Mutual presents the mysterious Traveler.

This is the mysterious traveler inviting you to join me on her journey under the realm of the strange and the terrifying.

I hope you will enjoy the trip, that it will thrill you a little and chill you a little.

So settle back, get a good grip on your nerves, and be comfortable if you can.

It's the end of July and rather warm, isn't it.

There's probably an insect or two buzzing around in your living room right this moment, or banging against your screen, trying.

To get in.

Before we go any further, you better get rid of it.

If you do, you'll breathe easier as you unusual story I have for you today, the story I call.

The Man the Insects Hated.

My story begins in a homemade laboratory, in a crumbling mansion on the edge of a bayou deep in the heart of the Louisiana Swamps.

Outside, the air is filled with the strident hum buzzles of insects, uncounted swarms of them, crawling and hopping and flying in the hot, lush atmosphere.

Inside the laboratory.

The air is filled with the same sound as a small man with graying hair lifts a wire insect trapped to a table.

Listen to the merry.

How they hate me.

Every one of them defies.

The bees, the hottest, the beatles, to locust, the spiders.

They all hate me.

Oh shoan, they don't hate you.

They're just bugs.

They can't hate you.

Yes, but listen to them hum and buzz when I come near.

They know me, and the reason that's so upset is that they know that we're enemies and that I'm going.

To destroy them, destroy them utterly.

All right, John, Oh Mary, you look tired.

This life we've been leading the last few months.

It's very dreary for you.

Isn't it.

It's all right, John, It doesn't matter what it does.

These swamps, they must seem like the last outpost of creation to you.

You always did love the city and the lights, the movement, the gaiety.

I'm all right.

You mustn't worry about me.

It's only HiT's such a struggle.

If we had someone to help us, it would be easier.

But no one will come out here and work for us.

Yes, I know, my darling, believe me, I do.

But it's only for a little while.

Soon we'll be rich.

I promise it, all right, Joh, I'll be patient.

You do believe me, Mary, You know that I'm on the verge of success.

Now, don't you that last formula You saw how quickly it killed every insect in the cage?

Yes, I know it was wonderful.

John, you said, you know yourself what it will mean to the world, the perfect insect killer, something much better than DDT.

Why, it will be tremendous.

It will make the worst jungle livable.

It'll cut down disease and increase the crops.

To someone at the door, Yes, it's very odd.

I wonder who it could be.

I'll see.

Perhaps it's doctor Guernsey or mister Conway, the druggist they promised to call.

Worry.

There's professor Hanson in right, Why?

Yes, he yes, come in quickly.

There's so many flies, Yeah, seems like there is full of box outside.

Never saw so many in my life.

What is it, Mary?

It's someone to see you, John.

I don't know.

Who Andrews the name professor Martin Andrews.

Hey, you really are out in the wilds here, aren't you.

That I'd never find you.

Yes, we are rather isolated.

But you're wondering who I am and what I want here.

The truth is I was in Conway's drug store back in town, and he told me you might be able to use a handyman.

Ooh, a handy man.

Yes, we can use a handyman.

How much do you want?

Ooh, not very much.

I guess twenty five bucks a week could do me.

We can manage that, I think, but done, second thought, I don't know.

I'm not crazy about these swamps or these bugs around.

Oh please try it anyway, mister Andrews.

My husband is engaged on some very important research and he needs help badly.

Oh well, when you put it like that, missus Hanson.

Then you will stay.

Yeah, I'll stay.

What have I got to lose?

Maybe I like it better than I thought at first.

Excellent, mister Andrews.

Excellent.

Oh just call me Martin, professor, Yes, Martin, Yes.

Now there are lots of is that you can help me with.

Now take this watch and can't you'll be ready in a minute.

Oh yes, my dear, yes it take this watch Martin, and you see this wire trap full of insects?

Yeah, there must be thousands of bugs in there there are you see, I'm working to discover the perfect insect exterminator.

Oh yeah, I say, And in this spray gun, I have my latest solution, formula three hundred and twelve, and I'm going to spray it just once at this trap full of insects, and you are the time.

How long it takes them all to die?

You're gonna kill all those bubs with just one squirt from that spray.

I hope so.

And they know it too.

Listen to them how they hate me.

They know I'm going to kill them, and.

They wish they could get free to kill me.

Ah oh yes, yes, they know me.

Insects hate me, all insects just as I hate them.

They kill me if they could.

But instead I'm going to kill them if you put.

Your eye on the watch.

But oh yeah, yeah, sure, then start timing.

Now, watch and listen.

Say that stuff really mosum down, Professor.

Yes they're dying now.

A few of them are still trying to crawl around, But.

There they go.

Now, how long did it take?

Twenty nine seconds?

It's good, but not quite good enough.

But I'm sure I'm on the right track.

Lunch is ready, John, Oh yes, my dear, Yes, we're coming.

Well, Martin, do you think you're going to like working here helping me develop my new insecular.

Yes, sir, Professor, I've got an idea.

It's going to be a lot more interesting here than I ever imagined.

Some more coffee, John, thank you, my dear.

No, I want to go back to the lab to try a new formula, and while I'm mixing it, why don't you show Martin around the place.

Why that's a swell idea, Professor.

I'd like to get wise to just what you're doing here.

But I'm sure that John could show you around and explain everything better than I.

Cro.

No, no, no, not at all.

Marine.

Besides, you know how I feel about going outdoors.

Well, all right, John, if you want me to fine.

I'll get started on the new mixture right away, and when you're through.

I'll have something for you to do.

Martin, Okay, Professor, Well, missus Hanson, I'll be obliged to you if you'll give me the load down on everything.

Well, all right, Martin, there are things that you really should know.

So so that's how it is.

Huh.

The professor is hipped on the subject of bugs and wants to rid the world of him, and he thinks they all know it and hate him.

That's a hot one.

The bees and the mosquitoes and the flies, they all got it in for Hia.

You mustn't laugh.

I know it's a strange quirk of his mind, but it's a harmless one, and you must pretend not to notice anything odd about it.

Okay, missus Hanson, if you say so.

You see, when he was a small boy, my husband was almost stung to death by a swarm of bees.

That brought on his peculiar hatred of all insects and his belief that they hate him.

Sure, I can see how that would.

Be, and that's the reason why all his life he's been experimenting to find the perfect insect exterminator.

It's screwy, but if he does find this perfect bug killer, it'll pay off.

Be Oh, he will find it.

I'm sure that.

That's why I'm willing.

I mean, I'm.

Sure he will.

You are gonna say, that's why you're willing to stay here in this swamp because you think you'll find this bug killer and make a lot of money from it.

Huh, Well, that's the truth, an it, Missus Hanson.

You're being impertinent.

The first time I looked at you, I could see you weren't meant for a life like this.

You were meant for pretty clothes and soft music, dancing fun, not for rotting away in a swamp that's only fit for bugs.

You mustn't talk like that.

I've got to go back to the house.

No, no, not yet.

Listen.

The minute I stepped inside that house, I knew you were eating your heart out, all of fun and people and pretty things.

I don't know what you're talking about.

Let go my rest.

Not yet, listen.

I'm no handyman.

I know how to make money when I want to.

It's just good luck that brought me here, My good luck.

There's meant to be something between us.

I knew that the second you opened the door this morning.

You're crazy.

Let me go.

Sure, I'll let you go there.

Why why don't you run away from me now as you can.

You mustn't say things like that.

You mustn't, But I already have, and I will again.

You weren't meant to be married to a doddy old dodo like the professor.

You were meant to live.

And I'm going to hang around here until I prove.

It to you, And so Martin Andrews joined the Strange household in the Swamps, the household where Professor Hanson plotted death for the insect world.

Mary suggested to him that it had been a mistake to hire Martin so hastily without investigating his background, but her husband pooh pooed her arguments, and he was silent, knowing she could not explain that she was both frightened and fascinated by a man whom she'd seen for the first time that day.

So Martin stayed, and in the days that followed, Professor Hanson found him invaluable.

With his help, the work went much more quickly and daily.

As the work progressed, a number of insects swarming about the house increased, buzzing and humming ominously, as though news of the Professor's success were spreading.

Throughout the whole swamp.

And one morning in the laboratory, Guy Martin exactly fifteen seconds, Professor, fifteen seconds, and every insect in the trap is dead.

We've done it, Martin, Mary, Mary, Yes, y'all, what is it.

Mary, We've done it.

At last, I found the formula that will kill any insect.

No normost instantly.

Oh joah, Oh, I'm so glad.

This formula three ninety seventy.

Here.

It is just a few marks on this piece of paper, but it's man's final victory over the insect world.

Ha.

Listen to the bugs outside home, Professor.

They sound almost like they know what you've done.

Oh, yes, they do know, but they're helpless, they're beaten, and they know it.

Yes.

Now I've got to write a note to doctor Guenzi and mister Conway.

Martin wait here for me.

Yeah, sure, Professor Martin.

What are you doing with that formula?

Just putting it in my pocket where it will be safe.

You know how the Professor is always losing things.

Give it to me, please, I'll take care of it.

I think i'd better hold on to it.

But I have something else for you.

No, let me go on me ever since that first day, and I've been waiting until you know as well as I do that we were meant for each other.

You must say such things.

You do know it, don't you?

No?

No, maybe this will convince you, oh Martin, Oh Martin, Now you know it, don't you?

Yes?

Yes, Oh, I'm crazy.

I suppose I can't help it.

You've got to go away, Martin now today.

You are crazy if you think I'm going without you.

Oh, here comes a professor.

We'll talk about it later, Martin.

Here's a note for mister Conway, the druggist.

I've asked him to come out with doctor Guernsey tomorrow night.

Will you drive it to.

Down and deliver it to him?

Please share, Professor, be glad to right away.

Come in, Martin, quickly, help o.

Your clothes are covered with insects.

Here stands still a minute.

I'll get rid of them.

Yeah, it takes care of that.

How in the world did so many get on you?

And I got out open the garage to her.

They were crawling all over it.

They trapped on to me and I couldn't knock them off.

Oh yes, Mary, John John.

There are ants in the kitchen, a whole swarm of giant black ants.

The monster's giant ants in the kitchen.

How did they get in?

I don't know, but they're there and more coming all the time.

In my mind, we'll take care of them.

Come on, Martin, bring the spray gun.

Ride.

They mustn't get into the house, and won't get them.

They want to get at me.

But they're not going to.

Yeah, they got John the floors.

Giant dance, the floors black with them, and look at them come this way toward me.

They know who I am.

Quick Martin, here's the spray.

Yes, Professor, this will fix them.

Half.

So let them turn up their toe as she is hair have fetishism.

How in the world did they get in?

I thought I'd made this house insight proof.

Here are some more coming through this hole in the woodwork.

I'll take care of me, eh, Now plug up the hole.

No more come in that way.

They're such big ants.

I've never seen any of that big before.

And they were after me.

But we've talked them a lesson.

Professor, You've almost convinced me you're right about the bugs hating you.

I mean, what do you say?

It's the truth.

You never saw so many bugs in your life as there are outside right now.

When I got back from town, I could hardly see the house for the beatles and the flies and the hornets that are buzzing around it.

A couple of.

Times the car ran over columns of ants so thick I thought they were gonna clog the wheels.

Columns heading this way?

Is that true?

I must go over to the window and see for myself.

Yes, good heavens, the screen is so covered with insects I can't see out.

I'll give them a Dousier bug killer.

That'll make them move on.

Eh, that cleared them off.

Now take a look outside, professor, did you ever see anything like that in your life?

Oh Lord?

The sky is black with insects.

Look at that swarm over the trees, flying beetles, lost bees, looke.

I can't identify them all.

Yeah, and just listen to them.

Listen to that, son of hate.

Don't say that it's just a natural phenomenon.

The swamps pre insects by the Mizzens.

Yeah, yeah, I know, and every one of those millions is headed right for this spot.

But that's ridiculous.

No, it's not all the way to town.

I didn't see a single bug because they're all gathered right around here, right around this house.

You mustn't say that He's right.

They know what's happening here, and they want to stop me.

No, John, No, If you want my advice, the thing to do is make up all the formula three nine seven Weeken.

If those bugs ever get into this house, we're gonna leave it.

As the day wore on, the clouds of insects surrounding the old mansion and the swamps.

Grew steadily bigger.

At times, the house was almost hidden by it blacks, swarms of tiny creatures flying and crawling over it, as if they really were trying to force their way inside.

Only a few did get into the house through unnoticed cracks.

But as night came on, John, Yes, John, the lights won't go on.

They won't.

No, look, confuse must have blown out.

I'll go take a look, Professor, I have the flashlight.

Thank you, Martin.

I'll want to be a minute.

Listen to them, Mary, Listen to them swarming about the house, beating against the screens, trying to get in at me.

Oh, John, they're just insects.

They don't hate you.

They don't table then where they come from?

Why are they surrounding this house?

Answer me that, Oh, I don't know.

Martin agrees with me, He said, so this afternoon.

You mustn't pay any attention to Martin.

Listen to them.

If they could get in, we'd be dead in fifteen minutes.

There's death.

We here, humming and buzzing out there.

Mary, professor, Professor it's what is it?

Did you find the trouble?

Yes, the switchbox, all right, all the fuses.

Have blown out, all of them.

But how the switchbox is full of little beetles.

I don't know where they came from, but they caused a short circuit that blew out all the fuses.

They did it on purpose.

Oh, John, Well, anyway, we'll be using candles tonight.

And there's another thing.

What mat in the cellar is full of little white ants.

I couldn't find out where they're coming from.

White ass not ants, Martin.

Those are termites, well termites, and they're all over everything.

Termites.

They can eat their way through wood.

They can eat holes that the other insects can enter through.

Yeah that's right, isn't it, Martin?

Come on, get two insects, prays.

We've got to get down there and destroy them before they destroy us.

Listen to them.

There.

Let's be billions of bugs out there, crickets, bees, flies, hornets, plans, every kind of insect there is.

It's a good thing you put tight screens on this house.

Yeah, what is it?

Mary?

I thought I felt the house shake.

Then, Ah, I don't let your imagination get you.

I didn't feel anything.

No, no, no, you must keep control of your nerves.

I suppose I imagined it.

Then, Oh, John, it's almost midnight.

Are they ever going to go away?

Maybe not.

If the professor's right and they're after him, they'll just hang around until we starve to death, or until they get in and finish us off.

Oh, Martin's top.

Martin is right.

We've used up all the Formula three ninety seven, and if they ever do get into the house, we're doomed.

I was just thinking that myself.

We have got to get.

Help, go out of the house.

Yes, oh no, John, not all of us.

But maybe if I were to take the car and make a dash for town, they.

Might follow me.

John, that's madness in this.

Sendan with all the windowshut, they couldn't get at me.

And in town I could get help.

Yeah, yeah, you caught.

I could make up more Formula three ninety seven at Conways dog Store, and he and doctor Guernsey can come back with me, and if we use the big pumpa spray, we could destroy every insect that's outside.

No, you mustn't try it.

It sounds like a good idea to me.

I go, only I couldn't mix the formula.

No, John, you mustn't go out.

Yes, I'm going to do it.

If those ants ever get at the car, they'd cut the tires to shreds, and then we would be at their mercy.

I've got to go for help while I can.

Then let's all go.

We can all get in the car.

And it'd be safer to stay here.

This hassle hold them off for a good while.

Yet, I think the Professor's scheme is the best.

All right, Martin, Now I'll get ready, and then you come downstairs and help me with the garage doors, and you're going to have to open and shut them offully fast when I take the car out.

Despite Mary's protests, Professor Hansen carried out his plan.

With the car tightly closed, the.

Motor racing Martin Flum opened the garage doors.

The cars shut out into the night, the headlines showing great swarm of flying insects in its path.

Then Martin swiftly closed and bolted the door again and hurried upstairs.

Yeah he's gone.

Oh why did you let him go?

That ought to be obvious.

What do you mean I didn't let him go?

I made him go.

I put the whole idea in his mind.

So he go off and leave us alone here.

Oh no, sure I did.

I'm a bright boy.

Now on, it's going to be just you and me and fun.

What do you say John isn't going to come back from his little trip to town.

I don't understand.

I'll make it simple.

In the first place.

All those bugs outside don't mean a thing.

When I was in town this morning, Conway the druggist told me it happens out here every seven years or so.

There's something about the way the wind blows that makes millions of bugs come out of the swamp to swarm around this house in certain years.

Oh but then, why did you pretend to believe John when he said it was because they were after him.

Just so as he'd go to town for help.

Those bunks are harmless.

As soon as the wind shifts, they'll be gone.

But then, right this minute, John's driving to town as fast as he can go.

And any second now the steering gear is gonna bust.

No, yes, baby, because I fixed it too.

And when that steering wheel goes, it'll be curtains for John.

The car hid a tree.

And you'll be free to marry me.

We'll have formula three nine seven and all the door will bring in.

That's murder.

Nah, it isn't murder, it's being smart.

You've murdered John.

I'm guilty too, because I didn't make him send you away.

You never really wanted me to go.

I own a load with you and myself.

But but you don't, No, Mardin, I don't.

That's more like a baby.

We'll always be together, always forever.

Martin we.

Huh so if he's having one in the house, I did say you gotta.

Get out of here.

I'll hey you forget it there.

I couldn't pray hold.

Me never, I not before, not that, mister Conway.

Can't you drive faster?

We must get back to the house.

I'm driving as fast as I can, Professor.

Professor, you must control yourself.

That was a serious accident you were in.

It's a miracle you weren't killed.

You was We're your car hit that tree.

I'm just glad it wasn't me.

Yes, but please drive faster.

I should never have allowed you to return to your home with us.

You should be in a hospital, a doctor, my wife and Martin.

I've got to save them.

Those insects they hate me.

They're out to destroy all of us.

They'll kill my wife and Martin if we don't get there in time.

Professor, you must calm yourself.

I'm sure it isn't as serious as all that.

Oh doctor.

You, like everyone else, you don't know how dangerous the insect world is.

But I know.

And that's why they hate me, and that's why they're out to destroy me and my wife and Martin.

How we're almost there.

House is just around this bend in the road.

Yes, but please hurry.

You mustn't slow down, Professor.

I gotta take this curve flow.

After all, we don't want no more.

Good Lord, the house it's collapsed.

They've rented the insect directed.

I told you they were out to get me.

Now come quickly, we must find my wife and Martin.

Come along, Conway.

This looks bad, Mary, Mary, where are you?

Very?

Answer me, Conway, you'd better start looking through the wrecked Okay.

Very very, where are you?

Oh Lord?

I've never seen so many bugs in all my life.

We've only had more of my Formula three ninety seven.

We could kill all of them, all of them, but they won't get the better of me.

They won't, Professor, what are you doing.

There isn't any spray in that gun.

It's impress I'll show them.

I'll show them, doctor, Doctor.

I found them.

They're under the wreckage of the house.

Oh, you'd better take me to them, Conway.

Perhaps we too late, Doc, they're both dead.

They're dead, yes, Professor.

They were killed by falling timbers when the house collapsed.

No, no, it wasn't the falling timbers that kill them.

It was the insect world that killed them.

They tried to destroy me and instead they murdered Mary.

But now they're trying to break me down.

But I won't let them.

I won't let dums formulas formulas three ninety seven.

The sprays, which is like the walls.

Yes, yes, they're dying.

That's the right, they're dying.

Dark.

What's wrong with him?

That spray guns empty?

Conero just completely mad?

The insect world has destroyed his mind.

This is the mysterious traveler again.

How did you enjoy our visit with the man The insects hated?

Too bad about poor Professor Hansen, wasn't it.

Yes, they found it.

Gone completely mad and in his madness, had completely forgotten his newly discovered formula three nine seven which would destroy all insects.

Oh, what happened to the copy of the formula which Martin had stolen?

Well, strangely enough, when Martin's body was removed from the wreggage, the formula was not in his pockets.

Some people say that the insects.

Oh, you have to get off here.

I'm sorry, and I'm sure we'll meet again.

I take this same train every week at the same time.

You've just heard The Mysterious Traveler, a series of drama of the strange and terrifying.

In today's story, the cast included Maurice Toplin, Eric Dressler, Helen Shields, and Robert Dryden.

Original music was played by Geen Parazzo.

The Mysterious Traveler is written, produced, and directed by Bob Arthur and David Cogan.

Listen next week to a tale titled I Dream of Dying, another strange and terrifying tale of the Mysterious Traveler.

The Mysterious Traveler has come to you from our New York studios.

Carl Caruso speaking, This is the Mutual Broadcasting system S