
Original Air Date: September 16, 1954Host: Andrew RhynesShow: Dr. SixgunPhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• Karl Weber (Dr. Sixgun)• William Griffis (Pablo) Special Guests:• Kip McArdle• Bill Quinn• David Pepper• William Keene Writers:• George Leffe...
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A
Most people would rather remove a nest of irate hornets than search for auto and home insurance. That's why the zebra searches for you. Comparing over 100 insurance companies to find savings no one else can Compare. Today@thezebra.com I think I'll wait inside. Here at the Zebra, research shows the average person would rather endure a root canal than search for auto and home insurance.
B
Just try to relax, okay?
A
Or be trapped in a car for eight hours with toddlers on a sugar high. Or remove a nest of under irate hornets. That's why the zebra searches for you. Comparing over 100 insurance companies to find savings no one else can compare. Today at the Zebra.com we do the searching, you do the saving. I think I'll wait inside.
C
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.
A
Across the rugged Indian territory rides a tall young man on a mission of mercy. His medical bag strapped on one hip. His six shooter, on the other hand. This is Dr. Six Gun. The National Broadcasting Company brings you another episode in the exciting adventure series Dr. Six Gun. Gray Matson MB was the gun toting frontier doctor who roamed the length and breadth of the old Indian territory. Friend and physician to white man and Indian alike, the symbol of justice and mercy in the lawless west of the 1870s, this legendary figure was known to all as Dr. Six Gun. Lowe's knows how to help make your home holiday ready for less. Get select style selections vinyl flooring for just $1.99 per square foot and have it installed before the festivities begin. Our team can help you every step of the way. See a Lowe's red vest associate or visit lowe's.comholidayinstall to get started. Lowe's we help you save basic install only Date restrictions applied subject to availability install by independent contractors. See Associate for details. Contiguous us only. Every small town has its little scandal. And Frenchman's hoard is no exception. Being a peddler, naturally I am subjected to a lot of idle gossip. It is part of my trade to supply the housewives of the territory with the latest tidbits as well as Spanish lace and tin pots. You do not know me. I am Pablo the Gypsy Pebbler. Shameful. Positive. Hush, Magpie. This one is Midnight, a raven who decided to become my business associate from 25 years ago. He thinks he talks. Ah. Hear the latest.
B
Hear the latest.
A
Oh, Hoss, you. Now, to return to the story. It all began about 12 years ago when my friend Doc Six Gum was called to the ranch of Colonel Rigsby. The colonel's daughter, who had just returned from boarding school in the east, was the patient. Whoa, whoa, you old buffalo. Who there? Here we are, Doc. Thanks, Pablo. Doc, thank the Lord you got here. Well, lots of trouble, Colonel. My daughter, Samantha. What is it? She's having her baby now. Baby? Come on, Doc. No time to talk. Samantha Rigsby had always been a very beautiful girl. About three years before, when she was 14, the colonel had sent her east to an expensive boarding school. That was before the drought wiped out all his holdings and left him with only a few scrawny cows. In all the time that we had known Colonel Rigsby, he had never mentioned that Samantha had married. He's been in there a long time. You suppose he's all right? Oh, you just trust the doc, colonel. He'll have another drink. I'm worried. Believe me. The birth of a child is just. You see, Doc, Doc as he is? Just fine, Colonel. Congratulations. You're the grandfather of a healthy new boy. A boy? Well, I'll be, Doc. I'm proud, real proud. I'll need some information for the birth certificate, Colonel. Oh, sure thing, Doc. Mother's maiden name? Samantha Ann Rigsby. Samantha. And father's name? Bert Kane. Father's place of residence unknown. When was Samantha married, Colonel? June 15, 1861. Place of marriage? Boston. Well, that's all the information I need, Colonel. Unless you've picked a name for the child. Samantha wants to call him bert. Bert Kane, Jr. Thanks, Colonel. Burt Kane, Jr. Date of birth? June 1, 1863. I reckon you're wondering why I never mentioned that Sammy married Doc. That's none of my business, colonel. Well, it happened when she was only 16. I never liked Bert. He was older than she was. Went to Boston to try to stop it, but you know how headstrong kids can be. I. I knew he was no good. Any rate, he run away as soon as he heard she was going to be a mother to his child. Couldn't stand the responsibility. Well, gentlemen, here's to my grandson, Bert Kane Jr. May he grow to a fine man and may his father rot in. Excuse me, boys, that was 10 years ago. Naturally, the busybody gossips who had nothing else to fill up their lives began to talk. They said that there never was a marriage. That for all they knew, Burt Kane had been invented by the colonel to give his grandson a name. Well, I suppose People with small lives say these things so they can feel self righteous and worthwhile. They don't stop to think of the great hurt they inflict on innocent people. I remember the day that Doc and I were in his office and the doorbell sounded. Well, hello. Come in. You're Little Bird Kane, aren't you?
B
Yes, sir.
A
Well, what brings you here?
B
I hurt my lip.
A
Let's have a look. Pablo, bring that kerosene lamp closer. All right. Here we are, Buck. Hey, those teeth have gone in pretty deep. How did it happen?
B
I brought myself.
A
I see. On what?
B
A fence rail.
A
Must be a pretty high fence.
B
Oh, it was.
A
I see you skinned your knuckles on it, too. And tore your shirt and got a black eye. Was he much bigger than you?
B
Not much.
A
What sort of shape's he in?
B
I hit him till he stopped saying it.
A
Saying what? Now hold still while I paint this.
B
Ow.
A
There.
B
Saying that I didn't have no PA like other kids.
A
Oh, but that's silly. Everybody has a pa.
B
I told him about my PA being killed in the war and all, but he kept making fun, so I hit him.
A
I see.
B
I. You won't tell Ma, will you, Doc?
A
Not a word.
B
Ma, she don't like me to fight. And Gramps, he just gets terrible upset.
A
Okay, Bert.
B
It ain't fair for them to say things like that. I showed him the medal, too, and he said it wasn't real.
A
Medal?
B
Yes, sir. The medal I sent my ma when my PA was killed in the war.
A
You have it?
B
I ain't supposed to have it. Mom keeps it in a box on her bureau. But I took it and the paper, too.
A
Do you have it with you?
B
Right here.
A
Say, Pablo, look at this. Who's these? Medal for valor awarded to Bert Kane, Antietam. And here's a letter from the War Department expressing regret. To Mrs. Burt Kane, care of Colonel Lawrence Rigsby, Frenchman's Ford. Well, now, maybe those bitter body will shut up and leave these people in peace, huh? Maybe, Pablo. Too bad it took a man's death to do it. Well, the busybodies did start talking. The years went by. The colonel got old and passed away. And then it was when little bert was about 11, I think. Doc and I were sitting in the Bull Run Cafe one evening when a tall young man with no guns walked in. He'd been on the road for many hours, judging by the layers of different colored dust on his hat. Pardon me, sir. I wonder if you could tell me where I might find Colonel Rigsby's place. Why, yes. You take the west Fork out of town, follow it to the riverbend. You'll see his ranch right there. Much obliged. His daughter and grandson, they're living there, ain't they? Yes, they are. Much obliged. I reckon I'll be seeing you again. Oh, yes. You see, I'm Bert Kane, Samantha's husband. We were too stunned to speak. And before we recovered, he was on his horse headed for the Rigsby ranch. Mom?
B
Yes, Birdie? Mom? It's sure kind of lonely since Gramps died, ain't it? Your gramps was a pretty old man, Bert. He was sick to bed a terrible long time. I know. But he don't suffer anymore. He didn't see so good anymore when I went in that last time. He didn't even know I was there till I touched him. You go on to bed now, Bert. Yes, Mom. Mom, will I ever have a PA like other kids? I hope so, Bert. Good night. Who's that? Who are you?
A
Don't you know me, Sammy?
B
Well, I'm not sure. It's been so many years.
A
It's Bert.
B
You. You're dead.
A
That's what they thought. I just crawled away.
B
But you don't look like you used to look. Your hair is all gray and your eyes are so tired.
A
I've been through a lot. I was wounded bad. I almost died. See these scars on my face? It's all changed now.
B
I can't believe it.
A
Bert.
B
You ain't Bert. You ain't.
A
How's little Bert?
B
How do you know about him?
A
Don't you recall that letter you wrote? It caught up with me just before Antietam.
B
If you're really Bert. What else did I say?
A
Our son needs a father. And I need a husband. In spite of all you've done to us. If he comes soon, I believe I could find it in my soul to forgive everything and make a place for you in my heart.
B
You remembered them?
A
I don't believe I ever read any lines so welcome, Samantha. But did you mean them? I came here to find out.
B
I don't know, Samantha.
A
I've been wandering around for years now. Drifting from town to town, doing things any man would be ashamed of. And all the while, them lines kept going through my brain. I believe I could forgive and make a place for you in my heart.
B
You really come to settle?
A
It's what I'd like to do.
B
Well, somehow I keep getting the feeling that you ain't the same Bert Kane.
A
I'm not. I've aged and I've been through what no man should experience.
B
We'd have to start over getting to know one another.
A
We could do it slow. We could try it. Somehow.
B
I don't know, Little Bert. The shock of it.
A
Would you let me talk to him soon?
B
Well, I shall, Ma. I forgot to give you. Oh, birdie, come here. Yes, Ma. Bertie, you remember how I told you that your PA had been killed in the war? Yes, Ma. Well, they made a mistake, Bert. A mistake? It seems your PA wasn't killed at all. It seems your pa's still alive, Bertie. He's right here, Pa. Hello, boy. You're my pa.
A
I'm gonna try to be, boy. Gee, I brought you a little present. It's right outside the door.
B
A present. Ma, can I go up? We'll all go. Come on.
A
How do you like him? He's a real Mexican saddle pony.
B
A pony for me, Mom. Think you like them like em? Mom, Can I go pet him? Can I? You'd better go put him in the corral. I will, Mom. Gee, wait til the kids see this and find out. My PA give it to me. Run along and put your pa's horse in the corral too. Well, he's so proud to have a.
A
Pa, can I stay?
B
Yes.
A
Where'll I put my things?
B
You better stay out in the bunk house.
A
Okay.
B
I reckon it'll take some time to get to know each other, Bert.
A
I got the rest of my life, Sammy. The rest of my life. The next time I rode out to the Rigsby ranch to sell some calico, there was a whole new atmosphere around the place. Bert Kane in his shirt sleeves was out in the yard cutting some logs for a new fence post. Little Bert was helping him, skinning the bark with a shiny new knife his father had bought him. They were singing together. I'm going to Montana for to throw the hula hands they feed in the coulee Their water in the drawer. Their tails are all matted their backs. You ready for another one? Ready, Pa. Well, slow and easy does it now. Don't go cutting yourself. Your ma'll have a fit.
B
Pa, how come you stay out here in the bunk house so much?
A
Well, now you're your ma Ain't seen me since I run up. Well, since she was 16. Little Bert, that's a long time. Folks have got to get to know each other again.
B
I know.
A
Maybe someday soon we'll be.
B
Here comes the gypsy. Hi, Pablo.
A
Hey. Hello there. Hello. Well, I see you found the ring in my place. Yep. And I thought perhaps I'd sell some new calico to Mrs. Caine. She's in the ranch house. I'll just go up there. Just a minute. Yes? You got any real fancy Spanish shawls? Oh, I have some lovely Spanish shawls from Philadelphia. I mean, real fancy. Well, I am. I have this one. It's very expensive. How much? $100.
B
Wow.
A
With genuine gold thread. See? Thank you, Maud. Like that.
B
It's beautiful.
A
All right. I'll take it as sort of a surprise. Is the. Is the money.
B
Wow. You sure got a lot of spending money, Pa. 100.
A
100. Thank you. Here, Little Bert. How would you like a genuine Mexican silver knife instead of that one? I'll throw it into the bargain.
B
Is it okay to take it, Pa?
A
Bargain's a bargain.
B
Come on.
A
We'll all go up to the house and surprise your ma. That's the way it went. If ever I saw happiness on the faces of three people, I saw it that day on the faces of Burt Kane, his son and his wife. But the happiness was tentative, as if it could be wiped away in a moment. As if there was something unreal about it. Nice night.
B
The moon's so bright it hurts your heart to look at it.
A
That shawl looks real pretty on your shoulders, Sammy.
B
I feel so elegant.
A
Are you happy, Sammy?
B
Yes.
A
Are you not happy? But for the first time in my life, I feel real content. Seems like I've been running and running and running ever since I can remember. Now. Now I've stepped, you know. What is it?
B
Nothing.
A
Tell me.
B
Well, just that every once in a while I try to remember the Burt Kane that I married. A Bert that ran away as soon as he found out we was having a baby. And then I look at you, so grown up and strong. It don't seem possible, Sammy.
A
Bert, I, I, I. I just want.
B
To tell you, Bert, there's no need for you to stay out in the bunkhouse anymore.
A
Sammy, there's something that I'm getting troubled.
B
Bert.
A
Sammy, I can't move in that chip.
B
Why not?
A
Because I. Well, I can't tell you right now. I gotta be alone to think for a while.
B
I don't understand.
A
Just let me alone to think for a while, will you?
B
Of course.
A
I think I'll go for a walk alone, if you don't mind.
B
Well, no. You'll be back, won't you, Bert?
A
Yes, I'll be back. It was about that time of night that I, Pablo, was returning from the day's trip. Naturally, I had to take the road that led close to the Rigsby ranch in order to get back to Frenchman's Fork. What is it old magpie something nearby. Well, we'll just. Who is it? Never mind. Disheart for nothing. Wolf. Who are you? What do you want? Now, that's a silly question, Bender. I want money, that's what I want. And if I have none, let's have it. You must be a very cowardly man to wear a mask like that. That'll speed you up. Get away, Bert.
B
Get out of.
A
My. Meet my sp. I apologize, my friend. The raven thought you were attacking me. I. I'm sorry he tore off your mask. Sorry than you think, peddler. You're gonna die for it. But it was an accident. You don't like my face to be seen. Pedler say prayers. Who's that? Come closer. Well, I'll be a son of a gun if it ain't the Bat isself. Bat Williamson. What are you doing in these parts? Gentlemen seem to know each other. Let the peddler alone. Hey, you giving orders to me? That's right. That's wrong. Especially when you ain't wearing no guns. I don't need no guns for the likes of you. Get off that horse. Hey, you better watch your turn, Fredo. I'm gonna give you three to put up your guns and then I'm gonna get you. He'll kill you. 1. Please. 2. No, don't do it. 3. Are you hurt, Bandit? I'm okay. Just graze my neck. His first shot hit you. How's he. He's dead. The second shot when you twisted his arm. I hear you. You are hurt. Yeah, reckon I am. I put the body of the bandit in the back of my wagon and then drove with Burke Cane to duck six guns. By the time I was there, he had fainted from loss of blood. How. How is it, Doc? Hard to say, Pablo. He lost a lot of blood. Bullet hit a vein in his neck. Oh, I hope he's all right. He's a very brave man. How did it happen, Pablo? Well, the bandit held me up when Midnight. Tore his mask off accidentally. He was going to kill me. Then Burt Kane came upon us. He seemed to know the bandit. He called him Rado. A bandit knew him too, Doc. Only. Well, he didn't call him Bert Kane. They called him Bat Williamson. Did you say Bat Williamson? Yes. Do you know him? Well, not personally, Pablo. Until about a year ago, Bat Williamson was one of the most feared desperados in the state of Texas. A desperado? Then it must be a mistake. This is the most gentle of men. Hey, why would a desperado risk his Life to save a poor peddler from another desperado. I don't know, Pablo. Like you say, it might be mistake. Put it up. Just regaining consciousness. Put up the gun. Bert. Bert? Who's Bert? Bert. Bert Kane. Bert Kane's dead. He seems partly delirious. Bert's dead. He died at Antietam. I got his medal right here. A letter to his wife. I promised him. Maybe I better send for Samantha. Doc. I think you better. Pablo pretty quick.
B
Doc, is he.
A
He's. He's fully conscious now, Sammy. I think he's going to make.
B
Can I see him?
A
Just for a few minutes. Go on in.
B
Pablo told me how Bert saved his life.
A
Yeah. Yes, he did, Sammy.
B
I better go in.
A
Sammy.
B
Here, Bert, give me a hand.
A
I guess I got it worse than I thought.
B
You're all right. Look at all you've got to live for.
A
That's just it, Sammy. I got nothing.
B
You got me and little Bert.
A
Sammy, lean close.
B
Don't talk.
A
I gotta talk. Sammy, listen. Now, listen close.
B
Yes.
A
I ain't Bert Kane.
B
Bert.
A
It's true. Bert Kane died at Antietam. I was in his outfit. He had a letter from you, and I used to talk to him. He asked me to come here and tell you. And the boy? He died thinking about you. I just put the letter away and forgot about it. I had other things to do.
B
Who are you?
A
My name is Williamson. They called me Bat Williamson. I done a lot of things I'm ashamed of, Sammy. I ran cattle. I killed men in gunfights. About a year ago, I got tired of running. Then I found that old letter in my saddle bag. I knew I looked a lot like Bert, so I figured maybe I could come up here and start a new life.
B
You pretended to be Bert and you believe me? Maybe I wanted to.
A
Well, it's done now. I'm sorry, Sammy. I'm sorry for you. Mostly sorry for the boy. He needs a PA so bad, that young. And I know how he feels. Because when I was a kid.
B
Tonight, before you went out, you was trying to tell me, wasn't you?
A
I was trying to find the words. What I wanted to say was I had never had no wife or kid or family before. My whole life has been running and flying, fighting. And these past days, they've been the only happiness that I can remember. I reckon you hate me now.
B
Oh, no, I don't hate you. You see, I sort of know it all the time. At first I was scared. And then when I seen how you was with the boy and how Troubled you was about what you was doing. I decided I wouldn't even question it anymore. Oh, I've been lonely for a long time too.
A
Sammy. Sammy, hush. No. I don't know if I can make it or not.
B
You will.
A
If I don't, I want you to know that I. I love you.
B
Bert Bird. Doc. Doc, come.
A
He lapsed into a coma, and for two days he hovered halfway between life and death. Doc said that it was only a miracle that could pull him through.
B
Can little Bert see him, Doc? Can he?
A
I don't like to let the boy in here, Samantha.
B
Doc, he's been crying his eyes out for two days. Have you told him that this ain't his father? No.
A
You'll have to tell him.
B
Not yet, Doc.
A
Well, you can let him come in for a while.
B
Come in, Bert. Mom, he looks so white. He's very bad hurt, son. Can he hear me?
A
I don't think so, boy. He has moments of consciousness, but I'm afraid he won't hear you.
B
Pa? Pa, can you hear me? If you can, I want to tell you the pony is doing just fine. And I've been taking good care of mom till you get home, so. So hurry up and get well. Pa, please. Please.
A
Pa.
B
Mom, he. He's moving his eyes.
A
He is? He's coming too.
B
He's getting better, ain't he, Doc? Ain't he getting better?
A
Could be, boy. Could be. The man who called himself Bert Kane did get better. I remember the morning Samantha went in to see him. He was well enough to be shaved then, and I just helped him do. They talked for about an hour and then she came out.
B
Well, Samantha, we had a long talk. Doc, I got a favor to ask of you and Pablo.
A
Go ahead, Doc.
B
Do you believe a man can change for the better? I mean, do you believe a man who does bad things will always be bad?
A
If I believed that, I'd give up medicine. Sammy, sick soul can be cured, just like sick arm.
B
Well, then I reckon you know he ain't really my husband.
A
He told you?
B
Yes.
A
I see.
B
It don't matter, Doc. I believe he's a good man, and he ain't never caused me shame.
A
What are you gonna do, Sammy?
B
Doc, nobody but you and Pablo knows who he really is. If you was to. Well, just forget it. Burt and I'd like to go down to Blackrock and be married tomorrow.
A
You sure you know what you're doing, Sammy?
B
I do, Doc.
A
Well, far as I'm concerned, Sammy, I never pay much attention to what a man says when he's delirious. Pablo, what about you? Well, the man who saved my life was Burt Kane. You see, even midnight has said it. You have been listening to Dr. Six Gun. Doc Six Gun is played by Carl Weber and Pablo by William Griffiths. Tonight's script was written by George Lefferts. Heard in the cast were Kip McArdle as Samantha, Bill Quinn as Bat Williamson, David Pfeffer as little Burt, and William Keane as Colonel Rigsby. Dr. Six Gun, a radio production of the National Broadcast Company is directed by Harry Frazee. This is fred Collins speaking. Dr. Six Gun, starring Carl Weber as the frontier doctor with William Griffiths as Pablo. The Wandering Gypsy has come to you through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. Tonight on FBN Presents, you've been listening to have Gun Will Travel and the Adventures of Dr. Six Gun. Join us again tomorrow night at 9:05 for our end of the week special with River McGee and Molly and Broadway is My Beat. Being a good Navy man means that sooner or later you'll spend time at sea, working in close quarters with your shipmates and doing jobs that require complete concentration. Think of how much concentration an alcoholic does. Not in his job, but on how to make it between drinks. But you depend on such a man, putting your life for the safety of others of the ship in his hands. If you know somebody with a drinking problem, get him to talk it over with the medical officer. It's more than just his life for you. 24 hours a day. This is the All American the Far East Network. Massawa.
C
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 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.
A
Sam.
Episode: The Bell and the Baby | Dr. Sixgun (09-16-54)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: September 26, 2025
This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns delivers a moving tale from the classic radio drama “Dr. Sixgun,” titled "The Bell and the Baby," originally aired on September 16, 1954. The story revolves around secrets, redemption, and family in the Old West, as Dr. Sixgun—frontier doctor and gunfighter—finds himself entwined in the lives of the Rigsby family and a mysterious stranger from their past. The enhanced audio restoration accentuates the immersive experience, bringing classic performances to a modern audience.
[03:35–06:50]
Narration by Pablo the Gypsy Peddler:
Pablo introduces himself as both storyteller and town gossip, revealing how the tale began when Dr. Sixgun was called to the ranch of Colonel Rigsby, whose daughter Samantha was about to give birth.
Backstory:
Samantha, a beautiful young woman, had returned from boarding school after a family hardship. Rumors swirled in town about her situation and the absent husband.
“Naturally, the busybody gossips... began to talk. They said that there never was a marriage.”
—Pablo, [06:45]
[03:36–07:26]
[07:31–09:00]
"I told him about my PA being killed in the war and all, but he kept making fun, so I hit him."
—Bert Kane, Jr., [08:21]
[09:00–14:33]
A Mysterious Stranger Arrives:
Years later, a haggard man introduces himself in town as Bert Kane, Samantha’s long-lost husband, shocking everyone.
Emotional Reunion:
Bert and Samantha’s reunion is hesitant but heartfelt. Bert reveals deep scars—physical and emotional—from years on the run and the war.
"Samantha, I can't move in that house."
—'Bert' (Bat Williamson), [18:40]
Father and Son Bonding:
Bert gifts young Bert a Mexican saddle pony, symbolizing a hopeful, if tentative, new family start.
[14:33–18:57]
"Just that every once in a while I try to remember the Bert Kane that I married..."
—Samantha, [18:12]
[18:57–25:50]
Nighttime Confrontation:
Pablo is attacked by a masked robber. Bert/Kane intervenes. During the scuffle, the robber is killed; Bert is wounded.
A Shocking Revelation:
When delirious, Bert reveals his true identity as Bat Williamson, a former desperado who assumed Bert Kane’s identity after discovering a letter intended for Samantha.
"I ain't Bert Kane… Bert Kane died at Antietam… My name is Williamson. They called me Bat Williamson. I done a lot of things I'm ashamed of, Sammy."
—Bat Williamson, [24:03–24:29]
Samantha's Acceptance:
Samantha confesses she suspected the truth but saw the goodness in Bat through his actions, especially with her son.
"Oh, no, I don't hate you. You see, I sort of know it all the time… I've been lonely for a long time too."
—Samantha, [25:18]
[25:50–28:45]
Bat (formerly Bert) Fights for His Life:
After two days hovering close to death, Bat survives his wound—thanks in part to the love and care of Samantha and young Bert.
A New Beginning:
Samantha chooses to forgive Bat and asks Dr. Sixgun and Pablo to keep his secret. They decide to start anew, planning to marry and offer young Bert a real father figure.
"Doc, nobody but you and Pablo knows who he really is. If you was to... just forget it. Bert and I'd like to go down to Blackrock and be married tomorrow."
—Samantha, [28:30]
"Well, the man who saved my life was Bert Kane."
—Pablo, [28:45]
On Gossip and Its Consequences:
“People with small lives say these things so they can feel self-righteous and worthwhile. They don't stop to think of the great hurt they inflict on innocent people.”
—Pablo, [06:50]
On Fatherhood:
“It ain't fair for them to say things like that. I showed him the medal, too, and he said it wasn't real.”
—Bert Kane, Jr., [08:38]
On Redemption:
“Do you believe a man can change for the better? I mean, do you believe a man who does bad things will always be bad?”
—Samantha, [28:04]
“If I believed that, I'd give up medicine. Sammy, sick soul can be cured, just like sick arm.”
—Dr. Sixgun, [28:12]
On Identity and Forgiveness:
“Maybe I wanted to [believe you were Bert].”
—Samantha, [24:34]
“Well, the man who saved my life was Bert Kane.”
—Pablo, [28:45]
Transcending its surface as a Western, "The Bell and the Baby" is a nuanced tale of second chances, confronting painful truths, and the enduring nature of hope. Classic radio storytelling shines through with strong performances, especially in the tender, genuine exchanges between Samantha and Bat. The restoration lends extra clarity, letting modern listeners savor every emotional beat of this Old West drama.