 starring George Murphy in Algerian Adventure on the Cavalcade of America sponsored by the DuPont Company, maker of better things for better living through chemistry. But first, here is Ted Pearson. Good grooming consists of a lot of little things. It may be the way women apply their makeup or the fastidious attention men give their necktie or the shine on their shoes. The minor things may be but important. Another important day to good grooming is... This plastic combs are among the DuPont Company's better things for better living through chemistry. The DuPont Company presents Algerian Adventure, a story of high intrigue against the background of the War of 1812, starring George Murphy as Mordecai Noah on the Cavalcade of America. Good Americanies! Look here, I protest. Yes. Lock the door. But we're American citizens. We demand our rights. We demand to see the American consul. American consul. We frightened him away. Your country is through, finished. When you are well broken in, my friend, I shall promote you to be my slaves. The personal slaves of the Bay of Algiers. Move an American vessel lies imprisoned in the dungeons of the Bay of Algiers. So helpless is the American Navy, engaged in the War of 1812, that the pirates of the Barbary States, Algiers and Tunis, pray freely on our shipping. It is then that President Madison calls to the White House, a young man named Mordecai Noah. Sit down, Mr. Noah. Thank you, Mr. President. I have called you because I understand from your colleagues in the State Department that you know Arabic. Yes, Mr. President. Also, you know something of the Arabic people. I've studied them quite a lot, sir. Fine. Mr. Noah, your country needs you. I'm sending you on a mission that will be very dangerous. What is it, sir? You will go as a consul to Tunis. Me? Consul? Mr. President, I don't... Not yet the moment, Mr. Noah. I don't need to tell you about our desperate plight in that part of the world. In Algiers, six American sailors lie in prison. Perhaps under torture. I don't dare point a consul in Algiers, because his life wouldn't be safe. And in Tunis? I don't know, Mr. Noah. If they have Tunis as unfriendly, how unfriendly we don't know. But no American ship has dared dock there for many months. We have a consular office there, but we've lost contact. I don't even know how you get to Tunis. But somehow you must reach there, and when you do, this is your mission. Yes, sir. If you from Tunis can do anything in your power to bring about the release of those men in prison in nearby Algiers, your country will be eternally great. It's a dangerous and almost hopeless mission. Will you try it? Yes, Mr. President. I will. Mr. Noah, you don't know how glad I am that you finally arrived in Tunis. You're no gladder than I am, Mr. Farrell. It's taken me months. We'll reach the consulate in just a moment. We're just beyond that park there. You know, it's a very nice-looking town. I hardly think of that anymore. Really, you don't know what a terrifying feeling it is to be here in Tunis completely cut off. Mr. Noah, do you realize that we're absolutely helpless here? Yes, I'm afraid I do. Now, Mr. Noah, when we come to a stop at the consulate, I'll take these two suitcases of yours, and if you'll take that box, then we can make a dash for it. Wait a minute. Make a dash for it? Yes, sir. Outside the building, there's generally a small crowd collected, and they amuse themselves, thinking up new insults. Oh, oh. Oh, yes, I can see them. There are quite a few people there now. Yes, they shout threats, and sometimes they throw things. Why? Because they know we're losing the war. But, Mr. Noah, if we get one more report of an American naval reverse, our lives won't be safe. Oh. Their contempt grows with every defeat. All right. Here we are. Now, get ready, Mr. Noah. Mr. Farrow, really, I'm sure it would be better to go to Jesus. I've got some elities. Are you ready? Oh, my goodness. Come on, Mr. Noah. Uh, just a minute, Mr. Farrow. You know, uh, that's a very interesting tree there. Very interesting specimen. And how beautifully it grows here. Mr. Noah, please, this way. Come. Hurry. Uh, salamu alaykum. Uh, shabba. Mr. Noah, please, come inside. Uh, just a moment, Mr. Farrow. Just a moment. Get ready to move fast when I tell you. Uh, this is really a wonderful specimen of a type of tree that is particularly esteemed by the Arabs. I've just been discussing it with this gentleman. I'm very glad to find it growing in front of the consulate. Shall we, uh, go in now? All right. Quick, inside. Gracious, Mr. Noah. You took an awful chance. Yes, I know. That man had a knife on him. I know he did. I saw it. They were all on him. But, good heavens, weren't you scared? Of course I was. What do you think I am? Mr. Farrow, we have to adopt a basic policy about things like this. Uh, what do you mean? I'm, I'm assembling all over. Oh, well, I'm a little shaky myself now. Sit down. Yes, sir. By the way, this will be your office right here, sir. Uh-huh. Very adequate. Now, sit down, Mr. Farrow. Yes, sir. Now, look, Farrow, this is our policy. I as consul and you as consular secretary must never show fear in front of these people. We must always seem confident. Our attitude must be that we expect confirmation any minute of an important naval victory. Have we anything on which to base such a hope? No, no, unfortunately. But confidence may get us some victories. Besides, as the Arab would put it, the dog with no teeth cannot join the hunt. The dog with no Arab proverb. So remember, confidence. I hope you know what you're doing, sir. Now, have we any news of those American seamen in Algiers? No, sir, we don't even know if they're still alive. It's awful. I see. Well, the president has given me $12,000 to try to ransom these men. Such a pitiful sum that I haven't much hope, but it's all we can get. So our first try will be a letter to the Bay of Algiers. Shall we start right now, sir? Why not? Take this down, Farrell. Yes. Most illustrious print for texture of the poor. Defender of the weak. I offer you for the release of your American prisoners the sum of... the sum of $12,000. And for this young upstart Americanist. Yes, my lord. You will say to the most illustrious Seid Noah from his humble servant, the Bay of Algiers, if you should place at my feet all the gold in the world. Most illustrious Seid Noah from his humble servant, the Bay of Algiers, if you should place at my feet all the gold in the world, it would not be enough. I shall keep these prisoners as my slaves. Villain. I suppose he's bargaining for a bigger offer. No, no, the letter seems too final. It doesn't have the Arab bargaining manner. Besides, there can be no bigger offer. Oh, it makes my blood boil. Well, what can we do next? Hand me that police, please. Yes, sir. Thank you. What can we do? We don't know what's going on. We have no money, no power. No threat that we can make is worth anything. We... What on earth? How do you like it? What are you putting on those clothes for? This is the gelaba of an Arab merchant. I got it the bazaar the other day. Here, help me with this cloak. What's up with me? Uh, girls, they call it. Here, it goes around the shoulder like this. There you are. Yes, sir. You see, there are plenty of places to hide a knife or a gun. This is all very interesting, Mr. Noah. But where does it get us? Well, I'm not sure yet, myself. But I know this. We need more information. We can't get it here in Tunis. So, I'm going to Algiers to do some well-loved research. Now, this dark oil, they say if you're rubbing into the skin, yes, my golly, look at that. You see? My word. I wouldn't believe it. Now, look, Farrell. While I'm away, do the best you can. And remember, we have intimations of an important naval victory. I wish I could feel that way. But I'll try to remember. Here, now, see how this looks. It looks very good, sir. But I hope you know how dangerous it is. All I know, Mr. Farrell, is that there are six American citizens in the dungeons of the Bay of Algiers tonight. Mr. Noah, I only pray there won't be seven by tomorrow. My lord, protector of the weak, defender of the poor. What is it? Our spies from Tunis report that the young American council has disappeared. It's believed to have come here to Algiers, but then our men lost track of him. They do not know where he is now. You will tell the secret police to spread a wide network for him. Search through all the marketplaces. He must be made prisoner and brought to me. We shall find a place for him in our most handsome dungeon. That's beautiful rug. And this tobacco box, very fine. A musical tobacco box. Oh. The very newest thing. Where is it from? From far. Huh? Look, first it is a tobacco box. Then we open it and... Well, I've never seen one of these before. I just bought it from a friend's ship in the harbor. A consignment on its way to the Orient. Very interesting. Where the stranger? I hear through your disguise. Be careful while you will join your compatriots in the torture room of the Bay of Algiers. You are being sought by the secret police. How would you know? I am a member of his secret police. Well then, why do you tell me? Because though I serve the Bay of Algiers, I am also a secret agent of his great rival, the Bay of Tunis. He must keep you very busy serving two masters. And it pays better. But the Bay of Tunis is a much kinder man. And I would not want to see any friend of his come to Greece. A friend of his? Would you be allowed to continue your work over in Tunis if you were not his friend? I see. You seem to know a great deal. Eh, send me to the back of my shop, where we shall not be seen. Boxers for American consul, where will I put them? Boxes? Packing boxes. Put them all outside. I'm dressed here all right, but... Well, let's see what's inside. I don't know what it could be. Here's a jewel box. Ah, listen, it makes music. A music jewel box. Ah, nice. Oh, but this is ridiculous, we haven't any use for this sort of thing. All of the nice jewels to be sent here. Algiers? Yes. Well, I guess you'd better leave them out there in the hall. I'll put them out here all right. Yes, good. We'll see you soon. Huh? Who are you? Get out! Oh, oh, Mr. Noah. Oh, you frighten me. I slept in just now while you were talking to the French sailor. I didn't want to show myself while he was here. Oh, Mr. Noah, I'm glad you're back. I've been terrified while you were away. I was sure you'd be caught. And then these crates arrived, and it seemed so strange, I didn't know what to think. Well, I bought all this from a French ship. Cargo's novel is on the way to the Orient. Music boxes, watches, brocades, fancy pistols. I arranged for the boat to drop them off here in Tunis. But Mr. Noah, you must have spent a fortune on these things. I did, I spent the ransom money. The ransom money? $12,000? That's right, all of it. What great scot, Mr. Noah. That money, that was for freeing those men. Yes, I know. Why, you could be impeached for this, you could be recalled as disgrace. Oh, no, I don't think so, Mr. Farrell. You see, the money was for buying off the Bay of Algiers, but it didn't succeed. So we must try other means. You mean... Oh, I see. Do you follow the strategy? I think so. The Bay refuses to accept money in ransom, but flatter him with gifts, and he'll begin to show respect. The Bay of Algiers is a vain man. $12,000 in gifts should certainly tickle his vanity. Yes, sir. We'll fool him. Mr. Farrell, the gifts are not for the Bay of Algiers. I beg your pardon? Therefore his enemy, the Bay of Tunis. You are listening to Algerian adventures, starring George Murphy as Mordecai Noah on the Cavalcade of America, sponsored by the DuPont Company, maker of better things for better living through chemistry. Our second act opens during the War of 1812 in the Palace of the Bay of Tunis, where Mordecai Noah, American consul, sits silently in an ante-room, awaiting an audience. His colleague Farrell sits nervously beside him, trying to fathom the reason for his presence here. One of their great problems is to rescue the seamen held captive by the Bay of Algiers. He must be a friend for me. We will follow. And it's with me. Where do you think he's taking us? For Lion's Day? Will you please take that frightened expression off your face, Farrell? It's become permanent. I even sleep with it now. Are you sure the Bay of Tunis likes music boxes? Of course he likes music boxes. His sacred agent told me so. Oh, protector of the poor, defender of the weak. This is not American. They are not. Great ruler. In the name of my country, many boxes of fine gifts are being brought here to your palace. We think you will enjoy them. As a sample, we have brought just a few with us. Show me. I will. Now, here is a gold-studded pistol. And here is some fine brocade. And here is a clock. If you wish to be waited a certain hour, this is how the clock does it. This is good. This is good. Wait. What is a great ruler? Say it, Nor. Some of my spies have informed me that you have gone in secret to Algiers. Have you given such presence also to my friends? The Bay of Algiers? Oh, no. No indeed, great ruler. For him, there were none. Not that we do not want friendship also with the Bay of Algiers, but our friendship for him is being shown in a different way. Oh, what way? Well, a treaty, perhaps. A treaty? Yes, in view of our growing naval might and the naval victories of which you will soon hear news. Is it any surprise that a treaty with the Bay of Algiers should be, shall we say, under discussion? That swine in Algiers has tricked me. He swore by Allah and the prophets that your country was weak and that to deal with you was foolish. Yes, I see it now. He wished to be the first with the treaty and gain advantage over me. Wait. Imci! Imci! Fisa! You will dismiss your companions, Fiat Noah, and we will talk alone, my friend. And then the treaty says, the Bay of Tunis guarantees safe passage through the waters he controls to all ships of the United States of America. In other words, Farrell, when our ships run the British blockade, they'll find refuge in Tunisian waters. I still don't know how you did it. Well, as an Arabic proverb, to a dog without meat, another dog's food is paradise. I learned in Algiers that the hatred between the two bays, but now how are you going to use it against the Bay of Algiers? Ah, that's the problem. Can you play on his fears the same way? Well, we can try. That's the whole idea, to make him want a treaty. And then, as a condition, we'll insist on the release of those prisoners. Look, if I send a confidential report to my superiors about the new treaty, do you think we can count on it being seen by the spies of the Bay of Algiers? Well, judging from the past, I... Oh, I see what you mean. Let's put those spies to work for us. In recognition of our growing naval might and the increasing success of our ships at sea, we have been able to make a very satisfactory treaty with the Bay of Tunis, where the dog, the Bay of Tunis, has tricked me. He is changing sides behind my back. We shall see. We shall see what shall be done. We shall see! The Bay asks that you make yourself comfortable here in this room. Please rest and refresh yourself from your journey. He will speak with you again later at the banquet. Very good. Thank you. Bislama. Bislama. Hey, he bolted the door. So he did. Well, I... I suppose he did that so he wouldn't be wandering around the palace. You think that's all? I think so. He received us well enough. He wouldn't have given a safe conduct from Tunis in the guard of honor through the city if he was planning any treachery. Why not? Well, I'm not sure, but I just don't think so. Besides, look at the handsome little room he's put us in. Those tiles and beautiful hangings. That's an awfully small window. Yes, I know what you're thinking, Farrell. There happens to be a main characteristic of their architecture. Small windows make for coolness. It's kind of damp, even. Look, there's water dripping down from the ceiling. Now, it rained yesterday. It must be a leak. How can you be so calm? Because we've got to keep our heads. Don't you honestly think something is dead wrong? I don't know. The base seems to be stalling. That's what bothers me. He doesn't seem ready to talk about the treaty, even though he invited us here for that. Yeah. Hey, those windows down in the court with bars across them. They look like prison cells. Certainly do. And look at that ugly-looking citizen going in there with the cemetery in his hands. Look, you can see the harbor from here. Big ship is dropping anchor. I wish to have an eye with Armit. Say, that's it. What? That's what he's stalling for. He's waiting for news. We've kept talking about naval victories and he wants to wait for the facts. And if that ship brings the wrong kind of news, it can undo all the work we've done. Have you so little faith in your country that you think that the news could only be bad news? I don't know. Is this being cut off that drives you crazy? Not knowing what's happening. Yes? The Americanie will follow, please. For your health, say no. In the name of Allah. In the name of Allah. Who knows, though? It is written. It is written. You will have food, say no. I wish my share could be given to the poor or great protector. It is well. Will you then watch our jugglers? They are my finest. See? Are they throw their knives, say it no more? Yes, I say. One slip and the throat is cut, as you say. Words can be as dangerous. Use carelessly. They too can cause their throat to be cut. It is written thus. It is written. Ah, good, good. You will, pardon me, say it no more. I wish to reward these men. I don't like getting it to no more. He's still stalling. He's whispering with someone who just came in. It's the man with the cemetery. You're right. Well, what do we do? Oh, this is terrible. We've got to make a dash for this. I guess we've got to. Shall we make the door? No, wait a minute. Wait a minute. Remember, we're two against fifty, so take it easy. We've got to be sure before we... Uh-oh. Will follow. Hey, please. Uh, where to? You will see. Follow this man. Go ahead. It's for the dungeon. Probably. Keep your eyes open. Now, down this stairs, my friend. Is it? As a hold of yourself, pal, keep your head. Watch for a chance to make a break. It hopelessly long to get. The cemetery looks very ugly. Now, see it no more. In a moment, we shall reach our dungeon. I knew it. I knew it. Now, if I... No, look. The same teller's the American tailor. The men are free. Free? Of course. Did you not say it was a necessary condition through the treaty trade? Oh, yes, of course. Yes. Oh, thanks. Heaven has saved us. And if your friend can now look after them, perhaps we can further discuss this treaty. Oh, yes. Well, why not? Mr. Farrell, will you please look after the tailor? Indeed, I will, Mr. Norr. But there is only one thing that partals me. How could you have known of the victory before I did? Victory? Ah, yes. I have only just learned that one of your ships has brought into the harbor of Tunis several captured British vessels. It is an important victory. Well, yes. Well, it's just as we expected. Of course. Now, we were speaking of a treaty. Yes, illustrious protector. The same sort of treaty as we have with the Bay of Tunis? Of course. I have amused you. I am laughing at a proverb, an American proverb. A good one? Oh, an excellent one, protector. An excellent one. It goes like this. Set a thief to catch a thief. Set that thief to... I do not understand it, but it amuses me. It amuses me, too. Turn to our cavalcade microphone in a moment. Now, here is Ted Pearson. Do you suffer from poison ivy or poison oak in the summertime? Well, if you do, here's good news for you. The Defant Company is now producing amate weed killer in quantities large enough for a general distribution, and it will be on sale in your neighborhood. DuPont amate, dissolved in water and applied according to directions, is sure death to poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. It kills poison ivy and other noxious weeds by penetration into the plant tissue. 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There's no danger of fire or explosion. DuPont amate is one of two outstanding weed-killing compounds. DuPont 2-4-D is the other. Both are among DuPont's better things for better living, through chemistry. Oh, our star, George Murphy. Thank you very much, Dwight. You know there is an Arab proverb which goes, He who pleases others pleases himself. It is written. Well, talking of writing, George, have you ever read a story called The Cruise of the Kashelot? Isn't that the one about the Erie Canal barge captain who captured a whale in New York Harbor? That's it. If you remember, he put the whales a good use. Sure, he kind of solved the housing shortage with it, didn't he? That'd make a pretty good story for cavalcade. Sure, that's what we think. So we're doing it next week as the last show before cavalcade summer vacation. And we're featuring Edward Sloan, Ed Jerome and Agnes Young. Well, I'll be listening. It's one of my favorite stories. Music for the Night's DuPont cavalcade was composed by Arden Cornwell and conducted by Donald Voorhees. Our cavalcade play was written by Russell Hughes. Featured in tonight's cast were Ted Osburn, Dan Occo, Milton Herman, Bob Dryden, Frank Barron and Rolf Sedan. This is Dwight Wiest inviting you to listen next week to Cruise of the Kashelot featuring Edward Sloan, Ed Jerome and Agnes Young on the cavalcade of America brought to you by the DuPont Company of Wilmington, Delaware. MBC, the National Broadcasting Company.