Black Grass Fever – Hopalong Cassidy (02-17-51)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Summary

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Podcast Information:

• Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
• Host: Andrew Rines
• Episode: Black Grass Fever – Hopalong Cassidy (Original Air Date: February 17, 1951)
• Release Date: November 21, 2024

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rines transports listeners back to the golden age of radio with the classic Western drama, Black Grass Fever. Featuring the legendary character Hopalong Cassidy, portrayed by William Boyd, this episode delves into themes of deception, community resilience, and the relentless pursuit of justice in the untamed frontier. Enhanced through meticulous digital restoration, the audio quality immerses the audience in the vivid sounds of the Wild West, from the creaking saloon doors to the thundering hooves of a pursuing posse.

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Plot Summary

Black Grass Fever unfolds in the expansive ranches of Montana, where Hopalong Cassidy and his loyal companion, California Carlson, are summoned to assist a fellow rancher, Matt Blaine. Matt faces a dire predicament: a mysterious affliction known as "Black Grass Fever" is decimating cattle herds across the region, threatening the livelihoods of ranchers and the stability of their communities.

Upon arrival at Matt's sprawling ranch, Cassidy and Carlson learn from Matt's trusted veterinarian, Dr. H. Lathrop, about the severe loss of cattle caused by the elusive disease. Dr. Lathrop, introduced as an expert from Jackson City, discusses the staggering impact—"Two weeks ago, every rancher in this section started losing steers, and they've been dying like flies" ([06:17] California Carlson).

Suspicion arises as the duo notices inconsistencies in Dr. Lathrop's explanations and his overly eager assistance. Hopalong Cassidy, ever the astute investigator, begins to uncover unsettling truths. The plot thickens when Dr. Lathrop is revealed to have sinister motives, collaborating with Jess Atkins, the local banker, to manipulate the situation for personal gain. Their scheme involves poisoning the cattle to drive ranchers out, allowing them to acquire valuable land at a fraction of its worth once the ranchers are financially crippled.

The tension reaches a climax during a high-stakes poker game at the Silver Dollar Casino, where Cassidy confronts Dr. Lathrop. Accusations fly as Cassidy unveils Lathrop's deceit, leading to a dramatic showdown. The culmination of their confrontation results in Lathrop's demise, thwarting the villainous plan and restoring peace to the ranching community.

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Key Characters

• Hopalong Cassidy (William Boyd): The determined and moral protagonist who seeks justice and protects the innocent.

• California Carlson: Cassidy's steadfast and resourceful companion, providing both support and comic relief.

• Dr. H. Lathrop (Veterinarian): The ostensibly knowledgeable veterinarian whose ulterior motives drive the central conflict.

• Matt Blaine: A fellow rancher battling the devastating effects of Black Grass Fever on his cattle.

• Jess Atkins: The unscrupulous banker collaborating with Dr. Lathrop to exploit the ranchers' plight.

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Notable Quotes

1. Dr. Lathrop on Black Grass Fever:

   • "Black grass fever? What's that?" ([06:46] Veterinarian Lathrop)
   • This line underscores the mysterious nature of the disease and hints at Dr. Lathrop's concealed knowledge.

2. California Carlson expressing frustration:

   • "Hadn't been for me, we probably could have bought all we needed cleared back in Cheyenne." ([03:49] California Carlson)
   • Highlights California's resourcefulness and the dire situation the ranchers face.

3. Dr. Lathrop's manipulative reasoning:

   • "If you can prove who that is, then you have nothing to worry about. Just my conscience." ([07:05] Veterinarian Lathrop)
   • Reveals his underlying intentions and moral facade.

4. Hopalong Cassidy confronting Jess Atkins:

   • "How come you have so many land holdings when so many ranchers are pulling out?" ([11:30] Veterinarian Lathrop)
   • A pivotal moment where Cassidy begins to unravel the conspiracy.

5. Final confrontation between Cassidy and Lathrop:

   • "What would you think when you decided whether or not to take a chance of blowing off the door to act in the safe?" ([25:35] California Carlson)
   • Cassidy challenges Lathrop's actions, leading to the resolution of the conflict.

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Themes and Insights

1. Deception and Trust:

• Dr. Lathrop's deceptive facade exemplifies how trust can be exploited for personal gain. Cassidy's ability to see through the ruse emphasizes the importance of vigilance and skepticism in the face of crisis.

2. Community and Resilience:

• The collective struggle of the ranchers against an external threat showcases the strength and resilience of the community. Cassidy's leadership reinforces the value of unity and cooperation.

3. Greed and Exploitation:

• Jess Atkins' involvement highlights the destructive nature of greed, where personal profit takes precedence over communal well-being, leading to ethical compromises and moral decay.

4. Justice and Moral Integrity:

• Hopalong Cassidy embodies the quintessential Western hero, upholding justice and moral integrity even when faced with significant challenges and dangers.

5. The Impact of Loss and Desperation:

• The devastation caused by Black Grass Fever illustrates how loss can drive individuals to desperation, making them vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous entities.

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Production and Restoration Insights

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns stands out not only for its engaging narrative but also for the exceptional quality achieved through digital restoration. Host Andrew Rines and his team have meticulously enhanced every sound, ensuring that listeners experience the rich ambient noises—from the melodious chirping of birds to the intense crack of gunfire—with unprecedented clarity. This restoration breathes new life into the timeless stories of the Wild West, allowing a new generation to appreciate the artistry and suspense of classic Western radio dramas.

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Conclusion

Black Grass Fever – Hopalong Cassidy is a quintessential example of classic Western storytelling, seamlessly blending intrigue, moral dilemmas, and action. Through the character of Hopalong Cassidy, the episode delivers a powerful message about integrity and the fight against corruption. The enhanced audio quality further elevates the listening experience, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts of old-time radio and Western genres alike. As Cassidy and California Carlson navigate the treacherous landscape of deceit and ambition, listeners are reminded of the enduring values that define true heroism in the face of adversity.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Hopalong Cassidy's Introduction to the Case:

  • "Hoppy's told me lots about you. You're a friend of Hoppy's. That's all they need to know." ([05:56] California Carlson)

• Dr. Lathrop's Claim of Expertise:

  • "I've never heard of black grass fever. And there's nothing in this book about it either." ([08:56] William Boyd)

• Confrontation at the Casino:

  • "My name's Hopalong Cassidy. I'm a stranger here, but glad to know you." ([10:48] Veterinarian Lathrop)

• Final Moral Stand:

  • "You're the most thoughtful hombre in this town." ([26:09] California Carlson)

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Final Thoughts:

This episode not only entertains with its gripping plot and dynamic characters but also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Old Time Radio Westerns. The meticulous digital restoration ensures that the essence and authenticity of the original broadcast are preserved, allowing listeners to savor the rich narratives and immersive soundscapes that defined an era. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the genre, Black Grass Fever – Hopalong Cassidy offers a compelling journey into the heart of the Wild West.

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Hop Along Cassidy Original air date is February 17, 1951 and the title is Black Grass Fever. Let's get into it.

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Why get all your holiday decorations delivered through Instacart? Because maybe you only bought two wreaths but you have 12 windows. Or maybe your toddler got very eager with the Advent calendar. Or maybe the inflatable snowman didn't make it through the snowstorm. Or maybe the twinkle lights aren't twinkling. Whatever the reason this season, Instacart's here for hosts and their whole holiday hall. Get decorations from the Home Depot, CVS and more through Instacart. And enjoy free delivery on your first three orders, service fees and term supply.

[William Boyd]

Cassidy and Andy Clyde as California.

[California Carlson]

Well, Hoppy, what about our story?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

We call this one Black Grass Field. Some folks don't realize it.

[California Carlson]

In the early days of the great.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Start, cattle ranchers had a great responsibility.

[California Carlson]

For the big cities in east Keep.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

The stock moving to the packing houses on time so they could handle it all right. Now once in a while, if a rancher didn't have the cattle he promised to deliver, he'd try to buy or borrow it from some friend of his. But sometimes on account of drought or rustling or freezing weather, that's not too hard to breathe. I remember one time California and I.

[California Carlson]

Were farming at that day.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Had nothing but bad luck and we've been traveling a hard trail a long long way from the Bar Char.

[California Carlson]

How much longer are we going to be keeping the cattle fries up.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Straight ahead of these twin jeeps we're riding through, sir. Well, as soon as we get there, we drop down into one of the sweetest little cattle ranches in all Montana.

[California Carlson]

We see plenty of ranches in this coffee. What we need is the right folks to do business with now. Who?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Old Matt Blaine, one of the finest guys anywhere. Matt told me when he started this spread that the things ever got tough would just come over and borrow a few hundred heads.

[California Carlson]

Well, I reckon things just stay tough all right. Hadn't been for me, we probably could have bought all we needed cleared back in Cheyenne.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Oh, sure. Whatever got into you? California. The first thing I knew you had your six shooter out and there you were making that poor fellow dance to that lady piano player's music.

[California Carlson]

How was I to know it was the sheriff?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

What did you think that star was his gallus buckle? No, but how can you forget it? All the world loves a lover.

[California Carlson]

Look at that there.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Look at her. There she is. California right below us.

[California Carlson]

What a lady. Never did she anything to prove. Be kind of nice to own a spread like that.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Someday you'd be so lonesome for the boys at the bar 20. You'd be back in a month.

[California Carlson]

Look.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

What do you make of that?

[California Carlson]

Don't see nothing except a nice ranch house and some of the greenest grass in the world.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Over there to the right. What about those spheres, sir?

[California Carlson]

Where ah be dead rabbits. They. They ain't moving none at all. Must be about a hundred of them all laying down like he Was asleep.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

They aren't sleeping in the hot sun. They're dead. Come on. We got here just in time because it looked like old Matt Blaine's in.

[William Boyd]

Back to hop along Cassidy and Black Grass Beaver. Hoppy and California have come a long, hard trail to old Matt Blaine's place to borrow some badly needed cattle for the Bar 20. But when they get to Matt Lanes, they find tragedy has struck at the beautiful spread. And more likely they'll be trying to help Matt than asking a favor of him. That is, help Matt if they can.

[California Carlson]

Hey, Hoppy.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Hello, Matt. Oh, it's mighty good to see you. This is California.

[California Carlson]

Well, how are you, California? Hoppy's told me lots about you. You're a friend of Hoppy's. That's all they need to know. Hoppy, I don't know how glad I am to see you. Things are bad here. Oh, excuse me. This here's Mr. Lathrop.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

He's a veterinarian.

[California Carlson]

This is Hoffalong Cassidy and his pal, California Carlson.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

How are you? Glad to know you, Mr. Cassidy.

[California Carlson]

Howdy, Lather.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

What's the trouble, Nat?

[California Carlson]

Huffy. Two weeks ago, every rancher in this section started losing steers, and they've been dying like flies. Oh, you saw about a hundred head that away from the top of the butte?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Go on that.

[California Carlson]

Well, I've lost half my herd. And some of the men have been hit harder than me.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

What's the reason for all this?

[California Carlson]

Oh, we didn't know. Mr. Lathrop here happened to be riding through on the stagecoach when he heard about the troubles.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

He's a veterinarian from Jackson City.

[California Carlson]

Go ahead, Layfoot.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Tell Hoppy about it.

[William Boyd]

Well, the cattle on these spreads is.

[California Carlson]

Dying of black grass fever.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Black grass fever? What's that?

[William Boyd]

I've only heard about three other cases.

[California Carlson]

In this country myself.

[William Boyd]

Mostly it happens in the Orient, you see.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Well, how does it work? What does it do?

[William Boyd]

Once it takes hold of grazing land, there's nothing you can do to stamp it out. As long as your gray steers here, more of them will die. Come to see your friend at a.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Bad time, Mr. Cassidy? So I have, Lacelet. So I have.

[William Boyd]

Well, long as I'm here, I think I'll warn some of the other ranchers of my diagnosis.

[California Carlson]

I think it's my duty. Well, that's mighty nice of you, Lathrop. And thanks for telling me, too. Just for duty. Goodbye, men.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

You aim to stay in town, Mr. Lathrop?

[California Carlson]

Yes, I probably will for a few days. Why?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

I'll probably see you then. Professionally, I mean.

[California Carlson]

Anytime, Cassie. Oh, it ain't no use, puppy. About seeing him, I mean.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Matt, what would you say if I told you I came here to take you up on your offer to let me buy a couple of hundred head anytime I needed them to? Need a delivery contract.

[California Carlson]

My cats are all dying here. You want to take them, drive them off.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Or you might be able to save.

[California Carlson]

Them plum work them. I guess we'd be plum grateful, too. Huffy.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Not so fast, California. Matt, I need those cattle, and I need them bad. I need them fast. But not so fast that I'm going to leave you here thinking you're wiped out and you have to give up this beautiful spread.

[California Carlson]

But what's the use of facts?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Is facts, Matt. Have you got a book on cattle diseases in the house? I reckon I have.

[California Carlson]

You?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

I'd like to see it. And then, Matt, I'm going to give you a few facts to think about. Facts, I think, prove there's a fighting chance for you to sa. And you see, Matt, I've never heard of black grass fever. And there's nothing in this book about it either. But the steers are dying. How come Lathrop just happens into town about this?

[California Carlson]

Oh, that don't make no difference. If I stay longer, it means losing more steers. I. I can't afford it, Hoppy.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

But you're too old to make a fresh start. Map. Now, what if your spheres are being poisoned? I don't think they are.

[California Carlson]

We've had the druggists analyze the water in all the water holes, and it's all right.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Besides, why would anybody want a roof? I don't know. Might just be someone as anxious to get hold of this land around here.

[California Carlson]

That's where you're wrong. When us ranchers pull out, the land goes back to the banker who's holding the mortgages.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

And who's that? Jess Atkins.

[California Carlson]

Jess is the squarest banker in these parts. He says he can't be prosperous if us ranchers ain't.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

He says that? Well, then what got your suspicions up.

[California Carlson]

In the first place?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

That's just when I was coming to California. Here it is, Matt. Think of that. Vet labor. What are you driving? All the vets I've seen in were tan from being out in the open.

[California Carlson]

With the stock puppies, Right.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

And did you notice his hands, Matt, that doesn't keep his nails long. They'd get in his way. Maybe so. Think, Matt. Who does keep his nails long here in the West? I'll tell you who. A gambler Now, Matt, does that give you anything to think about besides just pulling up steak? Maybe, Hoppy, maybe. Give me in California 48 hours. Maybe I'm all wrong. But before you decide to quit, just give us a chance to look into things for you. What if it don't do any good? Well, the office still goes. We fail, we'll buy your stock outright for the Bar 20. If we succeed, we'll just borrow them. You keep your spread until we return the loan after the fall roundup.

[California Carlson]

Say, Hoppy, there's that buckboard parking in front of the bank.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Surprise.

[California Carlson]

Yeah, and the lights on inside the bank. Kind of late for bankers.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Not too late for that later fellow. Just walking down the bank steps. Look there.

[California Carlson]

Looks like that's money he's stuffing in his billboard.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Well, what do you know? California youth. Scattering those around some.

[California Carlson]

Right, Hoppy?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

When I come out of the bank, he'll be waiting for me in front of a Silver Dollar casino down the street. Are you Jeff Atkins, the banker? Who wants to know? My name's Hopalong Cassidy. I'm a stranger here, but glad to know you. Bank's closed for business, though, Cassidy. It is about time. It was, anyway. I did accommodate another stranger a minute ago, but I've locked up the vault now. Well, all I want to know right now is if you have any land to sell. I might want to buy some.

[California Carlson]

No, I haven't a thing.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

And I don't think you'll find much anywhere else in these parts, either. How come? All these ranches pouring out and you holding the mortgages. I think you'd have a lot of land to sell. Oh, I see you've heard about the.

[William Boyd]

Black grass fever casualty.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

That's right. And I see you've met Mr. Lathrop, the veterinarian. Yes, I have. Well, if everyone pulls out, I'll have some land, lots of land. But I'd hate to see you buy it and try to sell it to some unsuspecting poor devil. Why not? You have nothing to worry about. Just my conscience. Well, thanks for the information anyway. That's all I wanted to know.

[California Carlson]

All right.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Good night. Good night, Atkins.

[California Carlson]

Profit.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Where's our pal Lat? California?

[California Carlson]

In a car game in the Silver Dollars area. Easy faith dealing most of the time. Deal.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

And that fellow Lathrop knows how to deal, doesn't he?

[California Carlson]

He sure does. But Lat, there's the game over there.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Let's stop and watch from the bar here. What's yours, strangers? Nothing, thanks.

[California Carlson]

Did you see that?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

I sure did. I will See?

[California Carlson]

There's the showdown. Vicarious wings.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

California.

[California Carlson]

Who am I? Oh, I don't want to get into that game. Coffee.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Give me a chance to fight or get a rise out of him.

[California Carlson]

Well, let's go. All right, Coffee. If you say so. How it's pretended. Howdy, fellers. Got room for the con? Saunders, son. Luckiest poker player in Montana, sir. How about it, Mr. Lathrop?

[William Boyd]

I'm losing, but it's all right with me. There's your winner. Ask him his deal anyway.

[California Carlson]

Oh, sure.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

It's okay. Sit down, mister. Right next to me if you want to. I might bring you luck.

[California Carlson]

Well, thanks, young feller.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Everybody ready? There goes. I didn't expect to win. Really?

[California Carlson]

No. King Beth.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

I was just filling some time until tomorrow. Everybody staying here in business, and I figured I might be.

[California Carlson]

That does it.

[William Boyd]

I just saw you second dealing.

[California Carlson]

Stranger got much coming to him.

[William Boyd]

All right.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

You dressed yourself like a tenderfoot, didn't we?

[California Carlson]

Any one of them.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Not so fast. I was standing right back of the tender foot when he was dealing. He didn't second deal. Furthermore, lather on the hand. Just before this one, I saw you deliberately peel a card from the bottom of the deck and give it to the tenderfoot. And he won that pot. It was cold blooded murder, men. Lathrop has done most of the dealing. And he wanted to make it look like the tenderfoot was winning a fortune so he'd have a good reason to accuse him of cheating. You murdered him, Lathrop. Why? Were you trying to shut him up about something?

[California Carlson]

Why, you got him, Hoppy. Winged him neat.

[William Boyd]

I'll settle with you for this, Cassidy.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

We'll see. I could have killed you when you drew on me, Lasip. But there are a few things I want to find out about you first. Come on, California. We got a few more calls to make tonight.

[William Boyd]

Now back to Hop Along Cassidy and our story. Black grass fever. Lathrop, the veterinarian who had advised Hoppy's friend Matt Blaine to give up his spread, has murdered a man in cold blood before Hoppy had a chance to save him. But now Hoppy knows his suspicions about Lathrop are confirmed. And somehow somebody must stand again. If Matt Blaine and the other ranchers are so discouraged at losing their herds that they give up their spreads. Hoppy is determined to find out how and who and why.

[California Carlson]

Our horses. Right down here, huh? Must have just now started raining. Come on, Hoppy. Uh oh.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

What's bothering you, California?

[California Carlson]

Well, Hoppy and all the excitement. I've seen the tenderfoot's wallet slip out of his pocket. And maybe I oughta take knowing now.

[William Boyd]

That he wasn't cheating.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Why, you old sidewinder. You're not fooling me. You picked up that wallet cause you knew there'd be valuable information in it.

[California Carlson]

Glad they're done it.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Let me see it. Ah, good. Here's his paper. Well, I thought it was something like that. According to this, the tenderfoot worked for the Plainsman Railroad. I'm beginning to see the light. California?

[California Carlson]

Yeah. Where we heading for now?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Back to Match Place.

[California Carlson]

What's going there?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

I want to find out a little more about Jeff Atkins. Maybe Matt can tell me. Oh, that line off to the north there.

[California Carlson]

Boy, it looks like a big, fresh block of salt. Through the salt.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Right. I hear the footprints going from the buckboard of the salt lid. They're deep, see? Like someone was carrying that salt block from the buckboard.

[California Carlson]

Yeah, and here's the chain prints going back to Buckboard, only nothing.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Well, what do you say?

[California Carlson]

Well, same man went back to the buckboard after he put that salt block down. But the only man with the buckboard he seen is that laser fell. And if he's back in town, probably getting a bullet picked out of his arms.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Never mind about that. If this salt block is poisoned, I'll have a pretty good idea who drove the buckboard. And I'm heading back to town right now to have the salt analyzed. Grab it, California, and let's go.

[California Carlson]

I'm coming into the drug store with you, Hoppy. And maybe you ain't so popular around here.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

You better wait here with a horse. Well, Laypert, I might have guessed this.

[California Carlson]

Is where you'd be. No shooting in here, man. I'm just trying to bind up this arm, stranger. This ain't no place.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Take it easy, mister. Go ahead and fix up your patients. I just want to have this salt analyzed. Any objections, Layford? You must have come here right after the shooting. Well, what have I did? I just want to be sure. How long has he been here, Druggist? Oh, about five, ten minutes, I guess. Then you loaned your buckboard to somebody tonight. Later. Before you went to play poker. But you didn't have time to do it since the shooter.

[William Boyd]

What are you driving at?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

You borrowed that buckboard just before you went in to play poker. And just before it started raining.

[California Carlson]

I don't know what you're driving at, Cassidy.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Just this. If you known to be playing poker, you could provide an alibi for any trouble that buckboard might happen to get itself into.

[California Carlson]

If that's what I was up to.

[William Boyd]

Why would I murder the tenderfoot like you?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Claim placement? You and your partner, whoever he is, could have been providing alibis for each other.

[William Boyd]

You don't know what you're talking about, Kennedy. But you're looking for trouble and you're sure going to get it. I'm getting out of it.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Hey, you better let me change those bandages tomorrow. I afraid he wasn't listening, my friend. Now, how long will it take you to analyze this salt plot? Or are you a friend of Lathrum?

[California Carlson]

Don't take me but 10 minutes just so as I get my fee. I'm in business to help anybody.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Fair enough. Don't let this salt block get away from you.

[California Carlson]

All right. Your friend later object. Just high tailed it right down the street in a hurry. Looks like you sure scared him when you walked in with that salt block down this way.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Well, I hope I scared him into running right over to the man who was driving that buck for tonight. Take a look at the bank and.

[California Carlson]

See Blatho figured he'd be seen at the gambling hall and he'd have an alibi while someone else took the buckboard out to bank the charge.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Probably. What's that? Sounds like somebody running back toward the druggers. Well, anyway, here's the bank. And if Atkinson Lathrop are in there, they're sitting in the dark. That came from the drugstore. Let's go. I should have noticed. No, but later it would double back to the drugstore as soon as we left it. The drug is all right, Doc.

[California Carlson]

You hurt bad, Cassidy? Somebody. Somebody must have got in that room to sneak right up to me. And before I could the back window still open up, he saw a light out after him.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Yeah, in Pronto, California.

[California Carlson]

Oh, look, sir, you get cars coming out, I'll stand by.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

He's duck. I'll handle him.

[California Carlson]

What's going on here?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Somebody plugged the druggist here, Sheriff.

[California Carlson]

How'd you get here so fast, stranger?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

I was standing outside the bank when I heard a shot. I ran right over.

[California Carlson]

Outside the bank at this hour? Maybe he was and maybe he wasn't.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Well, life of.

[William Boyd]

I heard Cassidy having an argument with old Doc just 10 minutes ago. He knows I did, don't you, Cassidy?

[California Carlson]

Oh, you were here earlier tonight, Cassidy.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Sure I was. And I just brought a block of salt to have it analyzed. Ask him to tell you where the.

[William Boyd]

Salt is then, Sheriff.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Well, Cassidy, why, it was right over.

[California Carlson]

Here, but it just ain't there now, huh? Get your hands up, Cassidy. I'M taking you in for the murder of Doc Brown. Sorry, Sheriff, but I just got asked. You drop that shootin. Go on, drop it.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Why, California, you old sidewinder. You are downright eloquent.

[California Carlson]

Why, me and Hoppy's got a few wearing to do tonight, sir. So we'll just be taking our horses outside the back window.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Ask me where we're going, California. Now, gentlemen, I'll trouble you to keep peaceable and quiet while we go through this window, huh?

[California Carlson]

Where are we headed for, Hoppy?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Why, we'll just head straight from that planes place. Of course he'll vouch for us. Now, don't move, any of you. Go ahead, California. Hal, get riding.

[California Carlson]

Bl get out with those birds. Those fellows shoot mighty po.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

See that side street up at the end of the end of town?

[California Carlson]

Nicest. The little side street I ever did see. Right behind the scale of Matt Blain.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Right. Getting the chatters over there now. They figure over that next rise. They heard us all right. They're headed for Matt's place.

[California Carlson]

They sure are, Hoppy. And where, might I ask now are we really headed for?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

That tenderfoot who worked for the railroad told you he came here on business.

[California Carlson]

That's right, Hoppy. But what could that business be?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Well, tying in with a play Lathrop made can only mean one thing. Railroad sent a young fellow here to buy up the right of way for a line that's going to be built right through this town.

[California Carlson]

And Lathrop didn't want the word to get out before he spared the ranch was off his track.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

But Latif isn't in this alone. He is a stranger here. He must be getting some help from inside the town. And I want to be able to prove who that is.

[California Carlson]

I'll be clear. What are we going to do now?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Do remember Jeff Atkins. We're heading for his bank.

[California Carlson]

Thanks. Dark Copy Protection JT Fine.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

We're going in anyway. Well, I see the poor old druggist wasn't the only one who leaves these windows unlocked around these parts. Come in, California.

[California Carlson]

Yeah, what's the idea, Hoppy?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

There's only one safe place so close to the drugstore. Laypers could have taken that salt after he plugged the drug up.

[California Carlson]

Gotcha, Hoppy. But if we're wrong, we blast that water and the salt ain't inside.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Then we're really dehog tired. They'll be warning us for murder and bankruptcy.

[California Carlson]

I sure wouldn't want to put a lot of money in that ball.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Don't look very strong. Stand back. I think I can keep that handle off.

[California Carlson]

That last one did it, Poppy. There's your poison salt rock.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Sure. And that means that Atkins and Laf were in this together.

[California Carlson]

Don't move, either of you.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Well, Atkins, nice of you to join the party. I had an idea you'd be heading back here once you figured out the salt was poison.

[California Carlson]

Cassidy, who?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

I've just been waiting for you to.

[California Carlson]

Blow the vault door off.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

We didn't have to blow it off. We just fired three shots at it and it fell off. When the posy comes back to town, going to find three bullet holes in my vault door.

[California Carlson]

Three bullets missing from your gun and.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Two dead stank robbers. I'm going to kill you.

[William Boyd]

Now to the conclusion of our story. Black Grass Fevers.

[California Carlson]

What a perfect setup, Cassidy, to be.

[William Boyd]

Able to kill you because you're robbing my vault.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

But it's not quite so easy. Think it over. You got one gun, there are two of us. You think you can kill us before we close in? Maybe I'd better start with one of you right now. Don't be a fool, Atkins. You may get one, but the other will get you. Listen. The posse coming back. I don't bluff.

[California Carlson]

I don't hear anything.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

You don't either. Oh, yes, I do. Posse must have known they were on the false trail when they got out in the open. And you haven't taken that salt out of the vault yet? I don't hear anything. Move a little closer to the window at them. I can hear them.

[California Carlson]

Crazy, Cassidy.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

I can't hear a thing.

[California Carlson]

I'm going to.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

You didn't get hit, did you, California?

[California Carlson]

No. You all right, Huffy? Sure.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Banker Atkins wasn't hit either by anything harder than the heel of my shooting iron.

[California Carlson]

By the time he comes through, the sheriff will really be bad.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

All we have to do to get a confession out of Mr. Atkins is just leave that poison salt block sitting rightly safe, for it's nice and dry. Yeah.

[California Carlson]

Just tell me one thing.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Yeah.

[California Carlson]

What would you thinking when you was deciding whether or not to take a chance of blowing off the door to act in the safe and taking a chance of maybe being wanted for bankrupt?

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Well, California, I'll tell you.

[California Carlson]

Yeah? Yeah. Hustle.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

I figured if it came to the worst, then we'd just grab ourselves some of Jeff Atkins money. So then we could even pay double if we had to to get cattle for the bar. 20.

[California Carlson]

Well, fair declare.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Or if we got the cattle without paying double, we'd buy some more cattle and start a spread for you to run to California.

[California Carlson]

Hop along, Cassidy. You're the most thoughtful hombre this title.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Then we'd go back to Skyan and look up that lady piano player you were so local about and get her to settle down with you.

[California Carlson]

Oh, Hoppy, you wouldn't. No siree, I ain't a go. Yes, you didn't but for a minute fool me. Hop along, Cassidy. No, sure not. But for a minute you ring coyotes.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

I guess not. California. I guess not.

[William Boyd]

Hop Along Cassidy starring William Boyd, is transcribed and produced in the west by Walter White, Jr. All stories are based upon the characters created by Clarence E. Milford. This is a Commodore Production.

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[Geico Rep]

How do you feel when you switch to Geico and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says Happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So yes. Happy friyay, random stranger in the elevator. Happy Fri. Yay indeed. Yep, switching and saving with Geico feels just like that. Get more with Geico.

[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. Podcasttrwesterns.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.

[Geico Rep]

How do you feel when you switch to GEICO and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says Happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So yes, Happy Friday. Random stranger in the elevator Happy Friday indeed. Yep, switching and saving with GEICO feels just like that. Get more with GEICO the sun's shining.

[Veterinarian Lathrop]

Birds are singing, and all feels right in the world. Until the season changes and suddenly you lose your motivation to get out of bed. In fact, one in five people experience some form of depression, no matter the season or time of at the American Psychiatric association foundation, our vision is to build a mentally healthy nation for all because we want you to live your best life and be your best you all year round. Please visit mentallyhealthynation.org to learn more.

[Geico Rep]

How do you feel when you switch to GEICO and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says Happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So yes, Happy Friday. Random stranger in the elevator Happy Friday indeed. Yep, switching and saving with GEICO feels just like that. Get more with GEICO.