Mystery House 4x-xx-xxxxx Death In The Saddle

Summary

Summary of "Death In The Saddle"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Mystery House 4x-xx-xxxxx Death In The Saddle
Release Date: June 4, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Introduction

"Death In The Saddle," an episode from the Mystery House series, transports listeners to the tumultuous world of the Wild West rodeo circuit. Set against the backdrop of intense rivalries, gambling stakes, and hidden motives, the episode delves into the mysterious death of rodeo performer Tommy Tanner. As tensions escalate, accusations fly, and alliances shift, unraveling a complex web of deceit and ambition.

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Setting the Scene

The story unfolds in the bustling environment of a rodeo, where performers and organizers navigate the high-stakes world of cowboy competitions. At the heart of the drama are Burr Kelvin, a seasoned cowboy with a penchant for gambling, and Shirley, his wife, whose ambitions and loyalties are tested as events spiral out of control.

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Key Characters and Relationships

• Burr Kelvin: A veteran rodeo performer with a love for gambling, particularly betting against younger rival Tommy Tanner.

• Shirley: Burr's wife, grappling with Burr's reckless gambling and her own aspirations within the rodeo scene.

• Tommy Tanner: A rising star in the rodeo circuit, confident and charismatic, whose untimely death sparks the central mystery.

• Lottie: Associate of Tommy Tanner, seeking a marriage alliance and entangled in the ensuing conflict.

• Grainger: The rodeo organizer who owns the notorious bronc, Gray Bomber.

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Rising Tensions and Suspicious Bets

The episode kicks off with Burr and Shirley discussing Burr's desire to bet against Tommy Tanner. Burr confides his plan to wager $5,000 that Tommy cannot ride the feared bronc, Gray Bomber. Shirley expresses concern over Burr's mounting debts and the risks associated with such high-stakes gambling.

Burr Kelvin (02:03): "I bet him there'd be a bronc here that he couldn't ride."

Shirley (04:52): "What? $5,000? You'll lose that money. It'll set us back nearly two years."

As the rodeo progresses, Tommy confidently takes on Gray Bomber, defying expectations. However, instead of the anticipated perilous ride, something unusual occurs—Tommy falls off the horse without apparent struggle, raising suspicions among the characters.

Shirley (11:00): "What happened?"

Burr Kelvin (11:12): "The bronc didn't hurt him. That's a sense. Wasn't the bronc."

Tommy Tanner is declared dead, but whispers of foul play begin to circulate, particularly surrounding the substantial bet Burr placed against him.

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Unveiling the Mystery

In Act 2, the plot thickens as the characters confront the reality of Tommy's death. Burr vehemently denies any involvement, maintaining his innocence despite mounting evidence.

Tommy Tanner (12:23): "You see, Tommy Tanner's been murdered."

Burr Kelvin (14:21): "I didn't kill him."

Shirley accuses Burr of orchestrating Tommy's demise to salvage the bet and secure her financial stability.

Shirley (16:03): "You killed him and you know it. He was crazy jealous of him anyway."

Lottie introduces another layer of complexity, revealing her own intentions to marry Tommy and the potential motives behind the murder.

Lottie (08:18): "We got an understanding that we're gonna get married. And you just try backing out."

As the investigation proceeds, the trio—Burr, Shirley, and Lottie—navigate a tangled web of deceit, each with their own motives and secrets.

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The Climax: Confrontations and Confessions

The tension reaches its peak when Burr confronts Grainger, the rodeo organizer, suspecting foul play involving the fixed bronc, Gray Bomber. The true nature of Tommy's death is unveiled as the use of a poisoned saddle becomes apparent.

Tommy Tanner (15:27): "The jewels on that saddle are set into little metal holders. And in each of the holders, somebody's wedged a piece of sharp needle coated with poison."

Shirley and Burr's relationship deteriorates further as accusations fly, revealing Shirley's deeper involvement in the conspiracy to eliminate Tommy.

Shirley (21:15): "Tommy had you licked on that bet. It was a big time, and he's heading right for the top."

The final moments are marked by a dramatic showdown where Burr and Shirley jointly confront the remnants of their deceit, leading to Burr's realization of the gravity of his actions.

Burr Kelvin (24:35): "Well, I suppose I better call the police."

Shirley (24:58): "I made a mistake."

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Conclusion

"Death In The Saddle" masterfully intertwines elements of classic Western drama with a gripping murder mystery. Through intricate character dynamics and unexpected plot twists, the episode keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. The resolution underscores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the destructive nature of unchecked greed, leaving the audience reflecting on the high price of rivalry and deception in the unforgiving world of the rodeo.

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Notable Quotes

• Burr Kelvin (02:03): "I bet him there'd be a bronc here that he couldn't ride."

• Shirley (04:52): "What? $5,000? You'll lose that money. It'll set us back nearly two years."

• Tommy Tanner (12:23): "You see, Tommy Tanner's been murdered."

• Shirley (16:03): "You killed him and you know it. He was crazy jealous of him anyway."

• Tommy Tanner (15:27): "The jewels on that saddle are set into little metal holders. And in each of the holders, somebody's wedged a piece of sharp needle coated with poison."

• Shirley (21:15): "Tommy had you licked on that bet. It was a big time, and he's heading right for the top."

• Burr Kelvin (24:35): "Well, I suppose I better call the police."

• Shirley (24:58): "I made a mistake."

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Insights and Themes

• Ambition vs. Morality: The characters' desire for success and security leads them to make morally questionable decisions, highlighting the corrupting influence of unchecked ambition.

• Trust and Betrayal: Relationships are tested as secrets emerge, demonstrating how trust can be easily shattered by greed and deceit.

• The Price of Rivalry: The intense competition within the rodeo circuit serves as a microcosm for larger societal pressures, illustrating the lengths individuals will go to outperform their rivals.

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"Death In The Saddle" stands as a compelling installment in the Mystery House series, blending nostalgic Western elements with a modern twist on the classic whodunit. Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next episode, hoping for further revelations and justice for Tommy Tanner.

Transcript

[Nicole Byer]

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[Shirley]

Wayfair. Every style, Every home.

[Dan Glenn]

Mystery House. That strange publishing firm owned by Dan and Barbara Glenn, where each new novel is acted out by the mystery House staff before it is accepted for publication. Mystery House.

[Burr Kelvin]

Well, Barbie, I understand we all get into a cowboy mood tonight, huh, partner?

[Shirley]

That's right, partner. Going to act out a story about the wild and woolly west, where men are men and murders are plumly serious.

[Burr Kelvin]

Well, you know, I always had a hankering to be a cowboy.

[Shirley]

Then rest easy in your saddle, mister, because you're going to satisfy that craven pronto.

[Burr Kelvin]

Well, you mean we're all ready to start firing?

[Shirley]

We sure are, partner, but just a minute. Here comes a mysterious stranger wandering in off the range.

[Burr Kelvin]

Well, sure enough, what do you got to say for yourself? Strange places, everybody. Set the scene for tonight's story.

[Dan Glenn]

Tom Death in the Saddle. Tonight's story opens in a dressing room at the rodeo. Burr Kelvin, a cowboy rodeo performer, sits with a moody look on his face as the door bursts open and his.

[Tommy Tanner]

Wife comes sailing in.

[Burr Kelvin]

Well, nice roping, kid. You were swinging a wide loop. You ought to pull down top money in the fancy roping without a struggle.

[Shirley]

We can use it, Burr. This rodeo racket's getting too tough. Me, I like to be heading back to Texas in the ranch.

[Burr Kelvin]

Well, I never thought you was yellow, Shirley.

[Shirley]

Listen, Burr, I got more what it takes than you'll ever have, but more sense, too. Cowboy get no younger fast. And this is a kid's racket.

[Burr Kelvin]

Hey, you heard him announce at a time that I made on the bulldog in this first round, didn't you? Oh, I like to see any kid beat that.

[Shirley]

You'll see it when Tommy Tanner competes.

[Burr Kelvin]

Tommy Tanner? That phony cowboy?

[Shirley]

That no ain't jealous of him, are you, Burr?

[Burr Kelvin]

Who, me? Jealous of that Johnny come lately? Listen, Shirley, I ain't got any cause for being jealous, have I?

[Shirley]

Well, what makes you ask a question like that?

[Burr Kelvin]

Well, I don't mind my wife being voted the most popular cowgirl in the rodeo, but I don't want you getting too popular in the wrong places.

[Shirley]

You Got funny ideas about the wrong places, Burr. The kid's a top notch working cow hen. Got a profile and a voice. There's two movie scouts talking to him right now.

[Burr Kelvin]

Listen, Shirley, you ain't getting ideas about giving me the breeze for that phony, are you?

[Shirley]

Oh, you're a funny guy, Bert.

[Burr Kelvin]

Yeah, well, I don't want my wife running around with other men.

[Shirley]

I'm kind of glad you feel that way about it, cowboy. But I can't see what you got against Tommy. He's a nice kid. You'd have him a lot.

[Burr Kelvin]

I'm having enough trouble taking care of myself without looking for somebody to help. Besides, he's gonna help me a little.

[Shirley]

What?

[Burr Kelvin]

Yeah, he's gonna pay me for a little experience.

[Shirley]

What are you talking about? Listen, if you're planning on getting that kid into one of your crooked poker games.

[Burr Kelvin]

Ah, no, Nothing that smooth, Chiquita. A gag. And nobody else on this barnstorm and corral would fall for just a smart guy. Tommy Tanner.

[Shirley]

What are you talking about?

[Burr Kelvin]

Well, he thinks he's quite a writer. He thinks he talks the Bronx language.

[Shirley]

He's the smoothest rider that's hit the rodeo circuit in 10 years. Now, I seen them all.

[Burr Kelvin]

Must have been talking to him. Well, I made Mr. Tommy Tanner a little bet.

[Lottie]

What?

[Shirley]

Listen, you go throwing our money around. How much did you bet on him?

[Burr Kelvin]

Don't worry, he's going to lose. So what difference does it make how much I bet him?

[Shirley]

I said, how much did you bet him?

[Burr Kelvin]

None of your business.

[Shirley]

Listen, if you got the idea our bank accounts, your personal property. Guess again. I've pulled down nearly as much of that prize money as you have. I've trooped the country from one end to the other. I've worked like a dog. And if you think you can throw my money away.

[Burr Kelvin]

Nobody's throwing your money away. Just doubling it, that's all, bro.

[Shirley]

You tell me right this minute. How much did you bet with Tommy Tanner?

[Burr Kelvin]

5,000 bucks, honey.

[Shirley]

What? $5,000? You'll lose that money. It'll set us back nearly two years.

[Burr Kelvin]

I said I wasn't going to lose it, didn't I? Now quit yapping and listen to me, will you? The bet's a cinch.

[Shirley]

You think you can outright, Tommy? Why you.

[Burr Kelvin]

I didn't bet him I could outride him. I bet him there'd be a horse here that he couldn't ride, that's all.

[Shirley]

But you don't know there will be.

[Burr Kelvin]

Oh, yes, I do. Listen, you know who's furnishing The Bronx for this rodeo, don't you?

[Lottie]

Well, sure.

[Shirley]

Bud Graham.

[Burr Kelvin]

Yeah, Bud Graham. And you know one bronc he owns too, don't you?

[Shirley]

You mean Gray Bomber?

[Burr Kelvin]

Gray Bomber. The wickedest hunk of hell on hooves that ever twisted and turned and sun dogged his way out of a chute.

[Shirley]

But Gray Bomber won't be here. There ain't a cowboy in this rodeo would touch him. Why, Gray Bomber's killed six men. He can't be rogue.

[Burr Kelvin]

It's a publicity gimmick. Graham's bringing in Gray Bomber and putting stories in all the newspapers about the horse's record. And then he's offering a thousand bucks to any rider who take a stab at sticking on the critter.

[Shirley]

Oh, nobody's that crazy.

[Burr Kelvin]

Bet they ain't. But my bet with Tommy Tanner is that there'll be a bronc here that he can't ride. That's all, see? And if I say Gray Bomber's the horse, he's got to ride him or cough up to 5,000. Yeah. Come in.

[Lottie]

Well, hello, Ton.

[Moran]

Hi, Shirley. Nice roping. You done tonight.

[Shirley]

Thanks, Tommy.

[Moran]

If you got time tomorrow morning, remind me to show you a little trick on the in and out. Roping?

[Shirley]

Well, that'd be mighty nice of you, Tommy.

[Burr Kelvin]

Listen, Tommy, she could teach you tricks about roping. Hmm.

[Moran]

And about riding too, I suppose.

[Burr Kelvin]

Bad you're gonna learn a trick or two about riding cowboy. A trick? It'll cost you 5,000 bucks.

[Shirley]

I wish you boys would call off that bet.

[Moran]

I suppose Bird told you to say that, didn't he?

[Shirley]

Well, no. He thinks he's got a one for sure, but I don't know. I don't like the idea.

[Burr Kelvin]

I got a sure thing, Tommy, and you fell for it like a chump.

[Moran]

Ever have a sure thing go back on you, Per?

[Burr Kelvin]

Look, this is one sure thing. It couldn't go back on me. I bet there'd be a horse here in this rodeo that you couldn't ride. You know what? Bronc's gonna be here.

[Moran]

Oh, you mean Gray Bump.

[Lottie]

What?

[Moran]

Well, sure. Gray Bomber's coming in tomorrow.

[Burr Kelvin]

You knew it all the time. Yep. I don't get it. You can't ride that horse.

[Moran]

Wanna put up another 5,000, Burr?

[Burr Kelvin]

Nobody ever has rode him.

[Moran]

There has to be a first time for everything.

[Burr Kelvin]

Yeah, you're a worse SAP. And I thought you was, mister. Every tough rock that ever bucked its.

[Moran]

Way out of a chute has a gimmick.

[Burr Kelvin]

But nobody's ever figured what Gray Bomber's gimmick was.

[Moran]

I Have I can calm that critter down and nothing flat. I got it all figured out.

[Burr Kelvin]

You're bluffing.

[Moran]

You think I'd have bet $5,000 if it was a bluff? You can get another five anytime you say so.

[Burr Kelvin]

You could be mistaken.

[Moran]

I'm willing to take my chances on that, Bert. It's gonna be the easiest $5,000 I ever made. Well, so long.

[Shirley]

You and your bright ideas. So this 5,000 is just like in the bank, is it?

[Burr Kelvin]

Oh, now, look. Surely the guy's bluff and.

[Shirley]

Well, you clown. You might as well give him the money now. And I'll tell you something else.

[Burr Kelvin]

What?

[Shirley]

I've worked like a dog saving for our ranch. Our ranch. Now, we'll be lucky if we can buy a pinto pony. You lose that money and I'm through with you.

[Lottie]

Just a minute, Tommy.

[Burr Kelvin]

Huh?

[Moran]

What's the matter, Lottie?

[Lottie]

You've been having a nice visit with Shirley.

[Moran]

Now, listen, Lottie. Don't go get mad.

[Lottie]

I'll get any way I please. I'll tell you something else. Her husband's watching you like a hawk over a chicken farm.

[Moran]

I ain't afraid of him.

[Lottie]

Well, you better be afraid of me. Who got you your breaks, huh? Who started you out in this rodeo business? Who grub staked you while you was getting the feel of things?

[Moran]

You need money, Lottie.

[Lottie]

Money. Don't you insult me, Tommy. We got an understanding that we're gonna get married. And you just try backing out.

[Burr Kelvin]

Sure.

[Moran]

Sure, we're gonna get married.

[Lottie]

You're working under too light of rain, Tommy. Let's get married tonight.

[Moran]

Well, I figured maybe after we worked Abilene Rodeo.

[Lottie]

You think I'm pretty dumb, don't you?

[Moran]

What?

[Lottie]

You ain't working the Abilene Rodeo. You got a deal on to take some screen tests. Why didn't you tell me about that, huh?

[Moran]

Well, who told you I was taking any screen test?

[Lottie]

Your little friend Shirley, that's who.

[Moran]

I swear, till I get my hands on her, I'm being given the double cross.

[Lottie]

Look who's talking about the double cross.

[Shirley]

You ought to know.

[Lottie]

She ain't interested in you. She's looking out for herself and Burr, no matter what she says or how she acts.

[Burr Kelvin]

Why, that dirty little.

[Lottie]

Well, you ain't so nice yourself, mister. You practically admitted you've been planning a run out on me.

[Moran]

You should be quit beefing.

[Lottie]

You got the wrong idea, cowboy. I ain't complaining. I'm just telling you. You try any fast ones on me and you're gonna get tied up worse.

[Shirley]

Than a bulldog.

[Tommy Tanner]

And now the feature event of the evening. That popular cowboy Tommy Tanner, trying to.

[Shirley]

Ride the roughest, toughest bronc that ever.

[Tommy Tanner]

Came out of Texas.

[Shirley]

Boy, he's getting into the shooting hour. I don't want to look.

[Burr Kelvin]

I'm looking and I'm enjoying it.

[Tommy Tanner]

Ray Palmer, a bronco that's never been written. Hold of a record full of death and destruction. Hold your breath, ladies and gentlemen.

[Shirley]

Are they opening the shoot yet?

[Burr Kelvin]

Watch it, honey, watch it. It's going to be good. Found a gimmick for that horse, did he? Well, we'll see how much of a gimmick he's got. Open and shoot now. Shirley, look.

[Lottie]

No. Boy.

[Burr Kelvin]

Hey, what's going on here anyway? Why, that dirty lousy. He's tricked me.

[Shirley]

What's wrong?

[Burr Kelvin]

Well, Gray Bomber ain't even bucking. He. He's walking out of the shoe. There's something funny going on.

[Shirley]

You and your crooked ideas for making money. Gonna practically steal $5,000 from him, was you? He didn't have any gimmick. Huh? What happened?

[Burr Kelvin]

I don't know. The bump didn't even buck. Tommy just of toppled off right into the dirt. What's it to you if he is hurt? The bronc didn't hurt him. That's a sense. Wasn't the bronc. If ever I saw a tame horse, Gray bombers it.

[Shirley]

What have you done to him?

[Burr Kelvin]

Me? What have I done to him? You saw it, didn't you? He just fell off with a horse not even bucking. Well, that wins me $5,000, sugar. But I was plum lucky.

[Shirley]

Lucky? Listen, when you win any money, there's no luck connected with it.

[Burr Kelvin]

I'd keep my mouth shut if I thought anything like that. Surely wouldn't sound good to.

[Shirley]

I don't care how it sounds. Oh, look, they're can him. Obviously he's unconscious.

[Burr Kelvin]

Serves a smart aleck right Scream. But Graham's coming over this way. Oh, hi, Graham. Tommy had a tough break, huh?

[Tommy Tanner]

That's one way of looking at it, I guess. Will.

[Burr Kelvin]

Well, I mean, he's fallen off of a tame horse.

[Tommy Tanner]

I guess most anybody'd have trouble staying on a horse in Tommy's condition, bro.

[Burr Kelvin]

Huh? Why, what's wrong with him?

[Tommy Tanner]

He's dead.

[Shirley]

No, wait. He couldn't be dead.

[Tommy Tanner]

Maybe not, ma' am, but he is.

[Shirley]

You mean he hurt himself when he fell off Gray Bomber?

[Tommy Tanner]

I mean, nothing of the kind. He was dead when Gray Bomber came out of that chute.

[Lottie]

But how?

[Shirley]

Why? What happened?

[Tommy Tanner]

That's what I aim to find out, ma' Am I know about that bet you had with Tommy Burr?

[Burr Kelvin]

What's that got to do with it? Quite a lot maybe.

[Tommy Tanner]

You see, Tommy Tanner's been murdered.

[Burr Kelvin]

So?

[Dan Glenn]

Tommy Tanner was murdered. Well, who killed him and what was the motive?

[Barbara Glenn]

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[Dan Glenn]

For that matter, how was he killed? We'll find out in the second act of Death in the Saddle. Meanwhile, here's a brief message from our sponsor. And now, Act 2 of Death in the Saddle. Burr, Shirley, Lottie, Moran and Graham are gathered in Graham's office.

[Tommy Tanner]

We gotta straighten this business out, folks.

[Burr Kelvin]

I don't know what there is to straighten out. A guy died.

[Tommy Tanner]

He didn't die, Burr. He was murdered. The lawful kind of thinks there's a difference.

[Burr Kelvin]

I didn't kill him.

[Tommy Tanner]

No?

[Burr Kelvin]

No. Why should I kill him?

[Tommy Tanner]

You was betting him $5,000 he couldn't ride grave armor. And he told you he had a gimmick on the horse.

[Burr Kelvin]

Well, I didn't believe it.

[Tommy Tanner]

Well, he did. You could see that plain enough, couldn't you?

[Burr Kelvin]

Oh, reckon maybe did at that.

[Tommy Tanner]

Lucky for you he had that accident, huh?

[Burr Kelvin]

Yeah, reckon it was pretty lucky.

[Lottie]

Lucky? You killed him and you know it. He was crazy jealous of him anyway.

[Tommy Tanner]

Jealous? Lottie, I ain't heard any of this. What was it?

[Lottie]

Shirley was making a big play for Tommy.

[Shirley]

She knew about him going into the movie. Well, you dirty minded.

[Lottie]

Careful how you talk to me, Shirley.

[Shirley]

I'll be careful. All right. I'll throw a lasso around your neck and pull it till the hunter squeezes your gullet.

[Tommy Tanner]

Wipe down, Shirley. No need to get so sore.

[Shirley]

So was she.

[Burr Kelvin]

Calm down, Shirley.

[Shirley]

You ain't my boss. Just the smart husband that practically throws 5,000 bucks away.

[Burr Kelvin]

I didn't lose, did I?

[Shirley]

Maybe not, but you got a murder charge hanging right over your head.

[Burr Kelvin]

Look, I don't even know how the guy died. I.

[Tommy Tanner]

That was pretty cute how he died.

[Burr Kelvin]

What?

[Tommy Tanner]

Tommy Was using his jeweled saddle.

[Burr Kelvin]

Yeah, I could see that, all right.

[Tommy Tanner]

The one he always used for exhibition riding. But he never had it fixed up this way before.

[Lottie]

What way?

[Tommy Tanner]

The jewels on that saddle are set into little metal holders. And in each of the holders, somebody's wedged a piece of sharp needle coated with poison. Poison? The minute Tommy Tanner dropped into the saddle, before the bronc came out of the shoe, it was a dead pigeon.

[Burr Kelvin]

Who'D been an attack group.

[Tommy Tanner]

We ain't gonna find the murder by finding who had a chance to kill Tommy. We're gonna find him by figuring out who had a reason to kill him.

[Shirley]

That's easy, Lottie.

[Lottie]

Listen here, you. You've got a lot of nerve talking about me having a reason to kill Tommy when we was engaged.

[Shirley]

Was is right. Tommy was trying to get rid of you. Got too big time for you. That's a lie. I heard the fight you was having with him.

[Lottie]

Oh, so you've been eavesdropping on me, huh? Listen, I'd like to show you how I wrap.

[Shirley]

What?

[Tommy Tanner]

Oh, she admit you was having trouble with Tommy?

[Shirley]

Her?

[Lottie]

Lottie, we wasn't having any trouble. Nothing that couldn't have been straightened out by getting Shirley out of the way.

[Tommy Tanner]

I don't know what Shirley'd have to do with your trouble, Lottie. She's a married woman.

[Lottie]

You don't get around much, Graham. Sure, she's married, but she's kind of ambitious, too. She was looking for a chance to improve her position.

[Burr Kelvin]

Now, look here, Lottie. You can't talk.

[Lottie]

If you'd been awake, you'd have seen what was going on. Shirley was making a play for Tommy Tanner. A big play. She thought he was gonna go places. And she was looking for a ticket right on the same train.

[Shirley]

When you make cracks like that, Lottie, it's a good idea to be able to prove them.

[Lottie]

Ask anybody around the room.

[Tommy Tanner]

Now, wait a minute. You girls are slowing things down.

[Shirley]

What?

[Tommy Tanner]

I'm trying to find out who killed Tommy, and you're jawing about who was Tommy's best girl. That don't make no difference now, the way I look at it.

[Shirley]

All right, who killed him?

[Tommy Tanner]

Somebody who'd be better off because he was dead.

[Shirley]

Well, it don't take any Einstein to figure that out.

[Tommy Tanner]

Go on, Father. What would profit from his being dead? Not Lottie.

[Shirley]

She knitted out of spite. Because she was jealous and because she figured he was gonna ditch her. She couldn't stand having folks know she'd lost out.

[Tommy Tanner]

Well, maybe. But from a money standpoint she couldn't do herself any good by killing him. Tommy didn't have much. His riches was all what you might call potential. He had a big future ahead of him. The killing stopped that future cold.

[Lottie]

Sure, that's right. He could have been a great cowboy.

[Tommy Tanner]

And the charges you've been shooting at Shirley, they kind of end up the same way. Lottie, Shirley ain't any better off than she was.

[Lottie]

With Tommy dead, she's $5,000 better off.

[Tommy Tanner]

Well, that's something to argue about. She didn't win the 5,000, and it wasn't her was gonna lose it. The way I look at it, there was only one person gonna be any better off with. Tommy did. And that was.

[Burr Kelvin]

Yeah, yeah, me. I know what you're thinking. Well, I didn't kill him, Graham, and I ain't gonna be made a goat.

[Tommy Tanner]

Nobody's gonna ask you to be a goat. But you're the one guy had a chance to line his pockets from Tommy's death.

[Burr Kelvin]

I ain't a killer, I tell you. I never.

[Tommy Tanner]

What time was you in the tack room?

[Burr Kelvin]

Birth? Well, just before the steer bulldogging event. I had to get my stuff.

[Tommy Tanner]

And that was about an hour before Tommy got his saddle, wasn't he?

[Burr Kelvin]

Reckon so.

[Tommy Tanner]

Was anybody in the tack room with you?

[Burr Kelvin]

No. I ain't in the habit of taking along a valet or nothing. When I get my stuff, I think.

[Tommy Tanner]

Maybe we better turn you over to the police, Burr.

[Burr Kelvin]

Think again then, Graham.

[Shirley]

Oh, Burr, you fool. Put that gun back in your holster.

[Burr Kelvin]

I ain't getting sent to no jail for something I didn't do.

[Shirley]

Put that gun away.

[Burr Kelvin]

Oh, so you want me to get arrested, huh? You've been trying to get rid of me for quite a spell. Sure I ain't good enough for you anymore.

[Lottie]

Say, they're all wet about Bird being the only person who could profit. Graham. Why, if Shirley could kill Tommy and fix it so Burr be the full guy, she'd get Tommy's 5,000 and Burr, too. Why, she could make more money out of this than anybody.

[Tommy Tanner]

You're just kind of hoping ly.

[Burr Kelvin]

Nope.

[Tommy Tanner]

I'll stick to Burr for my man. I'm going to call the police, Burr.

[Burr Kelvin]

Get away from that phone. Graham.

[Tommy Tanner]

I ain't scared of you. Burn.

[Burr Kelvin]

Now, I'm warning you, Graham. Next time I shoot, I don't aim at no telephone.

[Tommy Tanner]

What are you going to do?

[Burr Kelvin]

I'm going to have a little talk with Shirley. There's some sense to the remarks that Lottie's made about her trying to frame me.

[Shirley]

No. No. Get away from me. Well, you can't help. No, Graham, you won't let him. No. I'll get you for this, Bur if it takes me the rest of my life.

[Burr Kelvin]

You ain't gonna get nobody now that you've confessed.

[Shirley]

Confessed? Why wouldn't I confess? Will you hit me in the face and knocking me down and twisting my arm to the breaking point. If I hadn't confessed, it had been nuts.

[Lottie]

You mean you're denying your confession?

[Shirley]

Of course I'm denying it.

[Burr Kelvin]

And I reckon I gotta start working you over again. Shirley.

[Shirley]

Oh, for the love. Oh, Graham. Why do you care to kill me?

[Tommy Tanner]

He's got a gun. He's crazy mad. Shirley, I ain't Hank going to dispute with him.

[Burr Kelvin]

Your confession's true and you know it. Shirley. You kill Tommy, I don't go trying to get out of it.

[Shirley]

Listen, if I'd have wanted to kill Tommy, I'd have done it a lot easier than the scheme that was worked. And if you think you're gonna make my confession stand up in court, you're gonna look like just as big a SAP as you really are.

[Burr Kelvin]

Yeah? Why?

[Shirley]

Because I'll show the police a ticket.

[Tommy Tanner]

What ticket?

[Shirley]

The ticket to Reno.

[Burr Kelvin]

The ticket to re. What?

[Shirley]

Tommy had you licked on that bet. It was a big time, and he's heading right for the top.

[Burr Kelvin]

What's that got to do with a ticket to Reno?

[Shirley]

Plenty. Tommy was giving me the money to go out to Reno. I was gonna skip after tonight's show. I was gonna get a divorce from you and marry him. That's a lie. Oh, no, it ain't and you know it. I got plenty of proof. Ask the lawyer that was advising Tommy on his movie test business and see what he says. Tommy'd been getting more than movie advice from him.

[Burr Kelvin]

You're a sweet little woman, you are.

[Shirley]

What do you expect? We're throwing away most of the money we'd been able to save.

[Burr Kelvin]

I wasn't doing no such thing.

[Shirley]

You saw for yourself. Even when he was dying, Tommy was able to put a gimmick on Gray Bomber, the Bronx Stop Cove. You saw it, even told Graham what the gimmick was. And? And Graham admitted it might work.

[Burr Kelvin]

What, so he told Graham, huh?

[Tommy Tanner]

No, no, he never said nothing to me about it.

[Shirley]

That's a lie. He told me he talked to you.

[Lottie]

Oh, what difference does it make whether he talked to Graham or not? He had a gimmick on the horse, all right. That was easy enough to see. The important thing is that Vern knew About the gimmick.

[Burr Kelvin]

I wouldn't be too sure about that, Lottie. But why a good buck and bronc that can't be rode? A horse like that's worth as much as a winning racehorse in the rodeo business.

[Tommy Tanner]

More, maybe. I've turned down some big offers for Gray Bomber.

[Shirley]

Oh, that's beside the point.

[Tommy Tanner]

Sure it is.

[Burr Kelvin]

You do a little less talking and more listening. Graham. Tommy talked to you about the way he was going to calm Gray Bomber down.

[Tommy Tanner]

No, I knew nothing about it.

[Shirley]

Oh, yes, you did. Tommy told me there wasn't any reason for him to lie to me about it.

[Burr Kelvin]

Oh, getting smart, huh, Shirley? Gray Bomber was worth a small fortune to Graham as long as he couldn't be rode. But once a cowboy put the gimmick on him. Once the secret was out of how to keep Gray Bomber from Buckingham, that horse wasn't worth a dime.

[Shirley]

Hey, I never thought of that.

[Burr Kelvin]

So the fellow that stood to profit the most from having Tommy Tanner die before Gray Bomber got broken was Mr. Green.

[Tommy Tanner]

You're crazy.

[Burr Kelvin]

Running the rodeo. You was in a spot where you could slip that saddle of Tommy's out of the tack room and fix it up in private. You think anybody take a chance of having folks walk in on him while he was doctoring a saddle that away?

[Shirley]

Well, that's right.

[Burr Kelvin]

I think it'd be kind of smart to go to Graham's office and kind of rummaged through his stuff.

[Lottie]

I'll do it.

[Shirley]

What will I look for?

[Burr Kelvin]

Lots of things. Needles, maybe, and poison.

[Tommy Tanner]

No, you don't, Lottie.

[Burr Kelvin]

Don't forget I got a gun, Graham.

[Tommy Tanner]

Yeah, that's right. You have, ain't you? Well, let's see if you want to shoot Lottie just standing right in front of me while I back out of here. Lottie. And once I get to my car.

[Burr Kelvin]

You killed Tommy, didn't you?

[Shirley]

Sure.

[Tommy Tanner]

Sure. You think I let a smart Alec ruin the best horse I got? The one that's worth the most money?

[Shirley]

Come on, Lottie.

[Tommy Tanner]

Don't try to get loose. Cause I got a gun, too.

[Shirley]

Oh, shoot him for her. You got her.

[Burr Kelvin]

Listen, I can't shoot Lottie. She ain't done nothing.

[Shirley]

Oh. Where's my rope? Yeah, yeah. Right over here.

[Burr Kelvin]

What are you gonna do?

[Shirley]

Come on. We gotta run to catch her before they get to Graham's car. Now, hurry. Keep him covered with your gun in case he tries to shoot me. If he does, you gotta take a chance on getting Lottie. Maybe. But you gotta get him.

[Burr Kelvin]

Don't worry. I'll Protect you.

[Shirley]

I think we're getting close enough. I gotta drop the rope down. Pretty accurate.

[Burr Kelvin]

And you're the one that can do it, K. Let us sail, Shirley. And good luck.

[Tommy Tanner]

Oh.

[Shirley]

Get him. Right now.

[Burr Kelvin]

Yeah, right over his head. Look, look, he's pawing at it, trying to get it off.

[Shirley]

I figured he would. Careful now.

[Burr Kelvin]

Yeah, smart work. You got it right around his neck.

[Shirley]

Now pull it tight for. I ain't strong enough.

[Burr Kelvin]

Yeah, that idiot. He's trying to get into his car with the roper on his.

[Shirley]

Hold on. He throw her down. Put on the roper.

[Burr Kelvin]

I'm trying to, but it's cutting my hands off.

[Shirley]

You pulled him right out of the running car by his neck.

[Burr Kelvin]

The toughest critter I ever tried to haul in with a rope.

[Lottie]

His neck broke. I heard it crack.

[Shirley]

Is he. Is he dead?

[Lottie]

He sure is.

[Shirley]

Good work, sir.

[Burr Kelvin]

Yeah, yeah, I reckon so. Well, I suppose I better call the police.

[Shirley]

Well, I. I'll go with you, Burr.

[Burr Kelvin]

You will What? I thought you was through with me.

[Shirley]

Oh, not if you'll have me around, Burr. I. I made a mistake. I. I was slow cold yet.

[Burr Kelvin]

Well, if you've got over it, there's no use yapping around about it anymore. Reckon. And I'm kind of sorry about the beating up I give you, Shirley.

[Shirley]

Sorry hadn't ought to be, bruh. Made me kind of, well, feel that you was quite a fella. And even if it was for something, I didn't do it. I guess I had it common on General Principal it.

[Burr Kelvin]

Sam SA.

[I]

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