Pagosa | Romance (08-06-51)

Summary

Gunsmoke | OTRWesterns.com - Episode Summary: "Pagosa | Romance" (Original Air Date: August 6, 1951)

Released on March 2, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of Gunsmoke, hosted by Andrew Rines, the story unfolds in the rugged town of Pagosa, a burgeoning settlement amidst the vast American West. Titled "Pagosa | Romance," this episode weaves a tale of honor, resistance, and unexpected romance against the backdrop of frontier justice.

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Setting the Scene

Pagosa, depicted as a scatter of faded buildings surrounding an old desert trading post, becomes the central locale where tensions simmer beneath its dusty streets. The town is populated by weary men seeking fortune and solace after arduous journeys across the desert.

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Arrival of Jeff Spain

Timestamp: [03:38]

Jeff Spain, portrayed by Bill Conrad, rides into Pagosa with a mysterious aura. Clad in a deerskin shirt, his presence commands attention as he navigates the wooden bridge spanning the Gila River. Seeking to file a land claim for his ranch, Spain's quest introduces him to the town's dynamics and its influential figures.

Notable Quote:

Jeff Spain: "I'm looking for a stable to board my horse in for a day or so."
(04:56)

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Encounter with Teal Travis

Timestamp: [04:43]

Spain's first stop is the local stable, owned by Teal Travis. Their initial interaction is terse, marked by Teal's reluctance to offer assistance. However, their conversation reveals underlying tensions and mutual respect.

Notable Quote:

Teal Travis: "I don't board horses here. Try the St. Charles Corral."
(04:56)

Unveiling Pagosa's Power Dynamics

As Spain attempts to file his land claim, he discovers the influence of Duke Reese, the District Attorney of Pagosa. Reese approaches Spain with an offer to become the town's sheriff, enticing him with financial incentives and a share of the town's illicit gains.

Notable Quote:

Duke Reese: "As sheriff of Pagosa, you'll get $500 a month and 25% of the take. You and I will run this town together."
(09:27)

Rejecting Reese's proposition, Spain remains steadfast. This refusal sets the stage for a power struggle, highlighting Reese's determination to consolidate control over Pagosa.

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Developing Relationships and Conflicts

Timestamp: [12:16]

Spain's interactions with Teal Travis deepen as secrets unfold. Teal confides in Spain about her entanglement with Duke Reese, revealing that Reese has coerced her brother, Mitch Travis, into facilitating crooked land titles. This revelation solidifies the budding trust and romance between Spain and Teal.

Notable Quote:

Teal Travis: "Duke tricked him into filing some crooked land titles, and now he could send him to prison anytime he wants."
(14:10)

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Climactic Showdown

Timestamp: [27:28]

The tension culminates in a dramatic gunfight on Cherokee Street. Clay Yeager and Mel Kitchen, Reese's hired gunmen, confront Spain. Demonstrating his prowess and unwavering resolve, Spain engages in a high-stakes duel, ultimately prevailing by eliminating Yeager and incapacitating Kitchen.

Notable Quote:

Jeff Spain: "I'll kill the first man who goes for his gun."
(28:27)

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Resolution and Romance

Following the gunfight, Spain secures his position as the new sheriff of Pagosa. His actions dismantle Reese's grip on the town, ensuring justice prevails. The episode concludes with a heartfelt reunion between Spain and Teal, symbolizing hope and the promise of a peaceful future for Pagosa.

Notable Quote:

Teal Travis: "I'm glad you're here, Jack. Spain. I've been so alone. I'm glad you've come."
(25:06)

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Character Insights

• Jeff Spain: A man of integrity and skill, Spain embodies the quintessential western hero. His transition from a former peace officer to a rancher highlights his depth and commitment to justice.

• Teal Travis: Initially guarded, Teal's vulnerability and eventual trust in Spain reveal her strength and the complexities of life in Pagosa.

• Duke Reese: The antagonist whose manipulation threatens the town's harmony, Reese's defeat underscores the triumph of righteousness over corruption.

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Conclusion

"Pagosa | Romance" masterfully blends elements of romance, action, and moral conflict, offering listeners a compelling narrative set in the American frontier. Through Jeff Spain's journey, the episode explores themes of loyalty, courage, and the enduring quest for justice.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Jeff Spain: "I'm looking for a stable to board my horse in for a day or so."
   (04:56)

2. Duke Reese: "As sheriff of Pagosa, you'll get $500 a month and 25% of the take. You and I will run this town together."
   (09:27)

3. Teal Travis: "Duke tricked him into filing some crooked land titles, and now he could send him to prison anytime he wants."
   (14:10)

4. Jeff Spain: "I'll kill the first man who goes for his gun."
   (28:27)

5. Teal Travis: "I'm glad you're here, Jack. Spain. I've been so alone. I'm glad you've come."
   (25:06)

---

This episode of Gunsmoke not only delivers riveting western drama but also delves into the nuanced relationships and moral dilemmas faced by those who seek to tame the wild frontier.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Western stories. This episode is going to be Romance's rendition of Pagosa Original Air date and is August 6, 1951 and I hope you enjoy.

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[Narrator]

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[Narrator]

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[Wrigley's Spearmint Gum Announcer]

Now, with Bill Conrad starred as Jeff Spain, here is the first act of.

[Jeff Spain]

Pagos.

[Narrator]

Riding out of the desert up to the wooden bridge that crosses the Gila River. On the approach to Pagosa is a tall, imposing figure of Jeff Spain. A deer skin shirt hangs loosely across his big, heavy shoulders. His body moves with the horse and seems to have no weight to it as he takes the bridge townward, the plank boards roaring beneath him. For Gosi is a scatter of faded buildings. They grew up around an old desert trading post and its streets and saloons are generally crowded with thirsty men who have trailed cattle across the desert and down out of the distant hills. It's shortly before noon when Spain rides into town and up the main street. At the end of the street, he notices a small stable and turns into it.

[Teal Travis]

What are you doing here, mister?

[Jeff Spain]

Hello.

[Narrator]

Do you run this place?

[Teal Travis]

I own it. I don't run it.

[Narrator]

Well, I'm looking for a stable to board my horse in for a day or so.

[Teal Travis]

I don't board horses here. Try the St. Charles Corral.

[Narrator]

I'll pay you a dollar a day and I'll feed him myself.

[Teal Travis]

I don't need the money.

[Narrator]

That's not friendly.

[Teal Travis]

Why should I bother? Who are you anyway?

[Narrator]

And that's bad manners.

[Teal Travis]

Now, don't tell me what's good or what's bad.

[Narrator]

Look, miss, I'm a stranger here and the sooner I find the land office, the sooner I'll be out of your way.

[Teal Travis]

Well, it's on Cherokee street, next to the Kettle house.

[Narrator]

Oh, the food good at the Kettle house?

[Teal Travis]

Try it.

[Narrator]

I'll leave the money in the grain box here.

[Teal Travis]

All right. You insist?

[Narrator]

I do, and thank you.

[Teal Travis]

If there's no one at the land office, go to the Lark and ask for Mitch.

[Narrator]

Thanks, I shall.

After taking a room at the Kettle House, Spain goes to the land office. Door is shut and locked. He looks around, sees the lock directly opposite and crosses the crowded, dusty street. The place is somewhat smaller than the usual gambling saloon, but obviously popular.

What's yours, mister? Man called Mitch from the land office. Mitch Travis. He's in the corner around behind the stairs there with Miss Teal. Oh, well, then maybe I better wait. Teal. Travis. Hey, sister, she owns a Lark. Thanks. Hello.

[Teal Travis]

Oh, it's you.

[Narrator]

Seems like you own a lot of things in Pagosa.

[Teal Travis]

One stable for pleasure, one saloon for profit. Mitch, this is Mr. Spain.

[Narrator]

Jeff Spain. How are you? Sit down. Thank you. Can I buy you a drink?

[Teal Travis]

Not for me. And Mitch has had enough.

[Narrator]

Oh, Natiel, don't always. I wanted to talk with you about filing a land title. Travis. Maybe we better go over to your office. What you want to file on? My partner and I got a little spread about 100 miles west of here.

[Jeff Spain]

Pardon?

[Narrator]

Cy Quill. He's waiting for me back on the trail. Doesn't like town much. All right. Well, come around in the morning. I'll fix it then. Like how we do it today? Oh, come around early in the morning. I'm pretty sober then. I sleep in back. I'm going now. Bye. To Spain.

[Teal Travis]

Well, now you know, Mitch.

[Narrator]

No business of mine unless it interferes with filing my title.

[Teal Travis]

It won't.

[Narrator]

It must be hard for you, though.

[Teal Travis]

Yes. That's why dad left Vallart to me when he died. He knew Mitch couldn't run it.

[Narrator]

You seemed to be doing all right.

[Teal Travis]

I make money. But I envy you, Spain. I envy you your little spread about a hundred miles west of here.

[Narrator]

I understand.

[Teal Travis]

Who are you, anyway?

[Narrator]

I'm a cowman. Run a ranch.

[Teal Travis]

You said that, but there's something about you. I think I've heard your name.

[Narrator]

I used to be a peace officer. Gunfighter on the side of the law.

[Teal Travis]

You're not wearing a gun now.

[Narrator]

I changed my profession two years ago. I killed till I got against killing.

[Teal Travis]

You're a strange man. I wish. Well, I wish you luck.

[Narrator]

Thank you.

[Teal Travis]

You must excuse me now. I have work to do.

[Narrator]

Of course.

Good day.

It's evening. Spain is standing by the window of his room in the kettle house, watching the crowd move endlessly in its search for pleasure and viol.

Who is it?

[Jeff Spain]

Duke Reese. I want to talk to you, Spain.

[Narrator]

All right. Come in with both hands straight in front of your shoulder high and come in slow. All right, that's enough now. Turn around. All right, you can put him down.

[Jeff Spain]

You're cautious, Spain.

[Narrator]

What do you want?

[Jeff Spain]

I want to give you a job.

[Narrator]

I got a job.

[Jeff Spain]

I know, but this pays better than raising cows.

[Narrator]

You know a lot, mister. Who are you?

[Jeff Spain]

The county commissioners will tell you. I'm the district attorney here.

[Narrator]

I see. What else?

[Jeff Spain]

I'm the law in Pagosa. And I appoint sheriffs and I fire them.

[Narrator]

Yes, I know the story.

[Jeff Spain]

You should, Spain. Why did you leave Abilene?

[Narrator]

Too many men were dying there.

[Jeff Spain]

They'll die here. You're well known, Spain.

[Narrator]

Who told you I was in town?

[Jeff Spain]

Mitch Trappist mentioned it.

[Narrator]

All right, you found me. Now get Out.

[Jeff Spain]

I'll put it briefly. As sheriff of Pagosa, you'll get $500 a month and 25% of the take. You and I will run this town together. All right. 30% of the take.

[Narrator]

They told you wrong about me, Reese. If you think I'd be interested in a deal like this.

[Jeff Spain]

I'm firing the present sheriff in the morning.

[Narrator]

I won't help you, Spain.

[Jeff Spain]

I need a man of your reputation and ability too much to let you go. Come to my office tomorrow night. I'll explain the details to you then. Good night.

[Narrator]

It's morning. The town of Pagosa lies exhausted beneath the long streaming sunlight. Spain enters the land office and goes to the back room where Mitch Travis lies asleep in his bunk.

Mitch. Mitch, come on, wake up. Wake up. Mitch. Oh. Oh, it's you. Yeah. Come on. It won't take long. What do you want? Spain? Let's get it done, Mitch. I want to file the claim and get out of here. No, Spain. I can't do it. What's that? I just can't do it, that's. Who said you can't do it? Mitch? I just can't do it. There's been a delay. Who told you not to do it? Tell me. Tell me, Mitch. Teo. Teal. Teal said. No. Teal, she said. Maybe we can fix it later. Not now. All right, Mitch. But you stay here till I get back.

Spain crosses Cherokee street, enters the lock and goes to the bar. At one end, a couple of men, ravaged by the long night, stared dumbly at an empty bottle. Before them, a lone bartender's on duty, polishing glasses with a slow, fanatical care.

Where do I find Teal Travis? She's upstairs. Which room? End of the hall. But I wouldn't bother her so early if I were you. I'll chance it.

[Teal Travis]

Who is it?

[Narrator]

Jeff Spain.

[Teal Travis]

I just got up. What do you want?

[Narrator]

Open the door. Teal?

[Teal Travis]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

One arm holding a bright scarlet robe closely about her body, Teal stands in the doorway. A touch of sleep is still on her, softening. Her cheeks loosen in the arrangement of her hair. A soft hazel eyes look uncertainly into Spain's, checking his anger.

I'm sorry for this, but I must talk with you.

[Teal Travis]

All right. Come in then.

[Narrator]

Mitch is weak, drunk and weak. He'll do whatever you tell him.

[Teal Travis]

Yes. Yes, it too.

[Narrator]

Why did you tell him not to file my title?

[Teal Travis]

Can't you file somewhere else?

[Narrator]

My land lies within the jurisdiction of Pagosa. I must file it here.

[Teal Travis]

Then wait. Wait a little. Maybe Later.

[Narrator]

You must know I'm not a man to accept that. It'd be easier if you told me the whole story.

[Teal Travis]

Duke Reese wants you to be sheriff here.

[Narrator]

Yes, I know.

[Teal Travis]

And unless you go along with him, you won't get your title claim filed.

[Narrator]

I see. Teal, yesterday you said you envy me my ranch. You remember that?

[Teal Travis]

Yes, I remember.

[Narrator]

You know, I can't figure you to. What's your part in this business?

[Teal Travis]

I can't tell you.

[Narrator]

How is it that you're in love with Reese?

[Teal Travis]

Now get out. Get out of here.

[Narrator]

And you're not in love with him? Good.

[Teal Travis]

I hate him.

[Narrator]

She stands there, swaying slightly, her fingers covering her eyes until Spain steps close to her, gently presses her to him. Then she looks up, her eyes brimming and filled with wonder. He suddenly bends over and kisses her lips.

[Teal Travis]

Jeff. Jeff, go away before it's too late.

[Narrator]

There have been men like Dukris before. I can handle him. But, Teal, what's his power over you? You can trust me, Teal.

[Teal Travis]

It's because Mitch is drunk and doesn't always know what he's doing. Duke tricked him into filing some crooked land titles, and now he could send him to prison anytime he wants.

[Narrator]

I see. So now I go to work for Reese or I don't get my land.

[Teal Travis]

Jeff. Jeff, what can I do?

[Narrator]

You do what you have to do. I'll handle Reese my own way.

[Teal Travis]

But how?

[Narrator]

I don't know yet. But t'll try to remember this.

[Teal Travis]

What?

[Narrator]

Jeff Reese isn't a man to give up easily. There'll be trouble, but I won't do anything. It doesn't have to be done. Try to understand that when it happens.

[Teal Travis]

All right. All right, Jeff. I'll try.

[Narrator]

And when this is over, Teal, I'll be back. Where'd I find Duke Reese?

[Progressive Insurance Announcer]

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[Wrigley's Spearmint Gum Announcer]

Or refreshment while you work. For enjoyment anytime, chew a stick of Wrigley's Spearmint Gum when your mouth feels dry, when you're warm or tired. Wrigley's Spearmint is really refreshing. The lively, full bodied real mint flavor cools your mouth, moistens your throat, freshens your taste. And the chewing itself gives you a little lift. Helps you feel your best and do your best. So for chewing enjoyment plus pleasant refreshment, chew delicious Wrigley Spearmint gum.

[Progressive Insurance Announcer]

Drivers who switch n save with Progressive could save hundreds. With that kind of money, you could go big time on a fancy water bottle with ultra titanium alloy metal. You're not sure why you need all that. I mean, it just holds water. But you're getting it anyway. Because if you're hiking near an active volcano and you accidentally drop the bottle into molten lava, your water will still be icy cold. Switch to Progressive and you could save big time for water bottles. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates not available in all states. Potential savings will vary.

[Wrigley's Spearmint Gum Announcer]

And now for the second act of Pagosa as we return to romance.

[Narrator]

It's mid morning when Jeff Spain steps out of the lock into Cherokee Street. Across the street and a few doors down, he sees a sign, neatly lettered District Attorney and underneath is the name of Duke Rhys. Spain walks over, quickly throws open the door and enters.

[Jeff Spain]

Well, Spain, I didn't expect you so soon.

[Narrator]

I always try to be a little ahead of the other man.

[Jeff Spain]

Oh, yes, of course. Sit down.

[Narrator]

I'll stand.

[Jeff Spain]

You don't like me, do you, Spain?

[Narrator]

You were going to explain things to me, Rhys.

[Jeff Spain]

All right, it doesn't matter. We'll make a profitable team anyway. Now, my offer still stands. $500 a month and 30% of the take.

[Narrator]

How would I earn it?

[Jeff Spain]

Well, your reputation will earn most of it for you. It's very simple, Spain. For the next six months, I shall want campaign contributions from the gambling halls and saloons hereabouts. I'm running for the state legislature, you know.

[Narrator]

I didn't know.

[Jeff Spain]

Yes, and I'm sure everyone will contribute generously, knowing that if they don't, our sheriff will close them down for some good legal reason or other. I'll provide that.

[Narrator]

Well, why don't you send for some other gunfighter, Reese?

[Jeff Spain]

Why, when I can trust you?

[Narrator]

What's your point, Reese?

[Jeff Spain]

Just that in six months you can have title to your land. And I think you want that.

[Narrator]

And what guarantee do I have of it?

[Jeff Spain]

You don't need any. In six months, I'm leaving Pagosa for good. I don't care what happens here after that.

[Narrator]

And if I refuse?

[Jeff Spain]

In that case, I won't be able to afford to leave, will I? If I do stay on Here, Spain. Mitch Travis will file that title in my name.

[Narrator]

I see.

[Jeff Spain]

And he'll file it in my name anyway. If you accept the job and you and I, shall we say, don't get.

[Narrator]

Along.

[Jeff Spain]

You have till tomorrow morning to decide. Don't be a fool, Spain.

[Narrator]

We all make mistakes, Reese.

A few minutes later, Spain rides out of town, taking the trail towards the chaparral where Cy Quill is waiting for him there in the shade. They pass the afternoon in talk. Late that night, a pair of riders run in off the desert, put their horses in Teal Travers stable and walk back to the kettle house, where in Spain's room they make their final plans and then go quietly to bed. Next morning, they come out of the hotel and head for the district attorney's office.

Reese, this is my partner, Cy Quill.

[Jeff Spain]

Oh, how do you do, Mr. Quill?

[Narrator]

Howdy. You still want to appoint me sheriff of Pagosa?

[Jeff Spain]

Then you've decided?

[Narrator]

Yeah. Where's a badge?

[Jeff Spain]

Right here.

[Narrator]

Good. Now get one out for Si. I just made him my deputy.

[Jeff Spain]

What?

[Narrator]

Give him a badge. I'm not new at this game, Reese, and I always appoint my own men.

[Jeff Spain]

Well, all right. You insist.

[Narrator]

Now, go down to the sheriff's office and fire whoever's in there. Get him up, Bennu, and I'll take over then.

[Jeff Spain]

Now, just a minute, Spain. I'm not used to being ordered around.

[Narrator]

I can't fire your man. Tell him to turn loose any prisoners he's got in there. I don't like another man's leavings.

A few minutes before noon, Spain walks alone down Cherokee street towards the sheriff's office. He now carries a heavy Colt.44 on his hip, slung in a worn, hard leather holster. He has the air of a man who knows his business, knows it well. He enters the sheriff's office and finds it deserted. At the rear is a door leading out to a half a dozen cells, now empty. With his arm, Spain sweeps a pile of papers off the former sheriff's desk and sits.

All right, Si?

[Jeff Spain]

Sure.

[Wrigley's Spearmint Gum Announcer]

I give the letter to the stage driver himself. Promised to deliver it personally when he gets to Spring City.

[Narrator]

He just pulled out. Good. It seemed like a nice fellow.

[Wrigley's Spearmint Gum Announcer]

Offered me a free trip anytime I wanted to ride shotgun for him.

[Narrator]

That's mighty generous. Well, Si, let's get started.

[Wrigley's Spearmint Gum Announcer]

I'm ready.

[Narrator]

All right. I showed you where the land office is. Now go down there and arrest Mitch Travis. Right. But take it easy with him, huh?

[Progressive Insurance Announcer]

I know.

[Narrator]

Half an hour later, Mitch is quietly asleep in his cell. With the help of Half a pint of whiskey the law has been nursing him with. In the office, Cy Quill is cleaning and oiling a short barreled Winchester carbine. While Spain sits motionless at his desk, only his eyes alert and watch.

Come in. Hello, Teal.

[Teal Travis]

Where's Mitch?

[Narrator]

He's back there, asleep.

[Teal Travis]

Who told you to arrest him?

[Narrator]

Nobody. Sigh. And I. Oh, this is my partner, Cy Quill. Teal Travis.

[Teal Travis]

You got a lot of partners, it seems, Jeff. Spain.

[Narrator]

No. Just say.

[Teal Travis]

And to think I trusted you. That I was sure of you than I've ever been of any man.

[Narrator]

Now wait a minute, Teal. Just let me explain what's going on here.

[Jeff Spain]

Spain, what the devil are you up to?

[Narrator]

What's wrong, Rhys?

[Jeff Spain]

Why did you arrest Mitch Travis?

[Narrator]

I didn't exactly arrest him.

[Jeff Spain]

He's here, isn't he? In jail?

[Narrator]

Yes, he's in custody.

[Jeff Spain]

Custody? What are you talking about?

[Narrator]

Protective custody. So he'll be safe.

[Jeff Spain]

Safe from what?

[Narrator]

From you, Reese.

[Jeff Spain]

All right, Spain, Put your cards on the table.

[Narrator]

Sure. This morning, as sheriff of Pagosa, I wrote a letter to the Governor explaining a few things about this town and about you. Went out on the noon stage.

[Jeff Spain]

What?

[Narrator]

Among other things, I mentioned the homestead claim sign. I want to file for title on until the governor sends someone down to investigate. I said I'd protect Mitch. Keep him from being forced to file any illegal titles.

[Jeff Spain]

I see. And what'd you say about protecting yourself, Spain?

[Narrator]

You want to try it, Reece? You want to try it now?

[Jeff Spain]

I'd be a fool for that, wouldn't I?

[Narrator]

Yes, you would.

[Jeff Spain]

You're proud, Spain. So proud men die as fast as humble ones, sure.

[Narrator]

But they die proud.

[Jeff Spain]

You've double crossed me, Spain.

[Narrator]

I don't mind.

[Jeff Spain]

You're in trouble, man. I won't ask you for the badge. You're gonna die as sheriff. That way I'll destroy your reputation as well as you.

[Narrator]

Sigh. See where he goes, right.

[Teal Travis]

Jeff?

[Narrator]

Yes, Teal.

[Teal Travis]

I was confused and angry. But I'm trying to understand now.

[Narrator]

I'm doing what I have to do. Remember, Theo?

[Teal Travis]

But do you have to sacrifice Mitch? He'll go to prison now.

[Narrator]

No, I explained his case to the Governor.

[Teal Travis]

But when he finds out, the shock of it.

[Narrator]

It'd have to come sometime now or later.

[Teal Travis]

Yeah. Yeah, I suppose you're right. I've been a coward, haven't I?

[Narrator]

You just did what you thought best to protect your brother, that's all.

[Teal Travis]

I'm glad you're here, Jack. Spain. I've been so alone. I'm glad you've Come. Except for one thing.

[Narrator]

Oh, what's that?

[Teal Travis]

It's made you a gunfighter again.

[Narrator]

Yeah, for better reasons than I had before.

[Teal Travis]

Your ranch.

[Narrator]

And you too.

[Teal Travis]

Oh, Jeff.

[Wrigley's Spearmint Gum Announcer]

He took his horse, headed north. Should we go after him?

[Narrator]

No, we'll wait. He'll be back with help.

A week passes, Spain is the law. In Pagosa, the cowboys quickly learn that while there's a broad streak of tolerance in him, he can be cruel in a tight place. And no one makes the final challenge. Often he is with Teal. Rest of the time he's on the street or in the sheriff's office with Cy Quill.

[Wrigley's Spearmint Gum Announcer]

Not a bad fellow, this Mitch, I mean. Talking to him a lot lately.

[Narrator]

Nothing wrong with him that water can't cure. Oh, there's a stage. Take a look. Si.

[Wrigley's Spearmint Gum Announcer]

Now come here, quick.

[Narrator]

It's Clay Yeager. Yeah. I thought he'd gone to Mexico.

[Wrigley's Spearmint Gum Announcer]

Where's Reese? I don't see him.

[Narrator]

Hey, wait a minute. Who's that? I don't know.

[Wrigley's Spearmint Gum Announcer]

Wheelie turns around.

[Narrator]

That's Kitchen. Mel Kitchen. Two of them here.

[Wrigley's Spearmint Gum Announcer]

Kitchen is one of the fastest gunmen in the country, isn't he?

[Narrator]

Yeah. That's why Reece hired him, I suppose. But I don't understand why Reese isn't here too.

[Wrigley's Spearmint Gum Announcer]

Well, he isn't. What about these two? What's their game, Jack?

[Narrator]

It's been used before. They'll stay close together. I might kill two ordinary men in the same fight, but not this pair. They know one of them is bound to get me. Then I'll face him with you now. Thank you, si, but this is not your profession.

[Wrigley's Spearmint Gum Announcer]

He'll kill you.

[Narrator]

All men die. But all men make mistakes too. You're a hard one, Jim. Come on. I'll cut you for deal. And a little two handed blackjack.

In the early evening, Spain moves a chair to the porch outside the sheriff's office. He sits there, back to the wall, waiting. His face is expressionless, but his eyes are incredibly watchful. The word travels fast in Pagosa, and the street is deserted. The air seems tight, waiting to be exploding. Half an hour passes, then down the middle of Cherokee street come Clay Yeager and Mel Kitchen, walking slowly about five yards apart. As they draw near, Spain rises from his chair and steps warily to the street, his eyes never leaving the approaching killers. Ten yards away, I stopped.

Hello, Spain. How are you, gentlemen? You're all through, Spain. Kitchen and I are gonna kill you. I'm not surprised at you, Jaeger. But I never thought Kitchen here'd kill for money. There's no money in this now. It's just for the pleasure. Oh, then one of you is taking his pleasure mighty serious. What do you mean? I'll die, sure. But one of you is going with me. Have you decided which one it's gonna be? I don't get it, Spain. No man could kill both of you. But I'm faster than either of you. And I'll kill the first man who goes for his gun. Well, gentlemen, I'm ready. But which one of you is willing to die? You made a mistake not deciding this before now. You talk a lot, Spain. You can stop me, Kitchen, but you'll die for it. How about you, Jaeger? Do you want it? Listen, Kitchen, I'll count to three, and then we'll both draw. You're a fool, Jaeger. All right, then. You're faster than I am. You at least got a chance. You started. I'm not that fast.

[Wrigley's Spearmint Gum Announcer]

If he throws a shot at you first, I can get him. Come on, Jaeger.

[Narrator]

It's the only way.

Perhaps I can help you gentlemen. I'll make the choice. You know I can kill either one of you anytime I decide. Go on, Kitchen. Don't let him start it.

[Wrigley's Spearmint Gum Announcer]

Shut up. He's just trying to throw us off balance.

[Narrator]

Blast you, Kitchen. I won't die for you.

Spain stands there, poisoned, deadly, waiting to strike. The two gunmen have made one mistake, and he's waiting for the split second when they'll make another. And then, in his anger, Clay Yeager turns toward Kitchen. As he does, Spain seems only to shrug his right shoulder. Dies on his feet. Jaeger whirls and draws, but his misses and his chest is torn apart by two slugs from Spain's gun. He staggers backwards, falls heavily. Spain drops his big Colt into its holster as he steps up to Jaeger and kneels by his head.

Clay. Are you dying, Clay? Yeah. I'm sorry for that. Tell me, where's Duke Reese? Why wasn't he with you? United States Marshal pulled him off the stage at Spring City. Had a warrant. And that's that.

[Jeff Spain]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Bye, Spain.

At the open window of a room above the lock, Teal Travis stands motionless, staring into the dark at the far end of Cherokee street, waiting for a sign that will tell her whether or not her loneliness is over. She stands there until she sees a tall man in a deerskin shirt striding into the light below. At the entrance to the lock, he pauses and looks up and raises his hand to her.

Jeff.

[Teal Travis]

Oh, Jeff.

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Romance is produced and directed by Norman McDonnell and brings you the greatest love stories of today and yesterday. Tonight you have heard Pagosa by John Meston, starring Bill Conrad with Georgia Ellis and Will Wright. Featured in the cast were Tony Barrett, Lamont Johnson, Tom Holland, Herb Ellis and Junius Matthews. The narrator was Bill Johnstone. Musical supervision is by Alexander Courage. Next week, Wrigley's Spearmint Gum. The chewing treat enjoyed by millions will bring you another story enjoyed by millions. Millard Kaufman's unusual romance Ulithy. Be sure to listen to romance next week when the makers of Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing guys welcome bring you Ulithic. This is the CBS Radio Network.

[Narrator]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook join in the conversation by going to otrwesterns.Com Discord and don't forget to send us an email podcast trwesterns.com this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and again, thanks for listening.

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It is Ryan Seacrest here. There was a recent social media trend which consisted of flying on a plane with no music, no movies, no entertainment. But a better trend would be going to chumbacasino.com it's like having a mini social casino in your pocket. Chumba casino has over 100 online casino style games or all absolutely free. It's the most fun you can have online and on a plane. So grab your free welcome bonus [e-mail] sponsored by Chumba Casino.

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