The Silver Bullet | Lightning Jim (1952)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – The Silver Bullet | Lightning Jim (1952)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: March 10, 2025
Episode Title: The Silver Bullet | Lightning Jim (1952)

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Introduction and Episode Overview

In this episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rhynes delves into the riveting tale of Lightning Jim, a classic Western radio drama originally aired in 1952. Titled "The Silver Bullet," the episode presents a gripping narrative of crime, pursuit, and redemption set against the rugged backdrop of the Wild West.

The Prison Break and Initial Pursuit (00:43 - 03:02)

The story ignites with a tense prison break, orchestrated by Les Davis. Lightning Jim Whipple, a dedicated U.S. Marshal, and his deputy, Whitey Larson, are introduced as determined lawmen committed to apprehending the fugitive.

• Les Davis: "Come on, get along there."
  (02:19)

• Lightning Jim Whipple: "This is a prison, not a kindergarten."
  (02:20)

The dialogue establishes the imminent escape plan and the urgency with which Lightning Jim and Whitey prepare to intercept Davis.

Summoning of Lightning Jim and Whitey (03:43 - 04:22)

Following the chaos of the escape, Attorney General RB Fusion summons Lightning Jim and Whitey to aid in the investigation.

• Attorney General RB Fusion: "You're Mr. Fusion, like jealous. We heard they'd lost something up there and we kind of figured you might be calling us in to help find it."
  (04:08)

• Lightning Jim Whipple: "God blast it. Lighting. We haven't had a sign of this fellow that saved us so far. Not even a good lead to go on. You must get this man for us and get him quick. He's a murderer."
  (04:15)

This segment underscores the gravity of the situation, highlighting Davis as a dangerous individual and setting the stage for the ensuing manhunt.

Conflict Between Les Davis and Cy Wallace (04:40 - 09:02)

The narrative shifts to the strained relationship between Les Davis and his neighbor, Cy Wallister. Their ongoing boundary feud becomes the catalyst for darker events.

• Les Davis: "I've had a heap of trouble, Hank, and I ain't aiming to have no more neither."
  (05:15)

• Whitey Larson: "You two sure have a heap of trouble over that there boundary, Les."
  (05:12)

Their heated exchanges reveal underlying tensions that hint at forthcoming violence.

The Murder and Framing of Les Davis (09:07 - 11:15)

A pivotal moment occurs when Cy Wallister is found murdered near the disputed boundary, and Les Davis becomes the prime suspect.

• Narrator: "Two of them dead. But when the excitement died down and the cells were checked, it was discovered that Lester Davis had made a clean break."
  (04:04)

• Whitey Larson: "You know it as well as I."
  (08:05)

Despite Davis's claims of innocence, evidence mounts against him, leading to his conviction based on circumstantial evidence.

Les Davis's Family and Life After Conviction (11:15 - 14:04)

The story delves into Les Davis's personal life, showcasing his relationship with his young daughter and the support system provided by Hank Klinger and his wife, Myra.

• Les Davis: "I was convicted on circumstantial evidence. Will you listen to my story before you take me to prison?"
  (23:24)

• Myra Klinger: "We only said you're gonna be away for a long, long time."
  (15:26)

This section humanizes Davis, presenting him as a devoted father wrongfully imprisoned.

The Pursuit Intensifies (14:04 - 22:58)

As days pass without any leads on Davis's whereabouts, Lightning Jim and Whitey intensify their investigation, focusing on Red Gulch and potential connections to Davis's intent to reunite with his daughter.

• Lightning Jim Whipple: "Davis got a friend of his, Hank Klinger, to go out and run the ranch on shares while he was in prison."
  (09:43)

• Attorney General RB Fusion: "He brought you something nice."
  (20:20)

The marshals employ strategic tactics, including forging trust with Davis's daughter to uncover his location.

The Climactic Confrontation (22:06 - 26:20)

The tension culminates in a dramatic showdown at Davis's ranch. Les Davis confronts Jed Hansen, the true murderer of Cy Wallister, revealing the truth and exonerating himself.

• Les Davis: "I didn't kill Cy Wallacer. I swear I didn't."
  (23:52)

• Whitey Larson: "But I killed Ty Wallacer, but I shot him in the back. You're gonna get it in the stomach, you sneakin meddling fool."
  (25:27)

Through resilience and cunning, Davis exposes Hansen's deceit, leading to his ultimate vindication.

Resolution and Teaser for Part Two (26:26 - 28:39)

The episode concludes with Davis's redemption as Lightning Jim and Whitey apprehend the rightful culprit. However, a lingering sense of unfinished business hints at future adventures.

• Attorney General RB Fusion: "When he sees who we bring in, he'll think we got the wrong man again."
  (27:30)

• Narrator: "And so ends another thrilling chapter in the lives of United States Marshal Lightning Jim Whipple and his deputy, Whitey."
  (27:50)

This closing sets the stage for potential continuation, maintaining listener engagement for subsequent episodes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Les Davis: "This is a prison, not a kindergarten."
  (02:20)

• Lightning Jim Whipple: "You must get this man for us and get him quick. He's a murderer."
  (04:15)

• Attorney General RB Fusion: "He brought you something nice."
  (20:20)

• Les Davis: "I was convicted on circumstantial evidence. Will you listen to my story before you take me to prison?"
  (23:24)

• Whitey Larson: "You got the gun first."
  (24:53)

Conclusion

The Silver Bullet | Lightning Jim offers a captivating glimpse into classic Western storytelling, blending suspense, character depth, and moral dilemmas. Andrew Rhynes masterfully presents this restored episode, allowing modern audiences to experience the timeless allure of the Wild West through enhanced audio quality. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to old-time radio dramas, this episode promises an engaging and immersive experience.

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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 let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Lightning Jim. Original air date comes from 1952 and the title is the Silver Bullet.

[Narrator]

It's your misfortune tie I o. Get along, you little dogies. You know that the fairy will be your new home.

[Child]

Sa.

[Narrator]

And now for the Adventures of Lightning Jim.

[Les Davis]

Come on, get along there.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

This is a prison, not a kindergarten.

[Les Davis]

You fellas ready for the break? I'm getting out of here tonight.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Wait a minute. We can't escape tonight. Bart ain't got his bars cut through.

[Les Davis]

No, I ain't, Davis. What's the rush? I'm telling you, we'll never get such a chance again. Listen to that thunder. It's going to storm before dark. And that'll cover up the getaway in.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Dates and misses before we got him clear.

[Les Davis]

He's right, Bart.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Rain and everything.

[Les Davis]

All right, I think I can cut my bar through by tonight. Stow it.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Listen, that wall guard's had his glimmers on us ever since we started talking. Come on, break it up.

[Les Davis]

Me? He's right about that wall guard. Remember, Remember about the east turrets, you know. Sure, sure. We got it straight, Davis.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Come on, let's mix it.

[Whitey Larson]

Hey, Butch, how about that tobacco you.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Was going to trade with me? There they go. Over by the river where our blast is ventured and catching the bears. Bears?

[Whitey Larson]

See, down there for the east. I see them. Let them have it, men.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

I think we got them.

[Whitey Larson]

Sure, dad. Got them quick time. The launch. We got to get them bodies before they sink.

[Narrator]

Yes, they got their men. Two of them dead. But when the excitement died down and the cells were checked, it was discovered that Lester Davis had made a clean break. A general alarm was sounded, but days passed during which the authorities received no word of the escaped convict. Finally, Attorney General RB Fusion summoned United States Marshal Lightning Jim Whipple and his deputy, Whitey Larson.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Well, boys, I've got a job for you two and it's important in connection with that prison break.

[Attorney General RB Fusion]

You're Mr. Fusion, like jealous. We heard they'd lost something up there and we kind of figured you might be calling us in to help find it.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

God blast it. Lighting. We haven't had a sign of this fellow that saved us so far. Not even a good lead to go on. You must get this man for us and get him quick. He's a murderer.

[Narrator]

Hold on, Mr. Fuson. That jailbreak was a week ago. That trail's cold. Suppose you give us a facts in the case so we can get started.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

You're right. There's no time to waste. Now here are the records right in front of me.

[Les Davis]

Good.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

You can take them with you. And then if there are any points you want to check, you'll have these to go over. I tell you, the more outstanding features, so we can save time.

[Narrator]

That sounds reasonable.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Shoot. Well, it seems that this fellow Les Davis had a good sized ranch just west of Red Goats in Cheyenne County. He was a hot tempered Jasper from all accounts. And he and his neighbor, Cy Wallister had had a boundary feud for two days or more.

[Whitey Larson]

Come on here, fellas, let's get a little pull before supper.

[Les Davis]

Well, count me out, boys. You know I always gets home in time to eat with my kid. Besides, I. I want to look over that there north boundary of mine before dark. And even that low down barman Ty Wallace has broke down my fence. He's gonna.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

You two sure have a heap of trouble over that there boundary, Les.

[Whitey Larson]

You mean.

[Les Davis]

I've had a heap of trouble, Hank, and I ain't aiming to have no more neither. Even that Steven Coyote busts down my fence again, I'm gonna fill his yellow heights a full of lead. He won't trouble me no more.

[Whitey Larson]

Oh, come on, let's play pool, bless O'Joe or Sundown if we let him get started.

[Les Davis]

So it's funny, huh?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

It's funny.

[Les Davis]

Well, Ty Wallitzer ain't gonna find nothing to laugh at if he bust down my fence again.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Well, sir, them there rails of his is down again. Unless Davis don't cool off none, there's going to be fireworks out at the old Bar W before long.

[Whitey Larson]

Oh, forget it, Red. You know Les, why, he's been yapping about that boundary of his for two years.

[Narrator]

So the stage was set, eh, Fuson?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Yes, for a cold blooded Killing lightning. Well, two days later, Jed Hansen, who owned the property adjoining Cy Wallacer on the other side, was riding across Size land on his way to town and he found the old man dead as a doornail, shot twice in the back, lying near the border of his and Les Davis's ranges.

[Narrator]

And the fence, it was busted, I suppose?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Busted? I should say it was. Why, even the post had been chopped on for 100 yards or more. Well, this man, Jed Hansen, went straight to Matt Beastling's house. He's the sheriff in these parts. And Matt and a group of the townsmen rode over to Les's place as soon as they'd taken a look at the body and seen the broken fence that was at home with his little girl when they arrived there. Girl.

[Les Davis]

Honey. Now try another bite.

[Child]

Oh, papa, look. One of my curls got in the dig.

[Les Davis]

So it did. Eating in bed. Kind of hard work, ain't it, honey girl? Yeah, new piece of string. We'll fix them bad curls so they won't get in the baby suit, see? I'll tie them up on top this way. There. How's that?

[Child]

Oh, that's 5A.

[Les Davis]

Now. Now we can finish the soup.

[Child]

Papa.

[Les Davis]

What, baby?

[Child]

Papa, I don't want anymore. It hurts my swallow.

[Les Davis]

Oh, can't you eat just another big spoonful? You won't never get well and strong, even you don't try to eat, honey girl. Sounds like we got visitors, honey. I wonder who dares.

[Whitey Larson]

Hey, let's. Let's. David.

[Child]

Who is it, Papa?

[Les Davis]

Well, it sounds like Matt Beezing and some of the boys.

[Whitey Larson]

Hey, Les, are you in there?

[Les Davis]

Yeah, I guess I'll have to go out and see what they want, baby. Now you lie back and rest like a good girl. Bub will be right back. Howdy, boys. There. What's up? There's plenty up, Davis.

[Whitey Larson]

There sure is. We want you, Les.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Davis.

[Whitey Larson]

Hold on, fellas. I'm the sheriff around here and I'll do the talking.

[Les Davis]

What in tarnation's wrong with you, Jasper?

[Whitey Larson]

Well, there's this wrong, Les. TH Wallaces lie not near your boundary with a couple of bullets in his back.

[Les Davis]

J. Wallace here shot?

[Whitey Larson]

Yeah.

[Les Davis]

Well, I'll be. Who done it, Matt?

[Whitey Larson]

That's what we come out here to ask you. Ah, cut that yawin, Matt. He done it.

[Les Davis]

You know it as well as I.

[Whitey Larson]

He always said he was gonna let daylight into the old duffer.

[Les Davis]

Why, sure. Now he's done it.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Come on, Davis.

[Les Davis]

I didn't shoot Cy Wallace. Your men. I swear I didn't.

[Whitey Larson]

Well, he's laying out there full of lead.

[Les Davis]

When was his shot, Matt?

[Whitey Larson]

Nobody know. Ed Hansen found him on his way into town about an hour ago. From the looks of things, he was killed sometime during the night.

[Les Davis]

Oh, quit. He done it, Matt. No use of us standing around here all morning, Sean. I wasn't out of the house last night, men. Honey was. Took bad long about sundown, and I was with her all.

[Whitey Larson]

All right, honey.

[Les Davis]

I'll be right there. My kids sake, I. I gotta go see what she wants. I'll be right back. No, you don't.

[Whitey Larson]

Come on, boys, we'll go with him. He might try to run for it.

[Les Davis]

Well, come on in then. But don't say nothing before the kid. Why. Why, the. Just come over to talk about some cattle, honey. We. We were talking it over out there, wasn't we, man?

[Whitey Larson]

Come on, Davis.

[Attorney General RB Fusion]

We ain't gonna fought for no sharp stuff.

[Whitey Larson]

You'd better come on into town less and talk this over there. That is, if you don't want the kid to hear.

[Child]

What's he talking about, Papa?

[Les Davis]

Well, there's been a little trouble over at Size Place, baby. And the boys here want me to go into town and kind of help them get it straightened out. Now, now, you just stay right here in bed, and I'll stop by and get Aunt Myra to come over and stay with you until I can get back.

[Child]

All right. Only please hurry back.

[Les Davis]

I'll be home before you know it, honey girl. And I'll bring you something nice.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

That's about all there was to it. Lightning. Les Davis was taken down to the county seat for trial and was convicted. Got 20 years. He'd served less than one of them when he escaped.

[Narrator]

What became of the kid, Yo?

[Attorney General RB Fusion]

What happened to that poor le.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Oh, she was taken care of, all right. I understand her mother died when she was a baby. But Davis got a friend of his, Hank Klinger, to go out and run the ranch on shares while he was in prison. Hank and his wife Myra are looking after Honey.

[Whitey Larson]

They got it. Mr. Fuson, they got him.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Got who?

[Les Davis]

Davis. Les Davis.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Davis?

[Whitey Larson]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

The wire just came through. They're bringing him in this afternoon.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Well, Lyson, I guess that solves our problem.

[Narrator]

Yeah, it looks like it.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Certainly takes a big load off of my mind. Anyway, I surely appreciate the way you men got here so quickly. I know you need some sleep after riding so hard.

[Attorney General RB Fusion]

Boy, oh, boy, I'd certainly like to shake the hand of the jigger that caught this Davis feller. When I get to sleep, I won't wake up For a week.

[Les Davis]

Hey.

[Whitey Larson]

Hey, wake up, Whitey.

[Narrator]

Wake up, Whitey. Wake up. Somebody at the door.

[Attorney General RB Fusion]

Yo. And from the song.

[Les Davis]

Pretty bad, too.

[Narrator]

Yeah, I'll go. Hey, Lightman, the attorney general wants you over to his office right away. Lots of trouble.

[Attorney General RB Fusion]

Oh, he said we could sleep until tomorrow.

[Narrator]

Well, it's about that convict. They got the wrong man.

[Les Davis]

He's still loose.

[Narrator]

Davis, I mean.

[Attorney General RB Fusion]

Well, I'll be a cross eyed no if that ain't good. Got the wrong man.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Well, here we are again, Lightning. They caught the wrong man. Dog. Blasted. And still no trace of the real Davis.

[Narrator]

That means we'll have to hump it, Mr. Fuson. We've lost some valuable time already. Did you give us all the facts in our talk this morning?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Just about all we have, Lightning. You can get the details from the prison break.

[Narrator]

We'll be on our way then, Mr. Fuson. Come on, Whitey.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Where'd it go? We haven't been able to dig up a single clue as to which direction Davis took.

[Narrator]

Well, we'll be heading up toward Red Gulch, I reckon.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Red Gulch? Well, he wouldn't dare go back there. Every man in town knows him.

[Attorney General RB Fusion]

Well, I guess Lightning figures the murder always comes back to the scene of his crime.

[Narrator]

Something like that, Watty. Goodbye, Mr. Fusion. You'll be hearing from us for long. And this time we'll see that you don't get the wrong man. Lightning. Jim and Whitey had been in Red Gulch for almost a week. The famous Marshall figured that Davis would eventually try to see his small daughter whom he loved very dearly. So they bided their time, paying frequent visits to the Davis home and gaining the friendship of Davis's small daughter. And then one day at the Davis ranch.

[Myra Klinger]

Land sake, look at the time, will ya? Here, honey, you finish these breakfast dishes for me.

[Child]

Say it, Laura. Only you better poke up. The fire will get hot. I'll need another pan full for these towels.

[Myra Klinger]

I'll tend to that when I get back. I'm going to run down to the stables to see how old Bessie is this morning. That horse is getting awful old. And she gets rheumatics when it's cold like this.

[Whitey Larson]

Ooh.

[Myra Klinger]

Why'd you clare it? Downright bitter. Out. Guess you better stir up that potter right away, honey, or it'll go out for it. Get back. Guess I'll can the hogs, too. Roll them at it.

[Child]

I's almost out now. Guess I better put some kerosene on it.

[Myra Klinger]

I'll go for more.

[Child]

Help me.

[Myra Klinger]

Help me.

[Whitey Larson]

Here.

[Les Davis]

Here. My goat.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

My goat.

[Les Davis]

Honey.

[Whitey Larson]

Here, right around your.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

There, honey.

[Les Davis]

Now, you're all right, honey. Everything's all right, baby. You're out. Don't take this coat from around your head. Oh, thank heavens it was only your hair, honey.

[Child]

My papa. Papa. Oh, Papa, I'm so glad you've come home to me.

[Les Davis]

And I'm glad to be home, honey girl. Sit down in this chair while I close the door, miss.

[Child]

Papa, that's so funny. Your face is so rough and dirty and. Of course, Papa. Anyway, it look like they come off a scarecrow.

[Les Davis]

Well, they didn't come off a scarecrow, honey, but I reckon they do look like it.

[Child]

Where'd you get that funny look at.

[Les Davis]

Never mind. Never mind about me. Now, let's have a look at that head of yours.

[Child]

Oh, but it don't hurt any, Papa.

[Les Davis]

Why, it ain't burned at all, honey girl. Just a hair thing. Seems like. Yes, that there kerosene just made a big puff and didn't do any harm.

[Child]

But it might have if you hadn't been here to put it out. Papa.

[Myra Klinger]

Well, old Beth seems to.

[Child]

Oh, Aunt Mari, it's Papa. Papa? Yeah, he come back to me. Oh, you was wrong, Aunt Mara. He'd come back.

[Myra Klinger]

Oh, Les, you shouldn't have come here. They're looking for you. The marshals. They've been here several times already.

[Les Davis]

They have?

[Child]

Oh, Aunt Mara, Marcie'd come over to me. I told you he'd come home.

[Myra Klinger]

Good gracious, honey, your hair. Whatever's happened to your hair?

[Child]

Oh, my hair caught fire and pumps went down. Aunt Mara. I was just pouring a little kerosene on the fire. Kerosene?

[Myra Klinger]

Oh, honey. Davis, you know better.

[Les Davis]

There, there, there, Myra. I think our little girl's learned her lesson. She doesn't need a scold. Get up a minute, will you, honey? You're getting to be such a big girl. And Papa has a cut on his arm.

[Child]

Oh, look, Papa, it's blood. And, Myra, look, it's blood. Look at it.

[Myra Klinger]

Why, Les, what on earth happened to you? Here, here, I'll get them dirty rags off you and wash it up. Hey, you. Honey, you go tear me some cloth off that old sheet you'll find in the chest in the front room. Mind you close the door after you. Durable cold in there. Oh, dirty rags.

[Les Davis]

Yes. In front of my convict uniform I tore up for bandages when I managed to steal these clothes from a wash line.

[Myra Klinger]

Why. Why, this ain't no cut. It's a bullet wound.

[Les Davis]

Yes, yes, they winged me when I was swimming the river outside the prison. But I don't want the kin to know nothing about it. My, you did what I said, didn't you? You never told her about me being sent up?

[Myra Klinger]

No. We only said you're gonna be away for a long, long time. Oh, why'd you let the child see you, Les? She's so young. She's bound to let out that you've been here.

[Les Davis]

I didn't mean to let her know, Azran. I. I just wanted to kind of peek in the window and see her for a minute. And then. Then them flames shot up around her head. Oh, it was awful. I thought I'd never get around to the door in time. What if I hadn't been here, Myra?

[Myra Klinger]

I guess you was meant to be there.

[Child]

Lip, where's the closet? Myra? Oh, gee, Papa. Does your arm hurt, dad?

[Les Davis]

Oh, no, no, not hardly at all, honey gal. It's just a scratch, almost.

[Myra Klinger]

Well, here, honey. Put these soil rags I took off him over in the corner back to the wood pile. I'll burn them up soon as I get through fixing his arm.

[Child]

I'll put him in the stove now, Aunt Larry.

[Les Davis]

No, no, no, honey. You do as Mara says. We can't have you fooling around with that stove until you get a little older.

[Myra Klinger]

That's better. Here, you sit over in this chair near the stove. I got some more nice soft rain water and a bear along by the shed. I'll get some of that and heat it so you can get yourself cleaned up a little.

[Les Davis]

I'll get it. Where's the bucket?

[Myra Klinger]

Oh, no, you don't let Davis. Someone might see you if you used to go outside.

[Les Davis]

My, my, my, how Puppet's girl is grown. Come over here, honey. Let.

[Myra Klinger]

Let us in. Marshall. Marshall time. Quick.

[Les Davis]

Where?

[Myra Klinger]

They're still more than half a mile off, but I could tell that big black horse we was 10 miles off.

[Child]

Give me Sunday and Myra.

[Myra Klinger]

Oh, yes, honey. Les, you better get up in that attic over the front room and hide till they leave. They're coming slow, but they'd see you for sure if you tried to make a run for us.

[Les Davis]

All right, Myra. Now, honey, honey, listen to Papa. You mustn't let them marshals nor anyone know I'm here. It's very important.

[Child]

But why do you have to hide from Mr. Lightning and Mr. Whitey? Papa, they're good men. Icky and Mara.

[Myra Klinger]

Of course they're good men, honey, but some bad men are after your paws. So it's best that no one should know.

[Les Davis]

He's here now, don't forget, honey, no one must know that Puff is here.

[Child]

Oh, Papa, I won't help. Honest, I won't close my arm.

[Myra Klinger]

Come on, Le. She ain't got no more time to talk.

[Child]

Hurry up.

[Myra Klinger]

Grab a quilt off one of the beds to take up there with you. No telling how long they'll stay. Now remember, honey, you got to act as though nothing that happens.

[Narrator]

Well, will Lightning Jim and Whitey discover their quarry in the attic of the old ranch house? Will Les Davis's small daughter be able to keep the important secret of her father's presence in the house? We shall find out in part two of the Adventures of Lightning Jim, which follows immediately. And now for part two of the Adventures of Lightning Jim. Les Davis, hearing the two marshals approaching the house for another checkup, hides in an attic over the front room just as Lightning Jim and Whitey ride up.

[Myra Klinger]

Well, land fake, it's you again, is it, Marshall? Oh, well, come right in and warm yourself. I declare, it's right bitter out today. Oh, hello, Mr.

[Child]

Lightning and Mr. Whitey.

[Narrator]

Hello there, honey.

[Attorney General RB Fusion]

Well, well, ho's my best girl this morning?

[Child]

Oh, I'm fine, thank you, Mr. Whitey.

[Narrator]

Well, well, Whitey. Look at them singed curls. Hey, what you been doing, young lady? Sticking your head in the stove?

[Child]

Oh, no, Mr. Lang.

[Les Davis]

I.

[Myra Klinger]

She was pouring kerosene, Marshall, and, well, it kind of flared up. No harm done, though. Sit down, you two, and I. I'll make you a cup of coffee. I was just fixing to get it on the stove.

[Attorney General RB Fusion]

Thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Klinger.

[Narrator]

Well, by the way, Mrs. Klinger, I was wondering if you and the heirs to the Cy Wallaces property might still be having trouble.

[Myra Klinger]

Oh, you mean count of them surveying fellows you see near our north boundary?

[Narrator]

Yeah, I noticed them working there the last time I was out this way.

[Myra Klinger]

Well, they're surveying for the railroad. There weren't no heirs to size land, and one of our neighbors bought it cheap and sold it high to the railroad. I hear they're going to start laying the road bed before long.

[Child]

And Uncle Jen Hansen says if I get sick again and have to go down to Wade county to the doctors like I did before, I can get there in less than four hours by riding on the train.

[Attorney General RB Fusion]

Speaking of traveling. Well, I knew I wouldn't be around here so long, so, honey, I brought you a present to remember me by.

[Child]

Why, Mr. Whitey, I couldn't forget you and Mr. Lightning. Why, Mr. Lightning, let me sit up on Thunder's back and, well, you've both been all so nice to me.

[Attorney General RB Fusion]

Well, anyways, the hair's depressing.

[Child]

Oh, thank you, Mr. Whitie. Gee, it's all tied up fancy. Oh, come on, tell me. What is it? What is it?

[Narrator]

Suppose you open it up and see.

[Attorney General RB Fusion]

If anything goes off.

[Child]

Oh, look here, Laura. Look, Mr. Lightning. It's a doll. A doll with real hair.

[Attorney General RB Fusion]

Oh, the only trouble is she don't have any clothes on her.

[Narrator]

Yeah, Whitey ain't so good with a needle right now, honey. But I think when he takes up sewing next year, he'll be making her some right pretty things.

[Attorney General RB Fusion]

Oh, is that so lighty? Well, let me.

[Child]

Oh, I think so. Can I, Aunt Mara? Mommy, for some dresses and coats and hats? Oh, she's just beautiful.

[Myra Klinger]

Well, suppose you run in the front room and find some scraps right now, honey. They're in that big chair.

[Child]

Oh, goody, goody good.

[Attorney General RB Fusion]

Say, she sure looks fine for being as sick as Jed Hansen said she was.

[Myra Klinger]

Ah, Jed Hansen's just a regular old woman. Well, that child never was very sick, if you ask me. Yeah, come over the night less with arrested he did. Wouldn't have it but that he'd take her right down to Wade county where Doc Fentanyl could see her every day. Well, he paid for it all out of his own pocket, Room and board, doctor bills and all. So I reckon I got no cause to be carrying on about it.

[Child]

I can't find any colored spray at Laura.

[Myra Klinger]

You just didn't look in the right drawer, honey. Here, you two just help yourself to this coffee while it's hot. I'll slip in there and find her some scraps to be working on.

[Narrator]

Go right ahead, Ms. Lane. We'll help us out.

[Attorney General RB Fusion]

Oh, sure. You like the dolly, huh?

[Child]

Like her? Oh, I love her, Mr. Whitey. Oh, I know where a piece of striped cloth is. Yes, sir. It's back on the stove in the wood pile. There it is. Of course, it's awful dirty now, but I can wash it.

[Attorney General RB Fusion]

And don't bring him any light then. Look, that's a piece of prisoner shoe.

[Whitey Larson]

The form.

[Narrator]

Yeah, so it is. Where's your father, honey?

[Child]

I, I, I don't know. He.

[Myra Klinger]

There they are, honey.

[Child]

They were.

[Myra Klinger]

Why, you're crying, child. Oh, Good heaven, yes.

[Narrator]

Mrs. Clinger, you found this piece of Les Davis's prison uniform. Where is it?

[Myra Klinger]

He's gone now. He was here last night, but he's gone now. He went away.

[Narrator]

Where?

[Myra Klinger]

I don't know. Back in the hills maybe.

[Narrator]

I'm sorry, Mrs. Slinger, but we got to do Our duty. Come on, Whitey. We'll search the house first.

[Les Davis]

Yes.

[Narrator]

You stand with the door, Whitey. I start at the front of the house and work back short.

[Whitey Larson]

And it has to come on.

[Narrator]

Trouble.

[Les Davis]

I'm coming down.

[Whitey Larson]

My bad.

[Les Davis]

You found me anyway.

[Myra Klinger]

Oh, Le. I know. You shouldn't have come. I told you, honey. Give you away.

[Child]

Oh, I didn't mean to. I didn't, Papa. I didn't tell. Honest I didn't. It was that drag you had around your arm.

[Les Davis]

I didn't. No, no, that's all right, honey. Don't cry, baby. Oh, I see the bandage I made from a prison uniform. Well, of course, you couldn't know, honey girl. Yeah. There, there, now. Don't cry.

[Attorney General RB Fusion]

Red Lightning. Sending that telegram to the Attorney General. Well, I just ain't going to be such good sport as I thought.

[Les Davis]

Yes.

[Narrator]

Sometimes it ain't much fun catching the right man.

[Les Davis]

But you ain't. You ain't got the right man. I don't. I didn't kill Cy Wallacer. I swear I didn't. Listen, Marshall, your name's not all over this part of the country to stand for square play. I didn't kill Cy Wallacer. I was convicted on circumstantial evidence. Will you listen to my story before you take me to prison?

[Narrator]

Yes, Davis, I'll listen. But I can't promise no more. Now.

[Whitey Larson]

Jed. Jen Hansen?

[Les Davis]

It's me, Jen.

[Narrator]

Les Davis. Yes.

[Les Davis]

I was caught by the marshals and just escaped. Let me in, Jen. It's colder than the devil out here. Go on away. I tell you.

[Whitey Larson]

Marshals trying to hear the rescue for Harper and the criminal.

[Les Davis]

They ain't gonna come around here tonight, Jen. They went down to Wade Downing.

[Whitey Larson]

We're finished. Wade county, you think?

[Les Davis]

Yeah.

[Whitey Larson]

What did they go down to Wade county for?

[Les Davis]

Pick him up. Jed, move back in that room.

[Myra Klinger]

Why?

[Whitey Larson]

Why? Sure, sure, Lash. But what you got that gun first.

[Les Davis]

For you, Jed Hansen. But first I got a little talking to do. Sit down.

[Whitey Larson]

All right, I'll sit down.

[Les Davis]

But, Jed Hansen, you killed Cy Wallacer.

[Whitey Larson]

I didn't. It's a lie.

[Les Davis]

I didn't. You killed Cy Wallacer cause he wouldn't sell your land.

[Whitey Larson]

He's a liar.

[Les Davis]

You knew the railroad wanted that property and had bid high for it. So you killed Si and framed me.

[Whitey Larson]

I didn't, Les. I swear.

[Les Davis]

Shut up, I said. You even took Honey down to Wade county so she couldn't testify to me being home with her the night of the killing. While I was waiting to be tried, you kept telling Me, she was getting worse and worse. It was a lie. A dirty lie. But you better not lie to me now, Jed. If you do, I'll give you just what you give Simon.

[Whitey Larson]

Don't shoot me, Les.

[Attorney General RB Fusion]

I didn't do that thing.

[Whitey Larson]

Don't shoot me.

[Les Davis]

No, I. I don't reckon I will, Jed. Shooting's too good for a yellow liver coyote like you there. I ain't got the gun on you anymore, Jed. But I'm gonna choke you. I'm gonna choke you till you're gasping for air. Till your eyes pop out of your head. I'm gonna.

[Whitey Larson]

Oh no you ain't.

[Les Davis]

I got the gun now.

[Myra Klinger]

Les.

[Whitey Larson]

You shouldn't have been so careless. Sure, I killed Ty Wallacer, but I shot him in the back. You're gonna get it in the stomach, you sneakin meddling fool. Why, this gun ain't loaded. Why you the marshal?

[Les Davis]

Don't let him get away, Mar. Oh, my foot.

[Narrator]

Jeda. Just couldn't have you getting away after all the trouble Les went to to put on this little show for us.

[Whitey Larson]

Show?

[Les Davis]

Sure, Jed. Sure. Lightning Jim believed me when I told him about me being with Honey the night of the killing. So him and Whitey here have done a little detective work. And they found out about you buying size land.

[Attorney General RB Fusion]

But we didn't have no real evidence unless he put down this little leg to get it for us.

[Whitey Larson]

Then there was a trick. You marshals was outside all the time.

[Narrator]

Sure we was, Jed. Les thought you'd confess at the point of a gun, but when you held out, well, I guess he figured maybe you was the kind of a coward that talks more with a gun in his hand.

[Whitey Larson]

You mean he fixed it so that I could get that gun?

[Narrator]

That's just what he did, Jed. Put the cuffs on him, Whitey, and let's get going. There's one more thing we got to do tonight. Take it. Why, Mr. Sher?

[Les Davis]

Who's it going to?

[Narrator]

Mr. R.B. f. Attorney General. And the message have caught the murderer of Cy Wallace. We'll get him sometime Monday. This time you can be sure you're getting the right man. Just sign it Lightning.

[Attorney General RB Fusion]

When he sees who we bring in, he'll think we got the wrong man again.

[Narrator]

And so ends another thrilling chapter in the lives of United States Marshal Lightning Jim Whipple and his deputy, Whitey.

[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 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.