August 13, 2025 • 25 mins
Chronicles the cases of a law enforcement officer in the American West, blending traditional Western themes with modern investigative techniques. The stories are based on real cases.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:08):
Tales of the Texas Rangers, starring Joel McCrae as Ranger
Jase Pearson. Another authentic reenactment of a case transcribed from
the files of the Texas Rangers. Names, dates, and places
(00:40):
in the following story are fixitious for obvious reasons. The
events themselves are a matter of records.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
Well, here are Tales of the Texas Rangers, and now
from the files of the Texas Rangers. The case called
Last Stop.
Speaker 3 (01:11):
It is Thursday night in July nineteen thirty one. A
local passenger train speeds through the rocky country of West Texas.
While the engineer watches the track ahead. The perspiring fireman
shovels coal into the flaming firebox.
Speaker 2 (01:28):
And steam gage is still down with.
Speaker 4 (01:32):
Bring up.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
Can't afford to lose no more time. Oh make it right.
Speaker 5 (01:39):
Okay, he watched that gate while we went.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
Yeah there, that all's your take.
Speaker 6 (01:53):
I just open it up here.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
How are you doing now? Maiked up twelve minutes away
behind schedule.
Speaker 5 (02:01):
Oh well, we'll make up, Charlie, thirty minutes on a
short one like this.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
Hat time. It's a dying shame. We had to have
a hard box. That car walker done his job.
Speaker 5 (02:12):
We wouldn't have lost all this time and cutting you
won't help us none. Now anyhow, super can't blame myself,
they say, Jay, see miss Travin.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Uh huh? Now what he say? I have to leave
in December when you get to be sixty five? You
have to retire now.
Speaker 5 (02:30):
All you deserve the rest after all these years.
Speaker 2 (02:34):
Quit? What am I gonna do with myself? I'll just
be around the house all the time, getting in Amy's way.
Speaker 5 (02:41):
Why you'll be able to go out to the park
and wait checkers, sleep till noon.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
Ain't that what you always wanted? And I used to think?
Speaker 5 (02:49):
So, Hey, how much time do you think we'll make up?
Speaker 7 (02:52):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (02:52):
Another ten minutes?
Speaker 8 (02:53):
Maybe we can pick up a couple of minutes on
this down Great, now let's.
Speaker 5 (02:58):
See, I'll still makers thirty three minutes behind.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
Now, how's the gates? Two forty eight?
Speaker 8 (03:07):
Right on the nose?
Speaker 5 (03:09):
Hey, you know, Charny, this examine ain't so bad? Well,
you and the mississ to go back east? Visitor kinfolks,
Maybe wasn't brought he jumping on the what is it?
Speaker 2 (03:20):
Jolly her? Oh Charlie, Charlie, where right chally.
Speaker 4 (03:44):
Charlie garref Wagner of Ravina was notified of the wreck.
Speaker 2 (03:58):
He alerted the railroad and locals.
Speaker 3 (04:00):
While a relief train was dispatched to the scene. The
sheriff requested the assistance of the Texas Rangers.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
Ranger Jason Pearson was a sign.
Speaker 3 (04:08):
He arrived as the last of the injured were being
removed from the sprinter to coaching.
Speaker 2 (04:14):
Shaff camp. Wagner, Yeah, we have of this flat.
Speaker 1 (04:19):
Okay, heay, com when you get through down there, give
my hand in the ready car.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
Okay, Chef o ooh charky Oh, boy, looks pretty bad. Cheff,
sure is jas as a fireman. They're taken now, Yeah,
excuse me? Ranger banged. Doc says they might have to
amputate his leg. Anybody killed. Engineer Charlie Hanson got pinned
under the cab. Most of the passengers are all right, though.
(04:45):
How did happen? I don't know. That's why I called.
You could have been an accident, but I just ain't sure.
You look at the track yet or the train jumped off.
I haven't had time untill now. I was helping the
dark give first aid. Why don't we take a look
out there? Sure you're go right? Here all the time
you got here on horseback, Jays, I left my car
(05:06):
on the other side of the canyon. Figure to be
faster and cut and cross country. Yeah, you'll probably say
it thirty five to forty minutes that way. Uh huh.
Watch out, Sheriff, rails sticking up there. Yeah, Oh what
a mess. Tracks torn up all the way around a bit.
It's hard to find out what happened, Yea, it sure does.
Maybe it was a loose track, yeah, or an axle
(05:28):
on the train might have broken. You know, we Sean knew.
Fireman's not in any condition to talk, and none of
the others have any idea hold on, Sheriff, what is it, Jason?
Take a look here the railroad die? What about it?
This tie could have caused the wreck. You see these
marks here and here, well, old gouge doubt kind of
(05:48):
like it's been burned. Could have been done, but the
friction of the front wheels of the engine marks of
the right distance apart. Yeah, then this must have been
on the track, chase. Somebody had to put it there.
You think somebody wrecked a train on purpose? It looks
that way, sir. How many trains come through here today?
Only two one going where's in one east? What time
does the train going east come through? About supper time?
(06:10):
And that time must have been laid across the tracks.
No more than three or four hours before the wreck. Yeah,
that's right. You're keeping the deputy on guide here tonight.
Keeping two of them out here. Good. Maybe one of
them can take this tie into town. Sure thing, Jays.
What time did this wreck take place? I don't know yet.
I haven't had time to really question anybody. Yeh, hit you.
Speaker 1 (06:33):
Yeah, we got them all into the relief trains.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
Anything else I can do? I don't think so. Mister Morton,
you sure have been a big help. Uh. This is
Ranger Pierce. Hoy, Ranger howdy. Mister Morton's the one phoned
me about the wreck, Jays. Did you see it happen?
Mister Morton? My boys did? Did they see anyone around
the tracks beforehand? Didn't mention it? They couldn't have anyhow,
too far away? Where were they up there on the
(06:58):
hill looking for some stock? I guess you can't see
it in the dark. My place is just the other
side of it. What time did it happen? Gosh, I
don't know, Ranger. I was pretty excited. I guess I
didn't notice. He called me in five after nine, mister Morton,
And it must have happened just about nine. Only took
the boys a couple of minutes to ride down the house. Uh,
your boy's here now, No, I made him stay home,
(07:20):
Sure glad. I did never saw anything so terrible in
my life. All those folks suffering relief trains ready to
leave Jason. Yeah, he's out shouting. Huh. Oh, that's kyl.
He's standing there over on that rise yelling at the train.
Does it all the time, and it's kind of pitiful. Fellow.
He that young fella lives in the shack by the war. Yeah,
(07:42):
he's the one. Sister took care of himuntil she died
a couple of years ago. Now he just tends his
goats and a few chickens. He never bothered anybody, I know.
Why is he yelling at the trains? Oh he hates trains.
He ain't had no use for him since one of
them killed his cow a while back. Maybe we better
talk to him, sheriff, you see, let him Morton good.
(08:03):
I think Karl might have done it forget Eaven with
a rare route. It's possible. He's got a grudge against him,
and he's not quite right. He jesus, Oh, we want
to talk to you. Hey, here's running. Come on, Sheriff,
we gotta catch here. Carl was clever as a bobcat.
(08:23):
He knew the country and slipped away from us in
the dark. We spent over an hour searching for him
through the rocks and arroyos without success. Finally, the sheriff
and I went over to his shack and concealed ourselves
in the dense brush about fifty yards away. We stayed
there the rest of the night. The longer we waited,
the more convinced we were that Carl had something to
do with wrecking the train. Nine o'clock the next morning,
(08:45):
he still hadn't shown up. I declared Jason, I'm so
stiff and sure and hardly moved. And ah you feel Sheriff. Hell,
that's sure run down, Look shake, he's good. Don't see
what keeps it up? No, Sheriff, I maybe we're wasting
our time here. I think maybe he's not coming back.
(09:08):
You can't tell. With a man like that, i'd have
scared him off for good. Yeah, especially if he did
wreck that train.
Speaker 5 (09:14):
Uh, huh.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Why don't we get somebody to keep an eye on
this place and we can start looking for Karl again
out in the brush. That's a good idea.
Speaker 9 (09:21):
Wait a minute, Sheriff, get down. What is a Jason
over there the other side of the clearing? Yeah there,
he is just coming in now. He's making sure the
coast is clear. I guess he figures it's safe. He's
going in. Let's get it.
Speaker 2 (09:35):
No, not yet, let him get inside first. Okay, let's go. Yeah, Reckony,
she's just coming out of that windows so dirty. I
don't think he can see anything. Why don't you ground back, Sheriff.
Might be another door, Okay, give me time to get
around there.
Speaker 6 (09:53):
Yeah, no other door.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
Chase, Okay, open up, Kyl. We know you're in there.
Oh what we want to ask you some questions, carl
O like, he's not going to open the chase. The
door is locked open the dark Carl, And we'll break
it down.
Speaker 8 (10:24):
I won't.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
I guess we'll have to, Sheriff. It shouldn't be hired.
It's pretty fremsy. You're ready, Yeah, all right, now grab
his arm, Sheriff.
Speaker 10 (10:36):
I don't mean too.
Speaker 7 (10:41):
I'm sorry about the train.
Speaker 5 (10:43):
I'm sorry.
Speaker 2 (10:45):
You should have thought of that last night.
Speaker 6 (10:47):
Come on.
Speaker 2 (10:55):
On the way into the Sheriff's office, Carl sobbed and
trembled hysterically. We could get no information from him, Sheriff
Wagner and I saw it was necessary let him calm
down before continuing the questioning. We've got Carl a hot
meal and let him rest. We put the railroad tie
in the Sheriff's office. A few hours later, we sent
for Carl. Come in here, young Carlo, Sit down. Carl.
(11:21):
You still mad at me? No, we're not mad at you, Carl.
We want to know about that train. To read trains
one of them kill Mary? Who's Mary? Mary's this cowjas
the one that got hit? Is that why you were
yelling at the train? Yeah? I didn't mean to. I'm sorry.
(11:42):
Tell us Carl. Is that why you ran away? You
thought we'd chased you because you yelled at the train? Oh?
Can you No? That wasn't the reason. You know what
happened to the other train? Yeah? Got busted up? Did
you do that, Carl?
Speaker 6 (12:00):
No?
Speaker 2 (12:01):
No, I just yelled at the track. What were you
doing yesterday? Why? I was home for a spell, taking
care of my goats, How about yesterday evening? What were
you doing then? I was over at the Radfords. What
do you mean, George Rampart, what were you doing over there?
We was killing hawks? What time did you leave the Radfords, Carl?
(12:25):
Oh no, not for a long time. TA give me supper.
Missus Radford's a nice lady. Sheriff better call him. Find
out if Carl was over there yesterday and what time
he left? Carl? Did you go down by the tracks
before the train was wrecked last night? I don't like trains.
(12:47):
You see that railroad tie in the corner? Yeah, that
was the tie that wrecked the train. Did you put
it on the tracks? No? No, I didn't do it.
The train was wrecked about nine, wasn't he? That's what
mister Morton said. And Carl here didn't do it. How
do you know he didn't leave the Radbridge still can.
(13:25):
After we took Carl home, we checked at the hospital.
The doctor told us the fireman of the wrecked train
with Bernard was in fair condition and that amputation was
not necessary. The doctor gave us permission to talk to
him and walk down to Bernard's room. Yeah, mister Bernard, Yeah,
(13:47):
I'm ranger Pearson, this is the sheriff. Yeah, we'd like
to find out what happened, mister Bernard, to whom Charlie dead. Yes, sir,
mister Bernard, do you remember what happened just before the wreck? Really?
And just sat down, Charlie. Yo, there was something on
the tracks and we was going to hit it and
(14:08):
grabbed the break, that's all I remember. You didn't see
anyone then standing by the track. Maybe? No, how fast
was your train going? About sixty? Never should have been
speeding like that. Now those greats Charlie, maybe be alive.
Now we'd been going slower, I'd been able to stop.
(14:29):
You were going faster than usual. Yeah, we were behind schedule,
supposed to be in blank Ford just about the time
we jumped the tracks on nine huh, eight thirty. We
understood the wreck didn't happen till nine. Oh No, it
was closer to eight thirty. Are you sure? Looked at
my watch just as we topped the rise, Sheriff, that rancher,
(14:53):
mister Morton call you a little after nine, that's right.
Jason was nine oh five, and he claimed his boys
saw it happened just a couple of minutes before that
I'm sure did. Why did kill us that reckon his line?
I don't know. Let's go over there and find out.
(15:15):
The sheriff and I went to the Morden ranch. We
arrived there about sundown. Mister Morton was just coming out
on the porch as we drove up. Howdy rang here? Sure, hoddy?
Speaker 1 (15:28):
Hello Martin.
Speaker 2 (15:30):
I was just about to call my boy into separate
How about eating with it? No thanks, I'm making a
part of Mulligan. Here's plenty. No thanks. We'd like some
straight answers to a few questions. We're a sure thing.
We're pretty sure now. What caused the wreck?
Speaker 3 (15:44):
Is it? So?
Speaker 2 (15:45):
Where was it? Somebody put a tie across the tracks?
You mean on purpose? Why? That's awful. That's the same
as murder. Sure is. You called the sheriff at five
minutes after nine last night, Is that right? I guess
so the sheriff remember the time. How long before that
did your boys tell you about the wreck? Oh? Less
(16:06):
than a minute. I phoned right away. What were the
boys standing when they saw it happen up on that
hill behind the house. We'll back, I'll s sure you
did they hear the crash? Yeah, I'll come you didn't.
Speaker 6 (16:18):
He?
Speaker 2 (16:19):
Well, I was in the house, and the hill's in
the way. I guess there it is. Couldn't have taken
them morn a couple of minutes to each house from there. Now,
mind if we ask your boys about this? No, of
course not. Come on, Young Dan's over in the barn milking,
which the matter of share? Something wrong? I'll turn you,
(16:42):
mister Morton. According to what you say, the wreck must
have taken place about nine o'clock. It actually happened at
eight thirty. He he couldn't have. We want to know
why you're a half hour off, mister Morton. Well, I
don't know. I can't understand it. Say you don't think
I had anything to do with Rick. We don't know yet,
(17:04):
but somebody did. Well, I'll tell you right now it
wasn't me. Maybe your boys will be able to tell
us something. Come on, I just don't get it. You
sure it wasn't an accident? We're sure?
Speaker 3 (17:17):
Dan?
Speaker 2 (17:18):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (17:21):
Dan?
Speaker 2 (17:21):
Didn't you tell me? Mister Morton? We'd like to ask
the questions. All right, rangeer Dan, this says Sheriff Wagner,
and Range your Pierson. They want to talk to you. Howdy, Dan,
exactly where were you when you saw the train rack
last night?
Speaker 11 (17:38):
We were up on the hill looking for some stock
in wonder, Ain't that right, Paul?
Speaker 2 (17:44):
Yeah? Son? Did you come down and tell your father
right away?
Speaker 7 (17:48):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (17:48):
As soon as we saw it. Are you sure you
didn't stay a while to watch? Oh? No, sir, we
rolled right down. Well just what did you see?
Speaker 11 (17:57):
Well, we heard a big awful noise and we looked
down that way. We just saw the end of the crash,
kind of just as the cars were falling over.
Speaker 2 (18:05):
You saw them turn over?
Speaker 11 (18:07):
Yes, yes, sir, we did.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
Son. Are you sure you saw it? Yeah? If you
don't mind, mister Morton, let us ask the boy. Then, yes, sir,
tell me the truth. Now, did you go down to
the wreck before you came home to tell your father? No,
we didn't, Harness. Did you ever handle a railroad tie,
(18:30):
dan Tye? You ever want to put one on a
track to see what would happen when a train hit it? No?
I never did. How long you figure it took you
to come down the hill just a couple of minutes.
We came right away, honest, you couldn't have. Then the
train was wrecked a half hour earlier, than you say, Well,
(18:51):
then did you put the tie on the tracks? How
about it? Was it you? I didn't want it?
Speaker 11 (19:01):
Lloyd made me help him.
Speaker 8 (19:03):
Oh paw, there, ranger. I feel sick my own boy.
You did this awful thing. Why did you do it?
Speaker 2 (19:17):
Soon?
Speaker 6 (19:19):
Lloyd?
Speaker 10 (19:20):
He said, he showed me how to bust up a
big log without any work. Oh, dad, I didn't want to,
but but he called me sissy.
Speaker 11 (19:34):
I helped him track one of them ties.
Speaker 2 (19:36):
Out of the track. He waited there and watched the
train hit it.
Speaker 10 (19:40):
Yes, sir, well when the train went down the bank
and all the cars bowed, when we got scared and
rolled away, Floyd maybe probably not to tell?
Speaker 2 (19:53):
Where is Floyd on his way to Caste? I guess
I mean you don't know where your son is. He's
not my son, he's my boss's son. You see. I'm
a tenant farmer here mis charsband owns the place, lives
in Houston. What's a boy been doing out?
Speaker 6 (20:07):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (20:08):
Rarely, kept getting in trouble at home. Father sent him
to military school. When that didn't do any good, he
asked me to take him for the summer. Thought it
might streighten Floyd out. Be in here, and I thought
it was starting to do some good. When did he
leave this afternoon? I thought it was kind of funny
why he wanted to leave all of a suddenly I
(20:29):
had to talk him out of it, but he said no,
he wanted to go home. So I called his father
long distance. His dad said, put him on the bus,
did you yeah? Which price? Was it?
Speaker 8 (20:39):
One?
Speaker 2 (20:39):
At four o'clock? I got him into town, but two?
But we just missed that bus. Did you see him
get on the four o'clock bus? Yeah? Sure? I waited
with him. Didn't want him to take it because you'd
have to stay in Bismarck tonight and catch the morning
bus for Houston. But no, he was said, I'm going today.
You have a picture of Floyd you can give us. Well,
I got a snap shout of the two kids together.
(21:01):
That'll do. We'll see if we can catch up for
him in Bismarck. I'm afraid your boy is gonna have
to come into town with us.
Speaker 8 (21:08):
Oh book, He wasn't, damn all.
Speaker 2 (21:14):
He's got no money to raise him. And I guess,
I guess I just didn't do a good enough job.
We have no choice, mister morning. He wouldn't have done
it if he hadn't have been for Floyd. Floyd seventeen,
he's two years older, and he was always talking Dan
into things. Oh, Floyd's a great talker. Every time I
call him down about something, he's talk himself out of it.
(21:35):
Don't worry, mister Morton, he won't talk himself out of this.
We took Dan Morden and his father to the Sheriff's
office in Ravena. Then Sheriff Wagner and I drove to Bismarck.
The baggage clerk at the Trailway's bus station there identified
Floyd Osborn from his photograph as having checked a suitcase
at seven o'clock. There was no bus leaving for Houston
(21:56):
until nine fifteen the following morning. During the ninth week,
handleas the number of hotels, but we're unable to locate
the boy. The next morning, we were back in the
bus station, standing next to the Houston bus. Floyd Osborn
still hasn't shown up. A bed kid, don't hurry, he's
gonna miss this verse. Yeah, he still got time. They've
got ten minutes before they pull out. What if he
(22:17):
doesn't show up and then we'll get him at home
What do you think he's doing? Waiting until the last
minute looks like her. Let me see that snapshot of
the two kids, Chase. I just want to be sure
I'll know him. Yeah, I hear you. Never mind, Sheriff
Here he comes sure in a hurry, must overslept. Let's
take him.
Speaker 12 (22:40):
What do you think you're doing?
Speaker 2 (22:42):
Cut it out, sir, Hotel. Your name Floyd Osborn?
Speaker 6 (22:46):
Hell?
Speaker 2 (22:46):
So what this is? Ranger Pearson? I'm the sheriff of
this county water bus You were staying with mister Morton.
Weren't you who was at a crime?
Speaker 3 (22:53):
No?
Speaker 2 (22:54):
I reckon the train?
Speaker 12 (22:55):
Is you don't think I wrecked that train? Who's been
telling you stories?
Speaker 2 (23:00):
No use, Floyd. We know you did it, but this
is crazy. I'm the one who reported the wreck.
Speaker 12 (23:06):
Well why me and Dan was two miles away from
there when we saw it.
Speaker 2 (23:09):
You and Dan laid a tire across the tracks. You
were right there when it happened.
Speaker 12 (23:13):
That's a dirty lot.
Speaker 2 (23:14):
We don't think it is well it Look.
Speaker 12 (23:16):
Look, if you want the truth, I'll tell you Dan
did it.
Speaker 2 (23:19):
I told him not to. It was Dan who did it.
That's no good, Floyd. Dan's not big enough to have
carried that heavy tie by himself.
Speaker 12 (23:25):
Well, where's father, Hilton, old man Morton?
Speaker 2 (23:28):
Hear him?
Speaker 8 (23:29):
And Dan did it.
Speaker 2 (23:30):
I don't think the car's gonna believe that either, Floyd.
Speaker 12 (23:32):
Well, you're not thinking made any court.
Speaker 7 (23:34):
Floyd, stop hit for that car.
Speaker 2 (23:42):
Here he goes running toward the drug star.
Speaker 7 (23:44):
Stop Floyd, come here, I heard mom.
Speaker 2 (23:54):
You're not hurt. You're not running away again. I didn't
mean the wrecord. I just wanted to see what would happen. Well,
now you know, and you'll never forget it as long
as you live. Come on, and now here are the
(24:34):
results in the case you have just heard.
Speaker 3 (24:36):
Lloyd Osborne and Dan Morton were brought to trial on
January eighth, nineteen thirty two. Because of the nature of
the crime and his extreme youth, Dan Morton was released
in the custody of his father. Floyd Osborne was sent
to the State School for Boys at Gatesville.
Speaker 2 (24:55):
Next week.
Speaker 1 (24:55):
Joule McCrae and another authmentic reenactment mccase from the Piles
out the Texas Rangers. The cast included Tony Barrett, leo' curley,
Bert Holland, and Christy Whitfield. Connor and Jeffrey Silver. Technical
advisor was Captain M. T. Lone Wolf Gonzales of the
(25:15):
Texas Rangers. This story was transcribed and adapted by Robert A. White,
and the program was produced and directed by Stacy Teach.
Tales of the Texas Rangers has heard weekly overseas through
the worldwide facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service, hell
get Me speaking
Tales of the Texas Rangers, starring Joel McCrae as Ranger
Jase Pearson. Another authentic reenactment of a case transcribed from
the files of the Texas Rangers. Names, dates, and places
(00:40):
in the following story are fixitious for obvious reasons. The
events themselves are a matter of records.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
Well, here are Tales of the Texas Rangers, and now
from the files of the Texas Rangers. The case called
Last Stop.
Speaker 3 (01:11):
It is Thursday night in July nineteen thirty one. A
local passenger train speeds through the rocky country of West Texas.
While the engineer watches the track ahead. The perspiring fireman
shovels coal into the flaming firebox.
Speaker 2 (01:28):
And steam gage is still down with.
Speaker 4 (01:32):
Bring up.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
Can't afford to lose no more time. Oh make it right.
Speaker 5 (01:39):
Okay, he watched that gate while we went.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
Yeah there, that all's your take.
Speaker 6 (01:53):
I just open it up here.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
How are you doing now? Maiked up twelve minutes away
behind schedule.
Speaker 5 (02:01):
Oh well, we'll make up, Charlie, thirty minutes on a
short one like this.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
Hat time. It's a dying shame. We had to have
a hard box. That car walker done his job.
Speaker 5 (02:12):
We wouldn't have lost all this time and cutting you
won't help us none. Now anyhow, super can't blame myself,
they say, Jay, see miss Travin.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Uh huh? Now what he say? I have to leave
in December when you get to be sixty five? You
have to retire now.
Speaker 5 (02:30):
All you deserve the rest after all these years.
Speaker 2 (02:34):
Quit? What am I gonna do with myself? I'll just
be around the house all the time, getting in Amy's way.
Speaker 5 (02:41):
Why you'll be able to go out to the park
and wait checkers, sleep till noon.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
Ain't that what you always wanted? And I used to think?
Speaker 5 (02:49):
So, Hey, how much time do you think we'll make up?
Speaker 7 (02:52):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (02:52):
Another ten minutes?
Speaker 8 (02:53):
Maybe we can pick up a couple of minutes on
this down Great, now let's.
Speaker 5 (02:58):
See, I'll still makers thirty three minutes behind.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
Now, how's the gates? Two forty eight?
Speaker 8 (03:07):
Right on the nose?
Speaker 5 (03:09):
Hey, you know, Charny, this examine ain't so bad? Well,
you and the mississ to go back east? Visitor kinfolks,
Maybe wasn't brought he jumping on the what is it?
Speaker 2 (03:20):
Jolly her? Oh Charlie, Charlie, where right chally.
Speaker 4 (03:44):
Charlie garref Wagner of Ravina was notified of the wreck.
Speaker 2 (03:58):
He alerted the railroad and locals.
Speaker 3 (04:00):
While a relief train was dispatched to the scene. The
sheriff requested the assistance of the Texas Rangers.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
Ranger Jason Pearson was a sign.
Speaker 3 (04:08):
He arrived as the last of the injured were being
removed from the sprinter to coaching.
Speaker 2 (04:14):
Shaff camp. Wagner, Yeah, we have of this flat.
Speaker 1 (04:19):
Okay, heay, com when you get through down there, give
my hand in the ready car.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
Okay, Chef o ooh charky Oh, boy, looks pretty bad. Cheff,
sure is jas as a fireman. They're taken now, Yeah,
excuse me? Ranger banged. Doc says they might have to
amputate his leg. Anybody killed. Engineer Charlie Hanson got pinned
under the cab. Most of the passengers are all right, though.
(04:45):
How did happen? I don't know. That's why I called.
You could have been an accident, but I just ain't sure.
You look at the track yet or the train jumped off.
I haven't had time untill now. I was helping the
dark give first aid. Why don't we take a look
out there? Sure you're go right? Here all the time
you got here on horseback, Jays, I left my car
(05:06):
on the other side of the canyon. Figure to be
faster and cut and cross country. Yeah, you'll probably say
it thirty five to forty minutes that way. Uh huh.
Watch out, Sheriff, rails sticking up there. Yeah, Oh what
a mess. Tracks torn up all the way around a bit.
It's hard to find out what happened, Yea, it sure does.
Maybe it was a loose track, yeah, or an axle
(05:28):
on the train might have broken. You know, we Sean knew.
Fireman's not in any condition to talk, and none of
the others have any idea hold on, Sheriff, what is it, Jason?
Take a look here the railroad die? What about it?
This tie could have caused the wreck. You see these
marks here and here, well, old gouge doubt kind of
(05:48):
like it's been burned. Could have been done, but the
friction of the front wheels of the engine marks of
the right distance apart. Yeah, then this must have been
on the track, chase. Somebody had to put it there.
You think somebody wrecked a train on purpose? It looks
that way, sir. How many trains come through here today?
Only two one going where's in one east? What time
does the train going east come through? About supper time?
(06:10):
And that time must have been laid across the tracks.
No more than three or four hours before the wreck. Yeah,
that's right. You're keeping the deputy on guide here tonight.
Keeping two of them out here. Good. Maybe one of
them can take this tie into town. Sure thing, Jays.
What time did this wreck take place? I don't know yet.
I haven't had time to really question anybody. Yeh, hit you.
Speaker 1 (06:33):
Yeah, we got them all into the relief trains.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
Anything else I can do? I don't think so. Mister Morton,
you sure have been a big help. Uh. This is
Ranger Pierce. Hoy, Ranger howdy. Mister Morton's the one phoned
me about the wreck, Jays. Did you see it happen?
Mister Morton? My boys did? Did they see anyone around
the tracks beforehand? Didn't mention it? They couldn't have anyhow,
too far away? Where were they up there on the
(06:58):
hill looking for some stock? I guess you can't see
it in the dark. My place is just the other
side of it. What time did it happen? Gosh, I
don't know, Ranger. I was pretty excited. I guess I
didn't notice. He called me in five after nine, mister Morton,
And it must have happened just about nine. Only took
the boys a couple of minutes to ride down the house. Uh,
your boy's here now, No, I made him stay home,
(07:20):
Sure glad. I did never saw anything so terrible in
my life. All those folks suffering relief trains ready to
leave Jason. Yeah, he's out shouting. Huh. Oh, that's kyl.
He's standing there over on that rise yelling at the train.
Does it all the time, and it's kind of pitiful. Fellow.
He that young fella lives in the shack by the war. Yeah,
(07:42):
he's the one. Sister took care of himuntil she died
a couple of years ago. Now he just tends his
goats and a few chickens. He never bothered anybody, I know.
Why is he yelling at the trains? Oh he hates trains.
He ain't had no use for him since one of
them killed his cow a while back. Maybe we better
talk to him, sheriff, you see, let him Morton good.
(08:03):
I think Karl might have done it forget Eaven with
a rare route. It's possible. He's got a grudge against him,
and he's not quite right. He jesus, Oh, we want
to talk to you. Hey, here's running. Come on, Sheriff,
we gotta catch here. Carl was clever as a bobcat.
(08:23):
He knew the country and slipped away from us in
the dark. We spent over an hour searching for him
through the rocks and arroyos without success. Finally, the sheriff
and I went over to his shack and concealed ourselves
in the dense brush about fifty yards away. We stayed
there the rest of the night. The longer we waited,
the more convinced we were that Carl had something to
do with wrecking the train. Nine o'clock the next morning,
(08:45):
he still hadn't shown up. I declared Jason, I'm so
stiff and sure and hardly moved. And ah you feel Sheriff. Hell,
that's sure run down, Look shake, he's good. Don't see
what keeps it up? No, Sheriff, I maybe we're wasting
our time here. I think maybe he's not coming back.
(09:08):
You can't tell. With a man like that, i'd have
scared him off for good. Yeah, especially if he did
wreck that train.
Speaker 5 (09:14):
Uh, huh.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Why don't we get somebody to keep an eye on
this place and we can start looking for Karl again
out in the brush. That's a good idea.
Speaker 9 (09:21):
Wait a minute, Sheriff, get down. What is a Jason
over there the other side of the clearing? Yeah there,
he is just coming in now. He's making sure the
coast is clear. I guess he figures it's safe. He's
going in. Let's get it.
Speaker 2 (09:35):
No, not yet, let him get inside first. Okay, let's go. Yeah, Reckony,
she's just coming out of that windows so dirty. I
don't think he can see anything. Why don't you ground back, Sheriff.
Might be another door, Okay, give me time to get
around there.
Speaker 6 (09:53):
Yeah, no other door.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
Chase, Okay, open up, Kyl. We know you're in there.
Oh what we want to ask you some questions, carl
O like, he's not going to open the chase. The
door is locked open the dark Carl, And we'll break
it down.
Speaker 8 (10:24):
I won't.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
I guess we'll have to, Sheriff. It shouldn't be hired.
It's pretty fremsy. You're ready, Yeah, all right, now grab
his arm, Sheriff.
Speaker 10 (10:36):
I don't mean too.
Speaker 7 (10:41):
I'm sorry about the train.
Speaker 5 (10:43):
I'm sorry.
Speaker 2 (10:45):
You should have thought of that last night.
Speaker 6 (10:47):
Come on.
Speaker 2 (10:55):
On the way into the Sheriff's office, Carl sobbed and
trembled hysterically. We could get no information from him, Sheriff
Wagner and I saw it was necessary let him calm
down before continuing the questioning. We've got Carl a hot
meal and let him rest. We put the railroad tie
in the Sheriff's office. A few hours later, we sent
for Carl. Come in here, young Carlo, Sit down. Carl.
(11:21):
You still mad at me? No, we're not mad at you, Carl.
We want to know about that train. To read trains
one of them kill Mary? Who's Mary? Mary's this cowjas
the one that got hit? Is that why you were
yelling at the train? Yeah? I didn't mean to. I'm sorry.
(11:42):
Tell us Carl. Is that why you ran away? You
thought we'd chased you because you yelled at the train? Oh?
Can you No? That wasn't the reason. You know what
happened to the other train? Yeah? Got busted up? Did
you do that, Carl?
Speaker 6 (12:00):
No?
Speaker 2 (12:01):
No, I just yelled at the track. What were you
doing yesterday? Why? I was home for a spell, taking
care of my goats, How about yesterday evening? What were
you doing then? I was over at the Radfords. What
do you mean, George Rampart, what were you doing over there?
We was killing hawks? What time did you leave the Radfords, Carl?
(12:25):
Oh no, not for a long time. TA give me supper.
Missus Radford's a nice lady. Sheriff better call him. Find
out if Carl was over there yesterday and what time
he left? Carl? Did you go down by the tracks
before the train was wrecked last night? I don't like trains.
(12:47):
You see that railroad tie in the corner? Yeah, that
was the tie that wrecked the train. Did you put
it on the tracks? No? No, I didn't do it.
The train was wrecked about nine, wasn't he? That's what
mister Morton said. And Carl here didn't do it. How
do you know he didn't leave the Radbridge still can.
(13:25):
After we took Carl home, we checked at the hospital.
The doctor told us the fireman of the wrecked train
with Bernard was in fair condition and that amputation was
not necessary. The doctor gave us permission to talk to
him and walk down to Bernard's room. Yeah, mister Bernard, Yeah,
(13:47):
I'm ranger Pearson, this is the sheriff. Yeah, we'd like
to find out what happened, mister Bernard, to whom Charlie dead. Yes, sir,
mister Bernard, do you remember what happened just before the wreck? Really?
And just sat down, Charlie. Yo, there was something on
the tracks and we was going to hit it and
(14:08):
grabbed the break, that's all I remember. You didn't see
anyone then standing by the track. Maybe? No, how fast
was your train going? About sixty? Never should have been
speeding like that. Now those greats Charlie, maybe be alive.
Now we'd been going slower, I'd been able to stop.
(14:29):
You were going faster than usual. Yeah, we were behind schedule,
supposed to be in blank Ford just about the time
we jumped the tracks on nine huh, eight thirty. We
understood the wreck didn't happen till nine. Oh No, it
was closer to eight thirty. Are you sure? Looked at
my watch just as we topped the rise, Sheriff, that rancher,
(14:53):
mister Morton call you a little after nine, that's right.
Jason was nine oh five, and he claimed his boys
saw it happened just a couple of minutes before that
I'm sure did. Why did kill us that reckon his line?
I don't know. Let's go over there and find out.
(15:15):
The sheriff and I went to the Morden ranch. We
arrived there about sundown. Mister Morton was just coming out
on the porch as we drove up. Howdy rang here? Sure, hoddy?
Speaker 1 (15:28):
Hello Martin.
Speaker 2 (15:30):
I was just about to call my boy into separate
How about eating with it? No thanks, I'm making a
part of Mulligan. Here's plenty. No thanks. We'd like some
straight answers to a few questions. We're a sure thing.
We're pretty sure now. What caused the wreck?
Speaker 3 (15:44):
Is it? So?
Speaker 2 (15:45):
Where was it? Somebody put a tie across the tracks?
You mean on purpose? Why? That's awful. That's the same
as murder. Sure is. You called the sheriff at five
minutes after nine last night, Is that right? I guess
so the sheriff remember the time. How long before that
did your boys tell you about the wreck? Oh? Less
(16:06):
than a minute. I phoned right away. What were the
boys standing when they saw it happen up on that
hill behind the house. We'll back, I'll s sure you
did they hear the crash? Yeah, I'll come you didn't.
Speaker 6 (16:18):
He?
Speaker 2 (16:19):
Well, I was in the house, and the hill's in
the way. I guess there it is. Couldn't have taken
them morn a couple of minutes to each house from there. Now,
mind if we ask your boys about this? No, of
course not. Come on, Young Dan's over in the barn milking,
which the matter of share? Something wrong? I'll turn you,
(16:42):
mister Morton. According to what you say, the wreck must
have taken place about nine o'clock. It actually happened at
eight thirty. He he couldn't have. We want to know
why you're a half hour off, mister Morton. Well, I
don't know. I can't understand it. Say you don't think
I had anything to do with Rick. We don't know yet,
(17:04):
but somebody did. Well, I'll tell you right now it
wasn't me. Maybe your boys will be able to tell
us something. Come on, I just don't get it. You
sure it wasn't an accident? We're sure?
Speaker 3 (17:17):
Dan?
Speaker 2 (17:18):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (17:21):
Dan?
Speaker 2 (17:21):
Didn't you tell me? Mister Morton? We'd like to ask
the questions. All right, rangeer Dan, this says Sheriff Wagner,
and Range your Pierson. They want to talk to you. Howdy, Dan,
exactly where were you when you saw the train rack
last night?
Speaker 11 (17:38):
We were up on the hill looking for some stock
in wonder, Ain't that right, Paul?
Speaker 2 (17:44):
Yeah? Son? Did you come down and tell your father
right away?
Speaker 7 (17:48):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (17:48):
As soon as we saw it. Are you sure you
didn't stay a while to watch? Oh? No, sir, we
rolled right down. Well just what did you see?
Speaker 11 (17:57):
Well, we heard a big awful noise and we looked
down that way. We just saw the end of the crash,
kind of just as the cars were falling over.
Speaker 2 (18:05):
You saw them turn over?
Speaker 11 (18:07):
Yes, yes, sir, we did.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
Son. Are you sure you saw it? Yeah? If you
don't mind, mister Morton, let us ask the boy. Then, yes, sir,
tell me the truth. Now, did you go down to
the wreck before you came home to tell your father? No,
we didn't, Harness. Did you ever handle a railroad tie,
(18:30):
dan Tye? You ever want to put one on a
track to see what would happen when a train hit it? No?
I never did. How long you figure it took you
to come down the hill just a couple of minutes.
We came right away, honest, you couldn't have. Then the
train was wrecked a half hour earlier, than you say, Well,
(18:51):
then did you put the tie on the tracks? How
about it? Was it you? I didn't want it?
Speaker 11 (19:01):
Lloyd made me help him.
Speaker 8 (19:03):
Oh paw, there, ranger. I feel sick my own boy.
You did this awful thing. Why did you do it?
Speaker 2 (19:17):
Soon?
Speaker 6 (19:19):
Lloyd?
Speaker 10 (19:20):
He said, he showed me how to bust up a
big log without any work. Oh, dad, I didn't want to,
but but he called me sissy.
Speaker 11 (19:34):
I helped him track one of them ties.
Speaker 2 (19:36):
Out of the track. He waited there and watched the
train hit it.
Speaker 10 (19:40):
Yes, sir, well when the train went down the bank
and all the cars bowed, when we got scared and
rolled away, Floyd maybe probably not to tell?
Speaker 2 (19:53):
Where is Floyd on his way to Caste? I guess
I mean you don't know where your son is. He's
not my son, he's my boss's son. You see. I'm
a tenant farmer here mis charsband owns the place, lives
in Houston. What's a boy been doing out?
Speaker 6 (20:07):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (20:08):
Rarely, kept getting in trouble at home. Father sent him
to military school. When that didn't do any good, he
asked me to take him for the summer. Thought it
might streighten Floyd out. Be in here, and I thought
it was starting to do some good. When did he
leave this afternoon? I thought it was kind of funny
why he wanted to leave all of a suddenly I
(20:29):
had to talk him out of it, but he said no,
he wanted to go home. So I called his father
long distance. His dad said, put him on the bus,
did you yeah? Which price? Was it?
Speaker 8 (20:39):
One?
Speaker 2 (20:39):
At four o'clock? I got him into town, but two?
But we just missed that bus. Did you see him
get on the four o'clock bus? Yeah? Sure? I waited
with him. Didn't want him to take it because you'd
have to stay in Bismarck tonight and catch the morning
bus for Houston. But no, he was said, I'm going today.
You have a picture of Floyd you can give us. Well,
I got a snap shout of the two kids together.
(21:01):
That'll do. We'll see if we can catch up for
him in Bismarck. I'm afraid your boy is gonna have
to come into town with us.
Speaker 8 (21:08):
Oh book, He wasn't, damn all.
Speaker 2 (21:14):
He's got no money to raise him. And I guess,
I guess I just didn't do a good enough job.
We have no choice, mister morning. He wouldn't have done
it if he hadn't have been for Floyd. Floyd seventeen,
he's two years older, and he was always talking Dan
into things. Oh, Floyd's a great talker. Every time I
call him down about something, he's talk himself out of it.
(21:35):
Don't worry, mister Morton, he won't talk himself out of this.
We took Dan Morden and his father to the Sheriff's
office in Ravena. Then Sheriff Wagner and I drove to Bismarck.
The baggage clerk at the Trailway's bus station there identified
Floyd Osborn from his photograph as having checked a suitcase
at seven o'clock. There was no bus leaving for Houston
(21:56):
until nine fifteen the following morning. During the ninth week,
handleas the number of hotels, but we're unable to locate
the boy. The next morning, we were back in the
bus station, standing next to the Houston bus. Floyd Osborn
still hasn't shown up. A bed kid, don't hurry, he's
gonna miss this verse. Yeah, he still got time. They've
got ten minutes before they pull out. What if he
(22:17):
doesn't show up and then we'll get him at home
What do you think he's doing? Waiting until the last
minute looks like her. Let me see that snapshot of
the two kids, Chase. I just want to be sure
I'll know him. Yeah, I hear you. Never mind, Sheriff
Here he comes sure in a hurry, must overslept. Let's
take him.
Speaker 12 (22:40):
What do you think you're doing?
Speaker 2 (22:42):
Cut it out, sir, Hotel. Your name Floyd Osborn?
Speaker 6 (22:46):
Hell?
Speaker 2 (22:46):
So what this is? Ranger Pearson? I'm the sheriff of
this county water bus You were staying with mister Morton.
Weren't you who was at a crime?
Speaker 3 (22:53):
No?
Speaker 2 (22:54):
I reckon the train?
Speaker 12 (22:55):
Is you don't think I wrecked that train? Who's been
telling you stories?
Speaker 2 (23:00):
No use, Floyd. We know you did it, but this
is crazy. I'm the one who reported the wreck.
Speaker 12 (23:06):
Well why me and Dan was two miles away from
there when we saw it.
Speaker 2 (23:09):
You and Dan laid a tire across the tracks. You
were right there when it happened.
Speaker 12 (23:13):
That's a dirty lot.
Speaker 2 (23:14):
We don't think it is well it Look.
Speaker 12 (23:16):
Look, if you want the truth, I'll tell you Dan
did it.
Speaker 2 (23:19):
I told him not to. It was Dan who did it.
That's no good, Floyd. Dan's not big enough to have
carried that heavy tie by himself.
Speaker 12 (23:25):
Well, where's father, Hilton, old man Morton?
Speaker 2 (23:28):
Hear him?
Speaker 8 (23:29):
And Dan did it.
Speaker 2 (23:30):
I don't think the car's gonna believe that either, Floyd.
Speaker 12 (23:32):
Well, you're not thinking made any court.
Speaker 7 (23:34):
Floyd, stop hit for that car.
Speaker 2 (23:42):
Here he goes running toward the drug star.
Speaker 7 (23:44):
Stop Floyd, come here, I heard mom.
Speaker 2 (23:54):
You're not hurt. You're not running away again. I didn't
mean the wrecord. I just wanted to see what would happen. Well,
now you know, and you'll never forget it as long
as you live. Come on, and now here are the
(24:34):
results in the case you have just heard.
Speaker 3 (24:36):
Lloyd Osborne and Dan Morton were brought to trial on
January eighth, nineteen thirty two. Because of the nature of
the crime and his extreme youth, Dan Morton was released
in the custody of his father. Floyd Osborne was sent
to the State School for Boys at Gatesville.
Speaker 2 (24:55):
Next week.
Speaker 1 (24:55):
Joule McCrae and another authmentic reenactment mccase from the Piles
out the Texas Rangers. The cast included Tony Barrett, leo' curley,
Bert Holland, and Christy Whitfield. Connor and Jeffrey Silver. Technical
advisor was Captain M. T. Lone Wolf Gonzales of the
(25:15):
Texas Rangers. This story was transcribed and adapted by Robert A. White,
and the program was produced and directed by Stacy Teach.
Tales of the Texas Rangers has heard weekly overseas through
the worldwide facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service, hell
get Me speaking
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