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Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more Western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.
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Kellogg's the Greatest Name in Serials presents Whale Bill Hicker.
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I am. Folks, hold on your hats and pass Kellogg Sugar Pops. Cause here comes Guy Madison as Wild Bill Hickok and his pal Jingles, which is me, Andy Devine. We've got another Rootin Tootin Wild Bill Hickok adventure story for you. From this cereal you can eat out of the bowl or out of the box. The cereal with the sweetening already on it. Kellogg's Sugar Pop.
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Today, Kellogg's Sugar Pops, the cereal with the sweetening already on it brings you Wild Bill Hickok, transcribed in Hollywood and starring Guy Matherson as Wild Bill and Andy Devine as his pal jingles. In just 30 seconds you'll hear the exciting story. The Gunsmoke Blockade. Kellogg's Sugar Corn Pops are tops. Tops is a cereal with a little milk or cream. Tops is a snack right out of the box. Either way you don't add sugar cause the sweetening's already on Them, they're shot with sugar.
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Yes.
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Either way you'll get plenty of pleasure eatin those golden nuggets of ready sweetened corn. Enjoy Sugar Pops. Often have mom look for the package of Kellogg's Sugar Corn Pops with the pictures of Guy Madison and Andy Devine riding on the front with the words Shop with Sugar.
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Are you really buying a car online
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on Autotrader right now?
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Really?
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At a playground?
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Yeah. Really? Look at these listings from dealers.
G
Wow, your search can really get that specific.
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Really?
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And you just put in your info and boom. Car's in your budget.
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Mom needs a second. Honey, you can really have it delivered. Really? Or I can pick it up at the dealership. One sec, sweetie. Mommy's buying a car.
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Mommy, look.
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I think your kid is walking up the slide. Kyle.
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Again?
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Really? Autotrader. Buy your car online. Really?
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The railroad men fought a raw winter to lay their steel through the hills to the edge of Lonesome Valley. But there they were stopped. Hard eyed gunfighters blocked their right of way from there on. That was the situation when the railroaders sent a special train to bring United States Marshal Wild Bill Hickok and Jingles up for a desperate try at breaking the Gunsmoke blockade.
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Bill, it sure was nice of Mr. Hamilton to send a special train just for us, wasn't it?
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It sure was, Jingles. But don't get the idea that this is just a joy ride on your private engine.
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Yeah, that's what's bothering me. Ain't you got no idea who these gun toting hombres are, Mr. Hamilton?
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Not in the least, Jingles. More than that. I don't know why they want to
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stop the railroad, that's what beats me.
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You sure they ain't injured?
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No, no Jingles, we've had our share of trouble with Indians before. But these are hard cases from the valley.
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You see.
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Seen him, huh?
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Yeah, too close.
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Would you recognize any of them again, Mr. Hamilton?
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Sure, Bill. Their leader's a gigantic man with a big black beard. I'd know him at a convention.
F
Well, that's something to go on anyway.
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Yeah, Bill, but where are we going to find him? We ain't very well acquainted in this section of Texas.
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Maybe he'll find us, Jingle.
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Now Bill. You know a Jasper like that ain't going to come hunting us unless it's with his six gun spartan fire.
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That's just what I mean.
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But oh well, I don't like the sound of it one little bit. We're come to the curve, Mr. Hamilton. You gents better hang On.
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Get a grip, Tingle.
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Let her rip. That was a humdinger. Sure hope Buckshot and Joker didn't slide off that flat car back there.
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Not a chance.
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I had special stalls built for him.
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Getting close to the end of the line, gents. Coming to the valley. Oh, I don't like the way he said that, Bill.
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Yep. From here on, we can look for trouble if it's that close.
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Mr. Hamilton, I wonder if I could ask a favor of you.
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Yeah, sure, Bill. Anything.
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Well, if there's likely to be gun play, I'd like to go back and check up on our horses.
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Sure thing.
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Hey, Max. Yep?
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Can you stop here for a minute?
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Sure, Mr. Hamilton. Race is out now.
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Come on, Jingles. We'll take a look at the horses.
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Yeah, I sure wouldn't want nothing to happen to them. You really looking for trouble, Bill?
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I sure am, partner, and plenty of it. Any have a chance? Yeah, Joker's doing all right.
G
Yeah.
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Bill, don't you reckon it might be a good idea for me to stay back here and keep an eye on the horses? They might get lonesome, you know, if
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you figure you want to pardon. Easy, Buckshot.
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Easy.
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There you are, Joker.
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Oh, now, Bill, you know me better than that.
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Yeah, I never saw you shy away from a gunfight yet, Jingles. Let's get back to the engine.
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Take it easy, Joker. I might need you in a big rush.
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How'd you make out with the horses, bill?
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They're fine, Mr. Hamilton. All right, climb up, Jingle.
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Yeah. Mighty nice of you to stop words, Mr. Hamilton.
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Not at all like to see a man be good to his horse.
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May have been pretty good to us.
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All right, Mac, you can get rolling.
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Yes, sir. But from there on, you better have
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those six guns ready.
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Marshall, Hiccup, I got a feeling they're waiting for us. Well, if they are, they sure know we're coming. You sure couldn't sneak up on nobody with this iron monster belching fire the way it does.
F
That's right, partner. But if they're waiting, they'll find we'll be putting out a little fire ourselves.
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Now you're talking, Bill. If it's a fight they want, I reckon we can give it to them. Pour on the coal, Mac. Let's go get em.
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You're jamming your favorite song. And while you aren't missing a beat, you could be missing a signal from your body. It's an SOS from your kidneys. And it. It doesn't sound like music at all. It's silent. High blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and other risk factors can quietly stress the kidneys, leading to negative impacts on the heart. That's why you should ask your doctor about a simple urine test called uacr. Most miss the signal for hidden kidney disease and related heart risk. You shouldn't visit detectthesos.com today to learn more.
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In a world of endless notifications, there could be an important one you're missing. Your kidneys may be signaling an SOS with high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Your kidneys could be warning you of early signs of damage, which may put you at higher risk for events like heart attack or stroke. But there's a simple test that can help spot a hidden signal. Ask your doctor about a urine test called UACR to help detect kidney disease and heart risk early. To learn more, visit detectthesos.com today.
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Hey Wranglers, wouldn't it be swell if you could know today just what's going to happen tomorrow? Just imagine the fun you could have telling everybody what was going to take place 24 hours ahead of time. Well, I'm afraid can't any of us do that? But there's one thing I know is going to happen tomorrow for sure. Yep, tomorrow and every day, lots and lots of folks are going to be enjoying Kellogg's Sugar Corn Pops. Starting first thing tomorrow morning, there'll be folks enjoying them for breakfast and all day long for snacks. Now either way, you enjoy Sugar Pops. You don't need any sugar because the sweeteners already on them, they're shot with sugar. Enjoy yourself some Sugar Corn Pops tomorrow. Tell mom to look for the package. With Guy and Andy racing their horses pell mell across the prairie with the words shot with sugar right on front, Kellogg's Sugar Corn Pops.
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Yippee. Sugar Pops.
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Their sugar coated taste of sweet. Just pour on some milk boy.
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They're neat.
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Kellogg Sugar Corn Pops Sugar Pops are tops. Now Sugar Pops you know are sweets
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but cowboys know there's an extra treat
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right out of the box. Take a handful out, pop em into your mouth as you run about. Kellogg's Sugar Corn Pops Sugar Pops are.
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If only the engineer and the railroad superintendent in the cab with Wild Bill and Jingles the lone engine snorted on to the end of the line and waiting in grim silence over the last steel rail stood a dozen hard looking men on horseback. Their leader a gigantic figure with a big black beard.
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Well, here they come again boys. Guess they ain't learned their lesson yet. What are you figuring where to do this time, Blackbeard? I'll tell you what we're gonna do. We're gonna do the same thing we did last time they brought that snortin steam horse into Lonesome Valley. And we're gonna continue to do it till they stay out and they're all dead. Don't seem to stop them.
F
Just gun smoke and lead don't.
G
Well, it will before we're through. It's them or us that way.
E
I reckon it'll have to be them.
G
You're darn right it will. Ain't room in this valley for both. So they're staying out at the end of my six guns. How about it, boys?
E
Well, if that's what you say, that's
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the way it's going to be.
G
Blackbeard, we elected you to lead us and reckon we'll go along with your judgment. All right, then. Spread out. Take cover so they don't see you. And when you start shooting this time, make sure they get the idea that we don't want them here.
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How much further, Mr. Hamilton?
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Around the next bend, Jingles.
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That way.
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They jumped you every time before.
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Yeah, that's right, Bill. They won't let our crews go to work.
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Hold it.
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I just saw the sun going off of a rifle barrel.
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Rifle barrel?
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Where?
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Right there.
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Jingle, Bill, rifle. We only got our six guns with us. This is where we go, gents. Hey, you can't stop here. We'll be sittin ducks for them rifles. Doggone it, they're too far up. Not no more track, Jingles.
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This engine can't take off across the
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prairie like a jackrabbit, you know. And from now on, I'm gonna stick the joker. Bill, we ain't in a fix that's exactly comfortable right now, you know.
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You said it, partner. They always attack right here at the edge of the hills, Mr. Hamilton.
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Yeah, that's right, Bill.
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Funny thing.
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Now there ain't nothing funny about it, Bill. Hickok. That lads coming close enough to singe my ear.
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You're not getting hit, Jingles.
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Can I help it if they're bad shots? You ain't want me to get plugged full of holes, are you?
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No, but those jaspers are good shots. You ever had any men killed, Mr. Hamilton? No, Bill.
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They nicked a few, but they haven't killed anybody.
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Funny thing.
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Now, Bill, you quit saying it's funny. I couldn't laugh right now. It was the last thing I had to do.
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All right, Jingles. Learned all we can here.
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I ain't learned to fight.
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Throw this iron horse in reverse. Mac, take us back to our horses.
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You Backing out of this fun fight, hickok?
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Not exactly, Mr. Hamilton. Maybe I'm just putting it off.
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I don't get you, Marshall, and I'm not sure I like it. I went to a lot of trouble and expense to get you up here to open that right away.
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I know that, Jingles, and I'll do everything we can.
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Well, it looks to me like you're falling down on the job right now.
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Now, hold on, Mr. Hamilton. You ain't gonna get nowhere talking to Bill like that. Never mind, Jingle that building.
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I don't know what you had in mind, Mr. Hamilton, but I generally do a job my own way.
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I'll just get it done. Hickok. I got a railroad to build down through Lonesome Valley. And I'm going to do it if I have to call the army.
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I never thought I'd live to ride Joker into another town again. That doggone lead was flying through that engine cab like a swarm of hornets.
F
Funny thing, Jingle Bill Hickok, if you
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say that once more, I'm liable to forget we're partners and stomp you into the ground. What do you keep saying it for, Bill?
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Those jaspers behind those rivals were right good shots. Jingle.
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Well, now, that's right big news to me. I was only right in front of their sights.
F
But you didn't get killed, Jingles, and that's the point.
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And a right good point, if I do say so myself.
F
That means they didn't want to kill us.
D
Why, they just thought that they'd save us for seed. Maybe we'd bring a bigger batch back with us so they could kill more at once, I reckon.
F
And we didn't see any of them.
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Nobody with a black beard, you mean?
F
That's right. Keep your eyes peeled for a gent like that in this town, Jingles, it's
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a right busy town. Look at all them freight wagons over yonder.
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Yeah, warehouses. Freight wagons. Maybe this adds up.
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Oh, Joker. Whoa up and stand right there. Bill, look. Look at that office with all them freight wagons behind it. Read what it says on that sign.
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Blackbeard's wagons haul anything anywhere in the West.
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Reckon that's our man, Bill.
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Right now, I'd stick my six guns on it, partner. What do you say we pay him a little visit? Get over that hitch rack, Buckshot.
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You too, Joker. Don't drag your feet. We never found anybody that easy before, Bill. If he'd have been a snake, he'd have bit us.
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You might get. Partner, watch yourself.
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Yep, there he is. Bill. I don't Know him anywhere.
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Well, howdy, gents. Got something you want hauled in or out of Lonesome Valley? If you do, I'm your man. Everybody calls me Blackbeard.
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I reckon you're the man we're looking for, all right.
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Easy, Jingle.
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Sure I am. Got a string of freighters covering the entire West. What are you shipping, gents?
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Nothing just yet. Just wanted to ask you how you're getting along with the railroad men, boss.
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The railroaders?
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Railroaders. By Jude, you got gall to come into my office, I'll break you in two.
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Now, hold on, now. Watch out.
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We're going to get carried out of here, mister.
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Not until you hear what I came to say.
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I ain't listening to no railroader.
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That ain't Boss full of gun on
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that big Jasper jeep.
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I can't do it, Boss. How come he's got a gun on me. Now, you see how things stand, Mr. Blackbeard.
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You cinderheads that'll stomp your booth through the floor.
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Yeah, the time while Bill Hickok gets through with you, there ain't gonna be enough for me to work on. Wait a minute.
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Hold on.
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You.
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You Wild Bill Hickok?
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That's what they call me, mister.
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And I'm his deputy, Jingle.
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Well, why didn't you say so?
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You aren't giving much to listening, black bit.
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Well, now, let's just sit down here and talk this thing over.
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I ain't got no coal to be fighting with you, Marshal. But I sure get rid of it when I hear the word railroad.
F
What's your scrap with the railroad, Blackbeard?
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Ought to be right plain, Marshal. I'm running freight wagons. The railroads put me out of business. And I got plenty of troubles now.
D
You have? What kind of trouble?
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Winter storms bogged down 10 of my rigs on the way over the hills to the warehouse at the junction.
F
That's east of the mountain.
G
Yeah, when those blasted railroads come through.
D
Well, that's only 40 miles, ain't it, Bill?
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Might as well be 40,000 in the winter from here west. I can operate all year round, but them hills is sure death all winter.
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You can't stop the railroads, Blackbeard.
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I can and I will.
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Not by bushwhacking.
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You ain't bushwhacking.
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You don't know what you're talking about. Shut up, Jake.
F
It's no good, Blackbeard. They've identified you as a leader in at least one attack on the railroad.
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We gonna take him to jail, Bill.
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Jail?
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We ain't killed nobody.
F
Not yet. But if you Keep up this gun play, there's a good chance you will.
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We don't need them blasted railroads. Wagons is for the West, Takeo. Let them keep their smoke pots back on the other side of the Mississippi where they belong.
F
They're fighting the wind, Blackbeard. The railroads have land grants for a line through Lonesome Valley.
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Yeah, and if you keep up what you're doing, you're again the law. Now you better listen to while he's giving you a chance.
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Chance nothing. The railroads ain't coming through, you hear me? I'll tear up the tracks with my bare hands. They'll not get one foot more in this rally.
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They'll have a full crew laying track at 8 o' clock tomorrow morning. Blackbeard and I'll be there with them. The law's on their side.
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Hang the law. Some blasted railroads are us freighters. We got here first and we're going to stay.
D
Now listen here, Black.
G
You listen, lawman. The first man that drives a spike to a rail tomorrow morning is a dead duck. And if you're both fool enough to back his play, you'll both be dead, too.
B
Back in the old west, folks didn't run to the pharmacy every time trouble hit. They relied on the know how and natural remedies. Kind of like how Tonto always seems to have a special mixture ready for whatever came next. If you want to learn how to do that today, check out the Beginner's Guide to Herbal Remedies. Easy steps for Teas, tinctures and Salves. Even if you've never tried herbs before, visit otrwesterns.com herbs to learn more again. Otrwesterns.com herbs BS you know, if I
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could stop in your living room now and ask you whether you like Kellogg's Sugar Corn Pops better as a breakfast cereal or as a snack. I'll bet it'd come out pretty even. Most folks like them fine both ways. Some like them a mite better as snacks. Others like them more as a cereal. But all in all, just about everybody likes them both ways. As a cereal or as a snack. Those golden nuggets ready sweetened pops of corn sure are popular with everybody. And remember, no matter how you enjoy Kellogg's Sugar Corn Pops, you never have to add any sugar because the sweetening's already on them. They're shot with sugar. Have mom get some. Get the package with Guy Madison and Andy Divine thundering down the trail on their horses and look for the words shot with sugar. That's Kellogg's Sugar Corn Pops,
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Sugar Pops
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they're sugar coated Taste of sweet Just pour on some milk, Kellogg Sugar, Corn Pops, Sugar Pops are tops Now Sugar Pops you know are sweets but cowboys
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know there's an extra treat right out
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of the box Take a handful out, pop em into your mouth as you run about Kellogg's Sugar, Corn Pops, Sugar Pops are.
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It was late afternoon by the time Wild Bill and Jingles had returned to the railroad superintendent and convinced him to resume work the next morning.
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All right, Hickok, I'll do it. But it won't be easy. I still got a feeling it won't work.
F
Sometimes you have to take a chance, Mr. Hamilton.
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I spend my life taking chances, Hickok. Don't preach to me about that, bill.
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Ain't preaching, Mr. Hamilton. It's leading up to something else. Ain't you, Bill?
E
Well, speak up, Marshall. My neck's out a mile.
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Now, there's a wire I'd like you to send to the junction along with your request for a crew.
E
All right, come on. Got a telegraph set in this caboose I use for an office.
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Reckon he'll do it, Bill? I don't know.
F
Pardon.
E
Bring it, Marshall. What's this new wrinkle? Go right up.
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Hey, this is a regular office, ain't it?
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Yep. Oh, excuse me a minute. Message coming over.
D
Can you get what it's saying, Bill?
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Yeah, just asking what Hamilton's gonna do.
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Yeah, I'm wondering about that myself a little bit.
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All right, Marshall, what else do you have in your mind?
F
Send orders for your crew to load everything in Blackbeard Junction's warehouse on the same train they're bringing through tonight.
D
Here it comes.
E
You crazy, Hickok. We got no authorization from Blackbeard for that.
F
Send a separate wire to the warehouse for authorization and sign it Blackbeard.
E
Now you're out of your head, Hickok. You'll fry me in bear grease before this is over.
F
I'll take full responsibility.
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You'll sign a statement of that effect before I'll send the first word.
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That's all right with me. Start sending now.
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Yeah, and when that old engine starts up to the end of the railroad track tomorrow morning, get ready for the biggest all out ruckus this country's seen in many a moon. All right, here we are in mine. Sure hope this works out, Bill.
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Cross your fingers, Jingles.
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Fingers, eyes and toes. I might never get untangled, Hickok. Look, Bill. Front of the engine. Blackbeard. The meanest looking bunch of omries I ever saw.
F
This is A payoff, partner. Come on. Better stay there till I call you, Mr. Hamilton.
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Not on your life. I started this and I'm going to be in at the finish.
G
You can bring along your whole gang, Hickok, we come for a showdown.
F
You're making a mistake, Blackbeard.
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Not the way we see it. I said I'd shoot the first man to drive a spike to a rail this morning. And by Jude, I'm going to do it.
F
Bring me a sledgehammer and spike. Mr. Hamilton, have your men lay the next rail in place.
E
Coming right up, Bill. All right, men, start laying track.
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Bill, you ain't going to drive that spike, are you?
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I sure am.
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You're digging your brave, Hickok.
E
Here it comes, Bill.
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Put it right in place, men.
F
Where did the spike go, Mr. Hamilton?
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Alternate ties and alternate sides, Marshall, I'm warning you.
F
Hickok. Hand me that sledgehammer, Bill. Back off, Jingles. If he gets me, take him to jail. Now, Blackbeard. Here goes the first fight.
D
Bill. Dog, gun it, Bill. Hickok. Someday I'm gonna have heart failure for some of your loco doing.
F
Pick up Black, Bill.
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You ain't one yet, Hickok. Them railroads ain't coming through, you hear?
F
I'll give you a choice, Blackbeard. You listen to me for five minutes or go to jail right now for trying to kill me.
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Now, don't none of the rest of you varmints get any ideas about shooting in the meantime. I ain't so bad with a six gun myself.
G
All right, Hickok, I'll listen. But you ain't got nothing to say that'll hold interest for me.
D
Now, that's where you're wrong.
F
All right, Mr. Hamilton. Bring up that string of cards.
E
Right, Phil. Eyeball that other engine, Mark.
D
Coming right up, Mr. Hamilton.
F
Now, Blackbeard, keep your eyes open and follow me to those.
D
Yeah, and the rest of your freighter gang can step right on along behind you. With me behind them? Just like a big caboose.
G
What are you up to, Hickok?
F
You can wait and see. Here we are. All the train, Mr. Hamilton.
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Right.
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All right, that's.
D
That's good hold of there.
F
There you are. What do you see on those flat cars?
G
Boxes. Boxes with my name on them.
F
Right Consigned to you.
G
But. But I didn't order this. Somebody stole them.
D
You didn't have sense enough to order them, so Bill did.
F
Hiccough you.
G
Wait a minute. All right, Marshall, start talking. I'll give you five minutes, then we start blasting.
F
Stand by, Boys, you start shooting now and there'll be a lot of men killed without a reason. Blast.
G
Talk. I said explain.
F
Shut up and listen. You said you couldn't get your goods across the mountains and your wagons were empty and idle.
G
That's right.
F
All right, here's your goods. But over those same mountains in one night, waiting to fill your wagons. Yeah, but you take it from here. Catching on, Blackbeard?
G
Yeah. Yeah, I sure am, Marshall. I. I've been a jughead. The railroad brings my goods to Lonesome Valley. I spread it from there all over the west in my wagons.
F
And no winter lay off on a cold of weather.
D
Dad. Burnett, you ought to help the railroad get built instead of standing there with smoking six guns in your hand.
G
You're right, Jingles. And by Jude, we will give a hand here. Mr. Hamilton, I want to shake with you to seal a bargain.
E
That's fine, Blackbeard. We can both shake hands with Wild Bill and Jingles for bringing us together.
G
You said it. Step up, boys, and shake with Wild Bill and Jingle. Come on, all of you.
D
Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on, you slap happy galoot. Before you waste any more of that good energy, now just reach down and grab one of them steel rails. All this heavy shaking might shake it right into place. We'll have a railroad built before you know it.
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And now, here are the stars of Wild Bill Hickok, Guy Madison and Andy Devine.
F
Andy, what's our Wild Bill Hickok story for Friday?
D
We got a Rip Snorter Guy coming up. It's all about a traveling medicine show and a mess of trouble. We call it Bad Medicine.
F
So long, kids.
D
See you Friday.
C
Open your mouth and shut your eyes. In Kellogg's Variety Pack, there's a grand surprise. Yes, with Variety Pack, you get all your favorite Kellogg's cereals. 10 generous servings each individually packaged fresh to you. You can take your pick of Kellogg's Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, Kellogg's Raisin Bran Sugar, Frosted Flakes and many other kinds. Open your mouth and shut your eyes when you choose from Kellogg's Variety Pack.
G
Pack.
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You'll get a grand surprise. Get Kellogg's Variety Pack.
G
Today,
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Kellogg's, the greatest name in cereals, has brought you another exciting story of Wild Bill Hickok, starring Guy Matt and Andy Devine. In person. Today's cast included Lou Merrill, Jess Kirkpatrick, Sid Mason and Jack Moyles. Our director is Paul Pierce. Story by Larry Hayes. Music by Dick Arant. This is a David Hire production. Transcribed in Hollywood now this is Charlie Lyon speaking for Kellogg's the Greatest Name in Serials, reminding you to listen again on Friday, same time, same station for another adventure of Wild Bill Hickok.
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Sam.
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Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok (01-06-54)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Aired: February 28, 2026
In this classic Western radio drama, "The Gunsmoke Blockade," U.S. Marshal Wild Bill Hickok and his steadfast deputy Jingles are summoned to Lonesome Valley to help break a hostile blockade stopping railroad construction. The famous lawmen face off against Blackbeard, the head of a gang of armed freighters determined to keep the railroad out to save their wagon business. The story is packed with suspense, gunfights, clever negotiation, and ultimately, a classic Western resolution where brains and bravery win the day.
[04:17–05:39]
The railroad, fighting severe winter and local resistance, halts at Lonesome Valley due to a blockade by armed cowboys.
Wild Bill and Jingles are brought in by special train to break the impasse.
Initial conversation between Jingles, Bill, and railroad superintendent Mr. Hamilton reveals the gravity and confusion over the attackers' motives and identities.
“Their leader’s a gigantic man with a big black beard. I'd know him at a convention.” — Mr. Hamilton [05:25]
[10:56–13:42]
Bill, Jingles, and Hamilton’s train is ambushed by rifle fire as it approaches Lonesome Valley.
Despite being excellent shots, the gunmen avoid actually killing anyone, which puzzles Bill and Jingles.
“You ain’t want me to get plugged full of holes, are you?” — Jingles [13:21]
“Those jaspers behind those rifles were right good shots, Jingles. But you didn’t get killed, and that’s the point.” — Wild Bill [15:06]
[15:32–19:07]
In town, Bill and Jingles spot Blackbeard’s freight office.
They confront Blackbeard, confirming his leadership of the blockade. Blackbeard admits his motive: the railroad threatens his freight wagon business, especially in winter when the trails are impassable.
Blackbeard insists he hasn’t killed anyone, but threatens future violence if the railroad proceeds.
“The first man that drives a spike to a rail tomorrow morning is a dead duck. And if you’re both fool enough to back his play, you’ll both be dead, too.” — Blackbeard [19:07]
[21:46–23:04]
[23:37–26:57]
At dawn, Blackbeard and his gang arrive to stop railroad construction by force, as Bill bravely steps up:
“Bring me a sledgehammer and spike. If he [Blackbeard] gets me, take him to jail.” — Wild Bill [24:31]
Just as violence is about to erupt, Bill reveals his plan—Blackbeard’s freight is already delivered by rail.
“Over those same mountains in one night, waiting to fill your wagons... The railroad brings my goods to Lonesome Valley. I spread it from there all over the west in my wagons.” — Wild Bill [26:22–26:42]
Blackbeard realizes a partnership with the railroad will benefit his freight business more than fighting it. Peace is reached and cooperation is established.
“You’re right, Jingles. And by Jude, we will give a hand here.” — Blackbeard [26:50]
Comic Relief Throughout:
“Now, Bill, you know a Jasper like that ain’t going to come hunting us unless it’s with his six gun spartan fire.” — Jingles [05:41]
Classic Western Bravado:
“If it’s a fight they want, I reckon we can give it to them. Pour on the coal, Mac. Let’s go get ‘em.” — Jingles [08:06]
Jingles Reflects on Life:
"Someday I’m gonna have heart failure for some of your loco doing." — Jingles [24:40]
Resolution & Teamwork:
"We can both shake hands with Wild Bill and Jingles for bringing us together." — Mr. Hamilton [26:57]
| Timestamp | Segment/Event | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:17 | Railroad blockade introduced; Bill & Jingles arrive | | 11:13 | Blackbeard’s gang shown preparing for ambush | | 13:12 | Train attacked; Bill notes shooters don’t aim to kill | | 15:51 | Discovery of Blackbeard’s freight office | | 16:17 | Face-to-face confrontation with Blackbeard | | 19:07 | Blackbeard’s threat: "First man to drive a spike is a dead duck" | | 22:11 | Telegraph plan set in motion | | 24:31 | Railroad crew resumes, Bill hammers the first spike | | 25:53 | Showdown: Bill reveals the solution to Blackbeard | | 26:42 | Blackbeard agrees to partner with the railroad |
“The Gunsmoke Blockade” delivers everything a fan of classic Westerns could want: tense frontier warfare between freighters and railroad men, a charismatic and clever hero in Wild Bill, loveable comic relief from Jingles, and an ending where negotiation and ingenuity triumph over brute force. The episode brings out the human conflicts inherent in westward expansion, holds true to the genre’s language and tone, and pays off with a handshake and a sense of a new, hopeful chapter for Lonesome Valley.