 In the small jail at Fort Anderson, Lightning Jim's deputy, Whitey Lawson, is opening the door to one of the cells. Hey, Ben, wake up! Aren't you hungry? Well, what have you got there? Bean, bread and coffee. Ain't sure where it's fancy, but that's good enough to fill you up. Yeah. Bean, bread and coffee. And for breakfast it'll be coffee, bread and beans. And for lunch, it's bread, coffee and beans. Oh, well, that's plenty good, you know. You're the only prisoner we got in here right now. Yeah. But I got an idea. I ain't gonna be here long. Well, you only got five more months to go, I think. No. No, I'm getting... No! Fong, law-pat. Yes. What happened? Well, I brought in his food. And he hit me on the chin. And when I woke up, I was locked up in here. So you let Ben Barlow get away? No, I didn't let him get away. He just went. Get to order tea and let me out there. Yeah, fine, Deputy, you are. We only had one prisoner in jail, and he got the best. You are, but you just wait till I get my hands on him. Get on, Lightning. Get to order tea and unlock the door. No, you're in no condition to go out now, what is it? It's that sort. Yeah, I'm gonna let you stay here. Well, I go out and get the prisoner. Hey, Lightning, you can't do that. Oh, yes, I can do that. You've got to get your strength back. So start eating that food you brought for Ben. Beans, bread, and cough is good for a week, Deputy. So long, Lightning. Hey, Lightning, you can't do this. Go back here tonight. It looks as though Whitey has a few troubles of his own, doesn't it? In the days of the Old West, the United States Marshals and their deputies helped the troopers and local peace officers to establish and maintain law and order on the frontier. Those thrilling and exciting days on the Western Plains have come back to us now in the adventures of United States Marshals, Lightning Jim Whipple, and his deputy Whitey Larson. And now, let's return to Lightning Jim and Whitey in the jail at Fort Anderson. Well, yeah, Lightning, I thought you were really going to let me stay locked up in the jail. Well, it should have. I reckon I'm getting soft-hearted. Why do you ought to be ashamed of yourself, letting a jazz boy like Ben Barlow get the best out of you? You ought to be ashamed of yourself, letting a jazz boy like Ben Barlow get something. He got to get after that gig and bring him back. Yeah, but you said you didn't know where he went. Well, how do I know where he went? Sure, that's right. You were sleeping when he walked out. Hey, Lightning, I think you're looking for a good conscience and oath or something. No, why do you say that for Ben? No, I'll take care of him all right. Yeah, see that you do, but right now we've got to get down to some serious thinking. Now, let's get the facts straight. Ben Barlow handled the brand on Irons on a bar B-ran, Don Banks. Now, as I got the story, Ben was kind of sweet on Mr. Banks' daughter, Ellie. Yes, that's right. And that didn't set right with Curly Fair, the top hand on the Barbie. Curly's had his eye on Ellie, too. Yes, it was bought after the same girl and they had to fight. Right. Curly was getting the best of the argument when Ben drew his gun. He fired Miss Curly and hit Mr. Banks in the arm. The rest of the boys on the ranch jumped in and Ben was brought in here, tried and sent them to Six Months in jail. Is that right? Yes, and I thought he was a nice fellow, but I changed my mind. Yeah, you mean he changed your mind? Yes, but he ain't going to get the way of hitting a dipper in Marshall and breaking in jail, I tell you that. Well, we're never going to catch him sitting around, just talking about it. Come on, let's get a horse. Yeah, where are we going? Well, first off, we've got an idea. We ought to drop in at the Barbie ranch. Oh, you think Ben will go back there? Well, maybe. At least, wise, we can warn Mr. Banks to be on a lookout for him. You see, why didn't Mr. Banks is also a banker at the Rosedale, at two miles south of the Barbie ranch. Yeah, y'all, y'all. We'll drop off at the bank first and then go on up to the ranch. Y'all, and the quicker we get there, the sooner. Come on. How are you feeling, Pa? Oh, all right again, Kelly. You didn't have to carry it around in this confounded sling. Well, the doctor said you could take it off in a few days. A few days, nothing. I'm taking it off right now. Now, Pa, I wouldn't do that. Oh, never mind. I know what I'm doing. Arm feels all right. You were sure lucky that Ben got you in the arm, Pa. Yeah, and six months in jail was letting that crater off easy. We oughta strung him up. But Ben wasn't cutein' at you. That'll make no difference. He was aiming to drill Curly, and that's just as bad. Yeah, I know. Pa, do you really believe that Ben was branding and stealing our calves? Of course he was. But nobody proved he did. That ain't the point. We was losing calves, and Curly said he caught Ben out on the range with a fire and Brandon iron. It's again the law to brand calves or mavericks outside a roundup mine or in the corral. Yes, I know that too, but I still say nobody proved that Ben branded and stole our calves. Because Curly said so ain't enough. Well, Curly's words good enough for me. And besides, Ben wasn't put in jail for stealing calves just for shooting at Curly and hitting me. Hey, are you trying to stand up for that cool cat? Of course I ain't. But Ben worked for us a long time, and it seems funny that this had to come up all of a sudden, like. The horse is ready, boy. No, all right, Curly. Where you going, Pa? I'm riding to Rosedale. Got some business to look after at the bank. Two things going down there every night this week. Can't help it. The man tries to run a ranch in a bank at the same time. He can't worry about ours. Well, please be careful, Pa. Careful? I reckon I know how to look out for myself. Don't wait up for me. I might be late. What do you want, Curly? Anything you want done before I turn in? No, I reckon not. It's mighty pretty out tonight. The full moon and lots of skies. That's all? I reckon I've been too busy to notice. I thought you might like to take a little ride down to the waterfall. No thanks. I'm too tired. But you've been in the house all day, and I thought a little ride might make you feel better. Not tonight. It sure is nice and cool and spring-like down by the waterfall. Curly, I told you I don't want to go out tonight. What's the matter, Miss Ellie? Are you mad at me? No, I ain't mad at you, Curly. But I ain't so sure that Ben Barlow was guilty of branding and stealing our cabs. Oh, sure he was guilty. And a little touched in the head if you ask me. Curly, you never liked Ben from the start. You ain't got no right to say that. Well, he sure acted mighty funny. Seems kind of strange you sticking up for him like this. Lesson perhaps you was sweet on him. Oh, so that's it. You were jealous of him, too. Now listen, Miss Ellie. If a kettle's even vomit like Ben Barlow is your idea of a man, you can have him. What about Curly? Ben Barlow? Yeah. Well, you both kill, huh? Get up and face the wall. What are you doing here, Ben? Just a minute, Miss Ellie. Now, Curly, you stay right where you are and don't make a move or I might forget myself and pull the trigger. I'm taking your gun first, Curly. Now turn around and keep your hands in the air. Listen, you've got no right to come in here like this. Maybe not, but who's going to stop me? Nobody's going to stop you now, Ben, but if you broke jail, the law's going to catch up with you. You know, that's a mighty pretty speech, Miss Ellie. The law said I was guilty of shooting your father. Well, I did hit him. As you know, he wasn't the one I was after. But you was aiming to kill Curly. Yeah, but my aim wasn't so good. And next time, it'll be better. Curly said I was branding and stealing Bobby cabs. Ain't that what you said, Curly? You had your trial, Ben. Ain't nothing more for me to say. Well, this time, I'm putting you on trial, mister. Do you still think I branded and stole them cabs? I ain't talking. Sure you don't. And maybe you is right. Yeah, maybe you didn't notice, Miss Ellie. But Curly here accused me of being sweet on you. Well, how about it, Curly? That's a lie. I didn't say no such thing. Yes, you did. You said it's how you thought I ought to clear out before things got too hot for me. Then you slapped Leather and I beat you to the draw. But the boss hadn't stepped in on a got you straight. Well, you still think I'm sweet on Miss Ellie? I reckon you can answer that one. Yeah. And Curly, maybe you was right again. And I figured we ought to let the lady decide that. Miss Ellie, Miss Scuderain got nerve enough to come out out and say what he thinks. So I'm giving you a chance to decide which one of us you want to get hitched to. That's so funny about that. Why, I wouldn't have either one of you galutes if he was the last man on earth. Ben, I wasn't so sure you was guilty of branding and sealing our calves, but after what you just said, I reckon Paul's right. You're a no-good sidewinder. That's your answer? Sure. And what you're going to do about it? Plenty. I reckon this trials over. And the verdict is guilty. Yes, this is one time when Ben Barlow is the judge's jury and law. Wait, wait, wait. You can't shoot me down like this. Now, now I ain't shooting you down yet, Curly. I may want to fix you with a punishment you won't never forget. What's the trouble I think? The rider's coming off the trail, Yonder. No, but see, that don't look like the Yigiviria. Oh, that ain't Ben. There's the appendage. Howdy, Dave. Howdy, boy. What you doing out this time of night? No, just going up to the set, that's all. Well, you found any more gold, Dave? Not lately, eh? Well, I'm working a spot up in here. It sure looks mighty good. Yeah, sure. You never see the spot. They look better. How do you fellas like to buy an interesting McLean? Well, I don't know about that, Dave. What do you think? Why, Dave? Well, eh, if I'm not sure, there must be gold there. Oh, there's plenty of gold there. I've been prospecting these hills for 50 years. I know every spot. But you ain't found the gold mine yet, have you, Dave? Not yet, but I will, one of these days. And when I do, I'll be a millionaire. Yes, sure. I'll have enough money to buy up the whole country and live like a king. Hey, what you say, boys? $50 a piece and I'll put you in for half all again. $50 for half? That sounds like a bargain. What, eh? Oh, yes. I'd pay $50 in the day to get that million dollar. Well, it's up to us. Sure as you're living. Uh, taking a laugh to pass us up this time, partner. We'll see if we're out on official business. Oh, that's old. Well, who you asking? Chapter the name of Ben Barlow. Ben Barlow? Yeah. Uh, me and your fella used to work for John Banks at the Barbie range? Oh, that's him. Ah, yes, he got put in jail for suiting up the old man. That's right, but it broke jail today. It broke jail? Uh, how come? Reckon Whitey can answer that. Yeah, but never mind how he got to me. Ha, ha, ha. All right, Whitey, you don't have to tell the gruesome story. You see, Dave, Ben hit Whitey and the John made a clean getaway. Oh, nice. Jumping, she horsesack. You know Ben Barlow besides Dave? Yeah, but he ain't been up where I've been. But I'll keep a sharp eye out while you're heading. Well, aim to stop off at the Barbie range. Oh, yeah. Well, good luck to you boys. And if you change your mind about buying in on McLean, let me know. All right, Dave. Another thing, Whitey, if that fella hit you like Jim said, a wreck in your chin ought to be pretty sure. Oh, yeah. Well, you drop by my shack and I'll give you some special liniments. I'll use it on the horses and you'll... Sure works. Well, sure on, boys. Ha, ha, ha. Poor son of a man. Yes, when I get through with Ben Barlow, I think I got to fix Big Ben Dave too, right, Stanley? Come on, brother. Yeah, what's up? I know he's got it in for you in your top hand, so I... Ben Barlow. Half local sidewinder. Well, I suggest we go back to your ranch, Mr. Banks, and lay low in case Ben decides to show up. Good idea. I was just going down to Rosedale to do some work at the bank, but that can wait. Hey, are your boy store back at your ranch, Mr. Banks? No, they're out on roundup. Oh, except for my top hand. Well, Lightning Jim, Whitey and Mr. Banks get to the Barbie ranch in time to catch Ben Barlow. You'll hear the exciting climax of this Lightning Jim adventure in part two, which follows immediately. Lightning Jim adventure, Lightning Jim's brand. We join the Marshall, Whitey and John Banks, owner of the Barbie ranch, as they approach the ranch house. Whoa, Thunder Woo, boys. Right with you, John. Yo. Light the lamp. See, Lightning, what if Daddy don't show up here? Well, we'll have to pick up a new trail. Here we are, boys. Lightning Light now. You'll be here in a minute. Look over there on the floor. It's like good Lord is telling. Yeah, I'm tired. I'll take off the game. Yeah, give me your knife, Whitey. Yo, here you are. Oh, that thing was choking me. Well, what happened, Ellie? Who done this? Wait. Wait till I get this rope, please. Easy, though. There you are. Here, give me your hand. Ben Barlow. You'll be here in a minute. How are we? Well, let me get my breath. About an hour ago, I was talking to Curly and all of a sudden the door opened, and then walked Ben with a gun in his hand. Yeah? Then what? Well, he made Curly face the wall and then took his gun. Said he was going to get even with Curly for accusing him of stealing our calves and starting a fight that you got shot in, Pa. Did he shoot Curly? No, made me top Curly's hands, and then he tied me up and poked the gun in Curly's back and marked him outside. I heard the horses start up and head north, and that's all that you come in. And I told you, Lightning, he's a killer. Just let it down. Besides what you told us, Miss Banks, did Ben want money? No. Did he ask about your father? Yes, and before I could stop him, Curly blurted out that Pa had gone down to the bank at Rose Day. I see. You say they headed north? Yeah. Well, you've got to do something, Lightning. Her Curly's up on the shore. Well, it's dark and won't be to pick up the trail. We'll head north a ways and see what we can find. Well, I'm going with you. Oh, you stay here with Ellie until Whitey and me get back. We can't pick up the trail now. We'll round up the party from the ranches. Come on, Whitey. How much money do you want? I'm letting you off too easy. Well, if you're aiming to drill it, me and him has got a little business to do. What do you want me to do? I'll slap some wood and build up a fire out here in front of the shot. Right where you are, Curly. In the saddlebag that'll interest you. Is it before, Curly? A branding iron. Yeah. This is a branding iron. The Barbie branding iron. And it's for you. What do you mean? Just what I said. You know, a Maverick calf is a stray calf that don't belong to nobody. And a Kalman's got to write the branding. I figured that you're alone. I'm aiming to put this brand on you so you won't forget to keep your nose out of other folks' business. No, no, no. No, you can't do that. Oh, yes, I can. I get in that shack before I lose my company. Pick up the trail and the door. Canyon, don't seem to be no sign of Ben and Curly. We go back to the ranch, pick up a party and start out a day break. You opinion me? There's somebody in those bushes. Hey, don't shoot. Come out with your hands up. It's me. Don't shoot. Sure, I'm glad to see you, boys. What you doing prowling around in the bush, Dave? It's Ben Barrow. He's up at the shack. He's got Curly with him. Break down and let's go after him. Hold on, buddy. Where's the shack, Dave? It's about three miles up the canyon. Want to come up to the shack? Dirty words. Curly was tied up, and Ben was holding a gun on him. Ben told me to rustle up some wood for a fire. I told him the wood was in the back of the shack, but instead of getting the wood, I made a break for it. I couldn't get the horse, so I had to come on foot. I was ahead and for the barbie raid. Good work, Dave. Give me your hand. Get up your own thunder. Yeah, sure. There you are. Now hang on. We're heading for your shack, pronto. Let's go. Don't tear. Not thin. Careful, boys. Careful. Hands up or we'll blast ya. Kill for lightning. Maybe that's a trap. The light from the fire. See through the window. Yep. There's a harsh Curly lying on the floor. Ben's gone, sure enough. Yeah. There you are. There you are, Curly. You're right. You can get up now. We'll be on Thunder, Curly. Why do you take Dave on your horse? You're sure? Come on. We ain't got no time to lose. I'd be coming back. Hey. I thought you wasn't interested in Curly. Said you wouldn't have me and him if we was the last men on Earth. You won't get away with this, Ben. No. Now you hand over that cash you just took out of your safe, boss. Oh, go on, Pa. I'll give it to him. That's right, Miss Ellie. I kind of figure that we'll be needing it. What do you mean, we'll be needing it? Just what I said. I'm taking you with me. Oh, no, you don't. Easy, boss. Point this gun at your heart. Curly was right. I was branding and taking your calves. I took care of Curly. And now I'm taking your daughter. Well, you're a madman. Maybe so. But I got sense enough to know what I want. Well, Miss Ellie, are you coming with me or do I pull this trigger on your palm? Oh, Ben, Ben, listen to me. The last time I was aiming for Curly and got your pie on the arm. This time, I don't aim to miss. Are you coming? Reach for the sky. Reach! Oh, no, you don't. That's the right name. Oh, thank the Lord for that. He sure got what was coming to him. Don't worry about me. I'm all right. Ben put a brand on iron on him, Miss. Oh, oh, that's terrible. Oh, it'll heal up, I reckon. Ben put his brand on me, but Ben didn't figure he'd be getting like in a Jim's brand. A bullet plumbed between the eyes. Your enlightening Jim's brand don't heal up so quick. That's right, Whitey. It's a brand that every killer and outlaw deserves. Ellie, you'd better help Curly fix up them burns. Sure, Pa. Just a minute, Miss Ellie. Mm-hmm. I'm powerful, sorry, for saying what I did about you and Ben. Oh, that was my fault, Curly. You and Pa was right and I was wrong. Well, if it means anything to you, I won't mind carrying the Barbie brand for the rest of my life. Any cattle or man that's got a Barbie brand belongs to me. Come on, Curly. We'll go get something for that burn. Well, Lightning, it looks like you helped to patch up some busted romance. Yeah, well, John, you was right about Ben. Went local trying to get revenge. Yeah, you did. Craziest man to ever see. Hey, what are you doing here, Dave? Oh, just trying to help him out like in Jim and Whitey, that's all. Tell me some about this, Dave. You see, John, Dave escaped from Ben. Let us on the trail. Let us back to his shack where Ben was holding Curly. So I say most of the credit for catching Ben goes to Dave. Oh, sure. She's pushing nothing to cause. Well, then I think he ought to get the reward. Yeah. Reward? What you talking about? Well, Ben was aiming to rob me of $5,000 in cash. I figured the reward for catching this critter ought to be about $1,000. Here you are, Dave. $1,000? Now, you ain't had much luck. What's trouble, Whitey? Well, you know, Dave offered me one half interest in any gold if on. Yeah? Well, I got $50 here, and I want to buy one half interest in Dave's $1,000. Drilling chapter in the lives of United States Marshal Lightning Jim Whipple and his deputy Whitey Larson.