The Trappers Trap | Lightning Jim (1952)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Summary

Episode Title: The Trapper's Trap | Lightning Jim (1952)

Release Date: March 24, 2025
Host: Andrew Rines

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Introduction

In this episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rhynes presents "The Trapper's Trap," an enthralling tale from 1952 featuring the legendary United States Marshal, Lightning Jim Whipple, and his steadfast deputy, Whitey Larson. Through meticulously restored audio, listeners are transported to the rugged, snow-covered trails of the Wild West, experiencing the drama and suspense of Lightning Jim's relentless pursuit of outlaws.

Plot Summary

The Pursuit Begins

The story opens amidst a harsh midwinter storm sweeping across the plains. Lightning Jim Whipple and his deputy, Whitey Larson, are deep in pursuit of two notorious outlaws, the Oklahoma Kid and a villain known as the Scar. Battling the drifting snow and icy winds, Jim expresses concern about the accuracy of their trail, with Whitey referencing fresh tracks that could lead them to the outlaws ([02:03]).

Notable Quote:

• Lightning Jim Whipple ([01:50]): "It was midwinter and the icy winds from the north were sweeping across the plains as two riders pressed on through the drifting snow."

Trading Post Encounter

Seeking refuge and to warm up, Jim and Whitey stop at a solitary trapper's trading post managed by Pop Drew. As they discuss supplies, tension builds as the conversation hints at Steve Slocum's troubled past and his desire to leave the lawless region ([04:04]–[05:05]). Steve, revealed to be Fanny's husband, grapples with the weight of being wrongfully accused of murder and the strain it places on his relationship with Fanny.

Notable Quotes:

• Fanny ([04:27]): "Nobody else would live in this God forsaken country. All it's fit for is redskins and bandits and Outlaws."
• Steve Slocum ([05:05]): "Yes, we can, Fanny."

Discovery at the Trading Post

As Jim and Whitey converse with Pop, they examine a reward sign offering $1,000 for the capture of the Oklahoma Kid and the Scar ([09:07]–[09:18]). Suspicion arises when Pop manipulates the situation, leading Scar and his partner to believe they're being targeted. The tension escalates as Scar attempts to rob Steve, who is innocent but caught in the crossfire of past accusations ([09:52]–[11:03]).

Notable Quote:

• Scar ([09:07]): "Come on, Nat, get up close to Stof. Did you see that Jasper that just went out?"

The Trap is Set

Lightning Jim and Whitey realize that Steve Slocum was the man who tried to rob them at the trading post. Recognizing Steve's innocence, Jim confronts the reality that Steve has been wrongfully implicated in Mort Maxson's murder. This revelation deepens the narrative, highlighting themes of justice and redemption ([15:42]–[16:05]).

Notable Quote:

• Steve Slocum ([18:14]): "I didn't kill Mort Maxson. You gotta believe me, Lightning."

Climactic Confrontation

The story reaches its peak as Scar and his gang corner Lightning Jim and Whitey. In a dramatic showdown, Steve's trap—a bear trap—plays a crucial role. Scar is ensnared, revealing his true nature and connection to Mort Maxson's murder. The ingenuity of Steve's trap ensures that the outlaws are captured without further bloodshed, allowing Steve to clear his name and restore peace ([26:00]–[27:56]).

Notable Quote:

• Steve Slocum ([25:06]): "You killed Mort Maxson."
• Scar ([26:00]): "Oh, yes. I killed him."

Resolution

With the outlaws apprehended and Steve exonerated, Lightning Jim and Whitey escort Steve and Fanny back to Fort Anderson. The community's trust is restored, and justice prevails through courage and cleverness. The episode concludes with a reflection on the unpredictable nature of the Wild West and the enduring spirit of those who uphold the law.

Notable Quote:

• Lightning Jim Whipple ([27:38]): "Funny how these things work out. Steve, Whitey and me was failing. Matt, in the scar. Running into you was kind of accidental."

Key Characters

• Lightning Jim Whipple: The tenacious U.S. Marshal leading the pursuit of outlaws.
• Whitey Larson: Jim's loyal deputy, providing support and camaraderie.
• Steve Slocum: A trapper wrongly accused of murder, striving to clear his name.
• Fanny: Steve's devoted wife, enduring the hardships of their lawless environment.
• Scar: One of the principal outlaws, responsible for Mort Maxson's murder.
• Pop Drew: The proprietor of the trapper's trading post, who becomes an unwitting participant in the unfolding drama.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Lightning Jim Whipple ([01:50]):
   "And now for the adventures of Lightning Jim. It was midwinter and the icy winds from the north were sweeping across the plains as two riders pressed on through the drifting snow."

2. Fanny ([04:27]):
   "Nobody else would live in this God forsaken country. All it's fit for is redskins and bandits and Outlaws."

3. Steve Slocum ([05:05]):
   "Yes, we can, Fanny."

4. Scar ([09:07]):
   "Come on, Nat, get up close to Stof. Did you see that Jasper that just went out?"

5. Steve Slocum ([18:14]):
   "I didn't kill Mort Maxson. You gotta believe me, Lightning."

6. Steve Slocum ([25:06]):
   "You killed Mort Maxson."

7. Lightning Jim Whipple ([27:38]):
   "Funny how these things work out. Steve, Whitey and me was failing. Matt, in the scar. Running into you was kind of accidental."

Conclusion

"The Trapper's Trap" is a compelling episode that masterfully weaves themes of justice, loyalty, and redemption against the backdrop of the unforgiving Wild West. Through the dynamic performances of the characters and the enhanced audio quality, listeners are immersed in a story that celebrates the courage and ingenuity of those who sought to bring law and order to the frontier. As Lightning Jim and Whitey navigate the challenges of their pursuit, the episode underscores the timeless appeal of Western dramas and the enduring legacy of Old Time Radio.

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Transcript

[Scar]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Lightning Jim. This episode originally aired in 1952, and the title is the Trapper's Trap.

[Scar]

It's your misfortunes and none of my own.

[Steve Slocum]

Get along, you little dog.

[Scar]

You know that the fairy will be your new.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

And now for the adventures of Lightning Jim. It was midwinter and the icy winds from the north were sweeping across the plains as two riders pressed on through the drifting snow.

[Scar]

Whoa. What are you stepping for, Ned? Listen, Scar, are you sure this is. You sure this is the right trail? Yeah. There's the trapper's trading post up ahead.

[Steve Slocum]

We'll stop in there long enough to.

[Scar]

Warm up a mine. Bless that wind. You think them law badges are still following us? Don't reckon they is, not with the storm blowing up.

[Steve Slocum]

Hey, come on.

[Scar]

We gotta move before we freeze up. Get up there.

[Whitey Larson]

Hey, give me lightning. That wind is plentiful.

[Steve Slocum]

Yeah.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Whitey, look. There's fresh tracks in the snow.

[Whitey Larson]

Yo. Yo, I see them.

[Scar]

See?

[Whitey Larson]

But if that starts to snow again, it'll cover up this tree.

[Steve Slocum]

Huh?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Yeah.

[Steve Slocum]

No. Dave.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Huddy. The Indians told us there's a trading post up this way.

[Whitey Larson]

You think maybe we catch up with them at the trading post?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Maybe.

[Pop Drew]

Come on.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

We failed them jaspers this far. Can't afford to lose them now.

[Whitey Larson]

You order so well, I hope to get a nice warm stove at the post.

[Steve Slocum]

Come on, Thunder, old boy.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Yes. Lightning Jim and Whitey were on the trail of two outlaws. On the frozen trails of the western plain. Fearlessly and relentlessly, the marshal and his deputy tracked down and brought to justice the desperados and criminals of the old frontier. The adventures of Lightning Jim bring back to us the courage and daring of the men who brought law and order to the west. On the sloping bank of Moccasin Creek stood an old trapper's cabin.

[Steve Slocum]

Penny, why, I'm going in the trading post.

[Fanny]

Well, you better get some more tea. We're nearly plumb out.

[Steve Slocum]

Yeah. Yeah. You got some nice pelts this time. Penny ought to get a good price for them.

[Fanny]

You won't get good money for them as long as you have to do business with that old skin flint Pop drew.

[Steve Slocum]

Well, Pop runs a trading post. I gotta do business with him. Ain't nobody else buying pelts around here.

[Fanny]

Course they ain't. Nobody else would live in this God forsaken country. All it's fit for is redskins and bandits and Outlaws.

[Steve Slocum]

Oh, now, hold on, Fanny. There ain't no use talking like that. We've been over this a hundred times or more.

[Fanny]

Well, I'll keep saying it a thousand times. Nobody to posture, nobody to see. All us being afraid the law might find us. It's a living death. I hate it. Oh, you gotta take me out of here, I said.

[Steve Slocum]

Danny, Danny, please, please, please don't take on so. I know how hard it's been for you, and I'm aiming to get you out of here.

[Fanny]

Oh, Steve, you don't mean that. You know we can't go nowhere.

[Steve Slocum]

Yes, we can, Fanny.

[Scar]

Where?

[Fanny]

Where can we go without running into the law?

[Steve Slocum]

Fanny, I've made up my mind that as soon as the snow clears, it's. It's back to Fort Anderson.

[Fanny]

Fort Anderson?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Yep.

[Fanny]

Steve, you going crazy?

[Steve Slocum]

No, Fanny, I. I've just come to my senses. Fort Anderson is your home, and that's where you belong.

[Fanny]

But, Steve, if you go back to Fort Anderson, they'll hang you. Sure.

[Steve Slocum]

I know. No, they won't. Cause I ain't going with you.

[Fanny]

You ain't thieves, Slocum. What are you talking about?

[Steve Slocum]

You know I didn't kill Mort Maxson.

[Fanny]

Of course you didn't. But everybody knew you had it in for Mort. And when he was shot down, were you the blame?

[Steve Slocum]

Sure, sure, I know. I had to clear out. But I had no right to bring you with me.

[Fanny]

Is that so? You're my husband, ain't you?

[Steve Slocum]

Yes, sure, sir.

[Fanny]

Well, you don't think I'd stand by and see him hang you for something you didn't do?

[Steve Slocum]

Yes, but that ain't the point.

[Fanny]

Oh, yes, it is. We run away from Fort Anderson and come up here. And I ain't going back to Fort Anderson without you.

[Steve Slocum]

Fanny, you just got through saying you hated it and couldn't stand it no more.

[Fanny]

Ah, never mind. What I see that infernal wind outside that got on my nerves, that's all. Ah, get along to the post with your pill.

[Steve Slocum]

You better think it over, Fanny.

[Fanny]

I've done all the thinking right now. I'm sticking with you to the end.

[Steve Slocum]

Fanny, you're all right.

[Fanny]

Never mind. Maybe we can go someplace else. Out west to Californy. Hey, why didn't we think of that before?

[Steve Slocum]

Yes, maybe we can do that. You know, Fanny, I got my trap set to catch animals. Somehow I got the feeling that someday I'll be trapping the skunk that killed Mort and got us into all this trouble. Well, I'll be getting on down to the Trading boat.

[Scar]

Well, well, well.

[Pop Drew]

To put Wind Blue in how to see.

[Steve Slocum]

Hey, I got some pelts for you.

[Pop Drew]

Got a pelt for me?

[Scar]

Oh, sure, sure.

[Pop Drew]

Well, come on. Come on over here by two.

[Steve Slocum]

She's blowing up hard, Pop, so I'll have to be getting back soon. Yes, well, any strangers come through here lately, Pop?

[Scar]

No.

[Pop Drew]

Ain't been nobody around. Oh, gosh. Kind of lonesome too. Ain't been nobody through here for a week. Yes, yes, it was last Monday when the troopers came by.

[Steve Slocum]

Troopers?

[Pop Drew]

Yes, they. They was going up to Fort Edward.

[Steve Slocum]

Oh. Oh. And nobody else, eh? No, no.

[Pop Drew]

Expecting somebody?

[Steve Slocum]

No, no.

[Pop Drew]

Well, of course, take none of my business.

[Steve Slocum]

Hacked up that reward sign.

[Pop Drew]

Well, one of the boys left it here about a month ago.

[Steve Slocum]

Who's it first?

[Pop Drew]

Two bandits and both of them killers. The one on the right there.

[Steve Slocum]

Take a look at them.

[Pop Drew]

Boy, he is a tough looking customer. The one named Scar.

[Steve Slocum]

Yeah. This other one ain't got. Ain't no angel for looks.

[Pop Drew]

Here's Oklahoma Kid.

[Steve Slocum]

He's the Oklahoma Kid. I'm Buffalo Bill.

[Pop Drew]

You mean he ain't the Oklahoma Kid?

[Steve Slocum]

Yeah. Well, least wise. I. I don't think so, Pop.

[Pop Drew]

Steve, you know the Oklahoma kids?

[Steve Slocum]

No. No. Hey, here's a list of grub I want Popping. And take a look at them pelts, will you?

[Pop Drew]

Oh, sure, sure. Looks like we got business.

[Scar]

Howdy, Speakers. Howdy. You the boss of this outfit?

[Pop Drew]

Yes, sir. Sure am, Pop. Drew's my name.

[Scar]

Mind if we use your stove to warm up a bit? Sure, sure.

[Pop Drew]

Make self home, boys. Come on, Steve, let's go outside. Look at them skins you got.

[Scar]

Come on, Nat, get up close to Stof. Did you see that Jasper that just went out? What about him? That's Steve Slocum. Used to live down at Fort Anderson. Hey, hey, hey, Nance, look at this reward sign. What sign?

[Steve Slocum]

Right here on the wall.

[Scar]

Read it. $1,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the Oklahoma Kid and Scott. Gone. Well, now, who do you suppose that could be? So they got a reward sign for us even up here, huh? Looks like the law badges have been here. Yeah, well, here's one sign that ain't going to stay up here. Floating fire. Yeah. Ain't no use taking no chances. Well, even with them pictures, nobody'd know us with these beards we growed. Yeah.

[Pop Drew]

Come inside here.

[Scar]

Come back.

[Pop Drew]

We kind of chilled out there. He getting pawned out, boys. And I'll be with you as soon as take care of Steve. Steve. Over here. Got my money over here in this Little box. Now, I'll get right out for you. Now, let's see here. 20, 30, 40 and 2. 42. That right, Steve?

[Steve Slocum]

Yeah.

[Pop Drew]

Yeah. All right. Good deal, I think. Well, give my best to your wife, Steve. Yeah, I. Funny fella, Steve. He never has much to say.

[Scar]

Hey, where does he live?

[Pop Drew]

Down in Moxton Creek. He lives in a trapper's cabin with his wife.

[Steve Slocum]

Uh huh.

[Scar]

Where'd he come from?

[Pop Drew]

I don't know, I. That's one thing you never ask a man in this country, partner.

[Scar]

Yeah. How long's he been up here?

[Pop Drew]

Oh, about a year, I guess. Yes, here this month. He's peculiar, but man, he's gotten on his face, you know. Tell a man by his face right then.

[Steve Slocum]

Yeah, sure.

[Pop Drew]

Now, you take the pictures of them two bandits there on the wall. I Say, what that doin's?

[Scar]

I know it's the trouble, mister.

[Pop Drew]

Where? There was a reward sign on the wall.

[Scar]

Reward sign? Sure. Who first?

[Pop Drew]

Two outlaws, the Oklahoma Kid and a full of cold called a scar.

[Scar]

What are you looking at? Nothing.

[Pop Drew]

Nothing, Nothing at all.

[Scar]

That's funny, I didn't see no sign. No, I didn't see any sign either.

[Pop Drew]

Well, maybe I put it here on this.

[Scar]

I got your cover.

[Pop Drew]

Now drop it. Now.

[Scar]

Don't shoot me. Get his gun, partner. You turn around and get your hands in the air, mister. Get the money in that cash box, partner.

[Pop Drew]

Get away from that box.

[Scar]

There. Now we'll take care of this hombre. Grab that rope over there by the wind and we'll tie him up.

[Pop Drew]

Now wait a minute. You don't need to tie me. I won't try to follow you.

[Scar]

Yeah, well, we're aiming to see that you don't. You riders coming down the mountain trail. What, to see them through the window? Well, eyes, get moving. We're clearing out.

[Steve Slocum]

Who the little boy? Get it now.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Come on, Whitey, let's go inside the trading post.

[Whitey Larson]

Oh, that's a good idea. Like I could stand some heat, I tell you that. Hey, look, there's nobody here.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Oh, you're right.

[Scar]

Put up your hands.

[Whitey Larson]

Hey, look out, Jim.

[Pop Drew]

Don't you move now. I'll bring you.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

All right, mister. Put him up. Whitey.

[Whitey Larson]

Wash yours?

[Pop Drew]

No. No, I thought you was the other two hombres.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Mean the two riders we saw heading down the river trail?

[Pop Drew]

Yes. Durham. Who are you? Jasper.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

I'm Jim Whipple, United States Marshal.

[Pop Drew]

Lightning Jim?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

That's right, mister. This is my deputy, Whitey Larson.

[Steve Slocum]

Oh dear.

[Whitey Larson]

But they can't shake your hands with my hands open air, you know?

[Steve Slocum]

Yeah.

[Pop Drew]

Take them down, boy. You know, my name's Pop Drew and I just had a run in with two outlaws. They robbed me and tied me up and I just got loosed as you come up.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Any idea who they are?

[Pop Drew]

I'm darn certain who they are. It's the Oklahoma Kid and a fellow called the Scar.

[Whitey Larson]

I see them thing I guess we are looking for.

[Steve Slocum]

Yeah.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

How do you know there was the Oklahoma Kid in the scar?

[Pop Drew]

I had a reward sign with the pictures. They got heavy beards now, but I'm sure it was them. One was tall and he kind of walked with a limp.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Yeah.

[Pop Drew]

And the other had a scar on his right cheek right near his eye. Right about there.

[Steve Slocum]

Yo. See?

[Whitey Larson]

That's him.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Come, we got no time to lose.

[Steve Slocum]

Hey.

[Scar]

Hey, Scar.

[Steve Slocum]

All right, all right.

[Scar]

My horse is going lame. He can't make it in the snow. Holy smoke. You'll have to ride on my horse.

[Steve Slocum]

Put up your hands, both of you.

[Scar]

Who's that? You come out the back of the boulder.

[Steve Slocum]

Get on off of them horses.

[Scar]

I got you covered, mister.

[Steve Slocum]

Say, that Chad Ombre we've seen at the trading post.

[Scar]

Yeah. You get a chance. Shoot. What do you want, mister? Out. Good work. You got him. Yeah. That flash to wind blended him. Giddy Scott there. And there's his two horses over yonder. Good, good. We can use them. Come on, let's get.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

The wind blowing drifts over the trail. Yeah. Looks like a man lying on the snow.

[Steve Slocum]

Come on.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Yeah, but take it easy now.

[Steve Slocum]

Take it easy.

[Scar]

Steady, boy.

[Steve Slocum]

It now.

[Scar]

Thunder. Boo.

[Steve Slocum]

Oh, boy.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Come here, buddy.

[Whitey Larson]

I can hardly stand. Open his win.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Look here, buddy.

[Steve Slocum]

Open him.

[Whitey Larson]

That is a man.

[Steve Slocum]

See?

[Whitey Larson]

I wonder if he's dead.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

No, he will be. Don't get him out of this wind and cold.

[Scar]

Oh, she.

[Whitey Larson]

I wonder who he is.

[Fanny]

Oh, no.

[Scar]

Wait. Hey.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

I can't believe it.

[Whitey Larson]

What's the matter, Lightning?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

This Jasper's Steve Slocum.

[Steve Slocum]

Slocum?

[Whitey Larson]

Yeah, you Benjamin Esn fairy. Vante Fort Anderson for the murder of Mort Maxim.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Will Lightning Jim and Whitey take Steve back to Fort Anderson? And what about the two outlaws Jim and Whitey were trailing? The surprising climax of this thrilling story will come in part two, which follows immediately. And now for part two of the thrilling story of Lightning Jim and the Trapper's Trap. Lightning Jim Whipple, United States Marshal and his deputy, Whitey Lawson, were trailing two outlaws, the Oklahoma Kid and his partner known as the Scar. Their trail took them into the wild Indian country to the north. On the snow covered trail they Find the body of Steve Slocum, a trapper who had lived in Fort Anderson. Steve had been accused of murdering a man and fled north to escape the loss. After finding Steve's body, Lightning Jim and Whitey locate a cave and take shelter out of the cold and wind. Well, there you are, buddy. I got his shoulder all bandaged up.

[Whitey Larson]

You, Lightning, As a doctor, you make a swell morsel.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Never mind trying to be funny. Poke up that fire, will you?

[Steve Slocum]

All right.

[Whitey Larson]

See, that was lucky. We found this cave and this dry wood, though.

[Steve Slocum]

Yeah, good. He's coming too.

[Whitey Larson]

Yo, look. He's opening up his eyes.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Oh, hello, Steve.

[Steve Slocum]

Who.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Who are you? Look at me, Steve. Can you see me?

[Steve Slocum]

Yes, I. I can. Lightning Jim.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Yeah, that's right.

[Steve Slocum]

I didn't kill more. You gotta believe me, Lightning.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Take it easy, Steve. We got lots of time to talk.

[Steve Slocum]

Yeah, but you. You can't take me back to Fort Anderson. They'll. They'll hang me. They think I done it.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Never mind what they think. Please.

[Steve Slocum]

Please light me in my. I can't go back.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Let me die.

[Steve Slocum]

Tell. Tell Fanny she can go home now.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

You ain't gonna die, Steve. That bullet went through your shoulder and all fixed up.

[Steve Slocum]

Yo.

[Whitey Larson]

And just as soon as you feel a little better, old man, we can take you home.

[Steve Slocum]

Who's that?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

That's Whitey Larson, the deputy. You remember him?

[Scar]

Sure.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Tell me who shot you, Steve.

[Steve Slocum]

There was two of them.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Yeah.

[Steve Slocum]

Saw them come in the trading post.

[Scar]

Come on. Come on.

[Steve Slocum]

Scar.

[Scar]

I. Kidnate. I can't. I can't go on. I wanna lay down. Listen, you can't do that, Scar. You gotta keep walking or you'll freeze to death. I wanna. Wanna ride my horse. Gar, listen to me. Listen to me. Gar. Can you hear me? Listen, you can't ride. You're free if you don't keep walking. I can't. I can't walk no more. No, wait. I can't. Wait, wait, wait. I see a light at the cabin by the creek. Now I wanna. I wanna sleep. Oh, well, honey. Ma'am, Ian and my partner got lost in the storm.

[Fanny]

Well, come inside, quick. Better bring them in here and put them on the bed.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Yeah.

[Scar]

Yeah.

[Fanny]

I was expecting Steve.

[Scar]

Steve?

[Fanny]

Yeah, he's my husband. Put your friend down on the bed.

[Steve Slocum]

Yeah.

[Fanny]

Careful.

[Steve Slocum]

There. There.

[Fanny]

That's fine. I'll heat up some water and pick some tea.

[Steve Slocum]

Hell, no.

[Scar]

He'll be all right as soon as he gets thawed out, Ma'am.

[Fanny]

He ought to be here. Pretty.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Story about more killing. Sounds reasonable.

[Steve Slocum]

It's Gospel truth, Lightning. I. I swear to it on a stack of Bibles.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Steve, you know me well enough, know that I'll do everything I can to help you.

[Steve Slocum]

Sure, I. I know you will, Lightning.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

But if we can't find the evidence up here, well, I gotta take you back to Fort Anderson. Damn trial. And it'll be a fair trial, I guarantee you that.

[Steve Slocum]

All right, Lien. Good.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Now, if you're strong enough, I reckon we better head for your cabin, Steve.

[Steve Slocum]

Sure. It ain't far from here.

[Whitey Larson]

Be lightning it.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Yeah, buddy.

[Whitey Larson]

The storm is letting open. The wind is dying down a little bit.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

All right, let's get going.

[Scar]

Well, how you feeling now, Scar? All right, I guess. This fire sure feels good. Yeah.

[Steve Slocum]

Say, Nat, where's the old lady?

[Scar]

She went out back. Hey, listen, she's been waiting for her old man to come home.

[Steve Slocum]

Yeah?

[Scar]

Where'd he go? To the trading post. But I got a hunch he ain't coming back.

[Steve Slocum]

What do you mean?

[Scar]

She said his name was Steve. Well, that was the name of the Jasper you drilled on the trail. Same fellow we saw on the trading post. You sure? Yeah. Here she comes now. Seems like the wind's dying down, ma'am.

[Fanny]

Yeah, it is. Would you like something to eat now?

[Scar]

Well, now, we don't want to put you to no bother, ma'am. Well, I can eat. I ain't bashful, ma'am.

[Fanny]

Put up your hands, both of you. I got a loaded gun, and I know how to use it.

[Scar]

Hold on, ma'am. What's the idea?

[Fanny]

Keep your hands in the air or I'll let you have it. Turn around and face the wall. Come on. You may not think much of women handling shooting irons, but I reckon I know a few of the tricks. I'll take your gun. Keep your hands up and turn around.

[Scar]

Well, now, be reasonable, ma'am.

[Fanny]

Reasonable? Maybe you can explain how you come to have Steve's horses.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Steve's horses?

[Fanny]

You heard me. Them horses outside are thieves. So where did you get them?

[Scar]

Hey. Hey. Somebody's coming. Grab her scar.

[Fanny]

Oh, it goes. My arm.

[Steve Slocum]

Oh, you're breaking this.

[Scar]

Don't move her. I'll kill you. I'll see who's coming. Hell. Who is it? Three riders. I'll get over by the wall so you'll be behind the door when it opens and pick up the gun. Sure. I got him. All right. I'll let them come. Put up your hand. Hold on and be quick about it.

[Whitey Larson]

Yo, Benny. Minnie.

[Scar]

Damn. He ain't dead, Nance.

[Pop Drew]

Shut up.

[Scar]

Well, looks like we got our party all together.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Yeah, nuts. You got the drop on us now, but the law will get you sooner or later.

[Scar]

You're good at making speeches, Lightning Jim. But when I get through with you, well, you'll be wishing you was back in Fort Anderson. Get that gun, Scar. Sure. Give me that.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

All right.

[Scar]

Come on. And who'd have thought I'd have run into you, Steve Slocum and the marshal. You almost caught yourself a murderer. If you hadn't of got caught yourself, Marshall. The man killed a fellow named Mort Max.

[Steve Slocum]

That's a lie. He was the one that killed Morton. You know it.

[Scar]

Yeah, you'd have a hard time proving that, Steve. The law said you've done it. That's why you come up here.

[Steve Slocum]

You killed Mort Maxwell.

[Scar]

The marshal says the law is going to catch up with me sooner or later. Well, maybe so, but I got a way of fixing law. Badgers. What are you aiming to do with them? That cut them off. Marshall and his deputy come up here to get Steve. They had a gunfight and nobody lived to tell what really happened. How's that for a story, Lightning?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

That won't help you none. That you'll want it for robbery, rustling, horse thieving and murder. Killing us won't stop the law from staying on your trail.

[Scar]

Maybe not. But I'll have the satisfaction of drilling the famous Lightning Gym. And since I ain't got nothing to lose, I might just as well have some fun. Where's your cash, Steve?

[Steve Slocum]

My cash?

[Scar]

Yeah. I kind of figure you got some cash hidden around here. Now, where is it? Come on. Speak up or else park villain, and I'll take your wife first.

[Steve Slocum]

No, no, Wait, wait. If I tell you where the cash is, will you promise not to kill her?

[Scar]

I ain't promising nothing. I'll think it over.

[Steve Slocum]

It's in a box under that trap door in the floor. All right.

[Scar]

Keep him covered, Scar. I'll get a car. Keep your hands up, Lightning. Jim. I don't see no box.

[Steve Slocum]

Steve. Reach down under the floor.

[Scar]

I don't feel nothing.

[Pop Drew]

Oh.

[Scar]

Oh, my arm. What's the matter, Nat, with your ar.

[Pop Drew]

Reach for the sky.

[Scar]

Are you. Don't move.

[Whitey Larson]

Could work it. I think that was the quickest gun grab you ever seen.

[Scar]

Let me get out of here. Oh, my arm.

[Steve Slocum]

You won't get out of there.

[Pop Drew]

N. Now I got you right where I want.

[Whitey Larson]

You see what's holding him?

[Steve Slocum]

Take a look. When Nat went after the cash box, he stuck his arm in a bear trap.

[Whitey Larson]

Bear trap? You ain't been Here.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Minnie, don't get me out of this trap.

[Scar]

It's killing me.

[Steve Slocum]

No, not until you confess that you was the one that killed Mort Maxson.

[Scar]

No, blast you.

[Steve Slocum]

Mort Maxson hired you to steal government horses. You had a fight with Mort and killed him. Then you told me Mort wanted to see me, and when I went over to his house, he was dead. Folks know that I didn't like Mort, and I was blamed for it as Nat. You killed him. Now, are you confessing that, or do you want to die in that bear trap?

[Scar]

Oh, yes. I killed him.

[Steve Slocum]

You see, Lightning, when that NASCAR came in the trading post, I recognized them, even with their beards. And when they drilled me on the trail and took my horses, well, seems like they kind of got lost in the storm. And the horses led them to my cabin.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Yeah, the horses were going home.

[Fanny]

And thanks to you, Lightning and Whitey, me and Steve are going back home, too. Back to Fort Anderson again.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Funny how these things work out. Steve, Whitey and me was failing. Matt, in the scar. Running into you was kind of accidental.

[Steve Slocum]

Accidental? Yeah. I'd say it was providential. When I set that trap to guard my cash box, I didn't figure a bear trap would help me catch two bandits and set me straight with the law.

[Whitey Larson]

Yo, I say that's the first time I ever heard of catching two poor cats in a bear trap.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

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

[Scar]

SA 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 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.

[Fanny]

SA.