Cattle Drive | Luke Slaughter of Tombstone (06-01-58)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Cattle Drive | Luke Slaughter of Tombstone
Host: Andrew Rines
Original Air Date: June 1, 1958
Release Date: December 16, 2024

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rines presents "Cattle Drive," featuring the legendary character Luke Slaughter of Tombstone, portrayed by Sam Buffington. Set against the rugged backdrop of the Arizona Territory, the episode delves into the trials and tribulations of cattle driving in the Wild West, showcasing themes of loyalty, rivalry, and survival.

Main Plot

Luke Slaughter, a former Civil War cavalryman turned steadfast cattleman, embarks on a challenging contract to drive 2,000 scrawny Texas Longhorns across treacherous terrains from Yuma to Fort Defiance. Accompanied by his trusted men, Frankie ("Wichita"), Juan, and Jose, Luke faces unexpected obstacles that test his leadership and resilience.

Challenges on the Trail

Early in the journey, the group confronts logistical hurdles:

• Philippine's Concerns: Wichita expresses doubts about the feasibility of delivering a thousand head of cattle within six days, fearing significant losses. He challenges Luke's experience outside Texas, highlighting the harsher conditions and threats in Arizona Territory.

  Wichita: "If we deliver two out of every three we start out with, we're doing mighty nifty."
  Timestamp: [05:06]

• Cattle Theft by Ramirez: The crew discovers that Ramirez, a notorious rustler, has been systematically stealing cattle from their herd. This revelation intensifies the urgency to meet their contractual obligations.

  Wichita: "I just think maybe Ramirez visited Southeast section last night."
  Timestamp: [05:58]

Confrontation with Ramirez

Determined to safeguard his herd, Luke devises a plan to confront Ramirez:

• Strategic Planning: Understanding the threat Ramirez poses, Luke rallies his men to defend their cattle. He emphasizes the importance of quick action to prevent further losses.

  Sam Buffington (Luke Slaughter): "There isn't time, Wichita. If we don't hit the trail today, we can't live up to the contract."
  Timestamp: [06:08]

• The Duel: The tension culminates in a face-off between Luke and Ramirez. Luke, equipped with a new rifle provided by the cavalry, confronts Ramirez alone, showcasing his courage and tactical acumen.

  Sam Buffington (Luke Slaughter): "This rifle better not be double him. Go, Streak."
  Timestamp: [25:30]

Climax and Resolution

• Luke vs. Ramirez: In a high-stakes encounter, Luke manages to outsmart Ramirez, utilizing his horse Blue Streak to gain the upper hand. Despite the odds, Luke successfully defends his herd, ensuring the majority of his cattle make it to San Carlos.

  Sam Buffington (Luke Slaughter): "I guess I haven't got the hang of this rifle yet."
  Timestamp: [26:27]

• Wichita's Defeat: Wichita, who had doubted Luke's methods, faces the consequences of their bet. With losses mounting, he contemplates the future of his cattle business, highlighting the episode's themes of pride and humility.

  Wichita: "I quit counting at 300, Luke. Oh, my. No more wages coming for six months."
  Timestamp: [27:39]

Conclusion

As the cattle drive concludes, Luke Slaughter emerges victorious, having protected his herd and upheld his reputation. The episode underscores the harsh realities of the Wild West, where determination and integrity are paramount for survival.

Notable Quotes

• Luke Slaughter on Leadership and Business:

  "I came from Texas to the Arizona Territory with 2000 head of scrawny longhorns. But the good grass in the valley of the San Pedro fattened them up like butter."
  Timestamp: [03:51]

• Wichita's Skepticism:

  "If you aim to deliver a thousand, you better take them all."
  Timestamp: [05:00]

• Determination to Overcome Adversity:

  "I've got a big stake in it, and there's no man west of the Rio Grande big enough to take it."
  Timestamp: [01:41]

Conclusion by Host

Andrew Rines closes the episode by highlighting the masterful storytelling and exceptional performances that bring "Luke Slaughter of Tombstone" to life. He encourages listeners to immerse themselves in these timeless Western tales, now enhanced with modern digital clarity.

"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."
Timestamp: [31:47]

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Episode Credits

• Starring: Sam Buffington as Luke Slaughter
• Supporting Cast: Junius Matthews, Don Diamond, Peter Leeds, Barney Phillips, and Norm Alden
• Written by: Fran Van Houtersfeld
• Directed by: William N. Robeson
• Music Composed and Conducted by: Wilbur Hatch
• Editorial Supervision: Tom Hanley
• Network: CBS Radio Network

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This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns masterfully blends drama, action, and character development, offering listeners an authentic glimpse into the challenges of the Wild West. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the genre, "Cattle Drive" promises an engaging and immersive auditory experience.

Transcript

[John]

All right, we're all set for the party. I've trimmed the tree, hung the mistletoe, and paired all those weird shaped knives and forks with the appropriate cheeses. And I plugged in the Bartesian.

[Sarah]

Bartesian.

[John]

It's a home cocktail maker that makes over 60 premium cocktails, plus a whole lot of seasonal favorites, too. I just got it for 50 off, so how about a Cosmopolitan or a mistletoe margarita?

[Sarah]

I'm thirsty.

[John]

Watch. I just pop in a capsule, choose my strength, and wow, it's beginning to.

[Sarah]

Feel more seasonal in here already.

[John]

If your holiday party doesn't have a bartender, then you become the bartender. Unless you've got a Bartesian, because Bartesian crafts every cocktail perfectly in as little as 30 seconds. And I just got it for $50 off.

[Sarah]

Tis the season to be jollier.

[Bartesian Team]

Add some holiday flavor to every celebration with the sleek, sophisticated home cocktail maker Bartisian. Get $50 off any cocktail [e-mail] cocktail that's B A R T E S I N.

[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 Luke's Slaughter of Tombstone. Original air date is June 1, 1958 and the title is Cattle Drive. Let's get into it, and thanks for listening.

[Sam Buffington]

Slaughter's my name. Luke Slaughter. Cattle's my business. It's a tough business. It's big business. I've got a big stake in it, and there's no man west of the Rio Grande big enough to take it.

[Narrator]

Luke Slaughter of Tombstone. Luke Slaughter of Tombstone, Civil War cavalryman turned Arizona cattleman across the territory from Yuma to Fort Defiance, from Flagstaff to the Huachucas, and below the border through Chihuahua and Sonora. His name was respected or feared, depending on which side of the law you were on. Man of vision, man of legend. Luke Slaughter of Tombstone.

[John]

All right, we're all set for the party. I've trimmed the tree, hung the mistletoe, and paired all those weird shaped knives and forks with the appropriate cheeses. And I plugged in the Partisan.

[Sarah]

Partisan.

[John]

It's a home cocktail maker that makes over six 60 premium cocktails, plus a whole lot of seasonal favorites too. I just got it for 50 off, so how about a Cosmopolitan or a mistletoe margarita?

[Sarah]

I'm thirsty.

[John]

Watch. I just pop in a capsule, choose my strength and wow, it's beginning to.

[Sarah]

Feel more seasonal in here already.

[John]

If your holiday party doesn't have a bartender, then you become the bartender. Unless You've got a Bartesian? Because Bartesian crafts every cocktail perfectly in as little as 30 seconds. And I just got it for $50 off.

[Sarah]

Tis the season to be jollier.

[Bartesian Team]

Add some holiday flavor to every celebration with the sleek, sophisticated home cocktail maker Bartesian. Get $50 off any cocktail maker at bartesian.com cocktail that's B A R T E S I A N dot com cock.

[Sam Buffington]

I came from Texas to the Arizona Territory with 2000 head of scrawny longhorns. But the good grass in the valley of the San Pedro fattened them up like butter. And when I got a contract to deliver a thousand head to the Indian agency at San Carlos, I signed with a clear conscience. When you sell beef to the government, they want good beef. They always seemed to want it yesterday. Hey, Wichita, where are the steers from the southeast section?

[Wichita]

Jose went for him. You, Frankie, don't run them critters. They gotta be delivered with legs on.

[Sam Buffington]

Well, they won't lose much weight on the trail to San Carlos.

[Wichita]

Nope. A lot of grass on the route you picked. Have to hustle them to make it in six days, Old Luke.

[Sam Buffington]

Yeah, we sure can't let him do any sightseeing. Closer at the next batch, Frankie.

[Wichita]

Yeah, I wish we had a few more hands. 1500 Longhorns is a big passel for six men and a cook.

[Sam Buffington]

A thousand head, Wichita. That's what the contract calls for.

[Wichita]

If we deliver two out of every three we start out with, we're doing mighty nifty.

[Sam Buffington]

What are you talking about? If I lost 1 out of 10 on a simple 6 day trail in perfect spring weather, I wouldn't dare call myself a cattleman.

[Wichita]

Luke, you've been operating in Texas where there ain't no mountains, no rivers, no Injuns, no rustlers and no legal acting robbers who charge you in cattle if you set foot on their grazeland. There ain't no problems in Texas. Matter of fact, there ain't nothing in.

[Sam Buffington]

Texas I knew I had some reason for. Gumma, Dara, Zona. I'm still not losing one for three.

[Juan]

Buenos dias, Senor Slaughter. Senor Witch.

[Wichita]

The name's Witch at all? And where's them critters you and Jose was supposed to cut and bring in?

[Juan]

They're come with Jose.

[Sam Buffington]

Oh, why didn't you help him, Juan? We're in a hurry.

[Juan]

It don't take us say long. Only 50 little cattle.

[Wichita]

I told you to cut a hundred, you loafing scalawag.

[Juan]

There were not a hundred. I think maybe Ramirez visited Southeast section last night.

[Wichita]

Luke, I've been telling you it was Ramirez picking away at our herd. This time he's really hit us. And if you're asking me, you'd better get out of Parsi and go after him now.

[Sam Buffington]

There isn't time, Wichita. If we don't hit the trail today, we can't live up to the contract.

[Wichita]

Yeah, and now we ain't got more than about 1300 head fit for the trail. And if you aim to deliver a thousand, you better take them all.

[Sam Buffington]

All right, Wichita. You know Arizona better than I do. But I'll bet we come back with at least 300 steers with my brand on them.

[Wichita]

I bet you 6 months pay we don't.

[Sam Buffington]

Easy, Streak, easy. We're gonna start them soon.

[Wichita]

Six months pay. That's what I'll bet you.

[Sam Buffington]

All right, I'll give you a real bet. Six months of your wages against Blue Streak here.

[Wichita]

Now, Luke, if you gotta lose the best horse in your string to learn yourself a lesson, I'm willing to teach you. So fur so good, Luke.

[Sam Buffington]

Right, Wichita. We'll make a good 20 miles again today.

[Wichita]

Heard. Looks so much smaller than it did when we started yesterday. Anything happen while you was riding night watch?

[Sam Buffington]

Nothing much, except now I know Ramirez is in the neighborhood.

[Wichita]

Why didn't you waken the boys and go after them?

[Sam Buffington]

Well, they need their sleep. If better deliver these cactus boomers on schedule.

[Wichita]

But you can't let that thieving Mexican keep cutting in on your herd like this.

[Sam Buffington]

Right now I have to, Wichita.

[Wichita]

Well, if you was to ask me, I didn't.

[Sam Buffington]

Now, let's keep these critters moving. Yeah, Come on in. Got the coffee boiling there, Cookie? They sure have, Mr.

[Wichita]

Slaughter. Fix your breakfast and two jerks if you're ready.

[Sam Buffington]

I'll wait until the sun and the men get up.

[Wichita]

But you've been riding watch since midnight for three nights.

[Sam Buffington]

Yeah, I'm a little tired at that. You know, this is a good night horse, but he's no Blue Streak. With Streak, I can catch a few winks in the saddle and leave the watching up to him.

[Wichita]

Oh, you shouldn't have, betting him against Wichita's pay. We ain't going to get back home with no 300 head.

[Sam Buffington]

We'll see. This pony is learning. We got visitors out there.

[Wichita]

Wait while I grab me a mustang and a gun. Mr. Slaughter.

[Sam Buffington]

I'll let you know if I need any help. Let's go, boy. You looking for something? Gentlemen.

[Private Grays]

Whose outfit is this?

[Sam Buffington]

Belongs to Luke Slaughter. From down below. Tombstone.

[Private Grays]

Few boys ever hear of them?

[Sam Buffington]

Not me. No, me neither.

[Private Grays]

You as trail boss?

[Sam Buffington]

That's right.

[Private Grays]

We watched you bed the outfit down from the mesa. I'd say you got something over a thousand heads.

[Sam Buffington]

Yeah, that's right. We were delivering a thousand to San Carlos.

[Private Grays]

Government business don't pay. They're too fussy. But good luck to you anyhow.

[Sam Buffington]

Thanks.

[Private Grays]

Oh, by the way you're crossing, Private Grays. This is part of Wendell Miller's spread.

[Sam Buffington]

Our maps don't say so.

[Private Grays]

Map makers can't keep up with things these days. I don't blame you for taking this short trail to San Carlos. Only you understand that'll cost you a hundred head.

[Sam Buffington]

Well, if this is Miller's land, then that's his crossing fee. Have your boys cut him out. I haven't got the time or the men to argue. Lash those logs tight, boys. If they come loose in midstream, we lose our chuck wagon.

[Wichita]

Looks like she'll float all right, Mr. Slaughter. It's a good trick to get the.

[Sam Buffington]

Wagon across, Luke, but Texas trick. We did have one little river back there.

[Wichita]

But if we drive downstream 11, 12 miles, the critters can ford.

[Sam Buffington]

Yeah, and we'd lose a day.

[Wichita]

Well, current's running too strong here. Them lazy longhorns will let theirselves wash down river. And we'll lose two days rounding them up again.

[Sam Buffington]

Blue Streak will make them swim. Juan, Frankie, you both got your top horses good. Follow Streak and me and try to do what we do. The rest of you head the steers into the river.

[Private Grays]

Keep them coming steady.

[Wichita]

We're gonna lose half of what's left.

[Sam Buffington]

Come on, Blue Streak.

[Wichita]

Cookie. Once that stubborn loot gets something into his hand.

[Sam Buffington]

Hey, hey, hey.

[Wichita]

Look at that gray horse swim at them steers. Why, he's. He's a hazing em like he was on dry land. And he's learning the other horses how to do it. Wichita.

[Narrator]

They got them brainless longhorns swimming across.

[Wichita]

In a straight line. Maybe they do know a thing or two in Texas. I still don't see how you done it, Luke. We didn't lose more than 10 head in the river.

[Sam Buffington]

Blue Streak knows more about cattle than most waddies.

[Wichita]

Real thoughtful of you to rest them. Tonight you can turn them over to me nice and fresh.

[Sam Buffington]

Wichita, you really think you're going to win that bet?

[Wichita]

Well, if we got 1100 head at this point, I'll eat them.

[Sam Buffington]

No, don't eat them. They're sold. And we'll make San Carlos by mid afternoon tomorrow.

[Wichita]

And I'll have me A big gorilla horse, maybe. What you stopping for?

[Sam Buffington]

The show?

[Wichita]

What show?

[Sam Buffington]

Those stars. Millions of them. Pretty, aren't they?

[Wichita]

Yeah, and mighty helpful when you're lost at night.

[Sam Buffington]

I wasn't thinking about that. I was just thinking about nature. For instance, that old owl and that coyote might even be talking to each other.

[Wichita]

Yeah, and they might be talking Apache language.

[Sam Buffington]

Think so?

[Wichita]

Sure do. And we're going to lose another parcel of cattle if we don't ride out there and stop them.

[Sam Buffington]

And get scalped in the middle of the night? We'll collect from them on the way back. In daylight?

[Wichita]

Well, my count was a thousand head plus 19.

[Private Grays]

Agree with yours, Mr. Slaughter?

[Sam Buffington]

I had it. Plus 15. Should I add the extras to the.

[Wichita]

Amount of the treasury draft or you driving them back?

[Sam Buffington]

I'll throw them in free. Save the government a little money. Give your Indians a little extra beef.

[Wichita]

His Injuns got a little extra beef. They snuck about 50 head right out from under our noses last night. Oh, I doubt if they were reservation Indians.

[Sam Buffington]

There's a renegade band somewhere south in the Aravaipa Hills.

[Private Grays]

Yeah, but the cavalry from Fort Thomas.

[Sam Buffington]

Will dig them out before long.

[Wichita]

I'll get the draft ready for you, Mr.

[Sam Buffington]

Slaughter. That's fine, sir.

[Wichita]

Well, Luke, you done a better job than I thought you would that I'll let you ride Blue Streak part way home.

[Sam Buffington]

I'll ride him all the way Wichita. We may be starting home without a herd, but our bet pays off on how many we're driving when we get there.

[Narrator]

In a moment, Luke Slaughter of Tombstone returns.

[John]

All right, we're all set for the party. I've trimmed the tree, hung the mistletoe, and paired all those weird shaped knives and forks with the appropriate cheeses. And I plugged in the Partisan Partisan. It's a home cocktail maker that makes over 60 premium cocktails. Plus a whole lot of seasonal favorites, too. I just got it for 50 off. So how about a Cosmopolitan or a Mistletoe margarita?

[Sarah]

I'm thirsty.

[John]

Watch. I just pop in a capsule, choose my strength and wow, it's beginning to.

[Sarah]

Feel more seasonal in here already.

[John]

If your holiday party doesn't have a bartender, then you become the bartender. Unless you've got a Bartesian, because Bartesian crafts every cocktail perfectly in as little as 30 seconds. And I just got it for $50 off.

[Sarah]

Tis the season to be jollier.

[Bartesian Team]

Add some holiday flavor to every celebration with the sleek, sophisticated home cocktail maker, Bartisian. Get $50 off any cocktail maker at partisan.com cocktail that's B A R T E S I A N dot com.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[John]

I asked Stuart from accounting about his weekend. Even though I don't care.

[Sarah]

I updated my operating system without having to call tech support.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Sam Buffington]

Good morning, Stephen. Have you done something new with your hair? It looks amazing.

[Ryan Seacrest]

They don't have the slightest clue. You were half asleep drooling on your pillow not ten minutes ago. Yep, switching and saving with Geico feels just like that. Get more with Geico.

[Narrator]

Nevermind debate. Simply join us on CBS Radio later on today when yours truly, Johnny Dollar, waits with bated breath for the return of a missing fisherman. It's another exciting insurance fraud case for Johnny to solve and another thrilling mystery for you. Join us on most of these same stations today as the plot thickens for CBS Radio's Johnny Dollar. And now Act 2 of William N. Robeson's production of Luke Slaughter of Tombst.

[Sam Buffington]

We'd made our drive to San Carlos in six days. The men expected to get home in three. But I had some unfinished business to take care of. Look down in the basin there, boys. About 50 Longhorns and six Apache herdsmen.

[Wichita]

Bound to be our critters. The four of us gonna tackle the six of them?

[Sam Buffington]

Well, if we did, we'd have at least 20 more Braves pouring down from those wickiups on the far side. Give me your guns, Widgeta. Thanks. Now, Juan and I are going to circle behind the camp to draw those Apaches away from the cattle. When we do, you and Frankie hightail it in and drive them east as fast as they'll go.

[Wichita]

Now we come a fur piece to pick up 50 measly Longhorns. Which east we're tombstones southwest of here.

[Sam Buffington]

Sure, but like you say, we've come a fur piece. But when I get those steers back, I aim to keep them. Got all four pistols loaded? One see. Bueno. Just circle and keep firing. And when the Apaches come after us. Well, we've got better horses. Let's go.

[Wichita]

Luke's made a bad mistake, Frankie. We run the cattle east till they're ready to drop. And where do we wind up?

[Private Grays]

I don't know.

[Wichita]

It ain't pleasant country, though, I'll tell you that. It's Injun country, that's what it is. Why, it could be an Apache behind every boulder. And Luke's got our six guns. And then. Wait, there's one now. What?

[Sam Buffington]

What, Mr. Bagby?

[Wichita]

Well, you ain't Apache.

[Sam Buffington]

No.

[Narrator]

Captain Marcotte, attached to the cavalry at Fort Thomas.

[Private Grays]

Mr.

[Narrator]

Slaughter suggested that you might enjoy the.

[Sam Buffington]

Company of some of my men.

[Narrator]

As far as the fort.

[Wichita]

Enjoy it?

[Sam Buffington]

Your chuck wagon and Remuda are there already.

[Private Grays]

And Mr.

[Sam Buffington]

Slaughter says he'll join you as soon.

[Narrator]

As he herds those renegade Indians back to the reservation.

[Sam Buffington]

The next order of business was the cattle baron, Wendell Miller, whose men had charged me a crossing fee of a hundred head. He wasn't the kind you call out the United States Cavalry for. I went to his spread alone under the name of Link Slater. I told him I wanted to get started in the cattle business. I flattered him until he was treating me like a long lost nephew.

[Private Grays]

Now, there's that I have in mind for you, Link. And even hundred head prime longhorn.

[Sam Buffington]

Well, I don't know that I'm much of a judge yet, but they look fine to me.

[Private Grays]

My foreman picked them up. The drover was going through last week. A little short of cash, I guess, and bought. Got them for $10 ahead. You get them for what I paid for.

[Sam Buffington]

You've got a bill of sale, I suppose?

[Private Grays]

That's right, young fella. In the cattle business, we don't take anybody's word.

[Sam Buffington]

Well, no, I didn't. Oh, it's all right.

[Private Grays]

That's all right. You're a promising young man. And I'd like to see you make a real go out of that little place you told me about. Try to build it up to a spread like this one.

[Sam Buffington]

I don't know that I can ever do that.

[Private Grays]

You can if you're willing to take some advice.

[Sam Buffington]

I'd be grateful for it.

[Private Grays]

All right, Link. This is a tough new country. Man's got to make his own laws. He's got to keep his eyes and ears open and take what he wants. Prove you can do that. You'll be all right.

[Sam Buffington]

That's just what I'm gonna prove. Now, how about that bill of sale?

[Private Grays]

Of course, my boy. Receipt for a hundred head. At ten dollars a head, signed by a fellow named Luke Slaughter or something like that.

[Sam Buffington]

I see. The steers all seem to have a lazy ass brand. Mr. Miller, can I tell you something about keeping your eyes and ears open?

[Private Grays]

Now don't tell me that one of these critters here is missing a horn or that he bellows off key.

[Sam Buffington]

Look at the brand on my horse and listen while I say Luke Slaughter and Link Slater.

[Private Grays]

What?

[Sam Buffington]

You heard me. And now suppose you show me a map of your spread and I'll show you that these steers were taken off a trail five miles west of your farthest boundary.

[Private Grays]

Now look here, Slater and Slaughter.

[Sam Buffington]

And I don't like having the name forged.

[Private Grays]

My foreman brought in the cattle and the receipt.

[Sam Buffington]

I'm not going to court to argue about it. Like you advised me, I'm making my own laws and I'm taking those steers for exactly what you paid for them. Nothing. Finally, there was the business that started long before the drive. The business of Ramirez.

[Wichita]

Well, Luke, last camp before we hit the home range again.

[Sam Buffington]

Maybe.

[Juan]

How do you mean maybe, Senor Slaughter? We drive it easy tomorrow. With so few cattles?

[Wichita]

My golly, Luke, if you could have picked up 150 more of our own brand somehow you would have won our bet.

[Sam Buffington]

Better no bet. Everybody's worked hard and tomorrow we ought to have some fun. Who wants to go hunting for that?

[Wichita]

Luke, you just want to put off handing Blue Streak over to me. I ain't a goin.

[Juan]

Me and Jose, we were the best hunters in all Sonora. Bears, deers, pumas, eagles, Apaches. We hunt anything, Jose and me.

[Sam Buffington]

Good. Then you're just the men I need for tomorrow.

[Juan]

Gracias.

[Ryan Seacrest]

What?

[Sam Buffington]

We hunt for Ramirez.

[Juan]

Ramirez?

[Sam Buffington]

Sure. We know he's operating around here.

[Juan]

I think maybe not. Ramirez has moved.

[Wichita]

I bet he ain't moved far.

[Sam Buffington]

That's right. With a couple of great hunters like Juan and Jose, we shouldn't have any trouble finding him.

[Juan]

But Ramirez has many men. We don't have so many.

[Sam Buffington]

I've heard that Ramirez will accept a man for man challenge. All we have to do is get word to him somehow that you and Jose and I want to meet him and his two best men.

[Juan]

Senor Slaughter, I would like to do this, but I just remember my mother. She was very sick. When I leave, I better go see her now. Pronto.

[Sam Buffington]

Well, I'm sorry to hear that one. It'll have to be Jose and me against Ramirez.

[Wichita]

What about me?

[Sam Buffington]

You said you wouldn't go hunting, Senor Slaughter.

[Juan]

Jose's little Brother, his wife is going to have a baby, so he better go to Hermosillo, too. You give us our pay?

[Sam Buffington]

Of course, boys. Here's yours, Jose. 30 gold for you, Juan. Frankie, these boys want their ponies out of the remote.

[Juan]

Gracias, senor. Jose and me, we would stay if you needed us for the cattle.

[Sam Buffington]

I understand. I hope you find your families in the best of health. Oh, Juan. If you happen to run across Ramirez, tell him I'll be right plumb in the middle of Rio Verde Meadow at noon tomorrow. All alone on a big gray hors.

[Wichita]

I can't bear to watch it happen to you, Luke.

[Sam Buffington]

Go on back and wait with the herd and the check wagon.

[Wichita]

Maybe Ramirez didn't get your message.

[Sam Buffington]

Don't worry about that. He got it, Juan. Sort of that. Whoa, Whoa. Wichita. You can either go back or wait here on the rim. I'm riding into that basin alone.

[Wichita]

Luke, ain't you. Ain't you never heard how Ramirez fights?

[Sam Buffington]

Sure. He'll come charging down with that big shotgun blazing.

[Wichita]

He'll carry you to bitch before he's in your pistol range.

[Sam Buffington]

You know, Wichita, the United States army is always testing new weapons. Boys at Fort Thomas wanted me to try out this rifle.

[Wichita]

That skinny thing? How far will it shoot?

[Sam Buffington]

Nobody's quite sure. So I'm gonna aim and let Ramirez fire first. If this rifle's no good, well, I guess you'll have to take the herd in yourself. I'm as ready as I'll ever be, Streak. Hope he doesn't keep us waiting too long. Right on the dot. He's way short. This rifle better not be Doubled him. Go, Streak.

[Juan]

Your first shot. She broke my hand, senor. Your next shot. You break my arm, Your next shot. She missed.

[Sam Buffington]

I guess I haven't got the hang of this rifle yet.

[Juan]

Your pistol, she's still loaded. No.

[Sam Buffington]

If I let you go, would you take your men across the border and stay there?

[Juan]

I guess so. Pretty nice in Sonora, all right.

[Sam Buffington]

But if I ever hear of you setting foot on United States soil again, I'm coming after you and you'll never go back alive.

[Juan]

A man does not seize a brand in iron twice by the hot end, senor.

[Sam Buffington]

And there's one more thing, Ramirez. A matter of several hundred cattle with the Lazy Ass Bran. I aim to have them back before you leave. 366. 67. 368, that. What did you make at Wichita?

[Wichita]

I quit counting at 300, Luke. Oh, my. No more wages coming for six months. And I ain't got enough Cash to even buy me a pint of tonsil varnish.

[Sam Buffington]

Well, you wouldn't have, except that you lost that bet before your pay got doubled.

[Wichita]

What?

[Sam Buffington]

Come on now. Let's get those cattle to grass.

[Wichita]

Yeah.

[John]

All right, we're all set for the party. I've trimmed the tree, hung the mistletoe, and paired all those weird shaped knives and forks with the appropriate cheeses. And I plugged in the Partisan.

[Sarah]

Partisan.

[John]

It's a home cocktail maker that makes over 60 premium cocktails. Plus a whole lot of seasonal favorites, too. I just got it for 50 off. So how about a Cosmopolitan or a Mistletoe Margarita?

[Sarah]

I'm thirsty.

[John]

Watch. I just pop in a capsule, choose my strength and wow, it's beginning to.

[Sarah]

Feel more seasonal in here already.

[John]

If your holiday party doesn't have a bartender, then you become the bartender. Unless you've got a Bartesian. Because Bartesian crafts every cocktail perfectly in as little as 30 seconds. And I just got it for $50 off.

[Sarah]

Tis the season to be jollier.

[Bartesian Team]

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[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Private Grays]

Let's see.

[Sam Buffington]

Panda socks, firetruck socks. Socks with those cute little strawberries on them.

[Ryan Seacrest]

You matched each and every one of those tiny socks. I mean, has this ever happened in the history of laundry?

[Sam Buffington]

And a penguin wearing a cowboy hat?

[Wichita]

Socks. Done.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Enjoy the moment, dad. You've earned it. Yep, switching and saving with Geico feels just like that. Get more with Geico.

[Narrator]

Luke Slaughter of Tombstone, starring Sam Buffington, was written by Fran Van Houtersfeld and directed by William N. Robeson. Editorial supervision by Tom Hanley. Supporting Mr. Buffington were Junius Matthews, Don Diamond, Peter Leeds Barney Phillips and Norm Alden with music composed and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. Next week at this time we return.

[Sam Buffington]

With Slaughter's the Name Luke Slaughter. When we meet up again, you can call me that Luke Slaughter.

[Narrator]

This is the CBS Radio Network.

[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 subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739. 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 thanks for listening.

[John]

All right, we're all set for the party. I've trimmed the tree, hung the mistletoe, and paired all those weird shaped knives and forks with the appropriate cheeses. And I plugged in the Bartesian Bartesian. It's a home cocktail maker that makes over 60 premium cocktails, plus a whole lot of seasonal favorites too. I just got it for 50 off. So how about a Cosmopolitan or a mistletoe margarita?

[Sarah]

I'm thirsty.

[John]

Watch. I just pop in a capsule, choose my strength and wow, it's beginning to.

[Sarah]

Feel more seasonal in here already.

[John]

If your holiday party doesn't have a bartender, then you become the bartender. Unless you've got a Bartesian because Bartesian crafts every cocktail perfectly in as little as 30 seconds. And I just got it for $50 off.

[Sarah]

Tis the season to be jollier.

[Bartesian Team]

Add some holiday flavor to every celebration with the sleek, sophisticated home cocktail maker Bartesian. Get $50 off any cocktail maker at bartisian.com cocktail that's B A R T E S I A N dot com.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[John]

I asked Stuart from accounting about his weekend. Even though I don't care, I updated.

[Sarah]

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[Ryan Seacrest]

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