The Spider Woman | Hopalong Cassidy (12-22-51)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: The Spider Woman | Hopalong Cassidy
Original Air Date: December 22, 1951
Release Date: July 10, 2025
Host: Andrew Rines

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rines breathes new life into the classic Hopalong Cassidy saga titled The Spider Woman. Originally aired on December 22, 1951, this digitally restored drama transports listeners to the rugged landscapes of the Old West, where legendary hero Hopalong Cassidy, portrayed by William Boyd, and his trusty sidekick California, voiced by Andy Clyde, navigate a web of mystery and danger.

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Plot Overview

The story begins with Hopalong Cassidy and California camping near the trail to Gold City. Their peaceful night is disrupted when they encounter Annie Semple, an enigmatic old woman being pursued by a group of men. Annie claims that these men are attempting to lynch her and curses anyone who tries to harm her.

Notable Quote:

• Hopalong Cassidy ([01:25]): "The adventure we bring you now is one we call the Spider Woman. In this one, both California and I died. Now, this may sound a little confusing, but it isn't half as confused as we were."

As Hopalong decides to protect Annie, tensions escalate when one of the pursuers, St. John, accuses her of causing mysterious deaths among men who had connections to the local gold mine, the Yankee Dandy. Hopalong remains skeptical of the curse and suspects foul play behind the deaths.

Notable Quote:

• St. John ([03:19]): "Now she's put a curse on still a fall."
• Hopalong Cassidy ([03:30]): "Ah, maybe she's right when she called you fools. You certainly talk like it."

The situation takes a dire turn when California appears to fall victim to Annie's supposed curse, leading Hopalong to investigate further. The duo discovers that the deaths were not supernatural but orchestrated by St. John and his associate Jed Crutch to gain control over the Yankee Dandy and its untapped gold veins.

Notable Quote:

• Hopalong Cassidy ([22:03]): "I intend to be. But I haven't any proof."
• St. John ([23:28]): "You came to give it to you whether you wanted it or not."

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Conflict and Investigation

As Hopalong delves deeper, he confronts the true motive behind the murders: financial greed tied to the gold mine. St. John's facade begins to crumble as evidence mounts against him. However, St. John attempts to eliminate Hopalong by poisoning him, leading to a dramatic showdown where Hopalong cleverly turns the tables by consuming the tainted drink himself.

Notable Quote:

• Hopalong Cassidy ([26:19]): "It wasn't coffee. But if drinking tea helps me to catch two murderers like you, I'm gonna learn to."

In the ensuing confrontation, St. John's deceit is fully exposed. The alliance between St. John and Crutch falls apart as they attempt to accuse each other, revealing the depth of their corruption. Hopalong's unwavering sense of justice ultimately ensures that the true culprits face the consequences of their actions.

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Resolution

The episode concludes with Hopalong Cassidy and California reaffirming their commitment to upholding justice in the Wild West. Annie Semple is cleared of the accusations, and the community can breathe a sigh of relief as the true villains are brought to justice. The narrative sets the stage for future adventures, hinting at more challenges awaiting the heroic duo.

Notable Quote:

• Narrator ([26:40]): "When next we meet for another exciting adventure with Hoppy and California, don't be too surprised to find them tangled up with a pack of wild beasts. For our story is called the Killers of Lyon Canyon."

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Key Themes and Insights

• Justice vs. Superstition: The episode juxtaposes Hopalong's rational approach to justice against the villagers' superstitious fear of curses, highlighting the triumph of reason over fear.

• Greed and Corruption: St. John and Crutch embody the destructive nature of greed, willing to murder and manipulate to control valuable resources.

• Friendship and Loyalty: The unwavering bond between Hopalong Cassidy and California underscores the importance of loyalty in overcoming adversity.

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Conclusion

The Spider Woman serves as a quintessential example of Old Time Radio Westerns, blending suspense, mystery, and classic Western tropes. Through stellar performances and a well-crafted narrative, the episode not only entertains but also imparts timeless lessons about justice, integrity, and the human spirit. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this restored episode promises an engaging and immersive journey into the heart of the Old West.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Hopalong Cassidy ([01:25]): "The adventure we bring you now is one we call the Spider Woman. In this one, both California and I died. Now, this may sound a little confusing, but it isn't half as confused as we were."

• Annie Semple ([19:29]): "The fellow you met that day I met you. The one with the big mouth that was all set to organize a lynching."

• Hopalong Cassidy ([22:03]): "I intend to be. But I haven't any proof."

• St. John ([25:24]): "You try to shut me up."

• Hopalong Cassidy ([26:19]): "It wasn't coffee. But if drinking tea helps me to catch two murderers like you, I'm gonna learn to."

These poignant moments capture the essence of the characters and the unfolding drama, providing listeners with memorable highlights from the episode.

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Embark on this adventure with Hopalong Cassidy and California, and experience the timeless allure of Old Time Radio Westerns, masterfully restored to captivate both nostalgic listeners and new audiences alike.

Transcript

[California]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Hopalong Cassidy original air dates December 22, 1951 and the title is the Spider Woman. Hope you enjoy.

[Narrator]

With action and suspense, out of the Old west comes the most famous hero of them all, Hopalong Cassidy. Starring William Boyd. The ring of the silver spurs heralds the most amazing man ever to ride the prairies in the early West. Off along Cassidy, the same Hoppy you cheer in motion pictures and the same California you've laughed at a million times. Raw courage and quick shooting have built a legend around this famous hero. Hopalong is a name to be feared, respected and admired for this great cowboy rides the trails of adventure and excitement. William Boyd as Hopalong Cassidy and Andy Clyde as California. Well, Hoppy, what about our story?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

The adventure we bring you now is one we call the Spider Woman. In this one, both California and I died. Now, this may sound a little confusing, but it isn't half as confused as we were. The day we were camped near the trail to Gold City. Suddenly sighted a weird looking old woman scrambling toward us over the rocks with a dozen horses. Horseman in full pursuit. California could only stare. And what was good enough for him was good enough for me.

[California]

Say, Hoppy, do you see what I see?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'm not sure. What do you see?

[California]

That old gal heading this way with all them fellas after her. Ever suppose they're playing a game?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

They look a little old for that. But if they are, it looks like they're playing for keeps. You stay here and keep me covered. I'm going over and give her a hand. Right.

[Jed Crutch]

Huffy.

[California]

I'll watch things here.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

This way. Come over here. Those fellows after you?

[Annie Semple]

Got eyes to see, ain't you, young man? Course they're after me.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Well, come on then. My camp's over here. I have a friend there.

[Annie Semple]

Oh, keep your hands off of me.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Just as you say, ma'.

[Marshal]

Am.

[Annie Semple]

Don't need no help and hate to be pawed. Catch me again and I'll put my curse on you, too.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Your curse?

[California]

What's that about a curse?

[Annie Semple]

No need to put a curse on you. From the looks of your face, somebody's beat me to it.

[Jed Crutch]

Yeah. No way.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

California, we got company. This may mean trouble. Maybe we'll find out what this is all about. Aye. What can we do for you, gentlemen?

[St. John]

Get a hand over that female stranger.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Maybe I'll find this too much trouble. What do you Want her for?

[St. John]

That's something I don't reckon you want to know, stranger. Sometimes less you know, the better.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You sleep nights with me. It's the other way around.

[Annie Semple]

Well, they aim to lynch me, that's what the fools. You be careful, Jed Crutch. Maybe I'll lay a curse on you.

[St. John]

Reckon, stranger? You think that's funny?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Think what's funny?

[St. John]

What this old witch says about a curse. I wonder if you think it was so funny if you knew she'd already killed three men that way. Now she's put a curse on still a fall.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Ah, maybe she's right when she called you fools. You certainly talk like it.

[St. John]

Where you fellas come from? You some of St. John's men?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Who's St. John's a fella in town.

[St. John]

That talks the way you do. Thought you might be working for him, but that ain't neither here nor there. We came to get this female, and you ain't stopping us.

[Jed Crutch]

Grady, come here.

[St. John]

Yeah, kid, Tell this fellow why he ain't stopping us.

[California]

Well, you can't, mister.

[Narrator]

It's a matter of life or death.

[California]

My life or death?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I don't get this. I don't get any of it. Why is this a matter of your life or death?

[California]

Because she put her curse on me, stranger. And if we don't hang her for.

[St. John]

It to work, I'm going to die.

[California]

Just like the others did.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

What others?

[St. John]

That first was Dave Siegel, Mr. Just as Hale and hard as you are today. Then she put a curse on him.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

And he fell down dead, I bet.

[St. John]

Without a mark on him to show why.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Heart trouble, no doubt.

[St. John]

Oh, sure, there was a trouble with Mr. Wrigley and Sol Kramer when they fell down dead, I suppose.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I don't know. I never heard of Sol Kramer or these other fellas you're talking about. I don't know anything about it. All I know is.

[Jed Crutch]

Jed. My throat. I can't breathe. J what's the matter? I don't know.

[California]

Coughing what happened? What's the matter with him?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Wait a second. Let me see. Stand back. Let me look at this man.

[California]

Is. Is it anything serious?

[Marshal]

Happy?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah. Yes, you might say that it is. California. He fell down dead.

[Narrator]

Now back to Hopalong Cassidy and our story. Spider Woman. It seemed incredible to Hoppy that any such thing could happen. But scarcely had the man named Grady declared that the spider woman had put a curse on him than he fell dead. Hoppy needed only one glance at Grady's companions to see that trouble was coming. Now, as this thought leaps into his mind. His guns leap into his hand.

[California]

Hold it.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Stand right where you are. Don't one of you move.

[Jed Crutch]

Why, blast you, mister? You mean you ain't gonna turn us over to Seal now?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

That's exactly what I mean. California, bring the horses here.

[California]

I'll do that in case you and me.

[St. John]

Right idea.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Stay right beside me, ma'. Am. I know this looks bad. And I know this woman had nothing to do with Grady's death. At any rate, not by putting a curse on him. We're taking her away. Try to follow us and there'll be a lot of lead coming your ways. Into the saddle, California. Then cover us.

[Jed Crutch]

Right, Hobby.

[California]

Oh, boy. All set.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You and the female get aboard into the saddle, ma'. Am. We'll ride double.

[Marshal]

There you are.

[California]

Now get up, boy.

[Jed Crutch]

Oh, come on.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You hit, California.

[Jed Crutch]

Never touch me.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Ah, that two man damn. Well, but we better make tracks. Come on, Topper.

[Jed Crutch]

Let's go. Get up.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Wait a minute. I think we've lost them. We better give the horses a chance to get their wind. Oh, boy. Yeah.

[California]

Yeah, we better do that.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Here, I'll give you a hand down, ma'. Am.

[Annie Semple]

Told you not to touch me, didn't I? Never trusted men since I married one.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, still married?

[Annie Semple]

Oh, no, he died 30 years ago. He wasn't all mean.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Ah, well, maybe you'll tell us where you live. You think it's safe to go back there? We'll take you. We?

[Annie Semple]

Oh, you mind your own business. Oh, ain't telling you where I live. Don't you go trying to find out nether you two busybodies just stay away. I don't need no help, and I don't want nobody meddling.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

And that's all I see.

[Marshal]

California, will you step over here?

[California]

Yeah, yeah.

[Marshal]

What are you gonna do with a woman like that? She's got me stumped. Think we should take her into town.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

And turn her over to the marshal?

[California]

You mean charge her with something?

[Marshal]

No, just for her own protection.

[California]

Well, I don't know.

[Marshal]

Maybe she wouldn't like that.

[California]

From what I've seen of her chauffeur, if she don't like a thing.

[Marshal]

Hold it. Huh? She's disappeared.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Look over there. She's gone. Probably slipped into those trees.

[California]

Well, I'll be turned. Hey, we can pick up her trail quick enough, though. Come on, let's see if we can.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'll let her go.

[California]

Let her go?

[Marshal]

Sure, she can take care of herself.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Besides, she isn't our prisoner. She can go if she wants to.

[California]

Yeah, well, yeah, Yeah, I suppose so.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'd rather get into town.

[California]

Into town? I thought we were heading the other way.

[Marshal]

Yeah, well, I've changed my mind.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'd like to talk to this fella, St. John.

[California]

St. John?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

The one they thought we might be working for.

[California]

Oh, yeah? Yeah.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Sound as if he might be on her side. If that's so, maybe he can tell us what this is all about. Can't get anybody else to make sense. Worth a try.

[California]

Might be a good idea.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

All right, let's.

[Valor]

Very happy to meet you in California, Mr. Cassidy. May I offer you some tea?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Thanks. Might taste good. I'll have a cup.

[Valor]

It's an Englishman's weakness. Would your friend take some?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I don't know. How about it? California.

[California]

Well, what's it taste like?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Well, it tastes like tea, I suppose.

[California]

Well, then I wouldn't want none. Wouldn't want lace and my saddle blankets neither.

[Valor]

You're in good company, California. Quite a few people don't care for tea. Now then, you said you wanted to see me about this Spider woman, didn't you, Cassidy?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I. I wonder what you could tell me about her.

[Valor]

Not a great deal. All I know is that her name is Annie Semple. And that she lives in an old shack not far from the property I manage. I don't know whether that will help you or not.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

What's your opinion of her?

[Valor]

Just a harmless old woman as I see it, Cassidy. But not the most pleasant person you'll ever meet, of course. But harmless for all that.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Well, you seem to differ from most of the others around here, Valor. That's why I came to you.

[Valor]

Three people have died after quarrels with her, Cassidy. Tim Grady's the fourth.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Oh, that's just coincidence.

[Valor]

Oh, I don't agree with them. But I can understand why the people around here might be afraid of her.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

How did they die?

[Valor]

As great he did. No marks or wounds to show the cause. Just nothing. Might have been poisoned, of course.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, it might have been, but I don't see. Well, there's no use making guesses. I wonder if you could tell us where she lives.

[Valor]

Just this side, the Yankee den.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

That's the gold mine you own, isn't it?

[Valor]

Oh, I'm only manager and part owner. It's Wester here, if you take the Crookston train.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, I know where it is. I think California and I'll go out there now. Well, shouldn't we?

[Valor]

Oh, well, it's just that if you go out there now, Cassidy, you'll arrive after dark and. Well, I.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

But what's wrong with getting There? After dark?

[Valor]

Oh, nothing, I suppose. You're not superstitious, I should think.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

No.

[Valor]

But local legend has it that it's not a pleasant place to be after sunder. Won't ask me why. Just what people say.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Then I'm due to find out whether they're right or not.

[California]

That's the spirit, Copy. You go ahead and do that. I'll stay in town and ask some questions and.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

What questions? I said, what questions?

[California]

Oh, I don't know. I'll think of some.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Afraid to come with me?

[California]

Now, ain't that a silly question to ask, Hobby? You bet I'm afraid.

[Marshal]

Hey, wait a minute. Hold it a second. That's her place over there, Kenneth.

[California]

Yeah.

[Marshal]

Yeah, I know it is.

[California]

What I don't know is, what in blazes are we doing out here?

[Marshal]

I wanted to come out here for several reasons. For one, I wanted to see if she reached home safely. I think she did. I thought I saw a light just before we left the horses.

[California]

Well. Well, that's fine. She got home, so now we can go and I.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Not yet.

[Marshal]

I also wanted to find out if that bunch meant to try anything again after she got here. But the chief reason I came out here.

[California]

Yeah?

[Marshal]

Well, she told us not to. I wanted to find out why. If she'd known me very well, she probably wouldn't have said anything.

[California]

She should have asked me. I could have told her.

[Valor]

I.

[California]

Oh, my gosh.

[Marshal]

What was that? I don't know. Hey, look there. It's a light. No, no, it isn't exactly a light. It's more like a glow.

[California]

Hoppy. It's more like a spook.

[Marshal]

Look. It's moving.

[California]

Yeah, moving. This way.

[Valor]

Goodbye, Hoppy.

[California]

I'm moving this way. We've been here long enough.

[Marshal]

California. Come back here, you.

[Jed Crutch]

Hey, puppy. What? Hello.

[California]

What's the matter?

[Jed Crutch]

I'm falling.

[California]

Caving in.

[Jed Crutch]

Hi.

[Marshal]

California. What happened? Where are you?

[California]

Down here.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

There's been a cave in here.

[Marshal]

Are you hurt?

[California]

What's in that?

[Valor]

Hobby?

[California]

Worse.

[Marshal]

Just a second.

[California]

Let me see. Yeah. Yeah, I reckon it's. So, Hoppy.

[Marshal]

What?

[California]

So I think I'm dead.

[Narrator]

Now back to Hopalong Cassidy and our story. Spider Woman frightened by a ghostly figure near the old shack inhabited by Annie simple, known locally as the Spider Woman. California turned to flee, only to feel the earth give way beneath him and to find himself at the bottom of a pit. California is morally certain that the fall has killed him. But Hoppy is skeptical and now joins his friend to make sure.

[Marshal]

Let's have a look at you. When I strike a match, you look all right to me. Didn't twist an ankle, did you?

[California]

She Hoppy? I don't know.

[Marshal]

Well, try to stand up and let's see.

[California]

Yeah, yeah. Never thought of that. Gosh, I'm all right, I guess. Gee, now, ain't that wonderful? I had to bet anything. I was killed completely.

[Marshal]

Yeah.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Better luck next time.

[Marshal]

Yeah. Hand me that stick before this match goes out.

[California]

What for? Here you are.

[Marshal]

I want to see what this is you fell into. Wait a second. I've got it.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Got what?

[Marshal]

This is the tunnel of an old mine.

[California]

Gay.

[Marshal]

You sure of that? Of course I'm sure. Look there. There's the timbers. They rotted through. We came along just the right time, just when they were ready to give away. And look over here in this direction. The tunnel's clear.

[California]

Very interesting. Only I ain't interested in tunnels.

[Marshal]

I am.

[California]

Huh?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'm going to see where this one takes us. And you're coming along.

[Marshal]

Well, here's something funny. Look here.

[California]

What's that?

[Marshal]

These timbers. Take a look at them.

[California]

Just looks like timbers to me, hubby.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

What about them?

[Marshal]

They're new. Yeah, don't you get it? You fell into an abandoned mine. Now we're in a mind that somebody's working that sure.

[California]

Well, the distance we walked, I'm just surprised we ain't run into a dozen working mines. My feet have killed in me, Hoppy. I'll bet it's broad daylight outside.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, it probably is.

[Marshal]

I'd be willing to bet that we walked straight into Hillary St. John's Yankee Dandy.

[St. John]

And I got news for you.

[California]

News?

[Marshal]

That's right.

[St. John]

Raise your hands or your dead men.

[California]

All right.

[Valor]

Go now, Mason.

[Marshal]

Okay, Mr. Saint Young.

[Valor]

Well, I'm sorry this happened, Cassidy, but my man isn't to be blamed. He's a mind guard. And so naturally, he was just doing his duty.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Oh, sure, don't worry about that. No hard feelings.

[Marshal]

But I'm just a little puzzled about something, that's all.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

That wasn't your Yankee Dandy California fell into, was it?

[Valor]

Oh, no, that was the old Eureka. It hasn't been worked for 30 years. Not since old man Semple died.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Semple and his husband.

[Valor]

Yes, of course.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

She owns the Eureka.

[Valor]

For what it's worth. Yes.

[St. John]

As a matter of fact, that shack.

[Valor]

She lives in is Eureka's old shaft house.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Well, this is interesting, St. John. How's it happened the two mines run into each other?

[Valor]

Nothing exceptionally unusual about that, Cassidy. There are similar cases. Yeah, As I understand it, Semple followed His vain to our boundaries and it petered out there. Is there anything else that you wanted to know?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Oh, sure. Lots of things.

[Valor]

Well, I'm rather busy just now.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Oh, I didn't mean to ask you.

[California]

Huh?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

My idea was to ride out and ask Annie.

[Annie Semple]

Hey, now, I don't on my traffic. You fellas get off her and flash at the kingdom come. Oh, it's you two, is it? Well, what you fellas want?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Well, we'd like to ask some questions, Annie.

[Annie Semple]

Yeah?

[Jed Crutch]

What about?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Oh, a number of things. About the Yankee Dandy and your eureka, for instance. Also about Hillary St. John and these men they say you've killed. Do you like answering questions?

[Annie Semple]

You're the first fellows come along with sense enough to know there's questions ought to be asked, mister. But what's your object? Supposing you get your answers, what you aim to do with them?

[Marshal]

I don't think you've killed anyone. I want to find out who did.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

If I find out, maybe you'll find a little safer living around here.

[Annie Semple]

Ever thought of asking any questions about Crutch?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Who's he?

[Annie Semple]

The fellow you met that day I met you. The one with the big mouth that was all set to organize a lynching.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Oh, yeah, I remember him. Sort of made himself the spokesman for the others.

[Annie Semple]

Yeah, that's right. After you leave here, I'd suggest you look him up.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'll do that.

[Annie Semple]

Yes, yes, yes. In the meantime, let's go inside, ask your questions, and if I got the answers, I'll sure give them to you.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

All right, Praxa, inside with you. Hello, St. John. I'm back again. This time with company.

[Valor]

So I see. Cassidy. Oh, hello, Crutch. Come in, come in.

[St. John]

You're just in time for tea again, St. John. This Aubrey's gone local.

[California]

Oh, he has.

[St. John]

Dragged me right out of my house, that's what he did. You're gonna be sorry for Mr.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'm telling you, by thunder, Crutch, if I you, I'd shut up. And speakin of trouble, St. John, I think I'll make a little. And when I've finished, you and Crutch here are likely to be in it right up to your necks.

[Valor]

Oh, how unpleasant. I think a spot of tea is indicated. Gives tempers a chance to cool, you know. You will join me, won't you?

[Marshal]

I will.

[St. John]

I need something. I just wish you had something stronger.

[Valor]

How about you?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'm not sure. To be perfectly Frank with you, St. John, I think this is how those four men died.

[Valor]

What's that?

[St. John]

I Told you gone loco, didn't I? He thinks you poisoned them.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Oh, I say.

[Valor]

You're not serious, are you, Cassidy?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'm afraid I am.

[Valor]

You honestly think that I might poison you?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I think there's nothing you'd like better.

[St. John]

Funny 80, said John. I tell you what, Cassidy. If you're so scared of being poisoned, we can change cups.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You're not afraid?

[St. John]

Why should I be? You just been talking through your Stetson.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Well, thanks. I will take yours.

[St. John]

Comical, ain't he, St. John?

[Valor]

Oh, I'm not just sure. I think you owe me an explanation, Cassidy.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Sure. I came to give it to you whether you wanted it or not. That's why I dragged Crutch along.

[California]

Yes.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You see, I think you've been working your own little game, Saint John, and Crutch has been helping you.

[Valor]

In what way? I mean, what is my game?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Control of the Yankee Dandy and then out the Eureka.

[Valor]

I'm not sure I follow you.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Ah, you're probably way ahead of me. What I think is this, St. John. You've discovered a vein of gold that runs through both mines. In order to really cash in on it, though, you'd have to own them both. Therefore the murders.

[Valor]

You had better be a little bit more specific.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I intend to be. I found that the dead men were all shareholders in the Yankee Dandy. They probably wouldn't sell you their stock, so you planned to buy from their heirs. As a matter of fact, I've discovered that in two cases. You already have.

[Marshal]

And how would that help me get control of Eureka? That's where your friend Crutch came in.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

He built up all this Spider Woman stuff, put the blame on Annie. She wouldn't sell, so you wanted her out of the way.

[Valor]

Interesting.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Isn't it, though? You tried to make it interesting for us last night, too, didn't you?

[Valor]

Oh, did I?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Wasn't it you out at Annie's shack last night making those noises? Weren't you trying to scare us away? Oh, nonsense. I don't think so. I've examined the tracks you left.

[Valor]

So you built up this entire preposterous theory on the strengths of a few footprints. How do you expect to convince anyone of this, Cassidy? Where's your proof?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

That's the difficult part, St. John. This sounds good.

[Marshal]

I'm convinced it's true.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

But I haven't any proof.

[Valor]

I thought so. What do you come here for?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Well, I thought you might give me the proof I need.

[Valor]

You thought that I would?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yes, of course. You see.

[St. John]

You see, I. Hey, what's the Matter with him?

[California]

I don't know.

[Marshal]

Cassidy, what is it?

[Jed Crutch]

My throat burns. Can't breathe. Can't breathe.

[California]

Oh, no.

[Marshal]

He's.

[St. John]

He's dead.

[Marshal]

St. John, he. He fell down. Dead.

[Narrator]

Now back to Hopalong. Cassidy.

[Marshal]

You say he's dead? You're sure that he's dead?

[St. John]

Take a look at him. What's it look like?

[Marshal]

I. I don't understand this. I. I never meant to kill him.

[St. John]

Of course you didn't.

[Marshal]

What's that mean? You forgot, didn't you?

[California]

What?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Forgot what?

[St. John]

That we changed cups? It wasn't Cassidy. It was me you meant to kill.

[Marshal]

A cup he drank was a cup.

[Jed Crutch]

You gave me the soul.

[Valor]

He did so.

[Jed Crutch]

You're out of your mind. Let me go, man.

[St. John]

You're crazy, I tell you.

[Annie Semple]

Let me go.

[Marshal]

But first I'll fix it so your.

[St. John]

Own ma wouldn't know.

[Jed Crutch]

You try to shut me up.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

For you.

[Jed Crutch]

Oh, no, please. Don't touch it. I don't know what you're saying. Don't hang.

[St. John]

You likely had this figured from the first. Use me. Then when things got hot, get rid.

[Jed Crutch]

Of me to keep me from talking. Get up here, you. Blast that killer.

[Marshal]

Show her your poor. Poison them fellas.

[St. John]

Only that wasn't the last thing. When they was out of the way.

[Jed Crutch]

I was to be next.

[St. John]

Well, here's something to make you wish you hurt.

[Jed Crutch]

Hey, you two. Get him up. Get him up, both of you.

[St. John]

Don't shoot me. It wasn't me poison your partner.

[California]

It was him.

[St. John]

It was St. John. He poisoned him just like it poisoned all the others.

[California]

Ain't gonna shoot nobody. Just gonna turn you over to the marshal, that's all. He's been outside at the window taking this all in. Poppy, I reckon you can quit playing possum.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Oh, dear. What did you have to come in so soon for? California. I was getting a lot of pleasure just watching them beat each other up.

[St. John]

Cassidy ain't dead.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

No, I'm not dead, St. John. But as I said, I hoped you'd give me the proof I needed. And it looks to me as if you have. Come in and get them, Marshall. They're all yours.

[Marshal]

Wait a second.

[St. John]

You mean there wasn't anything wrong with that tea after all, Cassidy?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Oh, sure there was.

[St. John]

What was it?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

It wasn't coffee. But if drinking tea helps me to catch two murderers like you, I'm gonna learn to.

[Narrator]

It takes a lot of courage to drink from the cup of a killer. But when the honor of a woman is involved, even a spider woman, you can depend upon Hoppy. In California to play their cards to the hilt. When next we meet for another exciting adventure with Hoppy in California, don't be too surprised to find them tangled up with a pack of wild beasts. For Our story is called the Killers of Lyon Canyon. Hopalong Cassidy, starring William Boyd, is transcribed and produced in the west by Walter White, Jr. Spider Woman was written by Gibson Scott Fox with original music under the personal direction of Albert Glasser. All stories are based upon the characters created by Clarence E. Mulford. This is a Commodore production.

[Jed Crutch]

Sam.

[Marshal]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Marshal]

SA.