Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Luke Slaughter 58-04-13 ep07 Wagon Train

Date: December 30, 2025
Podcast Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, featuring a classic Western drama: Luke Slaughter of Tombstone, episode titled "Wagon Train." Set in the lawless stretches of Arizona after the Civil War, the episode follows Luke Slaughter—former cavalryman turned cattleman—as he investigates the murder of Carl Justice, the theft of $10,000 in gold, and a suspicious wagon train that may be at the heart of the troubles brewing near Tombstone. Echoing the storied traditions of old-time radio, the narrative unfolds with suspense, cunning, and the rugged camaraderie of the frontier.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. Setting Stage: The Crime and the Manhunt

• [01:12] Introduction to Luke Slaughter of Tombstone: Slaughter narrates the violent setting, his stake in the cattle business, and the murder of Carl Justice for $10,000.
  • Notable Quote:

    "Slaughter's my name. Luke Slaughter. Cattle's my business. It's a tough business. It's big business. I've got a big stake in it. And there's no man west of the Rio Grande big enough to take it from me."
    — Luke Slaughter [01:12]

• The posse searches for the killer and the missing gold but returns empty-handed and exhausted.

2. Unusual Wagon Train & Suspicion

• [03:32] Slaughter and his companion Wichita spot a small wagon train with no children—unusual for the West.
  • Memorable Observation:

    "Funny thing about that outfit. No kids. Not a single one.”
    — Luke Slaughter [03:53]

• The two men discuss the peculiarity and underlying suspicions surrounding the group.

3. Break-In and Distraction in Town

• [04:22] Back in the Cattlemen’s Association office, Wichita is pistol-whipped by a stranger during a supposed bank robbery.
• Slaughter notes the oddity of robbers making noise breaking a window, hinting their real purpose may have been distraction.

4. Night Investigation: Tailing the Wagon Train

• [07:57] Despite fatigue, Slaughter insists on visiting the wagon train’s camp, following his hunch about their involvement.
• Wichita questions Slaughter’s actions, emphasizing his intuition and unconventional approach.
  • Notable Quote:

    "Riding in the moonlight won't get us nowhere. Besides, I'd think you'd had yourself enough riding for one day."
    — Wichita [07:19]

5. Slaughter Questions the Wagon Train

• [10:00] Slaughter arrives at the camp, seeking information on their numbers, route, and recent sightings.
  • The wagon master, Burwell, is evasive but accommodating, offering whiskey and campfire hospitality.
• Slaughter pointedly asks about the absence of children.
  • Notable Exchange:

    "Every wagon train I've ever seen carried at least half a dozen kids. You don't seem to have any."
    — Luke Slaughter [13:38]
    "Some people don't have children, I guess."
    — Mrs. Burwell [13:46]

6. Confrontation and Confession

• [16:00] Slaughter and Wichita spring a trap, capturing Lanigan, the man who assaulted Wichita.
• Under threat, Lanigan confesses: Burwell killed Justice, orchestrated the bank distraction, and the "wagon train" is the criminal headquarters.
  • Powerful Moment:

    "You killed Carl Justice."
    — Luke Slaughter [17:39]
    "It was Burwell. He told me not to, but he put up a fight."
    — Lanigan [18:05]

7. Final Showdown and Resolution

• [20:14] Slaughter sneaks back to the camp, confronts Mrs. Burwell ("Molly"), and tricks her into revealing the gold's location.
  • She tries to seduce Slaughter and proposes partnership, but he refuses and ties up the gang.
  • Notable Quote:

    "You're a good-looking man, Mr. Slaughter. Make some woman a fine husband. A rich woman, Luke. Meaning I know where there's a sack of gold big enough to last a man and a woman like you and me for the rest of our lives."
    — 'Molly' [21:10]

• With the help of a hidden posse and quick thinking, Slaughter confronts Burwell and his henchmen in town, securing their surrender without bloodshed.
  • Climactic Announcement:

    "Before you say anything else, I think you ought to know that you're covered by 18 guns. 20, including mine."
    — Luke Slaughter [23:59]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Luke Slaughter’s Creed

  "Sometimes you're lucky, Wichita. Don't fool around with a red-hot branding iron till you're ready for the roundup."
  — Luke Slaughter [25:17]

• Humor and Banter

  "By jogies, this does my whole heart good. There he is now, boys. Come on."
  — Wichita [23:36]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:12] — Series/episode intro and premise established
• [03:53] — Noticing the wagon train's oddities
• [04:22] — Assault in the office; suspicious bank break-in
• [07:19] — Debate over night ride; Slaughter’s instincts
• [10:00] — Confrontation and questioning at the wagon train camp
• [13:38] — Remark on absence of children
• [16:00] — Capturing the culprit; forced confession
• [20:14] — Slaughter outwits Molly and locates the gold
• [23:59] — The final standoff in town
• [25:17] — Resolution and closing philosophy

Episode Tone and Style

• The narrative is classic Western: gritty, direct, and laced with laconic humor.
• Dialogue is sharp, with Slaughter’s steady resolve balanced by Wichita’s comic relief.
• The story builds tension through suspicion, clever deduction, and the looming threat of violence—ultimately resolved through cunning rather than brute force.

Conclusion

"Wagon Train" showcases all the hallmarks of vintage radio Westerns: a shrewd hero, memorable sidekick, dangerous villains, and clever twists. For modern ears, it’s an engaging time capsule—a reminder of how stories, suspense, and atmosphere once captivated families gathered around the radio. This was a satisfying tale of justice, trust, and Western grit, all in under half an hour.