Hashknife Hartley and Sleepy Stevens - 50-xx-xx (1) The Double Cross

Summary

Podcast Summary: Hashknife Hartley and Sleepy Stevens - "The Double Cross"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Hashknife Hartley and Sleepy Stevens - 50-xx-xx (1) The Double Cross
• Release Date: April 15, 2025

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Introduction to Arroyo City

Timestamp: [00:03] – [01:01]

The episode opens with the creator, W.C. Tuttle, introducing the adventurous duo, Hash Knife Hartley and Sleepy Stevens, portrayed by Frank Martin and Barton Yarborough respectively. These cowboys are celebrated heroes of the ageless West, embarking on their latest adventure titled "The Double Cross."

Quote:

W.C. Tuttle [00:03]: "Roving heroes of the ageless West. Starring Frank Martin as Hash Knife Hartley and Barton Yarborough as Sleepy Stevens."

Hash Knife and Sleepy ride into the outskirts of Arroyo City, passing by a quaint cottage. Sleepy muses about settling down when he grows old, to which Hash Knife agrees, finding peace in a simple home life.

Quote:

Barton Yarborough [00:48]: "Son, when I get too old and tired to chase over them far off hills, that's the kind of place I'm gonna settle down in."

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An Interrupted Wedding and Rising Tensions

Timestamp: [01:01] – [03:25]

Despite the serene appearance of Arroyo City, tensions surface quickly with a violently interrupted wedding at the preacher's house. Hash Knife and Sleepy, seeking refuge from the scorching sun, head to the Silk Hat Saloon, where bartender Slim Conover is visibly distressed.

Quote:

Slim Conover [01:33]: "Yeah. Yeah, it sure is. I'm scared I told something I shouldn't."

Slim reveals he mistakenly informed Ed Harmon, the sheriff, and his deputy Tom Knight that Tom was acting as the best man at the wedding, leading to suspicions about the forthcoming chaos.

Quote:

Hash Knife Hartley [02:02]: "You also told him that this Tom feller was acting his best man. When he asked you where you said at the preacher's house."

The tension escalates when Ed Harmon crashes the wedding, assaulting Jimmy Pierce and Joy Harmon, resulting in Harmon's death. Doc McBride, the local doctor, confirms Harmon’s demise, stirring further unease in the community.

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Suspicions and the Elusive El Pintado

Timestamp: [03:25] – [10:20]

Hash Knife and Sleepy begin to investigate the murder, questioning Slim Conover and Deputy Tom Knight. Jimmy Pierce, Joy Harmon's fiancé, vehemently denies involvement but hints at deeper secrets.

Quote:

Jimmy Pierce [12:18]: "Because Ed Harmon was El Pintado."

Jimmy discloses that Ed Harmon was actually El Pintado, a notorious bandit known for his disguise—a black and white pinto horse—masking his true identity. This revelation casts doubt on the initial suspicions against Jimmy.

Quote:

Jimmy Pierce [12:13]: "It won't. Because you see, El Pintado couldn't have killed Ed Harmon."

Hash Knife deduces that Harmon's pinto horse disguise was a cover for his criminal activities, leading to questions about his true motives despite his wealth.

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The Unveiling of El Pintado

Timestamp: [10:20] – [17:40]

Determined to uncover the truth, Hash Knife pursues leads that point back to Jimmy Pierce. Slim Conover provides critical information about Jimmy's escape from jail and his admission of being El Pintado, motivated by a desire to secure money for Joy.

Quote:

Slim Conover [16:54]: "Jimmy bragged how he fooled everyone being El Pintado."

This confession solidifies the suspicion that Jimmy Pierce manipulated events to frame himself for Harmon's murder, emphasizing the complexity of the case.

Quote:

Barton Yarborough [17:37]: "Look, Jimmy, you never did finish telling us how you figured Ed Harmon was a pinto fellow."

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Confrontation and Resolution

Timestamp: [17:40] – [21:35]

Hash Knife and Sleepy confront Jimmy Pierce directly, unraveling the truth behind the double identity of Ed Harmon. The final showdown reveals that Harmon’s greed led him to robders while disguised as El Pintado, ultimately resulting in his downfall and Jimmy’s entanglement in his schemes.

Quote:

Hash Knife Hartley [20:16]: "That's all I need to know. Jimmy. Tom's been aiming your next straight for a noose."

In a dramatic conclusion, the true nature of the crimes and relationships are exposed, leading to Jimmy’s arrest and justice being served.

Quote:

Hash Knife Hartley [21:03]: "Everything Hartley said was true."

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Conclusion

Timestamp: [21:35]

W.C. Tuttle wraps up the episode, inviting listeners to tune in next week for another thrilling Old West tale, preserving the rich storytelling of the Golden Age of Radio.

Quote:

W.C. Tuttle [21:35]: "Listen again next week at this time when Sagebrush Theater will bring you another story of the Old West..."

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Key Takeaways and Insights

• Double Identity: The episode masterfully explores themes of identity and deception, embodied in Ed Harmon’s alter ego, El Pintado.

• Justice and Friendship: The strained relationship between Jimmy Pierce and Tom Knight highlights the conflict between personal loyalty and the pursuit of justice.

• Greed's Consequences: Ed Harmon’s insatiable greed ultimately leads to his murder and the unraveling of his carefully constructed persona.

Notable Quotes

1. Slim Conover [01:33]: "I'm scared I told something I shouldn't."
2. Jimmy Pierce [12:18]: "Because Ed Harmon was El Pintado."
3. Hash Knife Hartley [20:16]: "That's all I need to know. Jimmy. Tom's been aiming your next straight for a noose."
4. W.C. Tuttle [21:35]: "Listen again next week at this time when Sagebrush Theater will bring you another story of the Old West..."

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This episode of "Hashknife Hartley and Sleepy Stevens" delivers a compelling narrative filled with intrigue, character development, and the timeless allure of Old West adventures. Perfect for listeners who relish classic Western tales, this story encapsulates the essence of friendship, justice, and the complexities of human nature.

Transcript

[W.C. Tuttle]

This is WC Tuttle's famous adventure story of Hash Knife Hartley and Sleepy Stevens. From the pages of America's best loved writer of Western tales come Hash Knife and Sleepy, roving heroes of the ageless West. Starring Frank Martin as Hash Knife Hartley and Barton Yarborough as Sleepy Stevens. Here now is the creator of these rough and tumble cowboys, W.C. tuttle himself. Ready to begin today's story called the Double Cross.

[Frank Martin]

Howdy, folks. Hash Knife and Sleepy have just ridden into the outskirts of Arroyo City. As they pass a small and homey little cottage, Sleepy quietly observes.

[Barton Yarborough]

Son, when I get too old and tired to chase over them far off hills, that's the kind of place I'm gonna settle down in.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Yeah, cowboy. It's a real home life. Man could find a lot of peace and quiet there.

[Frank Martin]

But appearances were deceiving. For although this was the preacher's home, the peace and quiet was soon broken by a violently interrupted wedding. Unaware of what was about to happen, Hash Knife and Sleepy rode on into Arroyo City ground, hitched their horses in some shade and headed for the Silk Hat Saloon. Mighty glad to get in out of the scorching midday Arizona sun. While working on a dusty trail dust thirst, the two roving cow folks noticed that the bartender, Slim Conover, appeared to be mighty upset.

[Barton Yarborough]

Well, friend, you're nervouser than a small boy in a dark room. That's the second time you missed the glass. Something eating on you?

[Slim Conover]

Yeah. Yeah, it sure is. I'm scared I told something I shouldn't.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

How's that?

[Slim Conover]

Well, remember that big feller, Ed Harmon, who came in here a few minutes ago asking for Otto Myers? I told him Otto was out of town. Then he asked for Tom Knight, remember?

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Well, I think I can manage being all at 10 minutes. What about it?

[Slim Conover]

Well, Otto Myers is the sheriff and Tom's his deputy. You see, I loaned Tom my claw hammer coat.

[Barton Yarborough]

Loaned him Miss Watertail, huh?

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Yeah.

[Barton Yarborough]

Well, of course, that clears everything up.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

You also told him that this Tom feller was acting his best man. When he asked you where you said at the preacher's house.

[Slim Conover]

You're awful observant. I kind of hope that didn't make it that plain.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

So a wedding's taking place?

[Barton Yarborough]

Yeah. Wedding, marriage, ruins more nice young fellas.

[Slim Conover]

Yeah, well, I'll tell you.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Hey, come on, Sleepy.

[Barton Yarborough]

Don't see nobody trying to get away.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Must use a rifle in one of the buildings. I never find him now. Take a look at the target.

[Doc McBride]

Yeah.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Good shooting. Both shots had his number on him. He won't be needing A sheriff.

[Slim Conover]

Now who is he, the doggone? That's Ed Harmon. Owns the Circle H spread. Biggest in the valley. Yeah, and was the father of the prettiest gal in Yavapai Basin. Poor little Joy.

[Barton Yarborough]

Real pretty, huh?

[Slim Conover]

Yep, real pretty. And she was one half of that wedding team. Aw, and the other half was Jimmy Pierce. Nice youngster. Little quick on the trigger, but likable. Say, somebody better get Doc McBride and Sawbones.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

We can't do harm and any good now.

[Slim Conover]

I know, but we're real law abiding in Arroyo City. Nobody's dead here till Doc says so.

[Barton Yarborough]

Now it's going to be right interesting hearing you explain that to the late Ed Harmon there.

[Slim Conover]

Well, it's about time, Doc.

[Doc McBride]

I couldn't get here any sooner, Slim. I came as soon as I heard. Now, let's take a look here. Ed Harmon is quite dead.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Hmm.

[Barton Yarborough]

Amazing what Dr. Schoolin will do.

[Doc McBride]

Man, have I got something to tell her. Lord, a mighty. That's Ed Harmon. Dead.

[Barton Yarborough]

Mm. Just made legal by the doc here.

[Doc McBride]

Who are you?

[Slim Conover]

Tom meet up with Has Knife Hartley and Sleepy Stevens. They was here when Ed got it.

[W.C. Tuttle]

Boy.

[Slim Conover]

This here is Tom Knight. He's deputy to Sheriff Otto Mar.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Oh, hi.

[Doc McBride]

Ed Harmon dead. Oh, my gosh.

[Slim Conover]

Well, Tom, I didn't know you were that attached to Ed.

[Doc McBride]

It ain't that. This ain't good.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Most killings ain't, Mr. Duffy.

[Doc McBride]

Tom, what are you talking about? Well, it's this way. Joy Harmon and Jimmy Pierce and me was at the preacher's house where Jimmy and Joy was getting married. Ed Harmon busted in and grabbed a handful of Jimmy's shirt, yanked a moose from the floor, smashed him on the chin, throwed him out the yard. Then he took Joy by the arm and yanked her out of the house.

[Barton Yarborough]

Sort of looks like Harmon didn't want his daughter to marry that fierce fellow.

[Slim Conover]

And with Jimmy's temper, he's Liverpool. How am I saying?

[Doc McBride]

Well, there ain't much we can do until Sheriff Myers gets back. Now, would some of you boys carry it over to my place?

[Barton Yarborough]

Why, sure, Doc.

[Doc McBride]

Then we'd all better go over to the sheriff's office. I'd ought to be back pretty soon.

[Slim Conover]

Oh, Tom, before you go, better give me back my coat, huh?

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Oh.

[Doc McBride]

Oh, yeah, yeah. Slim here.

[Barton Yarborough]

Is that the coat you was doing about, Slim?

[Slim Conover]

Yeah.

[Barton Yarborough]

Why, that's what I'm wondering. Why?

[Tom Knight]

What was you doing at the wedding, Tom?

[Doc McBride]

Well, me and I'm Jimmy's best friend. I was acting as best man. At least I was till Harmon Came in?

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Uh huh.

[Tom Knight]

And where was you when the shooting took place?

[Doc McBride]

On my hands and knees at the preacher's house trying to find the wedding ring.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

What become of Jimmy Pierce?

[Doc McBride]

I don't know. Hardly never seen him after he was throwed out through the front door.

[Tom Knight]

You sure ain't much help. Go saddle up the horses, Tom. We're going out and bring in Jimmy Pierce.

[Doc McBride]

Oh, now looky here, Sheriff. Jimmy never, Tom. All right, Meet you at the stable.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Sheriff, you think this Jimmy Pierce on Harmon?

[Tom Knight]

I don't know what to think. I just can't figure Jimmy doing a thing like that.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Did Harmon have any known enemies?

[Tom Knight]

No, I don't know.

[Barton Yarborough]

Oh, what kind of answer is that?

[Tom Knight]

Well, Harmon Circle Leech is the biggest spread on the range. He also owns the Arroyo City San Miguel stage line. He's made money and some folks might be envious.

[Doc McBride]

Oh, yeah.

[Barton Yarborough]

I know the fella once who was a dad. Bucket full of envious soap. The jailhouse death. Why begrudged the free room and board them poor jail intimates was getting.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Yeah, how was Intimates? How was Harmon with his money?

[Tom Knight]

Oh, Ed was right free with his money. Only a month ago he offered $3,000 reward for. Gee, that's something the plum forgot.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

What's that?

[Tom Knight]

The reward Ed posted for the capture of El Pintado Elfin.

[Barton Yarborough]

What is that?

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Spanish cowboy. Means the pinto, don't it? But why that handle?

[Tom Knight]

Yeah, it does. Well, this fellow always rides a black and white horse. He done a lot of killing and robbing, mostly on the stages.

[Barton Yarborough]

Well, all you got to do to find this feller is find the pinto horse name you, Stevens.

[Tom Knight]

All the lawmen in this country have tried to do just that. But there ain't one pinto in this whole range.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

For a range hotel, this place sure sets a good table.

[Doc McBride]

Oh, so?

[Barton Yarborough]

So I keep wondering about yesterday, son. Ain't you curious about what's going on, mister?

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Yeah.

[Barton Yarborough]

Hotel man said they brought that Jimmy Pearson in late last night. We might go over to Jill House and word grind him a little bit.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Yeah, might, but he'll keep. Right now I kind of like to nose around those hills just east of town.

[Barton Yarborough]

Why there?

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Rough country close to Arroyo City. Make awful good hiding out. Place for somebody you'd want to hide out.

[Barton Yarborough]

Well, who would want to hide out there?

[Hash Knife Hartley]

That bent old feller maybe.

[Barton Yarborough]

See anything, hash knife?

[Hash Knife Hartley]

No, brush is too thick. Better hold up. It's here's about as far as we can go.

[Barton Yarborough]

Yeah, well, what do you know? A blind canyon. Look at them walls. Straight Up.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Huh.

[Slim Conover]

Well, I guess.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Sleepy, you smell anything?

[Barton Yarborough]

No. Cancer.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Uh oh.

[Barton Yarborough]

Smoke. And you don't need to remind me that where there's smoke, there's fire. Let's get on out of here.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Easy cowboy. Look back there, the way we came.

[Slim Conover]

Wait.

[Barton Yarborough]

Look at that fire. It's coming fast in a spooked up maverick full of loco weed suddenly caught. Oh, I just hope I ain't gonna be as sorry as I think I'm gonna be.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Only way out the way we came in. Turn that absolute of yours around and.

[Slim Conover]

Start rolling toward it.

[Doc McBride]

If we can find a way through it. Hit him.

[Tom Knight]

Let's get him.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Baby.

[Barton Yarborough]

Quick.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Pull over here to right.

[Slim Conover]

Get that wall.

[Doc McBride]

Oh, you crazy old argent.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Get on this overhang rock.

[Barton Yarborough]

Quick.

[Slim Conover]

Careful.

[Doc McBride]

Right.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Ain'T much but the outcrop. Right angle to the cannon like this might funnel a fire away from it. Easy fella.

[Doc McBride]

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Now your bandana over his eyes. We got a chance of making it by staying right here. If a horse don't bolt. I never realized what a blessing water really was that we got out of that blazing canyon and found his creek with a regular swimming hole in it.

[Barton Yarborough]

Hey, what's the matter with you son? You got a rock digging in you back?

[Hash Knife Hartley]

No, I just thinking that pinto feller must have seen us. Sure trapped us, Slick.

[Barton Yarborough]

Darn near roasted him right now.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Looks like he's holding all aces. And face turns he knows who we are, but we don't know who he is.

[Barton Yarborough]

Yeah, it kind of scares me right now. I feel like I ain't got enough backbone to hang up and rattle.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Well, if I go back to the Royal City jail, have a little talk with that Jimmy Pierce fellow.

[Barton Yarborough]

Well then let's hurry. Come on.

[Jimmy Pierce]

I was pretty mad and figured I'd better get out of town before I did something I'd be sorry for.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Uh huh. Did you gun down Ed Harmon, Jimmy?

[Jimmy Pierce]

I swear I didn't. I didn't like him, but I'd never kill him.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Well, he busted up the wedding and worked you over good. I'd say he did that cause he didn't like you.

[Jimmy Pierce]

Look, hash knife. Old man Harmon had a lot of money. I'm a cowhand. Make 30amonth and found. I guess he figured I couldn't take care of Joy properly on that.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Uh huh. Harmon have any enemies you know of? I mean anyone that'd want to kill him?

[Jimmy Pierce]

No, Harmon was a big operator. Probably trampled on a few toes. But I don't know of anyone would.

[Slim Conover]

Want to murder him.

[Barton Yarborough]

Hi, Son, I wasn't sure you'd still be here.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Sleepy, this is Jimmy Pierce.

[Barton Yarborough]

Hi, Jimmy. Well, did you find out anything nice now?

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Not much. But Pierce here has convinced me he didn't kill Harman.

[Barton Yarborough]

Oh, son, I could have told you that it was that dad busted pinto feller done it.

[Jimmy Pierce]

But he couldn't have.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

What was you gonna say?

[Jimmy Pierce]

Nothing.

[Slim Conover]

Nothing at all.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Sleepy said this pinto fella must have gunned Harmonies. You said he couldn't. You know something and you're holding back.

[Jimmy Pierce]

No. No, I ain't, Hash Knife.

[Barton Yarborough]

Look, young fella, you got about the same prospect as a three weeks old jackrabbit in a coyote pack. If you didn't kill Harmon, maybe Hash Knife here can help you out of this mess. But you got the string along too.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Well.

[Jimmy Pierce]

Well, I didn't want to say anything. I kept the secret because of Joy. You two gotta promise me not to tell anybody what I'm gonna tell you.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

We'll promise. If it won't protect no killer.

[Jimmy Pierce]

It won't. Because you see, El Pintado couldn't have killed Ed Harmon.

[Barton Yarborough]

Well, dad, Gummet, don't stop now.

[Jimmy Pierce]

Because Ed Harmon was El Pintado.

[Barton Yarborough]

Why?

[Hash Knife Hartley]

You sure?

[Jimmy Pierce]

Yeah, I know.

[Slim Conover]

And I wish I didn't.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

How come you're so certain? Can you prove it?

[Slim Conover]

Sure.

[Jimmy Pierce]

He was like this about three years ago.

[Tom Knight]

Easy with that place, Tom. Easy with us, Jimmy.

[Barton Yarborough]

They would bust in right now. Howdy, Sheriff. Tom.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Well, Sleepy, guess we better be moseying and let Jimmy eat in peace.

[Barton Yarborough]

Yeah, I reckon so.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Thank you, Tom, for letting me jaw us, Jimmy. Oh, sure.

[Doc McBride]

Anytime, Hartley.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Come on, Sleepy. That's great.

[Barton Yarborough]

Well, thanks, Hash.

[Jimmy Pierce]

Now, bye, Sleepy.

[Barton Yarborough]

Where are we going to, son?

[Hash Knife Hartley]

I want to take a little pass here out to the Harmon spread.

[Barton Yarborough]

Well, now, we've been out on the Harmon place. Did you find out anything you'd have?

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Not much.

[Barton Yarborough]

That means you did get something. You gonna tell me? I don't think.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Well, when we was looking over the riding stock, I got the makings of an idea how that pinto horse business might be working.

[Barton Yarborough]

Well, how?

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Made a particular point to find out which was Ed Harmon's mouth. As soon as I saw it, I began to put two and two together.

[Barton Yarborough]

Yeah? Well, will you quit gen and hoeing? You got me busting with ferocity.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Good work. Real easy. You see Harmon's hoein head them rocks, Levy?

[Barton Yarborough]

I'm way ahead of you, son. Dad. Busted. If it's that pin old feller again, so help me, I'm gonna blow his aim. Better pile down old fat Haggie or.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Sleepy, or I'll have to catch this pin, old feller all by myself.

[Barton Yarborough]

Oh, NQ funny.

[Jimmy Pierce]

Bad guys.

[Barton Yarborough]

Don't shoot.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

It's me, Kenneth Pierce.

[Doc McBride]

Over here.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Pierce. Holster that rifle, all right. Yeah, yeah, he's holsting his rifle. Better keep him covered, though.

[Doc McBride]

Son.

[Barton Yarborough]

He's covered like a marshmallow on a ant hill. How come he's out of jail?

[Hash Knife Hartley]

How do I know? Keep your finger on the place. We'll find out in a minute.

[Barton Yarborough]

Doc.

[Doc McBride]

John.

[Jimmy Pierce]

I thought you two never start back from Harmony.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Jimmy, how'd you get out of jail?

[Jimmy Pierce]

Tom Knight worked it while after you left, he went over to the Silk Hat and heard the boys talking about the killing of Ed Harmon. Seems they figured I was sore about him beating me up and that I'd done it. Well, most of the boys was drinking. You know how whiskey talk is. Well, they got themselves all worked up and decided a lynching would cure me.

[Barton Yarborough]

Of my evil way it might at that, Sleepy. Look, Jimmy, you never did finish telling us how you figured Ed Harmon was a pinto fellow.

[Jimmy Pierce]

Oh, that's right. The sheriff and Tom come busting in with the vittles. Well, about three years ago, I seen that pinto horse for the first time.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

It was Ed's horse and his horse was white. And he daubed it with mud or clay or something and made a pinto out of it. Run a horse in a creek and it was white again.

[Tom Knight]

Simple.

[Slim Conover]

How'd you know that?

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Guess been done before. No pintos on this range, so it'd have to be a white horse passed with black or a black horse picked up with white somewhere.

[Barton Yarborough]

If that ain't a regular double dyed double chuff.

[Jimmy Pierce]

You got it figured right. Hasn't I? I caught Ed once making the change on his horse. That's why he hated me. I never told, though, because of Joy.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

One thing, though, bothers me. If Ed Harmon had a lot of money, why'd he go around robbing as this pinto feller?

[Jimmy Pierce]

I don't know. Unless it was because Ed Harmon was the kind of fellow that never got enough. The more he got, the more he wanted. Well, I better be going. And thanks, fellas, for trying to help.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Jimmy, promise me something, will you?

[Slim Conover]

Sure.

[Jimmy Pierce]

Hash knife. If I can.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Even if Tom brings you the grub and money, don't pull out until after I've seen you again. Huh?

[Jimmy Pierce]

Huh? Oh, now, look, I better.

[Barton Yarborough]

You better do just like Hashnife says. When that nose of his gifted twitching like it is now, he's on the trail or something. Thank you, Hash knife, maybe.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Well, what do you think?

[Jimmy Pierce]

Well, all right, Hash knife, I'll take a chance. I'll wait the lion shackle hear from you.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Good. Well, let's get going, Sleepy. I got nosing around I want to do in Arroyo City. My luck holds good, I might come up with some amazing answers.

[Tom Knight]

Hey.

[Doc McBride]

Yup.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Hit it. Now look, Slim, this is mighty important. You sure there ain't been no lynch talk here at the Silk Hat?

[Slim Conover]

How many times I have to tell you there ain't been an old h talk. In fact, Arroyo City has been a special quiet since Ed Harmon was killed.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Uh huh.

[Barton Yarborough]

And what did uh huh mean?

[Slim Conover]

Hey, I just recollected something. You boys just got back in town. Maybe you ain't heard the news.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

What news?

[Slim Conover]

Well, shortly after you come in here yesterday asking directions to the Harmon place, Jimmy Pierce busted out of jail.

[Jimmy Pierce]

He did?

[Barton Yarborough]

Oh, that's against the law or something. Eh?

[Hash Knife Hartley]

How'd he do it?

[Slim Conover]

He jumped Tom Knight and grabbed his gun when he wasn't looking. Threatened to kill Tom if he didn't let him out during the fight. Beginning to think Jimmy might have shot Ed Harmon after all. Just think of that. Threatening to kill your best man.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Tom Knight said Jimmy threatened to kill him.

[Slim Conover]

Yeah, then Jimmy bragged how he fooled everyone being El Pintado.

[Barton Yarborough]

Huh?

[Hash Knife Hartley]

So Tom says Jimmy admitted to being the pinto feller.

[Slim Conover]

Yeah, said he needed money for joy.

[Barton Yarborough]

Well, that Jim was a big as flat as face, Lar I. So he was a pinto feller after all.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Thanks, Lim. Come on, cowboy. We got places to go.

[Barton Yarborough]

Now you ain't said where we're headed.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

For the see Deputy Sheriff Tom Knight.

[Barton Yarborough]

Well, why him?

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Well, ain't you figured it out yet?

[Barton Yarborough]

Figured what out, Sleepy?

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Sometimes I kind of get the feeling you got more brawn than brains. On second thought, about 50. 50, I'd say.

[Barton Yarborough]

Well, thank you, son. But if Jimmy Pierce is that pinto fella, why we bother him with that jugheaded deputy? Let's get him ourselves.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

We're still going to see the sheriff and Tom Knight.

[Barton Yarborough]

Oh, let's go get the pinto.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

You know, Sleepy, when a good lord was passing out brains, you must have been better hid out than Moses in a bull rusher.

[Tom Knight]

I sure was all wrong about Jimmy. Never figured he'd turn bad the way he did.

[Doc McBride]

Ah, me being Jimmy's best friend, I sure hate to join this posse with you, Sheriff.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Tom, what gave you the idea that maybe you'll be in this shack?

[Tom Knight]

Yeah, Tom, we could be wasting A lot of time riding clear out here to some butte. If you guess wrong.

[Doc McBride]

Oh, just a hutch. Of course, I ain't certain he'll be there. I got a feeling he might. We used to fish up here.

[Barton Yarborough]

What is happening? I'm as confused as a Comanche brave at a quilting bee.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Just hang on, sweetie. It won't be long.

[Slim Conover]

Pull up here. Go ahead.

[Doc McBride]

On foot. This way. Keep it quiet.

[Tom Knight]

Smoke coming out of the chimney.

[Doc McBride]

Uh huh. That means Mike. Guess what? Hold it. There he is fishing down at the creek. Well, I for one ain't gonna take no chance with that murdering.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Hold it, Tom.

[Tom Knight]

Oh.

[Doc McBride]

Hey, what's the idea? Grab my arm.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Jimmy. Jimmy Pierce.

[Barton Yarborough]

Don't reach for your gun.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

We got you covered. Come on, peaceable with your hands up.

[Barton Yarborough]

Dog has knocking, Tom.

[Jimmy Pierce]

You both tricked me. You lied to me.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Take it easy. You'll be fair treated.

[Jimmy Pierce]

Yeah, I sure hate to bet on that.

[Tom Knight]

Jimmy Pierce, I hereby arrest you.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Brother Gold. It's here.

[Tom Knight]

It was it.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

There have been some monkey shines going on you ain't been aware of. Just stand easy. It'll work out, Jimmy. You can let your hands down now. Answer me one question. Was Tom Knight ever in love with Joy Harmon?

[Jimmy Pierce]

Well, yeah, we courted her together. But when she promised me, he stepped aside and that was an end to it.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

That's all I need to know. Jimmy. Tom's been aiming your next straight for a noose.

[Doc McBride]

What are you talking about?

[Hash Knife Hartley]

The fight between you and Ed Harmon gave him the idea to gun down Harmon and make you look like a killer.

[Doc McBride]

Lies. They're all lies. Hartley can't prove nothing.

[Jimmy Pierce]

Tom, we was friends since we was kids. We hunted and fished and went sparking together. I trusted you. But now I'm calling you a lion, yellow.

[Doc McBride]

I'll kill you.

[Barton Yarborough]

Nice shooting, Jimmy.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

Your number's up, Tom. Might be a good idea to try and clear yourself with Jimmy.

[Doc McBride]

Yeah, Jimmy. Everything Hartley said was true.

[Hash Knife Hartley]

And one thing more, Tom. You told Slim that Jimmy boasted of being the Pinto fella.

[Doc McBride]

That was a lie too. You see, I was helping to know.

[W.C. Tuttle]

Listen again next week at this time when Sagebrush Theater will bring you another story of the Old west recorded from the library of radio programs of many years ago. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio Service.