Luke Slaughter - Heritage

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "Luke Slaughter – Heritage"

Podcast: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode: Luke Slaughter - Heritage
Date: June 16, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio

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Overview

This episode presents the “Heritage” story from Luke Slaughter of Tombstone, a classic Western radio drama. Set in 1880s Arizona, the story centers on cattleman and Civil War veteran Luke Slaughter as he is called upon by Sheriff Wallace to help transport four dangerous Apache prisoners to stand trial. Along the way, a sudden killing by a respected rancher, Al Larson, alters the narrative, exposing hidden pasts and raising timeless questions about justice, heritage, and redemption. The episode highlights the grit, moral ambiguity, and loyalty found in the American West.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Insights

1. Trouble in Tombstone ([00:42]–[02:07])

• Introduction of Main Characters: Luke Slaughter, Sheriff Wallace, and Wichita, Slaughter’s loyal sidekick.
• Setting the Scene: Tombstone recently became the seat of Cochise County; law and order are being tested.
• Inciting Incident: Sheriff Wallace needs Slaughter’s help to transport four Apache prisoners accused of murder, fearing vigilantism if justice is not properly served.

Notable Quote:

“Slaughter’s my name. Luke Slaughter. Cattle’s my business. It’s a tough business... and there’s no man west of the Rio Grande big enough to take it from me.”
— Luke Slaughter ([00:42])

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2. "Heritage": The Transport and the Killing ([02:07]–[06:43])

• Sheriff Wallace's Dilemma: With limited deputies, he enlists Luke and Wichita to help transport the prisoners.
• Wichita’s Expertise: Offers to drive the stagecoach, having years of experience.
• Ambush on the Trail: On their journey, they witness Al Larson shoot a stranger dead in the desert.
• Moral Quandary: Larson refuses to explain his actions and insists on pleading guilty, showing deep personal conflict.

Notable Quotes:

“I figured the consequences of not doing it.”
— Al Larson, when asked why he shot the man ([07:49])

“I don’t think anybody’s born bad, Sheriff.”
— Luke Slaughter ([02:55])

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3. Family Ties and Hidden Pasts ([07:58]–[14:26])

• Al Larson’s Request: Insists on saying goodbye to his young daughter, Barbara, before being taken in.
• Barbara's Resolve: Reveals family strength and faith (“We’re Mormons, we take care of each other.”).
• Prisoner Complications: During a critical moment, the Apache prisoners overpower the sheriff, leading to tragedy. Larson, having returned to surrender himself, saves Slaughter and ends the standoff.

Notable Quotes:

“A baby isn’t born bad, no matter what its parents are.”
— Al Larson ([23:04])

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4. Justice and Resolution ([15:28]–[24:10])

• Aftermath: The party brings the slain sheriff, dead prisoners, and Al Larson to Tombstone.
• Quiet Trial: The new sheriff, Clint Wallace, arranges for a subdued trial with no jury, respecting Larson’s wishes.
• Revelation: Old wanted posters reveal the stranger Larson shot was Parley Ring, a notorious outlaw from California, further complicating the morality but establishing justification.
• Larson’s Motive: The real twist – the murdered man was after Barbara, a child left behind during the Gaylord Hotel Massacre years ago. The Larsons had secretly raised her as their own, protecting her from her criminal parents' legacy.

Notable Quotes:

“Barbara Larson’s a young lady I’d want for a daughter. And Al Larson’s a friend to everyone who knows him.”
— Luke Slaughter ([23:17])

“The court finds this homicide justifiable, committed in the lawful protection of the defendant’s child... Mr. Larson, you’re hereby released from custody.”
— Acting Judge (Sheriff Wallace) ([23:50])

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5. Reunion and Closure ([24:10]–[24:47])

• Emotional Resolution: Barbara and Al Larson are reunited; the narrative closes with a reaffirmation of family and moral justice prevailing despite the violence.

Notable Moment:

“Barbie, honey... Everything’s all right now.”
— Al Larson ([24:28])

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Important Timestamps

• 00:42: Introduction of Luke Slaughter and the Tombstone setting
• 02:24: Sheriff Wallace reveals the Apache prisoner dilemma
• 06:21: Al Larson’s unexplained killing
• 07:58: Larson’s goodbye to his daughter Barbara
• 11:16: Ambush by Apache prisoners; Al Larson’s return and rescue
• 15:28: Aftermath in Tombstone—Al Larson imprisoned
• 20:06: Court proceeding for Al Larson
• 23:50: Judge rules homicide was justifiable, Larson freed
• 24:28: Emotional reunion between Al and Barbara

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Tone and Language

The dialogue is spare, direct, and authentic to the Western genre, with moral dilemmas handled earnestly. Characters grapple with justice, loyalty, prejudice, and the redemptive power of love and heritage.

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Memorable Moments

• Slaughter’s Reluctant Heroism: Despite his gruffness, Luke repeatedly advocates for reason over vengeance, acting as the episode’s moral compass.
• Al Larson’s Sacrifice: His actions, first mysterious, ultimately reveal a father’s selflessness.
• The Twist: The child’s true heritage — and the ironic reversal where “bad blood” is disproved by upbringing and community, not birth.
• Wichita’s Comic Relief: His banter and down-to-earth manner lighten the tension.

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Conclusion

“Heritage” delivers a rich, tightly woven Western drama, exploring the meaning of justice, family, and legacy on the rugged frontier. Through gripping action and poignant revelation, it affirms that heritage is shaped not by blood but by choices, resilience, and the bonds we forge.

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Transcript

[Commercial Announcer]

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[Luke Slaughter]

Slaughter's my name. Luke Slaughter Cattle's my business. It's a tough business. It's big business. I've 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]

Then Tombstone became the seat of newly formed cochise county in 1881. The old town marshal became the new county sheriff. And he discovered that it's hard sometimes for a man to assume added responsibilities.

[Wichita]

Hey, Luke, here comes the sheriff. He sure scally hooting.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, what kind of trouble you got yourself in now, witch tongue?

[Wichita]

Why, I ain't, you know.

[Sheriff Wallace]

I have your advice, Luke.

[Luke Slaughter]

Howdy there, Sheriff. Can't it wait till we say good morning?

[Sheriff Wallace]

No. Well, yeah, I guess it can. Good morning.

[Wichita]

Morning, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Luke, they're holding four renegade Apaches over at St. David. Burned a farm, murdered a man and a woman.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'm sorry to hear that.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Yeah, but the posse ran them down. All right.

[Wichita]

Well, that posse better string them engines up. Justice.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Yeah, that's why I came out here. Instead of letting the posse, let justice take its course. The law says I gotta haul the four of em into Tombstone to stand trial.

[Luke Slaughter]

That is justice. Sheriff. If the Apaches can be identified in court, they'll hang legally here.

[Sheriff Wallace]

They got identification. Them4Redskins was born bad.

[Luke Slaughter]

I don't think anybody's born bad, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Well, I haven't time to debate the point. What I want to know is how am I going to get the four of them into Tombstone? Well, it's a full day's ride each way. I got one regular deputy, Clint Wallace. One of us has got to be in Tombstone and the other be dead if he tried herding them four killers Here by himself.

[Luke Slaughter]

Why don't you shackle him and bring him in by stage?

[Sheriff Wallace]

The stage line through St. David Went Broke. You know that.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yes, and there's a Concord wagon gathering dust over there. And there's six stage horses eating county oats till they're sold at auction.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Hey there, isn't that. Only it's too dangerous for one man.

[Luke Slaughter]

All right, Sheriff, deputize me for a couple of days and I'll go with you.

[Wichita]

Now if you need.

[Sheriff Wallace]

I was hoping you'd volunteer, Luke. We live early tomorrow morning. Say, can you handle a six horse hitch?

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, I never drove a six horse hitch. But there's a couple of men in Tombstone you could get.

[Wichita]

Can I get just one measly word in edgewise?

[Luke Slaughter]

Why sure, just say it.

[Wichita]

Well, I drove stage for Birch and Holliday and Butterfield. And if I can't drive four ratty Apaches from St. David to Tombstone. Hank, Monkey south couldn't do. Get on there.

[Luke Slaughter]

Hold on, Witch D. We know you're a top whip. These horses still can't go 50 miles at a full gallop.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Down a little. These bumps like to shake the shackles off the prisoners.

[Luke Slaughter]

Pull those horses way down. Time our prisoners had a drink of water.

[Wichita]

You're right, Luke. Awful hot and dusty out here.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Hey Wichita, you're having the time of your life, ain't you?

[Wichita]

Well, no.

[Sheriff Wallace]

So would I. These murdering Apaches didn't have me spooked.

[Luke Slaughter]

I don't like any part of it. I'll be glad when the day's over.

[Wichita]

They're mean customers all right. They know it's their last ride. Less than they bust loose from us.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'll pass them the water bag. You men keep me covered just in case.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Yes, we will.

[Barbara Larson]

Luke.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

He'll go. Rambora.

[Luke Slaughter]

Here you are. This Canaim water. I'll drink.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Chains tight.

[Luke Slaughter]

Your hands are loose enough to hold it. Hurry up. That's better. Pass it when you're through.

[Wichita]

Little Whippy up there. Close to him. Ain't it?

[Luke Slaughter]

Like a wolf's den.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Hey Luke, down there in the wash, those two men.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, I see him.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Ain't one of them Al Larson?

[Luke Slaughter]

It is. How? At that. Hey there, Larson.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Yeah?

[Wichita]

I don't recognize a fellow coming toward us.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Luke. Did you see that?

[Luke Slaughter]

I sure did. Al emptied his iron right into him.

[Wichita]

Why did he do it? The other hombre never made no move to draw Wichita.

[Luke Slaughter]

Keep an eye on the prisoners.

[Al Larson]

Right.

[Luke Slaughter]

Come on, Sheriff. Looks like we've got to take another passenger to Tombst. Al, you Must have had a reason. You've lived in these parts better than 10 years. I don't think you've ever had an argument before that I heard about.

[Al Larson]

I can't Talk about it, Mr. Slaughter. I shot him. You saw that. And that's it.

[Sheriff Wallace]

You'll have to stand trial, you know.

[Al Larson]

Just take me before a judge and I plead guilty. I don't want to put anyone to any trouble.

[Luke Slaughter]

You're putting us to a powerful lot of Trouble. Wichita and two horses had to take the body back to St. David. And I gotta drive this rig myself.

[Narrator]

Come on, Al. Who was he?

[Al Larson]

Don't know what he called himself. Nobody in St. David will identify him either.

[Luke Slaughter]

I've seen that face somewhere, I'm sure.

[Al Larson]

No, there wouldn't be a chance in a million of that. I'm willing to take my medicine, so forget it.

[Sheriff Wallace]

We want to do you a favor, don't you see? Give us a reason. You shot him. Maybe we can get you off.

[Al Larson]

I would like one favor.

[Luke Slaughter]

We'll try alone.

[Al Larson]

When we get to my place, let me go in and say goodbye to my youngsters.

[Luke Slaughter]

I think we could do what else? Asking, Sheriff. We've both known him for a long time.

[Sheriff Wallace]

If you say so, Luke.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, Little Barbara is going to find out you killed that man. There's no way out of it.

[Al Larson]

Well, I was thinking if I plead guilty without a trial or anything, then you could keep it out of the newspaper.

[Luke Slaughter]

I don't think we can. But just suppose we did. Somebody's got to take care of Barbie. She's not 13 yet, is she?

[Al Larson]

Well, almost. And Barbie knows what she's to do if anything ever happens to me.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, you didn't figure all the consequences of shooting that man down, did you?

[Al Larson]

I figured the consequences of not doing it. My farm's just ahead. Now can I go say goodbye to Barbie?

[Luke Slaughter]

As far as I'm concerned, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Wallace]

All right, Larson. I'll unlock your wrist chains and give you five minutes.

[Luke Slaughter]

Oh, what that? I wonder how Wichita drives six horses.

[Sheriff Wallace]

I wish he'd hurry up, Sheriff.

[Luke Slaughter]

He hasn't been in there much more than a minute. Ah, this whole mess makes me almost sick.

[Sheriff Wallace]

I know, Luch. Me too.

[Luke Slaughter]

The face of the man he killed. I could only remember where. I've seen it.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Why we stop, Wide Eye?

[Luke Slaughter]

Never mind. Just be quiet down there.

[Sheriff Wallace]

We gotta make Tombstone 4 dark. Can't trust an Apache any further than you can throw, Sheriff.

[Luke Slaughter]

They're chained.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Who's that?

[Luke Slaughter]

It's Al. Come back here.

[Sheriff Wallace]

All right, Slaughter. Letting him say goodbye to his kid was your idea.

[Luke Slaughter]

I can't believe I could be so wrong about him. I can't believe anything that's happening today.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Now what do we do?

[Luke Slaughter]

Get the Apaches to Tombstone as fast as we can. Organize a posse and go after Al.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Where are you going now?

[Luke Slaughter]

Have a quick talk with Larson's daughter. Just watch these prisoners.

[Barbara Larson]

He didn't say where he was going, Mr. Slaughter, just that he'd be back.

[Luke Slaughter]

Just that?

[Barbara Larson]

Well, exactly what he said was that he'd be back for me.

[Luke Slaughter]

Barbie, this is rough country. Sometimes things we can't know about just sort of happen. What if your father was delayed? Say he. Well, he didn't get back for quite a long time.

[Barbara Larson]

Well, I know it won't, but. Well, if anything does happen to him, I'm supposed to go into St. David. We're Mormons, you see, and if there's trouble, we take care of each other.

[Luke Slaughter]

I know. You not worried about the Indians?

[Barbara Larson]

Oh, no, they. They come here for food if they need it.

[Sheriff Wallace]

And.

[Barbara Larson]

Well, of course, we always share what we happen to have.

[Luke Slaughter]

If more people acted that way, there'd be less trouble with the Indians. Barbie, you're getting to be a fine looking young lady. You favor your mother, do you?

[Barbara Larson]

Father says not too much.

[Sheriff Wallace]

No, Kitty, move on.

[Luke Slaughter]

We have a long trip, Barbara. So when your father comes back, tell him. Well, tell him I'm sorry. Whenever I miss a friend.

[Sheriff Wallace]

I guess we'll make it before dark. About 10 miles yet.

[Luke Slaughter]

It'd be a cinch if it weren't for this hill.

[Al Larson]

Whoa.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Oh,

[Luke Slaughter]

this loaded. Had finished the horses. We'll have to take the leg irons off the Apaches and all walk up.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Yeah, I reckon you're right, Luke

[Luke Slaughter]

early. All right, Ms. Kanay, you and your friends can stretch out with. You.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Want water?

[Luke Slaughter]

You'll get it, Sheriff. You got the keys?

[Sheriff Wallace]

Of course I have. Adjust your legs, you filthy.

[Luke Slaughter]

Don't waste time calling them names.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Don't you waste time. Give them the water as soon as

[Luke Slaughter]

you get clear to keep a gun on them.

[Sheriff Wallace]

I got a gun on them. Only takes one hand to unlock the shackles.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Here.

[Luke Slaughter]

Niskanee.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Lawman's gun.

[Luke Slaughter]

I crumple white eyes.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

Niskane. You'll never eat

[Sheriff Wallace]

Gorlot. Take ease. Make hands free.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Slow men die fast from own gun slaughter. Die slow from Niskine's knife.

[Luke Slaughter]

An Apache foot on my throat. Apache knees pinning my arms and legs. Niskane leering over me as he grabbed my hair. Then from a rock cover somewhere on that hill.

[Al Larson]

Are you all right, Mr. Slaughter?

[Wichita]

Yeah.

[Al Larson]

Yeah, Al, I'm. I'm all right. Well, the sheriff's done for. So are the Apaches.

[Luke Slaughter]

Where'd you come from, Al? I figured you and Barbie'd be across the border by now.

[Al Larson]

Well, I went back as soon as I thought it out. We'd be running the rest of our lives, and someday I'd have to tell her why we were running. So I was riding after you to give myself up.

[Luke Slaughter]

Things are gonna turn out all right for you and your youngster. What you just did will make a big difference with the jury. You just tell them why you shot that man this morning.

[Al Larson]

There isn't gonna be a jury. Doesn't have to be. I'm guilty. I killed a man. But nobody's ever gonna know why I killed him.

[Narrator]

In a moment, Luke Slaughter of Tombstone returns. A big slice of the American dollar goes for research. And because we endorse the American system, the money devoted to medical research comes from voluntary gifts. A cure for cerebral palsy will surely be found. But how rapidly depends directly on how much we're willing to participate. Participation in this sense means contributing the dollars to support a concentrated program of medical research against cerebral palsy, the brain disorder that cripples more than 200,000 children in this country. Somewhere in America, cerebral palsy strikes some child every 53 minutes every day in the year. United Cerebral Palsy is fighting this relentless timetable. You can participate in a fine, humane effort. Contribute to the 53 Minute March on Cerebral Palsy, Tuesday, May 20th. Or mail your contribution today. Address it to Paul Z, care of your local postmaster. And now Act 2 of William N. Robeson's production of Luke Slaughter of Tombstone.

[Commercial Announcer]

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[Luke Slaughter]

Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. I don't know if you knew this, but anyone can get the same Premium Wireless for $15 a month plan that I've been enjoying. It's not just for celebrities.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

So do like I did and have

[Luke Slaughter]

one of your assistant's assistants switch you to Mint Mobile today. I'm told it's super easy to [e-mail] Switch upfront payment of $45 for 3 month plan equivalent to $15 per month required intro rate first 3 months only. Then full price plan options available.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Taxes and fees extra.

[Luke Slaughter]

See full terms at Mintmobile.

[Barbara Larson]

Do.

[Luke Slaughter]

Al Larson and I brought five bodies into Tombstone. There wasn't any trouble about the dead Apache's. There'd been witnesses to their other murders now and I had seen them kill the sheriff. Deputy Clint Wallace was sworn in as the new sheriff and Al was quietly locked up. Wichita and I were the only ones left who'd watched him gun a man down in the desert.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Oh, good morning, Mr. Slaughter. Come on in.

[Luke Slaughter]

Morning, Sheriff.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Why don't you just call me Clint like you used to?

[Luke Slaughter]

Sure thing. And you start calling me Luke. How's Al Larson?

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Just the same. Quiet. No trouble. You want to talk to him?

[Luke Slaughter]

Wichita's back. We'll talk to Al when he gets here.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Good. I hope you don't think I administer the law as sloppy as the place looks. I'm cleaning out the old sheriff's belongings.

[Luke Slaughter]

Junk is a better word for it.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

I liked him. He was a good lawman when the job wasn't so big. But he sure was a pack rat. Look at these hand bills from 10, 15 years ago.

[Luke Slaughter]

Wanted for mine fraud, Colorado, 1868. Wanted for murders, Sacramento 1871.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Must have saved him from long before he even came to Tombstone.

[Wichita]

Well, here I be. Here's this son of a gun stew and biscuits I cooked up for Al. Oh, howdy, Clint.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Howdy, Witcher.

[Luke Slaughter]

Clint, do you mind if I take these old handbills?

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Of course not. I don't see why you'd want them.

[Luke Slaughter]

But you and I have a collection of them myself.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Oh, you're a pack rat too?

[Wichita]

Oh, no. Luke calls himself a amateur historian or something.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Oh, well, I'll get Al. You'd rather talk out here, I imagine.

[Luke Slaughter]

Please.

[Wichita]

Well, here, take the grub along. I know you aim to run a good jail, but you're too young to

[Al Larson]

know how to cook.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

I'm too busy. Haven't had too many complaints about the wife's cooking though.

[Wichita]

Women can't cook neither. Talk Al into taking a jury trial.

[Luke Slaughter]

I haven't talked to him at all yet. Wichita. Weren't you out in California around Sacramento some years ago?

[Wichita]

Yeah, let's see. August of 1870 to February of 72. Couldn't stand it. No longer got too civilized.

[Luke Slaughter]

Why, that's just the time I'm interested in. You recall a badge shooting in a Hotel out there around 1871.

[Wichita]

Oh, sure. Sure I do. Naylord Massacre, they called it. It was a danger thing.

[Luke Slaughter]

Tell me about it later, Wichita.

[Wichita]

Oh, well, howdy there, Al.

[Al Larson]

Howdy, Wichita. Morning, Mr. Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

Morning, and please make it.

[Barbara Larson]

Luke.

[Luke Slaughter]

Al wichita rode to St David again yesterday. Got back just a few hours ago.

[Al Larson]

How's Barbara? You see her?

[Wichita]

Well, of course I seen her. She's sure a top little filly, Al.

[Al Larson]

Thanks, elder Norton. And Mrs. Norton taking good care of her?

[Wichita]

Oh, she's in real good hands. See, I brung you some biscuits.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

I told him. Wichita.

[Luke Slaughter]

Al Wichita says that the man you. Well, he was never identified.

[Al Larson]

No one in St. David could have known him.

[Luke Slaughter]

There weren't any papers on him. His horse was a stolen horse. He's been buried.

[Al Larson]

God rest his soul.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Who was he, Al?

[Al Larson]

I haven't any idea what he called himself.

[Luke Slaughter]

Why won't you let us help you, Luke?

[Al Larson]

I killed a man. The law says it's wrong. Law can have me.

[Luke Slaughter]

You killed four more men saving my life. The law doesn't say that's wrong, Al. The circuit judge will be in Tombstone day after tomorrow. Still rather go before a stranger than the local judge?

[Al Larson]

Yep, that's what I want, Bellerin.

[Wichita]

Bear cubs. Man, everybody in town knows you. Why don't you take a jury trial? Luke and me will testify the other Humber drew on you and you'll go scot free.

[Al Larson]

Wichita. Nobody's gonna lie for me now, Luke. I mean that. You're not gonna do it.

[Luke Slaughter]

No, we aren't. Clint. Yeah, Luke, when the judge gets in, tell him this prisoner waives his right to a jury trial and counsel. And it'll be your responsibility to see that no one else attends his trial.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Albert Larson, you are charged with shooting to death an unidentified man in this county of Cochise on May 11, 1882. How do you plead?

[Al Larson]

Guilty, your Honor.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Sheriff Wallace, the brief you prepared might not be a model for a law class, but it's a fine example of getting to the meat of a case. The two gentlemen who have been sworn are your only witnesses.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Yes, sir.

[Sheriff Wallace]

You may proceed,

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Mr. Slaughter. You and Wichita Mr. Bagby watched Mr. Larson fire six shots at the DC Stranger.

[Luke Slaughter]

We did.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Well, how far away were you?

[Luke Slaughter]

Oh, I should say about 40 rods.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

You recognized Mr. Larson, but not the other man, huh?

[Luke Slaughter]

That's right.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Did you recognize him when you reached the body?

[Luke Slaughter]

I thought perhaps I'd seen the face before, but it wasn't till yesterday I was sure of it.

[Al Larson]

Luke, you didn't know him.

[Sheriff Wallace]

The defendant Will remain quiet, please.

[Luke Slaughter]

Then I found this old handbill issued by the California state marshal in 1871. I will swear that the face drawn here is the face of the man Mr. Larson shot.

[Wichita]

I'll swear, too. It's either him or that artist fellow was a mighty lucky guesser.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Wanted for murder, arson, armed stagecoach robbery, parley Ring. Well, I was in California myself when young Ring was terrorizing the whole state.

[Wichita]

So was I, your honor. Everybody figured Ring got wounded so bad in that bloody Sacramento mess that he must have died. But the man on that handbill's the man Larson shot.

[Al Larson]

I never knew him as parley ring.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Mr. Larson, you'll have a chance to testify later if you wish. Sentence me. Get it over, Will.

[Luke Slaughter]

Stop it. Your honor, if I may. Well, there are just the five of them us here. Now, Clint's going to ask you just a couple of questions.

[Al Larson]

No.

[Luke Slaughter]

Try to answer them. You're not going to have to say much.

[Sheriff Wallace]

Go ahead, Mr. Wallace.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Al, before you came to Arizona, did you and Mrs. Larson happen to run a boarding house in Sacramento?

[Al Larson]

Yeah.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Did a young couple with a small baby take a room just before a shooting fray known as the Gaylord Hotel Massacre?

[Al Larson]

I didn't know who they were.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

You called to identify a woman who was killed as she helped her husband gun down a whole room full of celebrating miners.

[Al Larson]

It was her.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

Did you ever see the man again?

[Al Larson]

Not till he come to St David four days ago and wanted Barbara. We couldn't tell anybody they left a baby. A baby isn't born bad, no matter what its parents are.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

But if they're treated bad, if they're

[Al Larson]

poked fun at and shamed, they can turn bad. But we couldn't let that happen to Barbie. We couldn't ever let her know.

[Luke Slaughter]

Your Honor, Al Larson and his wife and that abandoned baby came to Arizona nearly 12 years ago. Mrs. Larson died the year after. I don't know how you feel about what's born in a child and what's put there by the way it's raised. Barbara Larson's a young lady I'd want for a daughter. And Al Larson's a friend to everyone who knows him. I think Clinton Wichita will bear me out.

[Wichita]

That's what I think, your honor.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

So do I. It's all the case we got.

[Sheriff Wallace]

You've presented a good case. We've accomplished more, I think, than if we'd spent several days hearing lawyers wrangling to impress a jury. The court finds this homicide justifiable, committed in the lawful protection of the defendant's child. Mr. Larson, we're hereby released from custody.

[Al Larson]

Your Honor, I. You.

[Deputy Clint Wallace]

You come outside with me. Al.

[Wichita]

Yeah. Yeah. Al. Might be somebody who wants to see you. Father. Oh, Father.

[Al Larson]

Barbie. Barbie, honey.

[Barbara Larson]

Oh, Father, Is everything all right?

[Al Larson]

Yeah, Barbie. Everything's all right now.

[Narrator]

Luke's Wonder of Tombstone, starring Sam Buffington, was written by Fran Van Hartisfeld and directed by William N. Robeson. Editorial supervision by Tom Handley. Supporting Mr. Buffington were Norma Jean Nilson, Junius Matthews, Charles Seal, Carl Swenson and Vic Perrin, with music composed and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. Next week at this time we return

[Luke Slaughter]

with Slaughter Is the name Luke Slaughter. When we meet up again? You can call me that. Luke Slaughter.

[Narrator]

One false move can lead detective Johnny Dollar to disaster. Johnny, however, seems to be gifted with a knack for dodging the wrong clues. And that along with his inclination for patting expense accounts and his not too idle habit of attracting the attentions of lovely women makes his career an exciting one to follow for the next thrill laden episode of his story here. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Later today on most of these same stations. This is the cbs radio network.

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[Sheriff Wallace]

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[Luke Slaughter]

Yikes.

[Sheriff Wallace]

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