Mark Trail 50-02-15 (008) Whisperfoot (aka Andy the Sheep Killer)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Mark Trail 50-02-15 (008) – Whisperfoot (aka Andy the Sheep Killer)

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Release Date: September 18, 2025

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Overview

This episode revisits the classic radio drama Mark Trail, originally broadcast in 1950. The story centers on a dramatic conflict when Mark Trail’s loyal dog Andy is accused of being a “sheep killer” just as a barn dance is disrupted by the grisly discovery of slain sheep. As tensions escalate among the sheep ranchers and Andy’s life hangs in the balance, Mark must race against the clock to clear his dog’s name by exposing the true predator plaguing the range: the legendary mountain lion Whisperfoot.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Barn Dance Disrupted by Tragedy

• (01:07–02:19)
  The episode opens with Mark Trail and Cherry enjoying a barn dance hosted by local sheep ranchers. The festivities grind to a halt when the news breaks that five sheep have been killed—Andy, Mark's dog, is identified as the culprit.
  • Quote:
    “Did you see the killer?...I saw him running away. It was Mark Trail’s dog, Andy.” — Cal Harkins [02:22]

2. Confrontation and Mob Mentality

• (04:06–05:25)
  The ranchers, angered and fearful, turn on Mark and Andy, planning to track the dog down and shoot on sight. Mark and Cherry plead Andy’s innocence.
  • Quote:
    “Listen, boys. Wait a minute. Listen. You're all jumping at conclusions. I know Andy. Why, he's my own dog…” — Mark Trail [04:56]

3. Another Attack & Heightened Tension

• (06:00–07:43)
  More sheep are killed at Frank Allen's ranch, further incriminating Andy who’s found wounded and covered in blood. Frank prepares to shoot Andy, but Cherry intervenes.
  • Quote:
    “If I ever get a chance at that killer, he’ll never murder another lamb at night.” — Frank Allen [07:02]

4. Evidence of Another Predator

• (09:00–10:15)
  Mark examines the scene and discovers a blurred animal track—distinctly missing a toe. He identifies it as a mountain lion’s print, specifically belonging to the infamous Whisperfoot.
  • Quote:
    “That’s the track of the big mountain lion they call Whisper Foot.” — Mark Trail [10:12]

5. Race Against Time

• (14:00–15:01)
  Mark pleads for time to prove Andy’s innocence. The ranchers, skeptical and impatient, grant him only until sundown the next day—a mere 24 hours.
  • Quote:
    “We’ll give you less than 24 hours. The deadline’s sundown tomorrow.” — Frank Allen [14:51]

6. The Hunt for Whisperfoot

• (16:09–22:28)
  Mark seeks help from a local hunter, Gorman, borrowing his specialist hunting dogs. Together, they track Whisperfoot through treacherous terrain, use creative tactics (sliding dogs over a chasm with a greased rope), and finally corner the cunning cat.
  • Memorable Moment:
    The clever crossing of the chasm using a rope and greased bacon, sending the hunting dogs sliding across like an “overhead ski train.” [22:01–23:22]
  • Quote:
    “You get stuck by a chasm. So you make yourself your own hanging trolley car out of a rope...” — Gorman [22:06]

7. Capture and Proof

• (23:46–24:23)
  Mark and Gorman tree Whisperfoot. Using a fallen tree as a trap and lasso, they finally capture the mountain lion alive.
  • Quote:
    “Now if it’s chopped down correctly, it’ll land in the river. The cat will be afraid of getting wet...he’ll be marooned helpless in the middle of the river.” — Mark Trail [24:09]

8. Return and Resolution

• (27:30–28:12)
  Mark dramatically returns to the ranch just as Andy is about to be killed, dragging Whisperfoot behind him as proof of Andy's innocence. The ranchers are relieved and grateful.
  • Quote:
    “It’s Whisper Foot. Mark Trail’s bringing back Whisper Foot...Am I in time? Is Andy all right?” — Mark Trail [28:02]
  • Quote:
    “Oh, Mark, you’re just in time.” — Cherry [28:12]

9. Next Adventure Teased

• (28:27–29:26)
  The story closes as Mark introduces the call of a whippoorwill, teasing a future adventure involving rare birds and new dangers.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mob Pressure:
  “We’re not aiming to give this killer dog a chance to kill again. We’re going to hunt him down and shoot on sight.” — Rancher [05:25]
• Forensic Insight:
  “Andy’s wounded. Slashed across the head and legs. Sheep never fight back when they’re attacked. That means there must have been some other animal in the sheep pen.” — Mark Trail [09:11]
• Whisperfoot’s Legend:
  “That big mountain lion...slaughtered over a hundred sheep in his time. They say he had a human mind.” — Frank Allen [10:17]
• Determined Heroism:
  “Andy’s life is at stake. I’ve got to prove to them by tomorrow sundown that Whisperfoot is the marauding killer.” — Mark Trail [15:55]
• Frontier Ingenuity:
  "You make yourself your own hanging trolley car out of a rope. You got a head on your shoulders." — Gorman [22:06]
• Nail-Biting Finale:
  “It’s Whisper Foot. Mark Trail’s bringing back Whisper Foot Cherry. Jerry, am I in time? Is Andy all right?” — Mark Trail [28:02]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:19] – Andy accused of killing sheep
• [04:19] – Ranchers confront Mark, demand Andy’s death
• [07:22] – Andy found bloodied at new attack scene
• [10:12] – Mountain lion's track identified; Whisperfoot introduced
• [14:51] – Mark gets only 24 hours to clear Andy
• [16:54]–[18:28] – Mark and Gorman join forces to hunt mountain lion
• [22:01–23:22] – Dogs cross the chasm via grease-sliding rope
• [24:09] – Strategy for capturing Whisperfoot alive revealed
• [28:02] – Mark returns with Whisperfoot just in time to save Andy
• [29:00+] – Teaser for next adventure

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Tone & Presentation

The original broadcast captures the high drama and frontier spirit of classic American radio. Dialogue is earnest and swift, rife with suspicion, urgency, and a celebration of Mark Trail’s resourcefulness and compassion for animals.

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Final Notes

This episode is a vintage action-mystery with an ecological and ethical undercurrent, typical of Mark Trail. It features narrow escapes, inventive problem-solving, and suspenseful turns—all leading to a satisfying vindication for Andy and Mark. The cliffhanger ending and bird sanctuary teaser ensure listeners will return for more classic adventure.

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Transcript

[Sarah]

Hey, this is Sarah. Look, I'm standing out front of a.m. p.m. Right now and, well, you're sweet and all, but I found something more fulfilling, even kind of cheesy. But I like it. Sure, you met some of my dietary needs, but they've just got it all. So farewell, Oatmeal. So long, you strange soggy.

[AM PM Breakfast Announcer]

Break up with bland breakfast and taste AM PM's bacon, egg and cheese biscuit made with K tree eggs, smoked bacon and melty cheese on a buttery biscuit. AM PM too much Good stuff.

[Narrator]

Kellogg's Pep.

[Kellogg's Pep Announcer]

Kellogg's Pep, the Build Up Wheat cereal with the prize in every package invites you to share another thrilling adventure with Mark.

[Narrator]

Fail.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Battling the raging elements, fighting the savage wilderness, striking at the enemies of man and nature.

[Kellogg's Pep Announcer]

Walking.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

One man's name resounds from snow capped mountains down across the sun baked plains.

[Narrator]

Mark Trail.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Guardian of the forest, protector of wildlife, champion of man and nature. In the sheep herders country just north of Lost Forest, a gala celebration is in progress. Mark Trail and Cherry have been invited to a barn dance. The huge barn has been cleared, the floor is waxed down and everyone is happy and excited as they wait for the music to start.

[Mark Trail]

Having a good time, Sherry?

[Cherry]

Oh, wonderful, Mark. I'm so glad these sheep ranches invited us. I haven't been to a square dance in a long time.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Oh, the caller's going to begin again.

[Narrator]

All right, here we go. Thank you, partners. And here we go.

[Mark Trail]

First pair off with a couple other rises. Now look at the northern light.

[Cherry]

Stop dancing. Stop.

[Narrator]

Listen to me.

[Cherry]

Mark. What is it?

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

It's Cal Harkins, one of the sheep ranchers.

[Narrator]

I've just been out to the sheep pens. Five sheep have been attacked and killed. Did you see the killer? Yeah, I saw the killer. I saw him running away. It was Mark Trail's dog, Andy.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Well, while proving that his dog Andy is innocent, you can bet that Mark Trace will find plenty of thrills and excitement.

[Kellogg's Pep Announcer]

Thrills and excitement that'll be fun to hear and even more fun if you're in shape to share the excitement. If you feel fit to get the fun out of it. And one sure step toward feeling fit for fun is to make Kellogg's Pep a main part of your breakfast every single day. Kellogg's Pep, the Build Up Wheat cereal. Wheat in its most delicious form. Toasted flakes of wheat. Ready to eat. Fun to eat. Wonderful with milk and sugar. And because super delicious. Kellogg's Pep is a powerhouse of food elements. You need to help you build up strength, energy and Nerve. It helps keep you on the winning team in any game or sport. And mark this. Before the show's over, I'll tell you how you can own and operate a model miniature automobile controlled by a secret power that will amaze your friends. Meantime, just remember, if you want to have your fun and eat it, too, ask your mother when she goes shopping. Bring me a package of Kellogg's Pep.

[Mark Trail]

That's Kellogg's.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

With the news that Andy has slaughtered five sheep and run away. The excited sheep ranchers run out to the pens, and sure enough, the dead animals are lying on the ground, their throats torn, while the excited sheepmen surround Mark and Cherry.

[Narrator]

Well, I always knew that dog of yours was a killer.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Andy is no killer, Hawkins.

[Cherry]

Of course he isn't.

[Mark Trail]

I hear Jeff. And this here dog of yours, he's already tasted blood. And I hear he killed a deer up north. Yes, yes, that's right.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

As a matter of fact, he did. But it was because I ordered Andy to do it. We were up in North Forest.

[Mark Trail]

An Indian guide myself.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

We were starving, too weak to track any game. Why, we'd have died if Andy didn't find that deer.

[Narrator]

But he did kill.

[Cherry]

Yes, but it was for food.

[Narrator]

And Mark's trained answer don't make any difference, Ms. Cherry. The dogs tasted blood. And as long as he's running around loose, our sheep aren't safe.

[Mark Trail]

Listen, boys. Wait a minute. Listen. You're all jumping at conclusions. I know Andy. Why, he's my own dog. Now, I'll admit it looks bad for.

[Narrator]

The moment, but I say it looks bad. Trail. I saw Andy with my own eyes among the sheep and he ran away. Sneaked across the range when I saw him. If he didn't kill those sheep, why did he run away?

[Cherry]

That still isn't true.

[Narrator]

Oh, isn't it, Ms. Jerry?

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

No, Jerry is right, Harkins. Now, if you'd only give Andy a chance. Wait till I find him.

[Narrator]

Enough. Not on your life, Dreo. We're not aiming to give this killer dog ears a chance to kill again. We're going to hunt him down and shoot on site. That right, boys? That's right. All right, we'll start hunting at daybreak.

[Cherry]

Oh, Mark, they're going to kill Andy. I'm going to find him. I'm going to take one of the horses and look for him.

[Mark Trail]

Cherry. Cherry.

[Frank Allen]

Well, Martha, sure good to be home.

[Cherry]

Yeah, Frank, it was a fine barn dance till all that trouble happened. That killer dog and all.

[Frank Allen]

Martha, tell you the truth, I'm a little worried. Sheep out in our pens are all we got in the world. Not enough that we brought them through scabbies and sheep tick. But now with a killer loose on.

[Cherry]

The range, well, no use worrying about it late, and we'd best be getting to bed.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Guess you're right, Frank.

[Cherry]

What's that?

[Frank Allen]

Something loose out in a sheep pinch.

[Cherry]

Mother, you're right.

[Frank Allen]

Quick, Mother, get me my rifle.

[Cherry]

Oh, Frank. Oh, Frank.

[Frank Allen]

Yes. Three lambs. Three of our best Hampshires slaughtered.

[Cherry]

Frank, it must have been that big dog, Mark. Trail's dog.

[Frank Allen]

No doubt about it.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Mother.

[Frank Allen]

If I ever get a chance at that killer, he'll never murder another lamb at night.

[Cherry]

Frank, listen. What's that?

[Frank Allen]

Sounds like a twine of a dog. Over there in the corner of the pants.

[Cherry]

But it's dark. We can't see it.

[Frank Allen]

Move closer.

[Mark Trail]

Take a look.

[Cherry]

Frank. It's Mont Trail's dog. It's Ansy.

[Frank Allen]

Yes. It's a murdering critter, all right.

[Cherry]

Look at him. He's all covered with blood.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Get back, Mother.

[Cherry]

Frank, what are you gonna do now?

[Frank Allen]

I'm gonna put a bullet through his head with this rifle. I'm gonna make this range safe for our sheep once and for all.

[Cherry]

Oh, but, Frank, you're kidding me.

[Narrator]

Oh, you murdering critter.

[Frank Allen]

You've struck down your legs.

[Cherry]

Frank, wait a minute. Now, don't shoot. Yes. Someone's coming.

[Narrator]

Who?

[Cherry]

What? It's that girl from Lost Forest. Cherry.

[Frank Allen]

Mother, you go in the house. I want to handle this alone.

[Cherry]

Oh, Andy. Andy, what are they going to do to you?

[Mark Trail]

Oh, you're all covered with blood.

[Cherry]

Oh, Andy, you've been hurt.

[Frank Allen]

Get out of the way, miss.

[Cherry]

Harry, no, please. Please don't shoot him. Give him a chance.

[Frank Allen]

Oh, sure. A chance to kill more sheep. Not in your life.

[Cherry]

Oh, please, Mr. Allen, he didn't do it.

[Frank Allen]

Get out of my way, miss, I'm telling you for the last time.

[Mark Trail]

Who's that? Who's coming out?

[Cherry]

It's Mark. It's Mark Trail. Mark.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Mark.

[Mark Trail]

Terry. Sorry. I've been following you all the way from top. Andy. Oh, Andy, boy, so you're here.

[Kellogg's Pep Announcer]

Uh.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Oh, Andy, you've been hurt.

[Frank Allen]

Get out of the way, Trail.

[Mark Trail]

I'm putting a bullet into him.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Oh, no, you're not, Alan. Not yet. Jerry.

[Cherry]

Yes, Mark.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Jerry, better call the doctor for Andy.

[Cherry]

All right, Mark.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

And let's not move him till we're sure no bones are broken.

[Cherry]

I'll call the doctor right away.

[Frank Allen]

I don't care, Trail. Out in the sheep country, we shoot a killer dog on sight. You know, the Law of the range.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

He didn't kill those lambs, Allen and I can prove it.

[Frank Allen]

Oh, yeah?

[Gorman]

How?

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Andy's wounded. Slashed across the head and legs. Sheep never fight back when they're attacked. You know that. That means there must have been some other animal in the sheep pen.

[Frank Allen]

All I know is that your dog was the only prowler here.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Alan, I want to hunt down the real killer as much as you do. But before you pass judgment, let's take a look around. Alan, look here. Huh?

[Gorman]

Where?

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

On the ground here. The edge of the corral. There's a track of the dirt. The print of an animal's. Animal's foot.

[Gorman]

See?

[Frank Allen]

Let me see. It doesn't look like anything to me. Trail. It's blurred.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

It's a print, all right. The print of a mountain lion. Hey, wait a minute.

[Cherry]

Look.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Look, Alan, there's a toe missing. Now I know who slaughtered your sheep and the others near the barn dance.

[Frank Allen]

What are you driving at?

[Gorman]

Trail.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

This is the track of the big mountain lion they call Whisper Foot.

[Frank Allen]

Whisper Foot?

[Gorman]

Yes.

[Frank Allen]

That can't be trail. Well, that big mountain lion hasn't been around these parts for two years. Slaughtered over a hundred sheep in his time. They say he had a human mind.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Yes, yes, I know, Alan. But he's come back. You can see that by the paw.

[Frank Allen]

That doesn't mean a thing to me. It's a blurt. It can mean anything. And I'm sure Whisperfoot's dead.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Alan, listen to me.

[Frank Allen]

You listen to me. Trail. I heard enough. I'm going to town and pick up the boys. I'm gonna tell them I've got the killer, Right?

[Mark Trail]

I tell you, boys, there was a mountain lion in the sheep pen of Allen's here.

[Narrator]

And I tell you, Trail. The only killer in the pen was your dog. Andy Allen here found him dead to rights.

[Mark Trail]

But that track I showed you, can't.

[Narrator]

Tell a thing by it. It is blurred. Could be almost anything.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Boys, I trail practically every kind of game in every part of this country.

[Mark Trail]

I know that's the track of a mountain lion. And that missing toe proves it's Whisper Foot.

[Narrator]

Whisper Foot? Yes. Well, he's been dead for years.

[Frank Allen]

Sure thing. Say he was drowned or fell off a cliff.

[Narrator]

Yeah, let's kill him now.

[Frank Allen]

You're right, boys.

[Mark Trail]

There's no use waiting.

[Frank Allen]

I'm going to finish off this killer right now.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Alan, put your gun away.

[Frank Allen]

No one's going to stop me. Look at that dog staring up at me. If that ain't the devil himself in his eyes.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Don't go near that dog. Alan.

[Frank Allen]

Get your hands off of me. I'll shoot if I want to.

[Cherry]

Oh, no.

[Mark Trail]

You are you.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

As Mark hears the shot, his heart leaps into his throat. Slowly, he turns to look at Andy. In a moment, we will continue. So stand by. With Andy's very life at stake, Mark has to call on all his strength, energy and nerve. If Andy were your dog, a lot would depend on your strength, energy and nerves.

[Kellogg's Pep Announcer]

So listen. Help build up strength. Help build up energy. Help build up strong bones and steady nerves. With that famous Build Up Wheat cereal. Kellogg hep whole wheat in its most delicious form. Toasted Flakes.

[Narrator]

That's Kellogg's Pep.

[Kellogg's Pep Announcer]

Now, no cereal, not even Pep, can make you strong as a strongman after only one or two servings. However, one serving of Kellogg's Pep day after day does add up to a powerhouse of food elements. You need to help you build up strength, energy and nerve. You can skate better, run better, feel better, feel fit for fun. And in addition, Kellogg's Pep is a powerhouse of delicious flavor. Yes, sir. Every crisp toasted flake of, mmm, marvelous mal flavored Pep. Makes you want to say more Pep, please. And don't forget that special message I'll have for you later. Learn how you can own a miniature model car and operate it by remote mystery control. Till then, remember, if you want to have your fun and eat it too.

[Narrator]

Pick Pep the prize package with the powerful powerhouse hunch. Pick pep.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Mark.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Trail St. Bernard. Andy has been accused of killing sheep. When Frank Allen, one of the sheep ranchers, leaps at Andy with a gun. Mark grapples with Alan. There is a shot, and then.

[Mark Trail]

Give me that gun, Alan. You crazy fool.

[Cherry]

There.

[Mark Trail]

I'll get another gun, Trail.

[Frank Allen]

You're not stopping me.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

I'm glad that bullet missed my dog, Alan. I don't think I'd be responsible if it hit him.

[Narrator]

Take it easy, Alan. Take it easy. Maybe we ought to give Trail a chance to clear his dog.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Thanks, Hawkins.

[Mark Trail]

Now listen to me, all of you.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

I hate a killer on the range as much as any of you. But Andy didn't kill those sheep and I can prove it. Now, I say Whisperfoot's alive and I'll track him down.

[Mark Trail]

But you've got to give me time. I'll have to have time.

[Narrator]

How much time do you want?

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Well, give me a week to find that killer line.

[Narrator]

Arkansas sheep ranchers here won't wait that long for you.

[Frank Allen]

We'll give you less than 24 hours. The deadline's sundown tomorrow.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

But that's just Tonight and all day tomorrow.

[Frank Allen]

Take it or leave a trail.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

All right, all right, Alan. I'll take it.

[Sarah]

Hey, Mrs. Sarah. Look, I'm standing out front of AM PM right now and, well, you're sweet and all, but I found something more fulfilling. Even kind of cheesy. But I like it. Sure, you met some of my dietary needs, but they've just got it all. So farewell. Oatmeal. So long, you strange soggy.

[AM PM Breakfast Announcer]

Break up with bland breakfast and taste AM PM's bacon, egg and cheese biscuit made with cage free eggs, smoked bacon and melty cheese on a buttery biscuit. A.m. p.m. Too much. Good stuff.

[Cherry]

They gave you only 24 hours, Mark.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

That's right, Sherry.

[Cherry]

But how can you do it? It would take a miracle.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

I've. Cherry, Andy's life is at stake. I've got to prove to them by tomorrow sundown that Whisper Foot is the marauding killer stalking every sheep pen on the range.

[Cherry]

Whisperfoot?

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Yes, Mark.

[Cherry]

Isn't he the big cat they say is. Is almost human?

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Yes, Cherry. He's not only a cruel and savage killer, but he's shrewd and cunning. Trailing him down is going to be the hardest assignment I've ever tackled.

[Cherry]

Marca, are you going to use traps?

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

No, no, I'm not. Ordinarily, Cherry, I never use a steel trap. Except when I was hunting a killer like Whisperfoot. But even in this case, traps would be useless.

[Cherry]

Why?

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Because Whisperfoot has a toe missing. That means he was caught in a trap once and tore a toe off getting away. Now that means he's trap shy and he'll always be on the lookout for them.

[Cherry]

Well, then how are you going to trail Whisperfoot?

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Well, I've only got one chance, Jerry. One chance in a hundred.

[Gorman]

Dogs.

[Cherry]

Dogs?

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Yes. There's a hunter named Gorman living in Bonanza Valley about an hour from here. He owns a pack of hunting dogs especially trained for big game. And I'm riding for his place, Cherry, right now.

[Gorman]

So you want to borrow my dogs to track down that big cat, huh, Trail?

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

That's right, Gorman. And if I don't bring him in by dawn tomorrow, my dog dies.

[Gorman]

I see. And you think old Whisper Foot is alive, huh?

[Mark Trail]

I know he is.

[Gorman]

You're a smart woodsman, Trail, and I give you credit, I know he's alive too. Matter of fact, I've spent a year trying to corner him myself.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Gorman, I haven't much time. If you'll lend me your pack.

[Gorman]

Sure, sure, Trail. I'll be glad to. You can take the pack and Bring back Whisperfoot. But on one condition.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

What condition?

[Gorman]

I don't know if you'll want to do it. If you knew what I had in mind.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Well, Gorman, I have no choice. Andy's life is at stake.

[Gorman]

Well, if we catch up with Whisperfoot my way, we still might not be able to bring him back. At least not in time.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

What's up your sleeve, Gorman?

[Gorman]

This way. Trail, I've been offered $5,000 if I deliver a big cat like Whisperfoot. So I'm gonna go along on this trip with you.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Why, gosh, I'll be glad to have you. Two guns are better than one.

[Gorman]

Oh, no. No shooting.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

No shooting. What? Why, Gorman, what do you mean?

[Gorman]

We'll be doing the impossible if we.

[Frank Allen]

Do it at all.

[Gorman]

Trail, A zoo wants Whisperfoot. We must bring him. No sign of Whisperfoot yet, Frail.

[Narrator]

No.

[Mark Trail]

That cat's got the cunning of a devil. Gorman, we've come a long way. Yeah, now horses are getting winded.

[Narrator]

Have to rest them soon.

[Mark Trail]

Wait, Gorman. I've sworn to get that cat. There's only one thing that worries me.

[Narrator]

What's that? Time.

[Mark Trail]

It's been hours since we left the sheep ranch. It'll be dawn soon.

[Narrator]

I'll say one thing, Trail.

[Mark Trail]

Yes, I thought I knew every trick.

[Gorman]

Of big game hunting.

[Narrator]

But you've taught me a few I never knew before.

[Mark Trail]

Thought sure we had lost the trail.

[Gorman]

Back where Whisperfoot crossed that gully.

[Narrator]

But you put the dogs right back on.

[Mark Trail]

Foreman, I've never concentrated so hard in my life to catch a killer. I keep thinking of what the sheep ranches will do to Andy and. Well, I've just gotta find that big cat, Gorman. I've just got to. If I don't, I can't trail. Listen, Gorman. It's Whisperport. Let's go. Foreman. Re up a minute.

[Narrator]

Roman.

[Mark Trail]

Look.

[Narrator]

Look over there.

[Frank Allen]

It's Whisperfoot.

[Gorman]

He's fighting the dog's trail.

[Mark Trail]

Yes, and he's killed two of them already.

[Gorman]

Trail, he's seen us.

[Mark Trail]

He's running toward that chasm.

[Gorman]

Now he's jumping that chasm to the other side.

[Narrator]

There he goes.

[Kellogg's Pep Announcer]

Trail.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

He's made it.

[Gorman]

He jumped clean over to the other side.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Come on, Gorman.

[Mark Trail]

There's no time to. Was.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Gorman, look here on this edge of the chasm.

[Gorman]

Yeah, it's Whisper Foot's lair.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Right. He's been holding up in this cave in the rock. And it's stuffed with sheep bones. Well, that ought to be proof enough for anybody as to the real sheep killer.

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Gorman]

But what about Whisperfoot himself? Big Cats on the other side of this chasm. It's a long jump, maybe 15 or 20ft.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Gorman, we've got to jump. Get across.

[Gorman]

I don't see how. What good if we did?

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

While we figure out how to get.

[Gorman]

Across, that cattle gain miles on us.

[Narrator]

No.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

No, we won't. A mile or so past this chasm is the Wilco River. Mountain lions won't even attempt to cross the water. Yeah, he'll be stopped between the river and this chasm.

[Gorman]

Maybe so, but how are you getting across?

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

I'm gonna get my horse to jump it.

[Gorman]

Well, that's suicide.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

It's the only way.

[Gorman]

Even if you do make it, even if I'm fool enough to follow you, how do we get the dogs across?

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

I've got that figured out, Gorman. We'll stretch a rope across this chasm and tie it tight between my horse and yours.

[Gorman]

Well, I. I suppose we can't hitch both ends to the saddle of each horse and get him to pull it taut, but then what?

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Well, there's some bacon in my food pack. I'm going to grease that rope with the bacon.

[Gorman]

Now, don't get you yet, Frail. How does that get the dogs across?

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Easy as pie, Gorman. We tie each dog with a second rope and loop it around the one that's stretched across this chasm. Yeah.

[Mark Trail]

Then we give each dog a shove.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

And he slides right across. Now, when he gets to my side, I let the dog go trail.

[Gorman]

You're a genius. You get stuck by a chasm. So you make yourself your. Your own hanging trolley car out of a rope. You got a head on your shoulders.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

There's no time to lose. Will you tie the dog?

[Gorman]

Sure.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

All right, then I'm going to jump. Now, when I get on the other side, I'll toss you half my rope. Then you can hook up the line across.

[Gorman]

Mighty smart idea trail. I'll tell you what, if you make the leap, why, by golly, I'll take my chance too.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Okay, Gorman, where is me? Come on now. Come on, boy. All right, boy. Steady now.

[Mark Trail]

Steady now. Let's go. Jump, boy. Jump for your life. Trail Trail, you native.

[Narrator]

I'm coming after you.

[Mark Trail]

Wait. Wait a minute. First I've got to grease the line. Then we get the dogs over.

[Narrator]

I'm on the all the way trail.

[Mark Trail]

Don't worry about me pitching in. Then you come over. And when we're all on this side, the chase starts again.

[Gorman]

That was quite some trick trail.

[Kellogg's Pep Announcer]

I can't get over it.

[Gorman]

I never saw that done before. Sliding dogs across an Agrees line like one of them overhead ski trains.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

I get the compliments. Gorman. We've got to get that cat. Look, the sun's beginning to drop toward the west. I've got to get him back to that sheep ranch before trail.

[Mark Trail]

Look.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

The river.

[Gorman]

Whisperfoot's at the edge of it. Afraid to cross, like you said.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

The dogs are closing in on him. He'll make for that tree, I'm sure.

[Kellogg's Pep Announcer]

Here.

[Mark Trail]

Up he goes.

[Narrator]

They treed him. He can't get on.

[Mark Trail]

Quick, Gorman. Come on.

[Cherry]

After him.

[Mark Trail]

Well, well, Whisperfoot. So we meet at last.

[Narrator]

Well, remember now, no guns.

[Gorman]

You must take him alive.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

I know.

[Narrator]

How can we do it?

[Gorman]

He'll rip us to pieces if we get close enough.

[Mark Trail]

Only one way, Gorman.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Look, the tree's on the edge of the river.

[Mark Trail]

Now, if it's chopped down correctly, it'll land in the river. The cat will be afraid of getting wet. So we'll hang onto the tree. He'll be marooned helpless in the middle of the river.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

I get it.

[Gorman]

Then we can lasso him easy. Tie him to the tree and carry it off between our horses.

[Mark Trail]

That's the general idea.

[Gorman]

But who's going to do the chopping?

[Narrator]

I am.

[Gorman]

Betrayal.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

You'll.

[Gorman]

You'll be right under him. Supposing he decides to come out of.

[Mark Trail]

That tree and springs at you, Gorman, that's the chance I've got to take.

[Narrator]

Crail, be careful. Whisperfoot looks as if he's gonna jump out of that tree.

[Mark Trail]

I'm almost through this tree now. Hey, there it goes. Gorman, it's falling into the river. Get your lasso ready, Gorman. We can't afford to miss now. The sun will be down in an.

[Narrator]

If you ask me. Alan, it's time.

[Gorman]

Yep.

[Frank Allen]

Sun will be down in a couple of minutes.

[Cherry]

Please, please give Mark Trail a little more time. He'll be here soon. I know he will.

[Narrator]

We made a bargain at Trail, Ms. Cherry. We're going to keep our side of it.

[Frank Allen]

Harkins, stand Andy against that fence.

[Narrator]

Right. You ready, Allen? Ready.

[Cherry]

No, no, don't. Please don't.

[Frank Allen]

Out of my way, Ms. Davis. It'll be over with one shot.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Andy looks up at Mr. Allen, his eyes pleading for his life. Soon you will learn what happens. So keep listening.

[Kellogg's Pep Announcer]

Now, about that little mystery automobile. You can get a real scale model 1950 Ford. And make it go without touching it, winding it or pushing any buttons you see with your car. There's a special mystery control ring. Simply hide the ring under your fingers, wave your hand over the car and presto the Car will follow your hand like magic. It has no batteries, no motor, and yet without touching it, you can make it go fast or slow, forward or backward.

[Mark Trail]

It's terrific.

[Kellogg's Pep Announcer]

Now, to get your magna Power forward and mystery control ring, just send your name and address with 25 cents and one box top from Kellogg's Pep to Kellogg's, Box 400, N.Y. 46, N.Y. and while you're waiting, you can have fun eating. Mmm, marvelous moldy flavored Pep. Now that address is Kellogg's, box 400, New York 46 New York. You'll sure have fun with your Magno Power Ford. No wonder folks all say if you want to have your fun and eat.

[Narrator]

It too, pick pip the prize package with the powerful powerhouse punch Pick pep.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Mark trails St. Bernard. Andy, accused of murdering sheep, looks up at the rifle held in Frank Allen's hands. Allen takes careful aim.

[Gorman]

And then Perkins.

[Mark Trail]

Grab a hold of him.

[Frank Allen]

That dog's gone crazy.

[Narrator]

He won't stand still.

[Cherry]

Someone's coming and Andy knows it. That's why he's jumping around. Someone's coming.

[Mark Trail]

Who? Nitin listens.

[Cherry]

It's Mark. Mark Trail. See him coming over that rise?

[Frank Allen]

By George Harkins, it is.

[Mark Trail]

Hey, hey, what's a horse dragon behind him? Looks like the west part of a tree.

[Narrator]

Oh, no, no.

[Frank Allen]

It's more than just a tree.

[Mark Trail]

Something's tied to it. Marcus, do you see what I see? It's Whisper Foot. Mark's trail's bringing back Whisper Foot Cherry. Jerry, am I in time? Is Andy all right?

[Cherry]

Oh, Mark, you're just in time.

[Mark Trail]

Just in time.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

Jerry. Know what that is?

[Cherry]

Whippoorwill.

[Alan (Allen) Harkins]

I say, Mark, good for you. But you know there are lots of bird calls. You'd never recognize the calls of rare birds who are almost extinct.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

On Friday, Mark visits a sanctuary for rare birds. But he also comes face to face with a dangerous killer who takes careful aim at Mark before he pulls the trigger. Tune in same time, same station on Friday and find out what happens to Mark Trail. Battling the raging elements, fighting the savage wilderness, striking at the enemies of man and nature. One man's name resounds from snow capped mountains down across the sunbaked plains Mark Trail.

[Kellogg's Pep Announcer]

Remember to tune in then on Friday when Mark Trail will again be brought to you by the Build Up Wheat cereal. Kellogg's Pep.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

This program is entirely fictitious. The resemblance of any name, personality or incident to an actual person or event is merely coincidental. This program came to you from New York. Mark Trail by Ed Dodd also appears in the comics of many of America's leading newspapers. Look for it daily on Sunday. Stay tuned now for Tom Ickx and his straight shooters. Today's Mark Trail was written by Max Ehrlich, directed by Drex Hynes. Matt Crowley portrays Mark Trail and Amy Siddell is Cherry. This is the Mutual Broadcasting.