The Six Shooter 1953-11-15 Ep 09 Escape From Smoke Falls

Summary

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The Six Shooter: "Escape From Smoke Falls"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: The Six Shooter 1953-11-15 Ep 09
Airdate: November 4, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Main Character: Britt Ponset (James Stewart)

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Six Shooter, titled "Escape From Smoke Falls," brings listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, with James Stewart starring as the legendary wandering gunman Britt Ponset. The story centers around a small-town charity gathering that becomes the stage for jealousy, rivalry, and ultimately danger when a notorious outlaw escapes from jail. Britt Ponset is drawn into a tense manhunt, highlighting themes of courage, restraint, and the complexity of heroism in the old West.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. Staying in Smoke Falls and Community Ties

[02:49]

• Britt Ponset is delayed in his travels when he stops to care for the ailing Dad Somerset.
• Grace Proudly, the energetic president of the Ladies Aid Society, insists Britt attend the town’s box supper and dance, making it clear she’s already told everyone he’ll be there.
  • Quote:
    Grace Proudly: "I'm not gonna take no for an answer." [04:24]

2. The Box Supper and Growing Tensions

[05:34 – 09:01]

• The town’s charity auction is light-hearted yet permeated with simmering rivalry, especially between Spud Hooker and Tom Leverett, who both vie for Ellen Proudly’s supper box (and company).
• The bidding escalates comically high, culminating in harsh words and physical posturing.
  • Quote:
    Spud Hooker: "Ellen's my girl and she's...I'll take that box, Miss Proudly, here's your money. Didn't you hear what I said? She's eating with me." [09:03]

3. News of Trouble – The Outlaw Dink Falk Escapes

[09:46 – 12:36]

• Jake Watson bursts in with urgent news: Dink Falk, a dangerous outlaw, has shot the sheriff and escaped.
• Sheriff Tinsmith, gravely wounded, implores Britt to find and capture Falk discreetly to minimize further danger.
  • Quote:
    Sheriff Tinsmith: "Falk's a wildcat killer, Britt. When he's cornered, he won't give up. Pick off three or four of the posse before they can close in." [11:02]

4. The Manhunt and Decisions of Leadership

[14:14 – 18:53]

• As a posse forms, tensions between Spud Hooker and Tom Leverett remain. Britt is pressured to join but advocates for a small, cautious approach.
  • Quote:
    Britt Ponset: "Sheriff Tinsmith sort of suggested maybe one or two men would have a better chance of catching him. They can make faster time. Maybe sneak up on Falk unaware." [16:03]
• Britt ultimately chooses Tom as his partner, valuing restraint and level-headedness over bravado.

5. Following the Trail: Moral and Physical Challenges

[18:54 – 23:05]

• Ponset and Tom track Falk through rugged terrain, choosing caution and emphasizing that not all heroism is about being the fastest or toughest.
  • Quote:
    Britt Ponset: "There's more to trailing a killer than being able to shoot. Lots of times it's more important for a man to know when not to shoot, you know?" [18:53]
• They find clues and reason that Falk might be hiding in Giant Cave, a mysterious, deep cavern.

6. The Showdown at Giant Cave

[23:09 – 25:23]

• Discovering Spud held hostage inside the cave by Falk, Britt and Tom face a tense standoff.
• Falk attempts to escape using Spud as a shield; Tom intervenes heroically but is shot.
• Britt disables Falk before he can kill again.
  • Quote:
    Britt Ponset: "Drop it, Falk." [25:23]

7. Aftermath and Reflections on Character

[25:34 – 28:23]

• Despite being rivals, Tom saves Spud to spare Ellen, the woman Tom loves, pain—demonstrating selflessness and depth of character.
  • Quote:
    Tom Leverett: "I like Ellen. I like her a lot, but...she's in love with you. If you got yourself killed, it would just hurt her and wouldn't do me no good." [26:50]
• Britt recognizes he was right to choose Tom as his partner and reflects on the unpredictable nature of love and human decisions.
  • Quote:
    Britt Ponset: "I did know one thing. That picking Tom to go along with me been a pretty good choice." [28:12]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Grace Proudly’s relentless persuasion:
  "After all, you're practically the first celebrity we've ever had in Smoke Falls." [04:33]
• Britt’s wisdom on violence:
  "There's more to trailing a killer than being able to shoot. Lots of times it's more important for a man to know when not to shoot." [18:53]
• Tom’s declaration of selfless love:
  "She's in love with you. If you got yourself killed, it would just hurt her and wouldn't do me no good." [26:50]
• Britt’s closing reflection:
  "You never know what a woman's gonna do when it comes to, you know, falling in love and marrying and all that sort of thing." [28:18]

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Important Timestamps

• [02:49] – Britt’s reason for staying in Smoke Falls.
• [04:23] – Grace Proudly invites Britt to the box supper.
• [05:34 – 09:01] – The charity auction and the rivalry between Spud and Tom.
• [09:46] – News of Dink Falk’s jailbreak.
• [11:02] – Sheriff’s plea for Britt to hunt Falk discreetly.
• [14:14] – Formation of the posse and Britt taking charge.
• [18:53] – Discussion of what makes a good tracker and lawman.
• [21:57] – Discovering Falk’s trail at Giant Cave.
• [23:09] – The cave showdown and hostage situation.
• [25:34] – Tom’s motives revealed and Britt’s admiration.
• [28:12] – Britt’s closing thoughts.

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Tone and Style

The episode balances the dryness and wisdom of Britt (James Stewart’s gentle, understated delivery) with moments of humor, small-town charm, and sudden danger. Dialogue often carries a sense of folksy understatement, capturing both the drama and the warmth typical of Golden Age Westerns.

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Summary for Non-Listeners

“Escape From Smoke Falls” offers a classic blend of frontier justice, small-town social drama, and the character-driven heroism of old Western radio. Through a suspenseful manhunt, listeners witness not only a dangerous outlaw pursuit but also deep insights into the motivations and hearts of ordinary people—rivalries, love, loyalty, and the courage to do what’s right. The story shines a spotlight on the less-celebrated virtues of restraint, humility, and self-sacrifice, all brought vividly to life through authentic period dialogue and the star power of James Stewart.

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Transcript

[Britt Poncet]

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[Narrator]

In just a moment, you'll hear James Stewart as the Six Shooter, only one of the many fine programs brought to you Sundays on NBC. Each Sunday, listen to the music of the NBC Symphony Orchestra broadcasting from Carnegie Hall. Hear the amusing adventures of Hume Cronin and Jessica Tandy in the Marriage, and tune to the NBC Star Playhouse for the nation's greatest stars. It's a lineup of wonderful programs, all of them heard only on NBC. James Stewart as the Six Shooter. The man in the saddle is angular and long legged. His skin is sun dyed brown. The gun in his holster is gray steel Rainbow, mother of pearl, its handle unmarked. People call them both the Six Shooter. The NBC Radio Network presents James Stewart as the Six Shooter, a transcribed series of radio dramas based on the life of Brit Poncet, the Texas plainsman who wandered through the Western territories, leaving behind a trail of still remembered legends. Now, in just a moment, immediately following this important announcement, you'll hear Act 1 of the Six Shooter, a Christmas gift with a future. That's how everyone feels about a gift of United States Savings Bonds. Because when those bonds mature, they pay back $4 for every $3 invested. What's more, they can be held as long as 10 years beyond maturity and earn even further interest. Give a gift of United States Savings Bonds Now Act 1 of the Six Shooter starring James Stewart.

[Britt Poncet]

I hadn't expected to stay over in Smoke Falls, but when I stopped off to see old dad Somerset and found him all crippled up with lumbaga, well, I. Of course he didn't ask, asked me to look after his stock. But I could see he sure wanted me to. So. Well, a couple of weeks later I. He began feeling better. So I started thinking about moving on. It was nearly 5 o' clock in the afternoon that day. Sun just spilled over the top of Eagle Mountain when the buckboard pulled into the yard.

[Grace Proudly]

Mr. Palmser?

[Britt Poncet]

Oh, good evening, ma'. Am.

[Grace Proudly]

Mr. Pompson. I'm Grace Proudly.

[Britt Poncet]

Oh, pleased to meet you, Miss Proudly.

[Grace Proudly]

I've been meaning to come out and see how Mr. Somerset's been getting along. But I just never have him in his free time. It's canning season, you know.

[Britt Poncet]

Yes, ma'. Am. Well, Dad's feeling much better. If you like to talk to him, he's right in.

[Grace Proudly]

No, no. Just say that I asked for him. As a matter of fact, it's you I want to talk to, Mr. Pompson.

[Britt Poncet]

Aw.

[Grace Proudly]

You see, I'm president of the Ladies Aid Society of Smoke Falls. We're affiliated with the church and do lots of charity work. Christmas baskets and things like that. You know, all the best ladies in town are members. And we don't just take in everybody either.

[Britt Poncet]

Well, I.

[Grace Proudly]

Now, this is what I'm getting at, Mr. Pomson. Tonight's our box supper in square dance. It's an annual event. Mr. Simpling always loans us his barn for the occasion. I've spent the whole afternoon helping with the decorations. Now, Polly Sullivan, that's Wade Sullivan's wife, she's chairman of the decorating committee. But since I'm president, I felt it was my duty to give her a hand. That's what made me so late coming out here to ask you to ask me about attending the sofa.

[Britt Poncet]

Oh. Oh, no.

[Grace Proudly]

I'm not gonna take no for an answer.

[Britt Poncet]

Oh, but Ms. Proudly.

[Grace Proudly]

To tell you the truth. Well, I've already told folks you were planning to come.

[Britt Poncet]

Oh, but you shouldn't have done that now.

[Grace Proudly]

After all, you're practically the first celebrity we've ever had in Smoke Falls. The Auction starts at 7:30. You won't be late, will you, Mr. Pump?

[Narrator]

Oh, but.

[Grace Proudly]

And one more thing. Would you mind wearing your gun? The men folks are especially interested in that. Get up, Sheba. Come on.

[Britt Poncet]

Oh, but wait a. Wait a minute, Miss. Say there, Miss Proudley. Oh, dear. Well, after I gave dad his supper, I washed my face and wet down my hair and started off for old man Simplings barn. When I got there, Miss Proudly met me at the door and introduced me around. The only name that sank in was her daughter, Ellen. Pretty girl. I figured that when the box supper sheet pack was put up for sale, the bidding would be mighty serious.

[Grace Proudly]

All right, everybody, we're ready to begin the auction. We don't want the music. Now, Wilbur, Wilbur. Now just gather round the table here so you can get a good look at what you're buying. But remember, you can't judge your book by its cover. Now, which one One shall we start with? Oh, my. Look at this one. Pretty pink ribbon and white tissue paper. Why, I'll just bet you there's a whole fried chicken Inside this pot. Now, who's going to make the first bid? A dollar. 50 cents. Don't forget, gentlemen, a pretty lady's company goes with the supper.

[Britt Poncet]

I'll give a nickel.

[Grace Proudly]

Now, Spud Hooker, you stop joshing. You know we don't take any bit unless the quarter. Now, who wants on the quarter? Just to get things underway. Look at this lovely box. Just think, some nice young lady spent the whole day fixing it up.

[Britt Poncet]

Then she'll be too tired to dance.

[Grace Proudly]

Come on, somebody. 25 cents. Why, it cost more than that.

[Britt Poncet]

The auction was kind of slow in picking up momentum. But when Mrs. Proudley started in to make the third sale, well, there wasn't much doubt whose supper she was. Ellen proudly sort of reddened in the cheeks and tried to look unconcerned. I saw her give somebody a glance on the other side of the room, almost like a signal. Couldn't tell who it was intended for. But there were two fellas standing over there. Spud Hooker. One tall Husky, about 25. He'd been cracking jokes and acting sort of like he owned the place. The other boy was kind of a different sort. He's thinner, shorter. He hadn't opened his mouth since I got there.

[Grace Proudly]

I don't know. Now, let's see if you can't do a little better this time. Gentlemen. Here's the next supper. My, it looks familiar. Oh, I guess I shouldn't have said anything, should I? Ellen will just about murder me when I get home. Well, as long as the cat's out of the bag, I might as well go ahead with the sale. 50 cents, Bud Hooker bids 50 cents. A supper like this ought to be worth more than half a dollar. A little bird told me there's a chocolate cake inside.

[Britt Poncet]

75 cents, ma'. Am.

[Grace Proudly]

I've got 75. Now, what about a spud? You're not gonna let Tom Leverett. I'll bid you $1. I'm bid one silver dollar. Who'll give a dollar and a quarter?

[Britt Poncet]

Dollar and a quarter.

[Grace Proudly]

Don't forget, gentlemen, it's all for charity.

[Britt Poncet]

Dollar and a half.

[Grace Proudly]

Now we're getting somewhere. I'm bid a dollar and fifty cents, but Hooker offers a dollar and fifty cents. Are there any more bids?

[Britt Poncet]

Two dollars.

[Grace Proudly]

You're bidding two dollars, Tom?

[Britt Poncet]

Yes, ma'.

[Narrator]

Am.

[Britt Poncet]

Three dollars.

[Grace Proudly]

Oh, three.

[Britt Poncet]

That's what I said.

[Grace Proudly]

Well, now, we all appreciate your enthusiasm, boys. But remember, this isn't the only supper you can buy.

[Britt Poncet]

It's the only one I'm buying, and I'll take it.

[Narrator]

Right.

[Grace Proudly]

$4, huh?

[Britt Poncet]

Wow.

[Grace Proudly]

All right, all right. Going once. Going twice. And it's so. $5 now, Spud. Are you sure?

[Narrator]

$6. Ms.

[Britt Poncet]

Proudly. You're making a fool of yourself, Leverett. Ellen wants to eat with me. My, my bid $6.

[Grace Proudly]

Seven now, boys.

[Britt Poncet]

10.

[Grace Proudly]

Oh, now, you don't mean that, Tom. You can't afford $10.

[Britt Poncet]

I mean it.

[Grace Proudly]

Well, all right. I'm bid $10. Are there any more bids? Going once. Going twice.

[Britt Poncet]

Go ahead, sell it to him. It ain't gonna do them no good.

[Grace Proudly]

Now, we don't want any trouble, Spud.

[Britt Poncet]

Ellen's my girl and she's. I'll take that box. Miss Proudly, here's your money. Didn't you hear what I said? She's eating with me. Get out of the way, Spud. You're not man enough to make me move. Now, give me that box or I'll take it away from you. Okay, Tom, you hurt me. Hold on here. Now, just a minute.

[Narrator]

Here.

[Britt Poncet]

Now, this don't concern you, Punta. Oh, maybe it doesn't. Maybe it doesn't concern me. It just seems to me that there ought to be a better place for settling things, that's all.

[Narrator]

Mister.

[Britt Poncet]

Mr. Poncet's right, Spud. Let's. Let's go out.

[Grace Proudly]

Hey. Hey, where's Brit?

[Britt Poncet]

Poncet. Dad Somerset said he was over here. Yeah, I'm Poncet. Oh, Miss Poncet. Sheriff Tinsmith told me to find you.

[Grace Proudly]

What's the matter, Jake?

[Britt Poncet]

Dink Falk just broke out of jail. Yeah? Yes. He shot the sheriff in the back while he was getting away.

[Grace Proudly]

Oh. Hey.

[Britt Poncet]

Well, we took him over to Doc Foster's, and he's bleeding pretty bad. He wants to talk to Mr. Poncet before. Well, before he. I'll get my horse, Glad. Patrick. Now, now, what are you talking about, Ray? You're gonna be all right. The doc says you'll be back on your feet again inside of a week or so. Don't know what I was thinking of. Letting Dink Falk get hold of my gun while I was serving his supper. Must be. Must be getting careless, my old age. Well, you're not the first man to have trouble with Falk. He had a pretty fancy reputation, from what I hear. That's why I had to see you, Britain. My fault he got loose. And I don't want other folks to pay for my mistakes. What do you mean? I know this town, Brett. They'll get a posse together and start after Falk. Well, that's. And they'll catch him too. But going out in a crowd like that he'll hear em coming. Falk's a wildcat killer, Brett. When he's cornered, he won't give up. Pick off three or four of the posse before they can close in. Well, not if they're careful. That's the trouble, though. Fellas here ain't cautious. They're bullheaded. But. But you'd know how to take him, Brit. No, I ain't saying it's your duty. You don't even live in Smoke Falls. But you could capture Falk without him having a chance to. No, no. I'm afraid you're giving me too much credit, Ray. If you want somebody to go along, any of the boys, sure, I know that. I'd be mighty grateful, Brett. Folks here have been good to me. Wouldn't like to leave them thinking that because of me, because of what I did, some of them was gonna. No, no, no. You better take it easy. Just take it easy. I was asking a lot. Falk's a good shot. A wildcat killer.

[Narrator]

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[Britt Poncet]

Sheriff Tinsmith had been right about the town Foreman of posse hadn't lost any time. Spud Hooker was taking charge. I was kind of surprised to see that Tom Leverett was along. But I figured he and Hooker sort of joined forces for the time being. How is he punsit? Well, he passed out a few minutes ago. Maybe it's just as well. At least he's getting some rest. Yeah, well, we're going after fault. The other boys are waiting behind the mercantile. Uh huh. Looks like you got caught a gang. I ain't got no objections to having you go along too. Not that we need you, you understand? Yeah. Well. You coming? Well, I had a little talk with the sheriff just before he lost consciousness. He seemed to think that taking out a posse after Falk wasn't such a good idea. I'm here with spinquest where you can play and win from the comfort of your own home with hundreds of slot games and all of the table games you love with real cash prizes. Right now, $30 coin packs are on sale for $10. For new users, it's [e-mail]. that's s p I n q U-E-T.com SpinQuest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details. Limu Emu and Doug. Here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat, helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug. Limu. Is that guy with the binoculars watching us. Cut the camera. They see us. Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty Liberty Liberty. Liberty Savings Ferry Unwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates Excludes Mass. Massachusetts. What's he want us to do, let.

[Narrator]

Him go scot free?

[Britt Poncet]

No, no, no. Sheriff Tinsmith sort of suggested maybe one or two men would have a better chance of catching him. They can make faster time. Maybe sneak up on Falk unaware. Oh, yeah? Well, it's okay with me. You're gonna be one of the boys who goes after him. Poncet. Well, I haven't exactly made up my mind. You better make it up faster. I'll take somebody else. Oh. Oh, I see. Well, in that case, I say, your name's Leverett, isn't it? That's right, Mr. Poncet. Tom Leverett. You want to ride along with me? Why, sure. Wait a minute here. I thought you said one or two men. Mm, I did. Well, we don't need Leverett then. Well, I tell you, I sort of figured maybe you ought to stay in town, Hooker. So Tom and I get in trouble? Well, you could bring the posse out later. You trying to make a fool out of me, Punit? No, no, I'm not. Everybody knows I'm twice the man Lever is. I can ride better and shoot faster. And I'll fight him two to one. You want the credit for catching P yourself, don't you? Well, it ain't going to work out that way. Come on, boy. I'll find P myself and I'll bring him in. All that's how I. Well, Tom, let's go. Hu. Fox Trail headed west up toward Eagle Mountain. And the moon was out sort of a half moon, but it gave us enough light so we could follow the hoof prints. Fox horses left long about midnight. We spotted another trail, fresher. Couldn't have been more than a couple minutes old. It cut in from one side and then went on ahead in the same direction Falk was riding. You see that, Tom? Yeah. Looks like Spud Hooker took a shortcut. Yeah. You reckon he'll beat us to him? Oh, you never know. Never know. If he does, he might save us some grief, wouldn't he? Huh? You're not anxious to tangle with Falk, are you, mister? No, no, no. I'm not anxious to tangle with anybody, Tom. But I thought. Well, you brought in other outlaws before. Oh, some. Some. Not as many as folks think. But I've never enjoyed tangling with any of them. Why'd you pick me? Spud's right. He is twice the man I am. That shooting, maybe. But there's more to trailing a killer than being able to shoot. Lots of times it's more important for a man to know when not to shoot, you know?

[Narrator]

Huh?

[Britt Poncet]

Yeah. Fellow's itching to pull a trigger like Spud. Well, he's apt to pull it too soon and. Hey, look at that. The moon's going down. We might as well get some shut eye, War boy. Oh, Scarlet. Well, he couldn't see the trail anyway. Spud won't be stopping for sleep. No. No, I don't suppose he will. That's not the reason I picked you. I. I kinda figured he'd want to keep pushing on all night. Doggon I guy along. About this time I just get. As soon as the morning sun began gray in the sky, we started off again. Fox Trail was winding up the side of Eagle Mountain. Now, it was pretty hard riding. Tom didn't complain, even though I could see he wasn't used to us. Every once in a while he almost slide out of his saddle, but somehow he managed to hang on. About noon, we reached Little Creek, and Falk's trail gave out. The other trail, the one we figured was Hoover's. It sort of milled around in all directions, then went off on a tangent. We climbed out from our Horses got a drink of water. It tastes good, doesn't it? Yes, sure does. You ever been out this way before, Tom? Oh, yeah. Not for the last couple of years though. Any cabins around place a man could hide out? Well, not that I remember. Do you think we're getting close to him? Well, he could have gone on using the creek to cover his trail, but he'd have to stop pretty soon. Oh. Oh, yeah. A man can't keep riding forever. Even Dink Falk. So far we haven't seen any signs that he made camp. You see, that's so Giant Cave. Hmm. He might be there. British? It's not more than a mile away, due south. Giant Cave? You've heard of it, ain't you? No, I don't think I have. Well, it'd be a perfect spot for a man to hold up. Nobody knows for certain just how far back into the mountain the cave really goes. Some scientific fellows tried to explore it last summer, but, well, their lanterns gave out before they come to the end. Well, it sounds like something we ought to see. Even a flock isn't there. Come on, let's go and have a look. That's the entrance there, Brit. Beside that slab of yellow rock. Huh. I don't see any sign of Fox Trail. I guess he could have come up from the other side. Yeah, that's what he must have done.

[Narrator]

Huh?

[Britt Poncet]

That pony over yonder, that clump of bushes grazing. Oh, yeah, yeah, I see him. Easy, Scott. Easy, easy. Wo boy. You know, Jake Watson said Falk stole a sorrel when he made his getaway. Mm. Now we'd better close in on foot. We tethered her horses on a couple of spruce saplings and moved into the cave entrance. Wasn't a very big hole. We had to sort of bend over and crawl through it. But the room on the other side, it must have been 100ft long, 50ft wide. The walls were sheer rock, sort of rainbow colored. So smooth you'd have thought somebody had been polishing them. And then the light behind us got down to a pinpoint. He wouldn't be hiding here in the dark, would he, Brit? Maybe be heard us coming. Sh.

[Narrator]

There's somebody up ahead.

[Britt Poncet]

Yeah. You got your gun ready?

[Narrator]

Uh huh.

[Britt Poncet]

Now don't use it unless you're pretty sure of hitting something. We start shooting, it'll just help his aim. Okay. All right. Now back up against the wall here. Behind you, punk. We know you're in here, punk. You go any further, you'll get lost. You'll never find your way Out. Hey. You hear me, punk? You're wasting lead. You can't see us. We know that. You can't see me, neither. We don't have to. You gotta come out sooner or later. And we'll be waiting. All right, we're gonna leave you now, Pop. We're going outside and wait. Hey, where you are? You giving up? No, I ain't. And I ain't alone. What? I got somebody with me. Friend of yours, I reckon. We're coming out together. If you try to stop me, I'll kill him. What's he talking about? He ain't lying. Britt. It's me, Spud Hooker. Spud? I caught up with him last night, but he got the draw on me. Hold your fire, Britt. He means what he says. He'll kill me if you don't hold your fire. You gotta do what he told you, but you gotta. All right, Bob.

[Narrator]

Come on.

[Britt Poncet]

Start backing up towards the entrance. I don't hear you moving, Red. Please. All right, let's go, Tom. We backed out into the daylight, Tom and me, and waited for them. About a minute later, Spud Hooker marched through the mouth of the cave, half scared to death. Dink Falk was right behind him, holding a.45 aimed at the smallest spud's back. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger, either. Sheriff Tinsmith was right. He's just a wildcat killer. He had that stampede look in his eyes as he stood there blinking against the sun. Same kind of a look you see in a steer when the herd's shoving him along. He can't stop or be trampled at it. Hang off your guns, both of you. Take them off or I'll fix your face, friend.

[Narrator]

Here.

[Britt Poncet]

Falk gave Spud a shove with his gun. He jumped forward. There was an opening now between him and Falk. The next thing I knew, Tom dived forward.

[Grace Proudly]

Get out of Spud.

[Britt Poncet]

Tom tackled Spud and he rolled over. The bullet missed him, but Tom was in range and he took it. Falk aimed to fire again, and I managed to get my gun out. Bullet hit his thigh and spun him around. Then his leg buckled me, fell face down. He hadn't let go of the pistol yet. He started to bring it up. Drop it, Falk. For a second, his finger went right on squeezing the trigger. But, nah, he just didn't have the strength. Tom. Tom, you all right? Sure. It's hardly bleeding. I. I should have let Falk alone. I should have let you handle him, Britt. Well, I don't know, looks to me like Tom did most of the handling around here. I mean, if it hadn't been for him, you know, I guess I had you figured wrong, Tom. I never thought you'd be the one to save me. But I wasn't saving you, Spud. Huh? I don't like you. I never did. And nothing's gonna change that. Then why? I like Ellen. I like her a lot, but. Well, she's in love with you. If you got yourself killed, it would just hurt her and wouldn't do me no good. Ellen tell you she's in love with me? She didn't have to. When she finds out what happened today. She ain't gonna find out. I'm going to tell her. I'm going to tell her myself. I don't want her to know. It's for me to decide. Now, listen here, Spud. Hooker, you do the listening for a. No, I thought you were listening last night, but it looked like. Now, now, now, hold on. Hold on now, now. I think we ought to get Tom to a doctor, don't you? If we don't, Alan won't have no way of choosing him, even if she wanted to. Oh, come on, Spud. Come on. Give me. Now. We tied Falk onto the back of his pony and started off for town. I sure didn't know what Ellen was gonna do about Spud and Tom. Oh, you never know what a woman's gonna do when it comes to, you know, falling in love and marrying and all that sort of thing. But I did know one thing. That picking Tom to go along with me been a pretty good choice. Ellen, partly, could do a whole lot worse. You know.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, the tradition of religious freedom and of religious worship in America goes back to the very founding of our country. So in these days of world crisis, when our nation and all its citizens need spiritual strength and guidance, all of us should think again of what religion means to us and to our country. For it's religious faith that makes our way of life possible. During November, people of many faiths are joining in a great Religion in American Life campaign. So whatever your faith may be, you are asked to join in this campaign. Be sure to attend and support the church or synagogue of your choice. And if you have children, by all means, light their life with faith. Bring them to worship this week. The Six Shooter is an NBC Radio Network production in association with Review Productions. It is based on a character created by Frank Burt and the transcribed story is written by him. Mr. Stewart may currently be seen in the Universal International picture Thunder Bay. Others in the cast were Jeanette Nolan, Frank Gerstel, Robert Griffin, Forest Lewis, and Sam Edwards. Special music for this program was by Basil Eddie, and the entire production is under the direction of Jack Johnstone. All characters and incidents were fictitious, and any resemblance to actual characters or incidents is purely coincidental. And incidentally, a great many of our friends have written in to thank us for putting the Six Shooter on the air, and a surprising number of letters have requested the name of the theme you are listening to right now and where it might be obtained. Well, we're sorry, but it is music that has been recorded exclusively for broadcast and is therefore not available for home use. But we are grateful nonetheless to all of you who have written your kind letters are always welcome. This is Hal Gibby speaking. Tonight, here's Celeste Home in the NBC Star Playhouse on the NBC Radio Network.

[Britt Poncet]

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