September 4, 2025 • 20 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 (00:14):
Two armed men against my darringer are not very good odds,
but it's the chance I'll have to take if you
expect me to bring your sister back alive.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Have Gone, Will Travel, starring mister John Dayner as Paladin,
San Francisco, eighteen seventy five. The Carlton Hotel, headquarters of
a man called Paladin.
Speaker 3 (01:02):
Yeah, who isn't he's her?
Speaker 4 (01:04):
Boy?
Speaker 3 (01:06):
All right? You locked door, Misa Paladin. It didn't like itself.
Speaker 4 (01:13):
Hey boy, Oh you not usually do this, misalad.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
Just closing the barn door before the horses are stolen.
Speaker 4 (01:19):
Oh horse, you're not allowed in hotel.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
Yes, boy, that's why I sent you to.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
The livery stable, and everything's said.
Speaker 4 (01:27):
So you lord, big gun and little cousin.
Speaker 1 (01:30):
Too little cousin. Oh yeah, the derringer. That's kind of
insurance I need for this trip. What about the horses?
Speaker 4 (01:36):
Oh you saw a man not saber has past horse ready,
he said, unless you want a where to get fresh
ones on trip? Most unusual shorties are prickly pear springs,
Louise in lawsome valley, one eye in hangman's gout. How
he's a paladin?
Speaker 3 (01:52):
Why you go these strange.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
Places uh, well, get fresh horses, Hey boy. I just
put the list with my coat over on the bed
with it.
Speaker 4 (01:58):
Please, he saw you'll not tell, hey boy, where you
go about. He will still help you pack.
Speaker 1 (02:04):
No, no, don't bother. I'm already as soon as I
finish with these guns.
Speaker 4 (02:07):
You.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Oh my, hey boy, Hey boy, I told you I
was all packed.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
Now, you didn't need to open the saddle bags.
Speaker 4 (02:16):
Oh we saw polly.
Speaker 3 (02:18):
So much money all.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
Right, all right, now, you know that's why the door
was locked. That's payroll money for a railroad construction crew.
They had one shipment stolen. They've hired me to bring
this one in. I'm traveling alone to avoid attracting attention.
So for your own protection, hey boy, and from mine,
don't mention this to anyone, you understand, Hey boy, I
(02:41):
guess the sight of so much money has left you
speechless for once. I rode hard for five long days
(03:03):
and had as many layers of trail dust on my
clothes to prove it. But finally I arrived safely at
the miserable town of Terminal. Dirty as I was, I
began to feel cleaner as I rode along the filthy
street crowded with the riff raff in the low life
who followed construction camps. And then, suddenly, to my amazement,
I saw a young gentleman strolling along as immaculately dressed
(03:24):
as if you had just stepped out of a fashionable
haberdashers in New York City.
Speaker 3 (03:28):
And I wasn't the only one who saw him. Two
men were.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
Luring him into an alleyway, and I realized the young
man was headed for trouble.
Speaker 3 (03:35):
Come on, boy, I.
Speaker 5 (03:36):
Look out, mister, look out behind you.
Speaker 1 (03:45):
You are right, Yes, oh yes, sir, belted me.
Speaker 6 (03:50):
A good one didn't be.
Speaker 3 (03:51):
There were two of them.
Speaker 6 (03:52):
They told me that a man had been injured in here.
Speaker 3 (03:54):
I'm afraid you fell for an old trick. Here. Let
me help you up.
Speaker 6 (03:58):
Oh, thank yourself. Well, I owe you my life, I
would say, they very well could have done me in
I must repay you. So my name is Henry Matthews, Junior.
Speaker 1 (04:07):
Mine's paladin. But no, I don't worry about repaying.
Speaker 6 (04:10):
Oh I insist, mister paladin, you will have supper with us,
meet my father and sister.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
Your sister, mister Matthews, in a town like this, But
of course, why not, Well, your clothes make you somewhat
out of place in Terminal, much less your sister.
Speaker 6 (04:26):
I see what you mean. I suppose it was my
clothes that attracted those ruffians. I was looking this curious
place over. We've only just arrived, but come along. You
must meet my family.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
I didn't know there'd be a hotel in this town.
You have quite a surprise in store, sir, Yes, I'm
sure I have. O.
Speaker 6 (04:52):
We're nearly there, mister Paladin. It's just around that building.
You're like father. He's a good sort. Alice is attractive enough,
but other stuffy at times.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
You know, I still can't get over seeing you in
a place like Terminal abroad.
Speaker 3 (05:07):
Maybe to stay on the chamis.
Speaker 6 (05:08):
Actually we were all sets to take the grand to
other summer, but Father decided a trip west would be
good for us. And I love it. Alice hates it.
Father's president of the railroad, you say, And oh, there
we are, Well i'll be. It's Father's especially built for him,
a private railway coach on a siding, truly quite nice inside.
(05:29):
I think you'll like it.
Speaker 1 (05:30):
Well, I'm sure I would, mister Matthews, but I really can't.
I'm much too dirty and dusty for such accommodations. I
don't even have fresh clothes.
Speaker 6 (05:36):
No problem at all. First of bath and your choice
in my wardrobe. I'd say we're practically a beside.
Speaker 3 (05:42):
Ooh did you say bath?
Speaker 6 (05:44):
Of course the very least I could do, shall.
Speaker 1 (05:46):
We I'd be a fool of refuse. I should explain.
I'm delivering some well important papers. So even though my
saddle bag seemed filled, I don't have other clothes.
Speaker 6 (05:58):
No need to explain. Tie up here at the end
of the best of your our man will table your horse.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
Thank you.
Speaker 6 (06:04):
If you like, I'll place your saddle bags in the
coach safe. I'm sure father won't mind.
Speaker 3 (06:07):
Well, fine, I'll bring them in.
Speaker 1 (06:09):
My valuable papers will be right at home, and you're
safe right after you, Miss Paladin, thank you, sir.
Speaker 7 (06:21):
Oh there's Alice Henry Matthews Junior. Just what do you
think you're doing? Hello, Alice, I saw you from inside
with this man Junior. You aren't bringing him inside, are you?
Speaker 6 (06:34):
Yes, Alice, I am. He did me a very great favor.
He's staying for supper, my sister, Alice. Mister Peladin, how
do you do Miss Matthews Junior?
Speaker 7 (06:41):
Do you have to subject us to the company of
just any saddle tramps you drag in from the streets. Yes, really,
I thought you had better taste.
Speaker 6 (06:50):
I'm terribly embarrassed, mister Peladin.
Speaker 1 (06:52):
Well, perhaps he's right. I'm not a very pleasant looking
supper companion at the moment. We'd better make it some
other time. That looks like a boarding house of sorts
over there.
Speaker 6 (07:03):
Nonsense, You're coming inside and we'll make Alice eat her words.
You just follow me, Are you coming?
Speaker 3 (07:11):
Huh? Oh? Yes, all right, if you insist I do.
Speaker 6 (07:16):
What were you looking at those.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
Two men who tried to rob you?
Speaker 6 (07:20):
Where are they?
Speaker 3 (07:20):
No, they've disappeared. I think they were watching us.
Speaker 6 (07:24):
Well, don't worry about them. We'll be safe inside.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
Will we.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
Truthfully, Matthews, I'd rather tangle with those toughs out there
than go inside to face your sister. I soon forgot
(07:53):
about the two rough looking men outside. It was hard
to believe that I was in a miserable town of
terminal luxury of the Matthew's private railway car left nothing
to be desired. A bath, a shave, clean towels, and
a handsomely tailored suit gave me a new outlook on life.
To your good health, Paladin, and to yours, sir, I
(08:17):
think that washed away the last of my trail, does.
Speaker 6 (08:21):
I must say, Paladin, Alice's saddle tramps become more of
a gentleman than she ever met in Boston.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
It is surprising what soap and water can do, plus
clean clothes.
Speaker 6 (08:28):
Oh it's not just that, it's obvious you're a man
of culture and intelligence. I can hardly wait till Alice
sees you.
Speaker 1 (08:35):
You and your sister often, how shall we say, differences
of opinion.
Speaker 6 (08:39):
I'm just a younger brother to dear Alice. She's convinced
I have no judgment whatsoever. She may be right most
of the time, but I get rather tired of having
approve it. I'm sure to show her up with you,
but we'll soon find out. Father ought to be back now.
He had some business with the foreman of the construction crew.
Speaker 3 (08:55):
Yes, I'm looking forward to meeting him.
Speaker 6 (08:57):
I imagine he's in the drawing room. Yeah, he is
right here.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
Father, what's this?
Speaker 8 (09:02):
Alice has been telling me about you inviting some drifter
to supper.
Speaker 7 (09:05):
That's exactly what he did.
Speaker 6 (09:06):
Father, a complete stranger.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
Oh, good evening, Miss Matthews.
Speaker 6 (09:13):
Alice here it's not polite to stare.
Speaker 1 (09:15):
May I say, miss Matthews, that's a lovely gown you're wearing, Junior.
What the devil is going on? Bother way?
Speaker 6 (09:22):
I present mister Paladin, my drifter as well as my benefactor.
He saved me from being beaten and robbed this afternoon.
Speaker 3 (09:27):
How do you do, sir?
Speaker 1 (09:28):
We'll welcome aboard, mister Paladin.
Speaker 8 (09:31):
Anyone who can keep Junior out of trouble is a
good man, really, Alice, he doesn't seem so objectionable.
Speaker 6 (09:36):
Not in Junior's suit, father, Oh it's not my suit
any longer fits him better than it did me. Anyway.
Speaker 7 (09:41):
Didn't mister Paladin have any clothes of his own?
Speaker 6 (09:44):
He was traveling light delivering valuable papers, didn't you say, Paladin?
Speaker 1 (09:47):
I believe they're now delivered. I brought your payroll from
San Francisco. Mister Matthews, is in the coach safe? Well,
didn't tell me, Paladin?
Speaker 6 (09:55):
You brought it alone.
Speaker 1 (09:57):
One rider attracts less attention than an armed guard.
Speaker 3 (10:01):
Amazing. I like your style, Mist Paladin.
Speaker 1 (10:05):
We needed that cash desperately. Well, this calls for a celebration.
Speaker 6 (10:09):
A double one. I've already asked Cook to prepare something special.
One champagne.
Speaker 8 (10:12):
Father, Good for you, Junior, let's go into supper.
Speaker 6 (10:15):
I think, for once you've.
Speaker 1 (10:16):
Done the right thing.
Speaker 6 (10:17):
Thank you, father, I thought you'd.
Speaker 1 (10:18):
Approved my arm Miss Matthews, Thank you. Is not often
a simple man of the saddle has a chance to
dine with so gentle a lady. Oh shut up, my
pleasure man. I'd have been quite skeptical if someone had
(10:42):
told me when I wrote in a terminal that I'd
soon be dining in plush surroundings on continental cuisine with
the president of a railroad, his son, and very lovely daughter,
Miss Alice Matthews, took every opportunity to discount me as
being any kind of gentleman, but to her brother's delight,
I was able to counter her. Every morning, after supper
she excused herself for a breath of fresh air on
(11:03):
the bestbule. I would have been very happy to join her,
but mister Matthews wanted to talk business, and talk he
did for nearly an hour.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
Yes, service, Paladin, there's plenty of money to be made
in the West. Our railroad will serve the new vine
just opened. Limitless possibility.
Speaker 6 (11:19):
Really, Father, our guest has been riding night and day
on our behalf. We ought to turn in so he
can have the rest he's certainly earned.
Speaker 8 (11:25):
We've been terribly ruder started, Will you forgive us?
Speaker 1 (11:28):
No, there's nothing to forgive. I've enjoyed the company and
the supper was superb. My compliments to your chef, and
my deep appreciation to Miss Matthews.
Speaker 6 (11:37):
Is dear Alice rather retreated in confusion, didn't she say?
Speaker 3 (11:41):
I didn't see her come back into the coach, and.
Speaker 8 (11:43):
No doubt regard some time ago business talk rather Boresalatte.
Speaker 6 (11:47):
And Paladin here shout her up beautifully on any other subject.
Speaker 3 (11:50):
Well, I didn't mean to exactly.
Speaker 6 (11:53):
She deserved it. I'm forever grateful to you.
Speaker 3 (11:55):
Show Miss Paladin into his quarter.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
Juniors, stay clear of the window.
Speaker 1 (12:00):
Was that it was like a stone someone threw him
to the coach? Wait a minute, yeah, here it is.
It's under the table. There's a note. Time to it?
A note?
Speaker 3 (12:12):
What could that mean?
Speaker 1 (12:13):
You'll soon see there's a ring in it wasn't miss
Alice wearingness?
Speaker 3 (12:20):
Why? Yes, this is herrie.
Speaker 6 (12:23):
I don't understand.
Speaker 3 (12:24):
I'm afraid I do this note.
Speaker 1 (12:27):
Mss Matthews is being held for ten thousand dollars ransom.
Speaker 3 (12:31):
She's been kidnapped.
Speaker 1 (12:49):
The crudely scrawled note demanded ten thousand dollars for the
return of the young lady. It also stated that her
brother was to deliver the money behind the Terminal saloon
at midnight, and he was to come alone unarmed. The
Matthews Senior and Junior offered rather drastic solutions.
Speaker 6 (13:04):
I'll deliver the money and then thrust the scoundrel.
Speaker 8 (13:06):
We'll call out the whole construction, have them tear this town.
Speaker 1 (13:09):
Apart, gentlemen, gentlemen. Either way, miss Alice might be harmed.
The two men who tried to rob Henry and then
followed us here are probably behind this. No, we'd better
comply with their orders with one exception. What do you mean, Paladin,
It's obvious that if you took the money, they'd take
you too, demand double the ransom.
Speaker 3 (13:26):
That was almost midnight.
Speaker 1 (13:27):
I'm already dressed in your clothes, and we'll have to
take the chance that they'll mistake.
Speaker 3 (13:30):
Me for you.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
And if they don't, now, well, I'll simply tell them
i'm her older brother.
Speaker 3 (13:35):
After that, I'll just see what I can do.
Speaker 8 (13:37):
But couldn't I it's brave of you to offer, Junior,
But mister Paladin's better equipped for this sort of thing.
Speaker 3 (13:41):
We'll pay you well. No, I wouldn't think of it.
Speaker 8 (13:43):
That's very sporting of you, miss Paladin.
Speaker 6 (13:45):
But nonsense.
Speaker 2 (13:46):
Can't I even go with you, they said, alone Junior.
Speaker 6 (13:48):
But he won't be armed.
Speaker 1 (13:49):
No, not with my six gun. Just its little cousin
well concealed. They get home, my Darren jer good idea,
mister Paladine. Now there's only one thing that bothers me. Yes,
your sister the kidnappers might accept me as her brother,
but I doubt if she will. I had a feeling
I was being watched from the moment I stepped out
of the railway coach. The gambling saloons were doing a
(14:12):
big business, so there were very few people on the streets.
I found the terminal saloon and walked behind it into
the darkness, and the vague feeling that someone was behind
me suddenly grew less vague when I felt a gun
viral against my back.
Speaker 5 (14:26):
Don't move, mister, no guns, eh, good thing for you.
Speaker 1 (14:33):
We followed your orders to the letter.
Speaker 5 (14:38):
What are you doing just putting a bag over your head, mister,
and turn around got that satchel and stick out your hands.
Speaker 3 (14:47):
What's the meaning of Roberts? I ain't taking no chances.
Speaker 1 (14:52):
And what do you think you're doing with your hands
tied and your head curvered?
Speaker 3 (14:56):
You stay out of mischief. Here we are all.
Speaker 1 (15:00):
The money in his bag.
Speaker 3 (15:01):
You see for yourself.
Speaker 5 (15:02):
Oh, don't you worry. I will right now. We're gonna
take a little wagon trip. Move into the line, mister
(15:24):
climbed down?
Speaker 1 (15:26):
How can I I can't see where this confounded sack
on my head.
Speaker 3 (15:29):
My hands are tied. Oh then I'll just help you.
Speaker 5 (15:36):
Yeah, you too, sure ain't good at getting in and
out of wagon.
Speaker 3 (15:41):
Come on, get up, let's go.
Speaker 6 (15:51):
Inside.
Speaker 3 (15:54):
You get him.
Speaker 5 (15:55):
I got him money too.
Speaker 3 (15:59):
I guess we paid her at this time. Yeah, and
we're going to double it. My father will hear about this.
Oh that's right, sonny. We'll get word to him. Should
I put him in the other room of the girl.
Speaker 5 (16:09):
Yeah, I want to take a good look at this money.
Speaker 9 (16:12):
Come on, rich boy, here's your little brother, lady wrapped
up nice and me.
Speaker 7 (16:22):
I don't believe you.
Speaker 9 (16:24):
Yees see for yourself. I'll take this sack off and
show you when they tell you.
Speaker 1 (16:33):
Alice dear sister, are you all right?
Speaker 2 (16:36):
Come here and help me count this money we got?
Speaker 1 (16:38):
Decide how much?
Speaker 3 (16:39):
Dash for him? All right?
Speaker 8 (16:42):
I leave a door open, says we can watch him.
Speaker 1 (16:45):
What for?
Speaker 9 (16:46):
They ain't doing nothing.
Speaker 3 (16:48):
Put your arms around me, miss Matthews. You're supposed to
be my sister.
Speaker 7 (16:51):
My arms around you.
Speaker 3 (16:53):
You might just save our lives.
Speaker 7 (16:54):
Our lives. Oh, yes, like this?
Speaker 1 (16:59):
Yes, hug me now and listen carefully. Don't move suddenly,
but put your hand under my coat. Why there's a
darringers strapped under my arm. Get it for me.
Speaker 7 (17:11):
I can't reach it without moving.
Speaker 3 (17:12):
You've got to My wrists are tied. Pretend you're reaching
up to kiss me.
Speaker 7 (17:16):
I couldn't kiss me. All right, there, I've got it.
Speaker 3 (17:23):
Now, put it in my hand. I can hold it.
Speaker 6 (17:24):
What's going on there?
Speaker 3 (17:26):
When I turned to face them, dropped to the floor?
Is he kind of lovely? Debby? Now her brother and
sister here? What do you two?
Speaker 4 (17:33):
Long?
Speaker 3 (17:33):
Move gentlemen. He's gotta get him hit the.
Speaker 1 (17:36):
Floor, Alice, How are you all right?
Speaker 3 (17:43):
Miss Matthews?
Speaker 7 (17:47):
Are they did?
Speaker 3 (17:48):
They are?
Speaker 1 (17:49):
Oh?
Speaker 7 (17:50):
Oh, thank you, mister Pelladin. I must apologize for the
way I acted.
Speaker 3 (17:59):
Don't give it an the thought, Miss Matthews.
Speaker 7 (18:02):
It seems our whole family is indebted to you. Isn't
there any way I can show my gratitude?
Speaker 2 (18:09):
Well you might, Untie my hands. Have Gun Will Travel?
(18:38):
Created by Herb Meadow and Sam Roth, is produced stand
directed in Hollywood by Frank Parris and stars John Dayner
as Paladin, with Ben Wright as hey Boy and Virginia
Gregg as Miss Wong. Tonight's story was specially written for
Have Gun Will Travel by Rod Peterson. Featured in the
cast were Jack Edwards, Parley Bear, James Nusser, Jack Moyles,
and Eleanor Berry. And now here's a special word from
(19:01):
our star, John Dayner.
Speaker 1 (19:04):
The current Crusade for Freedom campaign is important to all
of us. The forthcoming summit meetings could yield real results
for peace and freedom, or they could turn into a
propaganda parade for the communists. Now, one pressure on the
Communists to come to terms is truth, the whole truth.
Radio Free Europe sends through the Iron Curtain. Your truth
(19:26):
dollars or half dollars or whatever you can give will
help do the job. Send your truth dollars to Crusade
for Freedom care of your postmaster.
Speaker 2 (19:37):
This is Hugh Douglas inviting you to join us again
next week when CBS Radio presents Have Gun, Will Travel
(20:00):
Ever
Two armed men against my darringer are not very good odds,
but it's the chance I'll have to take if you
expect me to bring your sister back alive.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Have Gone, Will Travel, starring mister John Dayner as Paladin,
San Francisco, eighteen seventy five. The Carlton Hotel, headquarters of
a man called Paladin.
Speaker 3 (01:02):
Yeah, who isn't he's her?
Speaker 4 (01:04):
Boy?
Speaker 3 (01:06):
All right? You locked door, Misa Paladin. It didn't like itself.
Speaker 4 (01:13):
Hey boy, Oh you not usually do this, misalad.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
Just closing the barn door before the horses are stolen.
Speaker 4 (01:19):
Oh horse, you're not allowed in hotel.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
Yes, boy, that's why I sent you to.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
The livery stable, and everything's said.
Speaker 4 (01:27):
So you lord, big gun and little cousin.
Speaker 1 (01:30):
Too little cousin. Oh yeah, the derringer. That's kind of
insurance I need for this trip. What about the horses?
Speaker 4 (01:36):
Oh you saw a man not saber has past horse ready,
he said, unless you want a where to get fresh
ones on trip? Most unusual shorties are prickly pear springs,
Louise in lawsome valley, one eye in hangman's gout. How
he's a paladin?
Speaker 3 (01:52):
Why you go these strange.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
Places uh, well, get fresh horses, Hey boy. I just
put the list with my coat over on the bed
with it.
Speaker 4 (01:58):
Please, he saw you'll not tell, hey boy, where you
go about. He will still help you pack.
Speaker 1 (02:04):
No, no, don't bother. I'm already as soon as I
finish with these guns.
Speaker 4 (02:07):
You.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Oh my, hey boy, Hey boy, I told you I
was all packed.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
Now, you didn't need to open the saddle bags.
Speaker 4 (02:16):
Oh we saw polly.
Speaker 3 (02:18):
So much money all.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
Right, all right, now, you know that's why the door
was locked. That's payroll money for a railroad construction crew.
They had one shipment stolen. They've hired me to bring
this one in. I'm traveling alone to avoid attracting attention.
So for your own protection, hey boy, and from mine,
don't mention this to anyone, you understand, Hey boy, I
(02:41):
guess the sight of so much money has left you
speechless for once. I rode hard for five long days
(03:03):
and had as many layers of trail dust on my
clothes to prove it. But finally I arrived safely at
the miserable town of Terminal. Dirty as I was, I
began to feel cleaner as I rode along the filthy
street crowded with the riff raff in the low life
who followed construction camps. And then, suddenly, to my amazement,
I saw a young gentleman strolling along as immaculately dressed
(03:24):
as if you had just stepped out of a fashionable
haberdashers in New York City.
Speaker 3 (03:28):
And I wasn't the only one who saw him. Two
men were.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
Luring him into an alleyway, and I realized the young
man was headed for trouble.
Speaker 3 (03:35):
Come on, boy, I.
Speaker 5 (03:36):
Look out, mister, look out behind you.
Speaker 1 (03:45):
You are right, Yes, oh yes, sir, belted me.
Speaker 6 (03:50):
A good one didn't be.
Speaker 3 (03:51):
There were two of them.
Speaker 6 (03:52):
They told me that a man had been injured in here.
Speaker 3 (03:54):
I'm afraid you fell for an old trick. Here. Let
me help you up.
Speaker 6 (03:58):
Oh, thank yourself. Well, I owe you my life, I
would say, they very well could have done me in
I must repay you. So my name is Henry Matthews, Junior.
Speaker 1 (04:07):
Mine's paladin. But no, I don't worry about repaying.
Speaker 6 (04:10):
Oh I insist, mister paladin, you will have supper with us,
meet my father and sister.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
Your sister, mister Matthews, in a town like this, But
of course, why not, Well, your clothes make you somewhat
out of place in Terminal, much less your sister.
Speaker 6 (04:26):
I see what you mean. I suppose it was my
clothes that attracted those ruffians. I was looking this curious
place over. We've only just arrived, but come along. You
must meet my family.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
I didn't know there'd be a hotel in this town.
You have quite a surprise in store, sir, Yes, I'm
sure I have. O.
Speaker 6 (04:52):
We're nearly there, mister Paladin. It's just around that building.
You're like father. He's a good sort. Alice is attractive enough,
but other stuffy at times.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
You know, I still can't get over seeing you in
a place like Terminal abroad.
Speaker 3 (05:07):
Maybe to stay on the chamis.
Speaker 6 (05:08):
Actually we were all sets to take the grand to
other summer, but Father decided a trip west would be
good for us. And I love it. Alice hates it.
Father's president of the railroad, you say, And oh, there
we are, Well i'll be. It's Father's especially built for him,
a private railway coach on a siding, truly quite nice inside.
(05:29):
I think you'll like it.
Speaker 1 (05:30):
Well, I'm sure I would, mister Matthews, but I really can't.
I'm much too dirty and dusty for such accommodations. I
don't even have fresh clothes.
Speaker 6 (05:36):
No problem at all. First of bath and your choice
in my wardrobe. I'd say we're practically a beside.
Speaker 3 (05:42):
Ooh did you say bath?
Speaker 6 (05:44):
Of course the very least I could do, shall.
Speaker 1 (05:46):
We I'd be a fool of refuse. I should explain.
I'm delivering some well important papers. So even though my
saddle bag seemed filled, I don't have other clothes.
Speaker 6 (05:58):
No need to explain. Tie up here at the end
of the best of your our man will table your horse.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
Thank you.
Speaker 6 (06:04):
If you like, I'll place your saddle bags in the
coach safe. I'm sure father won't mind.
Speaker 3 (06:07):
Well, fine, I'll bring them in.
Speaker 1 (06:09):
My valuable papers will be right at home, and you're
safe right after you, Miss Paladin, thank you, sir.
Speaker 7 (06:21):
Oh there's Alice Henry Matthews Junior. Just what do you
think you're doing? Hello, Alice, I saw you from inside
with this man Junior. You aren't bringing him inside, are you?
Speaker 6 (06:34):
Yes, Alice, I am. He did me a very great favor.
He's staying for supper, my sister, Alice. Mister Peladin, how
do you do Miss Matthews Junior?
Speaker 7 (06:41):
Do you have to subject us to the company of
just any saddle tramps you drag in from the streets. Yes, really,
I thought you had better taste.
Speaker 6 (06:50):
I'm terribly embarrassed, mister Peladin.
Speaker 1 (06:52):
Well, perhaps he's right. I'm not a very pleasant looking
supper companion at the moment. We'd better make it some
other time. That looks like a boarding house of sorts
over there.
Speaker 6 (07:03):
Nonsense, You're coming inside and we'll make Alice eat her words.
You just follow me, Are you coming?
Speaker 3 (07:11):
Huh? Oh? Yes, all right, if you insist I do.
Speaker 6 (07:16):
What were you looking at those.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
Two men who tried to rob you?
Speaker 6 (07:20):
Where are they?
Speaker 3 (07:20):
No, they've disappeared. I think they were watching us.
Speaker 6 (07:24):
Well, don't worry about them. We'll be safe inside.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
Will we.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
Truthfully, Matthews, I'd rather tangle with those toughs out there
than go inside to face your sister. I soon forgot
(07:53):
about the two rough looking men outside. It was hard
to believe that I was in a miserable town of
terminal luxury of the Matthew's private railway car left nothing
to be desired. A bath, a shave, clean towels, and
a handsomely tailored suit gave me a new outlook on life.
To your good health, Paladin, and to yours, sir, I
(08:17):
think that washed away the last of my trail, does.
Speaker 6 (08:21):
I must say, Paladin, Alice's saddle tramps become more of
a gentleman than she ever met in Boston.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
It is surprising what soap and water can do, plus
clean clothes.
Speaker 6 (08:28):
Oh it's not just that, it's obvious you're a man
of culture and intelligence. I can hardly wait till Alice
sees you.
Speaker 1 (08:35):
You and your sister often, how shall we say, differences
of opinion.
Speaker 6 (08:39):
I'm just a younger brother to dear Alice. She's convinced
I have no judgment whatsoever. She may be right most
of the time, but I get rather tired of having
approve it. I'm sure to show her up with you,
but we'll soon find out. Father ought to be back now.
He had some business with the foreman of the construction crew.
Speaker 3 (08:55):
Yes, I'm looking forward to meeting him.
Speaker 6 (08:57):
I imagine he's in the drawing room. Yeah, he is
right here.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
Father, what's this?
Speaker 8 (09:02):
Alice has been telling me about you inviting some drifter
to supper.
Speaker 7 (09:05):
That's exactly what he did.
Speaker 6 (09:06):
Father, a complete stranger.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
Oh, good evening, Miss Matthews.
Speaker 6 (09:13):
Alice here it's not polite to stare.
Speaker 1 (09:15):
May I say, miss Matthews, that's a lovely gown you're wearing, Junior.
What the devil is going on? Bother way?
Speaker 6 (09:22):
I present mister Paladin, my drifter as well as my benefactor.
He saved me from being beaten and robbed this afternoon.
Speaker 3 (09:27):
How do you do, sir?
Speaker 1 (09:28):
We'll welcome aboard, mister Paladin.
Speaker 8 (09:31):
Anyone who can keep Junior out of trouble is a
good man, really, Alice, he doesn't seem so objectionable.
Speaker 6 (09:36):
Not in Junior's suit, father, Oh it's not my suit
any longer fits him better than it did me. Anyway.
Speaker 7 (09:41):
Didn't mister Paladin have any clothes of his own?
Speaker 6 (09:44):
He was traveling light delivering valuable papers, didn't you say, Paladin?
Speaker 1 (09:47):
I believe they're now delivered. I brought your payroll from
San Francisco. Mister Matthews, is in the coach safe? Well,
didn't tell me, Paladin?
Speaker 6 (09:55):
You brought it alone.
Speaker 1 (09:57):
One rider attracts less attention than an armed guard.
Speaker 3 (10:01):
Amazing. I like your style, Mist Paladin.
Speaker 1 (10:05):
We needed that cash desperately. Well, this calls for a celebration.
Speaker 6 (10:09):
A double one. I've already asked Cook to prepare something special.
One champagne.
Speaker 8 (10:12):
Father, Good for you, Junior, let's go into supper.
Speaker 6 (10:15):
I think, for once you've.
Speaker 1 (10:16):
Done the right thing.
Speaker 6 (10:17):
Thank you, father, I thought you'd.
Speaker 1 (10:18):
Approved my arm Miss Matthews, Thank you. Is not often
a simple man of the saddle has a chance to
dine with so gentle a lady. Oh shut up, my
pleasure man. I'd have been quite skeptical if someone had
(10:42):
told me when I wrote in a terminal that I'd
soon be dining in plush surroundings on continental cuisine with
the president of a railroad, his son, and very lovely daughter,
Miss Alice Matthews, took every opportunity to discount me as
being any kind of gentleman, but to her brother's delight,
I was able to counter her. Every morning, after supper
she excused herself for a breath of fresh air on
(11:03):
the bestbule. I would have been very happy to join her,
but mister Matthews wanted to talk business, and talk he
did for nearly an hour.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
Yes, service, Paladin, there's plenty of money to be made
in the West. Our railroad will serve the new vine
just opened. Limitless possibility.
Speaker 6 (11:19):
Really, Father, our guest has been riding night and day
on our behalf. We ought to turn in so he
can have the rest he's certainly earned.
Speaker 8 (11:25):
We've been terribly ruder started, Will you forgive us?
Speaker 1 (11:28):
No, there's nothing to forgive. I've enjoyed the company and
the supper was superb. My compliments to your chef, and
my deep appreciation to Miss Matthews.
Speaker 6 (11:37):
Is dear Alice rather retreated in confusion, didn't she say?
Speaker 3 (11:41):
I didn't see her come back into the coach, and.
Speaker 8 (11:43):
No doubt regard some time ago business talk rather Boresalatte.
Speaker 6 (11:47):
And Paladin here shout her up beautifully on any other subject.
Speaker 3 (11:50):
Well, I didn't mean to exactly.
Speaker 6 (11:53):
She deserved it. I'm forever grateful to you.
Speaker 3 (11:55):
Show Miss Paladin into his quarter.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
Juniors, stay clear of the window.
Speaker 1 (12:00):
Was that it was like a stone someone threw him
to the coach? Wait a minute, yeah, here it is.
It's under the table. There's a note. Time to it?
A note?
Speaker 3 (12:12):
What could that mean?
Speaker 1 (12:13):
You'll soon see there's a ring in it wasn't miss
Alice wearingness?
Speaker 3 (12:20):
Why? Yes, this is herrie.
Speaker 6 (12:23):
I don't understand.
Speaker 3 (12:24):
I'm afraid I do this note.
Speaker 1 (12:27):
Mss Matthews is being held for ten thousand dollars ransom.
Speaker 3 (12:31):
She's been kidnapped.
Speaker 1 (12:49):
The crudely scrawled note demanded ten thousand dollars for the
return of the young lady. It also stated that her
brother was to deliver the money behind the Terminal saloon
at midnight, and he was to come alone unarmed. The
Matthews Senior and Junior offered rather drastic solutions.
Speaker 6 (13:04):
I'll deliver the money and then thrust the scoundrel.
Speaker 8 (13:06):
We'll call out the whole construction, have them tear this town.
Speaker 1 (13:09):
Apart, gentlemen, gentlemen. Either way, miss Alice might be harmed.
The two men who tried to rob Henry and then
followed us here are probably behind this. No, we'd better
comply with their orders with one exception. What do you mean, Paladin,
It's obvious that if you took the money, they'd take
you too, demand double the ransom.
Speaker 3 (13:26):
That was almost midnight.
Speaker 1 (13:27):
I'm already dressed in your clothes, and we'll have to
take the chance that they'll mistake.
Speaker 3 (13:30):
Me for you.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
And if they don't, now, well, I'll simply tell them
i'm her older brother.
Speaker 3 (13:35):
After that, I'll just see what I can do.
Speaker 8 (13:37):
But couldn't I it's brave of you to offer, Junior,
But mister Paladin's better equipped for this sort of thing.
Speaker 3 (13:41):
We'll pay you well. No, I wouldn't think of it.
Speaker 8 (13:43):
That's very sporting of you, miss Paladin.
Speaker 6 (13:45):
But nonsense.
Speaker 2 (13:46):
Can't I even go with you, they said, alone Junior.
Speaker 6 (13:48):
But he won't be armed.
Speaker 1 (13:49):
No, not with my six gun. Just its little cousin
well concealed. They get home, my Darren jer good idea,
mister Paladine. Now there's only one thing that bothers me. Yes,
your sister the kidnappers might accept me as her brother,
but I doubt if she will. I had a feeling
I was being watched from the moment I stepped out
of the railway coach. The gambling saloons were doing a
(14:12):
big business, so there were very few people on the streets.
I found the terminal saloon and walked behind it into
the darkness, and the vague feeling that someone was behind
me suddenly grew less vague when I felt a gun
viral against my back.
Speaker 5 (14:26):
Don't move, mister, no guns, eh, good thing for you.
Speaker 1 (14:33):
We followed your orders to the letter.
Speaker 5 (14:38):
What are you doing just putting a bag over your head, mister,
and turn around got that satchel and stick out your hands.
Speaker 3 (14:47):
What's the meaning of Roberts? I ain't taking no chances.
Speaker 1 (14:52):
And what do you think you're doing with your hands
tied and your head curvered?
Speaker 3 (14:56):
You stay out of mischief. Here we are all.
Speaker 1 (15:00):
The money in his bag.
Speaker 3 (15:01):
You see for yourself.
Speaker 5 (15:02):
Oh, don't you worry. I will right now. We're gonna
take a little wagon trip. Move into the line, mister
(15:24):
climbed down?
Speaker 1 (15:26):
How can I I can't see where this confounded sack
on my head.
Speaker 3 (15:29):
My hands are tied. Oh then I'll just help you.
Speaker 5 (15:36):
Yeah, you too, sure ain't good at getting in and
out of wagon.
Speaker 3 (15:41):
Come on, get up, let's go.
Speaker 6 (15:51):
Inside.
Speaker 3 (15:54):
You get him.
Speaker 5 (15:55):
I got him money too.
Speaker 3 (15:59):
I guess we paid her at this time. Yeah, and
we're going to double it. My father will hear about this.
Oh that's right, sonny. We'll get word to him. Should
I put him in the other room of the girl.
Speaker 5 (16:09):
Yeah, I want to take a good look at this money.
Speaker 9 (16:12):
Come on, rich boy, here's your little brother, lady wrapped
up nice and me.
Speaker 7 (16:22):
I don't believe you.
Speaker 9 (16:24):
Yees see for yourself. I'll take this sack off and
show you when they tell you.
Speaker 1 (16:33):
Alice dear sister, are you all right?
Speaker 2 (16:36):
Come here and help me count this money we got?
Speaker 1 (16:38):
Decide how much?
Speaker 3 (16:39):
Dash for him? All right?
Speaker 8 (16:42):
I leave a door open, says we can watch him.
Speaker 1 (16:45):
What for?
Speaker 9 (16:46):
They ain't doing nothing.
Speaker 3 (16:48):
Put your arms around me, miss Matthews. You're supposed to
be my sister.
Speaker 7 (16:51):
My arms around you.
Speaker 3 (16:53):
You might just save our lives.
Speaker 7 (16:54):
Our lives. Oh, yes, like this?
Speaker 1 (16:59):
Yes, hug me now and listen carefully. Don't move suddenly,
but put your hand under my coat. Why there's a
darringers strapped under my arm. Get it for me.
Speaker 7 (17:11):
I can't reach it without moving.
Speaker 3 (17:12):
You've got to My wrists are tied. Pretend you're reaching
up to kiss me.
Speaker 7 (17:16):
I couldn't kiss me. All right, there, I've got it.
Speaker 3 (17:23):
Now, put it in my hand. I can hold it.
Speaker 6 (17:24):
What's going on there?
Speaker 3 (17:26):
When I turned to face them, dropped to the floor?
Is he kind of lovely? Debby? Now her brother and
sister here? What do you two?
Speaker 4 (17:33):
Long?
Speaker 3 (17:33):
Move gentlemen. He's gotta get him hit the.
Speaker 1 (17:36):
Floor, Alice, How are you all right?
Speaker 3 (17:43):
Miss Matthews?
Speaker 7 (17:47):
Are they did?
Speaker 3 (17:48):
They are?
Speaker 1 (17:49):
Oh?
Speaker 7 (17:50):
Oh, thank you, mister Pelladin. I must apologize for the
way I acted.
Speaker 3 (17:59):
Don't give it an the thought, Miss Matthews.
Speaker 7 (18:02):
It seems our whole family is indebted to you. Isn't
there any way I can show my gratitude?
Speaker 2 (18:09):
Well you might, Untie my hands. Have Gun Will Travel?
(18:38):
Created by Herb Meadow and Sam Roth, is produced stand
directed in Hollywood by Frank Parris and stars John Dayner
as Paladin, with Ben Wright as hey Boy and Virginia
Gregg as Miss Wong. Tonight's story was specially written for
Have Gun Will Travel by Rod Peterson. Featured in the
cast were Jack Edwards, Parley Bear, James Nusser, Jack Moyles,
and Eleanor Berry. And now here's a special word from
(19:01):
our star, John Dayner.
Speaker 1 (19:04):
The current Crusade for Freedom campaign is important to all
of us. The forthcoming summit meetings could yield real results
for peace and freedom, or they could turn into a
propaganda parade for the communists. Now, one pressure on the
Communists to come to terms is truth, the whole truth.
Radio Free Europe sends through the Iron Curtain. Your truth
(19:26):
dollars or half dollars or whatever you can give will
help do the job. Send your truth dollars to Crusade
for Freedom care of your postmaster.
Speaker 2 (19:37):
This is Hugh Douglas inviting you to join us again
next week when CBS Radio presents Have Gun, Will Travel
(20:00):
Ever
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