Long Summer | Straight Arrow (06-21-51)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast
Episode: Long Summer | Straight Arrow (06-21-51)
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: May 6, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this immersive episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rines presents "Straight Arrow," a classic Western radio drama originally aired on June 21, 1951. The episode transports listeners to the untamed frontier, weaving a tale of justice, betrayal, and the quest for peace between Native American tribes and white settlers. Through digitally restored audio, the rich sounds and dynamic performances breathe new life into this timeless Western saga.

Plot Summary

Opening Conflict The episode begins with a tension-filled scene where Mesquite Molly and her young companion, Rogie Catlett, are gathering flowers near a secluded hollow. Unexpectedly, they encounter a mysterious figure—Steve Adams, who reveals his true identity as the legendary Straight Arrow, a Comanche warrior disguised to uphold law and order.

• Steve Adams (00:02:14): "Up the cause of law and order."

Threat to Peace Straight Arrow informs them of a sinister plot orchestrated by Racklin and his band of 50 cutthroats. Racklin aims to sabotage the upcoming peace powwow at Thunder Rock, where a treaty between the Indian tribes and settlers is set to be signed. The tension escalates as Racklin's men capture Mesquite Molly, intending to ignite war and chaos on the frontier.

• Steve Adams (04:00): "Don't try to pull the wool over my eyes."

Pursuit and Strategy As Racklin's gang tightens their grip, Straight Arrow devises a plan to rescue Mesquite Molly and thwart the impending conflict. Alongside his loyal sidekick, Packy, Straight Arrow navigates the rugged Sundown Valley, uncovering hidden caves adorned with Comanche artifacts and preparing for the confrontation.

• Mesquite Molly (12:11): "They catch you rattling in two claws."

Climactic Confrontation The tension reaches its peak during a night attack on Racklin's camp. Straight Arrow and his allies engage in a fierce showdown, where strategies clash, and loyalties are tested. Amidst the chaos, Mesquite Molly proves her resilience by escaping captivity and aiding in the disarmament of Racklin's men.

• Steve Adams (15:12): "They're slippery customers."

Resolution and Peace Through courage and tactical prowess, Straight Arrow neutralizes Racklin's threat, ensuring the peace treaty at Thunder Rock proceeds unimpeded. The episode concludes with a harmonious resolution, celebrating the unity between the tribes and settlers, and reaffirming the role of heroes like Straight Arrow in maintaining frontier peace.

• Rogie Catlett (26:53): "It's him. Straight Arrow himself."

Character Highlights

• Steve Adams/Straight Arrow: The protagonist embodies justice and integrity, seamlessly transitioning between his rancher identity and his role as Straight Arrow to protect the innocent and uphold peace.

  • Steve Adams (09:11): "Pharaoh. I see Arapaho. Reckon his chief broken those."

• Mesquite Molly: A strong and resourceful female lead, Molly's courage shines as she navigates perilous situations and contributes significantly to resolving the conflict.

  • Mesquite Molly (13:16): "Where do you find out? He will find out what happened from White."

• Rogie Catlett: Representing the younger generation, Rogie's innocence and bravery play a crucial role in uncovering Racklin's schemes.

  • Rogie Catlett (17:17): "But, Carl, I don't understand. You've hitched up the wagon. Are we going someplace?"

• Packy: As Straight Arrow's faithful sidekick, Packy provides both support and comic relief, aiding in strategic maneuvers against the antagonists.

  • Packy (14:02): "The coast is clear. Straight, Aaron."

• Racklin/Tuclaw: The antagonist whose malevolent plans threaten the fragile peace on the frontier, embodying the classic Western villain archetype.

  • Racklin (16:19): "Do not bother."

Key Themes and Insights

• Justice vs. Corruption: The episode highlights the eternal struggle between righteous heroes and malicious villains, emphasizing the importance of integrity and bravery in overcoming adversity.

• Cultural Unity: Through the impending peace treaty, the narrative explores themes of cooperation and mutual respect between Native American tribes and white settlers, advocating for harmony over conflict.

• Heroism and Sacrifice: Straight Arrow's dual identity symbolizes the selfless nature of true heroes, who often must conceal their strengths to protect and serve effectively.

Notable Quotes

• Steve Adams:

  • (02:14) "Up the cause of law and order."
  • (15:12) "They're slippery customers."

• Mesquite Molly:

  • (13:16) "Where do you find out? He will find out what happened from White."
  • (21:15) "Not afraid. Look. I am inside the flames."

• Rogie Catlett:

  • (26:53) "It's him. Straight Arrow himself."

• Packy:

  • (14:02) "The coast is clear. Straight, Aaron."
  • (23:38) "He would not."

Conclusion

"Straight Arrow" serves as a captivating installment in the Old Time Radio Westerns series, masterfully blending action, suspense, and heartfelt moments. Through its vivid storytelling and enhanced audio quality, the episode not only entertains but also preserves the essence of classic Western dramas. Listeners are left with a renewed appreciation for the genre's enduring appeal and the timeless narratives that continue to resonate across generations.

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Transcript

[American Express]

Find your American Express card and start earning rewards with cash back and bonus points on your everyday purchases like dining in or eating out, shopping at your favorite retail stores or picking up groceries. You can earn rewards when you use Amex. See if you pre qualify with no impact on your credit score. Learn more about our [e-mail] check for offers. Your credit score may be impacted if you submit an application. Terms apply.

[Andrew Rines]

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

[Narrator]

N a bis all Nabisco is the name to know. For a breakfast you can't beat, eat Nabisco Shredded Wheat. Keen eyes fixed on a flying target. A gleaming arrow set against a rawhide string. A strong bow bent almost to the breaking point. And then. Great Arrow Nabisco Shredded Wheat presents Straight Arrow. A thrilling new adventure story from the exciting days of the Old West. To friends and neighbors alike, Steve Adams appeared to be nothing more than the young owner of the broken bow cast. Battle spread. But when danger threatened innocent people and when evildoers plotted against justice, then Steve Adams rancher disappeared. And in his place came a mysterious, stalwart Indian wearing the dress and war paint of a Comanche riding the great golden palomino fury. Galloping out of the darkness to take.

[Steve Adams]

Up the cause of law and order.

[Narrator]

Throughout the west comes the legendary figure of.

[Mesquite Molly]

Arrow.

[Narrator]

Mesquite. Molly did not know which way to turn. She'd gone out on the ferry with young Rogie Catlett to gather some of the flowers that had sprung up after the rain. Roggie was too small to realize that the Indian and white man they spotted in a nearby hollow were dangerous.

[Rogie Catlett]

You are there, mesquite man.

[Nahone]

Hush, Raji. Drop down out of sight pronto. Lord, a mercy. I'd as soon run into a nest of rattlesnakes as them too. A renegade engine and a black hearted. I better have a look.

[Narrator]

See?

[Nahone]

Lord have mercy. That does it. They did spot us. Saw the brush waving.

[Rogie Catlett]

They'll come and get us.

[Nahone]

They won't get you, Roggie.

[Steve Adams]

You stay hid.

[Nahone]

Do you understand? Stay right where you are. As still as a spotted fawn. And afterwards, when you get the chance, you run. Run and tell your folks and tell Steve Adams.

[Rogie Catlett]

Steve, where you going?

[Mesquite Molly]

Stay here.

[Nahone]

Don't you make a move.

[Mesquite Molly]

Yeah.

[Nahone]

If you're looking for me, I'm right here.

[Mesquite Molly]

Why, it's Thunder. It's a female. That's right, Racklin. I tell you, I see. Brush move.

[Steve Adams]

That's right, ma'am. You plan on coming this way? Mighty anxious to talk to you.

[Nahone]

All I was doing was just gathering posies. You two startled me so much. Coming on you unexpected like. I had no notion. What's that done for you?

[Steve Adams]

Had no notion. You know blasted well who I am. You know who this engine is likewise.

[Nahone]

No, I don't.

[Narrator]

Why's an owl.

[Steve Adams]

Don't try to pull the wool over my eyes.

[Narrator]

Let go of me. Let's go.

[Nahone]

Oh, now look what you've done. Made me drop my flowers in my mirror.

[Steve Adams]

All right, then, pick it up. Never mind the flowers. You're coming with us. Savvy? Oh, but I. I said you're coming with us. There's a big powwow planned over at Thunder Rock. A peace powwow between the Indian tribes and the white settlers and me.

[Nahone]

And you're scheming to stop it.

[Mesquite Molly]

You let go.

[Steve Adams]

Okay, let go.

[Narrator]

Oh, no, you don't.

[Rogie Catlett]

Stop that.

[Steve Adams]

Yeah. Your wife all right? Too wise to let loose.

[Narrator]

Grab her too far.

[Steve Adams]

Sling her across your pony. We're getting.

[Rogie Catlett]

Mr. Adams. I can't understand it here. It's turned dark already. And no sign of Rogie, either.

[Narrator]

Your boy went with Mesquite Molly.

[Rogie Catlett]

Ms. Catlett, we shouldn't have let him. He was just crazy to pick flowers that we shouldn't.

[Narrator]

No, Abby, don't take on.

[Rogie Catlett]

Oh, Carl, I can't help it. Our boy, our little son. All this terrible country. Who knows what might have happened with wild Indians.

[Narrator]

Miss Catlett, stop it. All of you, stop it. Adams. My wife is right about one thing. Everybody knows most of the Indians can't be tuss. They can be. They're peaceable. There's gonna be a big gathering at Thunder Rock. White and Indians both. They'll sign a peace treaty and everything else.

[Steve Adams]

There he is. Hi.

[Packy]

Catchy on you.

[Narrator]

I see him packing. Look, ma'am.

[Rogie Catlett]

Oh, Carlos. Roggie.

[Narrator]

Look, Carl, our boy.

[Rogie Catlett]

Rob.

[Packy]

Roggy. Roggie boy, are you all right?

[Narrator]

Papa.

[Rogie Catlett]

Papa.

[Narrator]

Oh, Carla.

[Rogie Catlett]

Roggie, darling, it's so late. I'm all right, Mama. We were just picking flowers and then we saw them.

[Narrator]

Son, where's Mesquite Molly?

[Rogie Catlett]

It took her.

[Narrator]

Who was it, Roggie? Tell us.

[Rogie Catlett]

It was an engine, mister. An Indian and a white man. They had guns and they grabbed her.

[Narrator]

Then they rode off by gravy. What are we standing around here for? Everybody around. Every man's Yakin.

[Steve Adams]

Yeah.

[Mesquite Molly]

Saddle up your ponies and grab your gun. Come on. We got no time.

[Packy]

Noise.

[Mesquite Molly]

No.

[Packy]

Paki.

[Steve Adams]

Hold on.

[Narrator]

Let him go, partner. It's dark. They'll be out all night.

[Packy]

Packy.

[Narrator]

I got a hunch there's a heat sight more to this. And there appears to be. Why did they grab mesquite in the first place?

[Mesquite Molly]

All right.

[Narrator]

This way, Packer. We're heading for Sundown Valley in a hidden cave. While they're lost in the darkness, I'm riding out as Straight Arrow. So Steve Adams is heading for Sundown Valley in his Comanche war painting. A sure sign there's some excitement ahead. And when you see the picture of Niagara Falls on a package of cereal, that's a sure sign there's some mighty fine eating ahead. You see, that picture stands for Nabisco Shredded Wheat. The real whole wheat breakfast food that's full of power and powerful good. Those crisp, toasty biscuits really spark you with energy. That helps you to outshine the other boys and girls at the things you like to do. Helps you to get more fun out of every game you play. And good. Why, those big golden brown biscuits are delicious to the last crunchy spoonful. So better be sure you get the Niagara Falls package when mother sends you to the store. Because Nabisco Shredded Wheat, the original Shredded Wheat, is the kind you want to eat.

[American Express]

Find your American Express card and start earning rewards with cash back and bonus points on your everyday purchases. Like dining in or eating out, shopping at your favorite retail stores or picking up groceries. You can earn rewards when you use Amex. See if you pre qualify with no impact on your credit score. Learn more about our [e-mail] check-4 offers. Your credit score may be impacted if you submit an application. Terms apply.

[Narrator]

Molly has been taken prisoner by the ring leaders of a plot to bring war and destruction to the frontier. And while a group of settlers prepare to ride out in the darkness and attempt to pick up her trail, Steve Adams has other plans. A short distance from the Broken Bow ranch house in remote, mysterious Sundown Valley. A hidden cave with walls of gold that glitter with light from an unknown source. A Comanche bow and Comanche arrows hang on the wall. There is Comanch 14th from Angie Garb. In a moment, Steve Adams, rancher, is gone. And in his place, a clatter of hoops in the back halted cave. An Indian war hoop that rings from the glittering rocks out into the open gallop. The great golden palomino fury. And riding bareback, clad in Indian garb from head to toe Great arrow on the trail of justice.

[Mesquite Molly]

How's packy?

[Narrator]

Hey, Eric.

[Packy]

Mighty dark.

[Narrator]

Ain't a speck of the boo.

[Mesquite Molly]

We shall pick up their trail.

[Steve Adams]

Nahome.

[Narrator]

We must huff.

[Steve Adams]

Hello. Get up there, Pink.

[Narrator]

Huff.

[Mesquite Molly]

Caddy W.

[Narrator]

The night was over and into the thick tangle of brush where mesquite had been taken the evening before. The morning sun just barely penetrated.

[Nahone]

You'll never get away with it, Rachel. I know where you're headed with that. Through a cutthroat. You're headed for thunder rock.

[Mesquite Molly]

Yeah.

[Steve Adams]

The boys won't relish being labeled cutthroats.

[Nahone]

Well, what else are they? Look at them. Outlaws and renegade engines.

[Steve Adams]

Me and two clubs got more than just this handful. Got an eye on the 50 old soul.

[Nahone]

Where in places are they?

[Steve Adams]

Yeah, where do you think? Halfway between here and thunder rock. We're riding to join them. And when the Indian chiefs and the settlers sit down with all their paint and feathers.

[Mesquite Molly]

White man, eh? Eh. Look out over prairie now. What?

[Steve Adams]

Nothing else there but a couple of birds flying around.

[Mesquite Molly]

That right. Birds. They are frightened from nests. Who frightened them, eh? Eh.

[Steve Adams]

I never thought of that.

[Mesquite Molly]

Grass on prairie plenty tall. Tall enough to hide horse. Tall enough to hide man if he walk beside horse.

[Steve Adams]

I don't see nothing. But what's the difference? We're hid away behind this brush, and even if quick. Yeah, I see all right. Give me that.

[Rogie Catlett]

No.

[Narrator]

I let go of that blasted mirror.

[Steve Adams]

Hey. Too far. She was signaled through the brush with this mirror. Signaling to somebody.

[Narrator]

Steady, fury. Did you see it, Nahone?

[Packy]

Kingo. Straighter. That thick tangle of brush up ahead.

[Narrator]

Flashing sunlight. The flash of a mirror for a second only.

[Packy]

Then it stopped. I wish them ornery birds had calmed down. There's anybody in there that'd be wise.

[Narrator]

That is the chance we take. Nahone.

[Packy]

You reckon it was mesquite?

[Narrator]

Her trail led this way.

[Packy]

Are you certain? It was a mighty hard trail to track down, cat, that the settlers never even seen it.

[Narrator]

I am certain, Packy.

[Packy]

If it was mesquite, then why did she stop? Maybe she's alone in there. Maybe she's tied up now. Honey, I. Cactus engines and white. They busted out of the brush. They can cover your whale.

[Narrator]

8, 10, 13 of them packing, Gino.

[Packy]

I count the shame. And they're headed the other way. Streeter, we're playing in luck. They're heading the other way and they got no idea there's nobody searching for mesquite. Molly tall.

[Steve Adams]

All right. Good enough rain up passed over the rim of the hill. Can you look back at the brush?

[Mesquite Molly]

Tupla me stand on top of horses. Al.

[Steve Adams]

Any sign?

[Mesquite Molly]

No.

[Steve Adams]

Are you certain we planned this on your say so. Left that female tied up and gagged. Prefer to stand guard. I thought you were certain there was somebody there.

[Mesquite Molly]

Beachy bird frightened. When you see birds.

[Steve Adams]

I don't give a hoot about birds. You see anybody now?

[Mesquite Molly]

No. Eh? What?

[Steve Adams]

What is it?

[Mesquite Molly]

They very smart. All grass. Hardly move.

[Steve Adams]

All right. Who's they?

[Mesquite Molly]

Two men. Wait. Now. Two horses. There is small clear space. No way to hide.

[Steve Adams]

Hey.

[Narrator]

Over.

[Mesquite Molly]

Hey.

[Steve Adams]

What is it?

[Mesquite Molly]

What is it?

[Steve Adams]

Duplo, Your eyes are as big as butternuts.

[Mesquite Molly]

Hallomino, eh? Great Hallomino. His hide shining sunlight.

[Steve Adams]

God bless you. I don't give a Franklin.

[Mesquite Molly]

Master of palomino. He Straight Arrow. Shut up.

[Steve Adams]

Shut up, you lily lived coyotes.

[Mesquite Molly]

This bad omen. Very bad.

[Steve Adams]

Stop that kind of lingo, will you?

[Mesquite Molly]

Straight arrow him big medicine Lachlan. Maybe we give up, huh? Maybe we not go to Thunder Rock.

[Steve Adams]

Have you gone loco? Give up the whole shebang? Just an account of one red man.

[Mesquite Molly]

Where do you find out? He will find out what happened from White.

[Steve Adams]

All right. To let him find out. Going through with it, you hear me? Now, boys, We. We got big plans. Wipe out six Injun chiefs. Wipe up the whole blasted peace.

[Mesquite Molly]

Pow.

[Packy]

Wow.

[Steve Adams]

Why, it'll. It'll bust things wide open. Why, they'll be shooting all along the frontier. Everybody's so blasted busy, we can raid and plunder and loot without anybody having enough time to stop us. Why, we can. Well, we're going through with it, just like we planned. All right, follow me. By now, Straight Arrow and the sidekick are getting just about set to jump barrel.

[Packy]

The coast is clear. Straight, Aaron.

[Narrator]

Yes, Nahone. There is Mesquite, bound and gagged.

[Packy]

Only one varmit standing guard over.

[Narrator]

It is well we left Fury and Paint some distance off Kino. We move in a little closer. Nahone, crawl forward Y. Quiet now. Pak.

[Mesquite Molly]

Who are you? What do you want?

[Narrator]

Do not worry. M practicing.

[Packy]

Went down like a polax steer. Never got the gun out of his holster. I'll tie him up.

[Narrator]

No need, Taki. He will not recover for a good while.

[Packy]

I reckon he won't attack.

[Narrator]

Easy, Mesquite, easy. Let me work on this guy. That was a good plan, Mesquite. They caught the fleshes from your mirror.

[Packy]

Oh, Mesquite, stop wriggling with me.

[Narrator]

I can't untie this there Mesquite there. The gag is off.

[Rogie Catlett]

Oh, Straight Arrow.

[Narrator]

Lander.

[Mesquite Molly]

Goshen.

[Rogie Catlett]

Run.

[Narrator]

Run what?

[Nahone]

Well, they're wise to you rattling in two claws.

[Mesquite Molly]

Wise?

[Narrator]

What do you mean, no?

[Nahone]

They caught me signaling. They're coming back. Straight arrow.

[Mesquite Molly]

They're coming.

[Steve Adams]

All around it.

[Mesquite Molly]

Why blast your.

[Steve Adams]

All right, drop it, red man. Drop that bow and arrow. Drop it and we pull trigger on the female.

[Mesquite Molly]

Very well, Rackman, you win.

[Steve Adams]

Yeah. That's more like it.

[Mesquite Molly]

All right, gentle, off your horses.

[Packy]

All right.

[Narrator]

And look sharp.

[Steve Adams]

They're slippery customers. All right, Dirk, Latigo, all of you. Grab him. Get a hold of me.

[Mesquite Molly]

So easy on my arm.

[Steve Adams]

Be a lot more to worry about besides that arm, mister.

[Narrator]

It's only a scratch package.

[Mesquite Molly]

Straight arrow. We have cocked a straight arrow. The Comanche.

[Steve Adams]

Told you we would, didn't I? Yeah, yeah. But what beats me is how he got on our trail in the first place.

[Mesquite Molly]

A small boy.

[Narrator]

Rackland.

[Mesquite Molly]

What?

[Nahone]

The red man's right. A little feller named Rogy Catlett. He was with me when you first.

[Steve Adams]

Saw me out on the prairie yesterday. Rand.

[Mesquite Molly]

Better we not waste time. Thunder Rock plenty far off.

[Steve Adams]

Yeah. Yeah, you're right.

[Mesquite Molly]

And what we do is straight arrow with this one.

[Steve Adams]

I got it all figured. All right, gents. Down on the ground with them. Put them down flat.

[Narrator]

Hey, what? Do not pickle Mahoney. They are too many for us.

[Steve Adams]

Ah, you bet your boot we are, red man. That's it, boys. That's it.

[Narrator]

Spread eagle.

[Steve Adams]

Now, I want some rope and some pegs. I want their wrists and ankles stake down.

[Mesquite Molly]

Good. Hurry it up.

[Steve Adams]

You gotta take off and join the rest of the boys.

[Mesquite Molly]

Tuko, you stay here.

[Nahone]

What are you fixing to do, Rackham?

[Narrator]

Mesquite.

[Mesquite Molly]

Do not bother.

[Steve Adams]

It's no bother at all, Red man.

[Mesquite Molly]

I'll be glad to tell you.

[Steve Adams]

Mesquite.

[Mesquite Molly]

All right, all right.

[Steve Adams]

You know what to do.

[Narrator]

Get busy.

[Steve Adams]

Yeah.

[Mesquite Molly]

Mesquite. Yes?

[Steve Adams]

Duclaw is gonna stay here. You can be around to watch, too. He's gonna build a fire around a fire?

[Mesquite Molly]

That's right.

[Steve Adams]

A good hot fire. Hell, you got nothing to say straight out of.

[Narrator]

I have nothing to say, Rackland.

[Steve Adams]

Ah, you bet you don't. Except maybe your prayers when that fire gets the blazing.

[Mesquite Molly]

Rackland, you and others go ahead.

[Steve Adams]

Yeah, yeah, all of us. Join the rest of the gang sometime this afternoon. Come morning, we'll wipe out that peace power. Yeah. It's just one thing, though, Sucla.

[Mesquite Molly]

What's that?

[Steve Adams]

That young button Mesquite was talking about. What's his name? That's Roggy Kaplan. It too bad he ain't going to be a Thunder Rock, too. I'd wipe him out along with the rest.

[Rogie Catlett]

But, Carl, I don't understand. You've hitched up the wagon. Are we going someplace?

[Narrator]

Yes, Abby, we are. I want to prove to you, in spite of everything, that Indians can be trusted. Now get in.

[Mesquite Molly]

Come on, Roger.

[Narrator]

You get in, too.

[Mesquite Molly]

I will, Papa.

[Rogie Catlett]

Come on. Gosh, it'll be fun. We'll see them making a peace treaty. We'll be right there at the front of the rock.

[Narrator]

Well, Rogie's sure looking forward to that Indian powwow, isn't he? And I'll bet you boys and girls look forward to a big, hearty breakfast of Nabisco Shredded Wheat every morning. Cause that's the cereal that's full of power and powerful good. How about it, Packy?

[Mesquite Molly]

Am I right?

[Packy]

Yes, Sheree. Any boy or girl that wants a good big helping of energy can get it by stowing away a bowl full of Nabisco Shredded Wheat biscuits for breakfast.

[Narrator]

And those big toasty biscuits taste mighty for good going down, don't they, Becky?

[Packy]

Why, you just can't beat em in the way of morning vittles. Yes, sir. Nabisco Shredded Wheat and milk. That's the kind of food a hungry, hard riding man can really set his teeth in.

[Narrator]

Or a hungry, hard plan. Boy or girl, just keep right on calling for Nabisco Shredded Wheat. At breakfast time. You'll be helping yourself to some real energy. And some real good eating, too. Remember, make yours Nabisco Shredded Wheat for a breakfast that's full of power and powerful good.

[Mesquite Molly]

Already.

[Narrator]

The Indian chiefs and the settlers who would sign the peace treaty were heading toward Thunder Rock. The ceremonial feathers danced in the sunlight, and the traveling horses raised thin columns of dust. There goes one of them.

[Steve Adams]

Right.

[Mesquite Molly]

Yeah.

[Steve Adams]

Pharaoh. I see Arapaho. Reckon his chief broken those.

[Packy]

Why don't we finish him off?

[Steve Adams]

Now, wait. Wait a minute. Don't be loco. Simmer down, all of you. We don't strike them tomorrow morning. They're coming from all points of the compass. Savvy? Get them all together. It's easier. It'll be plenty easy. There'll be no more than 25 of them at the outside and with straight arrows spread, eagled back yonder.

[Packy]

Well, I'll be Raflin. What is that over there? Looks like a covered wagon.

[Steve Adams]

Yeah, it is. A man holding the reins and a female and a small boy heading toward Thunder Rock. Yeah, I'll bet that kid is the one we was talking about. You recollect, Roggie? Catlett.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, back across the prairie, where Straight Arrow and Pat Mackie lay spread eagled within a circle of flame, the renegade Indian, Tuplaw, had gone off to fetch more wood.

[Packy]

This blasted smoke gets in my lungs.

[Steve Adams]

It's hot.

[Nahone]

Straight Arrow. I wish there was something I could do for you and Patty. I wish I'd been Spread eagle there along with you. It's my fault.

[Narrator]

Mesquite do not talk.

[Nahone]

Oh, I can't help talking. They have to walk.

[Narrator]

You do not understand. Let me do the talking before Two Claw returns. Paki Two claws not noticed. But a coal from the fire has burned through one of my ropes. One arm is free. If I can only.

[Packy]

Here he comes out of the brush. Straighter. It's too late.

[Mesquite Molly]

Why you make powwow? Why you stop talk when Tu Claw come look Me bring more plenty wood. Soon Straight Arrow is no more. Suclaw has killed him.

[Narrator]

You are a coward.

[Mesquite Molly]

What's that? Go ahead.

[Narrator]

Step across the fire. I am helpless.

[Mesquite Molly]

Suclaw not coward.

[Narrator]

Are you afraid to come closer to Claw?

[Mesquite Molly]

Not afraid. Look. I am inside the flames. Commander, I have knife.

[Narrator]

Tukla is a coward. He has been cast off by his tribe because he is a coward.

[Mesquite Molly]

Be careful. I will use.

[Narrator]

He runs with wolves, with coyotes, with outlaws of the desert. A coward. Tukla. If I were not tied up.

[Mesquite Molly]

You are tied up. And I will end you now. I will.

[Packy]

Your free hand. You got him by the wrist.

[Steve Adams]

My arm.

[Narrator]

I will take that knife to Claw.

[Mesquite Molly]

No, no. Let go.

[Narrator]

I will let go for this.

[Nahone]

He. Oh, you let go his wrist and hit him on the jaw.

[Packy]

Mesquite got him for certain. Egged him into it and called him good. But straighter. The knife. Can you reach the knife?

[Narrator]

I don't know, Paky.

[Packy]

You gotta get it. We got to get loose.

[Narrator]

I'm trying, Nahone. It fell beyond my fingertips. I am trying. Late that afternoon, Rackland and his crew of 50 cutthroats were preparing night camp some distance away from Thunder Rock. The ponies were hobbled and allowed to graze. And beside the campfire, Pharaoh suddenly shaded his eyes and peered into the flaming sunset. There is something over there.

[Steve Adams]

Yeah, it's a horse that's heading this way. Hey, gents, keep your guns handy. Horse heading this way. Hard to make out. Staring right into the sun. Jasper, that sounds like. Wait. It is Stu. Claw, put up your guns. Jim, get down off of that pony. What are you doing here? Did you finish off that red man and his partner like I told you?

[Mesquite Molly]

Oh, did you Fight man. Let go Straight Arrow. He's not dead. What's that? He is not dead. He fooled to claw. He called me coward. I strike at him with knife. He hit me.

[Steve Adams]

He got away.

[Mesquite Molly]

He is gone. When I wake up, all are gone. Straight Arrow friend White squaw. I find pony. I come tell you.

[Steve Adams]

Are you lame brained redskin?

[Mesquite Molly]

Do not call me redskin.

[Steve Adams]

I'll call you what I please.

[Mesquite Molly]

No. Great Earl, the Comanche is right. Klaw has been coward. He has turned his face away from his people. But he cowered no longer. He runs with coyotes. No.

[Packy]

Hey, Rathlin.

[Steve Adams]

Hell, I had to poke him. Didn't you savvy what he was building up to? He was turning against?

[Packy]

He would not.

[Steve Adams]

But I'm more concerned about Straight Arrow being on the loose.

[Narrator]

He did not come this way, boss.

[Steve Adams]

Or else we didn't spot him. Oh, gents, I'm a heap concerned. I reckon we better change our plans.

[Narrator]

We do not wait till morning.

[Steve Adams]

We can't risk it. We'll settle up right now. We sneak in under cover of darkness and we go on.

[Packy]

Boss, you were saying? Sad.

[Steve Adams]

Flash a light off you under there, off that way. Flicker in there. Flash a light like. Yeah. Most likely the sun shining off a rock or something. All right. On the project, we attack tonight. There it is, gents. Right down below us. Yes. Campfires burning bright. Six teepees in the circle. Each one bearing the mark of a chief. A couple of white men's tents.

[Packy]

And there's that covered wagon.

[Steve Adams]

Yeah, and they're all asleep. All right, boys, turn off your ponies. We leave them right here. Ground hitch. We'll go in on foot. Five men to each tv, five to each tent and the wagon. I'll pull trigger first. That's the signal. Now, don't miss. Are you all set?

[Mesquite Molly]

All right.

[Steve Adams]

Fine. Boys, the prairie is going to be ours. There'll be rich pickings. There'll be everything.

[Narrator]

An Indian arrow.

[Mesquite Molly]

Gold it.

[Narrator]

Wait for me, fellow.

[Mesquite Molly]

From my pole.

[Steve Adams]

Straight Arrow pole. Curry, what are you doing here? Where'd you hail from?

[Narrator]

From the darkness, Racklin. It will be dark in jail also for you and your gang.

[Mesquite Molly]

In jail? Yeah.

[Steve Adams]

Walking in here by your lonesome, making big talk. Who you trying to buffalo?

[Narrator]

You will not attack the teepees, Racklin. The peace treaty will be signed.

[Steve Adams]

All alone and talking big. All right, boys. I've changed my mind again. I'll give you the signal right now. I'm gonna pull trigger.

[Narrator]

No, you don't.

[Steve Adams]

No.

[Narrator]

Drop it. Drop the gun and do not move. The rest of you.

[Packy]

Welcome to world.

[Mesquite Molly]

Look, Sue.

[Steve Adams]

Arapahoe cree. Where'd they come from?

[Narrator]

They have been here, Racklin crouched behind the rimrock, waiting.

[Steve Adams]

Yeah, but how'd you round them up? How'd you get word for the sundown last night? That flash alight?

[Narrator]

Yes, Racklin. That flash was a mirror. The same mirror that Mesquite Mali used. And it brought these braves close in. Take them.

[Mesquite Molly]

Take their guns.

[Narrator]

They're nice. They go to jail. And tomorrow the peace treaty will be signed.

[Mesquite Molly]

And so it shall be. You have smoked the pipe of peace. You have clasped hands in token of friendship.

[Steve Adams]

Look.

[Rogie Catlett]

It's him. Straight out.

[Narrator]

It sure is, son. He's talking for everybody.

[Rogie Catlett]

A peace treaty. A sight to behold. I'm glad we came. So am I. Awful glad. The war banners sure are pretty.

[Packy]

They sure are.

[Narrator]

It's all settled. Thanks to strayed error. Peace all along the frontier.

[Mesquite Molly]

The white man is welcome to the.

[Narrator]

Tepee of his brother and the red.

[Mesquite Molly]

Man to the cabin. It is peace.

[Narrator]

As the snow melts after the winter and the prairie flowers and the summer comes, so comes peace to the frontier. The long, long summer of pe. Full of power and powerful good. That's Nabisco Shredded Wheat. And it all adds up to some powerful good reasons for having yourself a breakfast of those crisp golden biscuits every day in the week. Why, you're really helping yourself to power. That helps you steam right along all morning when you dip your spoon in that bowl of Nabisco Shredded Wheat. Sugar and milk. Every spoonful helps give you more energy. Vitamins and minerals too. And every spoonful tastes mighty appetizing. Crisp and crunchy and chock full of natural whole wheat goodness. So if you've been missing out on this swell breakfast treat, give it a try tomorrow. And from then on, always make yours Nabisco Shredded Wheat. The cereal that's full of power and powerful good. And now, fellas and girls, it's time to say adios for Straight Arrow. And here to do it are Paki and mesquite Molly Chino.

[Packy]

Mr. Bingman, I dunno where Steve Adams is, but we'll speak for him, won't we, Mesquite Packy?

[Nahone]

We sure will. We'll stay so long and hope we meet again. For now we'll be right here at the Broken Bowl Ranch on the wide prairie.

[Packy]

Tino Mesquite. We sure enough will. Fellows and girls, we got a long summer ahead of us. Have yourself a fine summer. A Jim Dandy summer, that's what we're fixing to do. And. Hey, hold on now. Here comes Straight Arrow. Yes, sir. Here's Straight Arrow yourself.

[Mesquite Molly]

Oh, steady.

[Narrator]

House, Nahone House and Manitoua. May your summer be full of good times, and may the Great Spirit ride the trail beside you until we meet again.

[Nahone]

Have a Jim Dandy summer.

[Narrator]

Manitoua from all of us and from Fury, my great palomino and me, Manitoua up Fury for thrilling adventures of the Old West. Ride with Great Arrow and remember, N A, B, I, S, C O. Nabisco is the name to know For a breakfast you can't beat, Eat Nabisco Shredded Wheat. Say, boys and girls, there's a brand new issue of the Straight Arrow comic book just out, and it's full of exciting new Straight Arrow adventures that you won't want to miss. Get the new Straight Arrow comic book issue number 15 at your newsstand tomorrow. This program came from Hollywood. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank the following ranch hand, Steve, who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate. Send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739. This episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com/copyright. Have a great day and thanks for listening.