Badman Unmasked | Straight Arrow (03-21-49)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Badman Unmasked | Straight Arrow (03-21-49)
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: January 28, 2025

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Introduction

In the "Badman Unmasked" episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rines transports listeners to the rugged landscapes of Cheyenne County during the Wild West's tumultuous days. This episode features the thrilling saga of Steve Adams, a rancher whose disappearance leads to the emergence of the enigmatic vigilante, Great Arrow. As tensions escalate, accusations of deceit and betrayal surface, culminating in a dramatic confrontation that seeks to unveil the true identity of the feared Black Mask.

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Characters Introduced

• Steve Adams: Young ranch owner of Broken Bow cattle spread.
• Great Arrow: Mysterious figure believed to be Steve Adams transformed into a Comanche warrior.
• Murchison: A rancher determined to uphold law and order, suspicious of Steve Adams' disappearance.
• Martha Gleason: Wife of Steve Adams, fiercely protective and skeptical of accusations against her husband.
• Paki: Loyal companion assisting Great Arrow in his quest for justice.

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Plot Summary

Initial Situation

The story unfolds with Steve Adams, seemingly an ordinary rancher, facing threats from a group known as the Black Mask. His sudden disappearance gives rise to the legendary figure of Great Arrow, who dons Comanche war paint and rides the golden Palomino Fury to protect the innocent and restore order.

Notable Quote:
Martha Gleason (03:37): “Oh, darn. This here Buckboard Jones is around like a mustang with a fur under his saddle.”

Rising Action

As Steve Adams and Mesquite Molly traverse the rough trails of Cheyenne County, tensions rise when they encounter suspicious individuals. Murchison confronts Steve about dangerous bumps in the trail, hinting at impending danger.

Notable Quote:
Murchison (04:16): “Something wrong, Mesquite?”

The arrival of the Black Mask brings chaos, leading to the wrongful accusation and capture of Steve Adams. Great Arrow, alongside Paki, seeks to uncover the truth behind the Black Mask's identity, suspecting Murchison's involvement.

Notable Quote:
Great Arrow (14:14): “Lock, stock and barrel. It's that blast Black Mask.”

Climax

The climax intensifies during a town trial where Murchison is publicly accused of being the Black Mask. However, Martha Gleason intervenes, revealing evidence that exonerates her husband and implicates Murchison instead. A confrontation ensues, exposing Murchison's deceitful ploy to frame Gleason.

Notable Quote:
Martha Gleason (20:10): “My husband's not the Black Mask. I don't care who you are. You make one move and I pull this trigger again.”

Resolution

In the final showdown, Great Arrow and Paki successfully unmask Murchison as the true Black Mask. Justice is served as Murchison is apprehended, and peace is restored to Cheyenne County. Martha Gleason expresses her gratitude towards Straight Arrow for uncovering the truth and saving her husband.

Notable Quote:
Great Arrow (30:05): “Yeah, I. I confess. I'm the ring leader of the Black Mask.”

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Key Discussions and Insights

• Identity and Deception: The episode delves into themes of identity, exploring how appearances can be deceiving and the importance of uncovering the truth.
• Justice and Vigilantism: Through Great Arrow's actions, the narrative examines the fine line between upholding justice and taking the law into one's own hands.
• Community and Trust: The unfolding drama highlights the fragility of community trust and the devastating impact of false accusations.

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Conclusion

"Badman Unmasked" is a captivating episode that masterfully combines suspense, action, and moral dilemmas set against the backdrop of the Wild West. Andrew Rines' meticulous digital restoration enhances the listening experience, bringing clarity and depth to this timeless tale of justice, betrayal, and redemption. For enthusiasts of classic Western dramas, this episode offers a rich and engaging journey into Cheyenne County's struggle for peace and truth.

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Notable Quotes Recap:

• Murchison (04:16): “Something wrong, Mesquite?”
• Great Arrow (14:14): “Lock, stock and barrel. It's that blast Black Mask.”
• Martha Gleason (20:10): “My husband's not the Black Mask..."
• Great Arrow (30:05): “Yeah, I. I confess. I'm the ring leader of the Black Mask.”

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Further Engagement

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the podcast by following on social media platforms, joining the ranch hands community, and accessing exclusive content through YouTube and the podcast's official website.

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This summary encapsulates the essence of the "Badman Unmasked" episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't had the pleasure of listening.

Transcript

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[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.

[Narrator]

N A B I S C O Nabisco is the name to know For a breakfast you can't be Try Nabisco Gold Shredded Wheat Keen eyes fixed on a flying target, A gleaming arrow set against a rawhide string, A strong bow bent almost to the breaking point and.

[Great Arrow]

Then Arrow.

[Narrator]

Nabisco Shredded Wheat presents Straight Arrow, a new thrilling adventure story from the exciting days of the Old West. To friends and neighbors alike, Steve Adams appeared to be nothing more than the young owner of the Broken Bow. Cattle spread. But when danger threatened innocent people, and when evildoers plotted against justice, then Steve Adams rancher disappeared. And in his place came a mysterious, stalwart Indian wearing the dress and war paint of a Comanche riding the great golden Palomino Fury galloping out of the darkness to take up the cause of law and order throughout the west comes the legendary figure of Great Arrow. The broken bull buckboard was jouncing along a jolly trail that led from Cheyenne, with Mesquite Molly bouncing up and down on the hard, unyielding Sea Packie and Steve Adams were riding their ponies alongside.

[Martha Gleason]

Oh, darn. This here Buckboard Jones is around like a mustang with a fur under his saddle.

[Murchison]

Not the buckboard, Mesquite. It's the road.

[Martha Gleason]

This ain't a road, Steve Adams. It's a trail, that's all. And it's rougher than the spines on a porcupine.

[Great Arrow]

And now, Mesquite, you look almighty comfortable. You a sitting there taking your ease while US4 Umbrellas has to ride saddles.

[Martha Gleason]

Don't you grin at me, Paky. Them hosses is a heap side easier to ride than this here contraption. Oh.

[Great Arrow]

Whoa. Whoa there. Ho.

[Murchison]

Something wrong, Mesquite?

[Martha Gleason]

I. I just had to stop Steve. And don't look so eternal innocent. You seen that there bump in the road? Why didn't you give me warning? I jounced my backbone so hard, I. Never mind. I'm just looking forward to getting home to Broken Bow. That's all I can say. The Broken Bow and a nice soft bed.

[Great Arrow]

Then I steam.

[Murchison]

Sounds like a fracas.

[Great Arrow]

Here comes somebody cutting around the bluff.

[Murchison]

Holster your gun, Packy. He's unarmed.

[Great Arrow]

Oh.

[Murchison]

Oh, there. You got to help. They're after me.

[Martha Gleason]

Who's after you, mister? The law, maybe?

[Murchison]

Ma'am, they call themselves the law, but they ain't. And if they find him. Get off that horse Pronto.

[Great Arrow]

What's that?

[Narrator]

Get off.

[Murchison]

There's a tarpaulin on that buckboard. Crawl under it. You'll be out of sight pronto.

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[Narrator]

I reckon a lot of folks who picture Straight Arrow in war paint and Indian costume for the first time figure he's Pierce as they come. Well, appearances are often deceiving. Except when it's the appearance of Nabisco Shredded Wheat. You know, just by looking at those tempting golden brown wheat biscuits that they're going to taste really delicious. And sure enough, they do. You get rich, sunny whole wheat flavor in Nabisco Shredded Wheat. There's lots of nourishment, lots of quick energy in this healthful, appetizing cereal, too. So you can win Mother over Fat. Ask her to get the original Niagara Falls production Nabisco Shredded Wheat tomorrow. And say, how'd you like a real Indian headband? Like straight arrows for your own. And a guide to Indian sign language, too. Keep listening after tonight's story. For full details, Mesquite, Molly, Hackie and Steve were returning to the Broken bowl when they met a rider being chased by an unknown group of men. Quickly, the stranger clambers into the buckboard and flattens himself on the floor.

[Murchison]

That's it. I'm a skeet. Sling that tarpaulin over him.

[Martha Gleason]

Yeah, I got a sk.

[Murchison]

I'm under.

[Martha Gleason]

Get your boot out of sight.

[Murchison]

Find the spurs.

[Great Arrow]

Corner.

[Murchison]

Hacky, slap up that pony of his. Send him down the road.

[Great Arrow]

Penal Shave. Get up there.

[Murchison]

All right, now let's ride on just like nothing happened. Get up.

[Great Arrow]

Get up. Here they come, Steve. Yeah.

[Murchison]

Hey, you going above board.

[Great Arrow]

Right up there. That ain't him, Mason.

[Murchison]

You gents must be after somebody mighty bad with all those guns you're toten.

[Great Arrow]

I'll do the talking, mister.

[Murchison]

Seen anybody come by? Who, for instance?

[Great Arrow]

A thieving skunk named Gleason.

[Murchison]

What's he done? Robbed a bank?

[Great Arrow]

Never mind what he's done now. Speak up now.

[Murchison]

No need to threaten, mister. He was riding a black horse.

[Great Arrow]

Yeah, that's him. Which way?

[Murchison]

There's a black horse heading down the trail this minute. Just left us where you showed up.

[Great Arrow]

He's right. See that cloud of dust? Huh? Yeah. Come on, boys. Use your spurs. We'll get him. Hey, that was mighty slick, Steve.

[Murchison]

Stay away from that tarpaulin, Paki. Now, Mesquite, both of you act like nothing has happened. Savvy? It's almost dark already. Just keep going like we was before. Understand?

[Martha Gleason]

Sure do, Steve.

[Great Arrow]

Get up there. Whoa.

[Murchison]

All right, it's full dark now. Let's find out what this is all about. You can come out now, mister. Hey, Gleason.

[Great Arrow]

Baby's asleep. Steve.

[Narrator]

Becky.

[Murchison]

Anybody who can sleep in that wagon must be plum tuckered out. Glacen.

[Martha Gleason]

Want me to rouse him up, Steve?

[Murchison]

Yeah, Mesquite. Just hoist that tarp, will you? Yeah, I got it, Glen. It's dark now. There's nothing to Gleon, Steve.

[Martha Gleason]

I'll be hook Tight and brandy. He ain't here at all. He's gone.

[Narrator]

There was no sign of the missing man. And Steve, Mesquite and Packy finally went on to the broken pole. They were talking about it just before they turned in.

[Martha Gleason]

You sure, you two vet nuff fiddles, Mesquite.

[Great Arrow]

I couldn't cram down another bite. Me too. That there sweet potato pie was your.

[Narrator]

Best ever at mighty curious about that Gleason gent.

[Murchison]

Struck me as an honest hombre.

[Great Arrow]

Shame here, Steve.

[Murchison]

Must have slipped over the tailboard while all of us was looking up the trail.

[Martha Gleason]

The ones I'm curious about of the gents that was after him, Steve, that. What was his name? Murchison?

[Great Arrow]

Yeah.

[Murchison]

Mesquite. Kind of ornery, didn't he?

[Martha Gleason]

As ornery as a Curly horn steer. And so the rest of them toting all that hardware just to track down one poor man. I tell you, Steve.

[Great Arrow]

Hey, front door. Now. Who in blazes?

[Martha Gleason]

Middle of the night this way?

[Murchison]

The best way is to find out.

[Great Arrow]

Well, whoever it was, you ain't knocking now. No.

[Murchison]

Huh?

[Martha Gleason]

Nobody here.

[Great Arrow]

Aquino. Porch is as empty as a used gopher hole. I don't see.

[Murchison]

Don't waste bullets, Paki. Whoever slung them shots is long gone by now.

[Great Arrow]

Steve.

[Martha Gleason]

Packy.

[Murchison]

What is it?

[Martha Gleason]

M. Look right here on the door.

[Great Arrow]

Well, that's your note.

[Murchison]

Let's see that. Stay where you belong. And don't come nosing around Cheyenne County.

[Martha Gleason]

Steve, look there at the bottom.

[Murchison]

Yeah, Ms. Keith. It's signed the Black Mask.

[Great Arrow]

Steve. My dear Tuck. I waited till Miss Beach Light went out. Steve, Horses already saddled and wait.

[Murchison]

Loud up.

[Great Arrow]

Steady now.

[Murchison]

Black Mask, huh? Well, partner, let's head for Sundown Valley. I'm curious to find out what happens when the Black Mask meets up with Straight Arrow.

[Great Arrow]

Get up.

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[Narrator]

A mysterious valley. A hidden cave known only to Steve Adams and Paki. Its walls glitter with gold. And in the cave stands the great golden Palomino Fury.

[Murchison]

Easy there, Fury now.

[Narrator]

Out of these clothes, a Comanche bow and arrows hang on the wall. There is Comanche war paint. In a moment, Steve Adams, rancher, is gone. And in his place, Teddy Curry.

[Murchison]

It is I, Great Arrow.

[Narrator]

A clatter of hoops in the vast vaulted cave. An Indian war hoop that rings from the glittering rock. Out into the open gallops the great bold and palomino Fury. And riding fairbag clad an Indian guard.

[Murchison]

From head to row.

[Narrator]

Great Arrow won that trail of Justice.

[Murchison]

House and Cheyenne County. Cheyenne Tony and the mysterious Black Maniper. Pink Pennywise.

[Narrator]

Cheyenne county was raw New territory open to cattle raising only a few years before. Longhorns grazed on the tall prairie grass. There were no fences and few water holes. And as for law and order, there was none. Instead, there was fear. Fear of a mysterious group known as the Black Mask.

[Murchison]

What is that you say you are moving out of this territory?

[Great Arrow]

Hey, that's right, Injun. Lock, stock and barrel. It's that blast Black Mask. That's what it is. Swooping down on peaceful folks at night. Shots ringing out of the darkness, threatening innocent ranchers. I never want to see this place again. Dunno who it is. Red Man. Cattle slaughter down the range. Water holes poisoned. Prairie fire sweeping down, burning my house. The black man everywhere.

[Narrator]

Wherever the red man and Paki went, it was the same story. Settlers selling out and leaving because of threats from the black mass. And no one could name the leader of the outfit. Not until Straight Arrow and Paki ran across Murchison, the man who had led the posse after Gleason. Murchison owned a small ranch in the valley. And he made Straight Arrow wealth.

[Great Arrow]

Eh, red man? I heard plenty about you. Been in the county a couple of days now, ain't you?

[Murchison]

That is so, Murchison.

[Great Arrow]

Been over to Gleason's place yet?

[Narrator]

No.

[Murchison]

I heard Gleason has disappeared.

[Great Arrow]

Ah, he's the ringleader. This outfit I'm plums hurting over.

[Murchison]

That is why you were after him?

[Great Arrow]

Yeah. Me and some of the other ranchers. All we found was a riderless pony.

[Murchison]

Then perhaps Gleason has left the county.

[Great Arrow]

His wife, too. Marry a chance red man.

[Murchison]

He is married?

[Great Arrow]

Yeah. At a place at the far end of the valley. Mister, what makes you so all fired? Shartin Grecians heading up this year. Flak Mask out there. I know he is because he wants to grab off all the reins, that's why.

[Murchison]

One moment, Murchison. Some have already left. Who bought their land?

[Great Arrow]

Who?

[Murchison]

Yes, that would prove clearly who is after the land, Red man.

[Great Arrow]

That's just it. Nobody knows who buys it. Nobody knows why. That's loco. They got a sign, don't they? They sign right enough, but they don't know who they're selling to see. When they're frightened enough, they wake up to find a bill of sale on their doorstep.

[Murchison]

I see. They sign over their land and leave the bill of sale behind.

[Great Arrow]

Sometimes they find cash on the doorstep with a note. Sometimes they're so scared they just sign over and skedaddle without a saying. But I'm holding out, red man. That Black Mask been after me plenty.

[Murchison]

Of times.

[Great Arrow]

Now who's that? A yo. Hey, look, look. He threw something.

[Murchison]

A rock and around.

[Great Arrow]

Let me see that. A piece of paper wrapped around a bill of sale and a note. Sign or die. The black man. That was police. And I tell you he ain't disappeared. He's hiding out around here somewhere.

[Murchison]

How can you be certain, Murchison?

[Great Arrow]

A horse, that's how. That was his horse.

[Murchison]

We shall soon find out. Here, Fury.

[Great Arrow]

Come here, you.

[Murchison]

End of the saddle.

[Great Arrow]

Tacky. Get up there. I hope you find him, red man.

[Murchison]

Yeah, I hope we have find him.

[Great Arrow]

Straight. Eric.

[Murchison]

Yes, my friend? A black horse. The one we saw and lying beside him. Steady.

[Great Arrow]

I can't. Wearing a black mask. Is it recent?

[Murchison]

We shall soon find out. Yes, Packy, listen well.

[Great Arrow]

I'll be dog. So he is the Black Mask, huh? His horse must have tripped.

[Martha Gleason]

Leave him alone.

[Great Arrow]

A female.

[Martha Gleason]

Leave my husband alone. Mount your horse as you go, or this time I'll shoot right at you instead of just warning you.

[Great Arrow]

Go. Do you hear?

[Martha Gleason]

Not the black Mask. I don't care what anybody says. He's not.

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[Narrator]

Terrors running wild through Cheyenne County. But it looks as if Straight Arrow may have caught up with the mysterious Black Mask. Yes, it could be Gleason. Then again. Well, let's leave the solution to that master troubleshooter, Straight Arrow. Right now, I'm interested in getting all you Straight Arrow fans signed up on the Hearty Breakfasters list. With good Nabisco Shredded Wheat, of course. Yes, Nabisco Shredded Wheat is mighty good for you. It's extra helpful, extra nourishing because it's made from the whole grain. You'll get lots of energy when you set yourself a daily routine of Nabisco Shredded Wheat for breakfast. Ask mother to buy the original Shredded Wheat Nisco Shredded Wheat in The Niagara Falls package tomorrow. And hold on. It's not too late to get in on that Straight Arrow headband offer. Listen at the end of the program for instructions, if you haven't sent for yours already. In lawless Cheyenne county, the settlers are selling out and fleeing in pitch panic, terrorized out of their homesteads and ranches by a mysterious band of cutthroats led by a man who rides a black horse and wears a black mask. One rancher named Murchison, who apparently refuses to knuckle under, tells Straight Arrow he is certain the Black Mask is another rancher named Gleason. And when the red man takes up the chase to find Gleason unconscious beside a black horse, a black mask on his face, it appears that Murchison is right. But before Straight Arrow and Paki can do more than kneel beside the man, there's a shot. And out of the brush steps Gleeson's wife, smoking gun in hand.

[Martha Gleason]

My husband's not the Black Mask. I don't care who you are. You make one move and I pull this trigger again. This time I won't miss.

[Murchison]

You are Mrs. Gleason.

[Martha Gleason]

Who set you on my husband's train?

[Murchison]

A man on a black horse threw a threatening note on Murchison's porch. Packie and I came after him.

[Martha Gleason]

Murchison. Everybody around here believes Murchison. Dale. Dale, you're all right.

[Murchison]

Come on. Where am I? You are near your home. Gleason. Tell me you are the Black Mask. Gleason. I don't know what you're talking about.

[Great Arrow]

You had a mask on your face. And that horse of yours.

[Murchison]

Ain't I seen you before?

[Great Arrow]

I reckon you have. Gleason, what happened to you after you took shelter in the buckboard?

[Murchison]

That's it.

[Martha Gleason]

Martha, dear, you know these two?

[Murchison]

The white man? I've never before seen the rest.

[Great Arrow]

You skipped out, didn't you?

[Murchison]

Yeah, I did. As soon as it turned dark. I never thanked you, Mason. That is not important. Are you the Black Mask? No. No, I tell.

[Martha Gleason]

Where have you been these past few days? I. I've been frantic, Martha.

[Great Arrow]

I don't know.

[Murchison]

You do not know. I swear to heaven I don't. Slipped out of this dance buckboard. I figured I'm heading for home. I left the trail sadden. I was walking in the dark. Something hit me. Next thing I knew, I woke up. A prisoner. Where? I don't know. I was tired, gagged.

[Martha Gleason]

But how'd you get here, Martha?

[Murchison]

I don't know that.

[Great Arrow]

You mean you went unconscious again?

[Murchison]

I Was hit again. Stranger. When I like a light. Know a thing till just now. Listen, will you swear to this? I'll swear to it. Then swear. By this you mean that Comanche headband of yours? The red feather? Headband of the Comanche. Here, take it. Now swear, red man. I swear by the red feather. Headband of the Comanche. There they be.

[Great Arrow]

It's a red man in the street area. He's got a gang with him. Ah, Red man. Good work, gents. I told you I spotted them in the moonlight. That's Blinkson.

[Martha Gleason]

Right.

[Murchison]

Now what are you going to do?

[Great Arrow]

We're taking them away and giving them a try. Trial.

[Martha Gleason]

A trial. Well, who's your judge and jury?

[Great Arrow]

We're our own judge and jury.

[Murchison]

Ain't that so, boy?

[Great Arrow]

You can't. You can't.

[Murchison]

I'm innocent. I'm not the Black Mask.

[Great Arrow]

You hear that, boys? How about it, red man? You and your sidekick find him here. We found him beside that black stallion of his. Wearing a black mask.

[Martha Gleason]

Red man, please.

[Murchison]

I am sorry, Mrs. Gleason. I must speak the truth. Yes, Murchison.

[Great Arrow]

Well, that's all we need to know. On your feet, Gleason. We're taking you into town. We're putting you under guard. And tomorrow morning, we'll hold trial in front of the whole town. And we'll hang you for the Black Mask. Grab him, gents.

[Narrator]

In spite of Martha Gleason's pleas, her husband was hustled off to Cheyenne and placed under guard in the back room of the Cheyenne Cafe. A short time later, Mrs. Gleason had a visitor.

[Martha Gleason]

No, Ms. Gleason, you don't know me from Adam, but I know all about you. Who are you? How'd you get here? Mesquite Molly's. My handle is my buckboard. Your husband disappeared from. As for how I got here, well, I just come. You're a friend. Paki. That's right. After him and Steve got warned to keep out of Cheyenne county affairs, I figured they'd get hopping mad and head right over. So I done the same. Don't know what's happened to Steve, but. Package here? Yes, he is. If it hadn't been for him and that Straight Arrow, my husband would never have been captured. Yeah, I heard about that, but you got the wrong I.D. martha. About what? About Straight Arrow, that's what. He helps them who's in trouble. He don't hinder them. My husband's under guard. They think he's the black man. And he ain't. No, no. And don't you fret, Straight Arrow saving? I don't know, but he will. I don't believe it. He's trying to help my husband. Where is he? That's what I want to know. Where is he?

[Great Arrow]

Straight here. I don't savvy what we're doing here. You say we're calling on a gent named Chandler?

[Murchison]

This is his home, my friend.

[Great Arrow]

But what's he got to do with this here Black Mask business?

[Murchison]

You shall find out in a moment.

[Great Arrow]

Straighter. I can't figure this out. Do you reckon that Gleason Gentle is the Black Master, or don't you?

[Murchison]

You are, Chandler.

[Great Arrow]

Yeah, who wants to.

[Murchison]

Oh, snap.

[Great Arrow]

Ray Arry. See, I seen you around town this evening.

[Murchison]

Anything I can do for you, Chandler? You are the recorder of deeds for Cheyenne County.

[Great Arrow]

I handle the land office, if that's what you mean.

[Murchison]

When ranches and homesteads are bought and sold, the sales must be recorded.

[Great Arrow]

With you now, they're supposed to be.

[Murchison]

Red men, but, hey, I see what you get.

[Great Arrow]

You mean all them places where folks moved out because of the Black Mask?

[Murchison]

Yes, there are many such read errors.

[Great Arrow]

Almost every property in the valley. Why, the only folks who ain't been scared out is Murchison and Slagel and a few more.

[Murchison]

And Gleason, my friend.

[Great Arrow]

Yeah, but seeing how Gleason's the hombre who done it.

[Murchison]

That has not yet been proved.

[Great Arrow]

Oh, he's the black man spright enough.

[Narrator]

Who is?

[Murchison]

If he ain't the man who now has possession of the bills of sale.

[Great Arrow]

Nobody's seen him yet.

[Murchison]

None have come to you, Mary.

[Great Arrow]

One. But of course. Gleason would be smarter than to show up with him now. That'd be all that's needed to clinch things. He'd hang for sure.

[Murchison]

Is it not surprising no one has searched for them?

[Great Arrow]

I don't savvy.

[Murchison]

Tomorrow morning there shall be a trial. The best evidence is those bills of sale yet. Where are they?

[Great Arrow]

Say, that's so. I'm surprised Murchison didn't think of that.

[Murchison]

Someone should go to Gleason's home and search for them.

[Great Arrow]

Sure. Sure, they should.

[Murchison]

You go to bed now, Chandler.

[Great Arrow]

Well, I was red man. But if you figure I ought to.

[Murchison]

Spread the word, perhaps you should.

[Great Arrow]

Yeah. Yeah. Good night.

[Murchison]

Good night, Chandler.

[Narrator]

When dawn came, Straight Arrow and Paki were some distance from town. Concealed in the brush. Ahead of them was a clearing. And beyond the clearing, a sod house.

[Great Arrow]

Straight here. How long we gonna watch this here place of distance? The trial ought to be startin Mind you, patience.

[Murchison]

Packing it.

[Great Arrow]

Ms. Gleason and Mesquite Molly already headed into town. And we been doing nothing but hiding out here.

[Narrator]

Two of em.

[Great Arrow]

Going into Gleason's place. Well, it's about time somebody started searching for them bills of sale.

[Murchison]

Yes, about time. Steady, Fury. Now come, my friend. We too shall enter Gleason's home. Hurry.

[Great Arrow]

There they are. Straight. I can spot them through the window. They're searching around for. Well, I'll be barbecued to a fresher. Do you see what I see?

[Murchison]

Yes, Patty. Now through the door. No, you do not. You will not drop the gun. Then take this. Now, quickly. Paki. Take the bills of sale from his hand. Now, both of these men, we take them back to town at once. Unless we get there in time, the trial may be over.

[Martha Gleason]

Oh, Mesquite, it's the jury. They're coming out. Ah, now, Martha. Easy now. Maybe they'll set him free. Oh, they won't. I know they won't. First, when I saw that Murchison wasn't here and Slagle drawn the trial, I was sort of hopeful.

[Great Arrow]

But now I listen.

[Murchison]

Stand up, Slagle. I'm innocent, I tell you.

[Great Arrow]

Jane had no real evidence. We had all the evidence we need. No, you ain't.

[Murchison]

I was a Black Mass. I'd had those bills of sale, wouldn't I?

[Great Arrow]

Shut up. You're his hair, Gleason. And there ain't but one verdict. You're the black mask. And our verdict is you hang by.

[Martha Gleason]

The neck and kill you.

[Murchison]

What's that?

[Martha Gleason]

Martha? Martha. That sounds like an incorrect. My thunder. It is. It's Straight Arrow. He come riding right into the roof. The red man. And he's got Murchison with him.

[Murchison]

All of you, listen to me. Gleeson is innocent. Yes, innocent. He is not the black mask. The man who wore the black mask is Murchison.

[Martha Gleason]

Murchison.

[Great Arrow]

It is so. Murchison. Speak up. The red man's local. Speak up.

[Murchison]

Yes, speak, Murchison. Tell them how you and Slagle and your hired hands terrorized your neighbors as the Black Mass. Tell them how you scheme to frame Gleason for your own crimes.

[Great Arrow]

That's a lie, Murchison.

[Murchison]

Tell Glisten. This morning, Packy and I were on watch. Two men came to Gleason's home. Murchison and Chandler.

[Great Arrow]

Sure they did. To find the bills of sale.

[Narrator]

And I got them.

[Great Arrow]

You hold them right there in your hand?

[Murchison]

Yes, I hold them in my hand. But Murchison did not find them at Gleason's home. He had them in his pocket. Chandler, tell them.

[Great Arrow]

That's right, gents. Murchison took me along as a witness. He figured on slipping them out of his pocket when I wasn't looking and pretending like he just discovered him. But the Red man had it all figured out. He busted in, I whirled around and there was Murchison, caught red handed.

[Murchison]

Well, Murchison, speak up. Speak here.

[Great Arrow]

Yeah, I. I confess. I'm the ring leader of the Black Mask.

[Murchison]

But Schlegel was in on it too.

[Great Arrow]

What are we waiting for?

[Murchison]

Grab them varmints.

[Great Arrow]

Grab every one of them. Now on this valley spree to everyone who wants to live it. Hey, that's it, chicks. Wrestle them good. Tie him up, Fronto, and ride him.

[Martha Gleason]

Out of here on the rail. Y saved your life. Straight Arrow saved your life. Laurie, please look at Straight Arrow setting his horse as cam as you please. When'll I tell Steve Adams what he missed? It seems to me every time something exciting happens, Steve Adams ain't nowheres around. Only Straight Arrow.

[Narrator]

How about it, Straight Arrow fans? Who's going to be the first lucky boy or girl on your block to wear a genuine Straight Arrow headband? All you have to do is write in for one tonight. It's a wonderful gift offer. No money needed. Just send in one box top from the Niagara Falls package of Nabisco Shredded Wheat to Nabisco Shredded Wheat, Department E. E as in Edward, Box 2 6, New York, 8, NY. Be sure to include your name and address. In a few days you'll be wearing the red feather headband, Straight Arrow's own symbol of bravery. The very headband on which Gleason bowed his innocence tonight. Remember that address, Nabisco Shredded Wheat, Department E as in Edward, Box 2 6, New York 8, New York. Send in your Nabisco Shredded Wheat box top and get that gaily feathered official Indian headband. Plus a guide to Indian sign language and a membership card in the Straight Arrow tribe. A special gift from Straight Arrow and Nabisco Threaded Wheat. This offer is good in the United States only. More Thrilling adventures of the Old West. Ride with Straight Arrow and remember, N A, B I S C O. Nabisco is a name to know. For a breakfast you can't beat, try Nabisco Shredded Wheat. Listen again Tuesday and Thursday at 5 o'clock over most of these same stations for another adventure with Ray Arrow. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[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 the following ranch hand, Steve 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 copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.