Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok – River of Death (06-19-53)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Episode Summary: "Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok – River of Death" (06-19-53) Release Date: August 2, 2025 Host: Andrew Rhynes

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Introduction

In this thrilling episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, hosted by Andrew Rhynes, listeners are transported to the perilous and adventurous world of Wild Bill Hickok. The episode, titled "River of Death," is a digitally restored classic Western radio drama that captures the essence of the Wild West with enhanced audio quality, bringing every creak, crash, and gunshot to vibrant life.

Mission and Setting

The story begins with Wild Bill Hickok and his trusty deputy, Jingles (voiced by Andy Devine), embarking on a dangerous mission to navigate the feared River of Death. Their primary objective is to locate Whitewater Sam, a legendary river man who is the only person known to have successfully traversed the treacherous rapids, and to find the missing United States Marshal, Steve Johnson.

Wild Bill Hickok: "It's a big river, Jingles, and a mighty rough." [02:50]

Jingles: "I saw a big pine tree come floating down there a few minutes ago. And when it hit those rapids, it just disappeared." [02:53]

Encounter with Whitewater Sam

Upon reaching Devil Canyon, Bill and Jingles meet Whitewater Sam (voiced by Forrest Lewis), who possesses invaluable knowledge about the rapids. Sam reveals the dark history of the River of Death, explaining how many have vanished attempting to conquer its formidable waters.

Whitewater Sam: "I'm the only man alive that's been down through all them canyons and ravaged me. And I done it three times now." [05:52]

Planning the River Journey

Despite warnings and the presence of a threatening note cautioning them to stay away, Bill remains resolute in his determination to uncover the smugglers and rescue the missing marshal. Jingles expresses his apprehension, but Bill insists on proceeding with the plan.

Wild Bill Hickok: "We think the smugglers are running stuff down the river right now during high water." [06:36]

Jingles: "That's what everybody figured. At least they never came back, huh?" [03:38]

Navigating the Rapids

The trio sets off in Sam's sturdy boat, facing one rapid after another. The tension mounts as they battle the fierce currents and navigate through the narrow canyon. Their journey is fraught with danger, but their perseverance keeps them moving forward.

Wild Bill Hickok: "You can't do that, Jingle. The river's running faster and we're riding the river." [11:03]

Discovery of the Barrel

Amidst their struggle with the rapids, Bill and Sam discover a mysterious barrel floating downstream. Upon opening it, they find it filled with valuable American merchandise, confirming their suspicions about the smugglers' operations.

Wild Bill Hickok: "Take another look. All that merchandise was made in the United States. It's being smuggled out of the United States." [15:21]

Rescue of Steve Johnson

Their mission takes an unexpected turn when they encounter Steve Johnson, the missing marshal, who has been hiding in the canyons. Johnson provides crucial information about the smugglers' plans to use barrels filled with blasting powder to destroy evidence and thwart any attempts to stop them.

Steve Johnson: "Hey, them weasels are up around the bend in the river. They got a barrel like this, half full of blasting powder." [16:15]

Final Confrontation and Capture of Smugglers

As the smugglers attempt to use the blasting powder-laden barrels against Bill and his companions, a strategic plan is executed. Bill decides to use the barrels to create a diversion, allowing Jingles and Steve to confront and capture the smugglers. The climax features intense gunfire and quick-thinking tactics that ultimately lead to the smugglers' downfall.

Wild Bill Hickok: "I'll cut that potter barrel loose and float it past their headquarters. And then I'll put a bullet in it when the right time comes." [20:31]

Jingles: "There goes the powder. Come on, Steve, run for us." [21:09]

Conclusion and Resolution

With the smugglers apprehended and the missing marshal rescued, Bill and Jingles prepare to leave the River of Death behind. The episode concludes with Wild Bill Hickok and Jingles announcing their well-deserved vacation, leaving listeners with a sense of closure and anticipation for future adventures.

Wild Bill Hickok: "Well, Andy, here it is vacation time again. You have any plans for the summer?" [24:01]

Jingles: "See you after vacation. Choo Choo Choo Choo Choo Choo's your favorite cereal." [24:22]

Key Insights and Themes

• Perseverance and Bravery: Wild Bill Hickok's unwavering determination to face danger head-on exemplifies the quintessential Western hero.
• Friendship and Loyalty: The dynamic between Bill and Jingles highlights the importance of camaraderie and trust in overcoming obstacles.
• Good vs. Evil: The battle against the smugglers underscores the classic theme of justice prevailing over criminal intent.

Notable Quotes

• Wild Bill Hickok: "We think the smugglers are running stuff down the river right now during high water." [06:36]
• Whitewater Sam: "I'm the only man alive that's been down through all them canyons and ravaged me." [05:52]
• Jingles: "I saw a big pine tree come floating down there a few minutes ago. And when it hit those rapids, it just disappeared." [02:53]
• Steve Johnson: "What were those varmints? Well, we'll have Bill, Hickok and Jingles might glad to see you too." [16:06]

Conclusion

"River of Death" is a captivating installment in the Old Time Radio Westerns series, masterfully blending suspense, action, and classic Western storytelling. The digital restoration enhances the listening experience, making this vintage tale accessible and engaging for both longtime fans and new audiences alike. Through its rich narrative and vibrant characters, the episode pays homage to the golden age of radio Westerns, ensuring that the legend of Wild Bill Hickok endures.

Transcript

[Jingles]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now, let's get into this episode.

[Jingles]

Kellogg's, the greatest name in cereals, presents Whale Bill Hick. Hi, folks. Hold on to your hats and gallop along with Guy Madison as Wild Bill Hickok and his pal Jingles. Which is me, Andy Devine. We got another Rootin Tootin Wild Bill Hickok adventure story for you from that famous talkin cereal, Kellogg's Rice Krispies. Snap, Crackle Pop.

[Narrator]

Today, Kellogg's Rice Krispies, the world's only talking cereal, brings you Wild Bill Hickok, transcribed in Hollywood and starring Guy Madison as Wild Bill and Andy Devine as his pal jingles. In just 30 seconds, you'll hear the exciting story the river of Death Wranglers. For some real happy talk at breakfast tomorrow, give a listen to that cheerful snap, crackle, pop of the world's only talking cereal, Kellogg's Rice Krispies. That merry snap, crackle Pop lets you know how springtime fresh Kellogg's Rice Krispies really are. And the reason is tumble toasting. Each puff of rice in Kellogg's Rice Krispies is twirled round and round until it's toasted evenly all over. Have a bowl of Kellogg's Rice Krispies, the world's only talking cereal. First thing tomorrow. From the high mountains to the broad deserts, United States Marshal Wild Bill Hickok and his big deputy Jingles rode the trails of the Old west, fighting for law and order. But nowhere along the law trails did they come closer to disaster than they did in the canyons of the river of Death.

[Jingles]

Bill, look at all that water. But down where I come from, we hardly have enough water to grow a patch of grass. And here they got tons of it, just running wild.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

It's a big river, Jingles, and a mighty rough.

[Jingles]

I can see that. I saw a big pine tree come floating down there a few minutes ago. And when it hit those rapids, it just disappeared.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

That isn't all that's disappeared in those rapids.

[Jingles]

What do you mean, Bill?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

A few men have gone in there and never come out for you.

[Jingles]

They have.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

They sure have. And that's why we're here, Bill Hickok.

[Jingles]

Now, what are you talking about?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

You don't think we traveled 500 miles up here to Devil Canyon just for the ride, do you? We're supposed to find Whitewater Sam.

[Jingles]

Whitewater Sam? Who's he.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

He's an old time river man, Jingles. He knows more about these rapids than anybody alive. In fact, he's the only man who's ever run the river and stayed alive.

[Jingles]

All the others are dead, huh?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

That's right.

[Jingles]

You mean they tried to go down the river in boats? In the rap rapids got him, huh, Bill?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

That's what everybody figured. At least they never came back, huh?

[Jingles]

Huh, Bill?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Yeah, Jingle?

[Jingles]

This trip we're on, are you planning to make any part of it in a boat?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Yeah, I reckon we're going to have to.

[Jingles]

Like maybe down the river through the rapid.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

That's what I had in mind.

[Jingles]

That's all I want to know. Joker, come over here. You and me got a long ride back home and we're starting right now.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Well, all right, if that's the way you feel about it.

[Jingles]

That's the way I feel about it. And I'm starting back right this minute.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Okay. I'll get Whitewater Sam to fix me up a boat I can handle by myself.

[Jingles]

You mean you're still going to go ahead with this crazy idea?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

I've got two, Jingles. I was sent up here to find a man who disappeared on the river.

[Jingles]

Oh, but don't worry about me, Jingles.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

I'll be all right. Steady there, Buckshot. Get around there, Buckshot. See you later, partner.

[Jingles]

Well, get up. Get going, Joker. No, no, no. The other way, you jugh. We're not going home and you know it.

[Whitewater Sam]

Howdy there, strangers. Which one of you is Wild Bill Hickok?

[Jingles]

That's him right there. And I'm Jingle.

[Whitewater Sam]

Well, howdy. Yeah, say, howdy. I'm sure glad to know you both.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

You must be Sam Wilson.

[Whitewater Sam]

Yeah, that's right. That's right. Whitewater Sam, they call me along the river.

[Jingles]

Hell, I've heard a lot about you. Sit down, Sam.

[Whitewater Sam]

Thank you. Don't mind if I do.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Bert Smiley, the marshal over in Twin Falls, told me about you. Sam said you might be able to help us.

[Whitewater Sam]

Oh, sure, I know Bert. I know him. Yeah, he was over here doing a little investigating about a month ago.

[Jingles]

What sort of investigating?

[Whitewater Sam]

Well, he was trying to find out what happened to some fellow named Johnson.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Yeah, Steve Johnson. He was another United States marshal.

[Jingles]

What do you mean, he was, Bill?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Well, Steve was working up here on a smuggling case, Jingle.

[Whitewater Sam]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I remember.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

He sent in a report that he had a line on the gang. And then one day he started down the river after him. Never came back.

[Jingles]

That's what seems to happen to everybody that Starts down that old river.

[Whitewater Sam]

Yeah, well, not to me. I say. Not to me. I'm the only man alive that's been down through all them canyons and ravaged me. And I done it three times now.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

That's why we think you can help us, Sam. We'd like to have you take us down that river.

[Jingles]

We don't exactly like the idea, but we're going anyhow.

[Whitewater Sam]

Sure, sure. I'll be glad to take you. Come back next summer.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

We have to go now.

[Whitewater Sam]

No, it can't be done. I've been down there in the summer when the water's low. But the water's high now. No, you ain't got a chance coming through alive.

[Jingles]

Well, I guess that's that, Bill. Well, let's go home and come back in the summer.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Nope. I want to make the trip now while the water's high.

[Jingles]

Oh, now, Bill Hickok, you're local.

[Whitewater Sam]

I'll say he's local.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

I'll let you in on a little secret, Sam.

[Whitewater Sam]

Yeah?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

We think the smugglers are running stuff down the river right now during high water.

[Whitewater Sam]

Well, I don't see how you figure that.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Just west of here, the river swings into Canada, doesn't it?

[Whitewater Sam]

Sure. Green valley landings across the border.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Then it comes back into the United States.

[Whitewater Sam]

Yeah, that's right, Bill.

[Jingles]

What are you getting at anyhow?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Somewhere in that stretch of river the smugglers are working. That's where we have to find them.

[Whitewater Sam]

And that stretch of river has got seven of the toughest rapids in the world in it. You nor them smugglers, nor me, nor nobody else can take a boat through there this time of year.

[Jingles]

You see, Bill, the whole idea is crazy.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Maybe so, but take a look at this note.

[Jingles]

Now where'd that come from?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Somebody shoved it under the door of our hotel room during the night.

[Jingles]

Well, why didn't you say something about it? You never tell me anything. What's it say, Bill? Huh? What does it say?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

It says, stay away from the river, Hickok. You start through the rapids, you'll never come out alive.

[Commercial Announcer]

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[Narrator]

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[Commercial Announcer]

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[Narrator]

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[Commercial Announcer]

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[Jingles]

When.

[Narrator]

While Bill Hickok made up his mind to go through the dangerous rapids of the river during high water, he was on the trail of a smuggling gang and a vanished United States marshal. He was sure he was on the right track when he received a note warning him that his plans meant certain death.

[Jingles]

Woo wee. Who's the note from? I. Bill. Who's it from?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

There's no name signed to it. Jingles just says if we don't stay away from the river, we won't come back alive.

[Whitewater Sam]

It sounds to me like somebody's got a reason to keep you off the river.

[Jingles]

Well, whoever it is ain't gonna have much of an argument with me. I never wanted to go near them rapids in the first place.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

The only men who'd send a warning like this are the smugglers. And if we want to know who they are, we'll have to go in there after them.

[Whitewater Sam]

Well, if you're bound to go wild, Bill, I reckon I'll go along with you. You're going to need old white water, Sam.

[Jingles]

Yeah, and I reckon you'll need old white water, Jingles too. This old white water is feeling a little green right now. Hey, Sam. It's a real nice boat you got here.

[Whitewater Sam]

Yeah, I build her myself. Jingles. The biggest and strongest boulder guard.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

She'll have to be big and strong when we get farther down the river.

[Jingles]

No, I don't know. It's been a real nice trip so far. Just floating along in the sunshine. I don't even have to row.

[Whitewater Sam]

I reckon Jingles ain't been listening for the last mile or so, Bill.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

I got some up.

[Jingles]

Listening to what?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

That sound from down in the canyon.

[Jingles]

You mean that kind of a roaring.

[Whitewater Sam]

Sound that's what I mean.

[Jingles]

Oh, I heard it, all right. I wonder what it is.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

That's the first of the rapids.

[Jingles]

Dingle. The rapid. Oh, the rapid. You mean we're coming to them already?

[Whitewater Sam]

We sure are, and we're getting there in a hurry. Look at the trees on shore, flying past it.

[Jingles]

Yeah. Yeah, man. Maybe we better slow down a little, huh?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

You can't do that, Jingle. The river's running faster and we're riding the river.

[Jingles]

Well, drag your feet or something. Let's stop and look this over before we just go busting into I. I'll.

[Whitewater Sam]

Handle one pair of oars, Bill, and you take the other.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

All right, son.

[Jingles]

Come on. What'll I do, Sam?

[Whitewater Sam]

You sit right in the middle of the boat. Hang on tight.

[Jingles]

No. Hang on. All right.

[Whitewater Sam]

We get smashed up, swim to the shore as hard as you can. Here we go.

[Jingles]

Y farm. I'm pulling. Got to the rock. Feel up water. He knows you said to hang on.

[Narrator]

Hurry up.

[Jingles]

Fill out the boat. Jiggle. Drowning. You got your daddy bigger. I'm soaking wet, Bill. I can't bail it out as fast as it's coming in.

[Whitewater Sam]

Oh, never mind. Hang on. There's trouble right ahead.

[Jingles]

Bill. How many rapids we've been through so far?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Four of them, Jingles.

[Whitewater Sam]

We're in Green Valley now, Jingles. You're over on the Canadian side of the border.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Let's pull in the shore and take a look around.

[Whitewater Sam]

Sam, there's a boat landing down a little bit further. Bill, this is the only place where there's a trail coming down into the canyon from the rim.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Let's stop before we get there. This is where the smugglers are working. I want to surprise them.

[Jingles]

Yeah. If anybody's going to sneak up on anybody around here, I want to be the somebody that does the sneaking up on the somebody.

[Whitewater Sam]

Okay, good idea. We'll stop and I'll fix up the hole that that rock made in the boat while you and Jingle scout around.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Grab the oars. Jingles. Rose for the beach.

[Jingles]

Oh, now, Bill, I was just drying out in the sunshine after being half drowned and scared half to death.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Come on. It's time you did a little work. Rose, ashore.

[Jingles]

Oh. All right.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Turn around. You're supposed to face backwards when you roll.

[Jingles]

Oh, well, I can't see where I'm going there.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Just row for the shore. You can't miss it.

[Whitewater Sam]

Oh, pretty good, Jingles. Yeah, we'll make a river man out of you in no time.

[Jingles]

No, no, you won't. You won't never make a River man out of me. Bill. Bill, look. What's that following us?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Where?

[Jingles]

Right there behind us.

[Whitewater Sam]

Well, I see it, Bill. It's something floating in the river. Looks like a barrel.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

That's what it is, all right. Backwater Jingle better catch up to it.

[Whitewater Sam]

And what in the sand hill is a barrel doing floating downstream here in the wilderness? There's Nobody lives within 50 miles, you hear?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Probably came down the river the same way we did. Hold steady now, Jingles, while I rope it. Got it. All right, rope ashore.

[Whitewater Sam]

Jingle straight ahead. Jingle straight ahead. Jing Fur.

[Jingles]

I got her, Sam.

[Whitewater Sam]

Yeah. All right, now jump out. Let's pull her up.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

All right, give me a hand with this barrel. Don't let it slip out of the loop.

[Jingles]

All right. Pretty heavy. Yeah.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Haul it right in here on the sand.

[Whitewater Sam]

Hey. Looks like a brand new barrel, Bill.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Yeah, it's a good solid one, too. All right, set it up and we'll open it.

[Jingles]

Bill. Somebody shooting at the dirt. Hey, now, that was closed.

[Whitewater Sam]

Oh, dad. Burned dry gulchers.

[Jingles]

I see him, Bill.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Yeah, up there on the cliff.

[Jingles]

Now, that scattered him.

[Whitewater Sam]

He's bored.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Right over there, Jingles.

[Jingles]

Let him have it. Look at him, Scoop. Reckon they didn't know who they were shooting at.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

I think maybe they did. Jingles, remember the note we got just before we started down the river?

[Jingles]

Oh, yeah.

[Whitewater Sam]

Yeah. Them barmids figured since the river hadn't killed us yet, they'd better take a hand.

[Jingles]

Yeah. Well, we're still living, but I don't know for how long.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Let's have a look at that barrel.

[Whitewater Sam]

I got Axe right here in the boat, Bill.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

All right, break it open.

[Jingles]

Hey, what do you know? It's full of all kinds of stuff.

[Whitewater Sam]

Well, look at that. Say, look at that. Woolen watches. Silver.

[Jingles]

Where?

[Whitewater Sam]

There's some mighty valuable stuff there, Bill.

[Jingles]

That's how the smugglers have been getting the stuff across the border into the United States.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

I'm afraid you're wrong, Jingle.

[Jingles]

What do you mean?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Take another look. All that merchandise was made in the United States. It's being smuggled out of the United States.

[Jingles]

Well, doggone it, you're right, Bill.

[Whitewater Sam]

They've come back. Look upon the cliff above us.

[Jingles]

Duck. Before he starts shooting again.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Hey, wait a minute.

[Whitewater Sam]

Hold it.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Hold it. He's got his hands up.

[Jingles]

He's waving to us. Looks like he might be friendly, Bill. Who are you? Steve Johnson. Steve Johnson. That's a missing marshal.

[Whitewater Sam]

Well, the saints be praised. I thought he's dead long ago.

[Jingles]

Come on down, Steve. Okay, I'll be right There. Look at him sliding down that cliff. He'll break his darn fool neck.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

He's in a hurry to get to us for some reason. Take it easy, Steve. You're safe now.

[Jingles]

Safe, nothing.

[Steve Johnson]

What were those varmints? Well, we'll have Bill, Hickok and Jingles might glad to see you too.

[Jingles]

Gladly. Steve, we wasn't sure we'd find you alive.

[Steve Johnson]

Well, I. I didn't think anybody'd ever find me. I've been hiding in the canyons for two months. Trapping squirrels and eating wild berries. Hey, them weasels are up around the bend in the river. They got a barrel like this, half full of blasting powder. And they're floating it down toward you. I saw them from up on the cliff.

[Jingles]

What good do they figure that's going to do them?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Plenty. When it floats down to us, they'll blow it up with rifle fire.

[Whitewater Sam]

Well, Jumping Walleye pike, we won't have a chance in this narrow canyon.

[Jingles]

There comes the barrel around the bend. Now, Bill, give me a rifle. I'll blow it up before it gets close to it.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Hold it, Jingle. Hold it. We might need that Potter. I'm gonna rope that barrel as it goes past.

[Jingles]

But, Bill, one good shot from those owl hoots up on top and we'll be blown into little pieces.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Keep them so busy they can't get a good shot in. I'll be right back.

[Whitewater Sam]

The barrel's getting closer.

[Steve Johnson]

Hand me a gun and some ammunition, Jingles. I used mine up weeks ago.

[Jingles]

There you are, Steve.

[Whitewater Sam]

There they are, up in them rocks.

[Jingles]

Dust them off. If they get in one good shot, it's the end of the line for all of them.

[Commercial Announcer]

Wranglers. Here's a sound that lets you know fast that you're in for a half hour of real exciting action.

[Jingles]

Kellogg's, the greatest name in cereals, presents Whale Bill Hickok.

[Commercial Announcer]

Yes, sir, Wranglers. There's action galore when you saddle up with Guy and Andy for another thrill packed adventure. But I'm afraid you won't be able to ride along with them for a few months.

[Narrator]

That's right, Wranglers. Guy and Andy are going on vacation till next fall. But that's no reason why you can't keep right on listening to another very pleasant sound. That's the cheerful snap, crackle, pop of the world's only talking cereal, Kellogg's Rice Krispies. That happy talk of Kellogg's Rice Krispies tells you pronto that Kellogg's Rice Krispies are springtime fresh so fresh and crisp because they Tumble. Toasted. Each golden puff of rice is tossed round and round in big rotary ovens until it's evenly toasted all over. Then, as soon as you add milk or cream to a bowl full of Kellogg's Rice Krispies, they sound off with their merry snap, crackle, pop. How about you tuning them in tomorrow morning? And every morning all summer long, Tell mom to get you a package of the world's only talking cereal, Kellogg's Rice Krispies. They snap, crackle, pop. Wild Bill and Jingles found the missing marshal, Steve Johnson. But they found themselves trapped in a narrow river canyon while a barrel of blasting powder floated toward them and the smugglers tried to blow it up with rifle fire.

[Whitewater Sam]

Wow.

[Jingles]

They're coming awful close to Bill.

[Whitewater Sam]

They're coming close to that barrel of powder too.

[Jingles]

Take that, you buzzards. Keep your heads down or I'll knock them right off your shoulders.

[Steve Johnson]

Sure feels good to be fighting again after hiding out and running for months.

[Jingles]

Well, if it makes you so happy, let him have a couple of more, Steve.

[Steve Johnson]

I sure will.

[Whitewater Sam]

Hey. Hey, Bill. Bill's got the barrel ashore. Here he comes.

[Jingles]

Bill, tell me now, what do we do now?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Try to take those smugglers if we can, Jingles.

[Jingles]

Oh, sure. They're holed up in them rocks above us and we're sitting here on a little beach with a barrel of blasting powder and no place for us to go but down the river.

[Steve Johnson]

There's only a couple of men up on that cliff, Bill. You find the rest of them at their headquarters down at the boat landing.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Where's that?

[Whitewater Sam]

Down the river, around the next bend. I remembered from the trips I made through here before.

[Jingles]

They're trying for that barrel again that made them duck.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Keep an eye on them, Steve.

[Steve Johnson]

Sure will.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Now what you gonna do, Bill? Sam, will you roll me across the river with that barrel of powder?

[Whitewater Sam]

Yeah. Might as well do that to sit here on the beach with it. Sure.

[Jingles]

Now, wait a minute, Bill. You'll be a great target out there with that barrel of powder. If you're gonna get blown up, I ought to be with you when it happens.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

No, you and Steve have to keep those jaspers up on the cliff busy so they can't hit us.

[Jingles]

Oh, well, all right, but what'll you be doing?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

I'll cut that potter barrel loose and float it past their headquarters. And then I'll put a bullet in it when the right time comes.

[Jingles]

I just hope it works, that's all.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

When you hear the potter go off, you and Steve run down to the beach. I'll Have Sam pick you up in the boat and row you on across.

[Whitewater Sam]

Where you be, Bill?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

I'll go ashore and try to keep them covered after they're blasted out of their hole.

[Steve Johnson]

Now, good luck, Bill.

[Narrator]

You'll need it.

[Steve Johnson]

There must be 10 of them. And they're meant to.

[Jingles]

Well, Bill and Sam are out of sight. And our playmates up on the cliff have quit shooting at him.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Yeah.

[Steve Johnson]

Unless Bill's plan works, it shouldn't be long now.

[Jingles]

He sure wants to catch those smugglers.

[Steve Johnson]

So do I. Jingles. They float those barrels down through the rapids filled with American goods for Canada. Then they fill them up here with stuff for the United States and shoot them on down through the next three rapids. That takes them back across the border.

[Jingles]

And nobody comes down the river to catch them at it.

[Steve Johnson]

That's right. I tried it, but they found my boat and smashed it. That left me with no way out.

[Jingles]

Well, what about the trail to the top? Isn't that where they bring the smuggled goods in? And how.

[Steve Johnson]

Sure, it goes right through their headquarters. They keep it guarded night and day. You can't climb out of the canyon anywhere else.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

So I was trapped and you've been.

[Jingles]

Dodging around these canyons ever since.

[Steve Johnson]

That's right. I was sure glad to see you show up.

[Jingles]

There goes the powder. Come on, Steve, run for us. Yeah, hurry.

[Steve Johnson]

Bill's gonna need us.

[Jingles]

Roll faster, Sam.

[Whitewater Sam]

I'm rolling as fast as I can.

[Jingles]

There's Bill behind that rock, keeping bunched up.

[Steve Johnson]

Bill, we're coming.

[Jingles]

Don't you worry about Bill. If one of those buzzards sticks up a finger from behind those rocks, he'll wonder why he's only got nine fingers left. Oh, now they're shooting at us. Good.

[Steve Johnson]

That cuts down the odds against Bill.

[Jingles]

We're coming to shore, Sam. Head for cover when we hit.

[Whitewater Sam]

Don't worry, I will.

[Steve Johnson]

Here's the ammunition. Jingles, get ready to jump.

[Jingles]

There, that's it. Now run for it. On it.

[Whitewater Sam]

Glad you made it.

[Jingles]

I'm glad you made it. Bill, how you doing?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Fine, fine. I busted their headquarters building wide open. You should have seen them scoot for those rocks.

[Steve Johnson]

Now that we're here, maybe we've got enough power to smoke them out in the open.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Well, maybe so. Let's give it a try.

[Jingles]

Hold it. Hold it.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

They're coming out with their hands up.

[Jingles]

All right, throw down your guns, all of you. Keep those hands high till we get you tied up. All right, we will. We know what we handed up.

[Steve Johnson]

Well, now all we have to do is Herd them up the trail and turn them over to the northwest Mounted police.

[Jingles]

No, let's do it the easy way.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

How's that jingle?

[Jingles]

Oh, let's put them in barrels and float them down the river. All whitewater jingles will see that they get through those rapids slick as a whistle.

[Narrator]

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

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Well, Andy, here it is vacation time again. You have any plans for the summer?

[Jingles]

You bet I have, Guy. A little hunting and a little fishing and of course, some picture work. How about you?

[Wild Bill Hickok]

Oh, just about the same. Only I might get in a little bow and arrow practice. So until the fall along about September, Guy.

[Jingles]

And I wish all of you a happy vacation too.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

So long, kids.

[Jingles]

See you after vacation. Choo Choo Choo Choo Choo Choo's your favorite cereal.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

You tell them, Andy.

[Jingles]

From Kellogg's Variety Pack.

[Narrator]

Yes, keep the whole family happy every morning for breakfast. Roll out freshness and variety. 10 individual serving size boxes with 10 assorted Kellogg's cereal favorites, including two ready sweetened treats that you get in Kellogg's Variety Pack.

[Jingles]

Shoo Choo.

[Narrator]

Choose your favorite from Kellogg's Variety Pack at your grocer's. Kellogg's the Greatest Name in Serials has brought you another exciting story of Wild Bill Hickok starring Guy Madison and Andy Devine in person. Today's cast included Forrest Lewis, Tyler McVeigh and Dusty Walker. Our story was written and directed by Paul Pierce. Music by Dick Around. This is the David Hire production transcribed in Hollywood. Now this is Charlie Lyon speaking for Kellogg's the Greatest Name in Cereals reminding you to join us again after vacation for another adventure of Wild Bill Hick.

[Wild Bill Hickok]

It.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Jingles]

It.