 Proudly, we hail. Oh, another Proudly, we hail. One of radio's outstanding dramatic half-hours, starring Lee Tracy, and presented transcribed by your army and your air force. Radio City, New York. Here is your star and host on Proudly, we hail. The distinguished Broadway stage, screen, and radio star, Lee Tracy. Thank you, Kenneth Banghart, and hello, everyone. Welcome again to Proudly, we hail. Our play is entitled Deadly Passage, and we invite you to join the captain and crew of the Schooner Mermaid on an ill-fated voyage which meant death for two men and fear and terror for all on board. At the Ken Banghart's message, we'll be ready for our first act. Your United States Army has unlimited opportunities for high school graduates. You'll be expertly trained in a useful skill, and you'll proudly wear the uniform of your United States Army, known the world over as the Mark of a Man. Visit your nearest United States Army and United States Air Force recruiting station for all the details. And now with your star, Lee Tracy, in the role of Captain Matthew Lincoln, your army and your air force present the Proudly, we hail production of Deadly Passage. Between the boot of the Mele Peninsula and the long snout of Sumatra and on the straits of Malacca, on a bright day in June with a fresh following wind, the Schooner Mermaid pounded northward through the straits under full sail her course set for Rangoon. On her quarterdeck, her master Matthew Lincoln stood wide-legged with telescope glued to his eye. By his side was the passenger, Roly Poly Reverend Nathaniel Fiddler. The Reverend had bought passage at Singapore on his way to the jungles of Burma to spread the word of God amongst the heathens. Now he stood looking at his host with a questioning smile upon his angelic face. I must say, Captain, you seem to have an uncommon interest in that vessel. Is she overtaking us? Oh, yes, Reverend. I do have an interest in her. I seem to recognize her. A friend of yours, perhaps, huh? Well, that I can't say. She flies no colors and with tales of piracy hereabouts. Blessed are the watchful. Is she a schooner? No, a varkentine. The authorities suggested we give all ships of her nature a wide berth. Oh, the hand of Gideon is with us. I'm sure, Captain Lincoln. If this wind holds, are we being overtaken? Not at present, but if the wind slackens. Oh, it shall not slacken, Captain. I shall catch the ear of the Lord. Oh, how long must it favor us? Till nightfall, and we can forget about him. Oh, fear not, Captain. I shall ask, and it will be given. I shall depend on you, Reverend. And we pass, Captain. Sea air and prayer gives a man a stout appetite. Indeed it does. Are you sure that you didn't overdo it, though? Well, this wind seems to be blowing up a gale. It's possible that I was overzealous. I sometimes get carried away. Well, we thank you, anyway. Oh, not at all. Uh, I've had my fill. Yes, Mr. Murphy. Big pardon, sir. Winds are appearing into the northeast. Think we'd best be double reefing now, and maybe taking it a bit of safe. Do what you think best, Mr. Maid. I'll come above friendly. Aye, Captain. A colorful man, your mate. And a good one to boot. If he didn't love the bottle as much as a sea, he'd have his own ship. Ah, pity. Strong drink is the curse of Satan, I always say. Don't you agree, Captain? Oh, yes, yes, yes, of course, yeah. Well, you'll excuse me now, Reverend. Oh, to be sure. Will we have a rough night? It may get a bit rocky, but I'm sure with prayer and sea air, you'll weather it. Indeed I shall, Captain. Indeed I shall. We now sail double reef. Before a quartering wind, which is fast reaching gale proportions, should it hold, tomorrow we'll see us weathering the Nicobas and sticking our bow sprit into the Andaman Sea. Except for catching sight of the bargain team with the aid of the good reverend showing it our stern, the voyage continues uneventful. I shall feel easier, however, when we make grand goon. Mr. Paul, what gets the blind that makes the money? I ain't at all a blatant shame. Dixon, I like your helmsmanship far more than your voice. Oh, aye, sir. How does she read? And no, no, he's happy, sir. Hold her at that. Aye, aye, sir. Murphy. Aye, Captain. Any report in a farred hold? I've got Perkins and Blake down there. I'll go down myself. You think there's any need, Captain? No, no need, Mr. Murphy. I have no reason to believe the cargo there isn't secure, but with the sea as it is and the wind holding, it's best to take no chance. Aye, Captain. I've noticed that. Ah! Come on! Come on! No, but who is it? It's Perkins. Perkins, man. What is it? Captain, save me. Do something. Get hold of yourself, Perkins. What happened? What else yet? Where's Blake? Dude, lady, Captain, look out. Look out for it. Perkins. Hey, Judy. Murphy, get the bottle in the wardrobe. Aye, aye. Lively. Can I be of assistance, Captain? I know a little of medicine. Good. He seems to have fainted. Where is Blake? Yes, sir. What the devil happened, man? I'll be a stuffed headache if I'm known, sir. I was checking things from the port side of the farred hold and he on the starboard. All of a sudden he lets out a great bloody scream and then another one and then he's off like a flesh up the companion way, following like all the Benches in Donegal were after him. They collected me with him. Follow. Here's the bottle, sir. I'm afraid it's too late for that. His soul is at rest. You mean he's dead? You mean he's dead? Are you sure? Yes, Captain. I'm sure. Fillet there. Go back to your station. You can do nothing to help Perkins now. What? Captain? He wasn't sick. He was as strong as a bull. What did he die from? I don't know, Blake. Mr. Murphy, have two men bring Perkins' body down to the ward room. Aye, sir. You men may go. Mr. Murphy, see that we're not disturbed. No, no, no. Don't go. Just stand there in a companion way. Well, Reverend? Well, Captain? I trust you observed the marks on the calf of Perkins' leg. I did, sir. That's why I pulled his trouser down over it. Am I correct in supposing that you recognize them? You are, sir. And you? I believe so. I would say they're the fang marks of a deadly poisonous snake, probably a cobra. And unfortunately, I would have to agree with you. Mr. Murphy, you go on deck and take charge. I want every man out from below, whether on watch or not. Get them busy doing something until I relieve you. Yes, sir. And may I be asking, sir, what you plan to do? Well, I'm not loading this revolver to shoot fish, Mr. Murphy. And as far as I know, it's the only firearm we have aboard. But, sir, that's dangerous. A cobra? Well, what would you have me do, Mr. Murphy? Order one of the crew down there? No, sir, but I'd be glad to. Sure, I'm sure you would, I thank you. But you'll serve me best by going top-sized and taking charge. I'll search out that forward hold. If I don't come upon it, I'll close the bulkhead anyway and trust that it's trapped in there. Nice, sir. Good luck. Perhaps you'd better stay here, Reverend, in case anyone gets curious. I wouldn't think of it, Captain Lincoln. And carry the lantern and bring the power of the Lord with me. There's no need to risk your life. No fear. I put my life in my master's hands. Come. This is the forward hold. Watch your head. Ah, Perkins Lantern's still hanging over there. Be careful, Captain. If you see anything that resembles what we're looking for, don't hesitate to yell. I'll shoot first and worry later. I, uh, I find it a might warm in here, don't you? As warm as I ever want it. Well, we can't be sure, but it looks like it's left here. It can be anywhere on the ship. Anywhere. Come along. We'll close the bulkhead door. You know what, Captain Lincoln? And now, Reverend, I tell the crew that if they're going to sail with a cobra, they have a right to know it. The Tracey, starring in the role of Captain Matthew Lincoln and the proudly-we-held production of Deadly Passage, will return in just a moment for the second act. Your growing United States Army needs qualified young officers, and a brand-new regulation says you can apply for OCS Officer Candidate School before you enlist. You must be at least 19 years old and able to pass the mental and physical exams for Army officers. A high school diploma is your best qualification. If you're accepted, you'll take 14 weeks of basic, then go to leadership school for eight weeks and be sent directly to Army OCS. You'll be taught many interesting subjects, and it'll be a great day when you get your commission. You'll be proud to be an officer in the United States Army with good pay and allowances for quarters and food. This is a great opportunity for you young men, and you should take advantage of it now. Young women, too, can apply for Officer Candidate School. If you think you can make the grade, get all the details at your nearest United States Army and United States Air Force Recruiting Station. You are listening to Proudly We Hail, and now with your star, Lee Tracy, in the role of Captain Matthew Lincoln, we present the second act of deadly passage. It's been confronted by problems and difficulties before, but the problem before me now is as delicate and dangerous as a lighted keg of powder. Somewhere aboard the mermaid lurks a sudden and horrible death. Even as I sit here writing, I can't stand up on me. Without arms, we're defenseless against this evil. I've taken every precaution open to us, men to stand watching the focus on the galley when possible, all hands on deck. We changed our course for Georgetown. Should nothing further occur, the crew will stand by my orders. But let this monster strike again, and even the strongest of them may become difficult to control. Tomorrow, after the burial service, I shall have another word with them. Music This world, and it is certain, we can carry nothing out. The Lord gave, and the Lord... Blessed be the name of... It's a sad duty we've just performed, but now, knowing our danger, we must all face it calmly and see that it does not happen again. If there's no change in the weather, we'll make Georgetown day after tomorrow. If it improves, we'll all be there all the sooner. I want all hands to remain on deck for the time being. I'm gonna search the ship again. If I find nothing, we'll set about rigging traps to catch the snake. We've been in some tight spots before, and I know you'll see this through like the good crew that you are. Oh, don't you worry about us, Captain. Let the men off duty and go below. We searched everywhere. Could it have gone overboard? I doubt that. I'll relieve you shortly, Mr. Murphy. Why, sir? Reverend, you've spent a good bit of your life in these parts. Have you got any idea on how to go about trapping a cobra? Well, I've been thinking about that. I've heard it said that a cobra is very fond of milk. Ha-ha! That'd be fine if we had a cow on board. Nevertheless, a snake must eat. Well, I've thought of that, but you've seen our cargo. There's plenty for it to feed on there. If we put the trap... Captain! It's in the galley! It was coming! It's got me trapped! Don't move, Murphy! Look at the size of the dirty devil. Captain, another second. And I'd have been cold meat. I'm sorry. I didn't get here sooner, Mr. Murphy. Well, the Lord is merciful. Amen to that. But today, Captain... In all ways, Reverend. You've changed course of four. I'm good again. Aye! The harrowing experience, I prayed mightily. Where do you suppose it had been hiding? Oh, no! I'm glad it was a mate who made the discovery. Even though it did scare ten years off his life, another man might have run. Speaking of running, your mate seems to be doing just that. Sir! Sir! Could I be speaking to you right away in private, like... Go ahead, Mr. Murphy. What is it? It's Lopez, sir. He didn't turn two. So I went below to see what ailed him. He was in his bunk. The top one at the far end of the folksel. He's dead, sir. Dead? How? Just... you may think me tough, but I noticed his arms all swore up and there were some marks on it. I'd say he'd been bitten by one of them great bloody snakes like Perkins. All right, Billy there. The captain has a word to say. What's it gonna talk? We're standing with a cargo of luck. What do you think you're doing? Everything's in order, Captain. Men! Cobras often travel in pairs. Now it would seem that we've only gotten rid of one half the danger. We weathered the first half, we'll weather the second. We've changed course for Georgetown again. Off-watch men had better sling their hammocks on deck for the time being. Now we all share this common danger. I can understand your feelings as they're my own, but I'll suffer no insubordination. My commands will be obeyed. Mr. Murphy, let all the off-watch men continue to work on the rigging of traps. Use anything you want. Yes, what is it? How do we know there's only one more to catch? Isn't two enough for your men? Now that's all I got to say. Keep a weather eye. If you see anything, anything that looks out of place, sing out. The Reverend tells me he has the ear of the Lord so we'll all pray together that we make port without further incident. I'm afraid I have no taste for food. Perkins and Lopez, two good men. And as that fellow said, how do we know there are only two? Well, it seems likely there would be more. Reverend, it's hardly likely there'd be one. Still, what do you want, Dixon? You beg your pardon, Captain, sir. I didn't mean to eat his quiet life, but there's talk going on in the folks that you should know about. Focus? Well, I ordered all hands on deck. Some of the lads was down getting their hammocks and the like. Well, what is it? Well, I ain't mentioning the names, Captain, because I ain't the kind that rats, but I figured if all things get out of hand like I ought to do. All right, all right. Get on with it. Well, sir, some of them are talking about taking to the boats. They've got the wind up and getting the wind up in others. I've seen anything like this, Captain. One time when I was on... That'll do, Dixon. Thank you. Get above. I'll handle it. All right, sir. If you need any help, just follow. Would you like me to come with you? Thank you, no, Reverend. This is one matter I'll handle along. What have you meant on deck? What are you doing here? Oh, one of you speak up. We was just getting our duffel, Captain. Does it take this long? Well... No, sir. It's come to my attention that some of you have proposed taking to the boats. I don't want to know who proposed it. In fact, I want to forget it. Such action without my orders would be considered mutiny. I want no mutiny on this ship. She's a good ship and you're a good crew. Better to take a grip on your courage than to face disgrace and a hangman's noose on a yard arm. All right, now get above and lively. There was a feeling on the mermaid that had never been aboard before. You could almost smell it. It was fear, thick and suffocating, a fog that blanketed reason and left men thinking of only one thing, escape. And who could blame them? Shortly before dawn, I went below for a catnap. The reverend and all hands were sleeping above deck, but with a door to my cabin, I saw no need to do likewise. I left the binocular light burning, threw myself down on the bunk. For a time, sleep wouldn't come. Through my mind swam words and shapes and the awful realization that we were not done with deadly peril. When sleep came, it was troubled and filled with the stark edges of nightmare. It may have been the ship's bell that woke me. It may have been a sound, but I awoke suddenly lay on my back for a moment unmoving, letting the tide of sleep ebb completely away. Then I turned my head, preparatory to rising, and my eye caught the shadow against the far wall that towered, flaring out at the head in idious relief. It was a monstrous shadow that wove back and forth with a terrible, studded grace. Paralysis struck me, and if a man's blood turns to water in such times, mine did, and then froze. An instant and an eon later, my eyes left the shadow and slid to the floor. The thing reared in the center of the cabin, not five feet from me. His head nearly leveled with mine. Its yellow, hate-filled eyes glared at me with hypnotic deadliness and its ugly forked tongue darted in and out with watchful anticipation. I couldn't move. I couldn't think. I had one consuming desire, and that was to get away. I'd hung my coat on a hook at the head of the bunk and my right-hand pocket lay the revolver. I had only to reach up behind me to grasp it, but with my just as well I'd been resting on the highest yard arm, for I knew at my first move the cobra would strike. That there's no telling. When the change came, it was sudden. My voice stuck in my throat as I tried to warn him. Then he was standing in the entrance away, door in hand, the cobra at the first knock had wheeled to face the sound. He had now stood motionless on the verge of striking. The reverend saw it at once. He could leap back, slam the door, perhaps been quick enough, but he didn't move. He stood stock still, his face gone gray, and then he began to sing as though he'd lost his wits. As the reverend sang, the snake began to weave its head back and forth. Slowly I edged my arm up behind me. My hand touched the cloth of the coat, then found the pocket, and finally the cold welcome touch of metal. I lifted the gun out and carefully aimed it. When some movement caught the cobra's eye in a kind of a haze, I saw him whip around and move toward me. Look out, Captain! I suddenly feel in the need of stimulant. Under the circumstances, reverend, I think it might be arranged. Rangoon, we bid our passenger farewell, and if ever a captain in his crew felt warmly toward a man, it was that round, smiling little preacher. He'd risked certain death to save me, and by his quick thinking and coolness I'd come through alive. I shall always be in the debt of the reverend Nathaniel Archibald Fiddler. May fair winds favor his course. Amen to that. Our star, Lee Tracy, will return in a moment with a word about next week's show. I have an important message for you young men and young women. A new United States Army Regulation now permits you to apply for OCS Officer Candidate School before you enlist. That's right. If you're at least 19 years of age and can meet the physical and mental standards for Army officers, regardless of whether you're a high school graduate, you can go to your nearest United States Army and United States Air Force Recruiting Station and volunteer as an officer candidate. You'll take basic training, attend leadership school, and then go to the next available class at OCS. You'll be promoted to corporal when you go to OCS and upon graduation, you'll become a second lieutenant in the United States Army with good pay and allowances for food and quarters. And remember, young American women have the same opportunity to become officers in the Women's Army Corps. But you'd better act now for no one knows how long it will be before our growing Army has all the officers it needs. Go to your nearest United States Army and United States Air Force Recruiting Station and get all the facts. Today. This has been another program on Proudly We Hail, presented in cooperation with this station by the United States Army and the United States Air Force Recruiting Service. Proudly We Hail stars Lee Tracy. Supporting Mr. Tracy as Reverend Fiddler was Bill Lipton. Other members of the cast included Bill Adams, Jeffrey Bryant, and Cliff O. Deadly Passage was written by Lee Whitcock. The original music was composed and conducted by John Guagnari. This program was produced under the supervision of Charles and Rogers Productions and was directed by Charles Wilkes. This is Kenneth Banghart speaking, and here again is your host and star, Lee Tracy. Next week, my friend and colleague, a great star and one of the finest actors in show business will inaugurate a new series on Proudly We Hail. Mr. Paul Lucas will be with you on these weekly productions, and I'm sure you won't want to miss a single program because... Lee, may I interrupt for a moment? Why, of course, Ken. Lee, on behalf of all your friends in the supporting cast, the actors, the musicians, our director, and everyone on the production staff of Proudly We Hail, may we thank you sincerely for the privilege of working with you. And speaking for the United States Army and the United States Air Force Recruiting Service, may I say for them, thanks for a job well done. Thanks for a real service to your country. We'll be looking forward to your return and Proudly We Hail very, very soon. Thank you, Ken. And thanks to everyone, but thanks especially to our listening audience and the local radio stations all over the country who program Proudly We Hail each week. Until next week, then, when Mr. Paul Lucas will be on hand over the same station, this is Lee Tracy saying goodbye.