Tired of the everyday grind? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all? We offer you Escape. Escape, designed to free you from the four walls of today for a half hour of high adventure. You are in command of a ship sailing with sealed orders into an ocean fraught with danger. While the enemy whom you seek is lying in wait for the moment when they will close in and strike, leaving you no escape. Listen now as Escape brings you Antony Ellis' exciting story, clear for action. Come in. Oh, nice to see you Captain. Good afternoon Mr. Stoddard. Do you? How long do we require to ready your ship for duty? As long as it takes me to Harlanckes sir. Convoy Mr. Secretary. Better than that. You are familiar with these waters? I know the Caribbean as well as my own quarter decks sir. Somewhere in these waters there is a French sloop of war, the Harfleur. From all available reports she carries twenty guns more or less. And she has taken or sunk at least ten of our merchant men. She has to be stopped. We cannot at this time afford war with either France or England. Therefore you will under no conditions attack unless absolute proof is offered of an aggression against one of our ships or your own. Oh. Exactly. But she'd hardly be likely to open fire on a merchant man under our noses sir. She would not Captain. That those are your orders. Yes sir, when do I sail sir? You will proceed with all haste to the Bahamas group vicinity. The Harfleur seems to operate from a base situated near the airfield. Very well sir. I wish you luck sir. Thank you sir. Good afternoon. Good morning Mr. McCrake. Good morning sir. Mr. Quinn. Morning sir. I think you've charted the course. Aye sir. Good we'll get on the way immediately. Squat away. Mr. McCrake we should be sighting the island soon. Aye sir. You will have a look out, keep a sharp watch. Aye sir. Now thank you to order gun crew exercise again this morning. Aye sir. Good afternoon sir. Jonathan. We're making about seven knots sir. Excellent. At this rate we'll... What a master! After your course you'll find the sabbards. You'll find the sabbards here. He's a big one sir. Yes. Close haul coming up fast. Better than a frigate I'd say sir. Master! Can you make her colors? Sir, yes sir. Call all hands to quarters please Mr. McCrake. Aye aye sir. All hands to quarters. Ready! Set! Lobster backs. She's the ship of the line sir. 74 guns and she carries one. Ah, that's what I like. Close on. I want no trouble with her Mr. McCrake. But we'll have gun crews to their station. I'll attempt it myself sir. And I pray that she fires on us. I don't like it captain. She must have seen our colors by now. She's laying a course to pass within range. Probably wants to hail us. Nothing more. Port guns, keep your livestocks handy. Aye aye sir. Mr. McCrake on the quarter deck if you please. He's shortening the sail. Yes. We'll come about helm. Aye sir. Mr. Quinn my speaking trumpet please. Thank you. Sir. If they let go with a broadside we're done for. Those must be 42 pounders. Mr. McCrake I'm aware of that. Set us back on course captain and I'll blow on the kingdom come. Mr. McCrake unless you have a desire to join the midshipmen you will allow me to give the orders. Back the main capsules. Aye aye sir. We'll heave to Mr. McCrake. But sir we. Heave to Mr. McCrake. Aye sir. Heave to. Aye aye. What ship is that? United States Brigade Panther of 36 guns. Captain Christopher Seale. We're sending a long boat to you captain. We wish to tell the board. Very well sir. He's a princess sir. That would be rear admiral Gould. Flagship of the West Indies squadron huh. You'll no doubt be wanting to put a press gang aboard us. Don't worry Duncan. I served with them once and I'll happily kill the first man who tries to make me do it again sir. The only way any of my men leave this ship is over my dead body. Have the men stand a quarter stomach. Aye sir. You're not going to pipe them over the side are you sir. I am not Duncan. Here they come. Will you look at that pipsqueak standing at the stern. That Duncan is an officer of his majesty's navy. Hey he looks as though he's been glued together. Ship come on. Lock them up. Now Duncan control yourself. Not a word out of you. That's an order. Aye sir. Thank you my man. Captain Seale. Yes. Lieutenant Simpson of his majesty's ship princess. What can I do for you lieutenant. I shall come to the point sir. What are you doing in these waters. I do not see that that concerns you lieutenant. England is at war sir. Any ship concerns us. So I have noticed. Exactly what do you mean by that captain. Only that my government has been well aware of your impressment of American seamen and of the British navy. That is a lie. We impress only English deserted. A questionable point lieutenant. As a matter of fact captain I have ordered to search your ship for just such men. Impossible. I beg your pardon. No lieutenant you may not search. This is a warship of the United States navy and may I remind you that only by my courtesy are you at this moment aboard. Aye. The other of you is other lieutenant you may return to your ship. Aye. Mr. McCrake you will escort lieutenant Simpson over the side. Aye sir. Warn you captain. Come along lieutenant. In this position Woodrow this was unkindly with Admiral Graves. Please send my compliments to the admiral and tell him that if I ever catch him molesting American ships I shall consider it an act of piracy. And we'll see that he hangs from his own yard arm. Well we shall hear about that. Allow me sir. Take your hands off of us. Our guest is away sir. Yes Mr. Quinn yes. All right squad away we're wasting time. Aye sir. We've got that made sir. Hands from our yard. Wipe it out. Oh sir it's disappointing we are up open fire. She's a wonderful target. Yes but so are we doctor. You'll get your fight all right but with a higher floor. Aye. Now I don't want to miss my breakfast. Call me when the islands are sighted. Sir we've been cruising these islands for two days now. You think she'd be lying in so close? The British would have spotted her. I will take no chances Jonathan. By the mark. Seven sevens. Yes seven sevens. Mr. McCrake we'll shorten sail again. Aye sir. The shores are dangerous here but sir I wonder if. Get hold. Ah. Oh there Jonathan there. Be on that sand spec you see. Yeah I see her. But that's not the higher floor. On a cut I would judge she's a brig. Five six seven eight. Showing fast sir. Whatever she is she must be a crown. We'll run in as close as possible I want to look at her. And a half five. Sir don't you think. Don't you think. Yes Jonathan. Nothing sir. A bow like her. A bow like her. A bow like her. A brig. She's a crown. Ah good. All right we'll anchor here. Aye sir. Mr. McCrake. Aye sir. Put the cutter over side and get me a crew. And call the anchor. Oh sir. Smith, Flemming, Hartley, Jacobs, Perrott. Musket and Tidal. Launch the cutter. Ship secure sir. Jonathan you will keep us covered with a bow chaser. Aye sir. You think it might not be a trap. Well it might but we'll chance it. Watch for my signals if you sight the Frenchman put out immediately. Aye sir. Duncan. Leave your sea legs here we're going ashore for a little walk. We will return to Escape in just a moment but first tomorrow night the Luxe Summer Theater stars Fred McMurray. Listen on most of these same CBS radio stations tomorrow night. The Luxe Summer Theater. And now back to Escape. We're lucky to be alive I can tell you sir. Making as peaceful a voyage as you could wish for. Bound home for Providence and we run into a Frenchie. Ah Fleur we've been searching for her. She hit our mizzen when we refused to heave too. Luckily a squall came up and we lost her. You were fortunate Captain. I put in here for repairs. We hit the shoals and run aground. We're in a mighty fix. How are your repairs proceeding? As you see we're rigging a jury mess now. Bottoms sound right enough. But what's a peaceful ship to do I ask you sir? Hard being neutral these days. Well they are difficult times Captain. However rest assured you will reach port safely. I hope so sir. I hope so. Me cargo is valuable. She certainly looks trim. She is sir. Sweet craft. I wonder sir. Just a thought McCraig. Just a thought. There's me daughter. She'll be heading to you. Your daughter sir? Certainly. Always sails with me. Fine sailor. Aha. Jennifer. Yes father. I want you to meet Captain Steele of the Panther. Lying out yonder. A great pleasure Captain. Miss Matthews. This is Lieutenant McCraig. You gentlemen are a welcome sight. Thank you ma'am. The Panther's after that Frenchie. The half-loor she's called. Your father tells me you had a brush with her. Oh yes that scurvy blasted... Daughter. Forgive me Captain. I forgot to assure I am a lady. Or at least supposed to be. Why ma'am I hadn't noticed otherwise. That sir is the prettiest speech I have heard now... ...in eight months. Captain Matthews may we go aboard your vessel? Of course. I shall like to further discuss the situation with you. How do brandy sir? Thank you yes. Your health sir. Now sir. Captain how would you like to square accounts with the half-loor? I should like that sir. I should like that very well. Well a plan occurred to me you're sure. I must warn you though that there's an element of danger both to you and your ship. Without your presence here we'd probably never see America again. Captain still searching for us there's no doubt. Yes exactly. But let us suppose that you became a decoy. The bait in a sea trap. Go on sir. Go on. I think we may safely presume that half-loor does not know of the existence of my ship here in the Caribbean. Now with your permission I propose this would be a... Be careful with that gun. City, head to Boatson. Well done. All right, lash them down Boatson. There, that's it sir. Thank you Mr. McQuick. Handsomely Mr. handsomely. A round of grog for your men with my compliments. Aye sir. Thank you sir. I'll seat it. Four guns captain. Four guns where there should be none. Yes but they must remain well hidden until needed sir. I couldn't have believed it. Four guns from your own ship to the old Salem. Oh that Frenchman. We shall see sir. And now I suggest that we observe Miss Jennifer's progress below. Aye. What a tale this will make. Please, please Mr. Quinn stand still. You make a powerful looking woman lieutenant. Father. There. How do you like it captain? A delightful sight. Mistress Quinn my compliments. No sir. Miss Jennifer there is no seamstress in Boston who equal you. Why thank you captain. We shall go over the plan again. Mr. McQuick. Below if you please. Aye sir. Now then. Mr. Quinn and I will stay aboard the Salem with Captain Matthews. Well then I'll secure gun decks then. Hey Mr. Quinn. What a perfectly beautiful gun. Mr. Quinn is aware of his beauty we have business Mr. McQuick. Aye sir. Now we shall need twenty good men from the Panther besides the gun crews already with us aboard the Salem. Mr. McQuick you will be in command of the Panther. If possible remain within masthead side of us. Aye sir. Miss Jennifer will sail with you. Aye aye sir. Yes. Mr. Quinn and the gun crews will be dressed in female costume and will make themselves plain to sight on deck. I hope that will lull the Frenchmen into a sense of security and trust that they will not run out their guns. Good good go on sir. Now Salem's forecannon will be hidden and to all appearances she is still the peaceful merchantman. And this time when the half-fluorocytesis we heave too. Yes correct. You'll no doubt send a boarding party. Yes. And then our ladies engage the boarders supported by myself and the rest of the men. And I think that is all. It is to be hoped gentlemen that after these preparations your enemy obliges with her presence. Yes ma'am. Now Mr. McQuick will catch Salem off the shore immediately if you please. Aye sir. Mr. Quinn you may remove your gown now. Oh thank you sir. And give the men from Panther their orders. I should like to get underway as soon as possible. Is everything clear Mr. McQuick? Aye sir. Very well. And good luck Duggan. Can you behave yourself? Aye aye sir. Good luck to you. Captain Matthews. Thank you lad. Goodbye father. Captain Steel would you honour me by wearing this ribbon on your sword? Aye. I would be honoured ma'am. Thank you. Goodbye captain. Mr. McQuick. Aye sir. Miss Jennifer would you allow me to assist you over the side. Thank you lieutenant. I'll take good care of myself. Mr. McQuick. Yes sir. Well captain Matthews will you give the order to make sail? Aye. Fire away and the bonus to the first man to set the Frenchman. Ah this waiting. Well if she is still in these waters captain we'll find her. Never thought I'd be praying to see a Frenchie but at this minute I give it. Aye aye sir. Steady as you go helm. Steady as you go sir. Mr. Quinn. Aye sir. Get your men into their costumes lively now. Aye sir. Yes that's her. That's our ship alright. Mr. Quinn keep the men away from their guns we want to arouse no suspicions. She's seen us. She's tacking over. Aye. You men below we've started the chase. Stand at quarters. I want no sound until I give the signal. Aye aye sir. Sir. Sir. Sir. Sir. Sir. Sir. Sir. Sir. Sir. Sir. Sir. Sir. Oh rule it in that up. Yeah it's craft time for yo. Okay sir. We're going to catch them alright sir. Oh I will tell Reg nil for us now soldier. Ye where's she running? Our old captain at the bottom, actually over there captain coming at you from the side captain it's cooper rehearsal unter Layer 4 crew. Tail shell. Well following the guidance of captain pilot. Yes sir. All right, let her fall off, Helm. Easy. Easy now. All right, port a little. Steady. Steady. Well done, man. Steady to go. Steady to go, sir. Ready, sir. Well, most fetching, Lieutenant. Here, let me adjust your bonnet for you. There, that's better. Thank you, sir. That pistol, Lieutenant, makes a bulge, where it seems to me no bulge should be. Oh, well, we... There. Better, sir? You're a picture of femininity. Now, as soon as the half-lure comes up, we heed, too. Have your men very distracted? In other words, behave like women, mister. In the line of duty and seeing you order it, sir, I'll do it. Thank you, Jonathan. You know what to do when they board. Aye, sir. All right, take up your station. I pity the Frenchman who comes over the side to meet Mr Quinn. And I, sir, and I. Back your sail, we're heaving full! She's on, Mr Beam. Don't worry, Captain, they want this ship as a prize. He's already put over a longboat. Another one's coming around from the port quarter. I'd be obliged, sir, if you'd go to your cabin. This is our work. No, sir, this is my ship. I'm not young any more, but I won't miss this fight. Very well, sir. Then I suggest that you look to the priming of your pistols. Get ready. Here they come. Hello. Where is your captain? That's the meaning of this. We're a neutral vessel, American. This ship is a prize of L'Emperor Napoleon. You will strike your color. Not while I'm alive, Mr Quinn! Repel board! Here's your prize, Frenchy! Look out, Carabin! Look out, Carabin! Look out, Carabin! Look out, Carabin! Look out, Carabin! Look out, Carabin! Look out, Carabin! Thank you, sir. Let's rest, I... Mr. Eric Hill, when you can spare a moment from your work, I'd be obliged if you'd get those guns to it away. Aye, sir! Captain Matthew will hoist those sails. He's running out of guns. If they catch us, we'll abroad, Sagadumbo! Aye! Hands to the brakes, sir! Mr. Quinn, you may fire at will! Fire! Harder, starboard! Harder, starboard, sir! She's getting out of range, sir. Handsomely done, Jonathan. I think we may have scored a hit. What shall I do with the prisoners, sir? Have them taken below. We'll transfer them to the panther. Well, I'm glad you're here, sir. Panther! Ah, and none too soon. Our floor's wearing into rakers. We'll be in trouble if she can. Captain, that's your ship closing in. Yes, the Frenchman's seen her too. Look, look, she's standing up, she's done. Get to your guns, Mr. Quinn. Aim for her mass, we might get a lucky hit. Aye, sir. Harder, starboard! Harder, starboard! She's running, tractor! Open fire, Mr. Quinn, open fire! She's hit! Look, Captain, there goes the missile, she's hit! Well, I think Panther can take over now. And by the gold boat, break out the canvas! Ah, Miss Jennifer. That was a wonderful dinner. It was indeed, ma'am. Thank you, gentlemen. Captain Steel. Did you enjoy it too? Ah, yes, of course, Miss Matthews. Very tasty, very. Well, I was just thinking, it's getting late. Oh, no, Captain, you don't have to go yet. Why, of course not, ma'am. I'm afraid so. Mr. Quinn stands watch aboard the Panther tonight, and you, Mr. McCrake, have repairs to make on the hot floor. Aye, sir. Aye, sir. We'll stay home too tonight. Well, good night, Miss Matthews. Good night. I'd willingly join the crew assailant for such cooking as yours. Why, thank you, Lieutenant. Ah, good night, ma'am. Good night, Lieutenant Quinn. Are you coming, sir? Yes, gentlemen, of course. But, Captain, don't you remember? You promised to tell me of your exploits at sea. Oh, yes. Good night, Duncan. Aye, sir. Good night, sir. Jonathan. Good night, sir. Well, Miss Matthews, I... Jennifer, Captain. Jennifer. Well, I don't know. Supposing you start by telling me of your exploits. Escape has brought you Clear for Action, written and directed by Anthony Ellis, starring William Conrad as Captain Steele. Featured in the cast were Ben Wright, John Danaer, Jon Stevenson, Tudor Owen, Vivi Janis, Richard Peele and Dave Young. The special music for Escape is composed and directed by Leith Stevens. Next week... You are running from an unseen enemy, frightened and alone, living from day to day, while your pursuer, unrelenting and murderous, is gaining on you. Ready to trap you in a place from which there is no escape. So listen next week when Escape brings you Charles Smith's exciting story, The Far Away Island. Tomorrow night, where CBS Radio has been bringing you its productions of suspense, listen for the gripping new mystery called Crime Classics. Premier performance this Monday night on most of these same CBS radio stations. This is Roy Rowan speaking. And remember, for mystery mixed with merriment, join Mr. and Mrs. North Tuesday evenings on the CBS Radio Network.
