The Phantom Bandito | Hopalong Cassidy (02-05-50)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: The Phantom Bandito | Hopalong Cassidy (02-05-50)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: May 8, 2026

---

Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners back to the heyday of Western radio drama with the classic tale "The Phantom Bandito," featuring Hopalong Cassidy. The story follows Hoppy and California Carlson as they unravel a series of mysterious robberies perpetrated by the elusive "El Sombrero Negro" (the Black Hat), a masked bandit terrorizing cattlemen in Council City. The episode combines suspense, rich soundscapes, and clever detective work, bringing alive the grit, camaraderie, and justice of the Old West.

---

Key Discussion Points and Plot Progression

1. Setting the Scene: Council City in a Frenzy

• [01:36] The episode opens in Council City, bustling with cattlemen and heightened by double-duty lawmen, hinting at impending trouble.
• Introduction of main characters: Hopalong Cassidy (Hoppy), California Carlson, and the local Marshal.

2. A Barroom Crisis and a Suicide Attempt

• [03:54 – 05:37] Hoppy and California witness young rancher Fred Byers attempt suicide after severe misfortune.
  • California quickly intervenes:
    • California Carlson: "I wouldn't do that if I were you." [04:39]
  • It's revealed Byers tried to poison himself out of despair due to losing his life savings and ranch to El Sombrero Negro's robbery.

3. Fred Byers' Tale of Woe

• [07:34 – 09:32] Byers regains consciousness and shares his tragic story:
  • Sold cattle to Sanderson for $6,000, was robbed at gunpoint by a masked man dressed all in black.
  • Now facing foreclosure on his ranch, with Sanderson holding the mortgage.
  • Notable Insight: All the robbery victims recently did cash business with Sanderson.

4. Suspicions and Motives Unfold

• [10:30 – 11:24] Hoppy and the Marshal openly suspect Sanderson may be involved due to the pattern of robberies.
  • Marshal: "All of them cattlemen who just sold their stock to Sanderson and were leaving town with the money. Don't take much of a detective to add that up." [11:08]

5. A Key Witness—and a Clue

• [11:46 – 12:33] Ms. Vance (Sanderson's secretary) clandestinely tells the Marshal she found a black mask in Sanderson’s desk.
  • Ms. Vance: "While Sanderson was out this afternoon, I went to his desk. I found this." [12:03]
  • Marshal insists on needing solid proof before making a move.

6. Confronting Sanderson: Business and Probe

• [13:09 – 16:10] Hoppy meets Sanderson for a business deal and probes his conduct:
  • Sanderson refuses to pay by check, insists on cash due to "not trusting banks," echoing his dealings with Byers.
  • Hoppy challenges Sanderson on sending Byers away with so much cash. Tense exchange about motivations and rumors.
  • California Carlson: "Or is that the real reason, Sanderson?" [15:11]
  • Sanderson (defensive): "When he makes his pile, he's suddenly a thieving skunk who'd murder his own grandmother…" [15:27]

7. Springing the Trap for the Black Hat

• [16:20 – 18:26] Hoppy devises a plan to bait the bandit using marked money. California volunteers (with some prodding) to ride the dangerous trail as a decoy.
  • California Carlson: "You think I can't give that bandido coyote cards and spades and hug time with one hand behind my back." [18:00]

8. The Midnight Sting: Black Hat Strikes Again

• [20:43 – 22:42] California rides out with marked bills. Hoppy and the Marshal shadow him from a rocky peak.
  • California is held up, but the bandit mysteriously disappears—again.
  • Marshall, on the outlaw: "There are two kinds of outlaws: the killers and the smart ones. And the black hat, the smart kind." [21:26]
  • California recovers a gold nugget cufflink, potentially implicating Sanderson.

9. Cracking the Secret: Tunnel into Nowhere

• [24:24 – 26:46] Investigation at Stone Canyon leads Hoppy and friends to discover a secret tunnel—linked directly to Sanderson's failed Gold Arrow mine.
  • They find evidence: stacks of money from previous robberies and the Wells Fargo pouch, suggesting the bandit used the tunnel for escape.
  • California Carlson: "There's your cave, Marshall." [25:07]

10. Unmasking the Real Phantom Bandito

• [28:03 – 29:44] Final confrontation is a twist:
  • The "Black Hat" is not Sanderson, but Fred Byers himself—Byers staged his own misfortune, using suicide as a ruse.
  • Ms. Vance is revealed to be Byers' wife, complicit in the elaborate deception.
  • California Carlson: "That suicide act was a fake. He knew why I was here and was trying to throw me off." [29:25]

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Main Quotes

• Fred Byers (on despair): "What could I tell my wife, Mr. Cassidy? Sorry, Janie. I got robbed. I lost the ranch." [09:17]
• Ms. Vance (accusatory): "While Sanderson was out this afternoon, I went to his desk. I found this. Well, Black Mask. Is that proof enough for you?" [12:03]
• Marshal (on Sanderson): "He runs this town, Hoppy." [11:07]
• California Carlson (on the plan): "I'm going fishing, California." [16:47]
• Marshall (philosophy): "There are two kinds of outlaws: the killers and the smart ones." [21:26]
• California Carlson (revelation): "That suicide act was a fake... he was trying to throw me off." [29:25]

Memorable Moments

• California’s comic bravado when volunteering as bait, only to realize he's been outmaneuvered.
• The tense business negotiation, where Hoppy needles Sanderson about his “no banks” policy.
• The discovery of the secret tunnel—a classic Western twist, blending detective work and frontier ingenuity.
• The final reveal of Byers as the bandit—an unexpected and poignant ending.

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |--------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | 01:36 | Opening narration – Council City scene set | | 03:54 | Suicide attempt in Arcade Saloon | | 07:34 | Byers shares his story and suspicion begins | | 10:30 | Marshal and Hoppy discuss Sanderson and suspect list | | 11:46 | Ms. Vance delivers the black mask | | 13:09 | Hoppy confronts Sanderson—tense negotiation | | 16:20 | Plan to use marked cash as bait | | 20:43 | Midnight sting and bandit’s mysterious escape | | 24:24 | Discovery of the hidden tunnel in Stone Canyon | | 28:03 | Waiting in the bandit’s lair; Byers is unmasked | | 29:25 | California exposes the fake suicide and wrap-up |

---

Tone and Style

The episode captures the camaraderie, suspense, and humor of classic Western storytelling. Characters’ dialogue is brisk, occasionally sentimental, and laced with period-specific slang. California’s comic relief is balanced by moments of genuine danger and detective intrigue, culminating in a twist ending that reflects the moral ambiguities of frontier justice.

---

Summary

"The Phantom Bandito" expertly blends Western action with a detective story. The episode’s center is a complex tale of loss, greed, misdirection, and justice, set against the vivid soundscape of Council City. With misdirections, clever sleuthing, and a human story at its core, this classic Western radio drama remains both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Recommended for fans of Westerns, classic radio drama, and twisty mysteries!

Transcript

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

And, Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Hey, everyone. Check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual Together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[California Carlson]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[Blue Lizard Sunscreen Announcer]

Be fearless in the sun with Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen. Whether you're diving into ocean waves or simply chasing your kids around the backyard, Blue Lizard has you covered so you can enjoy every moment worry free. Designed for your whole family and free from fragrances, parabens and phthalates, Blue Lizard is your go to mineral sunscreen, trusted by dermatologists, pediatricians and parents. Shop now on Amazon.com and be fearless in the sun with Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen.

[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 dates February 5, 1950. In this episode, a large amount of cash inevitably leads to a robbery and an attempted bar room suicide. Title of this episode, the Phantom Bandito. Hope you enjoy, and again, thanks for listening.

[Narrator]

It's Hopalong Cassidy. With action and suspense. Out of the Old west comes the most famous hero of them all, Hop Along Cassidy. Starring William Boyd. The ring of the Silver spurs heralds the most amazing man ever to ride the prairies of the early West. Hop Along Cassidy. This famous hero thrills his 60 million fans with action and dangerous adventure. In the role of Hop Along Cassidy is the popular star of the motion picture series, William Boy. And appearing as that laughable old character, California, is Andy Clyde. Now to our story, the Phantom Bandido. Hoppy's furs at the moment are jingling down the boardwalk of Council City, the railhead where hundreds of common come from every direction once a year to sell and ship their cattle. And Council City does everything in its power to accommodate them. The honky tonks, the hotels, the gambling joints abuzz with activity, the marshal and his deputies on double duty. And the common too many of them looking for a handy place to squander a year's wages.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Colonel Charnock. Hoppy, I'm reaching the end of my tyro now.

[California Carlson]

Take it easy, California.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Ain't we pardoners right? Ain't I sighted you clean from Pond Junction to Paycours. Since you was the greenest hand in the bar, Twany.

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Mr. Sanderson]

And every time some outlaw run us up a tree, who was right there hanging to the branch?

[California Carlson]

California Carlson.

[Mr. Sanderson]

He right. Then why ination are you keeping secrets from me?

[Narrator]

Secrets?

[Mr. Sanderson]

Oh, now don't give me them innocent blue eyes and. And don't tell me we're here in Council City just to sell them cattle. Now you know as well as I do the Baker's Crossing adjourn site nearer the Bar 20. You've been selling cows there for 10 years now.

[Marshal]

Ah, here we are.

[Fred Byers]

Uh, the Arcade Saloon.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Now what's that got to do with it?

[California Carlson]

It's run by a Mr. Sanders in California. The man who wants to buy a cattle. Come on, let's run sides. Better check with the bartender.

[Marshal]

What'll it be, gents?

[California Carlson]

We're looking for Mr. Sanderson. Well, he ain't here right now. He's out looking over some steers. He'll be back any minute.

[Fred Byers]

You want to wait? No.

[California Carlson]

Guess we'll take a look at the town and come back when.

[Mr. Sanderson]

What's the matter, Hoppy?

[California Carlson]

Say, who's that fellow?

[Fred Byers]

Huh?

[California Carlson]

The bar down there.

[Marshal]

Oh, him.

[California Carlson]

That's young Byers.

[Marshal]

Owns the ranch over here.

[California Carlson]

Ah, I changed my mind.

[Fred Byers]

I guess we will wait.

[California Carlson]

Bring us a couple of sarparillas, will you? Without the snake juice.

[Mr. Sanderson]

You boys sure you want them straight?

[Marshal]

Might fix you up a little chaser.

[Fred Byers]

Poppy. Look at that fire. Well, what's wrong? Don't stare at him.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Looks like he's lost his last friend.

[California Carlson]

Worse than that. If I saw what I think I saw.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Hey, hey.

[Fred Byers]

Look what he's. Stay right here.

[California Carlson]

I wouldn't do that if I were you.

[Fred Byers]

Lemme alone, will you? I do's my own business.

[California Carlson]

I'm just asking you to think it over a minute.

[Mr. Sanderson]

I've thought it over all I want to.

[Fred Byers]

Now Peter, will you get out of here?

[California Carlson]

Not till you give me that.

[Marshal]

Nobody's gonna stop me now, do you hear?

[California Carlson]

I'm afraid that's just what I'm gonna do. Like that?

[Mr. Sanderson]

Now look, mister, I didn't like that.

[Marshal]

I didn't like that at all.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Okay, sonny, I hate to do this, but. Tear down boys.

[Marshal]

Tear down. What's going on here? Oh, except for real, huh? The big man from out the wit.

[California Carlson]

I'm sorry. I didn't want to raise a rocket, but I.

[Marshal]

But what?

[Fred Byers]

California?

[Mr. Sanderson]

Yeah.

[Fred Byers]

This boy over to our room at the hotel.

[California Carlson]

Put him on the bed. I'll be over in a minute.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Sure looks like he put you into bed right now.

[Marshal]

Come on. I'm still asking my questions. Pasturella.

[Mr. Sanderson]

What's this all about?

[Fred Byers]

Take a look at that glass at your feet.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Sure, he bought a drink.

[Marshal]

It's one of our glasses.

[California Carlson]

Only look at what he poured in it.

[Fred Byers]

Huh?

[Mr. Sanderson]

Let's see that.

[Fred Byers]

Gosh. Oh, Himmler poison.

[California Carlson]

The kid was trying to kill himself.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Hey, everyone. Check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[California Carlson]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[Ms. Vance]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now back to hopalong cassidy. Hoppy in California are in Council city to sell 500 head of Prime Bar, 20 steers to a Mr. Sanderson. Or at least that's the story Hoppy's given out. But now, as he hurries back to the hotel, his mind is mostly on the young cowboy who almost succeeded in poisoning himself in the arcade bar. The boy is just coming to as Hoppy arrives at the room.

[Fred Byers]

How's he getting along?

[Mr. Sanderson]

Oh, he's shimming around, all right. You sure didn't pull that punch none.

[California Carlson]

I didn't want to stand there and argue it out in front of all the customers.

[Fred Byers]

What happened?

[Mr. Sanderson]

You walked into Mr. Cassidy's good right hand Sonny.

[Fred Byers]

I'm sorry, kid.

[California Carlson]

I had to do it. Now, why don't you tell me what the trouble is?

[Fred Byers]

I talked about it. I never can tell.

[California Carlson]

Might be able to help you.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Seems like we do more of that sometimes than selling cows.

[Fred Byers]

You can't help me now. I don't suppose it'll do any harm to tell you I'm broke, see?

[California Carlson]

Well, there's nothing wrong with being broke.

[Fred Byers]

You need a job. I got a job. Got a ranch, too. I had one. What do you mean? Thousand acres. Prettiest range land you ever saw. I come here to Council City six weeks ago with my first cattle. 300 head of Herefords. Everything depended on the money I got for them. Then what? I sold them for $20 a head. That's $6,000 cash. I was pretty happy. And pretty foolish, I guess. I started home that afternoon. The ranch for circle B is 20 miles south of here, four or five miles out of Town out near Stone Canyon. Suddenly found out how foolish I was.

[California Carlson]

How come?

[Fred Byers]

El Sombrero Negro. The Black Hat, huh?

[California Carlson]

Go on, buyers. What about the Black Hat?

[Fred Byers]

Well, he was waiting for me at a narrow place in the trail. Before I knew it, there was a gun in my back and the 6,000 was gone.

[California Carlson]

Did you get a good look at the bandit? Not very.

[Fred Byers]

He's dressed in black. Black Shaft shirt, sombrero. Black mask on his face. Rides a big black stallion. Must be the fastest horse in this part of the country. I was crazy mad after it happened. Even though he tripped my gun, I went after him, but it was hopeless. Got my money and the ranch and went with it. What could I tell my wife, Mr. Cassidy? Sorry, Janie.

[California Carlson]

I got robbed.

[Marshal]

I lost the ranch.

[Fred Byers]

Sorry, but it's gone. Take it easy, Byers. Six weeks now I've been after him. I swore I'd get him. I've covered Stone Canyon down to the last clump of greasewood. It's like chasing a phantom. Why, tonight, I. I guess I gave up.

[California Carlson]

That's a tough one, Buyers. The answer you hit on over at the arcade isn't the right one.

[Fred Byers]

I guess I know that now.

[California Carlson]

You say you lost your ranch.

[Fred Byers]

I got two weeks left. There's a loan on it that has to be paid off. Who holds it? Mr. Sanderson.

[California Carlson]

I see. Did you ask for an extension?

[Fred Byers]

Why should he extend it? He wants that land. Finest piece of cattle range in the county. Yeah?

[California Carlson]

Who'd you sell the cattle to?

[Fred Byers]

Sanderson. That's interesting.

[California Carlson]

Why didn't he write off the loan right there?

[Fred Byers]

Why'd he give you the cash? I thought it was funny at the time. He said I'd better take the cash. He had to send away for the papers. He come down to the ranch on the due date and close it up official.

[Mr. Sanderson]

You know, Hoppy, I'm beginning to see why we come to Council City to

[California Carlson]

sell, never mind California. You keep by her company for a while, will you? It's about time I looked up an old friend. So you think it's going to be tough, Marshall?

[Marshal]

Tell me, Hoppy, have I ever sent for you in an easy case?

[California Carlson]

Excuse me for living.

[Fred Byers]

No.

[Marshal]

It's a tough one, all right.

[Fred Byers]

Happy?

[Marshal]

In more ways than one. El Sombrero Negro.

[Fred Byers]

They call him the Black Hat. He's more like a ghost.

[Marshal]

Smell money like a bloodhound. Knows just who's carrying it and who isn't. Hits hard and fast four times in the last three weeks.

[California Carlson]

Have you seen him?

[Fred Byers]

Twice.

[Marshal]

Thought we had him once. Ran him up Stone Canyon right to the end. One minute he was there, and the

[Fred Byers]

next he was gone. Disappeared almost before our eyes.

[Marshal]

That's one of the things that makes it tough.

[California Carlson]

And what's the other one?

[Marshal]

Sanderson.

[California Carlson]

That's what I thought.

[Marshal]

He runs this town, Hobby.

[California Carlson]

You suspect him?

[Marshal]

Well, there's been five robberies altogether. All of them cattlemen who just sold their stock to Sanderson and were leaving town with the money. Don't take much of a detective to add that up.

[Fred Byers]

But it's still only suspicion.

[Marshal]

We've got to catch the black hat

[Fred Byers]

in the ant copy.

[Marshal]

The only way.

[California Carlson]

And that's why you wrote me to bring my next batch of cows to Council City.

[Marshal]

Right.

[Fred Byers]

Who's that?

[Marshal]

It must be Ms. Vance, Sanderson's secretary. She said she wanted to see me tonight.

[Fred Byers]

Wait a minute.

[California Carlson]

I don't want anyone to know we're working together.

[Fred Byers]

I'll be in the next room.

[Ms. Vance]

Marshall.

[Marshal]

Come in.

[Ms. Vance]

I can only stay a minute. I. I can't let him know I'm here. You heard about Fred? Buyers tried to kill himself in the arcade an hour ago.

[Fred Byers]

I see.

[Ms. Vance]

How much longer are you going to allow this to go on?

[Fred Byers]

Until I get proof, Ms. Vance.

[Ms. Vance]

Well, I don't need any more proof.

[Fred Byers]

What do you mean?

[Ms. Vance]

While Sanderson was out this afternoon, I went to his desk. I found this.

[Fred Byers]

Well, Black Mask.

[Ms. Vance]

Is that proof enough for you?

[Marshal]

I don't know.

[Ms. Vance]

Well, I do. The townspeople are ready to link someone, Marshal. They're tired of waiting, and so am I. If you insist on sitting up here in your office.

[Marshal]

Just a minute, Miss Vance. Until the United States government tells me

[Fred Byers]

different, I'm in charge of the law here.

[Marshal]

And I'll conduct my office as I see fit. I got a case against Sanderson, I'll move, and not until.

[Ms. Vance]

All right, Marshall. But I hope for your sake you move soon enough. Good night.

[Fred Byers]

Good night.

[Marshal]

Well, what do you think? Happy?

[California Carlson]

Hard to say.

[Marshal]

There it is. Prettiest piece of evidence a man could want.

[California Carlson]

Wonder if Sanderson's in his office now.

[Fred Byers]

Why, sure.

[Marshal]

The arcade runs till midnight.

[Fred Byers]

Why?

[California Carlson]

Thought I might run over and talk business with him.

[Fred Byers]

After all, he's the boy who's going

[California Carlson]

to buy my cows, isn't he?

[Mr. Sanderson]

Nice of you to drop in tonight, Cassidy.

[Fred Byers]

Here, have a cigar.

[California Carlson]

No, thanks, Mr. Sanderson.

[Mr. Sanderson]

I hope you don't mind if I do. I always think better with a cigar in my mouth.

[Fred Byers]

There we are.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Now, we'll close at 20.

[Fred Byers]

Yeah. 20.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Satisfactory to you.

[California Carlson]

That's a fair price.

[Fred Byers]

Good. Hate to haggle.

[Mr. Sanderson]

I could see you hate it, too, Cassidy. Minute you came in tonight, I said to myself, now, there's a man who's got a price in his mind. If I meet it, fine.

[Fred Byers]

If I don't, no deal.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Kind of an amateur student of character, Cassidy.

[Fred Byers]

Usually come up pretty close, too.

[California Carlson]

And you're a mighty good businessman, aren't you, Mr. Sanderson?

[Mr. Sanderson]

Oh, I do my best.

[Fred Byers]

Make a pretty good go as a cattle broker or run a couple of saloons. I like to keep busy.

[California Carlson]

And I see you play around with mining, too.

[Mr. Sanderson]

You mean the map on the wall?

[Fred Byers]

Yeah. And those gold nugget cufflinks you're wearing.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Well, I'll tell you a secret, Cassidy. As a mining man, I'm a flop. Put a lot of money in it, too. That map on the wall up there is to remind me I can lose money faster than I can make it sometimes.

[California Carlson]

Is that so?

[Fred Byers]

It's called the Gold Arrow.

[Mr. Sanderson]

A few miles out of town, just

[Fred Byers]

over the ridge from Stone Canyon.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Spent a fortune put in six miles of tunnels.

[Fred Byers]

But all I got was this pair of cufflinks. Pretty expensive cufflinks, huh?

[Mr. Sanderson]

Back to business. Here's a bit of sale. And 500 head at 20 is 10,080.

[California Carlson]

In cash?

[Mr. Sanderson]

Why not?

[California Carlson]

Seems like a lot of money for a fellow to pack around a greenback.

[Fred Byers]

How about a check?

[Mr. Sanderson]

Sorry, I don't do business that way, Cassidy. I don't even carry a checking account.

[California Carlson]

Any particular reason?

[Fred Byers]

Yeah. I don't trust banks.

[Mr. Sanderson]

My father lost everything he had in 73, and I don't intend to do the same.

[California Carlson]

I see.

[Fred Byers]

So if you want to do business

[Mr. Sanderson]

with me, it's cash on the barrel head.

[Fred Byers]

They gotta leave it.

[California Carlson]

That what you told Fred Byers?

[Fred Byers]

Yeah. Anything wrong with that?

[California Carlson]

I think so. You could have written off that mortgage on his ranch with a bill of sale on his cabinet.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Now, wait a minute.

[California Carlson]

I'm not through. He'd handle the deal sensibly. Instead of sending him out of here with $6,000 in his jeans, he'd have owned his ranch clear. Now he's wiped out. Walks into the bar downstairs and tries

[Fred Byers]

to kill himself with poison. All because you don't trust banks. Or is that the real reason, Sanderson?

[Mr. Sanderson]

Well, you've been listening to it, too, have you?

[Fred Byers]

What?

[Mr. Sanderson]

Talk around town about me.

[Fred Byers]

I guess it's the same everywhere, Cassidy.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Man pulls into town with nothing except the clothes on its back, a pair of hands and a lot of ambition.

[Fred Byers]

He works hard, he builds up a

[Mr. Sanderson]

business, he gets rich. While he's poor, he's a good fellow. When he makes his pile, he's suddenly a thieving skunk who'd murder his own grandmother for a dime.

[California Carlson]

I'm not talking about your money, Sanderson. I just said if it weren't for that crazy notion of yours about banks, Fred buyers would have his ranch instead of you.

[Fred Byers]

And I don't think it's going to

[California Carlson]

break your heart to foreclose on him, is it?

[Fred Byers]

Seems to me you've come here to sell some cattle.

[Mr. Sanderson]

You gonna sign the bill of sale?

[Fred Byers]

Sure.

[California Carlson]

There you are.

[Fred Byers]

Thanks.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Take care of that cash, won't you?

[Fred Byers]

You can bet I will.

[California Carlson]

Good night, Sanderson.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Good night and good luck.

[Marshal]

You don't mean you're gonna risk the whole 10,000?

[California Carlson]

Hand me that bundle of bills there, California.

[Fred Byers]

Here you are.

[Mr. Sanderson]

But dang to know what you're doing.

[California Carlson]

I think a thousand ought to do it, Marshall. We'll leave the rest here and you're safe.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Harpy, I wish you'd slow down to a fast gallop so a body could catch up. What you doing? Putting them march and them bills.

[Fred Byers]

Just putting a little black dot next to the serial numbers.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Sure I can't help you? Hell, okay. Let me sit down beside you and put Whiskers and Andy Jackson's picture there.

[California Carlson]

I'm going fishing, California.

[Fred Byers]

Good Lord Almighty.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Efficient.

[Marshal]

And I'm telling you, you ain't gonna get a bite, Hoppy.

[Mr. Sanderson]

And I ain't gonna stand for this another minute. What's going on here? What?

[California Carlson]

There's that big fish swimming around out in Stone Canyon. And I'm going after him with this money here.

[Fred Byers]

Bait.

[Mr. Sanderson]

You mean. You mean the black Hat?

[Fred Byers]

That's right.

[Marshal]

Happy figures the bandido will tackle him

[Fred Byers]

if he starts back to the bar.

[Marshal]

20 tonight with that money.

[Fred Byers]

I don't.

[California Carlson]

Why not?

[Marshal]

Cuz he's too smart to tackle Hopalong Cassidy on a dark trail. Even Steven, that's why. He knows he'd get run off with more holes in him than a Swiss cheese.

[California Carlson]

Well, maybe you're right, Marshall. But it's a cinch he wouldn't tackle you.

[Mr. Sanderson]

So I. I don't like the direction this conversation is going. Now, why you looking at me?

[California Carlson]

No, California wouldn't work either.

[Marshal]

I reckon not.

[Fred Byers]

Why not?

[California Carlson]

Well, you can't send a boy out to do a man's job, California.

[Marshal]

No.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Wait a minute.

[Marshal]

Bandido's a mighty tough hombre. Can't tell what might happen.

[Mr. Sanderson]

I ain't afraid.

[California Carlson]

Forget it, California. I wouldn't risk your neck for anything. After all, at your age, a man ought to begin to take things easy.

[Mr. Sanderson]

At my age? Now listen here. If. And you think I can't give that bandido coyote cards and spades and hug time with one hand behind my back.

[Fred Byers]

You're.

[Mr. Sanderson]

You're.

[California Carlson]

You mean you want the job?

[Mr. Sanderson]

You darn too now want the job. Now give me that money.

[Fred Byers]

She's all yours.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Why, I was in the saddle when you fell. Was in three cornered pants. And that bandita fell too. You sure let me see him face to face.

[California Carlson]

You will, California.

[Fred Byers]

You will, huh? You just got yourself a job, huh?

[Mr. Sanderson]

You know, I get a feeling I was eucharid into this.

[Narrator]

Before we continue with this exciting story, here is a word from your announcer.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Hey everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[California Carlson]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Anyways, get a'@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[Narrator]

Now back to our story. It's now almost midnight. Three hours since California, carrying $1,000 in mocked money, set out on the trail leading north from Council City, supposedly on his way back to the bar 20. Hoppy and the Marshall, high on a rocky peak, are watching the moonlit valley below.

[Marshal]

Take it easy, Hoppy.

[California Carlson]

I. I can't help it, Marshall.

[Fred Byers]

I'm beginning to get jumpy. He's a half hour overdue.

[Marshal]

Oh, you told him to take his time.

[California Carlson]

Yeah, I know, but.

[Marshal]

Yeah, we're in luck in one way at least.

[Fred Byers]

Huh? That moon.

[Marshal]

Bright as daylight down there.

[California Carlson]

I hope you're right about the black hat.

[Marshal]

Anything happen to California, I get it, Happy. There are two kinds of outlaws.

[Fred Byers]

The killers and the smart ones.

[Marshal]

And the black hat, the smart kind. California ain't gonna get hurt.

[California Carlson]

Well, I feel better if I was down there instead of.

[Fred Byers]

Wait. Watch up. Look where the trail comes out of that shadow down there. Yep, it's California all right.

[California Carlson]

He's moving into the shadow again.

[Fred Byers]

Ought to come out on the other

[California Carlson]

side of that boulder.

[Marshal]

There it is, just like I said.

[California Carlson]

What do you mean he isn't a killer?

[Marshal]

He's shooting high.

[Fred Byers]

That's his stopper. And that's the one that he needs.

[Marshal]

Business.

[Fred Byers]

Come on, let's get Going? Where'd he go?

[California Carlson]

Ran him right up the cliff here.

[Fred Byers]

Then it seemed he dropped out of sight.

[Marshal]

That black stallion of his is the fastest thing on four feet.

[California Carlson]

Where's California?

[Marshal]

Right behind me.

[Mr. Sanderson]

He's okay.

[Fred Byers]

Good. It doesn't make sense, Marshall.

[California Carlson]

A man and a horse just don't vanish into thin air. He's got to be around somewhere. You sure there's no trail leading up to the rim?

[Marshal]

Positive. There's no way out of Stone Canyon. But the way we come. I've been over every inch of it with Fred Byers.

[Mr. Sanderson]

California hobby Machine. You take out after him.

[Marshal]

Ah, nice work.

[California Carlson]

I wish I'd done my job as

[Fred Byers]

well as you did yours.

[Marshal]

Where'd the varmint go?

[California Carlson]

That's rather an embarrassing question, California.

[Fred Byers]

Seems we are chasing a spook.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Ain't no spook I dealin with down there in the trail.

[California Carlson]

What'd his voice sound like?

[Mr. Sanderson]

I couldn't tell underneath that mask. All he said was stick him up and my teeth was chattering so loud. I was lucky to hear that. But while he was relieving me of my money, he left something behind.

[California Carlson]

What's that?

[Mr. Sanderson]

Here, take a look.

[Marshal]

What is it?

[Fred Byers]

Hobby. A cufflink.

[Mr. Sanderson]

I picked it up. I picked it up after he took off. He dropped it in the trail by accident.

[California Carlson]

I wonder if it was an accident.

[Marshal]

What do you mean, hobby?

[California Carlson]

I don't know. But Mr. Sanderson might have an idea or two on that subject when I give it back to him tomorrow morning.

[Fred Byers]

Good morning, Cassidy. Oh, hello.

[California Carlson]

Hello, Mr. Sanderson. I. I was just looking at the map of your. Your mind here.

[Fred Byers]

I see.

[California Carlson]

It looks like you tunnel almost through the ridge here. From Green Valley to Stone Canyon.

[Mr. Sanderson]

That's right. I suppose you tell me what you're doing in my office.

[California Carlson]

Oh, come now, Mr. Sanderson. I'm. I'm not holding any grudges about yesterday. There's no reason why you should.

[Mr. Sanderson]

I asked you what you were doing here.

[Fred Byers]

Thought I'd do you a favor.

[California Carlson]

Ever seen that before?

[Fred Byers]

Where'd you get it?

[California Carlson]

Answer my question first.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Of course I've seen it before. It was stolen from my home a few days ago.

[California Carlson]

Oh. Seems to me I saw you wearing a pair of nugget cufflinks yesterday.

[Mr. Sanderson]

That was the other pair.

[Fred Byers]

I have two.

[California Carlson]

Where were you last night at 11 o', clock, Sanderson?

[Mr. Sanderson]

At home.

[California Carlson]

Anyone with you?

[Mr. Sanderson]

No. Like to know where you got that cufflink?

[California Carlson]

I know you would. See you later, Sanderson.

[Marshal]

No dice, Hoppy.

[Fred Byers]

This rock wall's two feet thick.

[Marshal]

The whole End of the canyon here is the same way.

[California Carlson]

I want to see for myself.

[Fred Byers]

Let's work up far up the slope.

[California Carlson]

Any luck, California?

[Mr. Sanderson]

Nothing down here.

[Fred Byers]

There's gotta be somewhere along here.

[Marshal]

I wish I were as sure of myself as you. It's almost dark, Hoppy. Why can't we.

[California Carlson]

We still got a half hour I haven't mined. Tunnel of Sanderson's comes almost through to this side. This side of the cliff here goes right under the ridge between this end of Stone Canyon and Green Valley on the other side.

[Fred Byers]

It can't be coincidence.

[California Carlson]

The black hat seems to disappear right at this exact spot.

[Marshal]

But good Lord, man, a hole big enough for a horse and rider would be.

[Narrator]

Hold it.

[California Carlson]

Look up there. Where? That crack in the granite about 15ft up.

[Fred Byers]

Look what's coming out that well, I'll beat thousands of them.

[California Carlson]

There's your cave, Marshall.

[Marshal]

Yeah, but how in tarnation could that thin rock underneath. It must shove a side or something.

[California Carlson]

Come on, give me a hand. California.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Right behind you.

[Fred Byers]

This big slab looks like it might. Yeah, look at those scratches in the dirt. Come on now. All together.

[California Carlson]

Well, satisfied now, Marshall?

[Marshal]

I'm eating crow, Cassidy. Let's go in.

[Fred Byers]

Light up the candle, California.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Yeah, yeah, and I'll bring up the rear if you don't mind.

[Fred Byers]

Just.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Just as soon as I don't want to meet that critter face to face in his own hole.

[Fred Byers]

Let's pull the stone back way it was. Yeah, and.

[Mr. Sanderson]

And leave us all shut up in here. Oh, yeah, sure. All right.

[Fred Byers]

Okay, let's go.

[Marshal]

How far do you think the tunnel goes, Hoppy?

[California Carlson]

It ties in with that flying drift Samson told me about.

[Fred Byers]

For there he could go right through the ridge to the Green Valley.

[Marshal]

No wonder he was able to disappear so easy.

[Fred Byers]

You reckon he went right through or Butcher. Take a look in this part of the tunnel. Well, cigarette butts, a lamp, boxes. Hold the candle. Marshall. Yeah. Let's see what's in this box.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Look at them green bags.

[Fred Byers]

Hey, that's it, Hoppy. There's the Wells Fargo pouch.

[Marshal]

The envelope Fred Byers kept his money in.

[Fred Byers]

It's all there.

[California Carlson]

Yeah.

[Fred Byers]

Looks like we found out where our friend hangs his black ass.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[California Carlson]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Anyways, get a'@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[Fred Byers]

Sam.

[Narrator]

In the darkness of a cave at the end of Stone Canyon, Hoppy California and the Marshall have found the answer to part of the mystery surrounding El Sombrero Negro. The phantom bandit in the black hat. But even though the stolen money is there, the most important question is still unanswered.

[Fred Byers]

What do you figure on doing, Hoppy? Waiting here for Sanderson to show up? What makes you think of Sanderson?

[Mr. Sanderson]

What makes her humpty? You ain't telling us to bandage somebody else, are you?

[Fred Byers]

I didn't say that.

[California Carlson]

I'm just not sure of Sanderson.

[Fred Byers]

Well, good Lord, everything points to him. He ran the mine, knows the tunnels.

[Marshal]

Every one of the robberies followed one

[Fred Byers]

of his money deals.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Yeah, what about that cufflink?

[Fred Byers]

That still doesn't mean it's Sanderson. Well, who else could have his secretary, Ms. Vance.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Oh, what do you.

[Fred Byers]

She knows all the Sanderson's business. She could have stolen that cufflink and had it planted to throw suspicion onto him. And above everything else, she hates him and makes no secret of it. I can't believe that. Ms. Vance. Another thing. I don't think that's her right name. Right.

[Marshal]

If her name isn't Vance, what is it?

[Fred Byers]

Wait, wait. Put out the candle.

[California Carlson]

Right.

[Fred Byers]

Hobby, would you? Hostel. Now. I'm ready.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Janet. Who's there?

[California Carlson]

Put up your hand.

[Fred Byers]

You got him, huh? Hang up the candle.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Where is it?

[Fred Byers]

Copy. Frank Banks. Yeah.

[California Carlson]

I thought that suicide act was a fake. He knew why I was here and was trying to throw me off.

[Fred Byers]

I never would have breathed.

[California Carlson]

No. I guess he had us all fooled for a while. Well, let's get back to town. I think we owe Mr. Sanderson an apology. And of course, we'll have to notify the Widow.

[Mr. Sanderson]

Widow?

[Fred Byers]

Sure. Mrs. Fredfires.

[California Carlson]

Otherwise known as Ms. Vance. Well, I'll leave that one to you, Marshall. That seems to be a matter for the law.

[Narrator]

We hope you'll be with us next time when Hoppy in California will again ride out from the bar 20 for another dangerous and exciting adventure of the Old West. Hop Along. Cassidy, starring William Boyd is transcribed and produced in the west by Walter White, Jr. The Phantom Bandido was written by Harold Swanson. All stories are based upon the characters created by Clarence E. Mulford. This is a Commodore production.

[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 join in the conversation by going to otrwesterns.Com Discord and don't forget to send us an email podcast trwesterns.com this episode's copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day, and again, thanks for listening.

[Fred Byers]

Sam.