Luke Slaughter 58-03-09 ep03 Yanceys Pride

Summary

Podcast Summary: Luke Slaughter 58-03-09 ep03 Yanceys Pride

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Episode: Luke Slaughter 58-03-09 ep03 Yanceys Pride
• Release Date: April 17, 2025
• Description: Delving into the adventures of Luke Slaughter, a formidable cattleman from the Golden Age of Radio, this episode explores themes of justice, loyalty, and redemption set against the rugged backdrop of Tombstone.

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1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with Luke Slaughter, a rugged and respected cattleman in Tombstone, Arizona. A Civil War veteran turned cattleman, Luke is portrayed as a man of vision and unwavering resolve. The narrative sets the stage for a tale of conflict within the Cattlemen's Association and introduces the central figures embroiled in a tense confrontation over cattle rustling.

Notable Quote:

• Luke Slaughter [00:12]: "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."

2. The Courtroom Confrontation

The core of the episode unfolds in the courthouse, where Luke faces off against McArdle and Sutton, two stalwarts of the Cattlemen's Association. McArdle brings in Yancey Bell, a man accused of cattle rustling—specifically butchering a yearling with McArdle's brand.

Key Interactions:

• McArdle [02:20]: "Why, ain't you heard? My wranglers caught a rustler on my spread last night. Caught him red handed butchering a yearling."
• Luke Slaughter [02:34]: "Isn't that up to the judge?"
• McArdle [02:35]: "The judge? Why, this is a plain case out, not law breaking. And I aim to see justice done."

Luke questions the legality of McArdle's actions, emphasizing the necessity of a fair trial. Recognizing Yancey from their past in the Illinois Cavalry during the Civil War, Luke steps in to defend him, challenging McArdle's assertions.

Notable Quote:

• Luke Slaughter [04:06]: "Your Honor, I know this man. Hello, Yancy."

3. Unveiling Yancey Bell's Story

During the trial, Yancey Bell admits to butchering the yearling, citing hunger and ignorance of the land's proximity to town as his motives. He reveals that his $500 in Mexican silver was stolen the night before, leaving him with no means to compensate for the loss.

Key Dialogues:

• Yancey Bell [05:07]: "I had $500 Mexican until last night."
• Luke Slaughter [05:26]: "What's that got to do with it?"
• Yancey Bell [05:14]: "The men who jumped me took it."

Luke proposes to pay $15 as restitution, a gesture that leads the judge to dismiss the case, highlighting the insufficiency of evidence against Yancey.

Notable Quote:

• Judge [05:41]: "Well, yes, under the circumstances. Restitution having been made and motive explained."

4. The Murder of Drake McArdle

As the narrative progresses, a pivotal event shakes Tombstone—the shooting of Drake McArdle at the Crabtree Livery Stable. The shift from courtroom drama to investigation marks a turning point in the episode.

Key Developments:

• Sheriff [10:06]: "There's been a shooting at the Crabtree livery Stable."
• Jack Crabtree [12:31]: Describes hearing threats and witnessing McArdle's murder.

Luke takes it upon himself to investigate the murder, showcasing his determination to uncover the truth. His interactions with the sheriff and Jack Crabtree reveal inconsistencies and hidden motives, particularly involving the judge.

Notable Quote:

• Jack Crabtree [12:31]: "I was telling the sheriff and the boys here... somebody said, 'Drake, I'm going to kill you.' Then there was a shot."

5. The Investigation and Revelation

As Luke delves deeper, he scrutinizes Yancey’s alibi and examines the broken spur found near McArdle's body. His persistence leads to the unmasking of the true murderer—the Judge.

Key Moments:

• Luke Slaughter [16:10]: "I saw a man with one spur missing today."
• Yancey Bell [20:00]: Admits to confronting McArdle but reveals he did not commit the murder.
• Judge [21:22]: Confesses to killing McArdle, driven by corruption and a desire to cover up rustling activities.

The judge's confession not only resolves the murder mystery but also highlights the themes of justice and integrity, reinforcing Luke's role as the moral compass of Tombstone.

Notable Quote:

• Judge [21:22]: "I told him, Drake, I'm gonna kill you. And I did. I did it just like this."

6. Conclusion and Redemption

With the judge apprehended, Luke and Yancey share a moment of understanding and mutual respect. Yancey's innocence is affirmed, and Luke's unwavering commitment to justice solidifies his standing in the community.

Key Interactions:

• Yancey Bell [22:38]: "Now, about my gun and his money."
• Luke Slaughter [23:09]: "Why were you practicing shooting?"
• Yancey Bell [23:23]: "Pride's a real funny thing, Luke."

The episode concludes with Yancey expressing gratitude towards Luke, hinting at future camaraderie and adventures.

Notable Quote:

• Yancey Bell [23:37]: "Now, that would make me right happy, Luke. And then I'm going to buy you one."

7. Production Credits

The episode features a stellar cast led by Sam Buffington as Luke Slaughter, with supporting performances from Lou Merrill, Howard McNear, Barney Phillips, Sam Edwards, Junius Matthews, and Norm Alden. The production is penned by Alan Botzer, with editorial supervision by Tom Hanley and direction by William N. Robeson. The atmospheric score is composed and conducted by Wilbur Hatch.

Notable Mention:

• Narrator: Provides seamless transitions and enriches the storytelling with evocative descriptions.

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Overall Insights:

"Yanceys Pride" masterfully intertwines themes of justice, loyalty, and redemption within a classic Western framework. Luke Slaughter emerges as a beacon of righteousness, navigating the murky waters of frontier justice with integrity and compassion. The episode not only entertains but also prompts listeners to reflect on the true meaning of justice and the complexities of human motives.

Final Quote:

• Luke Slaughter [24:27]: "With Slaughter's the Name Luke Slaughter when we meet up again. You can call me that."

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This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners unfamiliar with "Yanceys Pride." The inclusion of notable quotes and structured sections ensures clarity and engagement, honoring the rich storytelling tradition of the Golden Age of Radio.

Transcript

[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 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]

Like a violent storm or an earthquake, you can feel a lynching coming on long before it arrives. And there was lynch in the air that afternoon in Tombstone.

[McArdle]

Well, if you chance is so uncommon concerned over a few rustlers, why don't you catch them same as I do?

[Luke Slaughter]

Hello, Sutton.

[Sutton]

Afternoon, Slaughter.

[McArdle]

I got me one in jail right now. My boys picked him up red handed last night.

[Luke Slaughter]

You wanted to see me?

[McArdle]

Yeah.

[Sutton]

We may be in for trouble.

[McArdle]

Listen, there's only one thing good enough for rustlers, I say, and that's hanging. I caught me one and that's what's gonna happen to him. McArdle, see? Huh? Well, looky here. Two stalwarts of the Cattlemen's Association. You gents gonna come around to the courthouse and see the fun?

[Luke Slaughter]

What fun, McCuttle?

[McArdle]

What fun? Why, ain't you heard? My wranglers caught a rustler on my spread last night. Caught him red handed butchering a yearling. We're gonna hang him this afternoon.

[Luke Slaughter]

Isn't that up to the judge?

[McArdle]

The judge? Why, this is a plain case out, not law breaking. And I aim to see justice done.

[Luke Slaughter]

When is the trial?

[McArdle]

The trial? Oh, yeah. The trial is gonna be at 2 o'clock and all you gents is invited. Come on, everybody, let's go to the.

[Sutton]

See what I mean, Slaughter?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, I do, Sutton. We'd better go to the courthouse. See to it that McArdle doesn't do something. We'll all have to answer.

[Judge]

The court will now come to order. The deputy will bring in the prisoner.

[Luke Slaughter]

Say, Sutton.

[Sutton]

What is it, Slaughter?

[Luke Slaughter]

I think I know that man.

[Judge]

What's your name?

[Yancey Bell]

Yancey Bell.

[Luke Slaughter]

I do know him.

[Judge]

You know the charge, cattle Russell. I hardly plead guilty or not guilty.

[Yancey Bell]

Neither one.

[Judge]

Well, you're going to plead one or the other.

[Yancey Bell]

Well, I don't.

[Judge]

Who's the plaintiff in this case?

[McArdle]

Why, you know dang well I am, judge, and he pleads guilty. My men caught him butchering a yearling with my brand on it and my property. Now, come on. Let's get this over with.

[Judge]

Hold your horses, McCartland.

[McArdle]

I ain't holding no horses. You make your decision so us law abiding people can string this hombre up.

[Judge]

Well, a man. Man's entitled to a fair trial.

[McArdle]

Well, he's getting it now. Come on, say it.

[Luke Slaughter]

Your Honor.

[McArdle]

Say, you stay out of this.

[Luke Slaughter]

Your Honor, I know this man. Hello, Yancy.

[McArdle]

Luke.

[Yancey Bell]

Luke Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

It's been a long time since Vicksburg. I recognized you even without the cavalry uniform.

[McArdle]

What is this?

[Luke Slaughter]

I'll tell you what it is, McCardle. This man and I soldiered together in the Illinois Cavalry during the war. Unless he's changed a lot since those days, he's not a thief.

[McArdle]

You're butting into my business, Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

This is a public trial, McCardle. And I'm taking on the job of this man's attorney. Any objections, your Honor?

[Judge]

No.

[McArdle]

No.

[Luke Slaughter]

Tell the court. Yancy. Did you butcher that yearling?

[Yancey Bell]

Yes. Yes, I did.

[Luke Slaughter]

Why?

[Yancey Bell]

Because. Because I was hungry. I don't know this part of the country, and I didn't know I was so close to town.

[Luke Slaughter]

You intend to pay for it?

[Yancey Bell]

I would have, if there'd been anybody to pay.

[Luke Slaughter]

Do you have any money?

[Yancey Bell]

I had $500 Mexican until last night.

[Luke Slaughter]

What happened to it?

[Yancey Bell]

The men who jumped me took it.

[McArdle]

That's a lie. A lie? You gonna take the word of a stranger against my man?

[Luke Slaughter]

Being a stranger doesn't make him a liar. He's not a stranger to me, McCardell. Now, what do you figure that yearling was worth?

[McArdle]

What's that got to do with it?

[Luke Slaughter]

I'm gonna pay for it and request the court to release the accused.

[McArdle]

What?

[Luke Slaughter]

$15. That ought to cover it.

[McArdle]

You can't do that.

[Luke Slaughter]

I am doing it. If the court so pleases.

[Judge]

Well, yes, under the circumstances. Restitution having been made and motive explained.

[Jack Crabtree]

What?

[McArdle]

Are you going to let this Stephen Rustler go?

[Judge]

Yes. Yes, I am.

[McArdle]

I put you on that bench, Judge, and I'm gonna take you off of it. You can't get away with this.

[Judge]

And this is a court of law, Mr. McArdle. You cannot intimidate the bench with threats. Case dismissed.

[McArdle]

Why, you.

[Yancey Bell]

Thank you, Luke. Thank you.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'm staying down at the San Jose house. Yancy, let's get your stuff and go down there so we can talk in private.

[McArdle]

You'll pay for this, Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

I already have. $15. Come on. Y.

[Yancey Bell]

This feels good. I haven't been on a bed in over two weeks.

[Luke Slaughter]

You weren't on a bed for two years during the war.

[Yancey Bell]

Yeah, that's right. You realize it's been nearly 15 years?

[Luke Slaughter]

We were kids. Anyancy greenhorn kids. What have you been doing since?

[Yancey Bell]

Went east for a while. New York. Big town. Was too much for me, though. Finally went home to Quincy a couple years back, and I got married.

[Luke Slaughter]

That too much for you, too?

[Yancey Bell]

She died six months ago in childbirth. Kid died, too.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'm sorry, Yancy.

[Yancey Bell]

So that's why I come out here. Starting all over again, you might call it. How about you, Luke?

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, cattle's been my business since the war. Kansas, Texas, Tombstone.

[Yancey Bell]

You must be mighty big in these parts. That was quite a show you put on in the courtroom.

[Luke Slaughter]

No, you were getting a raw deal.

[Yancey Bell]

You mind if I take my boots off? Feet are kind of swelled in.

[Luke Slaughter]

Go ahead, stretch out. You're welcome to anything I've got till you get organized.

[Yancey Bell]

That's mighty nice of you, Luke. Especially since I've been cleaned.

[Luke Slaughter]

That's the least I could do. I remember a sniper one night about four weeks into the siege of Vicksburg. And what you did about him.

[Yancey Bell]

That's long ago, Luke. Forget it.

[Luke Slaughter]

Man doesn't forget things like that. You've lost a spur.

[Yancey Bell]

Yeah. Those Jaspers weren't very polite when they jumped me last night.

[Luke Slaughter]

Took 500. Mexican silver, huh?

[Yancey Bell]

Yep. I aim to get it back, though.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, I'll handle that for you. You just take it easy. I got some work to do over at the Cattle association office. Yancy, you aren't leaving anything out on this yearling butchering, are you?

[Yancey Bell]

When I get ready to lie to you, I'll let you know in advance. Luke.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah. You'll get some rest. I'll be back about suppertime. Hold it, Sutton.

[Sutton]

I was just closing the office.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, I'll close up later. I want to check on the bills of sale on that last herd I brought up from Texas.

[Sheriff]

All right.

[Sutton]

See, that was quite a stunt you pulled in court today.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, the way I figured it, Yancey Bell was being railroaded. I would have stopped that even if I didn't know him.

[Sutton]

Some of the boys thought you was taking a little too much into your own hands.

[Luke Slaughter]

Wasn't that just what McArdle was trying to do?

[Sutton]

Yeah, I suppose so. How do you know he's innocent?

[Luke Slaughter]

He says so.

[Sutton]

Yeah, well, think I'll towel on the feedback. See you later.

[Luke Slaughter]

So long, Sutton. Solder.

[Sutton]

He's slower.

[Luke Slaughter]

Slower. Wake up. Wake up, Sutton. I must have dozed off. Say, what time Is it anyway time?

[Sutton]

It's almost 8:00.

[Luke Slaughter]

8:00. I forgot all about supper.

[Sutton]

Slaughter, listen to me.

[Luke Slaughter]

What are you so all fired upset about?

[Sutton]

There's been a shooting at the Crabtree livery Stable, right next to the San Jose house where you're staying.

[Luke Slaughter]

Who got shot?

[Sutton]

Drake McCordle.

[Narrator]

In a moment, Luke's Slaughter of Tombstone returns. A trio of rough and ready prospectors make trouble for our frontier gentleman, J.B. kendall, in his next dramatic exploit on CBS radio. The trouble starts when a young hitchhiker whom Kendall has picked up discovers gold for more western thrills. Stay with us on CBS radio right after Luke Slaughter, as most of these same stations bring you another exciting adventure with our frontier gentlemen. And now, Act 2 of William and Robeson's production of Luke Slaughter of Tombstone.

[Luke Slaughter]

Excuse me. Let me through. Let me through there.

[McArdle]

Hello, Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

Hello, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

I've been wondering if you'd show up. Let me see your gun.

[Luke Slaughter]

What for?

[Sheriff]

Seems to me you'd know the answer to that. There was bad blood between McArdle and you, wasn't there?

[Luke Slaughter]

Here, look at it.

[Sheriff]

Uh huh. Well, it ain't been fired or it's been cleaned awful fast.

[Luke Slaughter]

That gun hasn't been out of its holster all day.

[Sheriff]

All right, all right. Now, you know anything about this?

[Luke Slaughter]

I only heard about it five minutes ago, Sheriff. When did that happen?

[Sheriff]

About an hour ago.

[Luke Slaughter]

Where's the body?

[Sheriff]

Inside the livery stable there.

[Luke Slaughter]

Is that where it happened?

[Sheriff]

You're asking an awful lot of questions, Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

Now let's get one thing straight, Sheriff. I'm as interested in who committed this murder as you are, maybe even more so. If I get him before you do, I'll turn him over to you. All right, all right.

[Sheriff]

Why, you cattlemen can't leave things to the Lord.

[Luke Slaughter]

Where did it happen?

[Sheriff]

Right here in the alley in front of the livery stable.

[Luke Slaughter]

Anybody see it?

[Sheriff]

Jack Crabtree, the owner of this stable here.

[McArdle]

Jack.

[Yancey Bell]

Yeah.

[Sheriff]

Yes, Sheriff, you come here. This gent wants to know what you've seen.

[Jack Crabtree]

All right, I'll tell him.

[Judge]

I sure will.

[Jack Crabtree]

Oh, hello there, Mr. Slaughter. Mr. Fun, didn't you? Well, during this thing I ever saw, I was telling the sheriff and the boys here.

[Luke Slaughter]

Just tell me what happened, Jack.

[Jack Crabtree]

Well, I was sitting back there by the harness rack working on a snaffle bit and I heard somebody singing out here in the alley. You know how a man will sing when he's had a couple of snores. Peered from the sound that he was a coming in about that time I looked up but I couldn't see very well. Cause it was dark. And I was back inside there under the lantern, you see. Then the scene stopped. And somebody said, drake, I'm going to kill you. Then there was a shot, and McCarter fell right here. Of course, I didn't know it was McArdle.

[Luke Slaughter]

Then you know who made the threat?

[Jack Crabtree]

No. Nope, Don't. I dosed a lantern in a hurry. Cause I was a setting duck, you see. Then I got down behind a bale of hay and waited.

[Luke Slaughter]

Did you hear anything else?

[Jack Crabtree]

Just one thing. A man are sobbing. Oh, it's an awful thing to hear a man sob. It's just. Well, I got up then come out here and looked around real cautious like. Twas nobody in the ALLEY Except Drake McArdle's body. That's when I ran to get Sheriff.

[Luke Slaughter]

Thank you, Jack.

[Jack Crabtree]

You reckon you know who did it?

[Sheriff]

That's my job, Jack. You just give me the information. I'll take care of finding the killer.

[Jack Crabtree]

Well, sure. Sure, sure. Well, that's all I know.

[Luke Slaughter]

Jack. Would you recognize that voice if you heard it again?

[Jack Crabtree]

Well, now, that's. That's a good question. A good question. Cause when a man says, I'm gonna kill you. He don't use a voice like he was saying, give me a glass of beer. It's a real, real strange, strange, if you know what I mean. It makes you shiver kind of.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah. Yeah, I know what you mean.

[Sheriff]

Slaughter, was that friend of yours. That rustler you bought out of jail this afternoon?

[Luke Slaughter]

He's not a rustler, Sheriff. I don't know where he is right now, but I'll find him. If I think he did this, I'll turn him over to you.

[Sheriff]

Where are you going?

[Luke Slaughter]

Up to my room. Wash up and get some supper. Any objections?

[Sheriff]

Don't try to leave town.

[Luke Slaughter]

Don't worry.

[McArdle]

Hello, Luke.

[Yancey Bell]

You missed excitement.

[Luke Slaughter]

You know about it?

[Yancey Bell]

Couldn't very well help it. Quite a commotion out there in the alley.

[Luke Slaughter]

How come you didn't go out and join the crowd?

[Yancey Bell]

Well, I look at it this way. I'm new here and none too popular with the law and some of the people. Somebody might jump to conclusions. Figured I'd just stay out of it.

[Luke Slaughter]

I see you're cleaning your gun, Yancy.

[Yancey Bell]

Mm.

[Luke Slaughter]

Mind if I take a look at it?

[Yancey Bell]

Yes, Luke, I mind.

[Luke Slaughter]

Why?

[Yancey Bell]

Because a man's gun is his own business. Unless he's done something wrong with it.

[Luke Slaughter]

Have you?

[Yancey Bell]

Depends on how you look at it.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yancy. I want to see that gun.

[Yancey Bell]

Then you'll have to take it away from me, Luke.

[Luke Slaughter]

Give it to me.

[Yancey Bell]

No.

[Luke Slaughter]

I said give it to him. This gun's been fired recently. Etc.

[Yancey Bell]

I didn't say it hadn't.

[Luke Slaughter]

Did you kill Drake McArdle?

[Yancey Bell]

It isn't the question you're asking, Luke. It's the way you're asking it. I'm not gonna answer you.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'm trying to help you, Yancy. I'm trying to help you.

[Yancey Bell]

Then you'll have to find some other way to do it. I told you, when I get ready to lie, I'll let you know in advance.

[Luke Slaughter]

You crazy fool.

[Sheriff]

Well, Slaughter, I thought you was going out for some supper.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'm changing my mind, Sheriff. You have anything new on the killing?

[Sheriff]

I'm working on it, Slaughter. I'm working on it. Ain't very much to go on so far.

[Luke Slaughter]

What about McKiattle's enemies?

[Sheriff]

Oh, he had lots of them. He was a pretty bull headed man. If he couldn't get his way by asking for it, he got it by force.

[Luke Slaughter]

I know that. You know of anything that happened today that'd make somebody want to shoot him?

[Sheriff]

Well, you're about the best man to answer that question. You beat him out in court and he didn't like it at all.

[Luke Slaughter]

Did you turn up any clues in the alley next to the body?

[Sheriff]

Clues?

[Luke Slaughter]

Empty cartridges, footprints, anything like that?

[Sheriff]

There were some cartridges, but there was old ones. As for footprints, with all them people milling around afterwards. There was lots of them.

[Luke Slaughter]

Nothing at all?

[Sheriff]

One thing might not mean nothing at all again. It might. This.

[Luke Slaughter]

Broken spur.

[Sheriff]

Yeah, Well, I see you got both yours, so that lets you out. But when I find the man who's missing one, I sure want to talk to him.

[Luke Slaughter]

Can I borrow that for a little while?

[Sheriff]

What for?

[Luke Slaughter]

I saw a man with one spur missing today. This might make two missing.

[Sheriff]

Just point him out to me.

[Luke Slaughter]

No, Sheriff. This is my play. I'll make it alone.

[Sheriff]

We had one killing.

[Luke Slaughter]

We don't want another. There won't be if I can help it. Yancy. Yancy. Now what? Hey, Pop.

[McArdle]

Hmm?

[Pop]

Oh. Oh, yeah, Mr.

[McArdle]

Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

You been on duty all evening?

[Pop]

Oh, yeah, ever since supper.

[Luke Slaughter]

That man I brought in with me this afternoon, Yancy Bell, did you see him go out?

[Pop]

Mm, about 10, 15 minutes ago.

[Luke Slaughter]

You say where he was going?

[Pop]

Well, he asked me was there a place to get drunk. Good and drunk. I told him he could do that most anywhere. But the Crystal palace was the biggest saloon in town.

[Luke Slaughter]

Did he go there?

[Pop]

Well, I can't say. He just headed out the door. Say, he looked Awful. Like he'd been in a fight or something.

[Luke Slaughter]

He had. He may be in another one. Where'd you get the money to buy that liquor? Yancy?

[McArdle]

Hello, Luke.

[Yancey Bell]

Can I have a drink?

[Luke Slaughter]

Where'd you get the money?

[Yancey Bell]

I got it.

[Luke Slaughter]

Where?

[Yancey Bell]

From the people who owed it to me. Here, help yourself.

[Luke Slaughter]

Did you take it by force?

[Yancey Bell]

You might say that, but it was mine in the first place.

[Luke Slaughter]

Let me see your spurs, Yancy.

[Sheriff]

Spurs?

[Judge]

What if.

[Yancey Bell]

What?

[Luke Slaughter]

Just let me look. Sure. You were missing one this afternoon. Now you're missing two.

[Yancey Bell]

Sure am.

[Luke Slaughter]

Does that one fit? Where? The left one's broken off.

[Yancey Bell]

Can't tell without trying, can we? Let's see. Yeah, it fits. Where'd you find it?

[Luke Slaughter]

In the alley back of the San Jose house. Near Drake McArdle's body.

[Yancey Bell]

I guess it must have broken off there.

[Luke Slaughter]

Then you were in the alley.

[Yancey Bell]

Luke, it's customary for a man to put his horse up at the stable nearest to his hotel. Sure, I was in that alley.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yancy, let me have your gun. I'm gonna turn you over to the sheriff.

[Yancey Bell]

You're going too far, Luke. A man's entitled to his privacy and his pride. And you're going too far.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'm taking you in.

[Yancey Bell]

No, you're not.

[Luke Slaughter]

Drop your gun belt, Yancy.

[Yancey Bell]

I'm warning you, Luke. I'll shoot now. Make your play.

[Judge]

You want to know who killed McConnell? I'll tell you who killed him.

[Jack Crabtree]

It's the judge, Drunkard Mahoodo.

[Judge]

You can't push a man around forever. I told him a man's got some rights. A man can be pushed so far. And I did his dirty work for him. I was covering up for his rustling. And the first decent thing I do, letting that fellow off. He has his riders jump me and beat me up. And I told him. I said to him, drake, I'm gonna kill you. And he didn't think I could do it, but I did. I did it just like this. He was mean and he deserved it. I didn't.

[Luke Slaughter]

Easy, Judge. It's all over now.

[Sheriff]

I'll take him slow.

[Luke Slaughter]

All right, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Come on, Judge.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yancy.

[Yancey Bell]

Yeah, Luke?

[Luke Slaughter]

I made a mistake.

[Yancey Bell]

A man can't always be right, Luke. I understand.

[Luke Slaughter]

Thanks.

[Yancey Bell]

Now, about my gun and his money.

[Luke Slaughter]

No, you don't have to tell me. Like you said, a man's entitled to his privacy.

[Yancey Bell]

I want to tell you. I was out east of town late this afternoon practicing on rattlesnakes when one of the hands that jumped me last night came along. I guess I got a little mad he had $20 on him, so I took that on deposit.

[Luke Slaughter]

Why were you practicing shooting?

[Yancey Bell]

Because no man living can call me a cat. If the judge hadn't gotten him first, I'd have killed McArdle.

[Luke Slaughter]

Was it that important to you?

[Yancey Bell]

Pride's a real funny thing, Luke. I guess I don't have to tell you that.

[Luke Slaughter]

No, I guess not. Can I buy you a drink, Yancy?

[Yancey Bell]

Now, that would make me right happy, Luke. And then I'm going to buy you one.

[Narrator]

Luke Slaughter of Tombstone, starring Sam Buffington. Was written by Alan Botzer with editorial supervision by Tom Hanley. And directed by William N. Robeson. Supporting Mr. Buffington, William, were Lou Merrill, Howard McNear, Barney Phillips, Sam Edwards, Junius Matthews and Norm Alden. Music composed and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. 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]

Now, stay tuned for Frontier Gentlemen, which follows immediately over most of these same stations. This is the CBS Radio Network.