Luke Slaughter 58-05-25 ep13 Outlaw Kid

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Luke Slaughter 58-05-25 ep13 "Outlaw Kid"
Date: January 28, 2026
Podcast Theme: Showcasing classic radio dramas from the Golden Age of Radio.

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio" features a dramatic installment of "Luke Slaughter of Tombstone" titled "Outlaw Kid." Set in the post-Civil War Arizona Territory, the story centers on Luke Slaughter, a tough and principled cattle rancher, as he confronts a cattle rustling incident that draws in a troubled youth and exposes the underlying complexities of justice, redemption, and trust on the western frontier. The episode explores themes of second chances, the burdens of reputation, and the role of mentorship.

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Main Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Opening & Introduction of Characters

• [00:11] Luke Slaughter's Monologue:
  Sets the tone for the episode, introducing himself and the harsh realities of cattle ranching in Arizona territory.

  • 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. There's no man west of the Rio Grande big enough to take it from.” (Luke Slaughter, 00:11)

• [00:32] Narrator Introduces the Legend:
  Paints Luke Slaughter as both feared and respected, hinting at his storied past and reputation.

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2. Discovery of the Theft

• [01:47] Wichita reports stolen cattle:
  Wichita reveals that select cattle are missing—immediately raising suspicions of rustlers aiming for the border.

• [02:10] Organizing a Posse:
  Slaughter quickly gathers his men, demonstrating leadership and a no-nonsense attitude.

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3. Confrontation with the Outlaw Kid

• [03:46] The Ambush Unfolds:
  The group closes in on what seems a group of rustlers, only to find just one knocked-out figure—a young man.

• [05:12] Kid's Identity Revealed:

  • The rustler is Buck Rainier, son of a murdered stagecoach messenger, not much older than 17. Slaughter recognizes the name and history.
  • Tension over Justice:
    While Wichita wants immediate punishment, Slaughter shows mercy.
    • Quote: “He’s still human, even if he is a thief.” (Luke Slaughter, 04:55)

• [06:11] Decision to Show Mercy:
  Slaughter decides to give Buck a chance instead of meting out frontier justice.

  • Quote: “We got our cattle back, didn’t we?... We’re gonna let him go, Wichita.” (Luke Slaughter, 06:09)

• [07:58] Exploring Buck’s Background:
  Revealed that Buck’s father was once a good man, attempting to build a future for his son before his death—raising questions about Buck's recent path.

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4. The Opportunity & Trust

• [09:22] Buck Offered Redemption:
  Slaughter offers Buck a job as a ranch hand, surprising Buck who is unaccustomed to trust.

  • Quote: “There’s no such thing as a bad boy. Men make them look that way.” (Luke Slaughter, 08:04)

• [10:20] Buck’s Response:
  Buck, overcome by the opportunity for honest work and acceptance, promises, “I’m gonna be the best doggone hand you ever had.” (Buck Rainier, 10:59)

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5. Suspicion and Following the Trail

• [11:14] Buck Slips Away:
  Despite the trust shown, Buck sneaks out at night, raising questions.

• [13:06] The Pursuit to Town:
  Slaughter and Wichita follow Buck, suspecting he may meet with criminal elements. They find him at the Crystal Palace saloon talking with a mysterious man, Price.

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6. Price’s Arrival and Hidden Motives

• [16:03] Price Hired as a Hand:
  Slaughter, still gathering evidence, offers Price a job and pairs him with Buck, suspecting him to be the real rustler.

• [18:19] Price Joins the Night Guard:
  Price’s willingness to work the night guard—despite evident signs of not being a cattleman—raises red flags about his intentions.

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7. Staged Set-Up for a Second Attempt

• [19:05] The Trap is Set:
  Slaughter and Wichita prepare to catch Price in the act of another cattle theft, hiding out at the only trail off the upper mesa.

• [20:39] Luke’s Deduction:
  Slaughter explains his theory: Price isn’t who he seems, and Buck is likely being coerced.

  • Quote: “Give a man enough rope, he’s liable to hang himself. Give a boy enough rope, he might get tangled up.” (Luke Slaughter, 19:38)

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8. Climactic Showdown and Moral Resolution

• [21:34] Buck Confronts Price:
  On the trail, Buck stands up to Price, accusing him of manipulation and threatening justice for his father's legacy.

  • Quote: "You ain't one tenth the man my daddy was." (Buck Rainier, 22:20)

• [22:09] Revealed Motives:
  Price’s relationship with Buck’s mother comes to light—Price plans to marry her after profiting from stolen cattle. Buck’s dissent is clear.

• [22:46] Intervention:
  As Buck nearly shoots Price, Slaughter intervenes, shooting the gun from Buck’s hand, preventing bloodshed and proving his commitment to justice tempered by compassion.

• [23:01] Aftermath:
  Price is arrested; Slaughter affirms Buck's value and encourages him to reconnect with his mother, offering the episode’s emotional resolution.

  • Quote: “It might be a good idea if you took a week off and rode over to Prescott to see your mother...” (Luke Slaughter, 23:19)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Slaughter’s Philosophy on Redemption:
  • “There’s no such thing as a bad boy. Men make them look that way.” (08:04)
• Buck’s Promise:
  • “I’m gonna be the best doggone hand you ever had.” (10:59)
• Slaughter’s Approach to Authority and Fairness:
  • “I trust any man until he proves he isn’t worthy of it.” (17:10)
• Dramatic Confrontation:
  • “You wouldn't shoot your own daddy, now, would you?” (Price, 22:12)
  • “You ain't one tenth the man my daddy was.” (Buck, 22:20)

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Key Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:11] – Luke Slaughter introduction
• [01:47] – Discovery of stolen cattle
• [03:46] – Ambush and encounter with Buck Rainier
• [06:09] – Decision to show mercy
• [10:39] – Buck offered job on ranch
• [13:06] – Buck rides to town, trailed by Slaughter and Wichita
• [16:03] – Price interviewed and hired by Slaughter
• [19:05] – Plan made to stake out the mesa
• [21:34] – Climax: Buck stands up to Price
• [22:46] – Slaughter prevents Buck from shooting Price
• [23:19] – Slaughter sends Buck to see his mother and reflect on his future

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Tone and Language

The episode maintains a gritty, somber, and occasionally witty Western tone. The dialogue is straight-spoken, layered with Western idioms and a sense of hard-won wisdom. Characters reflect the moral grayness of the frontier, with Slaughter standing for justice, mentorship, and a belief in redemption even for those who start on the wrong track.

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Summary

"Outlaw Kid" delivers a classic Western tale of cattle rustling, second chances, and the enduring question of whether a young man—given trust and a new path—can leave trouble behind. Luke Slaughter’s nuanced approach to justice and empathy sets the episode apart, providing not just thrills but a thoughtful meditation on the power of belief in one another. It's a standout example of Golden Age radio storytelling, resonant for listeners then and now.

Transcript

[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. 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 are on. Man of vision. Man of legend. Luke Slaughter of Tombstone.

[Luke Slaughter]

The bunkhouse had quieted down an hour before and I should have been in bed myself. But I stood on the veranda watching the heat lightning play around Apache Peak. It was quiet. Too quiet. Then I heard a single rider coming into the ranch. Hell bent for leather. I sensed trouble. I was right.

[Wichita]

Luke, that you?

[Price]

Yeah.

[Luke Slaughter]

Wichita, would you hurry?

[Wichita]

That little. That little bunch that we cut out for breeding and took to the upper mesa this morning.

[Luke Slaughter]

What about it?

[Wichita]

Well, them critters is gone.

[Luke Slaughter]

What?

[Wichita]

Yeah.

[Luke Slaughter]

There's only one trail leading up there.

[Wichita]

Yeah, and all the tracks on it are pointed downhill. At the bottom they fan out toward the border.

[Luke Slaughter]

How much of a head start have they got?

[Wichita]

Well, Pete Packer come in for supper and I went out night. Heard after about three hours, I reckon.

[Luke Slaughter]

Get Pete and Inky from the bunk house, saddle up my night horse. We've got some riding to do.

[Wichita]

Getting on toward sunup. Luke.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah.

[Wichita]

Ought to be catching up with them brand artists pretty soon.

[Luke Slaughter]

Right without them knowing it. If we can.

[Wichita]

During cowies. When I get my old Winchester Lord on them, they're going to know.

[Luke Slaughter]

Oh, oh, hold up then.

[Wichita]

What's the matter? You got a smell of them?

[Luke Slaughter]

Look up there.

[Wichita]

Where?

[Luke Slaughter]

On top of that rise.

[Wichita]

Why, that's a she critter, Pete.

[Luke Slaughter]

Hinky, circle and hold your fire until you can see who you're shooting at. One foot from here. Wichita.

[Wichita]

Sure. Oh, shut up, you durn mall cow.

[Luke Slaughter]

Over here.

[Wichita]

I'm coming. Thank you.

[Luke Slaughter]

There's the herd, but I don't see any riders.

[Wichita]

That wasn't no cow. Rustlers must be down there in the draw.

[Luke Slaughter]

Sit tight, Wichita. We gotta give Pete and Hinky time to get on the other side of em.

[Wichita]

Well, we keep on being announced. They're gonna know we're setting out here waiting to pot them.

[Luke Slaughter]

Get ready. They know it now.

[Wichita]

Can't see too well in this light, but just show me something to shoot at. There you go. Off to the right.

[Luke Slaughter]

Hold Your fire.

[Wichita]

But look, they're getting away.

[Luke Slaughter]

And Pete and Hinky are out there somewhere.

[Wichita]

Well, we just gonna sit here?

[Luke Slaughter]

Let's move in slow. Only one horse rode out. This could be a trap. We're coming in. Throw down your guns.

[Wichita]

Looks like there was only one man. And he's gone. Mm. Mm.

[Luke Slaughter]

What do you think that is sticking out from behind that rock over there?

[Wichita]

That's a boot and a man's leg.

[Luke Slaughter]

Come on.

[Wichita]

Yep, it's a man, all right. But he appears to be dead. And we ain't fired a shot.

[Luke Slaughter]

He's not dead, Wichita. He's been knocked out.

[Wichita]

If he don't wake up in time, he won't know he's been strung up.

[Luke Slaughter]

Come on, you.

[Wichita]

What about that other one? Without the critters to slow him down, he'll make the border before we can catch him.

[Luke Slaughter]

Let's see what this one has to say first. Come on.

[Wichita]

What'd you say?

[Luke Slaughter]

I didn't catch it. Give him a drink out of your canteen, Wichita.

[Wichita]

Give him a drink.

[Luke Slaughter]

He's still human, even if he is a thief.

[Wichita]

I hope it chokes him.

[Buck Rainier]

But what hit me?

[Wichita]

Well, look, he's just a kid.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah. What's your name, boy?

[Wichita]

Who are you?

[Luke Slaughter]

Luke Slaughter. These are my cattle you're trying to steal.

[Buck Rainier]

Let me go.

[Luke Slaughter]

Easy now. I'll ask you once more. What's your name?

[Buck Rainier]

Rainier. Buck Rainier.

[Luke Slaughter]

Rainier? Oh, yeah.

[Wichita]

You know this hombre, Luke?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, I think I do.

[Buck Rainier]

What you gonna do with me?

[Wichita]

We're gonna hang you up to dry on the nearest tree. I ain't done nothing. Ain't done nothing? You was trying to make off with 50 head of cattle, that's all.

[Luke Slaughter]

Told it. Wichita ain't done nothing. Wasn't your father Buck Rainier, the shotgun messenger who was killed last year on the stagecoach? Runda Prescott?

[Buck Rainier]

What of it?

[Luke Slaughter]

How about your mother, Buck? What became of her?

[Buck Rainier]

Well, you just leave her out of this.

[Wichita]

Look, that other one's two miles away by now. Let's string this one up and get after him.

[Luke Slaughter]

We're gonna let him go, Wichita.

[Wichita]

Let him go.

[Luke Slaughter]

We got our cattle back, didn't we?

[Wichita]

Yeah. And one pip squeaking kid. You gonna be satisfied with that?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yes, Wichita, I am. It's getting light now. You find Pete and Hinky and round up these critters. Buck and I'll locate his horse.

[Wichita]

Well, what are you gonna do with him?

[Luke Slaughter]

Take him back to the ranch with us.

[Buck Rainier]

I don't want to go to no ranch.

[Luke Slaughter]

Doesn't look to me. Like you've got much choice. By the way, why did your partner put you to sleep?

[Buck Rainier]

I ain't gonna say.

[Luke Slaughter]

Suit yourself. All right, Let'.

[Wichita]

You alone. Luke.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, come on in, Wichita. How's the boy doing?

[Wichita]

Didn't eat no supper. None of the hands will talk to him.

[Luke Slaughter]

Poor kid couldn't be more than 17.

[Wichita]

Luke, you're harboring a cattle rustler his age don't make no difference what you doing it for.

[Luke Slaughter]

Wichita, do you remember when his daddy was shot last year?

[Wichita]

Weren't I ain't exactly sure.

[Luke Slaughter]

He was riding messenger on the tombstone to Prescott's stagecoach when it ran into an ambush. Rainier was killed.

[Wichita]

Oh, yeah. I seem to recollect.

[Luke Slaughter]

Now, I knew Buck Rainier. He worked for me several years ago when I brought a herd up from Sonora. He was always talking about this boy. Proud of him. Said he was gonna build up a stake for him.

[Wichita]

Well, can't be much of a daddy when you're dead.

[Luke Slaughter]

Last I heard, he was living with his mother over in Prescott.

[Wichita]

Well, he sure ain't now. Pears to me. He's made up his mind what trail he wants to ride.

[Luke Slaughter]

With a little help, he might change his mind.

[Wichita]

Luke, you ain't figuring on keeping him here at the ranch?

[Luke Slaughter]

Why not?

[Wichita]

Why, he's liable to stab you in the back and make a run for it.

[Luke Slaughter]

I've never had a son, Wichita, but I don't think there's any such thing as a bad boy. Men make them look that way.

[Wichita]

You picked a good un to prove that.

[Luke Slaughter]

It's open. Come on in.

[Buck Rainier]

Look here, Slaughter. I want to know what you're aiming to do with me.

[Wichita]

Dang it. You speak when you're spoken to. Now you turn around, march out of here before I blow a hole in your pants.

[Luke Slaughter]

Put away that gun, Wichita.

[Wichita]

Luke, you gonna let him talk to you that way?

[Luke Slaughter]

You're going back to the bunkhouse. I'll send him down in a few minutes.

[Wichita]

All right. Luke, things is coming to a purty pass when you treat rustlers like they was visiting neighbors.

[Luke Slaughter]

Sit down, son.

[Buck Rainier]

I don't want to sit down.

[Luke Slaughter]

You smoke?

[Buck Rainier]

Sure I do.

[Luke Slaughter]

Here's the makin's. Thanks. Wichita tells me you didn't eat any supper.

[Buck Rainier]

Wasn't hungry.

[Luke Slaughter]

I was just about to sit down myself. You join me?

[Buck Rainier]

You want me to eat with you?

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, now, I don't see anything wrong with a couple of men sitting down to a meal together, do you?

[Buck Rainier]

Well, no, I.

[Luke Slaughter]

Sit down. What have you been doing since last year? Buck.

[Buck Rainier]

Odd jobs. Been a cook's helper lately. On a wagon outfit working out of Prescott.

[Luke Slaughter]

That's an honest job. Why'd you decide to become a rustler?

[Buck Rainier]

I didn't decide to. I ain't gonna tell you nothing.

[Luke Slaughter]

I should turn you over to the sheriff. You know that, Buck.

[Buck Rainier]

Then go ahead and do it.

[Luke Slaughter]

You admired your father, didn't you?

[Buck Rainier]

He was a good man.

[Luke Slaughter]

I know, Buck. But since he's dead, you're trying to prove in your own way that the name Rainier means something, aren't you? Yeah, and I will, too, by cattle rustling.

[Buck Rainier]

Oh. You wouldn't believe me if I told you the truth. Nobody would.

[Luke Slaughter]

Why don't you try me?

[Buck Rainier]

I'll handle this in my own way and in my own time.

[Luke Slaughter]

Why won't you tell me anything about your mother, Buck? Did she remarry?

[Buck Rainier]

No. I don't want to talk about my mother.

[Luke Slaughter]

I see. Well, let's eat. Then you go down to the bunkhouse and get some sleep. You've got work to do tomorrow. Work Starting right now. You're one of the punchers on this spread. 40amonth and keep. And you're equal to any man in the outfit as long as you do your work. That is, if you want the job.

[Buck Rainier]

If I want it? You bet I want it.

[Luke Slaughter]

Wichita will outfit you in the morning. That Sharps you were carrying when we picked you up will do for a saddle gun. And this Smith and Wesson ought to do for holster duty.

[Wichita]

You.

[Buck Rainier]

You're gonna let me carry that six shooter?

[Luke Slaughter]

Every man carries at least one, Mr.

[Buck Rainier]

Slaughter, I. I'm gonna be the best doggone hand you ever had.

[Luke Slaughter]

You know, Buck, I believe you will.

[Wichita]

Let's.

[Luke Slaughter]

Luke.

[Wichita]

Luke. I give you credit for more sense than you're showing about this kid.

[Luke Slaughter]

Hmm? What have I done now?

[Wichita]

Why, letting him ride out of here by himself at night. You don't expect him to come back, do you?

[Luke Slaughter]

What did you say?

[Wichita]

Well, you give him permission to take one of your horses, didn't you?

[Luke Slaughter]

I did not.

[Wichita]

Then he's a horse thief in addition to being a rustler. Of course, if you want to let him go. Well, I'm sorry I bothered you.

[Luke Slaughter]

All right, saddle up my night horse. Yours too. We'll go after him.

[Wichita]

If you were asking me.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, I'm not asking you now. Let's get him before he pulls another fool stunt.

[Narrator]

In a moment. Luke's slaughter of Tombstone returns. Have you got a little list? Paper cups, paper plates, charcoal sandwich wrapping, mustard, napkins. Write it on a list so nothing will be forgotten. Next weekend you'll be joining the rest of America for the first big outdoor weekend of the year. The big three day Memorial Day weekend. You'll be heading for the beach, the woods, the mountains. And don't land there without the Forks. The franks and the film don't find out too late. The vacuum jug fell to the floor last fall.

[Wichita]

Check.

[Narrator]

Check.

[Buck Rainier]

Now.

[Narrator]

Buy now at your grocer's or druggists. And now, Act 2 of William N. Robeson's production of Luke Slaughter of Tombstone.

[Wichita]

Eh, I'll tell you one thing. The kid sure ain't trying to cover his tracks.

[Luke Slaughter]

Looks like he's headed straight for town.

[Wichita]

That new artillery you give him, he can create quite a ruction before he runs again.

[Luke Slaughter]

He's not running, Wichita. He's up to something. Wish I knew what it was.

[Wichita]

He's up something all right. Probably gonna meet his rustling friend and tell him what an easy mark you are, Wichita.

[Luke Slaughter]

If you'd been kicked around as much as that Bo. You take a few wrong turns too.

[Wichita]

But he don't know right from wrong. When you lay it out for him.

[Luke Slaughter]

I think he does. Now I know what you think and I know what I think. Let's keep quiet and find him.

[Wichita]

Sure, Luke. That's the way you want it.

[Luke Slaughter]

There's my pie ball tied up in front of the Crystal Palace.

[Wichita]

I think he's in there.

[Luke Slaughter]

Let's take a look. Oh.

[Wichita]

Now what you gonna do if he is in there? Haul him out?

[Luke Slaughter]

No, let's stop here by the door where we can see.

[Wichita]

Do you spot him?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, far into the bar talking to a man with a black mustache.

[Wichita]

Yeah, slick looking saddle warmer, ain't he? Looks like he's been riding hard too.

[Luke Slaughter]

Ever see him before?

[Wichita]

New one to me. I told you that kid was coming to town for a pow wow.

[Luke Slaughter]

Here he comes. Let's get back out of the light.

[Wichita]

Now's the time to grab him. Luke.

[Luke Slaughter]

Quiet.

[Wichita]

Well, he sure ain't looking to be spied on.

[Luke Slaughter]

Headed right back for the ranch. Wichita, you wait here. I'm going in and talk to that Waddy.

[Wichita]

Talk to him? Why don't you get him arrested for wrestling?

[Luke Slaughter]

Takes more than suspicion to arrest a man. Wichita.

[Wichita]

You're sure doing a lot of pushy footing over one stray kid.

[Luke Slaughter]

We were all kids at one time. I think this one needs a nudge in the right direction.

[Wichita]

If you don't get your pin feathers singed while doing it.

[Luke Slaughter]

Whiskey, bartender.

[Price]

You.

[Luke Slaughter]

You join me stranger?

[Price]

Huh? Oh, why sure.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'm Luke Slaughter. I'm a spread in these parts. No.

[Price]

Well, my name's Price.

[Luke Slaughter]

Price. I don't recall having seen you in Tombstone before.

[Price]

I ain't seen you neither.

[Luke Slaughter]

No offense. I'm always looking for good cowhands. You interested in a job?

[Price]

Could be.

[Luke Slaughter]

That kid you were talking to just now, Buck Rainier. He works for me. You know him?

[Price]

This is a public saloon, Slaughter. I was talking to him, same as I'm talking to you.

[Luke Slaughter]

Sure. If you want that job, come on out tomorrow. Anybody can tell you where I'm located.

[Price]

Thanks, Slaughter. I just may do that.

[Luke Slaughter]

Good night, Price. Morning, Buck. I see Wichita got you outfitted.

[Buck Rainier]

Sure did. These new duds feel awful good.

[Luke Slaughter]

The next thing you'll need is a string of horses.

[Buck Rainier]

A string all my own.

[Luke Slaughter]

I never heard of a cowboy doing his job on foot.

[Buck Rainier]

Gosh, my own strain.

[Luke Slaughter]

Since you've taken a liking to that piebald you were riding last night, let's start with that one.

[Buck Rainier]

How'd you know I rode into town last night?

[Luke Slaughter]

I know.

[Buck Rainier]

Ain't you gonna do nothing about it?

[Luke Slaughter]

I figure when you get ready to tell me what you're up to, you will.

[Buck Rainier]

You trust me, don't you? Mr. Slaughter?

[Luke Slaughter]

I trust any man until he proves he isn't worthy of it.

[Buck Rainier]

Ain't nobody ever trusted me before. Not like that.

[Luke Slaughter]

It's about time somebody did then. Oh, by the way, ran into a friend of yours at the Crystal palace last night. Name of Price.

[Buck Rainier]

Price? He ain't no friend of mine.

[Luke Slaughter]

Oh, I thought he was. I offered him a job.

[Buck Rainier]

You offered him a job?

[Luke Slaughter]

Anything wrong with that?

[Buck Rainier]

Well, it's your spread now. I'd like to pick out those horses now, if you don't mind.

[Luke Slaughter]

All right. Let's go down to the corral. Well, looks like Price is going to take me up on that job.

[Buck Rainier]

I'll go on down to the corral.

[Luke Slaughter]

No, you wait here. Morning, Price.

[Price]

Morning, Slaughter. Well, hello, Buck.

[Buck Rainier]

Morning.

[Price]

I thought I'd amble out and see what you had to offer.

[Luke Slaughter]

Glad you did. You want the job?

[Price]

How many head do you run?

[Luke Slaughter]

Around 500 right now. Increasing it gradually.

[Price]

That ought to be enough to keep a man busy. I'll take it.

[Luke Slaughter]

Good. You're obviously an old hand, so I'll pair you up with Buck here. Mr.

[Price]

Slaughter, that sounds good to me. Maybe I can teach the kid a thing or two.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'm sure you can. Now, Buck, we'll pick out two strings of horses.

[Price]

Riding night guards. My specialty, Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

Oh, well, we can start you right out at that. Tonight. Most of the boys prefer bunkhouse duty after dark.

[Buck Rainier]

Mr. Slaughter?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yes, Buck?

[Buck Rainier]

Never mind. Let's get the horses.

[Wichita]

Dang it all, Luke. You didn't even let me finish my supper.

[Luke Slaughter]

You can have two suppers tomorrow. Did you tell the boys what I told you?

[Wichita]

Yep. Said you and me had to ride into Tombstone on a cattle deal this evening.

[Luke Slaughter]

Price over here.

[Wichita]

You made sure he did good. Now we ain't going to town. Where are we going?

[Luke Slaughter]

Same place we went two nights ago. Upper Mesa.

[Wichita]

Why? Kid and that new fella prize right Night herd up there tonight went up nearly an hour ago.

[Luke Slaughter]

You trust that combination?

[Wichita]

Of course not, but you're the boss.

[Luke Slaughter]

Give a man enough rope, he's liable to hang himself. Give a boy enough rope, he might get tangled up. I figure Buck's tangled up.

[Wichita]

You're still trusting that Kid, huh?

[Luke Slaughter]

I haven't seen him do anything wrong. If I do, I'll change my tune.

[Wichita]

Here's a trail entrance leading up to the mesa. Luke, you wanna go first?

[Luke Slaughter]

We'll stop right here. Here? Whoever comes down has to pass this point. It's the only trail.

[Wichita]

You aiming to ambush Price and that kid?

[Luke Slaughter]

Ambush? No, observe is the word. Wichita.

[Wichita]

You could observe them back at the ranch. Would you go into all this trouble for proof?

[Luke Slaughter]

I'll bet you a heifer against four bits. There's another wrestling attempt tonight.

[Wichita]

How do you figure that?

[Luke Slaughter]

You take a look at Price's hands.

[Wichita]

I didn't like his face. Didn't get as far as his hands.

[Luke Slaughter]

They're soft. A gambler's hands. He's not a working cowboy.

[Wichita]

What does that prove?

[Luke Slaughter]

Nothing yet. But I think that Price is the wrestler who got away the other night. And I think he's forcing Buck to act against his will. Well, if you ask me, I didn't. Now, let's hide the horses and get set.

[Wichita]

Yeah, but. But, Luke, if the Kid helps Price move them cattle out, he's guilty of rustling. No matter what you think about it.

[Luke Slaughter]

This time he won't be knocked out. And if he doesn't answer some straight questions, he'll go to jail the same.

[Wichita]

Here they come. Luke Pears. You was right.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah. Let him get down off the trail, into the flat. Then we'll challenge him.

[Wichita]

There's Price and the Kid bringing up the rear.

[Luke Slaughter]

When they pass in front of us, I'm gonna stand up. Keep me covered. Either one of them reaches for his gun, shoot.

[Wichita]

Gotcha, Luke.

[Luke Slaughter]

All right, get ready.

[Buck Rainier]

Hold it, Price.

[Luke Slaughter]

Wait a minute.

[Buck Rainier]

This is as far as we're going.

[Price]

What are you talking about? Come on, we gotta keep these critters moving.

[Buck Rainier]

I'm not going any farther, and neither are you.

[Price]

Don't you give me that back talk. You do what I tell you. Well, what's the idea of the gun?

[Buck Rainier]

I've taken all I'm gonna take from you, Price. I'm gonna kill you.

[Price]

You're gonna kill me?

[Buck Rainier]

I don't know what my mother sees in you. You're nothing but a lion cheating gambler. And now you turn into a rustler. Well, you can't make me one too.

[Price]

Why, your ma's a pretty woman, Buck. We're gonna get married on the money we make selling this herd. You wouldn't shoot your own daddy, now, would you?

[Buck Rainier]

You ain't one tenth the man my daddy was. And my mother's had enough grief in her life. You ain't gonna add no more to it.

[Price]

You're forgetting that you're just as much of a rustler as I am.

[Buck Rainier]

No, I'm not. If my mother wasn't mixed up with you, I'd have told Mr. Slaughter who you were the night you knocked me out and left me to take the blame. I don't know why he's been so good to me, offering me a job and all. But I'm not gonna pay him back by letting you get away with this. So I'm gonna kill you right now.

[Wichita]

Don't.

[Luke Slaughter]

Reach Friend Price. Cover it in Wichita.

[Buck Rainier]

Mr. Slaughter, you shot the gun right out of my hand.

[Luke Slaughter]

I couldn't stand by and let you commit murder. Buck, I've learned all I need to know about Mr. Price and his rustling.

[Price]

Now, just a minute, Slaughter. We're still on your property, and you can't prove a charge of rustling.

[Luke Slaughter]

Price, did I give you orders to move that herd down from Upper Mesa tonight? Well, no. Just who do you think the judge is gonna believe?

[Buck Rainier]

You. You still want me to work for you, Mr.

[Wichita]

Slaughter?

[Luke Slaughter]

Of course I do, Buck. And after the trial of this sidewinder here, it might be a good idea if you took a week off and rode over to Prescott to see your mother.

[Buck Rainier]

I'd like that.

[Luke Slaughter]

Take along a copy of the Tombstone epitaph that tells about Price's trial. It'll set her straight on the mistake she almost made. Let her know what kind of a man she raised.

[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 Junius Matthews, Sam Edwards and Vic Perrin with 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]

This is the cbs radio network.

[Wichita]

Sam.