Red Ryder 42-03-05 (14) Trouble at Iron Horse Junction

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Red Ryder 42-03-05 (14) Trouble at Iron Horse Junction"

Podcast Information

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Episode: Red Ryder 42-03-05 (14) Trouble at Iron Horse Junction
• Release Date: May 22, 2025

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Introduction

In the captivating episode titled "Trouble at Iron Horse Junction," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, where heroism, adventure, and the spirit of the Wild West come alive through the thrilling exploits of Red Ryder, America's renowned fighting cowboy. This episode intricately weaves themes of sabotage, community resilience, and the classic battle between good and evil, set against the backdrop of railroad expansion across the American plains.

Setting the Scene

The story unfolds with Red Ryder and his trusty companion, Little Beaver, journeying through the Great Plains in pursuit of their nemesis, Ace Hanlon. The duo arrives at the burgeoning town of Iron Horse Junction, a railroad construction site teeming with workers—referred to as "patties"—building the tracks wherever the rails extend. The town's transient nature is highlighted when Little Beaver notes at [00:09] “...it wasn’t there two weeks ago and it won't be there two more weeks.”

Quote:

• Little Beaver [00:09]: "Well, right now it's known as Iron Horse Junction. It wasn't there two weeks ago and it won't be there two more weeks."

Main Conflict

Upon their arrival, Red Ryder and Little Beaver quickly identify the root of the town's unrest: a severe food shortage exacerbated by Ace Hanlon's machinations. Terence O'Grady, the accountant and son of the food concession owner, reveals at [04:21] the depth of the crisis:

Quote:

• Terence O'Grady [04:21]: "Scarce isn't the name for it. There hasn't been a freight wagon in here with supplies for a week."

Ace Hanlon has been inciting the workers to revolt, aiming to disrupt the railroad construction for his gain. The tension escalates as Prairie Bill Bundy, the town’s premier buffalo hunter, discusses the sabotage being orchestrated by Hanlon, who has manipulated local Pawnee tribes into destabilizing the workforce.

Quote:

• Ace Hanlon [06:05]: "No. Stampede. Engine not make them trouble."

Character Dynamics and Development

• Red Ryder: The embodiment of courage and justice, Red Ryder takes immediate action to quell the unrest. His leadership is evident when he confronts McCluskey, urging him to restore order.

  Quote:

  • Red Ryder [07:06]: "I'm going to knock that living daylights out of him."

• Little Beaver: Red’s loyal sidekick, demonstrating sharp instincts and bravery, especially when he intervenes to prevent a violent confrontation.

  Quote:

  • Little Beaver [07:17]: "I've got something to say to you."

• Ace Hanlon: The quintessential antagonist, whose schemes to undermine the railroad project and manipulate the workers showcase his ruthless ambition.

  Quote:

  • Ace Hanlon [09:08]: "Now, tomorrow you're to stampede them back where they came from."

• Molly O'Grady and Terence O'Grady: Representing the civilian stake in the conflict, they provide critical support and insight into the town’s plight.

Key Events and Actions

1. Initial Investigation: Red Ryder and Little Beaver assess the situation at Iron Horse Junction, recognizing the signs of sabotage and food scarcity.

2. Confrontation with Ace Hanlon: A tense encounter ensues where Hanlon attempts to assert his control, leading to a physical confrontation where Red Ryder stands his ground.

   Quote:

   • Red Ryder [07:17]: "I'm going to knock that living daylights out of him."

3. Stampede Strategy: Jim McCluskey proposes a tactical plan to redirect the buffalo stampede into box canyons, a strategy that requires precise coordination and bravery.

   Quote:

   • Jim McCluskey [13:16]: "I know this country around here like a book."

4. Execution of the Plan: Under Red Ryder’s leadership, the team successfully herds the buffalo into the canyons, ensuring a robust supply of meat for the workers and thwarting Hanlon’s plans.

   Quote:

   • Little Beaver [16:39]: "It's worth it as long as we won."

5. Final Confrontation: The episode culminates in a decisive showdown between Red Ryder and Ace Hanlon aboard a runaway train, resulting in Hanlon's escape and setting the stage for future encounters.

   Quote:

   • Little Beaver [23:35]: "That's something. Mr. McCluskey is going to be very disappointed to see."

Climax and Resolution

The tension peaks as Ace Hanlon’s schemes are exposed and countered. Red Ryder and Little Beaver's strategic maneuvering forces the buffalo into a controlled environment, securing the necessary resources for Iron Horse Junction. Despite Hanlon’s attempts to regain control by manipulating both McCluskey and rival railroad interests, his plans unravel, leading to his temporary defeat.

Quote:

• Ace Hanlon [18:12]: "All right, it isn't. Oh, Grady don't know. They got their beef and the patties don't know it."

However, Hanlon's escape hints at lingering threats, promising that the struggle between Red Ryder and his adversary is far from over.

Conclusion

"Trouble at Iron Horse Junction" masterfully combines action, strategy, and character interplay to deliver a riveting narrative. Red Ryder’s unwavering commitment to justice, coupled with Little Beaver’s ingenuity, showcases the enduring appeal of classic Western heroes. The episode concludes with a sense of accomplishment for the protagonists, yet leaves the door open for future adventures as Ace Hanlon vows retribution.

Closing Remarks:

• Red Ryder [24:40]: "Ace Hanlon has been lucky enough to escape from the vengeance of Red Ryder so far. But it's a pretty good bet that these two will meet again. And then it may be another story."

Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next installment, where Red Ryder and Little Beaver will continue to confront the challenges posed by Hanlon’s relentless pursuit of disrupting the railroad expansion.

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Notable Quotes Summary:

• Little Beaver [00:09]: Introduction to Iron Horse Junction’s transient nature.
• Terence O'Grady [04:21]: Highlights the severe food shortage.
• Red Ryder [07:06]: Resolute stance against McCluskey.
• Little Beaver [07:17]: Call to reason amidst chaos.
• Ace Hanlon [09:08]: Demand to control the buffalo stampede.
• Jim McCluskey [13:16]: Strategic insight into stopping the stampede.
• Little Beaver [16:39]: Affirmation of the mission’s worth.
• Little Beaver [23:35]: Indicating McCluskey's frustration.
• Ace Hanlon [18:12]: Explanation of his thwarted plans.
• Red Ryder [24:40]: Foreshadowing future confrontations.

This episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio" exemplifies the timeless allure of radio dramas, combining suspense, moral dilemmas, and heroic feats to create an engaging auditory experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Transcript

[Red Ryder]

From out of the west comes Red Ryder, America's famous fighting cowboy.

[Little Beaver]

Prodeeper. There's trouble at Iron Horse Junction and it looks like Ace Hanlon's work. Let's hit the trail.

[Molly O'Grady]

You bet your MC Rider. Get along. Get him up.

[Red Ryder]

Get.

[Little Beaver]

Come on, Thunder.

[Red Ryder]

Ride them, Cowboy. The adventures of Red Rider, Sam. His adventure at Bullion Bend. Finished. Red Rider is pushing on tonight through the Great Plains country in search of his arch enemy, Ace Hanlon. For word has reached Red that Hanlon, defeated in his last attempt at lawlessness, has come in this direction seeking new fields of profit. With his inseparable companion, Little Beaver. The fighting cowboy rides to the top of a ridge and looks down at the scene below.

[Little Beaver]

Oh, ho, Thunder. Well, it'll be there. Quite a little town down there.

[Molly O'Grady]

What you calling that place, Red Ryder?

[Little Beaver]

Well, right now it's known as Iron Horse Junction. It wasn't there two weeks ago and it won't be there two more weeks.

[Molly O'Grady]

Ghost town, huh?

[Little Beaver]

No, nothing like that, little partner. You see, the men who live there are building a railroad, pushing it across the plains wherever the end of the rails happen to be, that's their hometown.

[Molly O'Grady]

They get them food there, too, huh, Red Ryder?

[Little Beaver]

Yes, and I get the hint all right, too. With all those patties working on the tracks, they need to have plenty of food.

[Molly O'Grady]

Why don't we go get them supper?

[Little Beaver]

Well, you see that long train that lies along the track down there?

[Molly O'Grady]

See them all lit up like Indian and war paint.

[Little Beaver]

That's right. These traveling towns are pretty wild. Sometimes when the patties get going, well, that's where they eat and sleep. And somewhere along that line, we'll find a cook car.

[Molly O'Grady]

Make a mouth water.

[Little Beaver]

All right, Little Beaver. We're both tired and hungry after that long ride over the plains. Come on, let's head for the grub. All right, Thunder.

[Molly O'Grady]

Get him up the pooh.

[Red Ryder]

Come on, Thunder.

[Little Beaver]

Well, here we are, little beaver. Hit it right on the nose. Here's the coatcock. Come on. We leave the horses here.

[Molly O'Grady]

Why men make them big talk, Red Rider.

[Little Beaver]

I don't know. They act pretty mad about something. Don't they all?

[Molly O'Grady]

Make them circle around. One man, he'd tell him something.

[Little Beaver]

Well, these patties are always shouting for some reason or other. All right, into the car. Up you go. Well, a lady cook, huh? Good evening, miss.

[Terence O'Grady]

And a good evening to you. Copy. What brings you to Iron Horse Junction?

[Little Beaver]

Well, my little partner and I have been riding all day and our stomachs are beginning to holler for some food. Think he can fix Us up food, is it?

[Terence O'Grady]

Now, in the first place, I'm not the cook of this outfit and.

[Little Beaver]

Oh, you're not?

[Terence O'Grady]

No. My father, Terence o' Grady, owns the food concession here and I am his accountant.

[Little Beaver]

I see. Well, think you could route out the cook for us?

[Terence O'Grady]

I don't think I could route out the cook or a waiter or anyone else tonight. They've all quit, but. Well, I'll see what I can stir up for you.

[Little Beaver]

Well, now, that's right kind of you, miss.

[Terence O'Grady]

But don't go expecting anything fancy. You'll be lucky to get anything at all. At all.

[Ace Hanlon]

Why?

[Little Beaver]

What seems to be the trouble? Food scarce.

[Terence O'Grady]

Scarce isn't the name for it. There hasn't been a freight wagon in here with supplies for a week. To make matters worse, the buffalo hunters haven't brought back any beef. We're about at our wits end. Well, I'll see what I can find for you.

[Little Beaver]

Say, miss, could it be that's the reason all those patties are carrying on outside there?

[Terence O'Grady]

That's the reason, all right. You know that fellow you saw talking to them? Yes, that's Jim McCluskey, one of the foreman. He's trying to stir the paddies up to revolt. And if we don't get supplies in another day, he'll do it.

[Little Beaver]

Sure, that's bad for a railroad that's just a building.

[Prairie Bill Bundy]

Come on in here, Bill, before we can talk. Well, we've got visitors.

[Little Beaver]

Howdy, sir. I guess you were Torrance o' Grady.

[Prairie Bill Bundy]

That's right, sir.

[Little Beaver]

My name's Red Ryder and this is my partner, Little Beaver.

[Prairie Bill Bundy]

Glad to know you, Ryder. And this gentleman here is Bill Bundy. Prairie Bill Bundy. Best buffalo hunter in these parts.

[Jim McCluskey]

Howdy, Ryder.

[Little Beaver]

Well, say, it's a real honor to meet you, Prairie Bill. I didn't think I'd ever managed to script.

[Terence O'Grady]

Oh, you're back, Father. And Mr. Bundy.

[Prairie Bill Bundy]

Yes, Molly, we're back. Bill just came in.

[Terence O'Grady]

Yeah, and did you?

[Jim McCluskey]

Same luck again today, Molly. Didn't bring in a single buffalo.

[Little Beaver]

Seem to be having your troubles, Mr. O' Grady.

[Ace Hanlon]

Trouble? Sure.

[Prairie Bill Bundy]

And you don't know what we're up against.

[Little Beaver]

There must be plenty of buffalo herds in these parts. And with a great hunter like Prairie Bill.

[Prairie Bill Bundy]

Bill could get him if any man could. If there wasn't a deal of dirty work going on.

[Little Beaver]

Dirty work? How's that?

[Jim McCluskey]

Well, you see, Ryder, the Pawnees have been stampeding herd after herd before we could reach them. Driving them up north.

[Prairie Bill Bundy]

Bill could handle them Injuns all right, but it's worse than that. They've been put up to it by the white men.

[Terence O'Grady]

Father's got an idea who's starting all the trouble, but he can't catch him at it.

[Prairie Bill Bundy]

Yes, that's right. You see, there's a fellow name of Ace Hanlon been hanging around.

[Little Beaver]

Ace Hanlon?

[Prairie Bill Bundy]

That's right. You know the gent?

[Little Beaver]

I certainly do. Might have known if there was some kind of crooked business going on, Hanlon would be in the vicinity.

[Molly O'Grady]

We stay him here, huh? Red Ryder catch a mace Hanlon.

[Little Beaver]

You're right, little beaver. If that hombre's in town.

[Ace Hanlon]

Hey, okay.

[Prairie Bill Bundy]

Well, what's the matter now, McClesky?

[Red Ryder]

I guess that was how fair we built.

[Little Beaver]

Came back without any meat again today, that's all.

[Ace Hanlon]

Well, yes, that's right, McGlesey pal, I want to know.

[Red Ryder]

Hey, Mick Bundy came back again without any buffalo.

[Ace Hanlon]

What are you going to do about it? You want to stay here in this particular place and starve, or will you fight?

[Terence O'Grady]

Father, what's going to happen?

[Ace Hanlon]

They'll wreck the car.

[Prairie Bill Bundy]

We've got to stop those men.

[Little Beaver]

Come on. I'll help. And little people. You stay right where you are.

[Terence O'Grady]

Don't go outside, Father.

[Prairie Bill Bundy]

Mr. Ryder, I'll deal with that Jim McCluskey. He's to blame.

[Red Ryder]

Hey, McCluskey. Well, what do you want? Order those men to calm down. Stop this riot. When that sting in for want of.

[Ace Hanlon]

Food, nobody can stop.

[Prairie Bill Bundy]

You started them.

[Red Ryder]

I'm going to knock that living daylights out of him.

[Little Beaver]

Oh, Grady. Oh, Grady.

[Red Ryder]

Look out.

[Little Beaver]

He's got a pick handle.

[Red Ryder]

Oh, Grady.

[Ace Hanlon]

It's too late.

[Red Ryder]

Of course you got him.

[Jim McCluskey]

Only one thing to do, Ryder. We got to shoot it out with him.

[Little Beaver]

No way, Bill. Can't do that.

[Jim McCluskey]

But they'll tear us the ribbons.

[Red Ryder]

Maybe not.

[Little Beaver]

Wait now, wait a minute, men. Now, quiet. I've got something to say to you.

[Ace Hanlon]

Who are you?

[Red Ryder]

K. Right?

[Little Beaver]

As the name says, you're interested. Since you're so anxious to fight McCluskey, maybe you'll be willing to fight with your fists instead of clubs.

[Ace Hanlon]

I ain't afraid of you, cowboy.

[Little Beaver]

Then I'll give you reason to be. I guess that'll take care of you for a while, Mr. McCluskey. All right, now, men, listen to me. This coyote here has been feeding a lot of lies. He's trying for reasons of his own. Or somebody's higher up to make you quit your jobs building this railroad. Are you gonna be taken over by an insignificant sidewinder like him? There isn't any beef tonight. No but it's not the fold of a Grady and Prairie Bill. It's the fault of the very people who are stirring you up to revolt. Now, will you men be patient? Eat what there is here. Go back to work in the morning, and we'll see that you get food.

[Red Ryder]

Ray Ryder. That cop was meant for you.

[Little Beaver]

And a little too close for comfort. Sure ventilated my head for me.

[Jim McCluskey]

Whoever it was is riding off over there.

[Red Ryder]

Rick Ryder. Rick Ryder.

[Jim McCluskey]

Rece.

[Red Ryder]

What did you see?

[Little Beaver]

Little Beaver.

[Molly O'Grady]

Man chewed him right off on horse. Him? Ace Hanlon.

[Little Beaver]

Ace Hanlon. So he is here. Come on, Little Beaver. We're taking off after Hanlon.

[Molly O'Grady]

Make him hurry.

[Little Beaver]

Here, Thunder. All right, Thunder, hit that trail.

[Red Ryder]

Come on, Thunder.

[Little Beaver]

Helen wrote this with Little Beaver. I'm certain of it.

[Molly O'Grady]

Look at my brighter. Look up.

[Little Beaver]

What? Oh, yes, I see right ahead.

[Red Ryder]

Indian camp Timpani.

[Little Beaver]

Easy, Thunder, Easy. Must be the tribe that's stampeding the buffalo. I'd like to know what they.

[Molly O'Grady]

Maybe bull talk and chief, huh?

[Little Beaver]

No, that wouldn't work. Maybe a Prairie Bill was here.

[Molly O'Grady]

Say, don't you see him?

[Little Beaver]

That horse. The horse that's tethered a little way from the campfire. Look familiar to you?

[Molly O'Grady]

That a Mace Hanlon horse?

[Little Beaver]

It sure is. And that means Hanlon's the one who's stirring up these Indians.

[Molly O'Grady]

Maybe we catch him now, huh?

[Little Beaver]

No, wait. I've got to find out what Hanlon's saying to those Pawnees. Little Beaver, think you can crawl near enough to hear?

[Molly O'Grady]

Can do them all right.

[Little Beaver]

Go ahead. I'll wait here. Don't take any chances, Little Beaver.

[Molly O'Grady]

All right.

[Ace Hanlon]

Listen to what I say. There's another herd of buffalo nearby, understand? Buffalo come from north.

[Little Beaver]

That's right.

[Ace Hanlon]

Now, tomorrow you're to stampede them back where they came from. Oh, no more stampede. You're going to do as I say. You've done it before, and you're going to do it again. No. Stampede. Engine not make them trouble. Now, look here. You don't want your tribe to starve, do you? Prairie Bill and his hunters will kill off all the buffalo in these parts. You won't have any left for your own food. Now, don't be a fool. No wantum starved. But look. You see this? See what I have in my hand? Oh, money. Much money. That's right. Much new railroad to go through. And he's willing to pay to see that it does. Hey, Engine. Sure, I pay you money. You stampede buffaloes.

[Little Beaver]

No food.

[Ace Hanlon]

Hmm. Me see. All right, then. Here's your money. Now, in the morning, your Riders will head off the buffalo before they get to the canyon. Turn them back, keep driving them on. Maybe animal. No, it wasn't. There's somebody behind those bushes and it isn't going to be healthy for whoever.

[Red Ryder]

What?

[Ace Hanlon]

The little Indian kid that travels with Ryder. Get up there. You no hurt him.

[Molly O'Grady]

Me get him lost. See campfire?

[Ace Hanlon]

Yes, and here, too. Get you back here. Hey, Chief, watch who got him. Here, take this Injun kid and tie him up. Don't let him get away, whatever happens. He heard us. Me kaium. Hey, what's the idea, kid? Stop that howling. Stop it. Take this little wildcat off my hands. Chief, you come. Somebody coming.

[Little Beaver]

Reach for this guy.

[Red Ryder]

It's Red Rider.

[Ace Hanlon]

I'm getting out of here.

[Little Beaver]

Little Beaver. I'll get you. Let's all that, India boy. He's my friend.

[Ace Hanlon]

Here you go. Here. Go.

[Little Beaver]

Hold it, Little Beaver. All right, up on the saddle with me.

[Molly O'Grady]

Be ready. But he send the bottom way.

[Little Beaver]

That's all right. We'll catch up with him soon.

[Red Ryder]

Now hang on. All right, Thunder. Come on.

[Ace Hanlon]

Th.

[Red Ryder]

We return to the adventures of Red Rider. In just a moment, Red Rider, having rescued Little Bieber from the renegade Indian chief, has ridden back to the railroad town of Iron Horse Junction, temporary headquarters of the construction gang. Now seated at the counter, he is in conversation with Prairie Bill, who is beginning to devise a plan for the morning stampede.

[Little Beaver]

So you see, Prairie Bill, there's no question they're going to stampede tomorrow morning. We've got to find some way to stop them.

[Jim McCluskey]

Stopping a buffalo stampede isn't as easy as that, Ryder. But maybe there's another way.

[Little Beaver]

What's that?

[Jim McCluskey]

I know this country around here like a book. And from what Little Beaver heard at the Indian camp, I can tell just about where these bison are grazing. Yes, Will, down along the edge of that plain are three box canyons. That means we've got three chances.

[Little Beaver]

Chances to head them off into one of those box canyons.

[Jim McCluskey]

That's it. Now, we'll keep under cover until those engines start the stampede. Then we'll ride out near the head of the herd. Where the leaders go, the others will follow, if we're lucky.

[Terence O'Grady]

Oh, Mr. Ryder, I didn't know you were back.

[Little Beaver]

I'm back, all right. With some news that may give you the buffalo meat you need.

[Terence O'Grady]

Sure, and that's wonderful, Mr. Ryder.

[Jim McCluskey]

Well, we're not sure yet, Molly, but you can pretty nearly bet you can feed your Patty's proper tomorrow. Thanks to the help of Red Ryder.

[Terence O'Grady]

You'll never know what you're doing for us, Mr. Ryder?

[Little Beaver]

Don't let's worry about that now, ma' am. Right. Now, if you can find us a place to lie down, though, we'd better get a little rest.

[Terence O'Grady]

Why, of course.

[Molly O'Grady]

We got him. Sleep, then ride him.

[Little Beaver]

Not you, little beaver. I can't let you get mixed up in a stampede like this is going to be. You'll stay here and wait for us.

[Molly O'Grady]

No going with Red Rider.

[Little Beaver]

No. This is one time I'll have to leave you behind. Good night, Miss Molly. We'll be seeing you tomorrow.

[Jim McCluskey]

Here we are, Red. Let's just wait here a bit.

[Little Beaver]

There's the buffalo herd over there. All right, the latter gets the more I can see of them.

[Jim McCluskey]

Now, you see over there, the canyons I spoke about?

[Little Beaver]

Oh, yes. Yes, that's right. One, two, three of them.

[Jim McCluskey]

Stampeding the north as they must. They'll come right close to the mouth of those canyons. Now, we can turn them into the first well and good. If we can't, there's still two more.

[Little Beaver]

Hold on. Look at that. Isn't the herd starting to move?

[Jim McCluskey]

Oh, by golly, it is. And if I'm not wrong, I see some of those Pawnees over yonder starting the stampede.

[Little Beaver]

Then we'd better be ready.

[Jim McCluskey]

Now, mind you, Red Rider, this is going to be no easy matter. Once you get mixed up in that herd, chances are you'll be trampled underfoot.

[Little Beaver]

I know. That's a chance we have to take.

[Jim McCluskey]

Here they come. Watch for the leaders of the herd.

[Little Beaver]

Think of all that buffalo meat they're driving off. We've got to stop them, Bill.

[Jim McCluskey]

Well, if it's possible, we will.

[Red Ryder]

I'll get ready. All right. Ready, men. Head them for the first box canyon. Drive in all you can. They're heading away. Come on, Thunder r.

[Little Beaver]

It.

[Red Ryder]

Right. Don't get so close to that hurt. They won't turn. Can't make them turn into the canyon.

[Jim McCluskey]

There's still two more ahead.

[Little Beaver]

You got to make one of them get over there. Y critters.

[Red Ryder]

Quite a bit, miss.

[Little Beaver]

This one, too, Bill.

[Red Ryder]

Can't turn them off. We got one more chance. It's got to work or we lose.

[Little Beaver]

I'm going to ride up ahead of the herd.

[Red Ryder]

It's the only way. Take it easy. They'll trample you.

[Little Beaver]

Have your men follow me.

[Red Ryder]

We've got to do it this time. Come on. That's got it, boys. We've run them into the last canyon.

[Jim McCluskey]

Rider.

[Red Ryder]

Right. Rider, where are you?

[Little Beaver]

Here I am, Bill.

[Jim McCluskey]

I lost sight of you. This cloud of dust are kicking up. I thought you'd gone down.

[Little Beaver]

They almost got me once, but I managed to ride off in time.

[Jim McCluskey]

You did a good job there, Red Rider. That took a lot of nerve to do what you did.

[Little Beaver]

It's worth it as long as we won. Say, no other way out of that canyon, is there?

[Jim McCluskey]

No, it's a perfect box. And I'll get my skinners busy. We'll have plenty of meat to take back to that railroad camp.

[Little Beaver]

And it'll be right welcome too, I reckon. I wonder what Ace Hanlon will think of that.

[Ace Hanlon]

Hey, Blackjack. Here. Here, Mr. Handler. What's the meaning of this? Those bison are all heading into the canyon over there. Injuns had orders to stampede them north. Well, they was heading that way, all right, until some hunters rode in and hunters back. What hunters? Well, Prairie Bill was one of them. And the other one that seemed to be doing some right fancy riding was wearing a red shirt. Red Rider. Oh, Red Rider, that's who it was. They'll get plenty of beef now, and those patties will go on working. Well, it's too late to do anything about it now, mister. No, it isn't. Oh, Grady don't know. They got their beef and the patties don't know it. By the time they get back to Iron Horse Junction, there won't be any such place. Here. What are you gonna do? I'm gonna pound the dirt into that railroad camp as fast as this cayuse will carry me. When I get through, there won't be a patty that'll stay in these. McCluskey. Hey, Jim. McCluskey, I'm in.

[Jim McCluskey]

Ah, hello, Mr. Hammond.

[Little Beaver]

Can expect to see you back here today.

[Ace Hanlon]

Listen to me, McCluskey, and listen fast. Yeah, the stampede went wrong.

[Jim McCluskey]

Went wrong? But I thought you had them ponies all fixed.

[Ace Hanlon]

Of course I had them fixed. But along comes Red Rider with Prairie Bill. And they went and stampeded the herd into a box canyon. A few hours from now, they'll be in here with beef enough to keep this camp for weeks.

[Jim McCluskey]

That mars sunk.

[Ace Hanlon]

Huh? Sunk nothing. Old Jonathan Ripley paid us good money for keeping this railroad from going, too, hasn't he?

[Jim McCluskey]

Why, sure, but he.

[Ace Hanlon]

Well, we can still do it.

[Little Beaver]

But how?

[Ace Hanlon]

Come on with me. I'm gonna speak to these patties myself this time, and when I get through, nobody's gonna want to stay here.

[Jim McCluskey]

All right, Mr. Hammond, but I don't see how.

[Ace Hanlon]

Your job ain't to see. Just take orders and follow my lead and you'll be okay. Now, wait huh? Man, listen to me, man. Man, I've just come from the buffalo camp back there on. I watched the hunters try to get buffalo meat enough to feed you. And I saw them fail. I've got your interest at heart, men. I know this country better than you do. If you stay here, you'll starve. You want to do that? No, of course you don't. You want to get back where you can at least fill your aching stomachs. So why don't you do it? Why don't you take over this train here and run it back someplace where you won't die like boss? Now, wait a minute. Handling.

[Prairie Bill Bundy]

We'll get food for the men. Don't worry about that.

[Ace Hanlon]

Or you think so, o' Grady? Well, I know different. Now get out while you can, man.

[Red Ryder]

Get out. Father, what is it?

[Terence O'Grady]

What's happening?

[Prairie Bill Bundy]

Oh, it's that Handlon. He's stirring the patties up to take over the train and head back.

[Terence O'Grady]

But what can we do?

[Little Beaver]

Do?

[Prairie Bill Bundy]

There's nothing we can do, Molly. If they go through with this, they'll make us prisoners. Probably Little Beaver picks him.

[Terence O'Grady]

Little Beaver? Where did you come from? And what can you do?

[Molly O'Grady]

Hear him from cookar. Men take him train back. I get him help so trains stay here.

[Ace Hanlon]

Help?

[Prairie Bill Bundy]

What do you mean? What can you do?

[Molly O'Grady]

Me get him Red Rider. He fits him. You betcha.

[Terence O'Grady]

But Red Ryder left you with us. And you're not to be doing.

[Molly O'Grady]

Maybe train start, but Red Ryder starting just saying. Me get him Red Rider to help.

[Jim McCluskey]

Bill.

[Little Beaver]

That looks like a good day's work. The way your skinners have been working, we'll have plenty of meat to take back to the railroad camp.

[Jim McCluskey]

And lots more after that, too. Red, I'll post a guard at the mouth of this canyon. And we'll keep the rest of the buffalo here till we want them.

[Little Beaver]

I guess that'll fix Mr. E's handling and his schemes.

[Jim McCluskey]

Sure will. Even if that ornery polecat is being paid off by the president of this rival line. As you suspect. You can't argue those patties out of some good fresh meat.

[Little Beaver]

Bill, wait. Who's this? It's Little Beaver.

[Jim McCluskey]

Oh, the Indian kid. Looks like he's in a hurry, too.

[Little Beaver]

He sure is. Little Beaver. What the world.

[Molly O'Grady]

The writer. You come quick. Help Mr. O' Grady and Ms. Molly. Train going back. Nothing left.

[Little Beaver]

Now, wait a minute, Little Beaver. What are you trying to say? You mean the work train at Iron Horse Junction has gone back?

[Molly O'Grady]

Go back, Ace Hanlon tell him you know, get buffalo. Me they head him back well, with.

[Little Beaver]

Big Choo choo, what about O' Grady and Ms. Molly? Are they all right?

[Molly O'Grady]

No savvy. They tie up and cook car.

[Little Beaver]

So that's Hanlon's game, is it? Oh, Bill, sure.

[Ace Hanlon]

Yeah.

[Little Beaver]

Ren, you get that meat together and have your boys bring it down the line until you see the train. I'll ride on ahead and try to stop.

[Jim McCluskey]

No, but look here, Red. You can't stop that train all by yourself.

[Little Beaver]

Remember what you said about those buffalo? Head off the leader and you've got the whole herd. That's what I'm going to do. Now, come as fast as you can. We'll be ready for you. All right, Thunder, hit that trail.

[Red Ryder]

Come on, Thunder.

[Molly O'Grady]

They're trained. Red Ryder. What you doing now?

[Little Beaver]

I'm aiming to get up even with that locomotive, Little Beaver. I reckon that's where I'll find Mr. Ace Hanlon. And he's the lead bison of this.

[Red Ryder]

Outfit right now, almost naked.

[Little Beaver]

You stay back, Little Bieber.

[Red Ryder]

Liable to be some fireworks.

[Molly O'Grady]

You be careful.

[Little Beaver]

Sure, I'll be careful. Careful to take care of Hanlon. Lucky I caught up with the train on this grade. Had to slow down Now.

[Red Ryder]

Little Beaver takes under when I get on this train. Now, now, I can make it. What are you trying to do here?

[Little Beaver]

Looking for you, Hanlon. And I'm gonna.

[Ace Hanlon]

You won't get me.

[Little Beaver]

Gotta get this train stopped somewhere.

[Red Ryder]

Now for Hanlon. Well, Ryder, he's.

[Molly O'Grady]

Hanlon's back there.

[Red Ryder]

Get him on horse.

[Molly O'Grady]

On flat car.

[Little Beaver]

I see him, Little Beaver. Hold it, Hanlon. I haven't finished with you, Ryder.

[Ace Hanlon]

You're gonna get it.

[Little Beaver]

Better draw faster than that. Ha.

[Red Ryder]

He jump him off.

[Molly O'Grady]

Red Ryder, you shoot him.

[Little Beaver]

No, there are other ways of getting. Handling that by shooting. Got to get down to this coke car and see about Mr. O' Grady and Molly.

[Red Ryder]

Red Ryder.

[Jim McCluskey]

Ryder.

[Prairie Bill Bundy]

How did you know? Untie us, will you?

[Little Beaver]

Sure feels like you were taken for a ride. And not by choice. Hey, wait a minute there. You're free now, Molly.

[Terence O'Grady]

Sure, and it was awful.

[Little Beaver]

Red Rider.

[Terence O'Grady]

Why, those men.

[Little Beaver]

I know. Now you, Mr. O' Grady. There. All right.

[Jim McCluskey]

Well, Ryder, Thought you'd take a hand, huh?

[Little Beaver]

Suppose I did. You got something to say about it, McCluskey?

[Jim McCluskey]

Yeah, I got something to say about it.

[Little Beaver]

And an old score to even hunger it.

[Terence O'Grady]

What's that? Who's outside there?

[Little Beaver]

That's something. Mr. McCluskey is going to be very disappointed to see. Miss Molly. If he can get up and see.

[Red Ryder]

I'll get you for this riot.

[Little Beaver]

I don't think you will, McCluskey, because there's a law in this part of the country about inciting a riot. And I think we'll make use of that law.

[Jim McCluskey]

Oh, there you are, Red.

[Prairie Bill Bundy]

Well, it's Perry, Bill. How do you happen to be here, Bill?

[Jim McCluskey]

I just wanted to bring your order of buffalo beef. O Great. Eat a few hundred pounds for today and more where that came from. And you can give part of your thanks to Red Ryder.

[Terence O'Grady]

Mr. Ryder, you helped save some of the buffalo.

[Little Beaver]

Well, that was nothing, Miss Molly.

[Molly O'Grady]

Red Ryder, 8 Hanum.

[Little Beaver]

Go.

[Molly O'Grady]

No time to lose.

[Little Beaver]

Say, that's right. I've got a job to do. See you later, folks.

[Prairie Bill Bundy]

Hey, say, wait a minute, Ryder.

[Little Beaver]

No time now.

[Red Ryder]

Enjoy that deep. How about a little beaver?

[Little Beaver]

Feel like hitting the trail of Ace Helen again?

[Molly O'Grady]

You bet him.

[Little Beaver]

All right, then. What are we waiting for? Gold Thunder. Hit their trail.

[Red Ryder]

Come on, Thunder. Ace Hanlon has been lucky enough to escape from the vengeance of Red Ryder so far. But it's a pretty good bet that these two will meet again. And then it may be another story. Leaving the railroad construction work going along smoothly, Red Ryder and Little Beaver start out to break up one of the greatest rustling schemes the west has ever known. Down in the famous roaring Pecos Valley. Join them again for another thrilling adventure.

[Molly O'Grady]

Ram.

[Red Ryder]

Sam.