Birds of a Feather | Tales of the Texas Rangers (01-06-52)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns: "Birds of a Feather | Tales of the Texas Rangers"

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Title: Birds of a Feather
Original Air Date: January 6, 1952
Release Date: April 30, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rhynes presents "Birds of a Feather," an authentic reenactment from the archives of the Texas Rangers. Starring Joel McCray as the steadfast Ranger Jace Pearson, the story delves into a complex case involving betrayal, desperation, and cunning tactics in the unforgiving landscape of Baker, Texas.

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Plot Overview

The narrative begins on a cold, rainy night in Baker, Texas, where a car halts near Union High School with two men, Freddie and Ben, conspiring over a risky job set for the following morning.

Freddie (00:44): "We've got it set for 8:45 this morning. You come down this street heading for the school. We'll be right here waiting for him."

Their dialogue reveals tension and fear as Freddie doubts the success of their plan, highlighting the human element amidst the impending crime.

Ranger Jace Pearson is introduced when a farmer discovers an unconscious man, Fred Meader, near a side road. Pearson joins Sheriff Holmes in the hospital to investigate.

Ranger Pearson (06:51): "Hello, Sheriff."

Upon examining Meader, Pearson learns that he was en route to somewhere significant, not merely passing through Baker. The plot thickens as Meader, before succumbing to his injuries, mentions the name John Warren, a respected citizen in the town.

Fred Meader (08:36): "John Warren."

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Key Investigations and Confrontations

Pearson and Sheriff Holmes visit John Warren's residence to question him about his possible connection to Meader's shooting. Initially, Warren denies any involvement, expressing sorrow over the incident.

Ranger Pearson (10:21): "I'm afraid this isn't a social call, Mr. Warren."

However, inconsistencies arise when it is revealed that Meader, along with his associates Ben Morphy and Joe Wills, previously worked for Warren's oil company—a detail that Warren tries to dismiss.

Ranger Pearson (12:15): "Fred Meader had a record. Three convictions for larceny, filling station jobs."

The tension escalates when Warren admits that his son, Johnny, has been kidnapped, compelling him to comply with the kidnappers' demands.

John Warren (14:18): "I've got a son. Young Johnny. But they're gonna kill him. My boy."

Ranger Pearson devises a strategic plan involving the use of homing pigeons to trace the kidnappers' location, enlisting the help of an air unit to maintain communication and ensure the operation's success.

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Climactic Showdown

As the plan unfolds, Pearson and Sheriff Holmes ride towards Copper Canyon, anticipating the exchange. Their vigilance pays off when they approach the Martinez shack, a secluded location chosen by the kidnappers.

Upon confrontation, they discover the gang's clever use of pigeons to transport money, confirming the sophistication of the criminals.

Ranger Pearson (21:44): "We'll be watching. I hope they think they're pretty safe."

The encounter becomes intense as bullets are fired, resulting in injuries to both the Sheriff and the gang members. Amidst the chaos, they successfully rescue Johnny, bringing the culprits to justice.

Chief Deputy (26:57): "Long trip to Huntsville and you're walking the first part."

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Conclusion and Aftermath

The episode concludes with Ben Morphy's confession to Fred Meader's murder, leading to his conviction and eventual execution.

Narrator (28:53): "Soon after the arrest, Ben Morphy confessed to the killing of the third member of the gang, Fred Meader. He was tried and convicted on dual counts of kidnapping and first-degree murder. On August 31, 1941, he died in the electric chair at Huntsville Penitentiary."

The episode not only showcases Ranger Pearson's unwavering dedication but also emphasizes the relentless pursuit of justice by the Texas Rangers.

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Production Notes

• Cast:

  • Joel McCray as Ranger Jace Pearson
  • Tony Barrett, Bill Conrad, Ed Begley, Ernie Newton, Bill Johnstone as supporting characters

• Technical Advisor: Captain MT Lone Wolf Gonzalez of the Texas Rangers

• Writer: Charles E. Israel

• Producer/Director: Stacy Kel

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Notable Quotes

• Freddie (00:44): "We got it set for 8:45 this morning. You come down this street heading for the school. We'll be right here waiting for him."
  [Freddie and Ben discuss their plan, revealing the stakes and Freddie's apprehensions.]

• Fred Meader (08:36): "John Warren."
  [Before his death, Meader implicates a key figure, deepening the mystery.]

• John Warren (14:18): "I've got a son. Young Johnny. But they're gonna kill him. My boy."
  [Warren's desperation becomes evident as he pleads for his son's safety.

• Ranger Pearson (21:44): "We'll be watching. I hope they think they're pretty safe."
  *[Pearson underscores the Rangers' resolve to capture the kidnappers.]

• Narrator (28:53): "Soon after the arrest, Ben Morphy confessed to the killing of the third member of the gang, Fred Meader."
  *[The resolution of the case is succinctly delivered, highlighting the outcome of justice.]

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Final Thoughts

"Birds of a Feather | Tales of the Texas Rangers" is a quintessential Old Time Radio Western that masterfully blends suspense, drama, and the rugged charm of the Wild West. Through meticulous storytelling and authentic character portrayal, the episode offers listeners an immersive experience into the challenges faced by lawmen in maintaining order and justice in tumultuous times.

For fans of classic Westerns and radio dramas, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Texas Rangers and their pivotal role in shaping law enforcement narratives.

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Transcript

[Unknown]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and this episode of OTRWesterns.com is brought to you by. Now, let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Tales of the Texas Rangers. Original Air date is January 6, 1952 and the title is Birds of a Feather. Hope you enjoy and again, thanks for listening.

[Unknown]

Tales of the Texas Rangers, starring Joel McCray as Ranger Jace Pearson. Another authentic reenactment of a case transcribed from the files of the Texas Rangers. Names, dates and places in the following story are fictitious for obvious reasons. The events themselves are a matter of record. Right now I'd like to give you some of the listening highlights of tomorrow's Monday night of music on NBC. The life and music of Franz Schubert is the basis for the Railroad Hours presentation of Blossom Time tomorrow Evening starring Gordon McRae and Nadine Connor. Blossom Time is one of Sigmund Romberg's most famous musical romances. Be sure to hear it tomorrow as presented by the Railroad Hour. Also tomorrow evening over most of these stations, the Telephone Hour welcomes Lily Paws, famous Metropolitan Opera star, as the initial Telephone hour guest of 1952. Ms. Paws continues the schedule of appearances that have made her one of the favorite soloists heard over this distinguished program. Ms. Pawns will present as her featured selection an aria for which she is particularly noted, the lovely Bell song from the opera Lotme, while Donald Voorhees in the Telephone Hour Orchestra lists among their pieces the Gay Festival at Baghdad by Arimsky Korsakoff. And now back to Tales of the Texas Rangers. And now, from the files of the Texas Rangers, the case called Birds of a feather. It is 3 o'clock in the morning of February 23, 1940. The cold rain is falling in the town of Baker, Texas. A car drives slowly through the darkness, comes to a stop near the Union High School. The two occupants sit looking up the street toward the school grounds. Hold down the window, Freddie. You can see better. What? Oh, sure, Ben, sure. We got it set for 8:45 this morning. You come down this street heading for the school. We'll be right here waiting for him. Have it. Suppose, don't you? He will. Ain't. I've been checking it every day for a week. Yeah, but suppose. I don't suppose something goes wrong. Nothing's gonna go wrong. Joe's out the shack now. We want to have everything ready for him. You'll be driving then. What's the matter with you, Freddie? You ain't even listening. Sure, sure. Heard of a word to say. What did I say? Joe's out at the shack and what? What? Guess I must have missed. Yeah, you must have. You're scared, ain't you, Freddy, ain't you? Okay, so I'm scared. Who wouldn't be on a job like this? Look, Ben, why don't we stick to filling station? We're making a living. Living? 15 bucks here, 20 there. What kind of living is that? We'll get more off this job than we hitting a hundred.

[Joel McCray]

Filling station.

[Unknown]

I don't like it, Ben. I just don't like it. Let's get out of here. Roll up your weapon. All right. I tell you something, Freddy. Joe ain't gonna be happy when he finds out you've been crying like this. I know, but. Shut up and listen. This thing we got planned, it's big. We can't afford no slip ups. Just relax. Three of us always done all right. Sure, but we never tried nothing like this before. Oh, sure, if it goes okay, you win a lot. But if. If you lose, it's for good. We ain't gonna lose. Well, I. Okay, B. You're set for the job. I won't argue. Only I'm pulling out. You're what? Well, I can't help it if I'm scared, can I? Why don't you say something? Look, Ben, you and Joe can handle a job. It don't need three men. I might just louse you up. Yeah, yeah, you just might. Well, I wouldn't do you no good feeling like I do, you know. I'll catch a train back to Dallas this morning. Sure, Freddie, sure. I wouldn't want you to do nothing you're scared of. Oh, I'm sure glad you feel that way, Ben. I was afraid you'd be so. Me, Freddie. No. We've been through too much together for me to get so at you. Now if you don't want to. What's the matter, Ben? The car feels funny. Must be this old road. No, it ain't the road. Feels like the back tire's flat. Maybe I better stop. Get the flash out of the dashboard and take a look, huh, Freddy? All right. You see anything? Right there. Looks okay. Sure, it's wet out here. What about this? And bring a light over. All right. Well, that looks okay, too. I. Can you imagine things, Ben? Yeah, I'm with a flash, Freddy. Sure. Yeah. Now let's get. Ben, what you doing with the gu. You were right, Freddy. Joe and me can't handle the job alone. We don't need you, Ben. No. Like you said yourself, you might louse us up. But I said I was leaving town. You never hear from me again. Yeah, but you'll know about the job, Freddy. You'll know who done it. Man, don't be crazy short. A farmer on his way to town noticed a man lying in some brush by the side of the road. He was still alive but unconscious. While an ambulance took him to the hospital in Baker, the sheriff requested the assistance of a Texas Ranger. Ranger Jace Pearson was assigned joining the sheriff in the hospital waiting room an hour later.

[Joel McCray]

Hello, Sheriff.

[Unknown]

Howdy, Jace. Glad you could make it so quick.

[Joel McCray]

Over the next county. This man who was shot, is he still alive?

[Unknown]

Just barely. Doc said he'd call me if there's any change.

[Joel McCray]

Find any identification?

[Unknown]

Draft card we found on him said Fred Meader gave his home as Dallas.

[Joel McCray]

You ever see him around before?

[Unknown]

No. He might have been just passing through. Baker.

[Joel McCray]

Report I got said he was found on a side road outside of town. That's right.

[Unknown]

About two miles up the old Copper Canyon road.

[Joel McCray]

Probably wasn't just passing through then. Sounds more like he was heading for someplace around here.

[Unknown]

Maybe you're right. I'm hoping he can tell us about it directly.

[Joel McCray]

I better send his name and description into headquarters. Anyhow, maybe they can give us a lead.

[Unknown]

Here's the doc now. Anything new, doc? You and arranger better come with me, sheriff. Sure. Come on.

[Joel McCray]

Jace is meter conscious, doctor?

[Unknown]

Not yet, but there's a chance he may be any minute.

[Joel McCray]

You think he'll be able to talk?

[Unknown]

If he regains consciousness at all, he'll probably be able to talk. Think he might die without coming to? That's possible. He's lost a lot of blood and the bullets entered his left lung. Here we are. You can leave him now, nurse. I'll stay with him. Looks the same as you did a while back, dad. Not quite. Pulse a little weaker, respiration slower. I'm afraid he's just about finished.

[Joel McCray]

No chance of his pulling through.

[Unknown]

Sounds like he's coming too.

[Joel McCray]

How about a doc?

[Unknown]

Well, sometimes just before then they do. You see? He's opening his eyes.

[Joel McCray]

Sorry if I talk to him now.

[Unknown]

Certainly.

[Joel McCray]

Fred, can you hear me?

[Unknown]

I think he did hear you. Jeez, who shot your friend? Tell us who shot you. Look, J.C. he's trying to say something. Yeah. John Warren. John Warren.

[Joel McCray]

Just a minute, Cheer.

[Unknown]

I'm sorry, Ranger.

[Joel McCray]

Yeah. Thanks, doctor. Let's go, sheriff. You know the name John Warren, sheriff?

[Unknown]

Sure do. Jace. This meet a fella. He's all wrong. Why, John Warren's one of the leading citizens in Baker.

[Joel McCray]

Does he live nearby?

[Unknown]

About a mile out of town. Jace, this don't make sense. I know John well. He wouldn't have any connection with a kid like that.

[Joel McCray]

That's something we better make sure of. Come on, Sheriff. We're going to visit Mr. Warren. It was 9:30am when we left the hospital. I phoned headquarters, gave him all the information I had on Fred Meter and asked for report as quickly as possible. Then we headed for John Warren's home. It was a rambling ranch type house set back in the low hills just outside town. Mr. Warren opened the door for us and himself.

[Unknown]

Howdy, John. Well, Sheri, this is a pleasant surprise. Come in, come in. Thanks. This is Ranger Pearson, John. Howdy, Ranger. Come on over here by the fire. Well, sit down, sit down. Yeah, sure glad you stopped by.

[Joel McCray]

I'm afraid this isn't a social call, Mr. Warren.

[Unknown]

Oh, well, no matter. Glad to see you anyhow. It gets lonely around here. Boys at school all day. You know, sometimes I think I shouldn't have retired so young. You and the sheriff. Want some coffee, Ranger?

[Joel McCray]

No, thanks. I'd like to ask you some questions, Mr. Warren.

[Unknown]

Well, sure, go ahead.

[Joel McCray]

Early this morning, a young man named Fred Meader was shot on a side road near Baker.

[Unknown]

That so? Well, sorry to hear it. Sorry to hear. Don't help the town to have things like that happen here. Oh, no reflection on you, Sheriff. You know who shot the fella?

[Joel McCray]

I'm coming to that. The sheriff and I were with him in the hospital. Just before he died, he mentioned your name.

[Unknown]

My name? Why, that's crazy. I didn't know this.

[Joel McCray]

Fred Meader?

[Unknown]

Yeah, Fred Meader. Never even heard of him. Well, Sheriff, you and me have been friends with near 10 years. Yeah. You don't believe this stuff, do you? He did mention your name, John. Well, I don't know what to say. I just don't know what to say.

[Joel McCray]

You haven't always lived around here, have you, Mr. Warren?

[Unknown]

No, no, I moved here 10 years ago after my wife died.

[Joel McCray]

Where'd you live before?

[Unknown]

Dallas. Got some oil leases near there.

[Joel McCray]

Fred Nieder was from Dallas, too. You sure you didn't know him?

[Unknown]

Ranger, you've got to believe me. I don't know what this is all about, but there's some mistake somewhere. That there's got to be.

[Joel McCray]

Maybe there is, Mr. Warren, but until we find out what it is, we'd like you to stay in town. Let's go, Sheriff. We drove back to the sheriff's Office. Arriving there just before noon. Sheriff went in to talk to his deputy while I stayed at the trailer to give Charcoal his feet bag. Five minutes later, I joined the sheriff in his office.

[Unknown]

Jeez, look at this, will you?

[Joel McCray]

What is it?

[Unknown]

Message from Austin. Deputy just gave it to me.

[Joel McCray]

Anything about Fred Meter?

[Unknown]

You bet there is. Fred Meader had a record. Three convictions for larceny, filling station jobs.

[Joel McCray]

Anything else?

[Unknown]

Yeah. Seems he worked with a gang. Picked up each time. Two other fellas. Ben Morphy and Joe Wills.

[Joel McCray]

That could be something we get out of, Pick up on them.

[Unknown]

There's something else, Jace. Fred Meader, Ben Morphine, Joe Wills. All worked at one time for the Warren Oil company.

[Joel McCray]

John Warren's outfit.

[Unknown]

That's it.

[Joel McCray]

Get your hat, Sheriff. I've just thought of a few more questions to ask Mr. Warren.

[Unknown]

Kind of funny he don't answer.

[Joel McCray]

His car's still in the garage. Try again, Sheriff.

[Unknown]

Who's here? Ranger Pearson.

[Joel McCray]

Sheriff Holmes.

[Unknown]

Go away. You better open up, John. I said go away. Reckon I had him all wrong, Jake.

[Joel McCray]

Let me handle it, Sheriff. All right, Mr. Warren. If you want it that way, we'll be back with a warrant for your arrest.

[Unknown]

Why do you want to come around bothering me? Why don't you go away and leave me be? Let us in, John. Hi. Come on.

[Joel McCray]

Why didn't you want to see us, Mr. Warren?

[Unknown]

I. I can't tell you.

[Joel McCray]

All right, we'll skip that for a minute. This morning you said you didn't know Fred Meader.

[Unknown]

That's right. How many times have I got to tell you?

[Joel McCray]

How about Ben Morphy and Joe Wills? You know them?

[Unknown]

I never heard of him. Why don't you go away and leave me be?

[Joel McCray]

Mr. Warren, all three of those men worked for your oil company.

[Unknown]

Well, maybe they did. Had hundreds of men working for me. I didn't know all the names. What's that got to do with.

[Joel McCray]

Have you forgotten that Fred Meader named you just before he died?

[Unknown]

No.

[Joel McCray]

You want to tell us why he did?

[Unknown]

All right, I'll tell you. I didn't know when you were here before. Now I do. It wasn't me that Meter was talking about. He said your name. John. I heard him. It wasn't my name. You ever stop to think that I. I've got a son. Young Johnny. But he's just a kid. Yeah, just a kid. And they're gonna kill him. My boy.

[Joel McCray]

Mr. Warren, they said if I told.

[Unknown]

The police, they'd kill him. I don't want him to die, Ranger. You hear me? I want My boy alive. Easy now, John. What's the. Don't you understand this. This note I just got. They've kidnapped my boy.

[Joel McCray]

Foreign.

[Unknown]

We will continue with Tales of the Texas Rangers, starring Joel McCray as Ranger Jace Pearson.

Here is an urgent message for all ship's radio officers. The Federal Maritime Administration is calling all former merchant marine radio officers to come back to sea. Right now, scores of ships are riding at Anchorage loaded and ready to sail. Their cargoes are vitally needed by our fighting forces and by our allies. Especially right now, the need for radio officers is acute. If you have had 6 months Merchant Marine radio operating experience since January 1935 on any kind of FCC license, the American Radio Association CIO will help you get an emergency license to ship out at once. You will earn more than $600 a month. Former radio men are urged to write, phone or wire to the American Radio Association, 5 Beekman Street, New York City, which will put you in touch with the port office nearest your home. Or go now to the American Radio Association, 5 Beekman Street, New York City. And now back to Tales of the Texas Rangers.

We continue now with Tales of the Texas Rangers and our authentic story, Birds of a Feather.

[Joel McCray]

The kidnap note had arrived in the mail that morning, but Warren had not picked it up until a few minutes before we arrived. It was a crudely printed message, unsigned and mailed the night before in Baker. It asked $10,000 for the return of the boy. The money was to be brought in 50 bills to a shack in Copper Canyon at 4 o'clock that afternoon. It was now 1:15. While we read the note, one paced back and forth across the room.

[Unknown]

John, walking back and forth like that ain't gonna do no good. Why don't you sit down? Sure, you can say that. It's not your boy that got out there in the cold. Now, John, that ain't fair. You know I feel bad about this. I'm lowy too, Sheriff. I. I'm sorry.

[Joel McCray]

Mr. Warren, are you sure they've actually picked up your son?

[Unknown]

Well, they must have. I called the school right after I got the note. Johnny never showed up there today.

[Joel McCray]

That means they've had him since before 9 this morning.

[Unknown]

What's the use of talking about it? Just let me leave the money and get my boy back.

[Joel McCray]

We'd like to help you get him back.

[Unknown]

You've read what it said in the note. If I bring the police in, they'll kill him.

[Joel McCray]

Mr. Warren, what I'm going to say will sound pretty blunt, but I want you to think about it.

[Unknown]

No, I can't think.

[Joel McCray]

Now, just a minute. You must believe that once the kidnappers get the money, they're going to take the trouble to bring your son back.

[Unknown]

Well, Ranger's right, John. They wouldn't do that. Too much risk getting caught. You mean it, even if I leave the money, that they'll kill Jolie?

[Joel McCray]

I'm not saying they will, but they might. Look at it this way, sure, the note said they'd bring your son back, but did it say when or how?

[Unknown]

Well, no.

[Joel McCray]

I've seen a lot of these cases, Mr. Warren. I know how tragically most of them end because the victim doesn't call in the police.

[Unknown]

All right. What do you want me to do?

[Joel McCray]

First of all, you've got to understand one thing. We'll do our best to help you, but it's humanly impossible to guarantee anything.

[Unknown]

I understand that, Ranger.

[Joel McCray]

Good. Now, let's see. It's 120. How long will it take us to get to Copper Canyon, Sheriff?

[Unknown]

Well, if we cut across the back of this ranch, shouldn't take us over 20 minutes on horses. Good.

[Joel McCray]

You got a horse for the sheriff, Mr. Warren?

[Unknown]

Sure have. Corral's full of them.

[Joel McCray]

Is there some place we can watch the shack without being seen?

[Unknown]

I reckon the best place would be along the rim of the canyon. It wouldn't spot us there.

[Joel McCray]

I don't suppose you have all that cash handy, Mr. Warren?

[Unknown]

I'll have to get it from the bank.

[Joel McCray]

You know any of the bank officials?

[Unknown]

Well, the president, one of my best friends.

[Joel McCray]

And get the money directly from him. Have him mark the bills and record the serial numbers.

[Unknown]

Well, he'll want to know why.

[Joel McCray]

Tell him. But ask him not to say anything to anybody. All right, Ringer, you'll be taken off now. You can ride to the canyon as soon as you have the money.

[Unknown]

You. You want me to leave it there, just like they said?

[Joel McCray]

That's right. We'll be watching. And we're going to count on catching whoever picks it. I contacted headquarters by radio and requested an area blockade of the region around Baker. Then the sheriff and I started off. It was 2 o'clock when we reached the rim of Copper Canyon. An icy wind was blowing in from the north. We dismounted and eased over to the edge of the ridge. The shack was clearly visible 200 yards below. We waited. At 355, we spotted Warren riding up the canyon.

[Unknown]

He's right on time, Jace. You reckon somebody's waiting for him in that shack?

[Joel McCray]

Maybe. Shouldn't be long before we Find out.

[Unknown]

Don't it strike you funny that they only ask 10,000, John? Must be worth close to a million. They could have got 50,000 easy.

[Joel McCray]

This is a small time larceny gang, Sheriff. 10,000 must look pretty big to them.

[Unknown]

Yeah. Poor John. Sure hope we can get that kid back to them.

[Joel McCray]

Gonna make a good try.

[Unknown]

There he goes. Open the door of the shack.

[Joel McCray]

Better get ready. There's anybody in there. We don't want to lose him.

[Unknown]

I'm ready. But one of the kidnappers is in there. You could pluck him easy with that rifle when he comes out.

[Joel McCray]

That wouldn't be any good, Sheriff. And we'd never find out where they're hiding the boy.

[Unknown]

There's John again. Jeez, he's waving at us to come down. Now what?

[Joel McCray]

Come on, Sheriff, let's go down and see what he wants.

[Unknown]

There's something I don't like about this, Jace. Why would John beckon us down here like he did?

[Joel McCray]

There's only one way to find out. We'll know in a minute.

[Unknown]

I don't see him around. He must have gone back into the shacky. Oh, boy.

[Joel McCray]

Be careful moving in, Sheriff. Maybe some kind of trap. Mr. Warren.

[Unknown]

It's all right, Ranger. Come on in. Look. Look what's in this cage. I'll be done. Pigeons. What's that strapped on their backs?

[Joel McCray]

Capsules to carry messages or money. A homing pigeon, Sheriff.

[Unknown]

I knew it wouldn't work. Ranger, these men are clever. They don't take chances.

[Joel McCray]

Do they leave any instructions?

[Unknown]

Yeah. Here, please. What you say, Jace?

[Joel McCray]

Mr. Warren's supposed to divide the money in 10 parts and put it in those capsules on the pigeons.

[Unknown]

Yes. And then I release the pigeons and they fly wherever the men are. We're lit, Ranger.

[Joel McCray]

I'm not so sure.

[Unknown]

But if I don't do like they say, they'll kill my boy.

[Joel McCray]

You'll do exactly as they say, Mr. Warren. As these pigeons are going to lead us to your son.

[Unknown]

But, Jace, we can't follow home and pigeons on horseback.

[Joel McCray]

Not alone, Sheriff. We're going to have help.

[Unknown]

What kind of help?

[Joel McCray]

A plane. I'll use that walkie talkie out there on my saddle. Have our nearest unit contact Austin. Ask him to send one of the ranger planes over here.

[Unknown]

Sounds like a good idea, Jakes. Suppose they do bring a plane in. How? That'll help you find my boy.

[Joel McCray]

We won't release the pigeons till the plane gets here. Then the air unit will keep radio contact with us and lead us to the place where the pigeons Land you.

[Unknown]

You reckon it'll work?

[Joel McCray]

I hope so. You stay here with Mr. Warren, Sheriff. I'll be back in 10 minutes. I rode to higher ground so my radio signal would carry. I contacted the highway patrol car. It relayed my message to Austin Headquarters. Said they could have unit 902, our Ranger plane, overhead in 25 minutes. Then I went down to the shack again. We waited.

[Unknown]

Lane should be getting here anytime now, Jace. I wish they'd hurry.

[Joel McCray]

Thought I heard it a second ago. Yeah, there it is. In from the southeast.

[Unknown]

Where? Oh, I see it now.

[Joel McCray]

How about the pigeons, Mr. Warren?

[Unknown]

They're all ready to go.

[Joel McCray]

Bring the cage out of the shack, will you, Sheriff?

[Unknown]

Sure. You think the plane sees us yet?

[Joel McCray]

I don't know, but I can call him now. Unit 10 to unit 902. Go ahead, unit 902.

[Unknown]

Unit 902 to unit 10. M directly above Copper Canyon.

[Joel McCray]

Indicate your position, unit 10. Next to shack at north end of canyon floor. Can you spot us?

[Unknown]

Gotcha. Relay instructions. Pigeons are all set, Jason.

[Joel McCray]

This unit will release 10 pigeons. Follow them and locate landing place. Request you maintain radio contact with us. Stand by for Release of pigeons.

[Unknown]

104. Unit 902 clear.

[Joel McCray]

All right, Sheriff. Open the cage and let the pigeons go.

[Unknown]

They're not wasting any time getting away. We've held it up too long. We're half an hour late now.

[Joel McCray]

Don't worry. Worry, Mr. Warren. The men are waiting. Probably think they're pretty safe.

[Unknown]

Pigeons are heading east, Jason.

[Joel McCray]

We're going to head in that direction, too. Get in touch with you as soon as possible, Mr. Warren. Let's go, Sheriff.

[Unknown]

Get up. Get out. We've been riding for over 10 minutes, Jace. Shouldn't we be hearing from your plane?

[Joel McCray]

He's probably got more than he can do just keeping his eye on those pigeons. We'll hear from him.

[Unknown]

I sure hope it soon gets dark early these days.

[Joel McCray]

It could be him coming in now. Unit 10 to 902.

[Unknown]

Go ahead. This unit has got off motor. I'm gliding to avoid detection. Is my signal clear? Signal clear.

[Joel McCray]

902.

[Unknown]

Pigeons are now landing at shack due east. Your former position, Jack. Located at base of hill where dry wash makes horseshoe Bend. That's the old Martinez shack, Jace. Been empty for years.

[Joel McCray]

Sounds like it's occupied now. Thanks, 902. We'll take it from here. Unit 10, clear. How far is the Martinez shack from here, Sheriff?

[Unknown]

Four miles. Maybe five at the most.

[Joel McCray]

And we got a knock on it, Sheriff. No telling what their plans are now. Get up, Char. Come on, boy.

[Unknown]

That's in case up ahead. Whoa. Whoa. Sharky. Oh, boy. Easy. Oh, boy. We didn't make it any too soon. Getting dark already.

[Joel McCray]

Better leave the horses here.

[Unknown]

Wonder if they're still inside the shack.

[Joel McCray]

There's your answer, Sheriff. Car hidden in that brush. Must have driven up this dry wash, huh?

[Unknown]

How do you figure to take him, James?

[Joel McCray]

They won't be expecting us. Best ways to break in and get him before they can hurt that boy.

[Unknown]

If they haven't heard him already. Yeah.

[Joel McCray]

When we get to the door, wait till I give the word to go in.

[Unknown]

Gotcha, Jace. Come on, pigeons. At least we know we got the right place, huh?

[Joel McCray]

You ready, Sheriff?

[Unknown]

What do you say now? Hey, Joe. The cops. Watch. Everything all right, Jason? Yeah. You sure clip this one. He's dead in the door nail.

[Joel McCray]

I think we just nicked the other one.

[Unknown]

Oh, I'm hurt. I'm hurt bad.

[Joel McCray]

It's only your shoulder.

[Unknown]

Where's the boy? In the back room.

[Joel McCray]

See if he's all right.

[Unknown]

Sure.

[Joel McCray]

Your name's Joe Wills.

[Unknown]

Oh, Joe's over there. Get me to a doctor, will you? Young Lauren's all right. Niece.

[Joel McCray]

I'm unkind.

[Unknown]

Good.

[Joel McCray]

You must be Ben Morphy.

[Unknown]

Yeah. Get me to a doctor. Oh, my shoulder.

[Joel McCray]

There's nothing wrong with your legs, Ben.

[Unknown]

Get up.

[Joel McCray]

Long trip to Huntsville and you're walking the first part.

[Unknown]

In just a moment, we will tell you the results of the case you have just heard.

There's man to man adventure in store for you Tuesday night with Cavalcade of America and the man called X. Gregory Peck will be heard as the prisoner named Brown when Cavalcade of America tells the story of the man who instituted widespread prison reforms by becoming a voluntary inmate. It was in 1931 that Thomas Osborne, a former mayor of Auburn, New York, visited the governor of New York to see what could be done to make Sing Sing more effective. He saw the same men return again and again for new prison sentences. Working from the point of view that prisons should be repair shops and not scrap heaps, he entered the prison to find out firsthand about the conditions in penal institutions. His discoveries and improvements led to his becoming warden of the self same prison in which he was a prisoner. You will hear this story Tuesday on the Cavalcade of America. And also on Tuesday over most NBC stations. Herbert Marshall takes over as the man called X with stories of intrigue in the far off corners of the world. Here, Herbert Marshall is the man called X Tuesday on this station of the NBC Radio Network. And now back to Tales of the Texas Rangers.

[Joel McCray]

And now here are the.

[Unknown]

Results of the case you have just heard. Soon after the arrest, Ben Morphy confessed to the killing of the third member of the gang, Fred Meader. He was tried and convicted on dual counts of kidnapping and first degree murder. On August 31, 1941, he died in the electric chair at Huntsville Penitentiary. Next week, Joel McRae in another authentic reenactment of a case from the files of the Texas Rangers, the cast included Tony Barrett, Bill Conrad, Ed Begley, Ernie Newton and Bill Johnstone. Technical advisor was Captain MT Lone Wolf Gonzalez of the Texas Rangers. This story was told, transcribed and adapted by Charles E. Israel and the program was produced and directed by Stacy Kel. Give me Speaking.

Next it's the Big show all this and tallulah2 on NBC.

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook join in the conversation by going to otrwesterns.Com Discord and don't forget to send us an email podcast trwesterns.com this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and again, thanks for listening.

[Unknown]

SA.