Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar 1949-11-26 026 The Skull Canyon Mine

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar" – The Skull Canyon Mine

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar 1949-11-26 026 The Skull Canyon Mine
• Release Date: August 12, 2025
• Description: Reliving the Golden Age of Radio, this episode features "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar," chronicling the adventures of America's premier freelance insurance investigator as he delves into mysteries before the television era.

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1. Introduction to the Case

Timestamp: 00:01 – 00:41

The episode opens with Johnny Dollar reflecting on his desert encounters:
Johnny Dollar: "I knew when I went to the desert that anyone who plays around with cactus is liable to get stuck. But I didn't remember that. Another way of saying death is going west." (00:01)

A narrator sets the stage, highlighting Dollar's expertise in financial maneuvers:
Narrator: "At Insurance Investigation, Johnny Dollar is not only an expert at making out his expense account. He's an absolute genius." (00:17)

Dollar submits his expense account, blending humor with professionalism, showcasing his unique personality. (00:41)

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2. Assignment from Chief Wheaton

Timestamp: 01:31 – 02:08

Chief Investment Counsel Oscar M. Wheaton briefs Johnny on his new assignment: Oscar M. Wheaton: "Two years ago this company made an investment in a bonafide working gold mine. The Skull Canyon Mine. That's just outside Twin Buttes, Arizona." (01:31)

He outlines the problem: profits have plummeted by 50% despite steady operational metrics, hinting at underlying issues. The directive is clear—Johnny must investigate the sudden downturn. (02:08)

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3. Journey to Skull Canyon

Timestamp: 02:08 – 05:44

Johnny details his expenditures humorously while en route: Johnny Dollar: Details various expenses, including a $0.25 tip and a $120 charter plane ride. (02:08 – 03:10)

Upon arrival, he's greeted by Jackie Morland and rides with her in a Jeep: Johnny Dollar: "Hey, slow down, will ya, before my teeth start falling out." (02:41 at 03:10)

The rugged journey sets the tone for the investigation, highlighting the harsh conditions of Skull Canyon. (03:10 – 05:44)

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4. Initial Encounters at the Mine

Timestamp: 05:44 – 08:06

Johnny meets Doyle, the mine manager: Doyle: "You'll find all the figures right in that big fat book. All but Jackie's." (05:44 – 05:49)

They discuss the mine's declining profits and operational challenges: Doyle: "We haul the ore across the desert by mule train to the smelter. It's cheaper than trucks." (06:11)

Johnny expresses his disdain for confined spaces as he tours the mine's entrance, anticipating the investigation's hurdles. (07:15 – 08:06)

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5. Suspicious Activities and Clues

Timestamp: 08:06 – 12:19

During his tour, Johnny observes minimal mining activity, raising suspicions: Johnny Dollar: "Looks like I'd just as soon climb up a chimney." (06:32)

He overhears Doyle's vague explanations about mining operations and notices inconsistencies in their stories. (07:15 – 08:06)

Later, after a suspicious dinner with Doyle and Jackie, Johnny contemplates the possible theft of gold and Doyle's motives. (08:06 – 12:19)

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6. The Hostage Situation

Timestamp: 12:19 – 17:07

Johnny's sleepless night leads him to suspect Doyle's involvement in gold theft: Johnny Dollar: "I knew that Doyle was working on a vein for his own personal profit." (12:19)

He encounters El Puerco, a greedy bandit demanding gold: El Puerco: "I want what you got with you. It's under the seat." (14:22 – 15:15)

A tense standoff ensues, with Johnny and Kangaroo tied up, facing danger from the armed mules: Kangaroo: "Never trust a mule." (17:05 – 19:22)

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7. Resolution and Unmasking the Culprits

Timestamp: 19:22 – 27:06

Jackie Morland assists Johnny in gaining the upper hand: Jackie Morland: "I told you before, I came out to Skull Canyon to marry a man... Doyle set up a refining layout right in the mine." (21:03 – 21:37)

They uncover Doyle and El Puerco's scheme to steal gold, leading to the confrontation where the villains meet their end: Kangaroo: "When three bad eggs like Hodges and Doyle and El Puerco get together... they all gotta wind up in the omelette." (26:15 – 26:30)

Johnny concludes the case with strategic financial moves, ensuring justice and recompense: Johnny Dollar: Details additional expenses humorously while wrapping up the investigation. (27:06)

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8. Conclusion and Final Reflections

Timestamp: 27:06 – 29:06

Johnny submits his final expense account, blending wit with professionalism: Johnny Dollar: Lists expenses, including snake bite medicine and a telegram promoting Jackie Morland. (27:06)

The narrator wraps up the episode, hinting at future adventures: Narrator: "Yours truly, Johnny Dollar is produced and directed by Gordon T. Hughes..." (28:21)

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Notable Quotes

1. Johnny Dollar on Expense Accounts:
   "Yours truly, Johnny Dollar is produced and directed by Gordon T. Hughes..." (28:21)

2. Doyle on Mining Operations:
   "We haul the ore across the desert by mule train to the smelter. It's cheaper than trucks." (06:11)

3. El Puerco's Greed:
   "I know where it is. It's under the seat. Little white bags. $30,000 of pure gold." (15:03)

4. Kangaroo's Wisdom:
   "Never trust a mule." (17:20)

5. Johnny's Humorous Expense Account:
   "Expense account, item four, $6.10, 1 quart snake bite medicine... Sign: No charge for that double talk. Truly, Johnny Dollar." (27:06)

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Key Themes and Insights

• Investigation and Deception: Johnny Dollar navigates through layers of deceit orchestrated by mine management and bandits, showcasing his adept investigative skills.

• Humor in Adversity: Despite dangerous situations, Johnny maintains his wit, especially evident in his detailed yet humorous expense accounts.

• Character Dynamics: The interplay between Johnny, Jackie, Doyle, and Kangaroo highlights themes of trust, betrayal, and camaraderie.

• The Harshness of the Wild West: The setting of Skull Canyon Mine illustrates the tough, unforgiving environment of the era, adding tension to the narrative.

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Conclusion

This episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar masterfully blends suspense, humor, and classic Western elements to deliver an engaging story of fraud and adventure. Through Johnny's resourcefulness and the dynamic interactions among characters, listeners are treated to a captivating tale that exemplifies the charm and intrigue of the Golden Age of Radio.

Transcript

[Johnny Dollar]

I knew when I went to the desert that anyone who plays around with cactus is liable to get stuck. But I didn't remember that. Another way of saying death is going west.

[Narrator]

This is another. In the adventures of America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator, Johnny Dollar. At Insurance Investigation. Johnny Dollar is on only an expert at making out his expense account. He's an absolute genius.

[Johnny Dollar]

Expense account submitted by Special Investigator Johnny Dollar to Old Caledonia Insurance Company, Hartford, Connecticut. Attention Oscar M. Wheaton, Chief Investment Counsel. The following is an accounting of my expenditures during my investigation of suspected skullduggery in the Skull Canyon mine. Or Mr. Bones, who was that lady I seen you with last night? Or messing with a mule train is one good way to kick off expense account item 1, $0.25 tip to busboy who brought telephone to my table at the Blue Danube Restaurant, Robertson Boulevard, Los Angeles, where I happen to be working on a case. Your call came right after the liver dumpling soup, taking me out of the soup plate and putting me in the soup.

[Oscar M. Wheaton]

This is the story, Dollar. You make notes and don't interrupt. Two years ago this company made an investment in a bonafide working gold mine. The Skull Canyon Mine. That's just outside Twin Buttes, Arizona.

[Johnny Dollar]

I see.

[Oscar M. Wheaton]

I said don't interrupt. That's just over the border from Nogales, Mexico. Up until three months ago, everything was fine. The profits shown by the mine were good. And then suddenly our returns dropped 50%. However, operating expenses, man hours and so on remain the same, indicating there's been no fall off in the removal of high sar. Now there's something wrong. We want you to go down there and find out what it is.

[Johnny Dollar]

Expense account item two, $12.80. I decided that since you'd invited yourself to the table, dinner at the Blue Danube was on you. Oh, in case you're interested in what you didn't have, it was that liver dumpling soup. Veal paprikash, cherry strudel and a small coffee enjoyed. With that case I was working on an eccentric millionaire who wanted to marry me for her money. She had yes, yes in her eyes. But when I told her I had to say goodnight immediately, she said, oh, no. Expense Account Item 3, $120. Burns Lee Flying Service charter plane to Twin Buttes where I checked into the Waterfield Hotel, called the mine and told the girl who answered that I wanted transportation out there. She said she'd come after me, having seen too many western movies. I figured she'd arrive in a buckboard. But instead she picked me up in a Jeep. Hey, slow down, will ya, before my teeth start falling out.

[Jackie Morland]

Oh, sorry, I forgot you were tenderfoot.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's not where I'm tender. By the way, Ms. Morland, how far is it out to the mine?

[Jackie Morland]

23 miles.

[Kangaroo]

Oh no.

[Johnny Dollar]

Is the road like this all the way?

[Jackie Morland]

Oh no. About another half mile out of town, there isn't any road at all.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, if I ever live through this. From now on I'm taking my bumps in a burlesque theater.

[Jackie Morland]

Much better than walking. Mrs. Say, you said you're out here representing the owner. What's your job?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I'm an efficiency expert. Oh, speaking of efficiency, what's your first name?

[Jackie Morland]

Jackie.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, in that case, mine should be Gwendolyn. But it's not. It's Johnny.

[Jackie Morland]

Well, let's not bother shaking hands on it, pal. Here comes the end of the road.

[Johnny Dollar]

Was jumping around like a whole movie. My teeth were trying to find out how much abuse my uppers would take from my lowers. I felt like I was gradually being hammered down from a tall, thin man into a short round one. And there I was caught without my rhinestone studded motorcycle belt.

[Jackie Morland]

Well, here you are. Want me to help you out?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, very funny. Go away. Get lost, you little monster. I'll admit I look like a bag of bones, but I'm too young to die. Go on, I'll beat it.

[Jackie Morland]

Oh, be a good dog now. Lie down. Nugget down?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, Nugget, drop dead. This the mine office?

[Jackie Morland]

This is it.

[Doyle]

Well, Dollar, welcome to Skull Canyon. I'm Doyle, the manager out here.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'd be happier to meet you if I met you in town.

[Jackie Morland]

Mr. Dollar's in a foul mood, Jeff. That ride was a little too much for him.

[Johnny Dollar]

That ride would have been a little bit too much for Buffalo Bill.

[Doyle]

Well, that's how Jackie keeps that figure as trim as she does now. Come on inside, Dollar. That's where the books are and that's where the chairs are.

[Johnny Dollar]

With cushions, I hope.

[Jackie Morland]

I'll see you guys.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sit down. Thanks.

[Jackie Morland]

Oh.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, well, there you are.

[Doyle]

You'll find all the figures right in that big fat book. All but Jackie's.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I'm not in any hurry to do my arithmetic. Tell me, what do you think of the results around here? You know more about it than I do. How are things going?

[Doyle]

Well, Dollar, I'll tell you, it was going better than it is right now. Just a few months back we worked out a pay vein. I'm hoping we'll pick it up again any day now.

[Johnny Dollar]

That sounds reasonable. Any trouble Help. Equipment. Working conditions.

[Doyle]

Well, working conditions could be a lot better. But that's a geographical problem. You see, the mine is located here. And the big water supply is eight miles west. We haul the ore across the desert by mule train to the smelter. It's cheaper than trucks. We'd have to build a road for them. Not here. Hay is cheaper than gasoline. You'd like to take a look at the mine?

[Johnny Dollar]

Frankly, Mr. Doyle, I'd just as soon climb up a chimney. I hate dark, confined spaces. But since it's part of my job, I might as well get it over with. The entrance into the mine was through an adit, a horizontal shaft into the side of a hill. We rode in on the tail end of a small red dynamite car drawn by a donkey junior grade A burro. It was cooler in there, but I started to sweat the minute we left. Sunlight and fresh air behind us. I could hear the jackhammers nibbling little gold ear bobs out of the quartz rock for the Christmas tree. Then I heard them stop and Doyle told me why.

[Doyle]

Sounds like they're about ready to blast.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, great.

[Doyle]

Open your mouth and cover your eyes.

[Johnny Dollar]

150 yards deeper into the earth. I was beginning to think that mankind is mighty hard to satisfy. The Lord gave us the world's whole surface. Then we had to go and invent gold mines and airplanes. And right then I'd have settled for an airplane.

[Doyle]

What's the matter, Dollar? You look a little green.

[Johnny Dollar]

Feel a little green.

[Doyle]

Well, look, look. Take some deep breaths and hold them as long as you can.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay? Yeah. There, that's.

[Doyle]

That'll perk you up. Well, this is it. Right here is the only face we're working.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ah, doesn't help. So this is it, eh? Well, let's do the rest of it. All right.

[Doyle]

I told you this is it. This is the only face we're working.

[Kangaroo]

Okay, you guys, keep it moving. Load that ore.

[Johnny Dollar]

Fill em up.

[Kangaroo]

Come on, bend your back.

[Johnny Dollar]

Let's get out of here, darling. Okay, Doyle. I've seen what I came to see. And I also figured I had heard what I came to hear. Dinner that night I had with Doyle and Jackie. And the steak they served gave me a rough idea of what they did with their old burros. Doyle's attitude gave me a rough idea that maybe he'd seen my eyes light up when I heard those jackhammers snorting away in some other part of the mine. Just after he had told me that where we were standing was the only place being worked. After dinner, Doyle Went back to the mine, leaving me alone with Jackie, which was better than dessert. By the way, Jackie, just what's your job out here?

[Jackie Morland]

Oh, I'm just sort of a secretary and bookkeeper and chief driver.

[Johnny Dollar]

Uh huh. How'd you happen to land here in Skull Canyon?

[Jackie Morland]

Well, I took the job because I was going to marry the man who was the manager then. Doyle's old boss. I met him in college. He was a mining engineer. His name was Larry Hodges.

[Johnny Dollar]

What happened?

[Jackie Morland]

I was left at the altar. When I got out here, he was gone. Guess he got stage fright and changed his mind. Anyway, nobody's heard from him since.

[Johnny Dollar]

Least of all me.

[Jackie Morland]

Come on, I'll show you where you sleep.

[Johnny Dollar]

It was a real romantic night. Old Nugget the dog was carrying on a long distance conversation with his country pheasants, the coyotes up in the hills. The air was soft and warm and so was Jackie's arm. Stars hung low and so did my spirits when she bid me good night after she introduced me to my roommate.

[Kangaroo]

Hiya, sonny.

[Johnny Dollar]

An old mule skinner named Kangaroo.

[Kangaroo]

Now make yourself comfortable.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I had a chance.

[Kangaroo]

Well, better than a sand bed and a saddle pillar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Say, for a pine shack, this has a mighty fancy floor. What is it, mahogany?

[Kangaroo]

No, tobacco juice. Helps keep out the sidewinders.

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you mean?

[Kangaroo]

Helps little snake critters crawl in out of the hot sun to get cool. Where are you from, sonny?

[Johnny Dollar]

Hartford, Connecticut.

[Kangaroo]

Well, I'll be turned to. I don't reckon it shows through, but I'm a easterner myself. Come out from New York State 53 year ago. Little town of Prattville, county seat it was.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's pretty dull.

[Kangaroo]

What'd you say?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, nothing. Say, are you the one that handles the mules on the run out to the smelter?

[Kangaroo]

I'm one of them.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, how's chances of hitching a ride with you in the morning?

[Kangaroo]

You'll have to get up early.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right then, I'll get up early.

[Kangaroo]

Well then stop wasting your breath on a lot of dang fool words you summed on the kerosene lamp. Quick. Right.

[Johnny Dollar]

I lay awake thinking about that jackhammer I'd heard working the supposedly inactive end of the Skull Canyon mine earlier that day. This didn't take too much pounding into my skull before I decided that Doyle was working on a vein for his own personal profit. I also knew that for him to convert the ore into gold, he had to get it to a smelter. So I figured that the mule skinner Kangaroo was the best place to start asking Questions? Ah, it's funny how a sleepless night can sour the beauty of a desert sunrise.

[Kangaroo]

Hey, you. Me? Hey, Frankie. Movis. Monroe, you train.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, this I don't believe.

[Kangaroo]

Since that dang record come out, I had to rename all my mules. Dang cool song. Anyway, now I'll get you feeling self conscious. Just doing my everyday job. See, see that big rock up ahead near the mouth of that little itty bitty side canyon?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I see it.

[Kangaroo]

That's halfway rock. Means we're halfway to where we're going.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'm sorry it isn't all the way rock. I wish we'd get there. Sun's getting awful hot.

[Kangaroo]

Why, taint nothing, sonny. Some days that old sun's got your tongue hanging out. Your fur get you a real nice tan.

[Johnny Dollar]

How do you stand it? Hey, what's that stomach pump doing way out here?

[Kangaroo]

Stomach pump? What entire nation are you talking about?

[Johnny Dollar]

Ah, that's a clever name for a light airplane. Hey, looks like he's getting ready to give us a buzz.

[Kangaroo]

Hey. Hey, mules. Hey, you, Monroe. A steady blastist man row. God done it. He's the loudest mouth ding ding o mule I ever did Here.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, here he. First thing I learned was if you ever want to panic a team of mules, just buzz them with an airplane. The second thing I learned was that little canyon we were approaching was loaded with armed horsemen who came galloping out like they were trying to make history at Tan Ferran. The gunman didn't do anything to me except hold me at bay while the plane picked itself a landing and disgorged its one man Air Force.

[El Puerco]

Buenos dias, amiwos. Ah, you don't look happy to see me. Maybe my friend scared you with their guns, eh? Hey, old man, who is this new boy who ride with you today?

[Kangaroo]

His name's Dolly.

[Johnny Dollar]

Right now I wish it was top along Chancery.

[El Puerco]

Let me introduce myself that calls me El Puerco. That's because I look like a pig. Maybe it is because I'm so greedy too. I want what you got with you.

[Kangaroo]

Why, golden, you miserable son. Beats hiding.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now take it easy, old timer. It's okay. All I've got on me is a wristwatch and a few bucks. Let them have them. And besides, what's he gonna do with a wagon load of unrefined gold ore?

[El Puerco]

You talk like a little boy. I know what you have with you and I know where it is. It's under the seat. Little white bags. $30,000 of pure gold.

[Narrator]

In Just a moment. We will return to the second act of Johnny Dollar. But first, hardly a clue to start on and the witnesses stories at hopeless variance. That was the job that the Birmingham Alabama police faced in the murder called the case of the Hue and Cry. Later tonight on Gangbusters, Birmingham's own police chief comes to CBS to tell you how they tracked down the apparently unmotivated murder. Be sure to hear this true to life police story reenacted on Gangbusters. Gangbusters and the adventures of Philip Marlowe are regular Saturday night features on most of these same CBS stations. Now with our star Charles Russell, we return to the second act of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

So there I was, Johnny Dollar, efficiency expert. I had efficiently gotten myself in trouble. I was efficiently letting El Puerco walk off with a large part of of your gold and stood a good chance of efficiently getting myself shot in the belly.

[El Puerco]

There we are, Amus. I feel better now. The gold is in my little aeroplane. I hope you're not mad with me. You know I need the money to pay my taxes.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, okay, you got what you wanted. Why don't you take off and get out of here.

[Kangaroo]

That ding dang rascal, he's probably figured on shooting us.

[El Puerco]

Oh, no, old man. I'm a very scientific bandido. You think I want to shoot you and get killed myself for murder?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh no.

[El Puerco]

I let your mules do the dirty work. Buen Manuel, Pedro, Manito Pier and Atlantis. Take these men and tie them off. Allow them to stay back to back. And the rest of you tie up the mules in a circle around them in nice and close. Then I will get them a little airplane and dive on the mules. And the mules will kick their heads off.

[Johnny Dollar]

Pitching horseshoes may be fun, but not when they're being pitched at your head by a mule. Once we were tied back to back on the stake, the nearest available technical advisor Kangaroo was anything but encouraging.

[Kangaroo]

That's your trouble with a girl darn mule. When they get riled up, they think with their feet. Here he comes. Ho there. Ho you mule.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ho. Ah there.

[Kangaroo]

I guess we showed em.

[Jackie Morland]

Yeah.

[Kangaroo]

I ain't scun mules 40 years for nothing. I can handle them.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, nice going, Kangaroo.

[Kangaroo]

Now listen sonny, I got me idea.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, what is it?

[Kangaroo]

Well, go something like this.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey.

[Kangaroo]

Oh.

[Johnny Dollar]

Just as the idea, whatever it was, hit Kangaroo, a hook from one of the mules scored a ringer around my cranium. Ah, the stars look beautiful. They came out in the shape of a horseshoe. And as I slipped into that familiar Betty by for private eyes. The world of hit on the head darkness. I could hear Kangaroo's advice. Too little and too late.

[Kangaroo]

Ah, there, you see? You can never trust a mule. Never trust a mule. Never trust a mule. Never trust.

[Johnny Dollar]

A long time later, the curtains of my eyelids went up on the next act. But something was wrong. The stage was still dark. The stars were still there, but not in a horseshoe pattern. I closed my eyes and dreamed some more. I was lying near an oasis in the Sahara Desert. And a beautiful maiden was bending over me, kissing me. She was breathing hard. She could have used some sense then. Huh? What? Nugget. Get away from me, you mangy curse.

[Jackie Morland]

Nugget. Get away from him. Johnny, what.

[Johnny Dollar]

Jackie, what are you doing out here?

[Jackie Morland]

Well, take it easy, pal. It's a darn good thing I am out here. You getting yourself kicked in the head?

[Johnny Dollar]

Let's just say the wrong end of a horse got mixed up with the wrong end of a mule. Where's Kangaroo? Where are the mules? What's going on?

[Jackie Morland]

Johnny, relax, relax. Kangaroo and the mules are on their way back to the mine.

[Johnny Dollar]

Where's Pancho Tortilla?

[Jackie Morland]

Who?

[Johnny Dollar]

There was a Mexican bandit out here. The greatest piece of typecasting since the Gutenberg Bible.

[Jackie Morland]

Oh, El Puerco. Yeah, yeah. Kangaroo told me about him. Come on now, try to get up. Come on. Oh, yeah.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, what happened to you? Your clothes are all torn.

[Jackie Morland]

Yeah. This is Mr. Doyle's idea of a proposal of marriage. We were supposed to fly off together to South America tonight. Been planning it for a long time.

[Johnny Dollar]

What made you change your mind?

[Jackie Morland]

Oh, you know how it is. Best laid plans of mice and men.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, yeah. You're talking to an expert. Everything went all right for me. Where would I be next week? Same time, same station. What's your angle?

[Jackie Morland]

I told you before, I came out to Skull Canyon to marry a man. I've reason to believe that Doyle did away with him to get his job so he could milk the mine. Well, I stayed on and acted just interested enough in Doyle to get him nice and relaxed, hoping he'd spill something. Well, so far all it's been is bragging up life in South America with him. Now, I. I hope you can help me. And I know I can help you.

[Johnny Dollar]

How?

[Jackie Morland]

Well, Doyle set up a refining layout right in the mine. When the gold he's been stealing comes out, it's pure gold.

[Johnny Dollar]

Aha. Then somebody in the mine must have tipped off El Puerco.

[Jackie Morland]

Doyle did. He and El Puerco are Working together. El Puerco's job was to get the gold across the border and you out of the way.

[Johnny Dollar]

I see. Well, listen, you ever been in the mine? I mean, could you show me the way? The refining layout?

[Jackie Morland]

Oh, no, no. Doyle's never let me inside.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, how about the charts of the mine?

[Jackie Morland]

They're in the safe. I've got the combination. If we can just get in without Doyle seeing me, I can get him.

[Johnny Dollar]

Leave that to me. Come on, let's get going. Wait a minute. How do we get back?

[Jackie Morland]

Well, I came out in the jeep.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, my aching head. This is close enough, Star Eyes. We better pull up right here.

[Jackie Morland]

All right, Nugget. Quiet.

[Johnny Dollar]

Say, the wedding may be off, but it sounds like the reception is still on.

[Jackie Morland]

No, that's a regular Saturday night square dance on.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, look from here. Which way is the office? I'm lost.

[Jackie Morland]

It's right over here. Come on, I'll show you. You were in it yesterday.

[Johnny Dollar]

When we rounded the corner of the office building. My heart was doing a dozy do.

[Kangaroo]

Oh.

[Johnny Dollar]

The door of the safe was open. And so was the mouth of the fellow in front of us. But he wasn't saying anything. He was lying on the floor, dead. El Pueco, the pig. What a spot for a big red apple.

[Jackie Morland]

Johnny, he's dead. He must come back for something. Kangaroo must have caught up with him.

[Johnny Dollar]

Whoever caught up with him caught up with him but good. Come on, let's go take a look for Kangaroo.

[Narrator]

Wait.

[Jackie Morland]

Careful, darling. Dog may be in there.

[Johnny Dollar]

Boy, tight spots. Really give that word, darling. A good workout, don't they? Okay, darling. Wait out here. I'll be careful. Say, partner, have you seen Kangaroo around here? Kangaroo? Yeah.

[Kangaroo]

Well, sure. Kangaroo came in here looking for Doyle.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, did he find him? Well, don't know.

[Kangaroo]

Doyle went over to the mine.

[Johnny Dollar]

Is that where Kangaroo went? Well, if I was looking for Doyle, that's where I'd go. Thank you, Bottleneck. I don't know why I was in such a hurry. Heading straight into trouble. But the trouble started popping before we got to it.

[Jackie Morland]

Oh, poor Kangaroo.

[Johnny Dollar]

Jackie was only guessing. But I could only hope she wasn't guessing right.

[Jackie Morland]

Johnny. Johnny. I thought I saw something flashing just inside.

[Johnny Dollar]

Probably somebody's last spark of life. Now, take it easy. You stay right here. I'll move in from the side of the entrance.

[Jackie Morland]

No, I don't. All right. Be careful.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, he sure got you good, partner. Okay, Jackie, you can relax. The right man. Got it. Your play, man. Mr. Doyle.

[Jackie Morland]

Oh, Johnny. Oh, Johnny, it's awesome. What a relief.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, Kangaroo, you can come on now. Everything's all right. It's us jacking a dollar anyway.

[Kangaroo]

Don't make a move or I'll shoot you down.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, what. What the.

[Kangaroo]

Harry.

[Johnny Dollar]

Stay right up. Larry. You mean the guy you thought was dead? The guy you were supposed to marry? Yes.

[Jackie Morland]

Oh, Larry. Larry died.

[Kangaroo]

I'll kill you.

[Jackie Morland]

No. Oh, Larry. Larry. What happened to you?

[Kangaroo]

I was killing.

[Johnny Dollar]

Come on, kid. It wasn't worth waiting for anyway. Well, Kangaroo, I'm glad your first interest was feeding your mules so that you didn't get mixed up in all that shooting. Yep.

[Kangaroo]

Well, I'll tell you. When three bad eggs like Hodges and Doyle and El Puerco get together double crossing each other, they all gotta wind up in the omelette.

[Jackie Morland]

They're dead.

[Kangaroo]

Sure feels good to get your boots off. That Larry feller thought he was pretty smart. Holding up in that mine with his own private smelter. Using Doyle for a front. The only thing was he didn't figure on Doyle falling in love with his woman.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, who wouldn't he?

[Kangaroo]

For a young fellow, you sure talk a lot. How about using some of that breath you're wasting on that kerosene lamp, huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

Quick.

[Kangaroo]

Right.

[Johnny Dollar]

Expense account, item four, $6.10, 1 quart snake bite medicine, 32 ounces of prevention in case a snake should bite me. Item five, $3.40. With which I purchased the nicest gift I could think of for a gal in Jackie Morland's position. A telegram to you requesting that you give her a job she very much deserved. The managership of the Skull Canyon Mine. You see, when she first found out that man she was going to marry didn't love her, she took out her affection on the territory. Which makes me very sorry that I wasn't born the state of Arizona. Expense account, item 6, $164.35. Transportation, Twin Buttes to Hartford. Expense account total $947.99. Which makes just about as much sense as you can make without making it a dollar. Signed yours. No charge for that double talk. Truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Narrator]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar is produced and directed by Gordon T. Hughes and stars Charles Russell. Script by Paul Dudley and Gil Dowd. Featured in the cast were Doris Singleton, John Danar, Willard Waterman, Fred Howard and Don Diamond. The special music is written and conducted by Leith Stevens. Your announcer is Paul Masterson. Be sure to be with us at this same time next week when another unusual expense account is handed in by.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Narrator]

Music popular and music western. Are on the bill for CBS listeners. Again tonight, Vaughn Monroe and his band will present the five top tunes of the week, plus army and Navy marching songs, Anchors Away on Brave Old Army Team and many others. Gene Autry follows right on the heels of Vaughan's Caravan with favorites Straight from the Land of Sagebrush and Six Guns for an hour of wonderful music. Hear Vaughn Monroe's Caravan and the Gene Autry show tonight and every Saturday on most of these same CBS stations. Stay tuned now for Vaughn Monroe's Caravan, which follows immediately on most of these stations. This is cbs, where yours truly, Johnny Dollar, meets Adventure every Saturday night. The Columbia Broadcasting System.