Bakers' Theater of Stars xxxxxx xxx Mail Order Bride

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Bakers' Theater of Stars xxxxxx xxx Mail Order Bride
Release Date: March 14, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

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Introduction

Harold's Old Time Radio transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, reviving classic radio shows that captivated families before the advent of television. In this episode, titled Mail Order Bride, hosted by the charismatic Wendell Niles and featuring the distinguished actor Robert Taylor, listeners are immersed in a dramatic tale of love, honor, and conflict on the rugged frontier.

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Plot Overview

Mail Order Bride narrates the story of Lee Carey, a stoic rancher facing mounting tensions over land rights and cattle grazing between his ranch and neighboring landowner, Green. Amidst these conflicts, Lee encounters Joyce Kingston and her young daughter, Mary Ellen, who arrive as a mail order bride arrangement. The narrative explores themes of trust, responsibility, and the struggle between personal honor and external pressures.

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Detailed Summary

1. Morning Tensions [02:53 - 05:35]

The episode opens with Lee Carey awakening to his daily routines and immediate concerns:

• Lee Carey (Robert Taylor) prepares breakfast and confronts his friend Jax (Wendell Niles) about Green's encroachment on his land with grazing cattle.

  • "Green's pushed a bunch of his cattle onto our land again. [...] It’s gonna take more than talk, Lee, to start that kind of trouble." [04:46]

  • Lee asserts his readiness to defend his land, hinting at past violence without glorifying it: "Kill him if it comes to that. I’ve killed men before, Jax. It didn’t solve much." [05:07]

2. Arrival of Joyce Kingston and Mary Ellen [09:10 - 13:55]

Lee's routine is disrupted by the arrival of Joyce Kingston and her daughter, Mary Ellen, seeking to start a new life as Lee's mail order bride:

• Joyce Kingston (Joyce Kingston) arrives with Mary Ellen, expressing gratitude and nervousness about the arrangement.

  • Joyce reveals the setup: "I’m a good cook and a good housekeeper. Later you can decide if you want me. That would be only fair, ma'am." [12:03]

• Lee, initially hesitant, acknowledges the shared goal of settling the West but remains guarded:

  • "It was a wife I wanted, not a cook." [13:04]

• The marriage ceremony is brief, underscoring the pragmatic nature of frontier marriages:

  • "Mr. Carey, ma'am. This is Mr. Tolson." [11:25]

  • "Scarcely for you, Mr. Green." [22:26]

3. Rising Conflict and Internal Struggle [16:54 - 20:42]

As Lee and Joyce settle into their new life, tensions escalate both externally with Green and internally within Lee as he grapples with his feelings towards Joyce and the impending confrontation:

• Lee expresses discomfort and fear about the feud with Green:

  • "You're not responsible for any of this. As for you and the child, I wouldn't have it anyway. But how it is." [17:53]

• Joyce confronts Lee about his intentions, revealing her vulnerability and fear:

  • "Tell me, Lee, do you have strength enough not to kill that man Green?" [18:35]

• Lee remains resolute, indicating an unavoidable clash:

  • "I'll be back before sundown. And I'm not ashamed of you. But I'm going to kill Green." [20:15]

4. Climactic Confrontation [21:19 - 26:36]

The narrative reaches its peak as Lee confronts Green and his associates in Tanner's Creek:

• Green taunts Lee, refusing to back down:

  • "I'm getting out after Mr. Green and I settle something." [22:20]

• Lee asserts his authority and determination to end the conflict:

  • "Don't move, Quill. I'll kill the first man that does more than breathe." [23:38]

• A tense showdown ensues, resulting in Green's defeat:

  • "I'll kill that whip out of your hand so fast you had reach." [23:17]

• The aftermath sees Lee returning to Joyce, relieved yet burdened by the violence:

  • "Joyce, I didn't kill him." [26:12]

  • "Kiss me, Lee. Kiss me." [26:25]

5. Resolution and Reflection [28:09 - 29:21]

The episode concludes with Lee and Joyce reaffirming their bond amid the tranquil backdrop of their ranch:

• Lee and Joyce share a moment of vulnerability and commitment:

  • "I have strength enough for both of us." [18:35]

  • "Kiss me, Lee. Kiss me." [26:25]

• The host, Wendell Niles, wraps up the episode, highlighting the performances and setting the stage for future stories.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Lee Carey on Conflict:

   • "Kill him if it comes to that. I’ve killed men before, Jax. It didn’t solve much." [05:07]

2. Joyce Kingston's Vulnerability:

   • "I’m ashamed to have deceived you. I didn't mean to, but I didn't dare mention Mary Ellen." [12:12]

3. Lee's Determination:

   • "I'll kill Green." [20:15]

4. Climactic Confrontation:

   • "I'll kill that whip out of your hand so fast you had reach." [23:17]

5. Emotional Resolution:

   • "Kiss me, Lee. Kiss me." [26:25]

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Character Insights

• Lee Carey (Robert Taylor): Portrayed as a principled yet conflicted rancher, Lee embodies the rugged individualism of the frontier. His internal struggle between upholding his honor and embracing his new life with Joyce adds depth to his character.

• Joyce Kingston (Joyce Kingston): A vulnerable and resilient figure, Joyce's journey from a mail order bride to Lee's partner highlights themes of trust and adaptation in a challenging environment. Her presence humanizes Lee, offering a glimpse into his capacity for love and fear.

• Jax (Wendell Niles): Serving as Lee's confidant, Jax provides counsel and reflects the loyalty and camaraderie essential in frontier life. His pragmatic approach contrasts with Lee's intense resolve.

• Green and Quill: Antagonistic figures representing the external threats to Lee's livelihood and peace. Their confrontation with Lee underscores the persistent conflicts over land and resources during the era.

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Conclusion

Mail Order Bride masterfully blends drama, character development, and the timeless struggle between duty and personal desire. Through Robert Taylor's compelling portrayal of Lee Carey and the nuanced interactions with Joyce Kingston, the episode captures the essence of frontier life and the enduring human spirit. Listeners are left contemplating the cost of honor and the transformative power of unexpected relationships.

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Production Credits

• Adaptation: John Meshton
• Star: Robert Taylor
• Supporting Cast: Gene Bates, John Boehner, Harry Bartel, Lawrence Dobkin, Will Wright, Mary McGovern
• Narrator: Harley Bair
• Music: Wilbur Hatch
• Producer/Director: Norman McDonald
• Network: CBS Radio

Tune in next Sunday for another captivating episode of Bakers' Theater of Stars, sponsored by the Bakers of America, bringing you outstanding dramatic entertainment and delectable bakery insights.

Transcript

[Robert Taylor]

Geico's motorcycle expertise gives me the coverage I need.

[Joyce Kingston]

Like 24.7claims, I'm on cloud nine.

[Wendell Niles]

Clouds are wholly unable to support the weight of an adult human.

[Joyce Kingston]

What's happening?

[Wendell Niles]

Furthermore, clouds are not numbered. Even if you procured a jetpack and searched, you'd find no cloud numbered nine. However, at that altitude, you'd likely befriend a flock of migrating snow geese. Geese who'd encourage you to leave your 24.7geico motorcycle claims insurance behind as they would take you in and even share their dinner of crickets and clovers with you. GEICO assumes no liability for any indigestion that may occur from a clover cricket dinner. GEICO expertise for your motorcycle. Welcome to the Baker's Theatre of Stars. Today we present Mr. Robert Taylor in Van Court Story Mail order bride brought to you by the bakers of America, who help you serve better meals through bakery foods. This is Wendell Niles inviting you to the Baker's Theatre of Stars, a half hour of outstanding dramatic entertainment featuring Hollywood's greatest stars, brought to you every Sunday at this time by the bakers of America. Robert Taylor is appearing by arrangement at mgm, producers of Battle Circus, starring Humphrey Bogart and June Allison. Your baker has an important job to do, and he does it well. Each day he delivers to the food stores in your town or to your door fresh baked bread and a delicious variety of pies, cakes, sweet rolls, doughnuts and other fine bakery foods. Your baker and the other bakers of America use the same high quality ingredients you would use. They make their bakery foods with cookbook accuracy and with a skill that comes only from years of baking experience. And your baker is constantly making these fine foods even better through research, through new baking techniques and with new baking equipment so that you may enjoy the best at the lowest possible cost to you. So for convenience, economy and good eating depend on the wide variety of wonderful foods your baker bakes. Depend on the bakers of America to help you serve better meals through bakery foods. And now, here is our star, Mr. Robert Taylor.

[Robert Taylor]

When I first read the script for today's show, it made me think about a picture I made some time ago concerning a man in charge of a wagon train of women headed west. The women were to marry sight unseen, a group of pioneer settlers. That was one way men and women got together. You see, in the early days, there weren't many women in that land and men had little opportunity to meet and court their brides. But in one way or another, families were established and the west was settled. Our Story today is the story of a man who arranged for a wife after the rough fashion of those days. Now it's a great pleasure to join with the Bakers of America in presenting Vancourt's story. Mail order Bride.

[Narrator]

This was the day Lee Carey lay sleeping in the early morning sun that was reflected into his bedroom from the mesa behind the ranch house. Then he awoke sharply, sat up with an angry effort and swung from the bed onto the rough plank floor. His hands trembled as he pulled on a pair of black whipcord pants. He washed nervously, shaved off a heavy growth of beard, and then buttoned on a gray silk shirt, the only dress shirt he owned. He dusted his boots with flour, pulled them on and walked out into the kitchen. Old Jack's. His only hand was frying eggs and pork.

[Robert Taylor]

I fixed a man's breakfast this morning, Lee says. Coffee. Ah. You want me to come to town with you? No, thanks. I'll manage this by myself.

[Wendell Niles]

It might be more proper like if I come along.

[Robert Taylor]

No, I'll go alone.

[Wendell Niles]

Well, I'm wishing you luck.

[Robert Taylor]

I might need it. Lee, I don't like having to say it, but Green's pushed a bunch of his cattle onto our land again. How do you know? I saw them this morning when I.

[Wendell Niles]

Run the horses in.

[Robert Taylor]

They're over in the west section, up in the pass.

[Wendell Niles]

And they're not being moved. They're grazing.

[Robert Taylor]

Moved? They're grazing good grass. Moved. They're grazing good grass up there.

[Wendell Niles]

Yeah, sure is.

[Robert Taylor]

But it's not for Green's cattle. I've told him before. Well, it's. It's gonna take more than talk, Lee, to start that kind of trouble. Listen, Lee.

[Wendell Niles]

Now, I know you ain't afraid of him, but Green don't know you ain't. You gotta show him.

[Robert Taylor]

Kill him if it comes to that. I've killed men before, Jax. It didn't solve much. Well, then he'll get your land leave.

[Wendell Niles]

He's got 300 head grazing on it right now. Another few months and he'll be ready.

[Robert Taylor]

To file claim to the whole west section.

[Wendell Niles]

You just gonna sit back and give it to him?

[Robert Taylor]

Going into town now, Jax. Buckboard ready.

[Wendell Niles]

Your title ain't final to this place, Lee. Green could get it.

[Robert Taylor]

I'll be back before dark, Jax. All right, babe.

[Wendell Niles]

I wish you'd let me come with you. Green will be in town with Quill.

[Robert Taylor]

Quill's just another hired gunman. I'm not worried. And Jax. Yeah? Don't you be.

[Narrator]

An hour later, Lee Carey crossed the last rise and the town of Tanner's Creek lay before him, its sun baked street shimmering in the morning heat. Lee watered his team, then left the buckboard outside Tolson's store and walked across the street to Rankin's Saloon.

[Robert Taylor]

Morning Leave rye whiskey, Bert. You're a stranger in town, Lee. Jax and I work a pretty big spread. Yeah, I know what brings you here. Now leave the rye bird. It's thirsty weather. Upsell, since you've got the rye bottle, Carrie, I'll have to join you for a drink. Unless you think you'd mind. It's a public bar, Green. Yeah. By the way, Lee, you know Todd Quill here. We've seen each other around. Two more glasses, Bert, and I'll buy for all three. Yes. Picked me up a real good working quarter mare the other day, Lee. There's a nice way of going. I'm not interested in your mare, Green. Oh, no? It's your cattle that concern me. Ah, and how's that? Putting on too much weight off my grass. Well, now, that just shows it's good grass. Shut up. I'll let you come on to my west section for water, Green. But from now on, you get your water somewhere else. Your title clear to that land, Lee. Have your cattle out of there by tomorrow noon, Green. Now, maybe I don't shove quite that easy, Carrie. I move my stock when I feel like it's or I'll stay. It's all the same to me. Tomorrow noon, Green. You like the smell of black powder, mister? Something else, Green? Tell this slack mouth bum of yours to stay out of my sight. Are you now? Here, Green. Buy your boy another whiskey. Tell him not to hold it in his gun hand this time. Don't forget, Green. Tomorrow noon. No later. Hello, Tolson. I've been expecting you, Lee. So you drive in. You get those packages for me? Yeah. Being merchant and justice, Peace too, they keep me busy. But it all came in on the stage from wicking. Good. I'll put it in the buckboard. Can I lend you a hand? No thanks, Olson. It's none of my business, but don't fight Green alone. He and Quill won't face you in the open. You'll get shot in the back. Four years ago a man tried that. Yeah, I remember. Must be close to noon. Train just passing four mile. Look, Tolson, I've got to get down to the depot. You can load this stuff for me after all. Why, surely. Thanks. You meet in the train? Yeah. I'll. I'll be. I'll be back short.

[Narrator]

Lee reached the depot just as a high stacked engine snorted and clanged to a stop. Half dozen men stiffly climbed down from the wooden day coach, tipping their hats against the noonday glare of the sun. Then followed by a smaller figure, a young woman, stepped to the ground. She was pretty. Prettier than Lee had ever imagined. She was tall, with delicate shoulders and warm blue eyes. She came up to Lee and looked at him shyly.

[Joyce Kingston]

Mr. Carey, ma'am. I'm Joyce.

[Robert Taylor]

Yes, ma'am.

[Joyce Kingston]

And this is Mary Ellen. Mary Ellen, say how do you do to Mr. Carey. Hello.

[Robert Taylor]

Hello, child. Come along, ma'am. We'll go to Tolson's most likely. You'd like to freshen up after your journey.

[Joyce Kingston]

That's very thoughtful.

[Robert Taylor]

If you'll just show me your baggage, ma'am.

[Joyce Kingston]

Just those two pieces and that little one there.

[Robert Taylor]

I'll bring the buckboard down later. We'll pick them up then.

[Joyce Kingston]

All right, Mr. Carey. Whatever's convenient for you.

[Robert Taylor]

Shall we go?

[Joyce Kingston]

Are we going to a hotel, Mommy? Tolson's. Is that the hotel, Mr. Carey?

[Robert Taylor]

Mr. Tolson runs the stories. Also, justice of the Peace. I left my buckboard there.

[Joyce Kingston]

What's that?

[Robert Taylor]

It's a kind of a light wagon.

[Joyce Kingston]

Oh. Will we ride in it? Mary Ellen always asks questions. Well, I want to know. Sometimes it's not polite, Marilyn.

[Robert Taylor]

I know this is your first time in the West.

[Joyce Kingston]

My first time anywhere outside of Kansas City.

[Robert Taylor]

Well, you'll find it different here. I hope you like it.

[Joyce Kingston]

I think I shall, Mr. Carey.

[Robert Taylor]

Bye. Bye, Mary.

[Joyce Kingston]

That's funny. What is, Mary Ellen? Those men on the horses. All the men we seen, they all have guns. You have a gun, too, Mr. Carey?

[Robert Taylor]

Yes, child. This is Tolson's. Right in here, ma'am. Oh, hello, Lee.

[Wendell Niles]

I put the.

[Robert Taylor]

Ma'am, this is Mr. Tolson.

[Joyce Kingston]

How do you do? I'm Joyce Kingston. This is Mary Ellen.

[Robert Taylor]

Proud to know you, ma'am. Tolson, I thought they might clean up some, would you? Why, sure. Yes. Rising back here, ladies.

[Joyce Kingston]

Mary Ellen, you go along with Mr. Tolson. I'll join you in a moment. All right, Mommy.

[Robert Taylor]

Right this way, Mary Ellen. I'll get some fresh water for you.

[Joyce Kingston]

Mr. Carey. Yes, Mr. Carey. I've told Mary Ellen about everything. How it was arranged. The letters, the money for the train, what we're here for.

[Robert Taylor]

I see.

[Joyce Kingston]

And she understands.

[Robert Taylor]

You didn't say anything in the letters about a child?

[Joyce Kingston]

No.

[Robert Taylor]

I take it you're a widow woman.

[Joyce Kingston]

Yes, I am a widow.

[Robert Taylor]

I see.

[Joyce Kingston]

I'm ashamed to have deceived you. I didn't mean to, but I didn't dare mention Mary Ellen. I was afraid you wouldn't want us.

[Robert Taylor]

They are now. There now. Please, ma'am, please. It's just that. Well, I didn't know quite what to.

[Joyce Kingston]

Expect from a mail order bride.

[Robert Taylor]

Don't say that.

[Joyce Kingston]

That's what I am. Bought from an ad in a Kansas City newspaper. But I'll make it up to you. You won't have to marry me. I'm a good cook and a good housekeeper. Later you can decide if you want me. That would be only fair, ma'am.

[Robert Taylor]

You and the child are surely welcome. I wouldn't want you to feel any other way. But my ranch is a long ways out. There'll be no other women folk around. It'll be more proper to be married.

[Joyce Kingston]

Mr. Carey. I wouldn't force it on you.

[Robert Taylor]

Seems we kind of agreed on it, didn't we? It was a wife I wanted, not a cook.

[Joyce Kingston]

But you're not obliged.

[Robert Taylor]

Maybe you don't want me.

[Joyce Kingston]

Yes, I think I do.

[Robert Taylor]

Well, we got Mary Ellen all washed.

[Joyce Kingston]

And mummy Mr. Tolson gave me some milk and cookies, too. That's very kind of Mr. Tolson.

[Robert Taylor]

Tolson, I've got a job for you. Why, sure, Lee. Ms. Kingston and I would like you to read the marrying service for us. Oh, Lee, you should have told us. We could have raised a fiesta or something. You see, I don't get many chances to marry people, ma'am. Certainly none so pretty as you.

[Joyce Kingston]

My mommy's the prettiest lady in the whole world.

[Robert Taylor]

Yes, I believe you're right, child.

[Narrator]

And so Joyce Kingston and Lee Carey were married. The shadows were dying into deep dusk when they came out of Tolson's store and climbed into the buckboard. A small group of men crowded around and offered congratulations. Lee was proud and happy as he sat beside his wife, looking down at his friends. Mary Ellen was taken for granted and she sat quietly staring into the purple hills beyond the town. And then it happened.

[Robert Taylor]

The smart man who buys a cow and gets a calf in the bargain.

[Joyce Kingston]

No, Lee, not now. Of all times, not now.

[Robert Taylor]

Right, Lee. Maybe later, but not now. Nobody thinks you're afraid. Agree? We'll be going now to thank you kindly. And if anyone's curious to know, I'll be back in town tomorrow.

[Wendell Niles]

We'll return for Act 2 of Mail Order Bride starring Mr. Robert Taylor in just a moment. Right now I'd like to call your attention to an article in the March issue of Good Housekeeping magazine. Perhaps some of you already seen the article on new hot breads. Don't miss it if you haven't. In the 14 pages of this article, Good Housekeeping magazine gives you over 90 delicious new ways to serve baker's bread and roe. You'll find interesting new ways to use sliced bread, glamorous new ways to serve toast, exciting new ways to use baker's rolls. And let me read from the article this statement by AA Schall, Good Housekeeping's eminent nutritionist. Mr. Schall says bread is important because it's a sound, wholesome, delicious food, because it's one of the most wonderful buys for the food value received. Because the old myth that bread is fattening has been exploded, it can and should be wisely included in sound reducing plans. Bread is important because it's a fine source of cereal proteins, because enriched and whole grain breads do so much toward ensuring adequate amounts of B vitamins and iron in the diet. Bread is important because it is filling, satisfying and such a good source of the energy we all need. Don't miss this outstanding article on bread in the March issue of Good Housekeeping magazine. Now act two of Mail Order Bride, starring Mr. Robert Taylor.

[Narrator]

Lee Carey was silent as he drove the buckboard out of Tanner's Creek and along the road to his ranch. In the moonlight, Joyce watched the sharp lines around his mouth and wondered what she could ever do to make up for the shame she had brought on this proud, vengeful man. It seemed hours later, when they finally reached the ranch, had eaten the supper Jax had waiting for them and put Mary Ellen to bed. And soon after Jax went to his shack. Lee and Joyce sat stiffly in front of the flickering hearth.

[Robert Taylor]

The house isn't finished yet. It's rough, but it'll be better.

[Joyce Kingston]

Of course, it's quite charmingly the edge.

[Robert Taylor]

Of the mesa is right behind us there. On a clear day you can see nearly 50 miles.

[Joyce Kingston]

I'm sure.

[Robert Taylor]

And you? You're right. I've got a whole string of ponies. You can have your pick. Oh, you're not. Don't take on like that, please. Everything will be set to rights.

[Joyce Kingston]

No, I won't. That man's remark. I've shamed you and you're too proud to forget it.

[Robert Taylor]

You've done no such thing. What's between Green and me started a long time before today. Don't you think about it.

[Joyce Kingston]

I got a feeling that it would be better if I hadn't come out here at all. I won't be rest responsible for killing Lee.

[Robert Taylor]

You're not responsible for any of this. As for you and the child, I wouldn't have it anyway. But how it is.

[Joyce Kingston]

You say that out of pity.

[Robert Taylor]

Had a tough time of it, and I'm sorry and I want to treat you right. But there's more than pity already. There's more than that.

[Joyce Kingston]

Lee. Lee, I'm so tired. I'm so scared.

[Robert Taylor]

Joyce. I have strength enough for both of us.

[Joyce Kingston]

Tell me, Lee, do you have strength enough not to kill that man Green?

[Robert Taylor]

I'll do what I have to do. You don't understand this country.

[Joyce Kingston]

I understand this much. If you go through with this because of me, it'll mean I really have shamed you. I couldn't live with you after that.

[Robert Taylor]

Lee, this. This talk's too serious for a wedding night. Come on, you're tired.

[Joyce Kingston]

You don't believe me.

[Robert Taylor]

There's sheets up here in the closet. I'll make up the bed for you.

[Joyce Kingston]

Don't bother.

[Robert Taylor]

All right, then. I'll leave them on the couch.

[Joyce Kingston]

Thank you, Lee.

[Robert Taylor]

Gotta go out to the barn for a while. I'll be quiet when I come back. I wouldn't want to wake you. Good night.

[Joyce Kingston]

Good night, Lee.

[Narrator]

The next Next morning, just as the sun began to break on the mesa behind the ranch house, Lee Carey was standing over the coffee pot in the kitchen. He was alone. A gun belt made of yellow elk's hide hung around his narrow hips. The big black handled, cold in his holster was shiny from use. The coffee ready, he poured it. Setting his cigarette on the edge of the kitchen table, he sat there drinking quietly.

[Joyce Kingston]

Morning, Lee.

[Robert Taylor]

Morning. Coffee?

[Joyce Kingston]

No, thank you. Lee, I want to talk with you.

[Robert Taylor]

About what?

[Joyce Kingston]

About this thing with Green.

[Robert Taylor]

It's not your concern. This is something between Green and me.

[Joyce Kingston]

When you left last night, I knew you didn't understand me. I lay awake waiting for you, but you didn't come back. And now, looking at you, I don't believe I can make you understand.

[Robert Taylor]

Joyce, there's no argument. This is something I've got to do.

[Joyce Kingston]

If you. If you weren't ashamed of me, you wouldn't do it.

[Robert Taylor]

I'll be back before sundown. And I'm not ashamed of you. But I'm going to kill Green.

[Joyce Kingston]

No, Lee. No.

[Robert Taylor]

Jax will take care of anything you or Mary Ellen might want.

[Joyce Kingston]

Lee, if you leave this house now, if you go, I'll not be here when you get back.

[Robert Taylor]

You don't understand these things. I'll be back, and you'll be here.

[Narrator]

On the chance that Green might have decided to avoid meeting him in town. Lee Carey Spent an hour or two searching out the pass in the west section. He found nothing and finally headed into Tanner's Creek where he tied his horse behind Tolson's door. Then he walked quickly across the street to Rankin's Saloon. He paused for a moment before entering. And then, slamming the door open with his left hand, he took one quick step. Steppen was inside, but the place was empty except for Bert, who stood behind the long mahogany bar polishing glasses and watching Lee closely.

[Robert Taylor]

Morning, Bert. Lee. Where's your customers? Green hadn't been in. Well, neither. Nowhere he is this time you're really lucky now. This time I'm really looking. All right, Lee Hotel. Been there most an hour alone. Will's around. Thanks.

[Narrator]

Halfway through the town, on the far side of the street was Tanner's Creek Hotel. In its bare, shabby parlor. A small group of men were gathered in a half circle around two people, a man and a woman. The man faced her, smiling, his hat pushed back on his head. The woman's face was dead white, her lips tight against her teeth. And she held a whip in her hand.

[Joyce Kingston]

He doesn't know I'm here. I told him I'd leave him if he killed you. But he went after you just the same.

[Robert Taylor]

Why, ma'am, I can't tell you how I appreciate the trouble you gone to just for me.

[Joyce Kingston]

Scarcely for you, Mr. Green.

[Robert Taylor]

Anyways, ma'am, nobody's been hurt yet.

[Joyce Kingston]

The only reason you're not dead right now is that he hasn't found you yet.

[Robert Taylor]

Now listen, Mrs. Carrie, or whatever you call yourself today. If Lee comes to town, he won't have any trouble finding me. If I was you, lady, I'd get out of here before the shooting. It'd be too bad if that little gal of yours was made of orphan.

[Joyce Kingston]

I'm getting out after Mr. Green and I settle something.

[Robert Taylor]

Settle what, ma'am?

[Joyce Kingston]

Last night you passed a remark about me out in the street there.

[Robert Taylor]

Supposing that's right now or what?

[Joyce Kingston]

Now you're going to apologize to me here and now.

[Robert Taylor]

And if I don't, ma'am?

[Joyce Kingston]

Then I'll whip you out of town.

[Robert Taylor]

You'll what?

[Joyce Kingston]

I'll whip you out of town.

[Robert Taylor]

I wouldn't advise it. I'd hate to hurt a woman. But I'd shoot that whip out of your hand so fast you had reach. All right, now, you little hellcat, I'm gonna.

[Joyce Kingston]

Yes.

[Robert Taylor]

Don't move, Quill. I'll kill the first man that does more than breathe. I'll take your gun, Quill. All right, Green. Make your apology to Mrs. Carey. Make it. Apollo. Gas. So much for that. Now, Green, my bullet may have spoiled your gun, so I'm going to toss Quills to you. I'll give you a fair chance. I'll handle this my way. Joyce, go on outside.

[Joyce Kingston]

All right, Lee. I've tried. I was leaving anyway. Mary Ellen is at the depot with Jack. Let the train out at noon. I'll be honest. I have no choice. Goodbye, Lee.

[Robert Taylor]

All right, men, give us room. You there, Jameson. Keep an eye on Quill. Shoot him if he interferes.

[Wendell Niles]

Header will leave.

[Robert Taylor]

You can use my gun if you like. And stick Quill's gun in your belt here and now, Green, don't get your tongue caught in your cheek. All right, you captain now. Quill, you want some? No. No. Then get out of town. Throw Green across the rub of a.

[Wendell Niles]

Mule and take him with you.

[Robert Taylor]

All right, we'll. We'll go. And remember this. I'll kill either or both of you a minute. I see you again anytime, any place. Now pick him up and leave. I'll take my gun out, Jameson.

[Wendell Niles]

Here you are, Lee.

[Robert Taylor]

Thanks. Good day, gentlemen.

[Narrator]

A few minutes later, Lee Carey stepped rapidly around the corner of the depot. The noon train was on the tracks, waiting. Halfway down, he saw her alone and pacing slowly back and forth alongside one of the coaches. Then she turned and stopped, watching him carefully, scarcely breathing as he approached her. He removed his hat and held it at his side.

[Robert Taylor]

Joyce, I didn't kill him.

[Joyce Kingston]

Oh, Lee. Lee. Hold me.

[Robert Taylor]

I should have, but when I knew I'd lose you.

[Joyce Kingston]

Don't talk about it, Lee. It's over now.

[Robert Taylor]

Yes, it's over now.

[Joyce Kingston]

Kiss me, Lee. Kiss me.

[Robert Taylor]

Go fetch my daughter. We're going home. Mrs. King. Gary.

[Wendell Niles]

Our star, Mr. Robert Taylor, will join us again right after our Bakers of America Home Economist, Ms. Helen Reed tells you how to edit Touch of Spring to any meal.

[Joyce Kingston]

Thank you, Mr. Niles. Hot Cross buns are one sure sign that spring and Easter are almost here. Yes, they do. Add a springtime touch to any meal, breakfast, lunch or supper. And you know, there's a way to heat hot cross buns without any danger of melting the delicate icing on top. Simply place the buns in a large skillet cover with a tight lid. Place the skillet over very low heat, just one minute. Then take the skillet off the heating unit and let it stand for one or two minutes more with the COVID still on. That's all there is to it. And heating hot cross buns brings out all their wonderfully spicy flavor. They're sure to make a special hit served hot. Why not enjoy hot cross buns often during Lent? Especially at breakfast. Remember, a good breakfast means a good morning.

[Wendell Niles]

And now here is our star, Mr. Robert Taylor.

[Robert Taylor]

Wendell, that lady's certainly right. A good breakfast does mean a good morning. But now I'd like to ask Mary McGovern, who was our Mary Ellen today, if she'd come to the mic for a moment.

[Wendell Niles]

She stayed right here, Bob.

[Robert Taylor]

That's what I get for speaking before. Tell me, Mary, how old are you?

[Joyce Kingston]

I'm 11, going on 12, Mr. Taylor.

[Robert Taylor]

You answer a couple of other questions for us.

[Joyce Kingston]

I'll try, Mr. Taylor. What are they?

[Robert Taylor]

Can you tell me where the Pilgrims landed and when?

[Joyce Kingston]

Plymouth Rock, 1620.

[Robert Taylor]

And another one when they elect a president down in Mexico. How long is he in for?

[Joyce Kingston]

6 years, and he can't be re elected.

[Wendell Niles]

But where did you learn all this, Mary?

[Joyce Kingston]

Why, in school, of course, Mr. Niles. Where else?

[Robert Taylor]

Where else indeed. But you realize that by 1956 there'll be 7 million more children in elementary schools than there are now. The problem of additional teachers in classrooms demands that all of us join and work with our local civic groups and school boards. Remember, better schools. Build a stronger America.

[Wendell Niles]

That's something all of us should remember. Thank you, Bob.

[Robert Taylor]

Bye. Everybody.

[Wendell Niles]

This is Wendell Niles with an invitation to be with us again next Sunday for the Baker's Theater of Stars. Join us for another half hour of Finder Attic entertainment brought to you by the Bakers of America, who help you serve better meals through bakery foods. Next week, the Bakers of America will bring you the token by Joseph hergesheimer. Our star, Mr. Dana Andrews. Today you have heard Mail Order Bride by Van Court, specially adapted for the Baker's Theater of Stars by John meston and starring Mr. Robert Taylor with Gene Bates. Featured in the cast were John Boehner, Harry Bartel, Lawrence Dobkin, Will wright and Mary McGovern. Narrator was Harley Bair. Music is by Wilbur Hatch. And our producer Director is Norman McDonald. This is Wendell Niles speaking. This is the CBS Radio, our network.