In this thrilling episode, we delve into the mysterious case of Mr. Lazenby, an engineering firm owner in Cumberland, who is facing a series of suspicious accidents with his lorries. Desperate to keep his factory running, he seeks the help of Assignments Unlimited to find a trustworthy lorry driver and uncover the truth behind the sabotage. Our protagonist, Cannon, is sent on a mission to transport coal and investigate the strange occurrences that threaten to halt production at Lazenby's factory.
As Cannon navigates the treacherous roads and uncovers clues, he encounters Miss Masters, a seemingly innocent contractor with a mysterious connection to the case. With a mix of intrigue and danger, Cannon unravels a plot involving industrial sabotage and corporate greed. The episode culminates in a surprising twist, revealing the true mastermind behind the sabotage and the lengths one would go to break a lucrative contract. Join us for a gripping tale of deception, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
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[00:00:01]
Unknown:
From taco night in Tulum to sushi in Tokyo, every bite is rewarding and pulse worthy with MX Gold's four times membership rewards points at restaurants worldwide. Wherever you dine, points are piling up. So bring your friends along for your next course because it's not all about the posts. It's about the company and the memories. How can gold from Amex sweeten your next food moment? Learn more at AmericanExpress.com/explore-gold. Terms and points cap apply.
[00:00:32] Unknown:
The final fund limited? The number? Yes. 595. Mister who? Lisenby. Yes, mister Lisenby. I I be in you pleased to see you. You're just next door, you say? Yes. Yes. I look forward to seeing you. It's a matter of what? Cool. You need it. Oh, if I may say so, we do as well. Anyway, I'm seeing you. Aubrey Mason at your service. At assignments unlimited, we do anything, anywhere, at any time. 33
[00:01:04] Unknown:
Half Moon Street.
[00:01:24] Unknown:
10 Minutes later, mister Lazenby was ushered into my office.
[00:01:31] Unknown:
Mister Lazenby, sir. Thank you.
[00:01:33] Unknown:
Come in, mister Lazenby.
[00:01:36] Unknown:
Please sit down.
[00:01:37] Unknown:
Thank you, mister Mason. Now I'm, I'm sorry to trouble you at such short notice. Well, that's what we're here for, mister Lismond. You may wonder why I've come to see you. The fact of the matter is I I need help. Well, that's the usual reason for people coming to see me. Now how can we help you? Lolly drivers. That's what I need. Lolly drivers. Yes. In what connection? Well, I have a firm, an engineering firm in Cumberland. That firm has got to keep running and it can't run without call. Now Minera's stockyard is 40 miles away and it's a nasty run-in between. I don't quite follow, mister Lesney. Well, the factory is situated up in the fowls. It's a truck road in between.
As I've already said, if I don't have coal, I I can't keep my machines working, and I've only got three days supply left. Yes, mister Lesney. Well, that's all of the matter is. Recently, a series of accidents have taken place with my lorries. Oh, all the heap of things. Punches, big ends gone and only yesterday, I had a lorry go over Little Pearl. Yes. But I I still don't quite follow, mister Lesley. I appreciate you have difficulties over coal supplies, but well, I I don't see how we can help you. I want a lorry driver. Not only one who is qualified as a lorry driver, but one that I can trust. I see.
[00:02:46] Unknown:
You're suggesting that someone's trying to prevent you from obtaining coal. Exactly. I'm sure of it. Mister Lazenby, there are a number of haulage contractors in this country. I can't say that I'm acquainted with them in your area, but why don't you get one of them to transport your coal for you? What? With a railway strike on, you can't get anybody to carry anything for you for a lot more money. Oh, I see. So what you want is a man to drive one of your lorries and just a little more? Yes, mister Mason. Just a little more.
[00:03:14] Unknown:
I also wanted to find out who is trying to break my business.
[00:03:27] Unknown:
A few minutes later, Lassenbeth left my office. It appeared that his factory was closed across further in Cumberland. The nearest station was Carlisle, and that's where I was going to send my dear Cannon. It was cold in London. I wonder what it was like in Cumberland. At that moment, Cannon came back into the office.
[00:03:47] Unknown:
Woah. It's,
[00:03:48] Unknown:
it's cold outside. Funny you should say that. I've just had a man to see me about cold. It's about time too, chief. We'll all freeze to death before long. No. Not that sort of cold. Would you like to sit down, Cannon?
[00:04:00] Unknown:
Uh-uh. I know that look.
[00:04:03] Unknown:
What's cooking to you? Well, it's all a matter of coal. By the way, you have got a heavy duty license, haven't you? Yes. Well, you've got a little assignment, driving coal from Carlisle to Crossfell.
[00:04:14] Unknown:
Is that so? And where the heck is Crossfell? Oh, somewhere in Cumberland.
[00:04:19] Unknown:
You're booked in the 10:30 to Carlisle and mister Lazenby will meet you at the station. He's flown back already. Lazenby? Yes. He's the man. His factory appears to be on the top of a mountain. Further, it appears that somebody is trying to do him down with his transport. It's up to you to find out who's trying to do who.
[00:04:36] Unknown:
Well, thanks, chief. Sounds an interesting assignment. Did you say 10:30? Well, I better shift. Third class, I suppose, as usual, or am I going cattle truck, mister? First class cabin with mister Leisenby's compliments. I hope you don't find it too cold up there. Well, if I do, I'll send you a wee lump of ice registered
[00:05:00] Unknown:
post. Cannon duly arrived at Carlisle Station where he was met by Lazonbury. From there, he was driven out to the factory. On the way, Cannon decided to learn a little bit more about his assignment.
[00:05:13] Unknown:
So, what do you want me to do, mister Lazonby, is to transport coal from Carlisle to your place across town? That's absolutely correct, mister Cannon. Thirty five miles.
[00:05:24] Unknown:
25 miles of easy driving from the yard I showed you just now with 10 miles of Al at the end. Now it's that 10 miles that Wood is meant. I've had a series of accidents lately and all on that stretch. Aye. And now I've got my formerly hospital with a smashed up leg. Is that so? Aye. Looking to be alive. Went over the edge at Littlefell. It appears his brakes failed. Now I look after my transport, mister Cannon, and I just don't understand what's going on. You mean you think somebody's,
[00:05:52] Unknown:
trying to sabotage you?
[00:05:54] Unknown:
I, I think I'd better explain things a little more fully. Now then, now the factory here in which I'm producing a a form of plastic. It's indestructible light. In fact, it's a revolutionary design for the buildings of bodies for cars, aircraft, canopies, and well, if you want to come near a home, refrigerators, stalls, anything you like. You may wonder why my factory's in the middle of nowhere. Well, the water that I draw from the streams here and the springs is ideal for me purpose, but it has its disadvantage. In order to keep my machine returning, I must have coal. I'm sure of it. And if I don't get it, production will come to a standstill.
And it has a long way to come.
[00:06:31] Unknown:
Then, I imagine you have some pretty important contracts. Yes. I am. One in particular. I see. Mister Lazenby, you think that somebody's trying to grab that contract from me? It appeared to be that way.
[00:06:45] Unknown:
Look, Cannon, I I don't want you to think I don't trust myself. But I find out a minute. I've had him a long time. Nevertheless, there's something somewhere going on that I don't understand. Occasional puncture or breakdown. Yes. But not a series of mishaps that has happened to me just lately.
[00:07:00] Unknown:
Yeah.
[00:07:02] Unknown:
Yeah. It's certainly food for thought. Anyway, you'll be staying with me a minute over in your mind tonight. Tomorrow morning, I'll get you out on your first run. Now what I want you to do is to keep your eyes open. And if there's anything that seems
[00:07:20] Unknown:
Cannon rang me the following morning from Carlisle. He was his usual efficient self. Assignments unlimited. Hello, chief. Is that you? Oh, it is indeed, Karen. How are the fells? Lots of snowboarding and that sort of thing. Oh, chief, please. By the way, where are you speaking from? The coal yard in Carlisle. They're just coming to collect my first load. Yes.
[00:07:47] Unknown:
What is it? If you have any else to report? No. Not really. Except I slept in the baronial suite last night, and the roads to this cross fell like nothing you've ever seen. Hairpin bends and drops into oblivion on all sides. Well, if you've no more news, have fun and keep me posted. Okay, chief. There's something going on here, but, I don't know what. How are we doing, boys? Hello, John. Fine. Well, if I can find my way back, here's some more coal for mister Lazenby. Wild man's at Usman, he wears at Usman's hat. He wears gold blimey trousers, and he lives in a gas or flat. Well, this is no flat, and it's cold, not garbage. I'm carrying it'll do.
Jeep has forgotten that corner, and and here comes that hill. What? Uh-oh. Doesn't seem we're gonna make it. Well, I don't like the sound of that. Let's have a look. Well, there's, certainly enough heat, and it's not boiling. Nope. Now there's water. Well, let's have a look under. Yep. No wonder. That seems alright. Well, then what's this? No plug on the sump. The no plug means no oil. Yep. It seems our mister Laysman is right. Somebody's trying to do something to somebody. Well, things are looking up. Two lovely slim ankles, and they don't belong to this truck. Come on, Kennon. Investigate.
Alright. Well, hello.
[00:10:27] Unknown:
Hello.
[00:10:28] Unknown:
Are you in some sort of trouble? Well, I, suppose you could call it bad. It appears that some palooka has, annexed the plug for my son. That's bad.
[00:10:38] Unknown:
Are you working for Lazenby? I've never seen you before. Yeah. I, I started in today. Hard. Seems as though you're in a bit of a jam. Look, if you'd like, I I can drive you through to Lazenby's engineering. Would you? That'd be most kind. I,
[00:10:53] Unknown:
I certainly can't move this heap. Are you, you sure it's not trouble? Not at all. Mister Cannon's the name. David Cannon. Mine's Masters. Masters?
[00:11:03] Unknown:
Well, I seem to have seen that name somewhere around here. Well, that is possible. There are quite a lot of us in the neighborhood.
[00:11:10] Unknown:
Anyway, jump in, mister Cannon. Thank you. Oh, hold on. I'll just get the ignition key. Not that a charge of dynamite could move that. Well, let's go, miss Masters.
[00:11:42] Unknown:
Well, there we are, mister Cannon. Deliver to your door. I can't thank you enough, miss Matthews.
[00:11:47] Unknown:
Well, by the way, I don't know how long I'll be up here, but, I'm only on a temporary job.
[00:11:53] Unknown:
Maybe we could, meet up sometime. Perhaps I could contact you. That'll be fine. Look. Let me give you a card. I got one in the pocket here. Just here we are. Oh, thanks.
[00:12:06] Unknown:
Fellside homage contractors. Contractors? Well, that's why I've seen the masters on the side of some of the lorries. So you're contractors. Are you the, the daughter then? No. I'm masters. You're is that so? Well, how's business?
[00:12:28] Unknown:
Oh, fair. We can do with more. We can do with more?
[00:12:32] Unknown:
But I understood that mister Lazenby couldn't get transport to being called to his factory. That's strange.
[00:12:39] Unknown:
What's strange, mister Cannon? Well, I also understood that, Lazenby had asked everybody to help him with the coding of his car. Well, he hasn't asked us, mister Cannon. He'd be only too pleased to help him. Very pleased, in fact.
[00:12:52] Unknown:
Yeah. Yeah. I'll, I'll mention it to her. Anyway, thanks for the ride. It's been a pleasure. Well, thanks, miss Masters.
[00:13:03] Unknown:
Good seeing you. I hope so, mister Cannon. And I hope you have better luck with the rest of your contract.
[00:13:13] Unknown:
Watching the car as it drove away. Strange. Yes. Certainly strange. His masters fell aside haulage contractors. What was it she'd said? We'd be only too pleased to help him. Very pleased in fact. Yet mister Lazenbeard said, I just can't get anybody to help. There's a strike and nobody will help me carry my coal. Cannon stood for a moment and then turning, walked towards mister Lazenby's office. A few points had to be sorted out.
[00:13:40] Unknown:
Mister Lazenby, I'm, sorry to disturb you, but there are one or two things that I'd, I'd like to get straight. Yes, mister Cannon. First of all, this suddenly puzzles me. I understand that you couldn't get any other transport for your call. In other words, you'd asked everybody to help you, but no joy. There just wasn't anybody. That's quite correct, Cannon. There wasn't anybody. Anyway, not the last time I asked. Mister Lazenby, I've just been dropped back here by, a charming young lady, a miss Masters.
[00:14:09] Unknown:
Oh, yes. That'll sign all its contractors. Oh, well, what's wrong with them? Nothing that I know of. But when I asked them to help me, they were fully booked.
[00:14:18] Unknown:
I see. Look, I know it's none of my business, but, can you tell me a little bit more about yours? You mean my business? Mhmm.
[00:14:27] Unknown:
Yes. Well, you're a reputable firm, and I'm prepared to let you know a little bit more about mine. Cannon, I have processed a a plastic material. It's light, and it has harder steel. I'd say even harder. It's a material called trenolethine. Now I have a contract to supply this material to one of the, well, in fact, the biggest aircraft firms in the country, the Delta Aircraft Corporation. It's possible that others have heard of my invention. Incidentally, I owe the world patent rights. If they got in first, well, it could make quite a difference to John Lazenby. Yeah. I understand.
[00:15:02] Unknown:
You said Delta. You're certainly starting at the top, and it certainly seems that somebody's trying to do you dirt. Now, can you can you help me at all? Is there anybody that you can think of that might wanna see you down?
[00:15:15] Unknown:
I can think of a lot. But if we come just a little nearer home, I'm not all that happy about Masters, all his contractors.
[00:15:22] Unknown:
Yeah. Now, that's what I've been thinking.
[00:15:26] Unknown:
Yet she's, she's such a nice kid. Mister Cannon, I thought you were impervious to the wild of the fairer six.
[00:15:33] Unknown:
Fairr six in that, she's, she's got a couple of mighty nice ankles.
[00:15:43] Unknown:
Lazenby. Oh, hello, mister Levin. Yeah. Yes. Well, you see, I've I've had some difficulties. I I can assure you I'm doing everything I can. Everything, mister Levin. I appreciate that, your position. Oh, I'm sorry that you feel that way. Yes. I do assure you, Levin, no more delays. I'll get the next delivery to you as soon as I possibly can. Yes. Thank you, mister Levin. Yes. I'll do everything I can. Trouble, mister Lazon? That was doubter. I've got to get another delivery to them. If I don't, I'm in trouble. Okay, mister Lazonbury.
[00:16:26] Unknown:
Don't worry. Is there a sort of assignment I like? How much coal do you need? Oh, as much as we can get. We can't afford to stop production.
[00:16:33] Unknown:
I've arranged with Jameson on the coal board to keep the yard open tonight. We'll run coal through all tonight. Well, it sounds as though I'm gonna be busy. Yes, Karen. You are. You're in charge tonight. We'll have three drivers on, and I don't want any mistakes. That call's got to come through no matter what the cost.
[00:16:53] Unknown:
Yes. Cannon certainly had a tough assignment on this occasion. It was vital that Cole reached Lazenby's. It takes a lot to shake Cameron and he as much as anybody else was determined that the Cole would get through that night. After seeing Lazenby, his mind turned to what he felt must be the opposition. He decided to ring Miss Masters.
[00:17:17] Unknown:
Six, one, eight.
[00:17:28] Unknown:
Hillside Orley's Contractors. Good afternoon.
[00:17:31] Unknown:
Hello. Can I speak to miss Masters, please? Certainly. Would you hold on, please? Mhmm. Yeah.
[00:17:38] Unknown:
Hello? Yes?
[00:17:41] Unknown:
Hello there. It seems an age since I've seen you.
[00:17:45] Unknown:
Oh, oh, mister Cannon. I don't think it's more than two or three hours ago.
[00:17:49] Unknown:
Anyway, it's nice to hear from you. Are you in trouble again? No. No. I, I just wondered if you were tied up this evening, sir, around 05:00?
[00:17:57] Unknown:
Oh, I afraid I am. One of those business dues. Oh, I'm sorry.
[00:18:02] Unknown:
Well, maybe tomorrow.
[00:18:04] Unknown:
That sounds fun. Will you ring me in the morning and confirm that? Yeah. Yeah. I'll do that.
[00:18:15] Unknown:
That evening, Cannon went down to the yard early. He wanted to keep an eye on things. One of the trucks was just leaving.
[00:18:25] Unknown:
Hope you have a nice trip. So do I, mate, though I'll be surprised if I get the reboot piece. Seems there's oodoo on the place. Forget it. You'll get there. Anyway, I'm following you in. See you in Carlisle. Okay, Joe. I hope he
[00:18:41] Unknown:
does
[00:18:43] Unknown:
make
[00:18:46] Unknown:
it.
[00:18:48] Unknown:
Cannon leaned against a wall. He found it easier to think that way. There was no doubt that the transport was being deliberately sabotaged. Yes. But by whom? Masters haulage contractors led the field, of course, but Cannon didn't like that idea. Not at all. The truth of the matter was he'd taken a distinct liking to Young West Masters. He stared out over the yard. In the evening shadows, he could see the two lines of trucks. 10 there had been, one was out, and the remainder six lay idle useless heaps of metal. There'd only be three on the road that night, and his would be one of them.
His? Cannon's eyes narrowed. Yes, his. Where was it? Funny he'd left it at the end of the line. Suddenly, he went rigid. Was it his imagination, or had he seen someone by the trucks there? He melted into the shadows, moving swiftly towards
[00:19:43] Unknown:
them. So there is somebody there. Well, you've got a little something coming to you that you didn't explain.
[00:19:52] Unknown:
Okay, Barzil. Come on. Please. You're you're hurting me. Oh,
[00:19:56] Unknown:
well, miss Masters. But what are you doing here?
[00:20:00] Unknown:
I I came to see you. I I was passing, and I thought I'd just drop in. Uh-huh.
[00:20:06] Unknown:
And, what became of the business do that you were going to? Well, it it finished early.
[00:20:12] Unknown:
Uh-huh.
[00:20:13] Unknown:
Well, that's all there is to it. As I told you, I came to see you. I I thought perhaps you might be able to persuade mister Lazenby to give us some of his cartage. You see, things aren't too good with us in the film at present.
[00:20:27] Unknown:
That must have been quite a dirty meeting you were at.
[00:20:30] Unknown:
Dirty meeting?
[00:20:31] Unknown:
What do you mean? Your hands, miss Masters, they're covered in oil. You got some on your face as well. Oh, oh, oh, that.
[00:20:39] Unknown:
No. My my car packed up on me as I was coming back. Tell that to the marines.
[00:20:43] Unknown:
I'm telling you the truth. You see these trucks here? Most of them are dead ducks, sabotaged. And now I find you here, opposition haulage who once laid on these, with oil all over your hands. It won't do, miss Masters. You've got a little explaining to do to mister Lazenby. Now you come quietly, or do I have to carry you? I'll come, of course. But you're mistaken, mister Karen. Really, you are. Well, I sincerely hope so for your own sake. Well, come on
[00:21:09] Unknown:
then. Things weren't panning out at all to Cannon's liking. If he'd been a large, tough man, he wouldn't have minded. But this, well, this slip of a girl, he found himself hoping that he was wrong. It was as they were passing one of the windows of the workshops that Canon stopped suddenly. Hey. Hey. Hold it. Oh, nice. She's quiet.
[00:21:29] Unknown:
Can you hear anything?
[00:21:31] Unknown:
Yes.
[00:21:32] Unknown:
It sounds like someone's sawing. Yeah. It's just what somebody is doing with a hacksaw if I'm not mistaken. Okay. You follow me and keep quiet. It's in the workshop here. Well, I'll be that's my truck. Yes. Yes. And there's someone underneath? You could see your legs sticking out. Okay. You stay here. I'm soon settlers. Lights. Out you come, whoever you are. Try to take them out. Come on.
[00:22:03] Unknown:
Well, you You've guessed it. It was Lazenby himself. When Cannon caught him, he was sawing through the brake fluid pipes. Just close to the factory was a steep hill. Any undue pressure to the brakes and, well, there'd have been one less truck in mister Lazenby's transport and in all probability, one less driver. Why did he want to sabotage his own transport, you may ask? But it was really very simple. Lazenby was bound under a tight contract to the Delta Aircraft Company. Although he held a well patent rights to his product, Tenelefin, he could sell to no one but Delta.
Lazenby was a greedy man. He was being well paid by them but Boeing had offered him nearly twice as much. But the only way to get out of his contract with Delta was if they were to take the initiative and get rid of him first due to non delivery. But his policy of sabotage had the reverse effect in that he could obtain no one to drive his trucks. In desperation, he turned to us. What he overlooked was the fact that we're pretty used to this sort of thing and cannon certainly no fool. Lazenby got a stiff jail sentence and another file closed on what I called a bag of coal for mr. Lazenby.
From taco night in Tulum to sushi in Tokyo, every bite is rewarding and pulse worthy with MX Gold's four times membership rewards points at restaurants worldwide. Wherever you dine, points are piling up. So bring your friends along for your next course because it's not all about the posts. It's about the company and the memories. How can gold from Amex sweeten your next food moment? Learn more at AmericanExpress.com/explore-gold. Terms and points cap apply.
[00:00:32] Unknown:
The final fund limited? The number? Yes. 595. Mister who? Lisenby. Yes, mister Lisenby. I I be in you pleased to see you. You're just next door, you say? Yes. Yes. I look forward to seeing you. It's a matter of what? Cool. You need it. Oh, if I may say so, we do as well. Anyway, I'm seeing you. Aubrey Mason at your service. At assignments unlimited, we do anything, anywhere, at any time. 33
[00:01:04] Unknown:
Half Moon Street.
[00:01:24] Unknown:
10 Minutes later, mister Lazenby was ushered into my office.
[00:01:31] Unknown:
Mister Lazenby, sir. Thank you.
[00:01:33] Unknown:
Come in, mister Lazenby.
[00:01:36] Unknown:
Please sit down.
[00:01:37] Unknown:
Thank you, mister Mason. Now I'm, I'm sorry to trouble you at such short notice. Well, that's what we're here for, mister Lismond. You may wonder why I've come to see you. The fact of the matter is I I need help. Well, that's the usual reason for people coming to see me. Now how can we help you? Lolly drivers. That's what I need. Lolly drivers. Yes. In what connection? Well, I have a firm, an engineering firm in Cumberland. That firm has got to keep running and it can't run without call. Now Minera's stockyard is 40 miles away and it's a nasty run-in between. I don't quite follow, mister Lesney. Well, the factory is situated up in the fowls. It's a truck road in between.
As I've already said, if I don't have coal, I I can't keep my machines working, and I've only got three days supply left. Yes, mister Lesney. Well, that's all of the matter is. Recently, a series of accidents have taken place with my lorries. Oh, all the heap of things. Punches, big ends gone and only yesterday, I had a lorry go over Little Pearl. Yes. But I I still don't quite follow, mister Lesley. I appreciate you have difficulties over coal supplies, but well, I I don't see how we can help you. I want a lorry driver. Not only one who is qualified as a lorry driver, but one that I can trust. I see.
[00:02:46] Unknown:
You're suggesting that someone's trying to prevent you from obtaining coal. Exactly. I'm sure of it. Mister Lazenby, there are a number of haulage contractors in this country. I can't say that I'm acquainted with them in your area, but why don't you get one of them to transport your coal for you? What? With a railway strike on, you can't get anybody to carry anything for you for a lot more money. Oh, I see. So what you want is a man to drive one of your lorries and just a little more? Yes, mister Mason. Just a little more.
[00:03:14] Unknown:
I also wanted to find out who is trying to break my business.
[00:03:27] Unknown:
A few minutes later, Lassenbeth left my office. It appeared that his factory was closed across further in Cumberland. The nearest station was Carlisle, and that's where I was going to send my dear Cannon. It was cold in London. I wonder what it was like in Cumberland. At that moment, Cannon came back into the office.
[00:03:47] Unknown:
Woah. It's,
[00:03:48] Unknown:
it's cold outside. Funny you should say that. I've just had a man to see me about cold. It's about time too, chief. We'll all freeze to death before long. No. Not that sort of cold. Would you like to sit down, Cannon?
[00:04:00] Unknown:
Uh-uh. I know that look.
[00:04:03] Unknown:
What's cooking to you? Well, it's all a matter of coal. By the way, you have got a heavy duty license, haven't you? Yes. Well, you've got a little assignment, driving coal from Carlisle to Crossfell.
[00:04:14] Unknown:
Is that so? And where the heck is Crossfell? Oh, somewhere in Cumberland.
[00:04:19] Unknown:
You're booked in the 10:30 to Carlisle and mister Lazenby will meet you at the station. He's flown back already. Lazenby? Yes. He's the man. His factory appears to be on the top of a mountain. Further, it appears that somebody is trying to do him down with his transport. It's up to you to find out who's trying to do who.
[00:04:36] Unknown:
Well, thanks, chief. Sounds an interesting assignment. Did you say 10:30? Well, I better shift. Third class, I suppose, as usual, or am I going cattle truck, mister? First class cabin with mister Leisenby's compliments. I hope you don't find it too cold up there. Well, if I do, I'll send you a wee lump of ice registered
[00:05:00] Unknown:
post. Cannon duly arrived at Carlisle Station where he was met by Lazonbury. From there, he was driven out to the factory. On the way, Cannon decided to learn a little bit more about his assignment.
[00:05:13] Unknown:
So, what do you want me to do, mister Lazonby, is to transport coal from Carlisle to your place across town? That's absolutely correct, mister Cannon. Thirty five miles.
[00:05:24] Unknown:
25 miles of easy driving from the yard I showed you just now with 10 miles of Al at the end. Now it's that 10 miles that Wood is meant. I've had a series of accidents lately and all on that stretch. Aye. And now I've got my formerly hospital with a smashed up leg. Is that so? Aye. Looking to be alive. Went over the edge at Littlefell. It appears his brakes failed. Now I look after my transport, mister Cannon, and I just don't understand what's going on. You mean you think somebody's,
[00:05:52] Unknown:
trying to sabotage you?
[00:05:54] Unknown:
I, I think I'd better explain things a little more fully. Now then, now the factory here in which I'm producing a a form of plastic. It's indestructible light. In fact, it's a revolutionary design for the buildings of bodies for cars, aircraft, canopies, and well, if you want to come near a home, refrigerators, stalls, anything you like. You may wonder why my factory's in the middle of nowhere. Well, the water that I draw from the streams here and the springs is ideal for me purpose, but it has its disadvantage. In order to keep my machine returning, I must have coal. I'm sure of it. And if I don't get it, production will come to a standstill.
And it has a long way to come.
[00:06:31] Unknown:
Then, I imagine you have some pretty important contracts. Yes. I am. One in particular. I see. Mister Lazenby, you think that somebody's trying to grab that contract from me? It appeared to be that way.
[00:06:45] Unknown:
Look, Cannon, I I don't want you to think I don't trust myself. But I find out a minute. I've had him a long time. Nevertheless, there's something somewhere going on that I don't understand. Occasional puncture or breakdown. Yes. But not a series of mishaps that has happened to me just lately.
[00:07:00] Unknown:
Yeah.
[00:07:02] Unknown:
Yeah. It's certainly food for thought. Anyway, you'll be staying with me a minute over in your mind tonight. Tomorrow morning, I'll get you out on your first run. Now what I want you to do is to keep your eyes open. And if there's anything that seems
[00:07:20] Unknown:
Cannon rang me the following morning from Carlisle. He was his usual efficient self. Assignments unlimited. Hello, chief. Is that you? Oh, it is indeed, Karen. How are the fells? Lots of snowboarding and that sort of thing. Oh, chief, please. By the way, where are you speaking from? The coal yard in Carlisle. They're just coming to collect my first load. Yes.
[00:07:47] Unknown:
What is it? If you have any else to report? No. Not really. Except I slept in the baronial suite last night, and the roads to this cross fell like nothing you've ever seen. Hairpin bends and drops into oblivion on all sides. Well, if you've no more news, have fun and keep me posted. Okay, chief. There's something going on here, but, I don't know what. How are we doing, boys? Hello, John. Fine. Well, if I can find my way back, here's some more coal for mister Lazenby. Wild man's at Usman, he wears at Usman's hat. He wears gold blimey trousers, and he lives in a gas or flat. Well, this is no flat, and it's cold, not garbage. I'm carrying it'll do.
Jeep has forgotten that corner, and and here comes that hill. What? Uh-oh. Doesn't seem we're gonna make it. Well, I don't like the sound of that. Let's have a look. Well, there's, certainly enough heat, and it's not boiling. Nope. Now there's water. Well, let's have a look under. Yep. No wonder. That seems alright. Well, then what's this? No plug on the sump. The no plug means no oil. Yep. It seems our mister Laysman is right. Somebody's trying to do something to somebody. Well, things are looking up. Two lovely slim ankles, and they don't belong to this truck. Come on, Kennon. Investigate.
Alright. Well, hello.
[00:10:27] Unknown:
Hello.
[00:10:28] Unknown:
Are you in some sort of trouble? Well, I, suppose you could call it bad. It appears that some palooka has, annexed the plug for my son. That's bad.
[00:10:38] Unknown:
Are you working for Lazenby? I've never seen you before. Yeah. I, I started in today. Hard. Seems as though you're in a bit of a jam. Look, if you'd like, I I can drive you through to Lazenby's engineering. Would you? That'd be most kind. I,
[00:10:53] Unknown:
I certainly can't move this heap. Are you, you sure it's not trouble? Not at all. Mister Cannon's the name. David Cannon. Mine's Masters. Masters?
[00:11:03] Unknown:
Well, I seem to have seen that name somewhere around here. Well, that is possible. There are quite a lot of us in the neighborhood.
[00:11:10] Unknown:
Anyway, jump in, mister Cannon. Thank you. Oh, hold on. I'll just get the ignition key. Not that a charge of dynamite could move that. Well, let's go, miss Masters.
[00:11:42] Unknown:
Well, there we are, mister Cannon. Deliver to your door. I can't thank you enough, miss Matthews.
[00:11:47] Unknown:
Well, by the way, I don't know how long I'll be up here, but, I'm only on a temporary job.
[00:11:53] Unknown:
Maybe we could, meet up sometime. Perhaps I could contact you. That'll be fine. Look. Let me give you a card. I got one in the pocket here. Just here we are. Oh, thanks.
[00:12:06] Unknown:
Fellside homage contractors. Contractors? Well, that's why I've seen the masters on the side of some of the lorries. So you're contractors. Are you the, the daughter then? No. I'm masters. You're is that so? Well, how's business?
[00:12:28] Unknown:
Oh, fair. We can do with more. We can do with more?
[00:12:32] Unknown:
But I understood that mister Lazenby couldn't get transport to being called to his factory. That's strange.
[00:12:39] Unknown:
What's strange, mister Cannon? Well, I also understood that, Lazenby had asked everybody to help him with the coding of his car. Well, he hasn't asked us, mister Cannon. He'd be only too pleased to help him. Very pleased, in fact.
[00:12:52] Unknown:
Yeah. Yeah. I'll, I'll mention it to her. Anyway, thanks for the ride. It's been a pleasure. Well, thanks, miss Masters.
[00:13:03] Unknown:
Good seeing you. I hope so, mister Cannon. And I hope you have better luck with the rest of your contract.
[00:13:13] Unknown:
Watching the car as it drove away. Strange. Yes. Certainly strange. His masters fell aside haulage contractors. What was it she'd said? We'd be only too pleased to help him. Very pleased in fact. Yet mister Lazenbeard said, I just can't get anybody to help. There's a strike and nobody will help me carry my coal. Cannon stood for a moment and then turning, walked towards mister Lazenby's office. A few points had to be sorted out.
[00:13:40] Unknown:
Mister Lazenby, I'm, sorry to disturb you, but there are one or two things that I'd, I'd like to get straight. Yes, mister Cannon. First of all, this suddenly puzzles me. I understand that you couldn't get any other transport for your call. In other words, you'd asked everybody to help you, but no joy. There just wasn't anybody. That's quite correct, Cannon. There wasn't anybody. Anyway, not the last time I asked. Mister Lazenby, I've just been dropped back here by, a charming young lady, a miss Masters.
[00:14:09] Unknown:
Oh, yes. That'll sign all its contractors. Oh, well, what's wrong with them? Nothing that I know of. But when I asked them to help me, they were fully booked.
[00:14:18] Unknown:
I see. Look, I know it's none of my business, but, can you tell me a little bit more about yours? You mean my business? Mhmm.
[00:14:27] Unknown:
Yes. Well, you're a reputable firm, and I'm prepared to let you know a little bit more about mine. Cannon, I have processed a a plastic material. It's light, and it has harder steel. I'd say even harder. It's a material called trenolethine. Now I have a contract to supply this material to one of the, well, in fact, the biggest aircraft firms in the country, the Delta Aircraft Corporation. It's possible that others have heard of my invention. Incidentally, I owe the world patent rights. If they got in first, well, it could make quite a difference to John Lazenby. Yeah. I understand.
[00:15:02] Unknown:
You said Delta. You're certainly starting at the top, and it certainly seems that somebody's trying to do you dirt. Now, can you can you help me at all? Is there anybody that you can think of that might wanna see you down?
[00:15:15] Unknown:
I can think of a lot. But if we come just a little nearer home, I'm not all that happy about Masters, all his contractors.
[00:15:22] Unknown:
Yeah. Now, that's what I've been thinking.
[00:15:26] Unknown:
Yet she's, she's such a nice kid. Mister Cannon, I thought you were impervious to the wild of the fairer six.
[00:15:33] Unknown:
Fairr six in that, she's, she's got a couple of mighty nice ankles.
[00:15:43] Unknown:
Lazenby. Oh, hello, mister Levin. Yeah. Yes. Well, you see, I've I've had some difficulties. I I can assure you I'm doing everything I can. Everything, mister Levin. I appreciate that, your position. Oh, I'm sorry that you feel that way. Yes. I do assure you, Levin, no more delays. I'll get the next delivery to you as soon as I possibly can. Yes. Thank you, mister Levin. Yes. I'll do everything I can. Trouble, mister Lazon? That was doubter. I've got to get another delivery to them. If I don't, I'm in trouble. Okay, mister Lazonbury.
[00:16:26] Unknown:
Don't worry. Is there a sort of assignment I like? How much coal do you need? Oh, as much as we can get. We can't afford to stop production.
[00:16:33] Unknown:
I've arranged with Jameson on the coal board to keep the yard open tonight. We'll run coal through all tonight. Well, it sounds as though I'm gonna be busy. Yes, Karen. You are. You're in charge tonight. We'll have three drivers on, and I don't want any mistakes. That call's got to come through no matter what the cost.
[00:16:53] Unknown:
Yes. Cannon certainly had a tough assignment on this occasion. It was vital that Cole reached Lazenby's. It takes a lot to shake Cameron and he as much as anybody else was determined that the Cole would get through that night. After seeing Lazenby, his mind turned to what he felt must be the opposition. He decided to ring Miss Masters.
[00:17:17] Unknown:
Six, one, eight.
[00:17:28] Unknown:
Hillside Orley's Contractors. Good afternoon.
[00:17:31] Unknown:
Hello. Can I speak to miss Masters, please? Certainly. Would you hold on, please? Mhmm. Yeah.
[00:17:38] Unknown:
Hello? Yes?
[00:17:41] Unknown:
Hello there. It seems an age since I've seen you.
[00:17:45] Unknown:
Oh, oh, mister Cannon. I don't think it's more than two or three hours ago.
[00:17:49] Unknown:
Anyway, it's nice to hear from you. Are you in trouble again? No. No. I, I just wondered if you were tied up this evening, sir, around 05:00?
[00:17:57] Unknown:
Oh, I afraid I am. One of those business dues. Oh, I'm sorry.
[00:18:02] Unknown:
Well, maybe tomorrow.
[00:18:04] Unknown:
That sounds fun. Will you ring me in the morning and confirm that? Yeah. Yeah. I'll do that.
[00:18:15] Unknown:
That evening, Cannon went down to the yard early. He wanted to keep an eye on things. One of the trucks was just leaving.
[00:18:25] Unknown:
Hope you have a nice trip. So do I, mate, though I'll be surprised if I get the reboot piece. Seems there's oodoo on the place. Forget it. You'll get there. Anyway, I'm following you in. See you in Carlisle. Okay, Joe. I hope he
[00:18:41] Unknown:
does
[00:18:43] Unknown:
make
[00:18:46] Unknown:
it.
[00:18:48] Unknown:
Cannon leaned against a wall. He found it easier to think that way. There was no doubt that the transport was being deliberately sabotaged. Yes. But by whom? Masters haulage contractors led the field, of course, but Cannon didn't like that idea. Not at all. The truth of the matter was he'd taken a distinct liking to Young West Masters. He stared out over the yard. In the evening shadows, he could see the two lines of trucks. 10 there had been, one was out, and the remainder six lay idle useless heaps of metal. There'd only be three on the road that night, and his would be one of them.
His? Cannon's eyes narrowed. Yes, his. Where was it? Funny he'd left it at the end of the line. Suddenly, he went rigid. Was it his imagination, or had he seen someone by the trucks there? He melted into the shadows, moving swiftly towards
[00:19:43] Unknown:
them. So there is somebody there. Well, you've got a little something coming to you that you didn't explain.
[00:19:52] Unknown:
Okay, Barzil. Come on. Please. You're you're hurting me. Oh,
[00:19:56] Unknown:
well, miss Masters. But what are you doing here?
[00:20:00] Unknown:
I I came to see you. I I was passing, and I thought I'd just drop in. Uh-huh.
[00:20:06] Unknown:
And, what became of the business do that you were going to? Well, it it finished early.
[00:20:12] Unknown:
Uh-huh.
[00:20:13] Unknown:
Well, that's all there is to it. As I told you, I came to see you. I I thought perhaps you might be able to persuade mister Lazenby to give us some of his cartage. You see, things aren't too good with us in the film at present.
[00:20:27] Unknown:
That must have been quite a dirty meeting you were at.
[00:20:30] Unknown:
Dirty meeting?
[00:20:31] Unknown:
What do you mean? Your hands, miss Masters, they're covered in oil. You got some on your face as well. Oh, oh, oh, that.
[00:20:39] Unknown:
No. My my car packed up on me as I was coming back. Tell that to the marines.
[00:20:43] Unknown:
I'm telling you the truth. You see these trucks here? Most of them are dead ducks, sabotaged. And now I find you here, opposition haulage who once laid on these, with oil all over your hands. It won't do, miss Masters. You've got a little explaining to do to mister Lazenby. Now you come quietly, or do I have to carry you? I'll come, of course. But you're mistaken, mister Karen. Really, you are. Well, I sincerely hope so for your own sake. Well, come on
[00:21:09] Unknown:
then. Things weren't panning out at all to Cannon's liking. If he'd been a large, tough man, he wouldn't have minded. But this, well, this slip of a girl, he found himself hoping that he was wrong. It was as they were passing one of the windows of the workshops that Canon stopped suddenly. Hey. Hey. Hold it. Oh, nice. She's quiet.
[00:21:29] Unknown:
Can you hear anything?
[00:21:31] Unknown:
Yes.
[00:21:32] Unknown:
It sounds like someone's sawing. Yeah. It's just what somebody is doing with a hacksaw if I'm not mistaken. Okay. You follow me and keep quiet. It's in the workshop here. Well, I'll be that's my truck. Yes. Yes. And there's someone underneath? You could see your legs sticking out. Okay. You stay here. I'm soon settlers. Lights. Out you come, whoever you are. Try to take them out. Come on.
[00:22:03] Unknown:
Well, you You've guessed it. It was Lazenby himself. When Cannon caught him, he was sawing through the brake fluid pipes. Just close to the factory was a steep hill. Any undue pressure to the brakes and, well, there'd have been one less truck in mister Lazenby's transport and in all probability, one less driver. Why did he want to sabotage his own transport, you may ask? But it was really very simple. Lazenby was bound under a tight contract to the Delta Aircraft Company. Although he held a well patent rights to his product, Tenelefin, he could sell to no one but Delta.
Lazenby was a greedy man. He was being well paid by them but Boeing had offered him nearly twice as much. But the only way to get out of his contract with Delta was if they were to take the initiative and get rid of him first due to non delivery. But his policy of sabotage had the reverse effect in that he could obtain no one to drive his trucks. In desperation, he turned to us. What he overlooked was the fact that we're pretty used to this sort of thing and cannon certainly no fool. Lazenby got a stiff jail sentence and another file closed on what I called a bag of coal for mr. Lazenby.
