The Carpetbag | Straight Arrow (03-16-50)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – "The Carpetbag | Straight Arrow"

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Release Date: March 18, 2025
Original Air Date: March 16, 1950
Duration: Approximately 31 minutes

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Introduction

In the episode titled "The Carpetbag" from the "Straight Arrow" series, host Andrew Rhynes transports listeners to the tumultuous days of the Old West. This digitally restored radio drama showcases the valiant efforts of Straight Arrow, a Comanche warrior masquerading as Steve Adams, a rancher, to protect a sacred land grant vital to the Navajo tribe. The episode skillfully intertwines themes of justice, identity, and cultural heritage against the backdrop of frontier conflicts.

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Main Plot Overview

Characters

• Steve Adams / Straight Arrow: The protagonist who transforms into Straight Arrow to defend the Navajo land grant.
• Mojave: An ally of Steve Adams, assisting in his quest.
• Tanner: The antagonist, a ruthless land grabber intent on seizing the Navajo's Green Valley.
• Packy: A loyal companion to Steve Adams.
• Mesquite Molly: A key figure whose carpet bag becomes central to the plot.
• Legano: A Navajo chief seeking to protect his people's land rights.

Key Events

1. Introduction of Straight Arrow (00:00 - 03:28)

   • The episode begins with a nostalgic homage to classic Westerns, introducing Steve Adams as a seemingly ordinary rancher. However, when danger looms, he vanishes and reappears as Straight Arrow, adorned in Comanche attire, determined to uphold justice.

2. The Stagecoach Ambush (03:40 - 06:00)

   • As the stagecoach arrives in Wilpie, Mojave and Tanner spot Straight Arrow. A confrontation ensues where Tanner attempts to seize a crucial land grant paper from Mesquite Molly's carpet bag. A gunshot wounds a Navajo man, who, before collapsing, manages to hide the paper in the carpet bag.

3. Search for the Land Grant Paper (06:32 - 17:40)

   • Determined to retrieve the land grant document, Straight Arrow and his allies track Mesquite Molly and the stagecoach towards Santa Fe. Concurrently, Tanner and his men execute a plan to ambush the stagecoach, aiming to destroy the evidence that would secure the Navajo's claim to Green Valley.

4. Climactic Confrontation (17:41 - 28:52)

   • Amidst treacherous terrain, both factions converge on a strategic location for an ambush. Straight Arrow employs cunning tactics, including setting fire to dry grass to obscure movements and launching flaming arrows to disorient Tanner's men. Despite intense skirmishes and near captures, Straight Arrow manages to outmaneuver Tanner, recover the land grant paper, and ensure its safety.

5. Resolution and Justice Served (28:53 - 31:25)

   • The episode culminates with Straight Arrow revealing Tanner's deceitful intentions. Mesquite Molly, initially hesitant, confesses the hiding of the paper, leading to Tanner's downfall. The land grant remains protected, affirming the Navajo's rightful ownership of Green Valley. The narrative reinforces themes of bravery, honor, and the preservation of rightful ownership against greed.

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Conflict and Tension

The central conflict revolves around the land grant paper that legally establishes the Navajo tribe's ownership of Green Valley. Tanner's unscrupulous attempts to confiscate and destroy this document drive the tension, placing Straight Arrow and his allies in a race against time to safeguard it. The interplay between Steve Adams' dual identity and his mission adds layers of complexity, highlighting the struggle between upholding justice and succumbing to avarice.

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Notable Quotes

1. Steve Adams / Straight Arrow:

   • "[03:24] Mojave: As long as you don't get to Santa Fe with that Spanish paper. That's all I care about."

     Reflects Steve's unwavering determination to protect the land grant.

2. Tanner:

   • "[08:38] Tanner: I managed to get in the doctor's house. I went through every stitch of his clothes."

     Illustrates Tanner's relentless pursuit of the document.

3. Legano (Navajo Chief):

   • "[15:10] Legano: You are Straight Arrow Naheed. It is the Great One. Our Comanche brother's straight arrow. Where there is danger, he appears."

     Emphasizes the respect and reliance the Navajo place in Straight Arrow.

4. Mesquite Molly:

   • "[26:03] Mojave: The land grant paper. You think we drag oats that Navajo just for a pastime?"

     Highlights the stakes involved and desperation to recover the document.

5. Packy:

   • "[21:02] Narrator: But what?"

     Captures the urgency and dilemma faced by the protagonists.

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Themes and Insights

• Cultural Identity: The transformation of Steve Adams into Straight Arrow underscores the significance of cultural heritage and the lengths one will go to preserve it.

• Justice vs. Greed: The episode juxtaposes the noble quest for justice with Tanner's greed-driven ambition, highlighting moral choices in the face of adversity.

• Community and Loyalty: Characters like Packy and Mojave exemplify loyalty, standing by Straight Arrow's side despite personal risks.

• Strategic Ingenuity: Straight Arrow's tactical maneuvers, such as the use of flaming arrows and environmental manipulation, demonstrate resourcefulness essential for survival and victory in the Wild West.

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Conclusion

"The Carpetbag | Straight Arrow" masterfully encapsulates the essence of Old Time Radio Westerns, blending action, suspense, and cultural narratives. Through compelling characters and a gripping storyline, the episode celebrates the enduring spirit of justice and the preservation of heritage. By digitally restoring these classic tales, Andrew Rhynes ensures that the timeless adventures of the Wild West continue to captivate and inspire new audiences.

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Listener Engagement

For those who appreciate richly crafted Western narratives, this episode offers a nostalgic yet invigorating experience. The integration of vivid soundscapes—from the creak of saloon doors to the thundering hooves of pursuing posse—enhances immersion, making the Old West come alive with unprecedented clarity.

Notable Listener Tip:
Listeners are encouraged to follow otrwesterns.com for exclusive content, subscribe to the podcast on various platforms, and engage with the community on Facebook and YouTube to become part of the Old Time Radio Westerns ranch hands.

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Enjoyed this summary?
Stay tuned for more episodes from Old Time Radio Westerns, where every story is a journey into the heart of the Wild West.

Transcript

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[Mojave]

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 absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

N A B I S C O Nabisco is the name to know For a breakfast you can't beat, eat Nabisco Shredded Wheat. Keen eyes fixed on a flying target, a gleaming arrow set against a rawhide string, A strong bow bent almost to the breaking point and then.

[Mojave]

Straight Arrow.

[Narrator]

Nabisco Shredded Wheat presents Straight Arrow, a new thrilling adventure story from the exciting days of the Old West. To friends and neighbors alike, Steve Adams appeared to be nothing more than the young owner of the Broken Bow. Cattle spread, but when danger threatened innocent people, and when evildoers plotted against justice, then Steve Adams, rancher disappeared, and in his place came a mysterious, stalwart Indian wearing the dress and war paint of a Comanche riding the great golden Palomino Fury, galloping out of the darkness to take up the cause of law and order throughout the west comes the legendary figure of Straight Arrow. The Navajo Indian wore a kerchief around his head, and the two men sitting on the porch of the ramshackle hotel in Wilpie exchanged quick glances as they saw him pass.

[Tanner]

You recognize him?

[Mojave]

Yeah, it must be Mojave. Navajo. Ain't he just rode in off the desert? There's only one reason a Navajo would be in this town.

[Tanner]

You'll never get on that stage coach.

[Mojave]

As long as you don't get to Santa Fe with that Spanish paper. That's all I care about.

[Tanner]

He won't get any place. Just get that cigar of yours out of the way and I'll show down.

[Mojave]

That six shooter why the street's empty.

[Tanner]

Who's Gonna find out.

[Mojave]

Be a fool. Put it down. Yeah, I am.

[Tanner]

And you better figure something, Prudo.

[Mojave]

There's time.

[Tanner]

How much you say that land belongs to you? The Navajos claim was their tribal land. They dug out that old Spanish paper to prove it. Tanner, if that engine gets on the stage coach and reaches Santa Fe.

[Mojave]

Said that before. Shut up.

[Stage Driver]

But the page.

[Legano]

Shut up.

[Mojave]

Here comes the stage. Stage coach is pulling into town now. It'll take about 10 or 15 minutes to change horses. The crowd's already collecting at the stage office. There'll be a lot of noise. Mahavi, you can shoot down that engine without anybody knowing the difference. All right. There he is, Mahavi. A clear shot.

[Tanner]

Yeah. Here goes.

[Narrator]

The wounded Navajo, caught in the back by Mojave's bullet, staggered against the stagecoach platform. Beside him as he fell lay the baggage piled up to go on the stage. Close to him was a carpet bag. He fumbled at it. From his shirt he took an ancient yellow parchment. Quickly, with his remaining strength, he thrust the parchment into the carpet bag.

[Packy]

I. Cactus. Ms. Pete. Seems like everybody and his brother's taking this here stagecoach. Are you certain you still want to go?

[Mesquite Molly]

There's room for me, Packy. I told my cousin Sarah I'd come visit her in Santa Fe. Now, where's that carpet bag of mine?

[Steve Adams]

We'll find it.

[Mesquite Molly]

Ms. Gate must be here someplace, Steve. I left it right about here. Oh, land of goshen.

[Packy]

Steve. A Navajo Indian.

[Steve Adams]

One side. Packy, let's have a look. He's been shot in the back.

[Narrator]

Is he dead, Steve?

[Steve Adams]

You're mighty close to it, Mesquite, but he's still breathing.

[Mesquite Molly]

Now, who could have done a thing.

[Packy]

Like that by cactus? Steve, you recollect. I thought I heard a shot a while back. Somebody dragged us. This Navajo took advantage of the excitement of the crowd, and he would.

[Stage Driver]

Passengers get aboard stagecoach for Alkali Salt Flats. Iguano Almagardo, Santa Fe. Passengers get aboard.

[Narrator]

Steve.

[Mesquite Molly]

Land a go.

[Steve Adams]

You go ahead, mesquite.

[Mesquite Molly]

No, but that poor engine back in.

[Steve Adams]

I'll get him to a doctor. You get aboard the stage.

[Packy]

Keno. Have a nice visit. Oh, here, here. You almost forgot your. Your carpet bag.

[Mesquite Molly]

What's that? Oh. Oh, yeah. My carpet bag. Well, Eddie O. Steve Eddy's packaging. Take care of that poor engine. Imagine me so flustered. I clean forgot about this carpet bag. It's got all my clothes in it.

[Tanner]

Well, there goes the stage tanner and that never hole in on it.

[Mojave]

Yeah, but where is he? I lost sight of him after you pulled Trigger yes, so did I. He'll have that paper on him. We still got to get it. Mojave. And we got to destroy it.

[Tanner]

Where is he? I pulled the trigger and he staggered and headed that way.

[Mojave]

Yeah.

[Tanner]

Got lost in a crowd and.

[Packy]

Yeah.

[Mojave]

Those two across the street, they're carrying him toward the doctor's house.

[Stage Driver]

He's still alive.

[Mojave]

Yeah. They got to find out who those two gents might be. Mojave. Either the engine still got the paper on him or.

[Tanner]

Yeah, Tanner. I'll find out. It's him or them. I'll find out. Prado.

[Narrator]

Fellows and girls, things look pretty bad, don't they? But you know, I never worry as long as I'm sure Steve's got a good Nabisco Shredded Wheat breakfast under his belt. It'll give him plenty of get up and go, just as you'll have lots of pep and energy after a good, solid breakfast of Nabisco Shredded Wheat every morning. Yes, sir. Sit down to a serving of crisp, delicious Nabisco Shredded Wheat with milk and sugar and fruit, and you've got a breakfast standby that really stands by you. And that's because Nabisco Shredded Wheat is made from pure, nourishing whole wheat that comes from real straight arrow country, the western plains. It's so good for you. Mother will be pleased as punch to buy it. Tell her to look for the picture of Niagara Falls on the package to be sure of getting the original shredded wheat. Nabisco Shredded Wheat. It's the breakfast standby that's stands by you. A wounded Navajo carrying a precious Indian document manages to slip the paper unnoticed into Mesquite Mali's carpet bag just before Mesquite takes the stage for Santa Fe. And the land grabbers who are searching for the paper pin their sights on the wounded Indian and Steve Adams and Paki.

[Tanner]

That paper ain't on another ho, Tanner.

[Mojave]

You positive?

[Tanner]

I managed to get in the doctor's house. I went through every stitch of his clothes.

[Mojave]

Got rid of it, eh?

[Tanner]

Yeah, he must have.

[Mojave]

Steve Adams and Paki, huh? Those are the two hombres who lugged him to the sawbones, Adams and Paki. They headed back toward a ranch called the Broken Bow.

[Tanner]

You figure they got it?

[Mojave]

Yeah. All right, mount up, Mojave. We'll round up the rest of the boys. Come darkness, we'll bust that broken bow wide open. Get back. Come on. Out.

[Packy]

By cactus, Steve. Sure is peaceful sitting here in the porch, ain't you?

[Steve Adams]

Yeah, it is.

[Packy]

Yeah. You wonder how Mesquite's doing on the stagecoach?

[Steve Adams]

I'm more concerned with that Navajo Paki, you know.

[Packy]

Unconscious, ain't he?

[Steve Adams]

He was when we left Willpie.

[Packy]

From his get up, I judge he belonged to the Green Valley clan.

[Steve Adams]

Well, that's why I'm concerned. That's the clan that's in the middle of a big argument about their land.

[Packy]

They own it, Steve.

[Steve Adams]

There's some who say they don't. I'm wondering if that shooting might have something to do with it. Well, looks like we got company.

[Legano]

Paki.

[Packy]

Quite a mob. Wonder if it's a poshy.

[Steve Adams]

Don't see any badges showing.

[Mojave]

Well, howdy. You Steve Adams?

[Steve Adams]

I've never seen you before, mister.

[Mojave]

No, but you're seeing me now, Adams. We just came over from Willby.

[Packy]

Oh, she at there. Navajo?

[Mojave]

Why, that's what we come about, mister. He's a. He's much better. Matter of fact, he told us he gave it to you. Huh?

[Steve Adams]

He gave something to us.

[Mojave]

Now you know what we're talking about, Steve.

[Packy]

This number don't make sense. That Navajo was unconscious right from the time Mesquite noticed him beside her carpet bag. He never gave us nothing.

[Mojave]

So that's your attitude, is it? Meaning what? Meaning we outnumber you 10 to 1. Now, either you hand it over, or I.

[Packy]

Now what in sashafresh? More callers.

[Steve Adams]

Judging from the sound, they'll be Indians.

[Mojave]

Indians, Turner. Yeah, you're right. Mojave. Well, adios, Adams. But we'll be back, mister. Remember what I said. Let's go, boys.

[Packy]

By Cactus Steve, what's going on? That tiny hombre piles in here and now.

[Steve Adams]

Easy, partner. Here come the Indians. Let's see what's on their minds. How white man Navajo's packing. Green Valley clan. How?

[Legano]

I am called Legano, Navajo chief. Our brother Tingaya lies wounded in Wilfy. Doctor there tell us you are two men who bring him in.

[Packy]

Say, what is this? Don't tell me you're after the same thing. That tenor.

[Legano]

So you know this man Tanner put.

[Narrator]

Him at that time packing.

[Steve Adams]

I'm sorry, Logano packing. I don't know a thing. What's this ruckus all about?

[Legano]

We not tell white man. Besides, you already know you are in league with Tanner. You must have paper. Segoyan Jeezy's man. We searched him.

[Mojave]

No.

[Steve Adams]

You don't stand where you are.

[Legano]

You draw a gun.

[Steve Adams]

I hate to do this, Logano, but this is no time to powwow. I got both guns trained on you.

[Packy]

Now march.

[Steve Adams]

Walk straight ahead of me. And if Your braves make one move, I may pull trigger. Go on now. Right ahead of us. Rest of you, stand right where you are. Don't move. Pack him.

[Packy]

You know where my dudish to you?

[Steve Adams]

Yeah. Your paint horse and my pony are saddled and ready. Two steps more.

[Legano]

White man. You quiet.

[Packy]

There we are, Steve.

[Narrator]

Right Packing.

[Steve Adams]

Allegano. This won't hurt you much. Into the saddle, Packy. Pronto.

[Mojave]

Get up there, Pete.

[Packy]

Come on, Steve.

[Steve Adams]

Right with you, partner. Up, honey.

[Mojave]

Get away. Clear.

[Steve Adams]

A few shots over the heads.

[Legano]

Paki Kino.

[Packy]

Hey, that'll slow him down. We're heading for Sundown Valley, Steve.

[Mojave]

You bet we are. There's a mystery here, partner.

[Steve Adams]

The only way to unravel it is to light out a straight arrow. Outrun the Navajos. Sundown Valley in the hidden cave.

[Stage Driver]

Get along there, pony.

[Narrator]

A short distance from the Broken Bow ranch house lay Sundown Valley. And in it, through a secret entrance known only to Steve Adams and Packy. A vast subterranean cave. The walls of the cave glitter with crystals of gold. From an unknown source comes light that spreads. A shimmering gleam everywhere. And standing in the glowing light is a great golden palomino.

[Mojave]

Easy bear.

[Legano]

Big boys.

[Narrator]

A Comanche bow. And Comanche arrows hang on the wall. There is Comanche war paint. Comanche garb. In a moment, Steve Adams, rancher, is gone. And in his place, yes, Curry it is.

[Mojave]

High. Straight down.

[Narrator]

A clatter of hoofs in the vast vaulted cave. An Indian war hoop that rings from the glittering rock out into the open gallops the great golden palomino fury. And riding bareback, clad in Indian car from head to toe, Straight Arrow on the trail of justice. A short time later, the red man and his partner located the band of Navajos who were still searching in vain for the lost betrayal of Steve Adam.

[Packy]

There they be. Straight error. Still searching and getting no place.

[Steve Adams]

Stay here. Out of sight, Paki. I am going ahead to powwow. Chief L. He would not talk to a white man, but he will not refuse. Straight Arrow up, Fury.

[Legano]

Great Arrow. You are Straight Arrow Naheed. It is the Great One. Our Comanche brother's straight arrow. Where there is danger, he appear.

[Steve Adams]

I am here. Legano. You speak of danger? What is it?

[Legano]

Much danger for the Navajos in Green Valley? No, honey. Tengaya had been wounded by the bullet of white man.

[Steve Adams]

I know about 10 Gad.

[Legano]

How you know this?

[Steve Adams]

That does not matter. There is a certain paper which proves that Green Valley belongs to the Navajos. Tell me all you know.

[Legano]

My Comanche brother is wise. This is what has taken place?

[Narrator]

But meanwhile, the land grabber, Tanner has been busy leaving the Broken Bow. He and his men had returned to Wilfy. And a short time later, just outside the town.

[Mojave]

What's that, Mojave? You found out about that paper?

[Tanner]

I tell you, this time I got the straight dope, Tanner. I sneaked over to the doctor's place, to the window of the bedroom. I heard that, Nava.

[Mojave]

Wait a minute. He was unconscious.

[Tanner]

He still is. But he was talking savvy, moaning away. And I got an earful, Tanner. He stuck that paper in a carpet bag. Some female on the Santa Fe stage has got the paper with her.

[Mojave]

Well, so that's the story in the carpet bag, huh? Yeah, Yeah, I recollect her.

[Tanner]

We gotta catch that stage, Tanner.

[Legano]

We will.

[Mojave]

And if those Navajos try to follow us, we'll take care of them too. All right, boys, the trail to Santa Fe. Let's go.

[Narrator]

It was early morning when Chief Legano and his braves accompanied Straight Arrow to Wilpy. By now, the land grabbers were well on their way. After Mesquite Molly, blanked by Lugano and Paki the red man went to Tingayat's bedside. Soon he too, had the same information.

[Steve Adams]

The missing paper was placed in a carpet bag. That is the name of the woman to whom the carpet bag belongs. Legano. She took the Santa Fe stage. By now, that stage is many miles out across the desert. Back to your braves. L. We start after the stage at once.

[Tanner]

Hey, didn't I tell you, Tanner?

[Mojave]

Yeah, Navajos.

[Tanner]

It's a good thing I spotted that cloud of dust. We ain't the only ones know about that carpet bag, Tanner. Them Navajos are after it too.

[Mojave]

How many do you make out?

[Tanner]

Looks like about 20. Who's that in.

[Mojave]

The lead on the big stallion?

[Tanner]

Looks like a Comanche.

[Mojave]

20, eh? We've got about the same number.

[Tanner]

You got some scheme in mind?

[Mojave]

Yeah. This is a perfect spot for an ambush, Mojave.

[Tanner]

An ambush, boss? You mean them Navajos?

[Mojave]

Trail leads right into this draw. Below us, ground is rocky. Our ponies left no prints to warn them. All right. You and I and a few of the boys will continue on. We'll stop the stage, grab that carpet bag and burn the paper. But those Navajos won't continue any further than this very spot. All right, boys, grab your rifles and get undercover. You're gonna massacre a few engines.

[Packy]

Here they come, gents.

[Mojave]

Get set now.

[Narrator]

Well, straight arrows in a mighty tough spot this time. But he has plenty of courage and energy to see him.

[Mojave]

Through.

[Narrator]

Just as you boys and girls will have plenty of energy to see you through the morning when you eat a Straight Arrow breakfast of Nabisco Shredded Wheat, sugar and milk. Why, you'll be as chipper as a jaybird in tall timber after you've stowed away a couple of those big, hearty whole wheat biscuits. And you'll keep up your pep straight through to lunchtime. Because Nabisco Shredded Wheat is the breakfast standby that stands by you and say, here's another good idea. A couple of crisp, toasty Nabisco Shredded Wheat biscuits make a mighty fine snack at bedtime, too. And it's just the kind of snack Mother likes you to have. Just be sure you tell her to buy the original shredded wheat in the Niagara Falls package. That's Nabisco Shredded Wheat, the kind you want to eat. Land grabbers out to destroy a Spanish land grant which gives the Navajos the right to Green Valley have discovered that the land grant paper is on the Santa Fe stage in Mesquite. Molly's Carpet Bag. To prevent Straight Arrow and the Navajos from catching the stage first, an ambush is sprung.

[Legano]

Ambush? The trouble.

[Steve Adams]

Back out of the draw.

[Legano]

Down low on your ponies. Right back.

[Packy]

Almost got a job.

[Steve Adams]

Yes, Paki Bano. Your men are unharmed?

[Legano]

We are safe. Kaman. Let the Batman guard the trail. Who are they?

[Steve Adams]

They must be Tanner's men.

[Legano]

And Tanner also know about Carpet Bag.

[Packy]

He must Straight Arrow wearing a fine pickle. Tanner and some of his gang must have gone ahead. They'll grab that paper and burn it. The Navajos won't have no proof that Green Valley's theirs.

[Legano]

What we do, Straight Arrow? We must break through.

[Packy]

Got in here and we head in there. It's plain suicide.

[Steve Adams]

Yes, Paky. Yet something must be done, Kino.

[Narrator]

But what?

[Legano]

Perhaps we go some other way.

[Packy]

No dice, Lugano. This here rim rock extends north and south for miles. It'd take too long going round them. Sidewinders picked a perfect spot to hold us up.

[Mojave]

Steady, Fury.

[Steve Adams]

Packy, you have noticed the buffalo grass? There is plenty of it. And it is very dry, Kino.

[Packy]

But we can't set fire to it. The wind's right, but the grass stops a couple hundred yards ahead of where they are.

[Steve Adams]

It is close enough to give me a stop start, huh, Taki? L make flaming arrows. As many as you can. Use them when I set fire to the grass.

[Packy]

Oh, Straight Arrow, you're local. You can't bust through that ambush. Nobody can.

[Steve Adams]

Fury and I can try. Paky.

[Packy]

All set? Straighter.

[Legano]

We have many fire arrows to Munchy. We shoot them at Batman.

[Steve Adams]

Yes. L. But first, Packy set fire to the grass.

[Narrator]

In a moment, the dry grass burst into flame. A rolling wave of thick, heavy smoke moved toward the outlaw's ambush. And then into the air went flaming arrows landing on the Batman and flashing out of the smoke like a giant gold arrow that split skims along the ground.

[Steve Adams]

A palo.

[Legano]

Hacky.

[Narrator]

What happened?

[Legano]

The Batman opened pile. This straight arrow dead?

[Packy]

I don't know. L. I can't see a blasted thing. This smoke is thicker than molasses. I can't tell whether he caught a bullet or not.

[Mojave]

Hurry up. Get along.

[Stage Driver]

Well, Ms. Keith, how does it feel to be riding right up beside the driver?

[Mesquite Molly]

Say, he takes. Young feller. I rode on the driver's seat long before you was born. But I got to admit, you do handle the team mighty well.

[Stage Driver]

Why not? Especially this here route, I could travel it blindfolded. It's been a nice quiet trip.

[Mesquite Molly]

A nice, dusty trip. You mean land negotiation? I never swallowed so much dust at all. My bark. Oh, dear.

[Stage Driver]

Mesky. Something wrong?

[Mesquite Molly]

Oh, my eye.

[Stage Driver]

Your eye?

[Mesquite Molly]

That's what I said. Got a particle of dust in it or something.

[Stage Driver]

It's too bad. You want me to slow down and pry it out for you?

[Mesquite Molly]

No, no, thanks. I can manage if. Where's that carpet bag of mine?

[Stage Driver]

Your carpet bag?

[Mesquite Molly]

Oh, I got it right here beside my feet. I got a handkerchief in it someplace. I'll get my eye fixed up and.

[Stage Driver]

Well, go ahead.

[Mesquite Molly]

I don't have to. My eye's all right again. I reckon whatever blew in just blew itself out. See? Look at this here. It was in my carpet bag.

[Stage Driver]

It looks like a piece of paper.

[Mesquite Molly]

Of course it's a piece of paper, you loco idiot. But how did it get there? I never put it in.

[Stage Driver]

What's the difference? Mesquite don't look like anything important anyways.

[Mesquite Molly]

It's got some kind of writin on it.

[Stage Driver]

Ah, hen scratches, I reckon. Now, go on, Mesquite, throw it away.

[Mesquite Molly]

Throw it away?

[Mojave]

Sure.

[Stage Driver]

Just toss it to one side and let the breeze carry it across the desert.

[Mesquite Molly]

I don't know. Maybe it does mean something.

[Stage Driver]

Like what, for instance? Now you're being loco. Ratty old piece of paper. Go on, get rid of it.

[Mesquite Molly]

Yeah, yeah, I reckon I might.

[Stage Driver]

Just as what?

[Mesquite Molly]

Driver, look yonder.

[Stage Driver]

I see him. Mesquite road agent.

[Mesquite Molly]

There's no love to stay.

[Stage Driver]

Hold on, Mesquite. We'll give them a run for their money.

[Mojave]

There.

[Stage Driver]

It's no use, Whiskey. They got us cut off. We got to do like they always.

[Mojave]

That's better. Driver. Better outrun us, will you?

[Stage Driver]

We outran old Batuia.

[Mojave]

Two of us is enough. The other boys may have wound up with pounded ponies, but not Mojave and me.

[Tanner]

Any other passengers inside the coach?

[Stage Driver]

No. Let the last one off at Salt Flats. Just mesquite Molly here.

[Mesquite Molly]

What do you polecats want, anyways? This coach isn't carrying any express.

[Mojave]

Get out.

[Mesquite Molly]

Huh? You mean me?

[Mojave]

I mean you. Fetch that carpet bag with you.

[Mesquite Molly]

The carpet bag? Now, mister. There can't be any.

[Mojave]

Wrench it down, Carter.

[Mesquite Molly]

Well, I reckon I better, the way you're waving that six gun.

[Mojave]

Keep an eye on that driver.

[Tanner]

I got it covered for us.

[Packy]

Dumb old mister.

[Mojave]

I ain't good. All right now, ma'am, I'll take that carpet.

[Mesquite Molly]

Here. Darn your eyes. What in places are you doing? Well, you're dumping it all on the ground. My best crinoline, my petticoats.

[Packy]

Right.

[Mojave]

It's not here. Where is it?

[Mesquite Molly]

What'd you say?

[Mojave]

It's not in the carpet bag. Where is it?

[Mesquite Molly]

I don't savvy what you're talking about. Where's what?

[Mojave]

The paper. The land grant paper. You think we drag oats that Navajo just for a pastime?

[Tanner]

Ain't got talk, Tanner. If that paper ain't.

[Mojave]

I want to handle this Mojave. All right, ma'am. There's a lot at stake. The ownership of a hundred square miles of land, to be exact. A certain paper was concealed in that there carpet bag. But it ain't there. Now, there's only one answer.

[Mesquite Molly]

But I. I.

[Mojave]

The muzzle of this gun is pointing straight at your heart. You tell me before I count three or at your finish once.

[Stage Driver]

You can't shoot a female.

[Mojave]

Shut up, you mesquite.

[Stage Driver]

Tell him he means business.

[Mojave]

You bet I do. 2. Your last chance, ma'am.

[Legano]

It's in a. Yeah, yeah.

[Mojave]

Go on. Go on.

[Mesquite Molly]

No, no. I ain't gonna say a word.

[Mojave]

You're not, but you started to speak up. What changed your mind? I reckon that's all the time I'm giving you. Well, let's say your prayers, man. Say I'm prouder because I'm Tanner. A rat man.

[Tanner]

It's a Comanche we saw leading an Navajo.

[Mesquite Molly]

You bet it is. A straight arrow.

[Narrator]

Come on, red man.

[Mojave]

Mojave. His arrow caught my hand. I can't pull trigger.

[Stage Driver]

Let him have it.

[Mojave]

Pull trigger. No, Tanner.

[Legano]

Swarming all over me.

[Mojave]

Help.

[Steve Adams]

It is too Late for that now. And now you, Tanner.

[Mesquite Molly]

Red man, there ain't no need. Soon as you started in on the Mahava or whatever his name is I grabbed this polecat's gun and stuck it in his ribs. Didn't I miss you?

[Mojave]

Yeah. Don't shoot.

[Stage Driver]

I give up on Mesquite. I never in a million years saw anybody go into action like this. Here red man, you say he's straight.

[Steve Adams]

Eric Mesquite Tanner was after a Spanish land grant. He meant to burn it and cheat the Navajos out of Green Valley. That paper was in.

[Mesquite Molly]

I know, red man. It was in my carpet bag.

[Steve Adams]

It's not there now. Do you mean Fury and I got here too late?

[Mesquite Molly]

For land sake, Straight Arrow, you never once arrived too late. I saw you just in the nick of time. Otherwise I'd have told where I put it.

[Stage Driver]

Where you put it? Mesquite had that paper in your hand.

[Mesquite Molly]

Yep, I did. When the shooting started. See, driver, you just bend over and look at the top of your boot.

[Stage Driver]

The top of my. Well, I'll be hauled tight.

[Mojave]

That's the land grant. You put it in his boot and all the.

[Steve Adams]

Do not move, Tanner. Driver, I will take that.

[Mojave]

Here you be.

[Steve Adams]

You came close, Tanner, but not close enough. Green Valley stays where it belongs in the possession of the Navajos. And as for you, driver, tie up these two outlaws. We will hand them over to the sheriff in Santa Fe.

[Narrator]

And now, boys and girls, here's Packy to talk to you man to man.

[Packy]

You know, a feller needs energy. The kind of pep that won't run out on him when he's in a tight spot. And be dogged if I know a better way of getting that kind of pep than by eating Nabisco Shredded Wheat. Why, it's made out of that sun ripened wheat we raise out here on the western plains. Just chock full of sunshine and energy.

[Narrator]

You're right there, Packy. Boy, does Nabisco Shredded Wheat taste good with milk and sugar and fruit. Good for you, too. Nabisco Shredded Wheat is the breakfast standby that stands by you. Now, boys and girls, check with Mother right now to see if there's a package of Nabisco Shredded Wheat on hand. And be sure it's the original Shredded Wheat. Nabisco Shredded Wheat. Look for the picture of Niagara Falls on the package for Thrilling Adventures of the Old West. Ride with Straight Arrow and remember, N A, B, I, S, C O. Nabisco is the name to know for a breakfast you can't beat, eat Nabisco Shredded Wheat. Listen again Tuesday same time, same station for another adventure with Straight Arrow. This program came from Hollywood now for Bobby Danson's B Barbie Riders which follows over most of these same stations immediately. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[Andrew Rines]

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