The Devil and El Diablo | Hopalong Cassidy (11-24-51)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: "The Devil and El Diablo | Hopalong Cassidy (11-24-51)"

Host: Andrew Rines
Original Air Date: November 24, 1951
Release Date: June 12, 2025
Podcast Description: Dive into the golden age of radio with digitally restored Western dramas, enhanced to deliver rich and immersive audio experiences. Celebrating iconic shows like Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger, each episode brings legendary characters and timeless tales of the Wild West to life with unparalleled clarity.

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Episode Overview

In this thrilling episode of Hopalong Cassidy titled "The Devil and El Diablo," Hopalong Cassidy (Hoppy) and his trusty sidekick, California Carlson, embark on a perilous journey to Mount Diablo. Tasked with meeting a party of missing army officers, the duo finds themselves entangled in a web of mystery, betrayal, and danger as they uncover the truth behind the enigmatic deaths surrounding the mountain.

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Plot Summary

Setting Out for Mount Diablo
The episode begins with Hopalong Cassidy and California Carlson setting off on a challenging expedition to the eastern slopes of towering Mount Diablo, aiming to rendezvous with a group of army officers expected to have reached Diablo Summit. However, upon arriving in Sulphur Valley, they discover the area eerily deserted.

“Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis…”
— Promotional segments are artfully integrated, setting the stage before transitioning into the main narrative.

Encounter with Lieutenant Martin
While establishing camp, Cassidy and California encounter Lieutenant Martin, who brings dire news: a rock slide has trapped his companions near the summit.

“You'll have to go after them, Cassidy. Have to go after them or they'll die.”
— Lieutenant Martin [07:26]

Determined to save the trapped officers, Hoppy and California prepare for a treacherous climb, facing harsh weather conditions and treacherous terrain.

Suspicion and Tension
As they progress, Lieutenant Martin expresses doubts and fears, hinting at past connections with an outlaw known as "the Devil," who was notorious for his violent escapades and marked by a devil tattoo.

“The Devil was the name of an outlaw.”
— California Carlson [06:07]

This revelation plants the seeds of suspicion among the group, especially as Major Epperly, Captain Duncan, and Lieutenant Waite emerge as potential suspects in the tragedy.

Discovery and Confrontation
Upon reaching the location where the officers were presumed trapped, the group faces unexpected obstacles. A critical moment occurs when Major Epperly is discovered near the ledge, leading to further complications.

“It was him ordered all these killings. What do you want me for?”
— California Carlson [27:28]

The tension escalates as California Carlson takes charge, suspecting foul play behind the natural disasters plaguing their mission. The true identity of the antagonist unfolds, revealing betrayal and deceit within the ranks.

Climactic Showdown
The climax features a fierce confrontation between Hoppy and Major Epperly, culminating in the revelation that Epperly is the true "Devil," orchestrating the chaos for personal gain.

“You started that snow slide. And I told you not to.”
— California Carlson [25:09]

Major Epperly's treachery is exposed as he attempts to eliminate Cassidy to protect his illicit activities. In a dramatic conclusion, Cassidy ensures justice is served, tying up the nefarious plans of the so-called "Devil."

“I just wanted to hear you admit that you gave the orders, that's all.”
— California Carlson [25:02]

Resolution
With Epperly apprehended, Cassidy and California Carlson reflect on the ordeal, highlighting themes of courage, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of justice typical of Western heroism.

“You can be sure of that. In their next adventure, Hoppy and California meet up with the lawyer of Laredo and become involved in a feud that is as exciting as it is dangerous.”
— William Boyd [28:27]

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Notable Quotes and Moments

1. Introduction to the Adventure

   • “Welcome to the old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and let's get into this episode.”
     — Andrew Rines [00:58]

2. Setting the Scene

   • “Mount Diablo was a name to be feared, respected and admired for this great cowboy rides the trails of adventure and excitement.”
     — William Boyd [03:30]

3. Rising Suspicion

   • “The Devil was the name of an outlaw.”
     — California Carlson [06:07]

4. Climactic Revelation

   • “You started that snow slide. And I told you not to.”
     — California Carlson [25:09]

5. Final Confrontation

   • “You can be sure of that. In their next adventure, Hoppy and California meet up with the lawyer of Laredo and become involved in a feud that is as exciting as it is dangerous.”
     — William Boyd [28:27]

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Insights and Themes

• Courage and Leadership: Hopalong Cassidy exemplifies unwavering bravery and decisive leadership, especially when faced with life-threatening challenges.

• Betrayal and Deceit: The episode delves into themes of trust and treachery, highlighting how appearances can be deceiving and the importance of vigilance.

• Survival and Teamwork: The harsh conditions of Mount Diablo serve as a backdrop for the characters to showcase resilience and the necessity of collaboration in overcoming obstacles.

• Justice Prevails: Consistent with Western narratives, the story reinforces the moral that wrongdoing will eventually be uncovered and justice will be served.

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Conclusion

"The Devil and El Diablo" is a quintessential Western tale that combines suspense, action, and moral integrity. Through the masterful portrayal of Hopalong Cassidy and the intricate plot surrounding Mount Diablo, listeners are immersed in a gripping narrative that stays true to the spirit of the Wild West. Andrew Rines' meticulous digital restoration breathes new life into this classic, ensuring that the legacy of these timeless stories continues to captivate audiences.

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Don't Miss Upcoming Episodes!
Subscribe to Old Time Radio Westerns on your favorite podcast platform to continue exploring the adventures of Hopalong Cassidy and other legendary Western heroes. Follow us on Facebook and YouTube for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

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This episode was written by Gibson Scott Fox with original music under the direction of Albert Glasser, based upon characters created by Clarence E. Mulford. Produced in the West by Walter White, Jr. All rights reserved by Commodore Productions.

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Hopalong Cassidy Original Air date is November 24, 1951 and the title is the Devil and El Diablo. Let's get into it and I hope you enjoy.

[Teen Advocate]

Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they are. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Oregon legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me@ flavorshookorgankids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.

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[William Boyd]

With action and suspense. Out of the old west comes the most famous hero of them all. Hopalong Cassidy. Starring William Boyd. The Ring of the Silver spurs heralds the most amazing man ever to ride the prairies of the early West, Hopalong Cassidy. The same Hoppy you cheer in motion pictures and the same California you've laughed at a million times. Raw courage and quick shooting have built a legend around this famous hero. Hopalong is a name to be feared, respected and admired for this great cowboy rides the trails of adventure and excitement. William Boyd as Hopalong Cassidy and Andy Clyde as California. What's our story this time, Hoppy?

[California Carlson]

We call this the Devil in El Diablo. It was early February when California and I threw our diamond hitches on two pack horses and started the long journey to the eastern slopes of towering Mount Diablo. We were headed for Sulphur Valley, and that's a third of the way to Diablo's top. There we were supposed to rendezvous with a party of army officers who had started from the other side and should have reached Diablo Summit and descended again by the time we got there. But they hadn't. When we reached our destination, we saw no one. Sulphur Valley was as desolate as ever and quite deserted.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Whoa, there. Whoa.

[California Carlson]

Whoa, boy.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Well, looks like nobody's here yet, Hoppy.

[California Carlson]

Ah, so I see. I wonder. Well, nothing to worry about, I guess. Likely the climb took longer than expected. Now, while we're waiting, let's set up camp and get a fire going.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Sure, sure. Know any of these fellers we're supposed to meet?

[California Carlson]

No, I never met him. Put that thing over there. All I know is they wanted some guides. General Harrison arranged it.

[Lieutenant Martin]

General Harrison, huh? Wonder if he's crazy, too.

[California Carlson]

Crazy? What are you talking about?

[Lieutenant Martin]

Well, look up there. Never thought anything of it till we got here, Hoppy, but just take a look. That's a real mountain.

[California Carlson]

Sure.

[Lieutenant Martin]

You can't see the top of it for clouds. And look at all that ice and snow. Good thing we're dressed heavy like this. Climb up there, huh? You'd have to be crazy.

[California Carlson]

Oh, well, they're mapping it.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Sure, sure, that's just what we need, a map of all that snow up there.

[California Carlson]

No, you got it all wrong. California. They're just mapping the valleys and passes. Climbing to the top was their own idea. They make it, they'll be the first.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Where do we go after they get here, Hoppy? Off over there.

[California Carlson]

Yeah, all through that hill country over there. They're mapping that, too. That's where they need us.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Well, they're paying for it. But seems to me that. Hoppy, there's something been sticking in my craw.

[California Carlson]

Yeah, what's that?

[Lieutenant Martin]

Didn't we used to hear about this here Mount Diablo quite a lot? Seems to me we did. Just can't recollect in what connection.

[California Carlson]

This is where the Devil used to hang out?

[Lieutenant Martin]

I should think so. Hoofs and a forked tail is just what's needed in this part of the country. But I wasn't joking.

[California Carlson]

I wasn't joking either. The Devil was the name of an outlaw.

[McDonald's Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Oh, yeah. Yeah. By golly, now I remember. That was a couple of years ago, weren't it?

[California Carlson]

Yeah, just about.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Don't hear him no more. Wonder what happened to him.

[California Carlson]

No one seems to know. Maybe he's dead. Some people think he might have been killed by his own followers. Stole a lot of money at one time or another, you know. So most people think he slipped across the border and changed his name.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Yeah.

[California Carlson]

I see he used to raid the mining towns over north.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Yeah. Yeah, I recollect that. Called him the Devil. Cause he had a picture of the Devil tattooed on him somewhere, didn't they?

[California Carlson]

Yeah, I heard that. I think.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Wonder why he wanted to hang out in the middle of this chunk of desolation.

[California Carlson]

Ah, this just suited his book, California. Whenever the law showed up, he just started climbing. No one ever seemed very anxious to follow.

[Lieutenant Martin]

I can believe that, all right. I wouldn't neither.

[California Carlson]

Wait a second. California. Hold it. What is it?

[Lieutenant Martin]

What's the matter?

[California Carlson]

I saw something moving over there.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Moving? You sure it was moving?

[California Carlson]

Yeah. I thought.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Let Etch move the other way.

[California Carlson]

California, wait. One of the officers. It looks like he's in trouble. Come on. Hello there. What's happened here?

[Major Epperly]

Who. Who are you?

[California Carlson]

I'm Cassidy. This is California Carlson. But what happened?

[Major Epperly]

Cassidy, am I glad to see you. I'm Lieutenant Martin. And the others? The other others?

[California Carlson]

Yes. What about them?

[Major Epperly]

Hey. Trapped.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Cassidy.

[Major Epperly]

10,000Ft up is a rock slide just below the summit. You.

[California Carlson]

Yes.

[Major Epperly]

You'll have to go after them, Cassidy. Have to go after them or they'll die.

[William Boyd]

Now back to Hopalong Cassidy and our story, the Devil and El Diablo. It is now nearly an hour since Lt. Martin arrived with the news that his companions had been trapped by a rock slide just below Diablo's icy summit. His descent has torn his clothing to shreds. He is frost bitten, scratched and bruised. Poppy and California have been working desperately to revive him. And now.

[Major Epperly]

Oh.

[California Carlson]

Oh, he's coming to. California Martin. Lieutenant Martin, can you hear me? How you feeling?

[Major Epperly]

Oh, rotten. But better than I expected to be. Cassidy, what's up?

[California Carlson]

Sorry, Lieutenant, but I'll have to ask you some questions. Were any of your friends injured by the slide?

[Major Epperly]

I can't tell you for sure, Cassidy, but I don't think so. I think it came closer to getting me than it did them. I started down ahead of them to figure out the way to go. Lucky I did, though. If I hadn't, I'd have been trapped there with them. Slide wiped away part of the ledge they were on so they couldn't go either forward or back.

[California Carlson]

How long do you think they can hold out?

[Major Epperly]

It's hard to say. Several days, I should think. The worst is the food and the cold. They were low on grub anyway. And up there, sleeping bags don't help much. Those winds cut right through.

[California Carlson]

How long do you think it'll take us to reach them?

[Major Epperly]

I don't know. Three days. If we hurried, maybe we could make it in two.

[California Carlson]

Then we'll make it in two. What kind of a climb will we have?

[Major Epperly]

Pretty nasty. Plenty of ice and snow, bad winds. Yeah, there's places where you'll have to go straight up, chipping out your handholds with a pick. Most of the time, you'll be working across the face of a pretty nasty drop, maybe two, 3,000ft.

[California Carlson]

We'll make it. You draw some sort of a map so we'll know how to find them.

[Major Epperly]

Oh, nothing doing. I'm going along.

[California Carlson]

But you can't. Look at the condition you're in. Man, you. Why.

[Major Epperly]

How much mountain climbing have you done, Cassidy?

[California Carlson]

Well, not much. But that doesn't mean that on this.

[Major Epperly]

Kind of a climb it means plenty. Cassidy, don't fool yourself. And don't fool yourself about me. I'm tough. I'm not in near as bad shape as maybe I look. You give me one good night's sleep and then I'll be as ready to go as anybody. You couldn't start before morning anyhow.

[California Carlson]

You're a good man, Lieutenant.

[Major Epperly]

Well, I. I heard you're a good man.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Doggone if you ain't both good men. And, Hoppy, you can depend on me, too. Don't you fret about a thing. While you're gone, I'll be guarding this camp like it was made out of solid gold.

[California Carlson]

Then when you get back, you're coming along.

[Lieutenant Martin]

I said when you get back.

[California Carlson]

I said you're coming along.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Yeah. Yeah, that's what I thought you said. Well, it's been a good life, Hoppy. Why should I complain? Cause it has to end so soon? Poppy. Hey, wait for me.

[California Carlson]

We're waiting. This is where we camp for the night. Ah, tomorrow the clamming really gets tough. That's when we have to start working up the face of those clothes. How do you feel about mountain climbing now, Hoppy?

[Lieutenant Martin]

Hoppy, I. I've changed my mind.

[California Carlson]

Oh, yeah?

[Lieutenant Martin]

Yeah. Yesterday when I thought about it, I was scared to die. Now. Now I wish I had.

[California Carlson]

California. Don't stop there. Keep going.

[Lieutenant Martin]

I can't. I'm stuck.

[California Carlson]

You're not stuck.

[Major Epperly]

You're scared.

[California Carlson]

You haven't much choice. Either you climb five feet or drop a thousand.

[Major Epperly]

Oh, we're getting close, Cassidy. We swing across this drop here, and then we work our way up a chute over there. After that, there's a ridge. Hello, Cassidy. We made it. Here, give me your hand. I'll pull you up here. Up.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Up here. There.

[Major Epperly]

Where?

[California Carlson]

Where are they?

[Major Epperly]

Well, they're right over there. They. They're gone.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Mark. What did you say, Lieutenant?

[Major Epperly]

Where? They. They're gone. They were right on that ledge over there. I marked it by the signs of the slide.

[California Carlson]

Ah, there have been lots of slides up here. Martin, you're sure that's the right one? I don't think it is. Look how the face of that cliff has had a chance to weather it had been just a few days ago.

[Major Epperly]

I'm not sure of anything anymore, except that we'll likely have to go back to where we swung across the canyon. That must be where we got mixed up.

[California Carlson]

What was that?

[Lieutenant Martin]

A hubby? No, that way. Look. Over there. Hi. It's them.

[Major Epperly]

Was right here. I got turned around. Coming, Captain? I brought help. We're coming right over.

[California Carlson]

All right, take it easy now. Get some of this chow into and you'll be feeling fit as a fiddle. You're Major Appellee, aren't you?

[Major Epperly]

That's right, Cassidy. And I want to tell you that your arrival seems to us like a miracle. Oh, Cassidy, this is Captain Duncan.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Hello. Hello, Cassidy.

[Major Epperly]

Odd place for introductions, eh? But glad to meet you. Happier than I can really say. Well, how do you like our little habitation here, eh? How do you like it?

[Lieutenant Martin]

Turn nation. I don't see how you kept the wind from sweeping you off in here.

[Major Epperly]

Well, there were times when we weren't quite sure how we did it ourselves.

[California Carlson]

California. Where did Lieutenant Martin go on?

[Lieutenant Martin]

Around that abutment there, Hoppy. He said he wanted to follow this ledge clear to the end. And see there wasn't a better way of getting down than the way we came.

[California Carlson]

That's a good idea. There's one more in your party, isn't There, Major. Lieutenant, wait. Martin says.

[Lieutenant Martin]

I've already seen to him, Hoppy. He's frosted a little, but otherwise he's all right. I fed him a little chow and put him to sleep back in the holler. There.

[California Carlson]

Ah, that's fine. We won't start down before morning anyhow. Glad to see you had no real casualties, Major. That'll make it a little easier going back. Hey, what was that?

[Lieutenant Martin]

Sounded like someone calling you. Must have been Lieutenant Martin. Yeah, that's Martin all right.

[California Carlson]

Be right there, Martin. You'll have to excuse me, Major. You too, Captain Duncan.

[Major Epperly]

Of course, of course. Come on.

[California Carlson]

California.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Likely found the other way of getting down. He was looking for Hoppy. I got a better head for heights than I figured I had. This ain't bothering me at all no more.

[California Carlson]

Good.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Look down there. This is a 3,000 foot drop here if it's an inch.

[California Carlson]

But wait a second. What did you say, Martin?

[Major Epperly]

You wait right there. There's not enough room for you around here. I'll be with you in a second.

[California Carlson]

He's found something, all right.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Yeah.

[Major Epperly]

Coming, Cassidy? Hey, I. I think I found a way of getting down without swinging across.

[Lieutenant Martin]

We.

[California Carlson]

Martin, watch out.

[Major Epperly]

What the devil?

[California Carlson]

No, grab something.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Wait.

[Major Epperly]

But I can't.

[Lieutenant Martin]

I can't.

[Major Epperly]

Super.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Oh, golly.

[Major Epperly]

Harpy.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Oh, golly.

[California Carlson]

Give me your glasses.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Here. Can you see him? Is he. Is he dead?

[California Carlson]

I can see him all right. And he's dead. He'd have to be after a fall like that. You can see that from here.

[Lieutenant Martin]

I was just saying I wasn't scared of accidents no more.

[California Carlson]

No need to be, huh? That was no accident. California Martin was murdered. All right. This is as far as we go today. We're camping here for the night.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Hoppy. Hoppy, you ain't giving me a chance to talk to you all day. Now, yesterday you said Martin was murdered. Now, what do you mean by that?

[California Carlson]

Just what I said, California. That was murder.

[Lieutenant Martin]

But he just slipped, didn't he? I seen that myself. He was coming around that corner of the ledge there. Then his ankle turned.

[California Carlson]

You should have taken a better look at the ledge itself. If you had, you would have seen the march of a tick. Someone broke off part of the ledge and they picked between the time Martin rounded that corner and the time he came back.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Well, what do you think?

[California Carlson]

Well, it might have been Major Epperly, Captain Duncan or Lieutenant Waite. Any one of the three would have had the opportunity, they say.

[Lieutenant Martin]

So that's why you asked me to keep still about what you said?

[California Carlson]

Yeah, Maybe One of them will betray himself. They certainly.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Wait. Wait a second. Harvey here trying to sneak up and listen to us, will you?

[California Carlson]

I. California, who is it?

[Lieutenant Martin]

It's Lieutenant Wade. He was laying here pretending he was asleep. He.

[California Carlson]

Wait a second. He is asleep. California, let him down. Can't you see the man's exhausted?

[Lieutenant Martin]

We're both wrong, Hoppy.

[California Carlson]

What do you mean?

[Lieutenant Martin]

He wasn't eavesdropping. Neither was he sleeping. Look here, he's got a knife in his.

[Major Epperly]

Foreign.

[William Boyd]

Now back to Hopalong Cassidy and our story. The Devil and El Diablo. 24 hours ago, the party at the summit of icy snow clad Mount Diablo numbered six men. Hoppy in California and Major Epperly, Captain Duncan and Lieutenants Waite and Martin. Now two are gone and Hoppy confronts the survivors.

[California Carlson]

Captain Duncan, Major Epperly, Lieutenant Waite I know was murdered. Lieutenant Martin I'm sure was murdered, even though I couldn't prove it. One of you two murdered them. Maybe both of you. Which one of you did it? I don't know. But I do know this. From now on, I'm taking charge. And when we get back to civilization, I'm turning both of you over to the proper authorities.

[Major Epperly]

Look here, man, this is preposterous. Accuse me of murder and I'll make you pay for it. I assure you I will. I assure you.

[California Carlson]

You do that. You look like you've got something on your mind, Major. Better get it off before it poisons you.

[Major Epperly]

I'd like to know where we stand. Am I to assume that we're your prisoners?

[California Carlson]

Something like that. That's as good a way of putting it as any, I guess.

[Major Epperly]

But I thought I was in charge here.

[California Carlson]

I dislike mentioning rank, but mention it all you want. I'm not in the army.

[Major Epperly]

Quite so. Then you have no authority.

[California Carlson]

I have my authority here at my belt. California and I are the only ones who are armed. Either one of you want to question that authority?

[Major Epperly]

Well, as long as you put it that way, Cassidy. No. You're quite definitely in charge. But definitely Preposterous.

[Lieutenant Martin]

It's anarchy.

[Major Epperly]

It's preposterous.

[California Carlson]

Then we're agreed. One thing more. Wade is dead, but he's our only proof that murder has been committed. So we're taking him with us. I gave California my rope. You got weights secured, California?

[Lieutenant Martin]

All set? Copy.

[California Carlson]

Good. He'll have to be lowered from this ledge to the one below us. Duncan, suppose you give California a hand.

[Major Epperly]

No. If you think you're making me your flunky, Cassidy. What? Oh, well, yes, sir. If you say so, Major. I do, yes.

[California Carlson]

If you need another hand, California, let us know.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Oh, we'll handle this all right, Harpy? All right now, Captain. Easy desert. Lower away now. Watch out for that ridge there.

[California Carlson]

Hey, California. What is it, Hoppy?

[Major Epperly]

The rope.

[California Carlson]

Bust my rope. Wait a second. Let me see that.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Here. Here it is.

[California Carlson]

It's cut. That's why the rope broke. It was cut half through. Who did this? You, Duncan? You? Epperly.

[Major Epperly]

If one of us had, you'd scarcely expect him to admit it, would you?

[California Carlson]

No, maybe not. But you can't blame me for being interested either. This is my rope. If it hadn't broken with weight, it would have broken with me. It broken with me. Right now I'd be at the bottom of the canyon.

[Major Epperly]

Where weight is uncomfortable, eh?

[California Carlson]

Mighty uncomfortable, yes, but get this through your heads. Watch your steps. The next accident that happens won't happen to California or me. It'll happen to you. Everybody finish breakfast. Then I have something to announce. Today you'll do no traveling. You three will stay right here and wait till I get back.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Where are you going? Hobby.

[California Carlson]

I'm going to backtrack a ways. I have a little investigation to do.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Couldn't that wait till we got to Sulphur Valley? Too much snow and cold up here to suit me.

[California Carlson]

Hobby, you make out, California? That bluff there gives you good protection from the wind. If I waited till we reached Sulphur Valley, my job would take longer than a day.

[Lieutenant Martin]

You going back up to Ablo?

[Major Epperly]

Yeah.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Hadn't I better go with you?

[California Carlson]

You'll have to stay and keep your eye on our friend here. Oh, you heard that. While I'm gone, California's in charge. Do as he says. Don't try anything you do. You may regret it. When he has to, he can be pretty tough.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Doggone right I can say. Huffy, do I have to stay here alone with these two fellers?

[California Carlson]

You can handle them, California. You'll have the only gun you. You know. Something you wanted to say, Major?

[Major Epperly]

It's occurred to me why you might be going back. Cassidy, I'd like to say. Don't. You might learn too much. Could be dangerous.

[California Carlson]

Thanks. Suggestion received and not acted upon. I'll have to be going now. California happy.

[Lieutenant Martin]

And when you get back, you'll know which one of these two is guilty.

[California Carlson]

Yes, California, I think I will.

[Lieutenant Martin]

California. Well, well, what do you want now?

[Major Epperly]

I wonder what's happened to your friend Cassidy. It's after dark. He's been gone all day. Doesn't it occur to you that he might have had an accident.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Say, you think he has?

[Major Epperly]

I think it's very probable.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Yeah? Yeah, just one of your tricks again. Well, Hoppy stole me to stay here and watch you, and here's where I'm staying. If you knowed Hoppy like I do, you know he don't have no accidents. That feller knows how to take care of himself. You just rest contented and quit trying to edge up on me.

[Major Epperly]

I'm contented enough.

[California Carlson]

That real perk, huh? What?

[Lieutenant Martin]

That thing you're humming. That's real pretty, you said. What is it?

[Major Epperly]

Oh, that's one of my favorites. Like to hear it, would you?

[Lieutenant Martin]

Sure, sure. Sure thing. Go ahead.

[Major Epperly]

Sure.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Pretty. Yeah, pretty.

[California Carlson]

He's asleep.

[Major Epperly]

I think he is. Wait a minute.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Got him.

[California Carlson]

Come here.

[Major Epperly]

Give me a hand.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Right here. Hey, you fellas. Leave me alone. Leave me alone.

[California Carlson]

You, my friend. Back. Get back, both of you. That's right. You right there, captain. And you stay right there against that bluff. Major. They hurt you any, California?

[Lieutenant Martin]

No, I ain't hurt any, Hoppy. But I sure feel bad about this. I guess I fell asleep. Anyhow, the major, there was a singing, and the first thing I know.

[California Carlson]

Yeah, the major there is a pretty slick customer. I should have been back sooner, but I had things to do.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Yeah. Say, that reminds me, Hoppy. You find out what you wanted and you found out who's behind all this?

[California Carlson]

Yes, I did.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Then tell me. I've been aching to know. Which one was it? The Major there or Captain Duncan?

[California Carlson]

Neither one.

[Lieutenant Martin]

What? What? I thought you said.

[California Carlson]

I said that Wade and Martin were killed by neither Apperly or Duncan. I'll explain they.

[Major Epperly]

You don't have to explain. You do know the truth, don't you, Cassidy?

[California Carlson]

Yes, I do. All of it.

[Major Epperly]

That's too bad.

[California Carlson]

Who for?

[Major Epperly]

For you. You in California. That means you'll have to die.

[California Carlson]

That's so. If you're not armed, how would you set about killing it?

[Major Epperly]

But I am armed. Get your hands up. Reach, both of you.

[California Carlson]

California. Where'd he get that gun, Happy?

[Lieutenant Martin]

I don't know. Hey, one of mine's missing. That must be one of mine.

[California Carlson]

Yeah, right.

[Major Epperly]

You got here in time to keep us from finishing him, Cassidy. But not in time to prevent me from taking one of his guns. Sorry you have to end this way, Cassidy. But as long as it's your life and not mine, I'm naturally not as sorry as I might have been.

[California Carlson]

You're a fool, Major. No, that's wrong. You're not Major Epperly, are You. What is your real name?

[Major Epperly]

I don't think it matters, Cassidy. Major's good enough. I rather like the sound of it.

[California Carlson]

What's your real name? Captain Duncan.

[Major Epperly]

That's something you'll never know, Cassidy. What did you mean about his being a fool?

[California Carlson]

Just what I said. He wanted to kill us. He should have waited until morning. No one can shoot accurately by firelight, and he knows it.

[Major Epperly]

Talk, Cassidy, and you know it. But before I kill you, suppose you tell me what you found back up there.

[California Carlson]

What you knew I'd find. The bodies of the real Major Apple and his party.

[Lieutenant Martin]

I'm all mixed up, Harvey. Who's these fellers, then?

[California Carlson]

If I'm not mistaken, the devil and his followers.

[Lieutenant Martin]

The devil? Oh, I know. That outlaw we was talking about.

[California Carlson]

Right? I am right, huh, Major? Of course. What were you doing back here? Why did you kill Epperly and his men?

[Major Epperly]

Suppose you guess.

[California Carlson]

I think I can. I have an idea that you had some of your loot hidden out on Diablo. You probably came back for it, ran into Epperly's party and misunderstood what they were doing on Diablo. You probably thought they were after your loot.

[Major Epperly]

We did. We were sorry for it afterwards, but by then the damage had been done.

[California Carlson]

So you helped yourself to their uniforms and the slide trapped you.

[Major Epperly]

Right. But what put you on all this?

[California Carlson]

You did. Under the circumstances. You were a little too military, and not always correctly. That suggested the truth. When I backtracked and found where you'd met Epperly and his men, I knew I'd been right.

[Major Epperly]

And Slim and Phillips? You know what? I died.

[California Carlson]

They were the men calling themselves Wait and Martin. Yes. I'll make another guess. You started getting rid of your followers so that you could have the loot to yourself.

[Major Epperly]

Partly right and partly wrong, Cassidy.

[California Carlson]

Yeah, I see.

[Major Epperly]

There's some things you don't understand. Shoot them. Confound it. Shoot them and get it over with. That Cassidy's too smart. The longer you wait, the better chance you're giving him.

[California Carlson]

Just a moment, I.

[Lieutenant Martin]

That's right.

[Major Epperly]

There has been too much talk. As long as you're alive, you're dangerous. So I'll. Now wait.

[California Carlson]

You don't understand.

[Major Epperly]

If you fire that snow California down. Run for it.

[California Carlson]

You started that snow slide. And I told you not to.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Hobby that ship. Know who buried him? Yeah.

[California Carlson]

He's a dead man. Buried under tons and tons of it. I tried to warn him, but he wouldn't listen. No, you don't, mister. Stop. Right.

[Lieutenant Martin]

What's the matter?

[California Carlson]

Our friend who calls himself. Captain Duncan thought this would be a good time to get away. Come here. That's right. Stop right there. Where do you think you were going?

[Major Epperly]

Well, the devil's dead. You saw him get buried under that snow, didn't you? It was him ordered all these killings. What do you want me for?

[California Carlson]

You're sure the devil was responsible for all this? You're very sure?

[Major Epperly]

Of course he gave the orders, didn't he? All the rest of us just did what he.

[California Carlson]

I just wanted to hear you admit that you gave the orders, that's all. All right, California, tie him up. We're taking him in.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Him? He gave the order.

[California Carlson]

Of course. He's the fellow they call the devil. If there's any doubt about it, I think we'll find a tattoo on him to prove it.

[Lieutenant Martin]

Well, I'll be doggone. So this is the devil. A hoppy wears his hoofs and forked tail.

[California Carlson]

Oh, he'll have him, California. About 15 minutes after they hang him.

[William Boyd]

Well, that certainly was a surprise. And especially after we thought the devil had been killed. But they never fool Hoppy for long. You can be sure of that. In their next adventure, Hoppy and California meet up with the lawyer of Laredo and become involved in a feud that is as exciting as it is dangerous. Hopalong Cassidy, starring William Boyd is transcribed and produced in the west by Walter White, Jr. The Devil and El Diablo was written by Gibson Scott Fox with original music under the personal direction of Albert Glasser. All stories are based upon the characters created by Clarence E. Mulford. This is A Commodore Production.

[California Carlson]

SA.

[Major Epperly]

Nearly.

[Teen Advocate]

90% of kids who vape say flavors are why they do it. A lot of the flavors that I've heard are like peach, mango, watermelon. It makes it seem like more childlike and innocent. Oh, if I try this once, it won't be that much of a problem. But then eventually it becomes a problem. It's time to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products in Oregon and protect our kids from nicotine addiction. Urge lawmakers to Pass Senate Bill 702A. Take action at flavorshookoreegoids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.

[McDonald's Advertiser]

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[California Carlson]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of OTRWesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Teen Advocate]

Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they are. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Oregon legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me@ flavorshookorgonkids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.

[McDonald's Advertiser]

Most people would rather assemble a 300 piece cabinet than search for insurance. That's why the zebra searches for you. Comparing over 100 insurance companies to find savings no one else can Compare. [e-mail] 1.