Death Plant – Tales of the Texas Rangers (12-09-51)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Summary

Episode: Death Plant – Tales of the Texas Rangers (12-09-51)
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: April 2, 2025

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Introduction to the Case

In this gripping episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rines presents "Death Plant," a suspense-filled story from the archives of the Texas Rangers. Set in the heart of Texas, the episode delves into a mysterious and deadly incident that unravels the complex relationships within a tight-knit community.

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The Peters' Tragic Evening

The story begins on the night of September 18, 1946, in the small town of Pembroke, Texas. Tom Peters, a farmer, is seen waiting for his wife, Sylvie, after a community church event dedicated to building a recreation hall. Tensions simmer between Tom and Sylvie over a faulty pickup truck Tom recently purchased from Will Fenton.

Notable Quote:

Tom Peters ([02:30]): "You gonna stand there and join the whole night?"

The couple engages in a heated argument about the truck's condition and Will Fenton's dubious reputation. Their disagreement escalates, highlighting the strained dynamics in their marriage.

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The Fatal Explosion

Tragedy strikes when Sylvie Peters is killed by an explosion in the pickup truck Tom owns. Tom survives but is severely injured, prompting the involvement of the Texas Rangers. Ranger Jace Pearson, portrayed by Joel McCray, teams up with the local sheriff to investigate the mysterious bombing.

Notable Quote:

Jace Pearson ([05:07]): "That's right. Plumbing pipe, from the looks of it."

Upon examining the wreckage, Ranger Pearson identifies remnants of a homemade time bomb, indicating premeditation. The investigation quickly points toward Will Fenton, the disgruntled seller of the truck.

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Interrogating Will Fenton

Ranger Pearson and the sheriff visit the Fenton farm to question Will Fenton. During the interrogation, Fenton vehemently denies involvement but displays hostility towards Tom Peters, fueling suspicions.

Notable Quote:

Will Fenton ([10:20]): "I suppose you heard about what happened to Tom and Sylvia Peters last night. Awful thing."

Fenton's defensive demeanor and evasive answers deepen the mystery, suggesting there may be more to the case than meets the eye.

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A Break in the Case: Clint Mockler

The investigation takes a pivotal turn when Fenton reveals information about Clint Mockler, an ex-cowpoke with a troubled past. According to Fenton, Mockler harbors resentment towards the Fentons, hinting at a possible motive rooted in jealousy and past grievances.

Notable Quote:

Will Fenton ([16:00]): "Yeah. I saw him, I tell you. And a little over a week ago, when I was coming back from town, he was parked in his jalopy a mile or so down the road."

Ranger Pearson and the sheriff track down Mockler at the Williams Ranch, where they confront him about his connection to the bombings.

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Unraveling Motives and Deceptions

During the confrontation, Mockler vehemently denies involvement but inadvertently reveals his knowledge of the Fentons' personal affairs. The Rangers begin to piece together a web of deceit, suspecting that someone close to the Fentons might be orchestrating the tragedies.

Notable Quote:

Jace Pearson ([17:44]): "Maybe a husband's jealousy is behind the whole thing."

Their suspicions lead them back to Will Fenton, who becomes increasingly agitated under the pressure of the investigation.

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The Climactic Revelation

As the investigation intensifies, Ranger Pearson discovers compelling evidence linking Will Fenton to the bombings. Faced with irrefutable proof, Fenton breaks down and confesses to murdering Sylvie Peters, driven by jealousy and fear of legal repercussions over the faulty truck.

Notable Quote:

Will Fenton ([27:37]): "I can't have her. Neither can he. I'm killer."

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Resolution and Justice

In the aftermath, Will Fenton is apprehended and brought to justice. The episode concludes with a somber reflection on the consequences of deceit and vengeance, highlighting the unwavering dedication of the Texas Rangers in upholding justice.

Notable Quote:

Sheriff ([27:59]): "Faced with laboratory evidence against him, Will Fenton made a full confession to the murder of Sylvie Peterson."

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Conclusion

"Death Plant – Tales of the Texas Rangers" masterfully weaves a tale of betrayal, suspicion, and redemption. Through meticulous storytelling and evocative performances, the episode pays homage to classic Western radio dramas while delivering a captivating narrative that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.

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Key Takeaways

• Complex Relationships: The episode highlights how personal grievances and strained relationships can lead to tragic outcomes.

• Dedication to Justice: Ranger Pearson’s relentless pursuit of the truth exemplifies the integrity and commitment of the Texas Rangers.

• Impact of Deception: Will Fenton’s deceit underscores the destructive power of lies and jealousy within a community.

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For those who haven't listened, "Death Plant" offers a riveting glimpse into the challenges faced by law enforcement in the Wild West, enriched by vivid storytelling and immersive audio restoration that brings this classic tale to life.

Transcript

[Andrew Rines]

This episode was brought to you by Allianz Travel Insurance. Hotel booked, Check.

[Tom Peters]

Tickets? Check.

[Andrew Rines]

Passport?

[Tom Peters]

Check.

[Joel McCray]

What about travel insurance?

[Andrew Rines]

Get a [e-mail].

[Joel McCray]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Tales of the Texas Rangers. Original air date is December 9, 1951 and the title is Death Plant. Hope you enjoy and again, thanks for listening.

[Sheriff]

The National Broadcasting company presents Joel McCray in Tales of the Texas Rangers from Hollywood. Another authentic reenactment of a case transcribed from the files of the Texas Rangers.

[Vern Fenton]

Rangers.

[Sheriff]

Tales of the Texas Rangers starring Joel McCray as Ranger Jace Pearson. Texas. More than 260,000 square miles and 50 men who make up the most famous and oldest law enforcement body in North America. Now, from the files of the Texas Rangers come these stories based on fact only. Names, dates and places are fictitious for obvious reasons. The events themselves are a matter of record. Case for tonight. Death plant.

[Tom Peters]

It is 11 o'clock on the night of September 18, 1946. Fourteen miles east of Pembroke, Texas, on State Route 70 stands the first community church. Each Wednesday night, members of the congregation have been donating their services to the construction of a recreation hall. The evening's work is just over and Tom Peters, a farmer, stands in the parking area waiting for his wife to catch up to him. Chilby.

[Vern Fenton]

All right.

[Sylvie Peters]

And don't forget, Mrs. Wheatie, when you mix the flour in, be sure you blend it first with a couple of.

[Tom Peters]

Tablespoons full of chewy. You gonna stand there and join the whole night?

[Sylvie Peters]

All right. Oh, that man. He's got no more patience than a bull in fly time.

[Sheriff]

I'll call you tomorrow.

[Sylvie Peters]

What makes you always in such a hurry?

[Tom Peters]

Somebody in this family's got to be in a hurry. Leave it to you. We never get anywhere.

[Sylvie Peters]

Oh, now, Tom, you know you don't.

[Vern Fenton]

Tom.

[Sylvie Peters]

You left the motor running.

[Tom Peters]

We sure left it running. Told you I was going to. Battery's almost dead. Oh, yes, I forgot that no good Will Fenton sell me a heap like this in corner. Pickup truck. She's getting su. Man can't trust nobody nowadays. You know what I'm going to do, Sylvie? I'm going to take him to law just like I told him tonight.

[Sylvie Peters]

You'll do no such thing, Tom Peters.

[Tom Peters]

Will too. Man still got some rights around here.

[Vern Fenton]

Good.

[Tom Peters]

Let people like Will Fenton.

[Sylvie Peters]

What a pretty dress she had on tonight.

[Tom Peters]

Who?

[Sylvie Peters]

Will Fenton's wife. Oh, she's such a pretty little Thing, anyhow, he sure is good to her. Well, I bet that's the third new dress she's had in four months.

[Tom Peters]

You see what I mean? Goes around cheating on his people so as he can buy dresses for his wife.

[Sylvie Peters]

Now, don't take on so. You know how hard trucks are to get. And we waited a long look for.

[Tom Peters]

This piece of junk. I tell you, Sylvie, I'm going to take him to court.

[Sylvie Peters]

Oh, you told him that every day since you bought the truck.

[Tom Peters]

I'll do it too. You see if I don't.

[Sylvie Peters]

You oughtn't argue with him like you did tonight. At least not so close to the church. Well, here's the outer gate already. Don't take long when you got something to ride in. Maybe I better get out and open the gate so she can keep the motor running.

[Tom Peters]

I open it, you just sit there. Now look what it's gone and done died on me.

[Sylvie Peters]

I told you.

[Tom Peters]

You didn't tell me no such thing. Well, reckon maybe you did.

[Sylvie Peters]

Oh, you get it started again.

[Tom Peters]

That no good, Will Fenton. Well, reckon I better get out and open the gate. If I can push over that little rise, we can coast down the slope and maybe she'll catch.

[Sylvie Peters]

Now, you be careful, Tom Peters pushing trucks at your age.

[Tom Peters]

Just don't you worry about me.

[Sylvie Peters]

Tom.

[Tom Peters]

Yeah, what?

[Sylvie Peters]

There's a funny sound in here. Like dumping chickens.

[Tom Peters]

Oh, it's just the engine cooling off. You women, you never understand nothing. Got to get me a bumper gate one of these days. Business getting out every time you want to.

[Sylvie Peters]

Don't sound like no engine cooling off.

[Tom Peters]

No, sir. I told you. It was just the explosion of the truck killed Sylvie Peters immediately. Her husband was found on and taken to the Pembroke Hospital where his condition was pronounced serious. The sheriff investigating the case requested the help of a Texas Ranger. And Ranger Jace Pearson was assigned joining the sheriff at the scene of the explosion a little after 2am yeah. There's the truck, Jason. What's left of it. Not a very pretty way to die.

[Andrew Rines]

Murder is never very pretty. Sheriff. That gate, was it open when you got here?

[Tom Peters]

Yeah. Tom must have got out to open it. That's how he missed getting killed. This bomb, Jase, you reckon it was tossed at him?

[Andrew Rines]

Not likely. The way the cab of the truck's blown, I'd say the bomb was planted in there. We'll have to.

[Tom Peters]

You see something?

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah. Here, hold my light, will you, Sheriff?

[Vern Fenton]

Sure.

[Andrew Rines]

You're right on that spot. Here's part of your bomb, sheriff.

[Tom Peters]

Why, it's just a hunk of Split lead pipe.

[Andrew Rines]

That's right. Plumbing pipe, from the looks of it.

[Tom Peters]

How do you know that's part of the bomb? Tom might have been carrying lead pipe in the back of his truck.

[Andrew Rines]

Look at the way it split down the seam. The powder burns. Move the light around a bit, Sheriff.

[Tom Peters]

Yeah.

[Andrew Rines]

Hey, wait a minute. Hold it. Here's something else.

[Tom Peters]

What is it, Jason?

[Andrew Rines]

Mainspring out of an alarm clock. I'll call Austin and get a lab crew to give this place a good going over. At least we know what killed Sylvia Peters. A homemade time bomb. We went to the hospital and waited. A little after seven that morning, Tom Peters was conscious and strong enough to answer questions. He was covered with bandages, but he opened his eyes when we walked into his room.

[Tom Peters]

Hello, Tom. Tom, this is Ranger Pearson. He'd like to ask you a few questions.

[Andrew Rines]

Mr. Peters.

[Vern Fenton]

Oh, now, easy, Tom. I wanna be working out the field. And it was hot. She'd come all the way out just to bring him. Could you remember?

[Tom Peters]

Oh, now, Tom, you don't have to talk about it.

[Vern Fenton]

Two years.

[Andrew Rines]

Mr. Peters, do you have any idea who might have done this?

[Vern Fenton]

Well, but he's the one that perspectives how.

[Tom Peters]

Easy, Tom. Easy, boy.

[Andrew Rines]

What makes you sure Will Fenton set that bomb?

[Vern Fenton]

I was gonna take it to court when I got in that truck he sold me. That's why she blew it up, so they couldn't prove nothing.

[Tom Peters]

But, Tom, Will Fenton wouldn't try to kill you just because he was scared of going to court.

[Andrew Rines]

How long ago did you buy that truck, Mr. Peters?

[Vern Fenton]

Five, six days ago.

[Andrew Rines]

Spent a little far from here, Sheriff.

[Tom Peters]

10 miles? A little less, maybe.

[Vern Fenton]

You gotta get it.

[Andrew Rines]

Don't worry, Mr. Peters. If will Fenton set that bomb, we'll get him. We drove out to the Fenton farm and found an attractive young woman in the kitchen whom the sheriff introduced as Vern Fenton. Will's wife. She told us Will was expected any minute. Settled down over some coffee and waited. Mrs. Fenton had already heard about the death of Sylvia Peters.

[Sylvie Peters]

I just can't understand it. Who'd want to do something like that to poor Sylvie?

[Tom Peters]

That's what we're trying to find out, Ms. Hinton.

[Sylvie Peters]

She was so sweet. When we moved here, she was the first one to come visit us.

[Andrew Rines]

You and your husband aren't from around here then, ma'am?

[Sylvie Peters]

No. I was raised on a ranch about a hundred miles east. Will worked on a ranch near us.

[Andrew Rines]

How long have you had this place?

[Sylvie Peters]

Since right after we got married. Not quite a year now. Ranger, you haven't said why you Wanted to see my husband.

[Andrew Rines]

We just want to ask him a few questions about last night.

[Sylvie Peters]

But I don't understand.

[Vern Fenton]

Hey, Sheridan. Howdy, Will.

[Tom Peters]

Yeah, this is Ranger Pearson. He wants to have a little talk with you.

[Vern Fenton]

All right. Sure, sure. I had to oblige.

[Sylvie Peters]

You want some coffee, Will?

[Vern Fenton]

Yeah, I'll bother, honey. I'll pour it myself.

[Sylvie Peters]

I'll do it.

[Vern Fenton]

Sit down.

[Andrew Rines]

Thanks.

[Vern Fenton]

Ranger. What can I do for you, Mr. Fenton?

[Andrew Rines]

I suppose you heard about what happened to Tom and Sylvia Peters last night.

[Vern Fenton]

Yeah. Yeah, I heard about that. Awful thing. Awful. Makes me feel real bad. I. I sold Tom that truck.

[Andrew Rines]

We heard there was a lot of hard feelings between you and Tom about that truck.

[Tom Peters]

Tom says you cheated him, Will. Says he was going to take you to court about it.

[Vern Fenton]

Well, that's crazy, Sheriff. Tom knew that truck is in bad shape when he bought it.

[Andrew Rines]

But you did have some hot words over it later, huh?

[Vern Fenton]

Well, you know, Tom gets a little excited, that's all.

[Andrew Rines]

You were at the church last night, weren't you?

[Vern Fenton]

Sure, sure. Me and Vern both.

[Andrew Rines]

Did you stay inside the recreation hall the whole time?

[Vern Fenton]

Yeah. I don't remember. Maybe I sipped out for a little a. Not sure.

[Andrew Rines]

I think you'd better try to remember.

[Vern Fenton]

You saying I set that bomb in Tom's truck?

[Andrew Rines]

I'm not saying anything yet. But how did you know it was set there? It might have been thrown in when Tom stopped at his gate.

[Vern Fenton]

Yeah, well, that's what everybody's saying. It was a time bomb. Look, Ranger, I admit Tom and I had a few words, but you don't think I'd kill him, do you?

[Andrew Rines]

There's been a murder. It's my job to ask questions.

[Vern Fenton]

Oh, sure. You're only doing your job. You're barking up the wrong tree if you think I killed him. You better find somebody who really hated.

[Andrew Rines]

That's just what we're gonna do. Don't go too far from your farm, Mr. Fenton, because we might be back to see. We spent the rest of that day and half the night checking on people who knew Tom Peters and his wife. It was about 2:30 the next morning when we decided to turn in. The sheriff suggested a cup of coffee at the diner across from the courthouse.

[Tom Peters]

Man, I know one thing, Jason. I sure am tired.

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah, I could use a little sleep myself.

[Vern Fenton]

Got it, Sheriff.

[Tom Peters]

Ranger. What'll it be? Coffee for me, Eddie. Ranger.

[Andrew Rines]

Same two coffee.

[Tom Peters]

You fell us up pretty late tonight working on that.

[Vern Fenton]

Peter's Bowman.

[Tom Peters]

That's right. Well, shouldn't be too hard to find a fellow that did that.

[Andrew Rines]

How do you mean?

[Tom Peters]

Well, now, I don't want to be caught behind nobody's back, but here's like everybody in town who Old Tom was feuding with Will Fenton about the pickup truck Will sold him. I wouldn't want Will to be sore at me. Excuse me a minute, Jen. Looks like everywhere we turn we get the story about the fight between Will Femp and Tom must have heard it 20 times already. Yeah.

[Andrew Rines]

We'll head out there again in the morning, have another talk with.

[Tom Peters]

I'll get him for you. The full operator wants you. Sheriff says right important. Oh, thanks, Eddie. How's old Tom Ranger? Heard he was hurt pretty bad.

[Andrew Rines]

He'll pull through all right. The doc said tonight he was out of danger.

[Tom Peters]

Yeah, I'm sure glad to hear it. Old time, you know. He blows off of my esteem. But what he don't mean nothing. We'll be right. Are you sure gonna miss Sylvie, though? Fine. Jace, come on. We're not going to get to sleep yet.

[Andrew Rines]

What's the matter?

[Tom Peters]

That was Will Fenton. He just found a bomb under his house.

[Sheriff]

In just a moment, we will continue with Tales of the Texas Rangers, starring Joel McCray as Ranger Jace Pearson.

[Announcer]

Whenever you drive the car, there is always an unseen, unwelcome passenger. With you, that passenger is danger. The danger of a traffic accident. Unfortunately, every person seems to have the absurd notion that he bears a charmed life, that no traffic accident can happen to him.

[Vern Fenton]

But it can.

[Announcer]

And too often it does. So when you're behind that wheel, don't take chances. Obey all traffic rules. Drive safely for life, your life, and.

[Tom Peters]

The lives of others.

[Sheriff]

We continue now with tales of the Texas Rangers and tonight's case, death. Plant an authentic story from the files of the Texas Rangers.

[Andrew Rines]

The sheriff and I rushed out to the Fenton farm. We spotted Will standing in front of the house in a bathrobe. When we pulled up, he came running over to the car. Where's the bomb, mister?

[Vern Fenton]

It was in a box. It's ticking like a clock.

[Andrew Rines]

Where is it?

[Vern Fenton]

I'll show you. I moved it away from the house. Out in that field there.

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah. It's a good way to get your head blown off.

[Vern Fenton]

My wife, she's still asleep. I didn't want to scare. Now, there it is by that mesquite.

[Andrew Rines]

All right, you stay here with the sheriff.

[Tom Peters]

What are you thinking to do, Jace?

[Andrew Rines]

Deactivate that bomb.

[Tom Peters]

Don't be crazy, Jace.

[Announcer]

It won't hurt nobody where it is.

[Tom Peters]

Let it go off by itself.

[Andrew Rines]

I need it for evidence.

[Tom Peters]

Do you want some help?

[Andrew Rines]

No, thanks.

[Tom Peters]

Be careful, Jace.

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah.

[Tom Peters]

How you making out?

[Andrew Rines]

It's all right now, Sheriff.

[Vern Fenton]

Sure now. Injured you throw?

[Tom Peters]

That thing's out of commission.

[Andrew Rines]

Well, it should be. I pull the wires and stop the clock mechanism.

[Tom Peters]

Another homemade job, Jay?

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah.

[Vern Fenton]

You know, if I'd have thought of that, I probably should have dumped it in a pail of water and saved you all that was green.

[Andrew Rines]

That's the worst thing you can do with a bomb, Mr. Fenton, unless you know what it's made of. Might have chemicals in it that gets set off by water. How'd you happen to find it?

[Vern Fenton]

Oh, yeah. Well, I. I woke up maybe a few minutes before I tried to get you. I thought I heard somebody walking around outside the house, and I come out tonight.

[Tom Peters]

How come you don't keep a dog out here, Will?

[Andrew Rines]

All kind of my wife, Sheriff.

[Vern Fenton]

She's scared of him.

[Andrew Rines]

Exactly. Where'd you find this bomb, Mr. Fenton?

[Vern Fenton]

Right under where our bedroom is.

[Andrew Rines]

You think of anybody who might have planted it there?

[Vern Fenton]

I don't have to think. I saw who did it.

[Tom Peters]

You what?

[Vern Fenton]

Yeah. I saw his car when he drove away. I knew that jalopy anywhere was Clint Mockler.

[Andrew Rines]

Who's Glenn Mockler?

[Vern Fenton]

Young cow poke I used to work with before I got married. He's no good. Never was. Used to bother Vern all the time. And he stole the diamond ring from the boss. His wife cuts into Huntsville for two years.

[Andrew Rines]

How long ago was that?

[Vern Fenton]

Maybe 15 months.

[Tom Peters]

Probably out on parole.

[Andrew Rines]

Jason, you sure it was him here tonight?

[Vern Fenton]

I saw him, I tell you. And a little over a week ago, when I was coming back from town, he was parked in his jalopy a mile or so down the road. Just sitting there, looking up toward our house.

[Andrew Rines]

Did you tell your wife about that?

[Vern Fenton]

Oh, no, no.

[Tom Peters]

It get her all up shape.

[Andrew Rines]

I see. Then tonight was the second time you've seen him around here.

[Vern Fenton]

That's right, yeah. Oh. Only way I can figure it is when he got out of jail, he heard about Vern. Me being married made him sore enough want to kill us.

[Andrew Rines]

I'm sure you didn't see him around church Wednesday night.

[Vern Fenton]

No. I don't mean he couldn't have been there.

[Tom Peters]

I've been thinking like you, Jace, but it just don't make sense. If this fellow was mad at the Fentons here, why would he want to kill old Tom and Sylvie? Unless he was crazy.

[Andrew Rines]

Don't think he was crazy, Sheriff. Got a hunch he just made a mistake.

[Tom Peters]

How do you mean?

[Andrew Rines]

Don't forget, Sheriff. Tom Peters only bought that pickup a week ago from Mr. Fenton here.

[Tom Peters]

Yeah. Oh, then it was the Fentons. He was after all the time. Only he didn't know the truck had changed hands.

[Vern Fenton]

Could be. You got to get this marker, ranger. He's no good. Try to kill us again. Maybe next time we make it. You got to get him.

[Andrew Rines]

We have to find him first.

[Vern Fenton]

He's working over at the Williams ranch now. He's about 50 miles from here, near Delby.

[Sylvie Peters]

Well?

[Tom Peters]

Something wrong?

[Vern Fenton]

Oh, burn, honey. Thought you were just asleep.

[Sylvie Peters]

I heard you talking. What's that thing?

[Andrew Rines]

We had a little excitement, ma'am. It's all right. Now, honey, I don't want you to.

[Vern Fenton]

Get upset, but reckon I have to tell you sooner or later. Might as well be now. Clint Bartlett tried to set this bomb under her place. Clint?

[Tom Peters]

But.

[Sylvie Peters]

But he couldn't have. He's in jail.

[Tom Peters]

Not anymore, Ms. Fenton. But don't you worry. We'll get him.

[Sylvie Peters]

He couldn't have tried to kill us. I don't believe it.

[Vern Fenton]

Honey, you don't know him the way I do. I work with him. He's no good. Good? He's rotten. Clear shoes, like I always told you.

[Tom Peters]

L. Jace, I reckon we better get going. Yeah.

[Andrew Rines]

I want to get this bomb to Pembroke for the lab crew to check over. Then, if we hurry, we can make the Williams ranch before breakfast. At the ranch, they told us our best bet for finding Clint Mockler was to take horses and look for the foreman, Hank Snider. He described Clint and told us he was at a loading pen near the Santa Fe tracks. As we approached, we saw several men loading cattle into the cars.

[Tom Peters]

Reckon that's him over there. Jason, straddle that fence.

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah. We'll soon find out, Sheriff.

[Vern Fenton]

Hey, you.

[Tom Peters]

Yeah. You Clint Mockler? That's right. What you want?

[Andrew Rines]

Come here a minute.

[Tom Peters]

All right. Shove up next empty, will you? What you want, Ranger?

[Andrew Rines]

The sheriff and I want to talk to you.

[Tom Peters]

What about?

[Andrew Rines]

You been over to Pembroke lately?

[Tom Peters]

Maybe.

[Vern Fenton]

Why?

[Andrew Rines]

Did you see the Fentons?

[Tom Peters]

Hey, what's all this about? You're still on parole, aren't you, Clint? So what? Ain't against the law to go to Pembroke.

[Andrew Rines]

Why did you want to see the Fentons?

[Tom Peters]

Vern's no friend of mine. Guess I just want to talk to him.

[Andrew Rines]

Did you talk to him? No.

[Tom Peters]

Why not? Oh, when I got out of jail, I wrote for a letter. She didn't answer, but last week, I decided to drive over anyway.

[Andrew Rines]

What kept you from seeing her?

[Tom Peters]

Nothing.

[Vern Fenton]

But after I got there, I started.

[Tom Peters]

Thinking maybe you didn't want to see me. Then Will drove past his truck and I knew when I saw him it wouldn't be any good to me to go up there.

[Andrew Rines]

Did Will stop and talk to you?

[Tom Peters]

No.

[Vern Fenton]

Slowed down.

[Tom Peters]

Just looked at me. Look, mind you. What's all this about anyhow?

[Andrew Rines]

Somebody put a bomb in that truck. It killed a woman named Sylvie Peters. We figured the killer meant to get Will and his wife because last night he put a bomb under Will's house.

[Vern Fenton]

What? Did Vern get her?

[Andrew Rines]

No, she's all right. What about you? You were seen driving away from the Fenton farm early this morning. That's a lie.

[Tom Peters]

Wasn't anywhere near.

[Andrew Rines]

Where were you?

[Tom Peters]

In town.

[Andrew Rines]

Anybody with you?

[Vern Fenton]

No.

[Andrew Rines]

What time did you get back to the ranch? I don't know.

[Vern Fenton]

Maybe three.

[Tom Peters]

Out till three in the morning and gotta get up at five. What are you trying to hand us, boy? I don't need much sleep. I got plenty of it down at Huntsville.

[Andrew Rines]

How about Wednesday night, Clint? Where were you then?

[Tom Peters]

Wednesday? I drove over to see a friend about 15 miles south of here.

[Andrew Rines]

What's your friend's name? I want to talk to him.

[Vern Fenton]

Won't do any good.

[Andrew Rines]

Why not?

[Tom Peters]

When I got there, it wasn't home.

[Andrew Rines]

I think you better come back to Pembroke with us.

[Tom Peters]

Honest, ranger, I didn't have nothing to do with.

[Andrew Rines]

Come on, Clint. Let's go.

[Tom Peters]

Look, ranger, how long I gotta stay here? I told you everything I know.

[Andrew Rines]

I'm afraid it's not enough unless you can prove where you were the last two nights.

[Tom Peters]

Why can't I prove it? Nobody saw me. You know why, don't you? Because you're lying. The first night you were over at the church planting a bomb in the Peters truck. I don't even know the Peter. Of course you don't. But you know Will and Vern Fenton and it was them you were trying to kill. That ain't so. Why would I want to kill Vern?

[Andrew Rines]

How long have you known Vern, Clint?

[Vern Fenton]

Gone on four years.

[Andrew Rines]

You know her pretty well, didn't you?

[Vern Fenton]

That's crazy about it. We're gonna get married.

[Tom Peters]

Would have too, if you.

[Andrew Rines]

If you hadn't gone to jail.

[Tom Peters]

Yeah.

[Vern Fenton]

I don't blame her, though, not wanting.

[Tom Peters]

To wait for a jailbird. Sure, I got a little sore when I heard you married Will. But I wouldn't kill her. You gotta believe that.

[Andrew Rines]

Are you still in love with her, Clint?

[Vern Fenton]

Yeah.

[Announcer]

Guess I.

[Tom Peters]

And you didn't try to kill her?

[Vern Fenton]

No.

[Andrew Rines]

No.

[Tom Peters]

Somebody's trying to put the finger on me. Just like last time when they said I stole a diamond ring.

[Andrew Rines]

What about the ring?

[Tom Peters]

I never took it. Somebody must put in my pocket. Didn't even know it was Adley. Searched me. Now you're trying to put me away again for something I didn't do. You were seen driving away from the Fenton farm just after the bomb was planted.

[Announcer]

Who saw me?

[Tom Peters]

Will Fenton.

[Vern Fenton]

Wait a minute now.

[Tom Peters]

I'm beginning to get it.

[Vern Fenton]

What a dope I am.

[Tom Peters]

All the time I was in a pen, I tried to figure you planted that ring on me. Now I know was well fit. Making up lies won't help you none, Clint. Why would I want to lie now? I serve my time of stealing the ring, didn't I? But I didn't stealer. Will Fenton did.

[Andrew Rines]

What makes you think so?

[Tom Peters]

That ain't hard to figure out. He was always jealous of me and Vern Warner for himself. That's why he got me out of the way before. And that's what he's trying to do now.

[Andrew Rines]

Sheriff, you've got somebody we can leave Clint with for a while.

[Tom Peters]

Deputies in the next room.

[Andrew Rines]

Take him in there, will you?

[Tom Peters]

Yeah. Come on. Look, he. He's trying to frame you again, Ranger. That's what he's trying to do. Hold this Fell for a spell, will you, Charlie? You ready to file charges against him?

[Andrew Rines]

J Not yet, Sheriff.

[Tom Peters]

What's the matter? You don't believe the stuff he was handing us, do you?

[Andrew Rines]

I don't know. There's still a few things that don't feel right.

[Tom Peters]

Like what?

[Andrew Rines]

Like Will telling us where Clint Mockler worked. How did he know?

[Tom Peters]

Well, probably from that letter Clint wrote to Ms. Phantom.

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah, that's probably the way he found out. But I got a hunch he opened the letter and she never saw it.

[Tom Peters]

What makes you think that?

[Andrew Rines]

Because she didn't even know Clint was out of prison.

[Announcer]

What does this all prove, Jace?

[Andrew Rines]

Maybe a husband's jealousy is behind the whole thing. How would you say Clint felt about Will's wife?

[Tom Peters]

I'd say he was still pretty sweet on her.

[Andrew Rines]

So would I. And if he is, why would he want to kill her?

[Tom Peters]

Are you saying Fenton planted that bomb under his house himself?

[Andrew Rines]

I'm not saying yet.

[Tom Peters]

Then there's something I don't get. If that's true, it was Will Fenton.

[Andrew Rines]

Who killed Sylvie Peters.

[Tom Peters]

But that don't make sense.

[Andrew Rines]

It does. If Fenton wanted Clint to have a real murder to answer for, get him out of the way for good, he'd.

[Tom Peters]

Have to be awful smart to plan it that careful what's our next step, Jace?

[Andrew Rines]

Talk to Mrs. Fenton. Find out if she still cares anything about Clint.

[Tom Peters]

And if she does?

[Andrew Rines]

And we'll see what makes a jealous husband.

[Vern Fenton]

Ticket. Oh, howdy, ranger. Sheriff. Morning. Did you pick up Clint Walker?

[Andrew Rines]

Your wife around, Mr. Fenton?

[Vern Fenton]

Yeah, sure.

[Andrew Rines]

Do you mind calling her?

[Vern Fenton]

Sure, sure. Honey. Yeah? Come in here a minute. Still don't see why you want her.

[Sylvie Peters]

What is it?

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, I'll answer your question now, Mr. Fenton. We picked up Flint Mark Lever Bay over at the Williams ranch.

[Vern Fenton]

Oh, it's fine, Ranger. We can all breathe easier knowing he's buying bars now.

[Sylvie Peters]

You mean he did it?

[Andrew Rines]

We don't know yet, ma'am. But we're holding him for investigation until we get this bombing business straightened out.

[Sylvie Peters]

But he wouldn't do it. I. I know he wouldn't.

[Tom Peters]

Looks pretty bad for him. Is.

[Vern Fenton]

Honey, I've been telling you all along, you don't know him. He's just no good.

[Sylvie Peters]

I can't believe it. I just can't believe it.

[Andrew Rines]

Mr. Fenton, when you saw Clint's car down the road about a week ago, did you stop and speak to him?

[Vern Fenton]

No. Why should I?

[Andrew Rines]

Then how did you know he was working over at the Williams ranch?

[Vern Fenton]

I don't know. I could have heard it in town.

[Andrew Rines]

We understand that Clint wrote your wife a letter after he got out of prison. Could you have learned it from that?

[Sylvie Peters]

Clint wrote me a letter?

[Andrew Rines]

That's what he says, ma'am. How about it, Mr. Fenton?

[Tom Peters]

Did he?

[Vern Fenton]

I suppose he did. I suppose I opened it. Nothing wrong with a husband protecting his wife against a criminal, is he?

[Sylvie Peters]

What do you mean, opening my letter?

[Vern Fenton]

It's no good, honey. I tried to tell you. I only took that letter so you wouldn't get upset.

[Sylvie Peters]

That's not it. You kept his letter from me because you were a honey.

[Tom Peters]

Will you listen?

[Sylvie Peters]

I've listened to you long enough. Telling me not to wait for Clint. Talking me into marrying you when I didn't love you. Honey, you told me I'd learned to love you. Well, I didn't. And you know why? Because I said.

[Vern Fenton]

Talk about that private affairs and when we're alone. Anything more you want from us, Ranger?

[Andrew Rines]

We'd like to search your house, if you don't mind.

[Vern Fenton]

Yeah? What for?

[Andrew Rines]

I think we might find some things that'll help us clear up this case.

[Tom Peters]

I suppose.

[Vern Fenton]

I say no.

[Andrew Rines]

Maybe this warrant will change your mind. Okay.

[Vern Fenton]

What do you want to look at?

[Andrew Rines]

We're looking for any pipe or wire you have around.

[Vern Fenton]

Sure, sure. I got some sewer pipe. Bailing wire out in that shed.

[Tom Peters]

You're welcome to see. That's not what the ranger means, Will, and you know it. Lead pipe and electric wire. The kind they use to make a bomb.

[Vern Fenton]

What it prove if you found it?

[Andrew Rines]

Nothing till we get it to the lab. Then we could tell if it was the same kind used in both bombs.

[Vern Fenton]

There's none of that stuff around here.

[Sylvie Peters]

How about the pipe in the.

[Vern Fenton]

I told you once before, Ranger. I tell you again, you're barking up the wrong tree.

[Sylvie Peters]

How about the pipe in the closet?

[Andrew Rines]

How about it, Mr. Finn?

[Vern Fenton]

Oh, right. That stuff, that. That ain't what you're after.

[Andrew Rines]

I'd like to take a look at it.

[Sylvie Peters]

I'll show you, Ranger. Pause. It's right this way.

[Vern Fenton]

I know the pipe she's talking about. That ain't what you're after.

[Tom Peters]

Let the ranger be the judge of that, Will.

[Vern Fenton]

Sure.

[Sylvie Peters]

Sure, it's in here, Ranger. Start last week, right in here. One large.

[Vern Fenton]

Wait a minute, honey. I know where it is. Women don't know anything about pipe.

[Tom Peters]

Look behind these boxes.

[Vern Fenton]

Here it is. Right here.

[Andrew Rines]

All did I say, Killer?

[Vern Fenton]

Drop that pipe and me kill her. Go.

[Tom Peters]

Let me go.

[Vern Fenton]

Let me go.

[Andrew Rines]

If I get these cups on you.

[Tom Peters]

Now, you're all right.

[Vern Fenton]

I can't have her. Neither can he. I'm killer.

[Andrew Rines]

You've done all the killing you're gonna do, Fenton. Now it's the state's turn.

[Tom Peters]

Faced with a laboratory evidence against him, Will Fenton made a full confession to the murder of Sylvie Peterson on October 16, 1946. He was tried and convicted on November 22, 1947 at Huntsville Penitentiary. He died in the electric chair.

[Sheriff]

Next week, Joel McCray. In another authentic reenactment of a case from the files of the Texas Rangers. Joel McCray is currently seen starring in the Universal International Technicolor production Cattle Drive. The cast included Tony Barrett, Virginia Greg, Bill Johnstone, Parley Bear, Charlotte Lawrence and Lamont Johnson. Technical advisor was Captain MT Lone Wolf Gonzalez of the Texas Rangers. This story was transcribed and adapted by Charles E. Israel and the program was produced and directed by Stacy Keach. Hal Gibney speaking.

[Announcer]

It's the Silver jubilee on NBC. Now enjoy the big show with guest stars including Gene Carroll, Ed, Archie Gardner, Ann Southern, Hildegard, Robert Cummings and your glamorous hostess, Tallulah Bankhead. Then it's mirth and music with Phil Harris and Alice Fay. Later, Theater Guild on the air Co stars Brenda Marshall and William Holden in the exciting story of the Lost weekend, the big show. The Phil Harris, Alice Fay Show, Theater Guild on the air here, all three on NBC. Next it's the big show, all this and Tallulah 2 on NBC.

[Joel McCray]

This has been a presentation of OTRWesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook join in the conversation by going to otrwesterns.Com Discord and don't forget to send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com 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 again, thanks for listening.