Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Durango Laramie Matter 02/23/1958

Summary

Summary of "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Durango Laramie Matter"

Presented by Choice Classic Radio | Release Date: February 10, 2025

---

Introduction

"Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Durango Laramie Matter" is a captivating episode from the esteemed old-time radio series, "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar." Hosted by Choice Classic Radio, this episode immerses listeners in the thrilling investigation led by Johnny Dollar, America's premier freelance insurance investigator. Set against the backdrop of 1950s America, the story unfolds as Johnny delves into the mysterious disappearance of Durango Laramie Dalhart, a wealthy oilman from Oklahoma.

---

Act One: The Vanishing of Durango Laramie Dalhart

Setting the Scene

The episode begins with Johnny Dollar reviewing his expense account, highlighting his meticulous nature and dedication to his work ([02:28]). He details his journey to Enid, Oklahoma, to follow up on an overdue insurance premium of $4,500 owed by his client, Durango Laramie Dalhart.

Key Characters Introduced:

• Johnny Dollar: The protagonist, an astute and resourceful insurance investigator.
• George Reed: Johnny’s associate, who initially brings Durango's missed payment to his attention.
• Sidewinder Wilson: A mysterious figure connected to Durango's affairs.
• Carol: Durango’s niece, who plays a pivotal role in the investigation.

Initial Conflict

Upon arriving at Bum Spung, Durango’s ranch in Oklahoma, Johnny encounters Sidewinder Wilson, who introduces himself under a false name ([00:46]). The tension heightens as Sidewinder reveals that Durango has failed to appear for his premium payment, sparking Johnny's concern over Durango's sudden absence.

Notable Quote:

“What am I getting at, Sidewinder?” – Johnny Dollar ([07:01])

This line underscores Johnny's suspicion and determination to uncover the truth behind Durango's disappearance.

---

Act Two: Uncovering the Truth in Chicago

Following the Trail

Johnny's investigation takes him to Chicago, where he meets with J. Harry Cramlin, a real estate promoter involved in suspicious dealings with Durango ([18:24]). Here, Johnny discovers that Durango invested over $35,000 in seemingly worthless swamp land in New Jersey, lured by false promises of oil deposits.

Critical Discovery:

At a pivotal moment, Johnny stumbles upon a newspaper headline about a significant oil development in Ong's Hat, New Jersey, directing him to the next piece of the puzzle ([19:05]). This revelation leads him to Pemberton, where he finds a crowd assembled around new oil derricks—evidence of a large-scale deception.

Confrontation with Sidewinder

Back at the ranch, Sidewinder Wilson exposes the extent of Durango's financial losses and the fraudulent schemes employed by Cramlin. The tension escalates as Sidewinder confronts Johnny about Durango's mismanagement:

“Why, I told every one of them people. I've told them that there ain't no oil here.” – Sidewinder Wilson ([22:31])

This admission highlights the duplicitous nature of Cramlin's operations and the precarious situation Durango finds himself in.

---

Act Three: The Climactic Resolution at Ong's Hat

The Showdown

Johnny, accompanied by Carol and Sidewinder, travels to Ong's Hat, New Jersey, where he faces Durango amidst a mob of investors and opportunists eager to capitalize on the supposed oil discovery ([20:31]). The scene is rife with tension as Johnny confronts Durango about the fraudulent investments and the deceit surrounding his oil endeavors.

Emotional Tensions:

Durango's frustration and desperation are palpable as he grapples with the realization that he has been scammed:

“Johnny, you've been had me by the crook. Who told you this was oil land.” – Durango Laramie Dalhart ([22:35])

Resolution:

Through deft negotiation and unwavering determination, Johnny manages to persuade Durango to abandon the fraudulent oil investments, protecting him from further financial ruin. The resolution not only salvages Durango's reputation but also restores his relationship with Carol, hinting at future reconciliation and stability.

Final Reflections:

Johnny concludes the investigation by finalizing his expense account, reflecting on the complexities and emotional toll of the case:

“Expense account total, including incidentals and transportation Back to Hartford, $1,416 even.” – Johnny Dollar ([23:55])

This closing remark underscores Johnny’s professionalism and commitment to his role as an investigator.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• George Reed:
  “I'm quite frank to admit I was entirely wrong about him.” ([00:56])

• Sidewinder Wilson:
  “Like somebody waylaid and Bushwhacked him for his money, that's what.” ([07:19])

• Johnny Dollar:
  “Durango, Laramie Delhartz. Cradle character from Bumspung, Oklahoma. Gone disappeared.” ([10:12])

• Durango Laramie Dalhart:
  “Have to get married, Durango.” ([22:25])

• Johnny Dollar:
  “This could be a matter of life or death.” ([17:38])

---

Themes and Insights

Trust and Deception:
The episode explores the fragile nature of trust, especially in financial dealings. Durango's trust in Cramlin leads to his near downfall, emphasizing the perils of deceit.

Resilience and Determination:
Johnny Dollar epitomizes resilience, showcasing unwavering determination to uncover the truth and protect his client from harm.

The Dark Side of Wealth:
Durango's substantial wealth makes him a target, highlighting how affluence can attract unscrupulous individuals seeking to exploit.

Professional Integrity:
Johnny's meticulous approach and ethical standards underscore the importance of integrity in investigative professions.

---

Conclusion

"Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Durango Laramie Matter" masterfully blends mystery, drama, and suspense, offering listeners an engaging narrative replete with intricate plot twists and dynamic character interactions. Through Johnny Dollar’s expert investigation, the episode delves deep into themes of trust, deception, and resilience, providing a timeless portrayal of the classic detective archetype. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to old-time radio, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Johnny Dollar's adventures.

Transcript

[Podbean Voice]

Your message amplified.

Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

Podbean.

Podbean.

Podbean. Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts.

[Podbean Voice]

Launch your podcast on Podbean today.

[Johnny Dollar]

My school uses Podbean.

[Podbean Voice]

My church too.

I love it. I really do.

[Johnny Dollar]

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].

[Narrator]

Time now for.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Dollar. George Reed.

[George Reed]

Johnny at Floyd's of England.

[Johnny Dollar]

How are you?

[George Reed]

George, do you by any chance remember Durango Laramie Dalhart?

[Johnny Dollar]

From that place out in Oklahoma with the crazy name of Bum Spung?

[George Reed]

That's right.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, Johnny, how could I ever forget him? And more to the point, has he ever forgiven you?

[George Reed]

Forgiven me?

[Johnny Dollar]

After all, you were the one who accused him of passing counterfeit money. Well, I know wash and starch and iron a few hundred dollar bills to make him look nice and new and crisp.

[George Reed]

I'm quite frank to admit I was entirely wrong about him.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

That.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, tell me, does he still pay his premiums in brand new money and in person?

[George Reed]

Yes, and that's what has me worried.

[Johnny Dollar]

How do you mean?

[George Reed]

Well, he wrote me some time ago and said he'd be here on the 10th of last month to pay his regular $4,500 premium.

[Johnny Dollar]

10Th of last? Well, that's nearly six weeks ago.

[George Reed]

Exactly. And he hasn't appeared.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, did you write or wire him to see what's holding him up?

[George Reed]

I got no answer. Johnny, I think something's happened to him. After all, with the way he flashes money around, it's a wonder if somebody hasn't knocked him off long before this.

[Johnny Dollar]

George, if anything's happened to old Durango Laramie Dalhart.

[George Reed]

Yeah, I. I thought you'd feel that way about it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I'll let you know what I find out when I get to, if you'll pardon the expression, Bum spunk.

[Narrator]

Bob Bailey in the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed expense Account. America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Narrator]

And now, act one of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Expense account submitted by Special investigator Johnny Dollar, Deployed's of England, American Office, Hartford, Connecticut. Following his to count of expenses incurred during my investigation of the Durango Laramie matter. George Reid has quite a penchant for handing me really offbeat cases. But for once, this looked like serious business expense. Account item 1:9420. Transportation. I arrived in Enid, Oklahoma shortly after 4am Item 2, a buck 85 for breakfast. Item 3, $50 deposit on a rental car. I headed due north on Highway 81 across some of the flattest plains country I've ever seen that I hadn't expected to see again so soon. About 2067 miles further on, after crossing what remains of the Salt Fork of the Arkansas, I spotted the familiar weather beaten sign indicating that Bum spun was somewhere up a rough dirt road to the left. Bum Spun. Named by the Indians. It means bad water. And finally there it was. The same old broken wooden fence surrounding a couple of acres of poor sandy ground. The same ramshackle house, the broken down barn propped up in spots with timbers. And in the yard were the same two sad looking cows I'd seen on my previous visit. The swayback horse and the friendly mangy toothless hound. Some decrepit looking chickens. Bum spun. So called ranch of Durango Laramie Delhart, who'd made it in oil and who chose to settle down in this lonely desolate spot. And standing there looking at it, it was hard to believe that the inside of the huge unpainted house was clean, modern, well furnished, thanks to his niece Carol, who occasionally came up to see the old man. As I swung aside the sagging wire gate, I wondered if she was here now. I wondered if anyone was here. But not for long. Durango. Durango. It's Johnny Dollar.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Stay outside that fence, you mendin young varmint. It's here now is private property.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wait a minute. You're not Durango. I came here to see Durango Army Del Art.

[Carol]

You did, eh?

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Well, Durango ain't here now.

[Johnny Dollar]

Look, you.

[Reba]

Oh, you.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Shut up that gate and drive away from here. You see this here now?

[Carol]

30.

[George Reed]

30.

[Johnny Dollar]

Drive away after you blown a hole on one of my tires.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

I did, eh? Well, I guess that one's very sociable now.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Was it?

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, look, lower that gun for a minute, will you?

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Oh, no you don't.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

No you don't. You try anything funny and I'll let you have it. I guess it is up to me to fix that there tire boy, ain't it, huh? After all, as long as I done it, let me take a look and make sure. You just ain't up to some trick.

[Johnny Dollar]

Here, see what I am. Hey, just give me that gun.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Oh, no you don't.

[Johnny Dollar]

No, you. Okay. Now who are you and what are you doing here? And where's the wrangle?

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

By hopper Sonny sure pack a punch.

[Johnny Dollar]

Start talking, mister.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Who are you?

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Who am I? Sidewinder Wilson, that's who I am. Who do you think? Who are you?

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Dollar, insurance investigator. What are you doing here?

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

What am I doing here? Why, old Durango sent me a telegram, that's why.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, yeah, sure.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Here, here, now read it for yourself.

[Johnny Dollar]

So, Mr. Sidewinder Wilson, gunside oil field somewhere is near the Pederdale River, Texas.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Yeah, that's where the field is. And that's where I got this telegram.

[Johnny Dollar]

Get yourself up here to bum spa, that's what he says. Take care of my ranch for a while and get here fast. Signed Durango.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Are you satisfied?

[Johnny Dollar]

Just who are you? Sidewinder?

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Who am I? Durango's oldest, bestest friend is all owed him since we lived together in the oil fields before he made his gold strike up in Colorado, that's who. So when he tells me to come up here and take care of things, I come. That's all what you expect. But now look here, Johnny. Is that what you say your name is?

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Dollar. Yeah.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Well, there's something I don't like about Durango's going away this time.

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you mean?

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

What I mean? Well, I mean the way he must have left in a powerful hurry, that's why you know Durango pretty good.

[Johnny Dollar]

Pretty good.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Well, can you see him leaving this nice house of his'n with all the doors and windows unlocked?

[Johnny Dollar]

He wasn't here when you arrived?

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

No, sir. He'd already went away. And can you see him leaving no food around for the cattle and Methuselah.

[Johnny Dollar]

Methuselah? What is this?

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

A horse? And this nice old dog here. And what about the tractor just sitting out there in the field, Plows down halfway up a fur.

[Johnny Dollar]

What are you getting at, sidewinder?

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

What am I getting at? I'm a said he must have left in an awful hurry, that's all. And if you ask me, there's something funny about it. And I don't mean funny ha ha.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I think you got something there. You see, he was due in Hartford, Connecticut over six weeks ago.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Pay up on his insurance, huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

That's right.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

All loaded down with brand new money, I bet. Probably I've told that crazy old coyote a thousand times that he oughtn't to go traipsing all over the with all that money in his kick. Johnny, if he ain't showed up the way he was supposed, it just means one solitary single thing.

[Johnny Dollar]

Like what, Sidewinder?

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Like what? Like. Like somebody waylaid and Bushwhacked him for his money, that's what.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, yeah, I'm afraid so. But, Sidewinder, I sure hope you're wrong.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Okay. I sure hope I'm wrong.

[Narrator]

Act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment.

[Reba]

And now for another episode in the life of Sergeant Donald Bellwether, my husband.

[Carol]

Hi, honey.

[Reba]

Did you fix the windshield wipers?

[Donald]

I sure did, Reba.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

How's that?

[Reba]

Oh, you fixed him. Good for you, Donald.

[Donald]

Thank you, my dear. Well, that's that. Now, if it rains, we're prepared for it, Huh? I feel better now.

[Reba]

Me too. A driver has to see the danger if he expects to avoid it.

[Donald]

That's right. And also keep the back and side windows clear. And rain and snowy weather.

[Reba]

That's right. Oh, how about the horn?

[Sidewinder Wilson]

The horn?

[Reba]

The horn doesn't work, Sergeant. Aren't you going to fix it?

[Donald]

No, I don't think so. Frankly, Reba, I hate horns. Whenever there's a traffic jam, the first thing some guys do is blow their horns.

[Reba]

Which does absolutely no good.

[Donald]

Of course not. All it does is jar everyone's nerves. No, I. I don't think I'll fix the horn.

[Reba]

Oh, but now, wait a minute, Don. Look. Supposing we're driving along, and suddenly we see a youngster on his bicycle headed right out into the street. Sounding that horn will warn him and possibly avoid a tragic accident.

[Donald]

Yes, that's true, but.

[Reba]

Or supposing we're driving on the highway, and just as we're about to pass a car, that car decides to pull out into our lane and pass the car ahead of him. He obviously doesn't see us, and he won't hear us shout but one little beep on that horn, and he'll automatically scoot back and avoid a collision.

[Donald]

Reba, you've convinced me. Even though it can be a nuisance, the automobile horn is a necessity.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Then you'll repair it immediately.

[Reba]

Oh, that's my Donald. That's my doll.

[Narrator]

And now, act two of yours Truly, Johnny Dollar and the Durango Laramie Matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

Durango, Laramie Delhartz. Cradle character from Bumspung, Oklahoma. Gone disappeared. His pal, Sidewinder Wilson, a bit of a character himself, had no idea what might have happened to him, but feared the worst. And I had to agree that his fears were justified. But tell me, this Sidewinder, have you heard anything from Durango's niece, Carol?

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

You mean that pretty little gal fixed up this place for him so nice? Kind of looks after him?

[Johnny Dollar]

That's the one.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Well, say, don't he Live down to Enid.

[Johnny Dollar]

Enid, yes. Runs a gas station.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

That's right. Sign of the flying red horse.

[Johnny Dollar]

Darren, help me fix this tire, we'll drive back to Enid.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

I'll help you fix the tire, but I'm staying right here.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, why?

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Why?

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Because Durango's trusting me to take care of the place. And if he does turn up, God willing, I'll be here to have him get in touch with you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay? Now let's get this tire fixed.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Now wait, look.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Huh?

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

See that fancy convertible coming up the road?

[Podbean Voice]

Podbean, your message amplified.

Ready to share your message with the world. Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts.

[Podbean Voice]

Use Podbean to record your podcast.

Use PodBean AI to optimize your podcast.

Use PodBean AI to turn your blog into a podcast.

Use Podbean to distribute your podcast everywhere.

Launch your podcast on Podbean.

[Johnny Dollar]

Today I not only saw the convertible, but more important, who was in it. Who pulled up alongside the fence and stepped out. She was 23 or 4, a tall, slim brunette wearing a neatly tailored skirt, a tight fitting silk blouse, neat trim. She looked like she just stepped out of Charles of the Ritz.

[Carol]

Well, how the dog breast is done.

[Johnny Dollar]

Carol. Carol, how are you?

[Carol]

I couldn't resist my soda charms. I couldn't stay away just with that.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, now wait a minute.

[Carol]

What's the matter with you? You don't like that?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, no. Come here, girl.

[Carol]

Come on. Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Geral.

[Carol]

Oh, Johnny, Je. Oh, you shut up, sidewinders. John, my government, my gorge.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Durango. Durango.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, yeah. Carol. Carol, listen to me.

[Carol]

You gonna propose?

[Johnny Dollar]

John, Where's Durango? Have you heard anything from him since he left here six weeks ago? He went to Hartford, but he hasn't arrived there.

[Carol]

Oh, now don't you start worrying none about old Uncle Durango or anything. You sure, John?

[Johnny Dollar]

I'm sure.

[Carol]

That crazy old goot setting out across the country with over $50,000 in money in his pants. He ought better than. Oh, Johnny. Do you think something's happened to him?

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Yes, me. I think somebody's killed him for that money.

[Carol]

Oh, no.

[Johnny Dollar]

You haven't heard from him since he left?

[Carol]

Only a postcard from Chicago where he stayed overnight at some fancy hotel. And Johnny, that wasn't like him.

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you mean?

[Carol]

Oh, it was before he went straight to Hartford.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

The guy, real estate man was from Chicago.

[Johnny Dollar]

Carol. What real estate man?

[Carol]

Oh, he used to come out here looking for people with oil money. Tried to get Durango to invest in real estate. Florida, New England.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Well, what did his postcard say, Justin?

[Carol]

He was staying overnight and before he'd come back, he was going to look at Ong's hat.

[Johnny Dollar]

Who is on?

[Carol]

Oh, he was always writing silly stuff like that. I don't know.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Ong.

[Carol]

Oh, Johnny, what do we do?

[Johnny Dollar]

Where's the nearest phone?

[Carol]

Back in Enid.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then come on. That's where we're going. In Enid. I put in a long distance call to Phil Avery, an old friend at International Press Service, in the hope that if Durango's body had been picked up anywhere in the country, the news files would have some note of it.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Durango, Laramie, Dalhart.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

That's a man's name.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, Phil, does it mean anything to you?

[Sidewinder Wilson]

I'll say this, Johnny, if a name like that had ever come in over the wires, I'd certainly remembered it.

[Johnny Dollar]

But it hasn't, not to my knowledge.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Incidentally, what's this all about?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, he left here loaded with cash. Now he's disappeared.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

No clues?

[Johnny Dollar]

Only that he's planned to see some guy named Ong.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Ong?

[Johnny Dollar]

For some crazy reason, he's interested in Ong's hat.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Well, that's about as silly.

[George Reed]

Ang's hat, did you say?

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Oh, no.

[Johnny Dollar]

You mean that rings a bell?

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Are you kidding?

[Johnny Dollar]

Of course it does. Oh, no. Listen, will you? This may be a matter of life or death. Hell.

[Narrator]

Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment.

[Reba]

And now for another episode in the life of Sergeant Donald Bellwether. My husb.

[Donald]

Reba.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Reba.

[Carol]

What is it?

[Reba]

Donald?

[Donald]

Confounded Reba. I can't find the fountain pen. I've looked all through this desk.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Here it is, dear.

[Reba]

You must have used it as a marker when you were reading this book. Let's see. This great literary classic. Six Gun Showdown at Powder River Gulch.

[Donald]

All right, never mind about my reading habits. Just look at the coverage we're gonna get with this new auto accident policy.

[Reba]

Let's see, we have collision, $50 deductible, fire, theft, public liability, property damage, medical benefits. In other words, we have complete coverage.

[Donald]

That's right. Of course it's going to cost us money. I'm sending the company a check right now. Gee, it's too bad we don't live in Rhode Island.

[Reba]

Rhode Island.

[Carol]

Why?

[Donald]

Oh, because then our rates would be lower. Rhode island has less accidents per capita than any other state.

[Reba]

Oh, which state has the highest?

[Donald]

Let me see. Oh, here, here it Is Nevada? No, by golly, Nevada's second highest. Alaska has the most.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Really?

[Reba]

I didn't know that. You know, it's just too bad we can't eliminate traffic accidents completely. Not only would it save life and limb, but it'd be a lot less strain on the pocketbook.

[Donald]

Yeah, that's for sure. These automobile accident policies get more expensive every year just because there's so many costly accidents.

[Reba]

Well, I'm glad we've got some good insurance coverage, Donald. But just remember one thing.

[Donald]

Oh, what's that, honey?

[Reba]

Well, some auto accidents ruin offender and some ruin a family.

[Donald]

Yeah, that's true.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Very true.

[Reba]

But as far as I'm concerned, I don't want any of your old insurance money. I want you here at home, safe and sound. You always drive carefully, won't you?

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Yes, I will, dear.

[Reba]

That's my Donald. That's my dol.

[Narrator]

And now, act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Durango Laramie matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

Phil, will you stop that howling and make some sense? This could be a matter of life or death. That's right. You know who he is? Do you know him?

[Sidewinder Wilson]

No, I. I don't know, Leon, but I know what it is. New Jersey.

[Johnny Dollar]

What?

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Sure. Hey, down.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Down in the pine at Cranberry Bar country down there. Mount Holly, south of Trenton.

[Johnny Dollar]

Are you serious?

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Of course I'm serious.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, Phil. Okay, Phil. Thanks.

[Carol]

Johnny, I found the card of that real estate promoter's in Chicago.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Good.

[Johnny Dollar]

We'll take the first flight we can get out of Tulsa. Come on, Carol, we're on our way. Expense Account, Item 4, 164.80. Plain Fare and incidentals. In Chicago, we stopped over long enough to pay a brief, unpleasant visit with one J. Harry Cramlin, real estate promoter, at his office just off the loop.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

So what if I did sell this.

[Johnny Dollar]

Dale Hard character some land over in New Jersey?

[Sidewinder Wilson]

What's it to you?

[Johnny Dollar]

You trying to cut in on a good thing?

[Carol]

How much did you sell him, Mr. Cramlin?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, little over $35,000 worth. But now, if you. What was it? A lot of worthless swamp land? He didn't seem to think so after the glowing report I gave him.

[Carol]

But why did he buy it?

[Johnny Dollar]

Because the old fool thinks there's oil on it. Ramlin, if you've taken Durango. Now, ain't that a name? Durango, Laramie. Del, if he's been shipped in the steel, would you bet a duck the next time you see me coming, you.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Threatening me about a cash perfectly legal deal?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I'm sure it Was legal, but oil in South Jersey, Cramlin. My warning still goes. The next leg of our flight took us to Philadelphia. There I rented another car. That's 50 bucks deposit, item five. We drove across the Delaware river and picked up Rob 537 of On Holly. There we stop for a sandwich in a Coke. That's item six. And there a passing glance at a newspaper headline stopped me in my tracks. Something about a big oil development at. Yeah, you guessed it, at Ong's Hat. We burned up Highway 530 to Pemberton, then hit a sandy back road that led deep into the pine and scrub oak. Finally, suddenly, we came to a clearing. And there. Well, there must have been a hundred cars, expensive ones, some of them chauffeured limousines. And people milling about, haranguing each other, shouting each other down. And right in the middle of the crowd, a tall angular man in blue jeans and a 10 gallon hat. Durango Johnny.

[Carol]

There he is. Durango.

[Johnny Dollar]

And then I saw something else on the edge of the clearing. Two brand new towering oil derricks.

[Carol]

Come on, Johnny, let's get him away from that mob.

[Johnny Dollar]

Not only was he cheated by that shyster real estate operator into thinking he was buying oil land, but he's thrown more money away building those derricks. Oh, Charlie, that mob is probably trying to sell him enough rigging and pumps and equipment to fleece him. Royalty 10 to one somebody in that crowd's offered in the Brooklyn Bridge to Boo.

[Carol]

Then we got to stop him. If only I'd brown to shoot Durango seen us. Durango.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Out of there, G.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hi, Durango.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Well, what's a dog like a turn Ever rung you out for this.

[Johnny Dollar]

Skunk?

[Carol]

You're all okay.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

I sure I am. Come on in this shack here so we can get away from this blasted ground. Come on. Come on. You look here, Johnny. What are you doing with my little Carol, huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

I'll tell you, Durango.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

You sneak out to Enid behind my back and hitch up with her. All right, get on in there now or we can have some peace. Just sit down where you can. All right now, you young rascals. Is that what you done gone and got married?

[Carol]

Well, of course not, your old Goot.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Oh, well, doggone it. That's what I was hoping for. Oh, Goot, why don't you give me that gal? I know how you was talking ever since Johnny come out to bum spun last year.

[Carol]

Dango, you shut up, eh?

[Johnny Dollar]

I. I'm afraid this trip is on business, Durango.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Business was a pretty gal Like Carol here. And how'd you two get here anyway?

[Carol]

Johnny brought me on the plane. But what do you say?

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Oh, he did. Transported you across state line, huh? A whole lot of them. And if there ain't no law about that by Jake, you two are gonna.

[Durango Laramie Dalhart]

Have to get married, Durango.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

And I'm just the one to see that you do. Durango, I don't carry this old six gun for nothing.

[Carol]

Durango, will you shut and let Johnny tell you why, he's been looking all over for you.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

What do you mean look on you, huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

Durango, you've been had me by the crook. Who told you this was oil land.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Johnny, I knowed it once the minute I seen it.

[Johnny Dollar]

But you've put up derricks and they must have cost.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Sure, sure, they cost me plenty. Funny thing happened. Oh, now what, sir? The minute the folks got wind of me, a millionaire oil man from Texas and Oklahoma, putting up the derrick. Johnny, as my word of honor, I've told every one of them people. I've told them that there ain't no oil here.

[Johnny Dollar]

You mean you aren't.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

I've told them till I was blue in the face. But would that stop them? That wouldn't stop him from wanting to buy this land away from me. No, sir.

[Johnny Dollar]

Have you been selling it?

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Why, sure. I told him it was no good, but I. I just couldn't stop them. So far I've come out of my over $65,000 is good. Wait a minute, I say.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

Johnny Dollar, Are you here to buy a piece of my land or to marry my little Carol here?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, no, no, no, Durango.

[Sidewinder Wilson]

It better be both. Now, how about it?

[Johnny Dollar]

Expensive item 7 a $3,000 even. The company now owns a small hunk of land in Ong's Hat, New Jersey. As for Carol that ever love. Someday. Maybe someday. Expense account total, including incidentals and transportation Back to Hartford, $1,416 even yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Narrator]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone, who also wrote today's story. Heard in our cast were Virginia Gregg G. Stanley Jones, Junius Matthews, Alan Reed, Frank Nelson and John McIntyre. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station, for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dolly. This is Dan Cubberly speaking.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar has been a presentation of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.