Outlaw Kid | Luke Slaughter of Tombstone (05-25-58)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Outlaw Kid | Luke Slaughter of Tombstone
Original Air Date: May 25, 1958
Released On: December 9, 2024
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Featured Characters: Luke Slaughter, Wichita, Buck Rainier, Price

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rhynes transports listeners back to the Wild West era with the classic radio drama, Luke Slaughter of Tombstone. Digitally restored to enhance audio quality, the episode immerses the audience in a tale of honor, redemption, and the enduring spirit of the frontier.

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Setting and Main Characters

Luke Slaughter: A formidable and respected cattleman of Tombstone, former Civil War cavalryman with a strong moral compass.
Wichita: Luke's loyal and pragmatic associate, always ready to back him up.
Buck Rainier: A young, troubled boy accused of cattle rustling, seeking his place in the world.
Price: A cunning and unscrupulous rustler manipulating Buck for his own gains.

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Plot Overview

1. The Cattle Rustling Incident ([01:10] - [03:09])

The episode opens with Luke Slaughter detecting a disturbance at his ranch. Wichita reports that one of their specially bred cattle has gone missing, pointing to rustlers as the culprits. With determination, Luke assembles his team—Pete and Inky—to track down the thieves, setting the stage for a tense pursuit.

Notable Quote:
Luke Slaughter ([01:10]): "Slaughter is my name. Luke Slaughter. Cattle's my business. It's a tough business. It's big business."

2. The Capture of Buck Rainier ([03:02] - [07:29])

Investigating the trail, Luke and Wichita confront Buck Rainier, a seemingly innocent 17-year-old accused of theft. Despite initial hostility from Wichita, Luke senses a deeper story behind Buck's actions. Instead of punishing him harshly, Luke chooses compassion over retribution.

Notable Quote:
Luke Slaughter ([06:17]): "What have I done now?"

3. Offering Redemption ([07:52] - [12:04])

Luke invites Buck to join his ranch, offering him a chance to rectify his mistakes. While Wichita remains skeptical, Luke believes in Buck's potential for good, recalling the boy's late father's honorable reputation. This decision showcases Luke's unwavering belief in second chances.

Notable Quote:
Luke Slaughter ([09:03]): "I've never had a son, Wichita, but I don't think there's any such thing as a bad boy. Men make them look that way."

4. Price's Manipulation ([12:14] - [19:46])

Enter Price, a sly rustler who seeks to exploit Buck's vulnerability. His interactions in the saloon hint at his ulterior motives, aiming to deepen Buck's involvement in rustling. Meanwhile, Luke remains vigilant, recognizing the threat Price poses not just to his cattle but to Buck's future.

Notable Quote:
Luke Slaughter ([16:13]): "We were all kids at one time. I think this one needs a nudge in the right direction."

5. The Final Confrontation ([20:04] - [24:54])

As tensions escalate, Price's true intentions come to light, leading to a dramatic showdown. Buck confronts Price, torn between his past and the newfound mentorship under Luke. In a pivotal moment of courage, Buck chooses loyalty and integrity over deceit, ultimately aligning himself with Luke and rejecting Price's corrupting influence.

Notable Quote:
Buck Rainier ([23:25]): "You ain't one tenth the man my daddy was. And my mother's had enough grief in her life. You ain't gonna add no more to it."

Resolution:
With Price's schemes thwarted, Buck earns his place on Luke's ranch, symbolizing redemption and the power of positive leadership. Luke's decision to mentor Buck not only restores his cattle but also transforms a troubled youth into a trusted ally.

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Character Insights

• Luke Slaughter: Embodies the quintessential Western hero—strong, compassionate, and morally upright. His decision to rehabilitate Buck rather than condemn him highlights his belief in redemption and mentorship.

• Wichita: Represents the pragmatic side of frontier life. Initially skeptical of Buck's redemption, Wichita's loyalty shifts as Luke's faith in Buck proves fruitful.

• Buck Rainier: A complex character torn between his troubled past and the opportunity for a better future. His growth from a reluctant rustler to a loyal ranch hand underscores themes of personal transformation.

• Price: Serves as the antagonist, embodying greed and manipulation. His interactions with Buck reveal the destructive power of negative influences and the importance of guiding youth away from wrongdoing.

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Themes and Morals

• Redemption and Second Chances: Luke's approach to Buck underscores the importance of offering individuals the opportunity to change and improve.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Effective leadership involves belief in others' potential and guiding them towards positive paths.

• Integrity vs. Corruption: The clash between Luke's integrity and Price's corrupt intentions highlights the moral choices individuals face in challenging environments.

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Conclusion

Luke Slaughter of Tombstone delivers a timeless Western narrative filled with drama, moral dilemmas, and heartfelt resolutions. Through exceptional performances and a compelling storyline, the episode reinforces enduring values of trust, redemption, and the enduring human spirit. Whether you're a longtime fan of Western dramas or new to the genre, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the rugged life of the Wild West.

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This summary was crafted based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the key elements and essence of the episode for listeners seeking an in-depth understanding.

Transcript

[Narrator]

How do you feel when you switch to Geico and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says, happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So, yes, Happy Friday, random stranger in the elevator. Happy Friday indeed. Yep, switching and saving with Geico feels just like that. Get more with Geico.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Luke Slaughter of Tombstone Original Air date is May 25, 1958 and the title is Outlaw. Kidding. Let's get into it, and thanks for listening.

[Luke Slaughter]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Luke Slaughter]

The bunkhouse had quieted down an hour before, and I should have been in bed myself. But I stood on the veranda watching the heat lightning play around Apache Peak. It was quiet. Too quiet. Then I heard a single rider coming into the ranch. Hell bent for leather. I sensed trouble. I was right.

[Wichita]

Luke, that you?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah. Which? How would you hurry?

[Wichita]

That little. That little bunch that we cut out for breeding and took to the upper mesa this morning.

[Luke Slaughter]

What about it?

[Wichita]

One of them critters is gone.

[Luke Slaughter]

What?

[Wichita]

Yeah.

[Luke Slaughter]

There's only one trail leading up there.

[Wichita]

Yeah, and all the tracks on it are pointed downhill. At the bottom, they fan out toward the border.

[Luke Slaughter]

How much of a head start have they got?

[Wichita]

Well, Pete Packer come in for supper and I went out. Night herd. After about three hours, I reckon.

[Luke Slaughter]

Get Pete and Inky from the bunk house, saddle up my night horse. We've got some riding to do.

[Wichita]

Getting on toward Shunep, Luke?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah.

[Wichita]

Ought to be catching up with them brand artists pretty soon, Right?

[Luke Slaughter]

Without them knowing it. If we can.

[Wichita]

During Cow Thief. When I get my old Winchester Lord on them, they're going to know.

[Luke Slaughter]

Oh. Oh. Hold up there. Oh.

[Wichita]

What's the matter? You got a smell of them?

[Luke Slaughter]

Look up there.

[Wichita]

Where?

[Luke Slaughter]

On top of that rise.

[Wichita]

Why, that's a she critter.

[Luke Slaughter]

Pete, Pinky, circle and hold your fire until you can see who you're shooting at on foot from here. Wichita?

[Wichita]

Sure. Oh, shut up, you durn mall cow.

[Luke Slaughter]

Over here.

[Wichita]

I'm coming.

[Luke Slaughter]

There's the herd, but I don't see any riders.

[Wichita]

That wasn't no cow. Rustlers must be down there in the draw.

[Luke Slaughter]

Sit tight, Wichita. We gotta give Pete and Hinky time to get on the other side of them.

[Wichita]

Well, if we keep on being announced, they're gonna know we're sitting out here waiting to pot them.

[Luke Slaughter]

Get ready. They know it now.

[Wichita]

Can't see too well in this light, but just show me something to shoot at. There you go. Off to the right.

[Luke Slaughter]

Hold your fire.

[Wichita]

But look, they're getting away.

[Luke Slaughter]

And Pete and Hinky are out there somewhere.

[Wichita]

Well, we just going to sit here.

[Luke Slaughter]

Let's move in slow. Only one horse rode out. This could be a trap. We're coming in. Throw down your guns.

[Wichita]

Looks like there was only one man. And he's gone.

[Luke Slaughter]

Mm.

[Wichita]

Mm.

[Luke Slaughter]

What do you think that is sticking out from behind that rock over there?

[Wichita]

That's a boot and a man's leg.

[Luke Slaughter]

Come on.

[Wichita]

Yep, it's a man, all right, but he appears to be dead and we ain't fired a shot.

[Luke Slaughter]

He's not dead, Wichita. He's been knocked out.

[Wichita]

Well, if he don't wake up in time, he won't know he's been strung up.

[Luke Slaughter]

Come on, you.

[Wichita]

What about that other one? Without the critters to slow him down, he'll make the border before we can catch him.

[Luke Slaughter]

Let's see what this one has to say first. Come on.

[Buck Rainier]

No fries. No.

[Wichita]

What'd you say?

[Luke Slaughter]

I didn't catch it. Give him a drink out of your canteen. Wichita.

[Wichita]

Give him a drink.

[Luke Slaughter]

He's still human, even if he is a thief.

[Wichita]

I hope it chokes him.

[Luke Slaughter]

What?

[Buck Rainier]

What hit me?

[Wichita]

Well, Luke, he's just a kid.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah. What's your name, boy?

[Wichita]

Who are you?

[Luke Slaughter]

Luke Slaughter. These are my cattle you're trying to steal.

[Buck Rainier]

Let me go.

[Luke Slaughter]

Easy now. I'll ask you once more. What's your name?

[Buck Rainier]

Rainier. Buck Rainier.

[Luke Slaughter]

Rainier. Oh, yeah.

[Wichita]

You know the Zombre, Luke?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, I think I do.

[Buck Rainier]

What you gonna do with me?

[Wichita]

We're gonna hang you up to dry on the nearest tree.

[Buck Rainier]

I ain't done nothing.

[Wichita]

Ain't done nothing? You was trying to make off with 50 head of cattle, that's all.

[Luke Slaughter]

Hold it. Wichita ain't done nothing. Wasn't your father Buck Rainier, the shotgun messenger who was killed last year on the stagecoach run to Prescott.

[Buck Rainier]

What of it?

[Luke Slaughter]

How about your mother, Buck? What became of her?

[Buck Rainier]

Well, you just leave her out of this, Luke.

[Wichita]

That other one's two miles away by now. Let's string this one up and get after him.

[Luke Slaughter]

We're gonna let him go, Wichita.

[Wichita]

Let him go.

[Luke Slaughter]

We got our cattle back, didn't we?

[Wichita]

Yeah, and one pip squeaking kid. You gonna be satisfied with that?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yes, Wichita, I am. It's getting light now. You find Pete and Hinky and round up these critters. Buck and I will locate his horse.

[Wichita]

Well, what are you going to do with him?

[Luke Slaughter]

Take him back to the ranch with us.

[Buck Rainier]

I don't want to go to no ranch.

[Luke Slaughter]

Doesn't look to me like you've got much choice. By the way, why did your partner put you to sleep?

[Buck Rainier]

I ain't going to say.

[Luke Slaughter]

Suit yourself. All right, let's go.

[Wichita]

You alone, Luke?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah. Come on in, Wichita. How's the boy doing?

[Wichita]

Didn't eat no supper. None of the hands will talk to him.

[Luke Slaughter]

Poor kid couldn't be more than 17.

[Wichita]

Luke, you're harboring a cattle rustler his age don't make no difference what you doing it for.

[Luke Slaughter]

Wichita, do you remember when his daddy was shot last year?

[Wichita]

When? I ain't exactly sure.

[Luke Slaughter]

He was riding messenger on the tombstone to Prescott stagecoach when it ran into an ambush. Rainey was killed.

[Wichita]

Oh, yeah. I seem to recollect.

[Luke Slaughter]

Now, I knew Buck Rainier. He worked for me several years ago when I brought a herd up from Sonora. He was always talking about this boy. Proud of him. Said he was going to build up a stake for him.

[Wichita]

Well, can't be much of a daddy when you're dead.

[Luke Slaughter]

Last I heard, he was living with his mother over in Prescott.

[Wichita]

Well, he sure ain't now. Appears to me he's made up his mind what trail he wants to ride.

[Luke Slaughter]

With a little help, he might change his mind.

[Wichita]

Luke, you ain't figuring on keeping him here at the ranch?

[Luke Slaughter]

Why not?

[Wichita]

Why, he's.

[Luke Slaughter]

He.

[Wichita]

He's liable to stab you in the back and make a run for it.

[Luke Slaughter]

I've never had a son, Wichita, but I don't think there's any such thing as a bad boy. Men make them look that way.

[Wichita]

You picked a good un to prove that.

[Luke Slaughter]

It's open. Come on in.

[Buck Rainier]

Look here, Slaughter. I want to know what you're aiming to do with me.

[Wichita]

Dang it. You speak when you're spoken to. Now you turn around and march out of here before I blow a hole in your pants.

[Luke Slaughter]

Put away that gun, would you?

[Wichita]

Tough, Luke. You gonna let him talk to you that way?

[Luke Slaughter]

You're going back to the bunkhouse. I'll send him down in a few minutes.

[Wichita]

All right, Luke. Things is coming to a purty pass when you treat rustlers like they was visiting neighbors.

[Luke Slaughter]

Sit down, son.

[Buck Rainier]

I don't want to sit down.

[Luke Slaughter]

You smoke?

[Buck Rainier]

Sure I do.

[Luke Slaughter]

Here's the makin's.

[Buck Rainier]

Thanks.

[Luke Slaughter]

Wichita tells me you didn't eat any supper.

[Buck Rainier]

Wasn't hungry.

[Luke Slaughter]

I was just about to sit down myself. Can you join me?

[Buck Rainier]

You want me to eat with you?

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, now, I don't see anything wrong with a couple of men sitting down to a meal together, do you?

[Buck Rainier]

Well, no, I.

[Luke Slaughter]

Sit down. What have you been doing since last year, Buck?

[Buck Rainier]

Odd jobs. Been a cook's helper lately on a wagon outfit working out of Prescott.

[Luke Slaughter]

That's an honest job. Why'd you decide to become a rustler?

[Buck Rainier]

I didn't decide to. I ain't gonna tell you nothing.

[Luke Slaughter]

I should turn you over to the sheriff, you know that, Buck.

[Buck Rainier]

Then go ahead and do it.

[Luke Slaughter]

You admired your father, didn't you?

[Buck Rainier]

He was a good man.

[Luke Slaughter]

I know, Buck. But since he's dead, you're trying to prove in your own way that the name Rainier means something, aren't you?

[Buck Rainier]

Yeah, and I will, too.

[Luke Slaughter]

By cattle rustling.

[Buck Rainier]

Oh, you wouldn't believe me if I told you the truth. Nobody would.

[Luke Slaughter]

Why don't you try me?

[Buck Rainier]

I'll handle this in my own way and in my own time.

[Luke Slaughter]

Why won't you tell me anything about your mother, Buck? Did she remarry?

[Wichita]

No.

[Buck Rainier]

I don't want to talk about my mother.

[Luke Slaughter]

I see. Well, let's eat. Then you get out of the bunkhouse and get some sleep. You've got work to do tomorrow. Work starting right now. You're one of the punchers on this spread. 40amonth at keep and you're equal to any man in the outfit as long as you do your work. That is, if you want the job.

[Buck Rainier]

If I want it? You bet I want it.

[Luke Slaughter]

Wichita, I'll outfit you in the morning. That Sharps you were carrying when we picked you up will do for a saddle gun. And this Smith and Wesson ought to do for holster duty.

[Buck Rainier]

You. You're gonna let me carry that six shooter?

[Luke Slaughter]

Every man carries at least one, Mr.

[Buck Rainier]

Slaughter. I. I'm gonna be the best doggone hand you ever had.

[Luke Slaughter]

You know, Buck, I believe you will let.

[Wichita]

Luke. Luke, I give you credit for More sense than you're showing about this kid.

[Luke Slaughter]

What have I done now?

[Wichita]

Why, letting him ride out of here by himself at night. You don't expect him to come back, do you?

[Luke Slaughter]

What did you say?

[Wichita]

Well, you give him permission to take one of your horses, didn't you?

[Luke Slaughter]

I did not.

[Wichita]

Then he's a horse thief in addition to being a rustler. Of course, if you want to let him go. Well, I'm sorry I bothered you.

[Luke Slaughter]

All right, saddle up my night horse. Yours too. We'll go after him.

[Wichita]

Yeah, if you asking me.

[Luke Slaughter]

Well, I'm not asking you. Now let's get him before he pulls another fool stunt.

[Narrator]

In a moment. Luke's Slaughter of Tombstone returns. Have you got a little list? Paper cups, paper plates, charcoal sandwich wrapping, mustard, napkins. Write it on a list so nothing will be forgotten. Next weekend you'll be joining the rest of America for the first big outdoor weekend of the year. The big three day Memorial Day weekend. You'll be heading for the beach, the woods, the mountains. And don't land there without the Forks, the franks and the film. Don't find out too late. The vacuum jug fell to the floor last fall. Check now. Buy now at your grocer's or druggist's. And now Act 2 of William Ann Robeson's production of Luke Slaughter of Tombstone.

[Wichita]

Yeah, I'll tell you one thing, the kid sure ain't trying to cover his tracks.

[Luke Slaughter]

Looks like he's headed straight for town.

[Wichita]

That new artillery you'll give him, he can create quite a ruction before he runs again.

[Luke Slaughter]

He's not running, Wichita. He's up to something. Wish I knew what it was.

[Wichita]

He's up something all right. Probably going to meet his wrestling friend and tell him what an easy mark you are, Wichita.

[Luke Slaughter]

If you'd been kicked around as much as that boy, you'd take a few wrong turns too.

[Wichita]

But he don't know right from wrong. When you lay it out for him.

[Luke Slaughter]

I think he does. Now I know what you think and I know what I think. Let's keep quiet and find him.

[Wichita]

Sure, Luke, that's the way you want it?

[Luke Slaughter]

There's my pie ball tied up in front of the Crystal Palace.

[Wichita]

I think he's in there.

[Luke Slaughter]

Let's take a look. Oh.

[Wichita]

What you gonna do if he is in there? Haul him out?

[Luke Slaughter]

No, let's stop here by the door so we can see.

[Wichita]

Do you spot him?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah, far into the bar. Talking to a man with a black mustache.

[Wichita]

Yeah, Slick looking saddle warmer, ain't he? Looks like he's been riding hard, too.

[Luke Slaughter]

Ever seen before?

[Wichita]

New one to me. I told you that kid was coming to town for a pow wow.

[Luke Slaughter]

Here he comes. Let's get back out of the light.

[Wichita]

Now's the time to grab him. Luke.

[Luke Slaughter]

Quiet.

[Wichita]

Well, he sure ain't looking to be spied on.

[Luke Slaughter]

Headed right back for the ranch. Wichita, you wait here. I'm going in and talk to that wadi.

[Wichita]

Talk to him? Why don't you get him arrested for wrestling?

[Luke Slaughter]

Takes more than suspicion to arrest a man, Wichita.

[Wichita]

You're sure doing a lot of pushy footing over one stray kid.

[Luke Slaughter]

We were all kids at one time. I think this one needs a nudge in the right direction.

[Wichita]

If you don't get your pin feathers singed while doing it.

[Luke Slaughter]

Whiskey, Bartender. You. You join me, stranger?

[Price]

Huh? Oh, why?

[Luke Slaughter]

I'm Luke Slaughter. I own a spread in these parts.

[Price]

No. Well, my name's Price.

[Luke Slaughter]

Price?

[Price]

Mm.

[Luke Slaughter]

Funny, I don't recall having seen you in Tombstone before.

[Price]

I ain't seen you neither.

[Luke Slaughter]

No offense. I'm always looking for good cowhands. You interested in a job?

[Price]

Could be.

[Luke Slaughter]

That kid you were talking to just now. Buck Rainier. He works for me. You know him?

[Price]

This is a public saloon, Slaughter. I was talking to him, same as I'm talking to you.

[Luke Slaughter]

Sure. If you want that job, come on out tomorrow. Anybody can tell you where I'm located.

[Price]

Thanks, Slaughter. I just may do that.

[Luke Slaughter]

Good night, Price. Morning, Buck.

[Buck Rainier]

Morning, Mr. Smart.

[Luke Slaughter]

I see Wichita got you outfitted.

[Buck Rainier]

I sure did. These new duds feel awful good.

[Luke Slaughter]

The next thing you'll need is a string of horses.

[Buck Rainier]

A string or my own.

[Luke Slaughter]

I never heard of a cowboy doing his job on foot.

[Buck Rainier]

Gosh, my own string.

[Luke Slaughter]

Since you've taken a liking to that piebald you were riding last night, let's start with that one.

[Buck Rainier]

How'd you know I rode into town last night?

[Luke Slaughter]

I know.

[Buck Rainier]

Ain't you gonna do nothing about it?

[Luke Slaughter]

I figure when you get ready to tell me what you're up to, you will.

[Buck Rainier]

You trust me, don't you, Mr. Slaughter?

[Luke Slaughter]

I trust any man until he proves he isn't worthy of it.

[Buck Rainier]

Ain't nobody ever trusted me before. Not like that.

[Luke Slaughter]

It's about time somebody did then. Oh, by the way, ran into a friend of yours at the Crystal palace last night. Name of Price.

[Buck Rainier]

Price? He ain't no friend of mine.

[Luke Slaughter]

Oh, I thought he was. I offered him a job.

[Buck Rainier]

You offered him a job?

[Luke Slaughter]

Anything wrong with that?

[Buck Rainier]

Well, it's your spread now. I'd like to pick out those horses now, if you don't mind.

[Luke Slaughter]

All right. Let's go down to the corral. Well, looks like Price is gonna take me up on that job.

[Buck Rainier]

I'll go on down to the corral.

[Luke Slaughter]

No, you wait here. Morning, Price.

[Price]

Morning, Slaughter. Yeah. Hello, Buck.

[Buck Rainier]

Morning.

[Price]

I thought I'd amble out and see what you had to offer.

[Luke Slaughter]

Glad you did. You want the job?

[Price]

How many head do you run?

[Luke Slaughter]

Around 500 right now. Increasing it gradually.

[Price]

That ought to be enough to keep a man busy. I'll take it.

[Luke Slaughter]

Good. You're obviously an old hand, so I'll pair you up with Buck here. Mr.

[Price]

Slaughter, that sounds good to me. Maybe I can teach the Kid a thing or two.

[Luke Slaughter]

I'm sure you can. Now, Buck, we'll pick out two strings of horses.

[Price]

Riding night guards. My specialty. Slaughter.

[Luke Slaughter]

Oh, well, we can start you right out at that tonight. Most of the boys prefer bunkhouse duty after dark.

[Buck Rainier]

Mr. Slaughter?

[Luke Slaughter]

Yes, Buck?

[Buck Rainier]

Never mind. Let's get the horses.

[Wichita]

Dang it all, Luke. You didn't even let me finish my supper.

[Luke Slaughter]

You can have two suppers tomorrow. Did you tell the boys what I told you?

[Wichita]

Yep. Said you and me had to right into Tombstone on a cattle deal this evening.

[Luke Slaughter]

Price over here.

[Wichita]

You made sure he did good. Now we ain't going to town. Where are we going?

[Luke Slaughter]

Same place we went two nights ago. Upper Mesa.

[Wichita]

Why? Kid and that new fellow prize right night. Heard up that night. Went up nearly an hour ago.

[Luke Slaughter]

You trust that combination?

[Wichita]

Of course not, but you're the boss.

[Luke Slaughter]

Give a man enough rope, he's liable to hang himself. Give a boy enough rope, he might get tangled up. I figure Buck's tangled up.

[Wichita]

You're still trusting that Kid, huh?

[Luke Slaughter]

I haven't seen him do anything wrong. If I do, I'll change my tune.

[Wichita]

Yeah. Here's a trail entrance leading up to the mesa. Luke, you want to go first?

[Luke Slaughter]

Stop right here.

[Wichita]

Here?

[Luke Slaughter]

Whoever comes down has to pass this point. It's the only trail.

[Wichita]

You aiming to ambush Price in that kid?

[Luke Slaughter]

Ambush? No, observe is the word. Wichita.

[Wichita]

You could observe him back at the ranch. Would you go in all this trouble for proof?

[Luke Slaughter]

I'll bet you a heifer against four bits. There's another wrestling attempt tonight.

[Wichita]

How do you figure that?

[Luke Slaughter]

Did you take a look at Price's hands?

[Wichita]

I didn't like his face. Didn't get as far as his hands.

[Luke Slaughter]

They're soft. A gambler's hands. He's not a working cowboy.

[Wichita]

What does that prove?

[Luke Slaughter]

Nothing yet. But I think that Price is the wrestler who got away the other night. And I think he's forcing Buck to act against his will. Well, if you ask me, I didn't. Now, let's hide the horses and get set.

[Wichita]

Yeah, but. But, Luke. If the Kid helps Price move them cattle out, he's guilty of rustling. No matter what you think about it.

[Luke Slaughter]

This time he won't be knocked out. And if he doesn't answer some straight questions, he'll go to jail the same as Price.

[Wichita]

Here they come, Luke. Appears you was right.

[Luke Slaughter]

Yeah. Let him get down. Down off the trail into the flat. Then we'll challenge him.

[Wichita]

There's Price and the Kid bringing up the rear.

[Luke Slaughter]

When they pass in front of us, I'm gonna stand up. Keep me covered. Either one of them reaches for his gun, shoot.

[Wichita]

Gotcha, Luke.

[Luke Slaughter]

All right, get ready.

[Buck Rainier]

Hold it, Price.

[Luke Slaughter]

Wait a minute.

[Buck Rainier]

This is as far as we're going.

[Price]

What are you talking about? Come on, we gotta keep these critters moving.

[Buck Rainier]

I'm not going any farther, and neither of you.

[Price]

Don't you give me that back talk. You do what I tell you. Now, what's the idea of the gun?

[Buck Rainier]

I've taken all I'm gonna take from you, Price. I'm gonna kill you.

[Price]

You're gonna kill me?

[Buck Rainier]

I don't know what my mother sees in you. You're nothing but a lion cheating gambler. And now you turn into a rustler. Well, you can't make me one, too.

[Price]

Why, your ma's a pretty woman, Buck. We're gonna get married on the money we make selling this herd. You wouldn't shoot your own daddy, now, would you?

[Buck Rainier]

You ain't one tenth the man my daddy was. And my mother's had enough grief in her life. You ain't gonna add no more to it.

[Price]

You're forgetting that you're just as much of a rustler as I am.

[Buck Rainier]

No, I'm not. If my mother wasn't mixed up with you, I'd have told Mr. Slaughter who you were the night you knocked me out and left me to take the blame. I don't know why he's been so good to me. Offered me a job and all. But I'm not gonna pay him back by letting you get away with this. So I'm gonna kill you right now.

[Luke Slaughter]

Don't reach Fred Price covering Wichita Tough, Mr.

[Buck Rainier]

Slaughter. You shot the gun right out of my hand.

[Luke Slaughter]

I couldn't stand by and let you commit murder, Buck. I've learned all I need to know about Mr. Price and his rustling.

[Price]

Now, just a minute, Slaughter. We're still on your property. And you can't prove a charge of rustling.

[Luke Slaughter]

Price, did I give you orders to move that herd down from Upper Mesa tonight? Well, no. Just who do you think the judge is going to believe?

[Buck Rainier]

You. You still want me to work for you, Mr. Slaughter?

[Luke Slaughter]

Of course I do, Buck. And after the trial of this sidewinder here, it might be a good idea if you took a week off and rode over to Prescott to see your mother.

[Buck Rainier]

I'd like that.

[Luke Slaughter]

Take along a copy of the Tombstone epitaph that tells about Price's trial. It'll set her straight on the mistake she almost made and let her know what kind of a man she raised.

[Narrator]

Luke Slaughter of Tombstone, starring Sam Buffington, was written by Alan Botzer and directed by William N. Robeson. Editorial supervision by Tom Hanley. Supporting Mr. Buffington were junious Matthews, Sam Edwards and Vic Perrin, with music composed and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. Next week at this time, we return.

[Luke Slaughter]

With Slaughter's the Name Luke Slaughter. When we meet up again, you can call me that Luke Slaughter.

[Narrator]

This is the CBS Radio Network.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of ot otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com you can call and leave us a voicemail 707986, 8739. This episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.