Luke Slaughter 58-04-13 ep07 Wagon Train

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Luke Slaughter 58-04-13 ep07 Wagon Train"

Episode Details:

• Title: Luke Slaughter 58-04-13 ep07 Wagon Train
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Release Date: May 31, 2025

Introduction: "Luke Slaughter 58-04-13 ep07 Wagon Train" transports listeners to the rugged landscapes of Tombstone, Arizona, following the legendary cattleman Luke Slaughter. This episode intricately weaves themes of justice, betrayal, and survival, capturing the essence of the Old West as experienced through the golden age of radio dramas.

---

Setting the Scene

Opening Conflict: The episode opens with Luke Slaughter grappling with the recent murder of Carl Justice, a pivotal event that sets the tone for the ensuing drama.

• Luke Slaughter [00:42]: “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.”
  [00:42]

Narrative Backdrop: A narrator provides context about Luke’s transition from a Civil War cavalryman to a respected (and feared) cattleman in Tombstone, painting him as a man of vision and legend.

• Narrator [01:02]: “Luke Slaughter of Tombstone. Civil War cavalryman turned Arizona cattleman... Man of vision. Man of legend. Luke Slaughter of Tombstone.”
  [01:02]

---

Investigation Begins

Search for Justice's Killer: Luke leads a posse from the Cattlemen's Association to find Carl Justice's murderer and recover the stolen gold. However, their initial efforts prove futile.

• Narrator [01:52]: “...we didn't find a trace of Justice's killer or the gold. We were a tired bunch... Be ready to ride again at sunup.”
  [01:52]

Interaction with Wichita: Back in town, Luke discusses the unsuccessful search with Wichita, expressing his frustration and determination.

• Wichita [02:33]: “Howdy, Luke.”
• Luke Slaughter [02:35]: “Hello, Wichita.”
• Wichita [02:37]: “You look like you've been eating a lot of dust.”
• Luke Slaughter [02:38]: “I have.”
• Wichita [02:39]: “You turn up anything?”
• Luke Slaughter [02:39]: “Nothing. Not a single sign.”
  [02:37 - 02:43]

---

Rising Tensions

New Crimes in Tombstone: As Luke attempts to rest, a stranger named Lanigan arrives at the Cattlemen's office, inquiring suspiciously about a man on the bed and insinuating deeper trouble.

• Lanigan [04:18]: “Evening, stranger. What can I do for you?”
• Luke Slaughter [05:14]: “Why should I?”
  [04:18 - 05:00]

Bank Robbery Attempt: Burwell, another character, reports a failed bank robbery and questions why Luke isn't pursuing the thieves, hinting at underlying issues within the posse.

• Burwell [05:03]: “...noticed they broke a window and I was fixing to rob a bank.”
• Luke Slaughter [05:07]: “Who was?”
• Burwell [05:08]: “There was two of them and now they're riding east out of town.”
  [05:03 - 05:20]

Luke’s Dilemma: Luke expresses concern over the lack of progress and the potential threats looming over Tombstone, leading to strategic discussions with Wichita about addressing the growing danger.

• Luke Slaughter [05:36]: “I've got bigger problems than a broken window.”
• Wichita [05:50]: “Umbrella had no call to pistol whip me.”
  [05:36 - 06:04]

---

Strategic Maneuvers

Formulating a Plan: Determined to uncover the truth, Luke decides to investigate the wagon train that recently passed through town, suspecting their involvement in the recent crimes.

• Luke Slaughter [07:00]: “Now, let's ride in the moonlight won't get us nowhere. Besides, I'd think you'd... enough riding for one day.”
  [07:00 - 07:53]

Confrontation with Lanigan: Upon meeting Lanigan at the wagon train, Luke's interrogation tactics intensify as he seeks answers about Carl Justice's death.

• Luke Slaughter [09:20]: “For your own protection. It was a murder 10 miles east of Tombstone early last night. Haven't found the killer yet.”
• Burwell [10:15]: “A bushwhacking, huh?”
• Luke Slaughter [10:13]: “That's right.”
  [09:20 - 10:13]

---

Unveiling Betrayals

Interrogation Escalates: Luke coerces Lanigan into revealing critical information about Burwell's involvement in the crimes, leading to the discovery of planned robberies and deceit within the wagon train.

• Luke Slaughter [17:05]: “Tell me the real story about that wagon train, Lanigan.”
• Lanigan [17:05]: “It was Burwell's idea...”
• Luke Slaughter [17:13]: “He had $10,000 in gold yesterday. What's that now? He's dead...”
  [17:05 - 17:58]

Molly Burwell’s Revelation: Molly Burwell, initially presented as Burwell's wife, reveals her true intentions and connection to the gold, adding another layer of complexity to the plot.

• Molly Burwell [20:32]: “You're a good looking man, Mr. Slaughter. Make some woman a fine husband. A rich woman...”
• Luke Slaughter [21:35]: “I'm gonna use you for bait...”
• Molly Burwell [21:34]: “You sure are smart. We're gonna get along fine.”
  [20:32 - 21:53]

---

Climactic Showdown

Posse Mobilization: As tensions peak, Luke mobilizes his posse to confront Burwell and his men, ensuring support is in place to prevent any further chaos in Tombstone.

• Luke Slaughter [23:07]: “There he is now.”
• Burwell [23:15]: “Stay where you are, Burwell.”
• Luke Slaughter [23:19]: “Do you? Talking from right there?”
  [23:07 - 23:19]

Final Confrontation: In a dramatic standoff, Luke exposes Burwell's machinations, ties up the accomplices, and retrieves the stolen gold, restoring order to Tombstone.

• Luke Slaughter [23:54]: “Let's forget it, Slaughter. Me and the boys will be moseying along now.”
• Luke Slaughter [24:02]: “...this is $10,000 in gold that I got out of your lead wagon. It belonged to Carl Justice before you killed him.”
• Wichita [24:48]: “Luke, that is the dingest thing I ever seen...”
  [23:54 - 24:48]

---

Conclusion

Resolution: With Burwell and his men subdued, Luke Slaughter reaffirms his role as the steadfast protector of Tombstone, ensuring peace returns to the region.

• Luke Slaughter [25:39]: “With Slaughter's the name. Luke Slaughter. When we meet up again. You can call me that. Luke Slaughter.”
  [25:39 - 26:13]

End Credits: The episode concludes with credits, acknowledging the cast and production team, and teasing future adventures in Tombstone.

• Narrator [25:06]: “...next week at this time we return.”
  [25:06 - 25:39]

---

Notable Quotes

• Luke Slaughter [00:42]: “Slaughter's my name...”
• Molly Burwell [21:32]: “Have you ever kissed a high spirited woman, Luke?”
• Luke Slaughter [23:58]: “Sometimes you're lucky...”

---

Closing Remarks: "Luke Slaughter 58-04-13 ep07 Wagon Train" masterfully blends suspense, action, and character depth, offering listeners an immersive journey into the challenges and heroism of the Old West. Through Luke Slaughter's unwavering determination, the episode underscores themes of loyalty, justice, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

---

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the narrative and character developments within the episode.

Transcript

[Styles MacKenzie]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Styles MacKenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com fierce. This has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Luke Slaughter]

Wayfair.

[Styles MacKenzie]

Every style, every home.

[Luke Slaughter]

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.

[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]

Carl justice was dead. Bushwhacked in the chiricahuas for the $10,000 he was. But justice wasn't dead. The posse from the Cattlemen's association would see to that. If we had to cover every half section between the Petrified Forest and the Mexican border. And it looked like we might. At least the first day in the saddle. We didn't find a trace of Justice's killer or the gold. We were a tired bunch of ranahans when we came back to town that afternoon. All right, boys. Get yourselves a good night's rest. Be ready to ride again at sunup.

[Wichita]

Howdy, Luke.

[Luke Slaughter]

Hello, Wichita.

[Wichita]

You look like you've been eating a lot of dust.

[Luke Slaughter]

I have.

[Wichita]

You turn up anything?

[Luke Slaughter]

Nothing. Not a single sign.

[Wichita]

Killer's gotta leave a sign.

[Luke Slaughter]

This one didn't.

[Wichita]

Sure is a shame. Carl oughta knowed better than to try carrying all that money over to Bisbee by himself.

[Luke Slaughter]

But he didn't. Oh, man. Man, I'm tired.

[Wichita]

You gonna go out to the ranch tonight?

[Luke Slaughter]

No, I'll grab some shut eye over at the office. Let's go.

[Wichita]

Hold up a minute. You can't get by this outfit.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, wagons. It's a pretty small train to be traveling alone.

[Burwell]

Keep it moving.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah.

[Wichita]

Real driving boss, ain't he? Bet he wasn't raised on prunes and proverbs.

[Luke Slaughter]

You know, it's a funny thing about that outfit.

[Wichita]

What's that?

[Luke Slaughter]

No kids. Not a single one.

[Wichita]

Yeah, that is peculiar. Usually they got young UN's festooned all over from the driver's box to the tailgate.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, I'm gonna spread out on the cut back there.

[Wichita]

Yeah, yeah, you do that Luke. And you better unlimber your guns. You ain't had them off since you rode out of here before dawn.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, I'll drop them here on the desk.

[Wichita]

Pull your hat down over your eyes, Luke. Anybody come around asking fool questions, I'll take care of them.

[Luke Slaughter]

Thanks, Wichita. I sure wish I could find some trace of that killer.

[Wichita]

Oh, forget it. Now Luke, I want to hear you snoring inside of two minutes. Carl justice can't get no deader in his ears right now. Evening, stranger. What can I do for you?

[Lanigan]

You can reach Mr.

[Wichita]

This is the office of the Cattlemen's association, stranger. Why the six gun?

[Lanigan]

I'm asking the questions. Who's the hombre on the bed?

[Wichita]

Why?

[Lanigan]

Answer me.

[Wichita]

Oh, him drunk, sleeping it off.

[Lanigan]

So you're a famous Luke Slaughter. Tombstone.

[Wichita]

What do you want, stranger?

[Lanigan]

That's what I wanted. Slaughter put you to sleep for a while.

[Luke Slaughter]

Wintertime. Wintertime. I shouldn't have taken my guns off you. Get your wits back. I'll take over now.

[Wichita]

Hey.

[Burwell]

Hey Slaughter. Slaughter. They broke a window and I was fixing to rob a bank.

[Luke Slaughter]

Who was?

[Burwell]

There was two of them and now they're riding east out of town. Oh, well ain't you gonna follow em?

[Luke Slaughter]

Why should I?

[Burwell]

Well, you're head of the posse for the cattlemen. You're supposed to.

[Luke Slaughter]

What about that other rider headed west?

[Burwell]

Well he weren't nowhere near the bank. He come out of your office?

[Luke Slaughter]

That's right.

[Burwell]

Well Slaughter, now look, we standing here yammering them thieves is getting that much farther.

[Luke Slaughter]

Did they get anything?

[Burwell]

No, but I told you they broke a window.

[Luke Slaughter]

I've got bigger problems than a broken window. Go chase them yourself.

[Burwell]

You hold a high handed cloud in the trail. Ways to wink at a plain case of lawbreak.

[Wichita]

What's going on anyway, Luke?

[Luke Slaughter]

I don't know, Wichita. I wish I did.

[Wichita]

Umbrella had no call to pistol whip me.

[Luke Slaughter]

He wouldn't have gotten away with it if I'd had my guns. But remember, he thought he was pistol whipping me. Wichita, see, that's right.

[Wichita]

Well, ain't you gonna try to chase em down?

[Luke Slaughter]

No, it's almost dark. Besides, who would you chase? The two riding east who broke the window in the bank or the one riding west who dented your skull?

[Wichita]

Clean getaway on all counts, huh?

[Luke Slaughter]

No, Wichita, I don't think so. I've got an idea Right. Now, let's get over the old docks and get a plaster for your scalp. You might need your head before the night's out.

[Wichita]

Luke, you ain't told me one blame thing about where we're going or what you're up to.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'm not sure myself.

[Wichita]

Well, just riding in the moonlight won't get us nowhere. Besides, I'd think you'd. You'd had yourself enough riding for one day.

[Luke Slaughter]

I have. I don't cotton to a stranger cracking you over the side of the head with a pistol.

[Wichita]

Yeah, I appreciate that, Lou.

[Luke Slaughter]

But there are some other things that just don't fit.

[Wichita]

Such as?

[Luke Slaughter]

Now why did those bank robbers break a window? That's noise. The last thing a thief wants by dogies.

[Wichita]

That's right. But that still don't explain why we're night riding out here a mile west of town and headed for California.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, not going that far. Would you rain up stand still?

[Wichita]

Yeah. Now what?

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, I figure the wagon train that came through town just before sundown couldn't have gotten any further than mule crossing before it beded down.

[Wichita]

What of it?

[Luke Slaughter]

I'm going to pay him a visit.

[Wichita]

Luke, this ain't no time for being social.

[Luke Slaughter]

This isn't social, witcher. This is business.

[Wichita]

You think that wagon trade had something to do with all these things been going on?

[Luke Slaughter]

Maybe. You wait here behind these rocks and don't move out for anybody. I'll whistle when I come back.

[Wichita]

Why you want me to stay here?

[Luke Slaughter]

Because I think I'm gonna need you later.

[Wichita]

Hope you know what you're doing.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'll know better in a half hour. So long.

[Wichita]

So long. Dead Bling. Tight mouth.

[Lanigan]

Hold up. And don't you turn around.

[Luke Slaughter]

Evening.

[Lanigan]

What's your business, stranger?

[Luke Slaughter]

I want to talk to the boss of this wagon train.

[Lanigan]

Why?

[Luke Slaughter]

Are you the boss?

[Lanigan]

No.

[Luke Slaughter]

Then I'm talking to the wrong man. Where's your boss?

[Lanigan]

Put up your hands and move on slow. Hey, Burwell.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah?

[Lanigan]

This is Lanigan. I'm coming in.

[Luke Slaughter]

Come on in.

[Wichita]

Don't sit out there and yell about it.

[Lanigan]

I got me a snooper.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, that's different.

[Lanigan]

Here he is, Burwell, riding in like he owned the camp.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Burwell]

We ain't much for visitors when they come at us in the dark, man. Mister.

[Luke Slaughter]

What you want some information.

[Burwell]

What kind?

[Luke Slaughter]

How many people in your train, where you're headed, where you camped last night, and where you were on the trail the day before. That nosy, ain't he? Maybe you gents ought to know my name. Well, what is It Slaughter. Luke Slaughter.

[Lanigan]

He ain't Luke Slaughter.

[Burwell]

Shut up, Lanigan. I'll handle this.

[Luke Slaughter]

Just who did you think I was, Lanigan? Why, I.

[Burwell]

We're pleased to make your acquaintance, Slaughter. My name is Burwell. Why don't you light and enjoy the fire?

[Luke Slaughter]

Thanks, Burwell.

[Burwell]

About those questions of yours. Why do you want to know about us?

[Luke Slaughter]

For your own protection. It was a murder 10 miles east of Tombstone early last night. Haven't found the killer yet.

[Burwell]

A bushwhacking, huh?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah. And whoever did it got away with several thousand dollars in gold.

[Burwell]

Oh, say, that's too bad.

[Luke Slaughter]

There's a couple of other things, too. Just after you passed through town before sunset, there was an attempt to rob the bank.

[Burwell]

You don't say.

[Luke Slaughter]

And a good friend of mine named Wichita got pistol whipped while that was happening.

[Burwell]

What the hell? Things are kind of active in Tombstone, ain't they?

[Styles MacKenzie]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfarer message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Stiles Mackenzie helping you make those rooms sing Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table from wayfair.com this has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior. Wayfair every style, every home.

[Nicole Byer]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms flyer Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table from wayfair.com.

[Styles MacKenzie]

Ooh, yes.

[Nicole Byer]

This has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Styles MacKenzie]

Wayfair, every style, every home.

[Burwell]

Well, now, you don't think that my little outfit.

[Luke Slaughter]

I think that your outfit might be in for trouble if it met up with any of these lawbreakers. I see those questions, Burwell.

[Burwell]

Oh, sure, sure, slaughter. Well, there's 11 of us. There's eight men, three women. We left Dodge City several weeks ago, headed for the ocean, camped on the trail last night. No special place.

[Luke Slaughter]

Have you seen anything or anybody unusual?

[Burwell]

No, no, can't say I have.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, keep your eyes open, Burwell. I wouldn't want to see an innocent wagon train get dry gulched.

[Burwell]

Oh, we'll do that, Slaughter. Mighty nice of you to ride out to tell us.

[Luke Slaughter]

Friendly thing to Do I figure now.

[Burwell]

We ain't got much by way of hospitality, but I could lay the dust.

[Luke Slaughter]

A little for you. Well, now, that'd go down real good on a night like this.

[Burwell]

Molly. Yeah, Hank, Bring the whiskey. A man's gonna have to forget his manners out on the trail, Slaughter.

[Molly Burwell]

Here's the jug, Hank.

[Burwell]

Well, this here is Luke Slaughter. Molly, here's my wife.

[Luke Slaughter]

Howdy, ma' am.

[Molly Burwell]

Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Slaughter.

[Burwell]

Why don't you try this for size?

[Luke Slaughter]

Thanks. Just right.

[Burwell]

Well, it's turning into a cold night. Have another.

[Luke Slaughter]

No, thanks. That does it. It's time I got back to town. Oh, by the way, Mrs. Burwell, one thing has me curious.

[Molly Burwell]

What's that, Mr. Slaughter?

[Luke Slaughter]

Every wagon train I've ever seen carried at least half a dozen kids. You don't seem to have any.

[Molly Burwell]

Some people don't have children, I guess.

[Luke Slaughter]

That's right. It was just a thought.

[Burwell]

You're being pretty personal, ain't you, Slaughter?

[Luke Slaughter]

I didn't mean to be so long, Lanigan. Maybe we'll meet up again sometimes.

[Lanigan]

Yeah. Yeah, sure.

[Luke Slaughter]

Like I said, Burwell, be careful. Adios.

[Narrator]

In a moment, Luke's Slaughter of Tombstone returns on CBS Radio's Gunsmoke. Today, a colorful character named Livy learns that arson is a crime, no matter what the motive. Livy doesn't want her son to grow up like his alcoholic father. Her notion of how to keep the boy from drinking is set afire to every saloon in Dodge City. When she threatens to act on her idea, however, she lights the fuse on an explosive situation for Marshal Matt Dillon as well as for herself. For adventure in the west as our pioneers knew it. Hear this thrilling episode of Gunsmoke later today on CBS Radio. And now, act two of William N. Robeson's production of Luke Slaughter of Tombstone.

[Wichita]

About time you was getting back, Luke. I was beginning to know all the coyotes by name.

[Luke Slaughter]

It was worth it, what you done. I've been talking to the man that pistol whipped you a few hours ago.

[Wichita]

He was.

[Luke Slaughter]

And after that bunch has had a chance to think it over, I think we'll both be talking to him.

[Wichita]

It makes sense. Will you, Luke?

[Luke Slaughter]

That wagon train, Wichita. It's the headquarters for everything that's been happening around here lately. It is?

[Wichita]

Well, you. You just ain't gonna leave them out there and let him go on.

[Luke Slaughter]

No. Unless I'm dead wrong, they're gonna send a man gunning for me. And I think I know who it'll be.

[Wichita]

That pistol whipper.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah. Listen, that's One horse, Luke, and one rider. He's gotta slow down to get through these rucks. When he does, jump him.

[Wichita]

That will be a pleasure.

[Luke Slaughter]

Hey. Hey. Don't reach or I'll drop you. What is this? Get his guns, Wichita.

[Wichita]

Already got him, Luke.

[Lanigan]

Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, Lanigan, Slaughter.

[Lanigan]

Can't a man ride into town for a peaceful drink without being ambushed?

[Luke Slaughter]

Light.

[Lanigan]

But I don't see why.

[Luke Slaughter]

Get off that horse.

[Lanigan]

Sure, sure.

[Luke Slaughter]

Lanigan, I want you to meet a friend of mine. Wichita, this is the man who laid that gun barrel alongside your ear this evening.

[Wichita]

I ought to kill you same as I would a skunk.

[Lanigan]

Wait a minute, boys, huh?

[Luke Slaughter]

It's against my nature to fight an unarmed man. Lanigan, hand him one of his guns, Wichita. Barrel first, Luke. Now put it in your holster, Lanigan. And you're welcome to use it anytime you want to.

[Lanigan]

Slaughter, I, I.

[Luke Slaughter]

Tell me the real story about that wagon train, Lenigan.

[Lanigan]

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

[Luke Slaughter]

Have you ever been pistol whipped?

[Lanigan]

No. No.

[Luke Slaughter]

You're about to learn what it feels like. Unless you care to draw. Slaughter, for the love of heaven, killed Carl Justice.

[Lanigan]

But I never heard of no Carl justice.

[Luke Slaughter]

He had $10,000 in gold yesterday. What's that now? He's dead. Who killed him? You tell me or I'm gonna rake a gunsight through your left ear. Talk or draw, Lanigan. Who killed him? You want another one?

[Lanigan]

No, no. It was Burwell. He told me not to, but he put up a fight. And Burwell.

[Luke Slaughter]

A man doesn't fight with his back. Why did you pistol whip Wichita?

[Lanigan]

Well, it was Burwell's idea. He heard about you and he thought that if you was laid low for a while, people would want to go after whoever.

[Luke Slaughter]

That's what I figured.

[Lanigan]

Yeah. Then a couple of the boys broke that window in the bank to make it look like.

[Luke Slaughter]

Burwell's a pretty smart man, isn't he?

[Lanigan]

Oh yeah, he sure is.

[Luke Slaughter]

He made the mistake of getting feather headed yellow gunslingers like you to work for him.

[Lanigan]

Look, you can't call me.

[Luke Slaughter]

I am calling you. If it isn't true, draw. Take his gun, Wichita. He won't use it or Slaughter.

[Lanigan]

Please give me a chance. Just let me go and I'll go back to Dodge and I'll never come out this way again.

[Luke Slaughter]

Wichita, head his horse back toward camp and give it a slap.

[Wichita]

Sure, Luke.

[Lanigan]

Whatcha gonna do, Slaughter?

[Luke Slaughter]

I'm gonna use you for bait. Wichita, you walk him back into town.

[Wichita]

Where are you going?

[Luke Slaughter]

I'M not through here yet. Oh, and get a message to Sutton. Tell him to wake up the posse and spread him around the cattleman's office ready to shoot.

[Wichita]

You can't face that whole wagon train by yourself.

[Luke Slaughter]

I won't have to, Wichita. When Lanigan's horse gets back to camp, they'll know something went wrong. And most of them will go to town looking for me. That's why I want that posse standing by.

[Wichita]

Well, what do you want me to do with this here tail dragon specimen when I get him back to town?

[Luke Slaughter]

Tie him up in the back room of the cattleman's office and wait for me. Oh, and don't light any lanterns.

[Wichita]

You don't have no objections if I have to ruffle this. Waddy up some, do ye?

[Luke Slaughter]

None at all.

[Wichita]

They come on, you walk.

[Luke Slaughter]

Get your hands up, all of you.

[Molly Burwell]

Who's out there?

[Luke Slaughter]

Luke Slaughterman. Now do as I tell you.

[Molly Burwell]

What you holding a gun for Slaughter?

[Luke Slaughter]

Are there any guards out?

[Molly Burwell]

No. All the men folk rode into town a while back.

[Luke Slaughter]

I liked your hospitality so well, Mrs. Burwell, I came back for some more of it.

[Molly Burwell]

Then put that gun away. You don't need that.

[Luke Slaughter]

I think I might. You see, Mrs. Burwell, I know the whole story.

[Molly Burwell]

What do you mean?

[Luke Slaughter]

Lanigan talked, that's what I mean.

[Molly Burwell]

Well now, that puts a different light on things.

[Luke Slaughter]

How so?

[Molly Burwell]

Burwell lied to you about me.

[Luke Slaughter]

He lied about everything.

[Molly Burwell]

But this is important. I'm not his wife.

[Luke Slaughter]

What of it?

[Molly Burwell]

You're a good looking man, Mr. Slaughter. Make some woman a fine husband. A rich woman, Luke.

[Luke Slaughter]

Meaning?

[Molly Burwell]

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.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'll bet you do.

[Molly Burwell]

Why don't you call me Molly?

[Luke Slaughter]

All right, Molly.

[Molly Burwell]

Have you ever kissed a high spirited woman, Luke?

[Luke Slaughter]

Why don't we get rid of the company first?

[Molly Burwell]

What do you want to do with them?

[Luke Slaughter]

Tie him up spread eagled on a wagon wheel.

[Molly Burwell]

You sure are smart. We're gonna get along fine.

[Luke Slaughter]

Now, about that gold, Molly.

[Molly Burwell]

Ah, no hurry, is there?

[Luke Slaughter]

You might as well tell me.

[Molly Burwell]

No, I don't know as I can trust you yet.

[Luke Slaughter]

No, no you don't.

[Molly Burwell]

But I want to. It's in a chest in the lead wagon.

[Luke Slaughter]

Thanks. Now stand over there with the rest of them.

[Molly Burwell]

What?

[Luke Slaughter]

I'm gonna tie you up too. Molly Slaughter. If I had a gun, I know I'd be dead. Just like Carl Justice.

[Wichita]

Is that you, Luke?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah.

[Wichita]

Well, what's that sack you're carrying, the.

[Luke Slaughter]

Gold that belonged to Karl Justice. Burwell show up?

[Wichita]

Yeah, with six of his partners. Come up on the boardwalk out front. Thought they was gonna break in for a minute, but they decided against it. Heard one of them say to make too much commotion.

[Luke Slaughter]

Where'd they go?

[Wichita]

Right across the street there to the Oriental.

[Luke Slaughter]

That means when we fire up some lanterns, we'll have visitors. Is the posse spread out?

[Wichita]

Just like you said. On the roof of the Oriental. On top of the bank. The dry goods store and express company.

[Luke Slaughter]

Good. How's Lanigan?

[Wichita]

Well, he's gonna have a sore head before he hangs. I had to persuade him just a little before he'd go to sleep.

[Luke Slaughter]

Too bad.

[Wichita]

Yeah.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, let's get this over with. I'm going out the front door. You light the lamps in the office.

[Wichita]

By jogies, this does my whole heart good.

[Luke Slaughter]

There he is now.

[Burwell]

Boy, come on.

[Luke Slaughter]

Stay where you are, Burwell.

[Burwell]

Now, Slaughter boys and me just want to talk to you.

[Luke Slaughter]

Do you? Talking from right there?

[Burwell]

I don't like to shout up and down the street.

[Luke Slaughter]

I do. Before you say anything else, I think you ought to know that you're covered by 18 guns. 20, including mine. And in case you think I'm not telling the truth, I'll ask the men on the top of the bank to speak up. Now, just what did you want to talk about, Burwell?

[Burwell]

Let's forget it, Slaughter. Me and the boys will be moseying along now.

[Luke Slaughter]

No, you won't. I've got some talking to do. Your women folk are tied up to the wagons out at your camp. One of your gunslingers is tied up in the office behind me. And he talked. And this, burwell, this is $10,000 in gold that I got out of your lead wagon. It belonged to Carl justice before you killed him. You got anything to say now, Burwell? I reckon you said it all. Then drop your guns and step forward, all of you. All right, men, close in and take them.

[Wichita]

Luke, that is the dingest thing I ever seen. Got every single one of them and didn't smoke up the town a bit.

[Luke Slaughter]

Sometimes you're lucky. Wichita. Don't fool around with a red hot branding iron till you're ready for the roundup.

[Narrator]

Luke Slaughter of Tombstone, starring Sam Buffington. Was written by Alan Botzer and directed by William N. Robeson. Editorial supervision by Tom Hanley. Supporting Mr. Buffington were Gene Carson, Junius Matthews, Lawrence Dobkin and Chet Stratton. With music composed and conducted by Amerigo Marino. 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]

This is the CBS Radio Network.