Cimmaron Tavern 1945-04-10 Clue of The Sabre Chapter 2

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio Episode: Cimmaron Tavern 1945-04-10 Clue of The Sabre Chapter 2
Release Date: June 3, 2025

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Introduction

In the second chapter of the gripping serial "Clue of The Sabre," listeners are transported to the rugged expanse of the Old West, centered around the bustling Cimmaron Tavern. This episode delves deeper into the mysterious circumstances surrounding a significant saber and introduces key characters whose intertwined lives set the stage for thrilling adventures.

Key Characters

• Randy Martin: Protagonist, grappling with his family's past and the enigmatic saber.
• Ma Buford: Randy's resolute mother, determined to uncover the truth.
• Pa Buford: Randy's supportive father, skilled in horsemanship.
• Star Travis (Plain Star Travers): A renowned Federal scout with a mysterious past.
• Chief: Randy's loyal horse, symbolizing strength and resilience.

Plot Overview

Discovery of the Saber (00:01 - 04:02)

The episode opens with the Narrator setting the scene at the Cimmaron Tavern, a central hub in the Old West. A recent disturbing incident is recounted:

Narrator [00:01]: "Cimarron Tavern, gateway to the Old West. Ride with Star Travis, Federal scout, and Randy Martin on the trail of high adventure."

A man in a United States Cavalry captain's uniform disrupts a card game by wagering his saber. This act of disrespect angers Ma Buford, who takes matters into her own hands by paying the wager and expelling the man from the tavern. Upon seizing the saber, Ma and Pa Buford uncover a revealing inscription:

Pa Buford [01:28]: "Yeah, it is gold, ain't it? Say, ain't that writin on the blade?"

Ma Buford [01:32]: "Let me see. Captain Randy Martin, U.S. Army."

This discovery shocks them as the saber bears the name Randy Martin, leading Ma Buford to surmise its connection to Randy's late father, a cavalry captain killed by Native Americans over five years prior. Determined to investigate further, Ma Buford decides to consult Morning Star Travis, a famous scout known to frequent the tavern.

At the Stables: Introducing Star Travis and Chief (04:08 - 11:35)

The narrative shifts to the stables where Star Travis and Randy Martin are bonding over their horses. Randy introduces his horse, Chief, detailing its spirited nature and origins. Through their conversation, listeners gain insights into the characters' backgrounds and philosophies:

Star Travis [05:09]: "Well, I can understand why you wouldn't, Randy. But just the same, you'll find there are good Indians and bad Indians, just like there are good white men and bad white men."

Randy Martin [09:15]: "Well, when Pa and I used to watch him with the herd before we roped him, he used to hold his head up high, proud like. After we roped him and broke him, he still held his head as high and mighty as ever. Just like an Indian."

Their dialogue not only develops their relationship but also subtly addresses themes of prejudice and understanding. Star Travis imparts wisdom on handling horses and relationships, emphasizing trust and respect, which resonates with Randy's experiences.

A Sudden Urgency (11:35 - 13:20)

The calm is abruptly interrupted when Pa Buford summons both Randy and Star Travis to the tavern with a sense of urgency:

Pa Buford [11:49]: "Buford? Oh, there's plenty wrong. Come on up to the tavern right off."

Upon arrival, Ma Buford presents the saber to Randy, confirming their suspicions:

Randy Martin [12:55]: "My father wore this saber. It was his. I can tell by the gold on the grip guard. Right there. See? And there's his name written on the blade."

This revelation deepens the mystery, suggesting a direct link between the saber and the tragic fate of Randy's parents. The episode concludes with the promise of unraveling this mystery in future installments.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ma Buford [01:03]: "That man's a disgrace to the uniform of the army, Pa. Wagering his sword in a gambling game."

• Star Travis [05:09]: "Well, I can understand why you wouldn't, Randy. But just the same, you'll find there are good Indians and bad Indians, just like there are good white men and bad white men."

• Randy Martin [09:15]: "Well, when Pa and I used to watch him with the herd before we roped him, he used to hold his head up high, proud like. After we roped him and broke him, he still held his head as high and mighty as ever. Just like an Indian."

• Star Travis [10:19]: "Well, you see, Randy, you didn't break Chief. You just won him over to your side. You treated him kindly and you were fair to him. He soon learned to trust you. He had nothing to fear."

• Ma Buford [12:55]: "My father wore this saber. It was his. I can tell by the gold on the grip guard. Right there. See? And there's his name written on the blade."

Themes and Insights

1. Heritage and Legacy: The saber symbolizes Randy's connection to his father and the unresolved mysteries of his family's past.

2. Trust and Understanding: The developing relationship between Randy and Star Travis highlights the importance of trust, not only between individuals but also in overcoming prejudices.

3. Strength and Resilience: Through the character of Chief and the Bufords' determination, the narrative underscores resilience in the face of adversity.

4. Mystery and Suspense: The saber's discovery propels the plot into deeper intrigue, setting up anticipation for future revelations about Randy's parents' fate.

Conclusion and Future Teasers

As the episode wraps up, the Narrator hints at the unfolding mystery:

Narrator [13:20]: "Now that Randy Martin has positively identified her, who was slain while en route to a Western army post, what part will Star Travis, the Government Scout play in tracing it to the hand of the killer?"

Listeners are left eager for the next installment, where Randy is expected to delve deeper into his parents' mysterious deaths with Star Travis's assistance. The stage is set for a compelling blend of western adventure and detective intrigue.

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Stay tuned for the next chapter of "Clue of The Sabre" as Randy and Star embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind the saber and the tragic past of the Martin family.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Cimarron Tavern, gateway to the Old West. Ride with Star Travis, Federal scout, and Randy Martin on the trail of high adventure. Yesterday at Cimmern Tavern, a man dressed in the uniform of a captain of the United States Cavalry covered a bet in a card game with his saber. This so enraged Ma Buford that she paid the wager herself and drove the man from the Cimmer and Tavern compound. Taking the saber into the tavern, Ma and Pa Buford made a startling discovery.

[Ma Buford]

That man's a disgrace to the uniform of the army, Pa. Wagering his sword in a gambling game.

[Pa Buford]

Yeah. No good soldier do a thing like that.

[Ma Buford]

Well, he won't get it back. He's unworthy of it. They needn't come poking around here to get it back either.

[Pa Buford]

It's a mighty fine looking saber.

[Ma Buford]

Yes, it is. Got gold on the hilt, see?

[Pa Buford]

Yeah, it is gold, ain't it? Say, ain't that writin on the blade?

[Ma Buford]

Huh? I didn't notice that.

[Pa Buford]

What does it say, Ma?

[Ma Buford]

Let me see. Captain Randy Martin, U.S. army.

[Star Travis]

What?

[Pa Buford]

Say that again.

[Ma Buford]

That's what it says. Captain Randy Martin, U. S. Army. It's there just as plain as day.

[Pa Buford]

Well, that's Randy's name.

[Ma Buford]

That's his name all right.

[Pa Buford]

What do you think, Ma?

[Ma Buford]

I don't think, I know. Huh. This saber belonged to Randy's father.

[Pa Buford]

You suppose so?

[Ma Buford]

Of course. It was his. Couldn't be nobody else but Randy's folks.

[Pa Buford]

Was killed down the trail by Injuns more than five years ago. How'd that cavalry captain get hold of it?

[Ma Buford]

I don't know, but I'm going to find out.

[Pa Buford]

How are you going to find out? That fellow won't be coming back here after the tongue lashing you gave him, Matt.

[Ma Buford]

Well, I know who can help us find out. Have you forgotten that one of the most famous Scouts of the west is making Cimmering Tavern his stopping place?

[Pa Buford]

You mean Star Travers?

[Ma Buford]

Morning Star Travis.

[Pa Buford]

Oh, he wants folks to call him Plain Star Travers. Anyway, what makes you think that he could help us find out about the saber?

[Ma Buford]

I don't say he can. But I'm gonna show it to him and find out if he can help it. What's he doing with that saver?

[Pa Buford]

Putting it on me there. How do I look at it, Ma?

[Ma Buford]

Now you take that saber right off, Pa Buford, this is no time to be up to foolishness.

[Pa Buford]

I always thought that I'd make a good officer in the army. Always did want to wear spurs and toe to saber like this. Gives a man dignity, don't it?

[Ma Buford]

Sometimes I think you need something to give you dignity, Pa. The very idea. Now, you take that saber off right this minute.

[Pa Buford]

All right, all right. Don't rush me.

[Ma Buford]

Randy and Morning Star Travis are down at the stables now, bedding down their horses.

[Pa Buford]

Well, they ought to be back by now, seems to me.

[Ma Buford]

Well, they're not back. And I want him here right now. You go get both of them.

[Pa Buford]

Ma, I don't think we ought to let Randy see this saber. That is, if it really did belong to his father. It might upset the boy.

[Ma Buford]

Randy's not easily upset. He's the one who can say for certain if it did belong to his father.

[Pa Buford]

Maybe he won't remember. All sabers look alike, even if this one's got the name on it as it has.

[Ma Buford]

I said I wanted Randy to see it, and I'm going to show it to him. Now, quit arguing with me, Pa Buford, before I lose my temper.

[Pa Buford]

No need to do that, Ma. I'll go get him.

[Ma Buford]

Don't you tell them anything about the saber. Let me do that when they get here, understand?

[Pa Buford]

Yeah. I'll let you do the talking you usually do.

[Randy Martin]

I'll be here waiting for you.

[Ma Buford]

Now get going.

[Pa Buford]

I'm going.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, at the Cimmeron Tavern stables, Star Travis, the government scout, and Randy Martin were getting acquainted. As they fed and bedded down for the night, the beautiful black horse, Raven.

[Randy Martin]

Where'd you get Raven, Mr. Travis? You don't see horses like that out in this country.

[Star Travis]

He's a Kentucky thoroughbred, Randy. When the government sent me out west, Raven was just a colt. I brought him along, trained him myself, and named him Raven.

[Randy Martin]

He's as slick and black as a raven, all right. Raven's a good name for him. You say you named him after General Sam Houston, who was president of Texas?

[Star Travis]

Yes. Sam Houston's one of my heroes, Randy.

[Randy Martin]

Did folks call him Raven Houston, I mean?

[Star Travis]

Yes, the Indians gave him the name. You see, Randy, he lived with the Indians when he was a boy.

[Randy Martin]

You mean to say that the president of Texas lives with the Indians?

[Star Travis]

He lived with them and he was a member of the tribe. They gave him the Indian name Raven because of his long black hair and flashing black eyes.

[Randy Martin]

I wouldn't want to live with a bunch of Indians. They'd probably scout me, just like the Indians who killed my folks. I don't like Indians.

[Star Travis]

Well, I can understand why you wouldn't, Randy. But just the same, you'll find there are good Indians and bad Indians, just like there are good white men and bad white men. Color of skin has nothing to do with the goodness or badness of people. Randy.

[Randy Martin]

I still don't like Indians. Get over there, Chief boy. See? How do you like my horse?

[Star Travis]

Oh, Chief's a good animal. He's a very intelligent one, Randy. I believe you said you wrangled him yourself.

[Randy Martin]

I sure did. Paul Buford and I saw him a couple of years ago back yonder in the foothills with a herd of wild horses.

[Star Travis]

How'd you catch him?

[Randy Martin]

They used to feed in a box canyon back there. We just bided our time. Used to practice sneaking up on the herd without them seeing us. We'd get on the off wind side of them. Then one day we got close enough to use a riata.

[Star Travis]

Oh, a lasso, eh? Oh. Steady, raven. Steady, boy. Well, you must have been pretty close to him.

[Randy Martin]

Within 30ft.

[Star Travis]

Knowing wild horses, I'd say you and Pauford were pretty good.

[Randy Martin]

Bob Euford's in stock just like an Indian. He knows all their tricks. Anyway, we had our eyes on this colt. He must have been about a year old. Then we saw the herd moving down the canyon toward us. Pa and I were hiding back of a big boulder watching him come.

[Pa Buford]

Here to come. Randy, you got your rope ready?

[Randy Martin]

Yeah, Pa, I'm ready. How about you?

[Pa Buford]

I got my rope coiled and ready to toss. Now, don't miss this. Oh, he'll never get that cold.

[Randy Martin]

Here they come.

[Pa Buford]

They're coming, Daddy. Randy. Steady. Throw it. Throw it.

[Randy Martin]

Let's go. Hey, I got him.

[Pa Buford]

Hold him, Randy. Hold him.

[Randy Martin]

I can't hold him. I can't hold him.

[Pa Buford]

I'll hit my rope on him.

[Randy Martin]

Hold him there.

[Pa Buford]

Now we'll have to be throwing him off the speed.

[Randy Martin]

There. He's down. Hurry, pa. Don't let him get away.

[Pa Buford]

How long? Tie him. Look at him fight with you. Pull that rope tight. Randy, I got a horse.

[Randy Martin]

He's mine. He's mine.

[Pa Buford]

No. We won't have him if you don't keep that rope tight. Now steady, boy. Steady.

[Randy Martin]

What are you doing, Bob?

[Pa Buford]

I'm getting this rope on his forefeet. There you are, boy. Now ease up on that rope.

[Randy Martin]

He's getting up. He's getting up.

[Pa Buford]

Well, he'll have to get up sometime, Randy. Now's as good a time as any.

[Randy Martin]

What'll we do with him now?

[Pa Buford]

Just hold him steady for a while.

[Randy Martin]

He's shaking all over.

[Pa Buford]

Well, he's scared now. Whoa, boy. Whoa, fella. Whoa.

[Ma Buford]

Whoa.

[Pa Buford]

Whoa. Whoa. We ain't gonna hurt you. Steady, Steady. Steady.

[Randy Martin]

Jump and go for his.

[Pa Buford]

He's a Beauty as fine a piece of horse flesh as a man could want. Now, let's talk easy like to him. See he's quiet and down, see? You better talk to him, Randy. He's gonna be your horse.

[Randy Martin]

Steady, boy. Steady now, boy. Nobody's gonna hurt you. Oh, boy.

[Star Travis]

So that's how you got Chief.

[Randy Martin]

Yes, sir. Pa and I talked to him for hours. Little by little, he quieted down. And late that day we let him into the corral here at Simon Tavern.

[Star Travis]

Who broke him to the saddle?

[Ma Buford]

I did.

[Randy Martin]

I couldn't ride him at first, of course.

[Star Travis]

No, I imagine you couldn't. It'd take time.

[Randy Martin]

Not so much as you'd think. First we had to gentle him to where we could get him into a stall. And then we had to teach him to eat oats. He'd never eaten oats before now. He's crazy about him. Well, after he got used to all that, Paul Beef would put a halter on and I'd lead him all around the corral. In about a week or so after we got him, we put a gunny sack on his back.

[Star Travis]

A gunny sack?

[Randy Martin]

Sure, a sack that grain came in. But it was empty, of course. And we put it on Chief's back the first time.

[Star Travis]

What did he do about that?

[Randy Martin]

Well, he didn't like it so much. He backed his ears mean like and switched his tail trying to knock it off.

[Star Travis]

Yeah, he had a lot of spirit, didn't he?

[Randy Martin]

Oh, plenty of spirit. But he got used to that.

[Ma Buford]

Easy, there, boy, Chief. Easy, boy.

[Randy Martin]

Then Pa Buford and I started putting a few pounds of grain in the sack each day. We increased it each time until finally Chief was packing 110 pound sack of grain. And he didn't pay any attention to it at all.

[Star Travis]

Then came the saddle. Yep, that's how we broke thoroughbreds when I was a kid in Kentucky. Randy take longer, but it's easier on horse and rider.

[Randy Martin]

Well, when we put the saddle on him, he didn't even know the difference. Then Paul Buford told me to get in the saddle. Easy, Lud.

[Star Travis]

I'll bet he knew the difference then.

[Randy Martin]

He sure did. And he didn't like it. He threw me.

[Star Travis]

Hurt you?

[Randy Martin]

No, he didn't throw me hard. He just tipped me over his head, you know. He didn't even move out of his tracks. He just stood there looking at me. He looked like he was laughing at me. But I got right back on him again that time. I was watching him mighty close. I'd seen the cowboys ride bad horses. I gripped my Knees against him, tight like they did. He bucked up a little, and then he decided I wasn't going to hurt him. And since then, well, Chief's been my horse.

[Star Travis]

You and Pa Buford really know how to break a saddle horse. Why did you name him Chief? You said you didn't like Indians.

[Randy Martin]

Well, when Pa and I used to watch him with the herd before we roped him, he used to hold his head up high, proud like. After we roped him and broke him, he still held his head as high and mighty as ever. Just like an Indian. You never saw an Indian with his head bowed down, did you, sir?

[Star Travis]

That's right. The Indian has spirit. A spirit no one's ever been able to break.

[Randy Martin]

Mal. Chief was like that, too. He had lots of spirit, and he still got it.

[Star Travis]

Well, you see, Randy, you didn't break Chief. You just won him over to your side. You treated him kindly and you were fair to him. He soon learned to trust you. He had nothing to fear.

[Randy Martin]

So do you think Chief's a good name for him?

[Star Travis]

Oh, you couldn't have named him better. Randy, you and I like horses. We're going to have a lot in common. I can see that.

[Randy Martin]

Now, maybe your horse, Raven is a better one than Chief. Because Raven's a thoroughbred. But Chief's a good horse just the same.

[Star Travis]

You don't have to be ashamed of Chief.

[Randy Martin]

Maybe Chief and I can ride with you and Raven sometimes, huh?

[Star Travis]

Why not? I'm going to be at Simmer and Tavern for quite a while, I think.

[Randy Martin]

Jumping gophers. Imagine.

[Star Travis]

Imagine what?

[Randy Martin]

Well, then I'll be able to get in a ride alongside a Star. Traffic, I mean, Mr. Travis. A famous scout.

[Star Travis]

Randy, let's have an understanding.

[Randy Martin]

An understanding?

[Star Travis]

Yes. Now, you just call me Star. I'll call you Randy. It's much easier.

[Randy Martin]

Oh, but Ma Buford wouldn't stand for that. You're a lot older than I am, Mobile. Say, that's disrespectful.

[Star Travis]

Well, I'll tell you what we'll do about that. When we're in the presence of others, call me sir. Otherwise, Star.

[Randy Martin]

Hey, that's the way I talk to my father. He was any officer. Most of his men called him sir, and so did I when other people were around.

[Star Travis]

Good. Then it'll be easy for you, won't it?

[Randy Martin]

Yes, sir. That's Pa calling.

[Star Travis]

Oh, he's calling both of us. Maybe supper's ready. Hey, Randy.

[Randy Martin]

Here we are. Paul in the stable.

[Star Travis]

He seems excited about something.

[Randy Martin]

Help me dead.

[Pa Buford]

Here you are. Here you come. On, quick.

[Star Travis]

Is something wrong, Pa?

[Pa Buford]

Buford? Oh, there's plenty wrong. Come on up to the tavern right off. Ma sent for boat. Oh, yeah? What's happened? Can't tell you here. You both have got to come back up to the tavern. Come on.

[Randy Martin]

I'll lock the stable gate. Jump and go for Scar. I can't imagine why all are hurry.

[Pa Buford]

I got them both, Ma. They was down. Down to the stables.

[Randy Martin]

What's happened, Ma? Pa's all excited.

[Ma Buford]

He's got a reason to be excited. Randy. You and Morningstar come here.

[Star Travis]

You want me, too?

[Ma Buford]

Yep. I got something to show both of you.

[Randy Martin]

Hey, where'd you get the sword?

[Ma Buford]

Randy, I want you to take a good look at this saber there.

[Randy Martin]

Where'd you get it?

[Ma Buford]

Maybe you mind where I got it. Take a good look at it. I'm looking.

[Pa Buford]

Say, did you ever see it before, Randy?

[Randy Martin]

Sure, I've seen this saber before.

[Ma Buford]

Where'd you see it, Randy?

[Randy Martin]

My father wore this saber. It was his. I can tell by the gold on the grip guard. Right there. See? And there's his name written on the blade.

[Ma Buford]

That's why I sent for you and Morning Star Travis. I'll tell you where I got it.

[Narrator]

Now that Randy Martin has positively identified her, who was slain while en route to a Western army post, what part will Star Travis, the Government Scout play in tracing it to the hand of the killer? In tomorrow's story of Cimmeron Tavern, Randy will shed more light on the murder of his mother and father and his miraculous escape from the slayers. You have heard the second chapter of the new daytime serial written by Felix Holt. Listen again tomorrow and every afternoon, Monday through Friday. Your announcer is Bob Hype. Cimmer and Tavern is directed by John Dietz. For cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Randy Martin]

Sam.