May 10, 2025 • 25 mins
Hope you enjoy this episode of Luke Slaughter of Tombstone! Find all our OTR internet radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube
Luke Slaughter of Tombstone debuted on February 23, 1958 and, sadly, only ran for a total of 16 episodes. Sam Buffington played Luke Slaughter, a Civil War cavalry officer, turned cattle rancher, in post-Civil War Arizona Territory near Fort Huachuca and the town of Tombstone, not far from the U.S. southern border. This was a well-received program but was cut short due to the pressure of television at the time. At the beginning of each show we hear "Slaughter's my name, Luke Slaughter. Cattle's my business. It's a tough business, it's a big business. I got a big stake in it. And there's no man west of the Rio Grande big enough to take it away from me."
Luke Slaughter of Tombstone debuted on February 23, 1958 and, sadly, only ran for a total of 16 episodes. Sam Buffington played Luke Slaughter, a Civil War cavalry officer, turned cattle rancher, in post-Civil War Arizona Territory near Fort Huachuca and the town of Tombstone, not far from the U.S. southern border. This was a well-received program but was cut short due to the pressure of television at the time. At the beginning of each show we hear "Slaughter's my name, Luke Slaughter. Cattle's my business. It's a tough business, it's a big business. I got a big stake in it. And there's no man west of the Rio Grande big enough to take it away from me."
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
Slaughter's my name. Luke Slaughter. Cattle's my business. It's a
tough business, it's big business. I've got a big stake
in it. There's no man west of the Rio Grand
big enough to take it from me.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Luke Slutter of Tombstone. Luke Slutter of Tombstone, Civil War
cavalryman turned Arizona cattleman across the territory from Yuma to
(00:53):
Fort Defiance, from Flagstaff to the Watchukas, and below the
border through Chihuahua and Sonora. His name was respect or fear,
depending on which side of the law you were on.
Man of vision, man of legend. Luke Slutter of Tombstone.
Speaker 1 (01:21):
I came from Texas to the Arizona Territory with two
thousand head of scrawny longhorns, But the good grass in
the valley of the San Pedro fattened them up like butter.
And when I got a contract to deliver a thousand
head to the Indian Agency at San Carlos, I signed
with a clear conscience. When you sell beef to the government,
they want good beef. They always seem to want it. Yesterday, Hey,
(01:46):
witch it out. Where are the steers from the southeast section.
Speaker 3 (01:50):
One and whose went for them?
Speaker 4 (01:53):
You, Frankie, You don't run them. Critters ain't gotta be
delivered with legs on.
Speaker 1 (01:58):
Well, they won't lose much wait on the trail to
San Carlos.
Speaker 4 (02:01):
No lot of grass on the route. Your picture have
to hustle him to make it six days old?
Speaker 1 (02:07):
Luke, Yeah, we sure can't let them do any sights
in close. Had the next batch frecky.
Speaker 4 (02:13):
I wish we had a few more hands.
Speaker 5 (02:15):
Fifteen hundred longhorns is a big passel for six men
and a cook.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
A thousand head, which it a that's what the contract
calls for.
Speaker 5 (02:22):
If we delivered two out of ever three we start
out with, we're doing mine and nifty.
Speaker 1 (02:27):
What are you talking about? If I lost one out
of ten on a simple six day trail in perfect
spring weather, I wouldn't dare call myself a cattleman.
Speaker 6 (02:36):
You've been operating in Texas, whether there ain't no mountains,
no rivers, no engines, no rustlers, and no legal acting
robbers who charge you in cattle if you set foot
on their greensland.
Speaker 4 (02:51):
There ain't no problems in Texas. Matter of fact, there
ain't nothing in Texas.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
I knew I had some reason for Gomadarazana. I'm still
not losing one for three or when knows this?
Speaker 7 (03:03):
Yes, lotter ten you a witch.
Speaker 4 (03:05):
The name's Witch Tall And where's them critters?
Speaker 3 (03:08):
You and Jose were supposed to cut and bring in?
Speaker 7 (03:11):
They'll come with hose.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
Oh why didn't you help him?
Speaker 8 (03:13):
One?
Speaker 1 (03:13):
We're in a hurry.
Speaker 7 (03:14):
It don't take usse long, only fifty little cattle.
Speaker 5 (03:18):
I told you that cut one hundred, your loafing scallowag.
Speaker 7 (03:21):
There were not one hundred left.
Speaker 9 (03:23):
I think maybe a minutes visit the southeast sixtion last night.
Speaker 5 (03:27):
Luke, I've been telling you it was ramirous picking away
it our herd.
Speaker 4 (03:31):
This time he's really hit us.
Speaker 5 (03:33):
And if you're asking me, you'd better get out a party.
Speaker 8 (03:36):
And who are for him?
Speaker 1 (03:37):
Now? There isn't time witch do. If they don't hit
the trail today, we can't live up to the contract.
Speaker 5 (03:42):
Yeah, and now we ain't got more than about thirteen
hundred head fit for the trail.
Speaker 4 (03:47):
And if you aim to deliver a thousand, you better take.
Speaker 1 (03:50):
Him all all right? Which is done? You know Arizona
better than I do. But I'll bet we come back
with at least three hundred stars with my brand on him.
Speaker 4 (03:58):
I bet you six months pay.
Speaker 8 (04:00):
We do.
Speaker 1 (04:01):
He's a streak easy. We're gonna start him soon.
Speaker 4 (04:03):
Six months pay, That's what I'll bet.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
You, all right, I'll give you a real bed, six
months of your wages against Blue Streak here.
Speaker 5 (04:12):
Now, Luke, if you gotta lose the best horse in
your string to learn yourself a lesson, I'm willing to
teach you.
Speaker 1 (04:33):
Yeah, so her so good, Luke, ride with you make
a good twenty miles again.
Speaker 5 (04:39):
Today herd looked so much more than I did when
we started yesterday.
Speaker 4 (04:44):
Anything happened while you was riding night watch?
Speaker 1 (04:48):
Nothing much except now I know Ramire's is in the neighborhood.
Speaker 4 (04:51):
Why didn't you waken the boys more for them?
Speaker 1 (04:54):
They need their sleep. I better deliver these cactus boomers
on schedule.
Speaker 4 (04:57):
But you can't let that even Mexican keep cutting in
on your.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
Herd like this right now, I have to wit it down.
Speaker 4 (05:04):
Well, if you wish to ask me, I didn't.
Speaker 1 (05:06):
Now let's keep these credits moving. Go on, got the
coffee boiling their cookie?
Speaker 3 (05:27):
Sure? Hi, mister SLAUGHTERA fix your breakfast in two jerks.
If you're ready.
Speaker 1 (05:31):
I'll wait until the sun and the men get up.
Speaker 3 (05:33):
But you've been riding watch since midnight for three nights.
Speaker 1 (05:37):
I'm a little tired of that. You know, this is
a good night horse, but he's no blue streak. The
streak I can catch a few winks in the saddle
and leave the watching up to him.
Speaker 3 (05:47):
You shouldn't have betting him against what chitaj pay. We
ain't going to get back home with no three hundred head.
Speaker 1 (05:53):
We'll see at this pony's learning. We got visitors out there.
Speaker 3 (05:59):
Well, I grabbed me a mush tang and a gun.
Speaker 1 (06:00):
Mister Slaughter, I'll let you know if I need any help.
Let's go by. You're looking for something, gentlemen, who's outfits?
This belongs to Luke Slaughter from down below Tombstone.
Speaker 10 (06:18):
You boys over here, not me, No me, neither you
is trail boss.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
That's right.
Speaker 10 (06:27):
We watched you bed the outfit down from the Mesa.
I'd say you got something over a thousand head.
Speaker 1 (06:33):
Yeah, that's right. We were delivering a thousand to San
Carlos government business. Don't pay too fussy. Good good luck
to you anyhow. Thanks. Oh, by the way, you're crossing
private grays. This is part of Wendell Miller's spread. Our
maps don't say so.
Speaker 10 (06:52):
Map makers can't keep up with things these days. I
don't blame you for taking the short trail to San Carlos.
Only you understand it'll cost you one hundred head.
Speaker 1 (07:04):
Well, if this is Miller's land, then that's his crossing fee.
Have you boys cut them out? I haven't got the
time or the men.
Speaker 11 (07:09):
To argue.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
Last those logs, tight, boys, they come loose in midstream,
we lose our chuck wagons.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
It looks like you'll float, all right, mister slaughter.
Speaker 4 (07:27):
It's a good trick. We get the wagon across loop.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
But Texas trick. We did have one little river back there.
Speaker 5 (07:33):
But if we drive downstream eleven twelve miles, the.
Speaker 1 (07:36):
Critters can ford, yeah, and we'd lose a day.
Speaker 4 (07:40):
Currents running too strong. Here am lazy long horns.
Speaker 5 (07:44):
Let theirselves wash down river and we'll lose two days.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
Round them up again, Blue Street will make them swim
one rage. You both got your top houses. Good, follow
streaking me and try to do what we do. The
rest of you. Head the stairs into the river. Keep
you coming.
Speaker 5 (08:04):
We're gonna lose half of what's left?
Speaker 1 (08:06):
Cookie?
Speaker 5 (08:13):
One's that stubborn Luke get something into his head.
Speaker 3 (08:16):
Hey, look at that gray horse swim at them steers.
Speaker 5 (08:20):
Why he's he's a hazing them like he was on
dry land, and he's running the other horses how to
do it?
Speaker 3 (08:26):
Whichitar they got them frameless long horns swimming across in
a straight line.
Speaker 4 (08:31):
Maybe they do know a thing or two in Texas.
Speaker 5 (08:43):
I still don't see how you've done it, Luke. We
didn't lose more turn head in the river.
Speaker 1 (08:49):
Blue streak knows more about cattle, and most waddies.
Speaker 4 (08:53):
Real thoughtful of you to rest them tonight.
Speaker 5 (08:56):
You can turn them over to me nice and fresh.
Speaker 1 (09:00):
Wait to tell you really think you're gonna win that bet?
I know it.
Speaker 4 (09:03):
If we got eleven hundred head at this point, i'll
eat them.
Speaker 1 (09:07):
I don't eat them. They're sold, and we'll make San
Carlos by mid afternoon tomorrow.
Speaker 4 (09:12):
Eh, and I'll have me a big girl a horse.
Speaker 1 (09:16):
Maybe what you're stopping for the show what show? The stars?
Millions of them? Pretty, aren't they?
Speaker 4 (09:27):
Yeah? And mighty helpful when you're lost at night.
Speaker 1 (09:31):
I wasn't thinking about that. I was just thinking about
about nature for instance, that old owl and that coyote
might even be talking to each other.
Speaker 5 (09:51):
Yeah, and they might be talking apache language.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
I think so, sure do.
Speaker 5 (09:57):
And we're going to lose another parcel of cap if
we do ride out there and stop.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
Them and get scalped in the middle of the night.
We'll collect from them on the way back in daylight.
Speaker 11 (10:17):
Well, my count was one thousand head plus nineteen. We
were the ousmut Slaughter.
Speaker 1 (10:22):
I had it plus fifteen.
Speaker 11 (10:24):
Shall I add the extras to the amount of the
treasury draft or uh?
Speaker 3 (10:27):
You driving them back?
Speaker 1 (10:28):
I'll throw them in free. Save the government a little money.
Give your Indians a little extra beef.
Speaker 5 (10:32):
His engines got a little extra beef. They snuck about
fifty head off from under our noses last night.
Speaker 11 (10:38):
I doubt if they were reservation Indians. As a renegade
band somewhere south in the Ara Vipa Hills with the
cabarry from Fort Thomas will dig them out for long.
Speaker 4 (10:47):
I'll get the.
Speaker 3 (10:48):
Draft ready for you, mister Slaughter.
Speaker 5 (10:49):
It's fine, sir, Well, Luke, you've done a better job
than I thought you would.
Speaker 8 (10:54):
Dad.
Speaker 5 (10:56):
I'll let your ride Blue Streak part way home.
Speaker 1 (11:01):
I'll ride him all the way wid it. We may
be starting home without a herd, but our bet pays
off on how many were driving when we get there.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
In a moment, Luke Slaughter of Tombstone returns. Never mind
the bait, simply join us on CBS Radio later on today,
when yours truly Johnny Dollar waits with baited breath for
the return of a missing fisherman. It's another exciting insurance
fraud case for Johnny to solve, and another thrilling mystery
for you. Join us on most of these same stations
(11:46):
today as the plot thickens for CBS Radio's Johnny Dollar
and now Act two of William N. Robson's production of
Luke Slutter of Tombstone.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
We'd made our drive to San Carlos in six days,
and men expected to get home in three. I had
some unfinished business to take care of. Look down in
the base in their boys about fifty longhorns and six
apache herdsman.
Speaker 4 (12:35):
Bound to be our critters. The four of us going
to tackle the six of them.
Speaker 1 (12:40):
If we did, we'd have at least twenty more braves
pouring down from those wiki aps on the far side.
Give me your guns widgeta thanks, Now, why and I
are going to circle behind the camp to draw those
apaches away from the cattle. When we do, you and
Frankie Hi tailor in and drive them east as fast
as they'll go.
Speaker 5 (13:01):
Now we come a fur piece to pick up fifty
measly long horns east were tombstone southwest of here.
Speaker 1 (13:09):
Sure, but like you say, we've come a fur piece.
When I get those steers back, I aim to keep
them battle. Four pistols loaded one see by no to
(13:29):
circle and keep firing. And when the apaches come after us,
well we've got better horses. Let's go.
Speaker 3 (13:46):
Luke's made a bad mistake.
Speaker 4 (13:48):
Frankie. We run the cattle east till are ready to drop.
From where do we wind up?
Speaker 3 (13:54):
I don't know. It ain't pleasant countries, I'll tell.
Speaker 4 (13:56):
You that ingine country.
Speaker 3 (13:58):
That's what tears.
Speaker 4 (13:59):
Why it could be an appechee behind of a border.
And Luke's got our six guns and then there's one.
Speaker 5 (14:05):
Now, mister Bagbee, well, well you ain't Apache.
Speaker 12 (14:14):
Captain Marcott, attached to the cavalry at Fort Thomas. Mister
Slaughter suggested that you might enjoy the company of some
of my men as far as the fort enjoy it
you're a chuck wagon. And Ramouda there already, And mister
Slaughter says he'll join you as soon as he heards
those renegade Indians back to the reservation.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
The next order of business was the cattle baron Wendell Miller.
Those men had charged me a crossing fee of one
hundred head. He wasn't the kind you call out the
United States Cavalry for I went to his spread alone
under the name of Link slater him. I wanted to
get started in the cattle business. I flattered him until
(15:04):
he was treating me like a long lost nephew.
Speaker 10 (15:07):
Now there's a I have in mind for you, Link,
even a hundred head prime long horns.
Speaker 1 (15:13):
Well, I don't know that I'm much of a judge yet,
but they looked fine to me.
Speaker 10 (15:17):
My foreman picked him up. The drover was gone through
last week, a little short of cash, I guess, and
caught got him for ten dollars ahead. You get him
for what I paid for him. You've got a bill
of sale. I suppose that's right, young fellow. In the
cattle business, we don't take anybody's word.
Speaker 1 (15:36):
All I didn't know. It's all right, that's all right.
Speaker 10 (15:39):
You're a promising young man, and I'd like to see
you make a real go at that little place you
told me about, try to build it up to a spread.
Speaker 1 (15:47):
Like this one. I don't know that I can ever
do that.
Speaker 10 (15:50):
You can, if you're willing to take some advice, I'd
be grateful for it, all right, Link, this is a
tough new country man's got to make his own laws.
He's got to keep his eyes and ears open and
take what he wants. Prove you can do that. You'll
be all right.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
That's just what I'm gonna prove.
Speaker 8 (16:07):
Now.
Speaker 1 (16:08):
How about that bill of sale?
Speaker 10 (16:10):
Of course, my boy receipt for one hundred headed ten
dollars ahead, signed by a fella named Luke Slaughter or
something like that.
Speaker 1 (16:21):
I see the steers all seem to have a lazy
S brand, Mister Miller, Can I tell you something about
keeping your eyes and ears open?
Speaker 8 (16:32):
Now?
Speaker 10 (16:32):
Don't tell me that one of these credits here is
missing on of the bellows.
Speaker 1 (16:37):
Off key, look at the brand on my horse and
listen while I say Luke Slaughter and Link Slater, Well
you heard me. And I suppose you show me a
map of your spread, and I'll show you that these
steers were taking off a trail five miles west of
(16:57):
your farthest boundary. Now look here, Slater, and I don't
like having the name forged. Our foreman brought in the
cattle and the receipt. I'm not going to court to
argue about it, like you advised me. I'm making my
own laws and I'm taking those steers for exactly what
you paid for him. Nothing. Finally, there was the business
(17:28):
that started long before the drive, the business of Ramirez.
Speaker 5 (17:34):
Well UK last camp before we hit the home range again.
Speaker 1 (17:39):
Maybe what do.
Speaker 7 (17:40):
You mean, maybe senyor Slaughter. We'll drive it easy tomorrow
with so few cattles.
Speaker 5 (17:45):
My gollege, Luke, if you could have picked up one
hundred and fifty more of own brands immersed, you would
have won our bet.
Speaker 1 (17:53):
Better, no bet. Everybody's worked hard, and tomorrow we ought
to have some fun. Who wants to go hunting?
Speaker 4 (17:58):
Ah for Luke? You just want to put off hand
and blue streak over to me. I ain't gode.
Speaker 9 (18:04):
Me and Jose we were the best hunters and also bears, deers, pumas, eagles, apaches.
Speaker 7 (18:12):
We haunt anything.
Speaker 1 (18:13):
Jose and me good and you're just the men I
need for tomorrow. What we hunt for Ramirez? Amirees sure
we know he's operating around here, and.
Speaker 7 (18:26):
I think maybe not Amides has moved.
Speaker 4 (18:29):
No beer, he ain't moved far.
Speaker 1 (18:31):
That's right. With a couple of great hunters like one
in Jose, we shouldn't have any trouble finding him.
Speaker 7 (18:36):
But Ramirez has many men. We don't have so many.
Speaker 1 (18:41):
I've heard that Ramerez will accept a man for men challenge.
All we have to do is get word to him
somehow that you and Jose and I want to meet
him and his two best men.
Speaker 9 (18:53):
Senor Slaughter. I would like to do this, but I
just remember my mother. She was very tick when I leave.
I better go see her now pronto.
Speaker 1 (19:03):
And I'm sorry to hear that one. You'll have to
be Jose and me against Ramerez.
Speaker 4 (19:09):
What about me?
Speaker 1 (19:10):
He said you wouldn't go hunting.
Speaker 7 (19:12):
Senor Slaughter. Hossey's little brother.
Speaker 9 (19:15):
His wife is going to have a baby, so he
better go to Hermosillo too.
Speaker 7 (19:21):
You give us our pay.
Speaker 1 (19:23):
Of course, boys, he's yours, Jose thirty gold for you one, Frankie.
These boys want their ponies out of the Ramotera.
Speaker 7 (19:37):
Josse and me We would stay if you needed us
for the cattles.
Speaker 1 (19:41):
But I understand. I hope you find your families in
the best of health. See oh one. If you happen
to run across Ramirez, tell him I'll be right plumbing
the middle of rio Verdy Meadow at noon tomorrow, all alone,
a big gray horse.
Speaker 4 (20:11):
I can't bear to watch it happened to you, Luke, and.
Speaker 1 (20:14):
Go on back and wait with the herd and the
check wagon.
Speaker 5 (20:18):
Maybe Ramires didn't get your message.
Speaker 1 (20:22):
Don't worry about that. He got it one sort of
that oh oh oh. You can either go back or
wait here on the rim riding into that basement alone.
Speaker 4 (20:36):
Luke, ain't you Ain't you never heard howl? Ramirez fights?
Speaker 1 (20:41):
Sure you'll come charging down with that big shotgun blazing.
Speaker 5 (20:46):
Carry you the bitch before he's in your pistol range.
Speaker 1 (20:50):
You know what the United States Armies I was testing
you weapons boys at Fort Thomas wanted me to try
out this rifle that's skin me how for shoot, But
he's quite sure, So I'm gonna aim and let Rameiroz
fire first. But this rifle is no good. I guess
(21:12):
you'll have to take the herd in yourself. I'm as
ready as i'll ever be streak. Hope he doesn't keep
us waiting too long, Rather than that he's way short.
(21:39):
This rifle better not be.
Speaker 8 (21:44):
Streak.
Speaker 9 (21:56):
Your first shot should break my hand, senor your next
shot you break my arm.
Speaker 7 (22:03):
Your next shot you miss.
Speaker 1 (22:05):
I guess I haven't got the hang of this rifle yet.
Speaker 7 (22:09):
Your pistols is still loaded.
Speaker 1 (22:11):
No, if I let you go, would you take your
men across the border and stay there? I guess so.
Speaker 7 (22:20):
She's pretty nice and so order all right.
Speaker 1 (22:24):
But if I ever hear of you setting foot on
United States soil again, I'm coming after you, and you'll
never go back alive.
Speaker 9 (22:34):
A man does not seize a branding iron twice by
the hot end single.
Speaker 1 (22:40):
And there's one more thing. Ram mirrors a matter of
several hundred cattle with the Lazy S brand. I aim
to have them back before you leave. Three sixties six
(23:01):
sixty seven, three sixty eight. That would you make it?
Which town?
Speaker 4 (23:07):
I quit counting a three hundred luke?
Speaker 5 (23:10):
Oh my, no more wages coming for six months, and
I ain't got enough cash even buy me a pint
of tonsil varnish.
Speaker 1 (23:21):
Well, you wouldn't have except that you lost that bet
before you pay a doubles? What come on, let's get
those cattle to grass.
Speaker 8 (23:30):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (23:43):
Luke Slutter of Tombstone, starring Sam Buffington, was written by
fran Van Hardistfeldt and directed by William N. Robeson editorial
supervision by Tom Hanley. Supporting mister Buffington were Junius Matthews,
Don Diamond, Peter Leeds, Barney Phillips and Normalden, with music
(24:05):
composed and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. Next week, at this
time we return with.
Speaker 1 (24:18):
Slaughter's the name Luke Slutter. When we meet up again,
you can call me that Luke Slaughter.
Speaker 2 (24:42):
This is the CBS Radio Network.
Slaughter's my name. Luke Slaughter. Cattle's my business. It's a
tough business, it's big business. I've got a big stake
in it. There's no man west of the Rio Grand
big enough to take it from me.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Luke Slutter of Tombstone. Luke Slutter of Tombstone, Civil War
cavalryman turned Arizona cattleman across the territory from Yuma to
(00:53):
Fort Defiance, from Flagstaff to the Watchukas, and below the
border through Chihuahua and Sonora. His name was respect or fear,
depending on which side of the law you were on.
Man of vision, man of legend. Luke Slutter of Tombstone.
Speaker 1 (01:21):
I came from Texas to the Arizona Territory with two
thousand head of scrawny longhorns, But the good grass in
the valley of the San Pedro fattened them up like butter.
And when I got a contract to deliver a thousand
head to the Indian Agency at San Carlos, I signed
with a clear conscience. When you sell beef to the government,
they want good beef. They always seem to want it. Yesterday, Hey,
(01:46):
witch it out. Where are the steers from the southeast section.
Speaker 3 (01:50):
One and whose went for them?
Speaker 4 (01:53):
You, Frankie, You don't run them. Critters ain't gotta be
delivered with legs on.
Speaker 1 (01:58):
Well, they won't lose much wait on the trail to
San Carlos.
Speaker 4 (02:01):
No lot of grass on the route. Your picture have
to hustle him to make it six days old?
Speaker 1 (02:07):
Luke, Yeah, we sure can't let them do any sights
in close. Had the next batch frecky.
Speaker 4 (02:13):
I wish we had a few more hands.
Speaker 5 (02:15):
Fifteen hundred longhorns is a big passel for six men
and a cook.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
A thousand head, which it a that's what the contract
calls for.
Speaker 5 (02:22):
If we delivered two out of ever three we start
out with, we're doing mine and nifty.
Speaker 1 (02:27):
What are you talking about? If I lost one out
of ten on a simple six day trail in perfect
spring weather, I wouldn't dare call myself a cattleman.
Speaker 6 (02:36):
You've been operating in Texas, whether there ain't no mountains,
no rivers, no engines, no rustlers, and no legal acting
robbers who charge you in cattle if you set foot
on their greensland.
Speaker 4 (02:51):
There ain't no problems in Texas. Matter of fact, there
ain't nothing in Texas.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
I knew I had some reason for Gomadarazana. I'm still
not losing one for three or when knows this?
Speaker 7 (03:03):
Yes, lotter ten you a witch.
Speaker 4 (03:05):
The name's Witch Tall And where's them critters?
Speaker 3 (03:08):
You and Jose were supposed to cut and bring in?
Speaker 7 (03:11):
They'll come with hose.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
Oh why didn't you help him?
Speaker 8 (03:13):
One?
Speaker 1 (03:13):
We're in a hurry.
Speaker 7 (03:14):
It don't take usse long, only fifty little cattle.
Speaker 5 (03:18):
I told you that cut one hundred, your loafing scallowag.
Speaker 7 (03:21):
There were not one hundred left.
Speaker 9 (03:23):
I think maybe a minutes visit the southeast sixtion last night.
Speaker 5 (03:27):
Luke, I've been telling you it was ramirous picking away
it our herd.
Speaker 4 (03:31):
This time he's really hit us.
Speaker 5 (03:33):
And if you're asking me, you'd better get out a party.
Speaker 8 (03:36):
And who are for him?
Speaker 1 (03:37):
Now? There isn't time witch do. If they don't hit
the trail today, we can't live up to the contract.
Speaker 5 (03:42):
Yeah, and now we ain't got more than about thirteen
hundred head fit for the trail.
Speaker 4 (03:47):
And if you aim to deliver a thousand, you better take.
Speaker 1 (03:50):
Him all all right? Which is done? You know Arizona
better than I do. But I'll bet we come back
with at least three hundred stars with my brand on him.
Speaker 4 (03:58):
I bet you six months pay.
Speaker 8 (04:00):
We do.
Speaker 1 (04:01):
He's a streak easy. We're gonna start him soon.
Speaker 4 (04:03):
Six months pay, That's what I'll bet.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
You, all right, I'll give you a real bed, six
months of your wages against Blue Streak here.
Speaker 5 (04:12):
Now, Luke, if you gotta lose the best horse in
your string to learn yourself a lesson, I'm willing to
teach you.
Speaker 1 (04:33):
Yeah, so her so good, Luke, ride with you make
a good twenty miles again.
Speaker 5 (04:39):
Today herd looked so much more than I did when
we started yesterday.
Speaker 4 (04:44):
Anything happened while you was riding night watch?
Speaker 1 (04:48):
Nothing much except now I know Ramire's is in the neighborhood.
Speaker 4 (04:51):
Why didn't you waken the boys more for them?
Speaker 1 (04:54):
They need their sleep. I better deliver these cactus boomers
on schedule.
Speaker 4 (04:57):
But you can't let that even Mexican keep cutting in
on your.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
Herd like this right now, I have to wit it down.
Speaker 4 (05:04):
Well, if you wish to ask me, I didn't.
Speaker 1 (05:06):
Now let's keep these credits moving. Go on, got the
coffee boiling their cookie?
Speaker 3 (05:27):
Sure? Hi, mister SLAUGHTERA fix your breakfast in two jerks.
If you're ready.
Speaker 1 (05:31):
I'll wait until the sun and the men get up.
Speaker 3 (05:33):
But you've been riding watch since midnight for three nights.
Speaker 1 (05:37):
I'm a little tired of that. You know, this is
a good night horse, but he's no blue streak. The
streak I can catch a few winks in the saddle
and leave the watching up to him.
Speaker 3 (05:47):
You shouldn't have betting him against what chitaj pay. We
ain't going to get back home with no three hundred head.
Speaker 1 (05:53):
We'll see at this pony's learning. We got visitors out there.
Speaker 3 (05:59):
Well, I grabbed me a mush tang and a gun.
Speaker 1 (06:00):
Mister Slaughter, I'll let you know if I need any help.
Let's go by. You're looking for something, gentlemen, who's outfits?
This belongs to Luke Slaughter from down below Tombstone.
Speaker 10 (06:18):
You boys over here, not me, No me, neither you
is trail boss.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
That's right.
Speaker 10 (06:27):
We watched you bed the outfit down from the Mesa.
I'd say you got something over a thousand head.
Speaker 1 (06:33):
Yeah, that's right. We were delivering a thousand to San
Carlos government business. Don't pay too fussy. Good good luck
to you anyhow. Thanks. Oh, by the way, you're crossing
private grays. This is part of Wendell Miller's spread. Our
maps don't say so.
Speaker 10 (06:52):
Map makers can't keep up with things these days. I
don't blame you for taking the short trail to San Carlos.
Only you understand it'll cost you one hundred head.
Speaker 1 (07:04):
Well, if this is Miller's land, then that's his crossing fee.
Have you boys cut them out? I haven't got the
time or the men.
Speaker 11 (07:09):
To argue.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
Last those logs, tight, boys, they come loose in midstream,
we lose our chuck wagons.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
It looks like you'll float, all right, mister slaughter.
Speaker 4 (07:27):
It's a good trick. We get the wagon across loop.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
But Texas trick. We did have one little river back there.
Speaker 5 (07:33):
But if we drive downstream eleven twelve miles, the.
Speaker 1 (07:36):
Critters can ford, yeah, and we'd lose a day.
Speaker 4 (07:40):
Currents running too strong. Here am lazy long horns.
Speaker 5 (07:44):
Let theirselves wash down river and we'll lose two days.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
Round them up again, Blue Street will make them swim
one rage. You both got your top houses. Good, follow
streaking me and try to do what we do. The
rest of you. Head the stairs into the river. Keep
you coming.
Speaker 5 (08:04):
We're gonna lose half of what's left?
Speaker 1 (08:06):
Cookie?
Speaker 5 (08:13):
One's that stubborn Luke get something into his head.
Speaker 3 (08:16):
Hey, look at that gray horse swim at them steers.
Speaker 5 (08:20):
Why he's he's a hazing them like he was on
dry land, and he's running the other horses how to
do it?
Speaker 3 (08:26):
Whichitar they got them frameless long horns swimming across in
a straight line.
Speaker 4 (08:31):
Maybe they do know a thing or two in Texas.
Speaker 5 (08:43):
I still don't see how you've done it, Luke. We
didn't lose more turn head in the river.
Speaker 1 (08:49):
Blue streak knows more about cattle, and most waddies.
Speaker 4 (08:53):
Real thoughtful of you to rest them tonight.
Speaker 5 (08:56):
You can turn them over to me nice and fresh.
Speaker 1 (09:00):
Wait to tell you really think you're gonna win that bet?
I know it.
Speaker 4 (09:03):
If we got eleven hundred head at this point, i'll
eat them.
Speaker 1 (09:07):
I don't eat them. They're sold, and we'll make San
Carlos by mid afternoon tomorrow.
Speaker 4 (09:12):
Eh, and I'll have me a big girl a horse.
Speaker 1 (09:16):
Maybe what you're stopping for the show what show? The stars?
Millions of them? Pretty, aren't they?
Speaker 4 (09:27):
Yeah? And mighty helpful when you're lost at night.
Speaker 1 (09:31):
I wasn't thinking about that. I was just thinking about
about nature for instance, that old owl and that coyote
might even be talking to each other.
Speaker 5 (09:51):
Yeah, and they might be talking apache language.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
I think so, sure do.
Speaker 5 (09:57):
And we're going to lose another parcel of cap if
we do ride out there and stop.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
Them and get scalped in the middle of the night.
We'll collect from them on the way back in daylight.
Speaker 11 (10:17):
Well, my count was one thousand head plus nineteen. We
were the ousmut Slaughter.
Speaker 1 (10:22):
I had it plus fifteen.
Speaker 11 (10:24):
Shall I add the extras to the amount of the
treasury draft or uh?
Speaker 3 (10:27):
You driving them back?
Speaker 1 (10:28):
I'll throw them in free. Save the government a little money.
Give your Indians a little extra beef.
Speaker 5 (10:32):
His engines got a little extra beef. They snuck about
fifty head off from under our noses last night.
Speaker 11 (10:38):
I doubt if they were reservation Indians. As a renegade
band somewhere south in the Ara Vipa Hills with the
cabarry from Fort Thomas will dig them out for long.
Speaker 4 (10:47):
I'll get the.
Speaker 3 (10:48):
Draft ready for you, mister Slaughter.
Speaker 5 (10:49):
It's fine, sir, Well, Luke, you've done a better job
than I thought you would.
Speaker 8 (10:54):
Dad.
Speaker 5 (10:56):
I'll let your ride Blue Streak part way home.
Speaker 1 (11:01):
I'll ride him all the way wid it. We may
be starting home without a herd, but our bet pays
off on how many were driving when we get there.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
In a moment, Luke Slaughter of Tombstone returns. Never mind
the bait, simply join us on CBS Radio later on today,
when yours truly Johnny Dollar waits with baited breath for
the return of a missing fisherman. It's another exciting insurance
fraud case for Johnny to solve, and another thrilling mystery
for you. Join us on most of these same stations
(11:46):
today as the plot thickens for CBS Radio's Johnny Dollar
and now Act two of William N. Robson's production of
Luke Slutter of Tombstone.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
We'd made our drive to San Carlos in six days,
and men expected to get home in three. I had
some unfinished business to take care of. Look down in
the base in their boys about fifty longhorns and six
apache herdsman.
Speaker 4 (12:35):
Bound to be our critters. The four of us going
to tackle the six of them.
Speaker 1 (12:40):
If we did, we'd have at least twenty more braves
pouring down from those wiki aps on the far side.
Give me your guns widgeta thanks, Now, why and I
are going to circle behind the camp to draw those
apaches away from the cattle. When we do, you and
Frankie Hi tailor in and drive them east as fast
as they'll go.
Speaker 5 (13:01):
Now we come a fur piece to pick up fifty
measly long horns east were tombstone southwest of here.
Speaker 1 (13:09):
Sure, but like you say, we've come a fur piece.
When I get those steers back, I aim to keep
them battle. Four pistols loaded one see by no to
(13:29):
circle and keep firing. And when the apaches come after us,
well we've got better horses. Let's go.
Speaker 3 (13:46):
Luke's made a bad mistake.
Speaker 4 (13:48):
Frankie. We run the cattle east till are ready to drop.
From where do we wind up?
Speaker 3 (13:54):
I don't know. It ain't pleasant countries, I'll tell.
Speaker 4 (13:56):
You that ingine country.
Speaker 3 (13:58):
That's what tears.
Speaker 4 (13:59):
Why it could be an appechee behind of a border.
And Luke's got our six guns and then there's one.
Speaker 5 (14:05):
Now, mister Bagbee, well, well you ain't Apache.
Speaker 12 (14:14):
Captain Marcott, attached to the cavalry at Fort Thomas. Mister
Slaughter suggested that you might enjoy the company of some
of my men as far as the fort enjoy it
you're a chuck wagon. And Ramouda there already, And mister
Slaughter says he'll join you as soon as he heards
those renegade Indians back to the reservation.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
The next order of business was the cattle baron Wendell Miller.
Those men had charged me a crossing fee of one
hundred head. He wasn't the kind you call out the
United States Cavalry for I went to his spread alone
under the name of Link slater him. I wanted to
get started in the cattle business. I flattered him until
(15:04):
he was treating me like a long lost nephew.
Speaker 10 (15:07):
Now there's a I have in mind for you, Link,
even a hundred head prime long horns.
Speaker 1 (15:13):
Well, I don't know that I'm much of a judge yet,
but they looked fine to me.
Speaker 10 (15:17):
My foreman picked him up. The drover was gone through
last week, a little short of cash, I guess, and
caught got him for ten dollars ahead. You get him
for what I paid for him. You've got a bill
of sale. I suppose that's right, young fellow. In the
cattle business, we don't take anybody's word.
Speaker 1 (15:36):
All I didn't know. It's all right, that's all right.
Speaker 10 (15:39):
You're a promising young man, and I'd like to see
you make a real go at that little place you
told me about, try to build it up to a spread.
Speaker 1 (15:47):
Like this one. I don't know that I can ever
do that.
Speaker 10 (15:50):
You can, if you're willing to take some advice, I'd
be grateful for it, all right, Link, this is a
tough new country man's got to make his own laws.
He's got to keep his eyes and ears open and
take what he wants. Prove you can do that. You'll
be all right.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
That's just what I'm gonna prove.
Speaker 8 (16:07):
Now.
Speaker 1 (16:08):
How about that bill of sale?
Speaker 10 (16:10):
Of course, my boy receipt for one hundred headed ten
dollars ahead, signed by a fella named Luke Slaughter or
something like that.
Speaker 1 (16:21):
I see the steers all seem to have a lazy
S brand, Mister Miller, Can I tell you something about
keeping your eyes and ears open?
Speaker 8 (16:32):
Now?
Speaker 10 (16:32):
Don't tell me that one of these credits here is
missing on of the bellows.
Speaker 1 (16:37):
Off key, look at the brand on my horse and
listen while I say Luke Slaughter and Link Slater, Well
you heard me. And I suppose you show me a
map of your spread, and I'll show you that these
steers were taking off a trail five miles west of
(16:57):
your farthest boundary. Now look here, Slater, and I don't
like having the name forged. Our foreman brought in the
cattle and the receipt. I'm not going to court to
argue about it, like you advised me. I'm making my
own laws and I'm taking those steers for exactly what
you paid for him. Nothing. Finally, there was the business
(17:28):
that started long before the drive, the business of Ramirez.
Speaker 5 (17:34):
Well UK last camp before we hit the home range again.
Speaker 1 (17:39):
Maybe what do.
Speaker 7 (17:40):
You mean, maybe senyor Slaughter. We'll drive it easy tomorrow
with so few cattles.
Speaker 5 (17:45):
My gollege, Luke, if you could have picked up one
hundred and fifty more of own brands immersed, you would
have won our bet.
Speaker 1 (17:53):
Better, no bet. Everybody's worked hard, and tomorrow we ought
to have some fun. Who wants to go hunting?
Speaker 4 (17:58):
Ah for Luke? You just want to put off hand
and blue streak over to me. I ain't gode.
Speaker 9 (18:04):
Me and Jose we were the best hunters and also bears, deers, pumas, eagles, apaches.
Speaker 7 (18:12):
We haunt anything.
Speaker 1 (18:13):
Jose and me good and you're just the men I
need for tomorrow. What we hunt for Ramirez? Amirees sure
we know he's operating around here, and.
Speaker 7 (18:26):
I think maybe not Amides has moved.
Speaker 4 (18:29):
No beer, he ain't moved far.
Speaker 1 (18:31):
That's right. With a couple of great hunters like one
in Jose, we shouldn't have any trouble finding him.
Speaker 7 (18:36):
But Ramirez has many men. We don't have so many.
Speaker 1 (18:41):
I've heard that Ramerez will accept a man for men challenge.
All we have to do is get word to him
somehow that you and Jose and I want to meet
him and his two best men.
Speaker 9 (18:53):
Senor Slaughter. I would like to do this, but I
just remember my mother. She was very tick when I leave.
I better go see her now pronto.
Speaker 1 (19:03):
And I'm sorry to hear that one. You'll have to
be Jose and me against Ramerez.
Speaker 4 (19:09):
What about me?
Speaker 1 (19:10):
He said you wouldn't go hunting.
Speaker 7 (19:12):
Senor Slaughter. Hossey's little brother.
Speaker 9 (19:15):
His wife is going to have a baby, so he
better go to Hermosillo too.
Speaker 7 (19:21):
You give us our pay.
Speaker 1 (19:23):
Of course, boys, he's yours, Jose thirty gold for you one, Frankie.
These boys want their ponies out of the Ramotera.
Speaker 7 (19:37):
Josse and me We would stay if you needed us
for the cattles.
Speaker 1 (19:41):
But I understand. I hope you find your families in
the best of health. See oh one. If you happen
to run across Ramirez, tell him I'll be right plumbing
the middle of rio Verdy Meadow at noon tomorrow, all alone,
a big gray horse.
Speaker 4 (20:11):
I can't bear to watch it happened to you, Luke, and.
Speaker 1 (20:14):
Go on back and wait with the herd and the
check wagon.
Speaker 5 (20:18):
Maybe Ramires didn't get your message.
Speaker 1 (20:22):
Don't worry about that. He got it one sort of
that oh oh oh. You can either go back or
wait here on the rim riding into that basement alone.
Speaker 4 (20:36):
Luke, ain't you Ain't you never heard howl? Ramirez fights?
Speaker 1 (20:41):
Sure you'll come charging down with that big shotgun blazing.
Speaker 5 (20:46):
Carry you the bitch before he's in your pistol range.
Speaker 1 (20:50):
You know what the United States Armies I was testing
you weapons boys at Fort Thomas wanted me to try
out this rifle that's skin me how for shoot, But
he's quite sure, So I'm gonna aim and let Rameiroz
fire first. But this rifle is no good. I guess
(21:12):
you'll have to take the herd in yourself. I'm as
ready as i'll ever be streak. Hope he doesn't keep
us waiting too long, Rather than that he's way short.
(21:39):
This rifle better not be.
Speaker 8 (21:44):
Streak.
Speaker 9 (21:56):
Your first shot should break my hand, senor your next
shot you break my arm.
Speaker 7 (22:03):
Your next shot you miss.
Speaker 1 (22:05):
I guess I haven't got the hang of this rifle yet.
Speaker 7 (22:09):
Your pistols is still loaded.
Speaker 1 (22:11):
No, if I let you go, would you take your
men across the border and stay there? I guess so.
Speaker 7 (22:20):
She's pretty nice and so order all right.
Speaker 1 (22:24):
But if I ever hear of you setting foot on
United States soil again, I'm coming after you, and you'll
never go back alive.
Speaker 9 (22:34):
A man does not seize a branding iron twice by
the hot end single.
Speaker 1 (22:40):
And there's one more thing. Ram mirrors a matter of
several hundred cattle with the Lazy S brand. I aim
to have them back before you leave. Three sixties six
(23:01):
sixty seven, three sixty eight. That would you make it?
Which town?
Speaker 4 (23:07):
I quit counting a three hundred luke?
Speaker 5 (23:10):
Oh my, no more wages coming for six months, and
I ain't got enough cash even buy me a pint
of tonsil varnish.
Speaker 1 (23:21):
Well, you wouldn't have except that you lost that bet
before you pay a doubles? What come on, let's get
those cattle to grass.
Speaker 8 (23:30):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (23:43):
Luke Slutter of Tombstone, starring Sam Buffington, was written by
fran Van Hardistfeldt and directed by William N. Robeson editorial
supervision by Tom Hanley. Supporting mister Buffington were Junius Matthews,
Don Diamond, Peter Leeds, Barney Phillips and Normalden, with music
(24:05):
composed and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. Next week, at this
time we return with.
Speaker 1 (24:18):
Slaughter's the name Luke Slutter. When we meet up again,
you can call me that Luke Slaughter.
Speaker 2 (24:42):
This is the CBS Radio Network.
Popular Podcasts
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!