The Judgement Of Colonel Colt | Lightning Jim (1952)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast

Episode: The Judgment Of Colonel Colt | Lightning Jim (1952)
Host: Andrew Rhines
Release Date: February 10, 2025

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Introduction

In this riveting episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rhines transports listeners back to 1952 with a digitally restored broadcast of Lightning Jim, titled "The Judgment of Colonel Colt." This episode showcases the quintessential elements of classic Western radio dramas—heroic marshals, lawless towns, intense showdowns, and the timeless battle between good and evil—all enhanced with pristine audio quality that brings the Wild West to vivid life.

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Setting the Scene

The story unfolds in Correx, a notorious border town dubbed the "worst town in the United States." Known for its rampant lawlessness and dominated by Big Barney and his gang of "murderous lobos," Correx has become a haven for outlaws. The United States Marshal Lightning Jim Whipple and his deputy Whitey Larson are summoned by the Attorney General to restore order.

Notable Quote:

Attorney General: "I want you and Whitey to go down there and clean up Correx. I want you to wipe Barney and his buzzards off the map."
[04:37]

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The Mission

Lightning Jim and Whitey discuss the perilous assignment ahead. Despite the high stakes, their resolve remains unshaken. The Attorney General emphasizes the necessity of their mission, instructing them to use their judgment and not hesitate to employ lethal force if required.

Notable Quote:

Lightning Jim: "In other words, Mr. Attorney General, you're dependent on the judgment of our gun." [05:17]

This exchange underscores the Marshals' reliance on their expertise and the gravity of their mission to confront Big Barney's tyranny.

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Arrival in Correx

As Jim and Whitey approach Correx, the tension mounts. Their journey is fraught with the anticipation of imminent conflict. Whitey's only gripe is keeping pace with Jim and his formidable horse, Thunder.

Notable Quote:

Whitey Larson: "I tell you, a few more days riding like we done and Abbey worn off to my belt." [06:16]

Their steady arrival signals the beginning of their confrontation with Barney's gang.

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Encounter with Dolores Sanchez

Upon entering Correx, the Marshals stumble upon Dolores Sanchez, whose father has been brutally killed by Barney's men. She reveals the oppression inflicted upon her community, highlighting the absence of defensible power among the Mexican population due to Barney's disarmament efforts.

Notable Quote:

Dolores Sanchez: "Big Barney is bad. Those men were his men. They will kill you." [08:43]

Moved by her plight, Jim and Whitey commit to protecting Dolores and dismantling Barney's stronghold.

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Confrontation at the Casino Hotel

The Marshals infiltrate Big Barney's Casino Hotel, a central hub of his operations. Their presence is immediately met with hostility as Barney's men attempt to assert dominance. A tense standoff ensues between Lightning Jim, Whitey, and Barney's gang. Despite being outnumbered, the Marshals demonstrate their formidable skills, swiftly neutralizing several adversaries.

Notable Quote:

Barney: "You can have the first room to the right... But I'll take $10 apiece first." [11:29]

This moment foreshadows the fierce battles to come as the Marshals navigate the treacherous environment of Correx.

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Climax: The Showdown

The episode reaches its peak with an intense gunfight in the casino. Lightning Jim engages in a fierce duel with Barney's men, showcasing his unparalleled marksmanship. Amidst the chaos, Whitey is grievously wounded, adding emotional weight to the confrontation. As the battle rages, Dolores intervenes heroically, biting Barney's wrist and disrupting his assault on Jim.

Notable Quotes:

Whitey Larson: "Whitey."
[25:47]

Dolores Sanchez: "I will kill you. I will kill myself."
[19:43]

In a dramatic turn, both Marshals and their adversaries are caught in the flames of a burning casino, symbolizing the destructive clash between law and lawlessness.

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Conclusion and Cliffhanger

Despite sustaining injuries, Lightning Jim emerges as the sole standing Marshal, determined to bring Barney to justice. The episode concludes with Jim and Whitey barely escaping the inferno, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the resolution in the subsequent installment of their adventures.

Notable Quote:

Lightning Jim: "Well, they say fire burns clean. And we were told to clean up this town."
[27:14]

This powerful closing line encapsulates the enduring struggle to restore peace and order in a land rife with danger and despair.

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Final Thoughts

The Judgment of Colonel Colt masterfully captures the essence of Western radio dramas with its gripping narrative, dynamic characters, and high-stakes action. Andrew Rhines' expertise in digital restoration ensures that every creak of a saloon door and crack of gunfire is delivered with unparalleled clarity, immersing listeners in the heart of the Wild West. This episode not only pays homage to legendary shows like Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger but also reinvigorates these timeless tales for a new generation of audiences.

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Stay tuned for Part Two of The Adventures of Lightning Jim, where the Marshals continue their quest to tame Correx and confront the formidable Big Barney.

Transcript

[Barney]

Foreign.

[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 Lightning Jim. Originally aired sometime in 1952. Title of this episode is the Judgment of of Colonel Colt.

[Barney]

You know that the fairy will be your new home.

[Narrator]

And now for the adventures of Lightning Jim.

[Lightning Jim]

Hey, fellas, look who's here.

[Barney]

Evening, stranger. I reckon if that badge means anything, you're a United States marshal.

[Lightning Jim]

I am.

[Barney]

You looking for somebody, Marshal?

[Lightning Jim]

You got any particular place you'd like me to stick this notice up?

[Barney]

What is it?

[Attorney General]

Just a notice given the bounties on.

[Lightning Jim]

The men dead or alive whose names are on this list.

[Barney]

Now what's the idea of coming in here to tack your notice up, Marshal? There's plenty of other places in town.

[Lightning Jim]

Seems like a good idea to me. And a good place.

[Barney]

I don't want no notices like that tacked in here. They don't add none of the gayety. And the casino here aims to stay gay.

[Attorney General]

You are on the side of law and order.

[Barney]

Certainly I am. But this here notice is just what.

[Lightning Jim]

It says it is. And I hope nobody tears it down. That'd mean trouble. See you later, Barney.

[Barney]

Right between the shoulder blades. Reckon you won't see me again, Marshall? Or anyone else.

[Narrator]

The stories of the men who brought law and order to the Old west are chronicles of courage and bearing. They are as much a national heritage as the deeds of any men in the history of our country. Men like Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill Cody, Davy Crockett, Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson. The list is a long one. And of such caliber were United States Marshal Lightning Jim Whipple and his deputy, Whitey Larson. We now find them discussing a dangerous assignment with their superior, the Attorney General.

[Attorney General]

Lightning. Whitey. What I'm asking you two men to do now isn't exactly according to law.

[Lightning Jim]

Well, Mr. Attorney General. Reckon we've had to make a few sachets before. That wasn't exactly on the book.

[Whitey Larson]

You? Me? Well, I don't read to good. Anyway.

[Attorney General]

You know as much about Correll as I do. The cesspool of the border. The sinkhole. The worst town in the United States.

[Lightning Jim]

Yeah. Reckon there ain't a killer at large who ain't hid out in Correa at some time or another. Why don't the decent folks around there do something about Big Barney?

[Attorney General]

Because there aren't any decent people in a position to do anything. Most of the population is Mexican. They're good people all right. But they're not the type to try to buck Big Barney and his band of murdering lobos.

[Lightning Jim]

And the last marshal you sent down there didn't come back?

[Attorney General]

No. But the reward notices he carried did come back. They were mailed back to us from Corail.

[Lightning Jim]

Oh, Big Barney and his men think they can challenge the United States government, huh?

[Attorney General]

Lightning, I want you and Whitey to go down there and clean up Corail. I want you to wipe Barney and his buzzards off the map. They think they're tough. I want you to be tougher. I want you to show them and anybody else who's interested that United States marshals are just a little too tough for anybody to challenge and get away with it.

[Whitey Larson]

Well, maybe ain't no use to send both of us down there.

[Barney]

Maybe.

[Whitey Larson]

Yes, one of us is to know.

[Lightning Jim]

Listen to the Swedish Cyclone. Reckon he'd like to take the whole town on single handed go and with.

[Whitey Larson]

The other hand tied behind me. What you think of that?

[Attorney General]

I don't care how you do it, as long as it's done. You're to use your own judgment and don't be afraid to shoot.

[Lightning Jim]

In other words, Mr. Attorney General, you're dependent on the judgment of our gun.

[Whitey Larson]

You're the judgment the colonel called. Well, one thing sure. There ain't no appeal from a judgment of that kind.

[Narrator]

Whitey is right. There is no appeal from the judgment of Colonel Colt, which was the Westerner's way of referring to the Colt Six Shooter or Six Gun. So Lightning Jim and Whitey start out on their assignment. One which was virtual suicide. But they do not seem to be greatly concerned. In fact, as they're about five miles from their destination, the border town of Correo, the worst town in the United States. Whitey's only complaint is the rapid pace set by Lightning Jim and his big black horse, Thunder.

[Whitey Larson]

He like me thinking easy. I can't keep up with Thunder.

[Lightning Jim]

Easy, boy. Easy. Thunder.

[Whitey Larson]

Come on, boy. I tell you, a few more days riding like we done and Abby worn off to my belt.

[Lightning Jim]

Well, this ain't been exactly my idea of a pleasure joined whitie. But anyway, I reckon we're getting pretty close to Correo now.

[Whitey Larson]

You say you got any plants like then they. I mean, you got any particular idea worth out for cleaning open them slickers?

[Lightning Jim]

Well, Whitey, when you step into a den of sidewinders about to only good idea is to shoot and shoot fast.

[Whitey Larson]

Let me look over there.

[Lightning Jim]

Where? Oh, it's fire. Looks like a bad one all right.

[Whitey Larson]

See, I reckon we Ought to go over and see if we could do something.

[Lightning Jim]

Yeah, maybe so. Sounded like a woman screaming. Come on, Whitey, let's ride.

[Whitey Larson]

See, nobody could put that tire.

[Narrator]

Are they?

[Whitey Larson]

That looks like the hospital in a couple minutes.

[Barney]

Yeah, there's some horses there, see?

[Lightning Jim]

They're just starting off.

[Whitey Larson]

That means there's that girl. Yeah, look, she's tied to the sad.

[Barney]

I see.

[Lightning Jim]

All right. Come on, Thunder. Faster, boy, faster.

[Whitey Larson]

And it turned the fight.

[Attorney General]

Well, give it to him then.

[Lightning Jim]

Watch out for the girl.

[Whitey Larson]

Go off.

[Narrator]

They're pulled down.

[Dolores Sanchez]

Care.

[Narrator]

Sit down, everybody. That, sir, Jasper's getting away.

[Lightning Jim]

Reckon we'll pick him up later.

[Whitey Larson]

You're Betty Left.

[Dolores Sanchez]

Cigarette.

[Jose Sanchez]

Oh, Thunder.

[Lightning Jim]

Ooh, boy. Steady now, Teddy. Miss.

[Narrator]

You all right?

[Lightning Jim]

Dead. Just a minute now.

[Whitey Larson]

This way.

[Lightning Jim]

Now then, miss, tell me what happened.

[Dolores Sanchez]

Oh, senor, you came in time to help me with my father.

[Lightning Jim]

No, no, no, no, no. Just take it easy now. Me and my partner here, well, maybe we can help.

[Dolores Sanchez]

Nobody can help nobody. Big Bunny is bad. Those men were his men.

[Whitey Larson]

Well, two of them ain't going to bother nobody no more.

[Dolores Sanchez]

But the other one got away. He wrote to town. He will tell Barney about you too.

[Lightning Jim]

Now, miss, if you'd just kind of help us out a little. What was the trouble about?

[Dolores Sanchez]

They came today, those three. To take me to Barney for dental. That's the only way he can get his girls, by force. My people, we are not trained to be the gunfighters. We wish to live in peace.

[Lightning Jim]

You spoke about your father, mister.

[Dolores Sanchez]

My name is Dolores. Dolores Sanchez. My father. My father would protect me from the tree. So they kill him and set fire to the house.

[Lightning Jim]

You mean they shot him down in cold blood.

[Dolores Sanchez]

You see, he had no guns. We cannot get guns to protect ourselves, Senor Barryman. Search us and take away all our guns.

[Lightning Jim]

That sounds like you and me will have to make ours. Work overtime, Whitey.

[Whitey Larson]

That's just what I was thinking to.

[Dolores Sanchez]

But you must not write down to Corrillos and yours. They will be watching for you. They will kill you. The one who got away, Liz, is called. He will recognize you.

[Narrator]

Yeah, well, I hope he does.

[Lightning Jim]

We'll find him and settle a little score with him. But you. Any place around here you can go.

[Narrator]

To be safe, Senor?

[Dolores Sanchez]

I have a cousin in Corrello in the American quarter. Jose. He is a good man. He will take me in.

[Lightning Jim]

I see. It's a back way to his place, Dolores. So you won't be seen getting into town.

[Dolores Sanchez]

I know trails that will bring me there. But you, you must not go into town. You will not last long against Big Barney and his murderers. They will kill you if they have to shoot you in the back.

[Lightning Jim]

Yeah, well, then we won't turn our backs on them. Come on, Deloitte, you lead the way.

[Narrator]

About 6:00 that evening, Lightning Jim and Whitey are just entering the casino hotel, restaurant, tavern and dance hall run by Big Barney. They've left Dolores with Jose Sanchez, her cousin, promising to return later. They do not believe that they were seen entering the Mexican quarter with the girl, but they know that Lige will be waiting for them in the casino along with the rest of Barney's vicious murderers.

[Whitey Larson]

They've been expecting us. I can tell that, Lightning. They're going to start something.

[Lightning Jim]

Yeah. Don't let nobody get back of you, Whitey. Keep to the wall.

[Attorney General]

Why don't you look where you're going? Bumping into people ain't healthy around here.

[Lightning Jim]

I didn't bump into you. You just got in my way.

[Attorney General]

Yeah, I got in your way, huh? Maybe you think you own this spot. Go on, move aside.

[Lightning Jim]

If there ain't room for both of us here. Yes, I'll have to remove you.

[Attorney General]

Hey, I'll take you plum apart. Nobody can do that, Manfold. I'll stick you.

[Whitey Larson]

Did you hurt your hand? Gimme.

[Lightning Jim]

No, he wasn't really hard. Didn't you step over him?

[Narrator]

All right.

[Lightning Jim]

Don't be particular where you put your feet. Anybody want to claim this dead weight?

[Barney]

You handled your miss pretty quick, stranger. Darth Manfold here is considered a pretty dangerous man to tangle with.

[Lightning Jim]

Yeah, well, that's plumb surprise. He don't look dangerous to me. What do you think, Whitey?

[Whitey Larson]

Well, looking at him right now, he's about as dinner as a chicken that's already cooked.

[Barney]

Even chickens can be poisoned some people. What's your business here, stranger?

[Lightning Jim]

Oh, just passing through. Wanted a room and a meal. Any objection?

[Barney]

None at all. You can have the first room to the right or the head of the stairs that ain't occupied now.

[Lightning Jim]

Hey, do we just go on upstairs?

[Barney]

Suit yourself. But I'll take $10 apiece first.

[Lightning Jim]

Yes. Is that a house rule to pay in advance?

[Barney]

Not always. But in your case. Well, you seem to be looking for trouble. Something might happen to you, so you wouldn't be here in the morning. So I'll take my money in advance.

[Lightning Jim]

All right. There's your money and don't worry none. But I'm not seeing here in the morning. Come along. Whitey knows that line.

[Attorney General]

Hey.

[Lightning Jim]

Hey.

[Barney]

Why didn't you Give me a sign.

[Attorney General]

To plug them two polecats, Boss.

[Barney]

Because I didn't want to cheat Dart here out of the pleasure.

[Attorney General]

Yeah, I'll take those two wood ticks apart. Yeah, they'll wish they never stuck their noses around.

[Barney]

If you didn't do so good with a big one. They don't seem to scare easy.

[Attorney General]

Ah, he hit me when I wasn't looking. But I'll get him. I'll get both of them.

[Barney]

Just a minute. Now listen. Those two men aren't to leave here alive. You understand that? You think they're law dogs, Bonnie? No, they're just a couple of cowhands drifting around looking for trouble. They think they're tough. Taking Dolores Sanchez away from three of my men this afternoon. Killing two. And then having nerve enough to show their faces in town. Nobody can stand up the big Barney that way. It might be a good idea not.

[Lightning Jim]

To kill him too soon.

[Attorney General]

How about teaching them a lesson first, huh?

[Barney]

Or to take them apart in pieces.

[Lightning Jim]

That's it.

[Attorney General]

And let me do the taking apart. How about it, huh?

[Barney]

The job's yours if you're big enough. But get em and get em. Permanent digger. Don't live what can cut a rusty like that? On Big Barney.

[Lightning Jim]

Hey boy.

[Attorney General]

I just seen the lower Sanchez down in Mixtown with her cousin Jose. I was looking around like you told me to and I seen her through the window.

[Barney]

You sure it was her?

[Attorney General]

Dead sure of it, boss.

[Lightning Jim]

Do it.

[Barney]

Flag, you and Fag go down and get her and bring the girl back here. I'll show those two gun toters that I get what I go after.

[Narrator]

What happens to Lightning Kim, Whitey and the Mexican girl Dolores will be told in part to of the Adventures of Lightning Jim, which follows immediately.

[Lightning Jim]

It.

[Narrator]

And now for part two of the Adventures of Lightning Jim. Big Barney has turned the little border town of Correo into a rendezvous for men wanted by the law for any and all crimes. He stripped the Mexican population of all guns. And his insane desire for power has led him to defy the government itself. Lightning Jim and Whitey have been sent to clean up the town by guns and violence if necessary. On the road leading into Correll, they rescue Dolores Sanchez, who is being brought to Big Barney for his dance hall. But Big Barney, learning that Dolores has been taken, decides that he's going to send men after her. While Lige and Fag are on their way to get Dolores, Lightning Jim and Whitey upstairs in the hotel bedroom are talking over the situation with all those skunks below.

[Whitey Larson]

Seems like a fellow can't breathe real good up here.

[Lightning Jim]

You know, Whitey, I'm worried about Dolores.

[Whitey Larson]

Delores ready to occur to hostel here. Cost him.

[Lightning Jim]

Yeah, I know. If Barney wanted Dolores bad enough to send out three men, he ain't giving up, you see.

[Narrator]

Yo.

[Whitey Larson]

But he don't know that she's Harrington.

[Barney]

Maybe not.

[Lightning Jim]

They'll make it his business to find out and find out quick. Let's get over there. Get Jose to take her out and hide her someplace. We get things lined up here.

[Whitey Larson]

You're ash until we get lined up ourselves. I tell you, Laden, we got in all right. But I'm not so sure of what getting out.

[Lightning Jim]

Well, let's see how the land lays nothing down below like I thought. Really yet for the boys down below to start anything with us. Wait till later for that.

[Whitey Larson]

So if you get out the window, go see Horsey and sneak back in without them knowing nothing about it.

[Lightning Jim]

That's the idea, Whitey. If it works. Come on.

[Dolores Sanchez]

Jose. Those two men had such braveness I have never seen before. They were not even afraid when they rode in the Bullet.

[Jose Sanchez]

But they would go to Correo, to the casino. Notorious. They would be killed. Big Barney will never let them leave the town alive.

[Dolores Sanchez]

Somehow I think you are wrong, Jose. Somehow I think those two in there open up, Barney. It's on me other day, Jose. What shall we do?

[Jose Sanchez]

I have a knife. Dolores, you get behind me. I will do what I can.

[Attorney General]

You wanted to make it hard for us, didn't you? Well, that's going to cost you. Jose.

[Dolores Sanchez]

Do not hurt him. He did nothing. I will come with you. But do not hurt My cousin, Mr. Dolores.

[Barney]

Do not humble yourself to beg from.

[Jose Sanchez]

These bristle backed pigs.

[Attorney General]

Pigs.

[Dolores Sanchez]

You are killed.

[Barney]

No, he ain't.

[Attorney General]

Let it be too easy a death. Get her off, Liz. We'll tie him and let him bleed to death. Give him plenty of time to think about his sins.

[Barney]

Yeah.

[Attorney General]

Wild Barney takes care of you.

[Lightning Jim]

It wasn't Pollard. That certain. Nobody saw us leave Weddy?

[Whitey Larson]

No, I hope not. Lightning. See these horses here? They all look alike to me.

[Lightning Jim]

Yeah, everybody turns in early around here. Nobody on the streets. No lights in the houses. I guess it's safer that way.

[Whitey Larson]

See there? That's the horse. Ain't the lightning.

[Lightning Jim]

Yeah, I'm sure it is. Come on. We told him we'd knock three times.

[Attorney General]

Slow lightning.

[Whitey Larson]

The door's open.

[Lightning Jim]

Yeah, lock's been busted. Looks like it's been shot off.

[Whitey Larson]

So Big Barney did find this place then? Man. Come on.

[Lightning Jim]

Jose. DeLorean.

[Jose Sanchez]

Singers for the love of heathen singers. Help me. I am breathing to death.

[Lightning Jim]

Whitey, it is Joseph.

[Jose Sanchez]

You come too late. He is gone. They have taken a few minutes past. They shoot me and keep me here to die.

[Whitey Larson]

Lightning. Them devils got to be blasted off the earth.

[Lightning Jim]

You're all right there, Whitey. Ain't no other way to deal with them. Get some water and find the sheep someplace. Got to get Jose fixed up quick.

[Jose Sanchez]

No, no, not me. Get the Lord. Save her, senores. It is too late for me but for her. You must try.

[Lightning Jim]

We'll try, all right. Hurry with that water fight.

[Attorney General]

Now. Here she is, boss. Quiet as a mouse, too.

[Barney]

Well, take the gag off now. It won't do any good to yell anymore. Welcome to the casino, Dolores.

[Dolores Sanchez]

I will kill you. I will kill myself.

[Barney]

Yeah, you're gonna do a lot, but you ain't gonna do none of them. So calm down and get acquainted with.

[Dolores Sanchez]

Your new home lady who are not afraid of you. They have saved me once, they will save me again.

[Attorney General]

That's a good one, that is. You reckon them two party cowhands is going to tackle a whole gang of us?

[Dolores Sanchez]

They are not afraid of all of you. They are men. Real men. Not like you.

[Barney]

You'll have to learn to keep your trap closed around here. You talk too much. And as for your handsome heroes, they're upstairs right now and they can't get out until we carry them.

[Whitey Larson]

Yeah, but people know like that.

[Lightning Jim]

I reckon we better get back in our bedroom then try to find out where the God Delore is. Why, look.

[Whitey Larson]

Look there.

[Lightning Jim]

Look under our window.

[Whitey Larson]

Your dead feller's walking up and down. He's scored in a room. Yeah, but we ain't there. I'd have to get yoked before the coupe. Before they put the garden.

[Lightning Jim]

Yeah, but that ain't so funny, Whitey. That's our best way to get back in. There's too many of them in front. We'd never get in if you tried it that way.

[Whitey Larson]

Yeah, I tell you, I sneak up the side there. When I'm close enough, you whistle loud enough to make the feller turn over this way.

[Lightning Jim]

I get you, whitie. Go ahead, but be quiet. We don't want to start any shooting yet if you lied.

[Attorney General]

What's the matter?

[Whitey Larson]

Oh, I got him, Lightning.

[Lightning Jim]

Good, good.

[Whitey Larson]

Why, did.

[Lightning Jim]

See them packing boxes over there? Help you towed a couple of them over.

[Whitey Larson]

Easy.

[Lightning Jim]

Now. We can get back in the room easy.

[Whitey Larson]

You're very. Well, what about this hombre and what we do with him?

[Lightning Jim]

Take him along, tie him up in the room. That's the best place for him. Yeah, get him up on top of this drop box.

[Whitey Larson]

Oh, he's here.

[Attorney General]

Wait, wait.

[Lightning Jim]

I'll get in the window and then you help me lift him up.

[Attorney General]

All right, buddy, let him go. All right.

[Lightning Jim]

Come on, buddy. Give me a hand, quick.

[Whitey Larson]

Well, Hervey, we're back again.

[Lightning Jim]

Yeah. Hey, this is the same galoot I had to knock down earlier in the evening.

[Attorney General]

Yo, what happened?

[Dolores Sanchez]

Where?

[Lightning Jim]

Keep still unless you want another clout on the head. Fix me up a gag, Whitey, and don't be too gentle about it. This warthog seems to need a lesson in manner.

[Whitey Larson]

Yeah, that's true.

[Attorney General]

Go ahead. But you can't get out of here alive.

[Lightning Jim]

The boss give orders.

[Attorney General]

You'll be sitting in Hades before the night's over. And when you do, I'll tell you that.

[Whitey Larson]

Well, that's one way of stopping the conversation. That's getting on my nurse.

[Lightning Jim]

Well, get your nerves in shape, Whitey, cause here we go.

[Whitey Larson]

You mean you're going to walk right down there and shoot that out with him?

[Lightning Jim]

I don't see no better way. Do you, Whitey?

[Whitey Larson]

No, I guess there ain't no better way. We was told to use our six guns if we had to, and I guess we have to.

[Lightning Jim]

We'll decide each other like we've done for years. Now that makes me feel a lot better. Waddy.

[Whitey Larson]

You're me too, Lightning. You that you won't mind shaking hands with me just for the luck.

[Lightning Jim]

No, of course not. Good luck, Whitey.

[Whitey Larson]

Good luck, lad.

[Narrator]

Down below in the casino, nine men are waiting for the orders of Big Bonnie, who is still in his inner office. They're drinking and gambling and wondering what new tortures Bonnie will devise for the two strangers who have aroused his anger. And down the stairs on cap feet, testing each step before venturing any further. Come Lightning Jim and Whitey. Two men against nine. Two United States marshals with orders to clean up a bad town in the only way it can be done. Softly, they cross the hall and pause for a moment just outside the door. They look at each other for a second. And Lightning Jim says, remember, both of.

[Lightning Jim]

Us in at the same time. Then jump sideways. We'll be against the wall that way.

[Whitey Larson]

You're Lightning. Well, come on.

[Narrator]

And with almost a single movement, the two men spring through the door.

[Lightning Jim]

I understand Big Barney is give orders to get me and my partner. Well, here we are. Who's going to start carrying out his order?

[Narrator]

Five men are sitting around one table, their hands hidden. Three More are standing at the back with drinks in their hands. All eyes are turned on the two men facing them. And for an almost endless second, there's a silence filled with foreboding and evil. And then in a flash, Tag reached for his gun. But at the same time, Lightning and twice double handed in the hammer of their post Drop Tag is dead, a.

[Barney]

Bullet through his chest.

[Narrator]

One other man lies bleeding on the floor, but the other seven have flung themselves on the table, shooting as they move. Lightning Jim has dropped to one knee, twisting as he fires. The side of his face is caught from a bullet, but one more poor man is down. While on the other side, whiting solid, motionless except for his hands, peers through the smoke and shoots Lige. Just as Lige reached for a shotgun lying on the bar. With a crash, the big kerosene lantern suspended from the ceiling falls. Flames licked at the floor, flickered hungrily at the clothes of the fallen men. Smoke was so thick that Lightning Jim choked and flung himself on the floor as he reloaded. But Whitey suddenly pitched straight forward, his gun sliding to the floor.

[Whitey Larson]

Whitey.

[Narrator]

And Lightning Jim found himself alone, the only man on his feet. Then through the smoke filled room, leaping into blaze now from the smashed lantern, Lightning Jim, his left arm dangling, reeled on his feet toward the office door of Big Barney.

[Lightning Jim]

Come on out, Barney.

[Narrator]

I got you trapped.

[Lightning Jim]

It's you or me. Come on out, you stinking old cat.

[Narrator]

And in the doorway, hands. Big Barney, protected by the body of Dolores Sanchez with one army, holds her in front of him. The other hand holds a gun.

[Barney]

I'm going out of here. And if you make one move, I'll kill the girl. What?

[Narrator]

Dolores, bending swiftly with sudden strength, bites hard into Barney's wrist. With a startled yell, he drops his gun.

[Barney]

You she double.

[Lightning Jim]

I'll kill you for that.

[Narrator]

But as Barney strikes Dolores, hurling her to the blazing floor, Jim leaps at him, dropping his own gun. And the two men sway together across the burning, littered floor. Jim's strength is gone. His tumbles, falls. And Barney, snatching up a fallen gun, aims it at Lightning, when suddenly a shot comes from the doorway and Barney pitches forward on the floor.

[Whitey Larson]

You hurt that?

[Lightning Jim]

I thought you was a gun.

[Whitey Larson]

Sure, I got one in the head, but just knocked me off like this.

[Lightning Jim]

Well, let's get the lorries out of here.

[Whitey Larson]

Sure this place is burning off like this?

[Lightning Jim]

Well, they say fire burns clean. And we were told to clean up this town.

[Whitey Larson]

Sure, and they just cleaned up. Not like me.

[Narrator]

And so ends another thrilling adventure in the lives of those two famous Marshals, Lightning Jim Whipple and Whitey Larson.

[Barney]

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.

[Whitey Larson]

SA.