Judge Parson’s 12 Man Gallows | Dr. Sixgun (Unknown)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns: “Judge Parson’s 12 Man Gallows” | Dr. Sixgun (Unknown)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Air Date: February 6, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Dr. Sixgun" is a gripping tale exploring the tension between justice, mercy, and the dangers of absolute authority in the frontier West. When a new judge—Judge Jacob Parsons—arrives in Fort Dale with a wide and merciless gallows, the townsfolk and Dr. Sixgun find themselves facing a wave of public hangings. The story exposes the harsh realities of frontier justice and the psychological scars that create monsters under the guise of law and order.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Introducing Judge Parsons and the Tall Gallows

• Setting the Scene:

  • Dr. Matson ("Dr. Sixgun") and Pablo, the gypsy peddler, encounter Judge Parsons on the trail, introducing him as a "tall young man on a mission of mercy," but with a rigid, severe approach to justice.
  • Quote: “This territory will learn my name and it will curse it before it is done ... Because the rod that chastiseth is feared. The bolt that strikes down the evildoer is a thing of terror.” — Judge Parsons [06:10]

• Parsons’ Philosophy:

  • Parsons is determined to bring law and order to the Territory, refusing to show mercy—unlike his predecessor, Judge Corey, who was killed by a young man he’d shown leniency.
  • He commissions the building of a massive, permanent gallows capable of hanging twelve men at once, symbolizing his intent for mass, public executions.

2. The Hangman’s Burden

• Inside the Federal Jail:

  • Harry, the jail’s former hangman, confides in Dr. Sixgun about his discomfort at the prospect of hanging twelve men at a time, revealing the judge’s lack of compassion and his own ethical struggle.
  • Quote: “Doc, I just don’t want you to misunderstand nothing ... back in my regiment, I was with the provost marshal’s office. ... I was a hangman. ... I ain't to let people see justice done in private, Doc. ... I told him I was a turnkey and not a hangman—not twelve at a time, like it was a show.” — Harry [10:34]

• Rise of Public Hangings:

  • Despite Harry’s refusal, Parsons finds someone else to do the job, turning executions into public spectacles and galvanizing fear across the territory.

3. A Town Enthralled and Appalled

• Public Spectacle:

  • Hangings become town events, with the café emptying as townsfolk go to watch, treating them as entertainment rather than solemn legal proceedings.
  • Quote: “A man condemned to death? I’m not interested in watching him die.” — Dr. Sixgun [15:30]

• Pablo’s Cynicism:

  • Pablo, the gypsy peddler, shares a grim anecdote, mocking the idea that visible punishments are the hallmark of civilization.
  • Quote: “There’s an old story among the gypsies of a man lost in the woods ... he sees a gallows with a man hanging from it, ‘Ah,’ he says, ‘civilization at last.’” — Pablo [16:01]

4. The Case of Baxter: Justice Perverted

• Baxter’s Plight:

  • Dr. Sixgun is called to help a wounded prisoner, Baxter, who is slated to hang but maintains his innocence, insisting evidence could exonerate him if only witnesses were brought forth.
  • Quote: “He says Billy Whitcomb’s been dead for six months, and I was guilty. ... Ain’t no use. President Grant himself could come into that court, and Parsons would have a noose around his neck fast as you could spit.” — Baxter [20:13]

• Dr. Sixgun’s Confrontation:

  • Dr. Sixgun challenges Judge Parsons directly, pleading for a stay of execution on the basis of possible innocence. Parsons reveals his true colors—valuing perceived authority over actual justice.
  • Quote: “I do not have to find out. I know, Doctor. I can tell the guilt or innocence of a man brought before me before a word of the charge is read. ... Better by far that one worthless man should hang than that a mob of drunken, unlawful scoundrels should think that this court is weak.” — Judge Parsons [23:11]

• Doctors’ Desperation:

  • Dr. Sixgun, shocked by the judge’s refusal to value human life or consider innocence, resolves to find some weakness in Parsons.

5. The Judge’s Fatal Flaw and Downfall

• A Buried Trauma:

  • Investigation reveals Parsons’ mother was hanged when he was a child, traumatizing him for life. This trauma underpins his cruel sense of justice, seeking vengeance on the world.

• The Breaking Point:

  • Dr. Sixgun goads Parsons about his past, forcing the judge to confront his trauma and mental instability during a climactic confrontation.
  • Quote: “You say your public hangings are important for law and order. Well, why don’t you go watch one yourself? ... Did you remember something? What was it? Something about a woman in the gallows? … Do you see her face before you when you bang that gavel?” — Dr. Sixgun [27:15]

• Judge Parsons’ Collapse:

  • Overwhelmed, Parsons runs to the gallows. In a fit of madness, he falls (or perhaps jumps) from the gallows platform while it's being tested—dying instantly, thus ending his reign.

6. Aftermath & Reflection

• Resolution:

  • A new judge is appointed, and hope is restored that true justice might return to the territory. Baxter’s case will be re-examined under a different judge; a chance for real justice.
  • Quote: “If you’re innocent, you’ll be cleared this time. You won’t be tried before a hanging judge.” — Dr. Sixgun [32:20]

• Reflections on Justice:

  • Dr. Sixgun and Pablo ponder the lasting damage of cruelty masquerading as law and the high cost of unchecked authority.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The rod that chastiseth is feared. The bolt that strikes down the evildoer is a thing of terror.” — Judge Parsons [06:10]
• “That gallows out there has become an altar. He’s conducting human sacrifice.” — Dr. Sixgun [25:56]
• “He’d hang his own mother if she showed up in front of his bench.” — Baxter [22:19]
• “There’s an old story ... a man sees a gallows ... ‘Ah... civilization at last.’” — Pablo [16:01]
• “I can tell the guilt or innocence of a man brought before me before a word of the charge is read.” — Judge Parsons [23:12]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Description/Details | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|-----------| | Judge Parsons’ harsh introduction | “The rod that chastiseth is feared...” | 06:10 | | Harry’s story about the gallows | Ethical conflict about being hangman, public spectacle | 10:34 | | Town’s reaction to frequent hangings | “A man condemned to death? I’m not interested...” | 15:30 | | Pablo’s civilization anecdote | “There’s an old story among the gypsies...” | 16:01 | | Baxter pleads innocence | “Ain’t no use. President Grant himself could...” | 20:13 | | Dr. Sixgun confronts Parsons | Judge’s lack of humanity; inflexible verdicts | 23:11 | | Dr. Sixgun provokes the judge | “Did you remember something? A woman in the gallows?” | 27:15 | | Judge Parsons’ demise | Parsons’ fatal breakdown atop the gallows | 32:00 | | Aftermath & justice restored | “You won’t be tried before a hanging judge.” | 32:20 |

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Tone and Language

The episode uses rich, narrative-driven language characteristic of classic radio dramas. Dialogue is atmospheric, with moments of gallows humor, deep reflection, and pointed criticism of “frontier justice.” The speakers display moral complexity—particularly Dr. Sixgun’s empathy and Judge Parsons’ wounded, vengeful determination.

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Summary Takeaway

This Dr. Sixgun episode delivers a powerful allegory about the perils of summary justice and the human toll of an unchecked, traumatized authority. With memorably tense confrontations and haunting scenes atop the “12 Man Gallows,” the story critiques the notion that might makes right—and reminds us that the pursuit of order, without compassion or caution, can itself become a kind of madness.

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Transcript

[Narrator/Dr. Six Gun]

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[Host Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode of Absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator/Dr. Six Gun]

Across the rugged Indian territory rise a tall young man on a mission of mercy, his medical bag strapped on one hip, his six shooter on the other. This is Dr. Six Gun. The National Broadcasting Company brings you another transcribed episode in the exciting adventure series Dr. Six Gun. Ray Matson, M.D. was the gun toting frontier doctor who roamed the length and breadth of the old Indian territory. Friend and position to white man and Indian alike, the symbol of justice and mercy. In the lawless west of the 1870s, this legendary figure was known to all of us as Dr. Six Gun.

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For many years in the empty stretches of the territory, the long was something that was 100 miles to the east. Justice was a matter of who shot first, and the man with the pistol was obviously in the wrong when he faced the man with the rifle. Of course, life went on the territory. Farms were caught out of the wilderness, wagon trains Rolled westward. And I brought culture, civilization, a dim potter to the countryside.

[Host Andrew Rines]

Me?

[Narrator/Dr. Six Gun]

I am Pablo, the gypsy peddler. And this is my friend, Midnight. Midnight. I know my rights. I know my rights. He is a bird, but he's also a student of the law. Unfortunately, Blackstone is not as important in the territory as Colt or Winchester. It was in the early times that I rode the trail just west of the territorial line with my friend Doc Six Golf. Hey, pull up, Pablo. What's your rush? Got a lot of ground to cover. Well, if you'll pardon me, Doc, I am in a slight hurry. Any particular reason? Well, Doc, when I travel out to the country with a full pack and no money, I don't care who overtakes me, boss. When I'm headed the other way with an empty pack and a full wallet, then I'm a little bit more particular. Afraid of outlaws. Outlaws in laws. I'm afraid of any man when we're on a trail. Well, there's nobody around. On the contrary, Doc, there is a horse behind us. Yes, see, See the dust rising? I didn't notice that. Well, let us hope that we have also escaped his view. I don't know why you have to be so nervous. Let's pull up, see who it is. Oh, how are? Well, Doc, my uncle, who was a wise man, used to say that heaven looks after saints and fools. Well, let us hope that you are a saint, for I'm certainly a fool to stay with you. The rise of it came up from behind us at the gallop and boom. Up on Doc Hailsy. Hello there. Which way is Fortdale? You headed that way. Would I be asking you that question if I wasn't? Well, I might just be asking for general information. I haven't got time to waste on conversation. Is this the Fortdale road? As good as any. You take the left, fork the river. I'm much obliged. Wait up there. We'll ride with you. I'm in a hurry. Rough country from here to the river. So you won't go faster than a walk. If you want to keep your horse alive, we'll ride along with you. I'm Dr. Matson. This is my friend Pablo. How do you do? Are you a licensed physician or a self appointed quack? I have my credentials.

[Host Andrew Rines]

Why?

[Narrator/Dr. Six Gun]

I will not allow a violation of the law to be countenanced in my district. Your district? I'm Judge Jacob Parsons, United States District Judge. Oh. Oh, you. You must be the new judge for Fort Dale. I am. Well, you're not like Judge Cory. He Wouldn't be riding alone across the badlands. And George Cory lacked a little more comfort. Cory was an incompetent, corrupt, weak liver fool. Hut I wouldn't say that, Judge Parson Sam Cory was a compassionate man who knew the value of mercy. Mercy? Where did it get him? Shot down by an 18 year old ruffian who should have been dropped through the gallows trap the year before. But did Corey do his duty? No. He gave him six months because of extreme youth. Extreme enough for him to shoot Corey in the back? There'll be none such before my court, I can promise you. You come from back east, don't you, Judd? Ohio. Well, I think you'll find jurisprudence a little different out here. I expect to. So long. The territory has been a byword and a joke. It will be so no longer. Can't we go faster on this trail? Not unless you want to take a chance of crippling your horse. You're in a hurry to get to Fort Dale. Doctor, I bear a commission from President Grant in Washington to bring law and justice to this territory. I'm in a hurry to perform that duty. Well, now, I'm glad to hear that. Judge. Are you? Yes. Doctor. Are you a law abiding citizen? Yes, I am. Why? Then you have nothing to fear. But mark me, this territory will learn my name and it will curse it before it is done. But why should it do that? Because the rod that chastiseth is feared. The bolt that strikes down the evildoer is a thing of terror. Doctor, I am prepared to be hated and reviled. But I will bring the law to the territory. Up there. Up. He was not an old man and his beard was combed carefully. But his eyes burned and the veins in the back of his hands stood out as he clenched his fist around the reins. We lost track of George Jacob Parsons when we got to Fort Dale. I didn't hear about him for two days. Doc and I were in the cafe when an old friend of ours sat down beside us. Hey, Derek. Maine if I join you? Hello, Harry. Hello. Our things at the prison. That whiskey you got. Pablo, you take mine, I'll order another. Thanks. I need it. What's on your mind, Harry? Doc, you've been good to me. You saved me from the jail fever the time them 12 prisoners got took and died out of the jail. Oh, I didn't save you, Harry. I don't know what causes jail fever. Anyways. You took care of me and I come through it so. Man, I got a lot of respect for you, Doc. I just want to know if I'd done right. What's the trouble? I'm as tough a fellow as the next man. I've fit through the whole war, Doc. I fit the rebel raiders in Missouri and Kansas, and I fit with the regulars under Sherman. I've killed men with bullets and I've killed them with knives. Harry, what's the matter? I just don't want you to misunderstand nothing. Now, I've been turnkey over the federal jail for two years. I ain't no good. Them prisoners, most of them, they steal each other's shoes. If you give them a chance with. I draw the line. At what? Doc, I'm going to tell you something I ain't never told nobody. And, Pablo. You promise you won't say nothing? About what? Never mind. Promise. Very well. I promise you, Doc. Sure. Well, back in my regiment, I was with the provost marshal's office. And you know what I'd done? What? I was a hangman. That's what, five times I had to set the jerknot and whip the horses out from under some fellow who'd been court martialed for maybe murder or desertion. Well, it was your duty, Harry. You were a soldier. Yeah, I know. I posed with that. Well, he knows about it. Who? The new judge, Parsons. He come around to the federal jail. He took me aside and he. He told me he wanted me to be his hangman. But why? He says old man Somerville is too old, Doc, I swear, my flesh like to creep away. You know what he wants? To build a gallows with a trap big enough for 12 men. 12. Pablo, get me a bottle from the bar. With pleasure, Doc. He ain't even set a case yet, and he tells me, harry Moore, there's going to be a change in the law in this part of the country. Well, man. Yeah, that ain't all. You know, up to now, we've got a hanging case. We put up a temporary scaffold up in the courtyard, but that ain't where he's gonna put us. What do you mean, Doc? He's aiming to build his gallows outside the front gate of the prison, right? That's right. Opposite the town square. Sure. Harry Moore, he says to me, I ain't to let people see justice done document. I told him I was a turnkey and not a hangman, not 12 at a time, like it was a show for people to watch. But he said it was my duty. He quoted scripture at me or something. Doc, did I do wrong? I don't know, Harry. Man has to do what his conscience tells him. Yeah, that's what I think. And my conscience tells me I don't want no part of a gallows big enough to hang 12 men at one crack. Pablo, where's that bottle? But George Parsons found himself a hangman who was not so squeamish. An ex army man named George Merwin took a great pride in his work, who built the gallows with his own hands and looked forward to a prosperous year in $100 a hang. United States marshals went out into the territory from Fort Dale armed with a saddlebag full of warrants. And after a few months, they would come back with a wagon load of men in irons who disappeared into the federal prison until the time came that they appeared before for Dodge Pass. It is a sentence of this court that you be taken from hence to the place from which you came and from there to a place of execution where you shall be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May heaven have mercy on your soul. No, no. I didn't mean to kill him. It was a fair fight. He grew first. You had your trial. Trial? I ain't been out of that lousy, stinking cell for more than 15 minutes for what kind of a trial is that? I tell you, we had a fair fight. Silence, prisoner. My purpose, to bring law and order and civil regulation to the territory. I will not stand for breaches of the peace or murder and criminals of your type. It was a fair fight. Him up. Bring in the next. The gallows held 12 men, although George Parsons was never able to collect more than six at one time for his public demonstrations of law and order. His court had been sitting for five months. When Doc and I came back Fort Bale. We went into the cafe and found it empty. Hey, where is everybody? Oh, Shorty. Morning, Doc Pedler. I can't give you breakfast. Cook's not here. Where is everybody? Oh, it's hanging day. Most everybody goes over on hanging day. It's really interesting. Young Sandy Turpin goes today. He's that kid shot up the sheriff out by the Three Forks country. Rest of the lot ain't much to speak of. Couple of Indians and a soldier from the fort. Sandy's the main attraction. Welcome. You're missing their fun. Well, it ain't fair, and that's a fact. Boss said somebody had to stay with the till. I told him I missed the last hanging day. Couple of weeks ago because I had a bad cold in my head. How many people go to these hangings with the whole town? Ain't you going, Doc? No, thanks. The man's unfortunate enough to be condemned to death. I'm not interested in watching him die. Well, now it's really a question of establishing law and order. That's what it is. Judge Parsons says it acts as a deterrent. You going pedlar? My friend, I have seen too many of my kinsmen hang from trees in the old country to enjoy such a spectacle. Well, I can understand that if somebody in the family got hung. Say, listen, would you two fellows mind looking after the cafe if I run out and take a look? I'll only be a couple of minutes. Old George drops them neat as a pin. Only takes a couple of minutes. You don't have to worry. There won't be nobody in til afterwards anyway. Thanks a lot. Law and order. And I thought this was a civilized country. Oh, it is, Doc, it is. There is an old story among the gypsies of a man who was lost in the woods. He wandered for days, not finding a house or a barn or a human soul. Until one day he came out of the woods. And there at the fork in the road stood a high gallows with a man hanging from it. Ah, he said, civilization at last. So there's the law. Yes, it is the law. I'm here on the job site with Dale, who's a framing contractor. Hey, good morning. Dale traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance for all his business vehicles. We're here where he needs us most. Yep, they sure are. We make it easy for him to save on all his insurance needs. All in one place with coverage that fits his business and bottom line. Oh, I shouldn't have looked down. It's all right. We're so far up here. Look at me. Take a deep breath. I'm good. So good. Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail] and see how much you could save. It feels good. To Geico.

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[Narrator/Dr. Six Gun]

He was known now throughout the territory as the hanging judge. He bullied the juries into convictions and invariably meted out the severest penalty allowed under the Law George Merlin the hangman. Bought an interest in the livery stable in the Fort Dale saloon out of his earnings. It was a year after the doc riding through Fort Dale was called on to visit the federal jail. Doc. I reckon they called you in because the regular prison doctor went east to St. Louis on kind of his mother died. I suppose so. Melts in here. You get used to it, Doc. Themselves ain't too fancy in their equipment. Just what is it, Harry? Jail fever, no doubt. There's a fella named Baxter. What's the matter with him? Tried to escape. One of the boys shot him through the leg. I guess it developed a slight touch of gangrene you might see. Still here. Open up, Charlie. I can't see. Just close your eyes for a spell. You'll get used to it. Step. Clear the door. How many men are there down here? About 15 head.

[Host Andrew Rines]

All right.

[Narrator/Dr. Six Gun]

I can see now. Six of them are already been sentenced to hang. They won't get theirs till next week in court concession. That's where they called you. A record. What do you mean? Now this Baxter kid's set to hang with the next bunch. Neville dies. Judge Parsons like to be real upset. He don't like nobody he sentenced to hang to die. No other way. Right here. All right, Doctor. I brought the doctor. What for? Want to help you.

[Host Andrew Rines]

Why?

[Narrator/Dr. Six Gun]

Because I can stand up straight in the gallows. I don't know anything about that. Here, Let me see your leg. What's you. Well, it must be painting you. Maybe I can do something about that. Why didn't they shoot higher? I wanted them to. Harry. Is there any water? You got any water left back there? Yeah, Any jug. It's gonna hurt. I can't feel nothing anyway. You should be cauterized. You're likely to lose that leg. My leg? Ain't you forgetting something, Doc? Maybe. Back to here. Claims he's innocent. Did you have a trial? Trial? I come up before that old devil. Took him 20 minutes to finish up. You overtold that jury. If they didn't call me guilty, he'd have them on the gallows themselves. Maybe that's why they filtered for 12 men, huh? Baxter, are you innocent? You really care? Yes. Yes, I. Doc, I. I told him I wasn't anywhere near where that hold up was just cause I looked something like Billy Whitcomb. I told him if he'd let me get my witnesses, I could prove it was Billy Whitcomb killed that man. He says. He says Billy Whitcomb's been dead for six months. And I Was guilty. I didn't get no more chance than a Rabbit Whitcomb. He's a short man with a black mustache. Ear? Yeah. He's just left me. What? He isn't dead? I heard he was out west, Frenchman's Ford, about a month ago. I told him that. That old devil just sat there up on a bench, banging on his gavel. Ain't no use. President Grant himself could come into that court, and Parsons would have a noose around his neck fast as you could spit. Maybe if I went and talked to Parsons, we could get a delay. I recall it. Whitcomb was seen in Frenchman's board just recently. Ain't no good talking to him. You know why? Because he's got an empty noose hanging off that gallows, and he needs a neck to fill it. And mine's as good as anyone else's. Just ain't no use. Well, we'll see. Back to. He can't hang an innocent man. He'd hang his own mother if she showed up in front of his bench. I tell you, Doc, it ain't no use. I will not tolerate interference with this court, Judge Parsons. I will not allow lawlessness and chaos in my jurisdiction. If the man claims he's innocent, so say they all. You think I'm to be fooled by any murdering scoundrel who stands before me and pleads that he's as pure as a newborn babe? You take me for a fool. What man threatened with a gallows would not swear his innocence? But he says he can prove it. Judge, look. If Billy Whitcomb is alive, it's possible that Baxter is innocent. He was found guilty. It won't hurt to delay the hanging till you can find out. I do not have to find out. I know, Doctor. I can tell the guilt or innocence of a man brought before me before a word of the charge is read. That's crazy. The man must hang. They'll all hang. The criminals, the outlaws, the cutthroats, the scoundrels. Doctor, I will have this territory clean and in order. He may be innocent. I suppose he may. Well, then you can't hang it. I will have the verdict of this court respected. Doctor, do you realize that all that stands between this community and the pack of human wolves that skulk through the territory is. Is the majesty of this court. Its verdicts are inflexible. Better by far that one worthless man should hang than that a mob of drunken, unlawful scoundrels should think that this court is weak. You can't mean that. You'd hang an innocent man? Hang none of them innocent. But unless it's proved a law can't. You can't do that. What right have you got? I am that judge, but only according to the law. If he's innocent, you have to. I am their judge. Now, Doctor, leave my chambers, or I shall issue an order holding you in contempt of this court. Judge Parsons, don't you realize this is a human life? When you have been on the bench as long as I have, you realize that human life is a petty and unimportant thing. Doctor, I would hang them all to preserve the majesty of this court. Good morning, Pablo. He's mad. He's crazy. Are you sure? You should have heard him. He'll hang that Baxter boy whether he's innocent or guilty. He doesn't even care. God only knows how many others have been innocent. He sang the 53 men in one year. And there's no appeal from his court in the special district. But what can you do, Doc? We've got to have him removed. You go on and on. I can't understand it. I. I just can't grasp it. He doesn't even care whether they're innocent or not. Pablo. That gallows out there has become an altar. He's conducting human sacrifice. That leg of his must be better, Doc. Don't smell so bad today. Don't hurt so much neither. Doc. Thanks. Now I can keep my mind on my hanging. I talked to Judge Parsons today, Baxter. He doesn't care whether you're innocent or not. I told you, Doc. But you don't understand. He's mad out of his mind. Now, that's a great comfort to me, Doc. At least when old George springs that crap of his, I'll know that Judge Parsons is crazy. Yeah. I'll think about it while I'm dropping. There's got to be some way to stop him. He arrives as authority directly from Washington. It'll take a week to get any action from there. That's nice. Only my hangings on Tuesday. There's only some way of stopping him in the meantime. But he doesn't show any signs of his madness, Darky. He don't show no signs of nothing. He did. He was obviously insane. I could certify him, but it'd have to be plain for everybody to see. You wouldn't get anybody to go along with you now. Oh, but there must be some way, some weakness. Weakness? In him. Back home, I remember folks saying that Jacob Parsons was about the strongest. I thought you said you knew him in the army? Well, I did, but we come from the same town. Back in Ohio, huh? Tell me about him, Harry. Tell me everything you can remember about him. All right. I don't see how that's gonna help, but all right. What's the idea of busting in here? What do you want, Doctor? Judge Parsons. You're about to deliver some well meaning, maudlin plea for a stay of execution. You're wasting your time. I will not stay the hanging. No. No, I didn't think you would. You don't care if Baxter's innocent, do you? The verdict has been rendered. Tell me, Judge, do you go to watch the hangings yourself? No. Not required of me. You should sometime, Judge. Have you ever seen a man hang? Ever heard his steps up the gallows? 13 steps. It's traditional, you know. They always build them at 13 steps. Why don't you go out and watch it sometime? I would ask you to leave now. You say your public hangings are important for law and order. Well, why don't you go watch one yourself? What are you getting at? I don't think you're telling the truth, Judge. I think you have seen a hanging. I think you know what it's like. I think you remember it very well. No. No, I don't. They tell me you've never hanged a woman, Judge. Is that right? Get out of here. There was a woman before your bench three months ago. A murderess. You didn't hang her? Why not? Couldn't you stand the thought of a judge hanging a woman? Did you remember something? What was it? Something about a woman in the gallows. The 13 steps and the noose. Was that it? What do you want from me? Get away. I'll have you charged with contempt. Is that what you remember, Parsons? A woman? A hanging woman? Where you going? Get out of my way. Get out of my way. You see it sometimes? You see it at night when you're asleep. Do you see her face before you when you bang that gavel? When you pronounced sentence? Is that it, Judge? Get out of my way. Let me alone. Wait, Judge. I'm not through with you. I can't stand it. I stand it.

[Host Andrew Rines]

Back in the Old west, folks didn't run to the pharmacy every time trouble hit. They relied on the know how and natural remedies. Kind of like how Tonto always seems to have a special mixture ready for whatever came next. If you want to learn how to do that today, check out the Beginner's Guide to Herbal Remedies. Easy Steps for teas, Tinctures and Salves. Even if you've never tried herbs before. Visit otrwesterns.com herbs to learn more. Again, otrwesterns.com herbs are you more comfortable now, Baxter?

[Narrator/Dr. Six Gun]

Yeah, Doc. Much as I can be in a jail cell. Well, you'll be in at least another month. But I sent for witnesses in your case. Doc, I just don't understand it. What happened? Have you heard what Harry told us? Judge Parsons mother was hanged as a murderess in Ohio when he was a little boy. He had an uncle who made him go to the hanging. He wanted to shock the criminal tendency out of the boy's blood. You can't do that, can you, Doc? No, he can't. The boy was shot, all right. He's been getting back ever since. Baxter. If he'd had his way, he'd have hung the whole world to pay him back. Doc, what happened? He ran out of the courthouse, across the square to the gallows. He just stood up there on the top, screaming and crying for his mother. Well, old George was down below working on a lever at George's. Stone deaf, you know. Didn't hear anybody on top. And he sprung the crap to test it. But there wasn't any news. No. Oh, but you can break your neck. I'm a 12 foot fall. Don't need a rope. He's dead. There's an interim appointment for Judge Lowry over at Frenchman's Ford to take over. I suppose that that won't help me none. I think it will. If you're innocent, you'll be clear at this time, you won't be tried before a hanging judge. Tonight on FBN Presents, you've been listening to 55 Minutes the Old west seen through the eyes of Paladin and Dr. Six Gun. Join us again tomorrow night for our end of the week special with River McGee and Molly and Broadway's My Beat. This is Navy journalist Dan Jerkinson speaking. Sam. Sa. You've been listening to Dr. Six Guns, starring Carl Weber as the frontier doctor with William Griffiths as Pablo. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

[Host 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 our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Narrator/Dr. Six Gun]

Sam.