Cry of a Killer | Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok (03-25-53)

Summary

Episode Summary: "Cry of a Killer | Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok"

Podcast Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rines
Episode Title: Cry of a Killer | Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok
Original Air Date: March 25, 1953
Release Date: February 15, 2025

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Introduction

In the "Cry of a Killer" episode of Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok, hosted by Andrew Rines, listeners are transported to the treacherous landscapes of the Wild West. Featuring the legendary duo Wild Bill Hickok, portrayed by Guy Madison, and his trusty sidekick Jingles, voiced by Andy Devine, this episode delves into a suspenseful mystery involving a supposed ghostly cougar terrorizing the Cheyenne, Wyoming frontier.

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Plot Overview

Initial Encounter on the Mesa

The episode kicks off with Wild Bill and Jingles traversing a desolate mesa when they hear a blood-chilling cry. Suspicious of a lurking danger, they discover the body of a man, initially presumed to be the victim of a cougar attack.

• Quote:
  Guy Madison (Wild Bill): "Bill. Did you hear that?" [02:42]

Approach to T Bench Ranch

Deciding to investigate further, the duo heads to the nearby T Bench Ranch to seek assistance. Upon arrival, they encounter Ira Belder and his associates, Frenchie and Builder, who display hostility towards the newcomers.

• Quote:
  Ira Belder: "We don't put up killers at the T Bench. You better be riding on." [04:08]

Tension and Betrayal

As tension escalates, it's revealed that the supposed ghostly cougar is a ruse orchestrated by the ranchers to intimidate others and rustle cattle. Frenchie openly threatens Wild Bill and Jingles, exposing their deceitful intentions.

• Quote:
  Guy Madison (Wild Bill): "You'll have to use silver bullets to kill that cat, stranger. It's a ghost." [04:37]

Introduction of Rocky

Rocky, Ira Belder's nephew, enters the scene, expressing doubts about his uncle's involvement. He provides Wild Bill with crucial background on the ranch's recent troubles, hinting at internal sabotage and cattle rustling.

• Quote:
  Rocky: "I wish I had something definite, but I haven't." [10:19]

Climactic Confrontation

Determined to uncover the truth, Wild Bill decides to investigate the area around a mysterious cave where the cougar's cries originate. Despite Jingles' apprehensions, Bill ventures into the darkness, leading to a suspense-filled showdown.

• Quote:
  Guy Madison (Wild Bill): "I ain't gonna do it. No, sir, Ray Bob. S. Billy, you ain't gonna find nothing out on this forsaken mesa." [07:55]

Resolution

In the ensuing confrontation, it’s unveiled that Frenchie was masquerading as the phantom cougar to manipulate and control the ranch operations. Wild Bill and Jingles successfully thwart the deceitful plans, ensuring justice is served and restoring peace to the mesa.

• Quote:
  Guy Madison (Wild Bill): "Hey, you mean Frenchie was a cougar? How'd you know it was him, Bill?" [22:21]

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Key Characters

• Wild Bill Hickok (Guy Madison): The steadfast U.S. Marshal committed to upholding law and order in the Wild West.

• Jingles (Andy Devine): Wild Bill’s loyal and resourceful sidekick, providing both humor and support.

• Ira Belder (Ira Belder): The antagonist rancher orchestrating the ghostly threats to control the local cattle trade.

• Frenchie (Frenchie): Ira’s henchman, who impersonates the ghostly cougar to instill fear.

• Rocky (Rocky): Ira’s nephew, who becomes an ally to Wild Bill, aiding in uncovering the truth.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Wild Bill Hickok: "Bill. Did you hear that?" [02:42]
2. Ira Belder: "We don't put up killers at the T Bench. You better be riding on." [04:08]
3. Wild Bill Hickok: "You'll have to use silver bullets to kill that cat, stranger. It's a ghost." [04:37]
4. Rocky: "I wish I had something definite, but I haven't." [10:19]
5. Wild Bill Hickok: "I ain't gonna do it. No, sir, Ray Bob. S. Billy, you ain't gonna find nothing out on this forsaken mesa." [07:55]
6. Wild Bill Hickok: "Hey, you mean Frenchie was a cougar? How'd you know it was him, Bill?" [22:21]

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Insights and Themes

"Cry of a Killer" masterfully blends elements of suspense, deception, and justice, hallmark traits of classic Western narratives. The episode underscores themes such as the struggle between good and evil, the importance of vigilance, and the triumph of truth over deceit. Wild Bill Hickok embodies the quintessential Western hero—brave, principled, and unwavering in the face of danger.

The portrayal of the “ghostly cougar” as a fabricated threat highlights the lengths to which individuals might go to exert control and manipulate others for personal gain. Rocky's internal conflict and eventual alliance with Wild Bill emphasize the moral integrity essential for maintaining order in tumultuous times.

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Conclusion

"Cry of a Killer" stands out as a riveting installment in the Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok series. With stellar performances by Guy Madison and Andy Devine, the episode captivates listeners through its engaging storyline, rich character development, and atmospheric soundscapes. Andrew Rines' meticulous digital restoration ensures that the episode's classic charm is preserved and enhanced, offering both nostalgia for longtime fans and accessibility for new audiences.

Listeners are left with a satisfying resolution that reaffirms the enduring legacy of Wild Bill Hickok as a symbol of justice in the rugged Wild West.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Foreign.

[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.

[Commercial Announcer]

Kellogg's, the greatest name in cereals presents Whale Bill Hick.

[Guy Madison]

Hi. You folks hold on to your hats and pass those Kellogg's Sugar Pot. Cause here comes Guy Madison as Wild Bill Hickok and his pal Jingles. Which is me, Andy Divine. We've got another Rootin tootin Wild Bill Hickok adventure story for you from the cereal you can eat out of the bowl or out of the box. The cereal with the sweetening already on it. Kellogg's Sugar Pop.

[Commercial Announcer]

Today, Kellogg's Sugar Pops. The cereal with the sweetening already on it brings you Wild Bill Hickok. Transcribed in Hollywood and starring Guy Madison as Wild Bill and and Andy Devine as his pal jingles. In just 30 seconds you'll hear the exciting story cry of a killer. There's a thrill a minute spills a plenty out at the Cheyenne, Wyoming frontier Days in July. And you, yes, you can see them all. See them right up in front. See them with Guy and Andy sitting next to you. And without it costing you one red cent. It's an experiential treasure for a lifetime. And in just a few minutes I'll tell you all about how it can happen to you. United States Marshal Wild Bill Hickok and Jingles traveled some weird country riding the trail of law and order. But none of it was as desolate and forbidding as the mesa. The sun had left a cold blue light on the eerie limestone columns. And the winter wind howled around the two partners. When suddenly they were frozen still in the saddle by the blood chilling cry of a.

[Guy Madison]

Bill. Bill. Did you hear that?

[Andy Devine]

I sure did, Jingles.

[Guy Madison]

What was it?

[Andy Devine]

The cry of a cougar. You've heard it before.

[Guy Madison]

Well, maybe so, but it's the biggest cougar I ever heard of. It is?

[Andy Devine]

Makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck, doesn't it?

[Guy Madison]

It sure does.

[Andy Devine]

Hey, Jingles, look.

[Guy Madison]

Is he coming at me? Bill? Is he, Bill?

[Andy Devine]

No. And simmer down, partner.

[Guy Madison]

Bill, now don't leave me. Where you going?

[Andy Devine]

Right here by the trail. Jingle.

[Guy Madison]

What is it, Bill? What have you found?

[Andy Devine]

Oh yeah, partner. Looks like that big cat was ahead of us.

[Guy Madison]

You think he killed this man?

[Andy Devine]

Sure looks like it. You see them?

[Guy Madison]

Ain't claw marks. I don't know what they are. Who do you reckon he Is Bill?

[Andy Devine]

I don't know. We better take him up to the T bench, though. They might know him.

[Guy Madison]

Yeah. Here. Here, let me take him, Bill.

[Andy Devine]

Yeah, put him over my sabotage angles. Steady, Buckshot. Steady, boy.

[Guy Madison]

Poor Jasper Never knew what got to him, Bill.

[Andy Devine]

Yeah. All right, Buckshot, move along.

[Guy Madison]

Come on now, Joker. Let's get off this mesa. I'm getting the willies.

[Andy Devine]

Here's the top of the grade, Jingles. There's the T Bench Ranch right down there, Bill.

[Ira Belder]

You going somewhere, gents?

[Andy Devine]

Well, howdy, mister.

[Ira Belder]

I think you're going somewhere.

[Andy Devine]

Yeah, we figured to make the T Bench Ranch hours tonight and see if they could put us up.

[Guy Madison]

Yeah, we can't get there any too soon what with that big cat screaming so close and hungry on our heels.

[Ira Belder]

Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you. We don't put up killers at the T Bench. You better be riding on.

[Guy Madison]

Riding on. Now, that ain't no way to treat strangers in the West. And we ain't the killers neither.

[Andy Devine]

My partner's right, mister. We found this man down the trail. Looks like he was done in by that cat.

[Ira Belder]

Yeah, well, that'll do to tell. But you didn't see the cat, did you?

[Andy Devine]

No.

[Frenchie]

You didn't see it, I bet you.

[Guy Madison]

No, but we heard it.

[Ira Belder]

Well, you won't see it.

[Guy Madison]

Well, if I do, I'm gonna feed it some lead.

[Ira Belder]

You'll have to use silver bullets to kill that cat, stranger. It's a ghost.

[Guy Madison]

A ghost, Bill. Now, let me get out of here. Move out of my way, you. Get up, Joker.

[Andy Devine]

Easy, Jingle.

[Frenchie]

You can't go pushing by me, you big yoga buttermilk. I take you and break you in two pieces by giving it.

[Guy Madison]

Oh, you heard me.

[Frenchie]

Jump off that horse.

[Andy Devine]

Watch him.

[Ira Belder]

Let him fight.

[Andy Devine]

You gents seem to be looking for trouble.

[Builder]

Mister.

[Ira Belder]

You want to keep away from it. Ride on down the trail. By now you ought to figure you're not welcome at the T Bench.

[Guy Madison]

Now, you overbearing grizzly. Stay down there, Builder.

[Frenchie]

Get him off of me.

[Ira Belder]

You got yourself into that bull. Now you can get out.

[Builder]

Builder, you are a pig. Why, you no help the bull. Oh, boy.

[Andy Devine]

Watch out, Jingles. There's three of them.

[Builder]

I'll help you, bull. I'll make the big ape jump with my whip. You'll see.

[Andy Devine]

Hold it.

[Ira Belder]

Hold it.

[Andy Devine]

No.

[Builder]

I will cut him to ribbon like this.

[Guy Madison]

Good shot, Bill. You cut that rawhide whip right out of the stall.

[Commercial Announcer]

Better.

[Builder]

You see that? Shoot him. I will shoot him myself.

[Ira Belder]

Yeah. Blast him, Frenchie.

[Guy Madison]

Bill again.

[Andrew Rines]

Yippee.

[Narrator]

Wranglers. They're thrills galore. Thrills you'll never forget. Out at Shop and Wyoming Frontier Days, you'll see cowboys trying their hardest to stay on top of buck and bronco. You'll see them leaping off their horses to wrestle a calf to the ground. And you'll see it all. You'll see it right up front where all the action is. And you'll see it as the guests of Guy and Andy. With Guy and Andy. And without it costing you one red cent. Not one red cent.

[Commercial Announcer]

Yes sir, wranglers. That's exactly what will happen this summer if you're one of the grand prize winners in Kellogg's Sugar Pops rodeo Contest. And besides all the never to be forgotten thrills at Cheyenne frontier days, the two grand prize winners will also get a big handsome 27 inch screen Bendix television set. Now here's how easy it is to enter this big rodeo contest. Just send in a name for Andy Devine's new ranch. Sound like it'd be fun and easy? You bet. So start sending those names right away. Send the names for Andy's ranch along with your own name and address. And one box top from Kellogg's Sugar Pops, large or regular size to rodeo contest. That's R O D E o Contest Box 749, Chicago 77, Illinois.

[Narrator]

That's Rodeo Contest Box 749, chicago 77, Illinois. Or get a handy entry blank with all the rules from your grocer entries judged on originality, sincerity and aptness.

[Commercial Announcer]

There are lots of prizes, 608 and all lots of winners. So get your ENT today. Within the space of a few minutes, Wild Bill and Jingles heard the weird cry of a cougar, found the body of a man and were stopped by three strange riders who were obviously looking for a fight. But when they drew on Wild Bill Hickok.

[Guy Madison]

Well, you gunslicks always have to learn the hard way. From Wild Bill Hickok.

[Ira Belder]

Hickok.

[Builder]

He is the Marshaller.

[Guy Madison]

Yeah, he is the marshal. You sneakin little hop toad.

[Ira Belder]

Well now, why didn't you make yourself known, Marshall?

[Andy Devine]

Seems like you didn't give us much of a chance.

[Ira Belder]

Oh, I'm sorry about that. Reckon that blasted ghost cat's got us all so jumpy around here we don't know what we're doing half the time.

[Guy Madison]

He sure acted like it, telling us to ride on.

[Ira Belder]

Well, get up off a bull and get in the saddle.

[Guy Madison]

Oh, yeah. Now that's better.

[Ira Belder]

I'm Ira Belder. We'd be mighty Proud to have you. Stay at the T bench and we'll make you as comfortable as we know how. Won't we, boys?

[Frenchie]

Yeah. I make this big boy comfortable on a rock pipe.

[Ira Belder]

Forget it, Bull.

[Builder]

You know what you're doing, Builder?

[Ira Belder]

Sure, Frenchie. Get yourself together. Come on. We'll go right on down to the ranch.

[Andy Devine]

Wait.

[Builder]

Somebody come.

[Rocky]

Hey, what's going on up here?

[Builder]

It's that Rocky.

[Ira Belder]

This is my nephew, Hickok. Rocky, Builder.

[Rocky]

I heard shots.

[Ira Belder]

This is Wild Bill Hickok and his partner, Rocky.

[Guy Madison]

Yeah, I'm Jingles.

[Rocky]

Mighty glad to meet you, Mr. Hickok.

[Ira Belder]

Well, we can't talk here.

[Narrator]

Let's get on.

[Rocky]

Uncle Ira, look over Hickok's saddle. That's old Manuel, and he's dead.

[Guy Madison]

You know him, huh? Know him?

[Rocky]

He's been working for my family for 20 years. Who killed him?

[Ira Belder]

I'll handle this, Rocky. You can see it's the work of that blasted phantom cat. We hear screaming all the time.

[Rocky]

The cougar.

[Ira Belder]

Yeah. If we don't get off the mesa, any one of us might be next. Come on, let's ride.

[Guy Madison]

The best move anybody's made for half an hour. Now. Jump, Joker.

[Rocky]

Wild Bill, listen to me.

[Andy Devine]

Yeah, Rocky. What's on your mind?

[Rocky]

I've got to talk to you tonight. Don't leave your room till I get there.

[Guy Madison]

Bill, what do you reckon Rocky wants to talk to you about?

[Andy Devine]

We'll just have to wait and see. Jingles.

[Guy Madison]

Reckon that's him now?

[Andy Devine]

Might try finding out. Jingles.

[Guy Madison]

Oh, yeah, it is. Bill.

[Rocky]

Quit. Close the door, Jingles.

[Guy Madison]

Dog gone it, Everybody. Don't. Quit being so mysterious. I'm gonna jump out of my skin. Now, what's going on around here?

[Rocky]

That's what I hope you and Wild Bill can find out. Jingles.

[Andy Devine]

Well, you'd better give us something to go on, Rocky.

[Rocky]

I wish I had something definite, but I haven't.

[Andy Devine]

Well, you can't do much on suspicions. You tell us what you know.

[Rocky]

Well, about three months ago, my uncle came to visit us. A week later, my father took sick and died.

[Guy Madison]

Right sudden, you mean?

[Rocky]

Yeah. Then my Uncle Iris sent for those other two. Said they'd help us run the ranch.

[Andy Devine]

He started taking over, you mean.

[Rocky]

That's right. And he's done real good with it. We got a good herd, and it's been growing fine till about a month ago when it got on to winter.

[Guy Madison]

You've been losing cattle?

[Rocky]

No, but that cat started yelling out there and all sorts of stories been told about it. And some of the other Ranchers bordering the mesa been losing cattle.

[Guy Madison]

Now, what do you make of that, Bill?

[Andy Devine]

I don't know, Jingles. Anything else, Rocky?

[Rocky]

No, but. But I don't trust my uncle and the mother too.

[Andy Devine]

Mm. Why?

[Rocky]

I don't know why. I just don't trust them.

[Guy Madison]

They sure didn't act very sociable before they knew who we were, Bill.

[Andy Devine]

Yeah. Well, Rocky, you better head to bed and let us figure it out.

[Rocky]

Yeah, I better. They saw me talking to you. I don't know what they might do. Good night.

[Guy Madison]

Yeah, good night. Not that anybody's gonna do any sleeping around here with all that's going on. Least of all.

[Builder]

Boss. You have gone crazy in the head. Why you bring that Marshal Hock here to the Tibet?

[Frenchie]

Your Val. This is no good.

[Ira Belder]

I know what I'm doing. Wasn't nothing else to do.

[Builder]

What can you see? Shoot the pistol like the rattler's tongue. He cut my whip, poof.

[Narrator]

Like that.

[Ira Belder]

Ah, shut up. Hickok found Manuel, didn't he? Whose fault was that?

[Builder]

That come too fast? I did not have time.

[Frenchie]

But what do we do now?

[Ira Belder]

I don't know yet. Kickot's got to be convinced the cat did that killing.

[Builder]

Maybe the cat do another kill tonight. Maybe kill two times.

[Ira Belder]

Yeah, maybe that's an idea at that. We gotta figure a way to get them two star packers out of the house.

[Frenchie]

What about Rocky?

[Ira Belder]

I'll take care of him.

[Builder]

Maybe he get wise too.

[Ira Belder]

Yeah, I don't think so. That cat's got miscarried stiff and with good cover. All right, now, here's what we'll do. I'll go and see Hickok and tell.

[Andy Devine]

Them where she is.

[Ira Belder]

So you can see Hickok. Well, we're glad you came along. That ghostly cat's got as skittish as a colt around a rattler.

[Andy Devine]

Nobody ever sees the cat. They just hear it scream. That's right.

[Guy Madison]

But we found old Manuel, didn't we?

[Ira Belder]

Yeah, poor devil. That's the first person I ever heard of being killed by that critter.

[Andy Devine]

You know, Jingles, maybe we ought to go out and track that cat the next time we hear him hauling.

[Guy Madison]

Now, Bill Hickon, I ain't going out in the night to take my chances with a crawling phantom killer like that. I just ain't gonna do it. No, sir, Ray Bob. S. Billy, you ain't gonna find nothing out on this forsaken mesa. Let's go back to the range.

[Andy Devine]

Keep the horses with us. Jingle.

[Guy Madison]

I got them. Wish I could act as calm about this. Whole thing as they do. Bill. There it is. I'm going home.

[Andy Devine]

Steady, partner, steady.

[Guy Madison]

Steady nothing. He'll be hopping on my back and clawing my heart out in another minute. Now, let's get out of here, Bill.

[Andy Devine]

No, not yet, Jingles. Where'd you think it came from?

[Guy Madison]

I ain't sure, but it sounded like it comes from that cave up to the left.

[Andy Devine]

Yeah, that's what I thought, too. Come on.

[Guy Madison]

Come on. You mean up there? Bill, have you gone plumb loco?

[Andy Devine]

All right, then, you can wait here. I'll go up alone.

[Guy Madison]

No, Bill. Now don't leave me. I'm liable to die of being lonesome in one minute. And nothing flat. Bill, Is he closer? Is he? Do you see his green eyes burning behind my back? Bill. Bill, say something to me.

[Andy Devine]

No, Jingles. I don't sing.

[Guy Madison]

Bill, let's go back to the ranch, huh?

[Andy Devine]

All right, Jingles. I think I found what I was looking for.

[Guy Madison]

You did?

[Andy Devine]

Yeah. Now we gotta figure out a way to force that cat into tipping his hand.

[Guy Madison]

Now, Bill, you're getting awful empty headed all of a sudden. Who ever heard of a cat tipping his hand, much less a ghost?

[Ira Belder]

Cougar.

[Guy Madison]

Billy's breathing down my neck. Let's get out of.

[Narrator]

Wranglers. You'll want to enter this big Kellogg Sugar Pops contest today or tomorrow, sure as I know you don't want to miss this chance to be Guy and Andy's guests at Cheyenne Frontier Days this summer. What a thrill it'll be. Sitting and jawing with Guy and Andy and watching all the exciting events that'll take place right in front of your eyes. You'll see real live Indians roping, riding wild horses and bulls and cowboys wrestling with steers. And all of it. The trip to Cheyenne, the Frontier Days, all your expenses, they're all free. They won't cost you a cent. Not one red cent.

[Commercial Announcer]

And on top of the Cheyenne frontier days, the two grand prize winners will also get a big 27 inch Green Bendix television set. A set that'll give you years and years of entertainment.

[Narrator]

That's only the grand prize. Listen to all the other prizes.

[Commercial Announcer]

There are two handsome 21 inch Screen Bendix television sets.

[Narrator]

100.

[Commercial Announcer]

Yep.

[Narrator]

117 inch Screen Bendix television sets.

[Commercial Announcer]

And 500 Bendix clock radios.

[Narrator]

Lots of prizes, lots of winners and lots of fun. Get your names for Andy's Ranch in today.

[Commercial Announcer]

Send your name for Andy's Ranch along with your own name and address. And one box top from Kellogg's Sugar Pops, large or regular size to Rodeo Contest. That's R O D E o contest. Box 749, Chicago 77, Illinois. Send as many entries as you want, but enclose one box top from Kellogg Sugar Pops with each different name. Look for the handy entry blanks. With all the rules at your grocers, Wild Bill and Jingles returned to the T Bench Ranch and went bed. The next morning they were met by a lot of anxious questions from everybody around the breakfast table.

[Ira Belder]

Well, Hickok, did you find anything last night out on the Mason?

[Builder]

Yes, Marshall Lecoq. You learned something about this screaming cat? No.

[Frenchie]

Sure he did. He's just keeping it to himself.

[Rocky]

What was it, Wild Bill?

[Guy Madison]

Well, if you jaspers would shut your traps long enough, maybe Bill would get a chance to tell you what he found.

[Builder]

Oh, so he did find something.

[Andy Devine]

All right, gents, I think I found the answer to your ghost cat and the death of old Manuel.

[Rocky]

You know who killed old Manuel?

[Andy Devine]

I didn't say I did.

[Guy Madison]

But you notice he didn't say he didn't either. You know, Wild Bill Hickok don't tell all he knows till he knows it. Do you, Bill?

[Andy Devine]

Not till I'm sure, Jingles.

[Rocky]

Well, what's it gonna take to make you sure?

[Andy Devine]

Bill, we're going back out there tonight after dark.

[Guy Madison]

We are? You? We are. Oh, no, not Bill. Bill, not again tonight.

[Andy Devine]

That's what I said, partner.

[Ira Belder]

But why at night, Hickok?

[Andy Devine]

That's when the ghost cougar picks to roam the mesa, isn't it?

[Ira Belder]

Well, yeah, but then I figured to.

[Andy Devine]

Be there when he is.

[Ira Belder]

You're barking up a tree that ain't there, Hickok. That cat ain't flesh and blood. It's a ghost.

[Andy Devine]

We'll see about that tonight.

[Builder]

You see, Belder, I tell you, that Hickok is too smart.

[Ira Belder]

Well, we'll see about that, too. If he goes near that cave again tonight, he won't come out alive.

[Builder]

Ah, you figure the cat get him. That is it. One blood curdling scream of the killer cat and Nikuk is no more.

[Andy Devine]

Poof.

[Builder]

He is gone.

[Ira Belder]

Yeah, Frenchie, that's the way I figure. And that's the way it better be.

[Guy Madison]

Bill. This ain't no business for a couple of United States Marshals.

[Andy Devine]

I'm not so sure about that, Jingles.

[Guy Madison]

Well, I am.

[Andy Devine]

Come on, partner, up toward these caves.

[Guy Madison]

No, Bill, not up there. That's where we heard that cat scream last night.

[Andy Devine]

And we're likely to hear him scream again tonight, partner.

[Guy Madison]

Oh, doggone it anyway. Why didn't I stay and open a nice quiet general store in east side Alia. And sell jawbreaker.

[Andy Devine]

Oh, buckshot. Hoo, boy. From here on, we walk. Jingles.

[Guy Madison]

Whoa, Joker. Don't you get separated from me, Bill.

[Andy Devine]

This way, partner. Leave the horses there.

[Guy Madison]

Don't go so fast, Bill. Hey, we're in the cave already.

[Andy Devine]

That's right. Now, you just follow the sound of my footsteps.

[Guy Madison]

Well, just look out and see that I don't step all over you, that's all.

[Andy Devine]

Just take it easy now, Jingles.

[Guy Madison]

Easy nothing. Walking me out in the middle of the meanest piece of country in the middle of the night with screaming and. Hey, Bill. Bill. I'm either hearing a bunch of cattle or I'm losing my mind.

[Andy Devine]

That's right, Jingles. It is cattle, you hear?

[Guy Madison]

Well, I'll be doggone. Cattle in this cave.

[Andy Devine]

Yeah, and that's the answer to the whole riddle.

[Guy Madison]

Well, I don't get it, Bill.

[Andy Devine]

Benny Gwender, don't lose your head.

[Guy Madison]

That's just exactly what I'm afraid of losing.

[Andy Devine]

Now comes the showdown. Jingles, stop and don't.

[Ira Belder]

He cuts wide, I tell you.

[Frenchie]

Then we got to catch up to him.

[Builder]

This is a business for the big ghost cat. No, leave them to me.

[Ira Belder]

All right, put the cat to work.

[Builder]

The cat is stuck. His prey. That is to prepare them for the death.

[Ira Belder]

Get on with it.

[Builder]

Ah, do not get in the rush.

[Andy Devine]

But Stalin.

[Ira Belder]

Hey, where are they?

[Andy Devine]

Your.

[Frenchie]

I don't hear him no more.

[Builder]

You do not hear if they were on your back, Frenchie. Hear them even when they are not breathing.

[Frenchie]

You don't fool me, Frenchy.

[Ira Belder]

You are scared.

[Builder]

I'm sure you are scared.

[Narrator]

I am.

[Builder]

That is what old Manuel here just before he died. Just before this screaming cat rip him to shraps.

[Andy Devine]

That's all I wanted to hear, Frenchie.

[Ira Belder]

But I don't see him.

[Builder]

Get him, Frenchie.

[Guy Madison]

I got the big one, Bill.

[Andy Devine]

Good, Jingles. All right, you buzzards, stand where you are.

[Ira Belder]

I ain't standing still for nobody. Hickok.

[Builder]

Billader. You idiot. You shoot bull. Nuttycock.

[Andy Devine]

Drop your gun, Builder.

[Ira Belder]

I hear you, Hickok. I'll get you this time.

[Andy Devine]

Missed again, Builder. Now I'm gonna put you away.

[Guy Madison]

Come here, you little weasel.

[Builder]

Let me go. No.

[Ira Belder]

You ain't got me yet.

[Andy Devine]

Guess that winds up this gang. Jingles, get a rope. We'll take him back to the ranch. Well, Bill Jingles, looks like we found out your big trouble. Rocky.

[Guy Madison]

Yeah, you were right all the time.

[Ira Belder]

You sneak and sniveling young pup. You Told Hickok about us.

[Guy Madison]

But Bill, what happened to the cougar?

[Andy Devine]

You caught him single handed, partner.

[Guy Madison]

I did? Oh now Bill, you quit hoorain me.

[Andy Devine]

Sure did. Show him, Frenchie.

[Builder]

I will show him nothing.

[Andy Devine]

I said sure I will.

[Builder]

Show him. Like this.

[Guy Madison]

Hey, you mean Frenchie was a cougar? How'd you know it was him, Bill?

[Andy Devine]

Buckshot and Joker told me they did.

[Guy Madison]

Wish they'd tell me something once in a while.

[Andy Devine]

They sure did, pardner. You see, if it'd been a real cat, they'd have taken off for the tall timber. But they didn't.

[Rocky]

But what was it all for, Mr. Hickok?

[Andy Devine]

Your uncle and these other two were scaring people off the mesa, then rustling cattle.

[Guy Madison]

They had them all herded back in the cave.

[Rocky]

But those caves lead to a winter range.

[Ira Belder]

You thick headed pup. We were holding them there for the winter so as we could sell them in the spring. We'd been fat as hogs if Hickok hadn't come along.

[Andy Devine]

You mean if old Manuel hadn't found out Frenchy's whip made that killing look just like the ghost cougar had done it.

[Guy Madison]

Come on, Bill. Now let's take these Gila monsters to jail and put a lot of ground between us and this mesa. I've been so scared for the past two days, I never will get the hair to stay down on the back of my neck again.

[Commercial Announcer]

And now, here are the stars of Wild Bill Hickok, Guy Madison and Andy Devine.

[Andy Devine]

Thanks for being with us today, folks. And we'll be back your way again on Friday with another Wild Bill Hickok story for you.

[Guy Madison]

Yes, sir. And it's a humdinger. Wild Bill and Jingles go to a carnival for a little fun and end up with a rip snorting mystery on their hands. Be sure and hear the carnival of danger.

[Andy Devine]

So long, kids.

[Guy Madison]

See you Friday. Choo Choo. Choo Choo Choo. Choose your favorite cereal. You tell them, Andy from Kellogg's Variety Pack.

[Commercial Announcer]

Yes. Keep the whole family happy every morning for breakfast. Roll out freshness and variety. 10 individual serving size boxes with 10 assorted Kellogg's cereal favorites, including two ready sweetened treats that you get in Kellogg's Variety Pack.

[Guy Madison]

Choo Choo.

[Commercial Announcer]

Choose your favorite from Kellogg's Variety Pack at your grocers. Kellogg's, the greatest name in cereals, has brought you another exciting story of Wild Bill Hickok starring Guy Madison and Andy Devine in person. Today's cast included Barney Phillips, Ken Peters, Lou Merrill, Johnny McGovern and Jack Moyles. Our director is Paul Pierce. Story by Larry Hayes Music by Dick Arant. This is a David Hire production transcribed in Hollywood. Now this is Charlie Lyon speaking for Kellogg's the Greatest Name in Cereals reminding you to listen again on Friday, same time, same station for another adventure of.

[Guy Madison]

Foreign.

[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 Become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank the following ranch hand, Steve 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 copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.