Luke Slaughter 58-03-02 ep02 Tracks Out Of Tombstone

Summary

Podcast Summary: Luke Slaughter 58-03-02 ep02 - "Tracks Out Of Tombstone"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Luke Slaughter 58-03-02 ep02 - "Tracks Out Of Tombstone"
• Release Date: April 1, 2025

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Introduction

"Tracks Out Of Tombstone" is the second episode in the Luke Slaughter series, set against the rugged backdrop of Tombstone—a town teeming with lawlessness and danger. This installment delves deeper into the tumultuous relationship between Luke Slaughter, a formidable Arizona cattleman, and Sheriff Taggart of Tombstone, unraveling a web of betrayal, corruption, and vengeance.

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Main Plot

The episode opens with Luke Slaughter and his associates, Jim and Wichita, navigating the treacherous terrains surrounding Tombstone. Their cattle-driving expedition is abruptly interrupted when they encounter Ralston, a fugitive accused of payroll robbery [05:14]. Despite Taggart's attempts to apprehend Ralston, Luke's intervention leads to escalating tensions between him and the sheriff.

As the narrative progresses, Ezra Canfield, a cattle buyer in Tombstone, attempts to recruit Luke into law enforcement, recognizing his capability to restore order to the chaotic town [09:42]. However, Luke declines, stating, "My business is cattle, not law enforcement" [10:04].

The crux of the episode centers on Ralston's escape from custody under suspicious circumstances, implicating Sheriff Taggart and his deputy, Blackwell, in a conspiracy to poach the cattle money [11:16]. Luke's discovery of Ralston's body and the subsequent clues point directly to Blackwell's involvement [21:20].

In a climactic confrontation, Luke and Wichita ambush Taggart and Blackwell, successfully retrieving the stolen funds and exposing the sheriff's corruption [22:45]. The episode concludes with Luke asserting his role as the guardian of Tombstone's citizens, despite his initial reluctance to engage in law enforcement [23:59].

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Key Characters

1. Luke Slaughter (Played by Sam Buffington)

   • A resilient and determined cattleman with a strong sense of justice.
   • Notable Quote: "Slaughter's my name. Luke Slaughter. Cattle's my business. It's a tough business. It's big business. I got a big stake in it." [01:07]

2. Sheriff Taggart (Voiced by Vic Perrin)

   • The corrupt and authoritarian lawman of Tombstone, seeking to maintain his grip on power.
   • Notable Quote: "I'm here to take my prisoner back to Tombstone." [06:51]

3. Blackwell (Voiced by Lawrence Dobkin)

   • Deputy to Sheriff Taggart, complicit in the scheme to steal the cattle money.
   • Notable Quote: "Under a loose board in the floor." [23:19]

4. Jim

   • A loyal associate of Luke, who meets a tragic end during the pursuit of Ralston.

5. Wichita

   • Another trusted member of Luke's team, providing both support and comic relief.
   • Notable Quote: "You know, Slaughter, you got a natural talent for making enemies." [11:40]

6. Ezra Canfield (Voiced by Frank Gerstel)

   • A cattle buyer in Tombstone who sees potential in Luke to enforce law and order.
   • Notable Quote: "There are a lot of us around here who'd like to see law and order established once and for all." [09:37]

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Notable Scenes

1. Encounter with Ralston

   • At [05:03], Luke apprehends Ralston, a fugitive accused of payroll robbery, setting off a chain of mistrust between him and Sheriff Taggart.

2. Ezra Canfield's Proposition

   • Ezra approaches Luke with the proposition to join law enforcement, highlighting the dire need for someone like Luke in Tombstone [09:42].

3. Ralston's Escape and Death

   • Ralston's escape from jail and subsequent death are pivotal, revealing the depths of corruption within the town's law enforcement [11:07].

4. Confrontation at Crocker's Mesa

   • The final showdown occurs at Crocker's Mesa, where Luke and Wichita confront Taggart and Blackwell, reclaiming the stolen funds and exposing their deceit [22:45].

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Character Dynamics and Development

Throughout the episode, Luke Slaughter emerges not just as a cattleman but as a reluctant hero willing to confront corruption for the greater good. His interactions with Taggart showcase his moral compass and unyielding determination. The partnership proposal from Ezra Canfield serves as a turning point, illustrating the community's reliance on Luke's integrity.

Wichita's role as the voice of reason and comic relief balances the tense narrative, while the tragic fate of Jim adds emotional depth to the storyline. The betrayal by Sheriff Taggart and Deputy Blackwell underscores the pervasive corruption in Tombstone, setting the stage for future conflicts and alliances.

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Themes and Insights

1. Corruption and Justice

   • The episode delves into the theme of corruption within law enforcement, highlighting the challenges of maintaining justice in a lawless town.

2. Loyalty and Betrayal

   • Luke's unwavering loyalty to his crew contrasts sharply with the betrayal by those he believed to be upholding the law, such as Taggart and Blackwell.

3. Reluctant Heroism

   • Luke's transformation from a solitary cattleman to a community guardian encapsulates the classic western trope of the reluctant hero stepping up in times of need.

4. Moral Ambiguity

   • Characters like Sheriff Taggart embody moral ambiguity, being both figures of authority and perpetrators of wrongdoing, adding complexity to the narrative.

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Conclusion

"Tracks Out Of Tombstone" masterfully weaves a tale of suspense, moral conflict, and redemption. Through Luke Slaughter's journey, listeners are immersed in the rugged realities of the Old West, where justice is hard-won, and alliances are fragile. The episode sets the stage for continued adventures, promising further exploration of Tombstone's dark underbelly and Luke's unwavering quest for truth and integrity.

Notable Quotes:

• Luke Slaughter: "Slaughter's my name. Luke Slaughter. Cattle's my business. It's a tough business. It's big business. I got a big stake in it." [01:07]

• Sheriff Taggart: "I'm here to take my prisoner back to Tombstone." [06:51]

• Wichita: "You know, Slaughter, you got a natural talent for making enemies." [11:40]

• Ezra Canfield: "There are a lot of us around here who'd like to see law and order established once and for all." [09:37]

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Conclusion

"Tracks Out Of Tombstone" not only entertains with its gripping storyline and dynamic characters but also offers a reflection on themes of justice, loyalty, and the complexities of human morality. As the second episode in the Luke Slaughter series, it builds upon the foundations laid in the first installment, promising listeners an engaging and thought-provoking continuation of Luke's adventures in the unforgiving landscape of Tombstone.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Luke Slaughter]

Slaughter's my name. Luke Slaughter. Cattle's my business. It's a tough business. It's big business. 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 Port 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.

[Jim]

Man, I bet I've had about 10 pounds of dust this last couple of weeks.

[Luke Slaughter]

Won't be much longer, Jim. Good luck. We'll be in Tombstone day after tomorrow.

[Jim]

Won't be none too soon for me. Once I get out of this saddle, I'm gonna stay out of it a while.

[Luke Slaughter]

You never been to Tombstone, Jim? Couple of things you ought to know.

[Jim]

Such as what?

[Luke Slaughter]

It'll be a pretty wild town. They got some peaceful, law abiding citizens there, all right. They've also got some of the toughest drifters in the world. Gunslingers. Yeah. So remember, you keep that itchy trigger finger of yours under control.

[Jim]

Don't you worry none about me.

[Luke Slaughter]

Hold it.

[Wichita]

What's your matter?

[Luke Slaughter]

Little smoke coming out of that brush over there, Jim. Keep the herd headed straight. Get my Wichita. Let's take a look.

[Wichita]

Right. Could be a campfire.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah.

[Wichita]

This is Indian country around here, ain't it, Slaughter?

[Luke Slaughter]

Indian country, bandit country, rustler country, you name it.

[Wichita]

Well, as soon as we get up to the edge of the Wash here we. Yeah, there it is. Little campfire down near that clump of ocotillo.

[Luke Slaughter]

The fire's out, but it's still smoking.

[Wichita]

No sign of life around, you reckon?

[Luke Slaughter]

Hold it. Movement back there in the mesquite. All right, come on out of there. Come out.

[Ralston]

I'm coming. Don't you shoot now.

[Luke Slaughter]

Who are you?

[Ralston]

My name's Ralston.

[Wichita]

He's got a leg wound.

[Luke Slaughter]

Slaughter, what are you doing here?

[Ralston]

You a marshal? No, I got into a scrape in Tombstone. I had to get out.

[Wichita]

With a souvenir in your leg, huh?

[Ralston]

It's not bad, but it slows me down. My horse got away from me last night and I couldn't catch it. I had a hole up here and a scrape.

[Luke Slaughter]

Were you in?

[Ralston]

I didn't do nothing wrong, mister. I'm innocent.

[Luke Slaughter]

I didn't ask you about that. I asked what kind of scrape.

[Wichita]

Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, I see them. Two of them, rifles across their saddles.

[Wichita]

You think this fellow was a decoy to get us into a trap?

[Ralston]

No, no, that's not true.

[Wichita]

One of them's wearing a badge.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, I've seen him before. Taggart. Sheriff from Tombstone.

[Taggart]

All right, Ralston, just hold it right where you are. Don't try nothing that bad.

[Luke Slaughter]

Leg of his, sheriff. I doubt he's gonna try much.

[Taggart]

Fugitives. I don't take no chances, stranger. Thanks for rounding him up for me.

[Luke Slaughter]

He's a fugitive, huh?

[Taggart]

He sure is. My name's Taggart. I'm the sheriff of Tombstone. It's my deputy, Blackwell. Been trailing Ralston for two days now.

[Luke Slaughter]

What's the charge?

[Taggart]

Payroll robbery.

[Ralston]

That's a lie.

[Blackwell]

You keep your mouth shut, Ralston. Everybody in Tombstone knows you did it.

[Taggart]

Easy, Blackwell. He ain't gonna make no trouble. We'll see to that pay.

[Luke Slaughter]

Payroll robbery, you say?

[Taggart]

Yeah, one of the mines. He was supposed to be guarding it. Instead, he took off with it.

[Luke Slaughter]

You got any witnesses?

[Taggart]

You got plenty of evidence.

[Luke Slaughter]

I asked you if you had any witnesses.

[Blackwell]

What business is it of yours?

[Luke Slaughter]

Just a minute, Blackwell. I'm talking to Taggart.

[Taggart]

Who are you, stranger?

[Luke Slaughter]

Luke Slaughter.

[Taggart]

Slaughter? I heard of you. Supposed to be pretty fast with a gun, ain't you?

[Luke Slaughter]

It's a matter of opinion, you ask me.

[Wichita]

It's more an opinion.

[Luke Slaughter]

I didn't ask you. Wichita. Oh, you got a warrant for Ralston's arrest, Taggart?

[Taggart]

Well, there's no time to get a warrant.

[Luke Slaughter]

That's funny. Last I heard, there was a judge right there in Tombstone. Wouldn't have taken you very long. How about you busting right across the border without any papers or anything, Slaughter.

[Taggart]

You got a bad habit of being insulted. That's a habit I'm gonna break.

[Blackwell]

Now, let's take him, Taggart.

[Wichita]

Can you take both of us, Blackwell?

[Taggart]

We got the drop on you, Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

That's a matter of opinion, too, Taggart.

[Taggart]

Meaning what?

[Luke Slaughter]

Those rifles of yours are pretty clumsy at close quarters. I don't think you got the drop on me at all. Let's find out.

[Taggart]

I'm here to take my prisoner back to Tombstone.

[Luke Slaughter]

Not without a warrant.

[Taggart]

Well, now you ain't going to.

[Luke Slaughter]

Don't move that rifle unless you're gonna use it.

[Taggart]

You got a herd out there, Slaughter? You heading for Tombstone?

[Luke Slaughter]

That's right.

[Taggart]

I'll see you in Tombstone.

[Luke Slaughter]

It's fine with me.

[Taggart]

Come on, Blackwell.

[Ralston]

Thanks, Slaughter. Thanks a lot.

[Luke Slaughter]

Get Ralson up behind you, Wichita. Let's get back to the herd by sunset. Two days later, we were in Tombstone. We herded the cattle into the pens. Then we went to the Crystal palace to collect our money from the cattle buyer, Ezra Canfield.

[Ezra Canfield]

Well, I've checked them cattle over, Slaughter. He's in good condition, considering the distance you brought them. Here's your money.

[Luke Slaughter]

Count it, Wichita.

[Wichita]

Right.

[Ezra Canfield]

What are your plans now, Slaughter?

[Luke Slaughter]

Heading right back to Mexico, Pick up another herd. Good.

[Ezra Canfield]

We got a lot of hungry miners here in Tombstone. Need all the beef we can get.

[Jim]

Now, don't tell me we gotta leave right away, Slaughter. I wanna see the sights around here.

[Luke Slaughter]

Tombstone's not a very good town for you to be wandering around loose in, Jim.

[Jim]

I promise you I won't get in no trouble, Slaughter. I just wanna do a little living for a change.

[Wichita]

Money's all here.

[Luke Slaughter]

All right, Jim. Take it back to the hotel room. Sit on it.

[Jim]

But what about seeing the sights?

[Luke Slaughter]

We'll talk about that later. Now get moving.

[Jim]

All right, doggone it.

[Wichita]

All right.

[Ezra Canfield]

Sounds like you sure spoiled his evening, Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

And I think we can arrange for him to get a couple of breaths of night air around here before we take off.

[Wichita]

Taggart just come in.

[Luke Slaughter]

I see him.

[Taggart]

Well, Canfield, look like you ain't too particular who you do business with.

[Ezra Canfield]

There's nothing wrong with them cattle he sold me, sheriff. I checked them myself.

[Taggart]

That ain't what I meant. I'm talking about Slaughter here, obstructing justice. Refusing to turn over a fugitive to me. Where are you hiding Ralston? Now, Slaughter?

[Luke Slaughter]

You ought to know. You're the sheriff.

[Taggart]

What's that signify?

[Luke Slaughter]

I had a little talk with Ralston on the trail. All he wanted Was to be sure of getting back here in one piece to stand a fair trial. Turned himself into your night guard at the jail.

[Taggart]

You're bluffy.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, that'll be an easy bluff to call. Why don't you go find out?

[Taggart]

I aim to.

[Ezra Canfield]

He's a pretty poor excuse for Sheriff Slaughter, but he's all we got.

[Luke Slaughter]

What do you expect? Who'd want the job? Tombstone's a rough town.

[Ezra Canfield]

Not too rough for the right man. I think you could be the right man, Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

Me? Yeah.

[Ezra Canfield]

There are a lot of us around here who'd like to see law and order established once and for all. Slaughter, we know about you know you can handle the worst of them.

[Wichita]

You know, that might not be such a bad idea, if you ask me.

[Luke Slaughter]

Nobody did, Wichita. Oh, I'm sorry, Canfield. My business is cattle, not law enforcement.

[Ezra Canfield]

In Tombstone, law enforcement's everybody's business. Think it over, Slaughter.

[Wichita]

If you was to take the job, Slaughter, I'll bet Jim would be glad to be your deputy.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, that's all I'd need around here. He'd probably start more fights than he'd stop. Come on, Slaughter.

[Wichita]

I wonder about you sometimes. I wonder if you wasn't already a lawman once.

[Luke Slaughter]

I wonder about you too, Wichita. I wonder if you were born with that big nose of yours. Or did you grow it later?

[Wichita]

Had it as long as I can remember. Hey, it's raining. I didn't know it ever rain in Tombstone.

[Luke Slaughter]

It isn't very heavy. Won't last long.

[Taggart]

Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

What is it, Taggart?

[Taggart]

What kind of play is this?

[Luke Slaughter]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Taggart]

Ralston is what I'm talking about.

[Luke Slaughter]

I told you Ralston turned himself in.

[Taggart]

Yeah, well, he ain't in the jail now. That cell door is wide open.

[Luke Slaughter]

What?

[Taggart]

And what's more, my night guard's been pestle whooped. Looked like Ralston had a friend helped him to break out. You wouldn't know who that'd be, would you?

[Luke Slaughter]

No, I wouldn't.

[Blackwell]

Hey, Sheriff. Horse has been stolen from Wilkie's livery stable. That's proudly how Ralston made his getaway.

[Taggart]

Looks like I got you to thank for this, Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

Think so?

[Taggart]

Yeah. If I handled things my own way, this wouldn't have happened. Next time you cross me is gonna be the last time.

[Luke Slaughter]

Don't be too sure of that, Taggart.

[Wichita]

You know, Slaughter, you got a natural talent for making enemies.

[Luke Slaughter]

Man like Taggart, it isn't hard. Come on, let's get back to the hotel.

[Wichita]

I still don't get it, Slaughter? Why would Ralston have gave himself up and then busted out of jail?

[Luke Slaughter]

Some men you never know about till they make a move. Ralston didn't do it alone. He had to have a friend.

[Wichita]

Maybe his friend convinced him he wouldn't get a fair trial.

[Luke Slaughter]

Maybe.

[Wichita]

Anyway, he slaughtered. Look, Jim. On the floor.

[Luke Slaughter]

He's been slugged. He's out cold.

[Wichita]

Wait a minute. The cattle money.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, it's go.

[Narrator]

In a moment, Luke Slaughter of Tombstone returns. Whenever significant events take place, you can count on CBS News to bring you first hand and well detailed descriptions of what is happening, often broadcast right from the scene of the event. You can count on CBS newsmen, too, to make certain that fact is emphasized and conjecture clearly labeled. Each correspondent on staff brings a fine background in reporting to his job. And in the tradition of the CBS newsroom, they all share an uncompromising respect for the truth. So why don't you let CBS News keep you as fully informed as an expert? And now, Act 2 of William N. Robeson's production of Luke Slaughter of Tombstone.

[Luke Slaughter]

Jim. Jim. Come on, boy. That's it, boy. Come on. Come out of it.

[Wichita]

You all right, Jim?

[Jim]

Oh, I guess so.

[Luke Slaughter]

What happened, Jim?

[Jim]

I don't rightly know, Slaughter. I heard a noise. Sounded like it come from outside the window. On the balcony.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah.

[Jim]

I went over and stuck my head out to look. Something awful hard hit me on the side of the head. I went down and then somebody climbed through the window into the room. I tried to get to my feet and he hit me again. That's the last I remember.

[Luke Slaughter]

You get a good look at him, Jim?

[Jim]

No, he. His hat was pulled down low and he had a bandana over his face.

[Wichita]

Was it Ralston?

[Jim]

I don't know.

[Luke Slaughter]

He.

[Jim]

He took the cattle money, didn't he?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah.

[Jim]

Fine guard I turned out to be.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, it's too late to worry about that. Just be glad you have a hard head, Slaughter.

[Wichita]

Yeah, it was Ralston.

[Luke Slaughter]

How do you figure?

[Wichita]

Remember that ring he wore? Mexican work, looked like.

[Luke Slaughter]

What about him?

[Wichita]

Had a green stone set in it, carved like a snake's head.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, I remember.

[Wichita]

Here it is. I found it on the floor. Must have been jarred loose when he slugged Jim.

[Luke Slaughter]

It's a stone, all right. Well, looks like Taggart was right after Owen.

[Taggart]

So you finally wised up to Ralston, huh, Slaughter? Too late, of course.

[Luke Slaughter]

Maybe not. Taggart, what's your time? You got the grub ready?

[Wichita]

Packed in the saddlebags.

[Taggart]

Maybe next time you won't interfere when I'm trying To enforce the law.

[Luke Slaughter]

How about the bedrolls? Wichita already?

[Taggart]

You're going after him, huh?

[Luke Slaughter]

What do you think?

[Taggart]

I think there's a couple of things wrong with that idea.

[Luke Slaughter]

Like what?

[Taggart]

In the first place, you get a poor chance of finding his trail at night in the rain.

[Luke Slaughter]

Rain's letting up. It'll stop soon. I want to be ready to start trailing as soon as it's light.

[Taggart]

The second thing is wrong is law enforcement is my business, Slaughter, not yours.

[Luke Slaughter]

That's my money he got away with.

[Taggart]

Yeah, but there's still a matter of that mine payroll he's got stashed away somewhere. Look, it's Slaughter. Ain't no sense our being in each other's throats all the time. You crossed me once. It riled me, but I'm willing to let it pass. I figure everybody's entitled to one mistake.

[Luke Slaughter]

Depends on what the mistake is, doesn't it?

[Taggart]

The point is, we both want Ralston. Now, the smart thing to do is for us to trail him together. Me and Blackwell, you and Wichita. How about it?

[Luke Slaughter]

All right, Taggart.

[Taggart]

Good, good. I'll get word to Blackwell right away. He's on his ranch out of Townaways, up near Crocker Mesa.

[Wichita]

Well, he ain't a full time deputy.

[Taggart]

This town can't afford one. I'll send word to him to meet us in the morning.

[Luke Slaughter]

We'll be ready at sunup. That's keeping Blackwell, Taggart.

[Taggart]

He'll be along any minute.

[Wichita]

Slaughter, it's been an hour since the rain stopped. We're wasting time. That trail's gonna get cold on us even if we manage to pick it up in first place. And that ain't gonna be easy.

[Taggart]

Easier than you think, maybe.

[Luke Slaughter]

What do you mean, Taggart?

[Taggart]

I had a talk with Wilkie down the stable last night. That stolen horse had thrown a shoe off of his left hind hoof. Wilkie didn't have a chance to put a new one off.

[Luke Slaughter]

That'll help some.

[Taggart]

Oh, here's Blackwell.

[Blackwell]

Sorry I'm late, gents. Busted the cinch strap saddling up and had to rig a new one.

[Taggart]

No harm, Blackwell. Ten minutes isn't gonna make much difference one way or another.

[Luke Slaughter]

Does to me.

[Taggart]

All right, gentle down, Slaughter. Now, I figure Austin headed south out of town towards the border. We'll cover that area first. Let's get moving, gents.

[Luke Slaughter]

Looks like that was a bum hunch of yours about Ralston headed for the border. Taggett, we've covered every trail leading south out of Tombstone.

[Taggart]

Well, like I say, Slaughter, everybody's entitled to one mistake. Gotta admit, it was logical to reckon he'd be headed straight south.

[Wichita]

We covered most of the country west of town, too.

[Taggart]

Well, we'd just keep circling. Maybe he took off to the north.

[Luke Slaughter]

Hold up.

[Blackwell]

What is it?

[Luke Slaughter]

Over there.

[Wichita]

Tracks.

[Blackwell]

I'll take a closer look.

[Luke Slaughter]

What about it, Blackwell?

[Blackwell]

Yeah, this is the one we're looking for, all right. No shoe on the left hind hook, hidden straight west.

[Taggart]

Yeah, for the San Pedro River.

[Luke Slaughter]

Let's move. Jacks lead right into the river.

[Taggart]

Yeah, it's an old trick, but it still works. Probably rode up or downstream a ways. Then out on the other side. This trail gonna be tough to find again. Over there. That's pretty rocky ground.

[Luke Slaughter]

So I see.

[Taggart]

When we do pick it up again, I'll bet it turns south. I still think he's heading for the border.

[Luke Slaughter]

Let's cross and split up. Two upstream, two downstream.

[Taggart]

Right. Whoever picked that tail on the other side fired two shots.

[Blackwell]

Right.

[Wichita]

Dang, if I can figure a fellow like Ralston out Slaughter. I sure never figure he'd take this way of paying you back for everything you've done for him.

[Luke Slaughter]

Hold it here, Wichita.

[Wichita]

What's the matter?

[Luke Slaughter]

But Taggart and Blackwell, get out of sight around that bend. Let's get back to the riverbank.

[Wichita]

I don't get it, Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

Not gonna look for tracks on the other side of the river. We're gonna look for them on this side.

[Wichita]

I still don't know what you mean.

[Luke Slaughter]

Get off your horse. Now take a look. A close look at those tracks we've been trailing Wichita.

[Wichita]

Well, there's a little dry dirt in the bottom of each one.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, Was raining last night when Ralston's supposed to have stolen our money in the horse and made his getaway.

[Wichita]

Yeah. Rain stopped about an hour before sunup.

[Luke Slaughter]

These tracks were made after it stopped raining. That's why you see dry dirt where the hooves cut through the wet.

[Wichita]

Wait a minute.

[Luke Slaughter]

You.

[Wichita]

You mean somebody rigged this trail to lead us on a wild goose chase?

[Luke Slaughter]

It's just what we're going to find out. We worked our way along the riverbank. Half a mile upstream, we picked up the tracks. Coming back out of the river and circling, we followed them, headed northwest. Twenty minutes later, we came over a rise and spotted a small ranch house in the hollow below. The only sign of life was a few buzzards clustered on a mound in a little gully behind the ranch. We left our horses concealed and worked our way down the slope. Undercover buzzards reluctantly took foot flight. We saw what had been Buried in the mound, or what was left of it.

[Wichita]

Ralston's body?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah. Whoever stole our cattle money busted Ralston out of jail, forced him out here and killed him.

[Wichita]

Yeah. Question is, who done it? Whose ranch is this?

[Luke Slaughter]

See over there to the right? It's Crocker's Mesa.

[Wichita]

Crocker's Mas. Taggart said Blackwell had a ranch near Crocker's Mesa. So Blackwell's our man.

[Luke Slaughter]

Looks like it.

[Wichita]

We. We better get back to that ranch house before Blackwell gets back.

[Luke Slaughter]

Might be too late. If they figure we tumbled to the fake trail, they could circle back here to the ranch ahead of us.

[Wichita]

They? You mean Taggart?

[Luke Slaughter]

Too soon find out. Keep down as much as you can. We'll circle around the corral.

[Wichita]

There's Taggart on the porch with a rifle.

[Luke Slaughter]

Get down. That answer your question about Taggart?

[Wichita]

Sure does.

[Luke Slaughter]

No doubt about it. They're in it together.

[Wichita]

There he goes inside the house.

[Luke Slaughter]

We gotta bust him out of that house somehow. Wait a minute. That wagon there beside the corral. When I get the word, we'll head for it. Get behind it. Now.

[Wichita]

What?

[Luke Slaughter]

Now, the ground slopes down to the house from here. Let's get this wagon moving. It'll cover us. Now shout. Stay close behind it. You ready to shoot when it hits?

[Wichita]

She's heading right from the house.

[Luke Slaughter]

Stay low.

[Wichita]

Yeah, sure will. There she goes.

[Luke Slaughter]

Come on. Fast.

[Wichita]

Here. There's blackwall at the window.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'll get him. Oh, hold it, tiger. Drop your gun.

[Ezra Canfield]

Drop it.

[Taggart]

All right, Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

All right. Don't try it. Hey.

[Wichita]

My, my. He took a little convincing.

[Luke Slaughter]

Where's the money, Blackwell? Where is it?

[Blackwell]

Under a loose board in the floor.

[Wichita]

Loose board. I got it. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Here's our cattle money, all right. And mine. Payroll.

[Luke Slaughter]

I guess that's that.

[Wichita]

You know, Slaughter, appears to me you was taking quite a chance just winging Blackwell and knocking out Taggart instead of gunning them down. You don't owe them no favors.

[Luke Slaughter]

I wasn't doing them any favor, Wichita. I was just saving them.

[Wichita]

Saving them for what?

[Luke Slaughter]

The citizens of Tombstone.

[Narrator]

Luke Slaughter of Tombstones. Starring Sam Buffington. Written by Robert Stanley with editorial supervision by Tom Hanley and directed by William n. Robeson. Supporting Mr. Buffington were Junius Matthews, Sam Edwards, Vic Perrin, Lawrence Dobkin, Jack Moyles and Frank Gerstel. 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.

[Narrator]

Special score for Luke Slaughter was composed and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. Stay tuned now for Frontier gentlemen, following immediately on most of these same stations of the CBS Radio network.