The Lone Ranger 38-02-18 (0790) Panamint Nash's Problems

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio Presents: The Lone Ranger Episode 38-02-18 – "Panamint Nash's Problems"

Release Date: April 21, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio", listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in the timeless adventures of the Lone Ranger. Episode 38-02-18, titled "Panamint Nash's Problems," delves deep into the turbulent dynamics of the Nash family and the relentless pursuit of justice by Sheriff Bob Frawley. This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key dialogues, character developments, and the climactic resolution that ties together themes of revenge, honor, and redemption.

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Setting and Context

The episode is set in the rugged and untamed West, specifically around the town of Needlepoint and the expansive Nash ranch. The narrative unfolds in a period where radio was the centerpiece of family entertainment, bringing tales of heroism and moral dilemmas to eager listeners. The Lone Ranger, accompanied by his faithful horse Silver and trusted companion Tonto, serves as a beacon of justice, navigating through conflicts that threaten peace and order.

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Main Characters

• Lone Ranger (Bob Frawley): The masked vigilante dedicated to upholding justice and avenging wrongs.

• Amy Holcomb: A curious and observant resident of Needlepoint who provides crucial information to Bob Frawley.

• Panamint Nash: The patriarch of the Nash family, known for his stern demeanor and strict control over his family's affairs.

• Linda Nash: Panamint's daughter, torn between her family's expectations and her affection for Sheriff Bob Crawley.

• Morgan Nash: A distant relative of the Nash family, poised to marry Linda under Panamint's arrangements.

• Sheriff Bob Crawley: A young and earnest lawman driven by the desire to avenge his father's death.

• Tonto: The Lone Ranger’s loyal and insightful companion who aids in strategic planning.

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Plot Overview

Act 1: Unveiling the Nash Family Dynamics

The episode opens with a vivid depiction of the Lone Ranger approaching the town of Needlepoint, weary from his travels and seeking refuge. At [02:53], the Ranger interacts with Amy Holcomb, who introduces him to the complexities of the Nash family:

Amy Holcomb ([03:18]): "There's Panamint Nash and Lindy. She's his daughter."

Amy paints a picture of Panamint Nash as a reclusive and ornery figure who isolates his family from the town's residents. She recounts past incidents illustrating Panamint's harshness, including the violent encounter where Panamint shot a cowboy, leaving him with a stiff arm for life ([05:06]).

Act 2: The Sheriff's Pursuit

Sheriff Bob Frawley enters the scene, driven by a vow to find and punish the man responsible for his father’s death. Through a series of conversations, it's revealed that Bob has taken the sheriff's role seriously, embodying the Lone Ranger's spirit of justice:

Bob Frawley ([05:13]): "A man named Frawley. Bob Frawley?"

Bob's determination is evident as he engages with Amy, seeking leads about Panamint Nash and the town's undercurrents ([05:57]). The arrival of Sheriff Bob with his horse, mistakenly believed to be the Lone Ranger, adds tension ([06:17] – [06:33]).

Act 3: Love and Loyalty

Linda Nash's clandestine relationship with Sheriff Bob Crawley introduces a layer of personal conflict. Conversations between Linda and her uncle Panamint reveal her struggle to balance familial obligations with her own desires:

Linda Nash ([08:19]): "I don't know if that's what I'd do. I'd leave here forever."

This emotional tension culminates in exposure when Panamint discovers the relationship and the underlying tension between duty and love ([13:01] – [13:47]).

Act 4: The Lone Ranger’s Strategy

The Lone Ranger, along with Tonto, strategizes to infiltrate the Nash territory and uncover the truth behind the conflicting narratives. The partnership between Ranger and Tonto is highlighted as they plan their approach to resolving the Nash family dispute ([17:15] – [18:54]).

Act 5: Confrontation and Revelation

The climax unfolds as Sheriff Bob Crawley confronts Panamint Nash regarding the rifle marked "Wildcat", the weapon linked to his father's death. The revelation that Morgan Nash is the true culprit brings the family tensions to a head:

Sheriff Bob Crawley ([24:07]): "You've killed a bridegroom, your own nephew."

Panamint's confession and the subsequent betrayal by Morgan Nash expose the deep-seated conflicts within the Nash family, leading to a resolution where truths are laid bare:

Panamint Nash ([26:46]): "Morgan. That gun with Wild Cat burned into the stock was Morgan's rifle."

Act 6: Resolution and Justice

The episode concludes with Panamint Nash acknowledging the truth and the inevitability of justice being served. The Lone Ranger's unwavering commitment to righting wrongs ensures that Sheriff Bob Crawley can finally find peace and possibly marry Linda without hindrance. The intricate web of family loyalty, vengeance, and the quest for justice reach a satisfying resolution, reinforcing the Lone Ranger's role as a protector and arbiter of fairness.

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Key Moments and Notable Quotes

• Panamint Nash’s Isolationist Policies:

  Amy Holcomb ([03:38]): "He ain't no use for needlepoint. Folks won't let none of his people associate with us."

• Sheriff Bob Crawley’s Vow for Vengeance:

  Sheriff Bob Crawley ([05:27]): "I have a few things to say to Panama Nash myself. Things he may not know."

• Linda Nash’s Defiance:

  Linda Nash ([22:13]): "But this wasn't in the plan."

• The Revelation of Morgan’s Guilt:

  Panamint Nash ([26:46]): "Morgan. That gun with Wild Cat burned into the stock was Morgan's rifle."

• Final Confrontation:

  Sheriff Bob Crawley ([24:19]): "Did you shoot him? If you did, pan him at Nash. I'll put a bullet right between your eyes. I'll show you."

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Conclusion

Episode "Panamint Nash's Problems" masterfully intertwines themes of revenge, love, and justice, showcasing the relentless pursuit of truth by Sheriff Bob Crawley with the Lone Ranger’s steadfast dedication to fairness. The intricate character relationships and the eventual uncovering of Morgan Nash’s betrayal underscore the moral complexities often explored in the Lone Ranger series. Through engaging dialogues and suspenseful storytelling, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Old Time Radio dramas, captivating both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

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For those who cherish the rich narratives of yesteryear's radio shows, "Panamint Nash's Problems" offers a compelling journey through honor, family loyalty, and the quest for justice in the Wild West.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high. O Silver, the Lone Ranger.

[Amy Holcomb]

It.

[Panamint Nash]

It's.

[Narrator]

Come back through the years and return with us to the wild and untamed west of Old Thrill. Once again to another exciting story of the phantom figure of the planes who road in the cause of justice. Listen to those silver shod hoofs as they charge down the hard packed road beds of yesteryear. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Panamint Nash]

Come on till road, boy. That's it, old fellow. We need him on the trail ahead.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger had made a long and tiring trip. His horse Silver was in need of water. And so when the masked man neared the town of Needlepoint and came within the sight of Amy Holcomb's home, he paused to remove his mask and disguise his face. Thus prepared, he approached the house. As our dramatic story begins, we hear him in conversation with Amy Holcomb.

[Bob Frawley]

I'll ride on as soon as my horse is watered.

[Amy Holcomb]

So you don't aim to spend the night around town nowhere?

[Bob Frawley]

No.

[Amy Holcomb]

Well, I won't ask no more questions. Takes a lie I've asked of plenty and that's the first one I got an answer to. Serves me right for being a curious old busybody. By the way, I don't suppose you heard of the Nashes, have you?

[Bob Frawley]

I don't think so.

[Amy Holcomb]

I forgot you're a stranger. There's Panamint Nash and Lindy. She's his daughter.

[Bob Frawley]

I haven't heard of them.

[Amy Holcomb]

There's a whole tribe of the Nash folk, but Pennamint's the main one. He's the most ornery cuss that ever drawed abreast. I was gonna tell you not to bother to ask him for no water. He wouldn't give it to you.

[Bob Frawley]

He wouldn't?

[Panamint Nash]

Nope.

[Amy Holcomb]

Like is not your passage place. It's just around the bend. Parliament is crippled, he is. Can't walk a step.

[Bob Frawley]

That's too bad.

[Amy Holcomb]

It's his twisted soul that done it. It's fitting punishment for a man that ain't never lived as a white man should. He ain't no use for needlepoint. Folks won't let none of his people associate with us. Old critter thinks we ain't good enough for his.

[Panamint Nash]

Are there many People in his family, sakes alive, yes.

[Amy Holcomb]

Reckon there was four or five Nash men and they all married and had families. And old Panaman, he's the boss of the lot. They all live in the Bend country. Of the whole kitten caboodle of them, Linda's the only one that's worth her salt.

[Bob Frawley]

What has Panama done that makes him so disliked?

[Amy Holcomb]

Tain't what he's done, stranger, it's what he ain't done.

[Bob Frawley]

No.

[Amy Holcomb]

Keeping all his people close by him there. Never letting none of them come around here. Won't even let any of us folks go there. That's how cussed mean he is.

[Bob Frawley]

Say, I heard of a man around needlepoint.

[Amy Holcomb]

Wait, let me tell you. Here's what Panaman done. There was a young cowboy rid over to the Bend to see Lindy and Panaman shot him. That pow poison mean he is Lindy make a man a fine wife, but she don't have no chance to get off her not living with old Panamint.

[Bob Frawley]

Did the cowboy live?

[Amy Holcomb]

Yep, but he'll have a stiff arm for the rest of his life. Now what was you asking about?

[Bob Frawley]

A man named Frawley. Bob Frawley?

[Amy Holcomb]

Bob Frawley, my faith. Do you know him? He's our sheriff here at Needle Torch.

[Bob Frawley]

Is he?

[Amy Holcomb]

Sure thing.

[Bob Frawley]

Isn't he rather young to be a sheriff?

[Amy Holcomb]

Young, but dead earnest about it.

[Bob Frawley]

Is he well liked?

[Morgan Nash]

Yes.

[Amy Holcomb]

That's how he got to get the job. The same.

[Linda Nash]

Hold on.

[Amy Holcomb]

Who are you? Why, by juniper, you ain't the one Bob's looking for, are you?

[Bob Frawley]

Me?

[Amy Holcomb]

By thunder, I bet you are. You're the man that shot Bob's Paul.

[Bob Frawley]

You're mistaken.

[Amy Holcomb]

Well, maybe so. You don't look or act like a killer. But why did you ask about Bob?

[Bob Frawley]

I'd heard of him, that's all.

[Amy Holcomb]

Main reason he wanted the sheriff's job so bad is because he figured it might help him to locate the man he'd give his life to get.

[Bob Frawley]

The man who killed his father.

[Amy Holcomb]

Yeah, old man Crawley was dry gulched. Some outlaw done it when Bob was just a younker and his ma told him about it. When he got older, Bob vowed to get that man and put a soft nosed slug in him just like what his paw got. Look, there's horsemen coming this way. Wonder who they are.

[Bob Frawley]

Here, Silver.

[Amy Holcomb]

Hey, are you leaving now? Yes, but hold on a minute. That looks like Sheriff Bob on one of them horses. Some lady riding with him.

[Bob Frawley]

Yep. Thanks for what you told me.

[Amy Holcomb]

Hold on, stranger. If that ain't Lindy Nash, that's riding with Sherry Frawley.

[Bob Frawley]

I'm plum loco I may see you again.

[Amy Holcomb]

Say, mister, tell them two to come around here and call on the old woman, will ya? They're cutting off to the south. Like they didn't want me to see em.

[Panamint Nash]

Hey, o tail.

[Amy Holcomb]

Mice sakes alive. He called that hot silver. I wonder dog on it can't be silver. I won.

[Linda Nash]

Look at that horse riding away from our Holcomb's place, Bob. You ever see the like of it?

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

That's as fine a piece of horse place as I ever seen Linda.

[Linda Nash]

I hope we cut away from before she recognized us.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

Oh, drat it, Linda. Why we gotta be secret about seeing one another?

[Linda Nash]

You know by Bob, you know how Pa feels about all the needlepoint folk.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

I know, but just the same, he.

[Linda Nash]

Knowed you and I was meeting each other. There's no telling what he'd do.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

Likely try to shoot me. Linda, why don't you let me call on you?

[Linda Nash]

No, Bob, no. You've got to promise not to.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

I bet if you let me call on the old fire eater and talk the thing out, I'd get him to say we could be married.

[Linda Nash]

No, not yet, Bob. Maybe someday, but not now.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

Blast it.

[Linda Nash]

You know Pa's ideas. He's vowed that none of the Nashes will ever leave the bed.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

What's his crazy idea anyhow? What's he got agin the needlepoint folks?

[Linda Nash]

I don't know, Bob. But if he ever found out I was seeing you, there's no telling what he'd do he'd like to take a horse with.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

I'd like to see him try it.

[Linda Nash]

He's just as set in his ways as you are in yours. Now, I've got to go. You better turn back here. We're getting into the bend country.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

If it wasn't that, I'd pledge my maw to square accounts for poor.

[Linda Nash]

Don't say it, Bob.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

All right.

[Linda Nash]

There's one thing I never could understand about your vow, Bob.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

I'd rather not talk about it.

[Linda Nash]

Well, how will you know the killer when you find him? I'll know him long ago. He wasn't much more than a baby when it happened.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

I know I'll find him someday. Linda, he's still alive. I know he is. I'll find him. Years ago he went by the name of Wildcat. And someday I'll trace him down by that old nickname.

[Linda Nash]

Wildcat.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

Linda, what's the matter?

[Linda Nash]

Wildcat?

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

Did you ever hear of him?

[Linda Nash]

Tell me more about him, Bob.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

Well, I don't know much about him, but someone I don't know who told Ma the killer's left handed and walks with a limp.

[Linda Nash]

Left handed and called Wild Kitty.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

I've been investigating every left handed man I hear about. And someday, honey, I'll carry out one of my vows.

[Linda Nash]

One of them?

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

Well, the second one is to marry you.

[Linda Nash]

Oh, Baba, I gotta leave you here. You go back to Neport. I'm heading for the bend. Get up. Get up there.

[Narrator]

When the Lone Ranger mounted his great horse Silver, he headed toward the bend. As he rode, he circled wide to avoid being seen by the girl and the sheriff who were headed for the same destination. When the ranger finally approached the Nash property several minutes after Linda had arrived, he replaced his mask. Cautiously, he approached the guard who was stationed on the outskirts of the property. Quickly overpowered the man, tied him securely, left him where he was. Then the masked man went to Nash's home. It had been his intention to speak to old Panamint, but when he saw Linda enter the house, he stationed himself outside instead. Panamint Nash, for years crippled and chair ridden, greeted his daughter Linda and her companion, Morgan Nashley, a distant relative.

[Panamint Nash]

Well, about time you got back, Lindy. What did you learn? Was it worth my while sending you into town?

[Linda Nash]

I. I talked to the sheriff, Bobby.

[Panamint Nash]

Any soon, if most anything happens to have you talking to needlepoint folks need to have some information. What'd he say?

[Linda Nash]

He told me that.

[Panamint Nash]

Well go ahead, try to fit to me. You've been seen considerable of Bob Frawley, ain't you?

[Linda Nash]

What?

[Panamint Nash]

You see, Lindy, I know what goes on around here even if I don't get around myself. Your cousin Morgan there, tell me about you two meeting.

[Linda Nash]

Morgan, you?

[Morgan Nash]

Well, what are you gonna do about it?

[Panamint Nash]

Lindy?

[Linda Nash]

You're sneaking, Cody, carrying tails. I hate the sight of ya.

[Panamint Nash]

That'll do girl.

[Morgan Nash]

You needn't get so uppity. Lindy, I said keep quiet.

[Panamint Nash]

Quiet. You see, I had a reason in sending you to talk to Bob Crawley. He tell you anything you wanted to know? And I reckon he did. He's still hunting for the man that killed his father, ain't he?

[Linda Nash]

Yes, he is.

[Panamint Nash]

Well go on, give me some more.

[Linda Nash]

You don't know the man's name.

[Panamint Nash]

Don't huh boy? What else did he tell you, Paul?

[Linda Nash]

I can't tell you.

[Panamint Nash]

Go on, speak up now. Well send Morgan and a couple of the other boys to get him.

[Morgan Nash]

I'd like to drill Bob Farley if it wasn't for him. Maybe Lindy would like me.

[Linda Nash]

I Wouldn't marry you if you were the last man alive.

[Panamint Nash]

Wake up now. What did Frawley say?

[Linda Nash]

The only thing he knows about the man is he used to be called Wildcat.

[Panamint Nash]

Wildcat?

[Linda Nash]

That's all, folks.

[Panamint Nash]

Go on.

[Linda Nash]

He's a little lame and he's left handed.

[Panamint Nash]

Left handed? That don't mean nothing. I'm left handed too.

[Linda Nash]

But he said the man who shot his father was nicknamed Wildcat.

[Panamint Nash]

Well, what about it?

[Linda Nash]

That rifle hanging over the mantel has the name Wildcat carved on the sock.

[Panamint Nash]

I know it. What about it?

[Linda Nash]

Is that your rifle?

[Panamint Nash]

What if it is?

[Linda Nash]

I couldn't believe it of your poor that you'd shoot a man from ambush. Bob Sprawley's father was dry ghost.

[Panamint Nash]

He said I shot him anyhow. If I did, what would you do about it?

[Linda Nash]

I don't know if that's what I'd do. I'd leave here forever.

[Morgan Nash]

He's fixing to leave here someday anyhow. Uncle Panamint.

[Panamint Nash]

That wouldn't surprise me none.

[Linda Nash]

He's not telling the truth, Paul.

[Morgan Nash]

Oh, yes I am. You're fixing to run off and marry that good for nothing sheriff.

[Linda Nash]

He's not good for nothing. He's the best sheriff this county's ever seen.

[Morgan Nash]

You see, Uncle Panamint, you see how she comes to his defense?

[Panamint Nash]

Yeah. If she thinks enough about him, she's likely to turn on me and try and tell him I'm the one shot his pa.

[Linda Nash]

I believe it.

[Panamint Nash]

A new pa. Never mind, Morgan. Yeah? We ain't going to take no chances on her running away. No.

[Morgan Nash]

Wouldn't be good sense to her.

[Linda Nash]

What are you going to do, Morgan?

[Panamint Nash]

Take Lindy to her room, lock the door and bring the key to me.

[Linda Nash]

You can't keep me a prisoner. You.

[Panamint Nash]

You do it for the time being. Maybe when you're set free you won't be seeing no more of Tom Crawley.

[Morgan Nash]

Come on, Lindy, go.

[Linda Nash]

Me?

[Panamint Nash]

Come on. Hurry up, Morgan, and get back here to me. I got something I want to speak to you about. I'll be right with you, Uncle Panaman.

[Linda Nash]

You won't be sorry for this. I'll get rid of Bob rolling somehow.

[Amy Holcomb]

I'll leave you now.

[Panamint Nash]

The first tent up here he gets here, fetch it back to me.

[Morgan Nash]

He's locked in safe now.

[Panamint Nash]

Get out through the wind. If we ain't careful.

[Morgan Nash]

I'll tend to that. I'll have a couple of boys put some slats over the window so she can't get out that way.

[Panamint Nash]

That's a good idea.

[Morgan Nash]

You want to see me about something else.

[Panamint Nash]

Yeah. You're far enough removed to marry Lindy.

[Morgan Nash]

I'd sure enough like to a third cousin.

[Panamint Nash]

That'd be all right. Yeah.

[Morgan Nash]

Only she don't seem to care much about me. I'd make her a good husband though, Uncle Panamint. I'm a good steady man.

[Panamint Nash]

That girl's all in the world I care about. I want to make sure there's someone to take care of her when I'm gone.

[Morgan Nash]

You can count on me.

[Panamint Nash]

I'll fetch around our way of thinking. I'll do it somehow.

[Morgan Nash]

Had to be. Swell.

[Panamint Nash]

We can get along now into boarding up that window. That's all I wanted to see you about.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of tonight's thrilling Lone Ranger drama. Before the next exciting scene. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

[Panamint Nash]

It's now to continue our story.

[Narrator]

You will recall that in the first act of tonight's Lone Ranger drama we learned that the crippled old Panamint Nash ruled his relatives from his invalid's chair with an iron hand. He did not permit strangers to enter Nash territory. Nor did he allow any members of the Nash family to become friendly with outsiders. The Lone Ranger learned that Linda Nash, Tahnamint's daughter, was interested in Bob Crawley in spite of her father's objections. Bob, sheriff of the county, had dedicated himself to one purpose in life. To get the man who had killed his father years before. As our story continues, we see the masked man pulling the great horse over to a stop in a small, well concealed camp. Tonto, his faithful Indian companion, comes out to meet him.

[Bob Frawley]

Silver.

[Panamint Nash]

Go Silver.

[Bob Frawley]

Canto. I learned quite a bit about this Nash affair. I'm good. I think Bob Crawley is going to find the man who killed his father. Who Kill him? Crawley's never seen the inside of the Nash home. If he did, he'd find a rifle on the wall. A rifle with the name Wildcat carved in the stock. That name feller who killed Proley? Yes. And the rifle belongs to Panamint Nash, which makes a complication. Tado. If Bob carries out his vow, it'll mean he'll have to kill the father of the girl he loves. Then him lose girl, huh? And the Bob probably doesn't marry Linda. The girl will live a life of misery. What happened, ma'am? Nash is planning to marry her to a third cousin. A man named Morgan. Him good feller. No, he isn't. He's a sneaky looking man. Old Panamint usually has his way. They'll be making plans For a wedding there, Tantal. Panamint will push the thing ahead as fast as he can. What we do? I want you to get into his land and stay around the house. He might be able to get a job as cook there. Oh, me get work there? You'll have to be there to do certain things, Tato. What then? You'll have to tell Linda to wait and be patient. Tell her to let the plans for a wedding proceed. Marry that feller? No, somehow I don't think the wedding will be performed. I have a few things to say to Panama Nash myself. Things he may not know. What? That. You see, kimosabe, Panaman doesn't realize that I know who used to be called Wildcat.

[Panamint Nash]

Oh.

[Bob Frawley]

I'll see you later when I come to the ranch to talk to Panaman.

[Panamint Nash]

Yep.

[Narrator]

Santo spent 10 days at the ranch during which time he carefully noted everything he observed. And then when he'd gathered the information needed, he met the Lone Ranger one evening and made his report. Told him everything that had happened concerning the wedding. We hear the Ranger now as he walks across the porch and opens Panamint Nash's door.

[Panamint Nash]

What the.

[Bob Frawley]

I want to speak to you. Put down that gun.

[Panamint Nash]

You think them guns you're holding will stop me, huh? Well, they won't. Maybe you'll drill me before I breathe my last. I'll get you.

[Bob Frawley]

Don't draw that trigger. I'm here to talk about the wedding.

[Panamint Nash]

The wedding?

[Bob Frawley]

Yes.

[Panamint Nash]

What's the mask to do with wedding talk?

[Bob Frawley]

Lower the gun, Nash. The sheriff is looking for a man who used to be called Wildcat.

[Panamint Nash]

One word about it.

[Bob Frawley]

That rifle over the mantle belonged to Wildcat.

[Panamint Nash]

It did? What's more, that's the rifle that was used to kill old Frawley. Now what do you aim to do about it?

[Bob Frawley]

I know who Wildcat is. Do you?

[Panamint Nash]

Maybe I do. I ain't saying.

[Bob Frawley]

Very well. In case you don't, I'll tell you and I'll prove everything I say.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger compelled the attention of Panamint Nash. And as the masked man spoke, Panamint became more interested with each word he said. Nevertheless, the wedding plans went on as originally scheduled. On the eventful day, every member of the Nash family assembled around old Panaminth chair in the huge ranch house. Linda, dressed in her bridal gown, stood in the doorway to the immense central room with Tonto at her side.

[Linda Nash]

You not worry but another hour and.

[Bob Frawley]

I'll be married that long, Tonto. Time plenty happened.

[Linda Nash]

There's Pa waiting to speak to me.

[Panamint Nash]

Ender. Stand away from that door. Come into the room. I got things to say.

[Linda Nash]

Paul, you. You got that rifle off on the man. What are you gonna do with it?

[Panamint Nash]

Maybe that Sheriff Critter will have nerve enough to come here and try and stop the wedding.

[Linda Nash]

He ain't gonna shoot him. If he does. Oh, no.

[Panamint Nash]

You got your spunk back again, huh?

[Linda Nash]

But this wasn't in the plan.

[Panamint Nash]

What plans? You've been meek as can be for the past week. I thought you'd lost all your spunk.

[Linda Nash]

Oh, I ain't lost no spunk. I've been meek because I felt that no matter what you planned, the wedding wouldn't come off. That's why I agreed to everything you said. But if you plan to shoot Bob Farley.

[Panamint Nash]

Oh, you're looking for him to come here.

[Linda Nash]

Siam he loved. You'll defy the whole pack of Nashes to keep me from marrying a man I hate. Oh, if you try to shoot Bob Farley, I'll stand before that gun. It's enough that you killed his father. You ain't gonna kill him too.

[Panamint Nash]

No.

[Linda Nash]

You grin about it. Oh, boy, I don't know why I don't hate and despise a man like you.

[Panamint Nash]

Don't you?

[Linda Nash]

I haven't so far. There is something that seems to tell me that I just won't believe you killed Bob's father till you confess it. But if you shoot Bob, I'll. Oh, Bob.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

Well, Frawley, I heard about this wet.

[Linda Nash]

Bob. Bob, look out. He's gonna use that rifle on you.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

You better not.

[Panamint Nash]

You got a certain nerve to come here, Frawley.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

All right, maybe I have. You better let me have that rifle.

[Panamint Nash]

Stand away from in front of me. I want to keep an eye on the door at the other end of the room.

[Linda Nash]

For what?

[Panamint Nash]

Never mind. Frawley, I didn't think you'd have the spunk to come here like this. You're the first needlepoint man to set foot inside this house.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

And when I leave, Linda's leaving with. What's that on that rifle, huh? Let me see that gun stock.

[Panamint Nash]

Take no affair yours.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

Let me see it. Who owns the rifle? Is that yours?

[Panamint Nash]

Ain't said so, Bob.

[Linda Nash]

Listen, Bob, don't be hasty. That's an old rifle. It's been over the mantle ever since I can remember.

[Panamint Nash]

Quiet. Use him. He cleared that door down there. I want to see who comes in.

[Linda Nash]

I was seeing. Bob, that rifle.

[Panamint Nash]

Look, it ain't even loaded. I'll show you that it ain't. Where's the trigger?

[Linda Nash]

It was loaded what the.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

You shot your nephew. Hit him right through the heart. Nash.

[Panamint Nash]

It's a good thing there wasn't anybody else coming through that door, ain't it?

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

You've killed a bridegroom, your own nephew. You don't seem a bit concerned. Say, I'd like to know if that was an accident or on purpose.

[Panamint Nash]

Save your wind.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

But I'd like to know this here gun.

[Panamint Nash]

See that wildcat on the gun stock? Yes. That's the gun that killed your pa.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

Did you shoot him? If you did, pan him at Nash. I'll put a bullet right between your eyes. I'll show you.

[Linda Nash]

No, no, Bob, don't. Please. He's my boss.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

I don't care who he is. My father was dry gossed shot from behind a knife.

[Panamint Nash]

Let me talk. Your father and me was the best of friends.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

I know it. I never dreamed that you'd be my friend.

[Panamint Nash]

I was with your old man when he fell. The shot that killed your PA was aimed to kill me. It was, yeah. There wasn't no use me telling that before now. Nobody would believe it. You know I was with your PA when he failed you to come accusing me years ago. Just like you're doing now.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

Yeah.

[Linda Nash]

Then it wasn't you, Pa. No, it wasn't.

[Panamint Nash]

It was some one of the Nash men that fired that shot. And he wanted to get me. He wanted to kill me from a tag.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

Do you know who it was?

[Panamint Nash]

I know now, but I didn't at the time. Who. Let me get to it in my own time, boy. I. I've got a story to tell.

[Linda Nash]

Go on, Pa.

[Panamint Nash]

I swore at the time I'd get the critter that killed my best friend. The only coyote that aimed to kill me. I was the only one in the whole Nash 5 that had any money. I left a will dividing it among them. Well, when I knowed one of them was gunning for me from the Royal, I figured to bring the whole pack of them here to live together.

[Linda Nash]

That was years ago.

[Panamint Nash]

Just afore you was born, Lindy. It took time to round the whole tribe up, but I done it. I kept them broke. I give them orders and kept them orders followed out. I kept them all here where I could watch em. Gosh, I was hunting the same thing you was, Bob Crawley. I was hunting the killer of your father. Your old man knew that was Wildcat who done the shooting, but he didn't talk to me. He wouldn't tell me who it was because he knowed it was one of my own family. He figured I'D side with my own flesh and blood if he told me.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

Tell me who it is, Nash. I'll see your revenge carried out.

[Panamint Nash]

Ain't no need for that. The killer's already paid in full.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

You mean he's gone?

[Panamint Nash]

He's gone. Gone with the same gun he used to kill your pa. You don't mean Morgan. That's just who I mean. Morgan. That gun with Wild Cat burned into the stock was Morgan's rifle.

[Linda Nash]

But you was gonna have me marry him.

[Panamint Nash]

There's a different reason for that, honey. I know you cared a lot about Bob Frawley. But I didn't know how much he cared for you.

[Linda Nash]

Then you never intended having the wedding go through?

[Panamint Nash]

I intended to stop it. Just as I done. When you come in after seeing Bob here and told me the name of the murderer was Wildcat, I knew right off who the killer was. So'd Morgan. He stood right here in the room while you were telling me. But you didn't note his face. He was watching me too close.

[Linda Nash]

But I thought you was the one, Pa. Morgan.

[Panamint Nash]

He figured I didn't know he was gunning for me when he killed Frawley. That's why he weren't worried. You see, he threw the suspicion for the killing on me by telling your Ma Bob that the killer was left handed and walked with a limp.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

See here, Nash, do you mean this whole wedding was just a put up job to.

[Panamint Nash]

To see if you had spunk enough to get the girl you loved before she married a man she didn't care for?

[Narrator]

I'm here.

[Panamint Nash]

All right. What are you going to do about it?

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

I'm going to marry Linda.

[Panamint Nash]

It's about time you talk like that. And you, Linda, it's about time you got some spunk back in you.

[Linda Nash]

You know, Pa, I never did lose my spunk.

[Panamint Nash]

Well, then you sure did a fine piece acting these last few days. I was most broke up seeing how you kowtowed everything I said.

[Linda Nash]

Sure I did. Because the Engine told me how to act. I wasn't worried a minute about having to marry Morgan Nash.

[Panamint Nash]

The Engine.

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

You reckon that must have been Tonto.

[Panamint Nash]

You know him?

[Sheriff Bob Crawley]

I know his masked partner. It was him that come and told me to get here and get my girl.

[Panamint Nash]

Yeah, the masked man. I don't know who he is, but he seemed to know that things needed doing. And I think I was ready to shoot him for busting in on me like he done it.

[Narrator]

The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.