Box 13 and The Six Shooter

Summary

The Relic Radio Show: Box 13 and The Six Shooter Release Date: October 22, 2024

Overview The Relic Radio Show delves into the captivating narratives of Box 13 and The Six Shooter, two classic old-time radio dramas that embody the rich storytelling of radio’s golden age. This episode transports listeners back to intricate tales of mystery, deception, and Western justice, showcasing stellar performances and compelling plots.

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Section 1: Box 13 – "Round Robin"

Introduction to Box 13 The episode begins with Dan Holiday, portrayed by Alan Ladd, introducing himself as a character entrenched in the enigmatic operations of Box 13. Holiday is tasked with retrieving a $500 reward by infiltrating the Morris Hotel under the alias John Johnson. His mission is cloaked in secrecy, urging him to "register at the Morris Hotel as John Johnson" and "just follow instructions" without asking questions ([01:50] Dan Holiday).

The Morris Hotel Encounter Holiday’s journey unfolds as he navigates the Morris Hotel’s reception, where suspicion arises about his phony identity. His colleague, Mr. Holiday, expresses doubt about the name "John Johnson," stating, "the name is a phony" ([03:03] Mr. Holiday). Despite the skepticism, Holiday secures a reservation and waits, only to receive a cryptic message instructing him to collect a package from room 502.

Upon arriving, Holiday confronts Mrs. Therese Clements, the hotel receptionist, who initially appears hostile. A tense exchange ensues, highlighting the underlying tension and deceit:

• Mrs. Clements: "You're very sure of yourself, aren't you?" ([05:09])
• Dan Holiday: "I may as well go." ([05:16])

Unraveling the Blackmail Scheme Holiday uncovers that the package contains a diamond necklace intended as a blackmail payment. Mrs. Clements reveals her dire situation, admitting, "The necklace was blackmail payment" and "I have no money of my own" ([07:09] Mrs. Clements). The plot thickens as Holiday deduces that the blackmailer intends to exploit him, leading to a strategic counter-move where he mails a fake necklace to General Delivery, box 18, to bait the blackmailer.

In his narration, Holiday explains his tactical approach:

"I walked out of the Morris Hotel with a fake package tucked under my arm... So I did what the notes said, went to the fifth floor and knocked on the door of room 502." ([03:14])

Confrontation with Mr. Barrett Holiday’s investigation leads him to Mr. Barrett, the head of a private detective agency. Their confrontation reveals Barrett’s reluctance to disclose his client’s identity:

• Mr. Barrett: "Your part in this business is finished." ([17:10] Dan Holiday)
• Dan Holiday: "I think you know." ([17:22])

Holiday pressures Barrett, asserting his determination to uncover the truth, which culminates in a standoff where Holiday threatens, "Now we’ll see who puts his dirty little neck into our trap." ([08:30] Dan Holiday)

Resolving the Mystery The climax unfolds as Holiday connects the dots between Mrs. Clements’ gambling debts and the fabricated blackmail scheme. He confronts Charles Clements, uncovering the truth behind the deceit:

"The business of getting me to pick up the necklace, that was phony." ([26:07] Dan Holiday)

Holiday orchestrates a resolution where Mrs. Clements admits to selling the necklace to cover her debts, thereby dismantling the blackmail plot. The episode concludes with Holiday reflecting on the intricate "Round Robin" of deception, ultimately restoring peace and order.

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Section 2: The Six Shooter – "Revenge at Harness Creek"

Introduction to The Six Shooter Transitioning to the Western narrative, The Six Shooter introduces Britt Poncet, a Texas plainsman portrayed by James Stewart. The story centers around vengeance and justice in the rugged terrains of Harness Creek.

The Tragic Event Early in the morning, Susie recounts witnessing the aftermath of a deadly encounter at Fawcett's Gambling Hall:

• Susie: "I saw a little crowd in front of Fawcett's Gambling Hall... Cash Harcourt came outside. His jaw was set and his hat scraped, pulled down tight." ([30:30] Susie)

Sheriff Cash Harcourt discovers that his brother, Lex Harcourt, has been killed by Adam Roby, igniting a relentless pursuit for retribution.

Pursuit in the Wilderness Harcourt’s determination leads him into the wilderness to track down Roby. Alongside Susie, who becomes an unexpected ally, the sheriff navigates treacherous trails and confronts moral dilemmas. A pivotal moment occurs when Harcourt faces Roby in a tense standoff:

• Susie: "Man ought to be afraid to kill another man." ([54:02] Susie)
• Dan Holiday (as The Six Shooter): "Lex is dead and Roby shot him." ([54:18] Dan Holiday)

Climactic Showdown The narrative crescendos with a confrontation where Susie intervenes, preventing Harcourt from exacting violent revenge. Her moral compass and plea for justice over vengeance highlight the theme of righteousness over retribution:

Susie: "You ought to be. Man ought to be afraid to kill another man." ([53:32] Susie)

Harcourt grapples with his emotions as Susie’s words resonate, leading to a resolution that underscores the importance of due process and the rule of law.

Conclusion of The Six Shooter The episode concludes with Harcourt and Susie ensuring that Roby is handed over to the authorities, reflecting on the complexities of justice and the personal toll of vengeance:

Susie: "He wants you to promise that you'll turn him over to the District Marshal, Standish Falls." ([43:46] Mrs. Clements)

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Key Themes and Insights

1. Deception and Truth: Both narratives explore the interplay between deceit and the quest for truth. In Box 13, Holiday unravels a web of blackmail and false identities, while in The Six Shooter, Harcourt confronts the truth behind his brother’s death.

2. Moral Dilemmas: The characters face ethical challenges, questioning the extent to which one should go to achieve justice. Susie’s intervention in Harcourt’s quest for revenge highlights the moral boundaries in the pursuit of justice.

3. Justice vs. Vengeance: The stories juxtapose the legal pursuit of justice against personal vendettas. Holiday’s methodical unraveling of the blackmail scheme contrasts with Harcourt’s initial inclination towards retribution, ultimately advocating for lawful justice.

4. Character Complexity: The protagonists are portrayed with depth, showcasing their internal struggles and the external pressures they face. Holiday’s strategic mind and Harcourt’s sense of duty embody the quintessential heroes of radio dramas.

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Notable Quotes

• Dan Holiday: "Do you have any idea who's blackmailing?" ([07:26] Dan Holiday)
• Mrs. Clements: "I was afraid." ([25:15] Mrs. Clements)
• Susie: "Man ought to be afraid to kill another man." ([54:02] Susie)
• Dan Holiday: "I think you know." ([17:22] Dan Holiday)
• Mrs. Clements: "Lex was the only person on the face of this earth that Cash cared about." ([40:25] Mrs. Clements)

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Conclusion This episode of The Relic Radio Show masterfully intertwines two compelling narratives that capture the essence of old-time radio dramas. Through intricate plots, memorable characters, and profound themes, listeners are immersed in tales that resonate with timeless questions of morality, justice, and the human condition. Whether navigating the deceptive corridors of Box 13 or the rugged trails of Harness Creek, The Relic Radio Show delivers a rich auditory experience that honors the legacy of radio’s golden age.

Transcript

[Host]

This is the Relic Radio Show, Old time Radio entertainment still standing the test of time from relicradio.com. this is the Relic Radio Show. 60 minutes of radio drama every Tuesday at relicradio.com. we're still waiting for past episodes of all the podcasts to be available. They were brief briefly yesterday. I'm not sure when that went down again. I have a feeling that service might be intermittent that we use for all those old podcasts. I'm sorry about it. There's nothing I can do but wait and thank those of you who have stuck around. Even though those thousands of episodes haven't been available. Anything after October 11th is and will be. I've switched services and that's how you're hearing me today. We're going to start this hour from Box 13 and hear its episode from August 14, 1949, titled Round Robin. After that, it's the Six Shooter and Revenge at Harness Creek. That story aired April 29, 1954.

[Dan Holiday]

Box 13 with Alan Ladd as Dan Holly, Box 13, care of the Star Times. If you want adventure plus a little payoff, register at the Morris Hotel as John Johnson. As soon as you've done that, take a seat in the lobby and wait to be paged. Don't ask any questions. Just follow instructions.

[Susie]

You'll find five.

[Dan Holiday]

Any questions? Just follow instructions and you'll find $500 waiting for you. Don't ask any questions. Let us set. I didn't, not at first. But there were plenty that needed answering before this was wrapped up. And now Back to box 13 and Ann Holliday's newest adventure, Round Robin.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Good morning, Morris Hotel.

[Mr. Holiday]

I'd like to make a reservation, please.

[Susie]

Certainly.

[Dan Holiday]

Double.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

A single room.

[Mr. Holiday]

Oh, just a minute, Mr. Holiday.

[Dan Holiday]

What?

[Mr. Holiday]

Susie, do you want a double or single room at the Morris Hotel?

[Dan Holiday]

Negative. Single.

[Mr. Holiday]

Okay. Hello? Yes, madam, That's a single room, please. It's for Mr. John Johnson. And. And he'll be in this afternoon before 2. Thank you.

[Mrs. Clements]

We'll hold the reservation until that time.

[Mr. Holiday]

Thank you. Goodbye. Well, that's that, Mr. Holiday.

[Dan Holiday]

Mm. What a phony name. John Johnson. Why not Smith or Brown or Jones?

[Mr. Holiday]

You know, Mr. Holliday, it could just be that name is genuine.

[Dan Holiday]

5 will get you 10 the name is a phony.

[Mr. Holiday]

Well, maybe. Anyway, there'll be a reservation for you. Oh, do you want me to wait here till you get back?

[Dan Holiday]

Susie, how many times have you said that? And how many times have you waited? A long, long time.

[Mr. Holiday]

Lots of times. Oh, Mr. Holliday, I only hope that. That someday the Wait Isn't forever.

[Dan Holiday]

That makes two of us. Okay, Susie. I'm off to the Morris Hotel. Thinly disguised in name only as Mr. John Johnson. I registered at the Morris Hotel, signed the card as John Johnson, picked out a nice seat in the lobby and waited. Ten minutes went by, then 15, and it was easily a half hour before I became aware that a name was being called by Abdullhop. Mr. John Johnson. Painting. Mr. John Johnson. Mr. John Johnson, please. Here you are, boy. Mr. Johnson? Yes, that's the name I registered on his son. Thank you, sir. A message for you. Oh, thank you. Here you are. Thank you, Mr. Johnson. Want me to wait for an answer, sir? I don't know. I'll tell you in a minute. No, there's no answer. Very good, sir. And thank you again, Mr. Johnson. I was about to ask the boy who sent the message, but I figured that would be useless. What good would it do me? So I did what the notes said, went to the fifth floor and knocked on the door of room 502.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Yes?

[Dan Holiday]

Who is it? John Johnson. It's Mr. Johnson.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

I heard you the first time. Come in. Didn't waste any time, did you? Punctual to the second.

[Dan Holiday]

I always try to be prompt. It pays.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Yes, especially in your profession.

[Dan Holiday]

My profession?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

What you want is on the dresser. Take it and get out before I change my mind.

[Dan Holiday]

On the dresser. This?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Yes. Well, aren't you going to open it?

[Dan Holiday]

Should I?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

You're very sure of yourself, aren't you?

[Dan Holiday]

To tell you the truth, I'm not at all sure of anything at the moment. However, since we've apparently concluded our business, I may as well go.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Yes, please do. No, wait.

[Charles Clements]

Don't go out that door.

[Dan Holiday]

Oh, the lady carries a Luger. Isn't that rather large for your handbag?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

I'm not gonna let you get away with it, no matter what the result.

[Dan Holiday]

Well, look, maybe we'd better get something straight.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

I've just straightened things out in my own mind.

[Dan Holiday]

Oh, how nice. Now, let's get around to my mind. What do we do about it?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

You're so sure of yourself, but I'm not gonna let you do it. You wouldn't start with a necklace. You'd hold me up again and again. I'm not gonna let you. I'm gonna kill you.

[Dan Holiday]

Maybe you'd better listen first.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

There's nothing you can say, lady.

[Dan Holiday]

Look. With a Luger muzzle, putting a period right between my eyes, there's a lot I can say. I'd like to filibust you a little.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

You're Insane. How can you stand there and speak like that?

[Dan Holiday]

It's easy.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Stay away.

[Dan Holiday]

Please lower the gun just a little.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Don't come any close.

[Susie]

You help me.

[Dan Holiday]

Don't go after it. Let it lie on the floor.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

I should have killed you right away.

[Dan Holiday]

Please sit down.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Get out.

[Dan Holiday]

Sit down. Now here, take this package.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Giving it back?

[Dan Holiday]

Yes, I'm giving it back.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Who are you?

[Dan Holiday]

Here, take a look at this letter. While you're reading it, I'll get out a few proofs of who I am. Driver's license, auto club card, a couple of letters.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

I don't understand this.

[Dan Holiday]

Obviously you don't. Here, I take the gun. Still a lot of use.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Who sent this letter to you?

[Dan Holiday]

Apparently someone who wanted me to collect this package from you. Someone who didn't want to pick it up himself. Or herself.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

But why?

[Dan Holiday]

I don't know. Maybe we'll pick up an answer to that after you've explained a few things. For example, what's in the package?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

A diamond necklace.

[Dan Holiday]

Yours?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

My husband's. It was his mother's. He gave it to me for a wedding present.

[Dan Holiday]

Okay. Now who are you?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Mrs. Therese Clements. That doesn't mean anything to you, does it?

[Dan Holiday]

No, but go on with your explanation.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

The necklace was blackmail payment. I have no money of my own.

[Dan Holiday]

Blackmail, huh? And you thought I was the black sheep in the case?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Yes. The last letter I received said I was to come here and wait. Then deliver the necklace to a Mr. John Johnson.

[Dan Holiday]

And I was to wait until someone asked me for the package.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

I don't understand why there are all of these elaborate precautions.

[Dan Holiday]

Do you have any idea who's blackmailing?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Of course not.

[Dan Holiday]

And a little delicate subject. Why does that matter? No, I suppose not. It's your business.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Mr. Holliday, I have a 16 year old daughter. I was willing to pay for her sake.

[Dan Holiday]

Oh, you were also willing to kill me for her sake.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Wouldn't have done it. I was trying to frighten you into letting me alone.

[Dan Holiday]

Look, Mrs. Clements, I got an idea.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

An idea? What do you mean?

[Dan Holiday]

No one knows what has happened in this room but you and me. Now suppose I were to walk out of here with this package. The blackmailer would assume I had the necklace. He'd come after me, wouldn't he?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

You do that?

[Dan Holiday]

Why not? I don't like blackmailers. They remind me of leeches and things that crawl.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Why would you do this for me?

[Dan Holiday]

Let's say it's the Luger.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

The Luke.

[Dan Holiday]

Uh huh. I also hate pearl handled revolvers. This one is very business like. What Will you do walk out of here and out of the hotel without waiting for further instructions from our mysterious letter writer? Oh, meanwhile, give me your address.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Yes, here. Here's my card.

[Dan Holiday]

Okay. Now we'll see who puts his dirty little neck into our trap. So I walked out of the Morris Hotel with a fake package tucked under my arm. I hurried away, jumped into a cabin, had the driver double back and forth through the streets while I kept looking back. Yes, there was someone following in another cab. And whoever it was thought I was trying the old trick of shaking a shadow. Well, that was fine with me, because I was going to let him keep right on me. So I got out of my cab, ducked into a coffee shop and sat at a table waiting. Not for long, though. My boy got out of his cab and walked in. I waited indeed till he passed my table and. Sorry. I guess I stuck my feet out too far. Did you hurt yourself?

[Susie]

No, no, not at all.

[Dan Holiday]

It's okay.

[Susie]

Forget it.

[Dan Holiday]

But I don't want to forget it. I'm fully covered by insurance. You might have to be treated for shock. Look, mister, I said it was okay. Let's forget the whole thing. Have some coffee with me. No, thanks. But I insist. Coffee's a good stimulant. You look a little pale. Maybe. Maybe you're hurt worse than you think. What are you, wise guy? No, you can think of something better than that. That crack went out with high button shoes. Let go of my arm. Sit down. I'll call the cops. Please do. Right out the window, there's a large blue policeman. Tap on the window. Get his attention. Okay. You're a lunatic. I'll sit down. Oh, good. Cream and sugar? What's the idea? I was going to ask you the same thing. This what you're looking for? I don't know what you're talking about. This package from Mrs. Clements. You're nuts. I gotta go now. No, I think I'll call a cop. Okay, mister, call a cop. That one right outside. You. You wouldn't mind? Not at all. Here, take a look at these. What are they? Credentials. I'm a licensed operative for a private detective agency. Are these on the level? Why don't you check and find out? I will. Okay. Now, if you don't mind, I'll take off. With me. Why don't you get lost with you? Come on. Lead me to your private detective agency. I'm a very curious man. This way, Holiday. We'll see the boss. What's his name? Barrett. Mr. Barrett. In here, Mr. Barrett. Yeah, Phil. Who's that the guy you wanted me to pick up at the Morris Hotel? Well, why bring him here? All you had to do was pick up a package from him. Maybe you better ask him all about it. Okay, I'll take it from here. That suits me. See you later. You close the door and come in. I assume you meant me. Mm. All right. Let me have the package first. Did you write this letter to me? Yeah, I did. Now you want your 500? No, no, you keep it. What? I said you keep it. As payment for giving me an answer to something. Like what? Did you know what was going to be in this package? Going to be? This one is nice and empty. What's the double cross form for blackmail? What are you yammering about? Aren't you the nice innocent boy? Cut it out. I was willing to pay you for a job and I want to know why you had me pick up the package instead of one of your own men. Client's instructions. Confidential. You mean your client requested you to have the package picked up by me? Yeah. Who's your client? Sure. I'd tell you. Just like that? Look, I didn't like the deal in the first place, but I was getting paid and I didn't ask questions. Can you prove what you're saying? To you? Yes. I don't have to. That's true. But you might have to prove it to the police. Look, I've got a license to run this agency and I run it straight. So far I've had no trouble with the force. So far? So far? What's that crack for? I don't believe you're telling the truth. No? Take a look at these and then say that again. Here. A letter telling me to get you to pick up the package of the Morris Hotel. Your ad cut out of the start times. And you won't tell me who your client is? No. Not even if I told you that that package is worth about a hundred thousand? Not even then. Aren't you even curious? I never get curious. Not even about blackmail. What now you're going to tell me you didn't know your client was set up to squeeze a blackmail payment? No, I didn't know. Well, it's true. There was a diamond necklace. Was blackmail payment or it was to be. Oh, now you get hysterical. Oh, no, it's not. But brother, it's going to be. Look, you got in this on a rain check. Well, the rain's over. Meaning I'm out. Exactly. I'll take it from here on. What? On what My client pays me and Something tells me the ant is going up. Now, back to Round Robin. Another box 13 adventure with Alan Lad as Dan Holiday. This was getting to be around Robin. Me chasing the robin and getting him nowhere. It was obvious that Barrett's client didn't want to come out in the open. Barrett told me he had never seen the client, but worked through mailed instructions. Well, there was another way to go at this. See Mrs. Teresa Clements and try to find a lead from there. And if there was none, to bow out and let the police take over. So later that evening, I sat with Mrs. Clements in the library of her home.

[Susie]

No.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

No, I don't know who it is. I've no idea who's doing it. Mr. Holliday.

[Dan Holiday]

Look, why don't you go to the police?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

I can't. For a few moments in the hotel, I've had a little courage.

[Dan Holiday]

We'll have some more. Don't you see, Mrs. Clements? A blackmailer never stops. Once he gets his hooks in, he keeps them in.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

What will I do?

[Dan Holiday]

Go to the police, I told you.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

And have the whole nasty thing come out? My. My daughter, my husband. I can.

[Dan Holiday]

It's the only way. You'll have to risk it.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Mr. Holliday, I. I want to tell you something. I don't love my husband, but I do love my daughter. It's only for her sake.

[Dan Holiday]

All right, but you're making a mistake, and I don't want to be in a. Shh.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Wait.

[Dan Holiday]

Who's that?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Charles, my husband.

[Dan Holiday]

How will you explain me?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Here, I'll take care of it. Now, please don't say anything. Please.

[Dan Holiday]

All right. Therese. Therese, where are you, dear?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

We're in here.

[Dan Holiday]

The library.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Charles.

[Dan Holiday]

Therese, I want you to.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Charles, this is Mr. Holliday. Mr. Holliday, my husband, Charles.

[Dan Holiday]

How do you do? My pleasure, Mr. Clements. Am I intruding?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

No, Mr. Holliday's an old friend.

[Dan Holiday]

Oh, of course. By the way, Joyce, there's a letter for you on the table in the hallway. I brought it for you.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Thank you.

[Dan Holiday]

You are. Will you stay for dinner, Mr. Holiday? Oh, no, thank you, Mr. Clements. I dropped in for only a few minutes, just to say hello. Well, if you'll excuse me. Glad to have met you, Holiday. Thank you. I hope to see you again, Mrs. Clements. Foxneider.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Look, this letter.

[Dan Holiday]

It's from the blackmailer.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Yes. My last chance, he says.

[Dan Holiday]

Mail the necklace to General delivery, box 18. Your last chance.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

I've got to do it.

[Dan Holiday]

Envelopes. Postmark 2:30 this afternoon. Send special delivery.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

What will I do?

[Dan Holiday]

Mail the Necklace if you want to.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Is there anything left for me?

[Dan Holiday]

Okay. If that's the way you feel about it.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

It has to be.

[Dan Holiday]

All right, Mrs. Clemens. Goodbye. Things were beginning to get a little clearer, but there was still a lot of muddy water in the way. And quite a bit of it was being stirred up by Mr. Barrett. I called his office, found out he was in and went over to see him. What do you want now, Holiday? Can't you guess, Barrett? Look, I was just getting set to leave here when you called. I'm still set to leave. Get it? Yeah, I get it. You said you ran this agency straight, didn't you? Yeah. Why? Why don't you keep running it that way? What are you talking about? I think you know. You just think. Now, look, your part in this business is finished, Over. Why don't you back out and forget all about it? I'm only trying to keep you honest, Barrett. Meaning? I'll give you one more chance to tell me who your client is. That is confidential. That's good for you, isn't it? Yeah, it is. It gives you the chance to do a little squeezing yourself. Beat it, Holiday. Barrett, you guessed who your client was, didn't you? Look, I'm closing the office now, Holiday, if you want to stick around here and twiddle your thumbs, okay, but I'm going. All right? Mind if I use your phone? Help yourself. Mind handing me your phone directly? You have to split the rent for this place with me here. Is this a private call? You want me to leave my own office? No, stick around. Here we are. Are you sure you don't want me to leave? After all, a man has to have some privacy, or don't you know that? No, it's okay, Barrett. You'll enjoy this.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Hello.

[Dan Holiday]

Mrs. Clements, please. Hey, what are you doing? You'll find out.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

This is Mrs. Clemens speaking.

[Dan Holiday]

Oh, Ms. Clements, this is Dan Holiday. Did you put that in the mail?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Yes.

[Dan Holiday]

When?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Just a few minutes ago.

[Dan Holiday]

Oh, thanks. Thanks. That's all I wanted to know.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Is something wrong?

[Dan Holiday]

Oh, no, no, no. Everything's all right. Goodbye. Well, you've made your phone call. Now will you get out? Yeah, now I'll get out. And, Barrett. Yes? Here's hoping you don't end up in the red.

[Mr. Holiday]

Well, good morning, Mr. Holliday. This is the first time you've been at the office early in weeks.

[Dan Holiday]

Mm. I had to make a trip to the post office. An early one.

[Mr. Holiday]

Oh, I could have done it for you.

[Dan Holiday]

I don't think so, Susie. I wanted to watch for someone Watch for someone.

[Mr. Holiday]

Who?

[Dan Holiday]

Nobody.

[Mr. Holiday]

Didn't you get up a little too early?

[Dan Holiday]

Thank you, Sissy.

[Mr. Holiday]

What did you mean, you watch for nobody?

[Dan Holiday]

Just what I said. I watched a little box. General delivery, box 18. There was nothing in it and no one went to it.

[Mr. Holiday]

And why'd you watch it?

[Dan Holiday]

For what? I knew I wasn't going to see.

[Mr. Holiday]

I'll go out and get some coffee. It is early.

[Dan Holiday]

Just hand me the phone book.

[Mr. Holiday]

Oh, which one?

[Dan Holiday]

The yellow one.

[Mr. Holiday]

Does all this have to do with Mr. John Johnson?

[Dan Holiday]

Here we are. Susie, I want you to do something for me.

[Mr. Holiday]

What, Mr. Holliday?

[Dan Holiday]

Find out all you can about Mr. And Mrs. Charles Clements. Here's their card and their address.

[Mr. Holiday]

Well, how do I do it?

[Dan Holiday]

Call Lieutenant Kling at headquarters. Also these numbers.

[Mr. Holiday]

Oh, where are they?

[Dan Holiday]

Places where you can lose money heavily. Hello? Hello, Barrett? Yeah, who's this? This is Holiday. What do you want? Now look, Barrett, you can lay off. Now. I told you to keep your nose out of this. You'd better do as I say or that little private agency of yours will do the most beautiful and complete fold in the history of mankind. What kind of a bluff do you think you're pulling? It's no bluff. Just see that you lay off. Goodbye.

[Mr. Holiday]

Want me to start calling these numbers, Mr. Holiday?

[Dan Holiday]

Start calling them. And if they don't want to give you any information, get Kling to do it. He owes me a couple of favors.

[Mr. Holiday]

Where are you going now?

[Dan Holiday]

I'll be at the number and address on that card.

[Mr. Holiday]

The Clements.

[Dan Holiday]

The Clements. I don't like what I've got to do, but maybe it'll turn out for the best. Maybe I was wrong, but I was almost sure I was right. It all depended on what Susie found out. And if she found out what I had a hunch about, she would. Then I'd have the whole thing wrapped up neatly. So I went to the Clements place and again sat with Mrs. Clements from the library.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

But I don't understand, Mr. Holliday. I sent the package. It should have been there, but it wasn't.

[Dan Holiday]

I watched that box for nearly an hour. Every other box around it had mail in it. Number 18.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Didn't someone got there before you did?

[Dan Holiday]

Oh, no. I got there before the post office opened.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Well, then what happened?

[Dan Holiday]

Where's your husband?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Charles? He's upstairs. What do you want with him? You're not going to tell him?

[Dan Holiday]

Will you get him down here?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

But why?

[Dan Holiday]

Please. Please do it.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

No. No, I won't.

[Dan Holiday]

Then I'll go up to him.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Wait. I'll I'll get him down here.

[Dan Holiday]

That's better. Oh, incidentally, don't worry about Mr. Barrett anymore. That that's all cleaned up.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Barrett?

[Dan Holiday]

Yes, that's right. Now you go get your husband. Oh, if the phone rings, I'll answer it because it'll be for me.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

All right. I'll be back in just a moment.

[Dan Holiday]

Please do. Hello?

[Mr. Holiday]

Mr. Holliday?

[Dan Holiday]

Yeah. Oh, Susie.

[Mr. Holiday]

Uh huh.

[Dan Holiday]

Okay, let's have it.

[Mr. Holiday]

How did you know I'd find out all this?

[Dan Holiday]

Just a hunch. What'd you learn?

[Mr. Holiday]

Well, there was a lot of money lost gambling.

[Dan Holiday]

Then it was suddenly paid off.

[Mr. Holiday]

That's right.

[Dan Holiday]

Okay, Susie, thanks. That's all.

[Mr. Holiday]

When will you be back?

[Dan Holiday]

In a little while. Goodbye.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Mr. Holliday.

[Dan Holiday]

Oh, hello. Good morning, Mr. Clements. Therese said you wanted to see me. I do. And I hope you don't mind my coming here so early in the morning. No, of course not. What's this about, Holiday? A diamond necklace. What diamond? Yours, Therese?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Yes.

[Dan Holiday]

What about it, Holiday? Have you still got it? Well, of course. Why shouldn't we add it? Because you just don't, that's all. What the devil are you talking about, Therese? Who is this man?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Let him talk, Charles.

[Dan Holiday]

About what? Mr. Clements? The diamond necklace isn't here anymore. It's in the safe. You want to bet? Sure you are.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

No, child, it's not there. The box is empty.

[Dan Holiday]

Empty? But you can get it back. From whom? Why is it gone? Do you want to tell him, Mrs. Clemens?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Yes, I'll tell him. Charles. I sold it to my gambling debts.

[Dan Holiday]

You what? I tell raise.

[H]

You little fool.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

I was afraid to come to you for money.

[Dan Holiday]

Yes, that's right. And what you said about your not loving your husband, it isn't true, Mrs. Clements?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Of course not.

[Dan Holiday]

Mind if I sit down? I seem to have lost track of things, Mrs. Clements. You had a beautiful thing worked out. Your husband is very much in love with you and you with him. But you were afraid to ask him for money to pay your gambling losses. So you are going to pretend the necklace was taken by a blackmailer of what? Good heavens. Let's have some sense. All right. I don't know what story Mrs. Clements was going to tell you about the blackmail, but she'd written herself letters. Isn't that right, Mrs. Clements?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

Yes.

[Dan Holiday]

The blackmail gimmick would explain the loss of the necklace. And in your panic and confusion, you felt that explaining a silly, harmless and fake indiscretion would have been more agreeable to your husband then hearing about your gambling loss. There is for the love of heaven, why didn't you come to me?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

I was afraid.

[Dan Holiday]

I think I'll leave you two to settle this. I. I think you will. How about it?

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

It's up to you, Charles.

[Dan Holiday]

Yes, I guess it is. Let's talk it over, Therese. Good. Well, I'll see you around, Mr. Holliday.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

How did you find out, Mrs. Clements?

[Dan Holiday]

I. I always save the explanations for my secretary.

[Mr. Holiday]

But how'd you find out, Mr. Holliday?

[Dan Holiday]

Mrs. Clements told me herself.

[Mr. Holiday]

She didn't do anything of the kind.

[Dan Holiday]

Well, not in so many words, Susie. But the business of getting me to pick up the necklace, that was phony.

[Mr. Holiday]

Why?

[Dan Holiday]

Well, she was afraid of one of Barrett's men would recognize her. So she was going to have me pick up the package and then one of Barrett's men pick it up for me.

[Mr. Holiday]

Oh, and the package would be returned to her?

[Dan Holiday]

Sure. And you'd have a witness that the necklace was picked up and taken from her.

[Mr. Holiday]

But she stopped you with a gun before you even got out the door.

[Dan Holiday]

Sure, but she wouldn't have used that gun. She had to make the whole thing look real. She's a pretty good actress. Only she didn't count on my coming back into the room and offering to help her.

[Mr. Holiday]

That must have surprised her.

[Dan Holiday]

She had to think fast.

[Mr. Holiday]

And you guessed about the gambling thing?

[Dan Holiday]

Yes. It was just a hunch, but I was sure of it when she got that special delivery letter. You see, it was postmarked 2:30. Almost immediately after I'd seen it.

[Mr. Holiday]

Oh. What about Barrett?

[Dan Holiday]

Oh, he guessed too. And he was going to hold Mrs. Clements up for a little deal of his own. So that's that, Susie. A nice round robin.

[Mr. Holiday]

Oh, yeah. I wonder how it'll all come out.

[Dan Holiday]

Well, unless I miss My guess, Mrs. Clements will be very, very sorry. Mr. Clements will be very, very stern. You'll get the necklace back, she'll get it back, and I'll get back to some sleep. Good night, Susan. Listen in again next week when through the courtesy of Paramount Pictures, Alan Ladd stars as Dan holiday in box 13.

[H]

In a moment you'll hear James Stewart as the Six Shooter. Just one of many fine programs brought to you each week on NBC. Tomorrow night there's top comedy entertainment with the Bob Hope show, the Phil Harris Alice Fay show, and can you top this with Senator Ford? Bob Hope delivers rapid fire comedy routines while Phil Harrison, Alice Fay bring both mirth and music. It's a great Friday night lineup of comedy programs, all of them heard only on NBC. James Stewart as the Six Shooter. The man in the saddle is angular and long legged. His skin is sun dyed brown. The gun in his holster is gray steel and rainbow mother of pearl, its handle unmarked. People call them both the Six Shooter. The NBC Radio Network presents James Stewart as the Sick Shooter. A transcribed series of radio dramas based on the life of Britt Poncet, the Texas plainsman who wandered through the western territories, leaving behind a trail of still remembered legends.

[Susie]

I'd known the Harcourt brothers good many years. First time I passed through Harness Crick. They were just youngsters, of course, that was before their pa died. But Cash Harcourt, he was all of 26 now and great big star on his vest and the Colt.45 stuck in his belt. It seemed funny to think of him as a town sheriff. Well, not that he didn't look the part. But I couldn't help remembering him when his legs weren't long enough to reach the stirrups of the pony. Lex Harcourt. He wasn't quite so grown up. He must be about 20 or so. He sure tried to appear older, though. Great big mustache sprawling across his upper lip and a kind of a swagger when he walked. But in spite of all his trying to be old and everything, he was still Cash Harcourt's kid brother. And everybody knew it. Well, anyway, the reason I came into Harness Creek is I was gonna sign up for the Silver Spur cattle drive down in New Mexico. Only trouble was, I hit town a week or so early. Silver Spur outfit is still out in the rain. So while I was waiting, I stopped off with the Harcourt boys and their aunt, Mrs. Petrie. She kept house for him.

[Mrs. Clements]

There now. More fritters, Fred?

[Susie]

Oh, no, no, no. Thanks, Ms. Petrie. I've had my share.

[Mrs. Clements]

You, Cash?

[I]

I'm full. Up to you, Aunt Bess.

[Mrs. Clements]

No need to ask you Legs. There you are. That's the last of them.

[Charles Clements]

Now, Aunt Bez, you know the only reason I take seconds is so you won't have to throw the food away.

[Dan Holiday]

Seconds?

[I]

Seem to me that's about his fourth helping the fritters, ain't it, Brett?

[Susie]

Well, I don't know, Cash. Not for certain. I sort of lost count every about the after the third time he stuck that plate out.

[I]

Big growing boy like him. Guess he's bound to stow away a lot of grub.

[Charles Clements]

Well, now, I wouldn't josh about my growing so much if I was you, Cash. Just give me another inch or so and I'll be ready to trim you down to size.

[Mrs. Clements]

Both of you. Ricardo. Think you two are serious?

[Susie]

Oh, don't Worry about that, Ms. Petrie. They've been talking about fighting each other for the last 10 years. But whenever there's a real scrap, somehow the Harcourt brothers usually manage to wind up on the same side.

[I]

Well, I wouldn't count on that, Brett. You know, Lex has been getting pretty feist. I may have to take him down a peg or two.

[Charles Clements]

Yeah, well, now, let me tell you that there's just one thing that's kept me from cleaning your plow long before this. Oh, minute I was to start something, like as not, you'd throw me in jail.

[I]

I guess that happened to you, wouldn't it? For your own safety.

[Susie]

Why, if I was ever to slug.

[I]

You back, you just might not be around afterwards.

[Dan Holiday]

Tell about it.

[Mrs. Clements]

Well, now, you just stop this foolishness. Get out of my kitchen, all three of you. Oh, the idea of brothers talking like that. Go along now. Go on, or I'll show you who's the real boss of this family.

[I]

You know, Brit, I wouldn't be surprised if you could.

[Susie]

I don't doubt it for a minute, okay? Not for a minute.

[Mrs. Clements]

And you too, Lex. There ain't another mouthful of food left to eat.

[Charles Clements]

All right. Ain't there?

[Susie]

So I'd be real pleased to help you with those dishes, Ms. Patri.

[Mrs. Clements]

Oh, you think I want some man breaking up my fancy china? No, thank you. You just wait there in the sitting room with the boys and I'll. Johnny. Just as soon as I give these things a lick of problem.

[Susie]

Your aure is a fine woman, K.

[I]

Yeah, I know what we do that, Brit. Lex don't even remember our ma. Well, I just sort of recollect her real think. Like it was Aunt Bess who brung us up, to all intents and purposes. Yeah, well, sit down, Brett. You sit down.

[Susie]

Yeah, nice.

[I]

What are you so fidgety for, Lex? If you're going calling on Hannah Joseph again tonight, no cause to act sheepish about it.

[Charles Clements]

I ain't going calling, Cash. Yeah, well, Britt and me was talking this afternoon and he says. Well, he thinks that maybe I can sign up for the Silver Spur drive.

[I]

Is that so?

[Charles Clements]

Well, it stands to reason. They'll probably be needing all the extra hands they can get. Ain't that how you figured, Britt?

[Susie]

That usually works out that way.

[I]

You ain't going on no cattle drive, Lex, so just get that idea out of your head.

[Charles Clements]

I don't see why not.

[I]

Well, I said so, I swear.

[Charles Clements]

Look, you may be the sheriff, but you ain't my boss. Cash Flex.

[I]

Look, you Ain't got the foggiest notion of what a cattle drive means. You wouldn't last more than a week.

[Charles Clements]

Maybe I wouldn't and maybe I would. That ain't gonna do me no harm to try.

[I]

Well, I said forget it. You're so anxious to get a job, there's work around here in town. Plenty of work, huh? Speak to Mr. Crawford.

[Charles Clements]

I ain't interested in the store job.

[I]

No, you ain't interested in anything you're fit for.

[Charles Clements]

I made up my mind, Cash. I'm signing on with the Silver Spur if they'll have me.

[I]

Yeah, well, you just better start on making that mind of yours. You're staying right here.

[Charles Clements]

Where you can keep an eye on me.

[I]

That's right where I can keep an eye on you.

[Charles Clements]

You know, someday you and me are really going to tangle. And this might just be the day.

[I]

All right, Lex. That's how you want it?

[Susie]

Oh, now, hold on. Hold on. Now, wait a minute here.

[I]

Don't worry, Brett. I whipped him before, lots of times. He isn't likely to ask for it again. Are you, Legs? Well, a little fresh air do him good.

[Susie]

Cool him off very so. So.

[I]

I don't see what got into you, Brett, encouraging him in this cattle drive nonsense.

[Susie]

Oh, I didn't exactly encourage him. He asked me if the Silver Spur would take him. I said I thought maybe they would.

[I]

You should have told him different.

[Susie]

Well, I'm not in the habit of lying, Cash.

[I]

No, I'm sorry, Brett. I didn't mean that.

[Susie]

Why? Why are you so dead set against him taking out on his own?

[I]

I ain't set against it, Brit.

[Dan Holiday]

Not really.

[I]

It's just that, you know, Lex is young, might wild. Never had a paw to keep a tight reign on him. Need somebody around, see that he don't get into trouble. Another year or two when he's married. Maybe he's got somebody else to worry after. Well, things will be different then. He'll be different right now. You think I'm riding him too hard, Britt?

[Susie]

Well, he's your brother. You be the best judge of that.

[I]

Yeah.

[Susie]

It's getting kind of late, ain't it?

[I]

You must be pretty tired after that ride today.

[Susie]

Yeah. Well, I sure wouldn't object a little sleep, I'll tell you that much.

[I]

Well, come on. Let me show you where you bed down.

[Susie]

I was tired too. I started sawing the wood the minute I hit that mattress. I guess I'd have slept through almost anything that night. Leastwise, I didn't completely wake up when somebody started pounding on the door along about 2am I sort of did remember hearing some talk afterwards, but it wasn't loud enough for me to get the gist of it. I figured there'd been some trouble in town. Probably Cash take care of him. So I turned over and shoved my face into the pillow. I would have gone right back to sleep again, except a couple of minutes later.

[Mrs. Clements]

You awake?

[Susie]

Why? Why? Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, Ms. Petrie, I'm awake. What's the trouble?

[Mrs. Clements]

It's Wreck. He's been shocked.

[Susie]

What happened at Luke Foster's place?

[Mrs. Clements]

Cash has gone down there already, but I thought maybe you. Well, Brent.

[Susie]

Sure, sure. As soon as I get some clothes on. As I came around the corner, I saw a little crowd in front of Fawcett's Gambling Hall. Five or six men standing together, not saying anything, just waiting. I started to push through them, but before I could get to the door, Cash Harcourt came outside. His jaw was set and his hat scraped, pulled down tight. Eyes were staring straight ahead, but he wasn't looking at anybody. Marched right past me without even noticing where I was. How is he, Cash?

[I]

Oh, Br.

[Susie]

How is he?

[I]

Lex is dead.

[Susie]

Oh.

[I]

Dead when I got here.

[Susie]

I'm sorry, Cash.

[I]

Yeah.

[Susie]

You know who did it?

[I]

Adam Roby. That's what the boys say.

[Dan Holiday]

It was Roby, all right.

[Susie]

It sure did.

[I]

I ain't got no more time to waste here so long.

[Susie]

But you're going after him, huh?

[I]

What do you think?

[Susie]

Well, I just thought if you wanted some company, I guess I could.

[I]

I'll handle this loan.

[Susie]

Sure, sure. All right, Cash. Whatever you say.

[Dan Holiday]

I'll tell you one thing, Brit. I wouldn't like to be in Roby's shoes when they meet up. Oh, sir. Had me, are you?

[Susie]

You fellas see the whole thing?

[Dan Holiday]

Yeah. I was standing right there in the Gambit hall when it happened. They were playing cards together, and Adam had been winning and Lex had been drinking. If you ask me, Lex was just playing.

[Susie]

Yeah?

[Dan Holiday]

Nothing, Mr. Ponson. Nothing.

[Susie]

No, go on. Go on what? What are you going to say?

[Dan Holiday]

I guess Sheriff Harcourt wouldn't appreciate my opinion. And besides, it's late. I got to be getting home.

[Charles Clements]

Yeah, I think I'll be going along.

[Susie]

Yeah, yeah. So on. Well, I went on into the Gavin Hall. Old Mr. Hendrick, she was the undertaker. Harness, he already arrived. He'd taken charge. So it looked like it was up to me to go back to house and break the news to Mrs. Petri. I sure wasn't looking forward to that. But, well, she sort of read it in my face without me even having to tell her.

[Mrs. Clements]

He's gone. Indeed.

[Susie]

Yes, ma'am. Now, if there's anything I can do, Mrs. Petrie.

[Mrs. Clements]

No, there's nothing, really. Thank you. How. How did Cash take it?

[Susie]

Well, he didn't say much. He just went looking for the man who shot like Roby. Roby? That was his name?

[Mrs. Clements]

Adam Roby?

[Susie]

I believe so, yes. You know him?

[Mrs. Clements]

No, no, not well. He has a farm out south and a wife and children. I've seen him at church and places. She. She appeared a real nice woman.

[Susie]

Well, I guess she isn't to blame for.

[Mrs. Clements]

I don't blame her, Brit. I don't even blame. Well, the truth is, I've been worried about Lex for a long time. Cash had been holding him down too much. Trying to make him toe the line too much.

[Susie]

Well, I guess he was doing what he thought best.

[Mrs. Clements]

But it wasn't best. Not for Lex. You see, he resented it. Being bossed by his brother. He resented it a whole lot. I knew he couldn't keep it in much longer. But I hope that when the trouble come, it would be between him and Cash. Cash thought the world, Alexa. No matter what happened, he wouldn't have done anything to hurt him.

[Susie]

Oh, no, no, of course not.

[Mrs. Clements]

Oh, that must be somebody coming to offer sympathy. News sure gets around in a small town. It ain't even daylight yet.

[Susie]

Oh, here, I'll get it. Yes, ma'am?

[Mrs. Clements]

I'm Mrs. Robyn. Oh, Adam's wife. Adam. I've come about Adam.

[Susie]

Well, the sheriff isn't here right now, Mrs. Roby.

[Mrs. Clements]

He's. He's out looking for my husband, ain't he?

[Susie]

Yes, ma'am.

[Mrs. Clements]

That's what I figured. I didn't want to see Sheriff Harcourt. I wanted to talk to you. You've ripped Ponce Adventure, the Six Shooter.

[Susie]

Yes. I'm Britt Ponchett.

[Mrs. Clements]

May I?

[Susie]

Well, I just don't know, Mrs. Roby. You see that? Yeah.

[Mrs. Clements]

Let her come in, Mrs. Petrie. Oh, I'm so sorry. I'm so terrible sorry. Sure. Won't you. Won't you sit down? Thank you. Mr. Poncet, I. I don't know how to say this, but if you'd like to talk to Brittle, I'll. No, no. It's best that you hear it too, Mr. Poncet. Adam come home right after the killing to get some things together. He told me it wasn't his fault.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

He swore that it wasn't.

[Mrs. Clements]

He says. He says Lex was spoiling for a fight. That Lex. Dr. Adam ain't never been a man for shooting Mr. Punsett. I believe what he said.

[Susie]

Well, I guess that's natural enough.

[Mrs. Clements]

He's hiding out now. Sheriff won't be able to find him.

[Susie]

Oh, I wouldn't count on that, Mrs. Roby. Sooner or later.

[Mrs. Clements]

That's just it. Adam doesn't want to hide out. He wants to give himself up.

[Susie]

Paul.

[Mrs. Clements]

He says he'll give himself up to you.

[Susie]

To me?

[Mrs. Clements]

He wants you to promise that you'll turn him over to the District Marshal, Standish Falls.

[Susie]

Well, I just don't know what you're driving at, Ms. Roby.

[Mrs. Clements]

Adam. Adam's afraid that if Sheriff Harcourt finds him, the sheriff will Adams. Afraid he won't get a trial. That's all he's asking.

[Morris Hotel Receptionist]

A fair trial.

[Susie]

Oh, I'm sorry, Ms. Roby. This isn't any of my affairs, Mr. Pompson. I'm sorry.

[Mrs. Clements]

Well, thanks anyway.

[Susie]

Yes, ma'am.

[Mrs. Clements]

I'd like you to see that Adam Roby got to the Marshall at Standish Falls.

[Susie]

You what?

[Mrs. Clements]

With Cash feeling the way he does now, he might. He might do something he'll regret for the rest of his life. Oh, it's bad enough, Brett, what happened tonight. I wouldn't want anything worse.

[Susie]

Now, Ms. Petrie, I'm certain that Cash would.

[Mrs. Clements]

Lex was the only person on the face of this earth that Cash cared about. And he'll blame himself for what happened, blame himself for not being there, and he'll just have to take it out on somebody. I'm not standing up for Adam Roby, Press. I'm not even thinking about him. I'm just thinking about Cash.

[Susie]

Even so, I'm sure I don't see where my place is in this thing.

[Mrs. Clements]

A little while ago you asked me if there was something you could do.

[Susie]

Yes, ma'am.

[Mrs. Clements]

Well, Mr. Ponces, just give me your promise that Adeline would get to Danish Falls and I'll tell you where you can find him.

[Susie]

All right, Mr. Roby. I'll give you my promise.

[H]

We'll return to James Stewart as the Six Shooter in just a moment.

[Dan Holiday]

The first.

[H]

Well, first, I just want to say thanks to you, our listeners, for the many kind letters you write to us each week. It kind of makes us, all of us, feel that our efforts in bringing you the Six Shooter are genuinely appreciated. And we're grateful.

[Dan Holiday]

Thanks.

[H]

Now, Act Two of the story called Revenge at Harness Creek.

[Susie]

Well, it was getting on towards 6 o'clock in the morning by the time I left Harness Creek. According to his wife, Adam Roby was hiding in a cabin in moon canyon, about 20 miles east. So I started off in that direction. Well, about 7:30, I passed the north boundary of the Silver Spur, and I swung up a wedge trail that wound through a yellow outcrop of rock. Was more than 10 minutes later when I spotted somebody ahead. A man riding down the trail toward me. Pulled up in the shade of some evergreen, waited. Fella finally came within, recognizing distance. Cash Harcourt. No doubt about it. From the looks of that bay mare of his, he'd been riding pretty hard. Horse's flanks were covered with sweat and her head was down, swinging side to side with every step she took. Cash hadn't seen me yet, but when he did, he gave a start, and his.45 came out fast. That's me. Cash.

[Dan Holiday]

Brett. Huh?

[Susie]

Oh, take it easy with that thing.

[I]

Devil are you doing out here? Told you I didn't want no help.

[Susie]

Yeah. Yeah, you did.

[I]

Well, going back to town, then? I can handle Ruby alone.

[Susie]

Nobody said you couldn't.

[I]

And stop following me.

[Susie]

Now, from. From the looks of the things, I'd say we were moving in opposite directions.

[I]

I think run. Running down some tracks here. They stopped a mile or so up ahead. Couldn't be Ruby.

[Susie]

Mm. Well, I don't think I'll turn around just yet. That is, if you haven't got any objections.

[I]

I got objections.

[Susie]

Is that so?

[I]

Leave them to me, Brett.

[Susie]

Now, as long as you're certain he didn't come this way, I don't see what difference it makes if I ride on a little further.

[I]

I'm the sheriff, Brent. You ain't got no business interfering in the way I carry out the law.

[Susie]

That's right. As long as you do carry out the law.

[Dan Holiday]

You talking about it?

[Susie]

Roby's wife is scared that you won't bring him in for a trial if you find him. And she asked me to turn him over to the marshal at Standish Falls. Now, I didn't want to get mixed up in this, Cash, and I told her so right straight out. But it's what your aunt wanted, too.

[I]

And Bess.

[Susie]

That's right. I couldn't very well turn her down after what happened last night.

[I]

And Bess thinks that I'd kill Roby?

[Susie]

She thinks you're upset, that's all.

[I]

Well, ain't I got a right to be upset?

[Susie]

Sure you have.

[I]

So you want to take Roby over to Marshall Griffith's, honey?

[Susie]

Yeah. Well, I haven't found him yet.

[I]

Suppose his wife told you where to look? I got a right to ask you, Brett. He's a wanted man.

[Susie]

Are you asking Cash?

[Dan Holiday]

Yes.

[I]

It don't matter. All I care about is seeing that he's arrested, brought to justice. That's all I'm trying to do.

[Susie]

Yeah, well, I guess between us, we're stand pretty good chance of finding them.

[I]

Yeah. Well, good night.

[Susie]

I watched Cash over my shoulder until he was out of sight. And then I started off again. Let's go. One. Come on. Come on. About six miles later, I passed a waterfall that Mrs. Roby had said was a landmark. I turned Scar into a little box canyon to the left of the falls. A couple miles further, I came to the shack. Whoa. Whoa. Scar wool. Easy enough to see how Cash had missed it. Unless you knew there was a cabin in the canyon, it didn't stand a chance to find that. I walked out into the open. But I stopped a good 20 yards before I got in. In rifle range, huh? Roby. Roby. It's Ponchet. Roby. Brett Poncet.

[I]

You're alone?

[Susie]

Yeah, I'm alone. I like tell you where to find me. That's right.

[I]

And you're taking me to Saints Fall?

[Susie]

If that's how you want it.

[I]

Yeah, that's how I want it. Where's Sheriff Harcourt?

[Susie]

He's riding toward town, last I saw him.

[I]

Okay, I'll be right out.

[Susie]

About a minute later, he came toward me leading the sorrel pony. And he'd had a tethered behind the cabin. A little man, sort of grayish, with deep set eyes and a kind of tired sag to his mouth. He was holding a Winchester carbine under one arm. Looked around anxious like. As if he wasn't certain I was telling the truth. And then he seemed to satisfy himself. And he shoved the carbine into the saddle scabbard and he climbed onto the pony. We'll take the south trail and cut around Harness Creek.

[Dan Holiday]

Whatever you say.

[Susie]

Let's go.

[Dan Holiday]

Mr. Poncet?

[Susie]

Yeah?

[Dan Holiday]

I want you to know that. Well, the shooting wasn't my fault. Lex was on the produce. He forced me into it.

[Susie]

Now, that's for a jury to decide, Roby. Sure, sure.

[Dan Holiday]

I reckon you believe my story or you wouldn't be doing this.

[Susie]

I believe you're entitled to a trial, that's all. As far as I can tell, so is everybody else. Sheriff Harcourt included.

[Dan Holiday]

You didn't tell him where I was?

[Susie]

I didn't tell him. Come on, let's move along. We rode out of the canyon, turned south. South, just beyond the falls. For the next hour or so, we didn't do any more talk. And there just didn't seem to be much to talk about then. We started down from the crest of the ridge and I saw a flat stretch of land out ahead. We still had about a mile of rough mountain trail before we hit that level ground. Roby was about eight feet behind me. And as I edged Scar around a big boulder, he was out of sight for a couple of seconds. Get down behind, son. Roby. Hurry up. I slid off Scar and I flattened myself against the ground. I hunched over a couple of feet of my left and I got a glimpse of Roby. He was crouched behind a slice of orange granite and it didn't look like he got hit. I got up on my haunches and I ran over toward him. You all right?

[Dan Holiday]

Yeah. Yeah, I guess so. I thought you didn't tell Harcourt where I was.

[Susie]

I didn't.

[Dan Holiday]

And how'd he find us?

[Susie]

Maybe this isn't Harcourt.

[H]

Who else could it be?

[Susie]

I pushed up a couple of inches and I saw him. He was standing on a ledge right out in the clear. Silhouetted against a great big white cloud. The sun was behind him and, well, I didn't have to look at his face. Know who it was?

[Dan Holiday]

Cash.

[Susie]

Cash. What's the matter with you?

[I]

Keep Right away, Brad.

[Dan Holiday]

We can hold him off. Just give me a chance to get.

[Susie]

My car by him. You stay where you are. Huh?

[Dan Holiday]

Thought you was on my side. I might have knowed you and him are friends.

[Susie]

We're friends.

[Dan Holiday]

You're gonna let him kill me?

[Susie]

Nobody's gonna kill you, Roby. Now, you just sit tight, Cash, as I'm coming out.

[I]

Ain't your affair, Fred.

[Susie]

I told you that. It's my affair now. But I'm not using my gun. So if you're set on killing somebody, here's your chance.

[I]

I ain't got no grudge with you. It's Roby I'm after.

[Susie]

Why? Apologies.

[I]

Why I've been waiting here.

[Susie]

If you're after him, you're after me. I gave my word he'd get to Standish Fall.

[I]

Rick, you're forcing me to shoot you down.

[Susie]

That's right. That's just what I'm doing. Ought to be a pretty easy target. Cash. Come on. What are you waiting for?

[I]

Think I'm afraid, don't you?

[Susie]

You ought to be. Man ought to be afraid to kill another man.

[I]

Well, I ain't.

[Susie]

You're not afraid to kill Roby because you feel you're justified. How about me? How about me? You ready to kill me On Brett Draw? I'm not drawing. Cash.

[I]

Don't you Understand? Lex is dead and Roby shot him.

[Susie]

Yeah.

[I]

Gonna make it up for that kid. Roby will get out of it somehow. You say it was Lex's fault?

[Susie]

Probably.

[I]

You're still standing up for him.

[Susie]

Give me your gun, Cash.

[I]

Why can't I kill you, Brisbane?

[Susie]

Give me your gun.

[I]

I want to pull the trigger, but I can't.

[Susie]

Why? I don't know. I don't know. But I was pretty sure you wouldn't.

[I]

Well, looks like I ain't got much choice. Here. Take it.

[Susie]

You want to ride along with us? Make sure I get him in the Marshall.

[Dan Holiday]

No.

[I]

Head back to town.

[Susie]

All right. Suit yourself. Robbie. Robbie.

[Dan Holiday]

Yeah?

[Susie]

You bring the horses up here. We're going to Standish. Well, by the time I got back from turning Roby over to the Marshall, the Silver Spur Ranch was all ready to start driving a turd north. I moved out with him, so I wasn't around for the trial. Haven't heard how it came out, but I hope one of these days the news will catch up with me.

[H]

The Six Shooter is a transcribed NBC Radio Network production in association with Review Productions. It is based on the character created by Frank Burke and is written by him. Mr. Stewart may currently be seen in the Universal International picture, the Glenn Miller Story. Others in the cast were Virginia Gregg, Eleanor Audley, Lamont Johnson, Forest Lewis and Bert Holland. Special music for this program was by Basil Adler and the entire production is under the direction of Jack Johnstone.

[Susie]

Oh.

[H]

Characters and incidents were fictitious and any resemblance to actual characters or incidents is purely coincidental. By the way, you'll be interested in knowing that the Six Shooter has been chosen for broadcast to our men overseas through the facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Services. This is John Wall speaking.

[Susie]

Here.

[H]

Jason and the Golden Fleece tonight on the NBC Radio Network.

[Host]

That's the Relic Radio show for this week. There will be more from box 13, the six shooter and all of the other podcasts as soon as that's up and running, more stable. You can also find the podcasts on Spotify now just search for relicradio.com. there's some other people using the Relic Radio name. I have nothing to do with those. And as always, our shoutcast stream is up and running. That still works 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More to listen to there. And as always, if you'd like to help support this and all of the shows, give that donate button a click. Your support makes all of this possible. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this week. Be back tomorrow with Case closed. And next Tuesday, with our next episode of the relic radio show.