This is Science Friction on Hudson River Radio dot Com, Episode eight I with
a teenage Mummy. It was a cool spring Sunday morning in nineteen fifty four
as a big truck rumbled down a quiet street in Stoney Point, New York.
Most people were still asleep, including archaeologists Doctor Bernard Ratcliffe. I'm coming,
I'm coming. Hang on to your bananahammics. Who on earth could it
be at this hour you, doctor Ratcliffe? Yeah? Yeah, what is
this all about. We've got a special delivery delivery. I'm not expecting anything.
It says here it's from Chairo. Yeah, that's in Egypt, you
know, Yeah, yeah, I know. I just returned from Cairo,
but I didn't order anything. Well, we got us a big, heavy
crate with your name on it. Yeah. The paperwork says it's an antiquity.
Good heavens, it can't be. Let me see it. Rushing to
the back of the truck in his bathrobe and slippers, the renowned egyptologist was
horrified to see the long, wooden crate he immediately recognized as he had been
the one to personally pack its precious contents. This is a mistake. This
was supposed to be delivered to my laboratory at Hudson River University. Our paperwork
gives this address. It ain't our mistake, It ain't our problem. Yeah,
you'll have to work that out with the university. Ain't our problem.
But you can't leave it here. Do you realize what this is? As
long as it ain't gonna blow up when we pick it up and put it
down, we don't care what it is. We are paid to move things,
not figure out their contents. But these are the remains of the young
son of the mighty Pharaoh. I'm in Rahotep. Surely you've heard of my
discovery. This is the mummy of Prince Watch your step A mummy, you
say, like in the movies, Like one of them, dried out bodies,
all wrapped up. Yeah, exactly. Ain't all problem, but you
simply can't leave it here. Hey, look, we got a job to
do. Yeah. We can put it on the lawn or in your house.
Either way, we gotta deliver it. Let me call the university and
straighten it out. Make all the calls you want after we take this box
out of the truck. Doctor Radcliffe pleaded with the man, but his words
fell on deaf ears. All right, then bring it around the back to
the basement door, and please be careful. It's extremely fragile. Please,
this is thousands of years old. Finally, the moving men got the heavy
crate into the basements. All right, now I'll sign here here and here
and initial it here and here. Oh yeah, and there and there.
Nice doing business with you. Enjoy your mummy, daddy O. As the
movie men drove off, Doctor Radcliffe's son Eric came down into the basement.
Hey, Pop, what's all commotion? What's this? Those idiots at the
museum in Cairo mistakenly sent the mummy a prince watch your step here instead of
the university for real, a mummy in our house. I'm gonna call my
friends to come look at it. No, we need to be very careful.
We don't know what kind of bacteria, molder toxins might be on it.
Gosh, Pop, it would be so cool to show off to my
friends. Can I at least see it? Well? I would like to
check and make sure those two gorillas didn't damage anything. But here, put
on this protective mask and gloves and grab a couple of crowbars to help me
pry open this crate. Now, carefully lift the lid and we'll stand it
over there. Holy mackerel, that is so neat? Is that real gold?
Yes? The sarcophagus is beautiful, and fortunately it appears to be intact.
Now as gently as you can slide and lift off the top a real
mummy, you can actually see its face. Much of the fabric has deteriorated
on his face and limbs. But given the age of this mummy, it's
in remarkably good condition, and it doesn't look worse for wear for its journey.
Now, quickly, let's replace the cover and close the crate again.
What was all the writing on the sarcophagus. It's quite unusual. Actually,
it's a prayer to Osiris to release the prince from death and him live a
long life. You mean, like raise him from the dead. Yes.
The prince was heir to the throne, and the pharaoh was terribly distraught when
he died so young, he was only about fifteen or sixteen. For months,
the pharaoh ordered his priests to conduct ceremonies to resurrect his son. He
never gave up hope, super neat, Can we try? Wouldn't that be
nice to talk to a real Egyptian prince. But if the High Priest couldn't
do it, I doubt we could come on pap Let's try. We're obviously
translated the prayer, sure, but I'm afraid we're fresh out of Tanna leaves
to prepare the elixir of life, and we would also need the tears of
a young maid whose love will restore Prince Wacio step to the world of the
living. Now, I need to get dressed and make some phone calls to
arrange to transport the mummy to the university. Will be right back with Law
of Science Friction Futi on Hudson River Radio dot com. Ladies, your husbands
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Nothing sucks as much as a Siphon. We now return to Science Friction Theater
on Hudson Crimal Radio dot com. After hours of frustrating phone calls, Doctor
Radcliffe finally went to his office at the university to arrange safe transport for the
priceless antiquity. He also needed to set up an isolation lab to safely and
properly study the ancient mummy. As soon as he left, Eric made some
phone calls of his own. Come on, Jimmy, don't be a security
cat. Everyone else is on their way over. Even Mary Eck will be
there, and I know you have a crush on her. With doctor Radcliffe
spending so much time away on expeditions, things were hard on Eric, especially
since his mother had passed away two years earlier. He wanted to impress his
father in hopes of going with him on his next expedition, and what better
way to make an impression than to bring an Egyptian mummy back to life.
Hi Mary, thanks so much for coming. How could I pass up on
a chance to see a real mummy? Come down to the basement. Jimmy,
Billy and Joe are already here. Oh, Hi Mary, A nice
day. Hi Jimmy, that was solely nice day. Shut up, Eric,
Let's just get on with it. Joe, did your mum have any
Egyptian tanna leaves in her herb? Garden. No, but she had plenty
of a reagan. Also, I had brought a bunch that I guess that'll
be good enough. And I got a can of my dad's beer for the
elixir great and I found a translation of the prayer to Osires on my dad's
desk. Do you really think this will work? It's worth a try.
Now, let's grind up the regeneau into the beer, and Mary, you
need to think of something really sad so we can get some of your tears.
Each of them brought a bed sheet to wear like a priest's robe,
and they lit candles in a circle around the wooden crate. The entire ceremony
almost ended before it started when Billy got too close to a candle and set
his bed sheet on fire, but he quickly stomped out the flames. Be
careful, you idiot. Oh no, my mom's gonna kill me for burning
his sheet. Don't worry. When we become rich and famous for bringing the
mummy back to life, you can buy a hundred sheets. Okay, it's
getting dark, so let's get started. Everyone grab a corner of the crate
lid and stand it up over here. Hey, behold the golden sarcophagus of
Prince Watcheyo step as if on QE. A thunderstorm hit Stony Point and lightning
flashes cast eerie shadows. They also knocked out the power. Maybe it's a
sign that we shouldn't mess around with the mummy. It's okay, Mary,
I'll protect you now. We need to be really, really careful. Sliding
back the top of the sarcophagus gently, gently, that's the neatest thing ever.
WHOA, you can see his face. Oh, he looks so sad
and alone. He was just a kid like us. I feel so bad
that he died so young. As the thunder roared and bright flashes lit up
the basement, a single tear fell from Mary's eye and landed on the dried
lips of the boy who had been destined to rule a vast empire before he
was cut down in his youth. Hey, Eric, there's a car pulling
into your driveway. What. Oh no, it's my dad. I thought
he'd be gone all night, that's what he said. Quick, slide the
top back on and get the lid off the crate. All grub the candles.
I've got the ELIXA. Quick, everyone out the basement door. No
one says a word about this to anyone. Oh few minutes later, Eric,
what's with the bed sheet? You're pretending to be a Roman emperor?
What? Oh? Yeah, I was putting away some laundry, and I
guess my imagination got carried away. How come your back so soon? It's
impossible to get hold of anyone on a Sunday. I did as much as
I could, but I'll have to go back right and early tomorrow to make
the rest of the arrangements. So how's our mummy? Has he been keeping
you company? What? How should I know? I haven't been anywhere near
it? Okay, so defensive, son, I was kidding. Yeah,
I know. Say I thought we had some candles in the stower. Any
idea where they are candles? I don't know where there are any candles.
You're awfully jumpy. I guess it's kind of spooky having a mummy in the
house and the light's going out when you're all alone. I'm fine, no
problem. I have a flashlight upstairs, and I think i'll read for a
while before bet. Okay, son, I promised the mummy will be gone
tomorrow. Good night. Meanwhile, out in the storm, we can wait
here and doctor Reckless tool shed until the storm passes, and then I'll walk
your home. Mary. Okay. Thanks. You know I can't stop thinking
about the face of that poor mummy. He's been all alone in that box
for thousands of years. I know. It was kind of creepy. His
face was so well preserved it looked like he was just sleeping. I wish
I could find out more about him, what he liked to do, what
life was like back then. Maybe we can still do the ceremony and find
out. I hope, so, I really hope. So. As Eric
was upstairs in his room reading comic books and doctor Ratcliffe was working in his
office with a camping lantern, something strange was happening in the basement. The
single tear that fell on the lips of the mummified earthly remains of Prince Watcho
Step began to sparkle and transform the long dead flesh. It was the magic
of the innocence, sympathy and compassion, a powerful magic that sent shockwaves through
the mummy, and it actually began to stir. Well. Thanks for walking
me home, Jimmy. I'll see you in school tomorrow. Get home safe.
I have to go back to Eric's house. First, I borrowed my
brother's pocket knife and I must have dropped it in the basement. He'll slug
me if I lose it. The storm had finally passed, and the light
of the bright full moon illuminated the Ratcliffe property well enough that Jimmy could easily
see the basement door. On tiptoe, he crept up to the door and
fortunately found it unlocked from when they all had ran away. It was very
dark inside, but once his eyes adjusted, he was surprised to see that
the top of the crate was on the floor, and it looked like the
lid of the sarcophacus was completely off. And what he saw next literally stopped
his heart. Ah no, no ah. As the mummy moved toward the
terrified boy, Prince Wachiyo step tripped on the loose bandages around his feet and
fell, Struggling to stand up. He continued to move towards Jimmy Very early
the next morning. Hello, who oh, yes, missus Canfield Jimmy's mom.
No, he isn't here. No No, I didn't know he was
coming here last night. Let me talk to Eric and I'll call you back.
No. I didn't see Jimmy last night. You had better not be
lying to me. Son. Jimmy's missing and his parents are worried, sick,
missing. But he should have gotten home early. I mean, so
he was here. I know you told me not to show the mummy to
anyone, but it was super keen. But I swear that we just took
a quick look and everybody left when he got home. Oh good heavens,
what were you thinking if that mummy or sarcophagus were damaged in any way.
Both father and son rushed to the basement and found the empty sarcophacus. What
have you done with this mummy? I swear, Dad, we never even
touched it. How can I believe a word you say? Wait, what's
that over there in the corner. Oh no, it's Jimmy and he he's
dead. Later that day, at police headquarters, Sergeant, we just heard
from the coroner's office about the Canfield boy and well they will be running more
tests, but it looks like he just died of fright right. Well,
what all the blood and that terrible wound to his admomen That's where it gets
really creepy. How can I get any creepier? Than a missing mummy and
a dead boy. Well, the coroner said that someone removed Jimmy's liver after
he was dead. But why what kind of fiend are we dealing with?
Stony Point Police? What? Oh, no, we'll be right there now.
What it's Joe, the Saunders boy. His mother found him dead in
his room and he has the same wound on his abdomen. Great Caesar's ghost.
Get the team over their asap and get doctor Radcliffe and a son to
the station immediately later that evening. Now, Eric, it's time for the
whole truth. What the hell happened last night? I've told you ten times.
Jimmy, Billie, Joe, Mary and I never touched the mummy and
we never started the ceremony. When we heard my dad come home, everyone
ran. You're sure none of the boys argued over marry you sure none of
you are jealous? We need the truth. No, we were all best
friends. We wouldn't hurt each other. How do you explain it? You're
gonna tell me that mummy did this? Look, Sergeant, what these kids
did was stupid and irresponsible, but I know them. They're not capable of
murder. Come in and sorry to bother you start. But the preliminary Carter's
report is in on Joe Saunders, and this time it was the stomach and
intestines that were taken. No, good, God, how horrible. I'm
afraid we're going to need to keep your son here and bring Billy Tyler and
Mary Eck to the station as well. Someone's got to know what sam hell's
going on here. Meanwhile, at Billy's house, young man, I don't
know what you've gotten yourself into, but we've been asked to bring you to
the police station in regards to these awful murders. But Dad, I didn't
do nothing. Jimmy and Joe were my friends. Well, go wash up
and change your shirt and be ready in ten minutes. Billy was too afraid
to go to the police station. Something terrible happened to his friends, and
he decided to run away before it could happen to him. Grabbing a flashlight
ninety three cents and a lighter, he climbed out the window and went to
the backyard to get his bicycle. He quickly realized he was not alone.
Who's there, who's out there? Billy froze in horror as the flashlight beam
fell on the face of Prince Watchio step. But it wasn't the face of
a dried up ancient mummy, not entirely at least. The skin looked freshed,
the eyes moist, and lips parted in a most sinister smile. No,
no, get away from me. The mommy stepped forward, but tripped
on those loose bandages around his feet and fella. But Billy was so afraid
that his legs wouldn't move, and the mummy soon arose and grabbed the terrified
boy. No, a Billy, Billy, is that you? Where are
you? By the time Billy's dad found his son in the backyard, it
was too late. Early the next morning at police headquarters. Can we go
home now? Obviously, if Eric was here, he wouldn't have killed Billy.
I know, but maybe this is the safest place for your son to
be. Right now, there's a killer on the It was collecting body parts
for some sick reason. Oh good God, not Billy too. Yeah,
this time the fiend took the kid's lungs, his lungs, What kind of
monster is this? Wait? Why didn't I think of this before? Billy's
lungs Joe's stomach and intestines and Jimmy's liver. Yeah that means something to you.
Yeah, I'm I'm afraid it does. Sergeant. Do you know anything
about the ancient Egyptian practice of mummification? Sure, someone dies, they wrap
him up, stick him in a box. Well, basically, yes,
but it was a little more involved in that the entire process took about seventy
days and involved the removal of certain organs. I got a feeling I'm not
gonna like what I'm about to hear. Yes, they would always remove the
liver, lungs, stomach, and intestines. So what are you saying that
this mummy came to life and is killing boys to replace his missing organs?
No, no, of course not. But what I am saying is that
perhaps someone back in Egypt was not happy that we removed the prince from his
eternal resting place. There are still priests that followed the old ways. Great,
so we're not looking for a missing mummy but also a homicidal Egyptian priest.
Well that's the only thing that makes any sense, sergeant. Sergeant,
something strange is going on in town, now, what what could be stranger
than this? People are getting sick real sick, and they've got a name
for it, a name like the flu. No, the people are calling
it the Mummy's curse. Doctor's offices across Stony Point, we're filling up with
young and old alike. They were having trouble breathing, and their skin was
getting very dry, so dry it was cracking. Word of the missing mummy
and murders had spread like wildfire. And this sudden, strange illness was also
being attributed to some contagion unleashed from an ancient tomb of the prince. So
what about it, wreck, Cliff, Any chance your mummy was carrying something
infectious? Yes it's possible. That's why I always wear a mask and gloves.
But whoever stole the mummy may not have taken any precautions. So what
do we do? It would be best if you imposed a quarantine and asked
everyone to stay home, but for how long as long as it takes.
Meanwhile, at the home of Mary Eck Dear, you have to eat to
keep up your strength. I can't, Mama, I can't even think straight.
I'm going to go outside and sit on the porch. Okay, but
if anyone comes by, remember to keep your distance. Mary rocks slowly on
the porch swing, her mind lost in thought about the terrible deaths of her
friends, yet still completely enchanted by the face of the prince. Just then
she thought she saw someone moving in the woods. She should have been afraid,
yelled for help run back to the house. Instead, she felt irresistibly
drawn to the figure. Fearlessly, Mary walked towards prince watyostep. He moved
towards her, but tripped once again on those loose bandages. Who wait here,
I'll be right back. Running into the house, Mary returned with a
pair of scissors. At first, the half alive mummy seemed frightened, but
Mary's soothing words and gentle smile told him he could trust the sweet, beautiful
girl. Oh still, let me cut those loose bandages so you won't fall
anymore. Whoa carefully cutting away the fabric that was thousands of years old.
She gazed deeply into the Prince's eyes. They were hypnotic, so lonely,
and yet so full of love. He was almost human again, but not
quite. She wanted to stay, promise him to get help, but the
teenage mummy staggered back into the woods. Ohay, for you as long as
it takes. Will be right back with more of Science Friction theat on Hudson
River Radio Dulce com. And now for the exciting conclusion of Science Friction Theater
on Hudson River Radio dot Com. Back at the Radcliff home, I still
think you should have stayed at the police station. But this crazy Gyptian priest
already got what he came for, right, What do you mean he got
the mummy and all the organs it was missing, well, not exactly.
You see, during the mummification process they would also remove the brain. Terror
gripped Eric body and soul as he grabbed his head and screamed, no,
no, I'm next, I know it. In a total panic, Eric
ran out of the house and into the night. When his body was finally
found the next day, the boy's clothes were missing, along with his brain,
and next to his body was a pile of all the mummy's wrappings.
One week later, back at the police station, Doctor Radcliffe, I'm so
sorry for your loss. Eric was a good kid, I promise you.
We were doing everything in our powerty apprehend this madman. Thank you, sergeant,
But I'm not so sure now it was a man then who what?
There are some mysteries that we will never be able to fathom. That boy's
mummy, well, I can't help but think I should never have disturbed his
tomb. You know, I certainly have to agree with you. There still
any point has been completely evacuated, and the army will start burning all the
buildings to eradicate the ancient Egyptian contagion. The death toll is finally subsiding,
but we can't take any chances. And what about Mary Eck? Has she
been found? No, not a trace. She just disappeared into thin air
soon after. Eric was killed a few days later on a bus headed for
nowhere. In particular, Mary, you know I didn't mean to kill any
of your friends. They just died of fright seeing me. And since they
were already dead and had those young, fresh organs that could restore me,
I know, I know you could never intentionally hurt anyone. Where are we
going? What will we do? Does it matter? No, my love,
not as long as you and I are together for eternity. This has
been Science Friction Theater, a production of Hudson River Radio dot Com. Written
by Winder Simmerby. Don't Forget to subscribe to the podcast so you'll never miss
an exciting adventure. See you next time on Science Friction Theater.