'm sorry, Jim. Maybe better Honorable Father Why? What do you mean? Police have guard in Father's room. As soon as Father recover, we'll arrest him as accomplice in crime. Well, why? What evidence do they have? When Father sell factory to Mr. Muller, he had clause in contract that if so desired, could buy factory back at certain agreed figure. Yeah. Father save money for five years now. I save too, but still have not enough for transaction. Well, but clause expire this month. Family discuss. Very sorry, but nothing to do. Well, sure. What's the difference? After all, he's got his job there. Just so. However, today when police interview Mr. Muller, present owner, he tell them he has told Father that as soon as clause expires, Father must start looking for other job. But why? I do not know. However, would mean much to Honorable Father. No other silver factories in Sendai would be forced to leave town in which Honorable Ancestors live for centuries. You know what this means. Sure, sure, sure. That still does not prove anything. Muller tell police that when he say this to Father, Honorable Parent get very angry. Father say he will exercise option if he have to go out and steal money. Well, even if he said that, it was just an expression. Muller tell police Father most serious in expression. Who heard all this, Jimmy? Muller. So it's his word against your dad's. But one more thing. Also missing is Silver Peacock. A Silver Peacock? Yes. None of other pieces taken. Thousands of dollars worth. But only Silver Peacock. You see, when Father sell to Muller, they have agreement over Bird. What about? Bird was made by Honorable if I good luck. When deal made, Muller insist Bird his. Father say his personal property. But papers all signed. Bird stay at factory. And that was the only other thing taken? Only thing. Somebody was sure trying to make it look like your dad was in on it, all right? Bilson, you do not think him guilty? Of course not. Now all we have to do is prove it. Thank you, Bilson. Thank you, son. Better try again. Doesn't he have any help? One man. He also driver. Bilson. His mother now. Muller son. Well, you know Murray son. Like word with you if possible. This is friend. Sergeant Creen. Good evening, sergeant. Won't you come in? Thank you, sir. Thank you, Muller son. Oh, thanks, sir, but we've just had some. We came about Jimmy's father. I suppose this much. He is recovering, I trust. The doctor doesn't know yet. And even if he does, if he continues to be suspected of this crime, if honorable father is arrested... I see. I understand. It would be most regrettable. We came to ask you about what you told the police about the argument with Mr. Yanamura. I see. Well, of course. I was forced to tell him the truth. They asked if I knew anyone who might have a motive other than, of course, just the theft of silver. Then it is true that you had words. That you told my father he must leave the factory? Yes, it was. Of course, I was sorry to have to involve Yanamura, but... Why were you letting him go? Well, to tell the complete truth. I'm sorry to be forced to say this before his son, but Yanamura had been making something of a nuisance of himself. First, it was the dispute over the peacock. That kept coming up again and again. Then, well... I suppose he was simply getting... senile. But he made decisions I considered bad. And without consulting me, it was as though he, not I, was the owner. Frankly, I was quite relieved when I knew the contract was due to expire and I could let him go. You would have discharged him? I fully intended to see to it that he had an adequate income for his needs, but I didn't. He became so incensed that I decided to drop this subject for the moment. Then, I suppose... You suppose he stole the silver, knocked himself on the head to make it look like he was robbed and is going to show up with the money to buy back the firm next month? Something of this sort. That wouldn't be very smart, would it? I mean, when he showed up with all that money, the police would certainly begin asking him some questions. I suppose he didn't think of that. Well, it doesn't make sense to me. I'm afraid that is what happened. And now, since there's nothing more I can tell you... Yeah. We were just leaving. I'm calling W-6-X-8-3, Mesa, Colorado. W-6-X-8-3, Mesa, Colorado. Can you read me? Over. This is W-6-8-3, Mesa, Colorado. Come in, Sendai. I read you fine. Oh, hi, Jim Ureli. Just a second. Got a message here for the station. A message for Mrs. Ethel Brackett. Repeat, Brackett. Baker, Roger, Abel, Charlie, King, Easy, Tango, Tango. 1-1-3, West Court Street. Happy birthday, darling. We will celebrate next one together, signed, Dick, Ida, Charlie, King. Over. Mesa, Colorado. Message received. Thank you, Sendai. We'll deliver by telephone immediately. Over and out. What's in the package, Jimmy? Wait till I show you. How's your father? Condition unchanged. Look. Only jump and catfish, is this the? The silver peacock. The very one that was taken from the factory. That's beautiful. I've never seen anything like it. He's very old. Such workmanship cannot be duplicated today. You took me seriously when I said the way to clear your dad was to find the stuff. Not exactly. You have been doing some detective work since yesterday. Must confess it was only accidental discovery. OK, but tell me where. This discovery makes honorable appearance position even more serious, Bilson. That is the trouble. What do you mean? At hospital this afternoon they asked me to bring some things for father. In case he awakens from long sleep. Personal articles. Later at home. While seeking for a certain kimono I know his particular favorite. I feel something in back of shelf. I bring it out. It is the silver peacock wrapped in kimono. Holy smoke. It was a great shock. I should think so. What are you going to do with it? Not know yet. It's too big to hide just anywhere. I think maybe we wrap again in paper and mail to police. Yeah, I guess so. Bilson, I have not yet finished story. Oh, there's more? Yes. Proves peacock taken as how you say frame. I wrap peacock up as soon as possible. I leave house and not leave a moment too soon. Just as I turn corner on motorbike I look back and see police car. It is inspector Suruki. He is in charge of case. Car stops at door. And so you hightailed it over here? Yes. Proving that the peacock was planted and then whoever planted it tipped off the police and they were coming to look for it. Yes, Bilson. It certainly looks that way. You are listening to the proudly we hail production of the vanishing peacock and we will return to our second act in just one moment. But first, you ask most anyone what they want out of life and a great majority of the answers are in one word. That one word is happiness. Well, now happiness is a lot of different things to a lot of different people, but basically I guess you might say that it's the achievement of your goals. To be happy is to be successful in whatever you do. And in today's highly specialized world training is the key to success. If you're a young man of surface age you can get free training worth thousands of dollars by enrolling now in your United States Army's new reserve for you training program. You can enter the course of your choice and be trained in such interesting fields as x-ray operation, photography, automotive maintenance and communications. In all, there are over 100 courses to choose from. So for complete information on how you can benefit from this program you visit your local United States Army recruiting station. Remember, team up with the army and you team up with success. You are listening to proudly we hail and now we present the second act of vanishing peacock. Molar must have done it. Molar, but why? I don't know yet Jimmy, but he's the only one who could have done it. Why? How many other people knew about the trouble over the peacock? Only a few I suppose. Perhaps some of the old employees, but all very reliable work for my family for generations. Well you see, Molar's the only one who'd do it. If it was just an ordinary robbery the thieves would have kept it. They wouldn't be bothered to plant stuff and be hundreds of miles away from here by now. True. Look, suppose your father found out something about Molar. What would he do? Found out what? I don't know that he had a skeleton in his closet or something. Skeleton? I mean that he'd done something or was hiding something about his past. Well father would try to determine if what he had found out was true. Father is very fair man. I thought so. And what would be the best way to find out? Well I suppose he would ask mother. Father is unlike many of my countrymen. Very direct man. That's what I thought. So Molar denies it. But your dad lets the facts speak for themselves and Molar is forced to admit it. Yes? What next? He'd tell Molar he was very sorry but he would have to tell the police about this. Possible. Sure it's possible, that's what happened Jimmy. So to protect himself Molar decides to frame your father. He probably didn't do it himself personally but his hired man was careless. He didn't finish it off. So now in order to prepare against the time your father regains consciousness. Molar makes it all up about the argument. Plants the peacock in my father's effects. And now even when my father recovers his word will be suspect. Right. Go to the head of the class. But Bilson, what is this thing father has found out? I don't know. But what differences it make if we can find the stuff where Molar hid it? That's all we need to prove there was something. I'd sure like to take a look around his house. He would not be so foolish as to leave evidence in so very obvious place. Bilson, I think I know where might put loot. You do? Where? At summer cottage. Which once belonged to my family. Now belongs to Molar. Where is it? Is it far? It's on island. Can get to nearest village by train. Maybe charter fishing boat for trip to cottage. Tomorrow's my day off. Let's try it. Gee, what a day. I wouldn't have missed this for anything. Even if we don't prove a thing, it's worth it. Not bad. Bilson, look. Over there. At the place we're going? It's a jammer? Yes. A small settlement in summertime. All closed down now. Not nice and quiet. Of season no one comes here. That is why I thought Molar might hide stuff at this place. Not want to put where maybe someone else can find it. Why, look at the way the waves splash up on those cliffs on the mainland over there. Between island and shore are swift dangerous current. Even in both is dangerous to venture in straits. Yeah. Your motor dies and bang up against those rocks. Don't worry. We will avoid it. You said it. Here we are. A tile securely Bilson. Black clouds for tell strong seas. Okay. All secure. What are we waiting for? If there's any silver in this house, I'll eat it. Not so fast, Bilson. Is one more place? Where? We've been through every closet and drawer and cupboard in the whole place. Watch. Hey, a secret panel. How'd you do that? Opens when I touch concealed spring. Come. We go down. Right. Oh, it's dark enough in here. I bring flashlight. See? Oh, that's better. It's a big room. Look, Bilson. Yeah. What do you want to bet is in those boxes? There's no need to wager. Bilson, look. Markings on outside indicate contents. This must be... Bilson, I hear something. Someone's coming. Mother. Let me get out of here quick. No time for that. Bilson, I close the panel. You ought to look down here. Yes. We'll know if presents won't give us away. No other way out of this room? No. We're gone as you will presently see and it will be a pleasure to use it. Okay, Mala. We get it. Come up this stair slowly with your hands above your heads. Quite clever, you Nomura. Almost as clever as your father, but not quite clever enough. Humble things, Mula-san. Yeah. What are you going to do now, though? I believe that an unfortunate boating accident is about to occur. How are you going to arrange that? Very simple. You will proceed me to the dock. You will see. The middle of the straight here? Of course. Okay, and then what? Now your spark plugs. You will please remove them. Our spark plugs? You can't get away with this. And why not? The wreck. When it's found with the spark plugs missing, there'll be plenty of questions for you to answer. May I point out to you that the cliffs drop straight off into deep water? Absolutely doubt. If there will be any attempt made to salvage your craft after it has been shattered there. I see. Is right, Bil-san. They told you how treacherous this street was. And now, Sergeant, this spark plugs, if you please. Looks like you hold all the cards. I'll need a wrench. Very well, but do not attempt anything. I would dislike having to shoot, but if necessary, I will do so. Your Nomura. Hand him the wrench. Bil-san. Just one thing, Mauler. Yes. As long as we're dead ducks anyhow, I'd like to have you tell me if what I've figured about this whole deal is right. And what have you figured, Sergeant? All that silver was stolen, wasn't it? What a clever premise. Yeah, we're real smart. It was, wasn't it? Perhaps. You've been making all your stuff out of stolen silver. And if this is true... I'm sure you bought that factory from Jimmy's father in the first place, huh? You're a fence. Your semantics disturbs me. Let us say I have certain contacts who have found it to their best interest to sell me my raw material at an exceptionally attractive price. Yeah, a fence. And Mr. Nomura found out about it and was going to the police. A brilliant deduction. This spark plugs, please. All right, all right. Yeah. And now I will beat you and you. That's that. Indeed. Nice guy. Can't say I'm sorry to see him go. Bilsan, quick. We have one chance left. What's that? In Locker House. There are oars. Oars? Yes. If we can keep craft headed into approaching storm, there is certain place where current runs out from clicks instead of in. Few people know of it. Quick! Sort of hopeless, Jimmy. Not say that, Bilsan. Now there's a storm. It's going to be a big help. Wonder what time it is. Since it's dark now, you can't tell. It's about eight, I would estimate. Watch is stopped. Or wait. Wait. Wait a minute. Stop rowing. I hear something. Where? Over there toward the island. I hear a motor. A motor boat. No, Bilsan. I fear you're too optimistic. No, no, listen. Listen. That's good. The voices are waving. We've got to make them see us. Wait. Get the flashlight. There's a chance we have. That's it. Wave it around. Try flashing an SOS. It's Suez. They're not turning. They're going by us. No, wait. Wait. They've slowed. Bilsan, they're turning. They have seen us. Ask them who we are. Ask them who he is. He must be coastal patrol boat. Now watch it. He's got to throw a line. Glad to see you. We've got a stack of messages here that were choker horse. Hey, you seen your dad? Just come from hospital. Honorable father able to confirm everything. Mola in jail right now. Bilsan, you know how patrol boat happened to be in straight. I not only don't know, but I couldn't care less. I just know it was there. Anyhow, I tell you, Inspector Suruki, I talked to him at hospital. He say he very sorry. I should think he would be suspecting your father. He didn't. He didn't. Then we went through all that for nothing. Suruki say police never think father have anything to do with crime. Small town, they all know father honorable man. They suspect Mola, but cannot prove it. Under surveillance, they keep him and hope that he lead them to loot. Mola duck away from officer who watch him. Well, I guess I can finish it and by the time they could pick up his trail again and get a boat going, well, they just made it in time. Yes, had to go first to island. It was quite long before Mola admit where he leave us. Only do so when he decide to get into worst trouble if we die. Well, we had a close shave. You know, Jimmy, there's just one thing that puzzles me. Yes. We were sure pushing those oars. Yes. It's funny, we never did get into that current you were telling me about. Bil-san, I have confession to make. About what? No safe current. Only say same to make you roll harder. Well, I'll be. Talk about Oriental intrigue. I've always found it to be true that a man with a good eye to the future makes a good soldier. And that's why so many bright young men and women are joining the United States Army now. For Army life is an exciting career and there's plenty of room up at the top. Today, American soldiers get the finest technical training in the world. Every man is a specialist, a master at his job, and the Army sees to it that every man is trained to do his job and what's more important to do it right. Because the Army is growing so rapidly, today's soldiers are being promoted fast. Oh, you work hard, sure, but well, believe me, the rewards are really well worth it. Right now, the Army needs healthy, intelligent men and women. Volunteers from 18 to 34. So if you've got what it takes, then you think seriously about an Army career. Stop in at Generus, United States Army Recruiting Station today. Get all the facts about what the Army has to offer you. This has been another program on Proudly We Hail, presented transcribed in cooperation with this radio station. Proudly We Hail is produced by the Recruiting Publicity Center for the United States Army, and this is Richard Hayes speaking, and inviting you to tune in the same station next week for another interesting story on Proudly We Hail.