Choice Between Yom Kippur and Dueling | Dr. Sixgun (09-23-54)

Summary

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Podcast Summary:

Old Time Radio Westerns – Dr. Sixgun (09-23-54)
Episode Title: Choice Between Yom Kippur and Dueling
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: October 3, 2025

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Overview

This episode of "Dr. Sixgun" transports listeners to the rugged frontier town of Frenchman’s Ford in the 1870s. The story centers on a profound ethical and spiritual dilemma faced by Colonel Arthur Turo, a Jewish settler, as the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) coincides with a violent challenge from a troubled local cowboy, Harvey Fraser. The episode explores themes of faith, honor, prejudice, and the personal costs of standing by one's beliefs, all woven through the character-driven tradition of classic Western radio.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

Setting the Scene ([01:35–04:00])

• Frontier Diversity:
  Pablo the Gypsy Peddler sets the scene, describing the colorful mix of faiths, backgrounds, and customs in the territory.
  • “The territory is a place where men look up to the skies and call out to heaven in many different ways.” – Pablo ([02:38])
• Dr. Sixgun’s Reputation:
  Introduction of Dr. Gray Matson—a doctor and gunman respected across the frontier.

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Saloon Banter and Trouble Brewing ([04:00–09:00])

• Saloon Conversation:
  Dr. Sixgun, Pablo, and O'Shea (the barkeep) discuss Harvey Fraser’s increasingly dangerous behavior, especially when drunk.
  • Memorable banter about the quality of Piney's cooking and O’Shea’s whiskey.
  • O’Shea seeks Dr. Sixgun’s help in calming Fraser, but Dr. Sixgun refuses to cross ethical boundaries.
    • “You serve him your liquor, and I keep my medicine for sick folks.” – Dr. Sixgun ([05:30])
• Foreshadowing:
  Tension builds around Fraser’s reputation for violence.

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Introduction of Colonel Turo ([06:09–09:47])

• First Impressions:
  Dr. Sixgun visits Colonel Turo, a newcomer with a military background and a pregnant young wife.
  • Turo reveals his Jewish heritage and principled past—his family having freed their slaves before the Civil War out of moral conviction.
    • “We may have perhaps been something of an anomaly since we ran our plantation on free labor.” – Colonel Turo ([08:22])
• Complex Identity:
  Turo’s allegiance to both the South and his faith reveals personal complexity and past struggles with societal acceptance and honor.

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Yom Kippur Approaches ([09:47–14:00])

• Holiday Explanation:
  Colonel Turo explains the forthcoming "Day of Atonement"—Yom Kippur.
  • “It’s the day when all the sins of mankind are brought forward for judgment.” – Colonel Turo ([12:06])
  • Shares with Dr. Sixgun meaningful holiday customs and significance.
  • Insight into Jewish traditions in the deeply Christian and rough Wild West context.
• Request for Solitude:
  Turo asks to spend Yom Kippur in quiet meditation and fasting at Dr. Sixgun’s house, desiring respect for his father and his people, despite not being especially devout.

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Fraser’s Grievance and The Challenge ([14:19–18:31])

• Saloon Confrontation:
  Tensions escalate when Harvey Fraser, blaming Colonel Turo for his job loss, storms into the bar and threatens violence.
  • “We don’t want you or anybody like you in the territory coming in and pushing other people out.” – Fraser ([17:41])
• Challenge Issued:
  Fraser challenges Colonel Turo to a gunfight the next morning, intent on reclaiming his honor and venting his resentment toward outsiders.

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The High Holy Day Dilemma ([19:11–22:53])

• Observing Yom Kippur:
  As Yom Kippur begins, Turo dons his father’s prayer shawl, surrenders his gun, and enters into prayer and fasting.
  • “It’s not proper for the day, you know. The custom is…to carry no money and of course, no weapons.” – Colonel Turo ([19:11])
  • Dr. Sixgun and O'Shea discuss the gravity and unfamiliarity of Turo's devotion.
• Deadly Countdown:
  Fraser waits in town, eager for confrontation; townsfolk expect violence.
  • Conflict between faith (no violence, no carrying weapons) and the expectation to defend one’s honor.

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The Confrontation and Its Resolution ([22:53–28:03])

• A Walk of Faith:
  Despite warnings, Turo walks into town, prayer shawl over his shoulders, determined not to compromise his beliefs.
  • “My honor has nothing to do with respect for my fathers. Not in this case. I cannot compromise one for the other.” – Colonel Turo ([22:39])
• Dramatic Showdown:
  Turo faces Fraser in the dusty street, unarmed and murmuring prayers, ready for resignation or martyrdom.
• Turning Point:
  Fraser, confident and bloodthirsty, suddenly collapses before he can draw—felled not by a bullet, but by doctored whiskey that Dr. Sixgun had stealthily prepared earlier.
  • “When he comes to, he’s going to be violently sick to his stomach.” – Dr. Sixgun ([27:24])
• Aftermath:
  Turo expresses sorrow, feeling he profaned the holy day with violence, even unintentionally.
  • “False pride, Doctor. Pride. So that a thing as shallow as honor could be allowed to interrupt the holy day.” – Colonel Turo ([29:27])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Frontier Diversity:
  “In the Territory, a place of violent death and violent life, many men face eternity with a curse and a defiant pistol shot into the quiet sky.” – Pablo ([03:31])
• On Identity and Honor:
  “Pray, do not point out the inconsistency. I’m well aware of it.” – Colonel Turo, about fighting for the South while opposing slavery ([09:33])
• On Faith and Conviction:
  “My honor has nothing to do with respect for my fathers. Not in this case. I cannot compromise one for the other.” – Colonel Turo ([22:39])
• On Community Perception:
  “I would have thought the Colonel was an American.” – O’Shea ([20:24])
• On Personal Regret:
  “I have a grave sin for which to atone. I allowed it to profane a holy day with violence—a sin…false pride, Doctor. Pride.” – Colonel Turo ([29:27])

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Important Segments & Timestamps

• [02:38] Pablo introduces the theme of diverse faith and community
• [04:00–05:30] Saloon banter setting up Harvey Fraser’s character
• [07:49–09:33] Colonel Turo introduces his Jewish heritage and family history
• [11:17–13:18] Colonel Turo requests to observe Yom Kippur at Dr. Sixgun’s home
• [14:19–18:31] Fraser’s confrontation and public challenge to Turo
• [19:11–20:16] Turo’s Yom Kippur rituals explained and observed
• [22:53–23:23] Turo’s walk into town, tension before the duel
• [25:10–27:24] The street showdown and Fraser’s sudden collapse
• [28:03–29:27] Aftermath, regret, and concluding reflections on faith and honor

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Tone & Style

The episode delivers its story with gravity and empathy, blending the suspense and drama of the Western genre with thoughtful meditation on personal faith and community prejudices. Dialogue maintains an authentic, period-appropriate flavor with moments of both humor and philosophical reflection.

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Summary Reflection

This Dr. Sixgun episode thoughtfully dramatizes the challenge of maintaining religious conviction amid the violence and pressures of the American frontier. Colonel Turo’s refusal to compromise his beliefs, even when faced with mortal danger, offers a quietly heroic portrayal of principled living, while Dr. Sixgun’s behind-the-scenes intervention ensures that a tragic ending is averted without violating Turo's conscience. The episode stands out for its sensitive treatment of Jewish identity and observance set against the archetypal backdrop of the Old West.

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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 Dr. Six Gun. Gray Matson MD was the gun toting frontier doctor who roamed the length and breadth of the old Indian territory, friend and physician to white men 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 Gunn.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

The territory is a place where men look up to the skies and call out to heaven in many different ways. We have seen the wagons of the Mormons rolling west from Drunkards, Mennonites, the Catholic padres in the Spanish missions to the south and the west. And in the Indian country, the worship of the manitou, the sun and the spirits of the dead, goes on as it has for a thousand years before the coming of the white man. Sometimes these different peoples, overwhelmed with their separate truths, have been somewhat impatient to each other. Of course, I am a neutral. I am the brother of whoever made needles or pins or a yard of ribbon. And who am I? Pablo the gypsy peddler. And this is my friend Midnight, and he is a raven, but a philosopher.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

All men are brothers, you see.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

A humanist words too, and a universalist of Course, in the Territory, a place of violent death and violent life, many men face eternity with a curse and a defiant pistol shot into the quiet sky. Such a man was Harvey Frazier. He was standing at the end of the bar at the Bull Run Saloon one night, drinking quietly. I was sitting at the table with Doc Six Gum when o', Shea, proprietor of the Bull Run, came up to the table.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Evening, Doc. Everything all right, o'? Shea?

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Piney's cooking is improving week by week. This steak is much tenderer than the one I had last Monday.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

It ain't Piney that's improving, Doc. It's the side of beef both them steaks come off of. It's aging and mellowing.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

Too bad the same can be said for your whiskey.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

I don't get the turnover in beef I get in whiskey. It ain't got time to age. Sometimes it ain't got the time to quit sloshing around in the barrel from the wagon ride over from the distillers in Chisholm City.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Well, you keep right on serving it, o'. Shea. I'm figuring on all the cases of whiskey poisoning and delirium tremens to support me in my old age.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

You can't fool me, Doc. You keep talking temperance every time you get the chance. I don't mind. Every man to his own brand of foolishness. Which reminds me, I wish you could talk a little temperance to Harvey Fraser over there.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Was that the tall cowpoke at the end of the box?

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Yeah. He comes in here every week and starts in on a bottle. He gets quieter and quieter and meaner and meaner until. Well, last week he would have shot Luke Garrett clean through the head, only his hand wasn't steady enough and he missed.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Why do you serve him?

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

His money's as good as the next man's. Besides, he'd get liquored up somewheres else and then come back here looking for me.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

What do you want me to do?

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

I was wondering, isn't there something, you know, a little powder I could kind of sneak into his drink so's he'd just pass out peaceful like.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Don't look at me.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Aw, now, Doc, couldn't you see your way prepared to give him?

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

I'd like to say you've got your professional ethics and I've got mine. You serve him your liquor, and I keep my medicine for sick folks. Okay.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

I might have figured you'd say that, Doc. Well, maybe I can kinda tag him behind the ear with my pistol butt when he ain't lookin'. It ain't as neat, but it'll keep the ethical situation a little more comfortable all around.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

About a week after that, Doc and I rode out to the west of town. Doc was riding a circuit of calls and I had my pack.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Pablo, what do you know about this Colonel Turo?

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

Oh, nothing.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Why?

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

He's my first call. He must have bought the jessamine place down by the river. Sent a note in with a rider. Signed it Arthur Turo, Colonel.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

Oh, is he with the army post at Fort Gang?

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

No, no, I. I know all the officers there. There hasn't been a transfer. I expect it's a Southerner still carrying his Confederate rank. Wonder what he'd say if I introduced myself using my rank. Private First Class Matson. I must try that sometime.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

Doc was right. The military title was left over from the war. Colonel Turo was a tall, graying man, soft spoken, but with a glint of steel showing through.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

You think she'll be all right then, Doctor?

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

I see no reason why not. She's a healthy, young, healthy woman.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

You can say it, Doctor. She's young and I'm not well.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Anyway, she'll have no trouble giving birth as far as I can see. We figured she's in her fifth month.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Well, I'd like to thank you, sir, for traveling this far from town. I would commend myself, but I've been so occupied during the week with putting the ranch to rights. And since I do not travel on Saturday and I hesitate to intrude on your Sunday.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Oh, I'm afraid my Sunday's far from sacred, Colonel. Babies, broken legs and gunshot wounds have a habit of occurring on the Lord's day.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Sunday.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Yes, of course. Oh, you mentioned Saturday, didn't you? I suppose you're Seventh Day Adventist.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

No, I'm afraid my attachment to Saturday as the Sabbath antedates the Adventists by some thousands of years.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

I beg your pardon, Colonel.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

I'm sorry to confuse you, Doctor. I am, as a matter of fact, of Hebrew persuasion. Oh, does that surprise you, Doctor?

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Yes, I suppose it does. Frankly, I never met many. What's the right term, Colonel?

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

You have your choice of many, sir. The most desirable ones being Hebrew. Israelite, Jew. It doesn't matter.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Well, out here in the territory, there aren't many of you folks. I recall one, Doctor, when I was a student in Boston, but he was a German. Mostly, I was just surprised. I thought you were a Southerner.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

I am.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

I mean.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Pray, don't concern yourself, Doctor. I know quite well what you mean. As a matter of fact, my family has been in Louisiana and a part of Georgia since revolutionary times. We may have perhaps been something of an anomaly since we ran our plantation on free labor.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

That is unusual.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Perhaps. You see, doctor, if you know your Bible, you remember that the children of Israel were slaves in the land of Egypt.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Of course, led to freedom by Moses.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Well, we have a holiday each year to celebrate that liberation. And I suspect my father became increasingly uncomfortable each year, thanking God for the deliverance of his ancestors from bondage while he held the ownership papers of some hundreds or more slaves, several of whom served the dishes of bitter herbs that are supposed to remind us of the bitter days of slavery.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

I can see that he might.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

My father, being not only a righteous man, but a good planter as well, freed the slaves and set a reasonable price, taking it out of wages over a good many years. And by the time I came into the property, all our people were free and working for wages. It made us somewhat unpopular in the county.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

But you fought for the South.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Yes. It was my country. Pray, do not point out the inconsistency. I'm well aware of it. And now, Doctor, I'd like to invite you to join us this evening. It is the eve of the new year.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

The new year?

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Our calendar is somewhat ancient, Doctor, and has tended to drag a little. Take my word for it, though, it is the new year.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

And so Doc and I were invited to spend this alien holiday with Colonel Turo and his young wife. We had apple dipped in honey, which we were told signified the wish for a sweet and prosperous new Year. We did not see Colonel Turro again until next week. He came into the Bull Run on Friday morning and found Doc eating his breakfast.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Good morning, Doctor. I'm pleased to see you again.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Well, Colonel Turo, what brings you to town?

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Business, I'm afraid. I've been arranging to import some blooded stock to replace the longhorns.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Won't you join me for breakfast?

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Well, thank you.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

O'.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Shea.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

What is it, Doc?

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

This is Colonel Turo. He'd like some breakfast.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Well, sure thing. What'll it be? Steak, a little pie?

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Hash, I think. Just a boiled egg and black coffee, if you will.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Aw, that ain't enough breakfast for a fly.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

It'll do nicely, I assure you.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

All right, but a boiled egg ain't hardly a challenge.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Pining, Colonel. I don't know if I thanked you enough when I was out to your place. I just hope I wasn't intruding on your observances.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Oh, no, no, not at all, sir. I was about to ask a favor of you sure?

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

What is it?

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Well, it's rather complicated. You see, I won't get my reply from St. Louis about the cattle until afternoon Stage gets in from Chisholm City. Now, at that time, I would be unable to reach my home by nightfall.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

It's a clear trail, though. Besides, it's the fall of the moon. You shouldn't have any trouble.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

I'm afraid I have made my problem clear. At sundown this evening, the Sabbath starts.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

I see.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Now I'm afraid I've compromised my inheritance a number of times, probably. If that were all, I would ride home and. Well, in a modern world, the old ways sometimes are not followed too strictly. But this evening is the start of. Well, the Hebrew word would not mean anything to you. It's Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

That's an important day.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

It's most solemn of our year, Doctor. It's the day when all the sins of mankind are brought forward for judgment. When we repent and mourn and consider our conscience carefully. It's a day that weighs most heavily on us. For example, I told you of my father freeing his slaves. Well, it was on the Passover that the idea occurred to him. It was on the Day of Atonement when he examined his heart and set them free.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

I see. Then you don't want to be traveling on that day.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

That's right. And more, inasmuch as there is no congregation to hold any services in these parts, I would like to spend the day alone in meditation. Now, at the lodging house. I have been sharing my room with a stockman from Texas. Well, he's a cheerful sort, but he's not exactly conducive to meditation. I wondered if there might be a room in your house.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Why, of course, Colonel. It'd be a pleasure.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

I won't be any trouble. It's our custom to fast on this day, so even that difficulty need not trouble you.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Be no trouble, Colonel. I'll be proud to have you as my guest on a day that means a lot to you.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Contrary to the impression I may have given you, sir, I am not really a particularly pious man. But this day, I feel somehow it is a mark of respect to my father and my people. I suppose you've met Southerners overcome with mourning for their fallen country. Yes.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Yes, I have.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Well, sir, on this day we mourn our country that fell almost 2,000 years.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

Colonel Turo sat with Doc through the afternoon, waiting for his message. On the afternoon stage, he passed the time telling Doc of the customs of his people. Of the south before Fort Sumter and trading war experiences. It was about an hour before sundown when o' Shea came over to Doc's table.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Doc. Doc. Excuse me, Colonel.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

What is it, o'? Shea?

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

It's Harvey Fraser.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

He hasn't been in here today, has he?

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Yeah, yeah, he was in before you became. Before you came in. He's. He's been fired off the barrel A. And he was in a mean mood. I give him one drink and I told him I wasn't gonna serve him no more.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

I thought that was contrary to your professional.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Now, look, I'm not joshing, Doc, I told him I don't mind a raucous drunk or even a fighting drunk, but I'm plain scared to death of the quiet, mean kind. I told him to get out. I had my gun on the bar so's he'd know I wasn't punning. He got.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Then what's the problem?

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Well, I told you he'd get his liquor somewhere else. Picked up a quarter mule down at the livery stable and he's been sucking on it all afternoon.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Oh, you think he's coming back here after you?

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

I know darn well he is. Charlie seen him coming up the street. He should have given me them pills or something. I. There he is outside the swinging doors.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Now, wait, wait. Put those guns up, o'. Shea. He may not be shooting.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Well, anyways, he finished his bottle.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Where is he?

[Harvey Fraser]

Where is that sniveling, psalm singing barkeep? That won't serve a man liquor.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Now, take it easy, Harvey.

[Harvey Fraser]

Why, I.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Now, Harvey, you're just talking plain foolish.

[Harvey Fraser]

Yeah, well, you ain't got a gun on me now.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Shame.

[Harvey Fraser]

As a matter of fact, I got.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

One on you now, Harvey.

[Harvey Fraser]

Drop your gun belt to the floor. Go on.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Let me put him up on the bar. I don't want to get sawdust in the barrel.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Now, wait a minute, Fraser.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Don't you horn in none, Doc.

[Harvey Fraser]

I'm running this here drive. Put them guns down, o'.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Shay.

[Harvey Fraser]

All right, now you're going to serve me.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Ain't you had enough with a quarter mule?

[Harvey Fraser]

I said, are you going to serve me?

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Sure, sure, sure, Harvey. What's your pleasure?

[Harvey Fraser]

A whiskey. Make it full measure. I'm gonna let it go at that, o'.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Shea.

[Harvey Fraser]

Cause I ain't mad at you. I'm looking for some low, sneaking, rebbed polecat that took my job.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Where does that man work, Doctor?

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

The barrel A, I think.

[Harvey Fraser]

Oh, you know what that crawling hound done to me? He fixed it so as I got Fired. The boss says I don't need so many hands now. So, Harvey, here's your time.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

I don't get it. What's this Southerner got to do with it?

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Maybe I can explain. I suppose the owner of the Barrel A decided he didn't need as many men after he sold half his range acreage to a newcomer.

[Harvey Fraser]

That's right. Who are you?

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Arthur Turo. I bought the land from the Barrel A.

[Harvey Fraser]

Why?

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Look out.

[Harvey Fraser]

You're wearing a gun. Make you move.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

I want to talk to you.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Make you move or I'll gun you down right now.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

All right, all right.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Get his gun, o'.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Shay.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

I can't. He didn't hit you, Fraser. He got your gun.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

I was aiming for his hand.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

That's some shooting anyways. You've got some move from leather, Colonel.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

In the old days, it was a fashion in my country among the gentry to duel for slights to their honor. In my case, I was often slighted and I seldom lost a duel.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Doc, I can't feel my fingers.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Just soak them in cold water. They'll be all right. Maybe you better soak your head too.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

I'll take care of that, Doc. I got the dish pail right here. Well, you wanted him to sober up, didn't you, Doc?

[Harvey Fraser]

You've done this to me, Mr. Colonel, whatever you are. You lost me in my job and hurt my hand. All right, now you listen. You and this pot bellied barkeeper. Plenty brave when you got my gun. Well, I think you're a no good cowardly hound. We don't want you or anybody like you in the territory coming in and pushing other people out.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

I thought we settled this.

[Harvey Fraser]

No, no, we didn't. Now you listen. I'll be waiting for you in the street tomorrow morning, cold sober, so my hands steady. If you get any guts, you'll be there and we'll settle it then. O', Shea, give me my gun.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Give it to him.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Here you are, Harvey. Now get out.

[Harvey Fraser]

I'll be waiting for you tomorrow, Colonel.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Well, Doctor, if you don't mind, as it approaches sundown, I think I'd like to retire.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Sure, sure, Colonel. Come on, I'll show you the.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

We all walked over to docks. There was no mention of Harvey Fraser and his challenge. When we got to the house, Colonel Turo opened a carpet bag and took out a prayer book and a long white shawl with a black stripe at each end and fringes.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

This was my father's prayer shawl. And so the legend goes, his father's before Him. Doctor, I'll just ask you to hold my gun. It's not proper for the day, you know. The custom is to follow the biblical injunction to do no work, which is held to mean to carry no money and of course, no weapons. Actually, Doctor, being alone and not a learned man, I can only make a respectful gesture toward the service. But I do what I can.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

And so throughout the evening, Colonel Turro sat by himself, wrapped in the old prayer shawl and read from the prayer books, murmuring this strange language softly to himself. In the morning, Doc had breakfast at the Bull Run and the Colonel stayed in his room. I think Doc was much impressed. The unfamiliar ritual was somehow awesome.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

It's real strange. Here you learn in Bible school all about these people. Chances are you never get to really know any, not in this part of the country.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

You could have fooled me. I would have thought the Colonel was an American.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Oh. Say, when did your father come over from Ireland?

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

1848, when the potatoes gave out. Why?

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

The Colonel had kin way back the signed the Declaration of Independence.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Huh?

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Oh.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Oh, yeah, yeah, I see what you mean. Doc, what did the Colonel say about Harvey Fraser?

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Nothing.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Well, Harvey rode into town at sunup. He's been waiting around ever since to catch the Colonel on the street.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

You mean he seriously intended.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

He sure does. He's telling anybody who'll listen that the Colonel is a yellow dog who's gonna sulk in his room all day cause he's scared.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

But I told you, it. It's this very important religious time for.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

The Colonel that don't make no nevermind to Harvey. You'll be telling everybody how he made the Colonel back down.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

But the Colonel can't fight or even carry a gun today. It's against his religion.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

I don't know if Harvey will wait till tomorrow. He's really got blood in his eye. He comes in here for a drink maybe every two hours. Just so he won't get too much and unsteady his gun hand. Looks to me like the Colonel is over a barrel.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

Doc went back to the house and about noon the Colonel got up and started for the door.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Wait a minute, Colonel, where are you going?

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

For a walk.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Wait, I thought. I mean, is that allowed always considered.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Proper to take a short walk on the holy day?

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

But you know, Colonel, this is a pretty wild town.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

I'm aware of that, sir.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Maybe. Maybe because of the day it'd be better to stay in.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

I don't take your meaning, sir.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Colonel, to be honest, Harvey Fraser is out there waiting for you.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Oh, yes. Yes, he said he would be, didn't he?

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

You can't go out.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Why not?

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Because he'll gun you down.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Doctor, in my old home in our country, if a man challenged your courage and impugned your honor, there was only one thing to do. You meet him.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Oh, then you're going to take your gun?

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

No, no, not today, Doctor.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

But you can't just go out there and walk into Harvey Fraser's bullets without your gun, without fighting back.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Not today. Doctor, my honor has nothing to do with respect for my fathers. Not in this case. I cannot compromise one for the other. Now, if you'll excuse me, Doctor, I'll take my short walk.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Colonel, you. You've still got the prayer shawl on.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Yes. I trust the townspeople won't find it too startling. An interesting custom. You know, often a man has the same shawl from boyhood, and when he dies, it becomes his shroud. Well, good morning, Doctor, and peace to you.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

And so down the street of Frenchman's Ford walked Colonel Touro, his flat crowned hat set square on his head and around his shoulders the yellowing silk of a prayer shawl shipping in the light breeze. He walked slowly and steadily as if it were in respect to the day, as if the measured steps along the board sidewalk were but an aid to meditation and prayer. Doc came charging out of the house after him and crossed diagonally to the Bull Run.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Oh, say, listen. The Colonel's out taking a walk. Where's the sheriff? No, no, Doc, listen. If Sheriff Hanson doesn't do something, we've got to find Fraser and you'll found him.

[Harvey Fraser]

Doc didn't see me at the end of the bar. Well, I'm glad to know the Colonel's out walking. I'll give him a chance to enjoy the fresh air, then I'll go out and meet him.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

He hasn't got his guns.

[Harvey Fraser]

Don't hand me that, Doc. Man who shoots like that ain't without his guns. O', Shea, a little drink. A short one, just for sociability, but not enough to shake your hand.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Harvey, let the Colonel alone. This is an important day for him.

[Harvey Fraser]

Yeah, sure is, Doc. Get that drink, o', Shea, and see.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

How far the old goat got down the street.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Huh?

[Harvey Fraser]

Coming back this way. All right. O', Shea, my drink.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Here you are.

[Harvey Fraser]

And I'm right sorry to run off like this, but I got an appointment with a polecat for a little walk down the street. Adios, Duck.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

There was nothing too unusual in the scene. A dozen times in the last year, two men have stood in the dust of the street at Frenchman's Ford a dozen times. The loungers in front of the livery stable have dived for cover. And the barber has run out to put up his shutters. Harvey Frazier stood in the street, his legs planted wide apart, his Stetson jammed back on his head, his hand hanging limp on a level with his gauntlet. We've seen that many times in the territory. And then Harvey started forward, walking slowly to meet the colonel, who stepped down the middle of the street now as if he were on parade with his regiment.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

All right, you yellow dog, make your move.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Can't he see the colonel hasn't got his gun?

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

I don't think he cares.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

I'm gonna stop him.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

I wouldn't, Doc. Harvey gun you down? In these parts, he'd get off scot free. Jury don't hold with one fella interfering with another man's fight.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

It's murder.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

There ain't nothing to do but wait, Doc.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

That's.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

Closer. They came together on the street and we could see that the Colonel seemed to be talking to himself in that strange tongue of so many years ago.

[Harvey Fraser]

Draw. Go ahead, you old walleyed steer. Draw. I give you your chance. Don't come no closer.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

I'm going.

[Harvey Fraser]

I'm gonna gun you down.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Draw.

[Harvey Fraser]

All right. You think I won't?

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

You.

[Harvey Fraser]

What's the matter with my eyes there?

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

I drew my gun.

[Harvey Fraser]

Now make your. If you take one step more, I'm going.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

He's down. Come on, o'. Shea.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

He just fell down like he'd been poleaxed. I got his gun, Doc.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

What happened, Doctor? I'd already said the prayer for the dead for myself.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Shall I rope him, Doc?

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

I don't think you'll have to, o', Shea, when he comes to, he's going to be violently sick to his stomach.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

Is he ill? I'm too old a man to believe that the Lord intervened in Frenchman's Ford the way he did in Babylon.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

If it was the Lord, Colonel, he done it through Doc.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Never mind o'. Shay.

[O' Shea (Barkeep)]

Well, he ought to know. Doc took my advice. Finally, he fixed Harvey's last drink while he was looking out the door. And say, by the way, what did you put in a Doc?

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

I'd rather not say. But he isn't going to be too comfortable for a few days.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

I should thank you, Doctor.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Colonel, I should not have let you go out.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

No, it was my decision. And now, if you will allow me, Doctor, I should get back to my prayers. I'm afraid I have a grave sin for which to atone. I allowed it to profane a holy.

[Harvey Fraser]

Day with violence a sin.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

How do you figure that, Colonel?

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

False pride, Dr. Pride. So that a thing as shallow as honor could be allowed to interrupt the holy day.

[Narrator]

You have been listening to Dr. Six Gun, brought to you each week at this time by the National Broadcasting Company.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Saxgun is played by Carl Weber and.

[Narrator]

Pablo by William Griffiths. Today's script was written by Ernest Kinoy. Paired on the cast were William Keene as O', Shea, Bill Adams as Colonel Turo, and Les Damon as Harvey Fraser.

[Dr. Six Gun (Gray Matson MD)]

Sam Doctor 6 Gun, starring Carl Weber as the Frontier Doctor, with William Griffiths.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

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 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 707-986-8739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Colonel Arthur Turo]

It.