Danger Wears Two Faces | Hopalong Cassidy (01-19-52)

Summary

Episode Summary: Danger Wears Two Faces | Hopalong Cassidy (01-19-52)

Introduction

In the "Danger Wears Two Faces" episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, listeners are transported to the rugged terrains of Big Bend, West Texas, where the legendary hero Hopalong Cassidy, portrayed by William Boyd, alongside his trusty sidekick California Carlson, embarks on a perilous mission to recover a herd of stolen Russell cattle. The episode, originally aired on January 19, 1952, masterfully blends action, suspense, and classic Western motifs, enhanced by the podcast's digitally restored audio that brings newfound clarity to this timeless tale.

Mission to Recover the Herd

The story commences with Hopalong Cassidy and California Carlson receiving a plea for help to retrieve a stolen herd of Russell cattle from a friend in South Texas. Determined and resolute, they set out to track the rustlers who have led the herd towards the Mexican border, a region notorious for its border outlaws.

Harvey (Narrator) [01:56]: "Well, it's one I call Danger Wears Two Faces. It began when a friend of mine in South Texas asked me to help him get back a herd of Russell cattle."

As they navigate the challenging landscape, the duo faces the daunting task of tracking the rustlers through the unforgiving Big Bend country, likened to "playing patty cake with an unhappy mountain lion."

Harvey: "Trailing a herd of stolen beef there was as healthy as playing patty cake with an unhappy mountain lion."

Despite losing the trail in a rocky section, Hop and California press on, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to justice.

Encounter with Jasper and Betrayal

Their perseverance leads them to a man lying on the road, whom they discover to be Jasper, a suspicious tinware salesman. Hop and California attempt to assist, but Jasper's true intentions quickly surface.

California Carlson [03:10]: "Maybe I can sell you some tinware."

Harvey (as Hopalong Cassidy) [03:24]: "My name is Cassidy and we don't need any tinware."

Jasper reveals his allegiance to Duke Spangler and Little Jack Pargo, the dominant rustling gangs in the area. An uneasy truce forms as Jasper guides them, but underlying tensions hint at imminent betrayal.

Jasper [04:36]: "Then I'll kill you both where you stand."

Capture and Revelations

As Hop and California navigate deeper into Pargo's territory, they face open hostility. An ambush orchestrated by Pargo's men results in their capture. Held hostage in Pargo's camp, they discover the extent of the rustlers' operations, including cattle brand alterations and sales in Mexico for exorbitant profits.

Harvey (Narrator) [05:14]: "Hopalong Cassidy and California enter the outlaw-infested Big Bend country of West Texas. When a gunfighter named Lacy holds them up and demands to know their business..."

Through strategic dialogue and quick thinking, Hop and California manage to escape their bindings, setting the stage for a calculated counterstrike against Pargo and his gang.

Planning the Counterattack

Understanding the rustlers' sophisticated schemes, Hop formulates a plan to dismantle Pargo's operations. Aligning with Duke Spangler, who has seemingly turned honest, they aim to eradicate Big Ben's outlaw presence by targeting its leaders.

California Carlson [08:49]: "Well, as I see it, the situation is essentially simple. Big Ben has only one bandit gang to get rid of."

The plan involves leveraging the seized gold as leverage and rallying honest townsfolk to confront the outlaws, thereby restoring peace to the region.

The Final Showdown

The tension culminates in a dramatic showdown at Pargo's ranch. Utilizing a combination of bluffing and tactical maneuvers, Hop and California, along with their posse of captured outlaws turned allies, engage Pargo and his men in a fierce confrontation.

Harvey [23:04]: "Then we're in for one whale of a fight, Pargo."

The clash tests their resolve and skills, ultimately leading to the downfall of Pargo and his cohorts. The meticulously crafted strategy ensures that justice prevails, and the stolen cattle are reclaimed, restoring order to Big Ben.

Resolution and Conclusion

With Pargo's gang disbanded and the cattle returned, Hop and California reflect on their adventures, reaffirming their dedication to upholding justice in the Wild West. The episode concludes with a lighthearted exchange, emphasizing the enduring partnership between Hop and California.

California Carlson [26:14]: "Well, this should end Big Ben's Outlaws."

Harvey: "Now we take her going."

The podcast wraps up with a narration that ties the events together, highlighting the triumphs of heroism and the restoration of peace, setting the stage for future adventures of Hopalong Cassidy.

Notable Quotes

• Harvey (Narrator) [02:27]: "Hoppy, do we keep going?"

• California Carlson [04:33]: "Me? When I'm a tinware salesman."

• William Boyd (Hopalong Cassidy) [06:00]: "If it ain't enough, I'll tell you. This is the Duke's road."

• Harvey [08:49]: "Well, as I see it, the situation is essentially simple. Big Ben has only one bandit gang to get rid of."

• Harvey [23:04]: "Then we're in for one whale of a fight, Pargo."

Conclusion

"Danger Wears Two Faces" is a quintessential Old West tale encapsulating loyalty, courage, and the relentless pursuit of justice. The Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, through its exceptional digital restoration, breathes new life into this classic episode, offering listeners an immersive experience into Hopalong Cassidy's thrilling escapades. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the saga, this episode delivers a compelling narrative that underscores why Hopalong Cassidy remains an enduring icon of Western folklore.

Transcript

[California Carlson]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines. And before we get into this episode, I wanted to remind you to check out our other western podcasts released daily by going to otrwesterns.com or or searching OTR Westerns in your podcast app of choice. I also wanted to invite you to check out our other podcast channel releasing non western shows by going to otnetcast.com or by searching otnetcast in your podcast app of choice. Now let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Hopalong Cassidy. Original air date is January 19, 1952 and the title is Danger Wears Two Faces. Hope you enjoy and again, thanks for listening.

[William Boyd]

With action and suspense, out of the Old west comes the most famous hero of them all, Hopalong Cassidy. Starring William Boyd. The ring of the silver spurs heralds the most amazing man ever to ride the prairies of the early West. Hopalong Cassidy. The same Hoppy you cheer in motion pictures and the same California you've laughed at a million times. Raw courage and quick shooting have built a legend around this famous hero. Hopalong is a name to be feared, respected and admired, for this great cowboy rides the trails of adventure and excitement. William Boyd as Hopalong Cassidy and Andy Clyde as California. What's our story this time, Harvey?

[Harvey]

Well, it's one I call Danger Wears Two Faces. It began when a friend of mine in South Texas asked me to help him get back a herd of Russell cattle. California and I took the trail ourselves, following the herd as it headed for the Mexican border through the Big Bend country, a land of border outlaws. And trailing a herd of stolen beef there was as healthy as playing patty cake with an unhappy mountain lion. We finally lost the trail in a rocky section, but pushed on in hopes of picking it up again.

[California Carlson]

Hoppy, do we keep going?

[Harvey]

Sure, why not?

[California Carlson]

What'll we do if we find them?

[Harvey]

Take the herd back and turn the rustlers over to the wall.

[California Carlson]

Of course, it was silly of me to wag. I don't know why I didn't think of that. Well, great cross eyed copper hedge, look.

[Harvey]

What? Oh, a man lying on the road.

[California Carlson]

I know this country would bring us trouble. Well, time to go home.

[Harvey]

Oh, stop grumbling. Come on. That man may not be dead.

[California Carlson]

Yeah, and his killers may be watching too.

[Harvey]

Let's see. Take a look at in California. I'll cover you.

[Jasper]

Sure, sure.

[California Carlson]

Don't see no wound.

[Jasper]

May.

[California Carlson]

Maybe it's sunstroke. I'll sheave his heart. Poppy he's alive. Certainly I'm alive. My name's Jasper. Oh, maybe I can sell you some tinware.

[Harvey]

My name is Cassidy and we don't need any tinware.

[California Carlson]

I'm California Carlson. Howdy. Howdy. Like a new coffee pot? Frying pan? No, no, no, no. We're traveling light. Chasing rustlers Take your orders for coffins? I know an undertaker.

[Harvey]

California was only fooling you, Jasper. We're just riders.

[California Carlson]

If you're after Russell Stark, you want either Duke Spangler or Little Jack Pargo. They run the two big gangs of Big Ben. Either way, I take the loss and go home.

[Harvey]

If I was you down here, Danger wears two faces, huh? Who do you work for?

[California Carlson]

Me? When I'm a tinware salesman. My mule's over there.

[William Boyd]

Lift them hands, all of you.

[California Carlson]

Harvey, will you look? It's a grizzly wearing pants and holding a gun.

[Harvey]

Do as he says.

[California Carlson]

I ain't about to argue with him, gun or no gun. Lacey, you stang this pet killer.

[Jasper]

You hombre's got the wrong road.

[Harvey]

What makes you think so?

[Jasper]

This gun in my hand for one thing. Good reason.

[California Carlson]

Sure, that's a swell reason.

[William Boyd]

If it ain't enough, I'll tell you. This is the Duke's road.

[Harvey]

Just like that, huh?

[William Boyd]

Just like that.

[Jasper]

Who are you two?

[William Boyd]

What's your business?

[Harvey]

Why?

[Jasper]

Well, it's like this. If I don't have no objections to your business, I may let you turn around and leave peaceable.

[Harvey]

And if you do have.

[Jasper]

Then I'll kill you both where you stand.

[California Carlson]

Well, in that case, he's Smith and I'm Jones. And we're just a couple of wandering riders, ain't we, Hoppy?

[Harvey]

Yeah. Let's go back, California. I mean Smith.

[California Carlson]

Wait, wait, Lacy. Don't let them fool you. They're lawmen chasing rustlers. Kill him.

[William Boyd]

Now back to Hopalong Cassidy and our story. Danger wears two faces. Trailing a herd of Russell cattle, Hoppy and California enter the outlaw infested Big Bend country of West Texas. When a gunfighter named Lacy holds them up and demands to know their business. Hoppy and California pretend to be wandering riders, only to have Jasper, a tinware salesman, betray them to the threatening killer.

[California Carlson]

They told me so, Lacy. The names are really Cassidy and Carlton. You dirty big mouth. Shut up. It should be worth 50 bucks, Lacy. Now you tell Duke to pay me 50, won't you? You if see, I'm a good friend of his.

[Jasper]

You make me sick. You'd sell Duke down the river just.

[William Boyd]

As quick as you did these two, umbrels.

[Harvey]

Did Duke give you orders to shoot anybody trailing the herd?

[Jasper]

Shout you. I'm gonna give you a hand in finding it. Duke Spengler's turned honest, and he wants Big Ben cleaned up with killers like Little Jack Fargo and his gang.

[Harvey]

So Spengler is honest now?

[Jasper]

Yeah. He's even got him a ranch.

[William Boyd]

Little Jack Pargo's men are the ones who hustle that herd you're after.

[Jasper]

Come on with me. I'll prove it to you. Well, there's the Rio Grande.

[William Boyd]

There's the tracks of your herd. Reckon it's sold in Mexico by now.

[Jasper]

But, uh, company's coming.

[Harvey]

Who are those men?

[Jasper]

Little Jack Pago and his straw bosses.

[William Boyd]

If you can't pray, hang on to your gun butts.

[California Carlson]

Poppy, look at the leader. He's no bigger than a minute. Macy, you're out of your territory. And who are you?

[Harvey]

Two Strangers.

[California Carlson]

Oh, the clever type. Maybe I ought to make you bleed a little.

[Harvey]

You're too proud, Fargo. Those men of yours won't keep me from getting you if you reach for that gun.

[California Carlson]

What, you're bracing me? Me, Little Jack Pargo.

[Harvey]

Call it that. I don't like being threatened. I don't like braggarts, especially little ones.

[California Carlson]

There's an advantage in being little, mister.

[Harvey]

Yeah, I know. You can hide under smaller rocks.

[California Carlson]

You make a smaller target. Poppy, look out. Oh, my arm.

[Harvey]

Hold it, all of you. Grandpargo gets a dead center.

[California Carlson]

You.

[William Boyd]

You heard him, man.

[Harvey]

Where's the herd you shoved across the river, Pargo?

[California Carlson]

Sold. And what's it to you?

[Harvey]

The money. Then where is it? Throw down your saddlebag.

[California Carlson]

No.

[Harvey]

You really want to make that choice?

[Jasper]

No. No, wait.

[California Carlson]

All right, you win.

[Harvey]

For now, you are the men. Toss your guns down. Easy.

[William Boyd]

You pay for this, stranger.

[California Carlson]

If it takes every man I've got, I'll see that you never leave town. Texas alive.

[Jasper]

I'll tell Duke you're here, Cassidy. You wait.

[California Carlson]

Hoppy. Why ain't we running? Now we get the money.

[Harvey]

If we run, Pargo's men will catch us sooner or later.

[California Carlson]

Huh? Then what are we gonna do?

[Harvey]

Lacy said Duke Spangler was trying to go on us, but he wanted Big Ben cleaned up. Well, if he'll help, maybe we can rid Texas a Little Jack Pargo for good.

[California Carlson]

Well, well, well. I'm Duke Spangler. Lacy tells me you outdrew, outshot, out talked and out bluffed Little Jack Pargo and his toughest men. Why didn't you wait for your posse?

[Harvey]

Sorry, no posse. Just the two of us.

[California Carlson]

Just the two of you?

[Harvey]

Yeah, I was hoping you'd lend a hand in fighting Pargo.

[California Carlson]

Oh, my, this is priceless.

[Jasper]

You see, I was hoping your posse.

[California Carlson]

Would do the same thing. This is quite a pickle you've gotten me into.

[Harvey]

Quite. You're supposedly as big as Pargo. Why do you need a posse?

[California Carlson]

Ah, but I'm only supposedly as big. You see, my friends, when I turned honest, I dismissed most of my old fighters. As a rancher, I have no need of thieves and gun hawks.

[Harvey]

But you do need to be rid.

[California Carlson]

Of Little Jack Pargo, if you're honest. That is nasty, nasty tone.

[Jasper]

Please don't use it.

[California Carlson]

I can assure you I'm only a cat eater. Though the moment I wish I did have a few of my old comrades after seeing Lacy, Pargo will think I'm backing you.

[Harvey]

Then you'll have to.

[California Carlson]

I must think it over. Join me at tea and I'll give you my decision. Tea? Poppy, I can't balance this little cup.

[Harvey]

Picture. You'd better. The Duke may get mad. And don't let his manner fool you. Those white hands of his can handle a gun as well as a teacup.

[California Carlson]

You know that helps me a lot. Drop my good cup and they bury you tomorrow, old fellow. Crumpet scone. Oh, maybe one of them little cakes I'll crumpet. No, this cake will do fine, thanks.

[Harvey]

Decided what to do, Spangler?

[California Carlson]

Well, as I see it, the situation is essentially simple. Big Ben has only one bandit gang to get rid of. Now, sooner or later, the law will do it. Did you notice my men riding in?

[Harvey]

Yeah, about 20 or so.

[California Carlson]

All cowboys, not gunslingers. And busy with roundup and cap branding. Hardly equal to Pargo's bunch, you know.

[Harvey]

Then how is it Pargo doesn't steal from you?

[California Carlson]

Pargo still thinks I am a bandit chief. He believes my ranch is only a cover and that I have the army I used to have. My past reputation stands me in good stead now.

[Harvey]

But not us, I think.

[California Carlson]

Sad but true. Now then, you will take the gold you stole from Pago and be off the ranch by dark. I'm throwing you to the wolves. Another Crumpet. Hold still. Darn. I'll be saddled in just a minute.

[Harvey]

Well, not leaving with the gold, I hope.

[California Carlson]

Oh, say, say, say. Go someplace besides this barn, will ya?

[Jasper]

Don't let my looks bother you. All I want is the gold.

[California Carlson]

Harpy wouldn't like that.

[Jasper]

Where is he? Tell me or I'll blast you.

[California Carlson]

Well, he was over at the bunk house, but now he's right behind you. What?

[Harvey]

You're bluffing. No, he hasn't dropped your gun. Before I shoot some of the meanness out of you, big fella.

[Jasper]

No, you wouldn't dare shoot me.

[California Carlson]

Here, you could look. That ain't nice.

[Harvey]

You want another?

[Jasper]

Stop that.

[Harvey]

Oh, come on, Mr. Fall.

[Jasper]

Well?

[Harvey]

Getting tired?

[California Carlson]

Whee. What a thick head. I'll bet your fist is busted. But he'll sleep a while. Let's get her going.

[Jasper]

Put your hands up, both of you.

[California Carlson]

Who?

[Harvey]

Say, weren't you with Pargo this morning?

[Jasper]

Forget the questions. Just drop your guns and pack those saddlebags out to my horse. Walk with him, Whiskers.

[Harvey]

You taking us to Pargo?

[Jasper]

No. He wants you out of the country fast.

[Harvey]

You know, if I yell, Duke's man would get you.

[Jasper]

And if I start playing corpse, I'm going to have company.

[Harvey]

That was just a thought.

[Jasper]

Keep it that way. Now, there's my horse. Put the bags on him.

[Harvey]

Yeah. There.

[Jasper]

All right, now, stand back and play it careful. It wasn't your gold anyway.

[William Boyd]

Adios.

[Harvey]

I was getting a hunch it wasn't.

[California Carlson]

What's that you mean. Hey, who was that rider? What tricks are you two pulling?

[Harvey]

Jasper. You sure get around for a tinware salesman. If I were you, I'd stay out of my sight before. I remember the way you betrayed us this morning. You understand?

[California Carlson]

Oh, sure, sure, sure. I was just asking. And no offense. I'm sorry about this morning. Excuse me. Hoppy, let's hightail it.

[Harvey]

We will. Right back to the river.

[California Carlson]

Right back to the. Oh, no. That's Fargo's territory.

[Harvey]

We got some investigating to do. We'll take a detour and come up along the riverbank. But slow. I want to check for tracks. Come on.

[California Carlson]

Opy. We've checked five miles of riverbank. Ain't that enough?

[Harvey]

Almost. Even in this moonlight, we wouldn't have missed the tracks of a big herd of cattle.

[California Carlson]

Well, those tracks we saw this morning are the only ones around. It was our herd. Ain't no question about that.

[Harvey]

Maybe. There's one thing that's bothered me. I. What? What's that? Where? Moonlight on rifle barrels. It's an ambush. Ride for the river.

[William Boyd]

Robbie.

[California Carlson]

My horse is hurt.

[William Boyd]

You go on.

[Harvey]

Too late. If Targo's men were sur.

[William Boyd]

Now back to Hopalong Cassidy and our story. Danger wears two faces. After discovering that the rustled herd he was trailing had been sold in Mexico, Poppy took the gold payment from Little Jack Pargo, who admitted selling the herd. But later, one of Pargo's men stole the gold back Then, as Hoppy and California investigate further, they are captured by Pargo's men in an ambush.

[Jasper]

Now, in a shack in Pargo's camp.

[California Carlson]

You didn't get very far, did you, Cassidy? That's because I was too smart. I sneaked close enough to hear them say where they were going. Pago, I got them for you. You be paid for it. Sneak. I beat it. Well, they ought to be worth a hundred dollars. You know you wanted them very bad. I never wanted anything so bad in my life. But get out of here, Jasper. You even smell like a traitor. Oh, sure, Little Jack. Sure, I'm going. I just wanted you to know how good a friend I am. I can help you a lot. That unwashed louse. Now for you two. You gonna hate me worse than death, Poppy. Does he mean that?

[Harvey]

Yeah. I broke his pride. Only a big man can take that.

[California Carlson]

Why, you. No, no, not yet. First, where's my gold? Now act stupid. I suppose you don't know California.

[Harvey]

Don't say any more. Gold is our insurance.

[California Carlson]

Oh, take your own advice, Whiskers. Where's the gold? Gold?

[Harvey]

What gold?

[California Carlson]

So, all right, I'll give you some time to think. But one way or the other, you'll tell me. Harpy. How soon do you think he'll be back?

[Harvey]

Soon enough. I hope. The man who took the gold from.

[California Carlson]

Us comes first, though, huh?

[Harvey]

I think he and Lacy were both acting on their own.

[California Carlson]

Well, if Pargo finds out that one of his men took the gold, he'll sure kill him.

[Harvey]

That's why the thief will have to help us escape, keep us from talking to Pargo.

[California Carlson]

Speaking of the boogeyman, I've come to help you escape.

[Harvey]

So we guessed. You can start on these ropes.

[Jasper]

My name is Brandon. You know why I had to take that money?

[Harvey]

You tell us.

[Jasper]

Well, that was the payoff for several herds, all of which Pago lumped together and ran across the Rio Grande. I thought those herds all came from my territory, but I may be wrong.

[Harvey]

Your territory? Say, what are you, a range detective?

[Jasper]

That's a pretty good guess. Yeah, I'm with the Cattleman's Association. I working out of San Antonio. Pago's hit the ranchers around there pretty hard.

[Harvey]

I guess he can sell as many cattle as he can steal.

[Jasper]

Sure. $10 ahead. Across the Rio Grande, no questions asked. Now, if you're square and part of that money belongs to you, you can claim it from our office.

[California Carlson]

There.

[Jasper]

Now you're both free.

[California Carlson]

Thanks. Come on, Hoppy, let's get out of here. Why? Why why, just stay alive, that's why.

[Harvey]

I hate to run from crooks. Let's take Pargo and his men.

[Jasper]

Why, you're insane. Beat it while you have a chance.

[California Carlson]

Oh, give up, Brandon. When Hoppy gets like this, he's a worry to his friends and a delight to undertake.

[Harvey]

How many men does Pargo have here in camp with him?

[Jasper]

14. His lieutenants are the toughest outlaws in Texas.

[Harvey]

They think you're one of them and you get them to come in here one at a time.

[Jasper]

Well, yes, I guess so. But, man, even if we can take them all, we. We'll never get out of Big Ben with him. Why, Pago's men are.

[Harvey]

Who wants to get out of Big Ben? Look, get us rope, lots of it. And a couple of guns or clubs will do.

[Jasper]

A pair of coffins would be more in order. All right.

[Harvey]

As soon as we get the ropes cut into short length, we'll be ready. You wait until we've taken Pargo. He's coming back anytime now. Once we have him, you can tell the others that he wants them here.

[Jasper]

Check. It ought to be a breeze. Yeah, a breeze.

[Harvey]

Now, listen, this is what we'll do. Brandon, you call the men in here one by one California as they walk in the door.

[California Carlson]

All right, California. Ready? Here comes another. Get him. I get you. I got you. Get Rascal number 13. You know, this is getting monotonous.

[Harvey]

I'm glad there's only one more. My arm's tired. Go on, get him tied up.

[California Carlson]

Sure, sure. By now I'm a darned expert.

[Jasper]

Well, I got the last one outside. He was suspicious, so I pole axed him a little. I gotta hand it to you. It worked.

[Harvey]

Yeah, so far.

[Jasper]

Only now what? We can't stay here long. And if we ride towards town, some of Pago's other men will spot ashore.

[Harvey]

You can get the town all right alone. California and I'll take the prisoners over to Duke Spangler's ranch. We can make it that far and Pargo's men won't dare search there.

[Jasper]

If Spengler finds you, he'll massacre the love. You a local.

[California Carlson]

Wait.

[Harvey]

Hang on to your hat, Detective. I got an idea. Why don't we make it a clean sweep with both Pargo and Spengler?

[California Carlson]

Oh, no.

[Harvey]

Can you round up some honest men in town for a posse?

[Jasper]

I can get you 50 all deathly afraid of Pargo and Spengler.

[Harvey]

Bring them to Spengler's place as quick as you can. Maybe when they see Spengler, Pargo and their Henchmen tied and helpless. They'll. They'll drop Deuce or they'll find courage enough to wipe out lawlessness and Big Ben. Without their leaders, these outlaws will be easy to lick.

[Jasper]

True. But you need an army to take Duke Spangler.

[Harvey]

But I have one. I got 15 prisoners. They'll be my army.

[California Carlson]

Crazy, Loco. Just plain nuts. Hobby. These prisoners ain't gonna be no help.

[Harvey]

They'd better be, or none of us will see Morning.

[California Carlson]

You're crazy if you think I'll help.

[Harvey]

If you help Fargo, you get a fair trial. Don't and Duke Spangler catch us all. What'll your chances be with him?

[Jasper]

Hoover?

[California Carlson]

You wouldn't do that. Why, he'd kill me in cold blood.

[Harvey]

I was sure I could count on your cooperation. Pull up.

[California Carlson]

There's a light in the ranch house. Hoppy. Duke's still up.

[Harvey]

It's the bunkhouse we have to take first. Now listen close, Pargo. You're in on this. The prisoners stay tied, but I'll pack them down one at a time and lay them in a circle around the ranch house.

[California Carlson]

What about them empty rifles you loaded in that extra horse?

[Harvey]

I'll put one of them in each prisoner's arms. In the dark, Duke's men won't know they're tied up. The moonlight will shine off the gun barrels. Par goes untied and goes with us.

[California Carlson]

With an empty rifle, I'll bet. Just more bluff.

[Harvey]

Only when we take the bunkhouse. When we hit the ranch house, Pargo will carry loaded guns with us behind him. We may need him to fight as well as bluff.

[California Carlson]

That's great. You know, Hoppy, there's times when I wish I'd taken up hog raisin like my pappy wanted me to.

[Harvey]

Well, taking the bunk house was easy enough.

[California Carlson]

Sure, eight men were sleeping, but where's the rest?

[Harvey]

Well, six or eight on them should be night riding or at line camps. Rest will be in that ranch house with Goof and Lacy.

[California Carlson]

So now we try our bluff out on all of them. Yeah.

[Harvey]

We got Pargo's men all moved to circle the ranch house. Pargo, here's your guns. Hold them down at your side until we crash in the front door. I'll cover you till then. Try to lift the guns.

[California Carlson]

I get the picture. Let's get on with it, Poppy. We can see from here through that window. You can, Lacy. Four men with him.

[Harvey]

Uh huh. You take that side window.

[California Carlson]

California, we'll take the front door.

[Harvey]

And good luck.

[California Carlson]

Sure. Good luck to you. You'll need it just what if this stupid bluff don't work?

[Harvey]

Then we're in for one whale of a fight, Pargo.

[California Carlson]

Quiet. And try the door. It's unlocked. Shall we go in? Let's the drink up, gentlemen. A toast to being honest. Raise him, Duke.

[William Boyd]

Don't move.

[California Carlson]

I'll drill the man who wiggles your.

[Harvey]

Finger guns in the middle of the floor. All of you here.

[William Boyd]

What is all this?

[California Carlson]

Don't be stubborn, Duke. My men have your house surrounded. Toss the guns down. And don't forget the one in your vest pocket. My, my, my. This is a predicament. And there's a wrong note somewhere. Ah, yes. This can't be your play, Pargo. You'd have blasted us from the windows and talked later.

[Harvey]

Take a look out the windows if you don't believe us.

[Jasper]

Oh, I don't, my friend.

[California Carlson]

I don't.

[Harvey]

All right, then. Do you throw those guns down, or do you die because Duke is playing tough?

[William Boyd]

No, you fools.

[California Carlson]

Wait. Don't. Yeah. Well, I see I must pay for my past sins after all.

[Harvey]

And your present ones, Duke. Lacy, your guns.

[California Carlson]

I'll stick my Duke. Seems we have no choice, Lacy.

[Harvey]

That's the way it looks. Duke.

[California Carlson]

Duke. They're trying to bluff you. There's men outside. Gotcha, you little weasel. Watch it, Hoppy. You're mine cargo.

[Jasper]

Stop the dude.

[California Carlson]

Back to McCl.

[William Boyd]

Make them pay. Now back to Hop along, Cassidy.

[Jasper]

Well, we've rounded up all the prisoners, Cassidy. What a scrap that must have been. Duke, Pago, Jasper and Lacy are done for. Aunt Lacy, it took two gunloads to make him cash.

[Harvey]

Ah, they'd have stretched rope anyhow, and Duke was still a rustler.

[Jasper]

Oh, but that couldn't be. Only Pago's been crossing the reel.

[Harvey]

Duke had a better scheme than selling rustled cattle in Mexico for $10 a head. The way I figured, he organized this ranch so he could hold the herds, change the brands, and then later send them to Abilene or Dodge.

[Jasper]

Say, he'd get three times the price.

[Harvey]

In Abilene, and he could play it honest. Duke knew sooner or later the law would wipe out the bandits of Big Band.

[California Carlson]

Hoppy, you think our herd's in Duke's ranch there now?

[Harvey]

Yeah. He tried to steer Aunt Pargo a little too force. Besides, these cowboys were all carrying straight rods of iron when they came in. Running irons. That was a giveaway they were changing brands.

[Jasper]

Sure. No honest rancher would use running irons. They're too slow. They always have irons with their brand fixed on the end instead of drawing the brand. All the cowboy has to do is stamp it on the hide of the cow.

[Harvey]

That's right. Well, this should end Big Ben's Outlaws.

[Jasper]

I'll say you inspired the honest folks here. By tomorrow, there'll be a hundred men combing the brakes for crooks.

[Harvey]

Ah, that sounds like action. Maybe California and I could help.

[California Carlson]

What's that, Harpy? Doggone it, if you get me into one more fight, I'm gonna call off our partnership and do something peaceful. I'll take up hog raisin. You know, like my pappy wanted me to.

[Harvey]

Peaceful? Yeah, I bet you couldn't take it. Come on. Call a hog.

[California Carlson]

Sure, sure, Piggy. Good gravy. You're right. Lead me to that fightin', Hoppy. I sure can't stand to hear myself do that again.

[William Boyd]

Well, Hoppy and California really had a scrap on their hands that time. And so ends Danger Wears Two Faces. In their next adventure, Hoppy easily proved that crooks are fools. And it's a story you won't want to miss. It's called California or Bust Offalong Cassidy, starring William Boyd, is transcribed and produced in the west by Walter White, Jr. Danger wears two Faces was written by Herb Burdham with original music under the personal direction of Albert Glasser. All stories are based upon the characters created by Clarence E. Mulford. This is a Commodore production.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of OTR Western stocks 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 podcast otrwesterns.com you can call and leave us a voicemail 707986, 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.