The Wrong Man | Lightning Jim (1952)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: "The Wrong Man | Lightning Jim (1952)"

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: March 17, 2025

---

Introduction

In this episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast, host Andrew Rhynes delves into the classic 1952 radio drama titled "The Wrong Man", featuring the intrepid United States Marshal Lightning Jim Whipple and his trusty deputy Whitey Larson. This digitally restored episode transports listeners to the rugged landscapes of the Wild West, enriched with enhanced audio quality that brings every rustle of the desert wind and crack of gunfire to vivid life.

---

Plot Overview

"The Wrong Man" unfolds in the mining town of Hernandez, New Mexico, a place still reeling from the aftermath of the 1849 gold rush. Despite the establishment of mining companies, lawlessness persists with bandits plundering gold shipments and murdering guards. The U.S. Marshals, led by Lightning Jim Whipple, are tasked with restoring order.

Assignment and Investigation [03:20 - 07:25]

The episode begins with Lane Prentice, the Express Manager of the Aztec Mining Company, briefing Jim and Whitey about their mission to track down the culprits responsible for the recent thefts and murders. Prentice expresses suspicions about the new field boss, Jeff Allen, whose appointment coincides with the uptick in criminal activities.

Lane Prentice [03:20]: "Well, it says in this letter that you boys have been assigned to track down the vermin that's been murdering our guards and stealing our gold."

Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Jim and Whitey prepare to investigate, suspecting that Allen may be involved in the crimes.

Encounter with Don Felipe Ramirez [10:11 - 17:03]

Their search leads them to Don Felipe Ramirez, a notable Spanish antique collector at La Casa Ora. Posing as purchasing agents for a wealthy client, Jim and Whitey aim to gain Ramirez’s trust and glean information about the stolen gold.

Jim Whipple [10:31]: "Senor Ramirez, I'm the purchase and agent for a wealthy antique collector in San Francisco whose name I'm not at liberty to disclose."

Ramirez, however, is evasive and protective of his prized Spanish-mounted pistols. Tensions escalate as Ramirez's henchmen grow suspicious of the marshals' true intentions, leading to a confrontation where Ramirez attempts to assert his dominance.

Don Felipe Ramirez [13:36]: "Nevertheless, senor, you will not take them from the wall."

Unveiling the Silver Bullet [16:04 - 23:11]

The marshals discover a silver bullet at the crime scene, a unique clue pointing towards Ramirez's involvement. The circle tightens as evidence surfaces against Ramirez, painting him as the mastermind behind the gold heists and murders.

Jim Whipple [16:07]: "But it wouldn't prove the Don pulled the trigger. That's what we've got to prove."

Ramirez's grip on the town strengthens as he manipulates his henchmen to eliminate the marshals, leading to a tense standoff where Jim is captured and chained alongside Whitey.

The Trap at Limestone Rock [25:19 - 29:10]

Displaying ingenuity under pressure, Lightning Jim devises a plan to trap Ramirez at Limestone Rock. By feigning submission and awaiting an opportune moment, Jim and Whitey set the stage for Ramirez’s downfall. Their strategy culminates in a dramatic confrontation where Jim outsmarts Ramirez, proving his culpability and restoring justice to Hernandez.

Jim Whipple [28:15]: "So lightly personally brought. Don's bullet didn't even nick me. And now I can prove that Don Felipe is the man who's been killing your guard."

---

Key Characters

• Lightning Jim Whipple: A sharp and determined U.S. Marshal committed to upholding the law and uncovering the truth behind the gold thefts.

  Jim Whipple [16:07]: "But it wouldn't prove the Don pulled the trigger. That's what we've got to prove."

• Whitey Larson: Jim’s loyal deputy, providing support and assistance in their investigative endeavors.

  Whitey Larson [06:07]: "It's a sneaky skunk. I show him something. Oh, missed him by gallop."

• Don Felipe Ramirez: A suave yet sinister antique collector whose deep ties to the local underworld make him a formidable adversary.

  Don Felipe Ramirez [13:36]: "Nevertheless, senor, you will not take them from the wall."

• Jeff Allen: The new field boss at Hernandez Mining Company, initially suspected of malfeasance and later revealed to be innocent.

---

Notable Quotes

• Jim Whipple on Investigating:

  [03:34] Jim Whipple: "I got some bread and cheese in my pack. We'll eat it on trail."

• Whitey Larson on Danger:

  [06:07] Whitey Larson: "That's a sneakudy skunk. I show him something. Oh, missed him by gallop."

• Don Felipe on Threats:

  [16:05] Don Felipe Ramirez: "Yeah. So that's a store, eh? First time I heard of a killer using a silver bullet."

• Jim Whipple's Resolve:

  [22:28] Jim Whipple: "I'm not a fool, Don Felipe. You're just army enough to do it."

---

Themes and Insights

"The Wrong Man" explores themes of deception, justice, and the eternal struggle between lawmen and outlaws in the Wild West. The episode underscores the importance of evidence in uncovering the truth and the cleverness required to outmaneuver cunning adversaries. Lightning Jim's unwavering dedication serves as a beacon of righteousness, demonstrating that integrity and ingenuity can triumph over corruption and villainy.

---

Conclusion

Andrew Rhynes skillfully presents "The Wrong Man", a quintessential Old Time Radio Western that captivates listeners with its intricate plot and dynamic characters. The enhanced audio restoration elevates the storytelling, making the adventures of Lightning Jim Whipple and Whitey Larson resonate with both nostalgic fans and new audiences alike. This episode stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Western dramas and the timeless quest for justice in untamed frontiers.

---

Notable Timestamped Quotes:

• Jim Whipple on Starting the Investigation [03:20]:

  "When you're figuring to start, Marshall?"
  Lane Prentice [03:20]: "Well, it says in this letter that you boys have been assigned to track down the vermin..."

• Whitey Larson on Recognizing Danger [05:16]:

  Whitey Larson [05:16]: "Pedro knows the trail all right..."

• Confrontation at Don Felipe's Rancho [13:22]:

  Don Felipe Ramirez [13:36]: "Do not touch them. Sin. Do not touch."

• Final Showdown and Resolution [28:15]:

  Jim Whipple [28:15]: "So lightly personally brought. Don's bullet didn't even nick me..."

---

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of "The Wrong Man," providing listeners with an insightful overview of the episode's narrative and thematic depth. Whether revisiting a beloved classic or discovering it anew, this rendition offers a thorough appreciation of the timeless tales that define the Old Time Radio Westerns.

Transcript

[Announcer]

Para los beneficios del segro de desemplo de Oregon es gratis applicar sincostos nitarifas paroptener beneficios y los servicios de interpretacion Estandis ponibles presentar su solicitud es facil yame al uno, ocho, siete, siete, tres, cuatro, cinco, tres, cuatro, ocho, cuatro uno, ocho, siete, siete, tres, cuatro, cinco, tres, cuatro, ocho, cuatro, Pa.

[Advertiser]

This episode is brought to you by Allianz Travel Insurance. Landed in Kyoto, but your bag went to Paris. We could help with our benefits for lost or delayed baggage. Learn [e-mail].

[Announcer]

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 Gym. This episode originally aired in 1952 and the title is the Wrong Man.

[Advertiser]

This episode was brought to you by Allianz Travel Insurance. You're all packed for the family trip, but your kid catches a bug at school. Our trip cancellation benefits can help. Learn [e-mail].

[Narrator]

It'S your misfortune and not my own.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Get along you little dogies. You know that the ferry will be your new close.

[Narrator]

On the heels of the gold rush in 1849 followed crime and lawlessness. Bandits and outlaws murdered honest miners for their gold. Years later, mining companies organized, but to some extent the evil still persisted. Until finally the ever reliable United States marshals were asked to enlist in the miners war on crime. We move now to a mining town in New Mexico and join Lightning, Jim Whipple and Whitey Larson in the office of the Aztec Mining Company. Lane Prentice, the company's express manager, is reading a letter Lightning has given him from the Attorney General in Washington.

[Lane Prentice]

Well, it says in this letter that you boys have been assigned to track down the vermin that's been murdering our guards and stealing our gold. When you're figuring to start, Marshall?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Just as soon as Whitey here can water the horses while I get the lowdown on these thieving coyotes here.

[Whitey Larson]

Wait a minute, Lightning. Ain't we going to put down the feedback first? Ye wish. My stomach gets crawling worse than a store of screech all.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

I got some bread and cheese in my pack. We'll eat it on trail.

[Whitey Larson]

Oh, that's good.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

What about it, Prentice? Can you give us any clue to the hombres that's been doing this dirty work?

[Lane Prentice]

I'm afraid not, Marshal. All I know is that the gold shipments ain't coming through from the mine of Hernandez. Of course, I've got my suspicions.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

What kind of suspicion?

[Lane Prentice]

Well, I don't like to gab about a man behind his back, Marshall, but all this new feller up that of mine's Jeff Allen has been acting mighty suspicious lately.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Yeah, what's his business?

[Lane Prentice]

He's the new field boss at Hernandez. In charge of shipping the gold.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

I see. You kind of figure Alan's responsible for seeing through it that the gold don't get here, huh?

[Lane Prentice]

Well, I ain't sure, but all I know is them shipments were never held up till Jeff Allen was appointed field boss. What's more, Allen and me are the only ones who know when the gold's coming through.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Well, guess me and Whitey better hop along and take a gander at Mr. Allen. What trail do we take?

[Lane Prentice]

Well, there's only one trail you can take, Marshall, and that's through the mountain.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

I see.

[Lane Prentice]

And take a guide with you. And when you get to Hernandez, keep your eye peeled. My hunch is that Jeff Allen knows more about them murders and the stolen gold. And he's admitting.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Well, reckon we must be halfway to her. Nandy's Banana that is providing Pedro the guide up ahead there. Joey knows the trail, Ellie.

[Whitey Larson]

Pedro knows the trail all right. Lightning, he tell me he used to ride it for the mining company before.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

The gold was stolen.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

That's so.

[Whitey Larson]

Say, you got an idea who's throwing at Lightning?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

No, Whitey, I ain't. Our friend Prentice wasn't much help, signore. What is it, Pedro?

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

This is place, senor, where el Bandito kill guard and steal gold.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Well, I want to give this place a look, see? Maybe there's a clue to the Jasper that's been doing all this killing and stealing. What you got there, Whitey?

[Whitey Larson]

Don't go in to find no Lightning. Yes, the piece of silver, I reckon.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Let me look at it. Well, you old polecat, that's a bullet. Silver bullet.

[Jeff Allen]

Silver bullet.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

I don't blame you though for not recognizing it in a shooting iron manufactured nowadays. It'll fire slug like this. Innocent looking plating, ain't it?

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

The silver bullet, senor. It is the same bullet El Bandito used to kill el capitan of the gold train.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Yeah. So that's a story, eh? First time I heard of a killer using a silver bullet. But it puts a mighty interesting light on Mother. Get me cover. That's where the shooting's coming from Whitey over there behind that rock. See the smoke?

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Oh, I see.

[Whitey Larson]

It's a sneaky skunk. I show him something. Oh, missed him by gallop.

[Pancho]

There he goes.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Look at him. Hightail it out of there.

[Whitey Larson]

Well, I get him for sure this time.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Bill.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Ain't Whitey. He's ducked out of sight. I'd give a week's pay to get a peek at that Jasper's face.

[Jeff Allen]

Steady, Thunder.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Come on, let's hit the trail. We got some tall riding to do.

[Whitey Larson]

Come on, boy. You think the fellow knows who you are, Lightning?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

That's just what I'm thinking. There's only one hombre he knows. We have taken the trail to Hermanties today. Unless my guess is plum loco. Whitey the Snake, that's the name of the killers, is our friend Prentice.

[Narrator]

Arriving in Hernandez, Jim and Whitey went immediately to the office of Jeff Allen.

[Pancho]

I'm mighty glad you've come, Marshall. If anybody can get at these murdering yellow bellies, you're the one.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Thanks, Ms. Allen. After providing target practice for one of them this afternoon, I'm just itching to lay hands on that gang.

[Whitey Larson]

Your echoes for me too big.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Tell me, Ms. Allen, you ever seen the likes of this before?

[Pancho]

I sure have, Marshall. Yes, it's a silver bullet. The same kind of slug that's been used to murder the leader of the pack train. Every time the gold is stolen and there's always located clean through the heart, you menace.

[Whitey Larson]

That Jasper must be a dead shot all right.

[Pancho]

I tell you, Marshal, that Jasper that's the brains of this gang ain't no ordinary killer. Every time a shipman is held up, them Mexicans of mine high tailored out of the mountain a blabbering about evil spirits dressed like ghosts with grinning skulls on their chest. Yeah, yeah. By the time I heard them back, the gangs were moose with the gold.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

I see you never met up with these gun toting ghosts yourself, did you, Mr. Allen?

[Pancho]

No, Marshall, I didn't. My job is to stay here and supervise the camp. But if we can't get the gold through to Youngsville, there ain't no sense in mining it. I'm taking the next shipment through myself.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Yeah? When you planning your next shipment?

[Pancho]

Thursday.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Thursday? That's two days away. Does Prentice know about it?

[Pancho]

What? Sure he knows every time I ship the gold.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Tell me, Mr. Allen, has there ever been any bad blood between you and Prentice?

[Pancho]

Oh, I wouldn't call that Marshall. He was just a mite put out because I was appointed field boss up here instead of him, that's all. You ain't suspecting Prentice?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

No, no, I ain't suspect nobody yet. One last question, Mr. Allen. Do you know of an ombre in this part of the country that collects Spanish antiques?

[Pancho]

You mean family heirlooms and stuff like that?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

That's it. Jewels, you know, old furniture, maybe even guns that were used a couple of centuries ago, matter of fact.

[Pancho]

The Duel Marsh.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Yeah.

[Pancho]

Don Felipe Ramirez, his name is. And to hear him talk, he's got the finest collection of Spanish antiques in the country.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Where does this Don Felipe hang out, Ms. Allen?

[Pancho]

He lives in that big rancho up there on the hill. But you can generally locate him at the cafe La Casa Ora.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Thanks. Come on, Whitey, let's play a little visit to La Casa Ora. See that dark, sinister looking Spaniard at that table over there? Weddy.

[Whitey Larson]

You mean you give it alongside Burns in the black mustache?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Yeah, that's one. That's Don Felipe Ramirez. Had the bartender point him out. Come on, we'll go over and introduce a fell. I got me an idea, Whitey. Good evening, Senor Ramirez.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

My name's Kenneth.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

This is my assistant, Ben Dalsen.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Hey.

[Whitey Larson]

Oh, a.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Pleased to meet you, senores. What can I do for you?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Senor Ramirez, I'm the purchase an agent for a wealthy antique collector in San Francisco whose name I'm not at liberty to disclose. My client has heard of your excellent collection of Spanish antiques and he sent me down here to make you an offer.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Your client is a wise man, senor. My collection is famous all over the West. Yes, many of my pieces have been bequeathed to me by my ancestors.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

That's so. Can you show us your collection, don Felipe?

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Oh, Ms. Amigos, it is such a pity you have traveled so far for nothing. My collection, it is not for sale.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Oh, it's too bad.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

However, maybe you like I show it to you, eh?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Sure would.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Sure. Come, senores. We go to my rancho. I show you something you will not forget.

[Narrator]

Will Don Felipe's collection of antiques betray the identity of the mysterious bandit killer? We'll follow the two marshals on their adventures in just a moment.

[Jeff Allen]

It.

[Narrator]

And now for part two of the Thrilling Adventures of Lightning Jim and the Silver Bullet. Masquerading as purchasing agents for a wealthy antique collector, Lightning Jim and Whitey have been invited by Don Felipe Ramirez to see his collection of Spanish heirlooms. We join them now at Don Felipe's rancho.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Well, senores, what do you think of Don Felipe's collection, eh?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Well, sir, that's the most complete collection of Spanish antiques I've ever seen.

[Pancho]

Oh, that's so.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

That's a mighty interesting pair of silver mounted pistols hanging over the fireplace, Don Felipe. Mind if we take a look at them?

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Do not touch them. Sin. Do not touch. Why, I am so sorry. I do not mean to be rude, senor. But these pistols, they are my most prized possession. Very old and brittle. If you touch them, they fall apart.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Oh, well, they look strong enough to shoot.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Nevertheless, senor, you will not take them from the wall. Senor. You wish to see me, Pancho? Pardon, senores.

[Unknown Henchman]

Senor Princess, he wait for you in the office.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Gracias. You will excuse me, senores. There is a matter I must attend.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

That's all right, Don.

[Whitey Larson]

Take your time.

[Jeff Allen]

Big Whitey. We gotta act fast.

[Whitey Larson]

Hey, what you going to do lately?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Gonna have a look at them pistols the dawn so anxious about? I gotta hunch the gun that fired this silver bullet you picked up on the trail it and you might live here.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Jesana say you're to come to the rancho only when I send for you.

[Unknown Henchman]

Now, don't worry, boss. Nobody saw me. I sneaked in through the secret passage. Dodger had to come to warn you.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

You warned me?

[Unknown Henchman]

Yeah. I had a visit this morning from two United States marshals like Jim Whipple and Whitey Larson. They're in Hernandez right now. Investigate them holdups we pulled off.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Why you not come tell me this morning?

[Unknown Henchman]

Because I was following Whipple as far as the divide. Tried to slug him, but he.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

What do these lightning jeans look like?

[Unknown Henchman]

He's a two fisted buckaroo. Tall rangy. They say he can pull a gun faster than a rattler can strike. Whity. A Swede, is it?

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Swede? One of those is a Swede.

[Unknown Henchman]

Yeah. Well, what's wrong, boy?

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Quit. Come now, Luke. Look through those crack in the door.

[Jeff Allen]

And tell me what you see.

[Unknown Henchman]

Jump and Jingha. That's Lightning Jim Whipple and Whitey Larson.

[Jeff Allen]

The two marshals I've been telling you about.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

So they think to make those fool of Don Felipe, eh?

[Jeff Allen]

We will see.

[Unknown Henchman]

You suppose I suspect you was stealing the golden Crocanogard?

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Of course they suspect you, fool. Come with me while I get a gun. I will show the Signor Whipple what it means to make the joke with Uncle Leaping.

[Jeff Allen]

Look, Whiting, how oiled and shiny these pistols are. They've been in the dance family for hundreds of years.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

All right.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

But I'm wagering they've been fired as.

[Jeff Allen]

Recently as last week. Hand me that silver bullet.

[Whitey Larson]

You'll Hear this lightning? If the silver bullet fit in them, their pistols were the proofs that Don Felipe killed the gods and stole the gold.

[Jeff Allen]

Him dead, they would.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Yeah.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

It would prove the bullet was fired.

[Jeff Allen]

From the Don's pistol, Sweaty. But it wouldn't prove the Don pulled the trigger. That's what we've got to prove. Yeah, the other gun's all right. Just luckily the silver bullet fits them barrels. See?

[Whitey Larson]

See, I found something too. Look here in this pistol box and the mantle.

[Jeff Allen]

You sure have, partner. A sharpshooter's medal. According to Jeff Allen, each of them guards died with a silver bullet clean through his heart. Only a super marksman handling his hands could have done that. And this medal testifies that Don Felipe is just the kind of a sharpshooter that we've been looking for.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

You are very smart, Senor Weevil. Keep your hands up, senor.

[Unknown Henchman]

Look out for him, boss. He's a graze. Lightning on the draw.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

It's about time you hoisted your true color, Spentis. Next time you aim to kill me, I hope you're shooting the powerful lot sharper than it was back there on the trail.

[Unknown Henchman]

There ain't gonna be no next time for you, Whipple. Your number's up.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Right now that is talk enough. You will be so kind to give me those pistols and the silver bullets. Senor Weeper. Gracias. Senor Prentice, you will take away the guns of the prisoner.

[Unknown Henchman]

You bet I will, boss.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

That is good. Now, amigos, you will go as I direct. The Senor Weeper is a lover of rare antiques, Senor Prentice. Maybe in my underground chamber of order we will find some little instrument of torture with which to amuse him.

[Narrator]

Late that night, Lane Prentice and Don Felipe hold a conference in the Spaniard's private office.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

You seem nervous.

[Unknown Henchman]

Hell, I am a United States government men and women.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

You underestimate Don Felipe, senor. Our friends the marshal will be gone pronto, like the wind. I have the way of making men discipline. The way I've been bequeathed to me by my ancestors. When will the gold be shipped again?

[Unknown Henchman]

Now. Thursday. That's two nights from now. Jeff Allen's aiming to take the shipment through himself.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

I think you do not like those, Senor Allen, huh?

[Unknown Henchman]

You're thinking straight, boss. I've been aching to get even with that double crossing polkhead ever since he had his self appointed field boss instead of me. It'll be a pleasure to see you put that silver bullet in his heart. Basically.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Maybe, Senor, you like it better if the gold is shipped Tomorrow, huh? Then, Osinor Allen, you have one day last to live.

[Lane Prentice]

Hey, that'll be great.

[Unknown Henchman]

How you gonna fix it?

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

I myself can do nothing, senor. But I think maybe we persuade the Senor Weeple to arrange it for us, huh? Listen closely, Amig.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Weddy.

[Jeff Allen]

Whitey.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Wake up.

[Jeff Allen]

Take the sleep out of your highest partner. We got work to do.

[Whitey Larson]

Where are we like then?

[Jeff Allen]

Judging from the wicked looking irons hanging from the rafters, I'd say we was in Don Felipe's private torture chamber.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

You ain't forgetting the Don chained us to the wall last night, are you, partner?

[Whitey Larson]

Oh, I think I forget all right, Lightning.

[Jeff Allen]

Oh, what's the matter?

[Whitey Larson]

I've been sleeping on some kind of an old weapon. It looks like a short iron spear.

[Jeff Allen]

But hang on to it, Whitey.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

If we can trick Prentice or the.

[Jeff Allen]

Spaniard into coming close enough to us, might come in handy.

[Whitey Larson]

You should take if he gets the chance, I tell you.

[Jeff Allen]

Say, Whitey, take a gander at that rope hanging on the wall over there.

[Whitey Larson]

You.

[Jeff Allen]

That's markless.

[Whitey Larson]

Skull and bones on the front.

[Jeff Allen]

Yeah, a death's head, just like Jeff Allen said. Scared the fight out of his Mexicans. Made him deserve the gold. It was supposed to be Garden.

[Whitey Larson]

Well, I guess that proves that Don is the thief, all right.

[Jeff Allen]

Yeah, but it still don't prove that Don killed the gods. Somebody's coming. You're probably the Spaniard apprentice. Sit on that iron thing you got and be ready. I got on. We can use it to make a break. If you see an opening, give me an oven.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Buenos Dios, senores. You sleep well, huh?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Personally, I like sleeping in irons better than on a feather mattress.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Our friend has the sense of humor, Senor Brandt.

[Unknown Henchman]

He'll laugh out of the other side of his mouth before we're through with him, boss.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Oh, si, senor. Now we make the batter joke, eh? Gee. Give those pen and paper to the Senor Weepel.

[Unknown Henchman]

Sure, boss.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Now, senor, you will write what I tell you.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Well, you'll have to unlock these irons first. Man can't write with his hand side.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Oh, si, bueno. Unlock the chains from the senor's wrist.

[Unknown Henchman]

Senor Prentice, you better watch him. He's a grazed lightning.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

You will address the letter to the Senor Jeff Allen. Write the following. Amigo, young tiptoes. You plan to ship gold tomorrow, ship gold tonight and trick them. I will join you later. Now, Senor Weeper, you will sign it.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

No, Ramirez. Jeff Allen's taking the gold to himself. If I send him this note, it'll be the same as sending him to his death.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

That is the joke, amigo. You are not amused, eh? If you do not sign the note, senhor, I make you to laugh with the torture my ancestors used.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

I'm not a fool, Don Felipe. You're just army enough to do it. All right, I'll sign.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

You are one smart man, senor. I give this knot with your silver bullet to Pancho. The type to those Senor Allen. Then he will be positive it come from you, Senor Prentice. You lock him up while I go send the message.

[Unknown Henchman]

I'll do that with pleasure, amigo.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

I will wait for you tonight at Limestone Rock. Let us hope for much gold, eh? Adios, senores.

[Unknown Henchman]

Well, Marshall, what do you suppose the Attorney General will say when you tell him you've been spending your valuable time dressed up in chains like a hound dog? If you live. Hey, let me lock up them hands of yours. And don't make no wrong moves, mister. You'll get a slug out of these shooting irons.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Good work, Jeff. You came just in time.

[Unknown Henchman]

Where is he?

[Pancho]

Nice work, Whitey.

[Whitey Larson]

You're latent.

[Pancho]

Darting that iron bar on the floor.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Made him turn around just long enough for me to crack him on the head with this.

[Jeff Allen]

These handcuffs.

[Whitey Larson]

You are greased, lightning. All right, we got to work fast.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Here's the key for your case. Yo, yo, Waddy, dip into this poor cat's clothes and get him into yours. I'll explain the plans while you change.

[Whitey Larson]

Forehead to your divorce.

[Jeff Allen]

Later, when you get into Prentice duds.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

I tell it as fast as you can to Jeff Allen. Eeyore, tell him the note I wrote the frame up. But to ship the gold tonight just like the note there. And tell him to be sure to wear this under his shirt when he takes the shipment through.

[Whitey Larson]

What does that like mean, sir?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

It's an anti chain breastplate I found on the floor.

[Jeff Allen]

When you get to Jeff Allen, ask him to round up a posse for you and surround Limestone Rock.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

But instruct your men not to open fire on the gang till Don Felipe lets loose with that silver bullet.

[Whitey Larson]

A jet, see? I finish in the clothes. Now just lift this coyote and lock him in your chair, see? What are you going to do, Lightning?

[Pancho]

I'm jaggerless.

[Jeff Allen]

Poor cat.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

And then laying him on his belly.

[Jeff Allen]

So Don Felipe, he'll think he's asleep face down.

[Whitey Larson]

Yo, but I mean, what you going to do?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

While I'm going, I'm staying here and checking the evidence. Whitey, you can expect me tonight at Limestone Rock.

[Whitey Larson]

But suppose Don Felipe come back?

[Jeff Allen]

That's just why I gotta stay here, Whitey. If Don Felipe came back and found.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Us gone, he'd hightail it out of here.

[Jeff Allen]

We wouldn't have no proof that he was the gasp.

[Pancho]

We were done with killing.

[Jeff Allen]

We gotta let him go through with.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

The hold up and catch him in the act of trying to kill Jeff Allen.

[Whitey Larson]

Sure, yo, sure.

[Unknown Henchman]

I see.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

No, but get going.

[Jeff Allen]

Ain't got no time to lose.

[Narrator]

Lightning Jim, pretending to be chained and handcuffed, awaits the coming of Don Felipe.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Oh, I see my two brave law eagles are still in their nest.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Yes, Don, we know when we elect. But if we ever get out of here.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

That you will never do, Marshall. When I return with the gold from the hold up, I have plans for you and your deputy. My ancestors have bequeathed me not only a heritage of fine weapons, but a knowledge of how to dispose of those who, shall we say, annoy us.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

We take a lot of killing. Don't. And if you do torture us to death, just remember there's more United States marshals where I come from. And they'll get.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Ah, you gringos. You're not clever enough to catch me, senor. No. I shall see that the chains of you and your deputy are good and secure.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Now, now, now, look here, Don. Now have a little mercy, can't you? My deputy's worn out worrying about what you're gonna do to us. He just fell asleep. Now, now, let him sleep, won't you?

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

O, I am sure Senor Francis changed you both. Well, he's very afraid of your reputation, Marshall. Bueno. I go now to gather a little more gold for my store room. Which, as you already know, to your sorrow, is filled with the gold shipments which are so mysteriously disappeared. Just like you will do when I return.

[Narrator]

So the masquerade was successful. And unaware of the trap that Lighting Jim had set for him at Limestone Rock, the Spaniard donned his weird white robe with a grinning death's head and rode to meet the gold train. Releasing himself from his chains, Lightning Jim trailed him and joined Whitey in concealment behind a huge boulder.

[Jeff Allen]

Men all primed for the fight Wedding.

[Whitey Larson]

No, Lightning. They got the don and his thief in coyotes around it. And they're just itching for me to give them the verge. Listen, my golly flight. Here comes the tag train now.

[Jeff Allen]

It's the gold train, all right. There's Allen riding around the bend. Look, Whitey, the Spaniard. See him standing on that box?

[Whitey Larson]

No. Bring him any like him. He's aiming to kill Mr. Allen with the silver bullets I show you.

[Jeff Allen]

Far waddy Alan's got on the chain armor.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

We got to give the Spaniard the first shot. Here it is. Turn your wounds loose. Whitey.

[Jeff Allen]

Forest boy, start firing.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Put down that pistol, Ramirez.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Why can't you see? Whipple, you are more clever than I thought. You escaped by chains, but you will not escape my silver bullet for going like this.

[Jeff Allen]

My compliment. And your Whipple.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Oh, never have I seen a caballero.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

So lightly personally brought. Don's bullet didn't even nick me. And now I can prove that Don Felipe is the man who's been killing your guard.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Well, that, Senor Martin, is one thing you cannot prove.

[Pancho]

Oh, yes, I can, Don Felipe.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

And that's why I only wounded you and didn't shoot you through your black heart. And saving you for a little rope.

[Pancho]

Trick used by Uncle Sam.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Not so bad as torture, but just as effectively disposed of. Those who annoy you. Hope you're set, Alan. Let me see that chain breastplate you're wearing.

[Don Felipe Ramirez]

Yes, a chain armor. You are clever, Senor Marshall.

[Pancho]

There you are, Marshal. What's that you doing?

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

I'm looking for the silver bullet that was fired at you just a few minutes ago. There it is. Like all the other fancy shooting, this one's embedded right over the heart. If Whitey hadn't brought you this armor to wear, you'd be pushing up daisies now.

[Pancho]

They'd burned if I wouldn't.

[Narrator]

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

[Announcer]

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.

[Lightning Jim Whipple]

Ra.