Roy Rogers 000000 New River Rodeo

Summary

Podcast Summary: Roy Rogers 000000 New River Rodeo

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Dive into classic radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio. Experience the excitement of shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, and Dragnet as families once gathered around the radio to enjoy captivating stories and memorable characters.
• Episode: Roy Rogers 000000 New River Rodeo
• Release Date: May 25, 2025

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Introduction

In the Roy Rogers 000000 New River Rodeo episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported to the heart of a classic Western mystery. Hosted by Roy Rogers, the "King of the Cowboys," alongside his co-star Dale Evans and trusty sidekick Pat Brady, the episode presents a compelling narrative filled with adventure, suspense, and intrigue set against the backdrop of a rodeo in Barlow, Texas.

Setting the Scene

The episode opens with an engaging musical introduction, setting a nostalgic tone reminiscent of the Golden Age of Radio. Roy Rogers greets his audience warmly:

Roy Rogers [00:53]: "Well, good evening, folks. Mothers and fathers and all you little buckaroos. Hear that music they're playing? That sure is a fine old song. And it reminds me of a story."

He begins recounting a past rodeo event in the Red River Valley, where tragedy strikes during a bronc busting competition.

The Tragic Event

At [01:30], Roy introduces the final event of the rodeo:

Roy Rogers: "Introducing Tom Weatherby challenging Bob Finley's Great Rise over the Chute Boys."

The excitement mounts as Tom Weatherby rides his bronc with apparent ease. However, at [01:41], disaster occurs:

Roy Rogers: "Then all of a sudden, he seemed to go limp. He let go the halter rope and fell off. For a minute, everybody thought he'd been thrown. But when he didn't get up, we ran out to help him. One look told us why he didn't. Tom Weatherby was dead."

Pat Brady expresses his confusion and disbelief:

Pat Brady [02:14]: "Roy, I tell you, it just don't make sense. It just don't make sense. Tom Weatherby never had no heart trouble."

Investigation Begins

Roy, Dale, and Pat decide to investigate Tom's sudden death. During their conversation, Dale shows empathy towards Tom's sister, Mary Sheldon:

Dale Evans [02:36]: "I feel terrible for his sister."

They arrange to visit Mary, hoping to uncover more about Tom's mysterious demise. Upon meeting Mary, they learn about a peculiar piece of paper Tom had, which Mary found suspicious:

Mary Sheldon [14:38]: "Well, now that you mention it, he did seem a little nervous. But I thought it was on account of the rodeo. And then there was this piece of paper."

Unraveling the Mystery

Roy examines the piece of paper with mysterious figures and letters:

Mary Sheldon [15:16]: "It's just a piece of brown paper with some figures and letters on it. I couldn't make any sense out of it. Here it is."

Pat spots a potential clue in the notation:

Pat Brady [15:54]: "25, 255 BF8B F. Hey, Roy."

The team deciphers that "BF" could stand for Bob Finley, a competitor who had recently won significant prize money. Their suspicion turns towards Finley, especially after the sheriff mentions that some curare poison is missing from the veterinarian's supply:

Sheriff [10:44]: "Did you find anything on that rope, Doc? Yep."

Pat Brady [10:49]: "Curare."

Curare, a deadly poison from South America, wasn't expected to be accessible locally, raising red flags about foul play.

Climactic Confrontation

As the investigation progresses, Roy and the team uncover more about the bank robbery involving Joe Sheldon, Mary's husband. They discover that Tom had found out about Sheldon's illicit activities—embezzling money from the bank and gambling—and intended to expose him.

During a heated exchange, Roy confronts Joe Sheldon:

Roy Rogers [21:09]: "I didn't see it before now, but I'm afraid you're behind this, Mr. Sheldon."

Joe Sheldon: "No, Roy, I would never—"

Roy Rogers [23:09]: "But Roy, I don't understand. Were Tom and Joe Sheldon in cahoots?"

Roy Rogers [23:14]: "No. Sheldon had been taking money from the bank and gambling with it. He knew if he didn't put it back, they'd come catch up with him. So we got the idea of staging a hold-up for the bank. He tried to blackmail Tom into helping him for Mary's sake, but at the last minute, Tom backed out. Then Sheldon hired someone else to do his dirty work."

Resolution

Through clever deduction and collaboration with the sheriff, Roy Rogers uncovers the truth. Mary Sheldon reveals that Tom had discovered her husband's schemes and intended to stop him. In a desperate attempt to silence Tom, Joe Sheldon orchestrated his murder by poisoning the halter rope with curare.

Roy Rogers [23:34]: "Miss, Tom was murdered."

Dale Evans [23:54]: "And Roy. I'll find out who did it, Mary. You can be sure of that."

The episode concludes with justice served as Joe Sheldon is exposed and the community can finally find peace.

Notable Quotes

• Roy Rogers [00:53]: "Well, good evening, folks. Mothers and fathers and all you little buckaroos..."

• Pat Brady [02:14]: "Tom Weatherby never had no heart trouble."

• Sheriff [10:44]: "Curare."

• Dale Evans [23:14]: "No. Dale Sheldon had been taking money from the bank and gambling with it."

• Roy Rogers [23:54]: "Miss, Tom was murdered."

Conclusion

Roy Rogers 000000 New River Rodeo masterfully blends classic Western charm with a gripping mystery. Through the charismatic leadership of Roy Rogers, the story takes listeners on a journey of suspense and discovery, ultimately delivering a satisfying resolution. The episode not only entertains but also highlights themes of friendship, justice, and the triumph of good over evil, staying true to the beloved traditions of old-time radio storytelling.

For those who haven't listened yet, this episode offers a quintessential experience of nostalgic radio drama, showcasing the enduring legacy of Roy Rogers and his adventures in the Wild West.

Transcript

[Expedia Voice]

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[Roy Rogers]

Yes, folks, it's the new Roy Rogers Radio show for the whole family. Adventure, suspense, mystery at music starring Roy Rogers, King of the Cowboys and Dale Evans, Queen of the west with Pat Brady, the mellow man and an all star cast. And now, here to greet you with a song and a story is Roy.

[Dale Evans]

Rogers from this valley. They say you are going. We will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile.

[Roy Rogers]

Well, good evening, folks. Mothers and fathers and all you little buckaroos. Hear that music they're playing? That sure is a fine old song. And it reminds me of a story. Funny thing how a song seems to go together with something that happened to you. The good old Red River Valley. You know, a while back, Dale and Pap and me went down to Barlow, Texas to take part in a rodeo. And that's right smack in the heart of the Red River Valley. Well, sir, the final bronc busting event was on and a friend of Pat's was riding in it. Final bareback Bronco Mustin event.

Introducing Tom Weatherby challenging Bob Finley's Great Rise over the Chute Boys.

Tom Weatherby. That was pattern. He was having himself quite a time. He sat that gronk like it was part of him. Then all of a sudden, he seemed to go limp. He let go the halter rope and fell off. For a minute, everybody thought he'd been thrown. But when he didn't get up, we ran out to help him. One look told us why he didn't. Tom Weatherby was dead.

[Pat Brady]

Roy, I tell you, it just don't make sense. It just don't make sense. Tom Weatherby never had no heart trouble.

[Roy Rogers]

Well, that's what the doc says it was.

[Dale Evans]

Well, what else could it have been?

[Pat Brady]

I don't know, Dale. But nobody can make me believe that Tom had a bad heart.

[Roy Rogers]

Now listen, Pat. The doc examined him not five minutes after it happened. There wasn't a mark on his body.

[Dale Evans]

I feel terrible for his sister.

[Pat Brady]

Oh, yeah. Poor Mary. I gotta go see her. Maybe there's something I can do.

[Roy Rogers]

We'll go with you, Pat.

[Dale Evans]

Sure.

[Pat Brady]

Oh, gosh, would you? Oh, that's swell. Maybe meeting you'll help take her mind off things.

[Roy Rogers]

Pat, when a friend of yours is in trouble, you know Dale and me will do anything we can do to help.

[Pat Brady]

Hey, what do I say?

[Sheriff]

To her.

[Pat Brady]

Roy, I ain't no good at these kind of things.

[Roy Rogers]

Don't worry about it, Pat. Just your being here will mean a lot to her. Yeah.

Well, hello, Pat. Come on in.

[Pat Brady]

Joe, this here's Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. This is Mary's husband, Joe Sheldon, please.

[Roy Rogers]

Hello, Sheldon.

[Mary Sheldon]

Joe, who is Pat?

[Pat Brady]

Oh, now, now, Mary, don't take on so. Tom wouldn't have wanted it that way. There, that's better. Mary, I want you to meet my friends, Roy and Dale.

[Dale Evans]

Hello, Mary.

[Roy Rogers]

How do you do?

[Mary Sheldon]

It's awfully kind of you to come over. Tom spoke of you just this morning.

[Roy Rogers]

Well, you can count on us to help you any way we can.

[Mary Sheldon]

Well, I sure ain't been very hospitable. Sit down, folks. I'll get some coffee.

[Dale Evans]

Here, let me help you, Mary.

[Mary Sheldon]

Thank you. The kitchen's in here.

[Roy Rogers]

You folks figure on staying around for a while?

Afraid not, Mr. Sheldon.

[Pat Brady]

Roy's pretty busy.

[Sheriff]

Joe.

[Roy Rogers]

Well, yeah, I know. It sure was nice of you to come down, help us out on the rodeo.

[Pat Brady]

Joe here is one of the organizers up at Roy. Every year he helps put on a big shindig for the kids and for charity.

[Roy Rogers]

Well, I do what I can. We all sort of chip in.

You in the cattle business, too, Mr. Sheldon?

[Pat Brady]

Oh, shucks, no, Roy. Joe's a banker.

[Roy Rogers]

Not exactly a banker. Just a teller in the bank. Oh, excuse me. I'll see who it is. Oh, hello, sheriff. Come on in.

[Sheriff]

Evening, Joe. How's Mary?

[Roy Rogers]

He's doing nicely, thank you. I'd like to have you meet some friends of Mary's and Tom's. Roy Rogers, Pat Brady.

How do you do, Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

Happy to know you, Joe. I just dropped. I'd leave off Tom's things. Stuff here in this envelope is what we found. His pockets. And here's his halter and rope.

[Roy Rogers]

Well, thanks, Sheriff. I'll take it.

I'm afraid that halter and rope didn't belong to Tom, Joe. That's mine.

Yours?

[Pat Brady]

Say, that's right. Tom broke his this morning, and Roy loaned him triggers.

[Sheriff]

That so? Well, in that case, I guess I better turn this over to you, Mr. Rogers. You know, I'd like to see that horse of yours close up sometime. Sure is a smart critter.

[Roy Rogers]

Well, I'm going out to bed him down as soon as we leave here. You're welcome to come along.

[Sheriff]

Thanks.

[Dale Evans]

Here's coffee.

[Mary Sheldon]

I hope you like it good and strong. Oh, hello, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Evening, Mary. Just came by to leave off Tom's things and tell you just how sorry we all Are.

[Mary Sheldon]

That's kind of you.

[Sheriff]

Everything we found in his pockets is in this envelope.

[Mary Sheldon]

Thank you, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Sure is a shame, Mary. Young man like Tom Weatherby, I. I still don't get it.

[Roy Rogers]

What don't you get, Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

Well, the doc's saying Tom died of a heart attack. That don't make sense.

[Roy Rogers]

Say, Sheriff, you don't have any reason to believe it was anything else, do you?

[Sheriff]

No. No, Mr. Rogers, I don't.

[Roy Rogers]

All right, Bullet, Trigger, simmer down now. Simmer down. Brought some company out to meet you, Sheriff. This is Bullet.

[Sheriff]

Hello there, boy.

[Roy Rogers]

And this is Trigger. Trigger, say hello to the sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Well, I'll be. That's where he understands every word you say.

[Pat Brady]

He does, Sheriff.

[Roy Rogers]

He does. How about taking a little walk, fella? Come on, Trigger. Let's put the holder on him. Pat.

[Pat Brady]

Yeah.

[Roy Rogers]

Hey. Hey, Trigger.

[Pat Brady]

Hey, Roy. What's the matter with him?

[Roy Rogers]

Those chicks. Stand back.

[Pat Brady]

Get back, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Yeah.

[Pat Brady]

Well, what's the matter with him, Roy? He never kicked up a fuss like that before.

[Roy Rogers]

I don't know. Give me the halter and rope, Pat.

[Sheriff]

Sure.

[Pat Brady]

Here you are.

[Roy Rogers]

All right, Trigger, let's go for a walk.

[Dale Evans]

Easy, boy, easy.

[Pat Brady]

Well, how do you like that? He pulled the holder right out of your hand.

[Sheriff]

Sure don't like that holder. Here, look at him. Stomp on it.

[Roy Rogers]

We'll move away, both of you.

[Pat Brady]

Sure, Roy. Come on, Sheriff. Roy can handle Trigger.

[Roy Rogers]

Easy, boy. Oh, now, simmer down. What's the matter with you, anyway? Well, this is your halter, see? Look, smell it. Okay, okay, I'll take it away. Settle down now.

[Pat Brady]

Well, what's the matter with him, Roy?

[Roy Rogers]

There's nothing the matter with Trigger. Patience.

[Sheriff]

Well, then, what is it?

[Roy Rogers]

Well, there's something the matter with this halter and rope.

[Pat Brady]

Halter and rope.

[Sheriff]

Here, let's see that. Look.

[Roy Rogers]

Careful now, Sheriff, I don't know what it is, but you can bet if Trigger refuses it, something's wrong.

[Sheriff]

Yeah, looks all right to me. Little dirt on the rope there.

[Roy Rogers]

Where?

[Sheriff]

Yeah, right here.

[Roy Rogers]

You mean this stain?

[Sheriff]

Yeah, yeah.

[Pat Brady]

Smells like tar.

[Roy Rogers]

That's not dirt. It's not tar either.

[Pat Brady]

Well, then what is it?

[Roy Rogers]

I don't know, Sheriff. You got a chemist in town?

[Sheriff]

Why, sure. Old Doc Mills does all my lab work.

[Roy Rogers]

Let's get this over to him right away.

[Sheriff]

You think this rope had something to do with Tom's death, Mr. Rogers?

[Roy Rogers]

Well, it's like you and Pat have been saying. Tom dying of a heart attack just don't make sense. Maybe this does.

[Dale Evans]

Roy. You mean that Trigger wouldn't let you Put his own halter on him?

[Roy Rogers]

That's right.

[Pat Brady]

You should have seen him, Dale. Reared and kicked and fussed like a squalling calf at Brandon time.

[Dale Evans]

Well, that certainly doesn't sound like Trigger. Where's the sheriff now?

[Roy Rogers]

I had him take the halter and rope over to Doc Mills drugstore to get it analyzed. That's where we're heading now?

[Pat Brady]

Yes, just down the street here.

[Roy Rogers]

Say, Pat.

[Pat Brady]

Yeah, Roy?

[Roy Rogers]

Can you think of anybody around here with a grudge against Tom?

[Pat Brady]

Shucks, no, Roy. Well, Tom was everybody's friend. He didn't have an enemy in the world.

[Roy Rogers]

You're sure?

[Pat Brady]

Oh, sure, I'm sure.

[Roy Rogers]

Why?

[Pat Brady]

Well, there was just one thing.

[Dale Evans]

Yes, Pat?

[Pat Brady]

Tom and Bob Finley.

[Roy Rogers]

Who's Bob Finley?

[Pat Brady]

Oh, a fellow lives here in town. Owns a small ranch like Tom did. He and Tom were always trying to outdo each other. See who could raise the best prize bull or competing in rodeos.

[Roy Rogers]

Well, he's the fella won all the prize money today.

[Pat Brady]

Yeah, that's a fella. But he never would have won it if. If Tom hadn't. Hey, Roy, you don't think.

[Roy Rogers]

I don't think nothing yet. This is a drugstore. Yeah. Hi, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Come in, folks. Come in. Waiting for the Doc's report. Now.

[Pat Brady]

Say, Sheriff, you seen Bob Finley around?

[Sheriff]

Bob Finley? No, not since this morning at the rodeo.

[Roy Rogers]

Why?

[Pat Brady]

Well, Roy was asking me where'd you get this piece of rope?

[Sheriff]

Oh, excuse me.

[Roy Rogers]

Something I can do for you folks?

[Sheriff]

Oh, Doc, this is Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Pat Brady, all friends of Tom.

[Roy Rogers]

Oh, howdy.

[Sheriff]

I. Doc, that piece of rope that come off a halter belonged Mr. Rogers horse trigger. And so Tom was using it in that bronc busting event, you know.

[Roy Rogers]

Say.

Mr. Rogers, you ever been to South America?

South America? We've never been out of the United States. Why?

[Pat Brady]

Oh, just wondering.

[Sheriff]

Did you find anything on that rope, Doc? Yep.

[Pat Brady]

Curare.

[Dale Evans]

Curare? What's that?

[Roy Rogers]

Well, ma' am, it comes from South America. And you might say it's the deadliest poison in the world.

[Sheriff]

I hope you understand why I have to ask you all these questions, Mr. Rogers.

[Roy Rogers]

Well, to be honest with you, Sheriff, no, I don't.

[Sheriff]

After all, Mr. Rogers, that was your halter and rope. You give it to Tom to use.

[Pat Brady]

Of all the dead gum ignoramuses I ever did see. Sheriff, while you're wasting time here, that Bob Finley could have skipped clean out of town.

[Sheriff]

Now, hold on, Pat. We got no reason to believe that Finley killed Tom.

[Dale Evans]

You've no reason to believe Roy did.

[Pat Brady]

Either Finley's the only one with any reason to put Tom out of the way. While Tom had been in these contests, Finley wouldn't have won all the prizes.

[Sheriff]

Make it easy. Got a deputy out picking up finley right now. Mr. Rogers, I'd like you to tell me again just how you happened to give that halter and rope to Tom.

[Roy Rogers]

Well, I was walking Trigger out to the water trough when I noticed Tom was having trouble getting the bronc out of the stall. He yanked on his rope and it broke. And.

[Pat Brady]

That's right. And Roy offered to give him the one he had on Trigger.

[Sheriff]

Was that the last time you saw him before the rodeo started?

[Roy Rogers]

Yes, sir.

[Dale Evans]

Sherry, you don't really believe that Roy had anything to do with Tom's death, do you?

[Sheriff]

Now, ma' am, I'm just trying to get things clear in my own mind. And one thing is for sure. Tom did not die of a heart attack. Somebody killed him. Somebody who had a supply of curare. And somebody who had something to gain.

[Roy Rogers]

Is this curare poison easy to come by?

[Sheriff]

Doc Mills says he keeps it on hand for the veterinarian. Doc Thompson. They use it to treat sick cattle.

[Dale Evans]

You mean it's a medicine, too?

[Sheriff]

Well, Doc says that carefully controlled, it's been used to cure paralysis.

[Dale Evans]

Sheriff, one thing I just don't understand. How did putting the poison on a rope kill Tom?

[Sheriff]

Well, Doc says Tom absorbed the poison through the pores of his hand while he was riding and holding that rope. His hand perspired. Simple as that.

[Roy Rogers]

Mind if I make a suggestion, Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

What?

[Roy Rogers]

Call up this vet and ask.

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[Roy Rogers]

Time to check your supply of this poison. See if any of it's missing. Meantime, I'd like to pay another visit to Tom's sister and see how she's bearing up.

[Pat Brady]

Murray will be glad to see you, too, Roy.

[Roy Rogers]

You want to come along, Dale?

[Dale Evans]

I sure do.

[Sheriff]

Let's go. Just one thing, Mr. Rogers.

[Roy Rogers]

Yes?

[Sheriff]

Until we get this cleared up a little more, you won't be leaving town, will you, Sheriff?

[Roy Rogers]

I won't be leaving town until we get this cleared up entirely. Come on, Pat. Dale.

[Dale Evans]

See you later, Sheriff.

[Pat Brady]

You Heard him, Sheriff, until we get this cleared up. And Harley?

[Roy Rogers]

Poison?

[Mary Sheldon]

Are you sure?

[Roy Rogers]

I'm afraid so, ma' am.

[Mary Sheldon]

Well, then Tom was murdered.

[Dale Evans]

And Roy. I'll find out who did it, Mary. You can be sure of that.

[Pat Brady]

He sure will, Mary.

[Roy Rogers]

Mrs. Sheldon, did you notice anything unusual about Tom before the rodeo?

[Mary Sheldon]

Unusual?

[Roy Rogers]

I mean, did he seem worried or upset? Was anything bothering him?

[Mary Sheldon]

Well, now that you mention it, he did seem a little nervous. But I thought it was on account of the rodeo. And then there was this piece of paper.

[Roy Rogers]

Piece of paper?

[Mary Sheldon]

Yeah, I found it on the floor the morning of the rodeo. Tom acted awful funny. When I showed it to him, he got kind of mad and he put it in his pocket and stomped out. And then when I opened the envelope the sheriff brought me with Tom's things, I found it again.

[Roy Rogers]

Would you mind if I took a look at it?

[Mary Sheldon]

No, not at all. It's just a piece of brown paper with some figures and letters on it. I couldn't make any sense out of it. Here it is.

[Dale Evans]

What is it, Roy?

[Roy Rogers]

I don't know. Just like Mrs. Sheldon says. Figures and letters.

[Sheriff]

Let's see.

[Pat Brady]

25, 255 BF8.

[Roy Rogers]

25, 255 BF8. This mean anything at all to you, Mrs. Sheldon?

[Dale Evans]

Not a thing.

[Mary Sheldon]

I can't imagine why Tom got so mad when I found this.

[Roy Rogers]

Is this Tom's handwriting?

[Mary Sheldon]

Yes.

[Pat Brady]

Wonder why he wrote this down. 25, 255 BF8B F. Hey, Roy.

[Roy Rogers]

What?

[Pat Brady]

Don't you get it? BF Bob Finley. But what do the numbers stand for?

[Mary Sheldon]

Oh, excuse me.

[Sheriff]

Hello, Mary, this is the sheriff. Is Roy Rogers there?

[Mary Sheldon]

Oh, yes, he's here, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

You tell him I'd like to see him right away. My deputy just reported in. Bob Finley can't be found anywheres in town.

[Roy Rogers]

Roy.

[Sheriff]

Hey, Roy.

[Roy Rogers]

Hi, Sheriff.

I got your message. Thought I'd give Krieger a little ride. He needs the exercise, you know.

[Sheriff]

Bully. Yeah. Here, Roy, I got some more news.

[Roy Rogers]

Yeah?

[Sheriff]

I made that call to the veterinarian. He checked his supply of that poison and there is a batch of it missing. And the night before the rodeo, the veterinarian had a visit from Bob Finley. It begins to look like Pat was right.

[Roy Rogers]

Well, maybe, but take a look at this, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

What is it?

[Roy Rogers]

Piece of paper that belonged to Tom, sir.

[Sheriff]

25, 255 BF A. What's it mean?

[Roy Rogers]

I was hoping maybe you'd have some idea.

[Sheriff]

Well, numbers. Could be rodeo events.

[Roy Rogers]

What do you think the letters BF stand for?

[Sheriff]

Yeah, bf. It could be a Lot of things. Bf. Old Belden Farm. Tom used to work there before they abandoned it.

[Roy Rogers]

It could stand for Bob Finley, too.

[Sheriff]

Yeah.

[Roy Rogers]

What's that?

Look.

[Sheriff]

That's the bank.

[Roy Rogers]

Someone's robbing the bank. There he goes.

I'll see you later, Sheriff.

Come on, Trigger. Let's go, boy.

[Sheriff]

All right, Joe, let's go over that bank robbery again. Now, you tell me exactly what happened.

[Roy Rogers]

Sheriff, I've told you all I know. It was about five minutes of three. We were getting ready to close the doors. There weren't any customers in the bank. All of a sudden, this masked man walks in, comes up the cage and points a gun at me.

[Mary Sheldon]

Oh, Joe, you might have been killed.

[Dale Evans]

Now, now, Mary, he wasn't. So stop fretting.

[Sheriff]

Go on, Joe.

[Roy Rogers]

Well, he demands the money, so I scoop it up and hand it to him.

[Sheriff]

How much would you say he got it?

[Roy Rogers]

Gosh, I don't know. Several thousand, anyway.

[Pat Brady]

Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Yeah, Pat?

[Pat Brady]

You say you and Roy were standing in front of your office when it happened?

[Sheriff]

That's right.

[Dale Evans]

And Roy took out after the robber.

[Sheriff]

Ms. Evans, Roy was on that horse and galloping down that street before I could draw a deep breath. The time I got my car started and tried to follow, they were both plumb out of sight. Robber was on the horse, too, and they probably took off cross country.

[Dale Evans]

Well, it's almost 8 o' clock and Roy should have been back by now.

[Sheriff]

Yeah. That is, if he got the varmint.

[Pat Brady]

What do you mean, if he got the varmint? Sheriff, when Roy Rogers goes after a bank robber, he gets him. And if he don't get him, then it means the varmint got Roy. And if the varmint got Roy. What am I saying?

[Roy Rogers]

Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

Yeah, Joe.

[Roy Rogers]

You don't suppose this could be Bob Finley's work too?

[Sheriff]

Well, now, how could it be? My deputy says Finley skipped town.

[Roy Rogers]

That might have been a trick.

[Sheriff]

Anyway, why would Finlay rob the bank? Especially after killing Tom?

[Roy Rogers]

Getaway money. Maybe he figured you suspected him and he needed more money.

[Mary Sheldon]

Yes, but Joe, Bob won the prize.

[Dale Evans]

Money at the rodeo.

[Roy Rogers]

Maybe he figured it wouldn't take him far enough away.

[Pat Brady]

I always knew that Finley was no good.

[Dale Evans]

What?

[Pat Brady]

Tom could outright him out, shoot him and out everything him.

[Dale Evans]

Pat, now, let's be fair. We don't know that Bob Finley killed Tom.

[Sheriff]

That's right, ma' am. Then I wouldn't want to be in Finley's shoes right now.

[Dale Evans]

Oh, there's Roy now.

[Sheriff]

Yep, there he is. Hey. Somebody with him?

[Pat Brady]

Why, of course there's somebody. With him, you dad gum, cotton pick and mule head.

[Roy Rogers]

I told you, when Roy Rogers goes.

[Pat Brady]

After a varmint, he gets them. Come on in, Roy.

[Mary Sheldon]

Roy, are you all right?

[Roy Rogers]

Sure, I'm fine. Why don't you all say hello to a friend of yours? Morning, Bob.

[Sheriff]

Bob Finley.

[Pat Brady]

Bob Finley? Why, you no good murdering sidewinder.

[Roy Rogers]

Hold on there now, Pat. You're not being fair.

[Sheriff]

You mean Finley didn't kill Tom?

[Roy Rogers]

Nope.

[Pat Brady]

Did he rob the bank?

[Roy Rogers]

Nope.

[Mary Sheldon]

Roy, are you sure?

[Roy Rogers]

Yes, Mrs. Sheldon, I'm sure.

[Dale Evans]

How do you know Roy?

[Roy Rogers]

Well, I met up with Finley here on my way back from the Belden farm. He was just coming back from Denison. He went over there to buy some stock with the prize money you won.

[Sheriff]

That right, Bob? That's right, Sheriff. I can't figure how you folks thought I'd do Tom any harm. Sure, we was always rivals, but what made you think I'd kill him? Mary, how could you have thought that, knowing how much I think of you?

[Mary Sheldon]

Oh, Bob, I. Well, there seem to be so much against you.

[Sheriff]

All right, Roy. If Bob didn't do it, do you know who did?

[Roy Rogers]

Yes, Sheriff, I do. Mr. Sheldon. Seemed to me you're a little late for an appointment.

Appointment? Where appointment?

The appointment you had with the bank robber at Belden's farm.

Are you crazy?

I don't think so, Sheriff. We showed this piece of paper to everybody except the one man who could tell us what it means.

What piece of paper?

Take a Look at it, Mr. Sheldon. 25, 255 BF8.

I don't know what that is. I never seen it before in my life.

It's the instructions Tom wrote down that you gave him for holding up the bank and meeting you afterwards.

Instructions Tom wrote.

Now.

[Sheriff]

Oh, hold on a minute, Roy. Tom didn't hold up no bank.

[Roy Rogers]

No, but he was supposed to. That was the plan, wasn't it, Mr. Sheldon?

I don't know what you're talking about.

Oh, yes, you do. 25. That stands for the date. The 25th. That's today. 2:55. That's five minutes till three.

[Sheriff]

That's when the bank was held up.

[Roy Rogers]

Right. The letters BF stand for the Belden farm. The place where you are to meet after the robbery. And eight is for eight o' clock. The time you were supposed to meet the robber and get your share of the money. But I wouldn't bother to meet him now. He's in the sheriff's jail and the money's locked up in the safe.

You're pretty smart for a cowboy. Mr. Rogers, how'd you figure it all out?

It's a funny thing what a little persuasion will do to a bank robber, Mr. Sheldon. Especially when the persuader happens to be a dog by the name of Bullock.

[Pat Brady]

Get away from me.

[Roy Rogers]

I'll keep away all of you. I'm stepping out this door and the first one tries to stop me gets it right through the head. No, don't. I'm warning you. Keep your hands to your sides, Roy Rogers, or I'll.

Sure, Mr. Sheldon, anything to oblige.

I want to do it.

[Dale Evans]

But Roy, I don't understand. Were Tom and Joe Sheldon in cahoots?

[Roy Rogers]

No. Dale Sheldon had been taking money from the bank and gambling with it. He knew if he didn't put it back, they'd come catch up with him. So we got the idea of staging a hold up for the bank. He tried to blackmail Tom into helping him for Mary's sake, but at the last minute Tom backed out. Then Sheldon hired someone else to do his dirty work for him.

[Dale Evans]

And then he killed Tom to keep him from talking.

[Roy Rogers]

That's right.

[Pat Brady]

Well, where'd he get the poison?

[Roy Rogers]

From the vet. He stole it the day before the rodeo when he was out there on some business for the bank. And folks, that's the whole story of what happened to Dale and Patten me the time we paid a visit to the good old Red River Valley.

[Dale Evans]

From this valley they say you are.

[Roy Rogers]

Going.

[Dale Evans]

We will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile for they say you are taking the sunshine that has brightened our pathway a while I have waited a long time, my darling.

[Roy Rogers]

For those.

[Dale Evans]

Words that you never would say what a laugh. O my farm hopes have vanished.

[Roy Rogers]

For.

[Dale Evans]

They say you are going away. Come and sit by my side if you love me do not hasten to bid me ado but remember the Red River Valley and the cowboy that loves you so through.

[Roy Rogers]

That's all for now, folks. This is Roy Rogers saying to all of you from all of us, goodbye, good luck and may the good Lord take a liking to you. See you next week.

[Dale Evans]

Don't forget as a rather sunshine and the brown drama rainy day.

[Roy Rogers]

This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.