 With action and suspense out of the Old West comes the most famous hero of them all, Huffleong Cassidy, starring William Boyd. The Ring of the Silver Spurs heralds the most amazing man ever to ride the prairies of the early West, Huffleong Cassidy, the same hoppy you cheer in motion pictures, and the same California you've laughed at a million times. Raw courage and quick shooting have built a legend around this famous hero. Huffleong is a name to be feared, respected, and admired, for this great cowboy rides the trails of adventure and excitement. William Boyd has Huffleong Cassidy and and declined as California. Here's Hoppy now with another new story. We call this one hoppy plays a hunch. California and I didn't need much urging when Buck Peters told us we could take a couple of weeks off from the bar 20. We'd been mighty busy the past few months and the change of scenery sounded good to both of us. That's how a few days later we happen to stop by the Wilson's Flying W Ranch outside the little town of Navajo Springs. The Wilson's were old friends of California's. I'll tell you California, Chit's just gonna key right over when he sees you. How long's it been anyhow? Well, I don't know, it must be two, three years now I reckon. Two years and four months is what it's been mom. Now friend, how'd you know how long since California was here? I remember it was right after my 17th birthday and he brought me that hand mirror all the way from Santa Fe. By golly, she's right Sarah. That's sakes of life. Don't seem that long ago. Oh, I don't know where the time goes. Sure slips by fast all right there. What did you say Chit was? Oh, he's just going over to Farley Vincent's place. You ought to be back for long now. Farley Vincent, the name sounds familiar. Sure, you've heard Chit and me speak of him. He's the fella owns the big rockin' V outfit over west. Oh, sure sure. Ain't he the one that loaned you all the money when you was having such a time of it? Yeah, he's the one. We're just now getting clear. That's what Chit's doing now. Taking the last four thousand over to Vincent so we can tear up that note. Well, ain't that good news. Yes sir, ought to call for a celebration. Ha ha, what's just a quiet fur hoppy? Well, I... Landsakes. We ain't even given Mr. Cassidy a chance to open his mouth. Ha ha, that's all right Mrs. Wilson. I know how it is when you haven't seen old friend for a while. You go right ahead. Well, I knew California'd be glad to hear the news. We've had our troubles with the place here, but now they're all over. And just in time too. Just in time? Yeah. She means we only had four more days left to pay the note Mr. Cassidy. Oh, I think Farley Vincent was hoping we wouldn't be able to scrape up enough to pay him off. He'd probably like nothing better than to take over this range. Well, he's probably not the only one who'd like to do that. You about the nicest, greatest land I've seen in these parts. And plenty of water too. Yes sir, we're mighty lucky folks. Well, you deserve it if anybody does. But there's one thing I can't figure out for the life of me. What's that, California? I can't understand how a pretty gal here, like Fran, ain't got herself hitched up double by this time. California. I was wondering the same thing. Well, if she and Grant Barrett had their way about it, I guess they'd be married tonight. Mom, please. Listen. That'll be Chet now, I reckon. Good. I can hardly wait to see his face when he sees me. Yep, that's Chet all right. The way he's getting off on that horse, you'd think he'd rummage it and... California, look. Come on, he's been shot. Now back to Hoppe along Cassidy and our story. Hoppe plays a hunch. Hoppe and California were on a short vacation and stopped at the Flying W Ranch to see the Wilson's, old friends of California's. They found Mrs. Wilson and her daughter at home that were told that Chet Wilson had gone to deliver the final payment due on a note which they owed Farley Vinson. When Wilson finally returned, California and the others rushed out to greet him only to discover that he had been shot. Thank goodness it wasn't worse, Chet. Your leg would probably be stiff a few days, but that dressing ought to take care of it. Thanks, Sarah. I'm not worried about the leg, it's the money that's the word. No, we'll worry about that later. Fran and I'll go fix us all some supper now. I know you want to talk to California and Mr. Cassidy anyhow. Well, let me to find me some things, man. Oh, and don't go talking that away, Chet. Looks like a man ain't safe nowhere nowadays. What happened anyway? Did you get a look at the sidewind of the shots you, Mr. Wilson? No, that's the trouble. Whoever did it shot from some brush up ahead of me. That's about all I know because right afterwards my horse reared and threw me. The same bullet that went through your leg raised your horse's flank. Yeah. Anyway, I wasn't expecting anything like that and I lit on my head. I don't know how long I was knocked out, but when I come to and called over to my horse, the saddle bag was gone and no sign of anybody. What all this happened, Mr. Wilson? About five miles up the east trail toward Vinson's place. There's three big cottonwoods right together there with some brush around close to them. I guess the apartment was hiding there just waiting for me. Anybody know you had all that money and we're going to take it to Vinson's today? Yeah, lots of people. I guess I should have kept my mouth shut about it, but, well, you know how a feller is. Sure, sure. I drew the money out yesterday and before I left town I stopped at the saloon, bought a few old friends a drink to sort of celebrate. Do you have any idea who might have done this, Mr. Wilson? Well... How about Vinson? Oh, I don't think it was him. Oh, I know. He'd like to get the flying W. Still, I suppose he could have done it. Your wife tells us you and Vinson's foreman don't get along too well. Oh, young Barrett. No, I ain't got much use for him. Mainly because I don't think he's good enough to marry Fran. I told him to stay away from here and he was pretty mad, but, hey. Now, wait just a minute here. What is it, Mr. Wilson? I just remembered. He told me he wouldn't let mean or anybody else stand in the way of his marrying Fran. And if I was dead, he'd have a clear road, wouldn't he? Sure. And if he married her, he'd have the ranch to boot. Practical. Still, I wouldn't be too quick to suspect anybody without more to go on than that, Mr. Wilson. Yeah, I guess you're right, happy. But the more I think of it, the more I'm sure it was one of them, too. Vinson stands to get the ranch as it is and if I'd have been killed, Barrett had my daughter and the ranch. And you still get four days to raise the money, haven't you? Yeah, sure. I couldn't raise four hundred in that time, let alone four thousand. Do you think there's any chance of Vinson's giving you more time? I can see you don't know Vinson. Nope, I'm afraid I'm licked. Well, I wouldn't give up just yet. We got four days. We might be able to locate your own money by that time. Well, thanks, man. I appreciate your offer and a health but... But but nothing. Copy and mail figure out something. You wait and see. Ah, but, Hoppy, we've been out here since sunup and covered every square foot within a half mile of where Chet was robbed and we ain't found a single thing. Ah, I guess we might as well be... Wait a minute. Look over that bush. Huh? What is it, Hoppy? I think it's what we've been looking for. Wilson's saddlebag. Come on. Yeah, if it's all right. There's a flying W stamped on the flap. Let's have a look inside. Ah, empties my pockets just before payday. You didn't expect to find any money at it, did you? Well, no, no, of course not, but I don't see what good it's gonna do us when now that we found it. Well, maybe it won't do any good. Well, here. Let me throw it in my horse and let's get going. Wait, I'm in California. We're leaving it right here. I got an idea that might be worth trying. Huh? It's just a hunch. It may not be any good, but we can't lose anything by giving it a try. Well, I suppose you know what you're doing. Come on. We still got to go see if Vincent will give Chet Wilson more time to pay off that note. How come we're heading to the corral here? Vincent ain't likely to be down this way. No, but Grant, there it is. I'm kind of interested in meeting him, too. Holy smokes. Look at that fellow sticking that bra. Yeah, he's mighty good, all right. All aboard, Grant. Give it to him. Excuse me, fellow. Huh? Oh, howdy. Is that Grant Barrett riding the bronc? Yep, that's him. He's the best man with a horse or a six-gun you'll ever see, too. Turnip, I don't believe it. I looked like he's got that in the whip. Did you all want to see him? Yeah, we do. Yeah, I reckon I'd better go tell him. Just a second. Nice-looking young fellow, ain't he? Barrett, I mean. Yeah, but don't forget the old saying, California. Uh, what's that hoppy? Looks are only skin deep. Remember? Well, Ross tells me you tell us wanted to see me. That's right, Barrett. I am Cassidy, and this is California Carlson. We're from the bar 20 over southwest. So? Er, I'm an old friend of Jack Wilson's. We're stained with him for a few days. Oh. Well, what about it? What'd you want with me? We came over to see your boss. Just thought we'd like to meet you, so long as we heard so much about you. I can guess what you must have heard if old man Wilson was doing the talking. He's not talking much since he was shot yesterday. Shot? Wilson was shot? Was he hurt bad? Not a hideezy, Barrett. He just got hit in the leg. Not too bad. But the barman, Donut, stole $4,000 off of him, too. Well, I'll be. Wilson was on his way over here to pay the money to Vincent. To pay Vincent? Well, I thought he'd already paid. What made you think that? Why? Hey, what business is it of yours what I think anyway? We're just interested in finding out who dragged Ghost Wilson, that's all. You're acting like you think maybe I might have done it. You're being you? Easier than I? Why, you... I don't start accusing me of... Hey, get easy, Barrett. Nobody's accused you of anything. Young fella, Hoppy's got an idea for catching the sneaking coyote, and it won't take... Quiet, California. We've got more important things to do than argue. We'd better get up and see you, Vincent. Well, come in, men, come in. Sit down. Thanks, Mr. Vincent. So you're friends of Chet Wilson's, eh? He's a good man, Chet. Well, what can I do for you? If you're looking for work, I'm afraid you're out of luck. I have more men than I need now. Ah, we're not looking for work, Mr. Vincent. We came on business. Oh, well, that's different. Well, we'd come to see if you wouldn't give Chet more time to pay off the note you hold in his place. He was shocked and robbed in his way over here yesterday. What's that? That's right, Vincent. Somebody got the $4,000 he was bringing to you. What? Well, that's outrageous. Must have been a pretty bold gunman to pull something like that in broad daylight. Well, whoever it was didn't take any chances, riding in the bush and not giving Wilson any warning. Now, $4,000 worth practical all the money Chet had. We thought if you could give him another 90 days, he's got stock that'll bring that much by then, so you wouldn't be taking any chances. Well, this puts me in an awkward position, men. I'd like to be able to agree, but I can't. See, I have some obligations of my own which must be met. I was counting on that money from Chet. I need it right away. Yeah, we get it, Vincent. Chet told us she wanted these range, so it looks like you'll get it after all. Oh, now, just a minute here. Can't afford to lose $4,000 simply because Chet is a friend of mine. In other words, you won't give him any more time. Well, let's put it that I can't give him any more time. Let's go, Huffy. Yeah, I guess we might as well. Only thing left to do is keep a close look out and hope some of those $20 and $50 bills turn up around Navajo Springs. Well, what good would that do? How would you know whether it was part of the stolen money or not? Why, by the... Never mind, California. Oh, I see. Chet has a record of the serial numbers. He would have if he hadn't been forgetful, but, well, we think maybe we can locate that list. I wish you luck, men. And I'm sorry about... Forget it, Vincent. Can't be helped, I guess. Come on, California. Let's get into town. You sure you want this right on the front page, mister? Yeah, if you can put it there. Oh, I can put it there all right. I have to rearrange things a bit, but that's all right. It seems like a funny place to put an ad, that's all. Yeah, I guess it does it that. What time do you start printing, anyway? Oh, I'll be running them off in about an hour. You're lucky you got here when you did. You see, I'm only putting it out once a week now, but I hope to put out two editions a week pretty soon. I suppose everybody for miles around gets this paper. Oh, sure, everybody in town subscribes and so do all the ranches. I got a boil, have the paper to every house by summertime. Well, that's good service. Yes, sir. Of course, the ranches all pick theirs up along with their mail at the post office in the general store. Oh, but they look forward to getting outside news, too. They sure do. If for long, you'll see the ran of hands from every outfit around these parts coming in after the mail and the paper. Well, how are you making out, Harvey? Oh, I'm good. Well, how are you making out, Harvey? Oh, fine. Mr. Evans here is taking good care of me. Did you see the sheriff? I sure did. Told him just what you said. Good. Good. Is he going to play along with us? Yep. I didn't give him no details, but he's anxious to help. Fine. We'll be heading back for the Wilson Ranch in an hour or so just as soon as Mr. Evans starts running the papers off. I sure hope your idea works, Harvey. So do I. We ought to know by sunup tomorrow. Yeah. And speaking of sunup, I feel like I hadn't had anything to eat since sunup this morning. That's probably because you haven't. But we can't be more than four or five miles in the flying depot. As soon as we get there, we can both put on the feed bag. Yeah. Yeah. Some more of Sarah's coconut. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Some more of Sarah's coconut. Would sure hit the spot. Gally! That sun's plenty bright. We'll get a little shade in a minute now. The trail runs right alongside those big boulders at the foot of the hills. Yeah. Yeah. This country's mighty pretty, Harvey. I'll bet you Manklin will… Hey! What… California! Head-for-Cover! Hurry! Two hop along Cassidy and our story, Harvey plays a hunch. California in trying to help Chet Wilson discovered his empty saddlebag and some brush not far from where Wilson had been robbed They left it where it was and continued on to the rocking V ranch of Farley Vincent Vincent refused to give Chet Wilson more time to pay the money due on his note So hoppy in California went into town to put into effect a plan to trap the man who shot their friend on Their way back to the Wilson ranch. They are met by bullets Hey, low California We'll be all right. I'm right with you hoppy Ha there oh copper That was a close one What do we do now? Let's just stay close to these boulders and see if we can circle around behind keep your eyes open Now who'd you reckon would want to take pot shots at us the same sign white under shot your friend Chet But why we ain't got no money Not money he's after whoever this thinks we know more than we do about the wilson shooting He's either trying to kill us off or scare us off one or the other better be careful hoppy He might be right behind that rock point. Yeah, let me get a look here Can you see anything? Is he there? No, I guess he's high-tailed. Well, come on. Maybe we can catch up No use wasting our time whoever it is knows this country a lot better than we do Wouldn't stand much chance catching him now. Yeah, I reckon you're right Let's get back to the flying w and we'd better be extra careful. He might show up again Sounds like you two are mighty busy today california chatting me sure appreciate it too. Oh shucks don't mention it Sarah I'm just sorry that vinson wouldn't agree to give you more time would have been nice But in a way you can't blame him. I guess he's a businessman first and rancher second Hey, what's this an avajo spring central? Oh, uh, yeah, yeah Hoppy brought it out. He was into the printing office for a while. Well, what's the news here? You should never give it to him california now. He won't say a word till he's read ever less. Hey, hey, hey What in tarnation is this? Huh? What are you talking about shit? This ad right here on the front page. Look Lost brown leather saddle bag with flying w stamped on flaps Reward of 200 dollars will be paid to anyone finding and returning this saddle bag Contact chet wilson at flying w ranch immediately. I never told that fellow at the printing office I wanted that ad put in the paper. I know it chet it was hoppy's idea But what for I don't see why there wasn't worth more than five or ten dollars Of course there wasn't that's the idea If you saw an ad like that with a big reward for an old saddle bag Uh, uh, what did you think? Well, I'd think it must have something awful important or valuable inside But you know, well as I do there Wouldn't still be any money in it. Sure. I know that but whoever stole that money when he sees that ad Is gonna think he missed something ain't it? Well, maybe remember the little pocket You see inside of a lot of saddle bags couldn't put money in it or not much anyhow But it'll hold a piece of paper Yeah, mine had a little pocket, but I didn't have anything in it I still don't see what good that ad in the paper I ain't told you yet, but uh hoppy and I found your saddle bag this morning About a half a mile from where you were shocked. You did well for is it? We left it right where we found it That's the whole idea. Oh, I see You figure to hide out and keep a watch over it. See if anybody shows up to look through it again, huh? It's exactly what we're aiming to do as soon as we've had some supper hoppy and me are going out there again The sheriff's meeting us at the three cottonwoods at sundown Well, it's still here where we left at california. Yeah, see sheriff right by that boost there I see it. All right. Just hope we're not out here in a wild goose chase. So do I sheriff here Hand me that package california. Yeah, here you are hoppy. You better hurry Cassidy. It's almost dark Ah, I'll be just a minute. It's gonna be hard to see tonight. No moon to help us might be better that way Ah, we're all set now men I'll leave the horses tied where they are back of those trees. There's a nice clump of brush right over there where we could hide hoppy Yeah, that ought to do. All right Wouldn't hurt to be closer though Well, let's get settled. We may have a long night ahead Almost midnight hoppy Maybe this ain't gonna work. We'll wait till sun up if we have to and see here Cassidy, you sure you know what you're doing Nope, I told you it was just a hunt sheriff. Yeah, might be uncomfortable here to be fooling around on the hunt Listen Be quiet now. Sounds like we got company after all Can't see anybody can you know, but somebody's going right to where that saddlebag is He must have been looking in the saddle bag we'd better sneak up and jump on him. I'll be I can make him out right now see Blast that horse of mine. Look hoppy. Oh, he heard the sheriff's horse. He's gonna get your hands up and stay where you are Uh, god turn it anyway. He got away slick as always. Come on get your horse with me Oh, are you crazy man? We couldn't follow him on a night like this I think we'll find him where we're going to the rocking v There's somebody's up and around. All right Yeah Oh, aren't you going to ask us in bad? Why sure Come in. I was just talking with vinson here And come in gentlemen Rather late hour to be calling isn't it not when you're after a sneak and thief that shoots a man for man bush vinson What what are you talking about? Granted these men after you. Why didn't you tell me why you low down? I was wondering why you came riding in so fast a minute ago ran right into the house here Oh, that's a lie and you know it vinson. I suppose both of you simmer down. Let cassidy here do the talking Thanks, sheriff. We've come for the man who shot and robbed chet wilson But it's you we want vinson not barrett Oh, you are crazy cassidy. You got the idea. You'd miss something in wilson saddlebag Maybe a list of the serial numbers of the money you stole and went back tonight to have another look Well, if I'd stolen that money I might have done something like that But anybody would have done that after reading this paper. Look here. Is he this hat sure? I see it all right Well, what makes you think I went looking for something in a lost saddlebag there because that paper happens to be a special one Just for you vinson. What that's right vinson only two copies was made One was put in your mailbox and we took the other over to the wilson. You're lying. Hold out your hands, vinson Why should I because they're bound to have lamp black off coffee sprinkled it all over them saddlebags Why you look at hubbies get a gun All back to hop along cassidy Well, you can call it a hunch or whatever you want to cassidy, but it sure worked out perfect I'll say it did vinson had to admit the whole thing and what's more He tore up the note right in front of us for the sheriff to come off to jay. Well, that's a load off our minds Anyway, what give you the idea was vinson. Mr. Cassidy. Oh a couple of things He had the most to gain so he was a natural to be suspected But when we talked to him yesterday and told him your husband had been shot and robbed he acted mighty funny How do you mean cassidy? Well, he didn't ask how bad you were shot for one thing, which is what a man usually asks first Vincent seemed to forget that since he already knew my god That's right. Come to think of it and another thing Whoever it was that did the shooting was a mighty poor shot hitting you in the leg that way chat And since young barrett had the reputation of being a good hand with a gun I figured vinson must have fired the shot course. I think in vinson was gilly and proven It was two different things master thought you knew more and you let on Or he wouldn't have tried to get you on your way back from town yesterday Say where'd francisco? Why uh, I think she's out talking to the new foreman new foreman What are you talking about sarah? Now you just keep your shirt on chat wilson, but I've just hired one You know, we need a foreman now. Yeah, I guess uh, who'd you hire? I can't afford to pay much, you know Hired grant barrett and he stays hired After all he saved mr. Cassidy's life when vinson pulled a gun. That's right wilson. Well, uh dog on Look out of the window here Why that young he's kissing my daughter Now look to things wilson. I'd say you wouldn't have to worry about pay I've got another hunch that barrett won't demand much in the way of wages Well hoppy played a hunch right and with grant barrett cleared looks like there'll be wedding bells at the wilson ranch Hoppy in california ride into another exciting experience when they arrive in paradise new mexico And discover the town's people are put to work on slave gangs and where satan is the sheriff Be sure to be with hoppy when he meets up with a jailer named satan Up along cassidy starring william boyd is transcribed and produced in the west by walter white jr Hoppy plays a hunch was written by r.t. smith with original music under the personal direction of albert glasser All stories are based upon the characters created by clarence e mulford. This is a commodore production