Tales of the Texas Rangers 50-08-19 (07) Fool's Gold

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Tales of the Texas Rangers 50-08-19 (07) Fool's Gold"

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Tales of the Texas Rangers 50-08-19 (07) Fool's Gold," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of radio, immersing themselves in a classic Western crime drama. The story unfolds in the rugged landscapes of West Texas, where Ranger Jace Pearson, portrayed by Joel McCrea, tackles a complex case involving bank robbery, deception, and unexpected twists.

Setting the Scene: A Failed Bank Robbery

The episode kicks off on a Tuesday after Labor Day, 1946, in the small town of Live Oak, West Texas. Two men, Robber 1 and Robber 2, meticulously plan to rob the local Drover's Bank. Their preparation underscores the tension and stakes involved:

• Robber 1 ([02:25]): "We've been over it 20 times, Foy. Let's get it done."
• Robber 2 ([02:31]): "I ain't taking a chance on you making any mistakes."

Their confidence is palpable, yet the unforeseen happens—a fatal car crash involving Robber 1 and another individual, Joe Foy. This accident sets the stage for the ensuing drama, introducing complications that derail their heist.

The Investigation Begins: Ranger Jace Pearson Steps In

Following the botched robbery and subsequent crash, Texas Highway Patrolman Rhodes notifies the Texas Rangers. Ranger Jace Pearson is assigned to the case, bringing his expertise to unravel the mystery behind the failed heist and the tragic accident.

• Bank Teller ([05:33]): "I'm glad to see you."
• Frank Martin (Narrator) ([05:35]): "Howdy. Roads pretty bad. Who got here first?"

Pearson’s methodical approach introduces key investigative techniques of the era, such as fingerprint analysis and blood type matching, highlighting the procedural aspects of Ranger work.

Following the Clues: Fingerprints and Blood Types

A pivotal moment in the investigation occurs when a fingerprint from the stolen sedan's gas cap is matched to Robert Tromer, a known armed robber with a criminal history.

• Bank Teller ([07:04]): "John Commons, served four years, Huntsville, armed robbery. No family. No known associates since leaving penitentiary."

However, Tromer's interrogation reveals inconsistencies:

• Frank Martin (Ranger Pearson) ([13:31]): "Howdy, Ranger."
• Robert Tromer ([13:35]): "Yeah."

Despite the fingerprint match, Tromer denies being involved in the robbery, providing an alibi that complicates the case further.

Red Herrings: The Case Against Robert Tromer

Ranger Pearson delves deeper, examining Tromer’s statements and physical evidence. Tromer's lack of a head injury, which was present in the crash victim, casts doubt on his involvement.

• Frank Martin ([14:31]): "No. No, Tromer, I. I don't see any cut."
• Robert Tromer ([14:18]): "So if the guy you're looking for has a cut on his head, Ranger, it ain't me."

This revelation shifts focus, indicating that Tromer may be an innocent party or that there is another layer to the crime yet to be uncovered.

Breaking the Case: Identifying Joe Foy

The breakthrough arrives when blood type analysis connects the injuries sustained in the crash to Joe Foy:

• Frank Martin ([21:40]): "Unusual classification. Type AB."
• Bank Teller ([21:43]): "That's it. Chase."

Further investigation leads Ranger Pearson and his partner, Highway Patrolman Rhodes, to Joe Foy’s workplace, piecing together the final elements of the case. The identification of Joe Foy as the shooter solidifies the connection between the crash and the bank robbery.

Conclusion: Justice Served

The episode culminates in a dramatic confrontation where Ranger Pearson tracks down the true perpetrator. Joe Foy is identified as the culprit responsible for both the bank teller’s murder and the fatal car crash. His actions are revealed to be driven by desperation and deceit, ultimately leading to his downfall.

• Frank Martin ([26:55]): "The body of Joseph Foy was definitely identified as that of the killer and hit-and-run driver."
• Ranger Pearson ([22:22]): "If he can move with a bullet in him, so can I."

Through persistence and keen investigative skills, Ranger Pearson ensures that justice is served, bringing closure to the tragic events in Live Oak.

Notable Quotes

• Robber 2 ([02:34]): "You leave that to me. We'll beat our way back to where I've been working."
• Frank Martin ([05:35]): "Howdy. Roads pretty bad. Who got here first?"
• Ranger Pearson ([14:06]): "The bank teller's dead, Tromer. So is a 5-year-old kid and his father and your pal Commons."
• Doctor ([21:40]): "Unusual classification. Type AB."
• Frank Martin ([26:55]): "The body of Joseph Foy was definitely identified as that of the killer and hit-and-run driver."

Final Thoughts

"Tales of the Texas Rangers 50-08-19 (07) Fool's Gold" masterfully blends suspense, character development, and procedural detail to recreate a vivid narrative of law enforcement in the mid-20th century Texas. Ranger Jace Pearson's determination and resourcefulness exemplify the heroic spirit of the Texas Rangers, delivering a memorable story for fans of classic radio dramas.

Transcript

[Unnamed Teen Advocate]

Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they aren't. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Organ legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me. @ flavorshookorgankids.org paid for by the Campaign.

[Frank Martin]

For Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund its National Wheaties Week.

[Joel McCrea]

Yes, it's National Wheaties Week. And wheaties present Joel McCray in Tales of the Texas Rangers on stage tonight. Transcribed from Hollywood Another in the Wheaties big parade of exciting half hour presentations. Tales of the Texas Rangers. Starring Joel McRae as Ranger Pearson.

[Frank Martin]

Texas.

[Joel McCrea]

More than 260,000 square miles and 50 men who make up the most famous and oldest law enforcement body in North America. Now, from the files of the Texas Rangers come these stories based on fact only. Names, dates and places are fictitious for obvious reasons. The events themselves are a matter of record.

[Unnamed Narrator]

Case Fool's Gold.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

It is shortly after 9am on the Tuesday after Labor Day, 1946. Two men in a late model black sedan cruise slowly along the main street of the town of Live Oak in West Texas.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

All right, let's go over it once more.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

We've been over it 20 times, Foy. Let's get it done.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

I ain't taking a chance on you making any mistakes.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

I ain't making mistakes. Think I want to go back to Huntsville again. Haven't done anything but case this bank since I got out of the pen a month ago.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

You sure there's no guard?

[Unnamed Robber 1]

No, I told you, town like this ain't got but two tellers in the cage. Got an alarm system, though.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

One of them moves for an alarm, start blasting.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

How are we gonna hide out afterwards?

[Unnamed Robber 2]

You leave that to me. We'll beat our way back to where I've been working. Roundup will be starting tomorrow. I'll get the old man to take you on until things cool off.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

That's good.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Yeah. Ain't nobody gonna suspect a poor working cow.

[Unnamed Narrator]

Poke, here, you keep me covered while.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

I cash the check.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Yeah. Bet they ain't never cashed a check like that before.

[Unnamed Narrator]

Shut up.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

How you.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Gentlemen.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

What can I do for you?

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Cash this.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Sure thing. What? Pass over $5,000.

[Unnamed Narrator]

Come on. Don't move. Funnier or blast.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Robbers.

[Frank Martin]

They're robbers.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

You crazy old.

[Frank Martin]

Let's get out of here.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

We'll drop anybody who gets in the way.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Come on.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Come.

[Frank Martin]

Hurry.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Get in.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

And they're pouring out of that place back there.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

They'll have to roll fast to get us.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Look out. Cars coming down that side street.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Let them.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Look out.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

You're going to hit.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Look at that poor child.

[Nicole Byer]

Blood all over him.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Look.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Got to get out. Got to get away. Hey. Driver of the sedan is alive.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Look.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Call him for your head cut bad, miss. You better get away from me. Get away from me. Look out. He's got a gun.

[Unnamed Narrator]

Partner. It's National Wheaties week. It's celebrating time and I'll tell you why. There's a whole kernel of horses wheat in every Wheaties flake. Think what that means. There's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties flake. Now doesn't that say vitamins and minerals and energy? Energy worth talking about.

[Frank Martin]

Sure.

[Unnamed Narrator]

First thing in the morning. Wheaties. And milk and fruit. Join me tomorrow. See how Wheaties at 7 can help. At 11.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

The Texas Highway Patrol threw a guard around the wrecked cars and notified the Texas Rangers of the attempted bank hold up and the fatal crash. Ranger Jace Pearson was assigned to the case.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Howdy, Jase. Glad to see you.

[Frank Martin]

Howdy. Roads pretty bad. Who got here first?

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

I did. Patrolling near Landmark when the call came through.

[Frank Martin]

Which one was a bandit car?

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

It was a black sedan.

[Frank Martin]

Who was in the coup?

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Man and his kid they took away. You didn't miss anything by not seeing it, Jace.

[Frank Martin]

Where are the bodies?

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

The doctor had him taken to the hospital basement.

[Frank Martin]

How about the bank teller?

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

He's alive, but he's unconscious. Deputy sheriff's with him. One of the stick up men got killed in the crash, you know.

[Frank Martin]

Yeah. Been able to find the driver?

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

No, not yet. Cut down that street and into the hills. According to witnesses. Sheriff has the dogs and posse after him.

[Frank Martin]

Who owns the sedan?

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Don't know yet, Jase. We're checking on it.

[Frank Martin]

Let's have a look at it.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Okay.

[Frank Martin]

Blood on both sides. Steering wheel too. Means the driver must have been shut on his head. Or his hand had a gash in his scalp. Yeah. Hit the windshield on this side. A couple of hairs stuck to the jagged edge. A dark brown.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Yeah. Druggist got a good look at him. Saw the whole thing from his store. Came out to help and almost got shot.

[Frank Martin]

Is he around?

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Yeah, he's right over there.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Mr. Reber?

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Yeah? A ranger wants to talk to you.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Let him through, will you, boys?

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Yes, sir.

[Frank Martin]

You see the man who was driving the sedan?

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Yeah, saw him Up.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Close call coming in on our car radios, Jason. Excuse me.

[Frank Martin]

Sherrods. What he looks like.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Six feet, maybe. Built. Solid. Boots, jeans and work shirt. Of course, that could fit a thousand men. But this one had a couple of gold teeth right in the middle of his mouth.

[Frank Martin]

Gold teeth, huh? Anything else?

[Unnamed Robber 2]

No. Except for a bad cut on his head.

[Frank Martin]

Bad enough to need stitching?

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Sure was.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Got a flash on the sedan, Jason. It was stolen during the night or early this morning over in Rankin.

[Frank Martin]

I thought so. We better get up at the hospital. I'll call headquarters and have a lab man sent down to go for the car for fingerprints.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Not easy to lift him from that car. Get pretty smeared with all the blood around.

[Frank Martin]

Yeah. And even if you do get them, you still gotta find the man that goes with them.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

There's a body, gentlemen. Lift the sheet if you want.

[Frank Martin]

Anything on him, Doctor?

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Nothing at all. Not even a mark that might identify him. Don't want to see the father and child, do you?

[Frank Martin]

No, that wouldn't help Rhodes. We can fingerprint this one. Might help us find his pal. That way.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Yeah.

[Frank Martin]

You can do me a favor, Doc?

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Sure.

[Frank Martin]

The killer who got away cut himself on this glass. Before I send it to Austin, I'd like to get his blood type from it. Can you do it now?

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Sure. Go upstairs to the lab in 15 minutes. Have it for you.

[Unnamed Narrator]

About that.

[Frank Martin]

Thanks.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

That blood type will give you something to go on, Jace.

[Frank Martin]

I hope we don't need it. I wish there was some word from the sheriff's posse.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

If they had him, I'm afraid we'd have heard by now.

[Frank Martin]

Yeah. Might as well walk over at the sheriff's office while we're waiting for the doc.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

We can go through the next room and up the front stairs.

[Frank Martin]

Okay.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

That's the kid's mother.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Did you come to see my boy? And my husband? Did you know?

[Frank Martin]

No, ma' am, I didn't.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Maybe you ought to go home for a while, dad.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Why should I go home? There's nobody there now. He wanted his daddy to be the one to take him to school. He was just being read to the first day.

[Frank Martin]

Take it easy, ma' am.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

We were so proud of him.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

All last night. He slept with his little red pencil box in his hand.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

I just bought it for Saturday.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Never even learned to write his name.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Nothing we can do to help her, Chase.

[Frank Martin]

Not here. No. Could be my wife and kid. Or yours. Yeah. Any more on the bank teller?

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Deputy reported he's still unconscious. We can look in the room when we get back to the Hospital after.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Hey, look.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

It's part of the sheriff's posse.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Hey, did you find him?

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

No.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Followed a bluff trail cross country, but it made the river and we lost him. No chance of getting him now.

[Frank Martin]

The fingerprint crew from the lab flew in and went to work on the car. In the hands of the dead bandit. Highway Patrolman Rhodes waited for the report while I went back to see the doctor at the hospital. Got it yet, Doc? Uh huh.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Just finished. Blood types.

[Frank Martin]

Ab, A, B. Huh. Don't come across that very often.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

No, it's very rare about one and. Oh, excuse me, Ranger.

[Frank Martin]

Go ahead.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Hello?

[Unnamed Narrator]

Yeah, I'll be right in.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

But VA's here now. I'll tell him.

[Unnamed Narrator]

Goodbye.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

That was the deputy from the bank teller's room. Teller just died.

[Frank Martin]

Unconscious all the way?

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Nope. Came to for just a second before he passed on.

[Frank Martin]

Did he say anything?

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Nothing you don't already know, Ranger. Man who shot him had gold teeth.

[Frank Martin]

It was night before the fingerprint crew found anything. I unloaded my horse charcoal from the car trailer and was watering and feeding him a delivery stable when Highway Patrolman Rhodes brought over the reports. Come on, boy. Come on.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Well, Chase, I know who the dead one is.

[Frank Martin]

Let's see. John Commons, served four years, Huntsville, armed robbery. No family. No known associates since leaving penitentiary.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

That's no help for finding the other one.

[Frank Martin]

No. Could have known him before he went to prison or after. Anything on the car?

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Yeah, here.

[Frank Martin]

Lots of prints, but no clear ones except a full thumb impression on the cap of the gas tank.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Haven't got anything on that print yet, though. Whoever it is, he has no record in Texas.

[Frank Martin]

He will have bi. May have something on him. I'm not gonna wait around here though.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

I don't like it either, Bud. Which way can you go both ways?

[Frank Martin]

Car was stolen in Rankin. That's west. I'll head back that way. You take the highway east.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

You got a plan?

[Frank Martin]

Something will keep us busy while we're waiting for a report on that thumbprint. Check every doctor along the way and see if any of them have stitched a head wound for a man with gold teeth for a good part of a night and a half. The next day I covered the towns and the back roads between towns, country doctors and emergency hospitals. But none of them had seen the man I was after. Then finally, KTXI in San Angelo came through.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

KTXI calling Unit 10. KTXI calling Unit 10.

[Frank Martin]

Unit 10 to KTXI. Go ahead, KTXI.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Have report for Unit 10 on Thumbprint Farm on gas cap of Stolen car. Subject known as Robert Tromer, believed to be in or near Santa Rita, may be working there. Occupation, automobile mechanic.

[Frank Martin]

Unit 10, presently located Regan County, 40 miles from Santa Rita. Will continue investigation. Unit 1010. It was almost sundown when I reached Santa Rita. Robert Tromer wasn't hard to locate. The local constable told me where I could find him. A service station about a mile out in the highway. I drove out there.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Howdy, Ranger.

[Frank Martin]

Howdy. Your name Tromer?

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Yeah.

[Frank Martin]

Turn off that water and dry off your hands. Where were you Yesterday morning at 9 o' clock?

[Unnamed Robber 1]

I was right here working. Why?

[Frank Martin]

You sure you weren't in the Drover's bank at Live Oak?

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Of course I wasn't.

[Frank Martin]

Wasn't, huh? Move over here under the light. All right, now smile.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

What?

[Frank Martin]

I said smile. Say, you weren't at Live Oak yesterday morning.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Huh?

[Unnamed Robber 1]

You heard me.

[Frank Martin]

Those gold teeth say you were.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Look, Ranger, I.

[Frank Martin]

The bank teller's dead, Tromer. So is a 5 year old kid and his father and your pal Commons.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

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

[Frank Martin]

Try remembering, Tromer. You got a cut on your head. Take your hat off and let's have a look at that.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Sure, I'll take my hat off. Well, you're looking, Ranger. You see any cut?

[Frank Martin]

No. No, Tromer, I. I don't see any cut. Cut.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

So if the guy you're looking for has a cut on his head, Ranger, it ain't me.

[Unnamed Narrator]

Happy National Wheaties week, everybody. From the Wheaties people, from me, and right now, from the man stepping up to our microphone from backstage, the hard working director of Tales of the Texas Rangers, Mr. Stacy Keach. Well, how's it seem, Stacy?

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Gosh, Frank, this doesn't seem like work. Now imagine getting paid for this.

[Unnamed Teen Advocate]

It seems like use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they aren't. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Oregon legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me. @ flavorshookorgankids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund, we.

[Nicole Byer]

Interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style Tips for every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms Flyer today's style. Style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com. oh, fierce. This has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Wayfair.

[Frank Martin]

Every style, every home.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Fun to be able to get up here and talk about Wheaties.

[Unnamed Narrator]

Well, it is fun, you know, and particularly on National Wheaties Week.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

It certainly is. And, folks, backstage, we're celebrating just like.

[Frank Martin]

We hope you are.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Nothing dramatic, you know, just Wheaties with milk and fruit first thing in the morning. An all star cast if I ever saw one. Try Wheaties yourself so we'll know you're listening. They're great.

[Unnamed Narrator]

Sure are, Stacy. And thanks for talking for us on National Wheaties Week.

[Frank Martin]

I took Tromer with me and drove back to. There was no cut on his head, but he fitted everything else. His print matched the one on the gas cap. I stopped at the hospital and Tromer consented to have his blood type taken.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

When the doc gets through testing that, he'll only tell you what I told you before. My blood type is O.

[Frank Martin]

Come in.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

You sent for me, Ranger?

[Frank Martin]

Yeah, Mr. Raver. You ever see this man before? Hmm?

[Unnamed Robber 2]

He looks like the fella why, you. Hold it.

[Frank Martin]

Hold it. Now sit down. Well, Mr. Raber, he is here, isn't he?

[Unnamed Robber 2]

I've seen him before.

[Frank Martin]

Where was he? The man who climbed out of that wreck?

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Look, mister, maybe you did see me before. I run a gas station 30 miles down the highway. You might have seen me there, but you didn't see me here yesterday.

[Frank Martin]

How about it, Mr. Raber?

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Ranger? I'm not sure. After all, fella that got out of the car had a gun in his hand and blood all over his face. All I remember is them gold teeth.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

I ain't the only man in the world with gold teeth.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

You may be telling the truth, Ranger. You're after a blood type ab. This man's blood is pretty common typo.

[Frank Martin]

Like he said, the case against Tromer was falling apart in my hands. I only had one thing left. His fingerprint tying him with the stolen sedan. I took him over to the local garage. Recognize this car, Tromer? Your thumbprint was right on this tank cap.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

So I guessed the car up at the station. Maybe that's how my thumb. Hey, let me see that cap. Well, I sold a tank cap like this yesterday morning. Had to pry his O cap off with a chisel.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Look here.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

You can see the Marks. Car wasn't hit on this side.

[Frank Martin]

Keep talking.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Guy came in for gas early, 6am I was just opening up his tank cap was the kind that locks. And he didn't have the key. Said he lost his key. Even had to jump the switch to get the car started. Here.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

See?

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Why is it jumped on this one?

[Frank Martin]

I know that. That's how it was stolen. Didn't you think of that when he didn't have the keys?

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Oh, Ranger, it happens all the time. People are always losing keys. I've done it myself. Oh, he should have known there was something fishy about that guy.

[Frank Martin]

Why?

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Well, because he didn't have any money to pay for the gas. Didn't tell me till I'd filled it up either.

[Frank Martin]

Why'd you let him leave?

[Unnamed Robber 1]

He took 10 gallons in the gas cap. Bill came to 2. 293. Left me a hunting knife in the sheath for security. Worth maybe eight or nine bucks.

[Frank Martin]

Did he come back for it?

[Unnamed Robber 1]

No. I got it locked in my tool chest back at the station.

[Frank Martin]

Would you know the man if you saw him again?

[Unnamed Robber 1]

I think so. But it's just getting daylight and. Well, one customer's face looks like another, but I'd remember him.

[Frank Martin]

He have gold teeth like you?

[Unnamed Robber 1]

That's something I can't tell you. He was chewing a cut of tobacco and talking through it.

[Frank Martin]

Come on. I'll drive you back to your station and have a look at that knife.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Jace.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Saw your car outside.

[Frank Martin]

Hi there, Rhodes.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

I checked a lot of doctors on the east highway. None of them did the kind of of stitch job we're looking for.

[Frank Martin]

I may have a lead. Get in your car and tag after me.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Here's the knife. Just like he left it.

[Frank Martin]

Fresh owned and clean as a whistle.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

No prints on that blade, Rhodes.

[Frank Martin]

Take a look at the sheath design. Burned in the leather.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Yeah, they engrave them pretty fancy sometimes.

[Frank Martin]

This isn't an electric engraving job. It's not good enough. Owner burned this in himself. Probably used a hot wire.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

That drawing looks like a buffalo head, Jase. But it isn't.

[Frank Martin]

No. Smaller drawings around it look like trees. Like some scene he was burning out while he. Yeah.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Yeah, Jason. Something like that. You see way off from the highway. State 23 west of Rankin.

[Frank Martin]

That's it. Rhodes. Buffalo Mason. Pizza. Let's get up that way and see if we can find a doc who stitched a head cut. It was mid morning when we reached the area. There were three doctors in a 20 mile radius. The first one had nothing for us. But the second one.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Yes, I stitched a head wound like that. Day four yesterday, Cowpo. Joe Foy fell off his horse. Matter of fact, he was in here this morning about three hours ago to have the dressing change.

[Frank Martin]

If you put on a fresh dressing, the one you changed is in that trash container, isn't it, Doc?

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Why, yes.

[Frank Martin]

Any blood on it?

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Of course. Gut was deep. Hasn't healed yet.

[Frank Martin]

Can you get that dressing out and check it for blood type?

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Take a few minutes.

[Frank Martin]

I waited a couple of days for this, Doc. I can wait a few more minutes.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Hey, y' all. Ranger. Unusual classification. Type ab.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

That's it. Chase.

[Frank Martin]

Yeah. You know where this Joe Foy works, Doc?

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Why? Ben Kenny's place. Left at the crossroads and six miles out, right near Buffalo Mesa.

[Frank Martin]

Thanks, Doc. Come on, Rhodes.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Right.

[Frank Martin]

Oh, Doc.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Yeah?

[Frank Martin]

Boy has a couple of gold teeth, doesn't he? Gold teeth?

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Why, no, Ranger, he doesn't have gold teeth.

[Frank Martin]

I'd found one man with gold teeth, and he wasn't the right man. Now, I had another one to go after, but he didn't have gold teeth. Rhodes and I drove out to the Kinney ranch. The only one around was an old woman.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

I'm only the cook here. Mr. Kinney and the man who works for him are out on the roundup.

[Frank Martin]

Where does Foy bunk? Just over there in the barn.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

There's a small room.

[Frank Martin]

You want to show us?

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Come with me.

[Frank Martin]

This is bunk?

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Yeah.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Jace, look. Carved in the edge of the bunk.

[Frank Martin]

Yeah. Buffalo Mesa. That looks just like the one on the sheep. Better have a look through this Foot locker.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Likely he'd have his gun with him. Isn't it, Chase?

[Frank Martin]

Just making sure.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Hey, what is it? Carton of chew in the back of. Hey, that fits. Fellow at the service station said our man was chewing when he stopped there.

[Frank Martin]

Yeah. And I've seen this brand of chew before. If my memory isn't lying, there's something else that fits.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

You shouldn't tell Mr. Hoy, Singh.

[Frank Martin]

I just want to see one of these plugs. Here's the answer, Rhodes.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Yeah. The plugs are wrapped in gold foil.

[Frank Martin]

Yeah. If I tear off a square of the foil and put it over my front teeth like that. This I look like I have gold teeth.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

And every witness who saw Foy was throwing us off the trail instead of helping.

[Frank Martin]

I wonder how he thought of it. Probably got the idea on his way to Live Oak when he saw Trummer at the gas station. I'm gonna take Charcoal out of the trailer and ride out to the range.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

I'll get a horse from the Corral.

[Frank Martin]

Oh, thanks, Rhodes, but you better stick here. If Foy spots me coming, he might make a run for the ranch and grab a car or a pickup truck. You stay here and see if he doesn't get to him.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Looking for something?

[Frank Martin]

You Joe Foy?

[Unnamed Robber 2]

No, I'm kidding. Ranger boy in some kind of trouble?

[Frank Martin]

I'd call murder. Plenty of time.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Trouble?

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Murder?

[Frank Martin]

Yeah. Where is he?

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Down the Royers rounded up strays. Glad to show you.

[Frank Martin]

All right, let's go. You know where boy was Monday?

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Took the day off to fix his gear up and get ready for the roundup.

[Frank Martin]

You see him during the day?

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Nope. Went over to his bunk that night, though, to see why he didn't show for supper. Had a cut on his head. Said he fell. Doc had him patched up.

[Frank Martin]

I know about that.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Hey, there he comes now. Around the mesa.

[Frank Martin]

He spotted us. He's turning back for cover.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Get up, Turtle. Get up. Turn behind here. Oh. Oh, boy, you're hit.

[Frank Martin]

I got to get him.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

You hit him. But he's up. He's running for the river.

[Frank Martin]

I got to get him. Come here, Choco. Come here, boy.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Left shoulder looks mighty bad, Ranger. You can't chase him like that.

[Frank Martin]

I hit him. Come here, boy. If he can move with a bullet in him, so can I.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Get up, Charcoal.

[Frank Martin]

Whoa.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Oh, boy.

[Frank Martin]

Sir, he went into the river here. Got to follow on foot. Watch the banks for tracks in case he came out.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Liver, winds and bins. Can't see far ahead with the willers hanging over it.

[Frank Martin]

I'll see him when I get to him.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

I'm going to bring you in, boy. Next bug will kill you, Ranger. You better kill me, boy, or you'll.

[Joel McCrea]

Never leave another dead kid in the street.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

He ain't far ahead, Reader.

[Frank Martin]

Not as far as he'd like to be.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Hear him moving?

[Frank Martin]

Yeah.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

Stop.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Listen. He ain't waiting anymore.

[Frank Martin]

He stepped out of the streamer. He's waiting. An ambush. You better stay behind me, Kenny. I moved forward slow, watching the bank for tracks and watching the willow clumps where he might hide. Not far ahead, several of the willows overhung the stream, dipped clear down to the water. Leaves floated downstream from it, and one of them was a clear red blood spot.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Look out, Ringer. Come on. Don't look like he's gonna need the electric chair, Reggie.

[Frank Martin]

No, not anymore. I. Oh.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Whoa, whoa. Let me help you. You gotta get to it, Doctor.

[Unnamed Bank Teller]

Yeah, I. I guess you're right.

[Frank Martin]

I sort of forgot I was hit. Thinking about what he did to a few other People.

[Unnamed Robber 1]

The body of Joseph Foy was definitely identified as that of the killer and hit and run driver. A ballistic check showed that his gun was the weapon used in the murder of the bank clerk. Ranger Jace Pearson was taken to the nearest hospital where after a blood transfusion, he was pronounced out of danger.

[Unnamed Narrator]

Are you with us out there? Are you celebrating? Well, it's National Wheaties Week, you know. And here's our star, Mr. Joel McCrae following up another great performance tonight with a few words meant for you personally, Joel.

[Frank Martin]

I'm enjoying being a Texas Ranger and I hope you're enjoying it, too. As a matter of fact, I sincerely hope you've enjoyed it enough to go out and buy a box of Wheaties on Monday. If you do, that's the way we'll know your purchase of one box of Wheaties. Will you do that? I think you'll like them. Good night.

[Unnamed Narrator]

Thank you, Joel McRae. And how was that for a sporting proposition, folks? If you like our show, there's a way to let us know. Just see your grocer about those Wheaties tomorrow. Remember, there's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties flake. And goodness knows how many flakes there are in a box. Yes, there's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties flake. And you know the value of whole wheat. Necessary vitamins, minerals too, and whole wheat energy. Worth talking about. Go ahead, have Wheaties to start breakfast tomorrow. Wheaties with milk and the fruit you like. Breakfast of champions. Well, I should say so. Try them and see how Wheaties at 7 can help at 11. Come on, it's National Wheaties Week Come on, everybody to the Wheaties party Eat a lot of Wheaties like the champions do Dance together cheek to cheek this is National Wheaties week Eat a lot of Wheaties like the champions do Wheaties at breakfast the champions.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Next week.

[Joel McCrea]

Joel McRae. In another authentic reenactment of a case from the files of the Texas Rangers, Joel McCray will soon be seen in the Universal International Technicolor production Saddle Tramp. Tonight's cast included Tony Barrett, High Aberback, Paul Freeze, Herb Butterfield, Dave Ellis and Lillian Byatt. This story was trans, described and adapted by Joel Murcock, and the program is produced and directed by Stacy Teach. Hal Gibney speaking.

[Unnamed Narrator]

And this is the Wheaties man, Frank Martin, inviting you to listen on Wednesday night to Brian Donlevy in Dangerous Assignment on the Wheaties Big Parade. See you then.

[Frank Martin]

This is Joel McCrae. A small boy is hungry in Italy tonight. You can feed him, comfort him, make him believe again with a package from Care. No profit to care, just food for hungry kids. 550 does it to care, New York care, New York 550. Will you do it? Listen for Dennis Day and Judy Canova returning October 7th on NBC.

[Unnamed Teen Advocate]

Nearly 90% of kids who vape say flavors are why they do it. A lot of the flavors that I've heard are like pepper, peach, mango, watermelon. It makes it seem like more childlike and innocent. Oh, I tried this once. It won't be that much of a problem. But then eventually it becomes a problem. It's time to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products in Oregon and protect our kids from nicotine addiction. Urge lawmakers to Pass Senate Bill 702A. Take action at flavorshookoregonkids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.

[Nicole Byer]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfarer message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms flyer. Today's style tip when it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com Ooh, fierce. This has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Unnamed Robber 2]

Wayfair Every style, every home.