The Adventures of Sam Spade: Dry Gulch Caper 12/8/1950

Summary

Summary of "The Adventures of Sam Spade: Dry Gulch Caper" | Choice Classic Radio Detectives

Podcast Information:

• Title: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio
• Episode: The Adventures of Sam Spade: Dry Gulch Caper (Original Air Date: December 8, 1950; Release Date: April 26, 2025)
• Description: Old time radio enthusiasts are treated to one of the era’s most beloved detective stories. Each episode delves into classic investigations, bringing timeless characters and thrilling mysteries to life.

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Introduction

"The Adventures of Sam Spade: Dry Gulch Caper" is a gripping installment in the Sam Spade detective series, masterfully produced, directed, and edited by William Spears. This episode transports listeners to the desolate town of Dry Gulch, where Sam Spade navigates a complex web of deceit, old vendettas, and dangerous confrontations. The story intertwines elements of classic Western motifs with noir detective storytelling, creating a unique and engaging narrative.

Plot Overview

Arrival in Dry Gulch

The episode opens with Sam Spade, portrayed by Stephen Dunn, responding to a distress call from Penny Brewster (narrator), who seeks his expertise regarding her grandfather's unresolved vendetta against the notorious bank robber, Blackie Tolliver. Sam adopts the guise of "Marshall Spade of the California Rangers" to immerse himself in the Wild West setting of Dry Gulch.

Notable Quote:

Sam Spade (Buck Brewster): "Marshall Spade? That's right." [04:20]

Investigation Begins

Upon arriving in Dry Gulch with his trusted companion, Penny, Sam begins his investigation by acquainting himself with local landmarks, such as the Red Dog Saloon—a ghost town steeped in history and mystery. His presence does not go unnoticed, as tensions rise with the return of Blackie Tolliver, who resurfaces on television announcing a new bank opening at Dry Gulch.

Notable Quote:

Blackie Tolliver: "Mighty careless, Marshall, drinking with your back to the door." [09:18]

Confronting Blackie

Sam's investigation leads to a tense encounter with Blackie Tolliver in the Red Dog Saloon. The confrontation reveals the deep-seated animosity Blackie holds against Penny's grandfather, culminating in a dramatic shootout where Sam manages to incapacitate Blackie, only to discover additional layers to the robbery involving corrupt local law enforcement.

Notable Quote:

Sam Spade: "I couldn't think of it. I'll just run along." [22:36]

The Showdown

The climax unfolds as Sam and Blackie engage in a strategic showdown to foil the bank robbery. Utilizing both cunning detective work and his Western prowess, Sam orchestrates a plan to outmaneuver Blackie and his gang, ultimately restoring peace to Dry Gulch and resolving the longstanding feud.

Notable Quote:

Blackie Tolliver: "He got me, Marshall." [27:30]

Resolution

In the aftermath, the episode ties up loose ends as Sam ensures that justice is served, not only by bringing Blackie to account but also by addressing the emotional wounds inflicted on Penny and her grandfather. The resolution underscores themes of redemption, justice, and the enduring spirit of the American West.

Notable Quote:

Sam Spade: "You marry up with somebody else? Oh, shucks, Marshall." [27:44]

Key Characters

• Sam Spade (Buck Brewster): The protagonist, a savvy and resourceful detective embodying both the sharp instincts of a noir sleuth and the rugged determination of a Western marshal.

• Penny Brewster (Narrator): The young woman seeking Sam's help to avenge her grandfather's disgrace, serving as the emotional anchor of the story.

• Blackie Tolliver: The antagonist, a cunning and ruthless bank robber whose past actions have left a trail of bitterness and desire for revenge.

Themes and Insights

Intersection of Noir and Western Genres

This episode uniquely blends elements of film noir with Western motifs, creating a narrative that leverages the gritty atmosphere of noir detective tales within the expansive, lawless backdrop of the Wild West. This fusion allows for complex character development and intricate plot dynamics.

Justice and Redemption

At its core, the story explores themes of justice and redemption. Sam Spade’s quest is not merely to solve a robbery but to heal old wounds and restore honor to a family wronged by Blackie's actions. The narrative emphasizes the personal cost of vengeance and the possibility of redemption through honest confrontation and integrity.

The Power of Disguise and Deception

Sam's adoption of the "Marshall Spade" persona illustrates the theme of disguise and deception, essential tools in his detective arsenal. This strategic masquerade enables him to navigate Dry Gulch without immediate recognition, allowing him to gather information and confront threats more effectively.

Conclusion

"The Adventures of Sam Spade: Dry Gulch Caper" is a compelling episode that showcases the versatility and depth of the Sam Spade character. By intertwining detective work with Western adventure, the story captivates listeners with its suspenseful plot, memorable characters, and enduring themes. This episode stands as a testament to the rich storytelling heritage of old-time radio, offering both nostalgia for long-time fans and an engaging introduction for new listeners.

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Production Credits:

• Producer/Director: William Spears
• Sam Spade: Stephen Dunn
• Effie: Loreen Tuttle
• Buck: Wally Mayer
• Script: Don Carey
• Music: Lud Bleskin, conducted by Robert Armbruster

Stay Tuned: Join Choice Classic Radio again next week for another thrilling adventure with Sam Spade, and don't miss the latest in classic radio storytelling.

Transcript

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[Buck Brewster]

My school uses Podbean.

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My church too.

I love it. I really do.

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[Buck Brewster]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook. Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] the National Broadcasting Company presents the Adventures of Sam Spade Detective.

[Narrator]

Santa Fe Detective Agency.

[Buck Brewster]

Me sweetheart. Bounce along, Spade.

[Narrator]

Bounce along, Spade.

[Buck Brewster]

The only cow folk in the west. With so much daylight between him and his saddle the California Limited can pass under without ever slackening speed.

[Blackie Tolliver]

I'm rough and I'm tough and I'm ready gal.

[Buck Brewster]

I'll outshoot out ride and out court any man in boots or barefooted either, as a matter of fact. Choose your weapon.

[Narrator]

What's come over you? Where have you been?

[Buck Brewster]

Where the air is warm and the women are warmer. If and the end comes swift and sudden. Oh, I took Horace Greeley's advice, sweetheart. I went west.

[Narrator]

Where? With Dan. I mean, are we already done?

[Buck Brewster]

Keep your reins tight, gal. I calculate the bow leg my way through the door garbed in my 12 gallon hat, my buckskin shirt, my worn Levi's and my twin six guns with extra large hammers to dictate my report.

[Blackie Tolliver]

On the dry goat paper. Or they went that away.

[Buck Brewster]

For NBC, William Spear, Radio's outstanding producer director of mystery and crime drama, brings you the greatest private detective of them all in the Adventures of Sam Spade. Come here, prairie flower. Are you the new school marmion?

[Narrator]

Oh, what's happened to you, Sam? You're so strong. So for real.

[Buck Brewster]

For real. Not only that, so be that, Effie. So absolutely, was there anything right you did, sir? Not unless you have an in at the local cushion factory. Shall we see I'd like to get it over with.

[Narrator]

Painful?

[Buck Brewster]

You mean.

[Narrator]

It gives you a headache just to think of it.

[Buck Brewster]

It's not my head that I was referring to. You ready, little pardon? Ready, Date. Fill it in. To Lieutenant R.C. halliday, robbery detail, San Francisco Police Department, City from Samuel Spade, license number 137596. Subject the Wild West Caper or hop along, Cassidy can have it. Dear Holiday, I should say at this very instant I should be cramming for my entrance exams to the mission home for saddle store private detectives. But knowing how this report will tidy up your files, I shall be proceed in a standing position. It was late yesterday afternoon when for me the bells holed. That was when I first heard the purdy voice of the girl of the golden wet.

[Narrator]

Mr. Spade? You are, son. Spade the detective.

[Buck Brewster]

Seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Who?

[Narrator]

Mr. Spade. I'm calling about my grandfather. He.

[Blackie Tolliver]

If.

[Narrator]

You don't even know who I am, do you?

[Buck Brewster]

I cannot tell a lie. I don't, ma'am.

[Narrator]

My name's Penny Brewster and I only hope I can tell you the story before Grandfather comes to phone.

[Buck Brewster]

The story?

[Narrator]

Yes. You see. Oh, here he comes. Play along with him, Mr. Spade, please. And remember, you're not Sam Spade the detective. You're Marshall Spade of the California Rangers.

[Buck Brewster]

Marshall? Wait a minute, I, I.

[Blackie Tolliver]

You must look the part in a blue serge suit.

[Narrator]

You'll think of something, I know you will. I've heard. Private detective. You're terrible clever.

[Buck Brewster]

Well, I, I. Marshall Spade? That's right.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Buck Brewster talking. Yeah, Penny says you're the straightest shooting folky since Billy's a kid. T. Rex, huh?

[Buck Brewster]

Oh, sure, sure. T. Rex. Buck, T. Rex.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Same as you and the horse. Fly along like you was one. T. Rex.

[Buck Brewster]

Buck, at one time or another, I've taken a fly on every nag in the game, Trotters included.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Then you're my man, Marshall. Get up here fast. This shooting's liable to start any minute. We.

[Buck Brewster]

We have a bad connection on this phone. I thought you said the shooting's rival to start.

[Blackie Tolliver]

I ain't got no time to waste on useless palaver, Spades. Just get up here. I'll paint the whole picture when I see you. Get up.

[Buck Brewster]

Where? Where are you? Why, in dry goats.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Where else would I be? Well, that or where is dry goat? Take the main trail north out of town till you spot the Oak Circle, then bear right. Yeah, I'll go down now and leave a change amount to the circle.

[Buck Brewster]

How far would you say this circle is from San Fran?

[Blackie Tolliver]

Oh, about a half day. Hard ride, I reckon half a day's.

[Buck Brewster]

Look, but I. I don't think I better. I'm out of conditioning. You know, I haven't been riding lately.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Oh, sure. That ain't what my purdy granddaughter tells me.

[Buck Brewster]

Purdy, eh? Half a day's hard ride, about 20 miles, huh? I don't remember any time along there.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Don't worry about the town, marshal. It's here. Just get in your saddle and get your open. You're sure there's a town there? Babe, I ain't got time to argue geography with you. Now listen, them $50 gold pieces clinking together and I got a whole cellar full of them. Are you coming up here?

[Buck Brewster]

But tell him to take to the high hills. Sam Spade rides again. I made two stops before I hailed a cab and pulled a startled driver to proceed north on the main trail out of town. At a corner news stand where I rippled through a Western story magazine to determine what the saddle and sage brush set is wearing this season. And at the Hitch and Post costume shop, where I don what I thought was a rather colorful facsimile of the same, we drove out 101 at a smooth 55 for almost half an hour before I spotted a circular clump of trees complete with horse. As we reared to a halt, the driver looked back at me and shook his head.

[Blackie Tolliver]

I'm taking down your description, but just in case. They have black 10 gallon hat, rifle silk shape, almonds, ankora chaps. Boy, I've seen everything.

[Buck Brewster]

Now, you obviously aren't an esquire man. Now, this wardrobe was personally endorsed by Mr. T. Yeah, yeah.

[Blackie Tolliver]

You sure you want to get out here, buster?

[Buck Brewster]

At this very spot. Buster.

[Blackie Tolliver]

But there ain't nothing here but nothing.

[Buck Brewster]

Wrong, my good man, for you. There is this for me yonder steed. And the dusty trail on your right. Pleasant journey back to the fort. And keep an eye. Appeal for the Indians.

[Blackie Tolliver]

A fruitcake.

[Buck Brewster]

I've been hauling a fruitcake. He drove off and I staggered on the sides of my ankles toward the horse, the mount that Buck had left for me. Now, this ornery critter took one look at my costume and as I swung up into the saddle, he shuddered, then closed his eyes and Bowie. Hey, wait for me.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Horse. Hey, horse.

[Buck Brewster]

It was approximately seven miles later and I was beginning to feel better because I was paralyzed from the waist down that we flashed past a sign that read dry Gulf City Limit. Beware of flying lead. And then came Dry Gulch, Copper, ramshackled buildings Lined at solitary dusty streets, roofs sagging, walls leaning crazily inward. There wasn't a human being in sight. Dry goats was at Ghost Town. We clumped past the Golden Spur Cafe, Whitey's Tonsorial Parlor, the Lone Ace Gambling Casino and Gergen Saddle and Harness Shop. All deserted before my horse plowed to a halt in front of the Red Dog Saloon. I dismounted and hobbled in. Inside, the Red Dog was a spider's paradise. Cobwebs covered everything. A Jesse James wanted posters hacked on a wall, an 1835 calendar bearing a picture of Sam Houston, even a bottle of Red Eye standing on the bar. I was washing the trail dust out of my throat when a familiar object on a shelf behind the bar caught my attention. I shoved the bottle hastily away from me and rapidly blinked my eye. But what I'd seen was still there. A brand new oak tape television set. And then somebody shoved another familiar object right into my rib.

[Blackie Tolliver]

For your sake, I hope you're Marshall Spade.

[Buck Brewster]

The same. And also for my sake, I hope you don't have a nervous trigger finger.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Mighty careless, Marshall, drinking with your back to the door. Let me look you over. Turn around.

[Buck Brewster]

All right, Buck, here we are.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Well, why in tarnishing are you rigged out like that?

[Buck Brewster]

Well, perhaps these aren't my best colors, but. Oh, how about this shooting you spoke of? What's the trouble, Buck?

[Blackie Tolliver]

Oh, it's that low down snake, Blackie Tolliver.

[Buck Brewster]

Marshall Blackie Toliver.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Oh, you must have heard the Blackie. Here. This is in here.

[Buck Brewster]

Blackie Tolliver thought for the robbery of the Cattlemen's national bank, Oklahoma City, June 25, 1894. Rough orner. AK use kai use.

[Blackie Tolliver]

But direct. We crossed trails first. When he pulled that job, me being the sheriff in 94 was up to me to chase him down. But he wrangled himself a pardon. Slippery snake.

[Buck Brewster]

And then?

[Blackie Tolliver]

Well, four years later I hit Tombstone. All prime to settle down. Even had little Finley all freaked out. But it never happened.

[Buck Brewster]

What then?

[Blackie Tolliver]

Oh, that creeping, crawling Blackie Toliver sweet talked her into leaving town with him.

[Buck Brewster]

Your girl ran off with Blackie to.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Get hit Dawson City. Then he stranded her there, sick and broke. I burned the letter getting to her when I heard. But I was too late.

[Buck Brewster]

Oh, I'm sorry, Buck, but that's a long time ago.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Well, I vowed I'd get that sidewinder. I chased him all over the west, but I still couldn't catch him. Then. Then three days ago I seen him.

[Buck Brewster]

Again here in Dry Go.

[Blackie Tolliver]

No, no, on TV what? Yeah, some program was telecasting about a new bank opening in his store. And there, there Biggie's life was Blackie, right on the tv.

[Buck Brewster]

You could recognize him on television. Amazing.

[Blackie Tolliver]

And you know what he was doing there, Marshall?

[Buck Brewster]

What?

[Blackie Tolliver]

Blackie Toliver, who's held up more banks than I've got fingers and toes, was the guiding that bank.

[Buck Brewster]

You mean he pulled a switch, huh? Trailing with the law.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Now, quick as the TV was finished, I writ him a letter. I challenged him to a shootout here in Geigault where no one could interfere. And as soon as he's a shows up, I'm gonna cut him down.

[Buck Brewster]

Well, what makes you think he'll show?

[Blackie Tolliver]

Well, two of his gang was skulking around yesterday looking to lay out for him.

[Buck Brewster]

You need two of his gang? How do you figure that?

[Blackie Tolliver]

Well, it's simple. I send him that leather when they shows up. The first humans to set foot in dry goats in 10 years. Yes, sir. Now, if Black's got a gang, I might need some help. She that's where you come in. If things get too rough, you're going to step in and clean the tide. Me?

[Buck Brewster]

Why, I haven't flung a tide in years.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Penny. Penny.

[Buck Brewster]

A girl now entered the red dog. A girl, and I do not use the term loosely. Golden hair framed a face that belonged nowhere but on a ranch romantic cover. And her plaid shirt and jeans and taste the sort of figure that lonely cow pokes dream of. The sort of figure, as a matter of fact, that only private detectives dream of too.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Now, this is my granddaughter, Penny Marshall. Penny is a new saddle a howdy, Marshall.

[Narrator]

I've heard a lot about you.

[Buck Brewster]

So I've heard.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Show the marshall where he'll bed down, honey. And keep your eyes open, Spade. Them varmints are liable to strike any minute. Well, you can run along now.

[Buck Brewster]

Okay, but you'll be here.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Well, I wouldn't be nowhere else for the next half hour.

[Buck Brewster]

Now he's but Sandy coming on sage brushed Sandy.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Yes, sir. The best thing that ever happened to tv. The greatest stick jockey besides the Pecos River.

[Narrator]

Now, if I can just find them. Now we remove the paste from the oven. Ready? Oh, dear. What a mess.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Wait for a picture, dad rather cooking next spurt. Oh, Dixieland. That's Dixieland Musical murder that's for.

[Buck Brewster]

And San Francisco police have no clue to the whereabouts of two armed gunmen who late this afternoon forced the guard to open the doors of the Park State bank and escape with a suitcase full of currency.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Dixie Land bank robbers where incarnation Sagebrushandy and just listen to that record. He's a spinning now that's real music.

[Buck Brewster]

Let quickly.

[Narrator]

I take it Sage Brush Sandy's program doesn't do anything for you.

[Buck Brewster]

Well, let's say the fresh air does more.

[Narrator]

I'm glad you stayed, Mr. Spade. For a minute I was afraid you were leaving Dry Goat.

[Buck Brewster]

Where were you?

[Narrator]

Outside the window. You were trying to reach.

[Buck Brewster]

You mean you heard all the things Buck said?

[Narrator]

Uh huh. We turn in here. This is the Overland Hotel.

[Buck Brewster]

You're not worried about your Grandfather?

[Narrator]

Oh, no, Mr. Spade. There's nothing wrong with her. It looks like everything's I can remember.

[Buck Brewster]

Oh.

[Narrator]

Here you are. Not the Fairmount exactly.

[Buck Brewster]

Charming. Charming about what?

[Narrator]

Grandfather is a very old man. He's trying desperately to live in the past. That's why he bought Dry Gout.

[Buck Brewster]

You mean he bought the whole town?

[Narrator]

Lock, stock and barrel. It was, well, a dream he'd had for years come true. A chance to live out his life and the sort of surroundings he loved.

[Buck Brewster]

And Blackie Tolliver, the demon bank robber who came back on television.

[Narrator]

I've heard about Blackie Talliver since I was so high. This showdown with Blackie is all Grandfather talks about when it doesn't happen. There'll be no living with him unless he can be convinced. Blackie was just too scared to face him.

[Buck Brewster]

And I'm to convince him? Why me?

[Narrator]

Who could convince him easier than Marshals Fade of the California Rangers talking to him man to man.

[Buck Brewster]

Oh, I see. Well, look, I. I can't take his mind.

[Narrator]

Tomorrow you can leave and forget the whole thing. You will help me, won't you? Stand.

[Buck Brewster]

Her face was only inches from mine and getting closer every second. When the silence of dried ghost was shattered by shouts and the sound of pounding feet, I crossed the room and peered out in the twilight. A man was running from the Red Dog Saloon to the hotel, but nowhere near fast enough. All four of the shots that lanced out from the Red Dog caught him directly under my window. He staggered drunkenly and then fell face up in the street. As I looked down at him, two thoughts were inescapable. A, his was the same place Buck had shown me on the poster. So there was A Blackie to her, and B whatever game Penny's grandfather was playing right now is apparently one he was playing for teeth. You are listening to the weekly adventure of radio's most famous detective, Sam sp. Have you met our new baby yet? I mean, NBC's new baby. The Big Show. And what a baby it is. The biggest baby you ever heard. And he's not crying either. Why should he cry? With stars like Tallulah Bankhead, Jimmy Durante, Clifton Webb, Mindy Carson, Meredith Wilson and a host of others to make him radio's greatest spectacle ever. This Sunday and every Sunday, meet the Big Show. An hour and a half of comedy, music and drama. All this and Tallulah, too. No wonder it's the big Show. And Sunday evening over most of these NBC stations also means theater guild on the air. Now back to the Dry Gulch caper. Or they Went that away. Tonight's adventure with Sam Spade. Blackie Toliver was still alive but unconscious when Penny and I reached him moments later. His forced breathing was the only sound to be heard along Dry Gulch's single street. Wherever Buck had gone after the shooting, whatever he was doing, he was quiet as a mouse. I examined Blackie as best I could in the dusky light. Was wearing a Park State bank guard uniform, and it was soaked with red. He needed medical attention fast, you guys.

[Narrator]

And they'll call it murder, won't they?

[Buck Brewster]

Let's not talk about that now.

[Narrator]

Won't they?

[Buck Brewster]

What else could they call it? Like he didn't have a prayer. He isn't even carrying a gun.

[Narrator]

But grandfather. Oh, Sam, what are we gonna do?

[Buck Brewster]

Right now, we're gonna get Black into a hospital. That means we'll need horses and some help.

[Narrator]

There's no one to help us.

[Buck Brewster]

Well, there's Bucks. You saddle the horses. I'll find him.

[Narrator]

If we take him to a hospital, he still might die. And what a regain. But if we didn't, no one would ever know that.

[Buck Brewster]

Grandfather.

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[Dutch Announcer]

Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24. 7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments. And shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more Time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.

[Narrator]

I'll saddle horses. Sam, please don't hit me for what I was thinking.

[Buck Brewster]

I carried Blacky to the Hotel Po porch and did what I could to make him comfortable. And I started looking for Buck. Buck's TV set was still on when I reached the Red Dog, but it was playing to a dark, empty house. I turned away to continue my search and then I stopped. The music tearing at my eardrums was pure Dixieland. Musical murders, Buck called it. I checked my watch. 6:23. Only 23 minutes since Penny and I left the saloon. That meant Sagebrush Sandy still had seven minutes to go. I could see Buck taking a powder after dropping Blackie. But I couldn't see him forsaking his beloved Sandy for Dixieland before he did it. I was wondering who had switched channels when I saw what I'd missed before. A sliver of light shining under a door at the back of the room. I cat footed my way across the Red Dog and had almost reached the door when for the second time since my arrival in Dry Gulch, I felt a gun barrel pressed against my spine. Don't stop, sn. Just keep moving right on through the door. I'm sorry, sir. I can hardly hear you with that music. All right, so we can turn it off. The music. Thank you, thank you. Now. Now move. Well, you insist, but I can only stay a moment.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Talky, what happened? Thought the population of this town was but one.

[Buck Brewster]

So did I, Al. I got rid of the old town, but on the way back I run into this G. Apparently the census taker's overlooking him.

[Blackie Tolliver]

That only proves you can believe no man. We are given positive assurance the place is deserted, yet traffic suddenly becomes unbearable.

[Buck Brewster]

Well, perhaps I was being over friendly gentlemen. We Westerners get carried away now and then. Now, if you'll excuse me. Albert.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Yes, friend? You have just arrived.

[Buck Brewster]

Really, boys, it's far past my usual.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Bedtime, so you sleep in tomorrow. Sit down. Leave us chat.

[Buck Brewster]

There were several things in that candlelit back room I could have chatted about. I could have told Al Torino, short, swarthy and one of the best known bank boys in the business that I'd recognized him as soon as his friend herded me through the door or perhaps mentioned the currency stacked high on the table before him. Each packet held together by a paper binder with the words Park State bank of San Francisco State stamped very neatly on it.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Now, suppose you tell us about what you're snooping around for gentlemen, this is.

[Buck Brewster]

All a grievous misunderstanding. I merely happened by to remind you of the annual rodeo to be held at Devil's Elbow this coming Saturday.

[Blackie Tolliver]

An innocent friendly gesture. Tell us more.

[Buck Brewster]

A most colorful event. The rodeo. Bronco busting, covered wagon races, wild steer roping. And anyone can enter. Now perhaps you would be interested. Me?

[Blackie Tolliver]

Why, I haven't roped a wild steer in almost a fortnight.

[Buck Brewster]

Your friend perhaps. Heaven alone knows how long it's been since I roped the stair.

[Blackie Tolliver]

I busted a monkey.

[Buck Brewster]

Well, just a thought. Bye. Hold it, please.

[Blackie Tolliver]

I'm most unhappy that we misjudged you, friend.

[Buck Brewster]

Oh, it's nothing. Every call can't be a happy one.

[Blackie Tolliver]

You only make me feel worse. I feel we owe you something for at least thinking of us. Don't chew, Corky.

[Buck Brewster]

Yes indeed, Al.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Yes indeed.

[Buck Brewster]

I couldn't think of it. I'll just run along.

[Blackie Tolliver]

No, our minds are made up. Give it old Corky.

[Buck Brewster]

I dove for him as the words wet his mouth because I knew what they intended to give me. But I only got in one punch because Corky knew what Al was going to say before he said it. That gave him a slight advantage and it was all he needed. When I came out of it, I was lying in total darkness. And I wasn't alone.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Oh, dead blasted varmin. She wouldn't like get loose and get.

[Buck Brewster]

My hands on it. Varmint.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Let me lose.

[Buck Brewster]

Just a minute, Buck. I'll give you a hand. There you are. Hey, how'd they get you, Buck?

[Blackie Tolliver]

Oh, I was watching the TV and I heard a car and Blackie and them two that were stroking around yesterday drove up and they walked right into the Red Dog as if they were.

[Buck Brewster]

Him in the steel who was carrying the suitcase.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Right he was. And the others was walking along behind him with their guns drawed, protecting him so I couldn't get to him. So I sneaked around to the front of the Red Dog hoping I could surprise him. Well, it was me they got surprised though.

[Buck Brewster]

Well, what happened, Buck?

[Blackie Tolliver]

Well, they was in the back room and Blackie was hollering about a dibble cross and a fair cut. And that's your kind of talk. And then the door busted open and he come a tearing out across the room with that little critter right behind him.

[Buck Brewster]

Wanna be Alterino? He's the one who got Blackie.

[Blackie Tolliver]

He what?

[Buck Brewster]

Got Blackie?

[Blackie Tolliver]

You mean that wall eyed critter's been messing around my range?

[Buck Brewster]

Remember we heard on TV about the Park State bank being knocked over These are the boys who did it.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Well, I'll be your. And Blackie was the hostage that announced the photo was talking about. He was the bank guard. And they took it.

[Buck Brewster]

No, no, Blackie was in it too. The inside man. He had to be.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Do you think Blackie opened them doors for him without any persuasion? Huh?

[Buck Brewster]

I'll give you odds on it, Buck. And I didn't just happen to pick Dry Gulch as their hideout either. Blackie must have suggested it after you wrote and told him you were up here all along. You didn't know it, but you were handing him a perfect hideout.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Yes, but why would one of his own gang drop Blackie Perino?

[Buck Brewster]

And the other one apparently figured a lot of money for three would be even more for two.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Yeah. Hey, pay, listen to that. Now the environment's is fixing to pull out. Come on, let's go get him.

[Buck Brewster]

I'm right with you, bud.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Up, you bushwacking dudes. Hey. Oh, dad. Raditz with you late Marshall. There they go tearing down the back road.

[Buck Brewster]

Is there any way we can cut across country and head them off?

[Blackie Tolliver]

Oh, no, not a foot. Weak hands. And by the time we saddle up some ponies, they'll be.

[Buck Brewster]

Pains me to even mention this, Buck, but I sent Penny to do just that some time ago.

[Blackie Tolliver]

You did?

[Buck Brewster]

Yeah.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Well, what are we waiting for?

[Buck Brewster]

We galloped up draws, down canyon, through streams, over cliffs, in a cross desert. And the only place on me that felt good was my head where Corky had sapped me. And finally Buck, riding ahead of me, pulled his pony to a halt and waited for me to catch up. Somehow I slid south off my horse's neck and was back in the saddle again when I drew a breast of him.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Well, we ain't going to have to trap them dudes after all, Marshall, Huh?

[Buck Brewster]

No.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Cripple Creek done it first. Cripple Creek, the driest creek in the west. It crosses the road up ahead of Peace. And right now them critters is sitting hub deep in sand. Come on, let's start riding circles. Riding circle, Indian style. Oh, round and round the car. Shall we pick them up?

[Buck Brewster]

Oh, no. But we're gonna handle this my way. And it won't be on horseback.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Here. What fancy plan do you got? None.

[Buck Brewster]

It's very simple. We leave the horses right here. You get as close to them as you can along the road and I'll circle around behind them. Now don't show yourself until I go after you.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Got it? Well, all right. But I still think Circum's better.

[Buck Brewster]

I left him there and dodged from bush to boulder to tree, working my way to a position behind Al Toino and Cory. I had just reached a rock formation that overlooked a road right over their car and clipped my.38 out of its hiding place beneath the purple silk shirt when I realized that Buck wasn't going to do things anyway way but his own.

[Blackie Tolliver]

I you cine make you play around.

[Buck Brewster]

Buck stood in the headlights glare, crouched low, slightly behind Perino and his henchmen. His hands were an indistinct blur as Perino spun around, digging for his left armpit. He was fast, but it's almost impossible to outra a man who uses a breakaway shoulder. H I was on my seat, running towards a car when Buck staggered backward, a look of surprise on his face, and then crumbled to the ground. I fired as I ran, and Cory's startled face was still falling forward when Al Torino caught the last of my bullets and followed him down. I reached Buck and lifted him into a sitting position. His eyes were bewildered as he looked up at me.

[Blackie Tolliver]

He got me, Marshall.

[Buck Brewster]

Easy, easy, Buck. Now, let's have a look.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Oh.

[Buck Brewster]

Oh, yeah, yeah, but you were lucky. Just raised the rib.

[Blackie Tolliver]

He got me, Marshall. And I guess I better hang up my shooting irons and just concentrate on chinding Penny.

[Buck Brewster]

You know, Buck, I've been wondering how you wound up with a granddaughter anyway. If the filly Blackie ran off with meant so much to you, how could.

[Blackie Tolliver]

You marry up with somebody else? Oh, shucks, Marshall. Penny's grandma was twice the woman. That first one was best in the West.

[Buck Brewster]

Well, then how come you held a grudge against Blackie all those years and wanted to shoot it out with him?

[Blackie Tolliver]

Oh, I didn't really regret it all. A man's got to have a little excitement in his life, don't he? Period.

[Buck Brewster]

End of report.

[Narrator]

Damn. What a fantastic story.

[Buck Brewster]

It is that F it is that, but go type it up anyhow.

[Narrator]

Are you sure you aren't making up.

[Buck Brewster]

The whole thing for the doubting promises? I have a matched set of saddle scars to prove the truth of each and every statement.

[Narrator]

Oh, I take your word for it. I'll type it up right away.

[Buck Brewster]

Three chimes mean good times on NBC. There's no cover charge at Duffy's Tavern. Just keep your dial tuned to NBC later as Archie and his delightful friends cook up another mad and merry session at that remarkable restaurant, Duffy St. This Sunday, the big show comes your way again on NBC, the best in comedy, music and drama, with unpredictable Tallulah as MC Jimmy Durante, Clifton Webb and many more. Here it is, D. No questions.

[Narrator]

Well, Ron, if you don't mind.

[Buck Brewster]

Ask, ask, ask.

[Narrator]

Dad. He died, I suppose.

[Buck Brewster]

Indeed not. He'll be up and in fine fiddle by the time his pile rolls around.

[Narrator]

But you went galloping across the desert and forgot all about him. Who took care of him?

[Buck Brewster]

The doctor, who else?

[Narrator]

The doctor?

[Blackie Tolliver]

Yes.

[Narrator]

What doctor? In a gross town.

[Buck Brewster]

Oh, besides forgetting Blackie, I also forgot there was a phone in dry gout. That's how Penny contacted me in the first place, remember?

[Narrator]

And she called a doctor. Mrs. Penny. You sort of liked her, didn't you say?

[Buck Brewster]

Oh, she was all right. And a beautiful, gorgeous son of Wayne. Oh, we never did get to sit down and talk things over. Ass. In fact, I never got to sit down. I still haven't.

[Narrator]

Poor Sam. It's like Mother says. We all have muscles that we're not accustomed to use. And then when we use them.

[Buck Brewster]

They do indeed.

[Narrator]

Yes, the things you have to do to make both ends meet.

[Buck Brewster]

Oh, shut up. Come here.

[Blackie Tolliver]

Good night.

[Buck Brewster]

Good night, sweetheart. The adventures of Sam Spade are produced, edited and directed by William Spears. Sam Spade was played by Stephen Dunn. Loreen Tuttle is Effie. Wally Mayer was Buck. Script for tonight's adventure by Don Carey. Musical scoring by Lud Bleskin conducted by Robert Armbruster. Join us again next week, same time, for another adventure with Sam Spade. Hear the magnificent Montague, then visit Duffy Tavern on NBC.