Gambler’s Luck | Hopalong Cassidy (01-12-52)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: "Gambler’s Luck | Hopalong Cassidy" Episode Summary

Episode Details:

• Title: Gambler’s Luck | Hopalong Cassidy
• Original Air Date: January 12, 1952
• Release Date: July 31, 2025
• Host: Andrew Rhines
• Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns

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Overview

In the "Gambler’s Luck" episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast, listeners are transported to the rugged landscapes of the Wild West, where Hopalong Cassidy and his trusty companion, California, undertake a perilous mission to aid old friends, Ham and Emma Irish. This episode masterfully blends themes of loyalty, deception, and redemption, culminating in a dramatic confrontation that tests the protagonists' courage and moral compass.

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Main Characters

• Hopalong Cassidy (Hoppy): The steadfast and honorable cowboy protagonist.
• California (Cal): Hoppy’s loyal and resourceful sidekick.
• Emma Irish: Co-owner of the Horseshoe Outfit, facing financial ruin.
• Ham Irish: Emma’s brother and partner, who sought risky financial solutions.
• Jeff Randall: A deceitful gambler who cheats Ham, leading to their downfall.
• Captain Beck: The steamboat captain encountered by Hoppy and Cal.
• Mary Randall: Initially presented as Jeff Randall’s blind daughter, later revealed to be an accomplice.

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Setting

The story unfolds across various Western terrains, including the Horseshoe Outfit near the Teton headwaters and the Missouri River, emphasizing the isolation and challenges of frontier life. The steamboat setting introduces a confined environment where tensions escalate.

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Detailed Plot

Introduction and the Cattle Drive

Timestamp: 00:56 - 03:00

Hopalong Cassidy and California embark on a grueling cattle drive to support their friends, Ham and Emma Irish, who own the Horseshoe Outfit. Despite the tough conditions, Hoppy views the mission as an act of mercy, driven by years of friendship and loyalty.

Hopalong Cassidy: "It was fun because we were on an errand of mercy, you might say."

Financial Crisis of Ham and Emma

Timestamp: 03:00 - 06:11

Upon their arrival, Emma joyfully receives the cattle but soon unveils the dire situation: Ham and Emma have lost their entire herd due to a freeze the previous year and are now indebted to the bank. Ham had borrowed $10,000 to help his brother, Harvey, recover the losses through gambling, which disastrously backfired.

Emma: "Yesterday, the Horseshoe still belonged to us. But now it don't. Now belongs to the bank."

The Gambler's Scheme

Timestamp: 05:14 - 07:17

Harvey’s attempt to overturn their fortunes led him to a poker game with Jeff Randall, who deceitfully swindles him out of the borrowed money. Randall escapes with the cash, riding a pale horse towards Fort Benton, intending to flee via steamboat to St. Louis.

California: "I have $10,000 in here, Captain, and I should hate to lose it. If I do, Mary must remain blind."

Boarding the Steamboat

Timestamp: 07:18 - 16:52

Determined to retrieve the stolen funds, Hoppy and Cal board the steamboat. They meet Captain Beck and Mary Randall, portrayed as Jeff Randall’s blind daughter. Suspicion arises when discrepancies in Mary’s blindness are noted, leading Hoppy to question her authenticity. Tensions escalate as Randall attempts to eliminate them, resulting in Hoppy and Cal being pushed overboard. Miraculously surviving the plunge, they devise a plan to expose Randall’s deceit.

Hopalong Cassidy: "I think we know where he's going. We're going to catch him."

Climax and Twist

Timestamp: 16:53 - 25:22

As Hoppy and Cal recover, they decide to stay ashore to feign death, allowing them to discreetly operate on the steamboat. Emma confronts them, accusing Hoppy of theft. A tense standoff ensues, revealing that Emma and the woman claiming to be Mary Randall are orchestrating a larger deception. The twist unveils that Mary is not truly blind but is collaborating with Emma and Randall to manipulate and usurp the stolen money.

Hopalong Cassidy: "Your eyes are as good as mine. You were only pretending to be blind."

Resolution

Timestamp: 25:23 - End

The deception unravels as the true identities and motives of Emma and Mary are exposed. With the help of Captain Beck and the authorities, Hoppy and Cal ensure that Emma and Randall face justice for their treachery. The stolen $10,000 is recovered, restoring the Horseshoe Outfit to Ham and Emma, and reaffirming the virtues of honesty and friendship.

Hopalong Cassidy: "I just wanted to see how far she'd play along with him."

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Hopalong Cassidy on the Mission:

   [00:56] "It was fun because we were on an errand of mercy, you might say."

2. Emma Revealing the Financial Crisis:

   [03:00] "Yesterday, the Horseshoe still belonged to us. But now it don't. Now belongs to the bank."

3. California Discussing the $10,000:

   [05:14] "I have $10,000 in here, Captain, and I should hate to lose it. If I do, Mary must remain blind."

4. Hopalong Confronting Emma About Her Intentions:

   [19:24] "I am not the thief your father is."

5. The Revelation of Emma’s Deception:

   [23:25] "Just as I thought. Your eyes are as good as mine. You were only pretending to be blind."

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Conclusion

"Gambler’s Luck" weaves a compelling narrative of trust, betrayal, and redemption set against the backdrop of the Wild West. Hopalong Cassidy and California's unwavering dedication to their friends and justice ultimately triumphs over deceit and greed. This episode not only entertains with its thrilling plot twists but also underscores the timeless values of integrity and camaraderie.

Listeners unfamiliar with the episode will find this summary a captivating introduction, capturing the essence and excitement of classic Western radio drama.

Transcript

[California]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines. And before we get into this episode, I wanted to remind you to check out our other western podcasts released daily by going to otrwesterns.com or or searching OTR Westerns in your podcast app of choice. I also wanted to invite you to check out our other podcast channel releasing non western shows by going to otnetcast.com or by searching otnetcast in your podcast app of choice. Now, let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Hopalongcasadv original air dates January 12, 1952 and the title is Gambler's Luck. Let's get into it and I hope you enjoy.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

And all because of Hoppy's alert observation and some silver dollies, it's an adventure we call Gambler's Luck. And it began with a cattle drive. This particular drive was one of the roughest and toughest we were ever on. But right up till almost the last, one of the nicest. It was fun because we were on an errand of mercy, you might say. Our destination was the Horseshoe Outfit near the headwaters of the Teton. The Horseshoe was owned by Ham Irish and his sister Emma. Ham and Emma were old friends of ours, but we hadn't seen them in years. Huh.

[California]

I wouldn't miss this for nothing, Hoppy. When we show up with all this beef stuff, the look on Ham and Emma's faces is going to be a sight to behold.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, likely is, California. But when I see them, they're going to get a piece of my mind.

[California]

Huh. You ain't mad at them, are you?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Why shouldn't I be? They got in trouble. Why didn't they tell us? Friends can't help when the help's needed. What do they think friends are for?

[California]

Oh, for a second there, I thought you were serious.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Well, I am, kinda. If it hadn't been for Slim Gillian, I wouldn't have known about this at all.

[California]

Slim worked up this way last year, didn't he?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, last couple of years. Said last year's die up after the freeze was almost the worst anyone could remember, though. Dead cows were lined up for miles.

[California]

Anybody else hit it as bad as Ham and Emma were?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I doubt it. They lost every cow they had. They'll have to use this bunch as a starter herd and wait a couple of years before paying us back. We're on Horseshoe Range right now. Do you know that?

[California]

Are we sure?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Ever since we passed Willow Creek, we'll have a real Surprise for them before the day's out.

[California]

Never told them nothing about us coming, huh?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Not a word. Thought I'd get even for their not telling us anything. You'll hear. Ham, use some fancy language.

[California]

Maybe Emma will hear you.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

What do you mean?

[California]

Look over there. See who's coming.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Well, I'll be. That's Emma. Hello there, Emma. Hi.

[Emma]

Hi there.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Hi.

[Emma]

Am I happy to see you. Well, what are you two old renegades doing up this way? What all these cows for? Not settling here, are you?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

No, we hadn't planned on that. Emma, these cows are for you.

[Emma]

They're what?

[California]

You heard the mmer There. For you. The whole darn shebang. We drove them clear from the bar 20.

[Emma]

Clear from the bar 20. Well, I want to know about this. You mean Ham sent for him and never told me about it?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Nothing like that, Emma. We made up the herd when Slim Gillian told us about the trouble. You're in no hurry about paying for him, though. You can do that when you're back.

[California]

On your feet again.

[Emma]

Well, I never brought them all away from the bar 20 just for us. And we never even asked you. Oh, Happy. This is the nicest thing I ever heard tell of. And it's just a shame, that's what it is. Just a rotten doggone shame.

[California]

A shame? What is?

[Emma]

That you couldn't get here in time.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

What do you mean?

[Emma]

Yep, yesterday would have been all right. Yesterday, the Horseshoe still belonged to us. But now it don't. Now belongs to the bank. Puppy, you got here just 24 hours too late.

[California]

Now back to Hopalong Cassidy and our story, Gambler's luck. It was startling news to Hoppy to.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Learn that he and the Bar 20 trail crew had driven a herd all.

[California]

The way to the Horseshoe, only to arrive 24 hours too late. When he heard this, Hoppy pressed Emma for an explanation. But throughout arrange custom, she refused to.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Say anything more until first she'd taken.

[California]

Hoppy and California home and had fed them. Now, however, in the Horseshoe's spacious kitchen.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Wait a second, Emma. Wait a second. What are you saying?

[Emma]

You haven't lost the Horseshoe Just as good as Harvey? Just as good as. You see, when ham borrowed that 10,000 yesterday, he signed a note saying he'd pay it back inside two weeks. Now, how much chance do you figure two weeks gives us to get any $10,000?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

What did you put up against it, Emma? Your range and water rights?

[Emma]

Yep, that's right. And all our buildings, that's all we had left to put up.

[California]

But what was it for Emma, what did Ham plan to do with that 10,000?

[Emma]

California, I got a brother that was in a heap of ways a darn fine feller. But in one way he's just a plain durn fool.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Gambling?

[Emma]

Yeah, that's right, Abby. I can see you remember him. Yep. It was a poker game he had a hankering to sit into. See, the way he figured was it was either make a killing or go bust. And if he didn't take a chance, he figured we was bound to go bust anyways.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Ah, that's too bad. Gambling's a fool game. He lost, eh?

[Emma]

Oh, wasn't that so much, Hoppy? It was the way he lost. He was cheated out of him. Oh, sure it was. Taken from him just as crooked as if he'd been held up at the pint of a gun. Almost. The worst of it was he was cheated by a fellow he trusted.

[California]

Who was he?

[Emma]

Well, ain't likely. You know him. Name is Jeff Randall. His niece came here just a few months back, but everybody kind of took a shine to him.

[California]

Can prove he was cheating?

[Emma]

Oh, sure he can. He's got the cards that'll prove it. It was marked.

[California]

Then why don't he go after that Randall hombre and make him give the money back?

[Emma]

That's what he was trying to do. That's why he ain't here now. And I reckon he's got about as much chance of doing it as I'd have a lifting one of them. They're bulls.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Oh, why? Did Randall light out?

[Emma]

Sure he did. The second he had that cash in his pocket. And with that pale horse he's a riding.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Wait a second. He was riding a paint, you say?

[Emma]

That's right. What about it?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

We saw a man riding a paint yesterday. Remember him, California?

[California]

Sure do you? He was heading down the south bank of the Teaton. Lickety split. Man in his 50s, was he, Emma?

[Emma]

Well, middle 50s, the way I calculated. California. A real handsome, dignified looking feller. You really think you saw him?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Sure.

[California]

Sure we did.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'm sure of it too, Emma. California, we better do something about this.

[California]

We should.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Hoppy, you get back to camp and pick up a two, three day supply of grub.

[California]

I'll do that.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

The boys will be gone for a bit. Prepare to stay here and help Emma handle those cows.

[California]

Right.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

And get back here as fast as you can. I'll be waiting for you.

[California]

Don't take me long. I'll be back before you know it.

[Emma]

Oh, Poppy. What are you thinking of? You never trail that feller. He's got a good day start on you.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I won't have to trail him. Emma. I think I know where he's going.

[Emma]

Where? He's at Fort Benton. How come?

[California]

Didn't you say he was an Easterner?

[Emma]

Sure I did. But how does that tell you?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

We saw him heading down the Teton. Teton joins Missouri. Fort Benton. And Fort Benton's the head of the.

[California]

Navigation of the Missouri.

[Emma]

Hey, you mean he'll go there to grab a steamboat?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Of course. Probably a boat to St. Louis.

[California]

I'll bet you're right.

[Emma]

But suppose you do come up with him. Will you know him when you see him?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I think so. We got a pretty good look at him yesterday.

[Emma]

Well, he's got a day start on you, Hoppy. Maybe you'll miss him.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Don't worry about that, Emma. Either we catch him and get that money or.

[Emma]

Or what?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Or we'll bring you his hide.

[California]

Mr. Randall. Oh, Captain Beck. Captain, I would like you to meet my daughter, Mary. Mary, my dear, this is Captain Becky.

[Emma]

Hello.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Howdy, Miss Mary.

[California]

I'll have to ask you to excuse my daughter's veil, Captain. She suffered an injury to her eyes.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yes, yes, so my purser told me, Mr. Randall. May I tell you how sorry I am, Ms. Randall?

[Emma]

Thank you. That's very kind of you.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

The purser said you wanted to speak.

[California]

To me, Mr. Randall. Yes, I do, Captain Beck. How soon do we sail? Any moment now. The pilots just come aboard. Good. Sooner we leave, the better. You may have noticed, Captain, that I have placed myself here so that I could watch all who came aboard. No, no, I hadn't noticed. You've got some reason for it. I have. I'm taking my daughter east so that she may have the services of surgeons who can restore her sight. As you can imagine, it will be expensive. Oh, I don't doubt it. That's why I'm carrying this cash box. I have $10,000 in here, Captain, and I should hate to lose it. If I do, Mary must remain blind. I see. You'd like me to take it for you. No, no, not at all. The point is this. I have reason to believe that certain men may be following me who would not hesitate to rob me if they could. I would merely like your assurance that if I find any of them aboard and they try to trouble me, I can have your assistance.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Of course you can. If they try anything, I'll put them under arrest.

[California]

Thank you. That's all I wanted of you, Captain.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

If that's all, then I'll ask you.

[California]

To excuse me of course.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Goodbye, Ms. Randall.

[California]

It's been a pleasure meeting you.

[Emma]

Thank you, Captain. Goodbye, Father. We're leaving.

[California]

Thank heavens. Now we're safe.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You're sure of that, Randall?

[California]

What? Who. Who are you?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

The name's Cassidy Randall. I'm a friend of Ham Irish.

[California]

Okay, Hoppy, what are we tying up here for?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I imagine we're tying up for the night.

[California]

For all night? Sure.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Navigation's too tough on the Missouri to run at night. They always tie up like this.

[California]

And why'd they wait so long? It's black as pitch already.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Imagine the pilots trying to make time. Otherwise we probably would have tied up at that army post we passed.

[California]

Uhhuh. Say, there's been something I wanted to ask you. Hobby. You spoke to that Randall fell right after we started. Why didn't you brace him for that money? Why do you put it off for? Oh, I don't know just what to do.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

California. Notice that young woman with him?

[California]

One with Veil? Yeah, sure I did.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

What about her? That's his daughter. I found out about her when I was inquiring after him in Fort Benton. She wears that veil because of an injury to her eyes. She's blind.

[California]

Golly, Harvey, I didn't know that.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I imagine that's what he stole the money for. Pay for the operations to get her sight back.

[California]

That makes her tough. We grab that money back, she stays blind, huh?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Something like that. I guess I can't decide what to do. Actually, the money belongs to Ham and Emma. But if we take it back, you can see what it means. What would you do?

[California]

Well, Golly, I don't know. I had hoped that you would know.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Oh, Randall, you heard us, I suppose.

[California]

Yes. Yes, I did. When you told me you were a friend of Ham Irish's, I knew, of course, why you were here. So you know all the facts now, do you blame me for doing what I did?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I wouldn't try to say what I'd do in your place, Randall. The fact remains that you stole money belonging to Ham and Emma Irish.

[California]

What are you going to do about it? Oh, I'm sorry for them, of course, Cassidy. But unless you force me, I don't intend doing anything about it. No? After all, to me, my daughter comes first. Any other question is, what do you propose to do?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Well, as I told California, I haven't decided yet. Still, I.

[California]

Still, that money has to go back.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

It should, shouldn't it?

[California]

Well, I thank you for listening to me anyhow, Cassidy. And thank you for not exposing me before my daughter. I couldn't have done that, Randall, and I appreciate it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go back to my cabin. Perhaps you'll have made up your mind by morning.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yes, maybe I will have. I'll be here anyhow. I won't run away.

[California]

You may be sure of that. Tough spot, eh, Hoppy? It sure is.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I don't know what to do. I'd like to think it over a little longer. You want to run along and see if they've fed the horses?

[California]

Sure, sure.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Where they got them. They always keep horses, wagons, things like that on the main deck just below us. Go on down and have a look at him. All right, I'll do that.

[California]

You coming down?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'll see you in our cabin. Right. I don't know what. No. Hey, California. What happened? Where are you? Hey. What is it, California? You hurt? What the.

[California]

Turn around, Cassidy. Why'd you take it? Sorry, Cassidy, but you and your partner were becoming troublesome. I'm afraid you'll have to die.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Now, back to Hopalong Cassidy and our story. Gambler's luck. Only a few minutes have passed, and Poppy, answering a call for help from California, found himself attacked from behind by Jefferson Randall. A moment later, depending on the heavy spring tide current that carry them to their death, Randall dragged Hoppy and California to the rail and dropped him overboard.

[California]

The sudden plunge restored Hoppy to consciousness, however. Hello.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Oh, we're almost ashore. You can wait now. Here, hold on to me. How you feel?

[California]

Rotten. I feel like I've got my head half split open. How you feeling? Mine was split open.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

The other half.

[California]

Ah, here we are. Let me take a look at you. Shit. Doggone dark. Don't think you can see anything. Ah, you see a little.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Ah, it's not bad. Skin's broken, that's all. You'll be all right. Randall hit you hard, and he hit me. I had a little warning, you know.

[California]

You know, Hoppy, I think that fella really tried to kill us.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'm sure he did.

[California]

He could have taken a chance to shot you to use these guns. I was afraid to risk it. And I was wasting my time being sorry for that skunk.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I didn't. I was sorry for his daughter. I still am.

[California]

Well, what are we gonna do now? I think we'll stay right here where.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

We are for a while.

[California]

We? Huh? What for?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Well, in the first place, Randall wants us dead. I think it'd be a good idea to let him think we are.

[California]

What good'll that do? It may make it easier to get that money Back. Getting it back shouldn't be hard. All we have to do is to go to the captain and tell him the truth about it. He might not believe us, but he'd have to investigate, wouldn't he? Sure.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Then Mary Randall would know that her father is a thief.

[California]

Where? Well, ain't he? Of course he is. But he only became one in order to help her, didn't he? Yeah. Yeah, yeah. Yes, you're right. What's your idea, then? Well, to stay ashore till Randall's convinced.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

We'Re not coming back. Then go back aboard.

[California]

The boat will just stay there till morning. Sure it will.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

When we're aboard, we'll see if we can't get into Randall's cabin and get that money box.

[California]

Won't he be guarding it, thinking us dead? I don't think so.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

It's our best chance, at any rate. Then he can tell his daughter the money was stolen. Or anything he wants to. She won't have to know the truth, at least.

[California]

It still bothers me about that money being meant for. To fix a rise, Hoppy. It does me, too.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

It belongs to Ham and Emma, doesn't it? What else can we do.

[California]

Poppy? Hurry it up. Here's our capital. All right, open it up.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Go on in.

[California]

You got the money? Right here. Now let's get right. He wouldn't get off before they start up. I don't think so. Sounds like they was giving orders to start up when we came in. Yeah. Yeah, we're starting now. That's all right, then.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

We'll get off the next landing. Come on, let's get our gear together.

[California]

We can. What was that?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I don't know.

[California]

Somebody now. But who saw us come aboard. I didn't think nobody did.

[Emma]

This is Mary Randall. Let me in.

[California]

Mary Randall. How did she know we were in here? I don't know. She couldn't have seen us. Hey, she can't even see.

[Emma]

I've got to talk to her. If you don't, I'll go for the cat.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

No use keeping her out. Just a moment. Good morning, Ms. Randall. Come in here. I'll give you a hand there.

[California]

There's a chair here. Thank you.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I wonder how you knew we were here.

[Emma]

Why, shouldn't you have been? But anyhow, I heard your voices. You see, that's one of the advantages of being blind, Mr. Cassidy. It heightens your other senses.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yes, of course, but what did you want?

[Emma]

I happen to know that you and your friend are thieves, Mr. Cassidy.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Wife ain't a way to.

[Emma]

No. He's denied My father has told me about you. I know that you followed him aboard this boat in the hope that you can steal the money he carried.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Oh, he told you that, did he? What else did he tell you?

[Emma]

That was all.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

That was enough for his purposes.

[Emma]

I have only one reason for being here, Mr. Cassidy, and that is to appeal to your better nature. Oh, if you're prepared to steal now, I have no doubt that you've often stolen in the past. I would like to think that you have the strength of character to reform. But at any rate, I appeal to you on this occasion to let my father alone. If you don't.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yes?

[Emma]

I promise you, you'll regret it.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Perhaps I will. That's all you have to say?

[Emma]

Yes. I'll be going now, but there's one thing more.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

What is that?

[Emma]

I'll be dining with my father at noon today. I would like you to join us. In fact, I'll be expecting you.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Thank you. Maybe I will.

[Emma]

Oh, yes, and bring the money box. You, Mr. Cass. You see, I know you've already stolen it. If you don't, I'll have to inform Captain Beck.

[California]

Har. She knows about the money.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, I know she does. California, this changes things. This changes things a lot. Hello there.

[California]

How you doing?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You look rather surprised to see us, Randall.

[California]

I, I I scarcely know what to say. Won't you sit down?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Thank you. We will.

[Emma]

I'm very glad that you and Mr. Carlson have accepted my invitation, Mr. Cassidy. You've brought the money?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

No, Ms. Randall. No, I haven't. I have decided to keep it.

[Emma]

I see. You leave me no choice. I've already spoken to Captain Beck, Mr. Cass. Now I shall have to ask him to arrest you.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I don't think your father would like you to do that, Ms. Randall.

[Emma]

Why not?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I don't think he'd care to have you know he's a thief. Hey, Hoppy.

[California]

Hoppy. You telling her?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I thought we agreed that you'll have to let me handle this, California. But don't call it her. As I said, I I'll handle it.

[California]

Yeah.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Ms. Randall, I've told you the truth. I am not the thief your father is.

[Emma]

I don't believe it. Captain Beck, come here, please.

[California]

Yes, Ms. Randall?

[Emma]

This man refuses to return the money. He has some ridiculous story to the effect that my father is a thief. I'll have to ask you to arrest him.

[California]

You know that he's taken your father's money. You prefer the charges?

[Emma]

Yes, I know he has.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Just a moment, Captain. You better let me explain. No explanations.

[California]

Needed casity.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

No, no. Don't try to draw. I have you covered. I'd suggest that you surrender without making trouble. Once the people aboard this boat know what you've done, you'll be lucky not to be lynch. Now back to Hopalong Cassidy.

[California]

Poppy, the captain wasn't kidding any about this bunch being ripe for a lynching.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

They mean business and so do I.

[California]

But you shouldn't have. Hey, wait a second. This is trouble.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

All right, you fellas sit back.

[Emma]

The whole pack of you, get back now.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Get back.

[California]

Just one of you. Come a step closer and he'll get drilled.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

No trouble now. No trouble. I'll handle this. Hoppy, come on.

[California]

Why don't we get the chance?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'm staying here. You're.

[California]

You're von loco.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Why? They'll just keep Captain Beck here covered. Don't let him interfere. All right now, Ms. Randall, this is between you and me. I want the truth. You. No.

[Emma]

Stop him. He's pointing his guns at me. Stop him. Stop him, Hoppy, stop.

[California]

Gone clean start crazy.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I know what I'm doing. I thought that might work, Ms. Randall. Now tell me something. How did you know I was pointing these guns at you? You're blind. You claim you are. Anyway, how could you know what I was doing with these guns? I think we'll find out just what is wrong with your eyes, Ms. Randall. Let's see what's behind that veil you're wearing.

[Emma]

No, don't.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Just as I thought. Your eyes are as good as mine. You were only pretending to be blind. That veil was a fake.

[California]

Hey, I thought I'd seen that female before. Her name ain't no Randall. That there's Frisco, Sal.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Oh, no, no, no.

[California]

Just a moment. Just a moment, please. Who are you? Well, my name is Pete Peterson, cap. I'm a miner from up Denver way.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

And.

[California]

And who did you say this young woman was? Briscoe saddle. Except I couldn't recognize her as long as she was wearing that veil. You. You know her? I know her. Oh, I should say so.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I was there when they run her out of Julesburg.

[California]

Just give me a couple of minutes and I'll round up a dozen of the boys that used to know her.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You go ahead and do that, Peterson. In the meantime, Captain, you'd better keep an eye on this fair.

[California]

Yes, yes, I do believe I had. Oh, God, Harvey, when you pull that trick on her with your guns, you knowed she could see. But what I don't see is how. You know, I have noticed that she.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Called on us this morning.

[California]

If she couldn't see, how could she.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Have known that we already had her father's money box?

[California]

Well, well, I'll be darned. Coarse course and I never got it.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

What do you got to say now, Ms. Randall, or whatever your name is.

[Emma]

What I've got to say is to this sucker I was working with. So you told me I couldn't get in any trouble. Did you now? S. You'd worked this trick a dozen times on the Mississippi. Had you? Wor.

[California]

Don't say anything. S. Don't say anything.

[Emma]

I'll say plenty, Cassidy. All this was was a trick to play for sympathy. He called it insurance. If the fella he stole from caught up with him, he figured he'd be so sorry for us, he wouldn't do anything.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I thought so. Better take him away, Captain. He him under guard.

[California]

All right. I'll turn him over to the authorities.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

At the next landing. Come along.

[California]

You see what you got it.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Hobby.

[California]

I gotta apologize. You know, I. I figured that was a dirty trick you was doing when you started telling her about her power being crooked.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I just wanted to see how far she'd play along with him. I had an idea that sooner or later she'd do some talking.

[California]

She did plenty.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

That's right. Plenty enough to send her and Randall to jail and us back to the Horseshoe with Ham's money.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of OTR Western's and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcast trwesterns.com you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-9868, 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.