In this thrilling episode, we delve into a tale of smuggling, deception, and unexpected turns. Our story begins on a seemingly serene beach, where Nathaniel Wiggs, a seasoned smuggler, is drawn into a dangerous game involving a mysterious lady, a shipment of Jamaican rum, and a secretive organization with sinister intentions. As Wiggs navigates the treacherous waters of the Cornish Coast, he finds himself entangled in a plot that could lead to murder, betrayal, and a hefty sum of blood money.
Meanwhile, a daring plan unfolds involving a cutter, a Jamaican freighter, and a covert operation to land a female agent on English shores. As tensions rise and the Coast Guard closes in, the stakes become higher than ever. With a cast of characters including the cunning Mr. Cannon and the enigmatic lady, this episode takes listeners on a suspenseful journey filled with unexpected alliances, double-crosses, and a dramatic showdown on the high seas. Will Wiggs and his accomplices outsmart their pursuers, or will they fall victim to their own schemes? Tune in to find out.
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[00:00:00]
Unknown:
Every sandwich has bread. Every burger has a bun. But these warm, golden, smooth steamed buns, these are special, reserved for the very best. The Filet O Fish and
[00:00:14] Unknown:
you. You can have them too. And you can have it all at two for $6, like a Filet O Fish, Big Mac, 10 piece McNuggets, or large fries. Limited time only. Price and participation may vary. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Single item at regular price.
[00:00:33] Unknown:
Why do we have to sit here on the beach? I thought only lovers needed the solitude of nature. Solitude of nature. Blake is to be preferred to the solitude of a prison cell.
[00:00:42] Unknown:
You'd miss the seagulls in Dartmoor. They tell me the birds follow the plow on the moor in winter. Maybe they do. But I get to hear of them using a combined arboristy inside a prison. I wanna show you a map and I want to be sure that you're the only one who sees it. There's only one thing more private than an empty beach, and you wouldn't meet look silly in one of them together. What's the name of Al? The coastline where we run the stock tomorrow night. Breakers Point 3 miles up the coast.
[00:01:10] Unknown:
Here. Right here. And would you show an Adams scientist how to stick iron filings on a magnet? How do that stretch a coast on the back of my yard? If you don't shut up and listen, you'll feel the back of my hand.
[00:01:19] Unknown:
It isn't you who's doing the running. No? Why not then? Because you're as free as MC girls right now, and I want you to stay that way. The coast guard's expecting us to try and make a run tomorrow night. They never give up the coast guards. They fancy themselves like the mounties with a cutter for an horse and a big head instead of a big hat. Now I wouldn't want to disappoint them, Blake. I've got a soft spot for the law.
[00:01:43] Unknown:
What you knew that's soft?
[00:01:46] Unknown:
That. Besides, if they nabbed some poor suckle, then things will be quiet for a bit along this line in the Cornish Coast. Get me? They're clever one, Wiggs. I'll admit that.
[00:01:56] Unknown:
They really know the rudder won't squeal.
[00:01:58] Unknown:
As plenty before it turns Queen's evidence to Satan's house to stretch on the moor. There's a mob in the smoke who fancier their chances when it comes to taking a bit of a flyer, sir. So long as they think it's on the level, they'll never suspect that you even are a little bit bleak. You see, you look so honest. I often wonder why you aren't the prime minister. Hey. What have I gotta do? You're the bloke who's going to interview him. I've even made an appointment for you to see him after I've told you what to say. How do I find this place? Easy.
It's in the West End. 30 3 Half Moon Street. The
[00:02:52] Unknown:
Lively Spirit.
[00:02:57] Unknown:
Mr. Nathaniel Wiggs Wiggs was went to conduct his interviews in the solitude of a lonely beach or hanging over the taffrail of his ex naval cutter. But the urgency attendant upon the business of his visitor was such that Mr. Wiggs was forced, for once, to use the seclusion of a backroom in the lifeboat tavern. The man was in such contrast to Mr Wiggs that he might have been described as the exact opposite. Small, delicately boned, and well spoken, he was the antithesis of the heavy, weather beaten, hard living Wiggs. It was the small man's vocation rather than his personality that gave him the chair in their discussion.
[00:03:36] Unknown:
Wolves have ears, Wiggs.
[00:03:38] Unknown:
I trust they're well plugged in this room. Governor, I made a rule never to talk business inside any room. But if you haven't the time to take a walk down to the beach, it's substance choice. Old Lenny Lane who runs this pub has always been known to keep his mouth shut. That's why he's, old Lenny Lane. Then we must hope he continues in that excellent reputation.
[00:03:59] Unknown:
I would like to meet you one day as old Nathaniel Wiggs. I'll, keep my fingers crossed, governor. It's better than the other kind of cross, mister Wiggs. You have a shipment of Jamaican rum arriving tomorrow night. How did you know that? Mr Wiggs, I don't like being interrupted. Sorry. I am connected with the organisation that disposes of your cargo among the immigrants who mostly reside in Notting Hill Gate. However, I haven't come all the way to Cornwall to discuss your smuggling enterprise. The point is the ship carrying your cargo has a passenger on board. She is there as the guest of the captain, having no passport to enter this country.
But she most urgently wishes to enter this country. Unfortunately, if she attempted to land in the normal manner, she would continue to be a guest for a long time, on this occasion a guest of Her Majesty's government. However, I have given the lady my assurance that she will be landed safely on a lonely stretch of coast into the hands of friends who will see her safely delivered to an address in London. You, Mr Wiggs, are the person who would extend this helping hand. Do I make myself clear?' 'Yes, governor.' 'But at this point my clarity becomes clouded. You see, Mr Wiggs, we have it on good authority that this lady operating from a hideaway in London will use certain knowledge in her possession to affect the release of her husband who presently languishes in Pentonville prison.
This we fear would never do, so although the lady is confidently expecting to be handed over to friends, She will in fact be handed over to her executioner.
[00:05:38] Unknown:
'Am I allowed to ask who the executioner is, governor?' you have every right, Mr Wiggs.
[00:05:44] Unknown:
It's you.'
[00:05:45] Unknown:
'Hey. Hey. Hang on. I I don't owe the murder.' it's emergency I'm not at all surprised that you're a successful smuggler. I know you don't like to be interrupted, but, one of my men is due to leave, and I'd like to hold him up now. Let this new thing's come up, you see. By all means. Thanks. Medic.
[00:06:19] Unknown:
Yes? There's Blake left it. No. Not yet. We'll tell him to hang on with it. He's not the god till he see me. Right?
[00:06:27] Unknown:
Don't bother to bolt it again, mister Wiggs. I'm off now. You have complete carte blanche. Do it any way you like but make sure she is quite dead. It doesn't matter if the police find her and identify her. Nothing matters at all so long as she's dead.
[00:06:43] Unknown:
The police or, coastguards even, a governor?
[00:06:48] Unknown:
Just as long as the information that's bursting for release from her brain cells is confined there forever. Yes. You've got quite a way of putting things. The nature of my work demands an exact precision. The final payment for mistakes is so very final. Oh, by the way, we didn't discuss payment, Mr Wiggs, in advance, of course. In advance? Oh, there's no risk. You would never be able to spend it if you failed us. £1,000 in small denomination notes sits on the table. Good morning, mister Wiggs. It's been pleasant meeting you. I hope we never meet again.
[00:07:27] Unknown:
Thousand quid in cash. Blood money. Here, I don't like it. Wigs me hardy if ever that scheming brain of yarn had to work overtime, it's now. Let me think. Nobby the pin. Yes. Nobby the pin. No. No hurry to get hold of him. Oxford Charlie. Yes. He's there now. Yes? Oxford. Who's that speaking? Nathaniel Wiggs. Yes, Wiggs. Nobby the pen. I heard he's out of stir. Is that right? Correct. I want him to do an urgent job for me. Nobby the pen has retired. It's a pushover for him, Oxford. I just wanted to forge an identity card. Didn't I make it clear? He's retired. It's worth a thousand quid in cash. Small denomination notes.
Hello? Hello? Are you still there? Yes. Oh, what do you say? I just said. Yes. Where do you want him? The Lifeboat Tavern. I'll be in the parlor. Can he make it in an hour? Two hours. Right. Thank you, Oxford. Goodbye.
[00:08:53] Unknown:
Blake. Blake, come here with me. We're gonna take another walk from the beach.
[00:09:13] Unknown:
Hello.
[00:09:14] Unknown:
Mister Cannon? Yeah. Right for his time, and, you weren't taking a mister Blake. Yes. I don't have to call you down here like this. I was to have gone up to let him be south with some urgent crap up, and I couldn't make it. Hey. You made pretty good time. Well, I was lucky. All clear roads and a fast car. Very fast. Whenever you and me travel together, we'll take the train. You must be hungry. I got lunch organized in the private room upstairs. Should we go in? Sure. Yeah. We go up the stairs.
[00:09:41] Unknown:
What's the job all about anyway? The, boss rang my apartment and told me to get down here in a hurry. I didn't have time to ask for any, details. Oh, yeah. I'll tell you when we get inside a private room. Good afternoon.
[00:09:54] Unknown:
What's here, mister Cannon? Won't you come in? Alright, Blake. Wait downstairs. Okay. I suppose this all seems a little mysterious to you, mister Cannon. The most confidential job as I am. My name is Wiggs. Nathaniel Wiggs. How are you doing, mister Wiggs? Please sit down there. That's a great
[00:10:15] Unknown:
Drink? Well, I'll smoke well, if you don't mind. And a scotch would be welcome. Either way, would you like to eat first or talk first? A powwow before a chow, I think. Thanks.
[00:10:31] Unknown:
Well, then, before the powwow, you'd better look at this. It's my identity card.
[00:10:39] Unknown:
MI5, the secret service. A glamorous name for a mundane job.
[00:10:44] Unknown:
Mister Cannon, now that you've seen my credentials, I have to warn you that you'll not be allowed to leave this room until the day after tomorrow should you not be interested in carrying out the job we've set for you.
[00:10:52] Unknown:
Security? As.
[00:10:54] Unknown:
Oh, that's okay with me. I was going to understand that you don't mind a job with a little danger tag on to it. This job is dangerous and for reasons we won't go in and out of nowhere, it, can't be done by one of my own men. You just have to trust me. But, of course, you, can turn the job down. Now, I suppose you give me the low down first, mister Wiggs. Alright. That opening guff is part of the regulations. Now we know where we stand. You ready? Shoot. A female agent will arrive off the coast tomorrow night in a Jamaican freighter. He will go out under cover of darkness in a cutter and bring her in short at a place called Wreckers Point.
There's a map of the coast for you to study, and you'll have to navigate there first time. Mister Mason said you could handle any type of craft and had a navigator's ticket. I haven't. It's easy.
[00:11:37] Unknown:
One engine's the cutter powered by. Inboard diesel. It's a Stratton two piston. Yeah. I know it. Is that all you sail out to the freighter, pick up the female operator, and sail her into this, wrecker's point? Not quite all. There are two other details.
[00:11:50] Unknown:
The freighter has special davits to hoist your cutter inboard. They will lower another cutter exactly the same as yours, but fully loaded with certain equipment and the lady in question. It's that cutter that you'll sail back again.
[00:12:03] Unknown:
Oh, yeah. There's,
[00:12:04] Unknown:
there's gear to be bought ashore too. Oh, don't worry about that. I'll have a party at Rickers Point to take over from you in the Medici Beach. I know. What do you say?
[00:12:13] Unknown:
Oh, sounds great so far. You switched colors. That's a that's a great idea for smuggling. I wonder nobody thought of it before. Smugglers wouldn't get very far on the stretch of coast, mister Cannon.
[00:12:25] Unknown:
The coast guard's too active. Now I said there were two details. And the other ones? Oh, it's hardly a detail. You might be waylaid on the way in by certain people who would like to put the finger on this female operator. She must be landed at all costs.
[00:12:40] Unknown:
Can you handle the gun, mister Cannon? Well, I say I cut my teeth on my pappy's 45.
[00:12:46] Unknown:
Could you use this in an emergency?
[00:12:48] Unknown:
I could use that any time. But if I'm held by another craft, how do I know in the dark that it's not the coast guard? That's a good question.
[00:12:55] Unknown:
Tomorrow night, there will be no coast guard patrol. If anyone hears you, it'll be the enemy. So I shoot first and ask questions afterwards. Yes, mister Cannon. You shoot first. Coast Guard, Cornish division. Captain Bowker speaking. Coast Guard, this is a tip-off.
[00:13:25] Unknown:
Tomorrow night, a cutter is making a run towards Wreckers Point. The contraband Charlie is dangerous and likely to shoot if hailed. Got it? Yes. Who's that speaking?
[00:13:37] Unknown:
Hello?
[00:13:41] Unknown:
I got added to you, Wiggs. You're a genius at getting someone else to do your dirty work.
[00:13:48] Unknown:
At twenty three thirty hours, Cannon dropped from the tiny pier into the cutter. And after quickly checking the binnacle and wheel, kicked the engine into life and headed for the open sea. An hour later, he was at the rendezvous and cautiously circling the black hulk of the freighter that wallowed silent and dark in the swell. He tried to make out her name on the stern, but the lettering had been carefully obscured with engine grease. Effective, he thought, and easily removed before she reenters the shipping lanes at dawn. A voice held him from the darkness.
A voice that had obviously been expecting someone else.
[00:14:48] Unknown:
Make fast. The foot and aft. Both painters fast. Go away. Swinging aboard, loading away.
[00:15:10] Unknown:
Okay, weeks. The other cutters loaded. You ready passenger? Get aboard. I wanna be back in New Irish Sea by fabric.
[00:15:22] Unknown:
Sorry. Swing on the batteries. Kosta. Okay. Sorry. I jumped on your toe back there. It's alright.
[00:15:57] Unknown:
You cold? No. I'm alright.
[00:16:00] Unknown:
Where are we going? At the moment, we're headed towards France. France? Perhaps we put ashore in England. Yeah. And so you shall be, eventually. There may be another craft out looking for us. I want plenty of sea room if we happen to meet it. Say, he would get seasick easy? No. It's alright on the way over. Why do you ask? Well, pretty soon, I'm gonna cut this motor and drift in the swell. That's bad on the digestive system for poor sailors. Hey. Put those cigarettes away. Please strike a match out. He can be seen for miles. Sorry. I didn't think. Okay. I'm gonna cut the mortar now.
[00:16:40] Unknown:
How long do we have to wait like this? None of your stomach getting queasy? No. It is a bit jagged on the nerves. Well, she'd have learned you chew tobacco.
[00:16:49] Unknown:
You know, don't bother about my peeling my clothes off. I got swim trunks underneath. Why are you stripping down to swimming trunks? Well, you see, I'll feel it this way. If there's anybody looking for us, we only have to bother about them if they have a more powerful craft than ours. Say, a motor launch. If anybody's out there waiting like us to get a sound of our motor and they don't have a more powerful boat, well, then sooner or later they're gonna start up their engine and we'll know where they are. But we might have to wait all night, mister Wiggs. But when is not Wiggs? The guy on the boat got it wrong. I'm just deputizing for him, and I'll get you ashore before first flight, won't you worry? What do you mean is sooner or later, you'll have to take a chance and start up your engine. Well, if they've a sort of boat where you can hear the engine idling, then we can outrun them. It's only if they're on board a larger craft with deep seated engines that we couldn't hear idling. In either case, sooner or later you've got to take a chance. Under the water you can hear any idling engine. Oh, so that's why you're going to dive into the sea? The only reason. At this time of night I usually take a different kind of dive, one with dames and soft music.
Okay. Here I go. You alright? Sure. Keep your voice down. Here. Come on. Give me an hammer with a gun. Oh.
[00:18:12] Unknown:
Oh. Would you like to eat with my shore?
[00:18:16] Unknown:
That's okay. I'll get dressed, but I'm used to it. If I'm not wet on the outside, I'm wet on the inside.
[00:18:22] Unknown:
You heard something?
[00:18:23] Unknown:
Yeah. That's right. There's, no sense in fooling you, is there? Is it a big boot? Enormous. They must know we're around here somewhere. My guess is they lost us when I cut the motor. What would you do? Well, I gave this some thought all day yesterday while I was waiting for the assignment to begin. I have with me a little gadget I made up. But first we need, something small that'll float. So have you got any idea what's in those casks? No. They were already loaded into the cutter before I was put aboard. Well, the Secret Service can afford to lose the contents of one in order to save the rest. Secret Service? Who are you? Just a plain ordinary citizen. Keep you shawlown.
Now, you give me a hand with this cask. We'll enter the contents into the sea and then ram the bung back home. That way we'll have a nice little sea worthy raft. Only half the liquid? Well, the other half will act as ballast and keep it from rolling over. Now, come on and, don't make too much noise. Yeah. Enough of that, brother. Hey. Do you smell what I smell?
[00:19:27] Unknown:
Drum.
[00:19:28] Unknown:
Boy, mother. Look at me now on the high seas with a mysterious bun and a cargo of hooch. Home was never like this. Okay. That's enough. Put the bun back. Now what do you suppose Wiggs is doing in the cargo of rum? Well, time will have to worry about that later. What are you talking about? Oh, nothing. I, always tend to get philosophical when I'm sitting on a keg of grog. Now then you, you see this gadget I was telling you about? It's a time pencil attached to a series of small explosive charges. I fixed this to the barrel.
I press the time pencil and let the cast drift towards that boat out there. In exactly half an hour, our baby raft will start banging away like a miniature fourth of July. What then? Well then, baby, we shall quickly know whether the occupants of that blacked out sea going vessel out there are a friend or foe.
[00:20:35] Unknown:
See anything out there yet, Blake? Oh, Sausage. He should know you were around the coast guard over here on the beach by now. Yeah. Give those night glasses to me.
[00:20:44] Unknown:
It's too dark. They're a waste of time. What if he makes it to the shore? After you tipped off the coast guard. They might have thrown with an oaks. Oh, you worry too much. If you're not careful, you'll wind up with ulcers.
[00:20:56] Unknown:
Say that. That's single shot. That must be Karen.
[00:21:01] Unknown:
There's another one. Hear that? The warning sign from the coast guard. He keeps on shooting. Now he's done for. They've got a Vickers cane machine gun mounted in the bows of their launch. He's keeping on. Alright.
[00:21:16] Unknown:
Bless a new one.
[00:21:18] Unknown:
It couldn't be better. Well, Blake, I reckon nobody could have survived that little lot. Exit Mr. Cannon and the mysterious lady. And the cargo. Come on in. Let's get back to the lifeboat cabin. I'll buy you a drink. Okay. I feel like something strong. Blake, you can have anything you want as long as it's not rough.
[00:21:49] Unknown:
There's the beach now right up ahead. I'll run her in and you can jump ashore. Aren't you coming too? You bet. I've had enough excitement on this old tub for one night. Stand by now. I'm gonna cut the motor. Well, it's funny. There's nobody here. Blake said he had a party to offload the cargo. At least he said he'd have a party. Well, now I know what the cargo is, he must have meant some other kind of party. I don't know how you can be so cheerful. If you hadn't brought that thingamajig with you, we'd have been blown to bits out there. Anyway, thanks for saving my life, whoever you are. There's no mystery about me, baby. You're the Secret Service, Wisk. Why do you keep talking about the Secret Service? What do you expect me to talk about? The gun those monkeys had mounted in the bows of their launch, they must have come straight from Murmansk with a meatloaf on board. But that was the Coast Guard's launch. Yeah. I guess so.
[00:22:50] Unknown:
What did you say? The coastguard's launch after the contraband. Your mister Wiggs was only doing me a favour, landing me with a smuggled run.
[00:22:59] Unknown:
Oh, suddenly it's all becoming clear. Wiggs, the cutter, the rung. Shoot it out, he said. Yeah. Shoot it out. David and Goliath only in this deal. Goliath had the slingshot. Did your mother ever tell you not to trust strangers? Because if she didn't, I'm telling you now. You don't know Mr Wiggs, but believe me, he's no friend of yours. You just sit down there on the beach, baby. In a minute, you're gonna tell me the story of your life. But where are you going? Well, first, I want a good long pull at that tax free cargo. Several things happened after Cameron's brush for the coastguards.
[00:23:35] Unknown:
A long term prisoner in Pentonville was given a free pardon, and his place was taken by a small, delicately boned, well spoken gentleman about to enjoy his first fixed address. But just before that all Cornwall was agog at the report of a headless corpse that was washed up on the beach. Fortunately for the Criminal Records Office the man had a record, And they were thus able to identify him through his fingerprints. His name was Nathaniel Wiggs.
[00:24:31] Unknown:
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Every sandwich has bread. Every burger has a bun. But these warm, golden, smooth steamed buns, these are special, reserved for the very best. The Filet O Fish and
[00:00:14] Unknown:
you. You can have them too. And you can have it all at two for $6, like a Filet O Fish, Big Mac, 10 piece McNuggets, or large fries. Limited time only. Price and participation may vary. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Single item at regular price.
[00:00:33] Unknown:
Why do we have to sit here on the beach? I thought only lovers needed the solitude of nature. Solitude of nature. Blake is to be preferred to the solitude of a prison cell.
[00:00:42] Unknown:
You'd miss the seagulls in Dartmoor. They tell me the birds follow the plow on the moor in winter. Maybe they do. But I get to hear of them using a combined arboristy inside a prison. I wanna show you a map and I want to be sure that you're the only one who sees it. There's only one thing more private than an empty beach, and you wouldn't meet look silly in one of them together. What's the name of Al? The coastline where we run the stock tomorrow night. Breakers Point 3 miles up the coast.
[00:01:10] Unknown:
Here. Right here. And would you show an Adams scientist how to stick iron filings on a magnet? How do that stretch a coast on the back of my yard? If you don't shut up and listen, you'll feel the back of my hand.
[00:01:19] Unknown:
It isn't you who's doing the running. No? Why not then? Because you're as free as MC girls right now, and I want you to stay that way. The coast guard's expecting us to try and make a run tomorrow night. They never give up the coast guards. They fancy themselves like the mounties with a cutter for an horse and a big head instead of a big hat. Now I wouldn't want to disappoint them, Blake. I've got a soft spot for the law.
[00:01:43] Unknown:
What you knew that's soft?
[00:01:46] Unknown:
That. Besides, if they nabbed some poor suckle, then things will be quiet for a bit along this line in the Cornish Coast. Get me? They're clever one, Wiggs. I'll admit that.
[00:01:56] Unknown:
They really know the rudder won't squeal.
[00:01:58] Unknown:
As plenty before it turns Queen's evidence to Satan's house to stretch on the moor. There's a mob in the smoke who fancier their chances when it comes to taking a bit of a flyer, sir. So long as they think it's on the level, they'll never suspect that you even are a little bit bleak. You see, you look so honest. I often wonder why you aren't the prime minister. Hey. What have I gotta do? You're the bloke who's going to interview him. I've even made an appointment for you to see him after I've told you what to say. How do I find this place? Easy.
It's in the West End. 30 3 Half Moon Street. The
[00:02:52] Unknown:
Lively Spirit.
[00:02:57] Unknown:
Mr. Nathaniel Wiggs Wiggs was went to conduct his interviews in the solitude of a lonely beach or hanging over the taffrail of his ex naval cutter. But the urgency attendant upon the business of his visitor was such that Mr. Wiggs was forced, for once, to use the seclusion of a backroom in the lifeboat tavern. The man was in such contrast to Mr Wiggs that he might have been described as the exact opposite. Small, delicately boned, and well spoken, he was the antithesis of the heavy, weather beaten, hard living Wiggs. It was the small man's vocation rather than his personality that gave him the chair in their discussion.
[00:03:36] Unknown:
Wolves have ears, Wiggs.
[00:03:38] Unknown:
I trust they're well plugged in this room. Governor, I made a rule never to talk business inside any room. But if you haven't the time to take a walk down to the beach, it's substance choice. Old Lenny Lane who runs this pub has always been known to keep his mouth shut. That's why he's, old Lenny Lane. Then we must hope he continues in that excellent reputation.
[00:03:59] Unknown:
I would like to meet you one day as old Nathaniel Wiggs. I'll, keep my fingers crossed, governor. It's better than the other kind of cross, mister Wiggs. You have a shipment of Jamaican rum arriving tomorrow night. How did you know that? Mr Wiggs, I don't like being interrupted. Sorry. I am connected with the organisation that disposes of your cargo among the immigrants who mostly reside in Notting Hill Gate. However, I haven't come all the way to Cornwall to discuss your smuggling enterprise. The point is the ship carrying your cargo has a passenger on board. She is there as the guest of the captain, having no passport to enter this country.
But she most urgently wishes to enter this country. Unfortunately, if she attempted to land in the normal manner, she would continue to be a guest for a long time, on this occasion a guest of Her Majesty's government. However, I have given the lady my assurance that she will be landed safely on a lonely stretch of coast into the hands of friends who will see her safely delivered to an address in London. You, Mr Wiggs, are the person who would extend this helping hand. Do I make myself clear?' 'Yes, governor.' 'But at this point my clarity becomes clouded. You see, Mr Wiggs, we have it on good authority that this lady operating from a hideaway in London will use certain knowledge in her possession to affect the release of her husband who presently languishes in Pentonville prison.
This we fear would never do, so although the lady is confidently expecting to be handed over to friends, She will in fact be handed over to her executioner.
[00:05:38] Unknown:
'Am I allowed to ask who the executioner is, governor?' you have every right, Mr Wiggs.
[00:05:44] Unknown:
It's you.'
[00:05:45] Unknown:
'Hey. Hey. Hang on. I I don't owe the murder.' it's emergency I'm not at all surprised that you're a successful smuggler. I know you don't like to be interrupted, but, one of my men is due to leave, and I'd like to hold him up now. Let this new thing's come up, you see. By all means. Thanks. Medic.
[00:06:19] Unknown:
Yes? There's Blake left it. No. Not yet. We'll tell him to hang on with it. He's not the god till he see me. Right?
[00:06:27] Unknown:
Don't bother to bolt it again, mister Wiggs. I'm off now. You have complete carte blanche. Do it any way you like but make sure she is quite dead. It doesn't matter if the police find her and identify her. Nothing matters at all so long as she's dead.
[00:06:43] Unknown:
The police or, coastguards even, a governor?
[00:06:48] Unknown:
Just as long as the information that's bursting for release from her brain cells is confined there forever. Yes. You've got quite a way of putting things. The nature of my work demands an exact precision. The final payment for mistakes is so very final. Oh, by the way, we didn't discuss payment, Mr Wiggs, in advance, of course. In advance? Oh, there's no risk. You would never be able to spend it if you failed us. £1,000 in small denomination notes sits on the table. Good morning, mister Wiggs. It's been pleasant meeting you. I hope we never meet again.
[00:07:27] Unknown:
Thousand quid in cash. Blood money. Here, I don't like it. Wigs me hardy if ever that scheming brain of yarn had to work overtime, it's now. Let me think. Nobby the pin. Yes. Nobby the pin. No. No hurry to get hold of him. Oxford Charlie. Yes. He's there now. Yes? Oxford. Who's that speaking? Nathaniel Wiggs. Yes, Wiggs. Nobby the pen. I heard he's out of stir. Is that right? Correct. I want him to do an urgent job for me. Nobby the pen has retired. It's a pushover for him, Oxford. I just wanted to forge an identity card. Didn't I make it clear? He's retired. It's worth a thousand quid in cash. Small denomination notes.
Hello? Hello? Are you still there? Yes. Oh, what do you say? I just said. Yes. Where do you want him? The Lifeboat Tavern. I'll be in the parlor. Can he make it in an hour? Two hours. Right. Thank you, Oxford. Goodbye.
[00:08:53] Unknown:
Blake. Blake, come here with me. We're gonna take another walk from the beach.
[00:09:13] Unknown:
Hello.
[00:09:14] Unknown:
Mister Cannon? Yeah. Right for his time, and, you weren't taking a mister Blake. Yes. I don't have to call you down here like this. I was to have gone up to let him be south with some urgent crap up, and I couldn't make it. Hey. You made pretty good time. Well, I was lucky. All clear roads and a fast car. Very fast. Whenever you and me travel together, we'll take the train. You must be hungry. I got lunch organized in the private room upstairs. Should we go in? Sure. Yeah. We go up the stairs.
[00:09:41] Unknown:
What's the job all about anyway? The, boss rang my apartment and told me to get down here in a hurry. I didn't have time to ask for any, details. Oh, yeah. I'll tell you when we get inside a private room. Good afternoon.
[00:09:54] Unknown:
What's here, mister Cannon? Won't you come in? Alright, Blake. Wait downstairs. Okay. I suppose this all seems a little mysterious to you, mister Cannon. The most confidential job as I am. My name is Wiggs. Nathaniel Wiggs. How are you doing, mister Wiggs? Please sit down there. That's a great
[00:10:15] Unknown:
Drink? Well, I'll smoke well, if you don't mind. And a scotch would be welcome. Either way, would you like to eat first or talk first? A powwow before a chow, I think. Thanks.
[00:10:31] Unknown:
Well, then, before the powwow, you'd better look at this. It's my identity card.
[00:10:39] Unknown:
MI5, the secret service. A glamorous name for a mundane job.
[00:10:44] Unknown:
Mister Cannon, now that you've seen my credentials, I have to warn you that you'll not be allowed to leave this room until the day after tomorrow should you not be interested in carrying out the job we've set for you.
[00:10:52] Unknown:
Security? As.
[00:10:54] Unknown:
Oh, that's okay with me. I was going to understand that you don't mind a job with a little danger tag on to it. This job is dangerous and for reasons we won't go in and out of nowhere, it, can't be done by one of my own men. You just have to trust me. But, of course, you, can turn the job down. Now, I suppose you give me the low down first, mister Wiggs. Alright. That opening guff is part of the regulations. Now we know where we stand. You ready? Shoot. A female agent will arrive off the coast tomorrow night in a Jamaican freighter. He will go out under cover of darkness in a cutter and bring her in short at a place called Wreckers Point.
There's a map of the coast for you to study, and you'll have to navigate there first time. Mister Mason said you could handle any type of craft and had a navigator's ticket. I haven't. It's easy.
[00:11:37] Unknown:
One engine's the cutter powered by. Inboard diesel. It's a Stratton two piston. Yeah. I know it. Is that all you sail out to the freighter, pick up the female operator, and sail her into this, wrecker's point? Not quite all. There are two other details.
[00:11:50] Unknown:
The freighter has special davits to hoist your cutter inboard. They will lower another cutter exactly the same as yours, but fully loaded with certain equipment and the lady in question. It's that cutter that you'll sail back again.
[00:12:03] Unknown:
Oh, yeah. There's,
[00:12:04] Unknown:
there's gear to be bought ashore too. Oh, don't worry about that. I'll have a party at Rickers Point to take over from you in the Medici Beach. I know. What do you say?
[00:12:13] Unknown:
Oh, sounds great so far. You switched colors. That's a that's a great idea for smuggling. I wonder nobody thought of it before. Smugglers wouldn't get very far on the stretch of coast, mister Cannon.
[00:12:25] Unknown:
The coast guard's too active. Now I said there were two details. And the other ones? Oh, it's hardly a detail. You might be waylaid on the way in by certain people who would like to put the finger on this female operator. She must be landed at all costs.
[00:12:40] Unknown:
Can you handle the gun, mister Cannon? Well, I say I cut my teeth on my pappy's 45.
[00:12:46] Unknown:
Could you use this in an emergency?
[00:12:48] Unknown:
I could use that any time. But if I'm held by another craft, how do I know in the dark that it's not the coast guard? That's a good question.
[00:12:55] Unknown:
Tomorrow night, there will be no coast guard patrol. If anyone hears you, it'll be the enemy. So I shoot first and ask questions afterwards. Yes, mister Cannon. You shoot first. Coast Guard, Cornish division. Captain Bowker speaking. Coast Guard, this is a tip-off.
[00:13:25] Unknown:
Tomorrow night, a cutter is making a run towards Wreckers Point. The contraband Charlie is dangerous and likely to shoot if hailed. Got it? Yes. Who's that speaking?
[00:13:37] Unknown:
Hello?
[00:13:41] Unknown:
I got added to you, Wiggs. You're a genius at getting someone else to do your dirty work.
[00:13:48] Unknown:
At twenty three thirty hours, Cannon dropped from the tiny pier into the cutter. And after quickly checking the binnacle and wheel, kicked the engine into life and headed for the open sea. An hour later, he was at the rendezvous and cautiously circling the black hulk of the freighter that wallowed silent and dark in the swell. He tried to make out her name on the stern, but the lettering had been carefully obscured with engine grease. Effective, he thought, and easily removed before she reenters the shipping lanes at dawn. A voice held him from the darkness.
A voice that had obviously been expecting someone else.
[00:14:48] Unknown:
Make fast. The foot and aft. Both painters fast. Go away. Swinging aboard, loading away.
[00:15:10] Unknown:
Okay, weeks. The other cutters loaded. You ready passenger? Get aboard. I wanna be back in New Irish Sea by fabric.
[00:15:22] Unknown:
Sorry. Swing on the batteries. Kosta. Okay. Sorry. I jumped on your toe back there. It's alright.
[00:15:57] Unknown:
You cold? No. I'm alright.
[00:16:00] Unknown:
Where are we going? At the moment, we're headed towards France. France? Perhaps we put ashore in England. Yeah. And so you shall be, eventually. There may be another craft out looking for us. I want plenty of sea room if we happen to meet it. Say, he would get seasick easy? No. It's alright on the way over. Why do you ask? Well, pretty soon, I'm gonna cut this motor and drift in the swell. That's bad on the digestive system for poor sailors. Hey. Put those cigarettes away. Please strike a match out. He can be seen for miles. Sorry. I didn't think. Okay. I'm gonna cut the mortar now.
[00:16:40] Unknown:
How long do we have to wait like this? None of your stomach getting queasy? No. It is a bit jagged on the nerves. Well, she'd have learned you chew tobacco.
[00:16:49] Unknown:
You know, don't bother about my peeling my clothes off. I got swim trunks underneath. Why are you stripping down to swimming trunks? Well, you see, I'll feel it this way. If there's anybody looking for us, we only have to bother about them if they have a more powerful craft than ours. Say, a motor launch. If anybody's out there waiting like us to get a sound of our motor and they don't have a more powerful boat, well, then sooner or later they're gonna start up their engine and we'll know where they are. But we might have to wait all night, mister Wiggs. But when is not Wiggs? The guy on the boat got it wrong. I'm just deputizing for him, and I'll get you ashore before first flight, won't you worry? What do you mean is sooner or later, you'll have to take a chance and start up your engine. Well, if they've a sort of boat where you can hear the engine idling, then we can outrun them. It's only if they're on board a larger craft with deep seated engines that we couldn't hear idling. In either case, sooner or later you've got to take a chance. Under the water you can hear any idling engine. Oh, so that's why you're going to dive into the sea? The only reason. At this time of night I usually take a different kind of dive, one with dames and soft music.
Okay. Here I go. You alright? Sure. Keep your voice down. Here. Come on. Give me an hammer with a gun. Oh.
[00:18:12] Unknown:
Oh. Would you like to eat with my shore?
[00:18:16] Unknown:
That's okay. I'll get dressed, but I'm used to it. If I'm not wet on the outside, I'm wet on the inside.
[00:18:22] Unknown:
You heard something?
[00:18:23] Unknown:
Yeah. That's right. There's, no sense in fooling you, is there? Is it a big boot? Enormous. They must know we're around here somewhere. My guess is they lost us when I cut the motor. What would you do? Well, I gave this some thought all day yesterday while I was waiting for the assignment to begin. I have with me a little gadget I made up. But first we need, something small that'll float. So have you got any idea what's in those casks? No. They were already loaded into the cutter before I was put aboard. Well, the Secret Service can afford to lose the contents of one in order to save the rest. Secret Service? Who are you? Just a plain ordinary citizen. Keep you shawlown.
Now, you give me a hand with this cask. We'll enter the contents into the sea and then ram the bung back home. That way we'll have a nice little sea worthy raft. Only half the liquid? Well, the other half will act as ballast and keep it from rolling over. Now, come on and, don't make too much noise. Yeah. Enough of that, brother. Hey. Do you smell what I smell?
[00:19:27] Unknown:
Drum.
[00:19:28] Unknown:
Boy, mother. Look at me now on the high seas with a mysterious bun and a cargo of hooch. Home was never like this. Okay. That's enough. Put the bun back. Now what do you suppose Wiggs is doing in the cargo of rum? Well, time will have to worry about that later. What are you talking about? Oh, nothing. I, always tend to get philosophical when I'm sitting on a keg of grog. Now then you, you see this gadget I was telling you about? It's a time pencil attached to a series of small explosive charges. I fixed this to the barrel.
I press the time pencil and let the cast drift towards that boat out there. In exactly half an hour, our baby raft will start banging away like a miniature fourth of July. What then? Well then, baby, we shall quickly know whether the occupants of that blacked out sea going vessel out there are a friend or foe.
[00:20:35] Unknown:
See anything out there yet, Blake? Oh, Sausage. He should know you were around the coast guard over here on the beach by now. Yeah. Give those night glasses to me.
[00:20:44] Unknown:
It's too dark. They're a waste of time. What if he makes it to the shore? After you tipped off the coast guard. They might have thrown with an oaks. Oh, you worry too much. If you're not careful, you'll wind up with ulcers.
[00:20:56] Unknown:
Say that. That's single shot. That must be Karen.
[00:21:01] Unknown:
There's another one. Hear that? The warning sign from the coast guard. He keeps on shooting. Now he's done for. They've got a Vickers cane machine gun mounted in the bows of their launch. He's keeping on. Alright.
[00:21:16] Unknown:
Bless a new one.
[00:21:18] Unknown:
It couldn't be better. Well, Blake, I reckon nobody could have survived that little lot. Exit Mr. Cannon and the mysterious lady. And the cargo. Come on in. Let's get back to the lifeboat cabin. I'll buy you a drink. Okay. I feel like something strong. Blake, you can have anything you want as long as it's not rough.
[00:21:49] Unknown:
There's the beach now right up ahead. I'll run her in and you can jump ashore. Aren't you coming too? You bet. I've had enough excitement on this old tub for one night. Stand by now. I'm gonna cut the motor. Well, it's funny. There's nobody here. Blake said he had a party to offload the cargo. At least he said he'd have a party. Well, now I know what the cargo is, he must have meant some other kind of party. I don't know how you can be so cheerful. If you hadn't brought that thingamajig with you, we'd have been blown to bits out there. Anyway, thanks for saving my life, whoever you are. There's no mystery about me, baby. You're the Secret Service, Wisk. Why do you keep talking about the Secret Service? What do you expect me to talk about? The gun those monkeys had mounted in the bows of their launch, they must have come straight from Murmansk with a meatloaf on board. But that was the Coast Guard's launch. Yeah. I guess so.
[00:22:50] Unknown:
What did you say? The coastguard's launch after the contraband. Your mister Wiggs was only doing me a favour, landing me with a smuggled run.
[00:22:59] Unknown:
Oh, suddenly it's all becoming clear. Wiggs, the cutter, the rung. Shoot it out, he said. Yeah. Shoot it out. David and Goliath only in this deal. Goliath had the slingshot. Did your mother ever tell you not to trust strangers? Because if she didn't, I'm telling you now. You don't know Mr Wiggs, but believe me, he's no friend of yours. You just sit down there on the beach, baby. In a minute, you're gonna tell me the story of your life. But where are you going? Well, first, I want a good long pull at that tax free cargo. Several things happened after Cameron's brush for the coastguards.
[00:23:35] Unknown:
A long term prisoner in Pentonville was given a free pardon, and his place was taken by a small, delicately boned, well spoken gentleman about to enjoy his first fixed address. But just before that all Cornwall was agog at the report of a headless corpse that was washed up on the beach. Fortunately for the Criminal Records Office the man had a record, And they were thus able to identify him through his fingerprints. His name was Nathaniel Wiggs.
[00:24:31] Unknown:
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