
Original Air Date: October 28, 1953Host: Andrew RhynesShow: Adventures of Wild Bill HickokPhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• Guy Madison (Hickok)• Andy Devine (Jingles) Special Guests:• Herb Vigran• Joe Forte• Stanley Farrar Writer:• Larry Hayes Pr...
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Andy Devine
Limu Emu.
Liberty Mutual Narrator
And Doug. Here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat, helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug.
Doug
Uh, Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us?
Liberty Mutual Narrator
Cut the camera. They see us.
Liberty Mutual Disclaimer Voice
Only pay for what you need@libertymutual.com Liberty.
Andy Devine
Liberty. Liberty.
Liberty Mutual Disclaimer Voice
Liberty. Savings vary underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates. Excludes Massachusetts.
Andy Devine
Too fast, Trevor. Too fast.
The Zebra Insurance Narrator
Here at the Zebra, research shows people would rather teach their kids to drive than search for auto and home insurance.
Wild Bill Hickok
I know what I'm doing, Mom.
The Zebra Insurance Narrator
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Andy Devine
Shh. They're here. FOREIGN.
Andrew Rines
Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.
Kellogg's Sugar Pops Announcer
Kellogg's, the greatest name in cereals, presents Whale Bill Hickok.
Andy Devine
Hi, you folks. Hold on to your hats and pass those Kellogg Sugar Pops. Cause here comes Guy Madison as Wild Bill Hickok and his pile jingles. Which is me, Andy Devine. We got another Rootin Tootin Wild Bill Hickok adventure story for you. From the cereal you can eat out of the bowl or out of the box. The cereal with the sweetening already on it, Kellogg's Sugar Pop.
Kellogg's Sugar Pops Announcer
Today, Kellogg's Sugar Pops, the cereal with the sweetening already on it brings you Wild Bill Hickok, transcribed in Hollywood and starring Guy Madison as Wild Bill and Andy Devine as his pal. Jingles. In just 30 seconds you'll hear the exciting story Riverboat to St. Joe. Kellogg's Sugar Corn Pops are tops. Tops is a cereal with a little milk or cream. Tops is a snack right out of the box. Either way, you don't add sugar because the sweetening's already on them. They're shot with sugar.
The Zebra Insurance Narrator
Yes.
Kellogg's Sugar Pops Announcer
Either way you'll get plenty of pleasure eating those golden nuggets of pre sweetened corn. Enjoy Sugar Pops. Often have mom look for the package of Kellogg's Sugar Corn Pops with the pictures of Guy Madison And Andy Devine riding on the front.
The Zebra Insurance Narrator
Here at the Zebra, research shows the average person would rather endure a root canal than search for auto and home insurance.
Andy Devine
Just try to relax, okay?
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Kellogg's Sugar Pops Announcer
Wherever United States Marshal Wild Bill Hickok and his gigantic deputy Jingles went, adventure stalked behind them. Their return trip from a vacation in St. Louis was just about the most hair raising time the two law partners had ever had. They started out by almost missing the ill fated riverboat to St. Joe.
Andy Devine
Hurry, Bill. This is one boat I don't want to miss.
Jingles
All right then, get up that gang plank.
Andy Devine
I'm getting as fast as I can.
Jingles
Well, we made it. Simmer down now.
Andy Devine
I need a safety valve, Bill. I got up enough steam to blow that whistle myself. All right, Captain. You can plow up this old Mississippi anytime now. We're ready.
Jingles
Wait a minute, Jingle. Sounds like an argument up on the bridge.
Andy Devine
Where?
Jingles
Right over our heads.
Andy Devine
Yes.
Wild Bill Hickok
Stole this cargo from right under my nose, White Face. And you're not getting away with it. You're wrong, Backton. I signed an agreement for this shipment. Tell him, Mr. Mayberry.
Doug
That's right. Back then, Captain Whiteface made a square deal for a Test run to St. Joe with my cargo. If he makes it by 12 noon day after tomorrow, he gets a contract for all my new business.
Wild Bill Hickok
And if he doesn't?
Doug
Then I'll open the bids again. You'll have your chance.
Wild Bill Hickok
You'll rue this day, Mabry. This whole packet of Buster seems before she hits the mouth of the Missouri. And your cog will be with a cat face at the bottom of the river. Get off my ship, Acton. By Jupiter, you'll never see your chance to get the Mayberry contract.
Andy Devine
Now get off.
Wild Bill Hickok
You'll see White Face the catfish. They'll get your cargo and you too, mark my words. Stand by to cast off those lines.
Doug
Good luck, Captain Whiteface. Get my cargo to St. Joe by 12 noon day after tomorrow or lose my contract.
Wild Bill Hickok
We'll do it, Mr. Mayberry, or bust the boiler.
Andy Devine
Cast off. Cast off. Bill, don't you reckon maybe we got on the wrong boat?
Jingles
What makes you think that?
Andy Devine
Jingle Bill Hickok. You know what I mean. Anytime we hear two red flags face Gents stand toe to toe and threaten each other like that. It darn well ain't the last of it. Well, well, well, well.
Wild Bill Hickok
Wild Bill Hickok and Jingles. Welcome aboard the River Queen, gentlemen.
Jingles
Howdy, Captain Whiteface.
Andy Devine
Yeah, howdy. And go away. We don't want nothing to do with it. It ain't none of our business.
Wild Bill Hickok
Watch that, Jingles.
Andy Devine
We're just passengers. We don't know nothing, we don't hear nothing and we don't see nothing.
Jingles
Jingo.
Wild Bill Hickok
What's he talking about, Bill?
Jingles
Well, don't mind Jingles, Captain. We just happened to overhear your little argument with Captain Backton over the Mayberry contract.
Andy Devine
And it's none of our business. So we'll just be saying how do you do and goodbye and that is all.
Wild Bill Hickok
Well, now that you brought it up, Jingles, I did want to ask if I could depend on your help in case of trouble.
Andy Devine
I knew it. Now, let me offer this tough jingle.
Jingles
Simmer down. Take it easy for me.
Andy Devine
No, sir. The sun's going down. And I ain't going to spend the night waiting for this dirty doggone boat to blow up and sink right out from under me. Bill, it started.
Wild Bill Hickok
Those shots came from the pilot's cabin.
Jingles
Come on, let's get up there.
Andy Devine
I got a darn good mind to jump overboard. It'd be a lot safer.
Jingles
Save your breath, Jingles.
Wild Bill Hickok
You might need it in here.
Andy Devine
Bill. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Bill. Look there on the bunk.
Wild Bill Hickok
It's my river pilot. Mr. Smith.
Andy Devine
Mr. Smith.
Jingles
It's too late, Captain. He's gone.
Wild Bill Hickok
I guess you're right, Bill. Poor devil.
Jingles
I hope you know the river, Captain. Navigating these waters without a pilot is no sense.
Andy Devine
That's right. No pilot. Now I know. I'm gonna jump overboard and swim to the riverbank. I ain't staying with this boat one more minute. No, sir. Rebob S. Yippee.
Wild Bill Hickok
Wait till you hear what I've captured. Wranglers. I got them right here in my hand. Big full color pictures of six of the most famous Indian chiefs in history. I've got Pontiac, Joseph Brandt, Blackhawk, Sitting Bull, Powhatan and Tecumseh. And listen, wranglers, you can start your picture collection of famous Indian chiefs just by buying a package of Kellogg's Sugar Corn Pops. They're yours, free when you buy the cereal.
Andy Devine
Mmm.
Wild Bill Hickok
Kellogg's Sugar Corn Pops. Swell tasting right out of the box. Like a delightful snack right out of the bowl for breakfast. With milk or cream. No sugar. To add to Kellogg's Sugar Corn Pops because the sweetening's already on them.
Kellogg's Sugar Pops Announcer
What Panhandle says is the truth. Wranglers, you can't beat Kellogg's Sugar Corn Pops for taste. And you can't beat these pictures of famous Indian chiefs For real excitement. Ask mom to get you a box of Kellogg's Sugar Corn Pops today so you can start your collection. Prado. Remember, there are six famous Indian chiefs in all, all free. When you buy Kellogg's Sugar Corn Pops.
Wild Bill Hickok
You just start collecting these pictures of famous Indian chiefs and see if it isn't the most fun you ever had. By Jingle.
Kellogg's Sugar Pops Announcer
Remember Wranglers, get Mom to get Kellogg's Sugar Corn Pops today so you can start collecting your picture album of famous Indian chiefs.
The Zebra Insurance Narrator
Most people would rather attend a corporate team building workshop than search for auto and home insurance.
Kellogg's Sugar Pops Announcer
Go team.
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The mysterious murder of the river pilot left Captain, Captain Whiteface shaken as he faced the dangerous job of navigating the treacherous Mississippi. Later that night, Wild Bill and Jingle stood beside the captain in the wheelhouse, keeping a sharp eye out for derelict logs and shoal waters.
Wild Bill Hickok
Bill, I'm powerful glad you and Jingles were on board to give me a hand. It takes good eyes to pick up signs on the river.
Jingles
Happy to help out, Captain.
Andy Devine
Well, I ain't so sure I'm happy about it. Been a killer loose on this boat. And for all I know, he could be looking at the back of my neck right this very minute.
Wild Bill Hickok
Jingles is right, Bill.
Jingles
That's possible, Captain.
Andy Devine
Now, let's go search this ship again, Bill.
Jingles
First I'd like to know more about this deal with Mayberry, Captain Whiteface.
Wild Bill Hickok
Well, Mayberry's a big wholesaler, Bill. He ships many tons of goods to St. Joe each month and then freights it west.
Andy Devine
And you're out to get the contracts for all his river freight, huh?
Wild Bill Hickok
That's right, Jingles. But to get it, I had to guarantee to deliver this shipment to St. Joe on time, in good shape.
Jingles
And if you don't?
Wild Bill Hickok
Then I have to pay him for the goods and I lose A contract? It'll break me if that.
Andy Devine
You mean you'd have to pay for all them boxes down below on the freight deck?
Wild Bill Hickok
That's right, Jingles.
Andy Devine
What's in them?
Wild Bill Hickok
Well, the inventory from Mayberry shows mining machinery. Saddles, bolts of silk, wagon parts, just about everything.
Jingles
How much is it worth?
Wild Bill Hickok
Over $14,000, Bill.
Andy Devine
Now, that would be a pile of cash to have to shell out if anything happened.
Jingles
And it looks like somebody's out to stop you, Captain.
Andy Devine
That doggone Captain Brackton. That's who it is.
Jingles
We couldn't find him on board, Jingle, so don't jump to conclusions.
Wild Bill Hickok
Backton made a lot of threats, Bill, and he's the one to gain if I fail.
Andy Devine
Captain, look it. There comes a big log bearing down on.
Wild Bill Hickok
I'll need more steam to miss it. Hope the engineers awake.
Andy Devine
That's a signal for more pleasure.
Kellogg's Sugar Pops Announcer
Yes.
Doug
Help me haul this wheel over, Jingles.
Andy Devine
Sure, Captain. Here we go. Yeah, that's it, Jingles.
Wild Bill Hickok
We missed it. Yeah, but we never got more steam. I wonder what's wrong in the boiler room.
Andy Devine
Well, this is no time for them to go to sleep.
Wild Bill Hickok
Hand me that speaking tube, Bill.
Jingles
Here you are, Captain.
Andy Devine
Hello, below. Hello, below.
Wild Bill Hickok
Mr. Chuck, can you hear me?
Jingles
My Bill.
Wild Bill Hickok
There's no answer. We've got to go down there.
Andy Devine
More trouble. I don't like this one little bit.
Jingles
You'd better leave the wheel with the first mate, Captain.
Wild Bill Hickok
Right, Bill. Mr. House, take the wheel. Steady as she goes. Aye, aye, sir. Steady as she goes. Good. Let's go, Bill.
Jingles
Come on, Jingles.
Andy Devine
I sure hope nothing's happened to the engineer. He's the one that makes this boat go. Oh, here's another one of them bad blasting laughs.
Jingles
Watch your stepping on Jingle.
Andy Devine
How am I going to do that when I can't even see my feet? Dog got it out, Bill. I'm slipping. Look out below. Jingle. Jingles, are you hurt? No. Oh, look what I did to me.
Wild Bill Hickok
That'll leads right down into the boiler room.
Andy Devine
Bill, another ladder. I ain't going down there. I'll just wait right here.
Jingles
Good idea, Jingles.
Wild Bill Hickok
And keep a luck as Judd on the deck. Quick, give me a hand. Mr. Judd.
Jingles
Jud out cold, Captain, but I'm still breathing.
Andy Devine
Bill. What's that noise, Captain? That sounds like a safety valve.
Wild Bill Hickok
Somebody's tight down the safety valve. And the pressure's at the limit.
Andy Devine
The boiler will blow up.
Jingles
What's holding that safety valve, Captain?
Wild Bill Hickok
That thin copper wire. I've got to get it loose or my ship's lost.
Andy Devine
Stand Back, Captain.
Jingles
I'll try cutting it this way.
Wild Bill Hickok
What are you going to do with that gun, Bill? You never hit that wire in a minute. You did it for a while.
Andy Devine
Well, I'll be. You don't know Bill very well, do you, Cap?
Wild Bill Hickok
We'd better get out of this steam or we'll be boiling it. Hey, some of you boys grab Mr. Judd and get him up to his cabin. I gotta get back up to the wheelhouse, Bill.
Jingles
You go ahead, Captain. We'll take a look around for the gentle pull. This trick.
Wild Bill Hickok
Well, I'm not sure he's still aboard, Bill. One of our rowboats is missing.
Jingles
Well, looks like our man escaped.
Andy Devine
Hey, Captain.
Wild Bill Hickok
Yeah, Jingles?
Andy Devine
Ain't you getting kind of low on wood for the boiler?
Wild Bill Hickok
Well, you're right, Jingles. We'll have to find a wooden stop and get some more.
Jingles
Good thing you noticed that, partner. We might have been stuck in the.
Andy Devine
Middle of the river. Bill, you don't get stuck in the middle of the Mississippi. If you got the steam, you're going up. If you haven't, you're going down. There just ain't no in between unless.
Jingles
You get stuck on a sandbox.
Andy Devine
Now, don't go mentioning that, or it'll be the next thing that happens to us. I don't figure we'll get to St. Joe as it is.
Wild Bill Hickok
Hold that whistle card again, Jingles. We got to find some wood along here someplace.
Andy Devine
Sure, Captain.
Jingles
There's a bonfire, Captain, on the right bank.
Andy Devine
Now, Bill, that ain't no way to talk on a. It's a starboard bank, or is there? Right the port, Captain.
Wild Bill Hickok
You were right the first time, Jingle. Starboard.
Andy Devine
See, Bill? Yeah.
Jingles
You're getting to be quite a freshwater sailor, Jingle.
Andy Devine
Yeah, but I'm not liking it a bit this trip. I sure wish I'd have caught that Jasper that got away in that rowboat.
Wild Bill Hickok
You think that was a killer, Bill?
Jingles
Might have been, Captain.
Andy Devine
Yeah. The same one that slugged the engineer and tied down that sleep safety valve.
Wild Bill Hickok
All right, gentlemen, we'll get wood here. Just hold her into the bank with the engines, Mr. House. I don't want to take time to tie up. I. I see. We'll go down and supervise the load, Bill.
Andy Devine
Yeah. Let me get my feet on solid ground. Come to think of it, I might just find me a horse and go the rest of the way on land.
Wild Bill Hickok
Never give up in the middle of the stream, Jingles.
Andy Devine
Well, I like to. Oh, another one of them durn old ladder.
Jingles
Now, don't rush, Jingle.
Andy Devine
Look out, partners.
Wild Bill Hickok
Got.
Andy Devine
Now, I know I'm going as short as day. Haven't got a decent set of stairs on this darned old town.
Jingles
Come on, partner. Come on, you're not hurt. Let's get ashore and get Bill.
Wild Bill Hickok
Look who's here.
Andy Devine
Mayberry and that Jasper Captain Backton. Now, I.
Jingles
Hold it, Jingles. Hold it. Let's see what they have to say first.
Andy Devine
Now, Bill, you know darn well Backton's the one.
Doug
Well, White Face, took you long enough to run out of wood.
Wild Bill Hickok
What do you mean, Mr. Mayberry?
Doug
I've been trailing you to watch your progress. I'm not satisfied with it at all, Captain.
Andy Devine
Now, that ain't fair.
Jingles
Hold it, Jingles.
Andy Devine
Well, dog on it all, anyway.
Doug
Decided to have you unload all my cargo right here on this landing, white face. Captain Backton's next boat will pick it up for St. Joe.
Andy Devine
What?
Wild Bill Hickok
Back to New Slytherin? Double cross Island.
Doug
Never mind the name calling, gentlemen. Let's get this cargo unloaded.
Jingles
You sure you're being fair, Mr. Mayberry?
Doug
That's none of your business, hick. It's my cargo and I can have done with it what I want done with it.
Andy Devine
No, I ain't just so doggone sure about that. No, I ain't.
Doug
What's that?
Andy Devine
Jingles?
Wild Bill Hickok
Means I got a legal contract. And the only way to break it is for me not to make it to St. Joe on time or with.
Andy Devine
The goods and damaged conditions.
Jingles
Never mind, Jingles. You're right about the contract, though. And as long as we represent the.
Wild Bill Hickok
Law, hey, you'll resent the mister.
Jingles
I've heard you make a couple of other threats lately, and I'm keeping my eye on you.
Andy Devine
Yeah, me too.
Doug
All right, now, White Face, you keep the cargo. But Backlin and I are coming aboard to follow this cargo to St. Joe.
Wild Bill Hickok
That's fine with me. We made a bargain. And I mean to see that my end of it is carried out to the ladder.
Jingles
And I reckon Jingles and I will be there to see that things go along peacefully from now on.
Andy Devine
You dog on. Right we will. But it's a. Since there ain't been nothing but peaceful about it up to now. And I ain't betting much on the rest of the trip neither.
Liberty Mutual Narrator
And Doug here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat, helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug.
Doug
Uh, Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us?
Liberty Mutual Narrator
Cut the camera. They see us.
Liberty Mutual Disclaimer Voice
Only pay for what you need. @libertymutual.com Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings. Very underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates. Excludes Massachusetts.
Wild Bill Hickok
I'm here on a job site with Tim, who owns his own electrical contracting business.
Liberty Mutual Narrator
Three employees and two work trucks.
Wild Bill Hickok
Tim traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance. We're positively here where he needs us most. They sure are. With step by step help on all his insurance needs. All for shockingly low rates.
Andy Devine
Shockingly low, huh?
Wild Bill Hickok
Just a little bit of electrician humor. Do you get it? I got it. You know, it feels like we have a real connection.
The Zebra Insurance Narrator
All right, I'll stop.
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Get a commercial auto insurance quote today@geico.com.
Andy Devine
And see how much you could save.
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Andy Devine
Oh, God it Bill. There's something funny about them two trailing us up the river like that.
Jingles
I'm inclined to agree with you, Jingles, but we'll just have to wait and see.
Wild Bill Hickok
They've been mighty quiet all day, Bill.
Jingles
Yeah, that's right, Captain. I only saw Mayberry out on deck once.
Andy Devine
I don't see what he's so anxious about. Look at his doggone old cargo to St. Joe.
Jingles
I get the idea that he's more interested in us failing to get his cargo to St. Joe. Pardon?
Andy Devine
But Bill, that just wouldn't make sense, would it?
Wild Bill Hickok
Well, for what it's worth, I get the same idea.
Jingles
We're just gonna have to keep our eyes open tonight and see what happens.
Andy Devine
Well, that's darn near more than I can do, Bill. I ain't had no sleep for two nights as it is.
Wild Bill Hickok
Stay with it, Jingles. It's getting dark and there's a fog settling over the river. If there's going to be trouble, this will be a good night for it.
Andy Devine
Bill, I can't even see the river now, let alone the banks are floating log or a channel marker.
Jingles
I'm afraid I'm in the same boat, Jingles.
Andy Devine
Same boat. Ha ha ha. You trying to be funny, Bill?
Jingles
No, partner, this isn't funny.
Wild Bill Hickok
You're right about that, Bill. I'm gonna have to give up. I'm leaked.
Andy Devine
That's a darn shame, Captain White Face. But there just ain't nobody could make time in this father.
Wild Bill Hickok
He's right, White Face. Head into the bank and tie up for your pile is up in shoal waters.
Doug
That's good advice, White Face. You've lost anyway.
Andy Devine
Well, listen to Mayberry and back and gloating, would you? You two jets remind me of a couple of lizards crawling out from under a wood pile.
Wild Bill Hickok
I don't have to take that from the likes of you, Wood pile.
Jingles
Jingles, you just gave me an idea.
Andy Devine
I did? Is it a good one, Bill?
Jingles
Captain Whiteface, could you navigate the channel if you knew where the bank was?
Wild Bill Hickok
I think so, Bill. Sure I could.
Jingles
Then I'll show you where it is. Jingles, grab that whistle cord and pull it.
Andy Devine
I sure will.
Wild Bill Hickok
Hickok, what are you up to?
Doug
What is this nonsense? Head for the shore, White Face, before you wreck this boat and lose my car.
Jingles
There's one.
Andy Devine
One what, Bill?
Jingles
A bonfire. Now you know where your right bank is.
Wild Bill Hickok
Captain wooding stops. He cocked your smarter than $700. Now why didn't I think of that?
Andy Devine
What's he mean, Bill?
Doug
Huh?
Jingles
What's he Mean you remember the way we found a place to get wood, Jingles?
Andy Devine
Yeah. We blew the whistle and them fellas that had wood to sell lit up a bonfire. You could see for miles.
Jingles
Blow the whistle, Jingles.
Andy Devine
Hold your ears, gents.
Wild Bill Hickok
Hey, Golly. There's one on the port bank and another to starboard. And they'll be all the way up the river. Bill, you've saved the day. Hey, baby. He's going to make it.
Jingles
You bet he is. Backton. Call for full speed ahead, Captain. We're headed for St. Joe.
Andy Devine
There's one thing worrying me, Bill. We ain't caught the killer yet.
Jingles
I think we will, Jingles. Just give him time to tip his hand.
Andy Devine
You mean you know who it is?
Jingles
Not yet. And don't let up on that whistle. There's another bonfire to you left there, Captain.
Wild Bill Hickok
At this rate, we'll make it to St. Joe on time, Bill. Thanks to you, Jingles.
Andy Devine
May word Maybury and Captain Doctor get to.
Wild Bill Hickok
They left when Bill hit on the idea of whistling for those bond trials.
Andy Devine
Now there's a Perry you don't want to let run loose. I'll bet they're up to something, Captain.
Jingles
What's that, Bill?
Kellogg's Sugar Pops Announcer
Fire.
Andy Devine
Bill.
Wild Bill Hickok
There's a fire on board. Mr. House, take the wheat. Aye, aye, sir.
Andy Devine
Quick, get on the cargo deck. Come on. What makes you think there's a fire down there, Bill? Just a hunt partner.
Wild Bill Hickok
Watch this ladder, Jingles.
Andy Devine
I ain't gonna have any trouble. Jingles. Jingles, are you hurt?
Wild Bill Hickok
No, dad.
Andy Devine
Come on. Not.
Wild Bill Hickok
But I'm getting my ph. That's blasting powder in the car.
Andy Devine
Come on. There's a blast. Somebody's trying to burn up the car. Going to boat with it.
Wild Bill Hickok
Somebody's caught with a Triumph.
Andy Devine
Men.
Wild Bill Hickok
Grab those fire buckets. Lay, too.
Andy Devine
I'm going in there after that man.
Wild Bill Hickok
Keep those buckets coming, men. We're getting it under control.
Andy Devine
Bill. Bill, where are you?
Wild Bill Hickok
Here he comes, Jingles. Dragging that gent with him there.
Andy Devine
Now. Let me give you a hand, Bill. You, Bill? Thanks, bud.
Jingles
I got to him just in time.
Wild Bill Hickok
Who is it, Bill?
Andy Devine
Well, let's turn him over and. Hey, Bill, it's Mr. Mayberry.
Jingles
That's right, Jingles. Caught in his own trap.
Wild Bill Hickok
He's coming, too.
Doug
Let me go, hick. He'll never prove anything, Bill.
Andy Devine
What's the matter with him?
Wild Bill Hickok
Out of his.
Jingles
Hold him, Jingles.
Andy Devine
I got him.
Doug
You lose, white face. You owe me $14,000. The car goes burned up.
Jingles
That's. Well, you're wrong, Mayberry. That's right. You set It a fire, but these men put it out. You tried everything you knew from killing on down, Bill.
Andy Devine
You mean it was Mayberry all the time?
Jingles
That's right, Jingles. He.
Doug
He. You can't prove a thing. He.
Jingles
Wrong again, Mayberry. Jingles, rip open a couple of those cargo boxes.
Andy Devine
Sure, Bill.
Wild Bill Hickok
Now, Bill, I don't see what you're thinking.
Andy Devine
What is this?
Jingles
Just what you see, Captain Whiteface. Those boxes are filled with rocks and straw. Was all a big swindle.
Wild Bill Hickok
Well, and he was going to burn it up and collect from me. Mayberry, I got a good.
Jingles
Hold it, Captain Whiteface.
Andy Devine
Yeah, hold it, Captain. Like Bill and me always say, the law will take care of this low down coyote. He's pulled his last swindle on the river.
Wild Bill Hickok
But what about Captain Vacuum?
Jingles
Mayberry was just using Captain Backton to hold a thread over your head.
Doug
Yeah, and I'd have pulled the whole deal if you hadn't come along, Hickok.
Andy Devine
Now where have I heard that before? Your shenanigans are all over, Mayberry. I'm mighty glad they are. If I'd have taken a tumble off of one more of them dad burned ladders chasing you, I might have busted something I'd never get fixed.
Kellogg's Sugar Pops Announcer
And now here are the stars of Wild Bill Hickok, Guy Madison and Andy Devine.
Jingles
Well, Andy, that ends our episode on the riverboat. What's our story for Friday, Guy?
Andy Devine
This adventure is about a varmint who's out to gun down Wild Bill and Jingles. There's gun smoke a plenty in shotgun gang.
Jingles
So long, kids.
Andy Devine
See you Friday.
Liberty Mutual Narrator
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Doug
Uh, Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us?
Liberty Mutual Narrator
Cut the camera. They see us.
Liberty Mutual Disclaimer Voice
Only pay for what you need@libertymutual.com Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings Very underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. Affiliates excludes Massachusetts.
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Wild Bill Hickok
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Kellogg's Sugar Pops Announcer
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Wild Bill Hickok
So Choo Choo Choo is your favorite.
Kellogg's Sugar Pops Announcer
Kellogg's Variety Kellogg's, the Greatest Name in Serials has brought you another exciting story of Wild Bill Hickok starring Guy Madison and Andy Devine in person. Today's cast included Herb Vigren, Joe Forte and Stan Farrar. Our director is Paul Pierce. Story by Larry Hayes Music by Dick o'. Ron. This is a David Hire production Transcribed in Hollywood now this is Charlie Lyon speaking for Kellogg's the Greatest Name in Cereals reminding you to listen again on Friday, same time, same station for another.
Andy Devine
Adventure of Wheel Hicks.
Andrew Rines
This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
Liberty Mutual Narrator
And Doug Here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally Doug.
Doug
Uh, Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us.
Liberty Mutual Narrator
Cut the camera. They see us.
Liberty Mutual Disclaimer Voice
Only pay for what you need@libertymutual.com Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings Very unwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates Excludes Massachusetts.
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Andy Devine
Limu K.
Liberty Mutual Narrator
Here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat. Helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug Limu.
Doug
Is that guy with the binoculars watching us?
Liberty Mutual Narrator
Cut the camera. They see us.
Liberty Mutual Disclaimer Voice
Only pay for what you need@libertymutual.com Liberty, Liberty.
Andy Devine
Liberty.
Liberty Mutual Disclaimer Voice
Liberty Savings. Very underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates. Excludes Massachusetts.
Date Released: November 1, 2025
This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns transports listeners aboard a Mississippi riverboat on a suspenseful journey to St. Joe with legendary lawmen Wild Bill Hickok and his sidekick Jingles. The drama unfolds with sabotage, deception, and riverboat rivalry as our heroes must protect a valuable cargo and outwit those who would see the mission fail. This classic tale of the untamed frontier is filled with danger, humor, and the camaraderie that defined vintage western radio storytelling.
Hickok and Jingles board the River Queen, returning from vacation in St. Louis. They quickly find themselves caught in a heated dispute over a lucrative shipping contract.
Two rival captains (Whiteface and Backton) and a wealthy merchant (Mayberry) are at odds. Captain Whiteface must deliver Mayberry’s cargo to St. Joe by a strict deadline to win the contract.
Tension escalates: Backton threatens sabotage if Whiteface succeeds, raising the stakes for everyone on board.
“You’ll rue this day, Mayberry. This whole packet’ll bust her seams before she hits the mouth of the Missouri—and your cargo will be with catfish at the bottom of the river!”
—Backton to Mayberry, (05:06)
Hickok and Jingles try (unsuccessfully) to remain just “passengers,” but are immediately drawn in after shots ring out (07:05).
They discover the river pilot murdered in his cabin. This leaves Captain Whiteface to navigate treacherous waters alone, heightening the sense of peril.
“I ain’t going to spend the night waiting for this dirty, doggone boat to blow up and sink right out from under me!”
—Jingles, voicing his ever-present (and comic) anxiety, (06:54)
While keeping watch, the heroes learn more about the stakes: the cargo contains mining machinery, silk, and other valuables, totaling over $14,000 (11:07).
Another attempt at sabotage: The engineer is found unconscious, and the safety valve in the boiler room is tied down, putting the ship in peril of exploding.
Hickok demonstrates his quick reflexes by shooting the wire free—saving the boat (13:10).
“What are you gonna do with that gun, Bill? You’ll never hit that wire.”
—Captain Whiteface
[Shot rings out]
“You did it, for a while!”
—Jingles, amazed by Bill’s skill, (13:10)
As fog descends and visibility drops, Mayberry is eager for the ship to fail, but Hickok and Jingles are suspicious of his motives.
Jingles has a sudden inspiration: by blowing the whistle, they can signal wood sellers on the bank, who respond by lighting bonfires—enabling navigation.
“You just gave me an idea. Captain Whiteface, could you navigate the channel if you knew where the bank was?”
—Jingles sparks a plan, (21:57)
“Blow the whistle, Jingles.”
—Jingles pulls the whistle cord, bonfires light up on the banks, saving their progress. (22:38)
A fire breaks out on the cargo deck—blasting powder is involved, suggesting deliberate sabotage (24:02).
Hickok and Jingles rush in, subdue the arsonist and discover it is Mayberry himself, caught in the act of destroying his “valuable” cargo.
“You lose, Whiteface! You owe me $14,000—the cargo’s burned up!”
—Mayberry, believing he’s succeeded, (24:50)
Unmasking the plot:
The cargo is revealed to be a sham—boxes filled with rocks and straw. Mayberry planned to swindle Whiteface by faking loss of goods (25:20).
“Those boxes are filled with rocks and straw. Was all a big swindle.”
—Jingles exposes the fraud, (25:20)
Mayberry is handed over to the law, his plan foiled thanks to Hickok and Jingles.
Captain Backton is exonerated as merely a pawn in Mayberry’s scheme.
Jingles, ever the comic, laments the perils of chasing villains up and down the riverboat’s ladders (26:03–26:18).
“If I'd have taken a tumble off of one more of them dad-burned ladders chasing you, I might have busted something I'd never get fixed.”
—Jingles, (26:03)
| Time | Segment/Topic | |------------|----------------------------------------------------| | 04:14 | Riverboat contract dispute—tensions set | | 07:05 | Gunshots; pilot murdered, mystery begins | | 11:07 | Stakes revealed: cargo worth $14,000 | | 13:10 | Hickok shoots boiler wire—disaster averted | | 14:33 | Wood stop, Mayberry/Backton confrontation | | 21:57 | Jingles’ idea: bonfire navigation in the fog | | 23:09 | Cargo fire, Mayberry exposed as saboteur | | 25:20 | Cargo is a fraud: boxes of rocks, not goods | | 26:36 | Episode wrap-up and tease for next adventure |
The episode blends suspenseful Western adventure with quick-witted humor, faithful to the original radio scripts. Jingles’ lovable anxiety and Hickok’s calm bravery provide a balance of levity and tension, while the lively, colorful dialogue captures the golden age of radio storytelling.
Stay tuned for the next episode: “Shotgun Gang”—where Wild Bill and Jingles face down a dangerous outlaw!
“So long, kids!”
—Jingles, signing off (26:35)
For more Western audio adventures, visit otrwesterns.com.