Have Gun, Will Travel 58-11-23 (001) Strange Vendetta

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Have Gun, Will Travel 58-11-23 (001) Strange Vendetta"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Episode: Have Gun, Will Travel 58-11-23 (001) Strange Vendetta
• Release Date: January 19, 2025

---

Overview

In the episode titled "Strange Vendetta," listeners are transported to the bustling streets of San Francisco in 1875. The story revolves around Paladin, a distinguished and enigmatic figure, who becomes entangled in a web of deception and revenge following a seemingly straightforward mission. This summary delves into the key plot points, character interactions, and the unraveling of a complex vendetta that challenges Paladin's skills and morals.

Setting the Scene

The narrative opens at the Carlton Hotel, establishing it as the Headquarters of Paladin. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as Paladin is introduced preparing for an evening at the opera.

Notable Quote:

• Narrator [00:55]: "Have Gun Will Travel. Starring Mr. John Dana as Paladin San Francisco, 1875 the Carlton Hotel Headquarters of the man called Paladin."

Initial Interaction at the Opera

Paladin's evening takes an unexpected turn when Dona Maria and her husband, Don Miguel Rojas, approach him seeking assistance. Initially appearing as gracious opera attendees, their true intentions soon surface.

Key Interactions:

• Paladin [01:24]: "Good evening, Mr. Paladin."
• Dona Maria [02:00]: "We accept on the condition that you join us and be our guest for dinner, Mr. Paladin. Is that not correct, my dear?"
• Paladin [02:37]: "Quite correct, Mr. Paladin. Until this evening, then."

The Vendetta and the Job

During the opera, a dramatic incident occurs where Don Miguel is attacked and seemingly fatally wounded. However, it becomes apparent that the attack was orchestrated to mask a deeper plot involving a vendetta against the Rojas family.

Notable Quotes:

• Dona Maria [05:56]: "There is an insane blood feud that has cost many lives already. This was bound to happen."
• Paladin [05:56]: "Blood feud. Perhaps I can help."

Don Miguel entrusts Paladin with a critical task: to escort his body to San Thomasino discreetly to prevent further threats from the vendetta. He offers Paladin "$1,000 and expenses" for this perilous mission.

Transportation of the Body and Discovery of the Plot

Paladin begins the transport, accompanied by Dr. Mayhew and Hey Boy. As they journey, suspicions arise when Dr. Mayhew reveals that Don Miguel's wounds were inflicted with poison, hinting at foul play beyond mere self-defense.

Key Revelations:

• Dr. Mayhew [06:51]: "There was poison on the knife blade. Nothing familiar. A plant substance of some sort."
• Don Miguel Rojas [07:16]: "I want you to escort my body safely to my home in San Thomasino and deliver it there to my wife, Dona Maria."

As the group progresses, Paladin uncovers inconsistencies in Don Miguel's story, leading him to suspect a larger scheme at play.

Confrontation and Unraveling the Scheme

Upon reaching the border, Paladin confronts Don Miguel, revealing that the coffin contains not a body, but a substantial sum of stolen money. It's unveiled that Don Miguel had faked his death to execute a well-planned robbery.

Dramatic Exchange:

• Paladin [18:32]: "The coffin up here is filled with stolen money."
• Don Miguel Rojas [16:43]: "They made my debt seem very convincing. But not as convincing as yours will be, Senor Paladin."

A tense standoff ensues, culminating in Paladin outsmarting Don Miguel by maneuvering him into a trap, effectively "checkmating" the antagonist.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Miguel Rojas [17:34]: "You cannot play chess without sacrificing pawns."
• Paladin [17:47]: "All right, you're in. Check. Miguel. Miguel. Checkmate."

Resolution and Aftermath

With Don Miguel's scheme exposed and thwarted, Paladin ensures that justice is served. He confronts Dr. Mayhew and Mr. Wilkins, orchestrating their arrest for their involvement in the fraud. The episode concludes with Paladin receiving his payment and closing the case, reaffirming his reputation as a formidable and just figure.

Final Interactions:

• Paladin [23:12]: "Jail where they belong."
• Dona Maria [21:24]: "I can never thank you enough for giving me my freedom. My life with him was a nightmare."

Conclusion

"Strange Vendetta" masterfully weaves a tale of deceit, honor, and ingenuity. Through Paladin's keen perception and moral compass, listeners are treated to a classic Western narrative that underscores themes of justice and retribution. The episode effectively captures the essence of the Golden Age of Radio, delivering suspense and satisfaction in equal measure.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Narrator [00:55]: "Have Gun Will Travel. Starring Mr. John Dana as Paladin San Francisco, 1875 the Carlton Hotel Headquarters of the man called Paladin."
• Dona Maria [02:00]: "We accept on the condition that you join us and be our guest for dinner, Mr. Paladin. Is that not correct, my dear?"
• Dona Maria [05:56]: "There is an insane blood feud that has cost many lives already. This was bound to happen."
• Dr. Mayhew [06:51]: "There was poison on the knife blade. Nothing familiar. A plant substance of some sort."
• Don Miguel Rojas [07:16]: "I want you to escort my body safely to my home in San Thomasino and deliver it there to my wife, Dona Maria."
• Paladin [17:47]: "All right, you're in. Check. Miguel. Miguel. Checkmate."

Cast and Production

• Paladin: John Dana
• Hey Boy: Ben Wright
• Additional Cast: Lillian Byeth, Harry Bartell, Joseph Kearns, Howard Culver, Ralph Moody, Vic Perrin, and Hugh Douglas.
• Production Team: Created by Herb Meadow and Sam Rolfe, produced and directed by Norman McDonnell, written by Ken Kolb, and adapted for radio by John Dawson.

Join us next week for another captivating episode of "Have Gun Will Travel" on Harold's Old Time Radio.

Transcript

[Warby Parker]

What makes a great pair of glasses? At Warby Parker, it's all the invisible extras without the extra cost. Their designer quality frames start at $95, including prescription lenses plus scratch resistant, smudge resistant and anti reflective coatings and UV protection and free adjustments for life. To find your next pair of glasses, sunglasses or contact lenses, or to find the Warby Parker store nearest you, head over to warbyparker.com that's warbyparker.com.

[Paladin]

Sit down, gentlemen. And sit still. I've come to order a coffin for the first one of you who makes a move.

[Narrator]

Have gun will travel. Starring Mr. John Dana as Paladin San Francisco, 1875 the Carlton Hotel Headquarters of the man called Paladin.

[Paladin]

Good evening, Mr. Paladin.

Good evening.

[Hey Boy]

Oh, here. The paper, Mr. Paladin.

[Paladin]

Oh, thanks. Hey boy.

[Hey Boy]

Excuse, please. Must go. A lady look for me.

[Paladin]

Lady? What lady? Well, I should say it is a lady.

[Hey Boy]

Oh, very sorry. Could not catch Tickets to opera. All sold up.

[Dona Maria]

I had so hoped to see tonight's performance.

[Paladin]

And you still can. I couldn't help overhearing your difficulty. I have an opera box, if you would care to be my guest.

[Dona Maria]

Oh, thank you, but we could not presume on your courtesy.

[Paladin]

We?

[Dona Maria]

My husband and I. Senor Paladin.

[Paladin]

Oh, now, of course, the invitation extends to him also.

[Don Miguel Rojas]

We have been looking for you, my dear.

[Dona Maria]

Oh, Miguel. Senor Paladin, this is my husband, Senor Rojas.

[Paladin]

Senor. Senor.

[Dona Maria]

And Dr. Mayhew.

[Dr. Mayhew]

Great pleasure, Mr. Paladin.

[Paladin]

Dr. Mayhew.

[Dona Maria]

Senor Paladin has kindly offered us his box at the opera tonight. There were no more tickets.

[Don Miguel Rojas]

Very kind.

[Paladin]

Dr. Mayhew is of course, included in my invitation.

[Dr. Mayhew]

That's very gracious of you, Mr. Paladin.

[Paladin]

The invitation is accepted.

[Dona Maria]

We accept on the condition that you join us and be our guest for dinner, Mr. Paladin. Is that not correct, my dear?

[Don Miguel Rojas]

Quite correct, Mr. Paladin. Until this evening, then.

[Dr. Mayhew]

When is the end, Mr. Paladin?

[Hey Boy]

Oh, her husband don't like you.

[Paladin]

I'm afraid you're right. But then, why should he?

[Narrator]

No one could be more at home with history than Edward R. Murrow. For more than 20 years now, he's focused his attention on world affairs, broadened his viewpoint with travel, and sharpened his perspective by meeting and getting to know many of the leading statesmen of our time. Five evenings a week on CBS radio, Edward R. Murrow shares his experience with you. For a clear, concise report on today's important developments, Join us on most of these same stations. When it's time for Edward R. Murrow with the news, a fuller understanding of current events is waiting for you, too, on every lively edition of our World News Roundup. Seven mornings a week on CBS Radio, the World News Roundup takes you to the scene of the news for eyewitness reports by CBS News correspondents. Hear what's happening direct from where it's happening. Get the feeling of the news along with the facts as our World News Roundup comes your way at breakfast time tomorrow.

[Paladin]

Doctor. Dr. Mayhew, it's time to wake up. The performance is over.

[Dr. Mayhew]

Oh, yes, yes, of course. I'm sorry, Mr. Paladin. Opera is not one of my special likes. Which one was this?

[Paladin]

The marriage of Figaro by Mozart.

[Dr. Mayhew]

Oh, yes, of course. Well, at any rate, Don Miguel's wife seems to have enjoyed it.

[Paladin]

Ms. Dona Maria is a remarkable woman, Doctor. Meant to savor and enjoy beautiful things.

[Dr. Mayhew]

And I might comment for your particular benefit, Mr. Paladin, that Don Miguel is a remarkable man.

[Paladin]

Wait a minute.

[Dr. Mayhew]

Huh?

[Paladin]

What is it? Someone behind the curtain.

[Dr. Mayhew]

What?

[Paladin]

Don Miguel, look out.

[Dona Maria]

May your father help him? My husband had been harmed.

[Paladin]

Please, Donna Maria. Dr. Mayhew will do all he can.

[Dr. Mayhew]

Paladin, he needs treatment at once. We'll have to get him out of here.

[Dona Maria]

It is you, Senhor Paladin?

[Paladin]

Yes. Any news?

[Dona Maria]

No, not yet. We are still waiting.

[Paladin]

I spoke to the police. There'll be no trouble. It was a clear case of self defense. The man attacked your husband and was shot down. Lucky Don Miguel was armed.

[Dona Maria]

Yes.

[Paladin]

Is he always armed?

[Dona Maria]

I do not know.

[Paladin]

Did you see the man who attacked your husband?

[Dona Maria]

Of course I saw him.

[Paladin]

Did you know him?

[Dona Maria]

No.

[Paladin]

The man looked very surprised at the way things turned out.

[Dona Maria]

Why doesn't doctor make you hurry?

[Paladin]

Dona Maria, has Don Miguel ever been attacked like this before?

[Dona Maria]

No. Yes. Yes, he has. There is no need to lie about it. It's an insane blood feud that has cost many lives already. This was bound to happen. They fail tonight, they will not fail another time.

[Paladin]

Blood feud. Perhaps I can help.

[Dona Maria]

This is not a tragic opera, senor. In this case, that is very. Doctor, how is he?

[Dr. Mayhew]

He's resting quietly. You may go to him now. Dona Maria.

[Paladin]

Dona Maria.

[Dona Maria]

Yes?

[Paladin]

Give him my card.

[Dona Maria]

This is not time for form. Have gone. We'll travel.

[Paladin]

Give it to him. Please see?

[Dona Maria]

I will.

[Dr. Mayhew]

Well, the wound itself isn't too serious, but I don't like the looks of it.

[Paladin]

Why, Doctor, what's the problem?

[Dr. Mayhew]

There was poison on the knife blade. Nothing familiar. A plant substance of some sort.

[Paladin]

The question is, will Don Miguel live?

[Dr. Mayhew]

Yes, for perhaps a week.

[Don Miguel Rojas]

Dr. Mayhew has told me I'm dying. That is why I sent for you after I read your card. My wife has told you of a vendetta?

[Paladin]

Yes. Yes, she did. What do you want, revenge?

[Don Miguel Rojas]

No. My task for you is much more personal. I want you to escort my body safely to my home in San Thomasino and deliver it there to my wife, Dona Maria.

[Paladin]

Isn't she here in San Francisco?

[Don Miguel Rojas]

I sent her home this morning. I wish to die unobserved.

[Paladin]

Someone once commented you were a remarkable man.

[Don Miguel Rojas]

Do not misconstrue my sentimentality. The vendetta against our family includes the threat of mutilation of the body, in which case the bestiality is complete. I would prefer that it did not happen to my body. Will you take the job?

[Paladin]

All right.

[Don Miguel Rojas]

$1,000 and expenses.

[Paladin]

We have a bargain.

[Dr. Mayhew]

Good.

[Don Miguel Rojas]

You'll be paid by Maria upon safe delivery of my body in Santo Massino. Thank you, Senor Paladin.

[Kent Cigarettes]

Of all baby filters cigarettes. Kent filters best. Kent filters best. Makes good sense when you smoke Kent. Kent filters best of all of the brands of cigarettes. Kent tastes the best. Kent tastes the best. Harcter tastes and all the rest. Kent filters best. It makes good sense when you smoke.

[Paladin]

Can.

[Kent Cigarettes]

Of all leading filter cigarettes. Can't filter.

[Hey Boy]

Oh. Big robbery in San Francisco.

[Paladin]

What did you say, hey boy?

[Hey Boy]

Big robbery in San Francisco. $230,000. Oh, very careless. You read.

[Paladin]

No, I was reading something else. Don Miguel Rojas, distinguished visitor from Mexico, died last night of knife wounds suffered last week when he was attacked by an unidentified assailant while attending the op room. Paladin. Yes?

[Narrator]

I am Mr. Wilkins.

[Paladin]

Oh, yes, the mortician.

[Narrator]

You sent for me. May I be of help to you?

[Paladin]

You can turn one of your clients over to me, Mr. Wilkins. The late don Miguel Rojas. Here. This is a letter of authorization. The body is to go into Mexico.

[Narrator]

You'll need a certificate to cross the border, sir.

[Paladin]

I have that from Dr. Mayhew. And how do you propose to transport the body? I've hired a stagecoach, Mr. Wilkins.

[Narrator]

When would you like to start?

[Paladin]

Soon as possible.

[Narrator]

Don Miguel will be ready.

[Dr. Mayhew]

Good day, sir.

[Paladin]

Good day. Oh.

[Hey Boy]

How long you be gone, Mr. Paladin?

[Paladin]

Oh, 12 days. Two weeks at the most. Now, why do you look like that? Eh?

[Hey Boy]

Dead man. Oh, no good trip carrying dead man.

[Paladin]

Oh. Oh.

[Dr. Mayhew]

You know, border stations are all alike, Ms. Paladin.

[Paladin]

Anybody here?

You just try to go through without inspection. You'll find out if anybody's here. Where's your destination?

San thomasino.

Name?

Paladin. My driver is timmons.

Just the two of you?

Three.

John mcgowan. Hey, you can't take a dead body across the border.

Yes, I can. There's a statute book. Read Article 8, Page 14. You want to inspect the coffin?

Open that thing up. Not me.

All right, then. What's the country like between here and san thomasino?

Well, empty, except for a water hole called loma verde. The rest is rattlers and blow dirt.

[Kent Cigarettes]

Go on.

[Paladin]

Inspection's over.

Let's go. Timmons. Yeah.

[Dr. Mayhew]

This is the only spot of green we've seen, Mr. Paladin.

[Paladin]

Loma Verde's hardly a paradise. I don't like it. Can't say I like it much myself. But we won't be here long. At least we can.

[TurboTax Ad]

Now, taxes is 100% free when you file in the turbotax app. If you didn't file with us last year. Oh, yeah, yeah. Just do your own taxes in the app by 2.

[Paladin]

18.

[Warby Parker]

What if I have lots of forms?

[TurboTax Ad]

All good. All 100% free.

[Warby Parker]

What if I had three jobs?

[TurboTax Ad]

Still 100% free.

[Warby Parker]

What if I once saw bigfoot?

[TurboTax Ad]

That has nothing to do with taxes. So still 100% free.

[Dr. Mayhew]

That's what I'm talking about.

[TurboTax Ad]

Now, this is taxes. See if you qualify in the turbotax app. Excludes turbotax live. Must start and file AN app by 218.

[Paladin]

Part of the horses. The sooner we can move on. Hold it. Why? We have company. Behind that rock.

[Dr. Mayhew]

Bandits.

[Paladin]

Don't move.

[Narrator]

Raise your hand.

[Don Miguel Rojas]

Senores.

[Paladin]

Do what he says.

[Don Miguel Rojas]

Bueno.

[Dr. Mayhew]

He's alone, Mr. Paladin. Him against us.

[Paladin]

Yeah. What are we gonna do? We can let him kill us here, or we can fight him here. You say the word now.

[Don Miguel Rojas]

Wise. Very wise after such a foolish thing. Now climb down carefully.

[Paladin]

Now what?

[Don Miguel Rojas]

You may bury your friend if you wish.

[Paladin]

Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Seems I know you from somewhere.

[Don Miguel Rojas]

Quite possibly. If I take off the handkerchief, you might remember where Don Miguel.

[Paladin]

Of course, you're not a bad shot for a corpse.

[Don Miguel Rojas]

Do not make me prove that point again.

[Narrator]

It has the fresh, clean scent of pine.

[Paladin]

It's new. It's at your store. What is it?

[Narrator]

It's the best disinfectant anywhere. Kills disease germs on contact.

[Kent Cigarettes]

It's lysol in a new pine scent.

[Narrator]

Right now there's a new pine scented lysol. Now, your home can be pine sweet and lysol clean with genuine lysol brand disinfectant. New pine scented Lysol. Disinfects, deodorizes deep cleans kitchen, bathroom, nursery, sick room. Keeps things fresh and sweet with no extra work. Pine scented Lysol Helps guard your home in laboratory tests. Lysol's anti germ action kept working for seven full days. So try this new pine scented Lysol. Make your home pine sweet.

[Dr. Mayhew]

The Lysol clean.

[Narrator]

You can still get regular Lysol, too.

[Don Miguel Rojas]

Turn around, please. Your gun. And now we can talk like gentlemen.

[Paladin]

Sure.

[Don Miguel Rojas]

Now I would like to satisfy my curiosity about that cargo. Open up my coffin.

[Paladin]

Money. A great deal of it.

[Don Miguel Rojas]

The shipping, payroll robbery. $230,000.

[Paladin]

You plan well. Dr. Mayhew was in on this.

[Don Miguel Rojas]

He has been paid off, along with Mr. Wilkins, an undertaker. They made my debt seem very convincing. But not as convincing as yours will be, Senor Paladin.

[Paladin]

What are you waiting for?

[Don Miguel Rojas]

First, you must help me with another burial. The money must be hidden until certain arrangements are made. Replace the lid and come down. I warn you, any false move will shorten your life and will assure you a much more unpleasant death than you now contemplate. Pick up the shovel. Now move.

[Paladin]

When you staged that attack at the opera, what about the man who was killed?

[Don Miguel Rojas]

The man was hired to play a part. I changed the ending of his scene.

[Paladin]

No wonder he looked surprised.

[Don Miguel Rojas]

You cannot play chess without sacrificing pawns. Now dig.

[Paladin]

All right, you're in. Check. Miguel. Miguel. Checkmate.

Need the body carrier. Come back to the border. Hey. Did you deliver that? Coffin's still up there on top.

And the corpse is in the coach. Take a look. You see?

Just sit where you are, mister, and start explaining.

That is the body in the coach. The coffin up here is filled with stolen money.

What are you trying to pull, mister?

You don't think I'm telling the truth?

No.

There's an easy way to prove it. Come on up here and open the coffin.

All right, I will. Here, give me your hand.

Right. Well, I'll be. What's your name? Farley. Mr. Farley, there's a lady in San Thomasino waiting for the body of her husband, whereupon she will pay me my fee. I need your help.

What's this got to do with me?

I thought you might want to get credit for the lady's arrest if she's a part of the plan.

What about all this money? What'd we do with that?

The colonel in Command of the 3rd Cavalry at Nogales will sign for it and escort it back to San Francisco.

All right, we'll Turn the money over to him and start back. But how do we know if this lady is guilty or not?

Suppose you leave that up to me, Mr. Farley. Surprised to see me? I didn't wish to disturb the servants. You see, my errand is quite personal.

[Dona Maria]

Yes, my husband sent word before he.

[Paladin]

Would you like us to bring the coffin in this way anyway? Excuse me. All right, Mr. Farley.

I don't like this.

Paladin, this is Mr. Farley. Dona Maria, Senora rojas.

How do you, ma'am?

[Dona Maria]

How do you do? I will get your money. Senor.

[Paladin]

Don't you think you should make certain that I have fulfilled my part of the bargain?

[Dona Maria]

Yes, you are right. Open the coffin, Farley.

[Paladin]

Yeah, yeah.

[Dona Maria]

That is my husband. I will get your money.

[Paladin]

What do you think, Farley?

Not guilty. No woman could be that calm. She thought her husband was alive and didn't show him dead.

Then you're satisfied she had nothing to do with him?

Yeah.

All right. Wait for me at the stage coach.

Don't be too long.

[Dona Maria]

Where is your man, senor? There is a drink for him in the kitchen.

[Paladin]

You hid your surprise very well. And your grief.

[Dona Maria]

I had no grief for miguel. I do not know how he died. But I can never thank you enough for giving me my freedom. My life with him was a nightmare.

[Paladin]

I can believe you. I saw it in your face. Goodbye, Dona Moliga.

[Dona Maria]

Wait. Your money.

[Paladin]

No, I'd rather not.

[Dona Maria]

Please, senor. It gives me pleasure to pay for my errors. Especially since this is the last payment.

[Paladin]

Very well. Should you come again to San francisco, I hope you'll come with me to the opera. Ah, Dr. Mayhew.

[Dr. Mayhew]

Oh, I. I got your message, Mr. Paladin, but I'm afraid I can't give you too much time. I'm a very busy man.

[Paladin]

All of us are. Ah, here comes another busy man. Hey, Mr. Wilkins, the undertaker.

[Narrator]

My dear Mr. Paladin. What can I do for you?

[Paladin]

Sit down, first of all.

[Dr. Mayhew]

Thank you, Dr. Wilkins. Well, Paladin, what is it you want?

[Paladin]

I'd like to order a coffin.

[Dr. Mayhew]

A coffin?

[Paladin]

For whom? For whichever of you gentlemen makes the first move.

[Narrator]

Well, I.

[Paladin]

This is a derringer. In case identification escapes you. Hey boy. Mr. Paradine, get me a policeman. On second thought, get me two policemen. One apiece.

[Hey Boy]

Oh, big story in papers. Dr. Mayhew and Mr. Wilkins, all in.

[Paladin]

Jail where they belong. Hey boy. Ah, here we are. Hello.

[Hey Boy]

Where are we?

[Paladin]

San francisco Opera. Premiere tonight. Hey boy, I want you to take this over to the opera house. Buy me a box oh, now, what's the matter with you?

[Hey Boy]

Last time you go to opera, a man get killed, money get stolen. Oi, big trouble.

[Paladin]

You know, lan, of course I learn. What would you have me do?

[Hey Boy]

No opera, no lady.

[Paladin]

Hey Boy, I'm afraid you have a lot to learn.

[Narrator]

Have Gun Will Travel, created by Herb Meadow and Sam Rolfe, is produced and directed by Norman McDonnell and stars John Dana as Paladin, with Ben Wright as Hey boy. Tonight's story was written by Ken Kolb and adapted for radio by John Dawson. Featured in the cast were Lillian Byeth, Harry Bartell, Joseph Kearns, Howard Culver, Ralph Moody and Vic Perrin. Hugh Douglas speaking. Join us again next week for have Gun Will.