September 16, 2025 • 24 mins
Have Gun Will Travel was a popular western radio drama series that ran from 1958 to 1960. It debuted as a television series in 1957 and was one of only a few American television programs that paved the way for a radio version. Although the radio show initially featured stories adapted from television, many of the 106 radio episodes were original stories. The stories follow the adventures of Paladin, played by John Dehner.
Hope you enjoy this episode of Have Gun Will Travel! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube
Hope you enjoy this episode of Have Gun Will Travel! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:15):
You may have the fastest boat on a river, but
someone tried to stop you from winning this race before
you even left the wharf in New Orleans, Have Gone,
(00:36):
Will Travel, starring mister John Dayner as Paladin, San Francisco,
eighteen seventy five, The Carlton Hotel, headquarters of a man
called Paladin.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
Do you care for another drink?
Speaker 1 (01:02):
Mister Paladin?
Speaker 2 (01:03):
No, thank you very much. You go ahead, though, well.
Speaker 3 (01:05):
No, I guess I've had enough for the night too.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
Colonel Tulliver, Why did you select me? Surely there are
men along the river who can suit your purpose.
Speaker 3 (01:12):
Of course are good men too, but the too well known.
I want stranger for this job, new face.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
It seems a lot of trouble and expense.
Speaker 3 (01:19):
To go to nothing is too good for the queen.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
Very well, then, since you were agreeable to my terms,
I am agreeable to the engagement.
Speaker 2 (01:28):
Excellent, excellent.
Speaker 3 (01:29):
We look forward into seeing you and Orleans by the
end of the month.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
Not later than the thirtieth five.
Speaker 3 (01:34):
Man, Well, I I'd better get.
Speaker 4 (01:36):
Up to my room and pack if I'm going to
leave in the morning.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
Good nights, Paladin, Good night, Colonel Tulliver, have a nice trip.
Make you, sir, Hey boy, you can come out from
behind the palm. Now the Colonel's gone, Oh you saw
I was listening naturally.
Speaker 5 (01:57):
Are you going to work for a queen?
Speaker 2 (01:59):
Yes, the biggest queen you ever saw.
Speaker 4 (02:01):
Oh what country she queen?
Speaker 2 (02:03):
Off?
Speaker 1 (02:04):
Or another country? Hey boy, she's a delta queen? Dot
a queen? What is that Mississippi river boat? The fastest
Mississippi river boat since the robberty lead?
Speaker 2 (02:13):
What you do with rerobal boat? You'll be captain?
Speaker 4 (02:16):
No, no, hey boy, I'm going to be her bodyguard.
Speaker 6 (02:28):
Have you noticed men of the new houses all seemed
to be on one floor.
Speaker 5 (02:31):
I'd like that.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
With nagging backache and the muscular aches and pains I've
had lately, it's no fun climbing stairs, I know.
Speaker 6 (02:38):
With nagging back all eyed ones relieve how try.
Speaker 4 (02:42):
Donald's pills right.
Speaker 7 (02:44):
Doan's pills are an analgesic and mild diuretic to the kidneys.
Nagging backache, also headache, dizziness, and muscular aches and pains
may come on with overexertion, emotional upsets, or everyday stress
and strain. Doan's pain relieving action is off the answer,
and they also offer mild diuretic action through the kidneys.
So if nagging backache is making you feel worn out, tired,
(03:08):
and miserable.
Speaker 4 (03:09):
With restless sleepless nights, don't wait.
Speaker 7 (03:11):
Try Doane's pills, used successfully by millions for over sixty years.
See if they don't bring you the same welcome relief.
Get Doane's pills today to save money by Don's big
economy size.
Speaker 1 (03:32):
It was a big event, no question about it. The
posters were plastered all over New Orleans Steamboat Race. They
screamed New Orleans to Saint Louis. Between the packets General
Stonewall Jackson and the Delta Queen. Excitement was electric and
the betting ran high. From the lowliest freed slave to
the most austere creole banker. Everyone at a favorite, and
(03:52):
most of the money was on the Delta Queen. She
was a beautiful thing to see, a floating palace, rising
white and shimmering above the levee, her two stacks poaching
out the black pitch smoke which adverstised her imminent depoc Well,
mister Pellton, Yeah she's a beauty, Colonel Tolliver, I think
she is the fastest.
Speaker 3 (04:11):
Boat on the river.
Speaker 5 (04:12):
I mean to prove it.
Speaker 3 (04:13):
Come aboard, we'll get your settled here. Boy, take mister
pallin the fag r steve you yes, I sure, oh,
miss Pallain, let's go topside.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
Beat the captain.
Speaker 1 (04:31):
And what makes you so sure, captain that somebody will
try to do damage to the delta Queen. I'm not sure,
mister Palladin, and I hope I'm wrong, but we must
take care of a precaution.
Speaker 5 (04:41):
Too much depends on this trip, you.
Speaker 3 (04:43):
See, mister Peladon. The Queen has odds on favorite. Now
it's just so great. A lot of smart money is
riding on the Stonewall Jackson.
Speaker 5 (04:50):
Of course, there's no doubt about it. In my mind.
Speaker 1 (04:53):
The Queen can beat the Stonewall Jackson in the fair
race in the day of the week.
Speaker 5 (04:57):
But it's a long way to Saint.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
Louis better than the thousand miles, and anything can happen
out there on the river.
Speaker 4 (05:03):
And I'll try to see that it doesn't catch. I'm
sure you will.
Speaker 2 (05:06):
Any particular person you're suspicious of.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
No, no one in particular, miss fallin any special instructions. No,
just mingle with the passengers, wander around the boat and
keep your eyes and ears open.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
Ready the cat off? Very well?
Speaker 5 (05:23):
Shall we start, Colonel?
Speaker 3 (05:24):
All along, Miss pell let's go up to the palette house.
Speaker 1 (05:30):
Colonel, I didn't see the stone wall Jackson when they
came up.
Speaker 4 (05:34):
She needs up the waf away.
Speaker 5 (05:35):
I'll show you.
Speaker 4 (05:39):
There.
Speaker 3 (05:40):
She decided were backing out into the river.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
That's the stonewall jack.
Speaker 4 (05:44):
Yeah, she's already cast off. Does that mean that she
has started? Oh no, No, we.
Speaker 3 (05:49):
Start from the imagine her line drawn between that church people,
a big clump of trees across the river.
Speaker 5 (05:54):
You'll see how we do it, Miss.
Speaker 1 (05:55):
Fallin, standing by the cat off cast off.
Speaker 4 (06:01):
Engine room, engine room.
Speaker 1 (06:03):
Here a stern half feed turn, half speed, the captain,
how long do.
Speaker 4 (06:09):
You think it will take us to get too? Well?
Speaker 1 (06:12):
The robberty Lee made it in three days, eighteen hours
and fourteen minutes, and we aim to better that concern.
Stop engines stop, half feed forward, half free forward.
Speaker 4 (06:30):
Do we plan to make many stops? Colonel No, we'll
put in it.
Speaker 5 (06:34):
Matches Vicksburg, Memphis and Carol. Stop engines coming nicely.
Speaker 1 (06:42):
A beam of the stone wall, Jackson will signal him,
Jeez signals us.
Speaker 5 (06:51):
And all we have to do.
Speaker 1 (06:52):
Is wait for the starting flagging the cannon you see
ashore over there, the flag lowering engine room stand by a.
Speaker 3 (07:00):
When the flag gets to the bottom of the pool,
the fire of the cannon will be on our wi.
Speaker 5 (07:09):
Whose be the here?
Speaker 4 (07:22):
Have another cup of coffee, sir.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
Just a half, please.
Speaker 8 (07:27):
You?
Speaker 2 (07:27):
Sir? No, thank you. Eh.
Speaker 4 (07:30):
Have a cigar to go with the coffee, mister Paladin.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Thank you. Mmm, wonderful aroma.
Speaker 1 (07:38):
I haven't especially made for me in Havana, mister Debora, No,
thank you, You don't mind, ma'am. Oh, please go ahead,
thank you. Well, we're clipping right along. I want to
pass baton rouge and another out.
Speaker 5 (07:54):
Can't go too fast to suit my sister and me,
right honey?
Speaker 6 (07:56):
Oh yes, yea, And see. All I want is to get.
Speaker 4 (07:58):
Back home your homes in Saint Louis.
Speaker 6 (08:01):
Yes, and I've been away just too long, eh.
Speaker 1 (08:05):
What line of work are you in up in Saint Louis,
mister Devro First wholesale first used to be as good
business before beaver hats went out of style.
Speaker 4 (08:15):
It still is.
Speaker 1 (08:17):
Listen, listen, something's happened. The engines are stopped in the
middle of the river. Why I don't know, but why
don't you go find out? Yes, I think I will
you coming? No, No, I think I'll finish my coffee.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
What is it, captain? Why we stopped?
Speaker 5 (08:43):
Got a cable part of mister pallad And look here.
Speaker 1 (08:48):
You can cut halfway through with our hacksaw exactly, and
we put a strain.
Speaker 5 (08:53):
On it going around that last sandbar she parted?
Speaker 2 (08:55):
Can you fix it?
Speaker 4 (08:56):
Captain?
Speaker 5 (08:57):
Of course I can take an hour more. Meanwhile, the
stonewall Jackson will be out of sight, Miss Pallain. You
have any idea who did this?
Speaker 1 (09:06):
Well, that's a little difficult to say, captain. For one
thing that was done while you were lying up at.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
The wharf in New Orleans?
Speaker 5 (09:13):
How do you know?
Speaker 2 (09:14):
The cut ends are somewhat rusted except for the strands.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
That have just parted, and so they are, though it
might or might not have been done by someone who's aboard.
Speaker 5 (09:23):
Now you talk with passengers, do you have any suspicion?
Speaker 1 (09:28):
No?
Speaker 2 (09:29):
Not really.
Speaker 1 (09:30):
Now there is one man, doesn't bother to introduce himselves
an interesting fellow.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
I want to get to know him better.
Speaker 5 (09:38):
You will look into don't you?
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Indeed? I will, captain?
Speaker 4 (09:41):
No man enjoying your cigar, mister Paladin.
Speaker 2 (09:54):
Oh yes, yes, thank you very much.
Speaker 5 (09:57):
And have any idea? Who cut the render?
Speaker 4 (10:01):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (10:02):
Why should I?
Speaker 1 (10:03):
Yeah, that's why you're a board, Isn't it guard against
such things?
Speaker 4 (10:08):
Am I?
Speaker 1 (10:10):
You needn't be alarmed, mister Paladin. I won't give away
your secret. I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about.
Speaker 4 (10:18):
Any Well, have it your way.
Speaker 1 (10:21):
But if you were looking for a ride on a
river boat, you needn't have come this far. You could
have taken the Star of the Pacific from San Francisco
up to Sacramento River to stocktor Now, mister Paladin, you're
here because you're paid to be here.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
How do you know so much about me?
Speaker 1 (10:40):
I was a reporter on the San Francisco Morning Call
a few years back, and it is my business to
know about men like you. And because I know you
to be a square shooting fellow, I'm.
Speaker 4 (10:51):
Going to give you a little tip.
Speaker 2 (10:53):
Oh what's that?
Speaker 1 (10:54):
Before I was a reporter on the San Francisco Morning Call,
I was a reporter on the Virginia City Enterprise, and
I recollect a young buck out there that could have
been the twin brother of that Yancy Devereaux who shared
our table at dinner. Only his name wasn't Yancy Devereaux.
Then was the Sierra kidd. He had a frightening facility
(11:18):
with a deck of cards. I could have told you
then that boy would grow up to be a big
time gambler. What are you implying, I'm implying nothing, mister Palladin.
And anyway, after that cute little trick with a rudder cable,
we may just have lost.
Speaker 4 (11:35):
The race already.
Speaker 2 (11:36):
Do you think it's not serious?
Speaker 1 (11:37):
Well, look for yourself upriver. There not a light stonewall.
Jackson's miles out of sight. Unless my soul fog coming on,
this could be disastrous. There's that tricky crossing to be
made just above Bayou Sarah.
Speaker 4 (11:57):
With the water. It's such a low stage. Come along,
mister Palladin.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
Where up to the Texas deck. The captain may need
some help before this night's over. Say tell me, how
do you know so much about the rivers, sir? Well,
mister Paladin, before I was a reporter on the Virginia
City Enterprise, I was a Mississippi River pilot.
Speaker 4 (12:21):
Ah, Now, sir, you challenge my credulity, I'm sure I do.
Speaker 1 (12:27):
But then I've found truth always was stranger than fiction.
Speaker 4 (12:33):
Evening, Rodney will come in, Sam, mister Pelladin, come on in.
Speaker 6 (12:38):
Now.
Speaker 5 (12:38):
How's he look bad? Very bad? I don't like it
at all.
Speaker 4 (12:43):
That crossing up ahead? Has it changed much with the year.
Speaker 1 (12:47):
It's not a great deal that sycamore snag over toward
these banks, gone and give you.
Speaker 4 (12:53):
A little more room to get your stern around.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
Yeah, but she's built up shoalwater there, so it's still risky.
Speaker 4 (12:59):
Any other changes.
Speaker 5 (13:01):
No, otherwise, she's just about to say.
Speaker 1 (13:04):
Rodney, I'd be honored to take her over that crossing
for you in this fog. Only thing to do either
we get through the crossing in this fog or the
race is over.
Speaker 5 (13:18):
I appreciate this, Sam.
Speaker 1 (13:20):
No, no, I am in your debt, my friend to
be at the wheel of a packet again.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
Thank you.
Speaker 4 (13:31):
Now we're coming into the crossing now.
Speaker 2 (13:34):
But how do you know?
Speaker 4 (13:35):
You can't see a thing?
Speaker 1 (13:37):
Oh, you learn to feel the river, mister Palladin, you
just know.
Speaker 9 (13:42):
Lobbard legmen below, Oh afraid, let's hear how much water
you got under.
Speaker 10 (13:50):
Your high tibard legmen?
Speaker 4 (13:55):
Let's hear you sound are three well and good?
Speaker 1 (14:04):
Three fathoms We still have plenty of water, mister Palladin.
Speaker 4 (14:09):
But she'll get shallower and shallower.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
Half speed Rodney, half speed, half.
Speaker 9 (14:17):
Speed ah last way.
Speaker 1 (14:28):
Cut engines, cut engines will drift up to it, all stop,
all stop, half This will be a close thing, mister Paladin.
We only draw six feet.
Speaker 4 (14:46):
She's a crowned now Rodney full speed.
Speaker 10 (14:49):
Ahead snatcher Rodney, help me hold it now, we'll walk
her over, act and read.
Speaker 1 (15:16):
Yeah, she's all yeah, hance she made it.
Speaker 4 (15:24):
Oh she's a good boot Rodney. Mind if I keep
the helm for.
Speaker 5 (15:35):
A while, same you earned it? Keep it all night
if you want.
Speaker 1 (15:43):
Captain, I've been talking to this remarkable fellow all evening.
Speaker 4 (15:52):
Man didn't catch his name?
Speaker 2 (15:53):
Who is here?
Speaker 4 (15:54):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (15:55):
Lad Sam Cleming, I didn't. One of the best part
as that ever took a boat at the rev. Why
and now here? I read Gerbergen and Charlie McCarthy Bergan.
Speaker 4 (16:16):
Why did you stop the car here? I want to
talk to that farmer. Oh, mister boy, you call me?
Why it's Mortimer Snare.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
Oh we're who that's me?
Speaker 11 (16:26):
Are there any general motors dealers around here?
Speaker 2 (16:29):
No, no, no, but we.
Speaker 11 (16:30):
Got some Chevrolet Pontier Goldsmobile, Buick and Cadillac dealers though,
and some Chevy and GMC truck dealers too. For Mortimer,
those are all General Motors dealers.
Speaker 2 (16:42):
No, what do you want to see the wall for?
Speaker 11 (16:44):
Well, I only want to see one for Guardian maintenance.
Do they make that car too? No, that's a service
that's available only at General Motors dealers service departments. Or
see yeah, and right now they're featuring complete lubrications, quality
appearance services, break adjustments, and front end inspections. It's quality
work performed by GM train servicemen at a fair price.
Speaker 2 (17:07):
All that makes good sense, even to me.
Speaker 1 (17:16):
Thanks to mister Clemens superb pilotage, we were still in
the race, but we still had the stone wall.
Speaker 2 (17:21):
Jackson the beat, and it was.
Speaker 1 (17:22):
Not until late the next day, above Vicksburg that we
caught up with her. I tell you what was a
brave sight to see that night, the two great steamboats
plowing up river and neck and neck, their chimneys hurling
sparks to the styres, their great baddle wheels throwing a
cloud of spray. I stood on the Hurricane deck watching
him with Yancey Devereaux and his sister.
Speaker 6 (17:43):
I'll like two great thoroughbreds coming down to.
Speaker 5 (17:45):
The finish line.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
Why that, Nancy.
Speaker 1 (17:47):
Whoever takes the lead now, is that to hold the
rest of the way to Saint Louis.
Speaker 2 (17:51):
Care to bet on who that'll be, mister Devereux.
Speaker 1 (17:53):
I'm not a betting man, mister Paladin, but if I
thought the Stonewall Jackson will win the race, I'd be
aboard her.
Speaker 2 (17:59):
Instead of the well the Queen. Would I not? I
don't know, would.
Speaker 5 (18:03):
You I would? But whoever wins, we will be in
sane Louis this time to mine. That's all that matters
to me.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
Now, if you excuse me, I think I'll be off
to bed.
Speaker 6 (18:12):
And it's all the excitement, Yancy.
Speaker 5 (18:14):
I've had enough for one day. Good Night, my dear,
Good night Paladin.
Speaker 4 (18:18):
Good night Devon. Yes it is getting late.
Speaker 6 (18:23):
I believe that I should, Paladin, before you go. I
wonder if you would be.
Speaker 4 (18:27):
So kind of course? What is it you wish with.
Speaker 6 (18:31):
A window in my stateroom? I just can't seem to
get it to come open. I wonder if you could
free it for me, certainly.
Speaker 2 (18:40):
Be glad to, but won't it wait until the morning.
Speaker 6 (18:42):
Why, mister Paladin is there another young lady aboard. I
didn't know that. Oh no, no, then surely whatever beckons
you can wait till you have done me this little service.
Speaker 2 (18:55):
Of course, which is your stateroom?
Speaker 8 (18:58):
Oh didn't you know?
Speaker 6 (18:58):
It's right down?
Speaker 8 (19:00):
Ye? Come in, won't you?
Speaker 1 (19:12):
There?
Speaker 6 (19:14):
I do declare this is a lot more cozy than
that windy old deck, now, isn't it, mister Paladin?
Speaker 1 (19:20):
Yes, yes, indeed, Miss dev Ruh, where is this.
Speaker 2 (19:26):
Window that sticks?
Speaker 6 (19:27):
Don't bother with the window, mister Paladin. Put your hands up.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
Oh I see.
Speaker 6 (19:33):
You will have the pleasure of my company for the
next few minutes, mister Paladin.
Speaker 1 (19:37):
While your brother's down below doing whatever he's doing to
gum up the works of the steamboat and lose the
race for us.
Speaker 6 (19:42):
You will remain here with me until he returns.
Speaker 2 (19:45):
Very well, Miss dev Room, Hey, that's it's an interesting
roommate you have.
Speaker 4 (19:52):
What are you talking about there in the corner? That
cute little rat here?
Speaker 5 (19:58):
Miss?
Speaker 2 (19:59):
I would you that gun if you please?
Speaker 1 (20:02):
Somebody should tell your brother or whoever it is not
to send a girl to do a man's job.
Speaker 6 (20:07):
I'll screen, I'll have the whole boat down on you.
Speaker 1 (20:10):
You just do that honey, you just make it sound
real good, even in mister Palladin, looks like we're pulling
away food.
Speaker 2 (20:29):
You alone down here?
Speaker 4 (20:30):
No, I got a couple of strikers. They're taking the
easy behind the ball.
Speaker 1 (20:33):
Did you see anybody come down here, any of the passengers? No, sir, Now,
then he came down the after companionway. Come on, what if,
mister Paladin, what's wrong?
Speaker 2 (20:41):
I don't know yet, but tell me this.
Speaker 1 (20:43):
If somebody wanted to wreck the engines, what could he
do to them? You might kimming up the walk and
beam if he could, or maybe Tampa with a lubrication
on the paddle wheel.
Speaker 4 (20:51):
Journal box? And where are they back here? Through this
passage way?
Speaker 2 (20:55):
Hello?
Speaker 4 (20:55):
Pick me dev Roe.
Speaker 2 (20:58):
He's got a gun.
Speaker 8 (21:01):
That ro.
Speaker 2 (21:02):
Come down out.
Speaker 4 (21:03):
Of there, give you a distance, Paladin. He's got the
journal box open.
Speaker 2 (21:07):
I said, come down out of there, dev Ro, keep down.
Speaker 4 (21:11):
He's got a bucket full of nuts and bolts, metal junk.
Speaker 1 (21:13):
Looks like I'm warning you, Devro, come down or I'll
shut you down. Don't let him put that junk in
that journal box, mister Paladin, it'll chew up the drive
shaft and free the tight I'll stop him merciful.
Speaker 4 (21:33):
He feel backwards into the paddle wheel.
Speaker 1 (21:36):
So even in death, he wins, you'd better stop the engines.
Not now, mister Paladin, What good would it do? He's gone. Yes,
I guess you're right. We could never find him now.
(22:01):
Pepsicola refreshes without filling. Why because it's truly light.
Speaker 8 (22:06):
Charlie, you're forgetting something.
Speaker 4 (22:08):
Wait k, there's more. Yes, ice cold.
Speaker 1 (22:10):
Pepsi is the delicious refreshment that goes great at a
picnic or a party, and pepsi goes fast. People like it,
so keep plenty handy there.
Speaker 8 (22:20):
Oh, you did fine, except for one thing.
Speaker 1 (22:23):
Well, I mentioned lightness and how pepsi refreshes and how
fast it goes left out Pepsi.
Speaker 8 (22:28):
Sociability, You know the be sociable.
Speaker 4 (22:31):
Song o kay, I can't sing, I can listen, be sociable,
look SMARTE keep Poppa to dame with sempsi.
Speaker 5 (22:42):
Drink lights refreshing.
Speaker 8 (22:44):
Pepsy, Stay up the sociable, have a pepsi.
Speaker 1 (22:53):
Well, at least I can say this. Pick up an
extra carton of pepsi today.
Speaker 8 (22:57):
Please do.
Speaker 5 (23:10):
Have gun will Travel.
Speaker 1 (23:14):
Created by Herb Meadow and Sam Raw, He is produced
and directed in Hollywood by Frank Parris and stars John
Dayner as Paladin with Ben.
Speaker 5 (23:21):
Ryder's Hey Boy.
Speaker 1 (23:22):
Tonight's story was specially written for Have Gun Will Traveled
by William N.
Speaker 2 (23:26):
Robeson.
Speaker 1 (23:27):
Join us again next week when CBS Radio presents Have
Gun Will Travel The
You may have the fastest boat on a river, but
someone tried to stop you from winning this race before
you even left the wharf in New Orleans, Have Gone,
(00:36):
Will Travel, starring mister John Dayner as Paladin, San Francisco,
eighteen seventy five, The Carlton Hotel, headquarters of a man
called Paladin.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
Do you care for another drink?
Speaker 1 (01:02):
Mister Paladin?
Speaker 2 (01:03):
No, thank you very much. You go ahead, though, well.
Speaker 3 (01:05):
No, I guess I've had enough for the night too.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
Colonel Tulliver, Why did you select me? Surely there are
men along the river who can suit your purpose.
Speaker 3 (01:12):
Of course are good men too, but the too well known.
I want stranger for this job, new face.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
It seems a lot of trouble and expense.
Speaker 3 (01:19):
To go to nothing is too good for the queen.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
Very well, then, since you were agreeable to my terms,
I am agreeable to the engagement.
Speaker 2 (01:28):
Excellent, excellent.
Speaker 3 (01:29):
We look forward into seeing you and Orleans by the
end of the month.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
Not later than the thirtieth five.
Speaker 3 (01:34):
Man, Well, I I'd better get.
Speaker 4 (01:36):
Up to my room and pack if I'm going to
leave in the morning.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
Good nights, Paladin, Good night, Colonel Tulliver, have a nice trip.
Make you, sir, Hey boy, you can come out from
behind the palm. Now the Colonel's gone, Oh you saw
I was listening naturally.
Speaker 5 (01:57):
Are you going to work for a queen?
Speaker 2 (01:59):
Yes, the biggest queen you ever saw.
Speaker 4 (02:01):
Oh what country she queen?
Speaker 2 (02:03):
Off?
Speaker 1 (02:04):
Or another country? Hey boy, she's a delta queen? Dot
a queen? What is that Mississippi river boat? The fastest
Mississippi river boat since the robberty lead?
Speaker 2 (02:13):
What you do with rerobal boat? You'll be captain?
Speaker 4 (02:16):
No, no, hey boy, I'm going to be her bodyguard.
Speaker 6 (02:28):
Have you noticed men of the new houses all seemed
to be on one floor.
Speaker 5 (02:31):
I'd like that.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
With nagging backache and the muscular aches and pains I've
had lately, it's no fun climbing stairs, I know.
Speaker 6 (02:38):
With nagging back all eyed ones relieve how try.
Speaker 4 (02:42):
Donald's pills right.
Speaker 7 (02:44):
Doan's pills are an analgesic and mild diuretic to the kidneys.
Nagging backache, also headache, dizziness, and muscular aches and pains
may come on with overexertion, emotional upsets, or everyday stress
and strain. Doan's pain relieving action is off the answer,
and they also offer mild diuretic action through the kidneys.
So if nagging backache is making you feel worn out, tired,
(03:08):
and miserable.
Speaker 4 (03:09):
With restless sleepless nights, don't wait.
Speaker 7 (03:11):
Try Doane's pills, used successfully by millions for over sixty years.
See if they don't bring you the same welcome relief.
Get Doane's pills today to save money by Don's big
economy size.
Speaker 1 (03:32):
It was a big event, no question about it. The
posters were plastered all over New Orleans Steamboat Race. They
screamed New Orleans to Saint Louis. Between the packets General
Stonewall Jackson and the Delta Queen. Excitement was electric and
the betting ran high. From the lowliest freed slave to
the most austere creole banker. Everyone at a favorite, and
(03:52):
most of the money was on the Delta Queen. She
was a beautiful thing to see, a floating palace, rising
white and shimmering above the levee, her two stacks poaching
out the black pitch smoke which adverstised her imminent depoc Well,
mister Pellton, Yeah she's a beauty, Colonel Tolliver, I think
she is the fastest.
Speaker 3 (04:11):
Boat on the river.
Speaker 5 (04:12):
I mean to prove it.
Speaker 3 (04:13):
Come aboard, we'll get your settled here. Boy, take mister
pallin the fag r steve you yes, I sure, oh,
miss Pallain, let's go topside.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
Beat the captain.
Speaker 1 (04:31):
And what makes you so sure, captain that somebody will
try to do damage to the delta Queen. I'm not sure,
mister Palladin, and I hope I'm wrong, but we must
take care of a precaution.
Speaker 5 (04:41):
Too much depends on this trip, you.
Speaker 3 (04:43):
See, mister Peladon. The Queen has odds on favorite. Now
it's just so great. A lot of smart money is
riding on the Stonewall Jackson.
Speaker 5 (04:50):
Of course, there's no doubt about it. In my mind.
Speaker 1 (04:53):
The Queen can beat the Stonewall Jackson in the fair
race in the day of the week.
Speaker 5 (04:57):
But it's a long way to Saint.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
Louis better than the thousand miles, and anything can happen
out there on the river.
Speaker 4 (05:03):
And I'll try to see that it doesn't catch. I'm
sure you will.
Speaker 2 (05:06):
Any particular person you're suspicious of.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
No, no one in particular, miss fallin any special instructions. No,
just mingle with the passengers, wander around the boat and
keep your eyes and ears open.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
Ready the cat off? Very well?
Speaker 5 (05:23):
Shall we start, Colonel?
Speaker 3 (05:24):
All along, Miss pell let's go up to the palette house.
Speaker 1 (05:30):
Colonel, I didn't see the stone wall Jackson when they
came up.
Speaker 4 (05:34):
She needs up the waf away.
Speaker 5 (05:35):
I'll show you.
Speaker 4 (05:39):
There.
Speaker 3 (05:40):
She decided were backing out into the river.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
That's the stonewall jack.
Speaker 4 (05:44):
Yeah, she's already cast off. Does that mean that she
has started? Oh no, No, we.
Speaker 3 (05:49):
Start from the imagine her line drawn between that church people,
a big clump of trees across the river.
Speaker 5 (05:54):
You'll see how we do it, Miss.
Speaker 1 (05:55):
Fallin, standing by the cat off cast off.
Speaker 4 (06:01):
Engine room, engine room.
Speaker 1 (06:03):
Here a stern half feed turn, half speed, the captain,
how long do.
Speaker 4 (06:09):
You think it will take us to get too? Well?
Speaker 1 (06:12):
The robberty Lee made it in three days, eighteen hours
and fourteen minutes, and we aim to better that concern.
Stop engines stop, half feed forward, half free forward.
Speaker 4 (06:30):
Do we plan to make many stops? Colonel No, we'll
put in it.
Speaker 5 (06:34):
Matches Vicksburg, Memphis and Carol. Stop engines coming nicely.
Speaker 1 (06:42):
A beam of the stone wall, Jackson will signal him,
Jeez signals us.
Speaker 5 (06:51):
And all we have to do.
Speaker 1 (06:52):
Is wait for the starting flagging the cannon you see
ashore over there, the flag lowering engine room stand by a.
Speaker 3 (07:00):
When the flag gets to the bottom of the pool,
the fire of the cannon will be on our wi.
Speaker 5 (07:09):
Whose be the here?
Speaker 4 (07:22):
Have another cup of coffee, sir.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
Just a half, please.
Speaker 8 (07:27):
You?
Speaker 2 (07:27):
Sir? No, thank you. Eh.
Speaker 4 (07:30):
Have a cigar to go with the coffee, mister Paladin.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Thank you. Mmm, wonderful aroma.
Speaker 1 (07:38):
I haven't especially made for me in Havana, mister Debora, No,
thank you, You don't mind, ma'am. Oh, please go ahead,
thank you. Well, we're clipping right along. I want to
pass baton rouge and another out.
Speaker 5 (07:54):
Can't go too fast to suit my sister and me,
right honey?
Speaker 6 (07:56):
Oh yes, yea, And see. All I want is to get.
Speaker 4 (07:58):
Back home your homes in Saint Louis.
Speaker 6 (08:01):
Yes, and I've been away just too long, eh.
Speaker 1 (08:05):
What line of work are you in up in Saint Louis,
mister Devro First wholesale first used to be as good
business before beaver hats went out of style.
Speaker 4 (08:15):
It still is.
Speaker 1 (08:17):
Listen, listen, something's happened. The engines are stopped in the
middle of the river. Why I don't know, but why
don't you go find out? Yes, I think I will
you coming? No, No, I think I'll finish my coffee.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
What is it, captain? Why we stopped?
Speaker 5 (08:43):
Got a cable part of mister pallad And look here.
Speaker 1 (08:48):
You can cut halfway through with our hacksaw exactly, and
we put a strain.
Speaker 5 (08:53):
On it going around that last sandbar she parted?
Speaker 2 (08:55):
Can you fix it?
Speaker 4 (08:56):
Captain?
Speaker 5 (08:57):
Of course I can take an hour more. Meanwhile, the
stonewall Jackson will be out of sight, Miss Pallain. You
have any idea who did this?
Speaker 1 (09:06):
Well, that's a little difficult to say, captain. For one
thing that was done while you were lying up at.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
The wharf in New Orleans?
Speaker 5 (09:13):
How do you know?
Speaker 2 (09:14):
The cut ends are somewhat rusted except for the strands.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
That have just parted, and so they are, though it
might or might not have been done by someone who's aboard.
Speaker 5 (09:23):
Now you talk with passengers, do you have any suspicion?
Speaker 1 (09:28):
No?
Speaker 2 (09:29):
Not really.
Speaker 1 (09:30):
Now there is one man, doesn't bother to introduce himselves
an interesting fellow.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
I want to get to know him better.
Speaker 5 (09:38):
You will look into don't you?
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Indeed? I will, captain?
Speaker 4 (09:41):
No man enjoying your cigar, mister Paladin.
Speaker 2 (09:54):
Oh yes, yes, thank you very much.
Speaker 5 (09:57):
And have any idea? Who cut the render?
Speaker 4 (10:01):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (10:02):
Why should I?
Speaker 1 (10:03):
Yeah, that's why you're a board, Isn't it guard against
such things?
Speaker 4 (10:08):
Am I?
Speaker 1 (10:10):
You needn't be alarmed, mister Paladin. I won't give away
your secret. I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about.
Speaker 4 (10:18):
Any Well, have it your way.
Speaker 1 (10:21):
But if you were looking for a ride on a
river boat, you needn't have come this far. You could
have taken the Star of the Pacific from San Francisco
up to Sacramento River to stocktor Now, mister Paladin, you're
here because you're paid to be here.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
How do you know so much about me?
Speaker 1 (10:40):
I was a reporter on the San Francisco Morning Call
a few years back, and it is my business to
know about men like you. And because I know you
to be a square shooting fellow, I'm.
Speaker 4 (10:51):
Going to give you a little tip.
Speaker 2 (10:53):
Oh what's that?
Speaker 1 (10:54):
Before I was a reporter on the San Francisco Morning Call,
I was a reporter on the Virginia City Enterprise, and
I recollect a young buck out there that could have
been the twin brother of that Yancy Devereaux who shared
our table at dinner. Only his name wasn't Yancy Devereaux.
Then was the Sierra kidd. He had a frightening facility
(11:18):
with a deck of cards. I could have told you
then that boy would grow up to be a big
time gambler. What are you implying, I'm implying nothing, mister Palladin.
And anyway, after that cute little trick with a rudder cable,
we may just have lost.
Speaker 4 (11:35):
The race already.
Speaker 2 (11:36):
Do you think it's not serious?
Speaker 1 (11:37):
Well, look for yourself upriver. There not a light stonewall.
Jackson's miles out of sight. Unless my soul fog coming on,
this could be disastrous. There's that tricky crossing to be
made just above Bayou Sarah.
Speaker 4 (11:57):
With the water. It's such a low stage. Come along,
mister Palladin.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
Where up to the Texas deck. The captain may need
some help before this night's over. Say tell me, how
do you know so much about the rivers, sir? Well,
mister Paladin, before I was a reporter on the Virginia
City Enterprise, I was a Mississippi River pilot.
Speaker 4 (12:21):
Ah, Now, sir, you challenge my credulity, I'm sure I do.
Speaker 1 (12:27):
But then I've found truth always was stranger than fiction.
Speaker 4 (12:33):
Evening, Rodney will come in, Sam, mister Pelladin, come on in.
Speaker 6 (12:38):
Now.
Speaker 5 (12:38):
How's he look bad? Very bad? I don't like it
at all.
Speaker 4 (12:43):
That crossing up ahead? Has it changed much with the year.
Speaker 1 (12:47):
It's not a great deal that sycamore snag over toward
these banks, gone and give you.
Speaker 4 (12:53):
A little more room to get your stern around.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
Yeah, but she's built up shoalwater there, so it's still risky.
Speaker 4 (12:59):
Any other changes.
Speaker 5 (13:01):
No, otherwise, she's just about to say.
Speaker 1 (13:04):
Rodney, I'd be honored to take her over that crossing
for you in this fog. Only thing to do either
we get through the crossing in this fog or the
race is over.
Speaker 5 (13:18):
I appreciate this, Sam.
Speaker 1 (13:20):
No, no, I am in your debt, my friend to
be at the wheel of a packet again.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
Thank you.
Speaker 4 (13:31):
Now we're coming into the crossing now.
Speaker 2 (13:34):
But how do you know?
Speaker 4 (13:35):
You can't see a thing?
Speaker 1 (13:37):
Oh, you learn to feel the river, mister Palladin, you
just know.
Speaker 9 (13:42):
Lobbard legmen below, Oh afraid, let's hear how much water
you got under.
Speaker 10 (13:50):
Your high tibard legmen?
Speaker 4 (13:55):
Let's hear you sound are three well and good?
Speaker 1 (14:04):
Three fathoms We still have plenty of water, mister Palladin.
Speaker 4 (14:09):
But she'll get shallower and shallower.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
Half speed Rodney, half speed, half.
Speaker 9 (14:17):
Speed ah last way.
Speaker 1 (14:28):
Cut engines, cut engines will drift up to it, all stop,
all stop, half This will be a close thing, mister Paladin.
We only draw six feet.
Speaker 4 (14:46):
She's a crowned now Rodney full speed.
Speaker 10 (14:49):
Ahead snatcher Rodney, help me hold it now, we'll walk
her over, act and read.
Speaker 1 (15:16):
Yeah, she's all yeah, hance she made it.
Speaker 4 (15:24):
Oh she's a good boot Rodney. Mind if I keep
the helm for.
Speaker 5 (15:35):
A while, same you earned it? Keep it all night
if you want.
Speaker 1 (15:43):
Captain, I've been talking to this remarkable fellow all evening.
Speaker 4 (15:52):
Man didn't catch his name?
Speaker 2 (15:53):
Who is here?
Speaker 4 (15:54):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (15:55):
Lad Sam Cleming, I didn't. One of the best part
as that ever took a boat at the rev. Why
and now here? I read Gerbergen and Charlie McCarthy Bergan.
Speaker 4 (16:16):
Why did you stop the car here? I want to
talk to that farmer. Oh, mister boy, you call me?
Why it's Mortimer Snare.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
Oh we're who that's me?
Speaker 11 (16:26):
Are there any general motors dealers around here?
Speaker 2 (16:29):
No, no, no, but we.
Speaker 11 (16:30):
Got some Chevrolet Pontier Goldsmobile, Buick and Cadillac dealers though,
and some Chevy and GMC truck dealers too. For Mortimer,
those are all General Motors dealers.
Speaker 2 (16:42):
No, what do you want to see the wall for?
Speaker 11 (16:44):
Well, I only want to see one for Guardian maintenance.
Do they make that car too? No, that's a service
that's available only at General Motors dealers service departments. Or
see yeah, and right now they're featuring complete lubrications, quality
appearance services, break adjustments, and front end inspections. It's quality
work performed by GM train servicemen at a fair price.
Speaker 2 (17:07):
All that makes good sense, even to me.
Speaker 1 (17:16):
Thanks to mister Clemens superb pilotage, we were still in
the race, but we still had the stone wall.
Speaker 2 (17:21):
Jackson the beat, and it was.
Speaker 1 (17:22):
Not until late the next day, above Vicksburg that we
caught up with her. I tell you what was a
brave sight to see that night, the two great steamboats
plowing up river and neck and neck, their chimneys hurling
sparks to the styres, their great baddle wheels throwing a
cloud of spray. I stood on the Hurricane deck watching
him with Yancey Devereaux and his sister.
Speaker 6 (17:43):
I'll like two great thoroughbreds coming down to.
Speaker 5 (17:45):
The finish line.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
Why that, Nancy.
Speaker 1 (17:47):
Whoever takes the lead now, is that to hold the
rest of the way to Saint Louis.
Speaker 2 (17:51):
Care to bet on who that'll be, mister Devereux.
Speaker 1 (17:53):
I'm not a betting man, mister Paladin, but if I
thought the Stonewall Jackson will win the race, I'd be
aboard her.
Speaker 2 (17:59):
Instead of the well the Queen. Would I not? I
don't know, would.
Speaker 5 (18:03):
You I would? But whoever wins, we will be in
sane Louis this time to mine. That's all that matters
to me.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
Now, if you excuse me, I think I'll be off
to bed.
Speaker 6 (18:12):
And it's all the excitement, Yancy.
Speaker 5 (18:14):
I've had enough for one day. Good Night, my dear,
Good night Paladin.
Speaker 4 (18:18):
Good night Devon. Yes it is getting late.
Speaker 6 (18:23):
I believe that I should, Paladin, before you go. I
wonder if you would be.
Speaker 4 (18:27):
So kind of course? What is it you wish with.
Speaker 6 (18:31):
A window in my stateroom? I just can't seem to
get it to come open. I wonder if you could
free it for me, certainly.
Speaker 2 (18:40):
Be glad to, but won't it wait until the morning.
Speaker 6 (18:42):
Why, mister Paladin is there another young lady aboard. I
didn't know that. Oh no, no, then surely whatever beckons
you can wait till you have done me this little service.
Speaker 2 (18:55):
Of course, which is your stateroom?
Speaker 8 (18:58):
Oh didn't you know?
Speaker 6 (18:58):
It's right down?
Speaker 8 (19:00):
Ye? Come in, won't you?
Speaker 1 (19:12):
There?
Speaker 6 (19:14):
I do declare this is a lot more cozy than
that windy old deck, now, isn't it, mister Paladin?
Speaker 1 (19:20):
Yes, yes, indeed, Miss dev Ruh, where is this.
Speaker 2 (19:26):
Window that sticks?
Speaker 6 (19:27):
Don't bother with the window, mister Paladin. Put your hands up.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
Oh I see.
Speaker 6 (19:33):
You will have the pleasure of my company for the
next few minutes, mister Paladin.
Speaker 1 (19:37):
While your brother's down below doing whatever he's doing to
gum up the works of the steamboat and lose the
race for us.
Speaker 6 (19:42):
You will remain here with me until he returns.
Speaker 2 (19:45):
Very well, Miss dev Room, Hey, that's it's an interesting
roommate you have.
Speaker 4 (19:52):
What are you talking about there in the corner? That
cute little rat here?
Speaker 5 (19:58):
Miss?
Speaker 2 (19:59):
I would you that gun if you please?
Speaker 1 (20:02):
Somebody should tell your brother or whoever it is not
to send a girl to do a man's job.
Speaker 6 (20:07):
I'll screen, I'll have the whole boat down on you.
Speaker 1 (20:10):
You just do that honey, you just make it sound
real good, even in mister Palladin, looks like we're pulling
away food.
Speaker 2 (20:29):
You alone down here?
Speaker 4 (20:30):
No, I got a couple of strikers. They're taking the
easy behind the ball.
Speaker 1 (20:33):
Did you see anybody come down here, any of the passengers? No, sir, Now,
then he came down the after companionway. Come on, what if,
mister Paladin, what's wrong?
Speaker 2 (20:41):
I don't know yet, but tell me this.
Speaker 1 (20:43):
If somebody wanted to wreck the engines, what could he
do to them? You might kimming up the walk and
beam if he could, or maybe Tampa with a lubrication
on the paddle wheel.
Speaker 4 (20:51):
Journal box? And where are they back here? Through this
passage way?
Speaker 2 (20:55):
Hello?
Speaker 4 (20:55):
Pick me dev Roe.
Speaker 2 (20:58):
He's got a gun.
Speaker 8 (21:01):
That ro.
Speaker 2 (21:02):
Come down out.
Speaker 4 (21:03):
Of there, give you a distance, Paladin. He's got the
journal box open.
Speaker 2 (21:07):
I said, come down out of there, dev Ro, keep down.
Speaker 4 (21:11):
He's got a bucket full of nuts and bolts, metal junk.
Speaker 1 (21:13):
Looks like I'm warning you, Devro, come down or I'll
shut you down. Don't let him put that junk in
that journal box, mister Paladin, it'll chew up the drive
shaft and free the tight I'll stop him merciful.
Speaker 4 (21:33):
He feel backwards into the paddle wheel.
Speaker 1 (21:36):
So even in death, he wins, you'd better stop the engines.
Not now, mister Paladin, What good would it do? He's gone. Yes,
I guess you're right. We could never find him now.
(22:01):
Pepsicola refreshes without filling. Why because it's truly light.
Speaker 8 (22:06):
Charlie, you're forgetting something.
Speaker 4 (22:08):
Wait k, there's more. Yes, ice cold.
Speaker 1 (22:10):
Pepsi is the delicious refreshment that goes great at a
picnic or a party, and pepsi goes fast. People like it,
so keep plenty handy there.
Speaker 8 (22:20):
Oh, you did fine, except for one thing.
Speaker 1 (22:23):
Well, I mentioned lightness and how pepsi refreshes and how
fast it goes left out Pepsi.
Speaker 8 (22:28):
Sociability, You know the be sociable.
Speaker 4 (22:31):
Song o kay, I can't sing, I can listen, be sociable,
look SMARTE keep Poppa to dame with sempsi.
Speaker 5 (22:42):
Drink lights refreshing.
Speaker 8 (22:44):
Pepsy, Stay up the sociable, have a pepsi.
Speaker 1 (22:53):
Well, at least I can say this. Pick up an
extra carton of pepsi today.
Speaker 8 (22:57):
Please do.
Speaker 5 (23:10):
Have gun will Travel.
Speaker 1 (23:14):
Created by Herb Meadow and Sam Raw, He is produced
and directed in Hollywood by Frank Parris and stars John
Dayner as Paladin with Ben.
Speaker 5 (23:21):
Ryder's Hey Boy.
Speaker 1 (23:22):
Tonight's story was specially written for Have Gun Will Traveled
by William N.
Speaker 2 (23:26):
Robeson.
Speaker 1 (23:27):
Join us again next week when CBS Radio presents Have
Gun Will Travel The
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