
Original Air Date: 1952Host: Andrew RhynesShow: Lightning JimPhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Exit music from: Roundup on the Prairie by Aaron Kenny https://bit.ly/3kTj0kK
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Lightning Jim
Foreign.
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 Lightning Jim, originally aired in 1952 and the title is Little Bear repays a debt.
Lightning Jim
You know that the fairy will be your new home.
Little Bear
It.
Narrator
And now for the thrilling adventures of Lightning Jim.
Lightning Jim
Yeah. There they are, Hank. Just like I told you.
Bill Carson
Yeah, about a hundred Header horse fleshing out.
Lightning Jim
Herd sure belong to a Jasper by the name of Bill Carson. Got a rain shelter here.
Bill Carson
Now let's get moving. We'll stampede them horses north into the box canyon.
Lightning Jim
Sure.
Hank
Come on there.
Lightning Jim
Get up there.
Whitey Larson
Hey, where are you? Pete?
Faith Carson
Land sake. What happened, Dale?
Whitey Larson
Somebody stole our horses in North Canyon.
Lightning Jim
Oh, yes, sir, of course I am.
Whitey Larson
Just come back from there. Every last horse is gone.
Faith Carson
Oh, what are you gonna do, Bill?
Whitey Larson
Follow after them horsies?
Faith Carson
Oh, but you can't fight them alone, Bill.
Whitey Larson
Don't worry about that. I ain't able to fight him alone. Here's what I want you to do. I'll saddle up your horse and you ride into town and get Lightning Jim.
Narrator
Yes. When folks around Fort Anderson had trouble, they knew they could count on help from United States Marshal Lightning Jim Whipple and his deputy, Whitey Larson. A fearless courage, a lightning draw and a dead shot were the characteristics that made Lightning Jim both feared and respected by the bandits, outlaws and Indians of the Old West. Recently, the marshal and his deputy had been captured by the renegade Indian chief Wolf Pa. But an Indian boy called Little Bear had helped them to escape from the Indian camp and single handed had caught two outlaws who had been smuggling guns.
Lightning Jim
To Chief Wolf Pacific.
Narrator
Lightning Jim and Whitey took the boy back to their quarters at Fort Anderson.
Faith Carson
No, no, no.
Little Bear
It was better not to.
Raven
No, you listen to me, young feller. Ye ain't living with Indians no more. Ye got to get yourself cleaned up yet.
Little Bear
Me not going watering white men keeping.
Raven
Now listen here. I fixed up this tub of water. Yes, so ye can have a nice bath.
Little Bear
Why do you put water on fire? Burn Little Bear?
Raven
No, ye won't get burned as yet. Nice and warm. Yeah, I can put my hand in it like this too. Sm.
Little Bear
A little bit.
Raven
That's too small.
Faith Carson
This.
Raven
Oh no, this tub ain't too small, but it's big enough for me.
Little Bear
You go in there.
Faith Carson
Sure.
Raven
Me and let me wash in this tub. Now if that's big enough for us, that's big enough for you.
Little Bear
Why do you tell lie Damas little dare not think why the washing cup too small.
Raven
Yo, But I just got. Who's telling you that it is me.
Little Bear
Want to see why they do that?
Raven
You mean that you want me to take a bath?
Little Bear
Yes.
Raven
Well, I ain't going to do it. This tub of water is for you.
Faith Carson
No.
Raven
By golly, you're going to take a bet. And I'm used to seller that you make you. Come on now, take off your clothes.
Faith Carson
No, no. Hey.
Lightning Jim
Ow.
Raven
Let's put my hair get funny, huh?
Little Bear
Why do you make funny face?
Raven
Well, I think maybe you'll be making funny face before I get through with it. Now, for the last time, take off your clothes and get into that tub of water now. There, you asked for it. Come here.
Little Bear
Oh, you hurt Little Bear.
Raven
At any other point. Oh, so you think you can make Most of it, McGee? Now, I pick you up my name, I give you a good spanking. No, no, no. Yo, yo, yo. And here it goes. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Why don't you yell next step? And if are you going to take a bath now? All right, I'll start over again. One, two, three.
Lightning Jim
Hey. Hey. What's going on here?
Raven
Well, I must just show a Little Bear what happens to boys that don't see what they're told by Jelly.
Lightning Jim
I see. You better let him up now.
Bill Carson
All right.
Raven
He may be sad enough.
Little Bear
Little Bell hate. Why did he step over?
Raven
I just want him to take a bath. And he pushed me hair and kicks me in the skin.
Lightning Jim
What do you got to say for yourself, Little Bear?
Little Bear
Why do you take Little Bear on like this? Him pushed like.
Lightning Jim
Him too big for char. Never mind. Whitey. Yeah? Give me your hand.
Raven
Get me off.
Little Bear
Why you say water not hot?
Raven
Hot and mist.
Lightning Jim
Come here, Little Bear.
Little Bear
Little Bear not want to go in hot water. Least women water outside.
Lightning Jim
Yes, I understand, son. But you said you wanted to live with the white man. Now, is that right?
Little Bear
Yes.
Lightning Jim
Well, if you want to live with us, you want to learn to do things the way we do.
Raven
Yo. That's true.
Little Bear
Yes, but not throwing hot water.
Lightning Jim
Oh, no. That water ain't so hot now, see, Bulldog, put your finger in. Go on. It won't hurt you. There what to tell you. Sometimes we have to wash in cold water outside just like the Indians do. But when we're home, we like to use warm water. Feels good and makes us clean. How do you understand?
Little Bear
Yes.
Lightning Jim
Now, you know me and Whitey want to help you all we can white.
Little Bear
Man'S good sense a little bit.
Lightning Jim
That's right. You see, Whitey was just trying to help You. You didn't mean to pull his hair and kick him. Now, this ain't no. And you didn't mean to put him in the tub neither, now did you?
Little Bear
No, little bear. Sorry. One who makes friends with Whitey.
Lightning Jim
Ah, that's the way to talk. Well, whitey, are you willing to come halfway and shake hands and make up? Oh, yeah.
Raven
All right. Put you there, son.
Little Bear
How?
Raven
Oh, and I'm sorry I thanked you.
Little Bear
Wiping hands plenty hot.
Raven
It hurt me more than it did you. My God.
Lightning Jim
Yes, whitey, but not in the same place.
Raven
That's true.
Lightning Jim
Yeah. Now, little bear, you run long outside. Yo.
Raven
I said don't you into any more trouble. And you can help little daddy. Hey, hey, hey. Are you laughing at me?
Little Bear
What is my buddy in hot water?
Lightning Jim
My dead Mr.
Bill Carson
Wreck.
Lightning Jim
Hello. He's right, whitey. He certainly had you in hot water.
Raven
Oh, well, now I got to think this red cloth.
Lightning Jim
Yes, Whitey. That's why we got so much trouble with the Indians.
Raven
I don't know how you figure that.
Lightning Jim
Well, you didn't understand little bear and he didn't understand. And that's what's going on right out here on the plane.
Raven
But you keep saying little Berry is the red skin. You still think he's a white boy?
Lightning Jim
Yes, I do. Weddy getting dark from exposure to wind and sun and picked up some Indian habits. But is featured in hairy Indians.
Raven
Then if you survive boy that he must have been captured by sea force borv on in the thread store.
Lightning Jim
Yeah, them things have happened before, you know. Indians have taken white babies and raised them like their own children.
Raven
Does he remember anything?
Lightning Jim
No. I asked him about him. Learned English from one of the Indian agents. And wolf Pa has been using him as an interpreter.
Raven
Oh, you wish. Poor little y. I certainly wish you could find his real mom and pop.
Lightning Jim
So do I, Whitey. Meantime, we got to find a good home for him here in fort Anderson.
Raven
I thought he was going to Steve Ross.
Lightning Jim
No, no, that won't do, Whitey. Our takes us out of here too often and side he needs a woman's.
Raven
Chair all let me but. But you still see him. Everything could keep me what?
Lightning Jim
I'm surprised, Whitey. After what just happened to you, I should think you'd be glad to get rid of it.
Raven
Oh, well, never mind that. Even so, I still think it's pretty sl. Oh, she like and almost forgot to tell you. Here's a letter from Rita.
Lightning Jim
Rita?
Raven
You're Ricky Smith to listen mon.
Lightning Jim
Well, oh, sure. What you have to say weddy.
Raven
Oh, she thanks you and me again for saving her father.
Lightning Jim
Yeah. How easy, dog.
Raven
Oh, say she fine and we say got married today.
Lightning Jim
That's so. Well, that's fine.
Raven
Your boy said this. He ain't heard the real notion.
Lightning Jim
No. What the.
Raven
You remember Adolf said dog Yenny?
Lightning Jim
Sure I do. Jenny had a little puppy before we left.
Raven
Yo and Rita. He gave me one of them.
Lightning Jim
That's right.
Raven
Well, she says in the letter that my poppy is growing up fine and strong. And pretty soon he and Adolf and Dava coming over to Fort Anderson to see that. So yo and they are going to bring my poppy with them.
Lightning Jim
No, that's your good news. Righty. Yeah?
Little Bear
White lady outside wants to see you.
Raven
He can't come in here. I ain't got no pins out.
Lightning Jim
Ah, don't get excited. I'll go outside and talk to her.
Little Bear
White lady stay. Come quick.
Lightning Jim
All right. Why, it's Bill Carson.
Faith Carson
Yes, Lightning. Are you busy?
Lightning Jim
Never too busy to talk to you, ma'am. How's Bill?
Faith Carson
Well, he was all right when I left the ranch, Lightning. He sent me to get you.
Bill Carson
Anything wrong?
Faith Carson
Yes, Lightning. Somebody stole over a hundred head of our horses.
Lightning Jim
That's so.
Faith Carson
Yes. And Bill ain't sure if it's horse thieves or redskin.
Lightning Jim
Where was the horses?
Faith Carson
In North Canyon.
Lightning Jim
When was it taken?
Faith Carson
Early this evening.
Lightning Jim
Where's Bill?
Faith Carson
Well, he went back to see if he could pick up the trail. And then he's coming back to the ranch to meet you. That is, if you can come.
Lightning Jim
Sure we'll come, Ms. Carson.
Little Bear
It'll be like to go soon.
Lightning Jim
Don't know about that, son.
Little Bear
Little Bear help Marshall catch horses.
Faith Carson
Well, who's the boy, Lightning?
Lightning Jim
His name's Little Bear. I'll tell you about him on the way out to the ranch.
Faith Carson
Now, you boys wait here and I'll see if Bill's come back here.
Raven
Oh, bill, look at Mr. Bear. He's got his life for with him.
Little Bear
Little Bear, help white Ben catch horses.
Lightning Jim
Now listen, son. I said you could come out with us to the ranch, but you can't go no further.
Little Bear
What you want me to do?
Lightning Jim
You stay here with Mrs. Carson till we come back.
Little Bear
No cat horses here at ranch.
Lightning Jim
Well, maybe not, but that way you're going to stay just the same.
Raven
By jealous night and Mr. Ligand, he interfered in nothing.
Little Bear
Little Bear help white friends catch bad men and sell guns from Chief Wolfpaw. He came for men and steals horses.
Raven
Hey over Little Bear, if you catch all the badness and outlaws, there won't be nothing left in the enlightenment we.
Bill Carson
Can'T let you catch them all.
Lightning Jim
That's right, son.
Little Bear
Little Bear want to be lawmen, too.
Lightning Jim
Well, when you get a little older, we'll see what we can do about that. But first you've got to learn to obey orders.
Faith Carson
Say, I can't find Bill anywhere. He ain't come back and, oh, I'm plenty worried.
Lightning Jim
Say them horses was in the north canyon.
Faith Carson
That's right. It's straight north of the ranch. Lightning.
Lightning Jim
Well, me and Whitey will drop that way. And Bill went up there to pick up tracks. That's where we ought to find him.
Faith Carson
Oh, dear. I hope nothing's happened to him.
Lightning Jim
I reckon he's all right, ma'am. I told Little Bear to stay here with you until we come back. Come on, Whitey, let's go. Thunder.
Faith Carson
God bless em. They're a grandpap good.
Little Bear
Thanks, Little Bess.
Faith Carson
Yes, and from what Jim told me, you are a pretty good friend to them, too.
Little Bear
Little Bear food good.
Faith Carson
I bet you can. Are you hungry?
Little Bear
Hungry?
Faith Carson
Yes. Would you like something to eat? Eat?
Little Bear
Little Bear like to eat plenty much.
Faith Carson
I never knew a boy that didn't like to eat most all the time. Well, you come on in the house and we'll see what we can do about that.
Little Bear
Little Bear wants to stay out here.
Faith Carson
Stay out here?
Raven
What for?
Little Bear
Maybe horse thieves. Come back here. Me catch him.
Faith Carson
My goodness. Why, for such a young boy, you aren't afraid, are you?
Little Bear
You're not afraid Little Bear wand will help white woman.
Faith Carson
Why, bless your heart. I'm gonna kiss you for that.
Little Bear
Why you do that?
Faith Carson
Because I think you're a mighty sweet boy for saying that.
Little Bear
That what you do to White boy?
Faith Carson
Yes. That means that we love him.
Lightning Jim
Mmm.
Little Bear
Me like that Little Bear want to be just like little white boy.
Bill Carson
Well, Squint, it was a hard ride, but we got all them horses into that box canyon shape.
Lightning Jim
Yeah.
Hank
When you reckon they'll be coming for them?
Bill Carson
Well, they ought to be out of here tonight. We'll go up to the cabin and wait and stir up some grub. Come on, get out of it.
Lightning Jim
Oh, Thunder.
Raven
Boy, he missed that funny Lightning, if you ain't seen a sign of Bill Corson.
Lightning Jim
Oh, we followed the trail of the horses up here. If he was doing the same thing, we ought to run into him.
Raven
Gee, you think maybe he run into them horse and I got the best of him.
Lightning Jim
I've been trying not to think of that, Whitey. Well, we come this far, so let's follow trail as far as she goes.
Bill Carson
Oh, I see.
Raven
I Wonder what the name of this canyon is.
Lightning Jim
Hello, Whitey. We've been through most of this country, but don't remember this canyon.
Raven
No, it looks like the way we come in. It's the only way you can get in.
Lightning Jim
Yep. Typical box canyon.
Bill Carson
Hey.
Lightning Jim
Hey, wait a minute. What's the matter?
Raven
Look over there on the clearing under the cliff there. Yeah.
Lightning Jim
Looks like a cabin.
Raven
Oh, that's what it is. I think he better go over there.
Lightning Jim
Right. Come on, Thunder. Easy, Whitey. Don't make no noise.
Bill Carson
See?
Raven
It don't look like nobody's around here.
Lightning Jim
Yeah, but we ain't taking no chant.
Narrator
Well, did Lightning Jim and Whitey walk into a trap? Part two of this thrilling adventure in the lives of United States Marshall. Lightning Jim and Whitey Larson will follow immediately. And now for part two of the exciting Lightning Gym story. Little Bear repays a debt. In a previous adventure, an Indian boy named Little Bear had helped Lightning Jim and Whitey escape from the camp of the renegade Indian chief, Wolfpaw. The boy wanted to live with the white men, so Lightning Jim and Whitey took him back to Fort Anderson and planned to find a good home for him. Near Fort Anderson, there was a horse ranch owned by Bill Carson. Bill discovered that horse thieves had stolen a hundred of his horses. And while he followed the trail of the thieves, his wife, Peter Faith Carson, went back to the town to get Lightning Jim and Whitey. They went to the ranch, and leaving the Indian boy with Mrs. Carson, the marshal and his deputy went out to look for Bill. The trail led them to a box canyon. And as they approached what looked to be a deserted cabin, a man's voice rang out sharply.
Whitey Larson
Hold up your hands. Don't move or I'll join it.
Bill Carson
He's behind that rock.
Lightning Jim
Yeah, put him up, Whitey.
Whitey Larson
All right, Mistress. How to get away with stealing my horses. I'm gonna show you what happens to horse steal. It's Bill Carson.
Lightning Jim
Hey, Bill, don't shoot.
Whitey Larson
Lighten it, Jim.
Lightning Jim
Hello. Hello.
Raven
That Bill.
Whitey Larson
Thank God you spoke when you did light up. I might have drilled both of you.
Raven
Boy, that sure was a close son.
Whitey Larson
I'll say. I followed the trail up this canyon and seen the cabin. Nobody was here, and I figured I'd wait and see if anybody come up.
Lightning Jim
We were aiming to do the same thing, Bill.
Whitey Larson
Yeah, I heard you sneaking up. Couldn't see your faces in the shadows of the trees.
Raven
Well, I'm certainly glad you ain't got the nervous trigger finger. I tell you that.
Lightning Jim
So now, honey, what happened to you? Why don't you come back and meet us at the ranch.
Whitey Larson
Well, Jim, when I picked up the hot trail, it kept on going till I got here. I was aiming to double back soon as I located the horses. And the coyotes are stole them.
Lightning Jim
They're taking plenty chances, Bill. This might be a gang about logs.
Whitey Larson
Yeah, I know, Jim. Oh, what do you reckon we better do?
Bill Carson
Hey, there's somebody called me now.
Lightning Jim
Yes. Drop behind this rock.
Bill Carson
Quick. Nothing but the horses.
Raven
They'll see them.
Lightning Jim
Got a chance, lad.
Hank
Holy smoke.
Whitey Larson
Look across from the clearance.
Raven
That's the redskins.
Lightning Jim
Don't shoot till I give the word.
Whitey Larson
Looks like there's about 10 of them red devils.
Bill Carson
Yeah.
Lightning Jim
Let him come right up to the cabin. That's where the heads were.
Faith Carson
Here they go.
Lightning Jim
Wyatt.
Raven
You see your horse?
Bill Carson
Yeah.
Lightning Jim
Leader's coming its way.
Narrator
Not yet.
Lightning Jim
Reach for the sky, Indian. Don't move in or I'll let you have it.
Bill Carson
That's better.
Lightning Jim
Why didn't Bill. Keep your guns on them, Jasper.
Raven
You wash your lightning.
Whitey Larson
You're not really a person that don't do as you say.
Lightning Jim
Sh. I tell you what. What white men do here. I reckon you ought to know that Indian. Say, I've seen you before. You're from Wolfpaw's tribe, eh? Raven Gymnotalker. The Raven. Well, time to let that slip out, Indian. Last time we met was up in Wolfpaw's camp.
Raven
Oh, I remember him. Back down, Raven.
Lightning Jim
Tell your men to throw down the gun. Yeah. Braves not do that. Oh, yes, they will. You tell them to throw down the guns or you might go to your happy hunting grounds, Savage. Yeah? Well, you gonna do it or you want me to shoot? Why do you and Bill Gorbin pick up them rifles?
Raven
Yeah, they do that.
Narrator
Raven, we're taking you and your men.
Lightning Jim
Back to Fort Anderson. You're under arrest.
Bill Carson
Not so fast, mister.
Lightning Jim
Don't move.
Bill Carson
We got your pilot.
Hank
Yes, and we kissed as soon ready as not.
Bill Carson
All right, clap your hands, all three of you. That's bad. Howdy, Raven.
Lightning Jim
Yeah. What you do here? Set up for Raven.
Bill Carson
A trap. Say we wouldn't be double crossing you in, Chief Wolfpo. Well, well, well. Will you look who's here. If it ain't my old friend Lightning Jim.
Lightning Jim
Yeah. Light. Reckon you ought to know me by now, Hank.
Bill Carson
Yeah.
Lightning Jim
White man. Law man from Fort?
Bill Carson
Sure, Raven. Why, me and Lightning Jim's old friends, ain't we, Marshall?
Lightning Jim
Yeah. Good friends.
Bill Carson
Sure. You know, Raven, this man likes me so well, he had me come and visit him at Fort Anderson. Yeah, Stayed with him most of the.
Lightning Jim
Years him no friend of Wolfpo.
Bill Carson
Oh, that's too bad. You know Lightning Wolfpoin a bad fellow when you get to know him right.
Raven
Well, he know all about that Wolf.
Bill Carson
Pick up those guns, Raven.
Lightning Jim
Yeah, me get em.
Bill Carson
All right, Squint, come on over.
Whitey Larson
Sure.
Bill Carson
Now you three Jaspers line up again that cabin. Go on before I let you have it.
Hank
I'll keep them covered.
Lightning Jim
Wolf haw catch em. White men take it away. Soldiers come unsaved.
Bill Carson
Well, they won't be getting away so easy this time.
Lightning Jim
Yes. Ravens take back back to Wolfpall. Him take care.
Bill Carson
Ah, we ought to drill him now.
Lightning Jim
No, no. Wolfpall angry if him no kill low man.
Bill Carson
Well, I reckon you're right. Shooting's too good for him anyway.
Lightning Jim
Better die. Burn em in fire.
Hank
Yeah, Hank let the redskins have him. Then nobody can say we put him out of the way.
Bill Carson
Yeah. Well, Lightning, I reckon Wolfpaw sure give you boys a good time. I'd sure like to be there.
Lightning Jim
Yeah, we enjoyed our visit there before.
Bill Carson
You won't be talking so smart when they tie you to a stake and set a fire under you.
Lightning Jim
Got horses? Sure.
Bill Carson
They're by the spring up the canyon away that good. Better tie up these three hombres and get on our way.
Hank
Hey, what's that?
Lightning Jim
You go to your.
Bill Carson
What is it? Raven?
Whitey Larson
That's called a wolf paw.
Lightning Jim
Medicine Man.
Bill Carson
Wolf paws Medicine Man? What's he doing out here?
Lightning Jim
Not no Raven take brave go.
Hank
See, it came from over yonder near them trees.
Lightning Jim
We, we go now.
Hank
Come back soon.
Lightning Jim
You stay with lawman.
Bill Carson
We'll tie him up.
Lightning Jim
Here we go.
Hank
What do you make of it, Hank?
Bill Carson
I don't know. I never could figure out a redskin nohow.
Hank
Listen, if we turn these hombres over to Wolf Party Mike get away again. If we drill them now, the Redskins will get the blame anyways.
Bill Carson
Yeah, I know, but Wolf Paul be plenty mad just like the Raven said.
Hank
Sure, but we can say they tried to escape from us and we had to shoot them, see?
Lightning Jim
Yeah.
Bill Carson
Yeah, that ain't a bad idea, Squint.
Hank
Come on, let's get it over with.
Bill Carson
All right, Lightning, will you take a face in front or would you rather turn your back?
Lightning Jim
You're running this party, Hanks. But we ain't turning our backs on a couple of yellow livered rats.
Hank
Listen to the man talk, will ya?
Bill Carson
Yeah, all right, Squint. I'm taking a first shot. I'm drawing a bead on Lightning Jim's heart. So long, law badge.
Hank
What's that lightning.
Whitey Larson
I got him.
Lightning Jim
Grab his gun.
Bill Carson
You're breaking my arm down or I'll break your knife.
Lightning Jim
All right, lady.
Raven
And I got you gun.
Whitey Larson
And I got the other Jasper's gun. He shot right through the head.
Raven
You believe me? Where did that shot come from?
Whitey Larson
Wait.
Lightning Jim
Somebody behind that boulder.
Raven
Oh, say this Little Bear.
Little Bear
Little Bear come sooner.
Lightning Jim
Good. Keep your gun on screen. Fight it.
Bill Carson
Sure.
Lightning Jim
Well, Little Bear, seems like you. You're always showing up at the right time.
Little Bear
Little Bear.
Raven
Sorry.
Lightning Jim
What do you mean you're sorry?
Little Bear
Sorry not shoot other bad men, too.
Raven
Don't worry, Little Bear. We'll take care of him. By golly.
Whitey Larson
Say, Jim, what's this all about? Who is this kid?
Lightning Jim
It's a long story, Bill, and I'll tell you about it later. Name's Little Bear. Son, this is Bill Carson.
Whitey Larson
Well, howdy, son. I don't care who you are. You sure done us a good turn.
Little Bear
You Bill Carson? You belong to white woman on ranch?
Lightning Jim
I'll say, doctor, you better.
Raven
Do you see a Little Bear ever stat you hollering and yelling there?
Little Bear
We follow a trail from ranch. See Raven and brave give call of medicine man.
Lightning Jim
Yeah, that's what Raven said.
Little Bear
When braves hear medicine men call, go quick to where they hear medicine men call. Then Little Bear come here quick. Another trail.
Whitey Larson
Well, you sure used your head that time, son.
Raven
Your Little Bear's a plenty smart boy, I tell you that. Look. Look, Raven come back.
Narrator
Yeah.
Lightning Jim
This time we got to get him. He behind the cabin.
Whitey Larson
Yeah.
Lightning Jim
Reach for the sky, Raven. Raven, you see that white man on the ground? He's dead. Shot through the head. And that's what'll happen to you if you make a move. Little. Little Bear. Yes, Raven, It's Little Bear. He is paying you back for trying to kill his.
Whitey Larson
Well, you see, Faith, after we got the drop on him a second time, we was able to take them all back to Fort Anderson.
Lightning Jim
Jail. That's right, ma'am. Hank is dead. And Squint will stand trial with Raven and the other Indian.
Whitey Larson
Yeah, we got all the horses back, too.
Faith Carson
Well, thank heavens you all got back alive.
Whitey Larson
Yeah, I don't reckon we would have if it hadn't been for a Little Bear over there.
Little Bear
Glad White Front can't stand me.
Bill Carson
For land sakes.
Faith Carson
What's the matter, child?
Lightning Jim
I'm hurt, Little.
Little Bear
Not much.
Lightning Jim
It's an old wound that ain't healed up yet, ma'am. He was wounded in a fight between the soldiers and Wolf Paw's braves.
Faith Carson
And his shirt is all torn. Here, now, let me see your arm.
Raven
What?
Whitey Larson
Bill, what is it? Faith, what's the matter?
Faith Carson
Bill, that birthmark on his arm. Look at it.
Whitey Larson
Good Lord, Faith. You don't think it might be the.
Raven
Oh, it must be.
Faith Carson
I'd know it anywhere. Bill, it's our baby.
Raven
Why don't you believe me, Faith?
Whitey Larson
I can't believe it. Lightning. 12 years ago, we was attacked by redskins and stole our baby. We give him up for dead.
Little Bear
What do you mean, Little Bear? Your baby.
Faith Carson
Oh, it means you're my little boy.
Raven
Oh, let me look at you and hold you close.
Whitey Larson
It's. It's a miracle. Lightning. All these years he's been a praying.
Faith Carson
Yes, and the good Lord heard my prayers. Oh, merciful God, I thank you.
Narrator
And so ends another thrilling adventure in the lives of United States Marshall Lightning, Jim Whipple and his deputy, Whitey Larson.
Lightning Jim
Foreign.
Andrew Rines
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Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – "Little Bear Repays a Debt" | Lightning Jim (1952)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: January 27, 2025
Episode Title: Little Bear Repays a Debt
Series: Lightning Jim
Original Air Date: 1952
In this captivating episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, hosted by Andrew Rhynes, listeners are transported back to the thrilling days of the Wild West. The episode titled "Little Bear Repays a Debt" features the heroic United States Marshal Lightning Jim Whipple and his trusty deputy, Whitey Larson. This digitally restored classic Western radio drama breathes new life into the timeless tales of frontier justice, friendship, and redemption.
The story unfolds in the vicinity of Fort Anderson, a central hub where residents rely on the unwavering protection of Lightning Jim and Whitey Larson. These lawmen are renowned for their fearless courage, lightning-fast draw, and impeccable marksmanship, earning both respect and fear among outlaws and Native American tribes in the region.
Notable Quote:
The tranquility of Fort Anderson is disrupted when Bill Carson, a local ranch owner, discovers that over a hundred of his horses have been stolen from North Canyon. Suspecting either horse thieves or involvement from the local Native American tribe led by Chief Wolfpaw, Bill seeks the assistance of Lightning Jim and Whitey Larson.
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Amidst this turmoil is Little Bear, an Indian boy who previously helped Lightning Jim and Whitey escape from Chief Wolfpaw's camp. Desiring to live with the white settlers, Little Bear is under the protection of the marshal and his deputy at Fort Anderson. His eagerness to assist in capturing the horse thieves underscores his gratitude and loyalty.
Notable Quotes:
Following the trail of the stolen horses leads Lightning Jim and Whitey to a desolate cabin nestled within a box canyon. Here, they encounter Raven, an antagonist aligned with Chief Wolfpaw, who attempts to ambush them. A tense standoff ensues, highlighting the strategic maneuvers of both the lawmen and the outlaws.
Notable Quotes:
As the confrontation unfolds, Little Bear intervenes at a critical moment, saving Lightning Jim from a fatal shot. This act of bravery reveals a heartwarming twist: Little Bear is, in fact, the long-lost son of Faith Carson and Bill Carson. Separated during a raid by Native Americans twelve years prior, Little Bear's return reunites the family, symbolizing healing and the triumph of good over adversity.
Notable Quotes:
Lightning Jim Whipple: Continues to embody the ideal Western marshal—brave, just, and compassionate. His interaction with Little Bear showcases his ability to mentor and guide, emphasizing themes of understanding and forgiveness.
Whitey Larson: The loyal deputy provides both comic relief and steadfast support. His dynamic with Lightning Jim adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the importance of partnership in law enforcement.
Little Bear: His journey from a captured youth to a redeemed hero underscores the themes of loyalty and gratitude. Little Bear's courage and eventual reunion with his family add emotional weight to the story.
Faith Carson & Bill Carson: Represent the struggles of frontier families and the hope of reunification. Their interactions reflect the societal challenges of the time, including cultural conflicts and the quest for family unity.
Redemption and Forgiveness: Little Bear's actions demonstrate the power of second chances and the capacity for individuals to change and earn trust.
Cultural Understanding: The episode subtly addresses the tensions between Native Americans and white settlers, advocating for mutual respect and cooperation.
Family and Identity: The revelation of Little Bear's true heritage highlights the deep-seated human need for belonging and family ties.
"Little Bear Repays a Debt" culminates in a satisfying resolution where justice is served, and familial bonds are restored. Lightning Jim and Whitey Larson successfully recover the stolen horses, apprehend the outlaws, and witness the heartwarming reunion between Little Bear and his parents. This episode not only entertains with its suspenseful plot and dynamic characters but also imparts enduring lessons about honor, loyalty, and the importance of family.
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Andrew Rhynes wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast through ratings and social media, ensuring the legacy of these classic Western tales continues to thrive.
Notable Quotes:
This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns masterfully blends action, emotion, and moral lessons, offering both nostalgia for longtime fans and an engaging story for new listeners. The digital restoration enhances the auditory experience, making "Little Bear Repays a Debt" a standout installment in the Lightning Jim series.