Blood Trail – Tales of the Texas Rangers (01-20-52)

Summary

Blood Trail – Tales of the Texas Rangers

Podcast Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rynes
Episode: Blood Trail – Tales of the Texas Rangers
Original Air Date: January 20, 1952
Release Date: May 14, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rines invites listeners into the rugged terrains of the Texas Panhandle with "Blood Trail – Tales of the Texas Rangers." This authentic reenactment, starring Joel McCray as Ranger Jace Pearson, delves into a meticulously crafted narrative based on the files of the Texas Rangers. The story weaves a tale of deceit, vengeance, and justice in the unforgiving landscape of 1929 Texas.

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Case Overview

The episode opens on a sweltering Saturday evening in July 1929 in the small town of Whitney, Texas, where Sheriff Dave Fellows is dealing with the aftermath of a tragic incident—the murder of Dr. John Thomas. The town is under the oppressive heat, adding to the tension as Sheriff Fellows discusses unusual weather patterns with his associate, Red Mason.

Notable Quote:
"I say this is the hottest July since Oct.2. And Reb says different." – Sheriff Dave Fellows [02:57]

Dr. Thomas is found dead, having been hit by a car and beaten severely, indicating a possible murder rather than a random accident. The sheriff deduces that the doctor was already injured before being struck by the vehicle, leading to the suspicion of foul play.

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Investigation Begins

The sheriff contacts the Texas Rangers, and Ranger Jace Pearson arrives to assist in the investigation. Together, they examine the crime scene, uncovering critical evidence such as blood trails leading to Dr. Thomas's office. Their inquiries reveal that Carl Hinkle, a local rancher, had a grudge against Dr. Thomas following the death of his wife during childbirth—a loss he blames on the doctor's negligence.

Notable Quote:
"Jim. I go to pay him every week." – Carl Hinkle [09:18]

Hinkle becomes a prime suspect as the Rangers discover his financial struggles and animosity towards the doctor. However, evidence points them towards another suspect, Tim Horner, a cowhand with a mysterious past, who was the last person seen with Dr. Thomas before the murder.

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Unraveling the Mystery

As the investigation progresses, Ranger Pearson and Sheriff Fellows uncover that Tim Horner had an appointment with Dr. Thomas the night of the murder. They trace Horner's movements and eventually find his body ten miles out in the brush, indicating that he did not commit suicide but was murdered.

Notable Quote:
"No blood on the ground, so he wasn't shot here. Whoever did it carried him out here after he was dead." – Carl Hinkle [18:38]

The Rangers perform an autopsy on Horner, revealing he died from anthrax, a disease associated with cattle. This discovery links the murders to Jim Ford, a rancher desperate to sell his property tied to sick cattle. Ford's motive surfaces as a means to eliminate threats to his profitable but perilous business.

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Confrontation and Conclusion

The investigation leads the Rangers to Jim Ford's rundown ranch, where they confront him directly. Suspicion mounts as evidence mounts against Ford, including ballistics linking him to both murders. A tense confrontation ensues at a local diner, where Ford attempts to flee but is apprehended by the Rangers.

Notable Quote:
"Tim Horner had Anzacs. He got it from your cattle." – Carl Hinkle [21:13]

Ford is ultimately tried and convicted for the murders of Dr. Thomas and Tim Horner. In a twist of fate, he confesses to his crimes before his death in prison, providing closure to the case that rocked the small Texas town.

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Key Insights and Themes

• Justice in the Wild West: The episode highlights the relentless pursuit of justice by the Texas Rangers, embodying the law’s reach in a lawless frontier.

• Motivation and Vengeance: Personal vendettas, like Carl Hinkle's blame towards Dr. Thomas, play a significant role, demonstrating how grief and anger can drive individuals to extreme actions.

• Corruption and Survival: Jim Ford's willingness to commit murder to protect his business underscores the lengths to which individuals will go to preserve their livelihoods, even at the cost of morality.

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Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• "I say this is the hottest July since Oct.2. And Reb says different." – Sheriff Dave Fellows [02:57]
• "Jim. I go to pay him every week." – Carl Hinkle [09:18]
• "No blood on the ground, so he wasn't shot here. Whoever did it carried him out here after he was dead." – Carl Hinkle [18:38]
• "Tim Horner had Anzacs. He got it from your cattle." – Carl Hinkle [21:13]

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Conclusion

"Blood Trail – Tales of the Texas Rangers" offers a captivating exploration of crime and justice in 1929 Texas. Through the diligent efforts of Ranger Jace Pearson and Sheriff Dave Fellows, listeners are taken on a thrilling journey that underscores the complexities of human emotions and the unwavering commitment to law enforcement. This episode not only entertains but also provides a historical glimpse into the challenges faced by the Texas Rangers in maintaining order in the Wild West.

For those who have yet to experience this episode, Old Time Radio Westerns delivers a richly restored auditory experience, bringing classic Western dramas to life with enhanced sound quality and immersive storytelling.

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Produced and Directed by: Stacy Keach
Adapted by: Charles E. Israel
Technical Advisor: Captain MT Lone Wolf Gonzalez of the Texas Rangers
Narrator: Hal Gibney

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Thank you for joining us on this journey through the annals of Texas Ranger history. Stay tuned for more authentic reenactments and timeless tales in future episodes of Old Time Radio Westerns.

Transcript

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

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 20, 1952 and the title is Blood Trial. Hope you enjoy. And again, and thanks for listening.

[Joel McCray]

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.

[Narrator]

You know, when Thursday rolls around, it'll bring more top radio entertainment to you over these NBC stations. Thursday starts right off in high gear with Robert Young starring as heroic and harassed Jim Anderson of Father Knows Best. The Andersons are just like your family, but funnier for the head of the household can get himself involved in situations that take the concerted effort of wife and progeny to get unraveled. And usually Jim rises from the battle bloody but unbowed and still firmly convinced that Father Knows Best. For adventure fans, Thursday holds the promise of top mystery listening also as NBC presents Mr. Keen, tracer of lost persons, who matches his deductive reasoning against the violence and murder of crime. Later, join Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday of Dragnet. The true story of your police force in action. Father knows best, Mr. Keen, tracer of lost persons. Hear all these and more Thursdays on NBC. Now back to Tales of the Texas Ranger.

[Joel McCray]

And now, from the files of the Texas Rangers, the case called Blood trail.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

It is 7:30 on a Saturday evening in July, 1929. For a week, an oppressive blanket of heat and dust has surrounded the town.

[Carl Hinkle]

Of Whitney in the Texas Panhandle.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Despite the unpleasant weather, however, Whitney is.

[Carl Hinkle]

Enjoying its usual Saturday night activity as.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Sheriff Dave Fellows throws down Mason. Red, you're as stubborn as a mule. Oh, howdy, Sheriff. Howdy, Harry. You having trouble? Oh, just little argument with Red. Another one? Yes. Plum stubborn, won't admit nothing. Well, what won't he admit this time? Well, it's like this. I've been living here, Whitney, 40 years now. Been around the panhandle all my life. And I say this is the hottest July since Oct.2. And Reb says different. Huh? Red says, the hotter the summer of 18. I say 18 what? Near as hot. Now, what do you say, Sheriff? Now, Harry, you know I make a practice of never take insides in an argument. But if you want the facts, well, I just come from my office. Weather report on my desk says it's the hottest July in 65 years. I know it. I noted. I sure wished I was wrong though. If this heat don't let up, I'm going to be a poor man. Don't look like nobody's going to make a crop. Yeah, everybody seems to be worried. Can't remember when we head. Hey, who's that over there, Sheriff? Where? Over yonder. Come towards the drugstore.

[Carl Hinkle]

Uh oh.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Looks like a drunk. I better get on over there. He sure got a snoop full. Hey, Sheriff, ain't that old Doc Thomas? Doc Thomas? Yeah, you're right, Terry. I didn't know Doc is a drinking man. Besides, he's got office hours till Sailor won't have this. Better help me get him off the street. People are starting to look at him. Sure. Who'd have thought that old dark would take Sheriff? He's walking out in the street. He'll get hit. Look out. Stop. Come on, Harry. Hope he ain't hit bad. Maybe not the car just move into it. Now help him. Help him out. Well, one of you folks call Dr. Pe and tell him to hurry. Right, Chef, we'll do it. Give me a hand. Hurry. We have to get him up onto the sidewalk. Easy. Not him. Out of here. Reckon this is the first time he ever took a drink. This had to happen. All right folks, move back. Will you give us some room here? Set him right down here, Harry. Blood. I didn't think that car hit him that hard. It didn't. Look at his shirt, it's soaked. He's been bleeding a long time. You mean when he was staggering down the street he was already hurt? It appears that way from the look of it. Somebody gave the dog an awful whack on the head. But who want to do that to hold our commas? I don't know. And I'm afraid we're not going to find out from him. Doc Thomas is dead. It was easy for the Sheriff to trace Dr. Thomas path before he was hit by the car. Drops of blood on the sidewalk led directly to the doctor's office on a side street four blocks from the scene of his death. The sheriff called for a Texas Ranger. Ranger Jace Pearson was assigned joining the sheriff outside the doctor's office at 5:00 clock Sunday morning.

[Carl Hinkle]

I couldn't get here sooner.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Sheriff Austin told me you were the nearest ranger, Jase. But they said you were quite a piece away.

[Carl Hinkle]

Yeah, Wichita Falls.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Reckon you'd like to take a look at his office first? This is the waiting room. Not much to see here. It's the office that'll give you a shock.

[Carl Hinkle]

You know what the actual cause of death was, yet?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Loss of blood. Had a skull factor, too. Haven't found what he was hit with, though.

[Carl Hinkle]

Look at there, James. Phew. A mess.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Not a stick of furniture left in one piece. Look out for that broken glass. Never would have thought old Doc Thomas could put up such a fight.

[Carl Hinkle]

Didn't he ever have a nurse here with him? No. Figured he couldn't afford it.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Treated everybody, rich or poor. The doc did and didn't mind waiting to be paid.

[Carl Hinkle]

Did he have any money on him when he died?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Oh, I don't believe it was robbery, Jace. He had about 15 bucks in his pocket.

[Carl Hinkle]

Phone's ripped out. Looks like he was trying to call somebody.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Maybe not. Could have been tore out during the fight.

[Carl Hinkle]

I don't think so. Cord's out of the way of any furniture that got pushed over. Look at the way the wires are torn now, I'd say somebody meant to pull him out of the wall.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

One thing I don't understand. If the fellow that had this fight with Doc wasn't after money, he probably meant to kill him.

[Carl Hinkle]

Sounds likely enough.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Well, then why didn't he? The way the doc was weaving when I saw him, it would have been a cinch for the killer to catch him before he ever got the main street.

[Carl Hinkle]

I think this will answer your question, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

That spot of dried blood. But how, Jay? There's blood spots all over the office and some in the waiting room.

[Carl Hinkle]

None as large as this. From the size of it, he must have been lying here at least a few minutes. Could be. Got knocked unconscious. Killer thought he'd finished his job and took off.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

And you figure the doc came to, got up and staggered downtown, huh?

[Carl Hinkle]

Yeah. The fight must have made quite a racket. Any of the neighbors hear anything?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

I checked that people on both sides were out downtown for the evening. You looking for something special, Jace?

[Carl Hinkle]

Yeah, and I've got it. Doc's appointment book. Only one appointment after 5:00. 6:30. Carl Hinkle. You know him, Sheriff?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Sure. German fella. Lived here about 10 years. I guess he would. Hey, wait a minute. I think we're onto something, Jake.

[Carl Hinkle]

How do you mean?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Carl Hinkle's wife. The doc delivered her baby about six weeks ago. Mrs. Hinkle died right after the baby was born. I've heard around town that Carl blamed the doc for her dying.

[Carl Hinkle]

I see. Where does Henkel live?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Not far from here, over near the Santa Fe depot.

[Carl Hinkle]

Come on, sheriff, let's wake him up and have a talk with him. It was 6:10 when we reached Carl Hinkle's home. It was a small but neat frame house running the railroad tracks. Nobody answered our knock, so we walked around to the back door. Hinkle was washing something out in a laundry tub on the porch. He was a big blonde man who looked at us solidly as we walked toward him.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Morning, Carl. Good morning, Carl. This is Ranger Pearson. He and I'd like to talk to you. Shorty. In Tipita. I tie my hands.

[Carl Hinkle]

Pretty early. Be doing washing, isn't it, Mr. Hinkle?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Yeah, I washed for the baby.

[Carl Hinkle]

Some of your own clothes there too, aren't they?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

I wash for myself too. You always do the baby clothes yourself, Carl. Nobody does for the baby but me. My wife is dead, so I gotta.

[Carl Hinkle]

Do for the baby. Ms. Ankle, did you visit Dr. Thomas last night?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Oh, yeah.

[Carl Hinkle]

Why?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

I owe him money. I go to pay him every week.

[Narrator]

I pay a little.

[Carl Hinkle]

You usually make an appointment just to pay him money?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

No.

[Carl Hinkle]

But you made a special appointment last night. Why wait?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

I have an ache in my leg. I asked the doctor to fix it. Why do you ask me this question?

[Carl Hinkle]

Somebody murdered the doctor last night.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Murdered?

[Carl Hinkle]

He was killed just about the time you were in his office.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

But I. I didn't do it. We're not saying you did. Yeah, but this is. What you mean. I'm. I mean what. What you think, huh?

[Carl Hinkle]

Mr. Henkel, your wife died while she was under Dr. Thomas care.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Yeah.

[Carl Hinkle]

Did you blame him for her death?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

You should have been more careful. Now I'm left with an empty house and an empty heart. If he'd been more careful, this wouldn't be. But you still say you didn't go in there last night and kill him. I went in there for the ache in my leg. What are you giving us, Carl? You in to get treated by a man you didn't trust? For which my wife, she made the mistake. For this you'll be with me twice.

[Carl Hinkle]

Careful. You know, Mr. Hinkle, you were the last person to see the doctor before he was attacked.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Ma' am, I was not.

[Carl Hinkle]

Then who was?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

When I come from the office, a man sits in the waiting room.

[Carl Hinkle]

Do you know who this man was?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Yeah, sure. I've seen him many times. Mr. Horner. You must mean Tim Horner. Jason cowhand on Jim Ford's Range. Yeah, yeah, that's the one. He goes into the doctor when I leave.

[Carl Hinkle]

All right, Mr. Hinkle. We'll check your story but if it doesn't hold up, we'll be back to ask you some more questions. Let's go, Sheriff. We drove out to the Ford ranch with a small place that had seen better days. The ranch house needed a coat of paint. Some rusty farm machinery leaned against the side of the barn, and an old jalopy sat next to the house. In a corner of the barnyard, a Mexican was hammering some crates together. As we approached, he started kicking at some chickens which pecked around his feet.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

These chickens, they're always on the fort. One cannot even do the work. Dave. Can I help you, senor?

[Carl Hinkle]

Is Mr. Ford around with the cattle?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

But he's going to be here any minute.

[Carl Hinkle]

No, we're looking for a man named Tim Horner. Is he with Mr. Ford?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

So? I'm pretty sorry, senor. I only come to the rancho yesterday to help Senor Ford with the boxes. There is one man who worked with Senor Ford, but I don't know his name. Big fella, about the size of the Ranger here. Got black hair. Hey, hey, that's the fellow yesterday afternoon. I see him.

[Carl Hinkle]

What about this morning?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

No, no, senor. This morning when I come to drink the coffee, he is not here. When Senor Ford go out to the cattle, he is still not here. Got it? Make him very angry. Oh, when this man, he is not there. Oh, senor. 4 he Corsan to her and he. Oh, there he is. He gonna tell you about this. Oh, boy. Hey, howdy, Jim. Howdy, Sheriff.

[Carl Hinkle]

Morning, Ranger.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

What can I do for you? We're looking for that hand of yours, Tim Horner. Well, I reckon that makes three of us. When I find him, I'm gonna break him in half. The only hand I got.

[Carl Hinkle]

And he walks out on me just.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

When I need him most.

[Carl Hinkle]

When'd you see him last, Mr. Ford?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Yesterday evening.

[Carl Hinkle]

He asked me if we could go into town. I said sure, if he'd be back.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Here at daybreak this morning, he ain't showed up. Don't reckon he will neither.

[Carl Hinkle]

What makes you think that?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

I'll check the place where he sleeps. All this stuff's gone. Look, why don't we go over on.

[Carl Hinkle]

The porch where we can sit and be comfortable? Take care of the heart, Jose.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

I go back for you after all I've done for that boy, Tim Horner.

[Carl Hinkle]

Now when I only need him a.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Day or so longer, he takes off.

[Carl Hinkle]

You moving somewhere, Mr. Ford? I'm selling out Ranger lock, stock and barrel.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Well, I didn't know that, Jim.

[Carl Hinkle]

I ain't said much about it.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

The figure had about all I want.

[Carl Hinkle]

A ranchin party's been after me a long time to sell him the place. He.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Sit down.

[Carl Hinkle]

Yeah.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

I'm gonna take it easy from now on.

[Carl Hinkle]

When Tim Horner left you yesterday, was he sick? Sick?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

That boy never had a sick day in his life.

[Carl Hinkle]

He's just lazy, that's all. Here. How come you're so anxious to find out about Tim? A doctor in town by the name of Thomas was murdered last night. Oh, yeah, Yeah, I heard about old Doc Thomas.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

It's too bad.

[Carl Hinkle]

He's a fine fella. Oh, well, what's that got to do with Tim? We're pretty sure Tim was in his office just about the time Doc was slugged. That's true. You think maybe Tim was the one who killed him? We don't know yet. But if skipping out is not going to help him any, I don't reckon it will. You just never know, do you? Now who's not? A boy I had working for me was a killer.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Well, I sure hope you find him. We will.

[Carl Hinkle]

Come on, Sheriff, let's get back to town. On the way to town, I radioed Austin and requested an all points bulletin on Tim Horner. Then the sheriff and I started combing the countryside. The rest of Sunday passed without any luck. Early Monday morning I stopped at the sheriff's office to pick him up.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Morning, Jake. Howdy. We didn't get an awful lot of sleep last night, did we?

[Carl Hinkle]

We'll make up for it after we get Tim Horner.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Yeah, but when that's gonna be, I don't know. Appears like he just plain disappeared.

[Carl Hinkle]

That's one thing people can't do, Sheriff. Sometimes they take a little longer to find, but sooner or later they turn up. You ready to get moving?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

As soon as I finish marking these last two reports. You know, it just beats me, Jace, why Tim Horner would want to kill old Doc Thomas.

[Carl Hinkle]

Don't guess we'll know that till we find Tim.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Well, I reckon I'm ready. Where do you want to start today?

[Carl Hinkle]

How about the Stony Creek section?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Suits me by just a minute. Jason. There. Fellas. Yeah, you did? Where? Yeah, yeah, we'll take care of it. Well, you were right. Tim Horner's been found.

[Carl Hinkle]

Good. They're bringing him in.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

We have to go get him. He's dead.

[Joel McCray]

In just a moment, we will continue with Tales of the Texas Rangers, starring Joel McCray as Ranger Jace Pearson.

[Narrator]

America needs more nurses. Nurses are a vital factor in our country's all out defense preparations. And in Addition, hospitals and clinics, growing by leaps and bounds, have an ever greater demand for trained staffs. All this spells opportunity for you. If you are a young woman looking for a good career, it means a secure job at good pay, a chance to serve your community in a fine profession. Your nurses training will provide you with a first rate education, too, at far less than the cost of four years in college. You'll study interesting subjects such as psychology, chemistry, anatomy and child care. And when you receive your nursing degree, you can choose from among the wide variety of interesting fields open to nurses. You can enter the armed forces with the rank of lieutenant. You can choose hospital or private duty, industrial or public health nursing, the airlines or the Veterans Administration. Start now on a good career of which you can be proud. Visit your local hospital and learn about the opportunities open to you in the field of nursing.

[Joel McCray]

We continue now with tales of the Texas Rangers and our authentic story.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Blood trail.

[Carl Hinkle]

Tim Horner's body had been located 10 miles out in the brush by two boys on a camping trip. We drove within a mile of the spot where a highway patrolman was waiting with the boys. The youngsters pointed out where they found the body. We left them with the patrolman and then took horses the rest of the way.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

You reckon Tim got scared and took his own life, Jace?

[Carl Hinkle]

That's something we'll know pretty quick.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

There's the three big boulders, Jake. Just like those kids said.

[Carl Hinkle]

Yeah, it must have been their campfire off to the left.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Hoo hoo, John. It sure is a wild spot. Hadn't been for those kids, we might never have found him. Should be right around this middle boulder from what those kid. Jake.

[Carl Hinkle]

Yeah. Pull that brush away from him, Sheriff. It's the man we've been looking for.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

It's Tim Horner, all right.

[Carl Hinkle]

Shot twice through the chest at close range. Look at the powder burns. Let's turn him over. Well, we can be sure of one thing, Sheriff. He didn't kill himself.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

How do you figure that?

[Carl Hinkle]

No blood on the ground, so he wasn't shot here. Whoever did it carried him out here after he was dead.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Sure went to a lot of trouble.

[Carl Hinkle]

Probably figured it was worth it. Almost was, too. See what you can find. This pocket. All right.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Wallet. A little bit of money. Hey, Jace, look at this.

[Carl Hinkle]

Box of pills.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Reckon Tim was ailing after all?

[Carl Hinkle]

Could be.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Yeah, but Jim Ford said Tim hadn't been sick.

[Carl Hinkle]

Jim Ford could have been wrong. So since there's a tie in between this murder and Doc Thomas getting killed, if we find out what kind of an Ailment Tim had, we might get a lead.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

But how do you figure to do that? Tim ain't gonna do any talking now. Maybe he will.

[Carl Hinkle]

Sheriff.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

What's on your mind?

[Carl Hinkle]

Autopsy. Let's get moving. We got a lot to. We got Tim Horner's body into Whitney at 1 that afternoon and requested the county medical examiner to make a rush autopsy. He told us to wait in the pathology lab of the hospital. A little less than an hour later, he joined us.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Well, gentlemen, must say I've never done such a quick job.

[Carl Hinkle]

I'm sorry, Doctor, but it's necessary.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

I dare say it is. It helps find out who killed old John Thomas. I'll do anything. What'd you find out, Doc? It's careful here. If I don't want to break this. Only made a preliminary examination. But I can tell you one thing definitely.

[Carl Hinkle]

What's that?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Him. Horner died sometime Saturday night, probably before midnight. Why, that'd be only a few hours after Doc Thomas died.

[Carl Hinkle]

Anything else, Doctor? Yeah.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Tim was a pretty sick boy even before he died. What was wrong with him, Doc? I'm gonna tell you in a minute as soon as I examine this slide under the microscope.

[Carl Hinkle]

You got an idea what it was, Doc?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

On this slide is a section of the dead man's spleen. Very badly diseased. Could mean any number of things. Didn't I get it set here? Yep. Yes, I thought so, but I wanted to be sure.

[Carl Hinkle]

You know what it was now?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

It was anthrax. Anthrax? But that's a cattle disease also found in man. Contracted from sick start and from contaminated ground. Does that help your anger?

[Carl Hinkle]

Maybe. It might just clear up our whole case.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

I don't follow you, Jake.

[Carl Hinkle]

I'll explain on the way. Thanks, Doctor.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

You're welcome, Jace. Where are we going?

[Carl Hinkle]

Out to Jim Ford's ranch.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Jim Ford? You think he's the man we're after?

[Carl Hinkle]

Look at it this way, Sheriff. If Tim Horner had anthrax, chances are he got it from sick cattle. Maybe from burying them at the place where he worked.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

You mean Jim Ford's cattle are sick with anthrax?

[Carl Hinkle]

Will take long to find out, but I think they are.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Say, that could explain why Jim was so anxious to sell out all of a sudden.

[Carl Hinkle]

Right. Why he couldn't let anybody discover his stock was sick. Otherwise it'd have to be destroyed and he'd lose everything.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

So the way you figure it, Tim knew the cattle had anthrax. But he didn't know he had until.

[Carl Hinkle]

He saw Doc Thomas. And once Doc knew There was anthrax around. He was bound to report it.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Well how would Jim find out about that? Could be.

[Carl Hinkle]

Picked up Tim at the doc's office found out he had Anzacs.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Yeah, and that might be why he had to kill both the doc and Tim to keep him quiet.

[Carl Hinkle]

Something like that.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Now I understand why you're pushing that accelerator so hard. Jim would be anxious to get his money for the property as soon as possible and then beat it if he hasn't already. Well, suppose he is gone.

[Carl Hinkle]

Let's find out first.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Yeah. Jim's old jalopy ain't here.

[Carl Hinkle]

It could be a good sign. He said he was selling out lock, stock and barrel. And I doubt if he'd try to make a getaway in that thing.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Maybe he's in town or somewhere closing the deal for the ranch.

[Carl Hinkle]

Take long to be sure. Let's try the door. Looks like the bedroom's back this way.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Don't feel like he's taken much with him if he has, John.

[Carl Hinkle]

Yeah, but if he skipped he's probably traveling white. I. Sheriff, listen.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

What is it, Jake?

[Carl Hinkle]

Sounds like that jalopy of his coming up the road.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

You don't think he's gone?

[Carl Hinkle]

I don't know. Let's get outside. We want to take him alive. Don't shoot unless you have to.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Sheriff. What he did to old Doc Thomas. Shooting too good for him. Oh, that ain't him at all. It's Jose.

[Carl Hinkle]

Where's Mr. Ford?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Jose? Oh, he make the big deal. Senor Ford get money for the rent. So much money I never.

[Carl Hinkle]

Where is he?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

I take him to the railroad so he can wait for the train.

[Carl Hinkle]

Which train?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

The one that go that way north. That's the Limited.

[Carl Hinkle]

What time does it leave Whitney?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

4:32. And it's 4:15 now.

[Carl Hinkle]

Come on Sheriff, we're going to catch a train.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

I don't know if we can make it. Jake. She's just pulling out. Come on. I. I don't think we'll catch it.

[Carl Hinkle]

We'll make it.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Hey. Pardon. Don't close those doors. Holy.

[Carl Hinkle]

Sheriff.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Got it. Can you make it Jason? Yeah. You know this. This ain't the easiest way to board a train.

[Carl Hinkle]

Get your young sheriff ready to go.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Yep. Well, he's not in this car, Jason.

[Carl Hinkle]

We'll try him all.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

I sure hope Jose didn't give us a bum steer.

[Carl Hinkle]

Somehow I don't think he did. There's a diner up ahead.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

It might be. We haven't eaten since morning.

[Carl Hinkle]

Better not to think about it.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

That food sure smells good.

[Carl Hinkle]

Taste yeah. Looks like Jim Ford got hungry, too.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

His back to us. We move in and take it?

[Carl Hinkle]

No. Talk to him first. Sit down at his table. Come on.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Howdy, Jim.

[Carl Hinkle]

Mind if we join you, Mr. Ford? Well.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Sit down. Didn't know you fellas were traveling north.

[Carl Hinkle]

Neither did we till a few minutes ago. How about you, Mr. Ford?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Well, I sold my ranch like I.

[Carl Hinkle]

Said I was going to do.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

I don't mean to get nobody, Jim, but how much did you take for the ranch? Farmer's telling the sheriff 16,000.

[Carl Hinkle]

Little expensive for rundown property and sick cattle, isn't it, Mr. Ford? What are you talking about, Ranger?

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Tim Horner had Anfax. He got it from your cattle.

[Carl Hinkle]

Why, you're crazy. Not as crazy as you for thinking you could get away with killing Doc Thomas and Tim Horner.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Can you prove that, Ranger?

[Carl Hinkle]

I think so. And we'll start with this. Hey, what are you doing? Just taking the gun out of your shoulder holster. So big I couldn't miss it.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Well, Ranger, you got my gun. You still can't prove nothing.

[Carl Hinkle]

I won't have to. We got a ballistics lab for that. While we're waiting for the lab report, you'll cool your heels in jail.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

On what charge? You can't hold me until you get some proof.

[Carl Hinkle]

That's right. In the meantime, we're holding you for carrying a concealed weapon in a public place.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Who are you? Able Dave. He going out the far end. Don't fire too many people. Grab him, Jake. Grab him. I got him. Let me go. Let me go. Take it easy, Ford.

[Carl Hinkle]

You get off soon enough. Then you'll take another little trip that ends in Huntsville.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Foreign.

[Joel McCray]

Just a moment. We will tell you the results of.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

The case you have just heard.

[Narrator]

There's more good radio listening Wednesday night on NBC. Wednesday, come to Ivy College in the town of Ivy, U.S.A. yes, walk the pleasant campus of Ivy College with Mr. And Mrs. Ronald Coleman as Dr. And Mrs. Hall of Ivy. There's adult comedy and heartwarming human philosophy in each sparkling broadcast of the halls of Ivy. Then P.B. gildy, Judge Hooker, Leroy and all the gang bring you a half hour of Mirtha music with the one, the only, the Great Gildersleeve. Later, Groucho Marx as your Geno paymaster of ceremonies on you bet your Life, radio's merriest quiz show. There's prize money for lucky contestants and fun for everyone as Groucho Marks asks, asks the questions and provides the laughs. And for high adventure, on Wednesday, hear both Big Story and Barry Craig, confidential investigator yes, Wednesday means top entertainment on NBC. Stay tuned to the NBC Radio Network every day of the week. The finest entertainment is as close as this station. Now back to Tales of the Texas Rangers.

[Joel McCray]

And now here are the results of the case you have just heard.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

Ballistics evidence proved conclusively that Jim Ford had killed Tim Horner. He was tried and convicted of first degree murder. Ten months later he confessed to the killing of Dr. John Thomas with a paperweight from the doctor's desk. Jim Ford died in Huntsville Penitentiary of a kidney disease on June 17, 1930, just 20 days before before he was due to go to the electric chair next week.

[Joel McCray]

Joel McCray in another authentic reenactment of.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

A case from the files of the.

[Joel McCray]

Texas Rangers, Joel McCray is currently seen starring in the Universal International Technicolor production Cattle Drive. The cast included Tony Barrett, Tim Graham, Henry Rowland, Harley Bear and Barney Phillips. Technical advisor was Captain MT Lone Wolf Gonzalez of the Texas Rangers. This story was transcribed and adapted by Charles E. Israel and the program was produced and directed by Stacy Keach. This is Hal Gibney speaking.

[Narrator]

Starting Wednesday. Robert Montgomery tells how a citizen views the news over NBC.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

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. 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.

[Sheriff Dave Fellows]

It.