Troop Train | Tales of the Texas Rangers (04-06-52)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Summary

Episode: Troop Train | Tales of the Texas Rangers (04-06-52)

Release Date: July 23, 2025

Host: Andrew Rhynes

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast, host Andrew Rhynes presents "Troop Train," an authentic reenactment from the archives of the Texas Rangers. This story delves into the complexities of wartime tensions, camaraderie, and the pursuit of justice in the Wild West era.

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Case Overview: Troop Train

"Troop Train" centers around two soldiers from the 903rd Infantry Division, Frank Dorsey and Leo Benson, who find themselves on a troop train traveling through the rugged terrains of Texas. The narrative explores their motivations, actions, and the subsequent investigation led by Rangers Jace Pearson and Clay Morgan.

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Main Characters

• Frank Dorsey (PFC): A 19-year-old private who becomes conflicted about his duty and desired to return home to his ailing mother.
• Leo Benson (Private): A seasoned soldier grappling with the horrors of war and his own sense of morality.
• Ranger Jace Pearson: A dedicated Texas Ranger determined to uphold justice.
• Ranger Clay Morgan: Partner to Ranger Pearson, assisting in the investigation.
• Pete Mather: The elderly rancher who becomes the victim in the case.

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Plot and Investigation

The Train Incident

At [02:41], the story unfolds on a quiet night aboard a troop train east of Humboldt, Texas. Private Leo Benson expresses his intention to desert, prompting a heated exchange with Frank Dorsey:

• Benson: "No jap's gonna shove a bayonet in my belly." [04:04]
• Dorsey: "Well, you got it bad, kid... I'm st. Adios." [04:30]

Their confrontation escalates, leading Dorsey to assist Benson in jumping off the train, setting the stage for the ensuing drama.

The Assault on Pete Mather

The following morning, [07:31], Sheriff of Humboldt County reports that Pete Mather has been severely beaten and his car stolen. Rangers Pearson and Morgan interview Mather, who describes the assailant as a soldier from the 903rd Division:

• Pete Mather: "He had an army uniform on his blood on it... Black hair, Texas boy." [08:38]

Digging Deeper

Rangers uncover that both Dorsey and Benson have gone AWOL. Their investigation leads them to Pinker, Texas, where Dorsey's sister, Norma Dorsey, reveals the true motive behind Dorsey's desertion:

• Norma Dorsey: "Frank went to the hospital to see her last night. He'll probably never see her again." [11:32]

Despite this, the Rangers apprehend Dorsey, who initially denies involvement in the assault:

• Dorsey: "I jumped off a train and went home. But I didn't beat up any old man." [14:10]

The Revelation

Under pressure, Dorsey confesses an unexpected truth:

• Dorsey: "You know I killed him." [17:45]

He reveals that the altercation with Benson resulted in Pete Mather's death, contradicting his earlier denial. The Rangers, now questioning Benson's whereabouts, trace him to Abilene but find no evidence of his presence.

The Final Confrontation

The climax occurs at a cabin near the Blanco River, where Rangers discover signs of Benson's struggle. In a tense showdown, Benson confronts Ranger Pearson:

• Benson: "I'd rather spend a couple of years in jail than go overseas. That's better than getting my head shot off, ain't it?" [26:55]

The Rangers secure Benson, bringing the case to a close.

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Notable Quotes

• Benson on Desertion: "No jap's gonna shove a bayonet in my belly." [04:04]
• Norma Dorsey on Frank's Motivation: "Frank went to the hospital to see her last night. He'll probably never see her again." [11:32]
• Dorsey's Confession: "You know I killed him." [17:45]
• Benson's Defiance: "I'd rather spend a couple of years in jail than go overseas. That's better than getting my head shot off, ain't it?" [26:55]

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Conclusion

In "Troop Train," the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast masterfully intertwines themes of duty, personal struggle, and justice. Through the meticulous performances of legendary radio actors and vivid storytelling, listeners are transported to a tumultuous period where the lines between right and wrong blur amidst the backdrop of the Wild West.

Rangers Pearson and Morgan's relentless pursuit of truth underscores the complexities faced by individuals during wartime, ultimately delivering a compelling tale that resonates with timeless moral dilemmas.

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Final Verdict

The case concludes with Frank Dorsey receiving a six-month confinement for being absent without leave, while Leo Benson is sentenced to five years for car theft and assault, followed by a dishonorable discharge for desertion. This resolution highlights the harsh realities of military discipline and the personal costs of war.

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Upcoming Episodes

Stay tuned for next week's episode, where Joel McCrae brings another authentic Texas Rangers case to life, continuing the tradition of honoring the storied legacy of Western radio dramas.

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This summary provides a detailed overview of the "Troop Train" episode, capturing its key elements and memorable moments for both avid fans and new listeners alike.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now, let's get into this episode.

[Joel McCrae]

Tales of the Texas Rangers, starring Joel McCrae as Ranger Jace Pearson. Another authentic reenactment of a case transcribed from the files of the Texas Rangers. Names, dates and places in the following story are fictitious for obvious reasons. The events themselves are a matter of record.

[Commercial Announcer]

Every day, Monday through Friday, there's top entertainment. All day long. When you set your radio dial to NBC, listen for Double or Nothing and you'll hear one of radio's funniest quiz shows. Yes, Walter o' Keefe consistently comes up with great comedy entertainment Monday through Friday on Double or Nothing. Listen and you'll agree. Then there's the program with a heart. Strike It Rich. The grand entertainment that Warren Hull brings you every day on Strike It Rich is just what the doctor ordered. If you suffer from the housework blues from Chicago, Tommy Bartlett brings you welcome travelers and interviews with the many interesting guests who each day pass through the Windy City. And for more fun, listen for Bob and Ray, those two zany comics. Then there's music and charm with dial Dave Garraway. So remember, every day, Monday through Friday, chase your blues away with the wonderful daytime programs on this station of the NBC Radio Network. And now, here's today's adventure with the tales of the Texas Rangers.

[Joel McCrae]

And now, from the files of the Texas Rangers, the case called Troop train.

[Private Soldier]

It is 4:30am on the morning of January 6, 1943. About 12 miles east of Humboldt, Texas. An army troop crane roars westward through the darkness. In the smoking room of one sleeping car, a burly private of 30 plays solitaire. His lone companion, a 19 year old PFC, stares out of the window. What do you see out there in the dark anyway?

[Narrator]

Texas.

[Private Soldier]

Take a good look. It'll be a long time. You live around here, don't you?

[Frank Dorsey]

About 40 miles south. Pinker, Texas. My mother had an operation a couple days ago. Sure wished I could see her.

[Private Soldier]

Well, you got it bad, kid. Never can beat this game. Ever been away from home before?

[Frank Dorsey]

We used to go to Beaumont to visit my grandmother. Never been out of Texas in my whole life.

[Private Soldier]

You ain't missed nothing. I've been as far as New Jersey. You can have it and this stinking army with it.

[Frank Dorsey]

Why you always sounding off about the army?

[Private Soldier]

Maybe you found a home in it.

[Frank Dorsey]

Well, it's the only one we'll have for a mighty long time.

[Private Soldier]

Not me. I'm st. Adios. Any minute now. Like I told you back at camp, I'm getting off this train before we get to that port.

[Narrator]

You.

[Private Soldier]

You've been thinking about what I was telling you?

[Frank Dorsey]

Yeah, I guess I have. But I ain't skipping the outfit.

[Private Soldier]

Well, I am. No jap's gonna shove a bayonet in my belly.

[Frank Dorsey]

How are you gonna get off the train?

[Private Soldier]

Well, we're starting up the cap rock. I can jump off easy anytime the train slows down on one of these upgrades.

[Frank Dorsey]

Suppose you get caught?

[Private Soldier]

I expect to be sooner or later. Don't you see it, kid? They catch me, give me a court martial, I get six months or a year. That's better than a jap bullet, ain't it?

[Frank Dorsey]

I don't know.

[Private Soldier]

You could go home and see your mother and wait for the mps to bring you back. So you get six months. Or maybe you can volunteer for overseas duty and they forget the court martial.

[Frank Dorsey]

Suppose they're waiting there before he even see my mother?

[Private Soldier]

They won't even know we're gone till they get to the poe. What do you say, darcy?

[Frank Dorsey]

If I could get back to the outfit again?

[Private Soldier]

Better make up your mind. I'm taking off. You coming?

[Frank Dorsey]

It's taking a big chance.

[Private Soldier]

Now, just say yes or no.

[Frank Dorsey]

All right, I'm coming.

[Private Soldier]

Good deal. Now let's make it fast. Go on down the steps. Go on. Darcy. You all right?

[Frank Dorsey]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Knocked.

[Frank Dorsey]

Oh, wind out of me.

[Private Soldier]

That'll hurt you. Come on. We're in a pretty rugged country. We got a lot of walking to do.

[Frank Dorsey]

Sun's coming up. Gonna get hot pretty soon.

[Private Soldier]

What's a little heat, Long as we're away from that chicken army. Well, how's it feel to be a free man, Darcy?

[Frank Dorsey]

I'm sorry I did it.

[Private Soldier]

Ah, what's eating you?

[Frank Dorsey]

I've been thinking. You got me in a lousy mess.

[Private Soldier]

Ah, for crying out loud. I did you a favor. You was on your way overseas.

[Frank Dorsey]

I wished I still was.

[Private Soldier]

What's got into you, anyway?

[Frank Dorsey]

It wasn't right to leave the other guys. Wasn't right.

[Narrator]

Then why did you go?

[Private Soldier]

You want to see your mother, don't you?

[Frank Dorsey]

Yeah, I did, but not this way. You think I want her to find out I deserted? She was proud I was in the army.

[Private Soldier]

Well, all right, crybaby, shut up. Who you telling to shut up?

[Frank Dorsey]

You touch me, leo, and I'll bust you with one of them rocks.

[Private Soldier]

Ha. Now, look, kid, we're traveling together. Let's Keep it peaceful, huh?

[Frank Dorsey]

Well, okay. Hey.

[Private Soldier]

Hey, there's a road up ahead. Can you make out that sign on the fence?

[Frank Dorsey]

Keep cattle gate closed. Mather Ranch.

[Private Soldier]

Hey, maybe we can chow down with the hands.

[Frank Dorsey]

I'm giving myself up since we're at their ranch house.

[Private Soldier]

Oh, no, you're not.

[Frank Dorsey]

Look, I ain't listening to you no more. If I tell the army the truth, maybe they'll let me go back to the outfit.

[Private Soldier]

You ain't going nowhere except with me. No crybaby's gonna ruin my plans.

[Frank Dorsey]

I don't care about your plans. I'm going back to the outfit.

[Narrator]

It's what you said. Let me go.

[Frank Dorsey]

You can't stop me.

[Private Soldier]

I'll show you what I can't do. Well, you dirty little. You can't stop me.

[Frank Dorsey]

I don't want to fight you no more, Benson. So don't start up again here. Come on, get up and let's get going. Hey, Benson, why don't you get up? Benson. Benson, what's wrong with you? Holy cow.

[Private Soldier]

Later that morning, the sheriff of Humboldt county was called to the Mather ranch. Elderly Pete Mather had been severely beaten and his car stolen. The sheriff drove to the scene and immediately requested the aid of the Texas Rangers. Rangers Jace Pearson and Clay Morgan met the sheriff at the ranch at 11am After a brief talk with the sheriff, the Rangers went into the bedroom to interview the victim.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Sounds like somebody really worked the old man over.

[Narrator]

Yeah. Hope he can give us a lead on who did it. Mr. Mather, I'm Ranger Pearson. This is Ranger Morgan. You feel up to answering a few questions?

[Pete Mather]

Go ahead.

[Narrator]

Would you tell us exactly what happened?

[Pete Mather]

Well, I went to the barn and fixed some harness and heard something round back and went around to look.

[Narrator]

What was it? Mr. Manther?

[Pete Mather]

Soldier. Trying to start my car. I got a.32 Rio, parked it around there.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

It was.

[Pete Mather]

He was trying to steal it.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

And what'd you do?

[Pete Mather]

Well, I yelled at him and told him to get out of there and ran over to pull him out. He jumped out on me and knocked me around. I fell down and he kicked me here in the head.

[Narrator]

What'd he look like?

[Pete Mather]

He had an army uniform on his blood on it. Face marked up like he'd been fighting.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Was he a big fellow, Mr. Matthew?

[Pete Mather]

Well, he better than average size. Black hair, Texas boy. We talk. I'd known him again if I saw him.

[Narrator]

Remember anything about his uniform? Shoulder patch, anything like that?

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Patch?

[Narrator]

Yeah. Usually wear him just off the left shoulder. It tells what outfit he's with.

[Pete Mather]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. I do remember. Was a kind of a. Kind of a bell in the. In the firecracker going crossways in front of it.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

The 903rd Infantry Division, Jason. Their camp's located over in east part of the state and there was a down some.

[Narrator]

Yeah, could be any one of 15,000 men. We learned the 903rd Division had left their camp and because of the troop movement, no man had been granted leave. The army promised a quick check with the 903rd. Next morning at Ranger Headquarters, I received a call from the Adjutant general's office. Thanks. Thanks a lot.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Well, what'd you find out, Jace?

[Narrator]

Plenty. Two soldiers went awol from the 903rd. One's Frank Dorsey and the other's Leo Benson. Both disappeared from a troop train on the Santa Fe somewhere in this general area.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Well, we can break it down even further. Mr. Mathis said the soldier was a Texan.

[Narrator]

They both are. Dorsey comes from Pinker and Benson's hometown, zaveline.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Pinker's only 40 miles from here. Maybe we better go over there first.

[Narrator]

Could be Dorsey wanted the car to get home. Let's go pay him a visit. We drove over to Pinker, Texas, and went to Dorsey's address. Turned out to be a small farmhouse about five miles north of town. No one seemed to be at home.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Think he's in there playing possum?

[Narrator]

Could be. Let's go around and. Wait a minute. Car's slowing down to turn in here.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Looks like a girl driving. She's alone.

[Narrator]

Darcy could have ducked down the seat. No, here. She's alone. All right.

[Norma Dorsey]

Hi. Can I help you? Rangers.

[Narrator]

You live here, miss?

[Norma Dorsey]

Yes, I do.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Frank Dorsey. Any kin to you?

[Norma Dorsey]

He's my brother. I'm Norma Dorsey.

[Narrator]

I'm Ranger Pearson. This is Ranger Morgan. Can you tell us where your brother is?

[Norma Dorsey]

Well, he's. He's on his way overseas.

[Narrator]

Have you heard from him lately? Well, I. Ms. Dorsey, has your brother been here?

[Norma Dorsey]

Oh, please, Ranger. Give the kid a break.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

He's in trouble, you know he'd help us. He'd make it easier all the way around.

[Norma Dorsey]

Frank was here? Came home yesterday. Poor kid looked terrible. He was tired and his uniform all messed up. He told me all about jumping off the train.

[Narrator]

Is he here now?

[Norma Dorsey]

No. I want you to know why he did it, though. Why he went awol.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Even a good reason won't excuse him, miss.

[Norma Dorsey]

I want you to know anyway. You see, my mother's sick. Frank went to the hospital to see her last night. He'll probably never see her again. That's why Frank went to AWOL.

[Narrator]

I'm sorry, Ms. Dorsey, but we still have to pick him up. There'll be less trouble if you tell us where he is.

[Norma Dorsey]

All right. Frank's on his way to Dallas. I just saw him off on the 918 bus.

[Narrator]

Thank you. Come on, Clay.

[Norma Dorsey]

Well, he's gonna turn himself in.

[Private Soldier]

Why can't you leave him alone?

[Narrator]

Because he didn't leave someone else alone. A lady selling tickets at the bus station in Pinker told us Frank Dorsey got on a Continental bus to Dallas. We took off down the highway after it. Thirty minutes later, we spotted the bus. That's it.

[Private Soldier]

Jace, up ahead.

[Narrator]

Wag him down when I pull alongside. Right. Hey. Hey. Driver, pull over and stop.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

The driver sure looks surprised.

[Narrator]

Probably thinks he's getting a ticket.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

I wonder what Dorsey did with the rancher's car.

[Narrator]

Abandoned it somewhere, I guess. We'll find out.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

You go on in.

[Narrator]

Jason, you got a passenger on here we want to talk to. Driver. Only take a minute.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

About a half a dozen soldiers back there, Jason.

[Narrator]

Yeah, Just look for the 903rd. Shoulder pads.

[Private Soldier]

Right.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Hey, that must be him.

[Narrator]

You Frank Darcy?

[Frank Dorsey]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

You better come with us.

[Frank Dorsey]

What for?

[Narrator]

We'll talk about that outside.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Got any luggage with you, son?

[Frank Dorsey]

No, sir.

[Narrator]

Let's go. Thanks, driver. You can go now.

[Frank Dorsey]

I was trying to get back to the outfit. Honestly.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

You're going the wrong way, son. Your outfit isn't in Dallas. Come on, get in.

[Frank Dorsey]

Yes, I was going there to catch a plane for San Francisco. That's where the division went. I'm willing to go back to the outfit and face charges.

[Narrator]

He didn't pick you up for going awol, you know that.

[Frank Dorsey]

What for, then?

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Beating an old rancher half to death?

[Frank Dorsey]

An old rancher? No, I didn't.

[Narrator]

Where were you yesterday morning? Anywhere near the Matha ranch?

[Frank Dorsey]

Well, yes, sir, I was.

[Narrator]

That's when Pete Mather was beaten up. How about it?

[Frank Dorsey]

Pete Mather? Look, Rangers. I jumped off a train and went home. But I didn't beat up any old man.

[Andrew Rines]

No?

[Narrator]

How'd you get those bruises, then?

[Frank Dorsey]

From jumping off the train.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

And you didn't steal Matthew's car, I suppose?

[Frank Dorsey]

No.

[Narrator]

You know another soldier? A fellow named Leo Benson?

[Frank Dorsey]

Yes, sir, I know him.

[Narrator]

Did he jump off the train with you?

[Frank Dorsey]

No, sir. I was alone.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

You're the one soldier from the 903rd was close enough to the Mathura ranch to have done it.

[Narrator]

But I didn't. We think you did. Let's see what Pete Matha thinks we got to The Math Ranch. A little after 12. I stayed with Dorsey in the car while Clay went in to get permission from the old man to bring the prisoner in. Clay came back and said Pete Ma was anxious to see if we really had his assailant. We took Frank Dorsey into the house.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Let's go in the bedroom. Dorsey.

[Narrator]

Howdy, Mr. Mather. How you feeling today?

[Pete Mather]

Oh, better, Ranger.

[Narrator]

Better.

[Pete Mather]

Is that the fellow you want me to look at?

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

You ever seen him before?

[Pete Mather]

Bring him closer to the bed. I want to take a good look at him.

[Narrator]

Now. That's enough, Dorsey.

[Frank Dorsey]

Mister, you don't know me. Tell him you don't.

[Narrator]

How about it, Mr. Mather? Is this the soldier who beat you up?

[Pete Mather]

Looks like you made a mistake, Rangers. I've never seen this boy before in my whole life.

[Joel McCrae]

In just a moment, we will continue with Tales of the Texas Rangers, starring Joel McCrae as Ranger Jace Pearson.

[Commercial Announcer]

Now that spring is officially here, most of us will be pleasure driving on the highways more often than previously. But when you drive, keep in mind that road conditions in many areas are still dangerous. Remember that when you drive, you always have an unwelcome passenger danger. So as you take the family for a Sunday outing in your automobile, drive carefully. Careful driving is good driving. The men who drive for a living, the truck drivers, are taught to be careful and courteous. They know that careful and courteous driving are two of the major reasons why accidents don't happen. Yes. Statistics of the American Safety Council show that the majority of automobile accidents happen because the drivers involved were not careful, were not observing traffic laws and road conditions. And here's a slogan for every driver to remember. A rolling ball is always followed by a running child. So when you drive, please be careful. The life you save may be a child's. Now let's return to the tales of the Texas Rangers.

[Joel McCrae]

We continue now with Tales of the Texas Rangers and our authentic story. Troop Train.

[Narrator]

Pete Mather insisted Frank Dorsey was not the man who'd attacked him. We left a few minutes later to drive Dorsey into town. We planned to leave him with a sheriff who would hold him for the army authorities.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

So we brought you up here, Dorsey. But we thought it was you. It's the only way to find out.

[Frank Dorsey]

Yes.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Now, Jace, where does this leave us?

[Narrator]

Only one way I can see it. The other GI who jumped the train, Leo Benson, must have been him.

[Frank Dorsey]

Why do you say that soldier who.

[Narrator]

Beat up Pete Mather was from your division? You and Benson the only ones missing from the 903rd. He must have jumped Right after you did.

[Frank Dorsey]

Oh, yeah, Yeah, I see.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Benson's home address was Abilene, wasn't it? Jace, we'll head down there, huh?

[Narrator]

Yeah, as soon as we hand Dorsey over to the sheriff.

[Frank Dorsey]

Listen, I gotta tell you.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

What is it, Dorsey?

[Frank Dorsey]

I gotta tell someone. I couldn't sleep last night. I kept seeing him all night. Kept seeing him the way it happened.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Seeing who?

[Frank Dorsey]

It wasn't Benson who beat up that old man. And you won't find him in Abbo.

[Narrator]

I didn't.

[Frank Dorsey]

You know I killed him.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

You did what?

[Narrator]

You say you killed Benson?

[Frank Dorsey]

It was an accident. He talked me into jumping off the train with him. After I did, I figured out what a big mistake I made. I wanted to turn myself in. He wouldn't let me. And, well, we got into a fight. Fell and hit his head on a rock. There was blood all over him.

[Narrator]

Where was this?

[Frank Dorsey]

Back of that old man's ranch, just.

[Narrator]

Off a little dirt road. Suppose you show us. What?

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Where?

[Frank Dorsey]

Stop by this cattle gate. It's through this gate over that way. He's right over there on the other side of that brush.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Pretty isolated place. No telling when the body would have been spotted.

[Narrator]

Buzzards would have found it pretty soon.

[Frank Dorsey]

Do I have to go with you? I'm getting sick to my stomach.

[Narrator]

You stay here with him, Clay.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Okay.

[Frank Dorsey]

We started fighting just about there.

[Narrator]

You say you left him behind this brush?

[Leo Benson]

Yes.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Something wrong, Jake?

[Narrator]

Yeah. Blood on the rock, all right. There's no body. We took Frank Dorsey to the local jail. The aid of the sheriff and his deputies. We searched the entire area. No trace of Benson was found. Ranger Morgan and I then drove to Abilene. Benson's address was a garage apartment in the rear of a large rundown house.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Up those steps, I guess.

[Narrator]

A woman at the back door of that house. What's that, ma'?

[Private Soldier]

Am?

[Leo Benson]

Well, if you're looking for Ms. Benson, Ranger, she ain't here. Been gone a couple of days.

[Narrator]

We wanted to see Mr. Benson. Is he here? Him?

[Leo Benson]

No, he's in the army a long time now.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

You any kin to the Benson's?

[Leo Benson]

Heck, no. His friend in our apartment. I live up here in the front half.

[Narrator]

Do you have a key to that place? We like to look around.

[Leo Benson]

Well, show you where there is one. Oh, it's got the miseries in my back something awful. Can't hardly walk. What you want him for? Something bad?

[Narrator]

We just want to talk to him.

[Leo Benson]

Oh, that man's plumb no good running around the whole time it was here. Suppose now he's in the army. He's got the whole country to run around in. Yeah, she always keeps the extra key under this map for the iceman. Oh, one of you bars better get it. My back something fierce today.

[Narrator]

I'll get it.

[Leo Benson]

Hey, Rangers. Now, I don't like to get in the way of the law or nothing like that, but you sure it's all right for me to let you in up there? I won't get in no trouble, will I?

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

We brought a search warrant, ma'.

[Narrator]

Am.

[Leo Benson]

My, sure looks legal, don't it? Well, you boys better go on ahead. Take me some time to get up downstairs.

[Narrator]

All right, ma'. Am. Come on, Clay.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

If he isn't dead, he could have come home yesterday and taken off with his wife.

[Narrator]

Or else she might have gone out to pick him up somewhere. There's still a chance he's up here hiding out.

[Private Soldier]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Try again.

[Leo Benson]

I told you she wasn't home. Use a key.

[Narrator]

Yes, ma'.

[Frank Dorsey]

Am.

[Narrator]

Take a look in that bedroom, Clay. I'll see what's in this closet here.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Right.

[Private Soldier]

Jace, come here.

[Narrator]

What is it, Clay?

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

There's nobody here. But take a look at this.

[Narrator]

Vincent's uniform. Quite a bit of blood on it.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

It was here alive anyway. Dorsey'd be glad to hear that.

[Narrator]

Like they cleaned the place out. Did you check the closet?

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

No. I'll get it now. Some clothes still in here.

[Leo Benson]

Can I come in there?

[Narrator]

Sure, ma'. Am.

[Leo Benson]

Well, I'm stirrus. A bit to death of me. I ain't nearly surprised. My bedding. Why'd she take my bedding?

[Narrator]

Maybe she sent it the laundry.

[Leo Benson]

No, linen belongs to me. I give her clean ones every Monday.

[Narrator]

Blankets are gone too. I wonder why she took them.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Well, a lot of clothes left in the closet. Chase didn't take everything. I'll check the kitchen.

[Narrator]

Okay. I want to look in this bureau. Nice.

[Leo Benson]

She sure keeps a sloppy house, don't she? That window there ain't been washed in a couple. Three years of me.

[Narrator]

Plenty of stuff in here. Photo albums. Would you pick Benson's picture out for me, ma'? Am?

[Leo Benson]

Glad to. There. That's him in that wedding picture. Oh, here's another one of them. Reckon that's cabin where they used to go. There's more pictures of that cabin.

[Narrator]

Is that their car in this picture they're missing?

[Leo Benson]

Uh huh. They still got that. That's his wife next to him.

[Narrator]

Have you ever seen this man near the other car?

[Leo Benson]

Uh, never saw him before. Say, you sure caught him as a fish, didn't he?

[Narrator]

The Benson's own That cabin?

[Leo Benson]

Don't rightly know. He never was very friendly.

[Narrator]

Have you any idea where it might be located?

[Leo Benson]

No idea at all.

[Narrator]

Find anything, Clay?

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

In a way, it's what I didn't find. I took all the food with him.

[Narrator]

Take a look at this photo album.

[Leo Benson]

Yeah. Look here.

[Narrator]

Back here. This is Benson and his wife at.

[Leo Benson]

A cabin he there.

[Narrator]

Look at the year of the license plate on their car.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

1939.

[Narrator]

And look here. Same cabin, same car. Only the license is for 1940. There's some more snaps taken there in 41. They kept going back there. Maybe they own it.

[Leo Benson]

Oh, no, they couldn't.

[Narrator]

Since they took all the food and bedding. Seems logical they might have headed for a place like that.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

You know where it is?

[Narrator]

No. The owner of that other car in the picture does. We can locate him through that license number.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Might add up to something, might not.

[Narrator]

That's what we're going to find out. We checked the license number of the car in the picture. Belonged to a man named Harry Steelman. Steelman worked at a cotton compress in the edge of town. We went there all right. You finished that lot on those bales at that end, Mr. Steelman? Yeah. Hold on a minute, will you? Hey, Charlie, we haven't got all day. Get the let out. What do you want? We'd like to talk to you.

[Private Soldier]

All right, let's go back to the office.

[Narrator]

Come on. Keep them fails moving now.

[Private Soldier]

Been having nothing but trouble. Compress broke down. We lost four hours this morning. I'll never catch up with this race. Something I can do for you?

[Narrator]

We're looking for Leo Benson. Have you seen him?

[Private Soldier]

Leo? Not for six, eight months. He's in the army.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

You heard from him lately?

[Narrator]

No.

[Private Soldier]

I haven't lost two of my best men to the army in the past week. What new fellas? I can get a slower than cold molasses.

[Narrator]

You and Benson good friends?

[Private Soldier]

Yeah. Known him a long time. Used to get together every once in a while.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Ever go fishing with him? At a cabin maybe?

[Private Soldier]

Yeah, a couple times.

[Narrator]

Where?

[Private Soldier]

Down the Blanco river country, east of Kilman. Celia? That's Leo's wife. Her dad left it to her.

[Narrator]

You know if they keep food and bedding in the cabin?

[Private Soldier]

No, I'm pretty sure they don't. They only went up there once in a while. Anything else?

[Narrator]

And just one more thing.

[Private Soldier]

Yeah?

[Narrator]

How do we get to this cabin?

[Private Soldier]

I can show you on a map. But I can tell you one thing. Celia sure wouldn't be up there by herself.

[Narrator]

That's just what we Were thinking. Steelman showed us the approximate location of the cabin on a map. Early the following morning we drove down there.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

There's smoke over there. That must be it.

[Narrator]

Let's park the car here and find out.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

According to Steelman's directions, that's just about where the cabin should be.

[Narrator]

Uh huh. Oh, there it is. A clearing to the river.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Let's go this way. No signs alive. Except that smoke. I don't see the car.

[Narrator]

Then his wife might have gone somewhere with it. I don't think he'd stick his nose out of these woods. Open up, Benson. Let's take a look in that window.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

They've been here all right. Dish is still on the table.

[Narrator]

Let's see what's out back.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Great country for bass. I wouldn't mind. Hold it, Jason.

[Narrator]

What is it, Clay?

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Thought I saw someone move over there.

[Narrator]

There?

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

Down by the river.

[Narrator]

Where?

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

By that big boulder. You see to the right of it.

[Narrator]

No one there now. Well, let's take a look.

[Ranger Jace Pearson]

It was right about here.

[Narrator]

A couple of stones kicked over here. Still damp where they were. Guess it must have been someone.

[Private Soldier]

I'll take a look around back to the boulder.

[Narrator]

Right, Jace.

[Private Soldier]

String of fish here.

[Frank Dorsey]

Still wet.

[Narrator]

There he goes. Behind you, Jace.

[Private Soldier]

He cross the river.

[Narrator]

I'll get him.

[Private Soldier]

Benson, stop. Get away from me.

[Narrator]

You okay, Jace? Yeah. All right, Benson, on your feet. You.

[Private Soldier]

You went to a lot of. A lot of trouble for nothing, Ranger. I. I was going to give myself up anyhow.

[Narrator]

You were, huh?

[Private Soldier]

Sure I was. I'd rather spend a couple of years in jail than go overseas. That's better than getting my head shot off, ain't it?

[Narrator]

In your case, Benson, I'm not so sure.

[Joel McCrae]

In just a moment we will tell you the results of the case you have just heard.

[Commercial Announcer]

Later today you'll find more great entertainment all lined up for you on this NBC station. Next, it's the Big show with a star studded guest list and your unpredictable hostess, Tallulah Bankhead and Meredith Wilson will be on hand to direct the Big Show Orchestra and chorus. Later tonight be sure to hear the hilarious Phil Harris and Alice Fay show featuring the comedy addicts of Frankie Renly, Julius Abruzio and Brother William. There's mirth and music with Phil and Alice and their delightful program. Remember too, that Theater Guild on the air will bring you another entertaining dramatization of an exciting play co starring two of your favorite Broadway stars. Yes, Sunday is fun day on NBC because of the many fine shows sent your way to add to your listening pleasure. Later tonight, a special broadcast featuring a speech by Benjamin Fairless. Remember, for fine entertainment all the rest of the day. Stay tuned to this station of the NBC Radio Network. And now for the conclusion of Tales of the Texas Rangers.

[Joel McCrae]

And now, here are the results of the case you have just heard.

[Private Soldier]

Frank Dorsey was turned over to the army authorities and received six months confinement for being absent without leave. Leo Benson was found guilty of car theft and assault and battery. He was sentenced to five years at Huntsville Penitentiary. Upon his release from prison, he was returned to the army and received two years for desertion and a dishonorable discharge.

[Joel McCrae]

Next week, Joel McCray in another authentic reenactment of a case from the files of the Texas Rangers, Joel McCray will soon be seen in San Francisco Story, a Warner Brothers release. The cast included Tony Barrett, Peter Lee, Sam Edwards, Herb Ellis, Vivid Jansen and Janet Nolan. Technical advisor was Captain MT Lone Wolf Gonzalez of the Texas Rangers. This story was transcribed and adapted by Bernard Ederer and Robert A. White and the program is produced and directed by Stacy Keach. Hal Gibney Speaking.

[Commercial Announcer]

Next enjoy 90 minutes of comedy and music on the Big show on NBC.

[Andrew Rines]

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[Narrator]

SA.