Highway Patrol 19xx.xx.xx Highway Patrol

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Highway Patrol 19xx.xx.xx Highway Patrol
Date: January 23, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Harold’s Old Time Radio" brings listeners back to the golden days of family radio drama with a suspenseful episode of "Highway Patrol." Set on a rainy, treacherous night, the story revolves around patrolmen Sam and Craig Hollister as they face both the perils of patrolling mountain roads and the personal crises that can arise from their profession. When a high-speed chase unexpectedly becomes deeply personal, the line between duty and emotion is tested.

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Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. Setting the Scene on the Highway Patrol (01:11–03:56)

• Sam, the Narrator, sets the tense, rain-soaked night as he rides alongside veteran patrolman Craig Hollister, learning about patrolling this dangerous mountainous stretch for the first time.
• Conversation highlights the camaraderie and rituals among patrolmen, as well as the risks on hazardous curves with names like "Millie’s Hairpin" and "Devil’s Curl."
  • Memorable moment: Craig explains the road’s dangers through local lore, referencing tragic past accidents.
  • Quote:

    "Sometimes it takes you years to get to know a guy. Sometimes on the highway patrol, you learn all about a man in 10 minutes."
    — Sam (01:11)

2. Introducing Personal Stakes (04:03–06:09)

• Sam learns Hollister met his wife, Debbie, when he pulled her over for speeding—a detail that becomes central to the unfolding crisis.
• The personal life of patrolmen intersects with their professional duties.
  • Quote:

    "You actually catch speeders on this, Howard."
    — Sam (02:51)
    "That's how I met her… She was roaring down the hill with a car full of ponies."
    — Craig Hollister (04:08)

3. Tension Builds: Unidentified Reckless Driver (06:30–07:04)

• Sam and Hollister see erratic headlights barreling down the road; initially, fear it could be Debbie.
• The duo prepares to intercept, recognizing the life-or-death consequences of reckless driving in these treacherous conditions.
  • Quote:

    "That's not your wife, is it?"
    — Sam (06:58)
    "She's still a little wild, but she's not crazy."
    — Craig Hollister (07:00)

4. The High-Speed Chase & Horrifying Realization (08:50–10:27)

• They confirm the reckless driver is a young woman—Debbie’s car.
• Hollister is overcome by fear for his wife’s safety, and the personal stakes become intense.
  • Quote:

    "It's Debbie's car... Why would she try to run you down?"
    — Sam & Craig Hollister (09:44–09:52)

5. A Desperate Attempt to Intervene (10:50–15:13)

• Sam and Hollister debate the risks of pursuit versus the danger that panic might create, especially since Debbie is possibly intoxicated.
• Sam notes the psychological toll on Hollister, comparing his intense focus to a soldier before battle.
• A colleague, Pappy, is run off the road during an attempt to stop the speeding car, further raising the stakes.
  • Quote:

    "If she tries to run this block, we'll shoot at her."
    — Sergeant (15:33)
    "What kind of roadblocks? The words giant shooting at a woman."
    — Craig Hollister (14:26)

6. Moral and Procedural Dilemmas (15:41–16:57)

• The officers struggle with both protocol (“staying on her tail”) and compassion (helping their injured colleague).
• Hollister insists on continuing the chase, prioritizing Debbie’s life.
  • Quote:

    "Don’t make me pull my gun on you."
    — Craig Hollister (15:54)

7. The Final Confrontation and Crash (17:00–19:20)

• Sam and Hollister switch off lights to reduce pressure on the driver, hoping for a better outcome.
• Despite efforts, Debbie’s car crashes near the barricade.
• Tension between protocol, personal involvement, and the randomness of fate is palpable.
  • Quote:

    "That did it. The heavy car began to burn, hesitated."
    — Sam (18:48)

8. Aftermath and Revelation (19:59–21:13)

• Debbie survives, but it is revealed the injured girl is not Hollister’s wife.
• Craig breaks down, grappling with guilt and relief as the error becomes clear.
• The emotional toll on Sam, Craig, and the other officers is evident.
  • Quote:

    "Debbie, I want you to know. I thought the girl was you."
    — Craig Hollister (21:13)
    "Oh, I see. And it could have been, couldn't it?"
    — Debbie Hollister (21:22)

9. Resolution and Reflection (21:46–end)

• Craig and Debbie walk away, their relationship forever altered by the night’s scare.
• The episode ends with a quiet reflection on the unpredictability of the job and life.
  • Quote:

    "Learn anything tonight? Yeah, I learned something, Sam."
    — Craig Hollister (22:10)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Unpredictability of Patrol Work:
  "Sometimes on the highway patrol, you learn all about a man in 10 minutes." — Sam (01:11)
• On the Road’s Danger & Lore:
  "This turn's called Millie's Hairpin. Found four kids here in a station wagon after the last storm." — Craig Hollister (02:21)
• Hollister’s Vulnerability:
  "You know I can’t follow her everywhere, you know." — Craig Hollister (06:09)
• Moral Dilemma:
  "Don't make me pull my gun on you." — Craig Hollister (15:54)
• Final Emotional Release:
  "Debbie, I want you to know. I thought the girl was you." — Craig Hollister (21:13)
  "And it could have been, couldn't it?" — Debbie Hollister (21:22)

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Important Timestamps

• 01:11–03:56 — Initial patrol, road dangers, and introduction of Debbie and the local lore.
• 06:30–07:04 — First sighting of reckless headlights, building tension.
• 08:50–10:27 — Realization it’s Debbie’s car and emotional stakes rise.
• 15:13–16:57 — Setting of the barricade, sergeant’s order, and Hollister’s desperate actions.
• 19:59–21:13 — Aftermath of the crash, twist reveal, emotional resolution.
• 22:10 — Closing reflections.

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Tone and Atmosphere

The episode’s tone balances tense, high-stakes drama with intimate, personal moments—narrated with the clipped, gritty dialogue of mid-century police dramas. The interplay between the danger of the road, the nostalgia for old radio, and the deep humanity of the characters blend into an engaging moral tale about the costs and commitments of those who serve.

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Final Reflections

By combining suspense, character studies, and moral quandaries, this "Highway Patrol" episode not only delivers excitement and nostalgia but also explores the strains law enforcement may place on the people behind the badge and their loved ones. The emotional climax and unexpected twist provide poignant commentary on perception, fate, and the ever-present tension between duty and personal life.

Transcript

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Sam]

Sometimes it takes you years to get to know a guy. Sometimes on the highway patrol, you learn all about a man in 10 minutes. Like the night Craig Hollister checked me out on my new beat.

[Craig Hollister]

Boss over here.

[Sam]

I didn't answer. I was too busy sweating the grade. The wheel was easy in my hands, too easy, like it always is on a slick highway. My headlights caught the rain, and sleet slanting down from the path was steamy inside the patrol car. Hollister wiped the mist off the windshield. I thought of loosening my collar, but I didn't want to make a bad impression on Hollister. He didn't look like a police academy officer, but he didn't talk much, so I couldn't tell. I knew he was a good patrolman. They told me at headquarters, good patrolman.

[Craig Hollister]

Go by the book.

[Sam]

I decided I'd leave my collar button. I wiped my hands one at a time, change my grip on the wheel.

[Craig Hollister]

Curve coming up.

[Sam]

I don't see why they need us on this road. Driver'd be nuts to go over 30 people's feet anywhere.

[Craig Hollister]

This turn's called Millie's Hairpin. It's licking the rain. Found four kids here in a station wagon after the last storm. Over the left of them.

[Sam]

Who is Millie?

[Craig Hollister]

She went over the cliff in a mile five years ago. She's 60 years old, killer. Not a scratch. Devil's Curl coming up. We've had three fatalities here this winter.

[Sam]

I don't know if I'M gonna like this, Pete.

[Craig Hollister]

Oh, it isn't bad once you get used to the floods.

[Sam]

You actually catch speeders on this, Howard.

[Craig Hollister]

So I met my wife. She was speeding here. Pardon me, Thatcher. This is three one two two. Thank. Will you call Debbie and tell her to pick me up at headquarters?

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Okay.

[Craig Hollister]

You better get down here before she does.

[Sam]

I like her at the safe.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Around me.

[Craig Hollister]

You old relics. You could break your arms. Hey, Joel.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Yeah?

[Craig Hollister]

It's awful slick up here. Tell her to take it easy on the grave.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Roger.

[Sam]

Well, this was pretty good. You wanted your wife to meet you. You gave the dispatcher a call on the radio. That was something hadn't taught me at the academy. I had a hunch it wasn't exactly standard either. Maybe working out here in the sixth would have its point. If you didn't end up at the bottom of a canyon some night chewing on a piston ring. Or if your wife didn't go nuts feeding the chipmunks.

[Craig Hollister]

Well, I sure hope she doesn't try to break the record getting to headquarters? Not tonight.

[Sam]

You say you caught her speeding here?

[Craig Hollister]

That's how I met her. See that stretch at the bottom of the grade?

[Sam]

I remember it.

[Craig Hollister]

If you park off the road on, you can spot the speeders coming down. I try to get them before they hit the real grade and clobber themselves.

[Sam]

That's where you met your wife, huh? Yeah.

[Craig Hollister]

She was roaring down the hill with a car full of ponies coming back from a party Schweitzer was giving on his estate. All of them, right to the eyeballs.

[Sam]

Including your wife?

[Craig Hollister]

I thought so. I wrote it up that way.

[Sam]

Well, then what happened?

[Craig Hollister]

Well, the county judge thought otherwise. Debbie cried and her old man said he wanted to treat her just like anybody else, even if he had just given the county a new library. Dutch decided she'd never had a drink in her life. Wasn't a dry eye in the courthouse.

[Sam]

You married her, huh?

[Craig Hollister]

Best thing I ever did, I think. See, you're married, aren't you? Your wife don't like the mountains.

[Sam]

Wherever I am, she likes his wife.

[Craig Hollister]

It's kind of lonely for a woman, Debbie says. Well, here. Here's the place I was telling you about.

[Sam]

Pull over.

[Craig Hollister]

Pull over? Yeah. We'll wait here in.

[Sam]

Why?

[Craig Hollister]

Well, she still drives this grave too fast. With me back of her, she'll take it easy.

[Sam]

So I pulled over. Of course, even if it was quitting time, he was the boss. And if he wanted to baby his wife down the grave, it was okay with me. I was tired and I could have used a cup of coffee back at headquarters. And I was trying to get my wife moved into her cabin. But the man said, pull over and wait. So I pulled over and waited. I even offered him a cigarette to show there were no hard feelings. He shook his head. In the flare of my match, I could see he was squinting up the road. His face was tired. Some of the roughness was gone. Ms. Joker was worried. He caught me looking and seemed kind of ashamed.

[Craig Hollister]

He'll be along in a minute. Sure.

[Sam]

You know I can't follow her everywhere, you know.

[Craig Hollister]

You in a hurry or something?

[Sam]

No, no.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Just.

[Craig Hollister]

I'm getting a transfer. Debbie and I'll be out of these mountains next week. She's a good driver, but it's split tonight, so if it's okay with you, we'll just.

[Sam]

Sure. I'm sorry. What's the matter?

[Craig Hollister]

Look at those headlights up there.

[Sam]

I twisted around in my seat. Half a mile up the grade, a pair of headlights stabbed over the cliff, seemed to hang, and they whipped back to the road, jerky, like when somebody's really floorboarding the accelerator. Then there was a straight stretch where the light swayed like the guy was skidding. Hollister, grip my shoulder. And then the light straightened out.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Got brighter and brighter and further apart. The guy was practically flying. Holy smokes. That's not your wife, is it?

[Sam]

No, no.

[Craig Hollister]

She's still a little wild, but she's not crazy.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Hollister was big and a little older than me. He didn't look like he could move very fast, but he was nothing but a blur jumping out of that car. He was around the hood and swinging.

[Sam]

A flashlight in circles.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Before I could even turn on my.

[Sam]

Red light, the crazy headlights seemed to.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Reach out at him.

[Sam]

Hey, you okay?

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

How is this? Yes.

[Craig Hollister]

Let's take him.

[Sam]

Holy cow.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

That's what you have, folks, from that cigar?

[Craig Hollister]

He must be faster over the years.

[Sam]

Get his bag. The light swing I just seen.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

It was a convertible, that's all.

[Craig Hollister]

Convertible?

[Sam]

Yeah.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Aren't you going to call a dispatcher?

[Craig Hollister]

No. Trappy ought to be fin near halfway house 242 9.

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[Craig Hollister]

This is 31224. They're convertible.

[Sam]

All right. And I caught a flash of the driver and my heart is slipping. With a woman driver, Young, blonde with a crazy grin on her face.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

I felt sick.

[Sam]

I picked up the pieces after a few wrecks down in the valley. It's bad enough when it's a man, But a young girl?

[Craig Hollister]

24, 29. This is 3122. Coffee. Where's the suitable possible 502? Three miles north of Halfway House. It's about ram me down. She's weaving all over road.

[Sam]

Be careful.

[Craig Hollister]

Roger.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

I'll try to take you. Sir.

[Sam]

Not here.

[Craig Hollister]

Take this curve tight, buddy. What did you say?

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

A driver at the woman.

[Craig Hollister]

A woman.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

I say so. Okay.

[Craig Hollister]

After this curve you can cut loose for about 800 yards. Try to get me close enough to front. Lighter license.

[Sam]

Hang on.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

You get the number?

[Craig Hollister]

No.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Maybe on the next.

[Craig Hollister]

We don't need the number.

[Sam]

What do you mean?

[Craig Hollister]

I know the number.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

You know it? How come It's Debbie's car. Why is you must be Debbie. Why would she try to run you down? She doesn't know what she's doing.

[Debbie Hollister]

What do you mean?

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Right plastered.

[Craig Hollister]

She's gonna roll that thing and that'll be all.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

That'll be all.

[Sam]

This guy was shook. Sliding through a turn I caught a glimpse of his face in the light from the dash. He was staring ahead. And he had that thousand yard stare I'd seen in Korea before an attack. I shivered.

[Craig Hollister]

Well, where do we go? I could see it coming. I could see it alone in that house all day. It's why we were going to move to the city. But now it'll be too late. Step it up, Bart.

[Sam]

Step it up.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

If we had time to change. I can't do any better than you. Stick with it and try. Try to get her to the cord. Killer curve. Heavy car she's got. Craig like it was glued to the it hasn't glued to the road. It'll roll just like the rest of it'll roll. Happy to flag her down. How is he going to do it? She didn't stop for us. Maybe she didn't even see us. You want me to try to take her Stop here.

[Craig Hollister]

If she speeds up anymore she hasn't got a prayer until her curves hang back.

[Sam]

Don't.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Don't press her.

[Craig Hollister]

Then he did something that wasn't in the book. She reached over and cut our growler.

[Sam]

And he switched off the red light. I started to turn it back on and felt his hand on my wrist wave it off.

[Craig Hollister]

Maybe we're panic at her. If she doesn't slow down now she'll never make it.

[Sam]

Then she started to turn until his curse either she wouldn't make it. The roughest turn on the grade washboard no bank to it at all.

[Craig Hollister]

Hundred foot drop to the riverbed below.

[Sam]

Hard enough to make on a dry day but on a wet night murdered the daylight.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Hesitated for a second like they were making up their minds whether to run into the hill or over the side. The car slid sideways, reared toward the river. She was going over back. Oh no no baby, no no. I took my foot off the cash.

[Sam]

Out of the tail of my eye. I saw Hollister cover his face and that I was fighting to stay on the road.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Suddenly the miracle happened.

[Craig Hollister]

She made it.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Now we had to do it.

[Craig Hollister]

2,429. This is 3,122. We're a mile north still unable to catch the 502. She's doing 75 so just your startup won't try to box her but be careful of it.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

This is 2429. You say her?

[Craig Hollister]

Yes Roger.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Okay, I see her light starting up now.

[Craig Hollister]

Down that dale we can just say just easier between us. Just easier between us.

[Sam]

Watch him like glance up there. I'll try to take her again.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

What's your speed now Greg?

[Craig Hollister]

73. We're a half a mile behind you. She's weaving.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

I'm up to speed.

[Craig Hollister]

Going down. No no, she's swinging left with a.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Heavy car Pa. Be careful Roger. She's swinging right Pappy. Letter by letter by.

[Sam]

Let her buy. How are you going to make an old time patrolman let a drunk pass him on the road? No, Cappy tried to fight it. He tried to fight to ease her onto the shoulder. The block long convertible against the patrol car was like a good pro featherweight against an amateur. Heavy. All skill and no punch for a Second I thought he had to run off the road.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

The convertible lurched back.

[Sam]

The two sets of tail lights got closer. And then Papy was off the road, over the shoulder, bouncing and rolling down the embankment. I eased my foot off the accelerator crane that.

[Craig Hollister]

It wasn't as bad as lifting.

[Sam]

I wanted to use the brake. But on that highway it would have been true.

[Craig Hollister]

What are you doing?

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Going back with Pappy. Call a distraction. They'll stop her. It's just off the road. First we gotta get back.

[Craig Hollister]

Stay on our sail.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

You up your rocket.

[Sam]

Help.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Stop it.

[Craig Hollister]

My wife and I don't want her killed. Stay on her tail.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

What about. I said stay with her.

[Craig Hollister]

I'm still running this beast.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

But Pappy.

[Sam]

Safe.

[Craig Hollister]

So this is 3122, a mile south of Halfway House. That 502 just ran crappy off the road. Send an ambulance. We're staying on her tape. This isn't Joe. It's Sergeant Jire setting up a roadblock outside headquarters.

[Sam]

She won't get through it. Go back and help Pat.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

What?

[Craig Hollister]

What kind of roadblocks? The words giant shooting at a woman.

[Sam]

If she tries to run this block, we'll shoot at her.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Now get back to P. Sergeant. Sergeant, that girl is. Don't worry about the girl. I'll take care of her. You get back to pack.

[Sam]

Debbie.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

It's Debbie.

[Sam]

Yeah. Sorry. Hollister just run. My best man off the road. Said she almost hit you. Cars coming up the lower grade. You rip one of them if we don't stop it. So we'll stop her if we have to.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Blast her off the road.

[Sam]

I felt sorry for the man beside me. I knew what was happening outside headquarters. A couple of patrol cars rolling into position. Spotlights pointed up the grade. Guys drawing automatic rifles. Maybe shotgun. Flares set out further down the hill. A reception committee for Craig Hollister's wife. Not what he'd planned when he'd asked her to meet him at headquarters. But there was nothing I could do. I slowed, carefully.

[Craig Hollister]

Keep going.

[Sam]

Now look, guys.

[Craig Hollister]

Going. You heard the sergeant.

[Sam]

Pappy might be bleeding.

[Craig Hollister]

He's only a quarter mile from Halfway House. They can do as much for him as we can. You stay on her tail.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

I can't do this.

[Craig Hollister]

And I said stay with her. You understand?

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Craig, I can't. They'll suspect me.

[Craig Hollister]

Don't make me pull my gun on you. Watch this next curve.

[Sam]

What can we do?

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

We can't stop.

[Craig Hollister]

If she tries to run the barricade, they'll blow her apart.

[Sam]

If she. Hang on. If she doesn't Slow down.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

She won't even get to the barricade.

[Sam]

Turn off your lights.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Turn off my lights?

[Craig Hollister]

Turn off your lights. When she doesn't see her, she slows down a little.

[Sam]

How am I gonna see?

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Use her lights.

[Sam]

Her lights. Fine. Great. But what if there was something coming up the grave? I wondered if Hollister had gone nuts. I shot a look at him. He was peering ahead and he seemed.

[Craig Hollister]

To have got a hold of himself.

[Sam]

I didn't really think he'd put a gun on me, but suddenly I knew I'd go along with whatever he was trying to do, even if it cost me my badge. I flicked off the lights. It seemed to help. The car ahead lost some of its crazy fear.

[Craig Hollister]

Regaining slow. Slow and easy.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Bucket.

[Craig Hollister]

Okay, use this stretch here.

[Sam]

Gaining all right, but what good is it? She makes this turn, she's still only got a mile to the barricade.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

That a car coming? I trust that. Get over. Get over.

[Craig Hollister]

Watch it.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Get your lights on.

[Sam]

Val.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Catcher. Every time I put on another mile an hour, we start to drive to get closer.

[Craig Hollister]

I'll never do it from here.

[Sam]

Close to the man says. I was already pushing 80. My arms and eyes ached from the strain. The range was still too far. Unless he was aiming for a lucky hit or an unlucky.

[Craig Hollister]

It was not a catcher by that stretch in front of headquarters.

[Sam]

Well, that made sense. Was the only level shoulder in the grade. If he was going to shoot out a tire, it would have to be there. But that was where the barricade was. We just have to get her to.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

The side of it.

[Sam]

Hollister rolled down the window and I felt a spray of rain on my face. Suddenly I spotted the barricade spotlight.

[Craig Hollister]

She's rolling, honey.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Putting on speed. I can't wait any longer.

[Sam]

The range was just too great. It had to be her left rear tire. If she went off the other way, she'd be killed. And if the ricochet got her, she'd be killed anyway. But she was just too far away. Suddenly, not really wanting to, I jammed down the equip accelerator. At least I could give him a last chance.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

The rear end swayed and lurched. My hands were sweaty with fear. And that did it. The heavy car began to burn, hesitated.

[Sam]

And headed for the shoulder bleep when.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

It hit the dirt, half turned and went over.

[Sam]

I skid it all the way through the roadblock. It took me so long to get stopped and turned around that the guys from the barricade beat us back to the crash. But it was just as well, because without help, I'd never been able to keep Hollister from the ruined convertible.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Hollister. Where do we get around?

[Craig Hollister]

Doc will be here in a minute.

[Sam]

I killed her.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

I killed her.

[Sam]

We don't know yet.

[Craig Hollister]

Down there.

[Sam]

Doc. Hey, how's Pappy?

[Craig Hollister]

Broken leg. Not the car that ran him up the road.

[Sam]

Yeah, that's. Seemed like an hour. But it was only a couple of minutes before the doc scrambled out of the ditch. A patrolman and an ambulance driver. Driver set a litter by the ambulance. Two other guys had Craig in their patrol car trying to calm him down. I walked over to the ambulance.

[Craig Hollister]

The girl was hurt.

[Sam]

Hurt bad. But she was alive.

[Craig Hollister]

Sergeant walked up.

[Sam]

She alive? Yeah. I tell Hollister okay to let him see her, Sergeant? Yeah. Yeah, I guess so. I started back to the patrol car and stepped back or led a convertible onto the shoulder. A girl got out. A pretty girl. And I thought of the kid by the ambulance who would never be pretty again. Then I felt the sergeant's hand in my arm. He was staring at her. This is Hollister.

[Debbie Hollister]

Yes, Sergeant. What happened? Where's Craig? What's the matter with you?

[Craig Hollister]

Well, we thought he.

[Debbie Hollister]

Oh, look, she's just a kid.

[Dispatcher/Patrolman]

Hey, Pete.

[Craig Hollister]

Bring Hollister over here.

[Sam]

I guess she figured she was old enough to get fried to the Guild and try to make that grade. On a rainy night, your husband saved her life. How? She and Art here almost broke their next catching. Kind of blasted her to pieces.

[Debbie Hollister]

Where is Craig?

[Sam]

Is he all right? That beans.

[Debbie Hollister]

Craig, darling, what is it?

[Sam]

It wasn't you.

[Craig Hollister]

I better skip it.

[Sam]

Craig.

[Craig Hollister]

No, no. Now, you ought to know. Debbie, I want you to know. I thought the girl was you.

[Sam]

Me?

[Debbie Hollister]

But why me? Oh, I see. And it could have been, couldn't it?

[Craig Hollister]

Long time ago, maybe. Long time ago.

[Sam]

Well, his arm was around her when they walked away. But Debbie Hollister had a kind of thoughtful look in her eye. You kind of wonder at a time like that what two people are thinking. I turn back to the sergeant. You okay?

[Craig Hollister]

Oh, sure.

[Sam]

Yeah.

[Craig Hollister]

I say, Sergeant.

[Sam]

About us not going back for Pappy. I was driving, you know. Yeah, I know. Well, forget it. Learn anything tonight? Yeah, I learned something, Sam.