Luke Slaughter - Yanceys Pride

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Luke Slaughter - Yanceys Pride"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: June 16, 2026
Show: Luke Slaughter of Tombstone
Episode Title: Yanceys Pride

---

Overview

This episode of "Luke Slaughter of Tombstone" is a classic Western radio drama set in post-Civil War Arizona. The episode, "Yanceys Pride," delves into themes of justice, loyalty, personal pride, and the sometimes blurry line between law and individual morality. The story follows Luke Slaughter as he tries to save an old war comrade, Yancy Bell, from a lynching over cattle rustling accusations. A murder soon after thrusts Yancy into suspicion again, and the community must grapple with the truth, culminating in a dramatic confession and resolution.

---

Main Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Tensions in Tombstone (00:42-01:51)

• Introduction of Luke Slaughter:
  Described as a tough, respected Arizona cattleman with a Civil War past.
  • “Slaughter's my name. Luke Slaughter. Cattle's my business. It's a tough business...there's no man west of the Rio Grande big enough to take it from me.” (Luke Slaughter, 00:42)

2. Mob Justice and The Rustler's Trial

(01:51-06:40)

• The town is on edge over cattle rustling, with Drake McArdle inciting a lynching instead of a fair trial.
• Dramatic Confrontation:
  • McArdle demands summary justice; Slaughter insists on law and order.
  • Slaughter recognizes the accused, Yancy Bell, as an old comrade.
  • Yancy admits to butchering a steer, citing hunger and ignorance. He claims he lost his money when he was jumped.
  • Slaughter offers to pay for the yearling: "I'm gonna pay for it and request the court to release the accused." (Luke Slaughter, 05:58)
  • The judge accepts Slaughter’s restitution, dismisses the case, and withstands McArdle’s threats.

3. Reunion and Backstory

(07:17-09:47)

• Catch-up Between Luke and Yancy:
  • Yancy shares he was widowed; suffering personal loss, he came west to start anew.
  • Slaughter provides shelter and support out of war-time loyalty.

4. Murder in the Night

(10:51-12:19)

• Drake McArdle Is Killed:
  The sheriff and Slaughter discuss the murder. Slaughter, though recently in conflict with McArdle, is cleared when his gun is shown unused.
• Witness Account:
  Jack Crabtree, livery stable owner, recounts hearing the threatening words “Drake, I'm gonna kill you,” then a gunshot and the sound of sobbing.

5. Suspicion and Confrontation

(15:22-17:37)

• Yancy Comes Under Scrutiny:
  • Sheriff suspects Yancy, last seen with one broken spur (a spur is found at the scene).
  • Luke confronts Yancy, whose gun was recently fired; Yancy refuses to explain, citing pride and the right to his privacy.
  • “When I get ready to lie to you, I'll let you know in advance, Luke.” (Yancy Bell, 09:42, and echoed later 17:23)

6. Climax: The True Murderer Revealed

(22:15-23:15)

• As Luke prepares to turn Yancy in, the judge, drunk and distraught, confesses:
  • “You want to know who killed McConnell? I'll tell you who killed him...I told him a man's got some rights...He had his riders jump me and beat me up...And I told him. I said to him, Drake, I’m gonna kill you...and I did. I did it just like this. He was mean and he deserved it.” (Judge, 22:15-23:15)
• The sheriff arrests the judge, clearing Yancy.

7. Resolution: Honor and Understanding

(23:26-24:37)

• Luke apologizes to Yancy for suspecting him.
• Yancy clears up the spur/gun confusion: he was practicing on rattlesnakes and reclaimed some money from one of the men who robbed him.
• Yancy concludes: “Pride’s a real funny thing, Luke...No man living can call me a cattle rustler. If the judge hadn’t gotten him first, I’d have killed McArdle.” (Yancy Bell, 24:24)
• Offers of drinks follow, restoring their friendship.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Western Justice:
  "There's only one thing good enough for rustlers, I say, and that's hanging." (Drake McArdle, 02:24)

• On Loyalty:
  "This man and I soldiered together in the Illinois Cavalry during the war. Unless he's changed a lot since those days, he's not a thief." (Luke Slaughter, 04:53)

• On Personal Pride and Privacy:
  "A man's gun is his own business. Unless he's done something wrong with it." (Yancy Bell, 16:31)

• On Resentment and Vengeance:
  "You can’t push a man around forever. I told him a man’s got some rights. A man can be pushed so far." (Judge, 22:20)

• On Closure and Forgiveness:
  “A man can’t always be right, Luke. I understand.” (Yancy Bell, 23:34)

---

Key Timestamps

• 00:42: Luke Slaughter’s iconic introduction.
• 01:51: Tensions rise; lynch mob atmosphere described.
• 04:00-06:40: The courtroom confrontation and Slaughter’s intervention.
• 10:51: News of McArdle’s murder.
• 13:41: Jack Crabtree's witness testimony.
• 17:11: Luke confronts Yancy about his gun and the murder.
• 21:11: Clue of the broken spur connects Yancy to the scene.
• 22:15: Judge confesses to the murder.
• 24:24: Yancy’s declaration about his pride and would-be intentions.
• 24:37: Friendship reaffirmed; episode’s close.

---

Tone & Style

• The episode maintains a gritty, stoic Western tone, punctuated by moments of dry humor and heartfelt exchanges. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie and personal pride, balanced against the rule of law in a frontier town.

---

Final Thoughts

"Yanceys Pride" is a solid example of Golden Age radio Western storytelling—exploring justice, reputation, and the complicated loyalties of frontier life. For fans of classic radio drama and those interested in the era's cultural values, this episode is a memorable ride through intrigue, redemption, and the bonds of old friends tested by law and circumstance.

Transcript

[Narrator/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 grainger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.

[Luke Slaughter]

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

Like a violent storm or an earthquake, you can feel a lynching coming on long before it arrives. And there was lynch in the air that afternoon in Tombstone.

[Drake McArdle]

Well, if you chance is so uncommon concerned over a few rustlers, why don't you catch them same as I do?

[Luke Slaughter]

Hello, Sutton.

[Drake McArdle]

Afternoon, Slaughter. I got me one in jail right now. My boys picked him up red handed last night.

[Luke Slaughter]

You wanted to see me?

[Drake McArdle]

Yeah.

[Luke Slaughter]

We may be in for trouble.

[Drake McArdle]

Listen, there's only one thing good enough for rustlers, I say, and that's hanging. I caught me one and that's what's gonna happen to him. McCarthy, huh? Well, looky here. Two stalwarts of the Cattlemen's Association. You gents gonna come around to the courthouse and see the fun?

[Luke Slaughter]

What fun, McCuttle?

[Drake McArdle]

What fun? Why, ain't you heard? My wranglers caught a rustler on my spread last night. Caught him red handed butchering a yearling. We're gonna hang him this afternoon.

[Luke Slaughter]

It's not up to the judge.

[Drake McArdle]

The judge? Why, this is a plain case out, not law breaking. And I aim to see justice done.

[Luke Slaughter]

When is the trial?

[Drake McArdle]

The trial? Oh, yeah. The trial is gonna be at 2 o' clock and all you gents is invited. Come on, everybody, let's go to the trial.

[Luke Slaughter]

See what I mean, Slaughter? Yeah, I do, Sutton. We'd better go to the courthouse. See to it that McArdle doesn't do something we'll all have to answer.

[Judge]

The court will now come to order. The deputy will bring in the prisoner.

[Luke Slaughter]

Say, Sutton. What is it, Slaughter? I think I know that man.

[Judge]

What's your name?

[Yancy Bell]

Yancy Bell.

[Luke Slaughter]

I do know him.

[Judge]

You know the charge? Cattle rustling. Now, how do you plead? Guilty or not guilty?

[Yancy Bell]

Neither one.

[Judge]

Well, you're gonna plead one or the other.

[Yancy Bell]

Well, I don't.

[Judge]

Who's the plaintiff in this case?

[Drake McArdle]

Why, you know dang well I am, judge. And he pleads guilty. My men caught him butchering a yearling with my brand on it and my property. Now, come on, let's get this over with.

[Judge]

Hold your horses, McArdle.

[Drake McArdle]

I ain't holding no horses. You make your decision so us law abiding people can string this hombre up.

[Judge]

Well, a man's entitled to a fair trial.

[Drake McArdle]

Well, he's getting it now. Come on, say it. Your Honor. Slaughter, you stay out of this.

[Luke Slaughter]

Your Honor, I know this man. Hello, Yancy.

[Judge]

Luke.

[Yancy Bell]

Luke Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

It's been a long time since Vicksburg. I recognized you even without the cavalry uniform.

[Drake McArdle]

What is this?

[Luke Slaughter]

I'll tell you what it is, McCartle. This man and I soldiered together in the Illinois Cavalry during the war. Unless he's changed a lot since those days, he's not a thief.

[Drake McArdle]

You're butting into my business, Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

This is a public trial, McArdle. And I'm taking on the job of this man's attorney. Any objections, your honor?

[Judge]

No.

[Drake McArdle]

No.

[Luke Slaughter]

Tell the court, Yancy, did you butcher that yearling?

[Yancy Bell]

Yes. Yes, I did.

[Sheriff]

Why?

[Yancy Bell]

Because. Because I was hungry. I don't know this part of the country, and I didn't know I was so close to town.

[Luke Slaughter]

You intend to pay for it?

[Yancy Bell]

I would have, if there'd been anybody to pay.

[Luke Slaughter]

Do you have any money?

[Yancy Bell]

I had $500 Mexican until last night.

[Luke Slaughter]

What happened to it?

[Yancy Bell]

The men who jumped me took it.

[Drake McArdle]

That's a lie. A lie? You gonna take the word of a stranger against my man?

[Luke Slaughter]

Being a stranger doesn't make him a liar. He's not a stranger to me, McCurdle. Now, what do you figure that yearling was worth?

[Drake McArdle]

What's that got to do with it?

[Luke Slaughter]

I'm gonna pay for it and request the court to release the accused.

[Judge]

What?

[Luke Slaughter]

$15. That ought to cover it.

[Drake McArdle]

You can't do that.

[Luke Slaughter]

I am doing it, if the court so pleases.

[Judge]

Well, yes, under the circumstances. Restitution having been made and motive explained.

[Drake McArdle]

What, are you going to let this Stephen rustler go?

[Judge]

Yes. Yes, I am.

[Drake McArdle]

I put you on that bench, Judge, and I'm going to take you off of it. You can't get away with this.

[Judge]

And this is a court of law, Mr. McArdle. You cannot intimidate the bench with threats. Case dismissed.

[Drake McArdle]

Why, you.

[Yancy Bell]

Thank you, Luke. Thank you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You never know where your next unforgettable experience will pop up. That's why bringing along an American Express card opens the door to rewards wherever you go. Morning coffee run with an old friend, earn cash back. Weekend getaway, earn miles. Dinner at the hottest restaurant in town. You get the idea. No matter the place or the plan. Amex rewards your inner explorer. Learn about card options@american express.com terms apply.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'm staying down at the San Jose house. Yancy. Let's get your stuff and go down there so we can talk in private.

[Drake McArdle]

You'll pay for this slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

I already have $15. Come on, Yancy. Oh, this feels good.

[Yancy Bell]

I haven't been on a bed in over two weeks.

[Luke Slaughter]

You weren't on a bed for two years during the war.

[Yancy Bell]

Yeah, that's right. You realize it's been nearly 15 years?

[Luke Slaughter]

We were kids on Yancy. Greenhorned kids. What have you been doing since?

[Yancy Bell]

Went east for a while. New York. Big down was too much for me, though. Finally went home to Quincy a couple of years back and. And I got married.

[Luke Slaughter]

That too much for you, too?

[Yancy Bell]

She died six months ago in childbirth. Kid died, too.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'm sorry, Yancy.

[Yancy Bell]

So that's why I come out here. Starting all over again, you might call it. How about you, Luke?

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, cattle's been my business since the war. Kansas, Texas. A tombstone.

[Yancy Bell]

You must be mighty big in these parts. That was quite a show you put on in the courtroom.

[Luke Slaughter]

No, you were getting a raw deal.

[Yancy Bell]

You mind if I take my boots off? Feet are kind of swelled in.

[Drake McArdle]

Go ahead.

[Luke Slaughter]

Stretch out. You're welcome to anything I've got till you get organized.

[Yancy Bell]

That's mighty nice of you, Luke. Especially since I've been cleaned.

[Luke Slaughter]

That's the least I could do. I remember a sniper one night, about four weeks into the siege of Vicksburg. And what you did about him.

[Yancy Bell]

That's long ago, Luke. Forget it.

[Luke Slaughter]

Man doesn't forget things like that. You've lost a spur.

[Yancy Bell]

Yeah. Those Jaspers weren't very polite when they jumped me last night.

[Luke Slaughter]

Took 500. Mexican silver, huh?

[Yancy Bell]

Yep. I aim to get it back, though.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, I'll handle that for you. You just take it easy. I got some work to do over at the Cattle association office. Yancy, you aren't leaving Anything out on this yearling butchering, are you?

[Yancy Bell]

When I get ready to lie to you, I'll let you know in advance, Luke.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, well, you'll get some rest. I'll be back about suppertime. Hold it, Sutton.

[Drake McArdle]

I was just closing the office.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, I'll close up later. I want to check on the bills of sale on that last herd I brought up from Texas.

[Sheriff]

All right.

[Drake McArdle]

See, that was quite a stunt you

[Luke Slaughter]

pulled in court today. Well, the way I figured it, Yancey Bell was being railroaded. I would have stopped that even if I didn't know him. Some of the boys thought you was taking a little too much into your own hands. Wasn't that just what McArdle was trying to do?

[Drake McArdle]

Yeah, I suppose so.

[Luke Slaughter]

How do you know he's innocent? He says so. Yeah, well, think I'll tell in the feedback.

[Sheriff]

See you later.

[Luke Slaughter]

So long, Sutton.

[Drake McArdle]

Slaughter.

[Narrator]

He's.

[Jack Crabtree]

Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

Slaughter, wake up. Wake up, Sutton. I must have dozed off. Say, what time is it anyway?

[Yancy Bell]

Time?

[Luke Slaughter]

It's almost 8:00'.

[Jack Crabtree]

Clock.

[Luke Slaughter]

8:00'? Clock? I forgot all about supper.

[Drake McArdle]

Slaughter, listen to me.

[Luke Slaughter]

What are you so all fired upset about?

[Drake McArdle]

There's been a shooting at the Crabtree livery stable, right. Right next to the San Jose house where you're staying.

[Luke Slaughter]

Who got shot?

[Judge]

Drake McCordle.

[Narrator]

In a moment, Luke's Slaughter of Tombstone returns. A trio of rough and ready prospectors make trouble for our frontier gentleman, J.B. kendall, in his next dramatic exploit on CBS radio. The trouble starts when a young hitchhiker whom Kendall has picked up discovers gold for more Western thrills. Stay with us on CBS radio right after Luke Slaughter, as most of these same stations bring you another exciting adventure with our frontier gentlemen. And now, Act 2 of William N. Robeson's production of Luke Slaughter of Tombstone.

[Luke Slaughter]

Excuse me. Let me through.

[Drake McArdle]

Hello, Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

Hello, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

I've been wondering if you'd show up. Let me see your gun.

[Luke Slaughter]

What for?

[Sheriff]

Seems to me you'd know the answer to that. There was bad blood between McArdle and you, wasn't there?

[Luke Slaughter]

Here, look at it. Uh huh.

[Sheriff]

Well, it ain't been fired or it's been cleaned awful fast.

[Luke Slaughter]

That gun hasn't been out of its holster all day.

[Sheriff]

All right, all right. Now, you know anything about this?

[Luke Slaughter]

I only heard about it five minutes ago, Sheriff. When did that happen?

[Sheriff]

About an hour ago.

[Luke Slaughter]

Where's the body?

[Sheriff]

Inside the livery stable there.

[Luke Slaughter]

Is that where it happened?

[Sheriff]

You're asking an awful lot of questions, Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

Now, let's get one thing straight, Sheriff. I'm as interested in who committed this murder as you are. Maybe even more so. If I get him before you do, I'll turn him over to you.

[Sheriff]

All right. All right. Why, you cattlemen can't leave things to the.

[Luke Slaughter]

Where did it happen?

[Sheriff]

Right here in the alley in front of the livery stable.

[Luke Slaughter]

Anybody see it?

[Sheriff]

Jack Crabtree, the owner of this table. Hey, Jack.

[Jack Crabtree]

Yeah.

[Sheriff]

Yes, Sheriff, you come here. This gent wants to know what you've seen.

[Jack Crabtree]

All right, I'll tell him.

[Drake McArdle]

I sure will.

[Jack Crabtree]

Oh, hello there, Mr. Slaughter. Mr. Fun. Didn't you? Well, darndest thing I ever saw. I was telling the sheriff and the boys here.

[Luke Slaughter]

Just tell me what happened, Jack.

[Jack Crabtree]

Well, I was sitting back there by the harness rack working on a snaffle bit. And I heard somebody singing out here in the alley. You know how a man will sing when he's had a couple of snorts. Peered from the sound that he was a coming in. About that time I looked up, but I couldn't see very well. Cause it was dark. And I was back inside there under the lantern, you see. Then the scene stopped and somebody said, Drake, I'm gonna kill you. Then there was a shot and McCartervell right here. Course I didn't know it was McCarthy.

[Luke Slaughter]

You know who made the threat?

[Jack Crabtree]

No. Nope. Don't. I dosed a lantern in a hurry cause I was a settin duck, you see. Then I got down behind a bale of hay and waited.

[Luke Slaughter]

Did you hear anything else?

[Jack Crabtree]

Just one thing. A man a sobbing. Oh, it's an awful thing to hear a man sob. It's just. Well, I got up then come out here and looked around real cautious like. Was nobody in the ALLEY Except Drake McArdle's body. That's when I ran to get Sheriff.

[Luke Slaughter]

Thank you, Jack.

[Jack Crabtree]

You reckon you know who did it?

[Sheriff]

That's my job, Jack. You just give me the information. I'll take care of finding the killer.

[Judge]

Well, sure, Sheriff. Sure.

[Jack Crabtree]

Well, that's all I know.

[Luke Slaughter]

Jack, Would you recognize that voice if you heard it again?

[Jack Crabtree]

Well, now, that's. That's good question. A good question. Cause when a man says, I'm gonna kill you, he don't use a voice like he was saying, give me a glass of beer. It's a real, real strange, strange, if you know what I mean. It makes you shiver kind of.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, yeah, I know what you mean.

[Sheriff]

Slaughter, was that friend of yours. That rustler you bought out of jail this afternoon.

[Luke Slaughter]

He's not a rustler, Sheriff. I don't know where he is right now, but I'll find him. If I think he did this, I'll turn him over to you.

[Sheriff]

Where are you going?

[Luke Slaughter]

Up to my room, wash up and get some supper. Any objections?

[Sheriff]

Don't try to leave town.

[Luke Slaughter]

Don't worry.

[Yancy Bell]

Hello, Luke. You missed the excitement.

[Luke Slaughter]

You know about it?

[Yancy Bell]

Couldn't very well help it. Quite a commotion out there in the alley.

[Luke Slaughter]

How come you didn't go out and join the crowd?

[Yancy Bell]

Well, I look at it this way. I'm new here and none too popular with the law and some of the people. Somebody might jump to conclusions. Figured I'd just stay out of it.

[Luke Slaughter]

I see you cleaning your gun, Yancy.

[Drake McArdle]

Mm.

[Luke Slaughter]

You mind if I take a look at it?

[Yancy Bell]

Yes, Luke, I mind.

[Sheriff]

Why?

[Yancy Bell]

Because a man's gun is his own business. Unless he's done something wrong with it.

[Luke Slaughter]

Have you?

[Yancy Bell]

Depends on how you look at it.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yancy. I want to see that gun.

[Yancy Bell]

Then you'll have to take it away from me, Luke.

[Luke Slaughter]

Give it to me.

[Yancy Bell]

No.

[Luke Slaughter]

I said give it to me. This gun's been fired recently, Ersi.

[Yancy Bell]

I didn't say it hadn't.

[Luke Slaughter]

Did you kill Drake McArdle?

[Yancy Bell]

It isn't the question you're asking, Luke. It's the way you're asking it. I'm not gonna answer you.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'm trying to help you, Yancy. I'm trying to help you.

[Yancy Bell]

Then you'll have to find some other way to do it. I told you, when I get ready to lie, I'll let you know in advance.

[Luke Slaughter]

You crazy f.

[Drake McArdle]

Well, Slaughter.

[Sheriff]

I thought you was going out for some supper.

[Luke Slaughter]

I changed my mind, Sheriff. You have anything new on the killing?

[Sheriff]

I'm working on the slaughter. I'm working on it. Ain't very much to go on so far.

[Luke Slaughter]

What about McArdle's enemies?

[Sheriff]

Oh, he had lots of them. He was a pretty bull headed man. If he couldn't get his way by asking for it, he got it by force.

[Luke Slaughter]

I know that. You know of anything that happened today that'd make somebody want to shoot him?

[Sheriff]

Well, you're about the best man to answer that question. You beat him out in court and he didn't like it at all.

[Luke Slaughter]

Did you turn up any clues in the alley next to the body?

[Sheriff]

Clues?

[Luke Slaughter]

Empty cartridges, footprints, anything like that?

[Sheriff]

There were some cartridges, but there was old ones. As for footprints, with all them people milling around afterwards? There was lots of them.

[Luke Slaughter]

Nothing at all?

[Sheriff]

One thing might not mean nothing at all. Again, it might. This

[Luke Slaughter]

broken spur.

[Sheriff]

Yeah. Well, I see you got both yours, so that lets you out. But When I find the man who's missing one, I sure want to talk to him.

[Luke Slaughter]

Can I borrow that for a little while?

[Sheriff]

What for?

[Luke Slaughter]

I saw a man with one spur missing today. This might make two missing.

[Sheriff]

Just point him out to me.

[Luke Slaughter]

No, Sheriff. This is my play. I'll make it alone.

[Sheriff]

We had one killing.

[Drake McArdle]

We don't want another.

[Luke Slaughter]

There won't be if I can help it. Yes, yancy?

[Judge]

Now what?

[Luke Slaughter]

Hey, Pop.

[Judge]

Hmm? Oh.

[Drake McArdle]

Oh, yeah, Mr. Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

You been on duty all evening?

[Drake McArdle]

Oh, yeah, ever since supper.

[Luke Slaughter]

That man I brought in with me this afternoon, Yancy Bell, did you see him go out?

[Drake McArdle]

Mm, about 10, 15 minutes ago.

[Luke Slaughter]

He say where he was going?

[Drake McArdle]

Well, he asked me was there a place to get drunk. Good and drunk. I told him he could do that most anywhere. But the Crystal palace was the biggest saloon in town.

[Luke Slaughter]

Did he go there?

[Drake McArdle]

Well, I can't say. He just headed out the door. Say, he looked awful, like he'd been in a fight or something.

[Luke Slaughter]

He had. He may be in another one. Where'd you get the money to buy that liquor, Yancy?

[Yancy Bell]

Hello, Luke. You have a drink.

[Luke Slaughter]

Where'd you get the money?

[Yancy Bell]

I got it.

[Sheriff]

Where?

[Yancy Bell]

From the people who owed it to me. Here, help yourself.

[Luke Slaughter]

Did you take it by force?

[Yancy Bell]

You might say that, but it was mine in the first place.

[Luke Slaughter]

Let me see your spurs, Yancy.

[Drake McArdle]

Spurs?

[Judge]

What?

[Luke Slaughter]

Just let me look.

[Drake McArdle]

Sure,

[Luke Slaughter]

you were missing one this afternoon. Now you're missing two.

[Yancy Bell]

Sure am.

[Luke Slaughter]

Does that one fit? Where? The left one's broken off.

[Yancy Bell]

Can't tell without trying, can we? Let's see.

[Drake McArdle]

Yeah, it fits.

[Yancy Bell]

Where'd you find it?

[Luke Slaughter]

In the alley back of the San Jose house. Near Drake McArdle's body.

[Yancy Bell]

I guess it must have broken off there.

[Luke Slaughter]

Then you were in the alley, Luke.

[Yancy Bell]

It's customary for a man to put his horse up at the stable nearest to his hotel. Sure, I was in that alley.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yancy, let me have your gun. I'm going to turn you over to the sheriff.

[Yancy Bell]

You're going too far, Luke. Man's entitled to his privacy and his pride. And you're going too far.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'm taking you in.

[Yancy Bell]

No, you're not.

[Luke Slaughter]

Drop your gun belt, Yancy.

[Yancy Bell]

I'm warning you, Luke. I'll shoot. Now make your play.

[Judge]

You want to know who killed McConnell? I'll tell you who killed him.

[Jack Crabtree]

It's the judge, Drunkard Mahudo.

[Judge]

You can't push a man around forever. I told him a man's got some rights. A man can be pushed so far. I did his dirty work. For him. I was covering up for his rustling. And the first decent thing I do, letting that fellow off. He has his riders jump me and beat me up. And I told him. I said to him, drake, I'm gonna kill you. And he didn't think I could do it, but I did. I did it just like this. He was mean and he deserved it. I didn't.

[Luke Slaughter]

Easy, Judge. It's all over now.

[Sheriff]

I'll take him slow.

[Luke Slaughter]

All right, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Come on, Judge.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yancy.

[Yancy Bell]

Yeah, Luke?

[Luke Slaughter]

I made a mistake.

[Yancy Bell]

A man can't always be right, Luke. I understand.

[Luke Slaughter]

Thanks.

[Yancy Bell]

Now, about my gun and this money.

[Luke Slaughter]

No, you don't have to tell me. Like you said, a man's entitled to his privacy.

[Yancy Bell]

I want to tell you. I was out east of town late this afternoon practicing on rattlesnakes. When one of the hands that jumped me last night came along. I guess I got a little mad. He had $20 on him, so I took that on deposit.

[Luke Slaughter]

Why were you practicing shooting?

[Yancy Bell]

Because no man living can call me a cattle rustler. If the judge hadn't gotten him first, I'd have killed McArdle.

[Luke Slaughter]

Was it that important to you?

[Yancy Bell]

Pride's a real funny thing, Luke. I guess I don't have to tell you that.

[Luke Slaughter]

No, I guess not. Can I buy you a drink, Yancy?

[Yancy Bell]

Now, that would make me right happy, Luke. And then I'm gonna buy you.

[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 Lou Merrill, Howard McNear, Barney Phillips, Sam Edwards, Junius Matthews and Norm Alden. Music composed and conducted by Wilbur Hat. 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.

[Drake McArdle]

Now stay tuned for Frontier Gentlemen, which

[Narrator]

follows immediately over most of these same stations.

[Luke Slaughter]

This is the CBS Radio Network.

[Jack Crabtree]

Sam.