Wild Bill Hickock ep008 A Charge on Devils Mountain

Summary

Podcast Summary: Wild Bill Hickok Episode 008 – "A Charge on Devils Mountain"

Introduction

In episode 008 of Wild Bill Hickok, titled "A Charge on Devils Mountain," listeners are transported back to the Wild West era, immersing themselves in a thrilling adventure that unfolds in the tumultuous town of Flat Rock City. This episode, released on July 16, 2025, showcases the classic dynamics between heroism, community conflict, and cunning strategies against outlaw gangs.

Setting the Scene

The story begins with Wild Bill Hickok (played by Guy Madison) and his trusty sidekick, Jingles (played by Andy Devine), arriving in Flat Rock City. Their arrival is prompted by rumors of impending trouble from Pete Jennings and his notorious gang. The town is under the shadow of Devils Mountain, a strategic hideout for outlaws.

Key Characters Introduced

• Wild Bill Hickok: The steadfast marshal known for his sharpshooting skills and unwavering sense of justice.
• Jingles: Bill's loyal and resourceful partner, providing comic relief and support.
• Pappy Sparks: An old-timer teaching his grandson, Clay, telegraphy and bugle calls, embodying the town's resilience.
• Sheriff: The beleaguered lawman struggling to muster a posse against the Jennings gang.
• Pete Jennings: The menacing antagonist leading the outlaw gang terrorizing Flat Rock City.
• Clay Sparks: Pappy’s eager grandson, learning the ropes of rural defense and communication.
• Mr. Jagger: A concerned townsperson advocating for effective action against the gang.

Rising Tensions and Conflict

Upon their arrival, Bill and Jingles are informed of the growing threat posed by Pete Jennings and his gang. Pappy Sparks expresses his determination to confront the outlaws, despite his advanced age, stating, “I never seen such a bunch of cowards as this town's got. Well, Hickok will be along soon. You'll see a man” ([03:27] Pappy Sparks).

The Sheriff, overwhelmed and fearful, engages in a debate with Pappy about the best course of action. The town's fear is palpable as the Sheriff admits, “Killing comes as natural to that Jennings outfit as breathing” ([09:05] Sheriff), highlighting the severity of the gang's menace.

Community Division and Strategy

A pivotal moment occurs when the townsfolk vote on whether Bill and Jingles should stay and help or leave to ensure their safety. While most vote to send the heroes away, Pappy Sparks refuses to back down. He declares, “The marshal's here to fight Jennings and his gang. We can't send him away” ([13:39] Pappy Sparks), demonstrating his unyielding spirit.

Bill and Jingles, despite the townspeople's reluctance, devise a plan to take down the Jennings gang using dynamite and strategic maneuvers. Pappy supports their initiative, saying, “We still got some hours of darkness for that. We got dynamite and a bugle, and Bill's got a plan” ([18:25] Pappy Sparks).

Climactic Confrontation

The tension escalates as both parties prepare for a decisive showdown. Pete Jennings, realizing the impending attack, instructs his men to fortify their position: “If Hickok and that partner of his think they're surprising us tonight, they're gonna be surprised with lead” ([12:28] Pete Jennings).

As night falls, the planned assault begins. Wild Bill Hickok employs clever tactics, utilizing Pappy’s bugle to call in what appears to be reinforcements from the U.S. Army, a strategic ruse that catches Jennings' gang off guard. Jennings confronts Bill directly, exchanging sharp dialogue:

• Pete Jennings: “Well, you're gonna get it, Jennings, whether you win it or not” ([11:58] Wild Bill Hickok).
• Wild Bill Hickok: “I'll talk any way I like. What's the idea of putting a hole in my new hat? Cost me twenty dollars” ([11:08] Wild Bill Hickok).

The deception leads to Jennings' capture without further bloodshed. Pappy Sparks and the Sheriff commend Bill and Jingles for their bravery and ingenuity.

Resolution and Community Unity

In the aftermath, Pappy apologizes to the Sheriff, acknowledging his earlier confrontations: “Sheriff, I want to apologize to you. You're not a nanny goat at all. You done real well” ([23:49] Pappy Sparks). The Sheriff, now reassured, praises Pappy and Bill, emphasizing the importance of fighting for one’s rights despite being outnumbered:

“Thank you, Pappy. And the folks of Flat Rock City will do well to learn from you and from Wild Bill Hickok. Even though you're outnumbered, you got to Fight for your rights and you'll get them.” ([23:57] Sheriff)

The town unites, recognizing the value of courage and leadership. Bill and Jingles prepare to leave, reflecting on their mission and the lessons learned:

“Trouble, trouble. Always trouble. Guy, I gotta have food with my fightin'.” ([25:01] Wild Bill Hickok)

Notable Quotes

• Pappy Sparks on confronting the gang: “We can't send him away” ([13:39])
• Sheriff on the gang's ruthlessness: “Killing comes as natural to that Jennings outfit as breathing” ([09:05])
• Wild Bill Hickok on resilience: “I'll talk any way I like” ([11:08])
• Pappy Sparks on unwavering dedication: “I'm in favor of the marshal leaving right now. Tonight.” ([13:34])

Conclusion

Episode 008 of Wild Bill Hickok masterfully blends action, strategy, and heartfelt community interactions, encapsulating the essence of golden-age radio dramas. Through the dynamic between steadfast heroes and a struggling community, listeners witness a tale of bravery, cleverness, and the enduring fight for justice. "A Charge on Devils Mountain" not only entertains but also imparts timeless lessons on leadership and resilience.

Closing Remarks

As Bill and Jingles ride off into the sunset, they leave behind a town uplifted by their intervention and united against future threats. The episode concludes with a light-hearted nod to the next adventure, ensuring listeners eagerly anticipate the next installment in Wild Bill Hickok's saga.

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Note: This summary excludes all advertisement segments and non-narrative content to focus solely on the story and character developments presented in the episode.

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

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[Wild Bill Hickok]

Wild Bill Hick. Hi, you folks. Hold on to your hats and pass those Kellogg's Corn Pops, cuz. Here comes Guy Madison as Wild Bill and his pal Jingles, which is me, Andy Divine. We got another Rootin Tootin Wild Bill Hickok adventure story for you from that great new cereal with the sweetening already on it. Kellogg's Corn Pop.

[Narrator]

Kellogg's Corn Pops brings you Wild Bill Hickok, starring Guy Madison as Wild Bill and Andy Devine as his pal J. When Wild Bill Hickok and his pal Jingles rode toward the little town of Flat Rock City, they had a warning that their old friend Pappy Sparks was headed for real trouble. But Pappy wasn't worried about it as he sat in the railroad station teaching his grandson Clay how to send a message on the early day telegraph.

[Pappy Sparks]

That's it, boy. That's it.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

There.

[Clay Sparks]

How'd they do, Pappy?

[Pappy Sparks]

Clay, boy, you did just fine. See, just like I taught you. You got that message through without a single mistake.

[Clay Sparks]

Boy, oh boy. Sending messages on the telegraph. Hey, can I do it again sometime, Pappy?

[Pappy Sparks]

Sure thing, Clay. But now you're gonna do some practicing on that bugle of mine. You're gonna learn all those army calls just as well as I know him. And.

[Clay Sparks]

Hey, Pappy.

[Pappy Sparks]

Yeah, boy.

[Clay Sparks]

Is Wild Bill Hickok really coming to Flat Rock City?

[Pappy Sparks]

Course he is. I sent for him myself. We gotta have somebody around here who's man enough to cope with that sidewinder Pete Jennings and his gang and I'll get to meet him personally and shake his hand. Boy, you sure will.

[Sheriff]

Hi, Pappy. Hello, Clay.

[Clay Sparks]

Oh, hello, Sheriff.

[Pappy Sparks]

What do you want around here, Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

Now, don't act so all fired grumpy to me, pappy. Just cause I ain't gone out single handed and trapped that Jennings gang.

[Pappy Sparks]

If I was younger, just a few years, mind you, I wouldn't be sitting around here like you are. I'd be out after them hombres.

[Sheriff]

It's suicide to go after them men alone. And if you wasn't so stubborn, you'd know it. I'd go after him if I could get a posse together. But you can't get a man in this town to ride after the Jennings gang. And to tell you the truth, I don't blame him.

[Pappy Sparks]

I never seen such a bunch of cowards as this town's got. Well, Hickok will be along soon. You'll see a man.

[Sheriff]

That's what I come to talk to you about, Pappy. Ain't heard from him.

[Pappy Sparks]

Have you nothing to hear about? He'll just show up, that's all.

[Sheriff]

I hope so.

[Pappy Sparks]

What's the matter? What are you so worried about, Pappy?

[Sheriff]

I was out riding earlier today. I seen a lot of dust rising out of Devil's Pass. And you know what that means. Jennings and his gang's out riding again. They're gonna strike some place, that's for sure.

[Pappy Sparks]

I was expecting this. Been too quiet lately. The calm before the storm.

[Sheriff]

Maybe they're gonna ride into Portersfield. Maybe Canyon City or here.

[Pappy Sparks]

Well, don't just stand there. Let's round up some men.

[Clay Sparks]

Hey. Hey, listen to that Pappy.

[Pappy Sparks]

Horses and lots of them. Pete Jennings and his gang shooting up the town.

[Clay Sparks]

Hey, look. You can see them out the window.

[Pete Jennings]

Keep away from that window, boy.

[Clay Sparks]

Hey, they're not more than a few feet away from the building.

[Pappy Sparks]

Here.

[Clay Sparks]

Copy. You can see Pete Jennings as clear as day.

[Pete Jennings]

And take a couple of boys and clean out that bank. Anybody gets in your way, make them.

[Pappy Sparks]

Sorry they're robbing the bank. Sheriff. Well, don't just stand there. Do something.

[Sheriff]

There's eight men out there, mean men. I step out that door alone, I'll have a hole in me quicker than Natkin.

[Pappy Sparks]

Bat is on.

[Pete Jennings]

Take the boys and see what money you can find in the store. If anybody goes for a gun, you know what to do.

[Pappy Sparks]

Well, I don't care nothing about you, Sheriff. You stay inside here and protect your skin. I've had enough of this from that Jennings outfit. Give me that rifle.

[Narrator]

Don't be a fool, Pappy.

[Sheriff]

You're an old man.

[Pappy Sparks]

I may be old, but I ain't no coward like the rest of the so called men in this town. This Winchester will teach that Jennings coyote a thing or two.

[Sheriff]

Don't go out that door, Pappy. Wait til Hickok gets here. He'll know what to do.

[Clay Sparks]

Hey. Please, Pappy. The sheriff's right. Come back.

[Pappy Sparks]

Pennies. Pete Jennings.

[Pete Jennings]

Get back inside that office, old man.

[Pappy Sparks]

We've had enough of you and your kind about these parts, Jennings. And now I'm going to take care of you.

[Pete Jennings]

Why you stupid old, uh.

[Clay Sparks]

Oh, Papy. Hey, Sheriff. Jennings shot him. He's lying on the ground.

[Pete Jennings]

All right, men, come on, let's clear out.

[Sheriff]

Jennings gang is pulling out. Come on, son. Let's take a look at Pappy.

[Clay Sparks]

Yes, sir.

[Pappy Sparks]

Pappy.

[Sheriff]

Pappy, you all right?

[Pappy Sparks]

I missed him, Sheriff. I clean missed him. My eyes ain't what they used to be at all.

[Clay Sparks]

Pappy. Pappy.

[Sheriff]

Easy, son, easy.

[Clay Sparks]

Is he dead, Sheriff? Is my grandpappy dead?

[Sheriff]

I don't know, Clay. But I do know that Jennings gang has started something that nobody can stop.

[Commercial Announcer]

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[Narrator]

Now let's get back to why Bill Hickok and his pal Jingles. They've ridden in into Flat Rock City and were immediately told of the Pete Jennings gashing, shooting up the town and shooting down Pappy Sparks.

[Clay Sparks]

Pappy Seasoned in the bedroom here, Mr. Hickot.

[Jingles]

Thanks, Clay. Come on, Jingles. Let's see the old fella.

[Clay Sparks]

Hey, Pappy, look who's is here.

[Pappy Sparks]

Bill. Wild Bill.

[Jingles]

Hi, old timer.

[Pappy Sparks]

I knew you'd come. I sure shoot and did, Papy.

[Jingles]

This is my sidekick, Jingles. Well, what is this we hear about you trying to let alight through Pete Jennings?

[Pappy Sparks]

I would have too, if I was a might younger. As it was, he pardoned my hair instead. I was out for some time. But why I come to. My feelings ain't changed. Somebody's got to get that Pete Jennings gang behind bars. And you're the man to do it.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Well, what about the sheriff in Flat Rock City, Pappy? Seems to me he could be doing something about it.

[Pappy Sparks]

He's worse than nothing.

[Sheriff]

I resent that remark, Pappy.

[Pappy Sparks]

I resent it all you want, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

You wasn't sprawled out there in a bed like that. Hey. Hey.

[Jingles]

He's off.

[Pappy Sparks]

You too.

[Jingles]

You're supposed to be fighting the Jennings gang, not each other.

[Pappy Sparks]

That's what I'm trying to get him to do, but he won't raise a finger.

[Sheriff]

That ain't fair, Pappy, and you know it.

[Pappy Sparks]

Nothing unfair about it. Man fights for his rights.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

That's why they don't need a marshal. They need a referee.

[Sheriff]

Here's the situation, Marshall. I can't get a posse together. The Jennings gang got the town scared out of its wit. They're mean and I don't mind admitting it. They're the meanest outfits I ever seen.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Well, knowing Pete Jennings, I can believe it.

[Sheriff]

Fact is, the town folks hope if they leave the Jennings gang alone that they'll leave the town alone.

[Pappy Sparks]

Fair chance. They busted into town today, didn't they? And they'll do it again. You can't kowtow to no bad man or he'll have you crawling in the mud. And that's what this town's doing.

[Sheriff]

Yeah, Pappy's right in a way. But folks are scared and it's hard to blame em. Killing comes as natural to that Jennings outfit as breathing.

[Pappy Sparks]

Then it's time they stopped breathing.

[Jingles]

Where they hold up, Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

Devil's Mountain, they don't care who knows it. There's one trail in and one trail out. Take an army to roust them out.

[Jingles]

Come on, Jingles.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Well, where are we going now?

[Jingles]

Bill, take a look at Devil's Mop. Take care of Pappy, clay.

[Clay Sparks]

Sure will, Mr. Hickok.

[Jingles]

And don't go fussing, Pappy. Rest up like the doc said. And you'll be okay.

[Pappy Sparks]

Rest up? Who can rest up now? Not when. Wild Bill Hickok's gonna teach the men in this town on how to be men.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

It's gonna be something to see. Well, there's Devil Mountain yonder. Bill looks as mean to me as a wet bobcat.

[Jingles]

Sure does, Jingles.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Well, if those coyotes are dug in there like the sheriff says, don't know how we can ever get them out.

[Jingles]

There's a way, Jingles. There always is.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Wild Bill Hickok, sharpshooter, marshal and optimist.

[Jingles]

Well, you gotta look at the rosy side, Jingles. Come on, let's ride up that ridge there. We look at Devil's Mountain from the side over there.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

We can work our way up that trail over there. Bill and. Hey, hey. Somebody shot my hat off.

[Pete Jennings]

Nobody else but me, Pete Jennings.

[Jingles]

There he is, Jingo. Standing up there on those rocks.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Yeah, with a smoking Winchester in his hand. I'll learn him to put holes in people's hats.

[Jingles]

Hold it, Jingles. He's got the drop on us.

[Pete Jennings]

Hiya, Hickok. Hiya ya, Jingles.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Hiya yourself, you no good, lily livered polecat.

[Pete Jennings]

Ease up, Jingles. That's no way to talk to me. Remember, I'm the one who's holding a gun.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

I'll talk any way I like. What's the idea of putting a hole in my new hat? Cost me twenty dollars. Might as well put a hole in a twenty dollar bill. You.

[Pete Jennings]

That's better than putting a hole in you, wouldn't you say? And I could have done it just as easy, huh?

[Jingles]

Never mind the talk, Jennings. What's on your mind?

[Pete Jennings]

Thing or two. Don't make the mistake of going for your gun. I got some of my boys lighting up in the rocks. Just was waiting for you to do that.

[Jingles]

You got something to say, Jennings, say it while you can and then be on your way. But you might as well know I'm coming after you.

[Pete Jennings]

That's exactly what we're gonna talk about. I don't like you coming after me. Me and my boys got a good, good set up here. We gotta hide out in the mountains. It's like a fort. And we don't want no interferences from anyone. Especially you.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Well, you're gonna get it, Jennings, whether you win it or not. From Hickok and from me too. And you know what for? It's all over. You're gonna pay me $20 for my new hat.

[Pete Jennings]

Can't you shut this man up, Hickok, so we can talk about business.

[Jingles]

We've got no business to talk.

[Pete Jennings]

All right, now, Hickok, listen to me. I want you to spin your mounts around and take that left trail there and ride into the sunset outta LA LA City.

[Jingles]

And if we don't?

[Pete Jennings]

Well, I'm not gonna be fool enough to say I'll drill you because I know nobody scares Wild Bill Hickok that way. I got a better scheme and you might as well know it. If you ain't gone by sun up, I'm going to take me two hostages from Flat Rock City.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

I always knew you were lowering a skunk, but take an innocent fool?

[Jingles]

Let him talk, Jingles.

[Pete Jennings]

And if you ain't gone by the next day, two more hostages. Women and kids don't matter none to me now. Think that one over, Wild Bill Hickok.

[Sheriff]

All right, all right. Quiet down, folks. Quiet down. Let's get some sense out of this meeting. Marshal Hickok has told you about his meeting with Pete Jennings, and he's told you what Jennings said. Now, the marshal has put it up to you. He wants to stay, but he wants you to know it's dangerous.

[Mr. Jagger]

Well, I got something to say on the matter, Sheriff.

[Narrator]

All right.

[Sheriff]

All right, Mr. Jagger. Let's hear your piece.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Well, I. I say it's too downright dangerous.

[Mr. Jagger]

Jennings means what he says.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

I'm in favor of the marshal leaving right now. Tonight.

[Sheriff]

Now hold on, hold on. Anybody else got anything to say?

[Pappy Sparks]

Darn tootin, someone else has got something to say.

[Jingles]

Pappy, why aren't you in bed? You shouldn't be up yet.

[Pappy Sparks]

It's a darn good thing I did. Get up. Is everybody around here yellow? The marshal's here to fight Jennings and his gang. We can't send him away.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Jennings and his gang can't be fought against. They're too strong.

[Pappy Sparks]

Ah, that's poppycock. That's what they want you to believe.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Oh, sure, it's all right for you to talk, Pappy. You're an old man. But we got women, folks and kids.

[Mr. Jagger]

And we know Pete Jennings isn't fooling when he says he's gonna take em as hostages.

[Pappy Sparks]

I got a young un too. I got my grandson Clay. And I sure ain't gonna teach him how to be a cowl.

[Sheriff]

Hold on, everybody. Hold on. This is getting out of hand. Let's have a vote on the matter. Now, the question is, shall Marshall Hickok and his partner Jingles leave town by sun up like Pete Jennings says? Or shall they stay on and try to figure out a way to get the Jennings gang. In spite of the danger of hostages, all who says the marshal shall leave say aye.

[Pete Jennings]

Aye.

[Podcast Host]

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[Sheriff]

Paul, who says he should stay? Say I. I. You're the only one, Pappy. And I reckon that's it.

[Jingles]

That's it, all right. It was a democratic vote.

[Pappy Sparks]

You mean you're going to leave, Bill?

[Jingles]

Not much else to do, is there? Folks want me to go. Think it's safer that way. They think they can work out some kind of a settlement with Jennings.

[Pappy Sparks]

They can't work out no such thing.

[Jingles]

Well, maybe not, but everybody voted. Jingles and I are going to leave. So long, old timer.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Well, reckon that's the last we'll see the town of Flat Rock City.

[Jingles]

Reckon?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Don't make no sense to me no how. Spend two days of hard riding to get here and then just turn around and leave without doing nothing. Bill, are you sure you're feeling all right?

[Jingles]

I'm feeling fine, Jingles.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Well, you sure don't act it. Turning tail without a fight. That's what it looks like you're doing, doesn't. Well, I admit there's danger to the folks of Flat Rock City if we stayed. But there's always danger when you're fighting polecats.

[Jingles]

This trail here, Jingles. Get over, boy.

[Commercial Announcer]

Over.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Well, maybe you figured the town folks ain't worth saving since they don't want to do nothing about it themselves.

[Jingles]

Figure that at all. Matter of fact, I figure they need saving more than ever. They're scared and need saving not only from Pete Jennings and His gang, but also from themselves.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Yeah. Well, then, why don't you.

[Jingles]

Let's make for that clump of cottonwoods.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Cottonwoods? What for? Hey, now, this ain't the trail out of town. This trail doubles back and. What's that? Somebody whistling and you whistle back. What's going on here? Doggone it, nobody tells me nothing.

[Pappy Sparks]

They're over here, Bill.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Hey, that's Pappy. Well, what's he doing out here in the middle of the night?

[Jingles]

Come on and you'll find out. Whoa.

[Sheriff]

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hi, Marshall. Hello, jingle.

[Clay Sparks]

Hello, Mr. Hickot.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

The sheriff and CLE2 dog gun. Looks like we're having a convention.

[Jingles]

Pull the horses into the brush, Jingles. We don't want to be spotted.

[Clay Sparks]

Oh, here, I'll give you a hand, Jingles.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Well, somebody better give me more than a hand. Somebody better give me some information.

[Pappy Sparks]

Everything all set?

[Jingles]

Yeah, I guess so, Pappy. You got the horses hidden?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Yeah, they're tucked in so good an eagle couldn't spot them with a spy glass.

[Sheriff]

I brought the dynamite along just like you told me to do, Marshall.

[Jingles]

Good.

[Pappy Sparks]

And I brought my old army bugle. But I can't figure out what you'd want with it.

[Jingles]

You'll see.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Dynamite bugle I'm gonna bust if somebody.

[Pappy Sparks]

You don't think that Wild Bill was just gonna ride out of town without helping us none, did you?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

No, I couldn't believe that. But it sure looked like we was riding out of town.

[Jingles]

Yeah, that's what I wanted everybody to think, including Pete Jennings and his gang.

[Pappy Sparks]

Planned ahead a time for us to meet him here.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

I can figure that out, all right. I ain't ignorant. But, Bill, the folks voted that you leave. And you can't go against the way they voted.

[Jingles]

You forget, Jingles. They voted for us to be out of here by sun up.

[Pappy Sparks]

Yes, sir. And we still got some hours of darkness for that. We got dynamite and a bugle, and Bill's got a plan. I don't know what it is, but, Jingles, I'll bet a silver saddle against that shot up hat of yours, it's a corker.

[Jingles]

What we're gonna do, men, is charge the Jennings gang in their hideout.

[Sheriff]

What? With just a few of us?

[Jingles]

Right now, here's the way I got it planned. We're gonna surprise them. Oh, it'll be dangerous, of course, but the first thing.

[Mr. Jagger]

Hey, Pete.

[Pete Jennings]

Pete, wake up.

[Narrator]

What?

[Commercial Announcer]

What is it?

[Pete Jennings]

What's the idea? Wake up. Waking me up in the middle of the night.

[Mr. Jagger]

I just seen something you got to know about Pete.

[Pappy Sparks]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Pete Jennings]

Well, what is it, then? Make it snappy. I want to go back to sleep.

[Mr. Jagger]

You won't be going back to sleep after I tell you this. Hickok and Jingles didn't leave town like we thought. I saw him take the trail that doubled back toward town. And if you ask me, they're planning on surprising us tonight.

[Pete Jennings]

That's it. All right. Wake up the boys?

[Mr. Jagger]

Yeah, sure.

[Pete Jennings]

Put half of them on the back trail to guard it, the other half on the front trail.

[Mr. Jagger]

All right.

[Pete Jennings]

If Hickok and that partner of his think they're surprising us tonight, they're gonna be surprised with lead.

[Commercial Announcer]

You know, buckaroos, I get to laughing at myself sometimes. When it comes time for me to say a few words about Kellogg's Corn Pops, I catch myself right on the edge of my chair. I get all riled up at the bad fellas and want to help Wild Bill and Jingle so much or I almost butt in and join the shooting. Oh, Instead of that, I take it out on my Corn Pops, chomping on them as fast as my jaws will work. Yep, right out of the box is the way I eat my Corn Pops because the sweetening's already on them. Come morning, though, I go for Corn Pops at breakfast in a bowl with milk. Hey, but back up there. Hold the sugar, partner. The sweetenin's already on Corn Pops, and milk is all you need. And Kellogg's Corn Pops, delicious as they are, contain lots of things that are good for you. B vitamins, vitamin D with important minerals and food energy, too. That means you can eat all you want of those golden hearts of corn puffed up big and crisp. Yes, siree, the best cereal of all and already sweetened for you are Kellogg's Corn Pops. You know who loves Pops? Let's say it together. Kids love Pops, moms love Pops, and Pops love Pops. Right now, back on the edge of my chair for Wild Bill Hickok.

[Narrator]

Now let's get back to today's Wild Bill Hickok story. Bill, as we know, is planning on storming the outlaw stronghold in Devil's Mountain. But what he doesn't know is that Pete Jennings is planning something himself.

[Pete Jennings]

What time do you say it was then?

[Mr. Jagger]

It's about two, I'd say, if I can judge by that move.

[Sheriff]

Yeah.

[Pete Jennings]

We've been waiting like this for over two hours.

[Mr. Jagger]

Seems like it's been two days.

[Pete Jennings]

Yeah, and I don't like it.

[Mr. Jagger]

Me neither. And the boys are getting kind of edgy, too.

[Pete Jennings]

You sure you saw Hickok double back to town.

[Mr. Jagger]

Well, of course, I'm sure I wouldn't say I did if I didn't.

[Pete Jennings]

Well, something funny's going on.

[Sheriff]

Where are they?

[Pete Jennings]

I figured sure they'd be busting up here by now with guns blazing.

[Mr. Jagger]

Yeah, well, they. Maybe they ain't gonna come. Maybe they ain't crazy enough to think they can attack us in this stronghold.

[Pete Jennings]

Yeah, maybe not. Sure seems like a foolish thing to do. What's that?

[Mr. Jagger]

Well, that's. That sounds like a dynamite blast.

[Pete Jennings]

Dynamite? But who would be blasting this time tonight? There it goes again. What in thunder's going on?

[Sheriff]

Hey, Pete.

[Pete Jennings]

Yeah, what is it, Blackie?

[Pappy Sparks]

Someone's blasting the back trail. The mountains are coming down. The whole trail is closed in solid.

[Mr. Jagger]

What's that mean, Pete?

[Pete Jennings]

I don't know.

[Pappy Sparks]

Well, at least it means Hickok and his partner can't come in that way since it's closed up solid.

[Pete Jennings]

But it also means we can't get out.

[Pappy Sparks]

Yeah, but why? A bugle.

[Pete Jennings]

That's the army. Charge.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Call the army.

[Mr. Jagger]

Where'd it come from?

[Pete Jennings]

Wait a minute.

[Mr. Jagger]

That Hickok's voice.

[Pete Jennings]

He's leading the charge.

[Mr. Jagger]

Well, how could we fight against the U.S. army?

[Pappy Sparks]

And there ain't no escape. The back trail's blocked in by that.

[Mr. Jagger]

Blaster and the boys are throwing down the gun.

[Pete Jennings]

Well, they can give up, but I ain't. Give me that rifle. Put down that Winchester, Jennings.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

That's Hickok. He's right above us.

[Pete Jennings]

Let me get a shot at him.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Oh, my arm. Get it, Jenny. Ain't no man ever lived fast enough to outshoot.

[Pete Jennings]

Well, Bill Hickok.

[Jingles]

All right, you men, line up. Jingles, take their guns.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

I've considered a pleasure. Come on, you Arombries, kick those guns over here.

[Pete Jennings]

All right, Hickok, you got us. But it took the US army to do it.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

The US Army? Are these coyotes in for a surprise?

[Jingles]

You want to meet the U.S. army? Jennings, come here, Clay.

[Clay Sparks]

Here I am, Mr. Hickok.

[Jingles]

Show these gents a bugle, Clay. That was the U.S. army, Jennings.

[Pappy Sparks]

And us too. The sheriff and me.

[Pete Jennings]

Why, you. You tricked us.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

He sure did. Your whole pack of bad men captured by three men, an old timer and a kid. Pete Jennings. You ought to hide your head in shame.

[Pappy Sparks]

Sheriff, I want to apologize to you. You're not a nanny goat at all. You done real well.

[Sheriff]

Thank you, Pappy. And the folks of Flat Rock City will do well to learn from you and from Wild Bill Hickok. Even though you're outnumbered, you got to Fight for your rights and you'll get them.

[Jingles]

Come on, sheriff, I'll help you take these men to the lockup.

[Sheriff]

Come on, you polecats. Move along.

[Pete Jennings]

Hey, hey, hey.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Now just a minute. I almost forgot something. Now let me at that. Pete. Jenny. Hey, hey, hey.

[Pete Jennings]

Take your hands off of me. What are you doing?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Just fishing in your pocket for something. Now, let me see. And here's what I want.

[Pete Jennings]

Hey, that's a twenty dollar bill.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Why, Pete, that ain't money. That's my brand new ha.

[Narrator]

And now, here are the stars of Wild Bill Hickok, Guy Madison and Andy Devine.

[Jingles]

Well, folks, hope you'll be around again next week.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Doggone it, Guy. Why can't we find a nice quiet town with law and order and plenty of good eats?

[Jingles]

I don't know about the eats, but you can bet we'll find trouble.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Trouble, trouble. Always trouble. Guy, I gotta have food with my fightin'.

[Jingles]

All right, Andy, all you have to do is remember to load up with Kellogg's Corn Pops.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Hey, sure, it's a great new cereal with the sweetening already on it.

[Jingles]

You bet it is. Annie and I think Corn Pops are great. So long.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

See you next week.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir. Be sure to listen next week at this same time on this same station when Kellogg's Corn Pops brings you another exciting story of Wild Bill Hickok, starring Guy Madison and Andy Devine in person. Today's cast included Colleen Collins, Barton Yarborough, Fred Shields, Stan Farrar, Bill Boucher and Jack Moyles. Our director is Paul Pierce. Music by Dick Laurent. This is a David Hyer production. This is Charlie Lyon reminding you. Kids love pops. Moms love pops. Pops love Pops. Kellogg's Corn Pop.

[Podcast Host]

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