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In this thrilling episode of Radio Mystery Theater, hosted by EG Marshall, we delve into a gripping tale set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. The story unfolds in 1861 at a small college in Ohio, where two students, Bennett Green and Will Dudley, are locked in a fierce rivalry. As they prepare to graduate, their competition extends beyond academics and athletics to matters of the heart, with both vying for the affection of the beautiful Hannah Peabody. However, the looming threat of war soon overshadows their personal conflicts, as both young men are drawn into the chaos of battle.
As the narrative progresses, we follow Will Dudley, now a captain in the Union Army, as he grapples with his longstanding rivalry with Bennett Green. The tension reaches a boiling point when Will, driven by jealousy and a desire to finally best his rival, orders Bennett on a seemingly impossible mission. The story takes a dramatic turn as fate intervenes, leading to a series of unexpected events that culminate in a haunting conclusion. This episode masterfully explores themes of ambition, jealousy, and the tragic consequences of war, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats.
(01:08) Welcome to the Realm of Imagination
(02:01) The Rivalry Begins
(05:32) The Valedictorian Decision
(08:54) A Proposal Interrupted
(14:09) The Outbreak of War
(18:13) A Dangerous Mission
(25:30) The Unexpected Return
(31:21) Court Martial and Execution
(34:31) The Aftermath of Battle
(39:23) The Final Revelation
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Radio Mystery Theater presents Come in. Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. I'm sure you know by now that the door you have just entered leads to a strange world, a land of forbidden fancies, peopled by giants and pygmies, kings and cobblers, saints and sinners. Happy children play in its streets while just behind alert iniquitous monsters. Unspeakable crimes are committed here, and acts of breathtaking valor. You are the sovereign in this place. It is the realm of your own imagination. Our story this time searches one of its deep recesses, the hidden place of fear.
It is the spring of eighteen sixty one at a college in a small town in Ohio. In a matter of weeks, the young men will receive the sheepskin scrolls that will confer the baccalaureate degree on them, only half mindful that they are living at the edge of a volcano on the brink of a civil war that could change their lives completely. The students seek welcome relief from concentrated study in friendly competition. They lead in such places as the athletic field and the running track. Or as in the case of Bennett Green and Will Dudley, the pistol range.
Splendid, mister Dudley. Splendid. Seven bull's eyes out of 10. Absolutely remarkable. If the wind hadn't spoiled that, next to the last shot, it might have been eight out of 10. You've done beautifully, Will Dudley. Fur practice. I'm a member of the state militia, you know. Every Friday night, the Pistol Lane. Yes. Of course. I, I feel a little sorry for Ben Green. He can't possibly come anywhere near your score, Wil. Mitch Green, Ben, it's your turn and, good luck. Thank you. Oh, one moment, Ben. Your weapons don't seem to be the customary ones, do they? Nothing like what Dudley here has been shooting with. No. No. They're not. This is a pair of dune crystals. They're French. They're a lot of old, aren't they? At least 50 years old. They were given to me by my father. They've been kept in perfect condition. So I will judge. Pearl handles. Beautiful. It's alright for me to use them. Of course.
Success to the target is the result of a steady hand, a quick eye, as much as of one's gun. Oh, my friend here, mister Elliot, will load and prime one gun as I fire the other to save time. They acceptable? I don't see why not, mister Drain. I remind you that mister Dudley has a score of seven bulls eyes out of 10. Not an easy score to beat, is it? Almost impossible. Man can only do his best. How true? Anytime you're ready. Ah, too bad, mister Green. Too bad. Second weapon, mister Alien? Oh, thank you. Oh, much better. Ever so much better. Almost a bull's eye, but not quite.
Good for you, mister Green. A hit the hit of perfect bull's eye. Incredible. Absolutely unbelievable. Eight bull's eyes. Eight straight hits in a row. Remarkable, mister Green. Congratulations. Thank you. So Ben Green had beaten me again at something at which I was supposed to be unbeatable. We've been rivals in almost everything from the first day we'd entered college four years ago. And with almost no exceptions, he'd beaten me at everything. Never by much, but by enough for me to know that I'd never been and probably would never be number one.
Mister Dudley, mister Green, I've called both of you into my office for the purpose of telling you the faculty's decision as to who is to be the valedictorian of this class of 1861. At next week's commencement exercises, one of you will step forward and make the valedictory, the farewell address of your class. Gentlemen, you've given a faculty a most difficult choice. Your records of accomplishment are so so devilishly close. However, painful as that decision has been, we have made one. On the toss of a coin, no more, no less, the class valedictorian is to be mister Bennett Tory Green.
Four years of college, and on the toss of a coin, I was still number two. But there was one single thing in which I could rejoice, one contest in which I was sure I had beaten my good friend, Bennett Story Green. Hannah Peabody, one of the young assistant librarians, was the dream of every man on campus, including, of course, Ben Green. She was bright, beautiful, radiant. I had lost my heart to her completely, and she had given me reason to think that she returned that love.
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I agree, Ruth. This is the most beautiful time of the year. I am so glad you were able to get that extra hour away from the library. It was worth it. Paddling around the lake last year. It's mixed lunch on the shore of Duck Island. Away from all the rest, what more could anyone ask? I'm glad. Hannah. Yes, sir? You
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you will let me have what I asked for.
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I have only but two copies. You must let me have one of them. You must. Only because you're so utterly devoted, Will. So untiring in professing your affection for me. I shall have to grant you your wish. You are an angel.
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I was afraid even to hope.
[00:07:47] Unknown:
There it is then, Lou. With the diaract type. It's like this photograph of me.
[00:07:54] Unknown:
It's beautiful, Hannah. Thank you. No.
[00:08:00] Unknown:
It doesn't do your full jacket. How nice you to say that. It's nearly 02:00. Shouldn't we be starting back? Oh, yes. Of course. Why you should want that photograph? Oh, that's your deal with it. Haven't the faintest notion. I shall keep it till the day I die. I promise. Oh, well. And
[00:08:18] Unknown:
now, dearest Hannah, I I wish to ask you a most serious question. We are living in very dangerous times. The smell of war is in the air. I know. Southern states, they're they're looking for trouble. It's awful. If war comes, Hannah, and I'm certain it will, I will be among the first of the boys who blew it to go. I hold a commission in the state militia. And that's why I'd like to ask you. Oh, dear me. Oh, it's 02:00.
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I'd so enjoy being with you, but you must excuse me. Well, you must get me back at once.
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I felt the day was not far off when Hannah would consent to become my wife. I realized I had several impressive rivals, foremost among them, Ben Green, but I had no fears. I knew none of them was as close to Hannah's heart as I was. It was a warm spring day, graduation day. Ben had just finished his valedictory address. The open air ceremonies were ended. I headed straight to where I knew Hannah was sitting. Hannah. Hannah, my dear. Congratulations,
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Will. Oh, how very handsome you look in those academic roles. Oh, thank you, Hannah. Oh, this is all so exciting, isn't it? And don't you think Sam did extraordinarily well with his address? Yes. Yes. Of course. He did very well. Very well indeed.
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Hannah Yes, please. I, well, do you think it might be possible, for the for the, what I mean is that Sit down, Will. Here beside me. And do try to calm down a bit. You're actually stammered. Yes. I I know. You see, Hannah, the the time has come for me to Oh, there you are. Turned out to be a beautiful day, hasn't it? Then you were perfect.
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I was completely thoroughly impressed and moved by your words. And so was everybody else. Isn't that so, Will? Yeah. Yes. Now you only say those flattering things because it's all true.
[00:10:21] Unknown:
Besides, you are prejudiced. Will Ear could have done this as well. And he came hardly close to doing it as you know. Ben, I wonder if you would excuse Hannah and me. We have something to discuss in private. We do? At least something I'd like to discuss in private, if you please, Hannah. Oh, whatever it is. It will have to wait. Well Well, if it's not too private, maybe, the three of us could go over to the inn and join some of our classmates in a farewell cup. Oh, do we have time for that, ma'am? Just this. And then, off we go. Go? What does that mean? Oh, Hannah and I, we're leaving this afternoon just as soon as we change clothes and pack. I don't understand. Vam and I are leaving town. I've quit my job at the library.
Where to if I'm not indiscreet?
[00:11:07] Unknown:
I'll I'll on our how do you?
[00:11:09] Unknown:
We were secretly married this morning. And, Will, you're the first to know. Is this some kind of joke? It's not joke, Will. It's Hannah.
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And he is pulling my leg, isn't he? I'm afraid not really. It's true.
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Well, you might congratulate him. Or wish us good luck. Never. Never in this world. Now now it's you who are jealous. Both of you. Hannah, you give me every reason to think you cared for me. But I do, Will.
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I have a very warm spot in my heart for you. That's not what I mean. I had hoped you would marry me.
[00:11:43] Unknown:
Will,
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I like you. I I always have, but I'm in love, deeply in love with Ben.
[00:11:54] Unknown:
I see. I see. As for you, Ben, I cursed the day I ever set eyes on you. From the first time we met, I've been playing second fiddle in our studies and athletics, everything. And I don't think I really cared all that much. Maybe I did. Maybe I did. But this, this is different this is the last straw easy we're easy I set my heart on Hannah to be my wife and once again I win a booby prize I'll tell you something then if you live to be a hundred I will outlive you And by everything I hold sacred, I tell you from this moment on, I tend to beat you at everything. No matter what you do, everything for the rest of your life, you are going to know what it feels like to come in second, to be the loser. Is that clear? Very clear. But you'll never see that day, Will, ever. I won't. I've never told you this.
I kept quiet out of pity. You pitied me. Stop it. Both of you. Please let's go. Now you listen, Will. There are some people who are born destined to be the losers of this world. These people almost will themselves into being the also Rand. And you, Will Dudley, are just such a person. You're a born loser because in some twisted way, you almost enjoy losing. If it hadn't been me, it would have been somebody else, anyone, because you want to lose. Now I'll show you how much I want to lose. You can change a ball. Stop this, both of you. Will,
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go away. Yes, Hannah.
[00:13:21] Unknown:
Of course. But remember one thing, Ben, my friend, You'll never beat me again at anything. If it takes me the rest of my life, if I have to follow you into the gray. Gentlemen,
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gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen,
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may I have your urgent attention
[00:13:38] Unknown:
President of the College upon the platform. Well, see, Balaji, he he said first Over in the Harbor Of Charleston, South Carolina has been fired upon them bombarded. Oh. War has been declared. This morning, President Lincoln called for 75,000 men to volunteer for the militia immediately. I know that every able young man on his campus will want to do his duty when the very life of our country
[00:14:08] Unknown:
is at stake. This is your big chance, Will. Your biggest chance. George Bernard Shaw said that there are only two tragedies in life. One is not to get your heart's desire. The other is to get it. Two young men, the first seemingly fated to win, the second to lose, and the coming of war into their lives may well complicate the destinies of one or most of them. Which of the two will face the greater tragedy? Follow me in a few moments into act two. It is almost a year later, the early spring of eighteen sixty two. The big army of the Ohio, under the command of General Don Carlos Buell, lays encamped outside a little town in Southwestern Tennessee, poised for its next move.
Although some parts of the army has seen hard service, for most of the men, the war is still young, and soldiering, a new industry, not always perfectly understood. Among the young officers of this army is Will Dudley. With his previous training in the Ohio militia, he has attained the rank of captain. Sergeant Briscoff, big check, Dudley, sir. Just how badly off are we, sergeant? We ain't come out too well, captain. In that last attempt at that hill up there, Preservation Ridge, I think they call it, at least a good couple of dozen of our men were put out of action. Yes, sir.
There's dead a plenty. I see. Lucky for us, less than an hour ago, we got some replacements. Ohio boys too. Fresh, the law is all get out, but they will fill in some of them at this basis. All of them, 90 volunteers. Yeah. I reckon. The army has them for a precious ninety days, then back they go civilians once again. Alright. Well, before planning our next action, let's go over some of the details. Yes, sir. And since we ferried over to the side of the Tennessee River, we know that things have taken a turn for the worse. It's Brigadier General, captain. The time they say A word has come down from general headquarters that the enemy has almost crippled Grant's army, and Grant needs help, reinforcements. Their job is to clean up some of the wreckage and and move forward.
We have to do it inch by inch. Now this division, this regiment has been assigned that duty, and this company has been ordered to lead the advance. Our first task is to take that ridge, which is easiest had been done. Has no one been able to reach those two snipers? Now you see, sir, they're positioned in such a way that our fire can't even scratch them. And every one of our men who have tried to get them yeah. Cisco. And we have no choice. Those two snipers must be removed come hell or high water. We've lost some of our best men trying, captain Dodger. We've gotta keep trying. Once we're over that ridge, a good part of our troubles may be over. Where's where's that list of replacements?
Yes. All of them ninety day volunteers? Ninety days and back to whatever they were doing in Mansfield, in Cleveland, whatever. Kenneth Ortner, Isaac Fremont, John Goop. No. No. It can't be. What is it, Captain? Something wrong? Oh, no. Just the opposite, Driscoll. Something's very right. Right here on this paper, I think I have the man for Preservation Ridge, 1 of the best shots in the state of Ohio. But again, same snipers. Sergeant, send in private Bennett Story Green immediately. Why will you old son of a gun? Imagine my good luck in being assigned to your commanders. I can't tell you how pleased I have a dream. Attention. Oh, come on. Well, what do you think you're doing? We're alone. It's just the two of us. I said attention.
Well, sure will, if that's what you want. You will speak private when you are spoken to and only then. Is that clear? Quite silly, but if that's the way you want it, sure. The response is a simple one. Yes, sir. Alright. It's clear. Yes, sir. Sir, how long have you been in this army private? Eighty eight days. I volunteered day after tomorrow on two. Then for the next forty eight hours, you are still a soldier in the Union Army and under my command. My guess then? Sir. Sir, even though the period of your military service is shortly to end, there are still a few things you're gonna have to learn, and I am going to do the teaching.
Yes, sir. One of those things is discipline, subordination to authority, acting in accordance with the rules, proper conduct of action in carrying out regulations. I understand. That's, sir. What are you staring at? At your desk. Sir. Oh? Sir? Yes. Private. Would the captain be kind enough to explain something that the private finds a little strange? Yes. Would the captain please explain why that photograph is sitting on his desk? The photograph of Private Green's wife, my wife? That picture was a gift from Hannah before you married.
I treasure it deeply. I see. Now let's get down to business. Thank you, please, sir. The major has ordered me to push this company to the foot of a big ravine that's commanded by a hill known as Preservation Ridge. And in order to do that, we have to get rid of the two snipers that have attacked him at two of the best shots in the whole army of the Confederacy. We've already lost some of our best men trying to put them out of action. You know? Yes, sir. We all know one of the first things we replacements were told about. Pirate Greene, knowing you for the excellent marksman that you are, I am ordering you to kill those two snipers.
You don't mean that, Will? It's captain Dudley, private. Sorry, sir. Do you still have that pair of French dueling pistols, the ones your father gave you? You remember. I so happens I do. Then use them well, private, as though your life depended on them. Well, captain Dudley, you're you're ordering me to commit suicide. This is a deliberate act of murder and you know it. I know only one thing, private. You have been given an order. Will, you once swore an oath you intend to outlive me. And if it took the rest of your life, you'd you'd see to it that I'd never beat you again at anything. If I had to follow you into the grave, how well you remember. And you're about to see me killed in order for you to carry out this mad oath of yours.
Suppose, Will, that I disobey you. I would then have you court martialed for disobeying orders. You would be found guilty and you would face a firing squad. Then either way, I lose. Either way. He turned on his heels smartly and left. This was the opportunity I have been waiting for for years. At last, for the first time in my life, the ability to beat Ben Green was in my hands. In my imagination, the pieces of the broken mosaic of a daydream began coming together as if by some kind of unknown magic. I began to visualize the scene where I'd be holding Hannah in my arms. I thought it best, Hannah, that the news came directly from me.
I got three days leave just to be able to tell you. This was so good. So considerate, have you? The least I could do for the woman I've always loved and for the close friend. Ben was one of the bravest men I've ever had the privilege of knowing. All by himself
[00:22:48] Unknown:
in the face of almost certain death. Why?
[00:22:51] Unknown:
Why? Why? Country, Hannah. And to save his companions in arms from further slaughter. And to think
[00:22:58] Unknown:
he volunteered.
[00:23:00] Unknown:
Yeah. Yes. He volunteered. I'm so proud of him. So are we all, Hannah.
[00:23:09] Unknown:
And what will I do now? What will I do without my
[00:23:14] Unknown:
it could never be the same, Hannah. I know that. But you would make me the happiest man in the entire world if you would consent when you're ready to be my wife. Were you, Hannah? My beloved?
[00:23:30] Unknown:
Dear, dear, the whole of course. Of course.
[00:23:35] Unknown:
Captain Dudley? Yes. What? Oh, yes, sergeant. Just go. We're too losing cause, captain. You won't make it any more than any dollars, Jason. Well, that's the chance we have to take, sergeant. I suppose. Pity that so many brave men, some of our finest fellas, have had to be sacrificed. Yes. Well, that's war, Drysko. War. Sergeants, did you ever hear of a writer named Ralph Walter Emerson? Can't see that I have no, sir. That's how it's pronounced. Wise man. Ain't never been much of a reading. Man, captain. War, he said, is like an epidemic insanity breaking out here and there like cholera or influenza, infecting men's brains instead of their bowels. Yeah. But to those of us who have have to fight. Yes. Well, that's exactly it, Driscoll.
Men like you and me get to the point sooner or later where we accept that madness simply because we are ordered to and expect those we order to do the same. That's one way you're looking at it, captain. Captain Dudley, sir? Who is that? May I come in, sir? I'm green. I don't believe it. Your your orders have been carried out, sir. Mission accomplished. You mean to tell me that those Two snipers, they won't be giving us any more trouble. You've got them? Both of them. Both of all by yourself, single handed? All by myself. And, captain, it would seem that the leopard hasn't changed his spot.
What does that mean? I know my coming back alive is somewhat of a disappointment to you. Sorry, sir. But you see, captain, you were born to lose, and you lost again. As by some miracle, Ben Green has returned from the almost certain death that Will Dudley, his superior officer, ordered him into. Within two days, Ben's voluntary enlistment of ninety days will expire. Before it does, a good many strange and unexpected events can and April 1862. The Confederate army is advancing on Pittsburgh Landing, just north of the Mississippi border, in the hope of crippling General Grant's army completely, before any of his expected reinforcements can arrive.
Although delayed by storms and poor roads, on the morning of April 6, the Southern Army attacked the Union line near Shallow Church, Two miles from Hicksburg Landing. The fighting went on all day and all night. One of the bloodiest of the entire war. Last night Any luck Sergeant Biscoe? That much captain. We ain't going forward more than 50 yards for the past two hours. Foot by foot. Come on in out of the rain. Thank you, sir. Now the 50 yards ain't come cheap. I don't freaking know what they say what they're shooting at. Ain't that the truth? Except for the flashes of light and it's so dark you can't even see your hand in front of your face.
The storm is getting in the way of the enemy as much as it is. Not much confirmation in that, is there? The man holding up, it's hard to say that. Wounded is stumbling around in the dark And the rest, there was angst and hurt. So stumbling into the wounded. And the dance piled up like cordwood. Well, anyway, without two enemy snipers out of the way, I don't know how that solves his damage. But he did it. And that's all that really matters. Isn't that so? Captain Dudley. Frederick Green, what are you doing away from your station? Things seem to be calm for a moment, so I took the liberty of coming over here to your tent. It tends to get a little dry. Sergeant, would you mind stepping outside for a moment, please? I'm blessed, captain.
I agree. It will return to your post immediately. Of course, captain. But before I do, I have a request, sort of a favor. What is it? May I come into the tent, sir? You may. Sir, I would like to be transferred to another company. Transferred. Are you completely out of your mind? In the middle of one of the fiercest battles of the war transferred? That's right. With thirty six hours left of your precious enlistment, Green, are you a stock raving mad? I think not, sir. You once wore a note that you would get the better of me if you had to follow me into the grave. Yes. So I did. I have a wish to go on living under your command. I've been given reason to think that that wish might in some way be denied me. I wouldn't like that to happen. Is there anything else? We haven't much time. Yes, sir.
One more thing. That picture on your desk, Hannah's picture, I would like to have it. That picture belongs to me. That picture is a picture of my wife. It has no place here. Violet Green, you are dismissed. Because you'll post at once. Not without that picture. I order you to leave. You are dismissed. You won't give it to me. I'll I'll just have to take it on you, don't you? Oh, yes, I don't. You struck me. I knew it. I knew that sooner or later you'd dig your own gray green without any help at all for me. What is that supposed to mean? I didn't even so funny. You have done it all by yourself. I don't seem to realize what you've done. Miss, Miss, this bleeping when I hit gas.
Is it indeed? Alright. Fine. We'll just let it wait, won't we? By the Queen, you have committed the most profound, the most unforgivable indiscretion. You have struck an officer of the Union Army. I want a daring man. I I I'm sorry. I'm a very foolish one. You know, of course, where this must be. This is a matter for the court martial. Of course, you will be found guilty and you will be shot by a firing squad. You provoked me. Did I indeed? And what examining officer do you think will believe that? It's the truth. Your word against the word of an officer? Private? Don't be ridiculous. But no one saw it happen. I saw it happen.
No one else has to. But you just stood there and let me hit you. In the old days of school, you would have made some effort to defend yourself. And gets beaten. Right? Bill, that that's in the past. In your past. With those snipers, you tried to get them killed. You you didn't succeed and now Now there's not a chance in the world that I shall miss not this task. Phil, you can't do this. You just can't. How did it go? There, Cyrus. The private green here under arrest. Taken to the stockade at once. He is charged for striking a superior officer. Take him away.
Will. I'll kill you for this. Some way. I well, I'll kill you. I'll find a way. I promise. Private Bennett story, Green. Right? You will stand at attention. You have been charged with the serious act of striking an officer of the Union Army. This court, having weighed all the evidence in the matter, find you guilty as charged. By the power vested in me by the commander in chief of the army, you will, indeed, in this court, be stood before a firing squad of your comrade, and you will be shot to death. So I don't conduct the prisoner out of this court.
Captain Dudley, Colonel, you will be in charge of the execution. Thank you, sir. Thank you very much. He stood facing the eight men in their ragged blue uniforms, rifles about His face had a jaunty, almost amused air about it. Does the prisoner have a last request? Please see that my pair of French dueling pistols are placed beside my body in my grave both of them primed and loaded. Request granted. Detail. Hunch. Detail. Ready. And covering close of the most tormenting episode of my entire life. Never again would he torture me. Never again would I have to play second fiddle to Bennett Story Green.
Days passed. The fighting had been hard and continuous. The taste and smells of battle were still hanging heavily in the air. As far as one could see through the forest, among the splintered trees, lay wrecks of men and horses. Word had it that this battle at Shiloh had cost each side over 10,000 dead and wounded. It was during the first faint gray of morning several days later, Sergeant for soaks, and we collected all our debt. All that we could find, pictures of dog ready to receive the bodies. Any luck with, identification?
Some impossible in some cases. I understand. The wounded, appeared most that ever died, sir. Of neglect, I reckon. Now, no fault of ours. Only regulations provide that the wounded must wait, as you know. The best way to take care of them is to win the battle, which we have done. Yes, sir. Victory is the best advantage a wounded man has for getting medical attention. The enemy. Has he gone completely? All except for occasional little group of their skirmishes. Young lads will keep poking their noses here and there just to see what's up. So close, you can almost see them. Any danger aside it? Nothing I'd call the least bit serious, sir. They just keep hugging the earth as if they loved it.
Every once in a while, they unflatten their cells long enough to take a pot shot in our direction. In that case, order your burial squads to get to work. Yes. I will. On second thought, it might be best to assemble the entire company first for a roll call, see where we stand, whatever you think, sir. Abrams, John, Here. Castro, Robert. Here. Duval, Robert. Here. Coyeman, Frederick. Here. Gauram, Michael. Here. Greerock, Sam. Here. Green, Bennett. Oh. Sorry, Captain. Slither tongue. Just called his name out of habit. Here. The response was clear. This is the voice.
The two men between whom Green had usually stood in line turned and squarely confronted each other. There was no one between them. Sergeant, once more. Memphis, story, green. Yeah. One on earth. Take time, sergeant. Before I could give another order, four of us had out of me viciously. The crowd was praying to them wherever they'd been and formed into the open, sending broad sheets of bullets into the enemy. The response was a deadly answering fire into our unprotected flanks. The air was torn with a storm of screaming grapes, sprinkling the trees, battering them with blood. The enemy had tricked us into the leaves. We were safe.
Take cover! Take cover! Take and judge it down. Be out of your mind. Don't stand there. Take Good man, Matthew. Fine soda. Yes. Law. Stefan just stood there, Colonel, as if he know that one special bullet was a match. There's one thing I can't understand. What's that? This, the bullet that killed him weren't no ordinary rifle bullet. Was he? The surgeon took the bullet out of his body in the hope of saving his life. This is it, sir. I told him to look in peace of mind. I know you know all about them things, Colonel. But what do you suppose it is? I wouldn't take a note on it, but, I guess it was fired from some kind of dueling pistol.
French dueling pistol, I think. It's very old one. Now what on earth was the enemy doing with an old French dueling pistol? That was your pistol then, wasn't it? One of the two that were buried with you. Yes. Well, before? You swore you'd kill me. You kept your word. You said I'd never beat you again if you had to follow me to the grave. So I did. And I've lost again. Stop trying so hard, Will. Stop trying. A famous English poet has written, for in the silent grave, no conversation, no joyful thread of friends, nothing heard. For nothing is, but all oblivion, dust, and an eternal darkness.
Quite true. If that's what you wanna believe. Except in those instances, as in the story that you've heard, where the voices in the grave are anything but silent. Return shortly. In 1861, at the age of 18, Ambrose Bierce responded to Lincoln's first call for volunteers by enlisting in the ninth Indiana regiment. The rebellion, he thought, was only going to last three months, and that was the period of his enlistment. But the Confederates had a different idea. When his three months were up, he reenlisted and was made a sergeant of volunteers. He went through three years of action, including Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, The Capture of Atlanta, but most importantly, the Battle of Shiloh, the setting for the story you had just heard.
Our cast included Paul Heck, Russell Wharton, Patricia Elliott, and Arnold Moss. The entire production is under the direction of Hyman Brown. This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time, pleasant
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Radio Mystery Theater presents Come in. Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. I'm sure you know by now that the door you have just entered leads to a strange world, a land of forbidden fancies, peopled by giants and pygmies, kings and cobblers, saints and sinners. Happy children play in its streets while just behind alert iniquitous monsters. Unspeakable crimes are committed here, and acts of breathtaking valor. You are the sovereign in this place. It is the realm of your own imagination. Our story this time searches one of its deep recesses, the hidden place of fear.
It is the spring of eighteen sixty one at a college in a small town in Ohio. In a matter of weeks, the young men will receive the sheepskin scrolls that will confer the baccalaureate degree on them, only half mindful that they are living at the edge of a volcano on the brink of a civil war that could change their lives completely. The students seek welcome relief from concentrated study in friendly competition. They lead in such places as the athletic field and the running track. Or as in the case of Bennett Green and Will Dudley, the pistol range.
Splendid, mister Dudley. Splendid. Seven bull's eyes out of 10. Absolutely remarkable. If the wind hadn't spoiled that, next to the last shot, it might have been eight out of 10. You've done beautifully, Will Dudley. Fur practice. I'm a member of the state militia, you know. Every Friday night, the Pistol Lane. Yes. Of course. I, I feel a little sorry for Ben Green. He can't possibly come anywhere near your score, Wil. Mitch Green, Ben, it's your turn and, good luck. Thank you. Oh, one moment, Ben. Your weapons don't seem to be the customary ones, do they? Nothing like what Dudley here has been shooting with. No. No. They're not. This is a pair of dune crystals. They're French. They're a lot of old, aren't they? At least 50 years old. They were given to me by my father. They've been kept in perfect condition. So I will judge. Pearl handles. Beautiful. It's alright for me to use them. Of course.
Success to the target is the result of a steady hand, a quick eye, as much as of one's gun. Oh, my friend here, mister Elliot, will load and prime one gun as I fire the other to save time. They acceptable? I don't see why not, mister Drain. I remind you that mister Dudley has a score of seven bulls eyes out of 10. Not an easy score to beat, is it? Almost impossible. Man can only do his best. How true? Anytime you're ready. Ah, too bad, mister Green. Too bad. Second weapon, mister Alien? Oh, thank you. Oh, much better. Ever so much better. Almost a bull's eye, but not quite.
Good for you, mister Green. A hit the hit of perfect bull's eye. Incredible. Absolutely unbelievable. Eight bull's eyes. Eight straight hits in a row. Remarkable, mister Green. Congratulations. Thank you. So Ben Green had beaten me again at something at which I was supposed to be unbeatable. We've been rivals in almost everything from the first day we'd entered college four years ago. And with almost no exceptions, he'd beaten me at everything. Never by much, but by enough for me to know that I'd never been and probably would never be number one.
Mister Dudley, mister Green, I've called both of you into my office for the purpose of telling you the faculty's decision as to who is to be the valedictorian of this class of 1861. At next week's commencement exercises, one of you will step forward and make the valedictory, the farewell address of your class. Gentlemen, you've given a faculty a most difficult choice. Your records of accomplishment are so so devilishly close. However, painful as that decision has been, we have made one. On the toss of a coin, no more, no less, the class valedictorian is to be mister Bennett Tory Green.
Four years of college, and on the toss of a coin, I was still number two. But there was one single thing in which I could rejoice, one contest in which I was sure I had beaten my good friend, Bennett Story Green. Hannah Peabody, one of the young assistant librarians, was the dream of every man on campus, including, of course, Ben Green. She was bright, beautiful, radiant. I had lost my heart to her completely, and she had given me reason to think that she returned that love.
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I agree, Ruth. This is the most beautiful time of the year. I am so glad you were able to get that extra hour away from the library. It was worth it. Paddling around the lake last year. It's mixed lunch on the shore of Duck Island. Away from all the rest, what more could anyone ask? I'm glad. Hannah. Yes, sir? You
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you will let me have what I asked for.
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I have only but two copies. You must let me have one of them. You must. Only because you're so utterly devoted, Will. So untiring in professing your affection for me. I shall have to grant you your wish. You are an angel.
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I was afraid even to hope.
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There it is then, Lou. With the diaract type. It's like this photograph of me.
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It's beautiful, Hannah. Thank you. No.
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It doesn't do your full jacket. How nice you to say that. It's nearly 02:00. Shouldn't we be starting back? Oh, yes. Of course. Why you should want that photograph? Oh, that's your deal with it. Haven't the faintest notion. I shall keep it till the day I die. I promise. Oh, well. And
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now, dearest Hannah, I I wish to ask you a most serious question. We are living in very dangerous times. The smell of war is in the air. I know. Southern states, they're they're looking for trouble. It's awful. If war comes, Hannah, and I'm certain it will, I will be among the first of the boys who blew it to go. I hold a commission in the state militia. And that's why I'd like to ask you. Oh, dear me. Oh, it's 02:00.
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I'd so enjoy being with you, but you must excuse me. Well, you must get me back at once.
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I felt the day was not far off when Hannah would consent to become my wife. I realized I had several impressive rivals, foremost among them, Ben Green, but I had no fears. I knew none of them was as close to Hannah's heart as I was. It was a warm spring day, graduation day. Ben had just finished his valedictory address. The open air ceremonies were ended. I headed straight to where I knew Hannah was sitting. Hannah. Hannah, my dear. Congratulations,
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Will. Oh, how very handsome you look in those academic roles. Oh, thank you, Hannah. Oh, this is all so exciting, isn't it? And don't you think Sam did extraordinarily well with his address? Yes. Yes. Of course. He did very well. Very well indeed.
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Hannah Yes, please. I, well, do you think it might be possible, for the for the, what I mean is that Sit down, Will. Here beside me. And do try to calm down a bit. You're actually stammered. Yes. I I know. You see, Hannah, the the time has come for me to Oh, there you are. Turned out to be a beautiful day, hasn't it? Then you were perfect.
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I was completely thoroughly impressed and moved by your words. And so was everybody else. Isn't that so, Will? Yeah. Yes. Now you only say those flattering things because it's all true.
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Besides, you are prejudiced. Will Ear could have done this as well. And he came hardly close to doing it as you know. Ben, I wonder if you would excuse Hannah and me. We have something to discuss in private. We do? At least something I'd like to discuss in private, if you please, Hannah. Oh, whatever it is. It will have to wait. Well Well, if it's not too private, maybe, the three of us could go over to the inn and join some of our classmates in a farewell cup. Oh, do we have time for that, ma'am? Just this. And then, off we go. Go? What does that mean? Oh, Hannah and I, we're leaving this afternoon just as soon as we change clothes and pack. I don't understand. Vam and I are leaving town. I've quit my job at the library.
Where to if I'm not indiscreet?
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I'll I'll on our how do you?
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We were secretly married this morning. And, Will, you're the first to know. Is this some kind of joke? It's not joke, Will. It's Hannah.
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And he is pulling my leg, isn't he? I'm afraid not really. It's true.
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Well, you might congratulate him. Or wish us good luck. Never. Never in this world. Now now it's you who are jealous. Both of you. Hannah, you give me every reason to think you cared for me. But I do, Will.
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I have a very warm spot in my heart for you. That's not what I mean. I had hoped you would marry me.
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Will,
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I like you. I I always have, but I'm in love, deeply in love with Ben.
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I see. I see. As for you, Ben, I cursed the day I ever set eyes on you. From the first time we met, I've been playing second fiddle in our studies and athletics, everything. And I don't think I really cared all that much. Maybe I did. Maybe I did. But this, this is different this is the last straw easy we're easy I set my heart on Hannah to be my wife and once again I win a booby prize I'll tell you something then if you live to be a hundred I will outlive you And by everything I hold sacred, I tell you from this moment on, I tend to beat you at everything. No matter what you do, everything for the rest of your life, you are going to know what it feels like to come in second, to be the loser. Is that clear? Very clear. But you'll never see that day, Will, ever. I won't. I've never told you this.
I kept quiet out of pity. You pitied me. Stop it. Both of you. Please let's go. Now you listen, Will. There are some people who are born destined to be the losers of this world. These people almost will themselves into being the also Rand. And you, Will Dudley, are just such a person. You're a born loser because in some twisted way, you almost enjoy losing. If it hadn't been me, it would have been somebody else, anyone, because you want to lose. Now I'll show you how much I want to lose. You can change a ball. Stop this, both of you. Will,
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go away. Yes, Hannah.
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Of course. But remember one thing, Ben, my friend, You'll never beat me again at anything. If it takes me the rest of my life, if I have to follow you into the gray. Gentlemen,
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gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen,
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may I have your urgent attention
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President of the College upon the platform. Well, see, Balaji, he he said first Over in the Harbor Of Charleston, South Carolina has been fired upon them bombarded. Oh. War has been declared. This morning, President Lincoln called for 75,000 men to volunteer for the militia immediately. I know that every able young man on his campus will want to do his duty when the very life of our country
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is at stake. This is your big chance, Will. Your biggest chance. George Bernard Shaw said that there are only two tragedies in life. One is not to get your heart's desire. The other is to get it. Two young men, the first seemingly fated to win, the second to lose, and the coming of war into their lives may well complicate the destinies of one or most of them. Which of the two will face the greater tragedy? Follow me in a few moments into act two. It is almost a year later, the early spring of eighteen sixty two. The big army of the Ohio, under the command of General Don Carlos Buell, lays encamped outside a little town in Southwestern Tennessee, poised for its next move.
Although some parts of the army has seen hard service, for most of the men, the war is still young, and soldiering, a new industry, not always perfectly understood. Among the young officers of this army is Will Dudley. With his previous training in the Ohio militia, he has attained the rank of captain. Sergeant Briscoff, big check, Dudley, sir. Just how badly off are we, sergeant? We ain't come out too well, captain. In that last attempt at that hill up there, Preservation Ridge, I think they call it, at least a good couple of dozen of our men were put out of action. Yes, sir.
There's dead a plenty. I see. Lucky for us, less than an hour ago, we got some replacements. Ohio boys too. Fresh, the law is all get out, but they will fill in some of them at this basis. All of them, 90 volunteers. Yeah. I reckon. The army has them for a precious ninety days, then back they go civilians once again. Alright. Well, before planning our next action, let's go over some of the details. Yes, sir. And since we ferried over to the side of the Tennessee River, we know that things have taken a turn for the worse. It's Brigadier General, captain. The time they say A word has come down from general headquarters that the enemy has almost crippled Grant's army, and Grant needs help, reinforcements. Their job is to clean up some of the wreckage and and move forward.
We have to do it inch by inch. Now this division, this regiment has been assigned that duty, and this company has been ordered to lead the advance. Our first task is to take that ridge, which is easiest had been done. Has no one been able to reach those two snipers? Now you see, sir, they're positioned in such a way that our fire can't even scratch them. And every one of our men who have tried to get them yeah. Cisco. And we have no choice. Those two snipers must be removed come hell or high water. We've lost some of our best men trying, captain Dodger. We've gotta keep trying. Once we're over that ridge, a good part of our troubles may be over. Where's where's that list of replacements?
Yes. All of them ninety day volunteers? Ninety days and back to whatever they were doing in Mansfield, in Cleveland, whatever. Kenneth Ortner, Isaac Fremont, John Goop. No. No. It can't be. What is it, Captain? Something wrong? Oh, no. Just the opposite, Driscoll. Something's very right. Right here on this paper, I think I have the man for Preservation Ridge, 1 of the best shots in the state of Ohio. But again, same snipers. Sergeant, send in private Bennett Story Green immediately. Why will you old son of a gun? Imagine my good luck in being assigned to your commanders. I can't tell you how pleased I have a dream. Attention. Oh, come on. Well, what do you think you're doing? We're alone. It's just the two of us. I said attention.
Well, sure will, if that's what you want. You will speak private when you are spoken to and only then. Is that clear? Quite silly, but if that's the way you want it, sure. The response is a simple one. Yes, sir. Alright. It's clear. Yes, sir. Sir, how long have you been in this army private? Eighty eight days. I volunteered day after tomorrow on two. Then for the next forty eight hours, you are still a soldier in the Union Army and under my command. My guess then? Sir. Sir, even though the period of your military service is shortly to end, there are still a few things you're gonna have to learn, and I am going to do the teaching.
Yes, sir. One of those things is discipline, subordination to authority, acting in accordance with the rules, proper conduct of action in carrying out regulations. I understand. That's, sir. What are you staring at? At your desk. Sir. Oh? Sir? Yes. Private. Would the captain be kind enough to explain something that the private finds a little strange? Yes. Would the captain please explain why that photograph is sitting on his desk? The photograph of Private Green's wife, my wife? That picture was a gift from Hannah before you married.
I treasure it deeply. I see. Now let's get down to business. Thank you, please, sir. The major has ordered me to push this company to the foot of a big ravine that's commanded by a hill known as Preservation Ridge. And in order to do that, we have to get rid of the two snipers that have attacked him at two of the best shots in the whole army of the Confederacy. We've already lost some of our best men trying to put them out of action. You know? Yes, sir. We all know one of the first things we replacements were told about. Pirate Greene, knowing you for the excellent marksman that you are, I am ordering you to kill those two snipers.
You don't mean that, Will? It's captain Dudley, private. Sorry, sir. Do you still have that pair of French dueling pistols, the ones your father gave you? You remember. I so happens I do. Then use them well, private, as though your life depended on them. Well, captain Dudley, you're you're ordering me to commit suicide. This is a deliberate act of murder and you know it. I know only one thing, private. You have been given an order. Will, you once swore an oath you intend to outlive me. And if it took the rest of your life, you'd you'd see to it that I'd never beat you again at anything. If I had to follow you into the grave, how well you remember. And you're about to see me killed in order for you to carry out this mad oath of yours.
Suppose, Will, that I disobey you. I would then have you court martialed for disobeying orders. You would be found guilty and you would face a firing squad. Then either way, I lose. Either way. He turned on his heels smartly and left. This was the opportunity I have been waiting for for years. At last, for the first time in my life, the ability to beat Ben Green was in my hands. In my imagination, the pieces of the broken mosaic of a daydream began coming together as if by some kind of unknown magic. I began to visualize the scene where I'd be holding Hannah in my arms. I thought it best, Hannah, that the news came directly from me.
I got three days leave just to be able to tell you. This was so good. So considerate, have you? The least I could do for the woman I've always loved and for the close friend. Ben was one of the bravest men I've ever had the privilege of knowing. All by himself
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in the face of almost certain death. Why?
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Why? Why? Country, Hannah. And to save his companions in arms from further slaughter. And to think
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he volunteered.
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Yeah. Yes. He volunteered. I'm so proud of him. So are we all, Hannah.
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And what will I do now? What will I do without my
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it could never be the same, Hannah. I know that. But you would make me the happiest man in the entire world if you would consent when you're ready to be my wife. Were you, Hannah? My beloved?
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Dear, dear, the whole of course. Of course.
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Captain Dudley? Yes. What? Oh, yes, sergeant. Just go. We're too losing cause, captain. You won't make it any more than any dollars, Jason. Well, that's the chance we have to take, sergeant. I suppose. Pity that so many brave men, some of our finest fellas, have had to be sacrificed. Yes. Well, that's war, Drysko. War. Sergeants, did you ever hear of a writer named Ralph Walter Emerson? Can't see that I have no, sir. That's how it's pronounced. Wise man. Ain't never been much of a reading. Man, captain. War, he said, is like an epidemic insanity breaking out here and there like cholera or influenza, infecting men's brains instead of their bowels. Yeah. But to those of us who have have to fight. Yes. Well, that's exactly it, Driscoll.
Men like you and me get to the point sooner or later where we accept that madness simply because we are ordered to and expect those we order to do the same. That's one way you're looking at it, captain. Captain Dudley, sir? Who is that? May I come in, sir? I'm green. I don't believe it. Your your orders have been carried out, sir. Mission accomplished. You mean to tell me that those Two snipers, they won't be giving us any more trouble. You've got them? Both of them. Both of all by yourself, single handed? All by myself. And, captain, it would seem that the leopard hasn't changed his spot.
What does that mean? I know my coming back alive is somewhat of a disappointment to you. Sorry, sir. But you see, captain, you were born to lose, and you lost again. As by some miracle, Ben Green has returned from the almost certain death that Will Dudley, his superior officer, ordered him into. Within two days, Ben's voluntary enlistment of ninety days will expire. Before it does, a good many strange and unexpected events can and April 1862. The Confederate army is advancing on Pittsburgh Landing, just north of the Mississippi border, in the hope of crippling General Grant's army completely, before any of his expected reinforcements can arrive.
Although delayed by storms and poor roads, on the morning of April 6, the Southern Army attacked the Union line near Shallow Church, Two miles from Hicksburg Landing. The fighting went on all day and all night. One of the bloodiest of the entire war. Last night Any luck Sergeant Biscoe? That much captain. We ain't going forward more than 50 yards for the past two hours. Foot by foot. Come on in out of the rain. Thank you, sir. Now the 50 yards ain't come cheap. I don't freaking know what they say what they're shooting at. Ain't that the truth? Except for the flashes of light and it's so dark you can't even see your hand in front of your face.
The storm is getting in the way of the enemy as much as it is. Not much confirmation in that, is there? The man holding up, it's hard to say that. Wounded is stumbling around in the dark And the rest, there was angst and hurt. So stumbling into the wounded. And the dance piled up like cordwood. Well, anyway, without two enemy snipers out of the way, I don't know how that solves his damage. But he did it. And that's all that really matters. Isn't that so? Captain Dudley. Frederick Green, what are you doing away from your station? Things seem to be calm for a moment, so I took the liberty of coming over here to your tent. It tends to get a little dry. Sergeant, would you mind stepping outside for a moment, please? I'm blessed, captain.
I agree. It will return to your post immediately. Of course, captain. But before I do, I have a request, sort of a favor. What is it? May I come into the tent, sir? You may. Sir, I would like to be transferred to another company. Transferred. Are you completely out of your mind? In the middle of one of the fiercest battles of the war transferred? That's right. With thirty six hours left of your precious enlistment, Green, are you a stock raving mad? I think not, sir. You once wore a note that you would get the better of me if you had to follow me into the grave. Yes. So I did. I have a wish to go on living under your command. I've been given reason to think that that wish might in some way be denied me. I wouldn't like that to happen. Is there anything else? We haven't much time. Yes, sir.
One more thing. That picture on your desk, Hannah's picture, I would like to have it. That picture belongs to me. That picture is a picture of my wife. It has no place here. Violet Green, you are dismissed. Because you'll post at once. Not without that picture. I order you to leave. You are dismissed. You won't give it to me. I'll I'll just have to take it on you, don't you? Oh, yes, I don't. You struck me. I knew it. I knew that sooner or later you'd dig your own gray green without any help at all for me. What is that supposed to mean? I didn't even so funny. You have done it all by yourself. I don't seem to realize what you've done. Miss, Miss, this bleeping when I hit gas.
Is it indeed? Alright. Fine. We'll just let it wait, won't we? By the Queen, you have committed the most profound, the most unforgivable indiscretion. You have struck an officer of the Union Army. I want a daring man. I I I'm sorry. I'm a very foolish one. You know, of course, where this must be. This is a matter for the court martial. Of course, you will be found guilty and you will be shot by a firing squad. You provoked me. Did I indeed? And what examining officer do you think will believe that? It's the truth. Your word against the word of an officer? Private? Don't be ridiculous. But no one saw it happen. I saw it happen.
No one else has to. But you just stood there and let me hit you. In the old days of school, you would have made some effort to defend yourself. And gets beaten. Right? Bill, that that's in the past. In your past. With those snipers, you tried to get them killed. You you didn't succeed and now Now there's not a chance in the world that I shall miss not this task. Phil, you can't do this. You just can't. How did it go? There, Cyrus. The private green here under arrest. Taken to the stockade at once. He is charged for striking a superior officer. Take him away.
Will. I'll kill you for this. Some way. I well, I'll kill you. I'll find a way. I promise. Private Bennett story, Green. Right? You will stand at attention. You have been charged with the serious act of striking an officer of the Union Army. This court, having weighed all the evidence in the matter, find you guilty as charged. By the power vested in me by the commander in chief of the army, you will, indeed, in this court, be stood before a firing squad of your comrade, and you will be shot to death. So I don't conduct the prisoner out of this court.
Captain Dudley, Colonel, you will be in charge of the execution. Thank you, sir. Thank you very much. He stood facing the eight men in their ragged blue uniforms, rifles about His face had a jaunty, almost amused air about it. Does the prisoner have a last request? Please see that my pair of French dueling pistols are placed beside my body in my grave both of them primed and loaded. Request granted. Detail. Hunch. Detail. Ready. And covering close of the most tormenting episode of my entire life. Never again would he torture me. Never again would I have to play second fiddle to Bennett Story Green.
Days passed. The fighting had been hard and continuous. The taste and smells of battle were still hanging heavily in the air. As far as one could see through the forest, among the splintered trees, lay wrecks of men and horses. Word had it that this battle at Shiloh had cost each side over 10,000 dead and wounded. It was during the first faint gray of morning several days later, Sergeant for soaks, and we collected all our debt. All that we could find, pictures of dog ready to receive the bodies. Any luck with, identification?
Some impossible in some cases. I understand. The wounded, appeared most that ever died, sir. Of neglect, I reckon. Now, no fault of ours. Only regulations provide that the wounded must wait, as you know. The best way to take care of them is to win the battle, which we have done. Yes, sir. Victory is the best advantage a wounded man has for getting medical attention. The enemy. Has he gone completely? All except for occasional little group of their skirmishes. Young lads will keep poking their noses here and there just to see what's up. So close, you can almost see them. Any danger aside it? Nothing I'd call the least bit serious, sir. They just keep hugging the earth as if they loved it.
Every once in a while, they unflatten their cells long enough to take a pot shot in our direction. In that case, order your burial squads to get to work. Yes. I will. On second thought, it might be best to assemble the entire company first for a roll call, see where we stand, whatever you think, sir. Abrams, John, Here. Castro, Robert. Here. Duval, Robert. Here. Coyeman, Frederick. Here. Gauram, Michael. Here. Greerock, Sam. Here. Green, Bennett. Oh. Sorry, Captain. Slither tongue. Just called his name out of habit. Here. The response was clear. This is the voice.
The two men between whom Green had usually stood in line turned and squarely confronted each other. There was no one between them. Sergeant, once more. Memphis, story, green. Yeah. One on earth. Take time, sergeant. Before I could give another order, four of us had out of me viciously. The crowd was praying to them wherever they'd been and formed into the open, sending broad sheets of bullets into the enemy. The response was a deadly answering fire into our unprotected flanks. The air was torn with a storm of screaming grapes, sprinkling the trees, battering them with blood. The enemy had tricked us into the leaves. We were safe.
Take cover! Take cover! Take and judge it down. Be out of your mind. Don't stand there. Take Good man, Matthew. Fine soda. Yes. Law. Stefan just stood there, Colonel, as if he know that one special bullet was a match. There's one thing I can't understand. What's that? This, the bullet that killed him weren't no ordinary rifle bullet. Was he? The surgeon took the bullet out of his body in the hope of saving his life. This is it, sir. I told him to look in peace of mind. I know you know all about them things, Colonel. But what do you suppose it is? I wouldn't take a note on it, but, I guess it was fired from some kind of dueling pistol.
French dueling pistol, I think. It's very old one. Now what on earth was the enemy doing with an old French dueling pistol? That was your pistol then, wasn't it? One of the two that were buried with you. Yes. Well, before? You swore you'd kill me. You kept your word. You said I'd never beat you again if you had to follow me to the grave. So I did. And I've lost again. Stop trying so hard, Will. Stop trying. A famous English poet has written, for in the silent grave, no conversation, no joyful thread of friends, nothing heard. For nothing is, but all oblivion, dust, and an eternal darkness.
Quite true. If that's what you wanna believe. Except in those instances, as in the story that you've heard, where the voices in the grave are anything but silent. Return shortly. In 1861, at the age of 18, Ambrose Bierce responded to Lincoln's first call for volunteers by enlisting in the ninth Indiana regiment. The rebellion, he thought, was only going to last three months, and that was the period of his enlistment. But the Confederates had a different idea. When his three months were up, he reenlisted and was made a sergeant of volunteers. He went through three years of action, including Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, The Capture of Atlanta, but most importantly, the Battle of Shiloh, the setting for the story you had just heard.
Our cast included Paul Heck, Russell Wharton, Patricia Elliott, and Arnold Moss. The entire production is under the direction of Hyman Brown. This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time, pleasant
Welcome to the Realm of Imagination
The Rivalry Begins
The Valedictorian Decision
A Proposal Interrupted
The Outbreak of War
A Dangerous Mission
The Unexpected Return
Court Martial and Execution
The Aftermath of Battle
The Final Revelation
