The Wastrels of Juarez | Hopalong Cassidy (01-05-52)

Summary

Episode Summary: "The Wastrels of Juarez" | Hopalong Cassidy (01-05-52)

Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: July 24, 2025

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Introduction to "The Wastrels of Juarez"

In this thrilling episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, Hopalong Cassidy and his steadfast companion, California, find themselves embroiled in a high-stakes financial crisis that threatens the very fabric of their hometown. Originally aired on January 5, 1952, "The Wastrels of Juarez" showcases the classic heroism and quick-wittedness that made Hopalong Cassidy a legendary figure of the Wild West.

Setting the Scene: A Troubled Town

The story begins as Hopalong Cassidy and California ride into town from the Bar 20 ranch, responding to a shortage of essential supplies. However, their concerns are quickly overshadowed by a restless crowd congregating outside the local bank.

Hopalong Cassidy (01:45):
“This one we call the Wastrels of Juarez began one day when California and I rode into town from the Bar 20.”

The tension is palpable as residents fear their savings have been lost, casting a shadow over the peaceful settlement.

Unveiling the Crisis: Bank in Ruins

Upon investigating, Hopalong confronts Jed Kramer, who is spreading alarming rumors about the bank's closure. Hopalong remains skeptical, urging calm and suggesting that the rumors are unfounded.

Hopalong Cassidy (02:22):
"But it's Saturday afternoon. The bank has a right to be closed... You still feel worried? Next week, come in and talk to John about it."

Despite Hopalong's reassurances, the truth surfaces when John Newcomb, the bank's president, confirms the devastating news: the bank has indeed gone bust due to a significant embezzlement by Lewis Kane and Ned Clayton.

John Newcomb (05:00):
"Lewis Kane and a new teller we had, Ned Clayton... they took the stage to Rock City and then headed southwest on horseback."

This revelation sets the stage for Hopalong's mission to recover the missing $50,000 and prevent the town's collapse.

The Pursuit Begins: Crossing Borders

Determined to restore faith and save the town, Hopalong decides to track down Kane and Clayton in Juarez. Accompanied by California, they face the challenges of navigating a bustling border town teeming with potential threats.

Hopalong Cassidy (05:37):
"Someone has to do something about it. There are kids in this town who will go without food if we... Well, John, I'm going after him."

Confrontations in Juarez: Identifying the Culprits

In Juarez, Hopalong and California engage with locals to gather information, eventually encountering Harlech—a suspicious character who claims to be connected to the stolen money. A tense confrontation ensues, culminating in Hopalong defusing the situation without resorting to violence.

Harlech (09:02):
"I'll show you where I'm gonna put the bottle. I'm gonna put."

Hopalong Cassidy (09:19):
"I'll show you where I'm gonna put the bottle. I'm gonna put."

Through clever dialogue and sharp observation, Hopalong begins to piece together the identities of the embezzlers.

The Card Game: Unmasking Clayton

A pivotal moment occurs during a high-stakes card game at the Guadalajara bar, where Hopalong discerns the true identity of Ned Clayton by observing his behavior and the manner in which he handles the silver dollars.

California (25:10):
"Marble. How much you got there?"

Hopalong Cassidy (25:22):
"Marple was no professional gambler. Remember? He claimed to be a medicine salesman, but he stacked those coins quick and true without even taking time to count them. He was able to do that because he was used to stacking coins as a bank teller. Has to be."

This astute deduction allows Hopalong to identify Clayton, leading to the recovery of the missing funds.

The Climactic Showdown: Retrieving the Money

With the money secured, Hopalong and California face resistance from Harlech and his gang. A thrilling chase ensues as they attempt to escape with the cash, showcasing Hopalong's bravery and resourcefulness.

Hopalong Cassidy (22:52):
"Stand clear of the door. I'm gonna crash it."

Despite the danger, Hopalong successfully recovers the full amount, minus a minor discrepancy due to Clayton's gambling losses.

Resolution: Restoring Order

Upon returning to town, Hopalong delivers the recovered funds to John Newcomb, who swiftly works to reassure the townspeople and stabilize the bank's operations.

John Newcomb (24:45):
"You're going to have to tell me all about it."

The episode concludes with Hopalong and California reflecting on their adventure, having once again upheld justice and safeguarded their community.

California (16:26):
"I don't think Kane would have taken the money if it hadn't been for Clayton."

Insights and Themes

"The Wastrels of Juarez" delves into themes of trust, community resilience, and the relentless pursuit of truth. Hopalong Cassidy exemplifies the archetypal Western hero—steadfast, intelligent, and morally upright—while navigating the complexities of human deceit and loyalty.

Notable quotes highlight the episode's tension and Hopalong's unwavering determination:

• Hopalong Cassidy (14:00):
  "You're not very sure yourself, are you, Harlech? You're not sure of Clayton. Maybe Clayton and your new partner are working together against you."

• Harlech (17:54):
  "Everybody in Juarez knows about it. And I'm still saying you got it."

These exchanges underscore the psychological interplay between hero and antagonist, driving the narrative forward.

Conclusion

"The Wastrels of Juarez" stands as a testament to the enduring charm of classic Western radio dramas. Through meticulous storytelling and dynamic character interactions, Andrew Rines brings to life a compelling tale of redemption and heroism that resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

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Produced by Walter White, Jr., with original music by Albert Glasser and based on characters by Clarence E. Mulford. This episode is a homage to iconic Westerns like Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger, enhanced with digital restoration for a richer auditory experience.

Transcript

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Life is a workout and Smoothie King.

[Narrator]

Is here to help you power through.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Whether you're crushing morning miles or sprinting.

[Narrator]

Through back to back meetings, give your body the energy, protein and power it.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Needs to help you conquer your goals.

[Andrew Rines]

Only at Smoothie King. 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 date is January 5, 1952 and the title is the Wastrels of Juarez. Hope you enjoy and again, thanks for listening.

[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 of the early West. Hopalong 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. Here's Hoppy now with another new story.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

This one we call the Wastrels of Juarez began one day when California and I rode into town from the Bar 20. We'd come in because of a shortage of flour and bacon at the ranch. But when we saw the crowd in front of the bank, grim faced, milling around like steers in a draw, we forgot all about food for the moment.

[California]

Something going on here, Hoppy. Something kind of peculiar.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, there's Jed Kramer. Maybe he knows what this is all about. Ho, boy.

[California]

Oh, what you got here, Jed? Trouble.

[Jed Kramer]

That's exactly what we've got. You've got it too. If your money's in this bank, it's gone broke.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I think we better get down, California. You're not serious about the bank, are you, Jed?

[Jed Kramer]

Sure I'm serious. The place is closed up, ain't it?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

But it's Saturday afternoon. The bank has a right to be closed. Who started this rumor anyway?

[Jed Kramer]

I don't know. But if it's such a rumor, why don't John Newcombe show himself and deny it?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Just a minute. Just a minute, man. John hasn't been feeling well lately. You all know that. You should know something else, too. This bank has never let you down in 25 years. And neither has John Newcombe. Why don't you forget this nonsense? You've all got things to do. Why don't you Go do them. You still feel worried? Next week, come in and talk to John about it.

[Jed Kramer]

How do we know that's such a good idea if this bank has gone bust?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Oh, but it hasn't gone bust. You know me. You know I wouldn't give you a false argument. I'm sure the bank won't go bust.

[Jed Kramer]

Well, okay, Hoppy, we'll forget it for now. But I hope you're right about it. Come on, everybody. Let's go and get about our business.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Oh, boy. For a second or so, I thought there was going to be trouble. I thought maybe. Hey, California.

[Andrew Rines]

Psst.

[California]

Over here, Hoppy. Let's try to the bank.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

What are you doing over here? Why all the secrecy?

[California]

It's a Mr. Newcomb. He wants to talk to you.

[John Newcomb]

I want to talk to you. And I want to thank you, Hoppy. You're giving us a chance to breathe freely for the moment. Come in, will you?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

How did a rumor like this ever get started, John, it's something that could cause a lot of trouble.

[John Newcomb]

Yes, but I'm afraid we're going to have to face that fact.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

What do you mean, Hoppy?

[John Newcomb]

Much as I hate to admit it, we're unable to meet our obligations. To put it bluntly, the bank is broken.

[Narrator]

Now back to Hopalong Cassidy and our story. The wastrels of Juarez arriving in town from the bar 20. Hoppy and California find an angry crowd kneeling before the locked doors of the bank. Rumor has it that the bank has failed. But Hoppy, challenging the rumor, learns from John Newcomb, the bank's president, that it's true. The bank is totally without funds.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

But, John, that means practically everyone in town is ruined.

[John Newcomb]

As I know, there'll be foreclosures all over the area. People trying to raise cash by turning against their neighbors. I've seen it happen before.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

But why, John? It can't be the no hobby.

[John Newcomb]

It's something I had no control over. Our cashier absconded with more than $50,000. Practically our total assets.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Lewis Kane. You're not being serious, John.

[John Newcomb]

Lewis Kane and a new teller we had, Ned Clayton. I don't think you've met him.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

When did you find out?

[John Newcomb]

They left this morning. I'm told they took the stage to Rock City and then headed southwest on horseback.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Southwest? Well, that'll take them to El Paso, maybe across the border.

[John Newcomb]

Yes, and you know what that means. There isn't a law enforcement officer anywhere who could do anything about it.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Someone has to do something about it. There are kids in this town who Will go without food if we. Well, John, I'm going after him.

[John Newcomb]

I've been hoping you'd say that, Hoppy.

[California]

You better keep it a thin hope, Mr. Newcomb. If them fellows get across the border, there ain't much anyone can do about it.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

This teller of yours, John, what does he look like?

[John Newcomb]

Big man blood. I wish we had a photograph, but we don't.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Well, we know what Lewis Kane looks like anyway. We'll move out right now. You'll tell him at the bar 20, won't you?

[John Newcomb]

I'll tell them. And Hoppy.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yes, John?

[John Newcomb]

Tuesday is a holiday legitimately. I can keep the bank closed over Monday as well. And then there's some money of my own I can transfer into bank funds for the rest of the week. But after that, if you're not back.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I understand, John. We have to be back with that money by a week from this Monday.

[California]

This El Paso, huh? It's a mighty big town. Too darn big for all the walking been doing.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

No luck. California?

[California]

No luck at all. Nobody seems to know nothing about Kane or that Clayton feller. I'm beginning to think they never come here.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I've drawn nothing but blanks myself.

[California]

Mr. Newcomb said that Clayton fellow was a blonde. Maybe we ought to just start looking for yellow haired six footer.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

There's one sitting over there. Somehow he doesn't have the look of a bank teller. Not the way he's wearing that six gun.

[California]

Hoppy, you're being flagged. The bartender. He's a waving at you.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

The bartender. Good. I was talking to him a little while ago about Cane. Maybe he remembers something he forgot to tell me. Let's hear what he has to say.

[California]

No. Something harpy. We're being given the eye by that blonde fellow with a gun.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

That's a hopeful sign. Maybe we'll scare up something yet. I'd like another sarsaparilla. Bartender.

[Bartender]

Sarsaparilla coming up. How about your friend?

[California]

Oh, I'll take some of that cactus chloroform.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

My partner says he thought he saw you motion to me.

[Bartender]

Yeah, I. I got to thinking about them fellas you're looking for and my memory got to speeding up a little.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

There's another gold piece. Maybe that'll speed it up even more.

[Bartender]

Well, there was a couple of fellas in here who might be your men yesterday. Yeah, I. I couldn't say if one of them was a blonde, though. They both kept their hats on. The older one kept squirming around on his feet like he'd been Doing a lot of riding he wasn't used to. Neither of them said much. But they asked me if I knew a good place to stay in Juarez, across the border.

[California]

I've been afraid of that.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Did you tell them about a place in Juarez?

[Bartender]

Well, I told them about the Guadalajara.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Guadalajara, huh?

[Bartender]

Yeah, yeah, Juarez is the toughest town in North America, and Guadalajara's the toughest place in Juarez.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Ah, so I've heard.

[Bartender]

But upstairs they got rooms and they're pretty clean, and I might say.

[Harlech]

You might say what, Joey?

[Bartender]

Oh, it's you, Harlek.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah.

[Harlech]

What were you gonna say, Joey?

[Bartender]

No, no, no, nothing much, Harleck. Honest.

[Harlech]

I. Always talking. Ain't you, Joey?

[Bartender]

Yeah, but. But I. I never mean no harm, Harlech.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I.

[Bartender]

Excuse me. Got a customer down here. I.

[Harlech]

What's your handle, Mr. Cassidy?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Hop along, Cassidy.

[Harlech]

I've heard of you. My name is Harlech.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, I've heard of you, too. From the Grass County Range Warrior.

[Harlech]

You and your partner were looking me over a minute ago. Why?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Color of your hair caused that. Blondes are kind of rare down in this country, Joey.

[Bartender]

Yeah, yeah.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

What do you want?

[Bartender]

Harlek?

[Harlech]

Come back here.

[Bartender]

I gotta clean the dust off these bottles. Harlek.

[Harlech]

I better come back, Joey.

[Bartender]

Harlek, you always get me wrong. I. I didn't mean nothing. I was just talking.

[Harlech]

Give me that bottle.

[Bartender]

The bottle? But. But this ain't your brand of stuff.

[Harlech]

I said give me the bottle.

[Bartender]

Well, all right. Here.

[Harlech]

Bend your head this way a little, Harlech.

[Bartender]

No, no, not with that bottle. It could kill me.

[Harlech]

I said bend over.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Better put the bottle down, Harlech.

[Harlech]

I'll show you where I'm gonna put the bottle. I'm gonna put.

[California]

Harlek.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'm sorry, Harlech and I couldn't just stand here and watch you hit him.

[Harlech]

Fast man with a gun, ain't you? Real fast man. Shooting a bottle out of a man's hand. Not much to that.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

No, of course not. And I said I was sorry.

[Harlech]

I'm pretty fast with a gun myself.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I've heard you are.

[Harlech]

You might keep it in mind, especially if you decide to go to Juarez. Because I'll be in Juarez, Cassidy, waiting.

[California]

For.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

The toughest place in the toughest town in North America. Well, it looks like it and sounds like it.

[California]

Well, what are we going to do now that we're here?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Circulate around, will you? See what you can pick up in the way of information.

[California]

Right, Hoppy. But I'd like to say something first. If you sit down at any of these tables, make sure you pick yourself a chair with its back a wall.

[Harlech]

Welcome to Juarez, Cassidy.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Hello, Harlech.

[Harlech]

Looking for a game?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Not exactly.

[Harlech]

Well, we're playing a little draw. Nobody's getting real hurt. Sit down.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Ah, watch, watch.

[Harlech]

No cards. And you drink sarsaparilla. Makes a man wonder why you never come to a place like the Guadalajara.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Maybe I enjoy the sweet fresh air that swirls around here.

[Harlech]

Well, every man of his own taste. Fella next to you is Jim Boyne. An hombre with no visible means of support. If you look good, you'll see he's a blond like me.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I've already noticed that.

[Harlech]

The lad shuffling is Clyde Marple, medicine salesman. Down seeing the sights. The way his lug's been running, he'd probably like to deal them off the bottom. But he ain't that good with the cards. You can see he's a blond like me too. Yance mean awful long, Cassidy.

[Jed Kramer]

Hiya, Cassidy.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Nice to know you. Gentlemen. Harnick, your disposition seems to have improved since we met in El Paso. I can't help wondering why.

[Harlech]

Well, maybe it's cause I found out why you're so interested in hombres with blond hair.

[Jed Kramer]

What's all this talk about blondes?

[Harlech]

Well, take a look around, Marple. See any other light haired men in this place? We're all there is. I know I. I looked real careful.

[Jed Kramer]

Why would you be so interested in looking?

[Harlech]

I was looking cause I knew Cassidy was looking. He wants to find a fair haired hombre real bad.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Why?

[Harlech]

Why don't you ask him, Marple? Maybe he'll tell us.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Why do you concern yourself in this, Harlech?

[Harlech]

Maybe I'm the fair haired hombre you're looking for.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, maybe you are.

[California]

But Poppy, can you break away for sure.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

A few gentlemen will excuse me.

[Harlech]

Sure, sure we will, Cassidy. But come back, won't you? We'd like to see you again.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Find out something. California.

[California]

I think I found out about Kane. He's here in one of the rooms upstairs. The one at the street end of the hall on the left. He could be there right now.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Good. Let's go and see. You better wait out here and keep me covered just in case.

[Bartender]

All right. Come in.

[California]

I'll be right here, Hoppy.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Well, looks as though you're all ready for trouble. Kane.

[Bartender]

I heard you were in town looking for his Cassidy. No. Don't come any closer or I'll pull this trigger.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You don't need that gun, Kane. Not with me.

[Bartender]

You're not going to take me back, Cassidy. I've got a man who'll stop you from doing that.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Clayton?

[Bartender]

No, not Clayton. This man's going to see me safely through to Mexico City. Then it's Europe and a life of ease.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Sure you don't mean a life of being scared and sorry and repentant? Does Clayton know about your new partner?

[Bartender]

Well, what difference does that make?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You're not very sure yourself, are you, Kane? You're not sure of Clayton. Maybe Clayton and your new partner are working together against you.

[Bartender]

You're just talking.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You hope I'm just talking. Why don't you give this up, Cane? The folks back home don't know what you've done. Not yet. I'll give you my word that they won't know. You'll turn back that money? The bank needs that money. The whole town needs it. You'll go back with me voluntarily? I wouldn't be surprised. By what? You could have your job back again.

[Bartender]

My job?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You honestly think that wasn't such a bad job, was it, Kane?

[Bartender]

No. It was a good job, a respectable job. If I hadn't been such a fool.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Everyone makes a mistake once in a while. They don't always matter if you correct them right away.

[Bartender]

You really think it would be all right if I went back?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

We can saddle up in a few minutes. We can go right now. And I'll.

[Bartender]

I'll have to get the money. Clayton and I, we hid it. I'm glad you came, Cassidy. Come, we'll go and get the money and then we.

[John Newcomb]

Ooh.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Kane.

[California]

That charge he got. Kane, huh? Is he dead?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Harpy hardly knew what hit him.

[California]

And there. The money. Did he tell you where it is?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

No. And the only person who knows is that teller, Clayton.

[Narrator]

Now back to Hopalong Cassidy and our story. The Wastros of Juarez. Poppy has crossed the border into Juarez searching for $50,000 embezzled from the bank in his hometown. He has only a short time in which to find the money and return it. If he fails, the bank will be forced to close its doors for good, bringing ruin to most of the town's population. Only two men had knowledge of where the money is hidden. And now one of these men is dead.

[California]

Whee. I'm glad that's done. Hot work, burying a man in this country.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, but I think Lewis Kane would thank us for it if he could.

[California]

A man running away with money at his age. Plumb foolish, if you ask me.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I don't think Kane would have taken the money if it hadn't been For Clayton?

[California]

Yeah. That bank teller. We talk about him, we don't even know what he looks like.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Except that he's blonde.

[California]

So is Harlock. Blonde. And that Marple fella and the one called Boyne.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

One of them has to be Clayton. And we've got to find out which one before it's too late.

[California]

Then the best place to do that is back at the Guadalajara. And something tells me it's going to lead to trouble. Five minutes, she said. You've been in that office a half hour.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Little business deal I had to make.

[California]

Business in a place like this? What kind of. Hey. Your guns. Where are they?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

That was the business. We came away from home a little suddenly without too much cash.

[California]

So you put up your irons for a loan. Hopping war as. That's like signing up for suicide. Here, you better wear mine.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

No, I'll be all right.

[California]

I hope you're right. But there's that fella harlot to worry about. And here he comes now.

[Harlech]

There, you got him, didn't you, Cassidy? Caught up with him and you plugged him.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

If you're talking about Kane, Harlech, I had nothing to do with his death.

[Harlech]

I'm talking about Kane. And I think you had everything to do with his death. You were looking for him, weren't you?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

That doesn't mean I killed him.

[Harlech]

It does. Tell me, Cassidy. You wanted that money Kane had with him, and I'm saying you got it.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

How did you know about the money?

[Harlech]

Everybody in Juarez knows about it. And I'm still saying you got it.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You're working yourself into a rage, Harlech. Why?

[Harlech]

For two reasons, Cassidy. Because you killed Kanan.

[California]

Because I don't like he's gonna throw down on your Hoppy and you without your guns. Better let me take him on, huh?

[Harlech]

Oh, just sit tight, all right, Cassidy. I'm waiting for you to make a play.

[California]

Now, hold it. Hold it, Harlock. Hoppy ain't wearing guns and.

[Harlech]

Oh, he ain't. Well, now, that's just too.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Hoppy.

[California]

You did that with my gun rang. You drew it from my holster.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You'd have killed me, wouldn't you, Harlek? You were gonna draw him when you knew I wasn't wearing guns. Now, better leave yours on the floor. I'll give it back to you later when I think you've cooled down.

[Harlech]

All right, Cassidy, but this makes it twice you balked me. The odds are all against you doing it the third time.

[California]

He's a bad one, Harpy. The kind that'll dry Gulcher, if he gets the chance and he knows about the money. I'll bet his name ain't Harlech at all. I'll bet he's Clayton, the bank teller.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

He could be. Or he could be the man who was going to help Kane get into Mexico City. I don't know. And I can't afford to make a mistake. We just have to wait. And we have to watch all three of the blondes until the one who's Clayton gives himself away.

[California]

Suppose they all decide to leave town before we find out anything. Suppose they all go separate?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Let's not think about that. Let's just think about you getting back into a card game with them. That's when they'll talk. That's when the right one might make the wrong move.

[Jed Kramer]

Cuts, Cuts. That's all I've ever done since I come down here. Makes me feel like a wastrel right now.

[Harlech]

Seems to be paying off for you. You got most of the money on the table. You and this California.

[Jed Kramer]

Humbry. Hand it the truth. Well, this is going to be my last day in Juarez. This evening I'm crossing the border into El Paso.

[Harlech]

Maybe I'll go along with you. I'm getting kind of tired of this place, Boyne said easily, even too. Let me have three cards, Marple, and let's not mix them up too much.

[Jed Kramer]

Three cards. How about you, California?

[California]

I'm standing pat, just like my neighbor.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

See?

[Harlech]

Boyne and California standpoint. Which means they could have a lot of stuff or they could be bluffing. A lot of people try bluffing around here.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

But you never bluff. Is that it, Harlech?

[Harlech]

That's right, Cassidy. I never bluff. All right, California, what are you gonna say?

[California]

Well, I'll. I'll bet 10.

[Harlech]

I see. Now, California bets 10. Boyne stays with it, which means they ain't bloving. Well, I think I'll stick around, too. I'll raise it five. It's your turn, Marple. What are you gonna say about all this?

[Jed Kramer]

Well, I don't have much left. Win or lose, this is gonna be my last hand. But I'd like to see what all you fellows are crowing about, so I'll call you.

[Harlech]

Okay. Let's see. California's got a fl. Full house, ladies. Hi. Boyne has a full house, too, but not that rich, huh? That leaves it up to you, Marple.

[Jed Kramer]

Well, it's like this. My tens might not be as glamorous as your queens, California, but I've got four of them.

[California]

I'll say that's good enough to take everything on the table.

[Harlech]

Well, well.

[Jed Kramer]

First decent hand I've had all evening. Come to Daddy.

[Harlech]

That'll set you up for a few more rounds, Marple.

[Jed Kramer]

No, not me. I've been eating a steak like this to pay my bills and get out of this town. I've got to get back to selling medicine and I'm going tonight while it's cool.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Not a bad pot. Marble. How much you got there?

[Jed Kramer]

Let's see. It's 10, 20, 40, 16, 80, 90 and 5. 95 round, shining silver dollars.

[California]

You did all right.

[Harlech]

So that's all for the game, huh? Well, let's push over to the bar for drinks.

[California]

You heard that, Hoppy? They're all leaving. Warriors.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, I heard it.

[California]

And one of them's got that money.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

We can be sure of that.

[California]

Which one? If they scattered it, we ain't get a chance in the world of finding it.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

We still got a chance, a good chance, because this card game just showed. Which one of them is Clayton, the bank teller.

[California]

Hobby.

[Jed Kramer]

Shh.

[California]

Where you been? It's almost two in the morning.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I've been trailing them in.

[California]

Without your guns? You should have waited for me. I bought them back with my winnings. Here they are. Good.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Maybe I better strap them on right now. I might be needing them.

[California]

Who you been trailing?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You'll see for yourself in a minute, but we'll have to be quiet about it. Come on.

[California]

Now what?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Stand clear of the door. I'm gonna crash it.

[California]

All right, but. Yeah, it's locked. You ain't gonna be able to get in.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'll get in. Watch out. Don't try anything, Maro. Maybe I should say. Clayton.

[California]

Poppy. The money. It's on the table. Bank wrapping still around her.

[Jed Kramer]

You'll never get away with this, Cathy. I've got Haric in it with me now, and Haric has his men here. You'll never get out of town with this money.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Maybe not, Clayton, but we're going to make a try for it. Scoop up the money, California. Get into that baggy head.

[Harlech]

Hey, what's going on up there?

[California]

Harik?

[Jed Kramer]

It's Cassidy.

[Harlech]

He's taking the money.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Come on, California, let's get moving.

[California]

Marvel. I'd never figured it was him.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

There wasn't so much moonlight. The money safe?

[California]

Practically back in the bank. Whoa, boy. Now, hold it, Hoppy.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

What's the matter?

[California]

Bunch of men up ahead. Harlech and his gang. Can we go south?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

No, they'd get us for sure that way. We'll have to run their Gauntlet. Maybe we can get by before they saddle up.

[California]

Right with me, Hobby.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Let's go.

[California]

Yippee.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Get it.

[Narrator]

Now back to Hopalong Cassidy.

[John Newcomb]

Hoppy. I can't believe it. I can't believe you're back. Look at that clock. It's 20 minutes past opening time. I was just about ready to go outside and tell everybody the Cattleman's bank had gone broke.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I guess I'm a little late, John. I'm sorry.

[Bartender]

Late?

[John Newcomb]

Why, you're the greatest sight these eyes of mine have ever seen.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Here, John, you better get this in the safe.

[John Newcomb]

Thanks.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

It's all there but $300. I guess Clayton used that up gambling.

[John Newcomb]

Too bad.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

And then there's another $5 you'll have to send to the Guadalajara bar in Juarez for a door lock I had to shatter with a bullet.

[John Newcomb]

I'll be very happy to, Cassidy. Well, Henson, open up the doors and you can tell everybody that this bank is doing business as usual. Poppy, you've saved the future of this town. Come into my office. You're going to have to tell me all about it.

[California]

Yeah, but first he's got to tell me something, Mr. Newcombe. Something he's been holding out on me all the way back here.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I don't see why I need to tell you anything. California, you were there with me the.

[California]

Whole time, happy enough snuff. If you don't tell me how you knew that Marple fella was really Clayton, I'll. I'll. Well, I'll start drinking chasparilla.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You were there at that card game. You saw everything that went on just as well as I. Happy working, all right? Yes, I'll have to tell you, it was those coins, all the silver dollars that Marple raked in with that big potty one.

[California]

Yeah, yeah, I remember the silver dollars. There was 95 of them. I even watched Marple stack them. But they.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

All right, there. It was.

[California]

There what was?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Marple was no professional gambler. Remember? He claimed to be a medicine salesman, but he stacked those coins quick and true without even taking time to count them. He was able to do that because he was used to stacking coins as a bank teller. Has to be.

[California]

Well. Well, I'll be doggone. You know, maybe I ought to start drinking sarsaparilla. Maybe that's the stuff that makes you so go darn smart, huh?

[Narrator]

Well, Hoppy and California bring an end to the wastrels of Juarez. And all because of Hoppy's alert observation and some silver dollars. On their next venture, they go on one of the toughest and roughest drives of their career. It's called Gambler's Luck. Try to Be With Hopalong Cassidy, starring William Boyd, is transcribed and produced in the west by Walter White, Jr. Waste Troves of Juarez was written by Buckley angel 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.

[California]

Sam.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

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.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Sam.