Death Valley Days 36-08-27 (305) Sam Bass

Summary

Podcast Summary: Death Valley Days 36-08-27 (305) Sam Bass

Podcast Information

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Reliving radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio, this podcast transports listeners to a time before television, where families gathered around the radio to enjoy classics like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, and Dragnet.
• Episode: Death Valley Days 36-08-27 (305) Sam Bass
• Release Date: February 13, 2025

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Introduction to Sam Bass

The episode opens with the narrator setting the stage for a gripping tale of one of the Southwest's most notorious outlaws, Sam Bass. Contrary to popular belief, Bass is debunked as a "Robin Hood" figure, instead portrayed as a feared train robber whose life took a dark turn.

Notable Quote:

Narrator (02:55): "Sam Bass was no Robin Hood. He wasn't much different than any modern gangster."

Early Life and Descent into Crime

Sam Bass, originally known as "Honest Eve," began his life with promise, working under Sheriff Dad Egan of Denton County. However, circumstances led him astray as he joined Joel Collins and his gang, engaging in stagecoach robberies. Realizing the limited gains from such heists, they shifted their focus to robbing Union Pacific trains for substantial rewards.

Notable Quote:

Narrator (03:05): "He started out with the same chance to be an honest American citizen. But he ended up one of the most feared train robbers in the whole Southwest."

The Big Springs Robbery

On September 18, 1877, Sam Bass and his five-man gang orchestrated a meticulously planned robbery at Big Springs, Texas. The operation involved tying up the station agent, securing the express car, and attempting to crack open a high-value safe containing gold.

Notable Dialogues:

Sam Bass (04:54): "I'll do whatever you say. All right, now holler in at that express messenger. Tell him to open the door."

The heist appeared successful as the gang managed to acquire $60,000 in gold. However, the downfall began when one member lost his bandana, allowing storekeeper Mr. Leach to recognize and track the outlaws.

Betrayal by Mr. Leach

Recognizing the gang through the lost bandana, Mr. Leach discreetly followed them, eventually witnessing Sam Bass dividing the stolen gold. Determined to see justice served, Leach provided detailed accounts to the express office in Omaha, leading law enforcement to pursue the gang relentlessly.

Notable Quote:

Narrator (07:06): "Storekeeper Mr. Leach was listening and watching."

The Capture Efforts and Jim Murphy’s Dilemma

Jim Murphy, a farmer who aided Sam Bass by providing food and shelter, was eventually apprehended. Facing severe charges, Murphy devised a plan to assist authorities in capturing Bass by infiltrating his gang. Despite his fears, Murphy negotiated a deal to join Bass's operations, aiming to gather intelligence for the Texas Rangers.

Notable Quote:

Jim Murphy (10:43): "If I help the government catch Sam Bass, will you drop the charges against me and my father and brother?"

The Final Heist and Sam Bass’s Demise

Bolstered by Murphy’s intelligence, Bass planned a significant bank robbery in Round Rock. As the gang prepared their assault, tensions rose when Sam Bass interacted with Annie, a local dancehall singer. His distraction led to heightened alertness among the townsfolk and law enforcement.

During the robbery, Sheriff's posse confronted the outlaws. A fierce gunfight ensued, resulting in the deaths of several gang members. Sam Bass, gravely wounded, chose loyalty over confession, refusing to divulge his accomplices' identities even as he lay dying.

Notable Quote:

Narrator (21:10): "He died refusing to name any of his companions in his various robberies."

Legacy and Final Resting Place

Sam Bass was posthumously buried in a local cemetery alongside fallen comrades and Deputy Grimes. His burial was marked by Annie's heartfelt rendition of a song commemorating his life and deeds, highlighting the complex legacy Bass left behind—a mix of fear, loyalty, and the tragic consequences of his life of crime.

Notable Quote:

Narrator (22:45): "He was named to the very last. He stuck by his pals, alright."

Conclusion

The episode of Death Valley Days masterfully recounts the rise and fall of Sam Bass, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by law enforcement in the tumultuous Wild West. Through engaging dialogue and dramatic storytelling, listeners gain an insightful look into the life of one of Texas's most infamous outlaws.

Closing Note: The episode wraps up with a preview of future stories, ensuring listeners remain captivated and eager for more tales from the Golden Age of Radio.

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Key Takeaways:

• Transformation of Sam Bass: From a promising sheriff’s employee to a feared train robber.
• Strategic Heists: Detailed planning and execution of robberies, particularly targeting Union Pacific trains for higher profits.
• Betrayal and Loyalty: The pivotal role of Mr. Leach’s betrayal and Murphy’s conflicted loyalty.
• Final Stand: The intense culmination of Bass’s criminal career leading to his demise.
• Complex Legacy: A nuanced portrayal of Bass’s character, balancing his criminal acts with the personal bonds he maintained until the end.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Narrator: "Sam Bass was no Robin Hood. He wasn't much different than any modern gangster." ([02:55])
• Sam Bass: "I'll do whatever you say. All right, now holler in at that express messenger. Tell him to open the door." ([05:35])
• Jim Murphy: "If I help the government catch Sam Bass, will you drop the charges against me and my father and brother?" ([10:43])
• Narrator: "He died refusing to name any of his companions in his various robberies." ([21:10])
• Narrator: "He was named to the very last. He stuck by his pals, alright." ([22:45])

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the Death Valley Days episode on Sam Bass, providing listeners and non-listeners alike with a comprehensive understanding of the episode’s key elements, discussions, and narrative arcs.

Transcript

[Dresser Doll]

As the old morning bugle call of the covered wagon trains fades away among the echoes, another true Death Valley Day story is presented for your entertainment by the Pacific Coast Borax Company, producers of that famous family of products, 20 Mule Team Borax. 20 Mule Team Borax Silk chips and Thoraxo. Well, old Ranger, what's your story about tonight?

[Sam Bass]

Professor, It's a story about one of.

[Narrator]

The worst bandit gangs that ever operated in the Southwest and how the Texas Rangers finally cleaned them up lock, stock and barrel.

[Dresser Doll]

Oh, a cleanup story. Well, that fits in perfectly with my announcement. For where there's any cleaning up to be done, 20 Mule Team Borax will do it quickly and easily. Take the bathroom, for example. The tub, wash basin, chromium fixtures, mirrors, tile or linoleum floors, all can be kept thick and span with 20 Mule Team Borax. And since 20 Mule Team Borax doesn't contain soap, it cleans without leaving any soapy film or gritty sediment. And you'll find 20 mule team Borax just as helpful in the kitchen, too. A little Borax and a damp cloth will help keep your refrigerator fresh and sweet smelling. In fact, all your food containers, bread and cake boxes, chopping bowls, pantries and cupboards should be washed regularly with 20 Mule Team Borax. And warm water, of course, 20 Mule Team Borax has many uses in the laundry, the nursery, and in all parts of the house. That's why so many housewives depend on 20 mule team Borax to help them with all of their cleaning. And that's why they always keep a supply of 20 mule team Borax on hand. One package in the kitchen, another in the bathroom, and a third in the laundry. With spring cleaning almost here, you will want to take advantage of the extra help 20 Mule Team Borax gives you. So next time you go shopping, get a supply of 20 mule team Borax.

[Sam Bass]

Thank you.

[Dresser Doll]

And now, old Ranger, let's get back to your cleanup story.

[Sam Bass]

Well, dresser, this is the true story.

[Narrator]

Of Sam Bass, sometimes called the Robin Hood of Texas. But I want to say right now that Sam Bass was no Robin Hood.

[Sam Bass]

He.

[Narrator]

He wasn't much different than any modern gangster. He started out with the same chance to be an honest American citizen. But he ended up one of the most feared train robbers in the whole Southwest. The strange part of it was that in his youth, Sam Bass was nicknamed Honest Eve and had a job working for Sheriff Dad Egan of Denton County. Later, he fell in with Joel Collins and his gang and Started robbing stagecoaches. But popular belief to the contrary, they found there wasn't much money in that. So they decided to hold up a Union Pacific train. On September 18, 1877, Joel Collins and Sam Bass, with four more companions rolled into Big Springs, Texas, about sundown that night. A few minutes before old number four was due to come puffing into town, the six train robbers was ready for it.

[Cap]

Here she comes, boys. Hey, Sam Bass.

[Sam Bass]

What is it, Cap?

[Cap]

Have you got that station agent's hands tied up good?

[Sam Bass]

Sure have.

[Cap]

All right, boys, See that your bandanas is tied good and firm. We don't want no one to see our faces.

[Sam Bass]

Yeah, that's right. Yeah, mine's not good.

[Cap]

Now, don't forget, every man has his work to do. Me and Bill will tackle the engineer and fireman. Jim and Tom, what's your job?

[Narrator]

We'll grab the conductor and then stand guard while you bring up the engineers.

[Cap]

That's right, Sam. You and Jack got the most important jobs. You gotta get into that express car where the gold is.

[Sam Bass]

Don't worry, Kev. We'll get in if we have to tear the door down with our teeth.

[Cap]

All right, boys. Get it, kid. Now give me some hot l, boys.

[Sam Bass]

All right, station agent. Remember, if you cross me, I'm going to put this gun right down your throat. Which is the express car?

[Narrator]

The.

[Sam Bass]

The second one. All right. Come on, Jack. Push a gun this river. Make a move.

[Narrator]

Oh, don't shoot.

[Sam Bass]

I'll do whatever you say. All right, now holler in at that express messenger. Tell him to open the door. Hey, Charlie.

[Narrator]

Charlie Miller, Open the door.

[Sam Bass]

Who is it? It's me, George Barnhart. Open up.

[Narrator]

What was that shooting outside?

[Sam Bass]

Well, that was nothing. A couple of the boys were a little high. Tell them you got a package. I got a package for you, Charlie. All right, I'm opening up. Put up your hands and keep them up. What the devil. Get the. Hold up. Get up there, Jack. Get off this car. Al. Don't hurt him. Jack, you've got to open that safer. Hey, did you get that express car open? Yeah, it's open. Come on, help brook for money. Here, give me a handicake. Hey. Hey. Thanks. See any money? Not yet. Where's your money, agent? I ain't got nothing valuable with me. You wouldn't lie, would you? Hey, what's this? Look, Jack. Safe is open. Chucks, this is like taking candy from a baby. Hey, look there. Paper money. Must be four or five hundred dollars.

[Cap]

Oh, did you find anything, Sam?

[Sam Bass]

Sure. Climb in down Cummins. Look, Care safe is open.

[Cap]

Yeah, that safe's no good. Here's the safe we want to get into. This is a through safe from San Francisco. It's probably full of gold.

[Sam Bass]

Open that safe, you coyote, before I let a big chunk of daylight throw you. Hurry up about it, Agent. I can't open that safe.

[Dresser Doll]

It's got a time lock.

[Sam Bass]

It won't open till it gets to Omaha. Don't give us that kind of stuff. Open that safe on my solemn word. I swear I can't open that safe. Here's my papers to prove it. What's he talking about, Cap? I'm gonna shoot him in the leg.

[Cap]

Wait a minute. Don't hurt him. He's telling the truth. These papers show that safe is locked for keeps. Can't open it, so let him alone.

[Sam Bass]

Hey, wait a minute. What's in those three boxes? Hey, you. What's in those boxes?

[Dresser Doll]

I don't know.

[Sam Bass]

Probably lead cast. Oh, we'll see about that. Hey, cat, give me a hand. This box is heavy as a house.

[Cap]

All right, lift her up and drop us. That ought to crack it.

[Sam Bass]

Well, I'm a ring tailed monkey.

[Narrator]

Look, cap, it's $20 gold pieces.

[Sam Bass]

Grab those boxes and let's go. Boys, we're ready.

[Joel Collins]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Well, Joel Collins was right. They was rich. They got $60,000 in gold off that Union Pacific train. The only trouble was one of the gang lost his bandana in the getaway. And FMF Leach, a storekeeper who had sold it to him, recognized it. He trailed the bandits all by himself. And one night while they were gathered around their campfire, Leach crawled up behind a clump of mesquite and saw him divide the gold.

[Cap]

That's all. It's divided up Square and equal. $10,000 a piece.

[Sam Bass]

Boys, we're on easy street for life. Is that a way? Clean as you whistle. Don't none of us be too sure of that. We still ain't out of hot water.

[Cap]

That's right, Sam. We all got to be in our guard. And the best thing for us to do is split up in pairs.

[Sam Bass]

And that's a good idea, Cap. Fish will be looking for six of us in a bunch. We can make our getaway better in couples. That suits me.

[Narrator]

I'm going back to Missouri. I promised my wife I'd bring her home a half full of gold from this country.

[Sam Bass]

And I'm doing it. And I'm going back to Danton County. Me too, Jack. Got a lot of friends there. And I know plenty of places to.

[Cap]

Hide out Just one thing before we separate that we got to do.

[Sam Bass]

What's that?

[Cap]

We got to take a note never to squeal and never to be taken alive.

[Narrator]

I'm for that.

[Dresser Doll]

Me too.

[Cap]

All right, Sam, you take the oath first, then.

[Sam Bass]

All right.

[Dresser Doll]

How'd I do it?

[Cap]

Just say I swear I will never reveal to anybody the names of the men who helped hold up the UP trade.

[Sam Bass]

I swear that our men revealed.

[Narrator]

But they didn't know that even while they was discussing their plans. And swear in eternal silence. Storekeeper Mr. Leach was listening and watching. Next day he wired the express office in Omaha a description of the six men and the roads they'd be traveling in a few days. Three of the men was dead, shot down by posse. But Sam Bass escaped to Denton county and organized a new gang of bandits. He hid out near Cove Hollow, and a farmer named Jim Murphy often bought food for Sam or given shelter in his house in exchange for up double eagles. But finally, Jim Murphy was arrested for protecting and assisting Sam and his men. They put him on a train to take him to Thailand. Some say Murphy was a yellow dog. And some say he was a brave man who risked his life to help with Texas of a dangerous outlaw. But anyway, on the train, Murphy thought of a way he could save his own net.

[Sam Bass]

Now listen, Jim, why don't you do the smart thing and tell me everything you know about Sam Bass? I've told you all I know, Marshall.

[Narrator]

I don't know where he is. I'm not one of his gang.

[Sam Bass]

All right, my lad. I guess you'll just have to serve your time then. Don't say that, Marshall. I want to help. Now listen, I've got a plan. Well, talk fast. You'll soon be in Tyler. And once I lock you up, I'm through with you. If I help the government catch Sam Bass, will you drop the charges against me and my father and brother? No, I can't promise you anything like that. That's up to the district attorney. But look, I can join Sam Bass's gang. I know I can.

[Narrator]

He's looking for me.

[Sam Bass]

Suppose you fix it up so I can go free for a while. I'll join Bass and find out where the gang is going to stage another.

[Narrator]

Hold up and I'll get word to.

[Sam Bass]

You or the Texas Rangers and make them capture them.

[Dresser Doll]

If I do that, will you hit me off?

[Sam Bass]

Do you mean what you say? Have you got nerve enough to try a thing like that or you're just lying to try to get away? I'll do it.

[Narrator]

I Swear I will.

[Sam Bass]

If the district attorney will drop those charges. Well, I'll talk it over with him. Maybe you'll see it your way. But mind you, I don't make any.

[Narrator]

Well, the district attorney agreed to the plan Jim Murphy outlined. And to make it still easier for Murphy to join Bass, they fixed it so it looked like Murphy had jumped his bond and run away. So a few weeks after Murphy joined up with Bass and his outfit, Murphy sent word to U.S. marshal Johnson that Sam Bass was going to hold up the bank at Round Rock. By this time, Sam and his men were camped near a cemetery outside of town ready for the big hold up. Sam had already looked the bank over and gotten the lay of the town.

[Sam Bass]

While they was waiting for their horses.

[Narrator]

To get a good rest, Sam, Frank Jackson and Seabourn Barnes rode into town one day for a drink.

[Sam Bass]

Howdy, Saint. What do you have? Red Eye. Leave us a bottle. Yes, sir. Here you are. What's yours, sir? I'll take the thing. Watch yours, Sam. Give me a cigar. You mean you don't want a drink, Sam? Not right now. Maybe later.

[Narrator]

All right, Bartenden.

[Sam Bass]

We got business to talk over.

[Narrator]

We don't need your help.

[Sam Bass]

Yes, sir. I guess I can take a hint. Just call her if you need anything.

[Narrator]

Don't pour too much of that stuff in you boys.

[Sam Bass]

Now we got a job to pull first thing in the morning. I don't want you to nursing hangovers. Yeah? Then you better help us empty the bottle, Sam. Oh, thanks. I'll wait a while if you don't want to drink. Claude, why don't you come in here? Yeah. See that gal over there by the piano? You mean the Red Hen?

[Narrator]

No, no.

[Sam Bass]

Yellow Haired Dog. Oh, you mean that scrawny one. What do you mean, scrawny? She's slim and pretty and she's a friend of mine. A friend of yours? As fan, you ain't sell for no skirt, have you? Will you two mavericks stop yapping a minute? This gal's all right. She comes from Indiana. That's where I come from. You mean she knows you? We better get out of here. What's the matter with you, Frank? You turning yellow? No, of course not. You sound like Jim Morgan Murphy. I ain't ashamed of who I am. I'll tell anybody who I am if they want to know. Hey, now wait a minute, Sam. You know I'm only thinking of your own health. All Jim Murphy worries about is his own skin. Hey, where is that guy? We left him at the blacksmith in Oldtown getting his Horse shot. When you finish a drink, go out and round him up. I don't trust him very far out of my sight. We should have killed Murphy that time at Frankfurt when we heard he was a. I never believe that story anyway. They'll never put a rope around Sam Dar's neck. We rode right through that yellow leg ambush. It's so quick, didn't we? This new fangled ranger outfit can't stop us neither. Don't forget Sam, them cavalry fellows was easing us. The Texas Rangers is ex cowboys and they can shoot. Now let's forget about them Ranger coyotes.

[Narrator]

Now listen, Sam, what about this yellow haired gal? Why did she come into this picture?

[Sam Bass]

I met her in here a couple of days ago. When I come into town as far as up the bank here, they're singing the song. And I like her and I like the song. That's why I come in here. I want you fellas to hear that song. Well, I ain't much of a judge of singing. Me neither. Well, I am. And this is a darn good song. Cause it's about me. Huh? What's that? I thought that'd make you sit up. Hey, Annie. Come over here, gal. I never knew before, Sam, that you was a music lover. That's good. A music lover. You're getting drunk, Frank. Watch yourself.

[Annie]

Howdy. What can I do for you?

[Sam Bass]

Well, have a drink.

[Annie]

Okay, I'll take a beer.

[Sam Bass]

One beer for the lady.

[Annie]

I think you're pard.

[Sam Bass]

Yeah. Boys, meet Miss Annie. Hello, Miss Honey. I was in here a couple of days ago. You remember me?

[Annie]

I sure do. When he sent me to the a handsome figure like yourself, would you.

[Sam Bass]

You ought to see his bow legs, miss. That's enough, Frank. Apologize to the lady for a skinny alive. Why sure, Sam. I didn't mean nothing. But what am I apologizing for? A gent don't talk about legs in.

[Dresser Doll]

Front of a lady.

[Sam Bass]

You meant limbs. Oh, well, I'm sorry miss. I apologize. I meant you'd ought to see his bold limbs. Never mind my leg.

[Cap]

Limbs.

[Narrator]

A mean.

[Sam Bass]

You better leave that liquor alone.

[Annie]

You gents are going to fight. Excuse me.

[Sam Bass]

Don't go away, miss. I'm sorry. Listen, Annie, you recollect that song you sang the night I was here before?

[Annie]

Say, I sung over 50 songs that night.

[Sam Bass]

I mean the one about that older fella, the one who tapped the up at Big Spring.

[Annie]

Oh, you mean Sand.

[Sam Bass]

Yeah, that's the one. Funny, I forgot that name.

[Annie]

You want me to sing it again? Is that it?

[Sam Bass]

Sure. Would you do that? And here's a little something for your trouble.

[Annie]

Thanks.

[Sam Bass]

What?

[Annie]

Why, this is a $20 gold fee.

[Sam Bass]

Sure. You ever seen one before?

[Annie]

Not many. Say, you don't need to give me that. Just a stone.

[Sam Bass]

That's all right, miss. It's worth $20 to have a pretty girl like you sing a song special. Just me, dear.

[Joel Collins]

You and me ought to get better acquainted.

[Annie]

What's your name?

[Sam Bass]

Well, that misses A very proof, no question. Suppose you just imagine I ain't got a name.

[Annie]

Of course, if you want it that way.

[Sam Bass]

That's the way I want it. Now let's hear that song.

[Joel Collins]

Hey, Joey, pull yourself together and tackle that piano.

[Annie]

Give me the tune for that song about Sam Dash.

[Sam Bass]

Hey, Sam, I thought you said you was low on cash. I am. There was the last few p gold.

[Narrator]

Can you toss it to that gal for a song?

[Sam Bass]

Sho, there's plenty more where this come from. That's right.

[Narrator]

What's $20?

[Sam Bass]

Yeah, sure. Hand him with ring, Sam. Come on.

[Joel Collins]

DanB was born in Indiana it was his native home and at the age of 17 young Stan began to roam he became a true textured oh, cowboy for duty A kinder hearted demo you seldom never see Dan used to deal in razor one calls a Denton mare he matched her in club races and coked her to the store Sam used to coin the money and spend it just as he he always drank good whiskey wherever he might fall and brag in the marine month of May with a herd of pector cattle the black fields for to see Sold out in cluster city and then got on a sea a harder set of cowboys you sell the ever tears the way that you 10k they rob the up train and then split up in couples and started out again your call. And lucky partners were overtaken soon with all their hardened money they had to meet their doom Damn, they all right side up with him. Rode into the town of Denton with all his friends to share Dancing over.

[Sam Bass]

There singing cuz it's yours. Hey, who do you think you are?

[Narrator]

The young ladies are singing to us. I'm sorry about that. And I got to talk to you strangers understand you're carrying guns. I'm deputy share of crime.

[Annie]

Say, you got a nerve stopping me like that.

[Narrator]

Don't give me no back joke, ain't it? Don't suppose how I'd run you out of town.

[Sam Bass]

Hold on there, Grimes. You get mighty tough with females, don't you?

[Narrator]

Seeing as how you was afraid with my name stranger, what might y be?

[Sam Bass]

I reckon tain't none of Your business.

[Narrator]

What's the matter? You ashamed of it?

[Sam Bass]

No, I'm proud of it. My name's Sam. Brad, reach for the seamen. Sheriff. Pardon, Sam. Are you all right, sir? All right?

[Narrator]

As he did, he said he's a dog.

[Sam Bass]

I'm sorry about that. He's the first man I ever killed. But he started to shoot when I had him covered. Look out, Sam. Here comes another deputy across the street. I can see his dad. Get out the back door, Barney. See the horses around the side.

[Narrator]

I'm on my way.

[Sam Bass]

If anybody gets in your way, plug him. Hey, Sam, did you ever see a place empty out as fast in your life? There must have been 50 fellas in here two minutes ago. And now there ain't nobody but the dead sheriff. And here comes another one looking for trouble.

[Narrator]

You mean, here goes another one.

[Sam Bass]

Ah, you shouldn't have shot him like that. In that bright sunlight, he couldn't see us even. We're going to have a fight on our hands getting out of this town. We've done it before, so I reckon we can do it again. Come on. Hey, you head toward the alley and I'll follow you. Backing up, shooting as I go. Sounds all right to me. What's that? Sounds like a fuel call. Let's get out of here fast.

[Narrator]

Good.

[Sam Bass]

Gosh. Who that just crossed down the road? What is it? Yellow Legs. Can't be cavalry. Must be Razor. Look out, Sam. There's a fellow with a shotgun. I got him, Sam. Yeah, he got me, too. I'm shot from the side. Hang on to me. You'll be all right when you get on your horse. There's Bonnie with our horses now.

[Narrator]

Come on, I'll hold you up.

[Sam Bass]

We can still make it. Thanks, Frank. I'll be all right when I get on that causa.

[Narrator]

What's the matter?

[Sam Bass]

A family shot?

[Narrator]

Pull that horse. Steady down the guy on the roof.

[Sam Bass]

Easy, Sam. Up you go. Arm hurt? You're pretty bad. You're all right, Sam. Come on. They want shooting, we give them their money's worth. Come on.

[Narrator]

But Sam wasn't all right. He was dying. Barnes was shot and killed before he could mount his horse. Sam and Jackson is closest friend escaped out of town and out rode a posse that followed him. But Sam made Jackson go on and leave him hidden in a live oak grove. He knew he was dying, but he wanted his friend Jackson to escape. The Texas Rangers found him breathing his last. He died refusing to name any of his companions in his various robberies. Two days later, he was buried in the town's little cemetery beside Seaborn Barnes and Deputy Grimes, who had already been laid to rest. There were a handful of men and one woman at that strange burial. One woman was Annie, the dancehall gal.

[Sam Bass]

Let him down easy, boys. He's paid for his sins.

[Narrator]

Yeah, and I gotta hand it to him. He was named to the very last.

[Sam Bass]

Did you hear the ranger's question?

[Narrator]

Sure did. He couldn't cry a thing out of him. He stuck by his pals, all right.

[Sam Bass]

Yeah, but it's a good thing. Steers rid of him. Those bad men gotta go there. Give a Texas a bad name. That's right.

[Annie]

Excuse me, Mr. Hobbs. Do you think the preacher would mind if I spoke to him before he said his prayer?

[Sam Bass]

Well, I don't think so, Annie. Oh, Parson Willis, Annie here wishes to say a word to you before you make the funeral sermon.

[Narrator]

What is it, Sister?

[Annie]

I. Well, there was a song he liked awful well, Mr. Brass, I mean. I'd like to send it to him before. Before they throw the dirt on his coffee.

[Narrator]

What sort of a song, Sister?

[Annie]

It was a song about him. And now that he's dead, I've written some special verses to it.

[Sam Bass]

Let her sing it, Parson.

[Annie]

I brought Joey along with his guitar to accompany me. Mr. D would have liked it. I know he would.

[Narrator]

Very well, Sister. Missing.

[Annie]

Thank you, P. Go ahead, Joy.

[Joy]

Then let his fate at Rambloft July 21 date he put salute right above and emptied out his tongue with some.

[Joel Collins]

Music.

[Joy]

Under climb and Jackson din the butcher get away in the sea bark and good girl and didn't want to pay the only shepherd for us to.

[Joel Collins]

Give for family he called a son.

[Joy]

And bound and left a friend to men oh, what a fortune king will get When Gabriel blows his horn. And so he sold out human bonds and left death rent to mourn O let us go to him in death when Gabriel blows his hand Heaven. But if I write in my dear mind he follow me all the way.

[Narrator]

Dear Heavenly Father, we come to you today to plead forgiveness for this poor creature who lies lies here at our feet broken and disgraced. We know that you and your wisdom and ever.

[Cap]

Hey, hey, look over there.

[Sam Bass]

Who's that riding in the graveyard on horseback? Yeah, I don't know. You think whoever he is, he'd have a little respect for the dead? He's heading right this way now that.

[Narrator]

Goodbye, Sam.

[Sam Bass]

Here's flowers from your old pal.

[Dresser Doll]

And so ends another of the old ranger true stories of Death Valley days made possible by your regular purchases of 20 Mule Team Boy. 20 Mule Team Boric Soap Tip and Baroxo since this started out as a cleanup program, we'd like to say a few words about Boraxo, the modern hand soap that cleans dirty hands. We're sure that every member of the family will like Boraxo because it not only helps remove all kinds of dirt, but it leaves the hands feeling soft and smooth. That's because Boraxo is a special combination of fine toilet soap and pure borax in powder form. There's no grit or caustic in Boraxo, nothing to roughen or redden the hand. Best of all, Boraxo works quickly and efficiently in any kind of water, hot or cold, hard or soft, and its rich, creamy lather gets right down into poison creases under fingernails and floats out dirt. If your family hasn't tried baraxa, get a few cans tomorrow and see how enthusiastic they'll become over this new modern hand cleaner. Put a can of Baraxo in the garage or basement for dad. You'll soon find that Baraxo helps remove automobile grease and oil for ground in garden dirt. Set a can of Baraxo in the bathroom for the children. They'll be delighted at the quick, easy way Barack so removes stubborn play dirt from hands, elbows and need. Finally, keep a can of Boraxo on the sink. You'll find it's just the thing to help remove kitchen stains and odors from your hands. Boraxo is packed in a smart looking red, white and black metal can with a handy pour top. It's on sale at grocery, drug and department stores. Remember, Boraxel cleans dirty hands quickly and gently. Now let's hear what the old ranger has in door for next Tuesday.

[Narrator]

Well, Dresser, although most folks don't know it, a piece of the famous Plymouth Rock is set in the brick wall of the courthouse of the Death Valley mining town. How this rock got there and what it means makes a mighty interesting story. I hope that all the school children will be listening in because I'm sure they'll enjoy this unusual program. Remember folks, folks, next Tuesday evening at 9:00.

[Dresser Doll]

Death Valley Days announced by Dresser Doll Said has come to you from San Francisco. This is the National Broadcasting Company.