Luke Slaughter 58-02-23 01 Duel On The Trail

Summary

Detailed Summary of "Luke Slaughter 58-02-23 01 Duel On The Trail"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Luke Slaughter 58-02-23 01 Duel On The Trail
Release Date: February 14, 2025

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Introduction to Luke Slaughter

The episode opens with a vivid portrayal of Luke Slaughter, a formidable figure from Tombstone. The Narrator sets the stage, describing Slaughter as a "Civil War cavalryman turned Arizona cattleman" who commands respect and fear across territories from Yuma to Fort Defiance and beyond into Chihuahua and Sonora ([01:21]). This introduction establishes Slaughter’s reputation as a "Man of vision. Man of legend."

The Cantina Confrontation

The main narrative begins as Luke Slaughter arrives at a cantina in town after a grueling ride to Laredo ([02:01]). He witnesses Ben Wilkins, the President of the Cattlemen's Association, in a business deal with Rusty. Luke introduces himself confidently:

Luke Slaughter: "Excuse me, gents. You Ben Wilkins? Why, yes. President of the Cattlemen's Association?"
(02:32)

Wilkins appears unfamiliar with Slaughter, prompting tension as Luke reveals his purpose—to offer a better route for transporting cattle:

Luke Slaughter: "You're missing a good bet. Why don't you drive him west to Arizona?"
(02:54)

Rusty dismisses the idea, citing dangers such as bandits and rustlers, but Slaughter counters by sharing his successful experience managing cattle drives to tombstone, emphasizing the lucrative market for beef among miners:

Luke Slaughter: "There wasn't near enough to take care of all those beef eating miners. I'll drive your herd out there for you for a percentage."
(03:19)

Unveiling Jess Hancock's Failures

Slaughter intensifies the negotiation by exposing the shortcomings of Jess Hancock, the current driver for Wilkins:

Luke Slaughter: "The last herd he brought across the border for you. How many did he lose along the way?"
(03:36)

When Wilkins admits losing 43 head of cattle, Slaughter presents undeniable proof:

Luke Slaughter: "Might interest you, Wilkins. Seems last week a rancher named Hollister bought 43 head in good faith."
(03:54)

This revelation puts significant pressure on Wilkins, leading to Slaughter securing the contract to drive the herd to Arizona despite Rusty's objections.

Recruitment of Trail Hands

Slaughter begins assembling his team, recruiting various rugged individuals:

• Rusty initially resists but is compelled by Slaughter’s authority.
• Wichita is brought on board despite his skepticism about Slaughter’s methods.
• Jim Carson joins, eager for work and a new gun, showcasing Slaughter’s ability to attract a diverse crew.

Notable interaction:

Jim Carson: "I want to buy me a gun."
(07:19)
Luke Slaughter: "You already got a gun."
(07:27)

Carlotta’s Plea

In a dramatic turn, Carlotta approaches Slaughter, pleading to join the crew and escape her current life:

Carlotta: "I want to get away from this place. Please take me with you."
(10:07)

Initially resistant, Slaughter relents after her determination:

Luke Slaughter: "But you'll earn your way. You'll help the cook. You'll clean up after him."
(12:19)

Carlotta’s inclusion adds a personal stake to Slaughter’s mission, hinting at deeper conflicts.

The Stampede and Rising Tensions

As night falls, unexpected trouble arises. The herd stamps its hooves, causing chaos:

Luke Slaughter: "They stampedin. Slaughter. They stampedin."
(13:03)

Suspecting sabotage, Slaughter confronts his men. Tensions escalate when Rusty and Carlotta vanish, leading Slaughter to suspect betrayal within his ranks.

Confrontation with Jess Hancock

The climax unfolds as Slaughter tracks down Jess Hancock, leading to a tense showdown:

Luke Slaughter: "Hancock. Slaughter. Yeah. Here I am, Hancock. Now go ahead, draw."
(23:33)

Their duel is charged with personal animosity and professional rivalry. Slaughter’s strategic prowess is highlighted as he outmaneuvers Hancock, ensuring the safety of the herd.

Luke Slaughter: "You got a couple of things to learn. It isn't getting your gun out of your holster that's the most important thing. It's what you do with it once it's out."
(25:06)

Resolution and Aftermath

With Hancock defeated, Slaughter reflects on the loyalty and integrity of his crew. Despite the obstacles, he secures the herd’s passage to Tombstone, solidifying his reputation as a dependable and strategic leader.

Luke Slaughter: "Slaughter. Will do. Get moving."
(22:14)

Carlotta’s trust in Slaughter deepens, hinting at potential alliances and future support for his endeavors.

Conclusion

The episode culminates with Luke Slaughter affirming his identity and mission:

Luke Slaughter: "When we meet up again, you can call me that. Luke Slaughter."
(26:04)

This declaration reinforces his enduring legacy as a legendary cattleman navigating the perilous trails of the American West.

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Notable Quotes

• Luke Slaughter: "You're missing a good bet. Why don't you drive him west to Arizona?" — 02:54
• Luke Slaughter: "May I took a herd out there last month. There wasn't near enough to take care of all those beef eating miners." — 03:19
• Luke Slaughter: "I'm gonna try and circle around behind him." — 23:33
• Jim Carson: "I think I can handle it." — 21:54
• Wichita: "I told you, I want to get away from Hancock." — 19:03

Insights and Themes

• Leadership and Strategy: Slaughter’s ability to form and manage a diverse team under high-stakes conditions underscores themes of leadership and strategic thinking.
• Trust and Betrayal: The tension between loyalty and suspicion among the crew highlights the fragile nature of trust in challenging environments.
• Redemption and Reputation: Slaughter’s pursuit of excellence and reliability contrasts with Hancock’s failures, emphasizing the impact of reputation on business success.

Conclusion

"Duel On The Trail" masterfully blends action, character development, and Western lore to deliver an engaging story of ambition, conflict, and resilience. Listeners are drawn into the rugged landscape of the American frontier, experiencing the high-stakes negotiations and intense confrontations that define Luke Slaughter’s legendary status.

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. You know when you're really stressed or not feeling so great about your life or about yourself, talking to someone who understands can really help. But who is that person? How do you find them? Where do you even start? Talkspace. Talkspace makes it easy to get the support you need. With Talkspace, you can go online, answer a few questions about your preferences, and be matched with a therapist. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You, you'll meet on your schedule wherever you feel most at ease. If you're depressed, stressed, struggling with a relationship, or if you want some counseling for you and your partner or just need a little extra one on one support, Talkspace is here for you. Plus, Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a zero dollar copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off of your first month with promo code space80 when you go to talkspace.com, match with a licensed therapist today at talkspace.com save $80 with code space80@talkspace.

[Luke Slaughter]

I got a big stake in it, and there's no man west of the Rio Grande big enough to take it from me.

[Narrator]

Luke Slaughter of Tombstone. Luke Slaughter of Tombstone. Civil War cavalryman turned Arizona cattleman. Across the territory from Yuma to Fort Defiance, from Flagstaff to the Huachucas, and below the border through Chihuahua and Sonora. His name was respected or feared, depending on which side of the law you were on. Man of vision. Man of legend. Luke Slaughter of Tombstone.

[Luke Slaughter]

It was a long, hot ride to Laredo the last day. I pushed it hard, eating dust all the way. I didn't know if I'd be in time or not. When I rode up to the cantina in town and went inside, I saw I was barely in time. The two of them were sitting at a corner table. From the sound of it, the deal was just about closed.

[Rusty]

Wilkins, me and my boys will bring that herd up across the border for you in good shape.

[Ben Wilkins]

Hell, I hope so, Hancock. The association's pretty worried about all the trouble we've had on these drives before.

[Luke Slaughter]

Excuse me, gents. You Ben Wilkins? Why, yes. President of the Cattlemen's Association?

[Ben Wilkins]

Yes, that's right. I don't think I know you.

[Rusty]

Look, mister, we're talking business.

[Luke Slaughter]

That's why I'm here, Hancock.

[Rusty]

How come you know my name?

[Luke Slaughter]

Wilkins? I understand you're aiming to bring a herd of cattle up from Mexico into Texas.

[Ben Wilkins]

What's that to you.

[Luke Slaughter]

You're missing a good bet. Why don't you drive him west to Arizona?

[Ben Wilkins]

Arizona?

[Luke Slaughter]

That's right. Haven't you heard about the new mines opening up around Tombstone? Everybody and his brother's headed out there and they all gotta eat. That means a good market for beef. A lot better price than you get around here.

[Rusty]

He's crazy, Wilkins. That's too far to drive a herd.

[Ben Wilkins]

Hell, it's sure too dangerous anyway. Why, there's banditos, rustlers, even Indians.

[Luke Slaughter]

May I took a herd out there last month. There wasn't near enough to take care of all those beef eating miners. I'll drive your herd out there for you for a percentage.

[Rusty]

Now you just shut that big mouth of yours, mister. Whoever you are. I'm the one drives Wilkins herds wherever they go.

[Luke Slaughter]

Oh, Wilkins, you can't afford Jess Hancock anymore.

[Ben Wilkins]

What do you mean?

[Luke Slaughter]

The last herd he brought across the border for you. How many did he lose along the way?

[Ben Wilkins]

Why, 43 head.

[Rusty]

Could have happened to anyone. Bandidos, that's what it was.

[Luke Slaughter]

Mexican bandits, huh? Here's a bill of sale. Might interest you, Wilkins. Seems last week a rancher named Hollister bought 43 head in good faith. Paid for him proper. Man who sold him was Jess Hancock.

[Rusty]

That's a lie.

[Luke Slaughter]

Take a look, Wilkins. That Hancock signature.

[Ben Wilkins]

Wow. It sure is.

[Rusty]

Nobody's gonna accuse me of wrestling.

[Luke Slaughter]

Don't try it, Hancock. I can kick that gun out of your hand before you get it loose from their holster.

[Rusty]

You just try it, man.

[Luke Slaughter]

You convinced, Hancock?

[Ben Wilkins]

Who are you? Mr.

[Luke Slaughter]

Slaughter. Luke Slaughter. Oh, I've heard of you, Mr.

[Ben Wilkins]

Slaughter, but I didn't know you was in these parts.

[Luke Slaughter]

You don't have to mister me, Wilkins. Just Slaughter is good enough.

[Ben Wilkins]

Hancock. The Association's going to hear about this. If Those are the same.

[Rusty]

43, you got no proof.

[Ben Wilkins]

We'll see about that. Slaughter, you said Arizona, huh?

[Luke Slaughter]

A lot of hungry miners in Tombstone.

[Ben Wilkins]

Bigger price, huh?

[Luke Slaughter]

Half again as much.

[Ben Wilkins]

Meet me back here in an hour. You got yourself a job.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'll be here, Wilkins.

[Rusty]

You hear me, Slaughter? I don't care what your reputation is. You ain't gonna beat me out of this, I'll stop you.

[Luke Slaughter]

Here I am, Hancock, and now's as good a time as any. Go ahead.

[Rusty]

Yeah, you can talk mighty tall with my gun laying there on the floor.

[Luke Slaughter]

Oh, yeah, your gun. There it is, Hancock. And I'm just as far from that table it's sitting on as you are now. Go ahead.

[Rusty]

These other ways, Slaughter. There's other ways.

[Ben Wilkins]

Alex Nordo when you signed for this job, you guaranteed me six good trail hands. I didn't know you were just going to pick them cold out of the bar here.

[Luke Slaughter]

That's the difference, Wilkins. They're not good hands now. They will be by the time we get to Tombstone. I'll see to that.

[Ben Wilkins]

I guess you will. How many you got so far?

[Luke Slaughter]

Two Mexican boys know the country pretty well. And a cook.

[Ben Wilkins]

Still leaves you three shy.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'll get them.

[Rusty]

Say, mister, your name's Slaughter?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah.

[Rusty]

Mine's Rusty. I hear you're looking for trail hands.

[Luke Slaughter]

Maybe. You ever been to Tombstone?

[Rusty]

Not with a herd. Didn't know anybody had.

[Luke Slaughter]

This'll be the second.

[Rusty]

I've been almost every place else. You can take a herd, I guess. Dodge City, Cheyenne, the Panhandle. You name it.

[Luke Slaughter]

All right, I'll take you.

[Wichita]

You the one that's hiring, mister?

[Luke Slaughter]

That's right. You look a little old for the drive I've got in mind. Tombstone's a long way.

[Wichita]

Don't worry about that none. I'll keep up.

[Luke Slaughter]

What's your name?

[Wichita]

They call me Wichita.

[Luke Slaughter]

All right, Wichita, you're on.

[Jim Carson]

Got room for one more, Slaughter?

[Luke Slaughter]

Who are you, son?

[Jim Carson]

Name's Carson. Jim Carson.

[Luke Slaughter]

You ever ridden trail before?

[Jim Carson]

No, but I don't figure it'd be too tough. Side, Slaughter. I come in handy when there's trouble.

[Luke Slaughter]

Oh? How about when there's work?

[Jim Carson]

I'll work. I need the money. I want to buy me a gun.

[Luke Slaughter]

You already got a gun.

[Jim Carson]

I want to get me another one.

[Luke Slaughter]

All right, I'll put you on. You say your name was Jimmy?

[Jim Carson]

It's not Jimmy, it's Jim. I don't like being called Jimmy.

[Luke Slaughter]

Go get your stuff together, Jimmy.

[Jim Carson]

I guess you didn't hear me, Slaughter. I said I don't like being.

[Luke Slaughter]

You want to come along or don't you?

[Jim Carson]

I want to come.

[Luke Slaughter]

Then get moving, Jimmy.

[Ben Wilkins]

I don't like that one, Slaughter. He's on the prod.

[Luke Slaughter]

Good day, Wilkins.

[Ben Wilkins]

Why take a chance with him, then? I don't want any trouble with this herd.

[Luke Slaughter]

Now, just a minute, Wilkins. I didn't guarantee no trouble. Matter of fact, I'd be surprised if there wasn't. I guarantee just one thing. To bring that herd through. That you can count on.

[Wichita]

I have seen young punks like him before, Slaughter. They go around with a chip on their shoulder, trying to show how tough they are. He probably heard about you.

[Luke Slaughter]

What about me? What'd you tell?

[Wichita]

Well, no offense. You got a kind of reputation, that's all. Punk like that, sooner or later he'll probably want to find out how tough you are.

[Luke Slaughter]

Maybe.

[Rusty]

I heard him shooting off his mouth at the bar earlier about how he'd gunned down a couple of men here and there. Oh, I bet he's awful green on the trail, though.

[Luke Slaughter]

You can show him the ropes, Rusty. Maybe the trail will take some of the toughness out of him. Anyway, I need what men we can get. He goes with us.

[Rusty]

You're the boss. Where are we heading from here?

[Luke Slaughter]

Delgada. Little town below the border. That's where we pick up the herd.

[Wichita]

When we leaving?

[Luke Slaughter]

Soon as we saddle up.

[Rusty]

Tonight.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah. We're should be able to hit the trail with the cattle tomorrow afternoon. Make a few miles toward Tombstone before dark.

[Rusty]

What's a hurry?

[Luke Slaughter]

There's a man named Jess Hancock wouldn't mind making a little trouble for me. I want that herd all in one piece to start with anyway.

[Wichita]

Pretty good looking herd, Rusty.

[Rusty]

Yeah, but no herd's worth pounding leather like we did all the way down here to Delgado.

[Wichita]

Slaughter said he wanted to make it, but this afternoon he did.

[Jim Carson]

Where is he anyway?

[Wichita]

Signing the papers over there at the pens.

[Jim Carson]

I don't see why we can't hang around town tonight. Leave in the morning.

[Wichita]

Well, why not take it up with the boss? Here he comes.

[Jim Carson]

You think you're pretty funny, don't you, Wichita?

[Wichita]

Just once in a while, son.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, I guess we're all ready, Rusty. How about the cook?

[Rusty]

Oh, he's got all the grub loaded in the chuck wagon ready to roll.

[Luke Slaughter]

Good.

[Carlotta]

Senor. Senor.

[Luke Slaughter]

What?

[Carlotta]

Your Slaughter?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah. Who are you?

[Carlotta]

I'm Carlota. You are going to Arizona?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, Tombstone. Why?

[Carlotta]

Take me with you.

[Luke Slaughter]

What?

[Carlotta]

I want to get away from this place. I want to go to Arizona. Please take me with you.

[Luke Slaughter]

Sorry.

[Rusty]

What are you doing here, Carlotta? Come on back to the cantina where you belong.

[Luke Slaughter]

Oh, well, Jess Hancock. How come you're down here?

[Rusty]

This is my stampin ground, Slaughter. Or was. I ain't forgot.

[Luke Slaughter]

I didn't figure you had.

[Rusty]

First you take my job, now you try to take my girl.

[Luke Slaughter]

Just a minute, Hancock. Don't get things any more twisted up than you can help.

[Rusty]

Get moving, Carlona.

[Carlotta]

You leave me alone. Get.

[Rusty]

I hope you have a real pleasant trip to Tombstone, Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

I better have.

[Wichita]

Getting pretty dark, Schroeder. Don't you reckon we better get that herd bedded down for the night?

[Luke Slaughter]

A little further.

[Wichita]

You've been avoiding the regular trail. Expecting trouble.

[Luke Slaughter]

I usually do, Wichita.

[Wichita]

I've been watching you around horses, Slaughter. Been thinking you was in the cavalry. Oh, I heard about a man named Slaughter once commanded a regiment from Illinois in the war. Yeah, Raiders, they was. Used to raid across the line. This Slaughter I heard about, he always used to come back leading a string of confederate horses with their saddles empty. I've been thinking you're the same, Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

And I've been thinking you're a pretty nosy old man.

[Wichita]

Yep, that's me.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, this is far enough r bed down here.

[Rusty]

Right.

[Luke Slaughter]

Where'd youa that chuck wagon of ours? I just saw the tarp move. There's somebody inside.

[Wichita]

Yeah, I saw two.

[Luke Slaughter]

All right, Carlota, get out of there, Please, senor.

[Carlotta]

I want to go to Tombstone.

[Luke Slaughter]

You picked the wrong way.

[Carlotta]

But you don't send him back.

[Luke Slaughter]

Now.

[Carlotta]

It's night. It's wild country. You wouldn't do that, would you?

[Luke Slaughter]

You counted on that, didn't you? All right, you'll go with us.

[Carlotta]

Gracias.

[Luke Slaughter]

But you'll earn your way. You'll help the cook. You'll clean up after him. You'll wash the dishes.

[Carlotta]

Work me like a horse, huh?

[Luke Slaughter]

Or worse.

[Carlotta]

Maybe you like the horses better.

[Luke Slaughter]

There's one big difference. I invited the hors. After we bedded down the herd, the cook wrestled up some grub. Carlotta was plenty sullen, but she worked. Jimmy kept eyeing her, so I figured I'd better put him on night herd. I turned in around midnight. Everything was peaceful, but it didn't stay that way very long.

[Wichita]

Slaughter, you hear that?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah. Where'd they come from?

[Wichita]

Well, I don't know, but it's got the herd riled up. There they go. They stampedin. Slaughter. They stampedin.

[Narrator]

In a moment, Luke Slaughter of Tombstone returns. Somebody ought to set Jack Benny straight about how to.

[Podcast Host]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. You know, when you're really stressed or not feeling so great about your life or about yourself, talking to someone who understands can really help. But who is that person? How do you find them? Where do you even start? Talkspace. Talkspace makes it easy to get the support you need. With Talkspace, you can go online, answer a few questions about your preferences, and be matched with a therapist. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You'll meet on your schedule wherever you feel most at ease. If you're depressed, stressed, struggling with a relationship, or. Or if you want some counseling for you and your partner or just need a little extra one on one support, Talkspace is here for you. Plus, Talkspace works with Most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off of your first month with promo code space80 when you go to talkspace.com, match with a licensed therapist today at talkspace.com save $80 with code [e-mail] make a movie because he's.

[Narrator]

At it again when you join him. Later on today, CBS Radio's misguided idol will attempt his own version of a famous movie to make it even better. Hollywood producer Stanley Kramer, who made the movie, will be right there when he does. For a hilarious example of how not to make a motion picture, hear the Jack Benny Show. Later today on most of these same stations. Henry Morgan and Mitch Miller will be around following Jack Benny. Henry Morgan is host on the Fast and Funny Guessing Game. Says who? His star studded panel of experts spark one laugh after another as they try to identify memory teasing mystery voices. And speaking of stars, you'll find an hour of fast and funny conversation with the biggest name stars of Hollywood and Broadway waiting for you on CBS Radio's Mitch Miller show tonight. And now, act two of William N. Robeson's production of Luke Slaughter of Tombstone.

[Luke Slaughter]

Wichita. Turn him in. We gotta get em turned to Melon.

[Wichita]

You're getting too close, Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

Rusty, over there. I can't turn the bunch in the lead. Swanna, watch out.

[Wichita]

He'll run you down.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, yeah. Get around, Rusty. Head off. That leads dinner. Right. I got it, Big Melon. That's it. Let's get him slow. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Yeah. I was close with you, Ty. Yeah.

[Wichita]

I thought I'd seen everything, Slaughter. But I guess I was wrong.

[Luke Slaughter]

What do you mean?

[Wichita]

Riding into that herd the way you did.

[Luke Slaughter]

You know a better way to turn him?

[Wichita]

You could have been run down, killed.

[Luke Slaughter]

Maybe to me. Come out over here.

[Wichita]

Look.

[Luke Slaughter]

Look.

[Wichita]

Slaughter. Up on the ridge.

[Luke Slaughter]

Small fire.

[Wichita]

Could be Indians.

[Luke Slaughter]

We'll go up and take a look in a minute.

[Jim Carson]

What do you want, Slaughter?

[Luke Slaughter]

Those two shots that started the stampede sounded like they came from over near where you were. You fire those shots, Jimmy? I said, did you fire those shots?

[Jim Carson]

Yeah.

[Luke Slaughter]

Why?

[Jim Carson]

I thought I saw something moving in the dark near me. Figured it could be trouble.

[Luke Slaughter]

So you just hauled up and blasted away, huh? Pretty spooky with that six gun of yours, aren't you?

[Jim Carson]

I tell you, I thought someone was coming at me.

[Luke Slaughter]

You almost cost us the whole herd. You want two of those guns, but one's too much for you. I'm taking your six gun, Jimmy.

[Jim Carson]

No, you ain't.

[Luke Slaughter]

Slaughter. I'll leave you your rifle in case you run into trouble on the way to Tombstone. I can't take any more chances on that itchy trigger finger of yours. I'll hand it over.

[Jim Carson]

Ain't nobody gonna take my gun away from me.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'll.

[Jim Carson]

I'll draw on you before I let you.

[Luke Slaughter]

No, you won't. I.

[Jim Carson]

Maybe you ain't heard about them two men I gunned, Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

You were shooting off your mouth about it in the saloon. But I don't believe it. Jimmy, you never gunned a man, and you're not gonna start now. Now hand it over. But first, let's have it. All right, now get back to the herd.

[Wichita]

You've taken a lot away from that kid's Slaughter. First calling him Jimmy, and now taking his gun.

[Luke Slaughter]

I had no choice.

[Wichita]

Even so, you cut him up and he won't forget it.

[Luke Slaughter]

You're trying to be my conscience or something, would you, Todd?

[Wichita]

No. Like you say, I'm just a nosy old man.

[Luke Slaughter]

Then let's go. Nose around that fire up on the ridge. Throw some dirt on that fire. Witcher time. Get it out. Right.

[Wichita]

Nobody around here, you know. This could be a signal fire. Think it was Indians that lit it?

[Luke Slaughter]

I doubt it. I think it was intended as a signal for Jess Hancock so he could locate the herd.

[Wichita]

You suggesting somebody in our outfit set off the fire? Could be with the stampede. We was all there.

[Luke Slaughter]

Fire could have been lit just before the stampede.

[Wichita]

You see somebody in the outfit that'd include me?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah. Right now, Wichita. There's only one person in the outfit I'm sure of.

[Wichita]

Who's that?

[Luke Slaughter]

Me.

[Carlotta]

I tell you, I didn't start the fire, Slaughter. I wouldn't help Hancock. I told you, I want to get away from him.

[Luke Slaughter]

I know that's what you told me.

[Carlotta]

Carlotta, but you don't believe me. You think I'm still Hancock's girl. Why don't you trust me? Why don't you be nice to me? Maybe I could be your muchacha.

[Luke Slaughter]

Sorry. Right now my job's riding herd on cattle, not women.

[Carlotta]

Oh, would you make me sick? You don't care about nobody but yourself.

[Wichita]

Is she right, Slaughter?

[Luke Slaughter]

What? Oh, Wichita. I might have known you'd be listening.

[Wichita]

Yep.

[Rusty]

Well, Slaughter, the herd's quieted down. Two Mexican boys are keeping an eye on it. Did Carlotta admit anything?

[Luke Slaughter]

No.

[Rusty]

I wouldn't trust her any.

[Luke Slaughter]

I don't.

[Jim Carson]

Rusty, you want us for anything more, or can we turn in?

[Luke Slaughter]

In a minute. I'm Gonna lay out the plans for tomorrow. I think we're in for some trouble.

[Rusty]

How so?

[Luke Slaughter]

We've got two possible routes through the country ahead, Rusty. Through a narrow pass or along the river bottom. The question is which way to take the herd.

[Jim Carson]

You expecting to be dry gulch?

[Luke Slaughter]

I wouldn't be surprised.

[Rusty]

You mean that narrow pass would be the logical place for a bushwhacking? Why not take the herd through along the river bottom?

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, there's one thing wrong with that, Rusty.

[Wichita]

It could be just what Hancock wants you to do.

[Luke Slaughter]

Right. You might be trying to out figure me. There's a lot of willows and underbrush along that river bottom. You could be holed up there. That's why we're going to take the herd through the pass. We'll start right after sunup. I didn't know if my bluff would work or not. It was the only way I could find out who Hancock's spy was. I rode away from camp toward the herd. Whoever it was, I had to give him a chance to make a move. And it didn't take long. Pretty soon I heard muffled hooves moving away. I rode back to camp and took a look. It was Rusty. He was gone.

[Jim Carson]

Carlotta's gone too, Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

I guess she wasn't so anxious to get away from Hancock as she let on.

[Wichita]

So Rusty's going to tell him that we're bringing the herd through the pass.

[Luke Slaughter]

It's just what I wanted him to do. Unless he knows his country a lot better than I do, he's going to lead me right to Hancock.

[Jim Carson]

You're going after them?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah. They should give me the slip. We're gonna be in for some trouble.

[Wichita]

What do you want us to do?

[Luke Slaughter]

Split the outfit in two. Would you tell? Take half the herd through the pass, the other half through the river bottom. Be ready for trouble. Especially in the pass.

[Jim Carson]

Let me take the pass, Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

You? You sure you want to?

[Jim Carson]

Yeah, real sure. And I think I can handle it.

[Luke Slaughter]

I think you can too. Oh, and you might be needing that six gun of yours. Here it is, Jim.

[Jim Carson]

Thanks, Luke.

[Luke Slaughter]

Slaughter. Will do. Get moving. At sun up, join up on the other side and wait for me. I picked up Rusty's trail. He was headed for the ridge between the pass and the river bottom. He was getting light when I reached a shortcut where I could gain some ground on him. But I gained too much. Just as I got back to the trail again a horse came pounding around the bend carrying Rusty and Carlotta. He pulled up when he spotted me and shoved Carlotta off Get off. Then I saw I'd been holding a gun on her. His slug burned my shirt as I dove at him. Slaughter, you. You are right, Conrad?

[Carlotta]

I think so. Rusty made me go with him. He was taking me back to Hancock, Florida.

[Luke Slaughter]

Just came from those rocks up above there. Take cover. All right.

[Carlotta]

I can't walk. My ankle is twisted.

[Luke Slaughter]

All right. All right. I'll carry him. Get around me behind this rock. You'll be all right there. Sit here. You'll be safe now.

[Carlotta]

What's wrong about you, Slaughter?

[Luke Slaughter]

What do you mean?

[Carlotta]

You do care about somebody beside yourself. Gracias.

[Luke Slaughter]

It's gotta be Hancock up there in those rocks. Here, take my rifle and stay put. I'm gonna try and circle around behind him. There was a big shoulder of rock above me and to my left. I could get around that. I might be able to get behind Hancock if he didn't hear me coming. There he was, 20 yards away, his back to me. His gun in the holster so he could get a better hand hold as he edged his way along the rocks. I holstered my own gun and stepped out into the clear. Hancock. Slaughter. Yeah. Here I am, Hancock. Now go ahead, draw.

[Jim Carson]

I don't like it. Wichita. Slaughter should have been here by now.

[Wichita]

He'll be long, Jim.

[Jim Carson]

Maybe we ought to head up there and see if we can find him. He could be in trouble.

[Wichita]

He said wait for him here.

[Jim Carson]

Even so, maybe Here he is coming.

[Wichita]

Up the draw collarded with him. Ain't that Rusty's horse that she's riding?

[Jim Carson]

Yeah, and Slaughter's leading another one.

[Wichita]

Uh huh. With an empty saddle.

[Luke Slaughter]

Heard all right? Yeah.

[Wichita]

All in one piece. No trouble. But looks like you had some.

[Luke Slaughter]

A little.

[Wichita]

That horse you're leading, is it Hancock's?

[Luke Slaughter]

It was.

[Jim Carson]

I knew you could out draw him.

[Luke Slaughter]

Matter of fact, the draw was about even.

[Jim Carson]

But how come you, Jim?

[Luke Slaughter]

You got a couple of things to learn. It isn't getting your gun out of your holster that's the most important thing. It's what you do with it once it's out.

[Wichita]

You figure Hancock was after the herd or after Carlotta?

[Luke Slaughter]

I didn't take time to ask him which. It'.

[Narrator]

Luke Slaughter of Tombstone. Starring Sam Buffington. Written by Robert Stanley with editorial supervision by Tom Hanley and directed by William N. Robeson. Supporting Mr. Buffington in the first of this new series were Lillian Byeff, Eddie Marr, Herb Vigren, Sam Edwards, Junius Matthews and Vic Perrin. Next week at this time we return.

[Luke Slaughter]

With Slaughter's the Name Luke Slaughter. When we meet up again, you can call me that. Luke Slaughter.