Captain Langdon’s Honor | Dr. Sixgun (Unknown)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: Captain Langdon’s Honor | Dr. Sixgun (Unknown)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: January 16, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, listeners are transported into the tense and complex world of honor, feuds, and survival in the Old West with the story "Captain Langdon’s Honor" from the classic radio series Dr. Sixgun. Dr. Gray Matson, the eponymous gun-toting frontier doctor, is drawn into the destructive legacy of a family feud as Captain Rance Langdon, a former Confederate officer, seeks out young cowhand Alvin Carver. This episode explores the tragic repercussions of generational animosity and rigid codes of honor, set against the backdrop of a lawless and unforgiving territory.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to Dr. Sixgun and Setting

• Narrator introduces Dr. Gray Matson, a frontier doctor known for bringing both healing and justice, respected among both settlers and Native Americans for his fairness and service.
• Setting: Frenchman’s Ford, a town frequented by travelers, soldiers, and cowhands, embodying the diversity and tensions of the frontier.
  • [03:12] Pablo: “The town of Frenchman's Ford is a place of strangers…”

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2. Arrival of Captain Rance Langdon

• A stranger (Langdon) enters the Bull Run Saloon, seeking out Dr. Matson for treatment of a gunshot wound. Langdon insists on his military title, establishing his pride and attachment to the honor code of the Old South.
  • [04:39] Captain Langdon: “Allow me to introduce myself. Captain Rance Langdon.”
  • [04:53] Captain Langdon (on being called ‘Mr.’): “Captain Langdon, if you don't mind. It's a small thing, but I find it of great importance.”
• Langdon reveals he was wounded in a duel with a classic French dueling pistol. The other participant died; Langdon survived.
  • [07:08] Langdon: “The weapon was a finely balanced French dueling pistol. Quite accurate.”
  • [07:23] Dr. Matson: “Dueling pistol? How’d you happen to get shot with a dueling pistol?”
  • [07:23] Captain Langdon (coolly): “In a duel.”
• He says his business in Frenchman’s Ford is to “settle” something, not of business, but of “honor.”
  • [08:04] Captain Langdon: “Not business, doctor. Honor.”

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3. Langdon’s Life in Frenchman’s Ford & Discussion of Honor

• Langdon spends weeks in town, drinking and conversing philosophically about the futility of fighting old wars, yet clinging to his title for personal honor.
  • [08:44] Captain Langdon: “I find I can't sympathize with those who continue to fight the battle of the Confederacy…”
  • [09:24] Captain Langdon: “As for my using my military title, it's a point of honor with me. I consider my commission a distinction which I'm pleased to remember.”
• He asks Dr. Matson to locate a young man named Carver, reportedly from his home county, explaining only that he is obliged to meet him as part of a request.

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4. Dr. Matson Finds Carver

• While riding circuit, Dr. Matson meets Alvin Carver, a mild-mannered cowhand at the Circle A ranch. Carver learns Langdon is seeking him but immediately grows anxious.
  • [13:25] Dr. Matson: “Your name's Carver, isn't it?”
  • [13:31] Carver: “That's right. Alvin Carver…”
  • [14:41] Carver (pleading): “Suppose you just forget about seeing me. I mean, when you talk to Rance Langdon … If he does, sure as I'm sitting here eating cold beans, he's gonna kill [me].”

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5. Unveiling the Feud

• Upon returning, Matson confesses to Langdon he did in fact meet Carver. Langdon openly admits he seeks to kill Carver, explaining that a generations-long blood feud demands he do so for the sake of family honor.
  • [19:10] Captain Langdon: “I've killed four of them.”
  • [19:14] Dr. Matson: “That's incredible...”
  • [19:47] Captain Langdon: “...when I first met you, I had a bullet in my arm … The man who put that bullet there, doctor, was a Carver.”
• Carver shares his family’s history of humble beginnings, gradual prosperity, and an escalating feud sparked by a forbidden romance between a Carver and a Langdon woman, leading to reciprocal killings over decades.
  • [22:44] Carver: “Langdons didn't hold with the Carvers. ... There was a girl in the Langdon family... She run away with him. And I reckon that started it.”
  • [23:35] Dr. Matson: “And he's gonna try to kill you for that?”
  • [23:37] Carver: “I reckon.”

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6. Confrontation and Duel

• Langdon tracks down Carver and insists on settling their families’ honor through a formal duel with pistols—a duel Carver sees as an inescapable trap. Dr. Matson condemns the practice as senseless and barbaric.
  • [25:02] Dr. Matson: “Now listen to me, Langdon…”
  • [25:40] Captain Langdon: “Oh, but I'm not gonna do that, doctor. … I brought along the dueling pistols. They're perfectly matched. You can have your choice of him, Carver.”
• Carver chooses to exploit the surroundings, instigating a stampede instead of participating in the duel.
  • [27:22] Carver (holding a pistol to the moon): “It's a mighty pretty moon, ain't it? Looks like I could hit it square if I pulled the trigger.”

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7. Aftermath and Moral Reflection

• Following the chaos, Carver survives with a broken arm; Langdon is killed by the stampeding longhorns.
  • [28:14] Dr. Matson: “It's not a bad break. The arm will be good as new in a couple of weeks.”
  • [28:24] Dr. Matson: “You don't have to worry about Langdon anymore. The whole herd went over him.”
• Carver questions whether his actions, though necessary for survival, were “honorable,” highlighting the toxic burden placed by outdated codes of conduct.
  • [28:44] Carver: “Yeah, but I did have the choice of weapons. He couldn't complain none if I chose a weapon that I knew how to handle and he didn't--a herd of stampedin' longhorns. ... But I wouldn't want to have done nothing without honor.”
• Dr. Matson offers no easy answers—leaving the lingering question about the meaning of honor, justice, and survival in a world still ruled by old vendettas.

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Notable Quotes

• Captain Langdon on Rank & Honor:

  “Captain Langdon, if you don't mind. It's a small thing, but I find it of great importance.” (04:53)

• On Dueling:

  “Dueling pistol? How'd you happen to get shot with a dueling pistol?”
  “In a duel.” (07:23)

• Langdon’s Iron Code:

  “I've killed four of them.” (19:10)
  “Because I must.” (18:34)

• Carver’s Fear:

  “If he does, sure as I'm sitting here eating cold beans, he's gonna kill [me].” (14:41)

• Carver on His Family:

  "My family ain't had no honor to speak of. They but hardly had shoes of britches before 15, 20 years ago. But I ain't going to the law on a thing like this. No, I wouldn't give them Langdons a satisfaction harbor." (24:12)

• Clash of Codes:

  Dr. Matson: “Langdon, you’re insane. Even the Apache Indians limit a blood feud to the guilty man. Shooting this boy down is murder.” (25:35)

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Important Timestamps

• 03:12 – Pablo introduces Frenchman's Ford
• 04:39 – Captain Langdon introduces himself
• 07:23 – Langdon reveals the duel and its significance
• 08:04 – Langdon speaks of settling “honor”
• 13:25 – Dr. Matson meets Alvin Carver
• 14:41 – Carver begs Dr. Matson not to reveal him
• 19:10 – Langdon admits to a string of killings
• 22:44 – Carver explains the origins of the feud
• 24:35 – Carver refuses to seek help from the law
• 25:40 – Langdon proposes the duel with pistols
• 27:22 – Carver’s “choice of weapons” moment
• 28:24 – Dr. Matson reassures Carver that Langdon is gone
• 28:44 – Carver reflects on “honor” after surviving

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Memorable Moments

• The chilling moment when Langdon, unemotionally, reveals a campaign of murder driven by family honor.
• Carver’s refusal to run, reject violence, or appeal to law—a tragic result of his upbringing and pride.
• The unexpected twist: Carver refuses the duel on Langdon’s terms, instead using a stampede to survive.
• Dr. Matson’s frustration and helplessness in the face of irrational, inherited violence.

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Tone and Style

The dialogue is characterized by classic Western stoicism, dry humor, and philosophical exchanges. The story is somber, reflecting on the futility of old grudges and the rigid codes that perpetuate violence.

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Conclusion

This episode of Dr. Sixgun masterfully dissects the consequences of misguided honor and blood feuds in the post-Civil War West. Through evocative performances and crackling period dialogue, it asks whether survival or honor matters more, and at what cost each is pursued. The restoration by Old Time Radio Westerns adds fresh clarity, making the unfolding drama even more compelling and heartfelt for a modern audience.

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Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

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

[Narrator]

Across the rugged Indian territory rides a tall young man on a mission of mercy, his medical bag strapped on one hip, his six shooter on the other. This is Dr. Six Gun. The National Broadcasting Company brings you another episode in the exciting adventure series Doctor Six Gun. Gray Madsen MD Was the gun toting frontier doctor who roamed the length and breadth of the old Indian territory. Friend and physician to white and Indian alike, the symbol of justice and mercy in the lawless west of the 1870s, this legendary figure was known to all as Dr. Six Gun.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Pablo]

The town of Frenchman's Ford is a place of strangers. At almost any time of the year there are more strangers on the streets and in the saloon than there are. Depending on the season, you can find cavalry troopers from the Post to the west, cattle buyers from as far away as Abilene, and even Chicago cow punchers up from the long trail out of Texas, and even such strange fish as me. And who am I? I am Pablo, the gypsy peddler. And this is Midnight, my friend.

[Alvin Carver]

Midnight. Hello.

[Pablo]

He's a raven, too. He's a.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Out the back way. Landlord will hear us.

[Pablo]

As you can see, he is an experienced traveler.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Expert.

[Pablo]

And so a stranger riding into the town of Frenchman's Ford causes only mild interest and very few questions. I was sitting with my friend Duck Six Gun at his favorite table in the Bull Run Saloon one day. Doc was eating supper and I was drinking lunch as I had been road.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Without time for refreshment, a stranger walked in.

[Pablo]

He stopped at the bar, ordered a drink, spoke for a moment to o' Shea behind the bar and then came over to our table.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Evening, gentlemen. I trust I'm not intruding.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Why, no. What can I do for you?

[Captain Rance Langdon]

The gentleman behind the bar tells me you're a physician.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

That's right.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Allow me to introduce myself. Captain Race Langdon.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Glad to meet you, Mr. Langdon. I'm Gray Matson.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Captain Langdon, if you don't mind. It's a small thing, but I find it of great importance.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Oh, I'm sorry. Captain. Military title? That's right.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Cavalry.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

I take it you're retired from active service.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

That's putting it mildly, Doctor. My commission is in the army of the Confederate States of America.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Oh, well, we have a lot of men who have fought here in the territory. Both sides, north and South. We get along mostly.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Of course. Doctor, I wish to consult you on a professional matter, if I may.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Of course, Captain Langdon. Pablo.

[Pablo]

By a strange coincidence, Doc, having finished my lunch, I must now ask o' Shea to pour my supper. I'll see you later, doc.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Doctor, I presume you're acquainted with the treatment of gunshot wounds.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

That's one of the major parts of my practice, captain. That in delivering babies.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Well, I'm not likely to call in your services in that capacity. But as to the first, I require some treatment.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

You've got a bullet wound.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

I have?

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Well, maybe we'd better go over to my office.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Excellent idea, doctor. I'm afraid the stage ride from Chisholm City is not the best of health measures for a wound.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Well, that ride isn't very healthy, even if you're not carrying a bullet. Well, come on, captain. We'll get over to my place and see what we can do. Well, now, that about does it, captain. I'll just put the bandage on.

[Pablo]

It feels worse.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

That's because of the probing. It'll get better now unless inflammation sets in. How Long have you been carrying that bullet around?

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Oh, about two weeks.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

You should had it looked at. You could have lost that arm.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

I had other matter to occupy my time.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Well, you want to keep this bullet as souvenir?

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Not particularly, doctor. I'm not sentimental.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

It's a funny one. I pulled a lot of bullets out of men in this town, but I don't think I've ever seen anything like this before. It's round like an old fashioned pistol ball.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

That's just what it is, doctor. You're lucky.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

About a half an inch to one side and it would have cracked a bone. I guess whoever shot you must have had some kind of old fashioned gun.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

And couldn't aim well, on the contrary. The weapon was a finely balanced French dueling pistol. Quite accurate.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Dueling pistol? How'd you happen to get shot with a dueling pistol in a duel? Oh, what happened to the other fellow?

[Captain Rance Langdon]

He's dead. I told you the weapons were quite accurate in the hands of a competent marksman.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

I take it you're such a marksman.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

I think that's evident, doctor. Otherwise I'd be dead and you might be treating the other man.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Well, that'll take care of the wound. If I were you, I'd give it a rest for a while. Stay in town for at least a week. I don't think that arm will take much more jolting. Not if you want it to last.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

It'll last long enough. But my plans are to stay in this vicinity in any case. Oh.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Figuring on settling in Frenchman's Ford?

[Captain Rance Langdon]

In a manner of speaking, yes. There is something here that I have to settle.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Business, I expect.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Not business, doctor. Honor.

[Pablo]

Captain Rance Langdon stayed in Frenchman's Ford for the next several weeks. He took a room at the hotel above the livery stable and spent his days sitting quietly at the Bull Run, his arm resting in his silken kerchief, drinking more or less consistently from a bottle that he himself brought to the saloon and placed behind the bar. And in the evenings he would sit at the table with docs with his special bottle of bourbon and they would talk.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Why, I agree with you, doctor, completely. I find I can't sympathize with those who continue to fight the battle of the Confederacy long after the war is over.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Boy, I'm a little surprised to hear you say that, Captain.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Why?

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Well, for one thing, the way you still use your rank. Most of the men I've met who are still calling themselves major or colonel tend to die pretty hard. Why, it wasn't but four Months ago that big mirror behind the bar got broken in Pickett's charge.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Oh, regrettable, doctor, regrettable. As for my using my military title, it's a point of honor with me. I consider my commission a distinction which I'm pleased to remember. Does not mean that I'm unaware that it's an empty title. I pride myself on being a sensible and civilized man, doctor. I'm not a moth to go beaten against the flame of a lost cause until assinge my wings.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

I wish there were more men here in the territory with that kind of sense.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Captain. I've been meaning to ask you, doctor. I had heard that there was an old acquaintance of mine living in the vicinity. A man from my home county.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Is that right? What's his name? Maybe I know him.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

I was hoping you might. Carver.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Carver. Well now, let's see. I knew no one or two Carvers. What's the name of your Carver?

[Captain Rance Langdon]

I don't know.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

You don't.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

You see, I've never met him. Actually, he's the son of an old acquaintance. I was especially asked to look him up.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

About how old a fellow would he be?

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Oh, young man, probably about 25.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Most of the fellows that age in these parts are out punching cows on one of the big spreads to the north. I ride circuit every now and again. If I run across a fellow named Carver who seems to fill your bill, I'll let you know.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Do that, doctor, if you will. I'm quite anxious to meet him.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Any particular message for me to give.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Him if I see it? Oh, nothing in particular. You might just tell him that a Langdon is looking for him. One of the Langdons from Rance County.

[Pablo]

Captain Langdon continued to spend his time like a gentleman at the Bull Run, consuming his own good whisky and paying o' Shea for the privilege. About a week later, Doc left to ride the circuit up through the Three Forks country and I went with him to dispense ribbons and laces and needles in the wake of Doc's pills in bitter medicines. We had stopped at the circle out past the arroyo grande where a horse wrangler had lost an argument with a half broken drunk. And while Doc set his leg, the rest of the hands stood around to watch.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

There, that'll hold you.

[Alvin Carver]

Yeah.

[Pablo]

You're done a good job on him, Doc.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Well, I had to be careful when I set that leg.

[Pablo]

How do you mean, Doc?

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Why, if I set it straight, he'd be out of a job. But don't worry, they're both as bow legged as they ever were. Well, that's about all. Unless one of you other fellas cares to oblige me by breaking something while I'm here to save me the trip.

[Pablo]

You're a real character.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Real funny.

[Pablo]

Excuse me a minute, will you? I want to tell Cookie to wrestle up a can of beans to take out to the night herd.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Where's he riding?

[Pablo]

In a box canyon up about a mile or more. We got a herd of strays. Bend in there and easy riding them out to the canyon.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

I'm heading out that way. Why don't I take his grub out to him?

[Pablo]

Well, would you do that, Doc? It's real nice here.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Who is it? Old Walleye Johnson? No.

[Pablo]

Oh, Walleye got herself killed last spring by longhorn. This here's a new fella named Carver and comes from the south somewhere. So ho, you little do settle down for the night.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Yo. Hey, I got some grumpy.

[Alvin Carver]

Hey, hush now, stranger, hush. Unless you want to heard of longhorns coming out at you.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Oh, hold there.

[Alvin Carver]

Take it easy, friend. I just got these little critters bedded down for the night. I've been singing them a sweet little lullaby that I made up myself. Now don't you go riling them now.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Sorry, I brought you out your grub here.

[Alvin Carver]

Thank you kindly. Who are you, mister?

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Dr. Matson. I just set Charlie Adams leg.

[Alvin Carver]

That's right kind of you, Doc, to tote me out the vittle.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Well, I wanted to see you. Your name's Carver, isn't it?

[Alvin Carver]

That's right. Alvin Carver. Some call me Al. Some call me Ben.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Take your choice. And you're from Rance County?

[Alvin Carver]

That's right. How'd you all know that?

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Why, I got a message for you.

[Alvin Carver]

Is that right?

[Dr. Gray Matson]

I'm an old friend of yours. He's over at Frenchman's Ford. Now, he comes from your home county.

[Alvin Carver]

Well now, I ain't seen nobody from.

[Pablo]

Home for four years since I drifted.

[Alvin Carver]

Up to these parts. Oh, look out, Doc, look out now. It's one old highbinder looking cross eyed at me.

[Pablo]

So now you little doggies just settle down slow. Cause there ain't none of us got no place to go.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Well, he told me to tell you that he was looking for you. Said I should tell you that he was a Langdon from Rance County. What? That's what he said. That's his name, Langan. Rance Langdon. Named after the county, I imagine.

[Alvin Carver]

No, Doc, the county was named after him. Leastwise after his granddaddy.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

You know him then?

[Alvin Carver]

No, I ain't never seen him I wasn't but 16 when I left home. And he was gone then. In the war.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Oh, well, anyway, he's looking for you.

[Alvin Carver]

You know, Doc, Beans don't hardly hold their heat at all no more.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Cover. What's the matter, Doc?

[Alvin Carver]

You want to do me a big favor?

[Dr. Gray Matson]

What is it?

[Alvin Carver]

Suppose you just forget about bringing me this grub, huh?

[Dr. Gray Matson]

I don't follow you.

[Alvin Carver]

Suppose you just forget about seeing me. I mean, when you talk to Rance Langdon.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

But why?

[Alvin Carver]

Look, Doc, I ain't one of those wild eyed cowpokes that come up from Texas with their pants dragged down to their knees by two six shooters. My job is taking care of them crazy longhorns. Don't think I ever fired a gun in anger except maybe at a rattlesnake or some other varmints. I just plain ain't got the desire to go into no gunfights. Now, you may figure that's kind of cowardly of me, and likely you'd be right. But I just ain't got the guts for it. And I'm not ashamed of it. So you just don't bother telling Rance Langdon you saw me here.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

All right.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

But I don't understand it, Doc.

[Alvin Carver]

Like I said, I ain't never laid eyes on him and he ain't on me. But if he does, sure as I'm sitting here eating cold beans, he's gonna kill.

[Pablo]

Four days later, Doc came back to Frenchman's Ford, leaving behind him a trail of newborn babies, splinted arms and legs and bandaged wounds. As he sat at his table at the Bull Run, Captain Rance Langdon left the game of poker at the big round table and came over and joined him.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Evening, Doctor.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Captain Langdon.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Have a successful trip? More or less.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

I only lost one patient.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

One of the Peyton kids. That's homestead family, about 40 miles from here. I couldn't understand it. Still don't know what it was. Child ran a fever. Not too hot. Had some headache, complained of stiffness and her back hurt. Then just a little while later, she couldn't move and she stopped breathing. Wasn't anything I could give her. I just don't know what it was. Well, it's not the first patient I've lost and won't be the last.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

You prefer him to die at something you can understand?

[Dr. Gray Matson]

I suppose that's it.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Doc, do you recall the errand I asked you to do for me?

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Oh, you mean looking for that fellow, what was his name? Carver. That's right.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

I don't suppose you ran across him. Why, no.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

No, it's a big territory.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Well, you needn't bother about it anymore. Doctor. Oh, I found him. You have? He's working as a cowhand at the Circle a ranch. Cook came in to load up supplies, stopped in for a drink here and mentioned car.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

You sure it's the right one?

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Funny thing. Cook said you'd been at Circle A. Odd you didn't run into Carver.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Well, maybe he was out on the range.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Yes. Yes, I suppose that's possible.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Langdon, why are you looking for this Carver fellow?

[Captain Rance Langdon]

I told you, I've been asked to locate him. Yes, but why does it matter to you?

[Dr. Gray Matson]

I was just wondering.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

By the way, doctor, I expect to be leaving Frenchman's Ford tomorrow morning. I'd appreciate it if you'd give me your bill for services. All right.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

I'll do that. Heading back east, doctor?

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Are you really interested?

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Look, Langdon, I didn't tell you the truth. I did see Carver. I gave him your message. He asked me not to tell you.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

He did?

[Dr. Gray Matson]

He said something else. He said he'd never seen you, and you'd never seen him.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Why, that's correct.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

But that you would try to kill him.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

I will not try to.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

You mean you will.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

That's right.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

But why? Has he ever done anything to you?

[Captain Rance Langdon]

No, I don't think you could say that he's ever done anything to me.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Then why on earth would you want to kill him?

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Because I must.

[Alvin Carver]

That is ridiculous.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

You'll permit me to be the judge.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Of that, Captain Langdon? If you kill a man, you'll have to answer to the law.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Doctor, I've killed many men, and the law is yet to be interested in it.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

You mean during the war.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

That's different. Yes, during the war, but not solely. Do you recall, doctor, that when I first met you, I had a bullet in my arm?

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

A bullet from a dueling pistol.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

The man who put that bullet there, doctor, was a Carver. Harrison Carver, a cotton broker from New Orleans.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Am I to understand that you've been traveling around the country with the sole purpose of murdering members of the Carver family?

[Captain Rance Langdon]

I've killed four of them.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

But that's incredible, doctor.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

I don't know if you're acquainted with the importance placed upon matters of honor.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

I have seen some pretty touchy tempers here in Frenchman's Ford.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

It's not the same thing. Now, I don't feel inclined to go into it further. But don't attempt to get in my way, doctor. Just as I'm an excellent marksman, With a dueling pistol. I'm quite adequate with a modern six shooter. Now, if you'll give me your bill, I'll see that it's paid for. I leave. Good evening, Dr. O'.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Shea.

[Pablo]

Oh, hi, Doc.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Listen, my horse is beat. I've been on a circuit for two weeks. If you still got that black stallion. You mean the one I took off that gambler from St. Louis for his bill? Yeah, I got him. Lend him to me. O'.

[Alvin Carver]

Shea?

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Well, sure, Doc, but what for? He just got in from the circuit. Got an emergency case somewhere, I think so. If anybody wants me, they can send her to Circle A. I'll be riding there tonight.

[Pablo]

And I'll lead an old Dan. I'm old for Montana. For the throw, a hoolahan. Name feeding.

[Alvin Carver]

Hey, come. Sonic Harbor. Who's that? You trying to spook this herd?

[Dr. Gray Matson]

It's Dr. Matson.

[Alvin Carver]

Oh, howdy, Doc. Somebody else break a leg, Carver.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

You better tell me all about it. Whatever it is between you and Rance Lang. He knows you're here. He's riding out tomorrow to find you.

[Alvin Carver]

Well, I reckon there wasn't much chance of ducking him. Lesson I was just to cut out and run the first time I heard it from you. The chances are he catched up with me sooner or later anyway.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

What's this all about?

[Alvin Carver]

I don't suppose there's nothing I can do about it now. It's a shame to hightail, though, because this here's a good job on this spread. $12 a month. I ain't never had but 10 before.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

But what's behind this? There must be some way to stop him, Doc.

[Alvin Carver]

I reckon the only way to stop Rance Langdon coming after me is to sneak up behind him and put a bullet in his head. Like I say, Doc, I ain't got the stomach for it.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Now, look here, Carver. I rode all the way out here to warn you, and I think you owe me some kind of an explanation. Why is Rance Langing after you? Or any other Carver he can find?

[Alvin Carver]

I reckon I wasn't the first, Doc. Did he tell you who he got?

[Dr. Gray Matson]

He mentioned a cotton broker in New Orleans.

[Alvin Carver]

It'd be my pa's cousin, Harrison. He's a nice fellow. Cousin Harrison used to give us kids sugar sticks when he came to see us. But why, Doc? Back in Rance county, there's always been the Langdon family. And along with them, the Rances. Between the two of them, I guess they was the county before the war. They owned every bit of it. That wasn't just too poor and stony to grow cotton on. After the war, things began to change a little bit. Some of the families, like us Carvers moved down out of the back country. The before the war, Carvers weren't no more account in Rance county than a mule in the Langdon plantation. But I had an uncle started a business in Clayton. That's the county seat. He did real well. Reckon he made a lot of money. Leastwise, after the war, he had enough money to buy a big piece of land from the Langans. That's all they had.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Land?

[Alvin Carver]

Langdons didn't hold with the Carvers. They'd sell them the land at a stiff price, but they didn't hold with it.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

But that isn't enough reason for a blood feud.

[Alvin Carver]

There was a girl in the Langdon family. I don't even recollect her name. She took up with one of us cops. She run away with him. And I reckon that started.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

I don't see how.

[Alvin Carver]

Well, I suppose you'd say the Langdons figured they'd been sullied. Anyways, Jarvis Langdon went after the Carver that married the girl and killed him. Then one thing led to another.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Then that's what started this feud.

[Alvin Carver]

That's right. Old Jarvis, he swore he'd get every one of the Carvers. I reckon he passed it on to Rance on account of Jarvis got killed just before I left the county and come out here.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

How old were you when all this happened?

[Alvin Carver]

When that girl went off with the Carver fellow? I reckon I was 8 years old or something like that.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

And he's gonna try to kill you for that?

[Alvin Carver]

I reckon. That's incredible.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

It's barbarism. I've heard him talk about the foolishness of still fighting the war. He's a civilized man.

[Alvin Carver]

Maybe. Anyways, he's a Langdon from Rance County. I suppose I might as well go in and draw him a pay and hit the win.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Now, wait a minute. He shouldn't be allowed to run you off like that. Now look, Carver. Suppose you ride in the Frenchman's board with me. We'll go to the sheriff's office.

[Alvin Carver]

Doc, I don't reckon I could do that.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

What do you mean? We could have you protected. Have Langdon arrested. He must be wanted in New Orleans for the murder there.

[Alvin Carver]

I couldn't go to the law.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Why not?

[Alvin Carver]

Like I told you, I ain't no gun hand. I ain't no cavalry officer neither. Nor a dueler or nothing. I'm just a cowpoke. But on the other hand, I'm from Rance county too. My family ain't had no honor to speak of. They but hardly had shoes of britches before 15, 20 years ago. But I ain't going to the law on a thing like this. No, I wouldn't give them Langdon's a satisfaction harbor.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

You're as foolish as he is. What are you gonna do?

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Just.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Just wait until he catches up with you and kills you? So you can prove your family is as stupid and murderous as his?

[Alvin Carver]

I reckon it's something like that, Doc.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Well, I'm not gonna let you. I'm gonna swear out an information against Rance Langdon. When I get back to town, I'll have the sheriff hold him. And the marshal at Chisholm City can telegraph New Orleans. I wouldn't do that, Dr. Langdon.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Don't move the boat. You make a fine target in the moonlight. I thought maybe you'd try something like this, doctor. So I rode out tonight.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Now listen to me, Langdon.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

You've already interfered too much with this matter. Now please leave this to me.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

You can't gun this man down in cold blood. He hasn't done anything to you. Think, Langdon, think. You're an intelligent man. He was an 8 year old boy when this whole thing started. What could he have to do with dishonoring anybody?

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Doctor, you don't understand this at all. The woman in question had no honor or reputation to speak of. She had lost it as thoroughly as possible some years before she married Carver. It's not her honor that's involved, but that of the family. The Langdon's of Ranch County.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Langdon, you're insane. Even the Apache Indians limit a blood feud to the guilty man. Shooting this boy down is murder.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Oh, but I'm not gonna do that, doctor.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Then what?

[Alvin Carver]

You don't understand, Doc. He wouldn't shoot me down this way.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

That's right. I'm no assassin. He'll have the same chance as I have. I brought along the dueling pistols. They're perfectly matched. You can have your choice of him, Carver.

[Alvin Carver]

I don't reckon it'll make no nevermind to me, Langdon.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

It's still murder. He doesn't know anything about these weapons. And you, you've used them.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Get off your horse, Carver.

[Alvin Carver]

Now, now you wait a minute, Mr. Langdon. You just wait a minute.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Now. What are you gonna do, Carver? Beg for mercy?

[Alvin Carver]

I don't reckon so. I didn't figure to fight nobody. That's why I run off from Rance County. But as long as you brought it to me, I reckon I might as.

[Pablo]

Well take you Up.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Carver, you're crazy.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Hold on, doc. You don't understand.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

I know I don't come from Rance County.

[Alvin Carver]

Now, don't get the idea I'm thinking of any kind of family honor now, doc. But just before I left the county, it was one of these high minded honorable Langdons who took my pile of his bed in the middle of the night. And I never did see him again. At least why he's not alive.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Langdon.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

All right, doctor. Throw down your gun belt.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Langdon.

[Pablo]

Go ahead.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

All right.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Now dismount, Carver. Then I'll get down on foot.

[Alvin Carver]

Just one thing, Langdon. You're challenging me. Is that right? Yes. Then I reckon I get the choice of weapons. Is that right?

[Captain Rance Langdon]

All right, here they are. Both pistols primed and ready. Here, take your choice.

[Alvin Carver]

Let me hold this one.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Langdon.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Look out. With that, Carver, it's a hair trigger.

[Alvin Carver]

That's all right, Langdon. You see, I got it pointed straight up to the moon. And if I fired it now, I. I couldn't hit nothing but empty air.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

Come on, Carver, you're wasting time.

[Alvin Carver]

It's a mighty pretty moon, ain't it? Looks like I could hit it square if I pulled the trigger.

[Pablo]

Oh, come on, dog.

[Alvin Carver]

Yo.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

You won't get away from me, Carver. Carver, get away from that. Don't get away from me, Carver.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

I'm coming after you.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

But now flying a break out. How's that?

[Alvin Carver]

Real comfortable, doc.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

It's not a bad break. The arm will be good as new in a couple of weeks.

[Alvin Carver]

Thank you, doc. Thank you.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

One more thing.

[Alvin Carver]

Yes, sir?

[Dr. Gray Matson]

You don't have to worry about blinding anymore. The whole herd went over him.

[Alvin Carver]

Yeah, I saw him go down, Doc. Do you reckon it was all right?

[Dr. Gray Matson]

What do you mean?

[Alvin Carver]

He was going to fight me with a pistol. And he knew how to use it.

[Captain Rance Langdon]

I didn't.

[Alvin Carver]

Yeah, but I did have the choice of weapons. He couldn't complain. None of I chose a weapon that I knew how to handle and he didn't. A herd of stampede and longhorns. I mean dark. I ain't no cavalry officer. And I ain't no Langdon of Rance County. I'm just a cow. Poker knows his trade. But I wouldn't want to have done nothing without honor.

[Narrator]

You have been listening to Dr. Six gun.

[Alvin Carver]

Doc.

[Narrator]

Six gun is played by Carl Weber and Pablo by William Griffiths. Today's script was written by Ernest Kinoy. Heard in the cast were John Baragray as captain Rance Langdon, Bob Hastings as young Carver, and William Keene as O'. Shea. Dr. Six Gun is directed by Red Way. This is Bill Rippey speaking.

[Alvin Carver]

Sam.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Doctor 6 Gun, starring Carl Weber as the frontier doctor with William Griffith as Pablo. The Wandering Gypsy has come to you through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-98-687 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Dr. Gray Matson]

Sam.