In this thrilling episode, we dive into a suspenseful tale of intrigue and mystery aboard the freighter Gascony. Max Aban, a shipping magnate, hires two reliable guards, Cannon and Carson, to protect a confidential cargo. As they embark on their mission, they encounter a series of unexpected events, including the presence of a mysterious stowaway named Valdemayendi, who claims to be half Russian and stranded without a passport. The plot thickens when the ship's security is compromised, leading to the murder of Smudge, a key player in the unfolding drama.
As Cannon and Carson navigate the treacherous waters of deceit and danger, they uncover a web of secrets involving contraband, betrayal, and a sinister plan orchestrated by Max Aban and his accomplice, Curly Kleinman. With the stakes higher than ever, Cannon's keen instincts and a trail of French perfume guide him to the truth, revealing a plot that could have dire consequences. Join us as we unravel the mystery of the confidential cargo and the unexpected twists that keep you on the edge of your seat.
(00:30) The Confidential Cargo Assignment
(01:24) Cannon and Carson on Duty
(03:00) A Mysterious Ship and Its Crew
(06:00) The Stowaway's Secret
(13:33) A Murder on Board
(17:02) The Escape Plan
(20:00) Confrontation and Revelation
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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.
[00:00:31] Unknown:
I urgently require two guards for a small freighter that we'll dock at the Eberth just south of Limehouse Pier. There's a confidential cargo abode, so I want someone reliable. Oh, we can arrange that. Everything has been done to assure security for the cargo, but one never knows. It might be wise if you pick two of your most capable men. They should know how to handle themselves. I have just the two men for you. I'll send a car to pick them up. You can contact them through the customs at the East India Dock and send your account to me at Max Evans Shippers. I'll do that, mister Evan. What's your address by the way, mister Mason? Thirty three Half Moon Street.
[00:01:24] Unknown:
I called my story tonight, confidential cargo. Max Aban required two men who, as he put it, could handle themselves. I put Cannon and Carson on the job. They'd always worked well together in the past, and guarding a precious cargo on board a freighter in the East India Dock would be a simple task for them. The car from mister Max Aban shippers arrived, and Cannon and Carson duly reached their appointed destination.
[00:02:12] Unknown:
Hold it, mates. You don't go no further. We're the ship's guard. Are you, Smith? That's me. Got any papers? Right here. Missus Crush Carson.
[00:02:20] Unknown:
Alright, mates. Come aboard the good ship Gascony and make yourselves at home. You, Cannon, you've got the port side berth for it, and you're on the starboard side right opposite Carson. Who else is on board with? Call me Smudge. Even my skipper does. Alright. Smudge. Yes. Well, now there's me and old curly climber. You'll meet him and two last of a farmer who ain't allowed ashore. Right then. If you follow me, I'll show you at your bunks. Right. There we are. You'll have to look after yourselves. All the crew's paid off except Curly Clyman and me.
[00:02:56] Unknown:
You know, Caden, these cabins are so close to each other. I'll be able to hear you snore. I never snore, and I have it on the best authority.
[00:03:04] Unknown:
Won't get much time of snoring aboard the Gascony, mates. You'll have to stay and watch, turn and turn about all through the day and night. That's a point. What are we supposed to be guarding? Oh, the ship. What do you think? The whole ship? What about you and his curly climbing, champ? Oh, we have to stand by the old man in case he wants us ashore. They don't sweat, shipmates. All you do is to patrol the trafrail and see no one comes up the gangway.
[00:03:26] Unknown:
She stood out from above so no one can sneak up on your light. Is there a ship to shore phone here? Cut off. Didn't I tell you? This is a security job. No kidding. So if we get boarded by pirates, we've got no way of letting anybody know. Pirates?
[00:03:40] Unknown:
Oh, I see. Yeah. A joke. You won't have no trouble, me, artist. And a smudge knows men when he sees them. I reckon you two can guard this here a ship better than a regiment of Marines. It's nice to know someone's got confidence in us. Well, I'll be getting along. Make yourself comfortable. I hope. You take over in half an hour. That's, four bells.
[00:03:59] Unknown:
Four bells. Who rings the bells? How would I know? Let's go to cabins. Alright. I wonder what this security cargo is.
[00:04:10] Unknown:
Oh, please. The ship comes from the China Sea, isn't it? The cargos are present from Mao to tow to her majesty. An atom bomb with a time fuse. And what now she'll thank him for that? Mao? Easy. She'll return it with a note saying, no thanks, me old China.
[00:04:25] Unknown:
You know, I've always had a wish that I could understand your language. Well, shall we, inspect the good ship Gascogne?
[00:04:38] Unknown:
Right on time.
[00:04:39] Unknown:
Who rang those bells? Kelly Kleinman, my guess. Or one of Velazquez. Well, they have to stay on the stern. The bell's on the bridge. I just thought of a way we can find out. Go to the bridge? Genius. Half a tower, it's Kelly Climate. Done. I bet it's Alaska. Hey. What was that? Trap door. See in the corner. As we came under the bridge, somebody did a disappearing act down the trap door. Oh, Curly Kleinman or Alaska, I wonder. Well, the Smudge said old curly climate, and I never met a seafaring Lascar who used French perfume. Well, you've got sensitive nostrils.
[00:05:20] Unknown:
Nostalgic is a better word. Mhmm.
[00:05:22] Unknown:
How do you suppose we find out who went through that trap door? Open it. You know, Carson, you get better every day. Yep. That's good. No. That's locked from underneath. French perfume. The smudge? No. The last No. Curly Kleinman. Hey. What you do up there? No. Crash Course, we have a mystery on our hands. Aren't you heavy or are you dead? We're here, Curly. We'll be right down. You the two new men? That's right. You must be Curly Kleinman. How do you know my name? Well, Smudge told us there was only one other person aboard apart from the two Lascars. He said the other one was called Curly Kleinman. And since you don't have a hair on your head, I figured you must be Curly.
[00:06:12] Unknown:
You sound like a smart boy, but don't get too smart. These ships got available cargo. You're paid to guard it and not to go nosing around the bridge. Didn't the smudge tell you to patrol the rail and watch the gangway? Right. Well, why don't you do what you're paid to do then?
[00:06:28] Unknown:
We, friend, are being admonished.
[00:06:30] Unknown:
You're smart, aunt. No. I'm Carson. Funny boy. Well, you watch your step. We will all the way around the town floor. I'm in the well next to the girl if you want me. Don't let anybody come aboard. Understand? No one at all. Not even the skipper?
[00:06:45] Unknown:
Funny man. I'm in the wrong profession. I should be resident comedian of the palladium. Curly? Yeah? Since we're responsible for the whole ship, we'd like to know who's on board at the moment. Well, didn't this much tell you? Me, him and the two Lascars.
[00:06:59] Unknown:
Nobody else. Of course no one else. What do you think? Now get about your business or I'll call up the skip and have you fired.
[00:07:09] Unknown:
Crash,
[00:07:10] Unknown:
are you thinking what I'm thinking? Yeah. He can't call up the skipper because the phone's cut off. That's what this might say. And if there's only six of us on board this floating coffin, then the Lascas must use scent. Hang on. Yeah. Right down the well deck. Two Lascars. An odor. A delicate odor. No. French perfume? Unquestionably
[00:07:33] Unknown:
not. Well, watch on, watch off, Smudge said. So I propose that you take the first turn around the deck whilst I mosey along to the cabin quarters underneath the deckhouse and see what I can see. Canon, perhaps Kelly Clymer's right. Perhaps we shouldn't poke our noses into what doesn't concern us. If there is someone else on board, so what? They might not want us to know about it. No, sir. We've been paid to watch this ship. If it has a stowaway, then it's up to us to find out about it. Alright, Captain Bligh. I'm no Fletcher Christian. Just keep out of trouble. That's all. Oh, you can rely on me. Now you keep an eye on those Lascas and watch out for the smudge.
[00:08:07] Unknown:
As far as I know, he didn't go ashore. You're the one who better keep your eyes peeled. I have a nasty feeling that if old Curly Climen finds out you've been rummaging about below decks, he'll whip us off this floating crate so fast we'll feel like we've been keel hold. I'll tread very softly, if I knew you do that, Charles.
[00:08:25] Unknown:
Now, just along here, at the end of this gang ladder, I guess. And it could be the captain's cabin right under the wheelhouse. Yep. It's an oriental built ship. That's for certain. Even has carvings on the old woodwork. I guess the lords wouldn't insure this one. There it is again. No mistaking it. In this cabin, the way I figure. And now's my chance to try the door handle. Empty. But the trapdoor is open. I found it. Hi.
[00:09:23] Unknown:
Who who are you?
[00:09:26] Unknown:
How did you get in here? Cannon's the name, and I got in through the door. What are you doing here? You know, it's just the question I was gonna ask you. Are you from the police? No. Then No. Take it easy, ma'am. Take it easy. I didn't mean to frighten you. I'm the official guard on this ship. I wasn't told about your presence here. In fact, I go so far as to guess that you oughtn't to be here anyway.
[00:09:48] Unknown:
I see.
[00:09:50] Unknown:
Now, suppose you tell me about it. What is there to tell? Well, if you'd rather tell it to Curly Kleinman. Oh, no.
[00:09:57] Unknown:
You know Curly Kleinman? I know only mister Smith. It was he who helped me. The smudge
[00:10:05] Unknown:
helped you do what? Please. No one must know of my presence on board this ship. Look. I'm afraid I can't help you there, ma'am. I have a responsibility. If you shouldn't be on board, then I'll have to report your presence to the proper thud. No. Please not that. Well, come to think of it, that did sound like a recorder playing red tape. So sit down. Relax.
[00:10:24] Unknown:
But
[00:10:25] Unknown:
won't you be missed? No. My second half is patrolling the deck at this minute. As I figure it, this is the captain's cabin. Right? Yes. And you rang that ship's bell just now. Right? Yes. Mister Smith asked me to. He he's busy below. And he didn't want Curly Climan to know what he's busy with. I get it. It's the Smudge who's supposed to ring the ship's bell. Isn't it? Yes. It is. Look. You better open up your heart, ma'am, or I'm gonna open up that door and shout for Curly.
[00:10:57] Unknown:
Alright. I'll tell you what you want to know. That's my girl. But first, how did you know I was here? That French perfume.
[00:11:06] Unknown:
It's very expensive. And to, to a lonely man, very alluring. I'm a watchdog and, I follow the scent.
[00:11:15] Unknown:
You are very observant.
[00:11:18] Unknown:
And you're very beautiful. Okay. Make with the explanation. I'm a stowaway. Who are you and where are you from?
[00:11:26] Unknown:
My name is Valdemayendi. I'm half Russian. I was stranded in Taipei in North Formosa without money and with no passport. The ship was cruising in the China Sea and called it Taipei. Mister Smith was ashore and I met him. He offered to help smuggle me to England. In the captain's cabin? I have used the cabin only since we docked.
[00:11:48] Unknown:
Mister Smith is taking me ashore tonight. And, where did you hole up during the voyage? In a spare cabin in the fore part of the ship. A spare cabin. And nobody saw you on the whole voyage from the China Sea?
[00:12:01] Unknown:
I see you know nothing of this ship, the Gascony. She is not seaworthy, but she was built many years ago on the slips of Amoy. The skipper hardly left his cabin the whole voyage. Most of the time, he lay on his bunk with a bottle. All the crew were recruited from the waterfront to the east. Mister Smith and mister Kleinman are the only two white men aboard apart from the skipper. I get it. And, what cargo is she carrying? Tallow.
[00:12:29] Unknown:
Tallow? I got news for you, ma'am. This cargo's embargoed is top secret.
[00:12:35] Unknown:
Oh, but that's impossible. What could be secret about Tallow?
[00:12:41] Unknown:
Well, then maybe I'll never find out. But I'll get to know you a little better in the coming few days. Life gets lonely on board an empty ship. On board? But mister Smith is taking me ashore tonight. Uh-uh. Correction. Mister Smith was taking you ashore tonight. But My orders are to allow nobody on board except the Smudge, Kleinman, and two Laskers. Since you're here anyway, you stay on board. So you see, the position's reversed for you. I can't make contact with the shore. So here you are, and here you stay until I get instruction to the contrary from mister Max Aben, the guy who employs me. But what purpose can be served by keeping me here? For all I know, Valdemayendi, you might be the precious cargo.
[00:13:34] Unknown:
Warning the beautiful Baldamiante not to attempt to jump ship, Cannon went in search of Smith, the old Cockney seaman known as the Smudge. But to all intents and purposes, the ship was deserted. Only the two Lascaux sat sunning themselves on the well deck. Carson was leaning on the rail, wondering what had happened to his relief.
[00:13:58] Unknown:
So there you are. Where have you been? I've been gazing out over the placid waters of Limehouse, which Christ. I found it. What? The doll. The baby with the French perfume. You did? She says she's a store away, and she's hauled up in the captain's cabin. I told you we were in the wrong profession. You know, Grice, there's something screwy about it all. She claims to be a store away and says that Smudge helped her out all the way from Taipei in Formosa. According to her, nobody knows she's aboard except Smudge. Even that dried out old fig, Climan, doesn't know. But I don't get it. I mean, Climan's bound to find her sooner or later. It'll have to be later. He just went ashore in a dinghy.
He ashore in a dinghy? That's right. Completely so, though. Mhmm. Well, Valdez says the cargo's tallow. Valdez? Yeah. That's Abroad's name in the captain's cabin, Valdez Mayende. She's half Russian. What's the other half? I don't know, but it's sure mixed together well. One thing's certain. Whatever the smudge says, she doesn't go ashore until we've had a word with Max Abe and the owner. Oh, so sweet. I must say you stand to watch in the gang, Wayne.
[00:15:05] Unknown:
I'll relieve you keeping a fatherly eye on the homeless Russian.
[00:15:09] Unknown:
You spoke too soon. You say No. No. No. Wait a minute. Watch the gangway.
[00:15:16] Unknown:
Where are you? Here By the galleys.
[00:15:26] Unknown:
Holy smoke. The Smudge.
[00:15:29] Unknown:
What happened? I I came along to make tea. I found him lying there. He's dead. Are you kidding?
[00:15:37] Unknown:
His throat slipped from ear to ear. Crash. Yeah?
[00:15:41] Unknown:
Where are the Laskers? Still sitting in the sun. Haven't moved all afternoon. What's wrong? Claudia, you stay there.
[00:15:48] Unknown:
Did you touch him? No. Now look. You better tell me and tell me straight. Who else is holding out on this tub? I don't understand. Alright. Then understand this. The Smudge is being murdered. I don't know what they do about this in Formosa, but here in England, somebody's going for the high jump. And right now, that somebody looks awfully like you. You you don't think I did it? Well, it wasn't me. And Carson's been watching the gangway and the Lascars. So if there isn't another mystery traveler on this ship, things don't look so good. I swear it wasn't me. It's only five minutes since you left me in the cabin. Look. It takes only one second to slit a man's throat. Oh, wait a minute.
The blood, it's soaked into the deck timber. Yes. Kleinman.
[00:16:39] Unknown:
What do you know about Kleinman, baby? Nothing except that he was the ship's purser.
[00:16:44] Unknown:
Looks like he kept a tight rein on the purse strings. Well, I've gotta go ashore and get the police. Oh, no. Oh, yes. This is murder, baby, in the first degree. But they will send me back. That's too bad. You have no idea what it's like there. Look. I have no idea what it's like where the smudge has gone either, but that won't stop me getting the police. You get back in your cabin and stay there. Oh, what's the matter with her? What's all the screaming you lied? The smudge. Somebody played guillotine on him with a razor. Oh, dead? Yeah. As dead as this assignment when Max Aban finds out. Tell me, when did Curly Climbman leave? About half an hour ago.
Uh-huh. Then it must have been Climbman. Mhmm. Can you hold the ship by yourself? Of course. With this. There you are. One up the spout. Okay. I'm going ashore to get the place. It's a long swim.
[00:17:38] Unknown:
Swim? How come? Kleinman took the only dinghy. Oh, then I'll swing a lifeboat out of the dammit. Friend, this ship was never insured. That's for certain. I took a look at those lifeboats to pass the time. You wouldn't keep your feet dry for a hundred yards. Are you telling me we're maroon on board this wreck? Unless you make a raft or set fire to the ship to get rescued.
[00:17:56] Unknown:
A raft. That's it. Look. I just wanna talk to that dame again, and then you and me are gonna play Huckleberry Finn. Stay with it. Well, I see you're still here. Is there anywhere else to go? Listen, tell me something. If you were told by the Smudge not to leave the cabin, and if you didn't wanna be seen by Kleinman, how come you took a chance and went to the galley? I saw Kleinman leave in a dinghy. You saw
[00:18:23] Unknown:
him, but he left from the starboard side. When I rang the ship's bell from the bridge.
[00:18:30] Unknown:
I guess you could have seen him from the wheelhouse at that. Okay. Then tell me what part of the cargo the Smudge was looking at when I came on the scene. Now don't say it was the tower. I don't know. I I really don't know. Saying he he must have said something. I can't. I can't.
[00:18:46] Unknown:
All I can think of him is lying there and and all my hopes are ruined.
[00:18:51] Unknown:
The English will send me back to Taipei. I know they will. Look, there's another thing. How was the smudge gonna get you ashore?
[00:18:58] Unknown:
At nighttime.
[00:18:59] Unknown:
But the river police are the most active at nighttime.
[00:19:02] Unknown:
I don't understand your customs, mister Cannon. All I know is he was going to roll me ashore to a place he knows. He even gave me a map to follow if something happened and he couldn't come with me. A map?
[00:19:14] Unknown:
Let me have a look at that. But there's no point now. Let me have a look. I'll be the judge of that. Give me the map. A row of houses between Nelson Duck and Cockholes Point. This house hangs out over the river built on piles, and the steps lead up to a trap door that opens into the house. Another Nelson Dock. That's right across the river. Is it? Okay, Val. Did did Kleinman know about this map? He might know of the trapdoor. Mister Smith and he were great friends. How friendly can you get with a guy? Now listen. We're building a raft. Curly took the last boat out. Tonight, I'm going ashore for the police. If a boat passes near enough to us in the meantime, we'll call for help. If not, I'll roar ashore on the raft.
You coming with me? Assured? Now don't get any wrong ideas, baby. You'll have to report to the police. But Crash Carson will be alone here guarding the gangway with two askers doing I do not know what. If you get scared, he might be tempted to leave his post, and I can't take that chance. So you stay put, baby, because that seems to be the best way of staying alive. Hey. Now quit clutching that suitcase and give me a hand here. It contains everything I own in the world. Don't worry. If the police clear, you'll look me up. Hold this man. Yeah.
That's the house alright. The gloomy one. I don't see any lights. I don't see any river police either. Oh, well, maybe that's just as well. A guy in a dog paddling a raft through the night across the Thames River might give him a wrong idea. Do you think they might shoot us? I don't know. I guess not. After all, this isn't the lagoon across from Alcatraz. Yep. That's the house I've got. Now sit tight, baby, because I'm gonna try and steer under the house and tie up by the ladder. Here we go. Got it. Now pass me along. Thanks.
Okay. All tied up. Now let's see what's on the other side of that trapdoor. And this time, it won't be a ship's bell. Yeah. Take it easy that the light is slippery from ceiling. I'm I'm alright. Hold it. The trap door's here. See if I can get it out. Got it. Okay. Hand me the flashlight, Vala.
[00:22:14] Unknown:
What are you for if he slips back from the Vala in the river? I got him, but
[00:22:34] Unknown:
Shall I make sure he makes? No. Leave him curly. He won't wake up for a long time. Put the light on, Valder. The switch is in the corner. Tough customer.
[00:22:46] Unknown:
I hope you didn't hit him too hard, Curly. Well, if I had my way, I'd finish him off. What for? He didn't see me? But he's seen me on the ship. As long as he didn't see you here, they can prove nothing.
[00:22:58] Unknown:
Anyway, one killing is enough for one day. The suitcase, Varda. Now, Curly, let's have a look at our confidential cargo. But this this contains nothing but clothing. Just a minute. Rhoda, where where did you get that gun? In the captain's cabin.
[00:23:21] Unknown:
He must have feared for his life at sea. I cannot say I blame him. What, what are you doing? If you move an inch, I'll kill you both. You planned it too well, Max. And if it hadn't been for him on the floor, I might have well exchanged a Chinese prison for an English hangman's rope.
[00:23:51] Unknown:
The suitcase that Valdamayandi carried should have contained contraband, but she left the valuable parcel aboard the ship. It was Cannon's interrogation mother that made her see through Max Aban's plan. He picked her up in Taipei and put her on board his own ship before flying back to England. Smith was his confidant, but didn't know the reason. Curly Kleinman didn't see her on board for the simple reason he knew she was there and never looked. Smith had to be eliminated, and so had she. Once she'd brought the contraband safely ashore, Max and Kleinman would have abandoned her.
There was ample evidence aboard that she'd been present on the voyage. And penniless and homeless in a strange country, well, the police would quickly have picked her up and charged her with the murder of Smudge Smith. A murder committed by Kleinman. Certainly, no one would have believed her story about contraband. It was the perfume that put canon on the scent. He described it to me so well that, well, I was sure I could smell it the last time I visited his flat. Imagination can play funny tricks sometimes. Yes. But on, second thoughts, I wonder if it was imagination.
Oh, well. You now know why we call the story Confidential Cargo.
[00:25:38] Unknown:
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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.
[00:00:31] Unknown:
I urgently require two guards for a small freighter that we'll dock at the Eberth just south of Limehouse Pier. There's a confidential cargo abode, so I want someone reliable. Oh, we can arrange that. Everything has been done to assure security for the cargo, but one never knows. It might be wise if you pick two of your most capable men. They should know how to handle themselves. I have just the two men for you. I'll send a car to pick them up. You can contact them through the customs at the East India Dock and send your account to me at Max Evans Shippers. I'll do that, mister Evan. What's your address by the way, mister Mason? Thirty three Half Moon Street.
[00:01:24] Unknown:
I called my story tonight, confidential cargo. Max Aban required two men who, as he put it, could handle themselves. I put Cannon and Carson on the job. They'd always worked well together in the past, and guarding a precious cargo on board a freighter in the East India Dock would be a simple task for them. The car from mister Max Aban shippers arrived, and Cannon and Carson duly reached their appointed destination.
[00:02:12] Unknown:
Hold it, mates. You don't go no further. We're the ship's guard. Are you, Smith? That's me. Got any papers? Right here. Missus Crush Carson.
[00:02:20] Unknown:
Alright, mates. Come aboard the good ship Gascony and make yourselves at home. You, Cannon, you've got the port side berth for it, and you're on the starboard side right opposite Carson. Who else is on board with? Call me Smudge. Even my skipper does. Alright. Smudge. Yes. Well, now there's me and old curly climber. You'll meet him and two last of a farmer who ain't allowed ashore. Right then. If you follow me, I'll show you at your bunks. Right. There we are. You'll have to look after yourselves. All the crew's paid off except Curly Clyman and me.
[00:02:56] Unknown:
You know, Caden, these cabins are so close to each other. I'll be able to hear you snore. I never snore, and I have it on the best authority.
[00:03:04] Unknown:
Won't get much time of snoring aboard the Gascony, mates. You'll have to stay and watch, turn and turn about all through the day and night. That's a point. What are we supposed to be guarding? Oh, the ship. What do you think? The whole ship? What about you and his curly climbing, champ? Oh, we have to stand by the old man in case he wants us ashore. They don't sweat, shipmates. All you do is to patrol the trafrail and see no one comes up the gangway.
[00:03:26] Unknown:
She stood out from above so no one can sneak up on your light. Is there a ship to shore phone here? Cut off. Didn't I tell you? This is a security job. No kidding. So if we get boarded by pirates, we've got no way of letting anybody know. Pirates?
[00:03:40] Unknown:
Oh, I see. Yeah. A joke. You won't have no trouble, me, artist. And a smudge knows men when he sees them. I reckon you two can guard this here a ship better than a regiment of Marines. It's nice to know someone's got confidence in us. Well, I'll be getting along. Make yourself comfortable. I hope. You take over in half an hour. That's, four bells.
[00:03:59] Unknown:
Four bells. Who rings the bells? How would I know? Let's go to cabins. Alright. I wonder what this security cargo is.
[00:04:10] Unknown:
Oh, please. The ship comes from the China Sea, isn't it? The cargos are present from Mao to tow to her majesty. An atom bomb with a time fuse. And what now she'll thank him for that? Mao? Easy. She'll return it with a note saying, no thanks, me old China.
[00:04:25] Unknown:
You know, I've always had a wish that I could understand your language. Well, shall we, inspect the good ship Gascogne?
[00:04:38] Unknown:
Right on time.
[00:04:39] Unknown:
Who rang those bells? Kelly Kleinman, my guess. Or one of Velazquez. Well, they have to stay on the stern. The bell's on the bridge. I just thought of a way we can find out. Go to the bridge? Genius. Half a tower, it's Kelly Climate. Done. I bet it's Alaska. Hey. What was that? Trap door. See in the corner. As we came under the bridge, somebody did a disappearing act down the trap door. Oh, Curly Kleinman or Alaska, I wonder. Well, the Smudge said old curly climate, and I never met a seafaring Lascar who used French perfume. Well, you've got sensitive nostrils.
[00:05:20] Unknown:
Nostalgic is a better word. Mhmm.
[00:05:22] Unknown:
How do you suppose we find out who went through that trap door? Open it. You know, Carson, you get better every day. Yep. That's good. No. That's locked from underneath. French perfume. The smudge? No. The last No. Curly Kleinman. Hey. What you do up there? No. Crash Course, we have a mystery on our hands. Aren't you heavy or are you dead? We're here, Curly. We'll be right down. You the two new men? That's right. You must be Curly Kleinman. How do you know my name? Well, Smudge told us there was only one other person aboard apart from the two Lascars. He said the other one was called Curly Kleinman. And since you don't have a hair on your head, I figured you must be Curly.
[00:06:12] Unknown:
You sound like a smart boy, but don't get too smart. These ships got available cargo. You're paid to guard it and not to go nosing around the bridge. Didn't the smudge tell you to patrol the rail and watch the gangway? Right. Well, why don't you do what you're paid to do then?
[00:06:28] Unknown:
We, friend, are being admonished.
[00:06:30] Unknown:
You're smart, aunt. No. I'm Carson. Funny boy. Well, you watch your step. We will all the way around the town floor. I'm in the well next to the girl if you want me. Don't let anybody come aboard. Understand? No one at all. Not even the skipper?
[00:06:45] Unknown:
Funny man. I'm in the wrong profession. I should be resident comedian of the palladium. Curly? Yeah? Since we're responsible for the whole ship, we'd like to know who's on board at the moment. Well, didn't this much tell you? Me, him and the two Lascars.
[00:06:59] Unknown:
Nobody else. Of course no one else. What do you think? Now get about your business or I'll call up the skip and have you fired.
[00:07:09] Unknown:
Crash,
[00:07:10] Unknown:
are you thinking what I'm thinking? Yeah. He can't call up the skipper because the phone's cut off. That's what this might say. And if there's only six of us on board this floating coffin, then the Lascas must use scent. Hang on. Yeah. Right down the well deck. Two Lascars. An odor. A delicate odor. No. French perfume? Unquestionably
[00:07:33] Unknown:
not. Well, watch on, watch off, Smudge said. So I propose that you take the first turn around the deck whilst I mosey along to the cabin quarters underneath the deckhouse and see what I can see. Canon, perhaps Kelly Clymer's right. Perhaps we shouldn't poke our noses into what doesn't concern us. If there is someone else on board, so what? They might not want us to know about it. No, sir. We've been paid to watch this ship. If it has a stowaway, then it's up to us to find out about it. Alright, Captain Bligh. I'm no Fletcher Christian. Just keep out of trouble. That's all. Oh, you can rely on me. Now you keep an eye on those Lascas and watch out for the smudge.
[00:08:07] Unknown:
As far as I know, he didn't go ashore. You're the one who better keep your eyes peeled. I have a nasty feeling that if old Curly Climen finds out you've been rummaging about below decks, he'll whip us off this floating crate so fast we'll feel like we've been keel hold. I'll tread very softly, if I knew you do that, Charles.
[00:08:25] Unknown:
Now, just along here, at the end of this gang ladder, I guess. And it could be the captain's cabin right under the wheelhouse. Yep. It's an oriental built ship. That's for certain. Even has carvings on the old woodwork. I guess the lords wouldn't insure this one. There it is again. No mistaking it. In this cabin, the way I figure. And now's my chance to try the door handle. Empty. But the trapdoor is open. I found it. Hi.
[00:09:23] Unknown:
Who who are you?
[00:09:26] Unknown:
How did you get in here? Cannon's the name, and I got in through the door. What are you doing here? You know, it's just the question I was gonna ask you. Are you from the police? No. Then No. Take it easy, ma'am. Take it easy. I didn't mean to frighten you. I'm the official guard on this ship. I wasn't told about your presence here. In fact, I go so far as to guess that you oughtn't to be here anyway.
[00:09:48] Unknown:
I see.
[00:09:50] Unknown:
Now, suppose you tell me about it. What is there to tell? Well, if you'd rather tell it to Curly Kleinman. Oh, no.
[00:09:57] Unknown:
You know Curly Kleinman? I know only mister Smith. It was he who helped me. The smudge
[00:10:05] Unknown:
helped you do what? Please. No one must know of my presence on board this ship. Look. I'm afraid I can't help you there, ma'am. I have a responsibility. If you shouldn't be on board, then I'll have to report your presence to the proper thud. No. Please not that. Well, come to think of it, that did sound like a recorder playing red tape. So sit down. Relax.
[00:10:24] Unknown:
But
[00:10:25] Unknown:
won't you be missed? No. My second half is patrolling the deck at this minute. As I figure it, this is the captain's cabin. Right? Yes. And you rang that ship's bell just now. Right? Yes. Mister Smith asked me to. He he's busy below. And he didn't want Curly Climan to know what he's busy with. I get it. It's the Smudge who's supposed to ring the ship's bell. Isn't it? Yes. It is. Look. You better open up your heart, ma'am, or I'm gonna open up that door and shout for Curly.
[00:10:57] Unknown:
Alright. I'll tell you what you want to know. That's my girl. But first, how did you know I was here? That French perfume.
[00:11:06] Unknown:
It's very expensive. And to, to a lonely man, very alluring. I'm a watchdog and, I follow the scent.
[00:11:15] Unknown:
You are very observant.
[00:11:18] Unknown:
And you're very beautiful. Okay. Make with the explanation. I'm a stowaway. Who are you and where are you from?
[00:11:26] Unknown:
My name is Valdemayendi. I'm half Russian. I was stranded in Taipei in North Formosa without money and with no passport. The ship was cruising in the China Sea and called it Taipei. Mister Smith was ashore and I met him. He offered to help smuggle me to England. In the captain's cabin? I have used the cabin only since we docked.
[00:11:48] Unknown:
Mister Smith is taking me ashore tonight. And, where did you hole up during the voyage? In a spare cabin in the fore part of the ship. A spare cabin. And nobody saw you on the whole voyage from the China Sea?
[00:12:01] Unknown:
I see you know nothing of this ship, the Gascony. She is not seaworthy, but she was built many years ago on the slips of Amoy. The skipper hardly left his cabin the whole voyage. Most of the time, he lay on his bunk with a bottle. All the crew were recruited from the waterfront to the east. Mister Smith and mister Kleinman are the only two white men aboard apart from the skipper. I get it. And, what cargo is she carrying? Tallow.
[00:12:29] Unknown:
Tallow? I got news for you, ma'am. This cargo's embargoed is top secret.
[00:12:35] Unknown:
Oh, but that's impossible. What could be secret about Tallow?
[00:12:41] Unknown:
Well, then maybe I'll never find out. But I'll get to know you a little better in the coming few days. Life gets lonely on board an empty ship. On board? But mister Smith is taking me ashore tonight. Uh-uh. Correction. Mister Smith was taking you ashore tonight. But My orders are to allow nobody on board except the Smudge, Kleinman, and two Laskers. Since you're here anyway, you stay on board. So you see, the position's reversed for you. I can't make contact with the shore. So here you are, and here you stay until I get instruction to the contrary from mister Max Aben, the guy who employs me. But what purpose can be served by keeping me here? For all I know, Valdemayendi, you might be the precious cargo.
[00:13:34] Unknown:
Warning the beautiful Baldamiante not to attempt to jump ship, Cannon went in search of Smith, the old Cockney seaman known as the Smudge. But to all intents and purposes, the ship was deserted. Only the two Lascaux sat sunning themselves on the well deck. Carson was leaning on the rail, wondering what had happened to his relief.
[00:13:58] Unknown:
So there you are. Where have you been? I've been gazing out over the placid waters of Limehouse, which Christ. I found it. What? The doll. The baby with the French perfume. You did? She says she's a store away, and she's hauled up in the captain's cabin. I told you we were in the wrong profession. You know, Grice, there's something screwy about it all. She claims to be a store away and says that Smudge helped her out all the way from Taipei in Formosa. According to her, nobody knows she's aboard except Smudge. Even that dried out old fig, Climan, doesn't know. But I don't get it. I mean, Climan's bound to find her sooner or later. It'll have to be later. He just went ashore in a dinghy.
He ashore in a dinghy? That's right. Completely so, though. Mhmm. Well, Valdez says the cargo's tallow. Valdez? Yeah. That's Abroad's name in the captain's cabin, Valdez Mayende. She's half Russian. What's the other half? I don't know, but it's sure mixed together well. One thing's certain. Whatever the smudge says, she doesn't go ashore until we've had a word with Max Abe and the owner. Oh, so sweet. I must say you stand to watch in the gang, Wayne.
[00:15:05] Unknown:
I'll relieve you keeping a fatherly eye on the homeless Russian.
[00:15:09] Unknown:
You spoke too soon. You say No. No. No. Wait a minute. Watch the gangway.
[00:15:16] Unknown:
Where are you? Here By the galleys.
[00:15:26] Unknown:
Holy smoke. The Smudge.
[00:15:29] Unknown:
What happened? I I came along to make tea. I found him lying there. He's dead. Are you kidding?
[00:15:37] Unknown:
His throat slipped from ear to ear. Crash. Yeah?
[00:15:41] Unknown:
Where are the Laskers? Still sitting in the sun. Haven't moved all afternoon. What's wrong? Claudia, you stay there.
[00:15:48] Unknown:
Did you touch him? No. Now look. You better tell me and tell me straight. Who else is holding out on this tub? I don't understand. Alright. Then understand this. The Smudge is being murdered. I don't know what they do about this in Formosa, but here in England, somebody's going for the high jump. And right now, that somebody looks awfully like you. You you don't think I did it? Well, it wasn't me. And Carson's been watching the gangway and the Lascars. So if there isn't another mystery traveler on this ship, things don't look so good. I swear it wasn't me. It's only five minutes since you left me in the cabin. Look. It takes only one second to slit a man's throat. Oh, wait a minute.
The blood, it's soaked into the deck timber. Yes. Kleinman.
[00:16:39] Unknown:
What do you know about Kleinman, baby? Nothing except that he was the ship's purser.
[00:16:44] Unknown:
Looks like he kept a tight rein on the purse strings. Well, I've gotta go ashore and get the police. Oh, no. Oh, yes. This is murder, baby, in the first degree. But they will send me back. That's too bad. You have no idea what it's like there. Look. I have no idea what it's like where the smudge has gone either, but that won't stop me getting the police. You get back in your cabin and stay there. Oh, what's the matter with her? What's all the screaming you lied? The smudge. Somebody played guillotine on him with a razor. Oh, dead? Yeah. As dead as this assignment when Max Aban finds out. Tell me, when did Curly Climbman leave? About half an hour ago.
Uh-huh. Then it must have been Climbman. Mhmm. Can you hold the ship by yourself? Of course. With this. There you are. One up the spout. Okay. I'm going ashore to get the place. It's a long swim.
[00:17:38] Unknown:
Swim? How come? Kleinman took the only dinghy. Oh, then I'll swing a lifeboat out of the dammit. Friend, this ship was never insured. That's for certain. I took a look at those lifeboats to pass the time. You wouldn't keep your feet dry for a hundred yards. Are you telling me we're maroon on board this wreck? Unless you make a raft or set fire to the ship to get rescued.
[00:17:56] Unknown:
A raft. That's it. Look. I just wanna talk to that dame again, and then you and me are gonna play Huckleberry Finn. Stay with it. Well, I see you're still here. Is there anywhere else to go? Listen, tell me something. If you were told by the Smudge not to leave the cabin, and if you didn't wanna be seen by Kleinman, how come you took a chance and went to the galley? I saw Kleinman leave in a dinghy. You saw
[00:18:23] Unknown:
him, but he left from the starboard side. When I rang the ship's bell from the bridge.
[00:18:30] Unknown:
I guess you could have seen him from the wheelhouse at that. Okay. Then tell me what part of the cargo the Smudge was looking at when I came on the scene. Now don't say it was the tower. I don't know. I I really don't know. Saying he he must have said something. I can't. I can't.
[00:18:46] Unknown:
All I can think of him is lying there and and all my hopes are ruined.
[00:18:51] Unknown:
The English will send me back to Taipei. I know they will. Look, there's another thing. How was the smudge gonna get you ashore?
[00:18:58] Unknown:
At nighttime.
[00:18:59] Unknown:
But the river police are the most active at nighttime.
[00:19:02] Unknown:
I don't understand your customs, mister Cannon. All I know is he was going to roll me ashore to a place he knows. He even gave me a map to follow if something happened and he couldn't come with me. A map?
[00:19:14] Unknown:
Let me have a look at that. But there's no point now. Let me have a look. I'll be the judge of that. Give me the map. A row of houses between Nelson Duck and Cockholes Point. This house hangs out over the river built on piles, and the steps lead up to a trap door that opens into the house. Another Nelson Dock. That's right across the river. Is it? Okay, Val. Did did Kleinman know about this map? He might know of the trapdoor. Mister Smith and he were great friends. How friendly can you get with a guy? Now listen. We're building a raft. Curly took the last boat out. Tonight, I'm going ashore for the police. If a boat passes near enough to us in the meantime, we'll call for help. If not, I'll roar ashore on the raft.
You coming with me? Assured? Now don't get any wrong ideas, baby. You'll have to report to the police. But Crash Carson will be alone here guarding the gangway with two askers doing I do not know what. If you get scared, he might be tempted to leave his post, and I can't take that chance. So you stay put, baby, because that seems to be the best way of staying alive. Hey. Now quit clutching that suitcase and give me a hand here. It contains everything I own in the world. Don't worry. If the police clear, you'll look me up. Hold this man. Yeah.
That's the house alright. The gloomy one. I don't see any lights. I don't see any river police either. Oh, well, maybe that's just as well. A guy in a dog paddling a raft through the night across the Thames River might give him a wrong idea. Do you think they might shoot us? I don't know. I guess not. After all, this isn't the lagoon across from Alcatraz. Yep. That's the house I've got. Now sit tight, baby, because I'm gonna try and steer under the house and tie up by the ladder. Here we go. Got it. Now pass me along. Thanks.
Okay. All tied up. Now let's see what's on the other side of that trapdoor. And this time, it won't be a ship's bell. Yeah. Take it easy that the light is slippery from ceiling. I'm I'm alright. Hold it. The trap door's here. See if I can get it out. Got it. Okay. Hand me the flashlight, Vala.
[00:22:14] Unknown:
What are you for if he slips back from the Vala in the river? I got him, but
[00:22:34] Unknown:
Shall I make sure he makes? No. Leave him curly. He won't wake up for a long time. Put the light on, Valder. The switch is in the corner. Tough customer.
[00:22:46] Unknown:
I hope you didn't hit him too hard, Curly. Well, if I had my way, I'd finish him off. What for? He didn't see me? But he's seen me on the ship. As long as he didn't see you here, they can prove nothing.
[00:22:58] Unknown:
Anyway, one killing is enough for one day. The suitcase, Varda. Now, Curly, let's have a look at our confidential cargo. But this this contains nothing but clothing. Just a minute. Rhoda, where where did you get that gun? In the captain's cabin.
[00:23:21] Unknown:
He must have feared for his life at sea. I cannot say I blame him. What, what are you doing? If you move an inch, I'll kill you both. You planned it too well, Max. And if it hadn't been for him on the floor, I might have well exchanged a Chinese prison for an English hangman's rope.
[00:23:51] Unknown:
The suitcase that Valdamayandi carried should have contained contraband, but she left the valuable parcel aboard the ship. It was Cannon's interrogation mother that made her see through Max Aban's plan. He picked her up in Taipei and put her on board his own ship before flying back to England. Smith was his confidant, but didn't know the reason. Curly Kleinman didn't see her on board for the simple reason he knew she was there and never looked. Smith had to be eliminated, and so had she. Once she'd brought the contraband safely ashore, Max and Kleinman would have abandoned her.
There was ample evidence aboard that she'd been present on the voyage. And penniless and homeless in a strange country, well, the police would quickly have picked her up and charged her with the murder of Smudge Smith. A murder committed by Kleinman. Certainly, no one would have believed her story about contraband. It was the perfume that put canon on the scent. He described it to me so well that, well, I was sure I could smell it the last time I visited his flat. Imagination can play funny tricks sometimes. Yes. But on, second thoughts, I wonder if it was imagination.
Oh, well. You now know why we call the story Confidential Cargo.
[00:25:38] Unknown:
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