Death Rides Chuck Wagon | The Cisco Kid (05-27-54)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – "Death Rides Chuck Wagon | The Cisco Kid (05-27-54)"

Introduction

In the exhilarating episode titled "Death Rides Chuck Wagon," hosted by Andrew Rhynes, listeners are transported back to the golden age of radio Westerns. This digitally restored classic features the legendary Cisco Kid and his loyal companion, Pancho, as they navigate perilous challenges in the rugged Southwest. Released on April 15, 2025, this episode showcases the timeless storytelling and captivating performances that defined shows like Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger.

Main Characters

• Cisco Kid (Jack Mather): The charismatic and honorable protagonist known for his Robin Hood-like antics in the Old West.
• Pancho (Harry): Cisco's steadfast and resourceful sidekick.
• Ruth Sloan: A courageous young woman determined to save her family's ranch.
• Ted Sloan: Ruth's brother, struggling to protect their legacy.
• Pete Rankin: The antagonist who threatens the Sloan family by coercing them into a rigged chuck wagon race.
• Riley Slocum: Pete Rankin's loyal henchman.

Plot Overview

The episode unfolds in Mesa Grande, a modest town preparing for its annual rodeo and fiesta following the spring roundup. Cisco Kid and Pancho arrive, intent on enjoying the festivities and avoiding trouble. However, their peaceful journey is abruptly interrupted when they witness a chuck wagon being attacked by Pete Rankin and his gang, who aim to sabotage the Sloan family's participation in the vital chuck wagon race—a high-stakes competition that could determine the fate of the Sloan ranch.

Key Scenes and Discussions

1. Arrival in Mesa Grande

   • [01:30] The narrative sets the stage with the bustling preparations in Mesa Grande.
   • [02:06] Cisco Kid and Pancho engage in light-hearted conversation, emphasizing their desire to avoid trouble:
     Cisco Kid: "You know I never look for trouble." [02:27]

2. Confrontation with Ted Sloan

   • [03:15] The tension escalates as Cisco and Pancho encounter Ted Sloan, who is aggressively defensive:
     Ted Sloan: "I'll drive as fast as I like. And if you two want to take another shot at me, this gun of mine can talk too." [05:24]
   • [07:05] Ruth Sloan reveals the tragic death of their father, Ben Sloan, hinting at foul play by Pete Rankin:
     Ruth Sloan: "He was killed last week. Cisco got in the back." [07:02]

3. Alliance Formed

   • [07:43] Realizing the gravity of their situation, Cisco and Pancho ally with Ruth and Ted to thwart Rankin's schemes:
     Cisco Kid: "We are still not looking for trouble, Poncho. We will only try to prevent it if trouble comes to senor and her brother." [07:45]

4. The Chuck Wagon Race Setup

   • [09:41] Pete Rankin strategizes to eliminate the Sloans by commandeering their chuck wagon:
     Pete Rankin: "We're gonna take care of those mavericks while we can get them all together." [09:35]
   • [20:05] The sheriff explains the rules of the chuck wagon race, adding authenticity and tension:
     Sheriff: "The cook stove has to be sitting on the ground... the driver has to be up in his seat holding the reins." [20:10]

5. Climactic Race and Rescue

   • [16:21] As the wagon speeds dangerously toward Dead Man's Curve, Cisco devises a plan to save everyone:
     Cisco Kid: "If I can get Diablo to catch up the lead horses and head the team towards the wall side of this road." [16:39]
   • [18:22] In a daring move, Cisco frees Ruth from her restraints, showcasing his quick thinking and bravery:
     Cisco Kid: "I will cut the ropes from your hand, Senorita Ruth. All right, turn your back to me now." [18:14]

6. Showdown and Resolution

   • [24:15] The sheriff arrives, arresting Pete Rankin and his accomplices for their misdeeds:
     Sheriff: "I'm arresting you for the murder of Ben Sloan and the attempted murder of these folks." [24:17]
   • [26:05] The episode concludes with Cisco and Pancho celebrating their victory, ensuring the Sloan family's ranch is saved:
     Pancho: "We win and saved the rancho for the Sloan and her brother." [26:09]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Cisco Kid on Avoiding Trouble:

  "You know I never look for trouble." [02:27]

• Ted Sloan's Defiance:

  "I'll drive as fast as I like. And if you two want to take another shot at me, this gun of mine can talk too." [05:24]

• Ruth Sloan on Her Father's Death:

  "He was killed last week. Cisco got in the back." [07:02]

• Cisco Kid on Forming an Alliance:

  "We will only try to prevent it if trouble comes to senor and her brother." [07:45]

• Pete Rankin's Menace:

  "We're gonna take care of those mavericks while we can get them all together." [09:35]

• Sheriff Explaining the Race Rules:

  "The cook stove has to be sitting on the ground... the driver has to be up in his seat holding the reins." [20:10]

• Cisco's Rescue Plan:

  "If I can get Diablo to catch up the lead horses and head the team towards the wall side of this road." [16:39]

• Cisco Frees Ruth:

  "I will cut the ropes from your hand, Senorita Ruth. All right, turn your back to me now." [18:14]

• Sheriff's Arrest Warrant:

  "I'm arresting you for the murder of Ben Sloan and the attempted murder of these folks." [24:17]

Conclusion

"Death Rides Chuck Wagon" masterfully blends action, suspense, and heartfelt alliances, embodying the essence of classic Western dramas. Cisco Kid's unwavering sense of justice and his partnership with Pancho highlight themes of loyalty and righteousness. The episode not only delivers thrilling chases and confrontations but also underscores the importance of community and standing up against corruption. Through meticulous digital restoration, listeners experience enhanced audio that brings every hooves' thud and gunshot crackle to life, honoring the legacy of old-time radio Westerns.

For those unfamiliar with the episode, this summary provides a comprehensive overview of the plot, character dynamics, and pivotal moments that make "Death Rides Chuck Wagon" a standout installment in the Cisco Kid series. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to these tales of the Wild West, this episode promises an engaging and memorable journey through the untamed frontier.

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.

[Narrator]

Here's adventure, here's romance. Here's the famous Robin Hood of the Old West.

Cisco, the sheriff, he is getting closer this way.

[Cisco Kid]

Pacho.

[Narrator]

The Cisco Kids.

Sasco all geared.

In our exciting story. Death rides the chuck wagon. In the open prairie land of the old Southwest, cattle was king. And after the spring roundup, it was always time for merriment and festivity. As our story opens, the town of Mesa Grande is making ready to welcome the cowhands and cattle buyers with the annual rodeo and fiesta. And so it is that in the early morning of a bright spring spring day, the hooves of Diablo and Loco leave fresh tracks in the dewy grass as the Cisco Kid and Poncho ride slowly toward Mesa Grande.

[Cisco Kid]

You are happy this morning, Pancho.

[Pancho]

Here's Cisco. Pancho happy, Pancho ride to Mesa Grande. Ride Loco in time with a bandy. All the seniority described a handy at Mesa Grande Fiesta. His compatrio ride at the fiesta. Had a good time. Plenty food. Felicia does not get into any trouble?

[Cisco Kid]

You know I never look for trouble.

[Pancho]

Fonzo Missisco and I gotta look for the trouble. Trouble finds Cisco.

[Cisco Kid]

Without Cisco looking well, we will find no trouble. We're going to Mesa Grande to watch rodeo. You will see Chico. Nothing will happen.

[Pancho]

To think three here would not believe it. Three D. Loco, Diablo and Pancho.

[Cisco Kid]

Hey, look, Poncho. That wagon and team seem to be.

[Pancho]

Going much too fast. To look, but not want to see. Cisco, what kind of wagon that pulled by four horses?

[Cisco Kid]

It's a chuck wagon, amigo. The cook drives it on the roundup to feed the cowhands.

[Pancho]

Old choke wagon go like the wind.

[Cisco Kid]

Hey, that was a rifle shot. Pancho did not come from that wagon.

[Pancho]

No, Cisco. Not come from the wagon and pass it in. The shot come from behind the rocks high in the hills.

[Cisco Kid]

You're right. Somebody's shooting at the driver of that wagon.

[Pancho]

Look, Cisco, I'm driving. That can hold the horses.

[Cisco Kid]

The horses are running away. Come, Pancho, we'll stop them. Maybe the driver has been hit by the bullet.

[Narrator]

Find the logo on the other right. Robert Francisco. Who should destroy?

[Cisco Kid]

I do not throw. First let's stop those runaways. Then we'll see about that rifle shot. Right on the off side of the team. They will go in a straight line. I'll pull up the leaders from the near side.

[Narrator]

I have to do it. Cisco. Cisco in trouble. When Cisco drop from the avalos back onto the le horse. Watch out, Cisco.

[Cisco Kid]

I'm watching.

[Narrator]

Come up down.

[Ruth Sloan]

Now.

[Narrator]

Look. The wagon stop now.

[Cisco Kid]

Oh, it's good. Driver shot. Poncho.

[Pancho]

No driving that shot. Just go. Horses run away. Poncho thing.

[Ted Sloan]

Why you still horn Mobo Mambert. What's the idea of shooting at me.

[Pancho]

And stopping my team when I shoot at you, boy. Cisco. No wonder the team are on the way. Young boy cannot hold the horses.

[Ted Sloan]

What do you mean? I can't hold Ethan horses. I purposely let him out.

[Cisco Kid]

In that case, young senor, you are lucky to escape alive. Suppose the chuck wagon had turned over? You should not drive that fast.

[Ted Sloan]

I'll drive as fast as I like. And if you two want to take another shot at me. Now this gun of mine can talk too.

[Pancho]

Hey, little big mad boy got a big gun.

[Ted Sloan]

And I know how to use it if I have to. You sleeping walleyed coyotes.

[Cisco Kid]

You are a sassy young whippersnapper. Senor, we did not shoot at you.

[Pancho]

He with the young snipper papper. Young nipple Whipple need to have his bridges paddled.

[Cisco Kid]

We'll teach him better manners. Is a good idea. Poncho.

[Pancho]

Poncho P Snapper whipper with the bull y snipper whipper. He should punch some bear with P's head.

[Ted Sloan]

I warned you I'd use this gun.

[Cisco Kid]

You will not use it again.

[Ted Sloan]

You keep prodding me ombre and you'll see whether I use it.

[Cisco Kid]

I think not.

[Pancho]

I p some bear to be shot off and use the bull whip and knock the young boy some better off. He got long hair like a girl. Him is a her.

[Ted Sloan]

So what if I am a girl? Everything I said before still goes.

[Cisco Kid]

I beg your pardon. Senorita, Mi componero and I, we did not realize that you are a girl. From your clothes we thought that you were.

[Ted Sloan]

You don't have to tell me what you thought. I already know. And I also know that Pete Rankin set you here to interfere with me so I wouldn't win the chuck wagon race today.

[Pancho]

Where the choke wagon race to see only one choke wagon.

[Cisco Kid]

I do not know who these Peter an is. Senorita, I am.

[Ted Sloan]

I don't care who you are. Get out of my way.

[Pancho]

Neither horse and rider coon.

[Ted Sloan]

It's my brother Ted. And that rifle he's carrying means business.

[Ruth Sloan]

What's up, Ruth?

[Pete Rankin]

I heard gunshot.

[Ruth Sloan]

These two coyotes bothering you?

[Cisco Kid]

No, senor we were not.

[Ted Sloan]

They don't bother me none. None of them did. They just took a shot at me. They're Pete Rankin's men. The fat one was going to use a bullwhip on me.

[Cisco Kid]

Poncho meant no harm, senorita.

[Pancho]

He was part didn't mean to use the bullwhip for real. And P, you only fooling.

[Cisco Kid]

Yeah, well, I'll show you I ain't fooling.

[Ruth Sloan]

Now you two get the next time you horn in on any of the Sloan family, I won't be so easy on you.

[Ted Sloan]

And you can tell your boss Pete Rank and the same goes for him. If he wants my ranch, he'll have to beat my team in the chuck wagon race. And if you give us any more trouble, I'll kill you.

[Pancho]

Don't you think we better get out of here, Cisco?

[Cisco Kid]

Not until we find out what this is all about, Senorita. The Cisco Kid does not kill people.

[Ruth Sloan]

He said the Cisco Kid?

[Ted Sloan]

You're the Cisco Kid? Then you knew my father, Ben Sloan. He often used to tell us about you.

[Cisco Kid]

Why, of course. I know Senor Ben Sloan very well. But when he spoke of his children, I thought they were small ones. Tell me how easy.

[Ruth Sloan]

He was killed last week. Cisco got in the back.

[Cisco Kid]

I am sorry to hear that. Who did it, Senor Ted?

[Ruth Sloan]

We figured it was Pete Rankin or that gun flinger that rides for him, Riley Slocum.

[Ted Sloan]

But we can't prove it.

[Cisco Kid]

Tell me, why would this Pete Rankin shoot at you? Senorita Ruz?

[Ruth Sloan]

So she couldn't enter the chuck wagon race at the rodeo.

[Ted Sloan]

You see, Pete Rankin holds a call loan on our plate. It's due today. If we can win that race, we'll have enough money to pay him off.

[Pancho]

Oh, Punch. You see if you not win, Pete hombre get the rancho.

[Cisco Kid]

Let us not be too heavy. Can your team win, senorita?

[Ruth Sloan]

Can they? Dad especially trained them for this race. And Ruth is the best four horse team driver in this part of the country.

[Cisco Kid]

Then it is up to us to see that she does drive in this race and win it.

[Pancho]

Cisco, you tell Pancho do not look for trouble.

[Cisco Kid]

We are still not looking for trouble, Poncho. We will only try to prevent it if trouble comes to senor and her brother Ted.

[Ruth Sloan]

Oh, thanks, Cisco. We sure need your help. And I'm sorry I said what I did before.

[Ted Sloan]

Same goes for me. I don't know what to say.

[Cisco Kid]

Then say nothing, senorita. Pancho and I will ride with you and try to make sure that nothing.

[Pancho]

Will happen Disco, Pancho. Drink three here, but not believe it. Three Poncho Diablo and Pancho.

[Cisco Kid]

Hey, Pete.

[Pete Rankin]

Rankin, over here. Riley, don't make so much noise.

[Riley Slocum]

Whoa. Whoa, boy.

[Pete Rankin]

Whoa. I'm over here behind the chuck wagon. We can talk without being overheard.

[Riley Slocum]

Yeah, I got nosed.

[Pete Rankin]

They killed this Sloan girl?

[Riley Slocum]

No.

[Pete Rankin]

Wasn't she driving the chuck wagon?

[Riley Slocum]

Yeah. I took a shot at her and missed.

[Pete Rankin]

Just one shot. Why didn't you draw a second bead on her?

[Riley Slocum]

Because right after the first shot, the Cisco Kid and that fat Poncho came high tiling down the road after Cisco Kid.

[Pete Rankin]

How do you know?

[Riley Slocum]

I know him. I saw him a couple of times back in Ruidosa.

[Pete Rankin]

Reckon they'll be riding in here with the Sloanes's?

[Riley Slocum]

Yeah, I figure that's just what Cisco will do.

[Pete Rankin]

And that settles it. I'm through fooling around with those Sloan brats. Riley, you go round up the boys. Tell them I want them ready to ride in five minutes.

[Riley Slocum]

Where we going?

[Pete Rankin]

We're gonna take care of those mavericks while we can get them all together. They'll be coming into town on the Lobo Canyon road. Narrow enough a dead man's curve so we can kill a lot of them.

[Cisco Kid]

We'll be careful, senorita.

[Ruth Sloan]

Don't forget Dead man's curve.

[Pancho]

Dead man's curve like that signals where.

[Ruth Sloan]

The road makes a half pin turn halfway down the canyon. If you ever go off there, the next step, 500ft down.

[Cisco Kid]

Do not worry, Poncho. We will not fall off. Senor, the Ruth, you go ahead and set the pace. Your brother and Poncho and I will wait here and then follow far left behind so that you can make a fast stop if you have to.

[Ted Sloan]

Thanks, Cisco. The road up ahead is treacherous. Get up, boy.

[Cisco Kid]

Have a hole. Hole.

[Narrator]

Have a hole.

[Pancho]

How soon before Lumacania?

[Ruth Sloan]

Oh, another mile or so.

[Cisco Kid]

About that car loan you mentioned.

[Pancho]

Say you're telling Will you call loan, Cisco?

[Cisco Kid]

A loan of money, Pancho, that is due whenever the lender wants it back.

[Pancho]

Senior Ben make such a loan from Pete Rankin, hombre?

[Ruth Sloan]

Yeah, he did. He knew he could pay back the money when he sold our cattle.

[Cisco Kid]

And were not the cattle sold.

[Ruth Sloan]

They were. Dad had the money on him when he was killed. He was on his way to pay Rankin. When we found him, the money was gone.

[Pancho]

Don't you think the only what killed Senor Ben take the money.

[Cisco Kid]

I think you are right, amigo. That's what Ruth and I. I think we will see that the Sloan horses win the chuck wagon race today.

[Pancho]

Cisco, I see a big dust cloud over the rise of the hill.

[Ruth Sloan]

Yeah, over to our left, Cisco.

[Cisco Kid]

I see it, Senor Ted. That dust is stirred up by horses.

[Pancho]

There's many horses, Cisco.

[Cisco Kid]

Could mean trouble with your gun. Loosen its holster, Pancho. You may have to use that rifle. Senor Tez zo.

[Ruth Sloan]

It's Pete Ranker and his men.

[Cisco Kid]

Ah, that is not good. But at least your fight is now in the open. If they start shooting, give them back as good as they send.

[Pancho]

It's all the time trouble. Pancho tells you they shooted her.

[Ruth Sloan]

Look, Cisco, they're riding in front of us. They're cutting us off from Ruth in the chuck wagon.

[Pancho]

How we fights him in the ombre. She's close.

[Cisco Kid]

They're outnumbered, Pancho. We must get through their line to senior it the roof. Come, Pancho. Senor Ted, we'll make a dashboard.

[Ruth Sloan]

Wait, Cisco. It's too late. Pete Rankin and his men are already surrounding Ruth.

[Narrator]

They're stopping the team.

[Sheriff]

Put on your guns and we'll kill Ruth here and now.

[Pancho]

Bad trouble, Cisco. What we do?

[Ruth Sloan]

That's Pete Reinkel. Get in. The dirty sneaking rat.

[Cisco Kid]

No, Senor Ted, I think Rankin means what he says. If we are to keep him from killing your sister, we must throw down our guns.

[Pancho]

Fortunate like these. But Fountain. Do it, Cisco.

[Ruth Sloan]

Oh, all right, Cisco. I'll do as you say. But I think we're goners.

[Sheriff]

All right, you cut the talk.

[Pancho]

Either drop them guns or we'll open up on you.

[Cisco Kid]

We will have to chance it. Maybe we can reason with his rank in hombre when he sees we do not have our guns.

[Sheriff]

That's better.

[Pancho]

Riley, get down and pick up those guns.

[Ted Sloan]

Yeah.

[Riley Slocum]

All right. You three fall out of your saddles and walk over to the chuck wagon.

[Cisco Kid]

See? As you wish, hombre. Keep Rankin'if.

[Ruth Sloan]

You hurt Ruth, I'll get you if it takes the rest of my life.

[Pancho]

I talk like that to the bandido thing of Ted and bonjour. Think it's bad troubles already.

[Pete Rankin]

Look, Ted, that threat don't worry me none. Because the rest of your life won't be lost.

[Cisco Kid]

At the moment, senor, I am responsible that my friends threw down their guns. I thought we could reason with you.

[Pete Rankin]

All the reasoning I do with you will be with this six gun.

[Cisco Kid]

That is a good way, hombre. Since your gang outnumbers us, let us settle this matter between the two of us. Put my gun back in its holster and let us fight it out like men. Instead of your killing this young senor and his sister.

[Pete Rankin]

Well, now, that's a right pretty silence speech, Cisco. Only we ain't going to kill nobody.

[Pancho]

Not kill nobody. Gr. Come, Cisco, we go.

[Riley Slocum]

You ain't going no place, Butterball.

[Pancho]

Buddy ball.

[Cisco Kid]

Well, Rankin, you afraid to draw with me?

[Pete Rankin]

Swapping lead with you'd be committing suicide. We know you're greased lightning with those guns, Cisco. Hey, Jeb, you slash and croaker, climb off your ponies and hog tie these mavericks. Riley, pull the girl down off the seat of the wagon and tie her up, too.

[Riley Slocum]

Sure, boss. All right. Come down off of there, you. I got four bullets in this rifle just waiting for you and those friends of yours.

[Pete Rankin]

No, no, Riley, not that way. We ain't gonna kill him.

[Riley Slocum]

What do you mean, boss?

[Pete Rankin]

We'll let Lobo Canyon Road and Dead Man's Curve take care of that.

[Pancho]

What the bad homage means is go.

[Pete Rankin]

Get the bunch of you wanted to get into a chuck wagon race this afternoon. Well, you're gonna with that rig going full blast down Lobo Canyon Road. You four tied up inside the wagon, that team will never make the hairpin turn to Dead Man's Curve.

[Riley Slocum]

I gotta hand it to you, boss. The next stop after Dead man's curve is 500ft down.

[Cisco Kid]

You dirty sneaking coyotes. If I had my hands loose.

[Ted Sloan]

Oh, Rankin, let us go. You can have the ranch.

[Pete Rankin]

Oh, the ranch. I've got that anyway.

[Ruth Sloan]

Then why don't you shoot us, Rankin, and get it over with?

[Pete Rankin]

Nope. We're going to do this my way. Lash, you and Croaker. Throw them into the way, not push.

[Pancho]

Back as you bad.

[Ted Sloan]

Let me go. You said I'd sell them you farm.

[Ruth Sloan]

And brave when we're tied.

[Pete Rankin]

Oh, you have the upper hand.

[Cisco Kid]

But this murder will catch up with you.

[Pete Rankin]

Yeah, the same way it caught up with me when I killed old Ben Sloan. Ry, whoop up them horses.

[Narrator]

See you sometime.

With the horses and chuck wagon going at breakneck pace and Dead Man's Curve looming before them, it is sure death for Cisco, Poncho and the Sloans. In just a moment, we'll return to the Cisco Kid. Now back to the Cisco Kid. In our exciting story, Death rides the chuck wagon while trying to help their newfound friends, Ruth Sloan and her brother Ted. Cisco and Poncho were surprised and overpowered by the desperados. Pete Rankin and his gang now helplessly tied. Cisco and Poncho with the Sloans are in the careening chuck wagon thundering driverless toward the hairpin turn at Dead Man's Curb, where it is certain the speed of the wagon Will fling them to their death 500ft below.

[Cisco Kid]

Horses are following this. Can you see who it is, Pancho?

[Pancho]

Kisco. It's Loco and Diablo.

[Narrator]

They followed Kisco and Pancho?

[Cisco Kid]

Why not? In that event, we will have a chance if Diablo can reach us in time.

[Ruth Sloan]

Well, what good's a horse gonna do us? He can't stop this team.

[Cisco Kid]

And it's where you are wrong, Senor Ted.

[Pancho]

Kisco got Diablo trains to follow orders. When Kisco tell him.

[Narrator]

Hurry. Diablo. Diablo. Andre.

[Ted Sloan]

Do you mean there's really a chance?

[Cisco Kid]

Hey, there is, senorita. If I can get Diablo to catch up the lead horses and head the team towards the wall side of this road.

[Narrator]

Yeah, to the left.

[Ruth Sloan]

It'll work, dad.

[Narrator]

Train.

[Ruth Sloan]

That wheel seem to slow up when the lead team does.

[Ted Sloan]

Oh, if it works, it's a miracle.

[Pancho]

It's not a miracle.

[Narrator]

Is Diablo. Why not Diablo? The left, right her.

[Ted Sloan]

Oh, man, he's doing it. That Diablo horse is slowing the team down.

[Ruth Sloan]

Holy smoke, What a horse. He's got his shoulder against the off leader.

[Narrator]

Look out.

[Ted Sloan]

There's a halfand turn.

[Ruth Sloan]

Don't worry about the team. They'll stand once they've come to a stop.

[Ted Sloan]

Maybe we can untie each other's hands and feet.

[Cisco Kid]

That will take a long time, senorita. Is there a knife in the wagon?

[Ted Sloan]

Yes, in with a cooked tool. The box is on the side of the wagon.

[Pancho]

Rule Aduaga.

[Cisco Kid]

I think I can fight you. Try to get out over the tailboard and hop to the side of the wagon. Now, by turning backward, I think I can open the lid.

[Pancho]

Buddy.

[Riley Slocum]

Buddy.

[Pancho]

Cisco. Bandida's gonna follow.

[Ted Sloan]

Oh, I don't think so. They've gotta get back to the fairgrounds for that chuck wagon race. It's almost time.

[Cisco Kid]

Do you think your horses can still win the race after these runs, senorita?

[Ruth Sloan]

Sure, Cisco. These are purebreds. Dad raised them specially for chuck wagon races.

[Pancho]

Bueno. Cisco got the knife.

[Cisco Kid]

I will cut the ropes from your hand, Senorita Roof. All right, turn your back to me now.

[Ted Sloan]

I was afraid of that.

[Cisco Kid]

There.

[Pete Rankin]

There you are.

[Cisco Kid]

Loose, senorita. What is the trouble, Santos?

[Pancho]

More trouble than Cisco find it.

[Ted Sloan]

Oh, I thought it was just the ropes cutting into my arm, but I'm afraid my wrist is sprained.

[Cisco Kid]

Oh, I'm sorry, senorita. Ruth, does it hurt too badly for you to cut the ropes from my wrist?

[Ted Sloan]

No, but I'm afraid I won't be able to drive in the race.

[Ruth Sloan]

Oh, never mind, Ruth. I'll drive the team.

[Ted Sloan]

Oh, you can't handle them well enough, Ted.

[Pancho]

To win, I can try to drive a choke wagon. And Pancho one time drive a stagecoach. And Pancho one time the best driver in all Mexico.

[Cisco Kid]

Say, that is true, amigos. And if you do not mind, I will ride with him.

[Ted Sloan]

It's all set then, Pancho. Let's get going.

[Ruth Sloan]

Yeah. We can still make it if we hurry.

[Ted Sloan]

If we don't make it, we lose the ranch.

[Cisco Kid]

Come. We'll have to hurry if we are to get in there in time to settle the score with those killers.

[Sheriff]

Well, the wagons are all lined up. Your outfit ready, Rankin?

[Pete Rankin]

We're all ready, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

And everybody's accounted for except the Sloan outfit. Wonder what's keeping them.

[Riley Slocum]

Maybe they ain't entering cause they know they'd lose anyhow.

[Sheriff]

Not Ruth Sloane. She's her father's daughter. Old Ben was never scared of anything. Whoever dry golfed him had to get him in the back.

[Pete Rankin]

Well, we're gonna wait all day?

[Sheriff]

Don't get impatient, Pete. I'll start this race when I'm ready.

[Riley Slocum]

They're in for a big cleanup today, Pete. Them Sloan horses was the only ones could have beat your team.

[Pete Rankin]

Yep, it's a big day. After I collect the stake money on this race, we'll go out and take over old Ben's ranch.

[Riley Slocum]

Hey, hey. The sheriff's getting up on the starting stand.

[Sheriff]

Now he comes the big event of the day, the chuck wagon race. Now, you all know the rules for this race. The cook stove has to be sitting on the ground. The driver has to be up in his seat holding the rain. When I fire my pistol, the drag man has to toss the cook stove up onto the chuck wagon and mount up on his own pony and ride behind a chuck wagon to the finish line. Now, you folks only see the start and the finish of this race. Cause the course goes down Piney Ridge, round Gila Bend, and then back to the starting line.

[Riley Slocum]

The old boy sure is long winded any piece.

[Pete Rankin]

He's just got to show off the crowd. Election's coming up. That cook stove all set back there?

[Riley Slocum]

It'll be on the wagon soon as the sheriff gives a signal.

[Sheriff]

Well, folks, we're waiting for one more outfit, but I guess they ain't going to show up. All you wagons and dragmen, are you ready already? All right. On your mark. Get set. Wait a minute. Wait a minute, folks. Here comes a slow mountain.

[Narrator]

They're late, but it looks like they're going to be in on the race.

[Sheriff]

How about it, Ruth? You still in the Running?

[Ted Sloan]

You bet I am, Sheriff. But I can't drive my rooster spring. What happened, Ted and I will tell you all about it. Poncho here is going to drive for me.

[Ruth Sloan]

Yeah, and the Cisco Kid is riding drag for me.

[Sheriff]

Well, I reckon the rules don't say nothing about a substitute driver. It's the team that counts. Are you ready, Cook?

[Cisco Kid]

St is on the ground, Sheriff.

[Narrator]

S Poncho. Let the wagon roll. Give the link team their head to St. The road says Poncho. Hi, Poncho. Have a close rain at the wheel Team just like int. It could hurt it go like the wind. Look, we're caught up to one outfit already. Kiko. We five minute wagon. Keep with it, Poncho. We are doing fine. To do fine to drive the holy spine to eat five.

[Ted Sloan]

Two more wades.

[Narrator]

He show he's no trouble. Now there's trouble up ahead. She go. Look there is that ranking coyote. Ms. Parts of Riley. We beat the ranking coyote. Beat? I don't know how they done it but the slown up and it's right behind us. What? Dry your head. No. Look. Come to fight one of the right. They won't be so long. I'm set up to use your go. But I ain't going to do that. Let him try. Next time I will do more than shoot the gun from your hand. Let's get out of here. Beat the dam. Wait. Finish line. I'm swinging off right here. That you will not show your peace. This gun in my hands Race. It will be a fair race. Now you will drive to the finish line. We got to win this show. These horses can go faster. Go ahead, Pao. I will stay with these k to make sure they reach the finish line. And the cheddar. Here they come. Hey, this is go.

[Sheriff]

Kid is riding hurt on ranking.

[Narrator]

We win.

[Sheriff]

Hey, hey. Keep your gun on those hombre. Cisco. I was just gathering up a posse to come and meet you.

[Ted Sloan]

We told the sheriff all about Rankin.

[Sheriff]

Cisco 8 Rankin and Riley Flukem. I'm arresting you for the murder of Ben Sloan and the attempted murder of these folks.

[Cisco Kid]

Gracias to you, Sheriff. I'm glad to get rid of these sneaking bandidos.

[Ruth Sloan]

We told the sheriff and everybody about how you helped us, Cisco. We sure thank you.

[Cisco Kid]

Gracias. Senior Ted was no trouble at all.

[Pancho]

No trouble at all. Disco 3 here. What not believe it.

[Cisco Kid]

Hey, I know Chico, Logo, Diallo and Pancho.

[Ted Sloan]

I feel pretty foolish about the way I acted when we first met, Cisco.

[Cisco Kid]

Oh, forget it, Senorita Ruth. I was hasty in talking to you the way I did.

[Ted Sloan]

Oh, you were right. I guess I was pretty sassy. I haven't had a chance to thank you like Ted did for all you did for us.

[Cisco Kid]

Well, it's not necessary to thank me, senorita.

[Ted Sloan]

But I want to, Cisco. And I hope you won't think this is too sassy.

[Cisco Kid]

Oh, senorita.

[Pancho]

We drive a good race when we win with the choke wagons.

[Cisco Kid]

Yeah, you did, Chico. You drove a very good race.

[Pancho]

We win. And saved the rancho for the sanctuary. The Root and her brother.

[Cisco Kid]

See, they now have the rancho. And the two hombres have been tried and found guilty of murder.

[Pancho]

Why don't you heed the rancho, hombre and give the suspended sentence? Suspended sentence? He gave the suspended sentence.

[Cisco Kid]

No, no, no, Chico, no. The jury brought in a verdict of guilty, and the judge sentenced the hombre to be hanged.

[Pancho]

This is good. That's what Fancho means. The judges give the hombre a suspended sentence. They hung him. Oh.

[Narrator]

So ends another exciting adventure with O. Henry's famous Robin Hood of the west, the Cisco Kid. Be sure to listen again for another thrilling adventure of the Cisco Kid. Cisco Kid was played by Jack Mather, Poncho by Harry.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank the following ranch hand, Steve, who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcast trwesterns 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.