
Loading summary
Announcer
You can never have too many tools. Shop Dewalt deals at Lowe's. Get a free select Dewalt 20 volt max power tool when you buy a select 20 volt max 5amp hour battery kit. Plus get a free additional Dewalt 20 volt max 8amp hour battery when you buy a Dewalt 10 inch 20 volt max dual bevel compounded miter saw. Our best lineup is here at Lowe's. Valid through 624. Wall supplies, last selection varies by location.
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
You get used to gunfire in Tombstone. Usually you hear a single shot, or at most two. And one gunslinger goes back to the bar and the other goes to Boot Hill. But when you hear a whole fusillade of shots in the middle of the afternoon, you think of the OK Corral and head for cover.
Tom
Why, that ain't no gun battle, Luke. It's just a local cowhand.
Luke Slaughter
Hell, I just hope he keeps shooting in the air.
Tom
Which a time or she ain't that young? Paige Webster.
Luke Slaughter
Yes. Yes, it is.
Tom
Hi, Luke.
Paige Webster
Which doll you old ran ahead?
Luke Slaughter
What are you up to, Paige?
Paige Webster
I want you gents to be the first to shake my hand.
Luke Slaughter
What for, Paige? Trying to outshoot Billy the Kid?
Paige Webster
Oh, no. I'm just shooting up the barrel. Cause I'm happy, Luke. I'm going to get me married.
Tom
Married?
Paige Webster
Yes, sir. E, I just popped the question to Selena Cordell and she said yes.
Luke Slaughter
That's great, Paige.
Narrator
That's just great.
Tom
Yeah, Man's gotta make that mistake sometime, I guess.
Paige Webster
Yes, siree. And I want you to be my best man, Luke.
Luke Slaughter
Well, now, that's an honor I wouldn't want to miss. When's the wedding?
Paige Webster
When? Well, my gosh, man, you can't settle everything the first minute. I just found out she'd have me. We're going to discuss the details this evening.
Luke Slaughter
All right. Get your spurs back on the ground.
Burley Webster
Excuse me, Jants.
Tom
Howdy, stranger.
Burley Webster
I just come in on the Afternoon stage. Thought maybe you could tell me a good place to put up for the night.
Tom
Why, sure. You just wait a minute.
Burley Webster
Say, Paige, ain't you Paige Webster? Why, sure you are.
Paige Webster
Hello, Burley.
Burley Webster
Well, now, that's hardly a friendly greeting to a cousin who ain't seen you in a dog's age.
Paige Webster
Be all right with me if I never see you again.
Burley Webster
I don't know why you're holding a grudge against me. Well, ain't you gonna introduce me to your friend's page?
Paige Webster
Luke Slaughter, Wichita. This here's my cousin from Texas, Burley Webster.
Luke Slaughter
Cousin, huh? Welcome to Tombstone, Mr. Webster.
Burley Webster
Thank you, Mr. Slaughter. Paige don't seem to be on the welcoming committee, though.
Paige Webster
What are you doing here, Burly?
Burley Webster
Oh, easy now, boy. I'm just going through on my way back to Texas from San Francisco.
Luke Slaughter
You in the cattle business, Mr. Webster?
Burley Webster
No, no, I'm not.
Paige Webster
He's a gambler, Luke is a no good, no account gambler.
Burley Webster
What's that mouth of yours, cousin? Way I figured, Mr. Slaughter, a man makes a living the best way he knows how. I happen to make mine with my hands.
Luke Slaughter
I see. Well, you're looking for a place to stay overnight. I'd recommend the San Jose house. It's good enough for me.
Burley Webster
Well, then I'm sure it'll suit me if you'll kindly direct me.
Luke Slaughter
Help Mr. Webster with his bags, would you, tell?
Tom
Why, sure. You come with me, Mr. Webster. Right down the street here. Thank you. You ain't never been to it.
Paige Webster
So there goes a snake bigger than a Texas rattler, Luke.
Luke Slaughter
It's a strange thing to call a blood relative, Paige.
Paige Webster
Oh, that don't make no difference. You don't know what he's done to me.
Luke Slaughter
What?
Paige Webster
Well, I never told you this, Luke. I never told nobody. But my family died back in Texas when I was just a little shaffer and his folks took me in. Well, a few years ago there was a killing. Nobody ever proved who did it. But he threw suspicion on me. And after that, folks just didn't want me around. That's why I came out here.
Luke Slaughter
If you didn't do it, why did you run away, Paige?
Paige Webster
Well, what would you do? He was top dog. Slick with cards and smart with the gals. I was just the poor kid cousin. You can't draw to an inside straight like that.
Luke Slaughter
All right, you've drawn some some real right cards since you've been in Tombstone, Page. You got yourself a small outfit. And you got the makings for a good cattleman. Now you're Gonna be married. You're supposed to be happy.
Paige Webster
Well, I am happy, Luke. Of course I am. But I sure wish he hadn't shown up right now.
Luke Slaughter
He'll be on the El Paso stage tomorrow morning. I. Forget about it.
Paige Webster
All right, Luke, I will. Doggone it. I'm going down the Crystal palace and start celebrating.
Luke Slaughter
Don't overdo it, Paige.
Paige Webster
Well, you know me, Luke. I never drink too much.
Luke Slaughter
You better not. You're gonna be a married man before you know it.
Paige Webster
Yeah. Say, imagine that, Luke. Me, a married.
Tom
Howdy, Luke.
Luke Slaughter
Hi. What you done?
Tom
They rung the supper gong yet?
Luke Slaughter
Not yet. Sit down. Enjoy the sunset.
Tom
Seems like every night they ring it later and later.
Luke Slaughter
Only seems like it.
Tom
Maybe lots of things seem like what they ain't, if you ask me.
Luke Slaughter
Well, I didn't, but. What are you trying to tell me?
Tom
Well, since you are asking me, I'm a little discombobulated by them two Webster cousins.
Luke Slaughter
Why?
Tom
Well, this afternoon I kind of got the idea they didn't get along none too well.
Luke Slaughter
They don't.
Tom
That's why I'm discombobulated.
Luke Slaughter
What do you mean?
Tom
Well, I come from the Crystal palace just now, and them two was thicker than fleas. Page looked like he'd been using his ropin arm to hyst a glass too many times.
Luke Slaughter
Was drunk, huh?
Tom
They weren't sober. And the two of them was playing poker, Luke. Just the two of them. High stakes, too.
Luke Slaughter
Seemed like maybe I'd better take a walk down that way.
Selena Cordell
Good evening, Mr. Slaughter.
Luke Slaughter
Good evening, Ms. Cordell.
Tom
Evening, Mom.
Selena Cordell
Good evening. You know where I could find Paige, Mr. Slaughter?
Luke Slaughter
Well, I haven't seen him since he told us the good news this afternoon. Ms. Cordell, I'd like to congratulate you. Both of you.
Selena Cordell
Thank you. Well, I. I wonder where he could be. We were going to discuss the wedding plans this evening.
Luke Slaughter
Yes, he. He told me. Look, Ms. Cordell, why don't you let me find him for you?
Selena Cordell
Well, I don't want to bother you.
Luke Slaughter
Just sit down here and enjoy the cool of the evening with Wichita. I'll go look for him.
Selena Cordell
That's very kind of you, Mr. Sloan.
Luke Slaughter
I'll be.
Paige Webster
Now, just tell you what I'm gonna do, Cousin Burley. Your little old king don't scare me none at all. I'm gonna call you and raise you $50.
Luke Slaughter
Paige, what are you doing? Are you crazy?
Tom
Well, now, look here.
Paige Webster
Ain't my old friend Luke Slaughter.
Luke Slaughter
You've had enough, Paige. Both poker and liquor. How much have you lost?
Paige Webster
Ain't Lost nothing. All my ready cash is there in the pot.
Luke Slaughter
Leave it. Let's get out of here.
Paige Webster
Luke, let me ask you. How much is my little outfit worth?
Luke Slaughter
You know better than I do.
Paige Webster
Well, sure I do, but I just want my cousin from Texas to hear it.
Burley Webster
Paige is powerful proud of that little outfit, as he calls it. Slaughter.
Luke Slaughter
He should be. In two years he's built it from nothing to around $1900 in stock and equipment.
Paige Webster
There. You hear that, Burley? I may not be the biggest pea in the pod, but I'm in it
Burley Webster
pretty small pod, seems to me. All right, now, I call your 50 and raise it 300. What does your little outfit say about
Luke Slaughter
that page for the.
Paige Webster
No, no, no. Just a minute. 300. Well, now, that requires a little study.
Luke Slaughter
Drop out, Paige. Let him have it.
Tom
No, no, no.
Paige Webster
Not so fast, Luke. You hold on. Now. He's got two aces, a king and a deuce showing. And I got me two kings, an ace and a eight spot. Now that makes the whole card tell a difference, don't it? Yes, it sure does.
Burley Webster
Come on, put up a. Shut up, cousin. This ain't no kid game. We left that back in town.
Luke Slaughter
Turn your cards over, Paige.
Paige Webster
Now you heard what my little outfit's worth, Burley.
Luke Slaughter
Paige, listen to me.
Paige Webster
I'll bet it.
Luke Slaughter
I'll bet it all two years of your life. You'll bet that? And your future.
Paige Webster
I bet it. And you got a witness, Burley.
Burley Webster
I'll pay to see that hole card. You're called.
Paige Webster
That's dandy. That's just dandy. I got me the case. King. And that makes three of them.
Burley Webster
Oh, that's good, Paige, but not good enough. Three aces, Paige.
Paige Webster
Three aces. But I will show her.
Luke Slaughter
Come on, Paige.
Paige Webster
Yeah. Yeah, I guess I better.
Tom
Luke.
Burley Webster
Oh, you can give me the bill of sale for your outfit in the morning, Paige. That'll be soon enough. I'll trust you till then.
Paige Webster
Yeah, yeah, I'll have it for you at the hotel in the morning. Come on, Luke.
Luke Slaughter
Why did you do it, Paige? Why?
Paige Webster
He knitted me. He's always knitted me. He did it again. Just like when we was kids back in Texas.
Luke Slaughter
Two years of your life.
Paige Webster
Yeah. Yeah, I'm just a weak kneed paperback fool.
Luke Slaughter
No, you're not. Something's eating at your insides. When you learn what it is, you'll be a man.
Burley Webster
Luke.
Paige Webster
What am I gonna tell Selena?
Luke Slaughter
You're gonna face up to what you've done and tell her the truth. She's waiting at the hotel for you.
Paige Webster
No. No. I can't face her like this after I lost everything. You tell her, Luke. Will you? Please, Luke. Tell her anything.
Luke Slaughter
Paige, are you gonna keep running away all your life?
Paige Webster
I don't know. I guess so. I think I'm gonna be sick. Luke.
Luke Slaughter
Here. Get yourself a room and straighten out. We'll tell her something. We can talk this out tomorrow.
Paige Webster
Thank you, Luke. Thank you.
Luke Slaughter
I don't know why I bother, Paige. I guess I must think you're worth it.
Announcer
You can never have too many tools. Shop Dewalt Deals and Lowe's. Get a free select Dewalt 20 volt max power tool when you buy a select 20 volt max 5amp hour battery kit. Plus get a free additional Dewalt 20 volt max 8amp hour battery when you buy a Dewalt 10 inch 20 volt max dual bevel compounded miter saw. Our best lineup is here at Lowe's. Ballot through 624 wall supplies. Last selection varies by location. You can never have too many tools. Shop Dewalt deals at Lowe's. Get a free select Dewalt 20 volt max power tool when you buy a select 20 volt max 5amp hour battery kit. Plus get a free additional Dewalt 20 volt max 8amp hour battery when you buy a Dewalt 10 inch 20 volt max dual bevel compounded miter saw. Our best lineup is here at Lowe's. Ballot through 624 wall supplies. Last selection varies by location.
Narrator
In a moment, Luke Slaughter of Tombstone returns. Start your day well informed. Join us on most of these same stations every morning as radio's World News Roundup calls in our newsmen stationed in news capitals like Washington, London, Rome, Bonn, Paris or Tokyo for eyewitness reports on the big news stories of the day. Then on weekday evenings, here, Edward R. Murrow with the news. His personal knowledge of people and places, his years of experience in reporting the news, put the stamp of authority on every broadcast he makes. Hear Edward R. Murrow with the news tomorrow night. And now, Act 2 of William N. Robeson's production of Luke Slaughter of Tombstone.
Tom
There I was, Ms. Cordell, standing up to the bar, mindin my own business.
Narrator
Excuse me.
Luke Slaughter
What's your tongue? Well, sure, sure, Ms. Cordell.
Selena Cordell
Yes, Mr.
Luke Slaughter
Slaughter, I found him.
Selena Cordell
Well, where is he?
Luke Slaughter
Ms. Cordell, when a man's getting married, he sometimes. Well, in Paige's case, he did. He. What I mean to say is he. Well, he's had too much to drink and he lost quite a bit at gambling.
Selena Cordell
Isn't that just like a man?
Tom
Well, most men, if you ask me.
Luke Slaughter
Nobody did, Wichita. Oh, I'm sure I'll explain it to you in the morning, Miss Cordell, I'm
Selena Cordell
not so sure I want him to. If he's going to go out and drink and gamble on the very day he's proposed to me. What will he be up to after he's married me?
Burley Webster
Evening, Slaughter. Excuse me for interrupting, but when there's a pretty gal around, I ain't gonna make too many excuses.
Luke Slaughter
You'll have to excuse us, Webster. We're busy.
Selena Cordell
Webster.
Burley Webster
Well, now, miss, I see you know the name. Could that be maybe cause you're a friend of my young cousin Paige Webster?
Selena Cordell
Why, why, yes.
Burley Webster
Well, then I'm right happy to make your acquaintance, miss. I'm Burley Webster, Paige's cousin from Texas.
Selena Cordell
How do you do, Mr. Webster? I'm Selena Cordell.
Burley Webster
My, that's a right pretty name to go with an even prettier gal. If you'll excuse me beIN so bold, Ms. Cordell.
Luke Slaughter
Maybe I ought to tell you right now. Webster, Ms. Cordell is engaged to your cousin.
Burley Webster
I must say, he picked himself the prettiest filly in the corral.
Selena Cordell
And I must say that sounds like Texas flattery to me.
Burley Webster
Ain't nothing of the kind. Only I sure am sorry I can't stay on here now that I've met up with you, Ms. Cordell.
Selena Cordell
My thank you.
Burley Webster
But of course, I could change my mind.
Luke Slaughter
You said you were leaving on the morning stage.
Burley Webster
Man can always change his mind, slaughter. Now, Ms. Cordell, since we've been introduced proper like, you'd do me a great honor if you'd let me take you to the nicest dining room in town for some supper. You just point it out.
Selena Cordell
Well, I, I. Mr. Slaughter, will you be seeing Paige again tonight?
Luke Slaughter
I don't expect to.
Selena Cordell
Well, if you do see him, tell him I'm with his cousin. Getting the attention I should be getting from him.
Burley Webster
My arm, Ms. Cardell. Now, let me tell you about Page when we was kids back in Texas.
Tom
Say, he sure is a smooth talker, ain't he, Luke? Only that don't sound like cousin talk to me.
Luke Slaughter
He's got Paige's outfit now. He's after his girl.
Tom
Ain't much you can do about it, is there, Luke?
Luke Slaughter
I don't know what you. Tom. I don't know, but I'm sure gonna try. Webster, I want to talk to you.
Burley Webster
Slaughter, I thought you'd be in bed by now.
Luke Slaughter
I've been waiting up for you. Where's Ms. Cordell?
Burley Webster
I don't see that's any your business, but she's safe home for tonight. Meaning tomorrow's another day.
Luke Slaughter
You aren't gonna be here tomorrow, Webster.
Burley Webster
What'd you say?
Luke Slaughter
You're leaving Tombstone right now.
Burley Webster
Oh, am I?
Luke Slaughter
Yes. You recognize this deck of cards?
Burley Webster
Oh, what about?
Luke Slaughter
This is the deck you used when you beat your cousin out of his outfit. It's a marked deck.
Burley Webster
Where'd you find that?
Luke Slaughter
In your room upstairs.
Burley Webster
What car you got going through my stuff?
Luke Slaughter
I never gone through a man's belongings before without his permission. I made an exception in your case.
Burley Webster
Well, I've got a good notion to
Paige Webster
what,
Luke Slaughter
Webster, I'm going to give you a choice. There's a saddled horse at the hitching bar out back with your bag strapped on. You get on it and head east out of Tombstone. And don't look back. Or you get set to draw.
Burley Webster
Sure you'd like that, wouldn't you, Slaughter? You being the fastest gun in the territory.
Luke Slaughter
Which will it be?
Burley Webster
Well now, this is a one horse town anyway. No sense in getting ruffled up over it.
Luke Slaughter
Which will it be?
Burley Webster
Couldn't be that you want Selena for yourself, could he?
Luke Slaughter
Get going.
Burley Webster
Oh, sure, Slaughter, sure. Anything you say.
Paige Webster
Who's that?
Luke Slaughter
Luke Slaughter.
Paige Webster
Morning, Luke.
Luke Slaughter
How you feeling, boy?
Paige Webster
Better, I guess. I don't know.
Luke Slaughter
What are you figuring to do now?
Paige Webster
I don't know, Luke. I just don't know what to do.
Luke Slaughter
Seems to me there's nothing much left for you in Tombstone. Lost your outfit. And from the way she talked last night, you've lost your girl.
Paige Webster
Don't surprise me none.
Luke Slaughter
I'll be glad to stake you to $100 to get started somewhere else.
Paige Webster
What? Thanks, Luke. You're a real friend.
Luke Slaughter
Yeah. Let's see, it's 9 o' clock now. Suppose you come over to my hotel at 10. I'll have the money for you and
Paige Webster
I'll pay you back. Someday, Luke. I don't know when, but I'll.
Announcer
I will.
Luke Slaughter
Sure you will. I'll see you in an hour.
Selena Cordell
Well, good morning, Mr. Slaughter.
Luke Slaughter
Morning, Ms. Cordell. I'm sorry to disturb you.
Selena Cordell
He's all right.
Luke Slaughter
He's all right. Why do you care?
Selena Cordell
I'm worried and worried about him.
Luke Slaughter
You weren't talking that way last night.
Selena Cordell
I know, but that was last night and I've and thought about it. I haven't slept a wink. Mr. Slaughter, I was wrong saying what I did. Page did me the honor of asking me to be his wife. And I was proud to accept Mr. Slaughter, that's. Well, that's sacred. A man and a woman have got to forgive each other many things before they're really husband and wife. I mean. Well, I love him, Mr. Slaughter.
Luke Slaughter
What about his cousin?
Selena Cordell
Oh, him. He's nothing but a fast talking ladies man. Pages worth five of him.
Luke Slaughter
That's just what I wanted to hear. Ms. Cordell, I'm gonna ask you to do something.
Selena Cordell
What, Mr. Slaughter?
Luke Slaughter
I want you to be an actress.
Selena Cordell
Mr.
Luke Slaughter
Slaughter, it's just for a few minutes, for pager's sake.
Selena Cordell
All right. I'd do anything for him.
Luke Slaughter
All right. Now here's what I want you to do. Be down at the San Jose.
Tom
You've thunk up some goods in your time, Luke, but I declare this horn swag will beat some more.
Luke Slaughter
I hope so, Witcher tongue.
Tom
Oh, here he comes.
Paige Webster
Well, here I am. 10 o' clock on the dot.
Luke Slaughter
Afraid I have some bad news for you, Paige. I can't give you the money.
Paige Webster
But you said.
Luke Slaughter
I know. Maybe I should say I've changed my mind.
Paige Webster
But you told me.
Luke Slaughter
When are you gonna stop whimpering like a scrubby calf?
Paige Webster
But you promised.
Luke Slaughter
Why don't you just start walking? Maybe you'll find some sheep herders who'll help you out.
Paige Webster
But look, all I'm asking is to borrow the money you promised to lend me.
Luke Slaughter
I don't think you're good for it, Page.
Paige Webster
Well, if that's the way you feel, I'll just get along with.
Selena Cordell
Hello, Page.
Paige Webster
Oh, hello, Selena.
Selena Cordell
Where have you been since you asked me to marry you? Let's see, when was that? Why, I declare, it was only yesterday.
Paige Webster
I had a little trouble, Selena.
Luke Slaughter
Oh?
Selena Cordell
What kind of trouble?
Paige Webster
Well, I lost some money.
Selena Cordell
Gambling, I suppose.
Paige Webster
Yeah, that's right, Selena.
Selena Cordell
A man who will go out and gamble on the very day he proposes mustn't want to be married very much.
Paige Webster
Oh, Selina, that's not so.
Selena Cordell
Must be, or you'd pay a little more attention to me like. Like your cousin did, Birdie.
Paige Webster
You know him?
Selena Cordell
Mr. Slaughter introduced us. He's a very attractive man.
Paige Webster
He's a dirty, misbegotten sidewalk.
Selena Cordell
Why, Paige, what a thing to say about your own cousin.
Paige Webster
Oh, Selena, you don't like him.
Selena Cordell
He took me to supper last night. After all, you weren't around, Selena.
Luke Slaughter
It appears like you're an extra spoke in the wheel. Paige. Why don't you slope like you've been planning to?
Paige Webster
I'll go when I get good and ready.
Luke Slaughter
No, you'll go now.
Paige Webster
You get your hands off me, Luke.
Luke Slaughter
You want me to throw you out?
Paige Webster
Oh, you just try it.
Luke Slaughter
I'll be glad to.
Paige Webster
You may be able to do it, Luke, but you're gonna know you've been in a fight. I ain't running anymore, Luke. And you ain't gonna beat me. Now you get up, Luke. That felt good. And I'm gonna do it again. Come on, get up.
Luke Slaughter
No, no, no. I've had enough, Paige. I quit.
Paige Webster
Oh, that's fine. That's just fine. Now I'm. I'm gonna find me that no good mealy mouth cousin and do the same thing.
Luke Slaughter
Paige. What? Wait a minute.
Selena Cordell
He's gone, Paige. He left town last night.
Paige Webster
Gone? You mean he isn't taking over my outfit? Say, what is this?
Luke Slaughter
Well, if you'll stop being a man long enough to let Selena get a word in, I think she can tell you.
Selena Cordell
Thank you, Luke. Thank you. Come on, Paige. We've already lost a whole day of planning
Tom
by dogies. It worked. The hornswoggle worked.
Luke Slaughter
Yes, Wichita did. It's the first time I've ever let a man whip me. But it was worth it.
Narrator
Luke Slaughter of Tombstone, starring Sam Buffington, was written by Alan Botzer with editorial supervision by Tom Hanley and directed by William n. Robeson. Supporting Mr. Buffington were Cydnis Scott, Junius Matthews, Chet Stratton and Joseph Kearns. Music composed by Wilbur Hatch and conducted by Amerigo Marino. Next week at this time, we return
Luke Slaughter
with Slaughter's the name Luke Slaughter. We meet up again. You can call me that.
Narrator
Luke Slaughter.
Luke Slaughter
Now stay tuned for Frontier Gentlemen, which
Narrator
follows immediately over most of these same stations.
Luke Slaughter
This is the CBS Radio Network.
Announcer
You can never have too many tools. Shop Dewalt deals at Lowe's. Get a free select Dewalt 20 volt max power tool when you buy a select 20 volt max 5amp hour battery kit. Plus get a free additional Dewalt 20 volt max 8amp hour battery when you buy a Dewalt 10 inch 20 volt max dual bevel compounded miter saw. Our best lineup is here at Lowe's. Valid through 624 while supplies last. Selection varies by location.
Grainger Announcer
Grainger knows. When you're a procurement manager for an office park, you're not managing one building. You're managing all of them. And to stay ahead, you need to see through walls and around corners. Lights about to fail. Filters ready to clog H Vac on its last leg. If you wait until something breaks, you're already behind. Count on Grainger for quality products, easy reordering and 24. 7 support. Call 1-800-Grainger click granger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: June 16, 2026
Episode: Luke Slaughter - Pages Progress
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
This episode presents an installment of the western radio drama, Luke Slaughter of Tombstone, titled "Pages Progress." The story dives deep into themes of pride, bad blood between relatives, gambling, redemption, and the tangled web of the Old West's personal and professional relationships. The action revolves around Luke Slaughter, a tough Arizona cattleman, and Paige Webster, a young rancher facing the return of a problematic cousin just as Paige’s life seems to be turning up.
“Slaughter's my name. Luke Slaughter. Cattle's my business. It's a tough business. It's big business. I've got a big stake in it. And there's no man west of the Rio Grande big enough to take it from me.” – Luke Slaughter (00:41)
Paige Webster joyfully announces his engagement to Selena Cordell, inviting Luke to be his best man.
The mood shifts when Paige’s cousin, Burley Webster, arrives, prompting immediate suspicion and visible discomfort from Paige.
Quote:
"There goes a snake bigger than a Texas rattler, Luke." – Paige Webster about his cousin Burley (04:41)
“He’s a gambler, Luke. He’s a no good, no account gambler.” – Paige Webster (04:07)
“If you didn’t do it, why did you run away, Paige?” – Luke Slaughter (05:16)
“He was top dog… I was just the poor kid cousin.” – Paige Webster (05:19)
Later, Tom, Luke’s friend, notices Paige and Burley are playing high-stakes poker, and a drunken Paige ends up betting his entire ranch.
Luke tries to intervene but Paige, stung by old rivalries and pride, refuses to back down.
Key Moment:
Burley wins the hand with three aces versus Paige's three kings, taking ownership of Paige's hard-earned ranch. (08:52–10:32)
Paige is devastated, unable to face Selena or himself, but Luke remains supportive.
Selena is disappointed and voices doubt over their future.
Quote:
“Why did you do it, Paige? Why?... Two years of your life.” – Luke Slaughter (11:04, 11:16)
“What am I gonna tell Selena?” – Paige Webster (11:31)
“Are you gonna keep running away all your life?” – Luke Slaughter (11:49)
“Can't stay on now that I've met up with you, Ms. Cordell. But of course, I could change my mind.” – Burley Webster (16:08, 16:17)
Luke investigates Burley, discovers he used a marked deck, and confronts him, giving Burley a choice to leave Tombstone or face him in a gunfight.
Key Confrontation:
“I'm going to give you a choice. There's a saddled horse at the hitching bar out back with your bag strapped on. You get on it and head east out of Tombstone… or you get set to draw.” – Luke Slaughter (18:19)
Burley, outmaneuvered and exposed, leaves town without taking the ranch.
The next morning, Paige feels lost and defeated, believing he must leave town.
Quote:
“Seems to me there’s nothing much left for you in Tombstone. Lost your outfit. And from the way she talked last night, you’ve lost your girl.” – Luke Slaughter (19:44)
Luke offers Paige money to start over, but then withdraws it, sparking a confrontation.
Luke orchestrates a ruse with Selena and Wichita to provoke Paige into reclaiming his pride and self-respect. Selena pretends she’s fallen for Burley to spark Paige’s fire.
Paige, furious and unwilling to run or beg, finally physically confronts Luke, regaining his confidence and resolve.
Key Moments:
“I ain’t running anymore, Luke… I’m gonna do it again. Come on, get up.” – Paige Webster, after fighting Luke (24:04)
“It worked. The hornswoggle worked.” – Tom/Wichita (24:45)
They reveal Burley is gone, Paige’s outfit is safe, and his integrity and relationship are restored.
“Slaughter's my name. Luke Slaughter. Cattle's my business…” (00:41)
"There goes a snake bigger than a Texas rattler, Luke." – Paige (04:41)
“I was just the poor kid cousin. You can’t draw to an inside straight like that.” (05:19)
“You want me to throw you out?” – Luke (23:38)
“I ain’t running anymore, Luke. And you ain't gonna beat me.” – Paige (24:02)
“It worked. The hornswoggle worked.” – Tom/Wichita (24:45)
“It’s the first time I’ve ever let a man whip me. But it was worth it.” – Luke (24:49)
The episode is steeped in classic radio western language and bravado, with colorful slang (“snake bigger than a Texas rattler,” “hornswoggle”) and stoic wisdom from Luke. The dialogue is direct, emotional, and often laced with dry humor or subtle affection between tough frontier folk.
“Pages Progress” is a story about facing your demons and refusing to be cowed by past mistakes or manipulative relatives. Through tough love, Luke helps Paige reclaim his future and his dignity, all set against the backdrop of frontier justice, loyalty, and the hard-learned value of self-respect.
This episode is a classic western tale illustrating that redemption and manhood are found not in flight or fortune, but in standing up for oneself and those you love.