Luke Slaughter - June Bride

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Luke Slaughter – June Bride

Date: June 16, 2026
Featured Radio Drama: Luke Slaughter of Tombstone – "June Bride"

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Main Theme

Set in the classic Western town of Tombstone, "June Bride" centers on rancher Luke Slaughter's mission to prevent the forced marriage of Ellie Mae Wallace to a shifty financier, Albert W. Norton. The episode artfully blends themes of Western justice, personal redemption, small-town intrigue, and the enduring pull of the past.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Western Codes and Manners

• [01:48] Luke Slaughter:
  Explains the code of the West:

  “We don't care what a man was, but what he is. All of us have come out to this new country from somewhere else. And why we came is our own business.”
  Reflects the narrative's focus on judgment by current actions rather than past mistakes.

2. Arrival of Albert W. Norton: Chaos and Suspicion

• [03:05] Entry of Mr. Wallace, owner of the Little Giant mine:
  Discusses silver mining, recent water strikes, and the importance of incoming capitalist Albert Norton for the mine's future.
• [05:09] Stagecoach scene:
  Norton immediately grates on locals:

  “If I have to buy this stage line to be sure you're discharged.” [F, 05:03]

• Luke recognizes Norton from his own past, raising suspicions and past traumas.

3. Romantic Tensions: Love vs. Financial Ambition

• [07:52] Buck Rainier confides his heartbreak to Luke and Wichita, after being forbidden from seeing Ellie Mae.
• [09:21] Engagement article:
  The town buzzes over the wealthy Norton's engagement to Ellie Mae—the connection is transactional, driven by her father's ambition and business needs.

4. Luke’s Confrontation with John Wallace

• [11:01] Direct conversation:
  Luke offers Wallace a chance to reconsider the match:

  “If I ever do have a son, I'd like him to be the kind of boy Buck is. And to back up that statement, when he marries your daughter, I'll make him a wedding present of a couple of sections of land and enough cattle to set him up in business.” [B, 13:02]

• Wallace is unmoved—he chooses Norton's money over Buck’s integrity.

5. Ellie Mae's Dilemma and Luke’s Promise

• [14:04] Ellie Mae to Luke:

  “Oh, yes. I’ll die if I have to marry that awful old Mr. Norton.”

• Luke reassures her, hinting at a plan:

  “Because, Ellie May, I promise you, you will never be Mrs. Albert W. Norton.” [B, 14:38]

6. Wedding Day Showdown

• The town is abuzz: extravagant wedding, champagne, and the Bishop himself.
• [18:19] St. Paul's Church:
  At the critical “speak now or forever hold your peace” moment, Luke interrupts the ceremony.
  • Reveals Norton's dubious past:

    “You sure you don't remember a young lawyer named Lucien Slaughter back in Peoria, Illinois, just after the war?” [B to F, 18:50] “This man, Norton, he's been married before… Didn't she die of humiliation and a broken heart after you deserted her?” [B, 19:22]

• Tensions escalate, and with threats of gunfire, Luke “kidnaps” Ellie Mae out the church’s side door to save her.

7. Resolution: True Love Prevails

• [20:57] On the ranch:
  Ellie Mae and Buck are quickly married by a waiting padre.
  • Joyous exclamations:

    “My husband. My very own husband.” [H, 21:31]

• The angry would-be wedding party arrives too late; the marriage is legal and irreversible.
• [22:21] Wallace’s frustration:

  “I’ll have the marriage annulled.”

  • Luke: “I don't see how you can do that, Wallace. The girl's over age and the ceremony was legal in every respect. Wasn't it, Padre?” [B, 22:28]

8. Luke’s Secret Past Revealed

• [23:21] Heartfelt reveal:
  Luke explains to Wichita that Lucien Slaughter (his real name) lost a sweetheart to Albert W. Norton decades earlier. Sparing Norton, he finds poetic justice in giving happiness to another couple:

  “Killing’s too good for a rat like him.” [B, 24:02]

9. Comic Closure

• [24:15] Wichita’s final lament:

  “They left in such a hurry I didn’t get to kiss the bride!”

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Notable Quotes & Timed Highlights

• On Western ethics:

  “We don't care what a man was, but what he is…” — Luke [01:48]

• Suspicious recognition:

  “No, no, it couldn't be…” — Luke, after hearing Norton's name [04:36]

• Luke’s challenge to Wallace:

  “His price for bailing out your mine is a girl young enough to be his daughter.” [12:00]

• Luke’s reassurance to Ellie Mae:

  “I promise you, you will never be Mrs. Albert W. Norton.” [14:38]

• Wedding interruption:

  “I'm sorry about that, Bishop. Folks, I know this man, Norton. He's been married before.” [19:17]

• Luke’s poetic justice:

  “Only you know, Wichita, I like it better this way. Killing’s too good for a rat like him.” [24:02]

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Important Segment Timestamps

• [01:48] – Luke reflects on Western manners and second chances
• [07:52] – Buck confides in Luke and Wichita about his heartbreak
• [11:01] – Luke’s heartfelt offer to Mr. Wallace on Buck’s behalf
• [14:04] – Ellie Mae’s emotional plea; Luke makes his promise
• [18:19] – The pivotal wedding interruption and public exposure of Norton
• [20:57] – Ellie Mae and Buck’s triumphant, hasty marriage
• [23:21] – Luke reveals his personal history and motivation to Wichita
• [24:15] – Lighthearted closing between Luke and Wichita

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Engaging Moments & Tone

The episode blends classic Western stoicism, sly banter—largely delivered by sidekick Wichita (“A woman can be as treacherous as a sidewinder. And the younger and prettier she is, the more sidewinding she can be.” [D, 08:20])—and a touch of drama and sentimentality. The showdown at the church is tense and rousing, culminating in a very Western (and radio-serial) blend of romance, justice, and the subtle righting of an old wrong.

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In Summary

"June Bride" is a classic Western tale of love, redemption, and standing up for what’s right, as Luke Slaughter uses both his courage and his past wounds to steer a young couple toward happiness—thwarting the ambitions of a duplicitous outsider. Fans of old-time radio will find all the hallmarks: frontier humor, dramatic showdowns, and a pinch of personal reckoning, all set to a backdrop of “lard fried steaks” and high-kicking girls at the Birdcage.

Listeners are treated to a slice of Golden Age radio storytelling, where the hero’s justice is as swift as his wit—and the right couple ends up together, come what may.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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 me.

[C]

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 fear, depending on which side of the law you are on. Man of vision. Man of legend. Luke Slaughter of Tombstone.

[B]

Lots of people back east think us Westerners are rough, uncouth and ill mannered. Although it might not appear so to a stranger, we do live by a fairly rigid set of manners. For instance, we don't care what a man was, but what he is. All of us have come out to this new country from somewhere else. And why we came is our own business. Of course, sometimes a stranger may drift into town who reminds us of things we just as soon forget. Like the time Wichita and I were sitting out front of the Cosmopolitan Hotel waiting for the dinner gun to ring.

[D]

Sure is gonna be good to tie on a store bought feed bag, Luke.

[B]

Yeah, I'm getting a little hungry myself.

[D]

Yeah, well, I wasn't thinking of quantity so much as quality. I don't trust that pigtail bean wrangler you got down at the ranch. I swear there was cat meat in that son of a gun stew he made for supper last night.

[B]

I doubt it, Wichita. The Chinese are supposed to be excellent cooks.

[D]

Well, somebody should get that message through to Lum Chung. Maybe you ought to bring him up here for a feed sometime. So he can learn what a lard fried steak ought to taste like. Yeah, and mashed turnips too, without lumps. Oh, when are they gonna ring that dirt and dinner bell? I'm starving myself just thinking about it.

[E]

Morning, Luke. Howdy, Wichita.

[B]

Well, Mr. Wallace. What brings you down from the mine in the middle of the day?

[E]

I'm eating the stage. Expecting a business associate in from the east.

[D]

Here you struck water up at the little giant, Mr. Wallace?

[E]

That's right.

[D]

What's going on up there on the hill? First water, and then Contention and now you.

[E]

It seems that there's an underground lake at the 500 foot level.

[D]

Well, we can sure use some more water out in this desert. But it's never going to bring in as much as silver.

[B]

Well, I don't imagine Mr. Wallace is going to let a little water interfere with his silver production. What you do?

[E]

Not for a single minute. We're going to install the biggest pumps west of the Mississippi. Matter of fact, that's why the man I'm going to meet is coming all the way out here from St. Louis.

[D]

He bringing the pumps with him on the stage?

[E]

No, it's. But after I've convinced him that we can lick the water, and I will, he's going to put up the money for the pumps.

[D]

He know that yet?

[E]

No, but he knows a good thing when he sees it. And believe me, boys, Tombstone's a good thing. A dollar invested in Tombstone today will be worth $10 in a year and a hundred dollars by the end of the century.

[D]

Well, I think I'll hold on to my dollar. I ain't calculating on being around come 19 odd hundred.

[E]

Well, here's the stage. And right on time too. That ought to impress Mr. Albert W. Norton on how we do things out here.

[B]

Did you say Albert W. Norton?

[E]

Yes, he's the man I'm meeting. Very important in banking circles back in St. Louis.

[B]

No, no, it couldn't be.

[D]

What couldn't be, Luke?

[B]

Nothing. What you do? Just thinking out loud.

[F]

See?

[E]

You're keeping right on schedule, ed. All righty, Mr. Wallace. Yeah, I could have saved the horses of mite and been a bit late. Only I got a passenger in there

[B]

I'm hankering to get rid of pronto.

[E]

All right, mister, get down.

[B]

You're at the end of the line.

[F]

You are out of a job. My good man, if I have to buy this stage line to be sure you're discharged.

[E]

Hard dryer. Welcome to Tombstone, Mr. Nor.

[F]

Hello there, Wallace.

[E]

Had a pleasant trip?

[F]

I can't say I have since I transferred from the steam cars to this devil's conveyance driven by a madman.

[B]

Now look here, mister.

[E]

Why, old Ed here is one of the best six horse drivers in the territory.

[F]

Then I can see that there is room for great improvement out here.

[E]

Well, that may be so, but I'm sure after you've been with us for a few days, you'll find that there are a lot of things in Our favor.

[B]

Come on, Wichita, let's go.

[D]

Well, let's go where they ain't rung the dinner bell yet.

[B]

We can eat back at the ranch.

[D]

But, Luke, the lard fried steaks at the Cosmopolitan are the best in Arizona.

[B]

And you eat mine too. I'm getting out of town before I commit murder.

[D]

Murder? Who you figured on murdering him?

[B]

Mr. Albert W. Norton. More coffee, Wichita?

[D]

Thank you, no. I understand they got a new show at the Birdcage. High Kickers, they tell me. You feel like riding into town tonight?

[B]

I don't think so, Wichita. I like it fine right here on the ranch.

[D]

You must. You ain't been in town for more than a week.

[B]

That's right.

[D]

Ever since the day that eastern dude pulled in.

[B]

Right again, Luke.

[D]

I am a patient man.

[B]

Are you?

[D]

Well, patient is the next, but my patience is a running out.

[B]

And just what are you getting impatient about?

[D]

Luke. Luke, it ain't fair. You ain't never told me why you got it in for that Albert W. Norton, friend of Mr. Wallace.

[B]

That's right. I never have. Well, and most likely I never will.

[D]

Oh, now, Luke.

[B]

Wichita. I guess there isn't a single one of us out here that doesn't carry around memories that hurt things we'd like to forget. Maybe that's why people like you and me have drifted west.

[D]

Well, in my case, I know I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for.

[B]

I don't want to hear about it, Wichita.

[D]

Well, I don't mind telling you I got no secrets from you.

[B]

Yes, you have. And you keep them.

[D]

All right, if that's the way you feel. Appears we got visitors. No, no, just young Buck Rainier. Why don't you give him the evening off?

[B]

I did. He was going into town to spark Ellie Mae Wallace.

[D]

Well, his spark must have fizzled out. It ain't even dark yet and he's back home.

[B]

Evening, Buck.

[G]

Evening, Luke.

[D]

Ain't you back a mighty early, son? Looks like things pretty dull up in town.

[E]

Yeah.

[G]

For me, anyway.

[B]

What's the matter, Buck? You wanna tell us?

[G]

Yes, I do. I gotta talk to somebody.

[B]

You just sit right down here in the stoop and spell it.

[G]

Well, I guess it ain't any news to you that I. Well, I've been sweet on Ellie Mae Wallace for a long time.

[B]

Well, you haven't exactly been keeping it a secret, Buck.

[G]

I guess not, but. Well, it's more than just being sweet on her, Luke. I. Well, I'm in love with her.

[D]

You sure, son?

[G]

Sure I'm sure.

[D]

Well, you Better be. A woman can be as treacherous as a sidewinder. And the younger and prettier she is, the more sidewinding she can be.

[B]

All right, Wichita. You know, if everybody felt like you do about women. Where would the world be better off? Don't pay any attention to the old misogynist, Buck.

[D]

What's that?

[B]

Woman hater.

[D]

That's me.

[B]

How about Ellie Mae, Buck? Does she love you?

[G]

Yes, Luke, she does.

[B]

Well, then you haven't got anything to worry about.

[G]

Oh, yes, I have. She's not allowed to see me anymore. What? That's right, Luke. I called at her house like I do every Wednesday. And her father answered the door. And he told me that Ellie Mae was busy tonight and she'd be busy every other night. And that if I was smart, I wouldn't come back anymore.

[D]

Why, the dirty old.

[B]

Didn't he give any explanation?

[G]

No, no, he just slammed the door in my. But I found out the explanation. It's right here in tonight's epithet. Look.

[B]

John Wallace, proprietor of the Little Giant Mine. Has announced the engagement of his daughter, Ellie Mae to Albert W. Norton of St. Louis. So Norton's done it again.

[D]

Done what, Luke?

[B]

Only this time he isn't gonna get away with it.

[D]

What are you talking about?

[B]

Saddle up my horse, Wichita.

[D]

Where are you going?

[B]

I'm gonna have a little talk with our friend, Mr. Wallace.

[G]

It's sure good of you to do this for me, Luke.

[B]

I'm doing it for myself, Buck.

[G]

I don't understand.

[B]

You don't have to.

[D]

You want me to ride in with you, Luke?

[B]

No, Wichita. I'm going alone. Only here. Keep my guns for me.

[D]

You going into town without your shooting irons?

[B]

That's right. I'm still afraid I might be tempted to keep a promise to myself.

[D]

What promise?

[B]

To kill Albert W. Norton. Evening, Mr. Wallace.

[E]

Why, Luke Slaughter. What brings you into town at this hour?

[B]

Maybe it is a little late, but I want to talk to you. You mind if I come in?

[E]

No, of course not. Do come in. Please sit down.

[B]

Thanks.

[E]

Well, Luke, what's on your mind?

[B]

I read in tonight's epitaph that your daughter's gonna marry this Norton fellow.

[E]

That's right. A week from Saturday in St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

[B]

Looks like you don't believe in long engagements.

[E]

Not when it's love at first sight.

[B]

Is it?

[E]

Of course. Isn't this a rather late hour for congratulations?

[B]

I didn't come here to congratulate you. I came to try to talk you out of it.

[E]

Aren't you sticking Your nose into something that is absolutely none of your business.

[B]

Maybe. And maybe not. Oh, by the way, where is your future son in law? He might be interested in what I've got to say.

[E]

I have no idea. You went downtown this evening.

[B]

Oh, that's right. I heard there was a new troop of high kickers at the Birdcage.

[E]

I wouldn't know. And I don't keep tabs on the comings and goings of Mr. Norton.

[B]

Maybe you should before you give him your daughter. Just what do you know about this Norton?

[E]

Enough. He's a highly successful St. Louis financier.

[B]

And his price for bailing out your mine is a girl young enough to be his daughter.

[E]

Slaughter, I don't have to sit here in my own house and listen to such dirty insinuations.

[B]

You don't, but you will. Now, hold on. I apologize, Mr. Wallace.

[E]

You're right.

[B]

This is none of my business from your point of view. But from my point of view it is. Because I happen to know Ellie Mae is in love with a young fellow named Buck Rainier.

[E]

That wrangler that works for you?

[B]

That's right.

[E]

I threw him off my premises tonight.

[B]

I know. That's why I'm here. Buck is very much in love with your daughter, Mr. Wallace.

[E]

Well, you'll have to get over it. I certainly would never permit Ellie Mae to marry a dollar forty a month coand.

[B]

Mr. Wallace, I've never been married. I've never had any children. But if I ever do have a son, I'd like him to be the kind of boy Buck is. And to back up that statement, when he marries your daughter, I'll make him a wedding present of a couple of sections of land and enough cattle to set him up in business.

[E]

Very touching, Slaughter. But Norton's holding the high hand in this game.

[B]

He usually does. But this time I don't think he'll win.

[E]

I'd like to see what's going to stop him.

[B]

You will, Wallace, when the hand is played.

[E]

Are you threatening me?

[B]

Not at all. But I'm asking you once more to give your daughter a chance to be happy.

[E]

That's exactly what I am doing. And that's why she's going to marry Albert Norton.

[B]

That's your final word?

[E]

It is.

[B]

All right, Wallace, I tried. I hope I haven't kept you up too late, but you might try to sleep on this. If Ellie Mae were my daughter, I'd rather see her entertaining the boys at the Occidental Saloon than married to Albert W. Naughton.

[H]

Mr. Slaughter, Mr. Slaughter.

[B]

Ellie May.

[H]

I overheard you talking to Papa. Mr. Slaughter, what am I going to do?

[B]

Ellie Mae, Are you really in love with Buck?

[H]

Oh, yes. I'll die if I have to marry that awful old Mr. Norton.

[B]

But you want to marry Buck.

[H]

Oh, yes. So very, very much. What am I going to do, Mr. Slaughter?

[B]

You just go ahead and do what your father tells you. Smile and be pleasant and act like you were the first blushing bride in the history of the world.

[H]

But I can't do that.

[B]

Yes, you can. Because, Ellie May, I promise you, you will never be Mrs. Albert W. Norton.

[C]

In a moment. Luke Slaughter of Tombstone returns tonight. CBS Radio invites you to our Mitch Miller show as guest of honor at Mitch's table. You're part of the excitement of show business itself. You meet the most impressive and accomplished people in show business. You learn how they got to the top. And more than that, you make friends with the biggest stars of the moment Each Sunday night as CBS Radio's Mitch Miller show comes your way on most of these same stations. And now, Act 2 of William N. Robeson's production of Luke Slaughter of Tombstone.

[B]

To hear the Tombstone epitaph tell it, the wedding of Ellie Mae Wallace and Albert W. Norton was gonna be the biggest thing since Queen Victoria took Prince Albert to Hus. Every edition carried another tantalizing tidbit. The bridal gown was coming by fast express from San Francisco. The bride's father had bought up all the French champagne in town for the reception. The nuptials were to be solemnized by the Bishop of Arizona himself.

[G]

And listen to this in tonight's paper. The happy pair will spend their honeymoon in the east. Where they will be transported by private railway car provided by Mr. Wallace.

[B]

Doesn't say anything anywhere about what the groom's providing, does it?

[G]

No, but he must have something to offer.

[B]

Sure he does. A line of palaver like a lightning rod salesman.

[D]

Just a shame it looks like three of us are the only people in Tombstone who won't be at the wedding.

[B]

Don't be too sure about that, Witcher Town.

[G]

I don't want to go. I don't want to see it happen to Ellie May.

[B]

You don't have to go, Buck. But I think maybe Wichita and I will make an appearance.

[H]

How?

[D]

We ain't got any invites. And after the way you talked to Wallace the other night, I don't figure we're going to get any.

[B]

Who said we needed any? This is a free country. And St. Paul's Church is a house of worship open to any sinner. With a contrite heart. We're going to the wedding, Wichita. But I'm not sure we'll be able to stay for the reception. I had my own preparations to make. But they didn't involve bishops and champagne and such frills. They were relatively simple. And they were all completed by Saturday morning.

[D]

Got the horses all saddled and waiting, Luke.

[B]

Good, Wichita.

[G]

I oughtn't to stay here and let you do it all.

[E]

Luke.

[G]

Let me come along.

[B]

You just do as I tell you, Buck. You'll have plenty to do later.

[G]

Yeah, but what if it don't work?

[B]

Then you're where you ought to be. And where I want you to be in the clear. Let's go, Wichita. See you in a couple of hours, Buck. If we pull it off.

[D]

Good luck, Luke. Luke. It don't seem right going to a wedding and work clothes.

[B]

Why not? Wichita? Only got work to do.

[C]

If there be any among you who knows why this marriage should not be

[B]

performed, this is our cue. Wichita.

[C]

Let him speak now or forever hold his peace.

[B]

Then I guess this is the moment for me to speak. Bishop, what's going on? I know plenty of reasons why this wedding shouldn't be held, Slaughter.

[E]

This is a private ceremony, Slaughter.

[B]

Not any longer, Wallace. I'm making it public. And Mr. Norton knows why.

[H]

Oh, Mr. Slaughter. You kept your promise.

[F]

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

[B]

You sure about that, Norton? You sure you don't remember a young lawyer named Lucien Slaughter back in Peoria, Illinois, just after the war?

[F]

You're not.

[B]

Yes, I am. A little heavier, maybe, and a little less hair. And the name Lucian was just a little bit flossy for the cattle country. So it somehow got whittled down to Luke.

[C]

Mr. Slaughter, if you have something to say,

[B]

please say it quickly.

[C]

You have interrupted one of the Church's most sacred sacraments.

[B]

I'm sorry about that, Bishop. Folks, I know this man, Norton. He's been married before.

[F]

What?

[E]

You didn't tell me that, Norton.

[F]

What of it? My wife has been dead for years.

[B]

So I heard. And what did she die of?

[F]

Hell. Consumption, I think it was.

[B]

You think? Didn't she die of humiliation and a broken heart after you deserted her?

[F]

That's not true. I did not desert her. My business took me to St. Louis.

[B]

And you thought a small town girl like her would be a drawback. So you never sent for her.

[E]

I don't see what all this has to do with anything.

[B]

It has to do with a no good grifter who'll make your daughter's life as unhappy as he did his first wife's.

[F]

Mr. Wallace, are you going to permit this boor to interfere?

[E]

I certainly am not. You've had your say, Slaughter. Now get out.

[B]

All right, I'm going in a minute.

[D]

Look out. He's drawing a gun.

[B]

Cover that side of the church. Would you tell?

[D]

I am, Luke.

[C]

Mr.

[B]

Slaughter, you have desecrated the house of the Lord. I'll settle with the Lord later. Come on, ellie May.

[H]

Yes, Mr. Slaughter.

[E]

Slaughter, this is kidnapping.

[B]

Is it? Or is it an act of mercy? Keep him covered till I get to the horses. Wichita.

[D]

I got him.

[B]

Come on, out this way. Ellie May.

[G]

Where's he going with that girl?

[D]

Now, folks, I don't hanker to desecrate the house of the Lord further with gunfire. But I will if you folks don't quiet down and stay put. Well, Luke, there's Buck awaiting for us out in front of the ranch house.

[E]

Yep.

[B]

And there's the padre from Bisbee with him just in case you want to make use of his services, Elly Mae.

[H]

Oh, I do, Mr. Slaughter. I do.

[B]

Oh. Oh, Elly.

[G]

Elly May.

[D]

Sweetheart.

[H]

Buck.

[E]

Hurry up, Buck.

[B]

Get your bride down from this horse. Howdy, Padre.

[F]

Good afternoon, Luke.

[B]

Think you can tie the knot for these two in five minutes?

[F]

I'll do my best.

[B]

You better. Guess I figure that's about all the lead we've got on that wedding party.

[F]

I now pronounce you man and wife.

[G]

O Ellie.

[H]

My husband. My very own husband.

[G]

Ellie. Elly.

[D]

Now, that can wait until later. You got the rest of your life for smooching. You better get out of here now before your pappy gets here.

[B]

You got your horses out and back like I told you about?

[G]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, Luke.

[B]

Then you two hit the trail. I'll stall off the angry citizens.

[H]

Oh, Mr. Slaughter, how can I ever thank you?

[B]

Don't bother. Ride.

[H]

And you, Witchita.

[D]

Well, you might name the first one after me. Now get.

[H]

Get.

[G]

Come on, darling. See you later.

[D]

L.

[B]

Well, what's your time? Let's welcome our visitors.

[F]

All right.

[E]

Slaughter, what have you done with my daughter?

[B]

She isn't here, Mr. Wallace.

[E]

Of course she's here. We followed your trail.

[B]

Well, she was here, but she just left on her honeymoon.

[C]

What?

[E]

Why, you.

[B]

Yeah, I'm afraid you're too late, Wallace. Ellie mae has been Mrs. Buck Rainier for at least five minutes.

[E]

I'll have the marriage annulled.

[B]

I don't see how you can do that, Wallace. The girl's over age and the ceremony was legal in every respect Wasn't it, Padre?

[F]

Indeed it was, Luke.

[B]

I'd ask you and the losing bridegroom in for refreshments. Oh, by the way, I don't see Mr. Norton in your party. What happened to him?

[E]

He fell off his horse.

[B]

I'm not surprised. Well, as I was saying, I'd ask you in, only I'm sure you have much more adequate refreshments you'll be wanting to consume at what was to have been the wedding reception. So if you'll excuse us, Wichita and I are gonna have a bite to eat. We've had a very busy day.

[D]

But you still haven't told me.

[B]

Told you what?

[D]

Well, how you happen to know so much about that Norton fella.

[B]

Well, Wichita, I suppose I might as well tell you. You'll never stop knittering me. You see, back in Illinois 15 years ago. There was this young lawyer just starting out in the world. This young girl. They were very much in love and they wanted to get married. The young girl's father had other ideas. Ambitious ideas. He made the girl marry a fast talking young fellow named Albert W. Norton. The young lawyer left town swearing he'd kill Norton if he ever saw him again. Only you know, Wichita, I like it better this way. Killing's too good for a rat like him.

[F]

Yeah.

[D]

Yeah, I guess you're right. But there's only one thing about the whole shebang that I don't like.

[B]

What's that?

[D]

They left in such a hurry I didn't get to kiss the bride.

[C]

Luke Slaughter of Tombstone, starring Sam Buffington. Was written and directed by William n. Robeson. Supporting Mr. Buffington were Norma Jean Nielsen, Junius Matthews, Norm Alden, Barney Phillips, Ben Wright and Charles Seal. Editorial supervision by Tom Henley. With music composed and conducted by Wilbur Hatch.

[B]

This is the cbs radio network.

[D]

Sam.