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"A Different Ghost Town" is Episode 25 of the General Mills Radio Adventure Theater series, which originally aired on April 30, 1977. Hosted by Tom Bosley, this 1970s anthology series produced by Himan Brown featured dramatic tales designed for younger listeners, often adapting literature or adventure stories.
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00:00The General Mills Radio Adventure Theater.
00:14I'm Tom Bosley, and it's time again to enter the wonderful world of your imagination through the magic of radio.
00:23Do you believe in ghosts?
00:25Oh, I don't mean the kind wrapped up in sheets that run around shouting boo.
00:31Nobody believes in the spooks we conjure up on Halloween.
00:35But sometimes things happen that are so strange, we don't know what to believe.
00:42The sort of thing that takes place in dreams when we see and hear things that aren't really there.
00:50Or are they?
00:55Our adventure story, A Different Ghost Town, was written especially for the General Mills Radio Adventure Theater by Elizabeth Pennell.
01:04I'll be back shortly with Act One.
01:06Our adventure takes place in an area where the word ghost has a special meaning.
01:18Back in 1848, when gold was discovered in California, people came from everywhere.
01:24Towns sprang up overnight, lasted until the gold fever was over, and then disappeared.
01:31They became ghost towns.
01:33Some have been restored.
01:35But there's one...
01:37Well, first, let's meet Joan and David.
01:42Their parents own adjoining summer homes at Lake Tahoe, right on the border of California and Nevada.
01:49Near where a lot of the gold mining country used to be.
01:52It's school vacation time, and when David is not tinkering with his old car, he's driving around the countryside.
02:00This warm summer morning, Joan is with him.
02:03I could have sworn, Joan, that when I was up on that hillside before, I could see the remains of an old town.
02:11Didn't you take some pictures, David?
02:13Sure, and I found out that there had been an old mining town called Discovery.
02:19We certainly didn't discover anything today.
02:22And, honestly, David, I've had enough.
02:26I hope you're heading home.
02:28Sure thing.
02:29Oh, it's much too warm for any more exploring.
02:32I'm all for getting back to the lake for a swim.
02:35Beautiful idea.
02:38Uh-oh.
02:39Don't tell me this jalopy is developing more problems.
02:43You've been working on it all week.
02:47Joanie, I'm...
02:48I'm sorry.
02:49I've done a terrible thing.
02:51You may never forgive me.
02:52We're out of gas.
02:54And miles from anywhere.
02:57At least we're at the top of a hill.
02:59If I can push us just a little way, we'll be on the downside, and we can roll closer to the main highway.
03:06I don't think I'll ever speak to you again.
03:09Okay, but right now, you better help me, or we'll never get back to civilization.
03:14Oh, what do you want me to do?
03:16Sit at the wheel of the car, and then be ready to move over in a hurry when I jump in.
03:21I'll try.
03:21I'll try.
03:23Whew.
03:25It's hot out here, and it feels like a dust storm coming up.
03:28Hello?
03:30Hello?
03:33David, there's someone behind us.
03:36Oh, what a lucky break.
03:37Who's there?
03:38Who's there?
03:38We need help.
03:40My goodness, Dave.
03:41Do you see what I see?
03:43Oh, I'll be.
03:45It's an old guy in a covered wagon.
03:48You're going in the wrong direction.
03:52Howdy.
03:54Howdy.
03:55Oh, howdy, I guess.
03:57Only, well, who are you?
03:59My name's George.
04:01Mostly I'm known as the old-timer.
04:04Well, Mr. Old-timer, if you came from a farm around here, I'll bet you know where I can get some gas.
04:10Huh?
04:11Gas?
04:12Yes.
04:13He acts as though he never heard of it.
04:15What do you want it for?
04:16Well, to start my car.
04:18I've, uh, run out.
04:19Oh, so that's what makes them newfangled things go.
04:23It's unbelievable.
04:25Well, if you don't know where there's a gas pump, uh, maybe you'll take us to the nearest, uh, main-traveled road.
04:32Oh, would you, Mr. Old-timer?
04:34I think it would be fun to ride in a covered wagon.
04:37Oh, you'll get a ride, Miss Joan, but we aren't traveling toward the main road.
04:42How did you know my name?
04:44Oh, you and Mr. David were expected.
04:47Today's the day.
04:49I've been waiting for you up over the last hill.
04:53I couldn't understand why you went right by.
04:56We've been looking for what's left of an old town called Discovery.
05:00Uh, no town by that name around here.
05:03Then, where do you come from?
05:05Well, I'm from Morado.
05:07That's where I'm taking you.
05:08Well, if that's the closest town, I guess we'll have to go there for help.
05:12Come along, then.
05:13Climb in the wagon.
05:15Oh, just a minute.
05:16I want to get my straw hat out of the back of the car.
05:19Okay.
05:20Boy, I've done a lot of hitchhiking, but, uh, a rig like this, it's a first.
05:26Hurry up, Miss Joan.
05:28It mustn't be late.
05:29Oh, help me up, David.
05:31It's a high step.
05:33Good.
05:34Get up.
05:42Mr. Old-timer, level with us, will you?
05:45What's all this, uh, costume bit?
05:48Uh, I don't understand what you're asking me.
05:51Well, the wagon and you, dressed in those clothes.
05:54Are you having some kind of fare?
05:56Is this an anniversary or a celebration?
05:59Oh, it is.
05:59A special day of the year, if that's what you mean.
06:02Uh, how about that, Joan?
06:04Our day's not wasted after all.
06:05We've picked a winner.
06:07Uh, where did you say you were taking us?
06:09My orders are to take you to Morado.
06:11What do you mean, your orders?
06:14Why, you, you've come to help us, both of you.
06:19Just as I'm here to help you.
06:21Well, that's fine.
06:22But I know this countryside pretty well, and there's no town called Morado.
06:27Oh, it's because you've never been here on this particular day of the year.
06:32Well, the whole town doesn't just spring up overnight.
06:35Down in the valley.
06:37Look now.
06:38That's Morado.
06:39You know, weren't we up here before, David?
06:42What?
06:43Why is everything so different?
06:45How could we have missed it, Joan?
06:47Well, there are houses.
06:48Real houses.
06:50It's not a very big town, but, oh, there must be a restaurant.
06:53I'm getting hungry as well as thirsty.
06:56Well, uh, we got a tavern, a church, a jail.
07:00Well, what's the population?
07:02Well, that depends.
07:05Depends on what?
07:06Well, it depends on which way you're counting.
07:09Backwards or forwards or in between.
07:11I'm beginning to feel like Alice in Wonderland.
07:14Get along there, Jezebel.
07:18Look at those old-fashioned signs up ahead and the darling little shop.
07:24Quick, David.
07:25It must be a movie set.
07:27Well, it's the only logical answer, but, uh, where are the cameras?
07:31I don't know what you young people are talking about, but I've done my duty.
07:37I've brought you to Maradio.
07:38Oh, holy, Jezebel!
07:43Oh, it can't be a movie set.
07:46These houses are really old.
07:49Well, then how could we have missed them?
07:52And this street, and even this adobe wall.
07:54Oh, well, they've all been here at least a century.
07:58But where are the people?
08:00It's so quiet.
08:02Well, there's no one around this time of day.
08:04It's spooky, David.
08:06It certainly is.
08:08Well, then take us to someone who can explain what this is all about.
08:12Well, that was a dusty ride.
08:15We'll begin at the town pump.
08:17Ah, that's a good beginning.
08:18Ah, what a rusty old cup.
08:23But I'm so thirsty.
08:24I'd drink from anything.
08:26Oh, I don't need a cup.
08:28Just let me get my face in that stream of water.
08:30How does it taste?
08:31Mm, not nearly cold enough.
08:33It has a funny flavor.
08:35Well, it hasn't been pumped up in a long time.
08:38Oh, boy, I feel better.
08:42Now, let's look down to business.
08:45Well, I'll show you the cheap points.
08:47Please, Mr. Oldtimer, we'd like to see your town.
08:50But first, isn't there a telephone or a CB or some means of communication?
08:56Oh, I can't help you, miss.
08:58Scouts used to take our messages, although there's no reason to send a message.
09:04There are two very important reasons.
09:06First, to let our families know we're all right.
09:09And second, to find a way out of here.
09:11Is this some sort of joke?
09:15It's deadly serious.
09:17David, this has gone far enough.
09:19Did you plan this whole thing just to fool me?
09:22Joanie, are you crazy?
09:23No, but I think you are.
09:26I suspect you just pretended to run out of gas.
09:29And this has all been planned.
09:31I wish I were clever enough to set up a gag as good as this one.
09:36Are you listening to me, both of you?
09:38This has been planned.
09:41Ah.
09:42And you're going to stay in Morado.
09:45Well, I suppose we'll have to for an hour or two.
09:48You've come home, Joan Shelby.
09:52Stop talking silly, Mr. Oldtimer.
09:55Even if you do know my last name as well as my first name.
09:59Well, that goes for you, too, David Harris.
10:02Oh, this is fantastic.
10:05Morado is a place where once you come, you stay forever.
10:11David, there must be someone we can go to.
10:15Uh, take us to the mayor.
10:18Or the police chief.
10:20Someone in charge.
10:21You won't find them now.
10:23Not a soul until the stroke of noon.
10:26Why not?
10:27Someone must live in these houses.
10:30Where are all the people?
10:32They're asleep, Joan.
10:34They're sound asleep.
10:36Well, we've been expecting you.
10:40Everybody's anxious to meet you.
10:42I don't believe it.
10:43How could we be expected?
10:45Uh, that looks like a general store over there.
10:48Uh, maybe I can find someone who can tell us...
10:50Well, no, no one there yet, young fella.
10:53Well, I'm going in anyway.
10:55Come with me, Joan.
10:56Yes.
10:58Everything's so deathly still.
11:01So eerie.
11:03A sound.
11:04Oh, you'll hear a sound, all right.
11:07In the barn across the road.
11:09That's where the sound always comes from.
11:11What sort of sound?
11:12Find out for yourselves.
11:15You told us this was a very special day.
11:18Well, so it is.
11:20It's the hottest day of the year.
11:22We don't need you to tell us that.
11:24Who are you?
11:26How do you know our names?
11:30Predestination.
11:31Don't ask me why.
11:32All I know is that you're the ones I was told to bring here this time.
11:38I don't get it.
11:39What do you mean, the ones?
11:42Why, the ones who were chosen.
11:46What are you talking about?
11:48Chosen for what?
11:50On the hottest day of the year, when the heat haze spreads across the western desert,
11:55seeps into the valleys,
11:57Marado comes to life and claims two people from the modern world.
12:04How do you explain this situation?
12:10It would seem that Marado truly is a ghost town.
12:14Is the old timer an imaginary being?
12:17Some sort of hallucination brought on by too much exposure to the sun?
12:23Joan and David are really in a fix.
12:25They're beginning to feel trapped in this strange, silent town.
12:31The old timer has assured them that he's not alone.
12:34And I assure you, we'll meet some other ghosts when we continue shortly with Act Two.
12:40Two young people on vacation are stranded on a lonely road when their car runs out of gas.
12:52They're picked up by an old man driving a covered wagon who somehow knows their names.
12:58And he takes them to the deserted town of Marado.
13:02In vain, they ask of the way to a gas station or telephone.
13:05Joan and David are curious about their surroundings,
13:09but I think you can understand why they're also becoming a little frightened.
13:15Come along now. I'll show you to your quarters.
13:18I think you said your name is George?
13:20Exactly so.
13:21Well, the time has come to talk seriously, George.
13:25Man to man.
13:26Oh, there's plenty of time for that.
13:29So, let's look around the tavern.
13:35Hmm, that hinge could certainly use some oil.
13:39Come on in, Miss Joan.
13:41Well, I don't think I want to.
13:43Oh, there's nothing to be afraid of.
13:45Come along.
13:46See?
13:48This here is the main dining room.
13:51Oh, what wonderful pewter place.
13:54My mother would lose her mind in here.
13:56Yeah, and in here is the kitchen.
14:01Mrs. Jeffries keeps us spotless.
14:03And what a funny old-fashioned stove.
14:06Oh, no time at all.
14:08Please be humming.
14:09You'll like it here.
14:10I don't aim to be here.
14:12But you will be.
14:13We understand you're studying to be a nurse.
14:17Yes, but...
14:18And David's handy with the mechanical things.
14:21Mm-hmm.
14:22Uh-huh.
14:23And you'll both be very...
14:24Oh, my goodness.
14:26It's later than I thought.
14:27They'll all be coming.
14:29It's about time.
14:30Bring them on.
14:30Oh, you'll see them precisely at 12 o'clock.
14:33Go out on the street.
14:35Right now, I have to leave you.
14:38I'll be back at high noon.
14:40You haven't answered any of our questions.
14:42The bell at the church steeple will strike the hour.
14:45And then at 12 o'clock, it'll all be over.
14:49I'm frightened, David.
14:59What time is it?
15:00My watch says three minutes to 12.
15:03Thank goodness we don't have long to wait.
15:05I wonder where all these so-called people are hiding.
15:09Let's walk up to the top of the hill and see if they're coming.
15:13Listen, David.
15:14Don't you hear it?
15:15Hear what?
15:17A baby crying.
15:19The sound is coming from that barn.
15:21Come on.
15:21That means someone else must be there.
15:24Someone we can talk to.
15:27This barn door is stuck tight.
15:29Bang on it.
15:30Someone will let us in.
15:32Hello?
15:33Hello in there.
15:35Please, let us in.
15:37If they've left that child alone, we'll have to force our way in.
15:42Here, help me open the door.
15:43It's very heavy, but if we both pull hard...
15:46I don't think this one's been used in years.
15:51Who harder?
15:57Dank and musty.
16:00What a place for a baby.
16:02The sound comes from over here.
16:04No.
16:05The sound is over there.
16:08Well, it's right here.
16:10Right here in this corn crib.
16:12No.
16:14I miss Marilyn Hay in the corner.
16:16Well, you're right.
16:17But Joan...
16:19I know.
16:22There is no baby.
16:25Oh.
16:26This is ridiculous.
16:29Somebody has wired this place for sound.
16:31I mean, that old-timer may be a good actor, but he can't fool me much longer.
16:35Then please, David, pull out the wires.
16:39I can't stand that frightful sound.
16:42The speakers must be over here.
16:45No.
16:46No.
16:46Over here.
16:49David, you did it.
16:51Thank goodness.
16:53I didn't touch a thing.
16:55The crying just stopped.
16:57All by itself.
16:59And now I hear something else.
17:02Off in the distance.
17:04It's the clock in the church steeple.
17:07It's starting to strike twelve.
17:09Now perhaps we'll learn what this is all about.
17:14Five.
17:17Six.
17:17I'm sort of scared.
17:20But this is exciting.
17:22Let's go back into town.
17:24Look, David.
17:25Out on the road.
17:27Hooray.
17:28Hooray.
17:29Those two men in the field.
17:31Let's talk to them.
17:33Well, there's something wrong with them.
17:35They...
17:35They aren't moving.
17:38Like statues.
17:40Or posing for a picture.
17:41Those kids.
17:43They look real enough.
17:44Mm-hmm.
17:45They're playing rugby.
17:46Only they're not.
17:47They're frozen.
17:48In position.
17:50That's it.
17:52Twelve o'clock.
17:53And look.
17:54Look, twelve is the magic number.
17:57Everybody's moving now.
18:00Hey.
18:00Hey there, kid.
18:01Kid, stop.
18:02Stop the game for a minute, will you?
18:03Uh...
18:03Hey.
18:05He went right by us if he didn't hear you.
18:07Well, they don't hear us.
18:09Or see us.
18:10I thought I called hold of a girl's arm.
18:13Only...
18:13Only my...
18:14My hand went right through the air.
18:16Oh.
18:17Well, look.
18:18There are a couple of solid-looking citizens.
18:20Those men.
18:21Over by the pile of logs.
18:22Chopping wood.
18:27Sir?
18:28Sir, would you tell us, uh...
18:30Uh...
18:30Please.
18:31We don't want you to stop your work, but, uh...
18:33We need your help.
18:36Hey.
18:37Hey, come on, you guys.
18:38Stop working for a minute.
18:40It's no use.
18:42They don't seem to hear or see us.
18:45Oh, this can't be.
18:46This is...
18:47It's not real.
18:49There's...
18:49There's ghosts.
18:50Oh, God.
18:50Come on.
18:51I don't believe in ghosts.
18:52This man is real.
18:53And his axe is sharp enough to split this wood.
18:55David, don't.
18:57You can't grab his arm.
18:58You'll be hurt.
18:59Mister, you drop that axe and listen to me.
19:01Oh.
19:01Oh.
19:02Oh.
19:02He...
19:03He not only stopped work, he stopped breathing.
19:09I thought he was real.
19:12But his eyes...
19:13Look at his eyes.
19:15Let go of him.
19:17Oh.
19:20It can't be.
19:21It simply cannot be.
19:23He's gone right back to work again.
19:27All have that same look in their eyes.
19:30Like they're living somewhere else.
19:32Oh, there has to be some explanation.
19:35It's all too strange.
19:37Let's get as far away as we can from these...
19:41Robots.
19:42Oh.
19:44Let's...
19:45Let's sit down in the shade of that tree.
19:47Maybe...
19:48Maybe we can figure this thing out.
19:50David.
19:55Huh?
19:57Did...
19:57Did I fall asleep?
20:00Oh, well, you may have dozed off a bit.
20:02We started out very early this morning, and the sun is hot enough to make anybody drowsy.
20:08Oh.
20:09I...
20:09I feel so strange.
20:12Lightheaded, I imagine, from lack of food.
20:14Personally, I am starving, and that's the first part of my plan, to go down to the tavern and get some food.
20:23What tavern?
20:25Honestly, where are we?
20:27We're still right here, in Morado.
20:30Do you really believe there is such a town as Morado?
20:35You can see it from here, just as clearly as I can.
20:38Come on.
20:40Where are we going?
20:41Back into town.
20:42Oh, I don't think I can stand any more of those ghostly people.
20:47But it's very important.
20:49Look, we'll hire some horses, and then we'll ride out to the highway.
20:52Oh, that's the best idea you've had all day.
21:00Everyone's awake now, and they're all so busy.
21:03Well, they may be busy, but they're not exactly awake.
21:07You don't hear them talking, do you?
21:10Let's head over there to the blacksmith.
21:12That should be the place to find out about horses.
21:15Well, they're my two young friends.
21:18How are you getting along?
21:19It's the old-timer.
21:21You and me have to have some straight talk.
21:23Oh, it's all very simple.
21:25You heard the clock struck 12?
21:27Yes, we heard the clock, and we can see the people.
21:31Well, everything will work out within the hour.
21:33Oh, good.
21:34Between now and then, get us something to eat, and arrange for us to get back to civilization.
21:39Oh, nothing of the sort.
21:42You're staying here.
21:43But we don't belong here.
21:45Those other people, they're, you know, they're...
21:47I told you time and time again.
21:51You've been selected.
21:53You weren't telling the truth.
21:55You said we would be welcome.
21:57Oh, that comes later.
21:58How much later?
21:59When we all go away together.
22:02Mr. Old-timer, I don't want to go anywhere with you.
22:07Right now, I want to go home.
22:09I only do what I'm supposed to do for Murado.
22:13There is no such place as Murado.
22:16Right before your eyes, Miss Joan.
22:19I've had enough of this, Joan.
22:20Let's go to the blacksmith shop.
22:25David, what beautiful horses.
22:28Oh, please, please let them be real.
22:31Oh, of course they're real.
22:33We've come to the right place at last.
22:36Excuse me.
22:38Excuse me.
22:39Please stop for a minute.
22:40It's very important.
22:42You'll have to shout louder.
22:45We want to hire two horses.
22:47No use talking to old Sam.
22:50He's deaf and dumb.
22:51They're all deaf and dumb.
22:54Every one of them.
22:55Old-timer, who do we see about hiring a couple of horses?
22:58There's no sense in hiring.
22:59You'll be assigned your own horses soon enough.
23:04Someone is waiting for you.
23:07You've actually found someone who can help us?
23:10Come on along now.
23:11We're going back to the tavern.
23:12That sign in front of the tavern is new.
23:20It wasn't there before.
23:21Oh, the people have been working.
23:23Oh, right this way through the swinging door.
23:26What a difference.
23:28It's been completely cleaned up.
23:31And it's so crowded.
23:33Mrs. Jeffries?
23:35Where's Mrs. Jeffries?
23:36Right here.
23:38Welcome back, old-timer.
23:39Good to see you.
23:40Happy to be back, Marianne.
23:42Well, did you bring them?
23:43Oh, of course I did.
23:44They're right here.
23:45David, she's talking about us.
23:48At least she can talk.
23:49The girl.
23:50What's she like?
23:51Oh, it's a pretty little thing.
23:53I'm standing right here.
23:55Why can't she see me?
23:57And the boy?
23:57A fine scrapping youth.
24:00Ah, I'm so glad they come.
24:02I've been aching for the girl.
24:04Oh, how nice it'll be to have a daughter in the house.
24:07And a helper in the dining room.
24:09What's her name?
24:10My name is Joan.
24:12And please, talk to me.
24:15Not about me.
24:16Well, old-timer, I've got lots to do and not much time.
24:19I must get back to the kitchen.
24:21Oh, David.
24:22She's just like all the others.
24:24She can't see us or hear us.
24:27What are we going to do?
24:29For a moment, it looked as though our young friends might have found an ally.
24:40But this Mrs. Jeffries seems to be just as much a puzzlement as all the others.
24:46Joan and David are having a most unusual adventure.
24:49There are many things about ghost towns which cannot be easily explained.
24:54Just think of all the towns which used to be on our maps and are no longer there today.
24:59Just ask yourself, where are they?
25:03Who knows what spirits may haunt the hills and valleys of our countryside?
25:09I'll be back shortly with Act Three.
25:17This town of Murado grows stranger by the moment.
25:21At first, the streets were deserted.
25:23Then at precisely twelve o'clock, the place came to life.
25:27At least in a way it did.
25:28People appeared, all of them seeming to have an occupation or destination.
25:34But our adventurers, Joan and David, find it quite impossible to communicate.
25:39Their escort, the old-timer, is the only one with whom they can have any conversation.
25:46Why didn't that lady back in the tavern answer me?
25:49Oh, there's no use talking to anyone at this stage.
25:52They can't hear you.
25:53She didn't have any trouble hearing what you said.
25:55Well, now, that's different.
25:59And why wouldn't you let us have something to eat?
26:01It's not one o'clock yet.
26:02We're starved.
26:04You think we got before six and we'll...
26:06But that was in the other world.
26:08You won't be hungry any longer when the clock strikes one.
26:12Come along now.
26:13We're due at the schoolhouse.
26:16Hey, that looks normal enough.
26:23A bunch of kids playing ball.
26:25That's right.
26:26David, this will be one of your posts.
26:29Oh, old-timer.
26:30I'm tired of your jokes.
26:32Oh, I'm not joking.
26:34Listen to me, boys.
26:36I brought you your new coach.
26:39Hey, what's that kid think he's doing?
26:41Which one, David?
26:42It's the little guy at the plate.
26:44He doesn't know the first thing about holding a bat.
26:46Why don't you show him?
26:47Well, I will.
26:48Listen, you rookie.
26:49Stop it, David.
26:50You're not their coach yet.
26:53But you will be.
26:55Old-timer?
26:56Hello.
26:56Hello, Miss Marston.
26:58How's the school going?
27:00Oh, fine.
27:01Have you brought the young people who were promised?
27:03Yes, indeed.
27:05Here we go again.
27:06And the boy will take over all outdoor sports right away?
27:09Oh, absolutely.
27:10Oh, I believe you said the girl is interested in becoming a nurse?
27:13Yeah, so I understand.
27:15Oh, fine.
27:17Because I'm counting on her to help out with our first aid course.
27:20Oh, when the time comes, you can introduce them both to our program.
27:25Oh, well, school's over for the day.
27:27One o'clock is approaching, and I must get to my station.
27:32Well, you are leaving the new recruits in my care.
27:34Oh, you'll find them right here.
27:37I'll be in the classroom, correcting papers.
27:40Are we supposed to hear that?
27:42So we follow her inside?
27:44Well, let's not.
27:45Let's just stay right here.
27:47Oh, that's all we need.
27:49One of those sudden mountain storms.
27:52Now we'll have to go into the schoolhouse.
27:54Yeah, well, come on, then.
27:55I'm going right up to her desk and demand that she look at us and talk to us.
28:00We've tried that before.
28:02I even remember her name.
28:04Miss Morriston.
28:06That's what the old-timer called her.
28:08Miss Morriston.
28:09Well, I'll be.
28:11What is it, Dave?
28:13Look.
28:14Look what she's taking out of that drawer.
28:16Well, nothing but a ballpoint pen.
28:18That's what I mean.
28:19Think about it.
28:21Well, I don't see anything unusual about a ball.
28:23Of course there is.
28:26If Morata was a town that goes back to the 1840s...
28:29Oh, of course.
28:32Where did she ever get a pen like that?
28:35Uh-huh.
28:36And she's not like any of the others.
28:38She doesn't look any different to me.
28:40Her eyes, Joan.
28:41I'll swear that she can see us.
28:44Miss Morriston.
28:46Please, Miss Morriston.
28:47I'm Joan.
28:49And this is David.
28:51You were talking to the old-timer about us.
28:54See?
28:54She nodded her head.
28:55Say something to us.
28:57Say that you see us.
28:59That you understand what I'm saying.
29:02Where did you get that pen, Miss Morriston?
29:04Is it yours?
29:06Oh, she nodded her head.
29:07Hey, she's writing us a message.
29:09Oh.
29:10Um.
29:10You are in danger.
29:15Terrible danger.
29:17Oh, I know it.
29:18I know it.
29:19But what can we do?
29:21She's writing more.
29:22What does it say?
29:24Get away from here.
29:28We want to, Miss Morriston.
29:30We want to.
29:32But how?
29:33Run, she says.
29:35Go as far away.
29:36As fast as you can.
29:39Oh, I believe her, David.
29:41We better do what she says.
29:43Oh, just a minute.
29:44Miss Morriston, if that pen came from...
29:46Oh.
29:49My poor young people.
29:52I'm desperately sorry, but it's too late.
29:55You can talk.
29:57We can all talk now.
29:58It's one o'clock.
29:59And everyone's on their way to the town hall.
30:02Then we'd better join them.
30:04Do you really want to stay in Mirado?
30:07We want to get back to Lake Tahoe.
30:10Only I need gasoline for my car.
30:12Lake Tahoe.
30:14Gasoline.
30:16Car.
30:17I won't let them take you.
30:18Oh, then help us.
30:20Please help us, Miss Morriston.
30:22You must do exactly as I say.
30:24It may not yet be too late.
30:26We're listening.
30:27Don't go near the town hall.
30:31We thought we could get horses there.
30:32And I'd like to talk to the mayor.
30:34No, no.
30:34Believe me.
30:35Then what should we do?
30:37Go to that barn.
30:38Up on the hill?
30:39Go there.
30:40And find the stall with a big bale of hay.
30:44That's where we heard the baby crying.
30:46Get down on the floor behind that bale of hay.
30:49And I pray they'll pass you by.
30:51Who is this they?
30:54Why do we have to hide?
30:55Ask no more questions.
30:56Just go at once.
30:57Well, why don't you come with us?
30:59Oh, how I wish I could.
31:01Here, take this pen.
31:03It brings back too many memories.
31:06Can't we stay here till the storm blows over?
31:09Not a moment to lose.
31:10Even now it may be too late.
31:12Oh, run for your lives.
31:18Well, at least no one's been here.
31:21This barn door's as hard to close as it was to open.
31:24I'll help you.
31:25Oh, I don't know why we're doing this.
31:28I mean, what is there to hide from?
31:30Listen, David.
31:31Do you hear what I hear?
31:35Well, it sounds like an Indian celebration.
31:37I bet we're missing all the fun.
31:39I smell smoke, too.
31:41Look, David.
31:43The village is on fire.
31:45Oh, I'm glad the wind is blowing in the other direction.
31:48David!
31:49Come over and it's stolen, honey.
31:51The Indians are my...
31:53Oh, this is no celebration.
31:54They're on the warpath.
31:55It may mean business.
31:56Oh, no more Indians.
32:06No more storm.
32:08Can we...
32:08Can we leave the barn now?
32:10I should hope so.
32:14Why, it's much cooler than it was.
32:17Maybe that nice Miss Morstan will tell us where we can get something to eat.
32:22Joan.
32:24Look.
32:26Look.
32:27What?
32:28Why?
32:29It's gone.
32:31Not a trace of the town of Morado.
32:34David, in which direction is your car?
32:37Well, I'd say it's that way.
32:40Let's start walking.
32:42But it's still going to be out of gas.
32:44I just want to know that the car is real and that it's there.
32:49All right.
32:50Let's get moving.
32:51I don't think I'd have been much good as a pioneer.
32:58I think you're doing very well.
33:00Oh, but I'm hot and hungry and thirsty.
33:04Oh, how does it go?
33:05Hey, I think I see something up on the road there.
33:08It's a car.
33:09Oh, David, we're back in civilization.
33:13All right.
33:15Hello.
33:16You belong to the car down the road?
33:18Oh, are we glad to see you.
33:21Here's my badge.
33:22I'm Officer Johnson.
33:23This doesn't look like a police car.
33:25Oh, I left that with Sweeney, my partner.
33:27Come on.
33:28Climb in.
33:30You don't happen to have a sandwich, do you?
33:33No, but down by the gas station, there's a hamburger joint.
33:37Say, why did you youngsters come in this direction to look for help?
33:40Because we got a ride in a covered wagon.
33:43Very funny.
33:45We couldn't figure it out and we saw the sign in your car.
33:48What sign?
33:49I left one, David, when I went back to get my hat.
33:52What did it say?
33:53Well, it said you were out of gas and had gone for help.
33:56But that's what fooled us.
33:57We looked for you on the main road.
33:59Then how come you're back here?
34:01Oh, it was lunchtime.
34:02I decided to mosey around these back roads in my own car.
34:06I'm kind of a ghost town buff.
34:09Ever been to the town of Discovery?
34:11Oh, I've been looking for it for a long time.
34:14So have I.
34:16And that's where we were heading today, but we never made it.
34:19Oh, we got somewhere all right, but, well, it was a different ghost town.
34:23Yeah?
34:24What one?
34:25Did you ever hear of Murado?
34:28Say, you've been reading the same books I have.
34:31You know about that legend?
34:32What legend?
34:33Well, the whole town disappeared back in about 1849.
34:39That's what you think.
34:41Well, that's what the book says, and I can quote it.
34:43It says that back in August of that year, a band of bloodthirsty Indians smoked into the little town of Murado
34:52and killed all but one of its inhabitants.
34:55All but one?
34:57Who was left?
34:58The lone survivor was a baby boy who was found to sleep in a horse stall in the barn.
35:03Oh.
35:04Afterwards, someone rescued him, and they heard him crying.
35:08What year was this?
35:09Well, I think it was Gold Rush year, 1849.
35:12All right, but there's more to the story.
35:14Oh, go on.
35:16Well, only this is the part I don't believe.
35:18Tell us anyway.
35:20Well, you see, it's just a legend, like I said,
35:22but once a year, the residents of Murado come back to haunt the place.
35:28What do you think of that?
35:30It's true.
35:31Today's the day.
35:33You put me on.
35:35Look, honestly, we've seen the ghosts.
35:37One of them gave me this pen.
35:39A ballpoint?
35:42Oh, now I know you're joking.
35:44No ghosts from back in those days would have anything like that.
35:47Oh, but you see, we were in the schoolhouse, and...
35:50Oh, I'm sure plenty of tourists go poking all around this area looking for souvenirs
35:55and hoping to pan some gold.
35:58I'm afraid you'd never believe us if we told you what we've been through today.
36:02Well, I'd sure like to find some evidence that there was a town up over that hill.
36:06Oh, look, if you really want to know, why don't you come...
36:08The gas lead station in the Hamburger Stand are just up ahead.
36:11Oh, we're very grateful for the ride.
36:13I hope there's a telephone.
36:15Well, me and Sweeney usually travel that big main highway.
36:18It's straight and flat, and you might think it's rather boring.
36:23But back about four years ago, we found an empty car out there.
36:28Well, didn't you find out who it belonged to?
36:30Oh, we found out that all right,
36:32but we never did find the people who'd been riding in it.
36:36A hot day, just like today.
36:38There was a big dust storm.
36:41Looked like smoke coming up behind that hill.
36:43Who are the occupants of that car, Mr. Johnson?
36:47Two ladies.
36:48Do you know their names?
36:50I don't remember now.
36:52I think one was a Mrs. Jeffries or something like that.
36:56She was a housewife who left a husband and a son.
37:00That was a son and a daughter.
37:02And the other?
37:03Oh, she was a schoolteacher.
37:05Named Miss Morriston?
37:07Why, yeah, that's the name.
37:10You read about them, did you?
37:11Uh, never mind.
37:13Only take our advice.
37:15Just don't go looking for Discovery
37:17or Murado
37:18on the hottest day of the year.
37:21If you're fond of ghost town stories,
37:32you won't settle for a mirage caused by heat haze.
37:36That may be what some people say
37:38when Joan and David tell of their strange adventure.
37:42But our young friends know how lucky they were
37:45to return with a story to tell.
37:47If they hadn't had help in making an escape just in time,
37:52their disappearance would have been as mysterious
37:54as that of the two ladies
37:56who never did come home.
38:00A final word shortly.
38:06If you go looking for a ghost town,
38:09try not to find Murado.
38:12Oh, it's all right to think about it
38:13out there in space.
38:15But once a year,
38:17when that community settles back
38:19in its old place on the map,
38:20beware.
38:23The old-timer may be out to get you.
38:26And if they catch you in Murado,
38:28it is said that you'll be there forever.
38:31Just remember,
38:33the barn's the only safe place to hide.
38:37But better still,
38:39stay home on the hottest day of the year
38:41and keep cool.
38:46Our cast included Corrine Orr,
38:49Roger Barron,
38:51Court Benson,
38:52and Evie Juster.
38:54The entire production was under the direction
38:56of Hyman Brown.
38:57This is Tom Bosley,
39:01inviting you to return to the General Mills Radio Adventure Theater
39:05for another exciting tale you can hear
39:08through the magic of radio.
39:11The General Mills Radio Adventure Theater
39:13is recommended by NEA,
39:15the National Education Association.
39:17The American Museum of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the
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