Drive To Fort Huachuca | Luke Slaughter of Tombstone (05-18-58)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Drive To Fort Huachuca | Luke Slaughter of Tombstone (05-18-58)
Host: Andrew Rhines
Original Air Date: May 18, 1958
Release Date: December 2, 2024

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Introduction

In this thrilling episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rhines transports listeners back to the rugged landscapes of the Wild West with the classic radio drama, Luke Slaughter of Tombstone. Titled "Drive to Fort Huachuca," the episode delves into the perilous life of Luke Slaughter, a formidable Arizona cattleman facing formidable opposition from rival beef suppliers.

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Plot Overview

Luke Slaughter’s Cattle Business

The episode opens with Luke Slaughter asserting his dominance in the cattle business. At [01:12], Luke confidently declares, "Slaughter's my name. Luke Slaughter cattle's my business. It's a tough business. It's big business." His pride in his work sets the stage for the conflict that unfolds.

Negotiating with Fort Huachuca

Luke engages in a negotiation with Captain [02:54], agreeing to supply beef to Fort Huachuca for $35 a head, with an additional $10 for delivery. However, Wichita, a trusted associate, questions the captain's motives, hinting at underlying tensions within the supply chain.

Introduction of the Triple X Outfit

Wichita probes deeper, uncovering that Fort Huachuca has exclusively been purchasing beef from the Triple X outfit, a rival operation suspected of employing unscrupulous tactics. Luke reveals that other suppliers have failed due to "stampedes, riders shot heard, scattered" [04:18], highlighting the Triple X's ruthlessness and their seeming invincibility in maintaining their contract.

Confrontation with Watson’s Men

As Luke prepares to drive his cattle to the fort, he encounters Slade and Ringo, agents of Bull Watson from the Triple X outfit [06:49]. Slade warns Luke, stating, “Watson's got the exclusive contract to supply the fort,” and threatens violence if Luke proceeds with his delivery. The confrontation escalates quickly, leading to a tense standoff where Luke orders, “Shut up and drop your irons” [08:06], demonstrating his unwavering stance.

Strategic Alliance with the Sheriff

Realizing the gravity of the threat, Luke collaborates with the local sheriff [09:45]. He proposes a plan to use the herd to create a diversion, allowing law enforcement to apprehend Watson. The sheriff, impressed by Luke’s determination, agrees to assist, setting the stage for a high-stakes confrontation.

The Ambush at Granite Pass

Luke devises a clever strategy to trap Watson by leading his cattle through Granite Pass, anticipating that the Stampede will scatter Watson’s men. As the plan unfolds, Luke instructs Wichita, “You feel all right?” to ensure the herd remains in motion despite mounting dangers [18:23]. The tension peaks as Watson and his gang are driven into the narrow pass, leading to a dramatic gunfight where Luke ultimately outsmarts his adversaries.

Resolution and Victory

In the climactic scene, as the cattle stampede through Granite Pass, Watson finds himself cornered by Luke and the sheriff’s deputies [24:32]. Despite Watson’s threats, Luke remains steadfast, proclaiming, “I didn't want you to get cheated out of what you got coming” [25:22]. The episode concludes with Watson’s capture, securing Luke’s position as a respected and formidable cattleman.

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Character Development

Luke Slaughter

Luke Slaughter is portrayed as a seasoned and principled cattleman, deeply invested in his business. His resilience and strategic mind are evident in his dealings and the clever plan he devises to outmaneuver Watson. Luke’s interactions reflect his leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to justice.

Bull Watson

Bull Watson emerges as the primary antagonist, leading the Triple X outfit with an iron fist. His willingness to use violence to maintain his monopoly demonstrates his ruthless nature. Watson’s character serves as a foil to Luke, highlighting the ethical divide between the two men.

Wichita

Wichita provides a critical perspective, often questioning Luke’s decisions and expressing concerns about safety. His skepticism and caution add depth to the narrative, showcasing the internal conflicts within Luke’s operations.

The Sheriff

The sheriff represents law and order, initially overwhelmed by the challenges in Co County. His alliance with Luke underscores the theme of community collaboration against common threats. The sheriff’s character evolves from a reluctant authority figure to a proactive partner in securing justice.

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Key Discussions and Conflicts

Exclusive Contracts and Fair Competition

A central theme revolves around the ethical implications of exclusive contracts, as seen in Fort Huachuca’s sole reliance on the Triple X outfit. Luke’s willingness to challenge this monopoly highlights issues of fair competition and the lengths to which some will go to maintain market dominance.

Strategic Ingenuity vs. Brute Force

Luke’s strategic approach contrasts sharply with Watson’s reliance on force and intimidation. The episode emphasizes the power of intelligent planning over sheer aggression, ultimately leading to Luke’s triumph.

Loyalty and Trust

The interactions between Luke and his associates, such as Wichita and the sheriff, underscore the importance of loyalty and trust in overcoming adversity. These relationships are pivotal in executing the successful plan to capture Watson.

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Notable Quotes

• Luke Slaughter on His Business:

  • "Slaughter's my name. Luke Slaughter cattle's my business. It's a tough business. It's big business." ([01:12])

• Wichita Questioning the Captain:

  • "How come the cavalry is willing to pay $10 a head for delivery when they got riders all over the place that could trail them cattle?" ([03:37])

• Luke Confronting Watson’s Agents:

  • "You through talking?" ([07:35])

• Wichita Expressing Doubts:

  • "You ain't thinking very clear. I only left two men with a herd." ([18:24])

• Luke's Confidence in His Plan:

  • "We'll find it, all right." ([21:26])

• Watson’s Threat to Luke:

  • "I'll put a slug in you if that herd didn't head back for Tombstone." ([13:27])

• Luke's Triumph Over Watson:

  • "I didn't want you to get cheated out of what you got coming." ([25:22])

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Conclusion

"Drive to Fort Huachuca" serves as a compelling installment in the Luke Slaughter of Tombstone series, encapsulating the essence of Western radio dramas with its blend of action, strategy, and character-driven storytelling. Andrew Rhines’ meticulous digital restoration ensures that the rich soundscapes—from the creak of saloon doors to the thunder of hooves—are vividly brought to life, offering both nostalgia and fresh clarity to modern audiences. Through Luke Slaughter’s journey, listeners are reminded of the timeless themes of resilience, justice, and the ever-present struggle between right and wrong in the untamed frontier.

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Join the Adventure

For listeners who haven’t tuned in, this episode is a masterful portrayal of the Old West’s challenges and triumphs. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Old Time Radio Westerns, "Drive to Fort Huachuca" promises an engaging and immersive experience into the legendary tales of the Wild West.

Transcript

[Fred Meyer Announcer 1]

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[Fred Meyer Announcer 2]

All in the Fred meyer app.

[Fred Meyer Announcer 1]

Get three pound packs of Flavorful Kroger 80% lean ground beef for $3.99 a pound with your card. Then get 18 ounce packs of Juicy Simple Truth Organic Blueberries for $4.99 each with your card and a digital coupon.

[Fred Meyer Announcer 2]

Shop these deals at your local Oregon Fred Meyer today or click the screen now to download the Fred Meyer app to save big today. Fred Meyer Fresh for everyone. Prices and product availability subject to change restrictions apply. See site for details.

[Andrew Rines]

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 Luke Slaughter of Tombstone original air dates May 18, 1958, and the title is Drive to Fort Huachuca. Let's get into it. And I hope you enjoy.

[Luke Slaughter]

Slaughter's my name. Luke Slaughter cattle's my business. It's a tough business. It's big business. I've got a big stake in it. There's no man west of the Rio Grande big enough to take it from me.

[Narrator]

Luke Slaughter of Tombstone. Luke Slaughter of Tombstone, Civil War cavalryman turned Arizona cattleman across the territory from Yuma to Fort Defiance, from Flagstaff to the Huachucas and below border through Chihuahua and Sonora. His name was respected or feared, depending on which side of the law you were on. Man of vision. Man of legend. Luke Slaughter of Tombstone.

[Fred Meyer Announcer 1]

Save big this holiday season.

[Fred Meyer Announcer 2]

All in the Fred meyer app.

[Fred Meyer Announcer 1]

Get three pound packs of Flavorful Kroger 80% lean ground beef for $3.99 a pound with your card. Then get 18 ounce packs of Juicy Simple Truth Organic Blueberries for $4.99 each with your card and a digital coupon.

[Fred Meyer Announcer 2]

Shop these deals at your local Oregon Fred Meyer today or click the screen now to download the Fred Meyer app to save big today. Fred Meyer Fresh for everyone. Prices and product availability subject to change restrictions apply. See site for details.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, those are good cattle, all right, Slaughter.

[Captain]

Better than we've been buying for the fort.

[Luke Slaughter]

Cattle's my business, Captain. What do you give me for them? $35 a head. Fair enough.

[Captain]

Of course, that's delivered at Fort Huachuca.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, now, that'll be $10 ahead. More?

[Captain]

It's only 40 miles.

[Luke Slaughter]

Two days of trail herding. That takes time and riders.

[Captain]

All right, but if the beef isn't.

[Luke Slaughter]

Delivered to the fort by day after.

[Captain]

Tomorrow, it's no deal.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'll have the herd there. Very well. See you at the Fort Slaughter. So long, Wichita.

[Wichita]

Goodbye, Captain.

[Luke Slaughter]

So long.

[Wichita]

Luke Slaughter. You ain't telling me all you know.

[Luke Slaughter]

I never have, Wichita, and I'm too old to start now.

[Wichita]

How come the cavalry is willing to pay $10 a head for delivery when they got riders all over the place that could trail them cattle?

[Luke Slaughter]

Trail herding's a job for cowpokes, not soldiers.

[Wichita]

These critters are no trouble to handle.

[Luke Slaughter]

Nope. But other critters might be.

[Wichita]

Would these other critters be two legged?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah. The trouble with you, Wichita's don't pay enough attention to what's going on.

[Wichita]

Just what is going on?

[Luke Slaughter]

Fort Huachuca's been buying its beef from the Triple X outfit down on the border.

[Wichita]

What for? They got the scrawniest cattle this side of East Texas.

[Luke Slaughter]

That's what the army found out two or three times. They've tried buying from some of the ranches around here.

[Wichita]

What happened?

[Luke Slaughter]

Just about everything. Stampedes, riders shot heard, scattered. Nobody's made a delivery to the fort yet except the Triple X. They never seem to have any trouble at all.

[Wichita]

Well, you just sold a mess of cattle, but it looks to me like you bought yourself a peck of trouble.

[Luke Slaughter]

Maybe so. Those 40 miles to the fort could be long one.

[Captain]

Howdy, Luke. What brings you to town?

[Luke Slaughter]

Mcu. Sam, pour me one.

[Captain]

Most folks don't go calling on saloon keepers, except professionally. You mean this is a social visit?

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, let's call it business. Running a place like this, you must learn a lot.

[Captain]

I reckon I do. Somehow folks do a lot of talking after they've been standing at the bars.

[Luke Slaughter]

Belle, you do your share of listening.

[Captain]

Yeah, I pick up a little information now and then.

[Luke Slaughter]

What do you know about a spread down along the border that's called the Triple X?

[Captain]

Stay away from it.

[Luke Slaughter]

I hadn't planned on going near it. What kind of a layout is it?

[Captain]

Supposed to be a cow outfit. Pretty poor excuse for one, from what I hear.

[Luke Slaughter]

Any of their riders come in here?

[Captain]

All of them, every chance they get. It's a hard drinking bunch of hombres wearing the guns down low and tired. Somehow they just don't act like real cowpokes.

[Luke Slaughter]

Hired gunslingers?

[Captain]

Yeah, that's the way I figure it. And there's a mess of them. Darn near enough for private army.

[Luke Slaughter]

I've heard a little about the outfit. What you say seems to fit. Who runs this spread?

[Captain]

Fella named Bull Watson. I never seen him. They say he never gets far from the border.

[Luke Slaughter]

Maybe he's got a reason for sticking close to the border.

[Captain]

Two of them he's Wanted for a killing in Bisbee and another in Tucson. Does most of his talking with a gun. What's your business with him?

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, nothing so far, but I just made a cattle deal that Watson may not like.

[Captain]

Will you watch out for him, Luke? He's a mean one.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'll watch him. Thanks for the information, Sam. Oh, steady, boy. We're heading home.

[Slade]

Hey, hold up just a minute.

[Luke Slaughter]

What's on your mind, stranger?

[Slade]

You're Luke Slaughter, ain't you?

[Luke Slaughter]

That's right. I don't think I know you.

[Slade]

I'm Slade. This is Ringo. We work for Bull Watson.

[Luke Slaughter]

Triple X. I've heard about him.

[Slade]

We got a message for you.

[Luke Slaughter]

Okay. What is it?

[Slade]

The boss heard you sold a lot of cattle to Fort Huachuca.

[Luke Slaughter]

News gets around fast.

[Slade]

Watson's got the exclusive contract to supply the fort.

[Luke Slaughter]

Now. It's funny. The army never mentioned that to me.

[Slade]

Well, it's sort of an informal contract. Nobody sells beef to the army but us.

[Luke Slaughter]

I have, and I'm hitting the trail with my herd first thing in the morning.

[Slade]

Watson ain't gonna like her.

[Luke Slaughter]

I don't care what Watson likes. We're going right down the Douglas road to Crossbone Valley, up through Granite Pass and down to the fort. If Watson thinks he can stop me, he knows where he can find me.

[Slade]

I'm warning you, Slaughter. Don't hit the trail with them cattle.

[Luke Slaughter]

You through talking?

[Slade]

Yep, I reckon I am. From here on, we'll beat the idea into your thick head with a barrel of a.45.

[Luke Slaughter]

Get him, Ringo. All right, stay where you are.

[Slade]

Pretty fast with that thing.

[Luke Slaughter]

Shut up and drop your irons.

[Bull Watson]

That's better.

[Luke Slaughter]

Now, the two of you hit the saddle. And tell Watson for me that if he's going to try and stop that cattle drive, he'd better hire every gun slick he can get his hands on. He's going to need him. Oh. Oh. Howdy, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Good afternoon, Luke.

[Luke Slaughter]

How's business?

[Sheriff]

I ain't never seen a time when the law business wasn't real brisk in Co County.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah. I reckon you could keep busy and never get outside of Tombstone.

[Sheriff]

I could use about five more good deputies. One sign up, Luke.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, sorry. I've got enough trouble, but maybe I can throw a little more business your way. You interested in a fellow named Bull Watson?

[Sheriff]

Very much, but he's a slick one. Every time I head south, he scoots back across the border.

[Luke Slaughter]

Maybe we can lure him away from the border this time.

[Sheriff]

I don't see how. He usually sends a bunch of his gunslingers to do any dirty work that has to be done.

[Luke Slaughter]

I figure to keep his gunslingers so busy that the boss will have to come up and finish the job.

[Sheriff]

You think you can get Watson out in the open? Deal me in.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'm trailing a herd of cattle to Fort Huachuca starting in the morning. I figured I'd have a little trouble with some of Watson's hands.

[Sheriff]

Want me to go along?

[Luke Slaughter]

No, I'm starting up with my own men. I think we'll do all right at first, but day after tomorrow, when we go over Granite Pass, Watson should be ready to make his play. Try as anything. While we're going through that gorge, I'd like to have your help.

[Sheriff]

I'll round up a few men I can count. I want to meet you there. If I get my hands on Watson, it'll be well worth the trip.

[Luke Slaughter]

All right. Meet me at the south end of Granite Pass on Thursday morning. I'll try to set it up so he'll come to the party. Okay. Winter time. Here's where we leave the road and take off through the hills. Let's get him turned.

[Wichita]

Okay.

[Luke Slaughter]

Get around there. Get out of here. That's got him going. Come on, let's ride on ahead.

[Wichita]

Where are we going?

[Luke Slaughter]

I want to take a look at Pistol Springs. The water's dried up there. We'll have to go 10 miles out of our way to get back to the river.

[Wichita]

Luke, if you wish to ask me, I didn't. Yeah, but if you wish to, I don't think it's very smart, two of us riding out this way when we might run into Watson and a bunch of his hands here.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, they say Watson never gets this far north.

[Wichita]

He might.

[Luke Slaughter]

He might. But the odds are all in our favor. The perfect place for him to try to stop us is when we go through Granite Pass. It won't be there till tomorrow.

[Wichita]

Well, there's the springs.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, and plenty of good water, too. Our luck's holding out. Okay.

[Wichita]

You want to ride on down there?

[Luke Slaughter]

No. No reason to. We'll have them to say to these big rocks. We'll rest the horses a minute, then we'll head on back to the herd. Boo.

[Wichita]

Yeah, I'm. I'm just as glad Watson is staying on his own side of the mountains. I'd hate to tangle with anybody in this mess of rocks and boulders.

[Luke Slaughter]

It's pretty rough country. And it stays rough clear through Granite Pass. Got a tough drive ahead of us.

[Bull Watson]

You've gone as far as you're going, Slaughter.

[Wichita]

Who's that?

[Captain]

Don't go for your guns.

[Bull Watson]

You're covered nine ways.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, we were so darn careful, Wichita, that we forgot to look up over our heads.

[Captain]

I'm coming down, but don't move.

[Bull Watson]

There's a dozen guns around these rocks.

[Wichita]

Well, that's too many for me. I get nervous when I'm looking at one gun.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, stranger, I've never seen you before, but I'd say offhand, you're Bull Watson.

[Bull Watson]

That's right. I'm here with my boys because you didn't pay any attention to the message I sent you in town yesterday.

[Luke Slaughter]

I thought you'd follow up on that. But I didn't expect to see you so soon or so far from the border, though.

[Bull Watson]

Never mind a polite conversation.

[Luke Slaughter]

Come on out, boys.

[Wichita]

There's a mess of Luke.

[Luke Slaughter]

Not as many as I figured. The rest of them must be farther south.

[Bull Watson]

Toss your guns on the ground, both of you.

[Wichita]

Do we do it, Luke?

[Luke Slaughter]

We're pretty well outgunned. Got any other ideas?

[Wichita]

No.

[Bull Watson]

Now, let me tell you what happens next. You stay here with me, Slaughter. So pile off your horse, your sidekick rides back and tells your men to turn that herd around and head back for Tombstone.

[Wichita]

I ain't going to do it.

[Bull Watson]

If those cattle ain't heading another way in 10 minutes, I'll put a.45 slug right through the middle of your boss.

[Wichita]

I'm leaving right now.

[Luke Slaughter]

Don't worry about me. Wichita, bring the boys back with you and clean out this nest of sidewinders.

[Wichita]

Lucas, ain't no time for a grandstand play. You're liable to wind up with a big hole where your stomach ought to be.

[Bull Watson]

Your friend Wichita's got more sense than you have slaughtered. All right, get riding, mister, and get that herd turned.

[Wichita]

I'm on my way.

[Luke Slaughter]

Get out, Slade.

[Sheriff]

Yeah, boss?

[Bull Watson]

You get your horse and trail him. If that herd ain't headed home in 10 minutes, just ride back and let me know.

[Wichita]

Bye, Bob.

[Bull Watson]

Sit down and relax, Slaughter. Your herd ought to be on the way back to Tombstone by now. And if it is, you're gonna be all right.

[Luke Slaughter]

Pretty sure of yourself, aren't you, Watson?

[Bull Watson]

Looks like I hold the winning cards.

[Luke Slaughter]

We'll see about that. Here comes your boy, Slade, fanning it like the devil was after him.

[Bull Watson]

Well, now what's happened?

[Luke Slaughter]

I'd say Wichita didn't do what you figure he'd do.

[Bull Watson]

Well, one thing he did do is sign your death warrant, Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

Boss, there's a dozen of them right behind me.

[Bull Watson]

They're crazy.

[Luke Slaughter]

They may be crazy, but there's plenty of them, and they're looking for trouble.

[Bull Watson]

We'll give them trouble. But first I got a little job to do.

[Luke Slaughter]

Stand up, Slaughter. You're licked, Watson. You're outnumbered.

[Bull Watson]

I'm not licked yet.

[Luke Slaughter]

But you're all through.

[Bull Watson]

I said I'd put a slug in you if that herd didn't head back for Tombstone. And I always keep my promises.

[Narrator]

In a moment, Luke Slaughter of Tombstone returns.

[Fred Meyer Announcer 1]

Save big this holiday season.

[Fred Meyer Announcer 2]

All in the Fred meyer app.

[Fred Meyer Announcer 1]

Get three pound packs of flavorful Kroger 80% lean ground beef from $3.99 a pound with your card. Then get 18 ounce packs of juicy Simple Truth organic blueberries for $4.99 each with your card and a digital coupon.

[Fred Meyer Announcer 2]

Shop these deals at your local Oregon Fred Meyer today or click the screen now to download the Fred Meyer app to save big today. Fred Meyer Fresh for everyone. Prices and product availability subject to change restrictions apply. See site for details.

[Narrator]

An expression you hear a lot is something to the effect that you can't have everything. It suggests a. Well, a kind of responsible acceptance of life. I mean, not forever expecting some miraculous good fortune. And most of us don't. There are certain youngsters who refuse to go along with that idea. Nearly every day they live, they experience miraculous good fortune. The youngsters, I mean are the ones with cerebral palsy. The reason they experience wonderful good fortune so often is that to many of them, just being able to take a step is kind of a miraculous good fortune. Or when, after years of training and struggle and therapy, when at last some little kid with cerebral palsy is able merely to lift a glass to his lips. Well, that's having everything to that child. Somewhere in America, cerebral palsy strikes some child every 53 minutes. Every day in the year United Cerebral Palsy is fighting this ruthless, persistent crippler. Join that fight and give hope and heart to some little kid in one of the toughest fights on earth. Join the 53 minute march on Cerebral Palsy today. And now, Act 2 of William N. Robeson's production of Luke Slaughter of Tombstone.

[Luke Slaughter]

You want to give me back my gun and give me a chance to draw against you?

[Bull Watson]

No, I don't.

[Luke Slaughter]

I didn't think you would.

[Wichita]

Look out, boss.

[Sheriff]

Here they come.

[Bull Watson]

Don, they got me.

[Luke Slaughter]

Let him have it, men.

[Captain]

There's Wichita.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'll get him. No, you don't. Drop that gun.

[Wichita]

Oh, Lego.

[Luke Slaughter]

Drop it before I break your arm.

[Wichita]

Blade.

[Luke Slaughter]

Don't shoot.

[Wichita]

You'll hit me.

[Fred Meyer Announcer 2]

Pistol.

[Luke Slaughter]

Whip him.

[Captain]

Get him off of me.

[Luke Slaughter]

Come on, boss.

[Wichita]

Hey, that was close.

[Luke Slaughter]

Let's get out of here before we get killed.

[Captain]

Come on, let's go, man.

[Luke Slaughter]

We're pulling out.

[Narrator]

You're gonna plug Slaughter?

[Captain]

No, let him lie there.

[Luke Slaughter]

I want him alive when we hit him at Granite Pass. Come on.

[Wichita]

Hey, somebody really put a lump on your head. Come on. Come on. Snap out of it, Luke.

[Luke Slaughter]

We gotta chase him clear back across the border.

[Wichita]

You ain't thinking very clear. I only left two men with a herd.

[Luke Slaughter]

It's not so good.

[Wichita]

You're darn right, Zinc. This bunch could circle around and hit the herd any time.

[Luke Slaughter]

We better get back to the cattle, get the boys together and let's ride.

[Wichita]

You feel all right?

[Luke Slaughter]

Oh, I just feel dandy. At least I've got a crease on my scalp instead of a hole through my middle. Wichita, what are you trying to do?

[Wichita]

I just try to keep them critters calmed down for the night.

[Luke Slaughter]

That singing of yours is just as liable to start a stampede.

[Wichita]

I guess I'm really singing to keep myself calmed down. Cause I don't like the idea of Watson and his bunch of coyotes somewhere out there in the dark.

[Luke Slaughter]

I don't like it either. There's nothing to do but wait it out.

[Wichita]

I told the boys to keep moving around the herd, not to bunch up.

[Luke Slaughter]

Did you warn them about lighting cigarettes? You can see a match for a mile on a night like this.

[Wichita]

Yeah, I told them. I hope they remember one thing. Sure. Nobody's getting any sleep tonight but the cook.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, it could be worse.

[Wichita]

How?

[Luke Slaughter]

It could be a moon.

[Wichita]

Hey, who down there?

[Luke Slaughter]

Who's that?

[Wichita]

Well, it sounds like Charlie. He was over that way.

[Luke Slaughter]

Come on, Gap. Yeah.

[Wichita]

Can't see a dead, blatant thing. I hope a horse can.

[Luke Slaughter]

Charlie, where are you?

[Wichita]

Oh. Oh, yeah.

[Luke Slaughter]

What happened? What happened? I started to light a cigarette and.

[Wichita]

Some rattlesnake out there in that dark.

[Luke Slaughter]

Missed my head by an inch.

[Wichita]

Get me, Charlie. I told you not.

[Luke Slaughter]

I know, I know.

[Wichita]

But I wanted to smoke. I forgot. Well, you better swear off smoking till daylight. Or you're liable not to be with us when the sun comes up.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, at least we know they're out there. Just have to be more careful.

[Wichita]

We stand here, Gabbin. We're allowed to draw some more fire.

[Luke Slaughter]

I reckon you're right. We better split up. Looks like it's going to be a long night.

[Wichita]

What's your plan now, Luke?

[Luke Slaughter]

Get up here on top of the hill. I'm going to look at Granite Pass before the cattle head into it.

[Wichita]

Oh, you know Granite Pass. Like you know the back of your hand, Luke. You figure that's a place it's gotta be.

[Luke Slaughter]

It's the one perfect spot to stop us between Tombstone and Fort Huachuca. You couldn't build a better trap.

[Wichita]

And we're the bait. That is, if Watson's gonna make another play.

[Luke Slaughter]

He'll make a play. Here we are. Whoa. Whoa.

[Wichita]

Whoa, boy.

[Luke Slaughter]

Whoa. There's a nice, tight little bottleneck if I ever saw one.

[Wichita]

Yeah. Nobody's climbing up or down them walls. If we're heading into trouble, we'll find it. Straight up the middle.

[Luke Slaughter]

We'll find it, all right. Take a look down there.

[Wichita]

Where? Oh. Oh, yeah. Couple of them on that side of the road. There's some more up in the rocks.

[Luke Slaughter]

There's some in that clump of trees. Watson brought in some more men. I can count about 15.

[Wichita]

And there must be more hiding around somewhere. We can't fight that kind of odds and keep the herd moving too.

[Luke Slaughter]

I guess we can't.

[Wichita]

Shush. What a trip this has been. We have a gun battle, you get your skull cut open, Charlie almost gets shot. And now we run into a small army.

[Luke Slaughter]

All we need now is to have the cattle stampede.

[Wichita]

Don't even mention it. It'll happen.

[Luke Slaughter]

Sure it will. I'm gonna make it happen.

[Wichita]

Luke Slaughter. You ought to get more sleep. Night.

[Luke Slaughter]

You're losing your grip now, can't you see? That herd of ours will fill this pass from wall to wall. You get all our riders behind the cattle, start them running through there. And we'll flush Watson and his crew out like a bunch of quail.

[Wichita]

By golly, it might work. Yeah. Wait. Now, what happens when we get to the other end of the pass? They'll fan out there, wait for the cows to go by and chop us down like ducks in a shooting gallery.

[Luke Slaughter]

We'll just bottle up the other end of that pass and grab them as they come out.

[Wichita]

You and who else?

[Luke Slaughter]

The sheriff and a pack of deputies are riding out from town right now. I'm going over the mountain and meet him. You get on back and tell the boys what to do.

[Wichita]

Luke, sometimes I wish you'd let me in on these things sooner. I'd feel dirn sight more comfortable.

[Luke Slaughter]

Everything worked out just about like I figured it would.

[Sheriff]

Sheriff, you're sure Watson's in there?

[Luke Slaughter]

He was the last time I looked. When he comes out, I want him. I owe him for a lump on my head.

[Sheriff]

Well, we better get ready.

[Luke Slaughter]

Pull up, man.

[Sheriff]

Oh, boy. All right, men. Spread out across the pass as they come out of the canyon. Each of you pick a man and ride him down.

[Luke Slaughter]

They'll be pretty busy staying out of the way of that stampede. Watch out for him. They're all professional gun slicks.

[Sheriff]

Any questions?

[Bull Watson]

Good.

[Sheriff]

Now scatter out and good luck to you.

[Luke Slaughter]

Not a bit too soon. Sheriff. Look at that cloud of dust up in the pass.

[Sheriff]

Yes, sir. How big a herd is it?

[Luke Slaughter]

90 head. They're a spooky bunch of critters. Nothing's stopping them once they really get started.

[Sheriff]

I think I can hear them now.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, here they come. And here come the gents we're looking for. Fanning the breeze to stay ahead of the herd.

[Wichita]

Get out of men.

[Sheriff]

It's working, Luke. They're too busy running to put up much of a fight.

[Luke Slaughter]

Look, there's Watson. Come on, let's get him up. Boy, come here. We're closing in on him. Look out.

[Sheriff]

He's gonna shoot.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'll put a stop to that.

[Wichita]

Yes.

[Luke Slaughter]

Got him. He's down, but he's still rolling around. Whoa.

[Sheriff]

Whoa.

[Luke Slaughter]

Watson. Get on your feet. I think you broke my shoulder, Blue. Here comes a hand. Stick your foot in my stirrup, Watson. Well, I.

[Sheriff]

Come on.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'll hold you.

[Sheriff]

We made it.

[Luke Slaughter]

Came close to getting caught in our own trap.

[Wichita]

He sure works slick. Man, I. I never saw a gang rounded up as quick as Watson's bunch.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, the sheriff's men did a fine job. Now you can get the boys and round up our herd. You've got them calmed down. We'll drive them on into the fort.

[Bull Watson]

Looks like you win the slaughter. While I'm at it, might as well. Thank you for saving me from that herd.

[Luke Slaughter]

I didn't want you to get cheated out of what you got coming. Watson. A date with a rope at the territorial prison in Yuma.

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[Narrator]

Tombstone, starring Sam Buffington, was written by Paul Pierce and directed by William and Robeson. Editorial supervision by Tom Hanley. Supporting Mr. Buffington were junious Matthews, Barney Phillips, Jack Edwards, Charles Seal and Norm Alden with music composed and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. Next week at this time we return.

[Luke Slaughter]

With Slaughter's the Name Luke Slaughter. When we meet up again, you can call me that Luke Slaughter. This is the CBS Radio Network.

[Andrew Rines]

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 subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com youm can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 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.

[Fred Meyer Announcer 1]

Save Big this holiday season all in.

[Fred Meyer Announcer 2]

The Fred meyer app get three pound.

[Fred Meyer Announcer 1]

Packs of flavorful Kroger 80% lean ground beef for $3.99 a pound with your card. Then get 18 ounce packs of juicy Simple Truth organic blueberries for $4.99 each with your card and a digital coupon.

[Fred Meyer Announcer 2]

Shop these deals at your local Oregon Fred Meyer Today or click the screen now to download the Fred Meyer app to Save Big Today. Fred Meyer Fresh for Everyone. Prices and product availability subject to change restrictions apply. See site for details.