The Santa Claus Rustlers | Hopalong Cassidy (03-15-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: "The Santa Claus Rustlers" | Hopalong Cassidy (03-15-52)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Broadcast Date: December 14, 2025 (podcast release)
Digitally restored classic Western episode

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns revives the “Hopalong Cassidy” classic, “The Santa Claus Rustlers,” with crisp audio restoration. The story is a heartwarming, comedic, and suspenseful holiday adventure starring Hoppy (Hopalong Cassidy) and his sidekick California. The central mystery centers on a series of Christmas-time cattle rustlings at the Stilwell ranch, and how community, sacrifice, and the Christmas spirit come together for an unexpectedly joyous celebration.

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Key Discussion Points & Episode Plot

1. A Rough Start on the Trail

• Hoppy and California’s Detour
  • Hoppy and California are heading home for Christmas after a cattle drive but are delayed when Hoppy’s horse throws a shoe, and they discover California forgot to pack spares.
  • Humorous banter sets a lighthearted tone:
    • California: “We ain’t got no spare shoes…” (02:03)
    • Hoppy: “No use grumbling about it, California. Just hand me one of those spare shoes and some nails.” (01:59)

2. Meeting Billy and "Johnny No Name"

• Billy Stillwell
  • Young Billy runs away to earn Christmas money for his family, showing childlike determination and warmth.
    • Billy: “I gotta get some money before Christmas so I can buy them some presents and a tree.” (03:52)
• Johnny “No Name”
  • A surly new ranch hand confronts Hoppy and California, suspecting them of rustling the Stilwell’s cattle:
    • Johnny (to Hoppy): “I’m taking you both to the ranch...Or you won’t be stubborn, you’ll be dead.” (04:56)

3. At the Stilwell Ranch

• Tense Introduction and Family Bonds
  • Hoppy and California are detained until they can prove their identities.
  • The audience learns about the Stilwell family’s sacrifices: Ma sold her heirlooms, and Betty gave up college to support the ranch.
    • Mr. Stilwell: “We like to consider the herd as belonging to each of us in equal shares.” (08:19)
  • The family’s hopes for any Christmas celebration seem dashed by the theft.

4. Suspicions and Community Spirit

• Tracking the Rustlers
  • Hoppy and California investigate, joined by a strong-willed Betty, who proves herself a championship calf-roper:
    • Betty beats California in a playful roping contest.
      • “That was the bargain. Grizzle puss. And she beat you by 10 seconds.” (11:29)
• Christmas Sentiment
  • Despite hardship, the family maintains warmth and humor, stringing popcorn for a “tree” and refusing charity.
    • Ma: “We don’t have 10 cents and we don’t hold with borrowing or charity.” (13:25)

5. Another Rustling and Escalating Tension

• The Rustlers Strike Again
  • Betty brings news that more cattle have been stolen.
  • The family prepares to defend their herd, showing courage and resolve:
    • Mrs. Stilwell: “I stood before Injun Daniel Stillwell. And I reckon the same applies to low down cow people.” (16:51)
• Johnny’s Disappearance
  • Suspicion falls on Johnny after he disappears and is later found in town with new purchases.

6. Town Confrontation

• The Confrontation with Johnny
  • Hoppy and California find Johnny in a hotel with suspiciously new boots and gifts, despite his “delayed wages.”
    • Hoppy: “You’ve been spending a lot of money for a rider who’s working for delayed wages.” (20:26)
  • Hoppy suspects Johnny knows more than he lets on and decides to wait for more evidence.

7. Setting the Trap & The Christmas Eve Surprise

• Popcorn, Planning, and a House Trap
  • The family continues holiday preparations as Hoppy and California set a trap for the rustlers.
    • Hoppy: “If I’m right, we’ll catch those rustlers red handed tonight.” (24:38)
• Discovery and the Big Reveal
  • The “rustlers” are revealed to be members of the Stilwell family themselves, each secretly taking from their own share of cattle to provide Christmas presents and a tree for the others—each acting as a secret “Santa Claus.”
    • Hoppy: “Your folks and your sister are the Santa Claus rustlers. Each one took from his own share of the herd.” (27:07)
• Johnny’s Redemption
  • Johnny confesses his true identity, giving Billy new boots bought with honest money, not outlaw funds.
    • Johnny: “Before I give any presents, y’all should know I’m Johnny Bent, son of an outlaw. Was it outlaw money you spent on those presents?”
    • California: “Oh, no, sir!”
    • Hoppy: “It was honest. Every penny.” (28:17-28:21)

8. Resolution & Celebration

• The true spirit of Christmas is restored: forgiveness, family unity, and laughter, with a “forest” of Christmas trees in the parlor.
• Lighthearted comedy closes the episode, as California’s “singing” is foiled by eating too much popcorn.
  • California: “That popcorn… my voice is ruined.” (29:07)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Holiday Sacrifice:
  • Mr. Stilwell: “Ma sold her heirlooms and Betty gave up going east to school… We like to consider the herd as belonging to each of us in equal shares.” (08:19)
• Spirit of Giving:
  • Hoppy: “If we can make your holidays better by recovering your cattle, that’ll be paying out.” (14:28)
• On Christmas Shortages:
  • California: “Gosh, no presents, Satan. Ours. No Christmas. Nothing but rustling and more rustling.” (22:44)
• Holiday Twist:
  • Hoppy: “Your folks and your sister are the Santa Claus rustlers.” (27:07)
• Johnny's Resolution:
  • Johnny: “They’re for you, kid. But before I give any presents, y'all should know I’m Johnny Bent, son of an outlaw...” (28:08)
• Christmas Spirit Closes:
  • Hoppy: “And there’s only one thing left to say. Merry Christmas.” (29:12)
  • California: “Merry Christmas, everybody.” (29:16)

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Key Timestamps

• Billy appears; reveals motives: 03:44-03:56
• Johnny confronts Hoppy and California: 04:56
• Family sacrifices revealed: 08:19
• Betty’s roping contest win: 11:29-11:33
• Second rustling discovered: 14:32
• Evening ambush and suspicions of Johnny: 17:10-20:49
• Popcorn stringing and party plans: 22:11-24:38
• Trap set and rustlers revealed: 24:38-27:14
• Johnny’s honesty and Christmas resolved: 28:05-29:12

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Tone and Atmosphere

The episode brims with playful Western banter, familial warmth, suspense, and classic Hopalong morality and humor. The restoration adds rich ambient effects—hoofbeats, the crackle of a campfire, and lively banter evoke the world of the Bar 20 and the golden age of radio.

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Takeaway

"The Santa Claus Rustlers" is a charming Western mystery and a lesson in generosity, unity, and the Christmas spirit, skillfully blending suspense with humor and heart. Hopalong Cassidy remains the ever-reliable hero—not only solving the mystery but bringing a struggling family closer together for an extra-special Christmas.

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Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

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.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

This is kind of a special story that I call the Santa Claus Rustlers. It began shortly before Christmas as California and I were heading back to the Bar 20 after a trail drive to Southern Arizona. We were hoping to be home for the holidays. But one morning near Phoenix, my horse Topper threw a shoe and this is what it led to.

[California Carlson]

Well, if all a darn luck, this takes the cake.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

No use grumbling about it, California. Just hand me one of those spare shoes and some nails.

[California Carlson]

That's what I mean. We ain't got no spare shoes.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

What?

[California Carlson]

But I told you ain't got no nails neither.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

California, what was the last thing I told you to do before we left business?

[California Carlson]

Get some shoes and nails and to.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Shut up about the heat.

[California Carlson]

Well now, Harpy, remember the Christmas spirit. Besides, I didn't have no room in my saddlebags for Horseshoe.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

No room? Of course you got room. Now I'll have to walk Copper clear to Phoenix to get a new shoe.

[California Carlson]

Well, if it weren't for my rheumatism a bad feed. I'd let you ride my horse. Sorry, you know that.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Sure.

[California Carlson]

Well look, here comes a kid. Maybe there's a ranch near here where you can get a shoe.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Well, for your sake, I hope so. Hi son.

[California Carlson]

How do you sell? What's happening here, horse? I'm running away. My name's Billy Stowell.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

What's yours?

[California Carlson]

Want a piece of fudge? I got some here. My pocket.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Hey, take a breath.

[California Carlson]

Regular little magpie.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'm Hop Along Cassidy. Billy. This is my partner, California. Carlson.

[California Carlson]

You running away too?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

No. Where are you headed?

[California Carlson]

I don't know. Maybe China, maybe Phoenix. Any place where I can make some money quick. You know of anyone needing a top hand, Top handy this sprout Skip man sized idea. I ain't as young as I look. Top said. My legs are beginning to bow already. I can learn anything that's got four legs. And I bet I can rope better than you.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Slow down, Billy. Let's talk about this for a minute. It's a little far to China, especially without money or food.

[California Carlson]

I got a pocket full of fudge. Want a piece?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

No thanks.

[California Carlson]

Well now, I might just say no. No thanks.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Billy, you wouldn't be running away because you disagreed with your folks about something, would you? Oh no.

[California Carlson]

I got the best pop and mom in the whole wide world. Even China. That's why I'm running away. I gotta get some money before Christmas so I can buy them some presents and a tree. A tree? You mean a Christmas tree?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Uh huh.

[California Carlson]

They're awful sentimental my folks. Every year they have a pine tree and presents. You know how much he growed? Folks are about things like that.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, yeah, we know Billy Poppy had.

[California Carlson]

No hard money for me tonight. Hey, there comes Johnny. No names. Hop just hired him last week. Wonder what he's doing coming from that away. Hi Johnny.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

Hi.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You there.

[California Carlson]

What's your business here? Our own. You're snippy young. Oh, I'm sorry.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, I got a bum leg, Pop. But save your pity and answer my question.

[California Carlson]

My gun's in good shape.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

It's a public road, son. We're heading home. Why?

[California Carlson]

Where's that?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

The Bar 20. Your name? I'm Hopalong Cassidy.

[California Carlson]

I'm telephony. Carlson.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

What's yours? Johnny. No name as the kid probably told you wouldn't wear out your brains. Getting curious about that though.

[California Carlson]

Curiosity makes my trigger finger itch.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Now let's have a look in those saddlebags of yours.

[California Carlson]

Watch that. You ain't opening my saddlebag.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Why not? California. You've nothing to hide.

[California Carlson]

Maybe I'm just stubborn, but my saddlebags is private. All right.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'm taking you both to the ranch. Loafing those bags there. Or you won't be stubborn, you'll be dead. All that. You're acting like you think we're outlaws. There were 10 cows rustled from the east pasture of our ranch by someone. And for my money, you two are tagged as IT.

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[Narrator]

Now back to Hopalong Cassidy and our story, the Santa Claus. Rustlers. On their way home. Hoppy and California are stopped near Phoenix, Arizona. First by a young boy, Billy Stillwell, who's running away. Then a bitter young writer who calls himself Johnny no Name and accuses Hoppy in California of being rustlers at gunpoint. He takes them to the Stillwell ranch along with young Billy.

[California Carlson]

Darn you, Johnny. You didn't have to make me come home too.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

Shut up.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Go inside and call your folks.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

Billy. Oh, Billy. Billy, you scared me to death.

[California Carlson]

Oh, now, Ma, don't take on so. Oh, I ain't hurted none. I just wanted to make some money so you could have a tree for Christmas. All right, kid, all right. Get your pop.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

What is it, John? Who are these bands?

[California Carlson]

Call themselves Cassidy and Carlson.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

But I'm tabbing them as a pair of rustlers. We lost 10 cows this morning.

[California Carlson]

No. Oh, no, Billy.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

We like Johnny fair.

[California Carlson]

Sure, Ma.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Mr. Spillwell, I can prove who and what we are.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

Time for that when my husband Amos gets here, you may as well get down.

[California Carlson]

Johnny, can I give you a hand? Power.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I don't need help to get off my horse. Get away from me or blow your head off.

[California Carlson]

Got your gun, Johnny.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Now you young polkadot California, give it back to him. What?

[California Carlson]

But Howie, you heard him. He'll blow my head off.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Give it back. Sure, sure.

[California Carlson]

But it's gonna make me feel like a if he shoots me with it. Here, you drop this.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yes, thanks.

[California Carlson]

You're welcome, I'm sure. More so if you'll pint it in some other direction than my wishbone. I'm the nervous kind, Mr. Spillwell.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Give me the word after you have reason. Here's your papers, Mr. Cassidy. Looks like Johnny got ahead of himself. No harm done, Mr. Stillwell. And thanks for letting California shoe my horse while we talk. I think an apology would be an order from you, Johnny? I don't make apologies to anyone. Well, then I'll apologize for him. He's got a bad streak. Guess he feels the world's against him on account of that bum leg. Tries to hate everybody. It's a lot of hate. Man can get sick doing that. Yeah, well, I suppose I can't complain, though. John is the only rider I found who'll work for delayed wages. Maybe he has a reason. This rustling hit you hard? Hard enough. Not only me, but my partners. Partners?

[California Carlson]

Yeah.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I guess I'd better explain. It's an unusual setup. When I bought this ranch a few years ago, I only had enough left over to buy 50 head of stock. So Ma and Betty, my daughter, they agreed to sacrifice something to help me get a herd. You got a fine family. I sure have. Ma sold her heirlooms and Betty gave up going east to school. You see, I'd set aside a little money regular for her to do that. When the pinch came, Betty tossed it into the pot without even asking me. I see. We like to consider the herd as belonging to each of us in equal shares. Makes Ma and Betty feel like they have a part in things and make the Billy might become a partner when he grows up. Well, if there's anything left, I'd like to get my hands on the reckless who'd steal from a family like yours just before Christmas. Yeah, I guess our holidays ain't going to be too bright. No trees, no presents. Nothing but a little good wishing. Market's too low to sell now. Sure, that's it. Cows are bringing a bear. $10 a head. We can just hold out till spring while we can get double that. It was just me. I'd sell a few, but I got to think of the others. No, I reckon this Christmas will just be a poor one.

[California Carlson]

Happy journey, doll. If we keep fooling around trying to track down these rustlers, we're gonna miss Christmas at home.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You can go ahead if you want to. California. Me, I've got a mad on.

[California Carlson]

Yeah, yeah, I know. Stealing from nice folks like them Stillwells. It's downright wrong. What polecat would be mean enough to harking? I know a polecat who'd be so do I.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Let's not go jumping at any conclusions yet. Uh. Oh.

[California Carlson]

What's the matter?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Look. Tracks of the Russell cattle lead right into those other tracks they've lost on.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

Hello there. What do you think you're doing?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

What? Oh. Well, I guess you must be Betty Stillwell.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

So you're a good guesser, Cassidy.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Well, give us a chance. We're trailing some cattle that will rustle from you.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

Anybody ask you to?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Well, as a matter of fact, yes. Your father? My name's Cassidy. This is California. Charleston.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

Oh, you must think I'm pretty awful, jumping on you like that. Reckon I'm edgy.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You knew about the cattle?

[Mrs. Stillwell]

Oh, Johnny rode over to tell me about them this morning. I was burning some calves on the north range.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You wish.

[California Carlson]

What? But you're a girl.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

Oh, I'll bet you I can beat you at calf roping. Drizzle, push.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Drizzle poo.

[California Carlson]

Drizzle, poop. Why, darn it all, I shaved only last week and there ain't no gal who can beat me. Calen, the dear gal does that. I'll shave clear down to the skin. Do I have to?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

That was the bargain. Grizzle puss. And she beat you by 10 seconds. I know.

[California Carlson]

But, Hoppy, how did I know she was a rodeo champion?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Shave.

[California Carlson]

Yeah, but I'll feel naked.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Do I tell them back at the bar 20th that a girl beat you at, see, at dinner. Ouch.

[California Carlson]

Ain't no reason for a man to have to do this nohow. It's plumb Brutus. Doggone me, if I cut myself once more, my face is gonna fall apart. Why don't you try following them whispers with applejacks? Heard about your match with Betty. Catch them rustlers. She beat you by 10 seconds.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Huh?

[California Carlson]

Look out, you're cutting yourself.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Ouch. Thanks for telling me.

[California Carlson]

Yeah, Betty beat me by 10 seconds. No, we didn't catch no wrestlers. And why don't you go kiss a rattlesnake? Say, you're a gabby one, ain't you? Pass the soap. Ma, I'm sorry about making you worry today.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

That's the fiddle.

[California Carlson]

I just wanted to get some presents in the tree. How about you, Johnny? You getting presents? Presents, Presents. That's all any of you think about. Look, do me a big favor. Skip me on this malarkey.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'm past believing in Santa Claus.

[California Carlson]

Well, gee, if we had a tree and presents and a party like we.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

Usually do, you'd see Johnny.

[California Carlson]

And only Santa Claus. Side, I'm gonna give you a present.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You what?

[California Carlson]

What for? Because I like you, I guess. Don't you like me?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Why, yeah. All this drivel makes me. Well, gee, Mrs. Spill. Well, maybe there's something we can do. After all, a tree isn't much.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

Oh, Jake Hammer freights him in from the mountains at $10 a piece. We don't have 10 cents and we don't hold with borrowing or charity.

[California Carlson]

Saint. Just the same, Mr. Cat. Wish we had. The cows back there were ruffled. They paid for a tree and plenty of presents.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Mr. Stillwell, about that rustling. You suspect any of your neighbors? Well, no. They're nice folks, most of them, but not all. I have an idea whoever's behind this rustling will strike again if we don't stop him. And it makes it tough. She's only got a small herd, but it's scattered all over a lot of range, as you can tell. It takes plenty of this scrubby land to feed one cow. With only Ma and me and Betty and Johnny. Well, we just can't protect them. You mean Mrs. Stillwell rides herd?

[Mrs. Stillwell]

Sure I do. And be quick getting food ready. That is. We make out all right.

[California Carlson]

At least we did until them cow things began.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

And that's why we appreciate your help, Mr. Cassidy. But of course, you have your own business to attend to, so I guess you'll be. Ah, we'll stick for a while and forget the wages. We can make your holidays better by recovering your cattle. That'll be paying out.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

You have more to recover than you think.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Hey, DY girl, Where have you been Suffered near the cold.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

I took a turn to go for Basin Pa. That bunch of cows there was left alone too long. The rustlers have hit us.

[California Carlson]

Limu emu.

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[Hopalong Cassidy]

Uh, Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us?

[Doug (Liberty Mutual)]

Cut the camera. They see us.

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[Hopalong Cassidy]

Stop by AMPM where the snacks and.

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[Hopalong Cassidy]

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[Narrator]

Cassidy and our story. The Santa Claus rustlers. Trying to track down the rustlers preying on the Stilwell family. Poppy and California lost the trail of the Russell herd. But that same evening, Betty Stillwell came in with the news that the rustlers had struck again. The family, despondent at the prospect of a Christmas without a tree or present, react in grim determination.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Billy, put down that rifle.

[California Carlson]

Oh, but Pop, I'm going with you.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

You're going to stay here and take care of the ranch.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yes, Ma. You and Betty ought to stay here too. Now there's likely to be a passel of shooting to catch up with them rustlers.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

I stood before Injun Daniel Stillwell. And I reckon the same applies to low down cow people.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Where's Johnny? No name. He claimed to be good with a gun.

[California Carlson]

I saw him taking off for town. He said he was going to pickle Santa Claus. If that ain't like the darn Varman. Got plenty of meanness. Except when we need a little.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Never mind, California. Let's go. Mr. Stilwell.

[California Carlson]

Yeah.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Poppy.

[California Carlson]

This trailing by moonlight just don't get it. We've lost the tracks eight times already. Ah, let's go back.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I know. I'm worried about having the women folk with us too. When we hit those rocks ahead of us, we're not only going to lose the trail for good, we're going to be in danger of an ambush. Cassidy, you thinking what I'm thinking? I'm afraid so.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

What are you afraid of?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Oh, now take cover. Handle, you and Betty sneak back as soon as that cloud crosses the moon. Now this time I'm ordering. Mom, please go back for me, honey.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

Daddy, you got any spare shells? Sure, Ma. Here. I wish Johnny was here. He'd save us.

[California Carlson]

I ain't so sure that he ain't here still.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Well, you notice where those shots went? I was too busy ducking. Why? Either that rifleman is the world's worst shot or we're only being warned not to go on. He missed us by 50 yards. Yeah, well, he'll wish he'd hit us before I get through with him. If Mo wasn't with us, we could. I reckon they've got us outnumbered, eh Cassidy?

[California Carlson]

We'd best go back. Go back? Why Huffy. Wicked. You poked me.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, you're right. We have to go back. Oh, you and Betty. Go on inside.

[California Carlson]

Cassidy.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You're not this morning, are you? What are you planning? Ah, that rifleman is long gone by now. We're just taking a little jaunt into town. Oh, I think I heavy was biting you. Only I hope you're wrong somehow. Perhaps I am. The only way is to find out for sure. Adios, Poppy.

[California Carlson]

Now will you kindly tell me what prayer we let that low down ambusher.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Get away without a fire? Didn't you see the look of Mrs. Stillwell's eyes? If we hadn't gotten her away fast, she'd have charged that rifleman single handed.

[California Carlson]

Joe, gore me.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, I bet you're right.

[California Carlson]

Say, I'll bet she made some engine fighters.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I have a feeling we'll find our bushwhacker in town. Anyway. We'll make a stop at the liver stable first. Then Johnny no Name is going to do a little talking.

[California Carlson]

Copy. Now we know that Johnny no Name was riding hard and late and his gun's been shot recently.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

It looks plenty bad for him, but we'll see. Here's the hotel man's delivery. Stables said he was in room two.

[California Carlson]

Shouldn't we get the carapy?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Not yet. I want some answers first. Yeah, here it is. Yeah. What?

[California Carlson]

Cassidy? Now leave me alone.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Back up, Johnny. Time to break down and tell me all your little secrets.

[California Carlson]

You can't threaten me.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Want to bet? Well, she's been doing some shopping.

[California Carlson]

Happily he's bought new boots and a lock, a rifle and a gold watch. He sure didn't wait long to spend the money.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Let me see those boots. Get away from him.

[California Carlson]

They're mine. I paid for them.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Nice leather. You've been spending a lot of money for a rider who's working for delayed wages. What business is it of yours would I stand? None but those slugs you threw around. The feeling are you can't prove a thing. Can't I? I think this little visit has told me nearly all I want to know. Come on, California. See you back at the ranch, Johnny.

[California Carlson]

You keep quiet about this, Cassidy.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

What's the matter, California harpy?

[California Carlson]

Sometimes you make Ms. Madder. Could bite through a sensory. We go in there to brace that Henry coyote for being a low down bushwhacker.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Oh, and he's the one who took those shots at us.

[California Carlson]

All right, then, you say as nice as you please. See you back at the. He is. Oh, now, Harpy, will you make up your mind? Gonna go back.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Oh, no, you won't. California. I think I know what's going on and who's behind it. I don't have any real proof, but we're gonna wait and let it come to us.

[California Carlson]

But Johnny knows we're onto him now, huh? I suppose you think there's gonna be another rustler.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Exactly.

[California Carlson]

Another rustling. And so what do we do? We sit here stringing popcorn and eating it.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Besides, we track the rustler, didn't we?

[California Carlson]

That's what's driving me local. Sure, we frightened him right back to the ranch. Here it is. As if he was smart about it. In fact, he. He's about the stupidest rustler I ever saw.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Maybe.

[California Carlson]

Then he said, what are we waiting for? We can hang Johnny today, I guess.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Maybe we put it back.

[California Carlson]

Well, then what in counteration are we doing here?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Stringing popcorn. Ready to start another string I D? Ready to start the civil war. Stick to the popcorn. These strings have to be ready in time for the party tonight. Yeah, yeah.

[California Carlson]

And speaking about the party that mystic.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Bush Mr. Stillwell fixed up sure don't.

[California Carlson]

Look like no Christmas tree. Couldn't we sneak off and get a pine tree from Gate Hammer?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I talked to him yesterday while we were in town buying our gift. She doesn't have any good ones left. Gosh, no presents, Satan. Ours. No Christmas.

[California Carlson]

Nothing but rustling and more rustling. Well, I know one way I can brighten up the Still Wells Christmas party.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'll sing for you. What?

[California Carlson]

Sing from, you know, Christmas songs and all kinds.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

California, you ruin their party with that noise you call singing. And I see that you wash every dish afterwards by yourself. What do you think of that? Asked the popcorn.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

Amos. It's dark. Instead of just sitting on the porch, don't you think you ought to take a walk before the party?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Just the thing, Ma.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

I guess I better go tell Johnny to hurry up.

[California Carlson]

Yeah. Maybe I'd better take a check on the horses.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

Have some more popcorn, Mr. Carlson?

[California Carlson]

Well, yeah. Yeah, thanks. Don't mind up in the do.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

California. You're gonna turn into a popcorn bull.

[California Carlson]

If you don't stop now.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

It's Christmas time. Let him eat all he wants. Well, I think I'll go look in on the hand.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, well, California and I are going to split up a bit, aren't we?

[California Carlson]

You go ahead, Hoppy. I already. Oh, why yeah, sure, sure. Mrs. Stillwell.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

Take a handful of popcorn with me now.

[California Carlson]

If you insist. That's a good idea. Let's go, Hoppy.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Huh? After all the popcorn you ate this afternoon, how can you eat more like it?

[California Carlson]

Everybody getting out of the house at once. Now we can put our gifts under the tree and surprise them.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

This party may be a surprise in lots of ways. Setting a trap on the Stillwell house. A what?

[California Carlson]

A trap.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, we'll sneak back into the house as soon as we can. If I'm right, we'll catch those rustlers red handed tonight.

[California Carlson]

Well, I'm ready for him.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Of course it's dark in the party Here. He said thanks. That'll be great. When I say to you. Sure.

[California Carlson]

Can I even sing one little song at the party?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

No, She's coming in the other way. With California now California we caught our rustlers.

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[Ryan Reynolds]

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[Doug (Liberty Mutual)]

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[Hopalong Cassidy]

Is that guy with the binoculars watching us?

[Doug (Liberty Mutual)]

Cut the camera. They see us.

[Ryan Reynolds]

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[California Carlson]

Liberty Savings.

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[Doug (Liberty Mutual)]

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[Narrator]

Now back to Hopalong Cassidy.

[California Carlson]

Great green eyed bingo. Poppy. It's a forest.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Three wrestling three trees. Plus the one Billy brought.

[California Carlson]

Jake Hammer's gonna work out the price of this one. I didn't ruffle note.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

Oh my gosh.

[California Carlson]

In the morning.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

You mean it?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

That's right, Billy. Your folks and your sister of the Santa Claus restaurant. Each one took from his own share of the herd.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

Well, I'd have told about it after the surprise.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Sure. So would your partners. Betty. Well, I didn't want more than you to suffer the penalty of the low cattle market. Betty. You all thought alike. Mr. Stillwell. The fact that each rustling was the same size gave me a hunt. And Jake Hammer confirmed it when he told me how each of you bought a tree. Then I checked the stores for people with no money. You spent plenty.

[California Carlson]

But Hobby. What about that Johnny? No Name.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

His shooting was only to warn us back. He was afraid we'd discover what he knew. That Betty took that gopher basin hers.

[California Carlson]

But those things she bought in town.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

They look like gifts to me. Let's ask him. I heard.

[California Carlson]

Thanks for backing me, Mr. Cassidy.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Come in, Johnny. But better leave the tree. It's kind of crowded. I knew you had a change of heart when I saw those boots you bought. They were way too small for you.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

They're for me? I'll bet they're for me, ain't they, Johnny?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, kid. They're for you. But before I give any presents, y' all should know I'm Johnny Bent, son of an outlaw. Was it outlaw money you spent on those presents?

[California Carlson]

Oh, no, sir.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

It was honest.

[California Carlson]

Every penny.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Well, then get Billy his boots before he busts the valve. And if you got any more money, maybe we'll talk about letting you into our partnership. This ranch is kind of short on cows right now. Gosh, Hoppy, this is going to be some swell Christmas party.

[California Carlson]

I. Oh, I sure wish you let me sing for everybody.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

California, I warned you.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

Why, that sounds wonderful. Go ahead, Mr. Carl.

[California Carlson]

Yeah? They want me.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Oh, all right. Hand me the popcorn bowl and go ahead.

[California Carlson]

Here we go. California.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

What's the matter?

[California Carlson]

That popcorn. My voice is ruined.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

And there's only one thing left to say. Merry Christmas.

[California Carlson]

Merry Christmas, everybody.

[Narrator]

Well, that sure was an extra special Christmas story about real nice people with a lot of real Christmas spirit. And just as Hoppy said, there's only one thing left to say. Merry Christmas, everybody. Merry Christmas. Hopalong Cassidy starring William Boyd, is transcribed and produced in the west by Walter White Jr. With original music under the personal direction of Albert Glasser. All stories are based on the characters created by Clarence E. Milford. This is a Commodore production.

[Mrs. Stillwell]

Sam.

[California Carlson]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

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

[Doug (Liberty Mutual)]

And Doug Here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat, helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Uh, Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us.

[Doug (Liberty Mutual)]

Cut the camera. They see us.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings Fairy Underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates excludes.

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