Saunders Of The Circle X 1941-11-13 Episode 7 The Dam

Summary

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Saunders of the Circle X

Episode 7: The Dam
Original Airdate: 1941-11-13 | Podcast Upload: October 14, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Saunders of the Circle X" transports listeners to the Arizona ranges, where water rights are central to survival and conflict. Singapore Bill Saunders and his Circle X crew confront Joseph Dinnell of the neighboring D and O Ranch, who’s dammed the creek that provides life-giving water to both spreads. Tensions run high as the threat of dynamite against diplomacy arises, while at home the Saunders family grapples with personal hardships and uncertainty.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. The Water Crisis: Discovery and Escalation

• Circle X’s Spring Runs Dry: The ranch’s men, led by Saunders, confirm the water’s gone (02:25–03:20), with suspicion pointing to Dunnell’s dam.
• Traveling to Confront Dunnell: Saunders and three men (Hank, Pinto, Peterson) ride out late at night, carrying dynamite as leverage.

2. Character Dynamics and Cowboy Philosophy

• The Outsider Dunnell:
  • Locals deride him as “city folk” and overeducated (03:16–03:53), thinking he's book-smart but out of touch with ranching realities.
  • Quote—On book learning:

    "Learned about ranching and raising cattle out of books."
    — Narrator (03:43)

• Banter Among the Crew: Natural, rugged, humorous exchanges showcase camaraderie and mistrust of outsiders and change (03:59–04:29).

3. At the Dam: Danger and Dilemmas

• Assessing the Dam: Saunders admires its solid construction but debates whether to negotiate or use force (05:16–05:43).
• Tense Moment with Quicksand:
  • Pinto nearly sinks; calm, methodical rescue using a lasso (06:36–07:42).

    "Try not to move your feet. Let your arms slow straight out from your shoulders..."
    — Saunders, rescuing Pinto (05:58–07:16)

4. Back at the Saunders House: Family and Vulnerability

• Saunders’ Temporary Blindness:
  • Saunders is recovering from an injury; his daughter Jimmy keeps him company.
• Revealing Truths:
  • A heartfelt exchange about honesty, resilience, and uncertainty over recovery.

    “But to hold out hope to me when there ain’t no hope, that’s not playing honest poker.”
    — Bill Saunders to Jimmy (12:26)

• Miraculous Turn:
  • Saunders regains his sight in a dramatic moment (13:41–14:22).

    “Dad, hear me. I can see. I can see. See you standing there. I can see the fool clock staying 20 minutes past 2. I can see the lamp on the table and the window and the door and... My saddle on the hoof.”
    — Bill Saunders (14:15)

5. The Showdown: Saunders & Dunnell Face Off

• Negotiation Over the Dam:
  • Saunders tries reason first, appealing to neighborliness and public good (20:16–21:16).

    “The watershed comes under Public domain. It’s for the common good of the people, and all are entitled to their share. Share and share alike.”
    — Bill Saunders (20:39)

• Dunnell’s Philosophy:
  • Dunnell champions individual gain cloaked as common good. Threats and polite antagonism ensue (21:15–22:35).
• Guns Drawn and Treachery:
  • Dunnell’s man Garcia holds Saunders at gunpoint, then attempts to tie him up (22:43–24:21).

    “Just turn slowly, Mr. Saunders, and don’t make any false moves because I’ve got you covered from the side.”
    — Joseph Dunnell (23:02)

• Saunders Tries to Resist:
  • Creates a diversion but is overpowered (25:06–25:20).

6. The Fate of the Dam: An Explosive Climax

• Ranch Hands Wait It Out: Hank and Peterson voice concern over Saunders’ long negotiation (25:40–27:30).
• Dunnell Springs a Trap:
  • Dunnell and his armed men round up the Circle X crew (27:48–28:13).
• Turnabout:
  • Pinto, previously missing, reveals he’s set the dynamite at the dam:

    “Figuring you might interfere, I’ve just lit the fuse that goes to the dynamite cap attached to a couple of sticks of dynamite I stuck in the dam.”
    — Pinto (29:02)

• Episode Ends on Cliffhanger:
  • The outcome for Singapore Bill Saunders and the dam is left unresolved, promising action next week.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |-----------|-------|---------| | 03:43 | “Learned about ranching and raising cattle out of books.” | Narrator | | 05:36 | “Let's us stick a couple of sticks of dynamite in a dam right now, set them off and head back for the Circle X. That's common sense, Singapore.” | Pinto | | 07:16 | “All right. Can you stand?” | Bill Saunders (rescuing Pinto) | | 12:26 | “But to hold out hope to me when there ain’t no hope, that’s not playing honest poker.” | Bill Saunders | | 13:41 | “I'd rather hang myself from a beam than go through life without seein', dad.” | Jimmy Saunders | | 14:15 | “Dad, hear me. I can see. I can see. See you standing there. I can see the fool clock staying 20 minutes past 2. I can see the lamp on the table...” | Bill Saunders | | 20:39 | “The watershed comes under Public domain. It's for the common good of the people, and all are entitled to their share. Share and share alike.” | Bill Saunders | | 21:15 | “I think it’s much more to the interest of the common good that I irrigate this section... than for another man to claim the water to take care of a herd of cattle...” | Joseph Dunnell | | 23:02 | “Just turn slowly, Mr. Saunders, and don’t make any false moves because I’ve got you covered from the side.” | Joseph Dunnell | | 29:02 | “Figuring you might interfere, I've just lit the fuse that goes to the dynamite cap attached to a couple of sticks of dynamite I stuck in the dam.” | Pinto |

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Key Timestamps

• 00:57 – Episode prologue and backstory recap
• 02:25–05:03 – Saunders and crew investigate the dried spring and approach the dam
• 05:58–07:42 – Pinto’s quicksand incident and rescue
• 08:17–14:54 – Heartfelt conversation between Saunders and daughter Jimmy, Saunders regains sight
• 16:18–22:43 – Saunders confronts Dunnell at the ranch house, negotiation and threats
• 24:21–25:20 – Saunders overpowered and tied up
• 25:40–27:28 – Crew debates options, waiting for Saunders’ return
• 27:48–28:55 – Dunnell ambushes Circle X men, Pinto's revelation
• 29:02–End – Pinto lights the dynamite, cliffhanger ending

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Tone and Style

The program skillfully weaves classic Western radio tropes—gritty banter, dry humor, and stoic determination—with suspenseful storytelling and family tenderness. Dialogue is true to the period, with folksy wisdom, cowboy slang, and an undercurrent of honor against hardship.

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Summary for New Listeners

This episode is a superb illustration of Golden Age radio drama: a high-stakes struggle for survival, pitting tradition and loyalty against encroaching ambition and calculated ruthlessness. The story balances action, moral debate, heartfelt personal moments, and a climactic setup, leaving listeners eager for next week's resolution.

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Transcript

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[Narrator]

Saunders of the Circle we bring you the seventh episode in the new story of the Western Range. Saunders of the Circle X. See Singapore Bill Saunders, foreman of the Circle X, returned from Salt Springs bringing with him a 10 year old boy, hungry, penniless and orphaned. The lad, Tom Vigor, was promptly taken under the wing of Jimmy the Little Boss. Shortly after their arrival, it was discovered that the spring supplying water to the ranch was dry, due probably to the action of Dinelle of the D and O ranch who had threatened to dam the creek feeding the spring and divert the water to his own purposes. Now, late at night, we find Saunders and three Circle X men heading for the D Ando to reason with Denel. And to make his argument more binding, Saunders carries a keg of dynamite. Here's the great bar again, Singapore.

[Joseph Dunnell]

All right, boys, let's have another look.

[Narrator]

All right. What you going to do, Singapore?

[Bill Saunders]

You may stay on your horses. I'll have another look at it. All right, Pony, calm down. Dry as a bag of salt.

[Joseph Dunnell]

That's what you expected of you?

[Bill Saunders]

I don't know. Figured maybe there was another fault in the ground someplace and the water just naturally disappeared.

[Narrator]

Could happen. Earthquakes and the like opening cracks in the ground. Only earthquake to happen hereabouts is Mr. Dunnell of the D and O. I.

[Bill Saunders]

Sort of figure you're right, Pepper. How far are we from the D and O line, Peterson?

[Narrator]

About two miles, I'd say.

[Bill Saunders]

How far after that to the ranch house?

[Narrator]

I never been on the D and O. It's about another three miles. Singapore Ranch lies in the beginning of the foothills. Ranch house is built in a holler.

[Bill Saunders]

Any of you know Danelle?

[Narrator]

Don't know nothing good about him.

[Bill Saunders]

Anything bad. Besides, he's damming up the creek. He's city folk, I reckon. You can't hold that against him.

[Narrator]

Well, what Peterson means is he ain't our kind.

[Bill Saunders]

But I suppose he can understand American when he's spoken.

[Narrator]

That's just the point. He's one of these polite individuals, soft talkers. That's Janel. Talks soft and sticks a knife in your back when you ain't lookin'. Yeah, and they say other things about him.

[Bill Saunders]

Like what?

[Narrator]

Like that he went to college of learning someplace back east. Learned about ranching and raising cattle out of books.

[Bill Saunders]

Sounds like an up and coming individual.

[Narrator]

Not in my language. Ain't learning to get out of books. Don't do you no good when you mean real business.

[Bill Saunders]

I reckon there's two schools of thought when it comes to that question, Hank. Sometimes they print some pretty good things. And, well, you can't prove it for me.

[Narrator]

Only book I've read in the past dozen years was the wheat report for the state of Montani for the year 1880. Read it twice through for entertainment. Yeah, and Pepper's never been the same since. Now listen, Pino. Ain't no call you're making disparaging remarks. You can't stop me thinking, Hank. You young sprout, you're all the same. Think you know everything there is to be known.

[Bill Saunders]

All right, Hank, save your grievance till we get back to the bunk up. This isn't getting us to Mr. Dunel. Let's get started for the dam and then we'll visit Mr. Dunel. Oh, just keep that pid out from between your teeth, Pony.

[Narrator]

All right, boys, let's go. This looks like it, Saunders.

[Bill Saunders]

All right, boys, let's drop anchor.

[Narrator]

What? That's just a sailor lingo. Means climb off your horses. Well, how's it look to you, Singapore?

[Bill Saunders]

It's a darn good looking dam if you ask me. Seemingly he stacked up branches of trees and backed it with sacks full of mud and sand.

[Narrator]

Yeah, Mr. Donnell don't do things halfway, Singapore.

[Bill Saunders]

Yeah, Pinto.

[Narrator]

What do you calculate to gain by going up to the ranch house?

[Bill Saunders]

I got to reason with Danelle, don't I?

[Narrator]

I got a better argument than talk.

[Bill Saunders]

Like what?

[Narrator]

Let's us stick a couple of sticks of dynamite in a dam right now, set them off and head back for the Circle X. That's common sense, Singapore.

[Bill Saunders]

Yeah, it may be common sense, but what you said about Mr. Dunel being a soft talking knife sticker. I got an idea. Maybe I'd enjoy a little soft talking argument. If that don't work, then we'll use a dynamite.

[Narrator]

Well, if you ask me, I figure it's a waste of time. Arguing with Danil's like arguing with a Gila monster. Gila don't argue back. He just strikes. I always say. Pinto. Hurry, hurry. Pinto, listen to me. Hurry up. Don't talk. Try not to move your feet. Let your arms slow straight out from your shoulders. Keep them that way. Breathe slow and don't move your body more than you have to. Where you going, Pepper? Out to Gillett. Stay where you are. You wanna go down too? Don't talk, Pinto.

[Joseph Dunnell]

Pepper.

[Narrator]

Yeah? Give me the Riato off my saddle. Yeah. Yeah. You can't see him to drop a rope over him, Saunders. I can hear him.

[Joseph Dunnell]

Now.

[Narrator]

Listen to me, Pinto. Pino, listen to me. Yeah. Do what I tell you. Lift your arms slow. Straight over your head. Yeah. Don't talk. It's almost to the left. Don't talk. Here's the boy, Pino. Don't open your mouth. Just say like that, with your lips together again. All right, I got you located.

[Jimmy Saunders]

Miss me?

[Narrator]

Don't talk.

[Jimmy Saunders]

It's been all over. It's over my head.

[Narrator]

Lower your arms, fast. Keep the loop around your waist. It is. It is. Grab a hold, Peterson. Grab it, Pepper. I got it. All right, now pull. Don't struggle, kiddo. Just keep your head back. Pull.

[Bill Saunders]

All right. Can you stand?

[Narrator]

Yeah, My knees are weak, but.

[Joseph Dunnell]

Do you mind telling me what's going on here?

[Bill Saunders]

No, I don't reckon we'd mind, friend. Might I ask who you happen to be?

[Joseph Dunnell]

You might. I'm Joseph Dunnell, owner of the D and O Ran.

[Bill Saunders]

You still sitting there, Jimmy?

[Jimmy Saunders]

Yes, dad.

[Bill Saunders]

Now I know what it's like for a horse to wear blinders. With these rags on my eyes, I can't even tell who's in the room with me, if anybody.

[Jimmy Saunders]

Poor Dad.

[Bill Saunders]

I ain't asking for sympathy. Why don't you go to bed?

[Jimmy Saunders]

I'll wait up till the men come back.

[Bill Saunders]

There's no need for that.

[Jimmy Saunders]

Still, I'll wait.

[Bill Saunders]

Funny thing, Jimmy. Your mother was the gentlest woman I ever did know. Reasonable, full of understanding.

[Jimmy Saunders]

What brought that up?

[Bill Saunders]

Nothing. I was just wondering where you get your stubbornness.

[Jimmy Saunders]

I'm your daughter.

[Bill Saunders]

There ain't nothing stubborn about me, Jimmy.

[Jimmy Saunders]

There certainly isn't, as long as you get your own way.

[Bill Saunders]

You impudent young hoptoe. Now go to bed.

[Jimmy Saunders]

No. Would you like me to read to you, Dad?

[Bill Saunders]

I ain't got the patience to listen to book reading. What'd you do with young Tom Begar?

[Jimmy Saunders]

He wouldn't let me do anything for him. I was down to the bunk house an hour ago talking to Bob Wylie. He said Tom was sleeping and that Singapore's bunk said he was going to stay awake till Singapore came back. So he climbed into the bunk and began braiding a piece of rope and fell asleep two minutes later.

[Bill Saunders]

I just don't like the idea of having a kid of Artemis bigger on the Circle X.

[Jimmy Saunders]

Somebody has to take care of him. He's only 10 years old.

[Narrator]

It don't have to be me.

[Bill Saunders]

I got no time for mavericks, dad.

[Jimmy Saunders]

If you were as hard hearted as you pretend to be, you'd be a caution.

[Bill Saunders]

I never said I was hard hearted. I'm just too old to have youngsters under my feet.

[Narrator]

You're bad enough.

[Jimmy Saunders]

Thanks. Maybe you'd like to ship me off to Boston again for more finishing.

[Joseph Dunnell]

No.

[Bill Saunders]

It's a funny thing. You're more nuisance than a shit of lambs at shearing time. But I get so used to your pesky ways. I wouldn't know what to do without you.

[Jimmy Saunders]

Anyway, the ladies at the Boston school gave me up as a bad job. I guess some people aren't just meant to be finished.

[Bill Saunders]

I guess.

[Joseph Dunnell]

What time is it?

[Jimmy Saunders]

A little after two.

[Bill Saunders]

Well, Singapore and the boys may not be back till sunup. If then. I ain't going to have you sit up all night.

[Jimmy Saunders]

Would you rather have me saddle Dynamite and go after them?

[Narrator]

Jimmy, don't you go starting anything.

[Jimmy Saunders]

Then don't. Don't argue about my sitting up, dad.

[Narrator]

Now what?

[Jimmy Saunders]

Supposing Singapore can't talk Donnell into turning the water back in the creek bed.

[Bill Saunders]

I reckon Singapore will use a couple of sticks of dynamite and blow up the dam.

[Jimmy Saunders]

It's likely to mean trouble.

[Bill Saunders]

It's trouble already.

[Jimmy Saunders]

I know. But Danelle isn't the kind who will fight in the open. He'll knife you when your back's turned.

[Bill Saunders]

I fought everything from wildcats to scorpions. I reckon I'll find a way to beat him.

[Jimmy Saunders]

Only you'll have a little advantage of you now. Now that you can't see.

[Bill Saunders]

I ain't going to be blind always.

[Jimmy Saunders]

No.

[Bill Saunders]

Look here, Jimmy. You ain't hiding something from me, are you?

[Jimmy Saunders]

Of course not. What do you mean?

[Bill Saunders]

The doctor didn't tell you things he didn't tell me.

[Jimmy Saunders]

Why? Why, no.

[Bill Saunders]

You're lying to me, Jimmy.

[Jimmy Saunders]

Now, dad, that's plum foolishness.

[Narrator]

What did he say?

[Jimmy Saunders]

You know what he said.

[Narrator]

And I'm asking you what he said when dynamite.

[Jimmy Saunders]

When dynamite threw you. The blow on your head. Well, it hurt the nerve of your eyes.

[Bill Saunders]

And that well, go ahead.

[Jimmy Saunders]

That sometimes it took quite a while to straighten things out like that. He said. He said it was a matter of time.

[Bill Saunders]

Give me. What did he say I'd ever see again?

[Narrator]

Now, dad, answer me.

[Jimmy Saunders]

He said we. We just had to give it time.

[Bill Saunders]

Jimmy.

[Jimmy Saunders]

Yes?

[Bill Saunders]

You and I, we've always been square with each other. I holler at you and you sass me. But we've never figured it was worthwhile lying to each other. Not about anything.

[Jimmy Saunders]

I know, dad.

[Bill Saunders]

Now, don't you see, girly, I never afraid of the truth any more than you are. But to hold out hope to me when there ain't no hope, that's not playing honest poker. I think if you didn't play square with me and I found it out, which I would, that's one thing I couldn't stand up under.

[Jimmy Saunders]

Dad, don't, please.

[Bill Saunders]

So tell me the truth, Jimmy. What did the doctor say?

[Jimmy Saunders]

He said, dad. He said he didn't know the answer. We'd have to leave it to time. Maybe you'd see again and maybe you wouldn't.

[Bill Saunders]

Never see no more. Just a set day in and day out, listening to the ticking of the clock. Never seeing the sun go down on the edge of the prairie.

[Jimmy Saunders]

Don't, dad, don't.

[Bill Saunders]

Never seen the panting nostrils of a winded horse. Never seen the herd rush between the bars into the corral.

[Narrator]

Well, I ain't gonna stand it, dad. Please. Please. I ain't gonna stand it, I tell you. I'd rather hang myself from a beating than go through life without seein'dad.

[Jimmy Saunders]

Don't take the cloths off.

[Narrator]

Leave go of me, Jimmy. Leave go. My arm.

[Jimmy Saunders]

Stop it. I dare you, stop it. The doctor says you've gotta keep them covered.

[Narrator]

Don't tell me what the doctor says. What good drags over my eyes if I ain't never gonna see any more? Nobody can make me stop it. There, there, Jimmy. Dad, hear me. I can see. I can see. See you standing there. I can see the fool clock staying 20 minutes past 2. I can see the lamp on the table and the window and the door and there. My. My saddle on the hoof.

[Bill Saunders]

Gimme.

[Narrator]

Dad.

[Joseph Dunnell]

Get out.

[Narrator]

Dynamite.

[Bill Saunders]

I'm following Singapore and the boys.

[Jimmy Saunders]

Dad, please. Please. Darling. You can see, and that's wonderful. I didn't think you were ever going to see again, but don't spoil it now.

[Bill Saunders]

All right, Jimmy. I reckon you're right. Maybe you've got more sense than I have. Tie the rags on for me again. We'll set here and wait for the boys to come home.

[Jimmy Saunders]

Oh, gee, I want to swear or cry or laugh or something.

[Bill Saunders]

Me too.

[Narrator]

I could learn you some good round.

[Bill Saunders]

Laughing cousins right now if you weren't a woman.

[Narrator]

And my daughter.

[Jimmy Saunders]

Go on and learn me. It'll do us both good.

[Bill Saunders]

No, but Jimmy, promise me one thing.

[Jimmy Saunders]

I'll promise you anything in the world.

[Narrator]

When the boys come back, don't tell them I can see you. I want to surprise them. So you're Joseph D. I'm Joseph Dinell. Well, Mr. D. Got no idea how glad we are to meet up with you.

[Bill Saunders]

You know, put a halter around your tongue and leave the talking to me.

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[Bill Saunders]

Mr. Dunel, I'll ask you to not bother to pay any attention to Pinto. Oh, he's excited. Just had a little trouble. Really? Is that so? Yes. He was out in the creek bed. Stepped into some quicksand. Really?

[Joseph Dunnell]

You don't say so. Well, he doesn't seem to be any the worse for it.

[Bill Saunders]

No, we dropped a riata over his ears and yanked him out.

[Joseph Dunnell]

Very fortunate indeed. And now may I ask what you're doing on my land and who you are?

[Bill Saunders]

To answer your first question, we're on your land, on the way to visit you.

[Joseph Dunnell]

The entrance to the ranch house is a quarter mile to the west.

[Bill Saunders]

Yes, but we thought we'd take a look at the dam first. Not that we can see much at night.

[Joseph Dunnell]

It's not badly constructed. I'd suggest you come by in daylight if you're interested in learning how to build a dam.

[Narrator]

Maybe we're more interested in blowing up a dam.

[Bill Saunders]

Just keep your bit in your teeth, Peterson.

[Narrator]

Well, we didn't come here to make polite talk with Mr. Dunnell. Singapore.

[Bill Saunders]

You can't ever tell. Sometimes you get further with polite talk.

[Joseph Dunnell]

And now look here, my friend. Your philosophical remarks are very well taken and irrefutable.

[Narrator]

That's fancy talk.

[Joseph Dunnell]

But I'm not interested in listening to Philosophy at 2 o' clock in the morning. I asked you who you are and what you're doing on my land.

[Bill Saunders]

I'll be glad to make you acquainted with us? This is Joe Peterson. This is Hank Puffer. This is Pinto. My name's Bill Saunders.

[Narrator]

Indeed.

[Joseph Dunnell]

Well, I'm still in the dark.

[Bill Saunders]

We ride the Circle X.

[Narrator]

Really?

[Joseph Dunnell]

Well. It's very pleasant to meet men from my neighbor's land. The Circle X is a fine holding. I've always wanted to own a piece of it. I don't suppose you could induce Mr. John Mock to consider a deal?

[Bill Saunders]

Might be for a price.

[Joseph Dunnell]

I had an idea we could get together.

[Bill Saunders]

Might be.

[Narrator]

Cut out the parley in Singapore and let's have some action.

[Joseph Dunnell]

Your friends are impetuous, Mr. Saunders.

[Bill Saunders]

Well, you see, we had a reason in coming here, mister.

[Narrator]

I don't doubt that.

[Joseph Dunnell]

Now, if you don't mind my making a suggestion.

[Bill Saunders]

Go as far as you like.

[Joseph Dunnell]

I'd suggest you come up to the ranch house with me, just the two of us, while we can talk undisturbed. Your men might go down to my bunk house, make themselves acquainted with my men. Maybe heat up a tin of coffee. Or even find a little stronger refreshments if they're so disposed.

[Bill Saunders]

Hank, you and Pinto and Peterson wait here for me. I'll go with Mr. Danell.

[Narrator]

I don't know. Singapore appears to me like it might be. Well, if we all come along with you.

[Bill Saunders]

You ain't been invited. Pepper, you stay here. All right, Mr. Danell, let's.

[Joseph Dunnell]

All right, Mr. Saunders. After you, sir.

[Bill Saunders]

Thanks.

[Joseph Dunnell]

Just sit down in that deep chair, Mr. Saunders. You'll find it comfortable.

[Bill Saunders]

Oh, thanks. Now, here's the situation, Mr. Dunnell.

[Joseph Dunnell]

You'll excuse me, Mr. Saunders. Cassia, bring the bottle from the cupboard. And glasses. I always find it more pleasant to discuss business over a drink. You're something of a philosopher, and I'm something of a philosopher, so we can appreciate these things.

[Bill Saunders]

All right.

[Joseph Dunnell]

Garcia, how are the drinks?

[Bill Saunders]

None for me, thank you.

[Joseph Dunnell]

No? Won't you drink with Mr. Saunders?

[Bill Saunders]

I don't drink, thanks. Really?

[Joseph Dunnell]

Well, then I won't either. Sit down over there and pour yourself one, garcia. And now, Mr. Saunders, you want to discuss with me this matter of damning the creep that flows through my land and finds an outlet in the Circle X in.

[Bill Saunders]

You know just what I've come here for.

[Joseph Dunnell]

I've been expecting visitors from the Circle.

[Bill Saunders]

X. I reckon you didn't figure we'd take it lying down.

[Joseph Dunnell]

The fact is, I don't know how else you're going to take it.

[Bill Saunders]

Well, I don't just know the legal language, but some place back of my mind, I have an idea the watershed comes under Public domain. It's for the common good of the people, and all are entitled to their share. Share and share alike.

[Joseph Dunnell]

That's quite reasonable, as long as it's for the common good. But we've got to decide just what the common good is.

[Bill Saunders]

I reckon in this United States of America, it's the good of the private individual.

[Joseph Dunnell]

Well, I question that. For example, I think it's much more to the interest of the common good that I irrigate this section of the territory of Arizona and turn the prairie into good agricultural land than for another man to claim the water to take care of a herd of cattle that can be cared for other ways.

[Bill Saunders]

What ways?

[Joseph Dunnell]

By driving them into other sections where water's plentiful.

[Bill Saunders]

Mr. Dunel, I'm a seafaring man. Been at sea most of my life.

[Joseph Dunnell]

Then, of course, you don't pretend to know much about cattle.

[Bill Saunders]

I don't pretend to know much about nothing. I was just thinking we have an old custom at sea. We whistle for a breeze.

[Joseph Dunnell]

I've heard of the superstition. Of course, it is a superstition and doesn't do any good.

[Bill Saunders]

No, I reckon it doesn't. Any more than it'll do you good to whistle up arguments that you don't believe yourself.

[Joseph Dunnell]

No, let's just approach this thing easily. We mustn't get excited.

[Bill Saunders]

Oh, I ain't got an idea of getting excited. I reckon there ain't gonna be any need of it. I understand you and you understand me. And all we got to do is agree. Just how soon are you gonna turn the water back into the creek bed so we get our share?

[Joseph Dunnell]

Saunders, what if I decide my agricultural development is still a more important issue and decline to turn it back there.

[Bill Saunders]

In that I've come prepared. With a keg of dynamite, I'll order my men to blow up your dam. And I'll order them to blow up every dam you build if it takes from now till the other place freezes.

[Joseph Dunnell]

You certainly come prepared.

[Bill Saunders]

It's good business.

[Joseph Dunnell]

I'm inclined to agree with you.

[Bill Saunders]

I had an idea you would.

[Joseph Dunnell]

And now if you just turn around and glance over your shoulders, Mr. Saunders, you'll find that my good man Garcia is sitting there behind you with a gun leveled right at your ears. Just turn slowly, Mr. Saunders, and don't make any false moves because I've got you covered from the side. Just wipe that grin off your face, Garcia. It's not polite. Mr. Saunders is our guest.

[Bill Saunders]

Gracie, Senor.

[Joseph Dunnell]

I hope it doesn't make you nervous, Mr. Saunders. Having a couple of guns leveled at you.

[Bill Saunders]

I ain't got a nerve in my body, Mr. Dunel.

[Joseph Dunnell]

No. I have an idea that's the truth. You look like a good man.

[Bill Saunders]

Thanks. Well, I'll put up my ante, Mr. Dunel. It's your bet. How many cars do you want?

[Joseph Dunnell]

None, Saunders. I have a pat hand.

[Bill Saunders]

I've bluffed pat hands in my time.

[Joseph Dunnell]

I don't have to bluff. I not only have a pat hand, but I'm playing with a mock. And I know what's in your hand.

[Bill Saunders]

Then I reckon it's your next move.

[Joseph Dunnell]

I'm inclined to think you're right. So I'm going to ask you to relax in that chair, Saunders. And I'll just sit here with my gun in my hand, it being my fifth piece. And Garcia. Garcia, just keep your gun in your hand. Get me a lasso from under the table and tie our visitor to the chair. Be careful the rope doesn't cut him because he's likely to be tied up quite a spell. I hope you don't mind being tied, Mr. Saunders.

[Bill Saunders]

Not in the least.

[Joseph Dunnell]

I only ask because it makes some people nervous. Sort of a phobia with them. All right, get busy, Garcia. Now, I. I suppose you're figuring there's a lot of nonsense, but tying you up won't keep the rest of your men from doing damage.

[Bill Saunders]

I hadn't given it much thought. I'm just a stupid individual, Mr. Dinnell.

[Joseph Dunnell]

Oh, I think you're not so stupid as some. But you see, tying you up. Now, I can go down to the bunk house, wake up my men, take a dozen of them down to the dam and beat the living daylight out of your sheep herders. That may act as a warning to Mr. Motto not to send any more night visitors up here.

[Bill Saunders]

Probably will.

[Narrator]

Grab your chair. Grab my gun. He shoots off. Lie.

[Joseph Dunnell]

You can't get away that easy.

[Narrator]

Mr. Thunders in this corner got here. Get him. He got gone so bad. You hit him? You kill him? I don't know.

[Joseph Dunnell]

Come on. We'll tie him up and we'll find.

[Narrator]

Out if he's dead. You asleep, Pepper?

[Joseph Dunnell]

Nope. Just a sitting here.

[Narrator]

Wool gathering. Me, I'm getting kind of tired of wool gathering. I'd like a little action. Me too. Seems like Singapore's taking an old fired long time parlying. I reckon it takes Singapore a long time to say what he has to say that wants saying. He talks slow. The noise of that creek sounds real pretty, don't it? It sound pretty. You're running Past the ranch house of the Circle X?

[Bill Saunders]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

What you doing, Pinto? Getting myself a drink of water out of the stream. Cold?

[Jimmy Saunders]

Middling.

[Narrator]

Well, if it wasn't so much trouble to get up and go over there, I'd have me a drink. You know, Hank, Me? I figure if Singapore doesn't put in an appearance pronto, we should ought to go up to the house and see what's doing. Singapore says stay here till he comes back, and this is where we stay. If Singapore told you to jump over the moon, would you do it? I don't know.

[Bill Saunders]

Might try.

[Narrator]

You know what was right funny about that sailor when he first come up to Circle Lake's office? I say right away there's individual I ain't going to like. But it's like eating strong cheese. In the beginning, you say you ain't gonna like it, but after a while, the stronger it is, the better you like it. Sort of sneaks up on you. Dust. Well, I ain't altogether sold on him yet. That's just because you're a young calf.

[Joseph Dunnell]

And disposed to be suspicious.

[Narrator]

I reckon it's common sense to be suspicious of strangers till you find out they ain't nothing to be suspicious of. Look here, Hank. Yeah? How do we know Saunders won't sell us out to this Dinelle individual? I'd stake Mariata he wouldn't. No, I figure Pepper's right. Lots of stars in the sky tonight, ain't there?

[Joseph Dunnell]

Yep.

[Narrator]

More than a hundred.

[Bill Saunders]

More.

[Narrator]

I'm a setting. I reckon there's a lot more than that. Keep still, horse. Them ponies is getting restless, or else they smell trouble. Hey, here comes Singapore. I hear him. That you, Singapore?

[Joseph Dunnell]

No, it isn't Singapore, boys. The game's up.

[Narrator]

Well, I reckon we don't know just.

[Joseph Dunnell]

What you mean, mister. I mean, there are 20 of my men standing right behind me, and every one of them is armed.

[Narrator]

Yeah? Well, where's Singapore?

[Joseph Dunnell]

He's the same with me a while. And now we're going to give you a little lesson in what it means to trespass on another man's property.

[Narrator]

Meaning by that?

[Joseph Dunnell]

Meaning I want you, each of you, to stick your hands straight above your heads and walk single file this way. How many of you are there?

[Narrator]

Why, there's three aside. Singapore.

[Joseph Dunnell]

I only see two of you. Where's the other one?

[Narrator]

There's three, all right. Me and Peterson. Pinto. Hey, where'd you go? Pino. Hey, Pindle, Where's Thunder Raisin did you go? Here I come, Hank. You know, Hank, I sort of figured something like this was to happen. I got thinking that way while I was getting a drink a while back.

[Joseph Dunnell]

Well, I'm glad you gave some thought to the matter, my young friend. And you can see there's nothing to be done about it.

[Narrator]

I wouldn't be sure about that.

[Joseph Dunnell]

I'm afraid there's no question there might be. What do you mean?

[Narrator]

Well, we come up here to dispose of the dam you built, and figuring you might interfere, I've just lit the fuse that goes to the dynamite cap attached to a couple of sticks of dynamite I stuck in the dam. Oh, you. You get back now. Get back. Get on your pony. Peters. You have heard another episode in Samuel Dixon's story of the Western Range Saunders of the Circle X. Listen at this same hour next Thursday evening over most of these stations when we learn the fate of Singapore Bill Saunders. In another exciting episode of Saunders of the Circle X. Tonight's cast included Lou Tobin as Thomas Mott, Everett Glass as Joseph Dinell, Bert Horton as Hank Peffer, Bob Hudson as Pintle, John Culbertson as Singapore Bill Saunders and Langendorff as Demi.

[Joseph Dunnell]

The little Boss.

[Narrator]

Saunders of the Circle X is presented in San Francisco. This is the National Broadcasting Conference.