Black Ghost, The 3xxxxx 004 Brandon Winds the Black Ghost, but He Escapes into Cassidy's Canyon

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Black Ghost, The 3xxxxx 004 Brandon Winds the Black Ghost, but He Escapes into Cassidy's Canyon"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Black Ghost, The 3xxxxx 004 Brandon Winds the Black Ghost, but He Escapes into Cassidy's Canyon
• Release Date: March 10, 2025

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Overview

In this thrilling episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, where the suspense of the Wild West meets the mystery of the elusive Black Ghost. The narrative follows protagonist Brandon and his seasoned companion, Uncle Zach, as they pursue the notorious Black Ghost through the perilous Cassidy's Canyon. The episode masterfully blends action, character development, and suspense, capturing the essence of classic radio dramas.

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Characters Introduced

• Brandon: The determined deputy leading the chase for the Black Ghost.
• Uncle Zach: Brandon's experienced mentor, providing wisdom and guidance.
• Sheriff: The local law enforcement officer coordinating the posse.
• Larry: A member of the posse, aiding in the pursuit.
• Ace Cameron: A deputy sheriff suspected by Brandon of being connected to the Black Ghost.

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Plot Progression

The Chase Begins

The episode kicks off with Brandon and Uncle Zach navigating a treacherous trail as they close in on the Black Ghost. The tension mounts when Brandon spots the Black Ghost approaching, prompting a heated exchange about the feasibility of capturing him.

Notable Quote:

• Uncle Zach [00:38]: “Just a little ways now. That rattlesnake rides in the shadows till he gets out on the lava beds.”

Encounter with the Black Ghost

As the posse reaches the mouth of Cassidy's Canyon, they finally confront the Black Ghost. Brandon attempts to shoot him, leading to a dramatic horse chase. The Black Ghost showcases his skills, evading capture by disappearing into the canyon amidst a puff of smoke.

Notable Quotes:

• Brandon [01:08]: “The Black Ghost. I'm gonna take a crack at him.”
• Uncle Zach [02:30]: “Who'd have thought that crowbait of yours would keep up with Star.”

Suspicion Falls on Ace Cameron

Post-encounter, Brandon grows suspicious of Ace Cameron's intentions and alibis, leading to a subplot where Brandon delves into Ace's background, questioning his involvement with the Black Ghost. Uncle Zach remains skeptical of the suspicion, defending Ace's integrity.

Notable Quotes:

• Brandon [08:23]: “And he didn't ride in the Bossy?”
• Uncle Zach [09:37]: “She sure is a pretty gal all right. If I was about 20 years younger, I'd fall for her even if she was the Black Ghost.”

The Mystery Deepens

Despite their efforts, the posse fails to capture the Black Ghost, who remains a spectral figure evading them through the rugged terrain of Cassidy's Canyon. Brandon's investigation leads him to believe that Ace Cameron might be the Black Ghost, but Uncle Zach insists otherwise, citing similarities with the Gila Bandit from Texas.

Notable Quotes:

• Brandon [11:04]: “Why shouldn't he throw suspicion on somebody else while he's robbing and plundering all the little miners in that neck of the woods?”
• Uncle Zach [11:53]: “One thing I'm plum sure that the Black Ghost is the Gila Bandit from Texas. Because he operates in the same way.”

Conclusion: No Capture, Lingering Suspicion

The episode concludes with Brandon and his companions returning to town without having captured the Black Ghost. The unresolved tension regarding Ace Cameron's potential involvement sets the stage for future episodes, leaving listeners eager for more developments.

Notable Quote:

• Uncle Zach [12:36]: “And he's drying no longer have a part of that life, but just the same, Ace Cameron ain't no hold up.”

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Key Moments

1. Brandon Spots the Black Ghost: The initial sighting sets the stage for the ensuing chase.
2. The Dramatic Shootout: Brandon's attempt to shoot the Black Ghost heightens the suspense.
3. Ace Cameron's Suspicion: The introduction of Ace's possible connection to the Black Ghost adds a layer of intrigue.
4. Elusive Escape: The Black Ghost's ability to vanish reinforces his mysterious persona.
5. Unresolved Tensions: The conclusion leaves key questions unanswered, maintaining audience interest.

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Themes and Insights

• Good vs. Evil: The relentless pursuit of the Black Ghost embodies the classic battle between lawmen and outlaws.
• Trust and Suspicion: Brandon's doubts about Ace Cameron explore themes of trust within law enforcement.
• Mystery and Elusiveness: The Black Ghost's ability to evade capture emphasizes the enduring allure of the mysterious outlaw archetype.
• Wisdom of Experience: Uncle Zach's seasoned perspective provides a counterbalance to Brandon's youthful determination.

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Conclusion

"Black Ghost, The 3xxxxx 004 Brandon Winds the Black Ghost, but He Escapes into Cassidy's Canyon" is a compelling installment that masters the art of suspense and character interplay typical of the Golden Age of Radio. Through its engaging dialogue, intricate plot twists, and memorable characters, the episode offers a rich listening experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. The unresolved storyline surrounding Ace Cameron and the elusive Black Ghost promises exciting developments in future episodes.

Ending Quote:

• Uncle Zach [11:20]: “Well, I'll tell you, Brandon, I'm just as anxious to catch this Black Ghost as you are. Maybe it means a little more to me than you think.”

Transcript

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[Brandon]

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[Uncle Zach]

Every style, every home.

[Brandon]

How much longer before this trail runs out of the canyon, Uncle Zach?

[Uncle Zach]

Just a little ways now. That rattlesnake rides in the shadows till he gets out on the lava beds.

[Brandon]

He had such a big start, I reckon we lost it.

[Uncle Zach]

Don't you worry about that. He'll be a waitin for us when we get out of the canyon. And you'll see a show that you never will forget.

[Brandon]

There's the mouth of the canyon now. Wonder how far back the sheriff is.

[Uncle Zach]

He's coming along with the rest of posse. Can't be far behind us.

[Brandon]

Look. What's that up ahead?

[Uncle Zach]

By thunder, that's him.

[Brandon]

The Black Ghost. I'm gonna take a crack at him.

[Uncle Zach]

Don't waste your lead, son. There ain't no rifle carry that far.

[Brandon]

Listen, Will, it's special high power.

[Uncle Zach]

Well, I'd admire to see anybody hit a man that fur, but, well, here goes. Easy, son. Don't hit that horse. He must be a plum beauty.

[Brandon]

Okay, Uncle Zack. I'll draw a coarse bead.

[Uncle Zach]

Well, how the heck can you see the sights in the night?

[Brandon]

I can't, Uncle Zack, but I'm a powerful good guesser. Whoa. Whoa, boy.

[Uncle Zach]

Whoa.

[Brandon]

Whoa, Stark. Well, here's hoping.

[Uncle Zach]

Well, I'll be dead hammered if you didn't get him. He's out of the saddle.

[Brandon]

Come on. Wait a minute. No, wait a minute. I reckon I just nicked him. Look, he's up again. And is he fanning it.

[Uncle Zach]

Well, here comes the sheriff and the posse. Just round the bend back there.

[Brandon]

Okay, Uncle Zach, let's get him. Hey.

[Sheriff]

Hey, Sheriff.

[Larry]

All right, Brandon, I got 20 men.

[Sheriff]

All right, fellas, fan out. Back me up. I nicked him, but he's still going strong. You coming along with me, Sheriff?

[Larry]

Well, I'll take the left and you take the right, Uncle Zach. Now, let's see what that horse of yours can do, Brandon.

[Sheriff]

All right, Sheriff.

[Brandon]

Come on, Star.

[Uncle Zach]

Come on, boy.

[Brandon]

Come on, lay down to it. Come on, boy.

[Uncle Zach]

That's some horse, Larry.

[Brandon]

But yours ain't exactly slow.

[Sheriff]

Who'd have thought that crowbait of yours would keep up with Star.

[Uncle Zach]

Well, what do you mean, crowbait? This here plug's a real horse, young fella, even if he don't look it.

[Brandon]

We're gaining on him. Look at that. Look, he's slowing up, Faye.

[Sheriff]

Yeah, he always does now.

[Uncle Zach]

Look out for a show.

[Sheriff]

Hey, Sheriff, I'm leaving you. You all stay as close as you can. I'll be trumping your heels, son. You just think you will. Uncle Zack, I just been playing along. You ain't seen Star run yet.

[Brandon]

Come on, Star. Come on.

[Sheriff]

Get it, boy. Get it, boy. Get it. Get it.

[Larry]

Good grief, Uncle Zach. Look at that horse go. He's dynamite.

[Uncle Zach]

Yes, sir.

[Larry]

He.

[Sheriff]

He's fork lightning.

[Uncle Zach]

If he can hold it for five.

[Sheriff]

Minutes, Larry will get him.

[Larry]

Not. No, he won't. Looky yonder.

[Sheriff]

Yeah, there goes that puff of smoke.

[Uncle Zach]

And there just won't be no more black goat.

[Larry]

Hey, look. Brandon is a riding street full of smoke.

[Sheriff]

Pull up the boy, Sheriff. Signal him to spread out. We got a good chance to catch this fellow tonight, even if we can't see him.

[Larry]

Ain't no use, Uncle Zach.

[Brandon]

Look.

[Larry]

Look at them boys are hightailing it.

[Ace Cameron]

Back for the canyon. That spooky stuff just gets that goat.

[Uncle Zach]

Don't set none too good with me.

[Sheriff]

We just as well pull up.

[Uncle Zach]

I didn't see Larry stopped up there.

[Sheriff]

Whoa.

[Brandon]

Oh, boy.

[Ace Cameron]

Here. Larry's turning back. We'll wait here for him. Say, Uncle Zack, how in name of creation can the Black Ghost disappear that away in broad, open moonlight?

[Uncle Zach]

Well, Sheriff, when you've lived as long as I have and seen as many funny things as I've seen, you realize that anything's liable to happen in this old world and probably will.

[Ace Cameron]

Yeah, reckon so. Are you sure that Larry wounded the Black Ghost?

[Uncle Zach]

Well, Sheriff, the shadows are pretty deep in the canyon, but looked like to me he was hit. Well, here comes Larry now.

[Sheriff]

Hey, there. What happened? Whoa, boy.

[Brandon]

Whoa. Well, Uncle Zack, that sure was some stunt. A black gold show has got me guessing. I was within 200 yards of him when he let loose that big puff of smoke. And then him and his horse seemed to turn sort of pale. And then when the smoke drifted away, there wasn't nothing there at all. But whatever it is, he's toting a slug of lead around with him.

[Uncle Zach]

Are you sure you hit him, son?

[Brandon]

Yes, sir. Ain't no mistake about that. I seen his left arm hanging limp. Didn't look like it was broke, but he's wounded all right. And now the question is, where do we go from here?

[Ace Cameron]

Well, look over to the left, Brandon. You see that butte yonder? Well, that's Buzzard Butte. And that nick you see on the top there is called Cassidy's Canyon. Runs back in there for about half a mile.

[Brandon]

Box Canyon, huh?

[Ace Cameron]

That's it. The sides and the end are straight up. No way to get out. But just the same, I got a hunch that the Black Ghost rise to that canyon every time he pulls his disappearance stunts.

[Brandon]

Now, say, where's the rest of the posse?

[Uncle Zach]

Well, they had their business back in town.

[Brandon]

Couldn't stand the pressure, huh?

[Ace Cameron]

Well, most fellows are that way, Brandon. Give them something to fight that they can see and they'll mix it with most anybody. But give him a spooky place like this and a man and a horse disappearing in front of their eyes in broad open moonlight. And nine out of 10 of them gets a hunch that he's supernatural.

[Brandon]

Well, let's ride over to this Cassidy's Canyon and have a look before this elusive gent has a chance to slide into it.

[Uncle Zach]

You ain't gonna find nothing there, son. I've gone over that canyon with a fine tooth comb. Why, there ain't an inch of that canyon and I ain't inspected free and syrup. But just the same, we'll go along.

[Brandon]

All right, get out. Boy, it looks like come daylight we could trail this Jasper.

[Ace Cameron]

Well, I don't know, Brandon. You see, these lava beds are pretty flinty ground.

[Brandon]

I know, but look behind you. Even in the moonlight you can see an occasional scratch from our horse's shoes.

[Uncle Zach]

That's another thing I've been wondering about. My horse leaves tracks. But this Black Ghost just well be riding on air for all the sign he leaves.

[Brandon]

I wonder why they call this place Cassidy's Canyon.

[Ace Cameron]

Named after a fellow who used to mine up in there. Why?

[Brandon]

Oh, I was just wondering. Ain't it there no more?

[Ace Cameron]

No, no, they say he was killed up there, but that was a long time ago.

[Uncle Zach]

Well, we're nearly there.

[Brandon]

Yeah. Well, suppose we ride over there into the shadow of this butte here. This moonlight is powerful bright.

[Uncle Zach]

That ain't a bad idea. I ain't a honing to be target for no gent what I can't see.

[Ace Cameron]

It's pretty rough riding in the air. Let's take it slow.

[Brandon]

Okay. Well, here we are right at the entrance. And from the direction the Black Ghost was riding, well, from that direction, he'd have had to cut a pretty big circle to get back there. And I believe we're here ahead of him. That is if he's heading this way.

[Ace Cameron]

Oh, he's heading this way all right. But if he wants to ride in that canyon, he'll do it. And we won't hear him nor see him.

[Brandon]

You mean to tell me that he can ride in there 150 yards away and we wouldn't see him?

[Ace Cameron]

That's just what I mean. He's a plum slick hombre that is, Sheriff.

[Uncle Zach]

He's plenty smart.

[Brandon]

Oh, I forgot to ask you, Sheriff. During the hold up in the Diamond Stud Saloon, did you make it a point to keep your eye on Ace Cameron?

[Ace Cameron]

I sure did, Brandon. Up to the time old man Winsor come in. But after that I never seen Ace Cameron no more.

[Brandon]

And he didn't ride in the Bossy?

[Ace Cameron]

No.

[Brandon]

What kind of a horse does Ace ride?

[Ace Cameron]

He's got as pretty a black as you ever seen, Brandon. Black as night?

[Brandon]

Uh huh.

[Uncle Zach]

Son, you're barking up the wrong tree. Ace Cameron ain't no hold up man.

[Brandon]

Well, maybe not, but during the hold up he wasn't seen and he rides a black horse. But there's one way of checking up on him. If Ace Cameron is a Black Ghost, then he's gonna have a sore arm tomorrow.

[Ace Cameron]

Say, wasn't Ms. Betty Cameron there doing the old up?

[Brandon]

Yeah, she was sitting at our table, but she wasn't in on it.

[Ace Cameron]

Well, how do you know she wasn't? How do you know that Ace didn't plant her in there?

[Brandon]

Oh, listen, Jeff, any girl with eyes like hers.

[Ace Cameron]

Yeah, I see how it is, Brandon, but can't say I blame you much, huh, Uncle Zach?

[Uncle Zach]

Yeah, she. She sure is a pretty gal all right. If I was about 20 years younger, I'd fall for her even if she was the Black Ghost.

[Brandon]

Oh, you two cut it out. You know I ain't in love with no girl. I got a job to do. Oh, Uncle Zach, how come you think that Ace Cameron is such a upstanding gent?

[Uncle Zach]

I don't know, Larry. When you come to my age, you'll know there's something about a man. Maybe it's his soul. Ain't real, sure, but there's something there that tells you whether to tie it to him or not. Some hombres just put you on edge the minute you meet them. Get a crawly feeling from just shaking hands with em. Well, a gent that lives alone like me gets queer notions. And I sometimes think these fellows ain't got no soul at all.

[Brandon]

I know, Uncle Zach, but I been fooled plenty.

[Uncle Zach]

Me too. Larry, but you're young yet and you burn up the best part of your life fore you know what life is for. It's just like your PA always said. Man never learns how to live till he starts falling apart.

[Brandon]

If you follow me, I'm tromping on your heels, Uncle Zack. But just the same, when I get back to town, I'm gonna inspect Ace came Ace Cameron's horse at the livery stable. And I'll bet you a new hat that he'll be wet with sweat.

[Uncle Zach]

Maybe so, Larry. Well, just the same, Ace Cameron ain't no hold up. Why should he hold up his own sloom?

[Brandon]

Oh, that's an easy one. Why shouldn't he throw suspicion on somebody else while he's robbing and plundering all the little miners in that neck of the woods? Sheriff tells me that he's actually making them pay him so much out of every cleanup.

[Uncle Zach]

That's right. And they're paying it and liking it.

[Ace Cameron]

Well, I'll tell you, Brandon, I'm just as anxious to catch this Black Ghost as you are. Maybe it means a little more to me than you think.

[Brandon]

How do you mean, Sheriff?

[Ace Cameron]

Well, you see, I'm just a deputy sheriff appointed by the sheriff in the county seat. And I got a letter from him the other day and he just as good as told me that if I wanted to hold my job, this here Black Ghost had to be caught. And if Ace Cameron is the Black.

[Uncle Zach]

Ghost, well, he ain't.

[Ace Cameron]

Well, how can you be so sure, Uncle Zack?

[Uncle Zach]

One thing I'm plum sure that the Black Ghost is the Gila Bandit from Texas. Because he operates in the same way. And I know darn well that Ace Cameron ain't the Gila Bandit.

[Brandon]

Did you ever see the Gila Bandit, Uncle Zach?

[Uncle Zach]

No, never seen him. Did you? You run down his whole gang, but he got away.

[Ace Cameron]

Well, there you are. We're right where we started from. Don't none of us know nothing.

[Brandon]

Well, I hope I haven't put this fella out of the running. Cause I got to catch him with the goods and he can't work very well if it's wounded.

[Uncle Zach]

Fella like him can absorb a lot of lead without spoiling his appetite for deviltry. He be on deck again soon.

[Brandon]

Bosh. Listen. Listen. Oh, boy, I hear a horse.

[Uncle Zach]

Which way?

[Brandon]

Right out there. Right out at the entrance to the canyon. Wait a minute. Let me get my ear to the ground.

[Ace Cameron]

You hear anything?

[Brandon]

Yeah, a horse just went down that canyon. He was stepping plumb respectful and easy like, but it was a horse and right in front of our eyes and we can't see him.

[Ace Cameron]

Well, get on your horse, Brandon. We'll follow him.

[Brandon]

Okay, Sheriff.

[Uncle Zach]

Now wait a minute, you two. We wouldn't have a chance in that canyon. He could shoot us down as easy as dirt. And another thing, we don't know the trail in there. And we're liable to break a horse's leg for no reason.

[Brandon]

You're right, Uncle Zach. Let's get back to town. I got a lot of checking up to do.

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[Uncle Zach]

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