 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 left 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 as Huffleong Cassidy and and declined as California What's our story this time hoppy? I call this one a shot in the dark It was getting on towards supper time when California and I rode into a little town of spurlock We'd gone out of our way in order to stop by and say hello to the niece of Jim Reynolds an old friend of mine in St. Louis Hey hoppy and that much for the place right there Crawford general store Frank Crawford prop Ain't that the name the power of Jim receded met it great. That's it. California looks like a nice store, too Yeah, he better than the store across the street from the look of it Seems funny a young couple with plenty of money would come out and settle in the place like this though According to Jim's letter Crawford's health isn't too good He has to be someplace where it's hot and dry. Well, he comes to the right place then But there must be sort of tough and grace though. This is a far cry from st. Lois Yeah, here's the store. Let's tie up and say hello, then we'll get out of the hotel It's me hoppy and huh. I hope they get a couple of good bags I could use a nice thick steak, too. Yeah, yes, mothered in onions my mouth's of water and already And place looks deserted. Well, there's somebody at the back by the counter. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, it must be grace talking to the shortfellers It looks like she's been crying Is there something I can do for you gentlemen, uh, you're Grace Crawford, aren't you? Well, yes I'm hop along Cassidy and this is California Carlson your uncle Jim Reynolds is an old friend Oh, of course, I've heard him speak of you so often. I'm very happy to meet you both It's a pleasure ma'am and you're as pretty as Jim's later. Thank you. Thank you. I'm afraid. I don't feel very pretty right now Oh, I'm terribly sorry, mr. Cassidy mr. Carlson. This is judge Brian a friend of ours. Welcome to Spurlock gentlemen Thanks, it isn't often we meet up with a judge in these parts. Yeah, we've been kind of lucky Yeah, yes, I think I understand but I'm not really a judge anymore I've gone into private practice again if you need any legal advice just call on me Thanks, we'll do that now if you'll excuse me. Let's be getting back to my office. But judge. What about Frank? Oh, there was something I could do grace, but he won't listen to me when he's been drinking. Are you know that I know? But I'm worried excuse me grace. I don't want to butt in but if there's anything we can do I'm afraid there's nothing anybody can do Frank has changed so since we came here six months ago He's taken to drinking and gambling and spending all his time at the saloon down the street The worst part of it isn't and he's made some enemies a couple of them would assume shoot him as look at him What have they got against him? I'm afraid he started out on the wrong foot here, mr. Cassidy They resent his being from the east and the fact that he's fairly wealthy and Frank's done nothing to make them like him Fact now what she's trying to say Cassidy is that Frank has deliberately been hard to get along with He's made it quite clear to everybody that he considers himself above them due to his wealth and family background Yes, what is it Jake? It's mr. Frank. I'm afraid there's going to be trouble Jake What's the matter? He's in the poker game with Cripp Farrell and big Tom Gorman miss Grace And it looks like they're trying to do time him. Oh judge Brian. What can we do got to get him out of there quick? You'd better do something or he's going to get killed sure Now back to hop along Cassidy and our story a shot in the dark Hoppy in California had stopped at the little town of spurlock to look up grace Crawford the niece of an old friend When they entered the Crawford's general store They found grace talking with judge Brian and worrying about the actions of her husband a short time later A man came in to report that Frank Crawford was in the silver sage saloon and there was bound to be trouble Yes, we'll have to go easy man Frank won't be easy to get out of that saloon When he's playing poker with our mean customers, that's who are they judge They'd assume shoot Frank is look at him Cripp Farrell's a shady character owns the silver sage And big Tom Gorman owns the other general store. He's hated Frank ever since he opened his store here This the place. Yeah. Yeah, this is it come on Ain't very crowded now, that's them three men of the table over in the corner Well, they don't look too friendly toward each other They won't like our trying to break up their game either if only Frank will listen to reason. Oh, well Frank. Yeah It's on your mind judge Frank. It's a it's great. She is well. She she wants to see you Your wife wants to see you Frank. You better run along like a good little boy Shut up both of you better call it quits and come along Frank look judge. I Pay you to look after my investments and business affairs, but your job stops there You don't have to stick your nose into my private life. I'm only trying to help you Frank. You know that you're getting on my nerves Judge Supposing you haul out of here and let us get on with the game. Yeah beat it Brian. How about it Frank? You coming? No, can't you see I'm busy. It's your deal time. Oh, pardon me gentlemen. Mind if I sit in Cassidy, what me excuse me judge We're playing a high-stake game cowboy. That's fine. I think I got enough to go on for a spell Yeah, but but quiet judge coffee knows what he's a doing. Let's just look on deal Garmin You and Farrell are seven thousand enemy and I plan to get it back I'll see you five hundred and raise your thousand croffs you're bluffing Farrell. I can win this pot and be even alcohol I'm out. How about you cowboy? I'm afraid that's a little rich for my blood. I'll fold Well, just you and me a croff it Cards To they are the dealer takes one just a minute there Farrell. Yeah, I saw that What are you talking? You slip that card off the bottom of the deck. Hey, you better watch just saying Crawford Why are you tin horn? You're accusing me of cheating. That's exactly what I'm doing Crip Farrell No wonder I've been losing steadily you're asking for it Crawford. I know you keep your hands right where they are gentlemen You stay out of this cowboy. Yeah, what are you horning in for there's none of your affair? Maybe I'm making it my affair. I saw him slip that card off of the bottom. He's been cheating all along That's right. He has and if you're too stupid not to have noticed it before you should be home playing tiddly winks Wait a minute there you two are this plan didn't you I never said I was on this man until I walked in a few minutes ago I just want to see that he gets out of here in one piece. I take your money and get out of here Crawford All right, come on Frank get back this story I'm not taking orders from anybody at least of all this cow hand when I want somebody to protect me I'll hire a bodyguard California get his money off the table and give it to him right coffee You won't get away with this. That's my money Cripps, right? He had the high hand. Here you are Crawford Now get out and don't come back. All right I'll go but those two haven't heard the last of this and neither have you Crawford You'd better get clear out of town while you've got a chance Crawford You'll never scare me away either of you speaking of getting out of town That wouldn't be bad advice for you to follow car boy We don't like strangers meddling in our fairs here. Thanks. I'll remember that. Hey, no attention to them Cassidy You're welcome and spurlock as long as you want to stay Well, we just want to get a room at the hotel for the night judge That is if these gentlemen don't object come along then I'll show you where it is and I'm sure they've got a room You Know how being that's his finest take as I've had him quite a spell sure was Well, I trust you men are being well taken care of. Oh, would you get a room? All right? Yeah, we got one We're about to make use of it to a good night's sleep will do us both good Yeah, I can well understand. I wonder if you'd do something for Frank Crawford first that all dependent judge What do you mean? And I just came from his store, and we've had quite a talk Frank realizes now that you did him a great favor at the saloon and well He'd he'd like to see and apologize. He doesn't have to apologize for anything But I'd be glad to talk to him if he's simmered down fine fine Well, you'll find him in his office to rear his store. All right, aren't you coming along though? No, no, no Frank wanted me to get some things in order for him So I'll have to get back to my own office. Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow before you leave though. All right judge Must be awful being a lawyer and having to work nights that away. Some people think it's the only life Come on. Let's stop by our room and then go see Crawford Just a second Well, I'll be I could have swore a lot that door of when we went out to eat California you're getting more absent-minded every day. Well, nobody could steal much from us anyhow Ah, we weren't going long Everything seems to be in order. So don't let it bother you what you're gonna do or take along your hardware. Sure Mm-hmm. I don't mind leaving my gun belt here while I eat But when I have seen of this town, you never know when a six gun might come in handy Better put yours on too. Mm-hmm. You're not a bad idea there. Let's go and this time lock the door I Looks like everybody works one night here. There's a light and Gorman store across the street, too Maybe he's trying to figure out a way to improve business Why sure I don't mind waiting. Oh, I'm glad you've come mr. Cassidy and mr. Carlson glad to grace is your husband here Yes, he's back in his office. Go right on back, won't you all right? I'm so grateful for what you did mr. Cassidy judge Brian told me all about it Frank realizes I'm glad he understands He didn't seem to appreciate it at the time. I'll go back and see him fine I'll finish waiting on the ground. I'll wait out here with grace hoppy. All right. I won't be long Come in Cassidy. I've been waiting for you The judge gave me your message. I feel like a fool Cassidy. I should have known you were trying to keep me from getting Into a bad spot. Well, don't let it bother you. It looks like you're playing in rough company That's your dog. Yes, that's Colonel. I have him tied on a rope out back Like quite a watchdog He's that all right a one-man dog most of the time. He's just barking at cats and other dogs I'll close the window so I won't look out Crawford, would you see who it was? Yeah, but Hoppy what happened? It's Crawford. He's been shot Frank Thanks big to me. I I'm afraid he can't grace Frank's. Oh, no, how'd it happen? Somebody shot him through that open wonder. I couldn't see who it was just saw a gun California look after great sure Just a minute cowboy. Where you going so fast out the back way I might be able to run the killer down. Hold on a minute. How come your gun was drawn when we came in why just let me see that gun Look, mr. While we're standing around here Crawford's murder is making a getaway. Mr. Grant Are you insinuating that mr. Cassidy shot my husband? I'm not insinuating anything. Look at this, Mrs. Crawford One of the cartridges has been fired. What I think I'd better just hold you till the chef shows up cowboy on Suspicion of murder Now back to hop along Cassidy and our story a shot in the dark While hoppy was talking to Frank Crawford in his office at the rear of the general store Someone fired a shot from outside the open window and Crawford fell dead with a bullet in the heart Later when the sheriff entered and discovered one of the shells in hoppy's gun had been fired He placed hoppy under arrest on suspicion of murder Now you're making a big mistake sheriff while you wasting your time bringing me here Crawford's murder has gotten away clean What's this all about? I just saw grace and your friend Carlson Sheriff you've got no reason to lock this man up now. See me down judge You ought to know all about circumstantial evidence. Oh does this man look like a murder? Of course not Well, he'll sure get a chance to prove he ain't before a jury. I'm taking him to the county seat tomorrow And we'll see about that leave us alone sheriff. I want to talk to Cassidy here You've figured to act as his lawyer judge if he likes. Yes. Well in that case I reckon it's all right, but hurry it up I want to get some sleep tonight. It's terrible Cassidy I'll try and get a writ from the county seat tomorrow. We'll get your release from here You don't think I killed Crawford then I of course not What's this about a bullet from your gun? Haven't been fired. Yeah, one of them was fired All right, somebody must have planted an empty shell in my gun while California and I were eating over the hotel This is beginning to add up Cassidy. What do you mean? Big Tom Gorman lives at the hotel You think Gorman might have watched for a chance and then got into our room while we were out Oh, he could have easily enough. Of course, we can't jump to conclusions Now Crip Farrell could have done it too for that matter Both had reasons for wanting to see Crawford dead Well, whoever it was did a clever job making it look like I'm the guilty man I know I know and it's going to be hard proving you didn't do it. Yeah, but don't worry We'll get you out of this. All right. You just sit tight here Cassidy Doesn't look like there's much else I can do. But if you see California tell him I want to see him right away, will you? It's me California come over to the window. Oh California, what are you doing out there? Sheriff wouldn't let me give him in to see you well hop in What are we gonna do? I don't know. I sure don't like being cooped up in here You found out anything not much I looked outside that window for footprints, but there wasn't anything I could see what about the dog Oh him found him. All right, just a couple of blocks from the store He was half dead look like he'd been hit over the head with a gun but or something had he broken the rope that Crawford had him Tied with yeah, yeah, he had broke it clean in two then he must have chased Crawford's murderer Huh? Gosh, you're right hoppy. The murderer is the one that liked to kill him look like there was quite a scuffle there Well, yeah, you got any ideas hoppy a couple now. I'm gonna do any good as long as I'm cooped up in here Judge Brian said he might be able to get you released tomorrow. I know, but if he doesn't I don't like to worry you but There's something you know, I don't know what's that? There's quite a crowd over at the Silver State soon Some of them's talking about a lynching. What? Yeah, some of them saying there's enough evidence again You to hang you anyway if they keep thinking that way they they might try it I gotta get out of here, but how go get our horses on a couple of strong ropes. This jail is not too solid Maybe you can pull that window right out bars and all that's a good idea hoppy hurry, California And don't let anybody see you We better hurry that mob over to the Sloan's getting bigger and crazier every minute Here tie this to one of them bars. All right The sheriff's still out in front was when I went by on the way to get the horses There that's tight source mine. I'll give the horses a run at it. Listen. What's that? Sounds like that mob from the Sun out front get going, California I never did like the idea. We're in a hemp neck tie right hoppy here goes Hey California hurry hoppy hurry. I'm coming They couldn't follow us in the dark though, what do we do now? Well, if you were in that mob, what would you expect an escaped prisoner to do? I keep right on a run and I reckon put as much distance between him and the mob as he could for they send a batch of Posse's out after that's just what I figure they'll think so. We're going back into town Procco We're a what? Well, have you gone local? I hope not, California That's the only thing we can do. We can't keep running that sure But what are we gonna do once we get back to spurlock? I don't know exactly while they're organizing a posse It'll give us a chance to check up on a couple of ideas of mine. Are you with me? What are we waiting for? Come on I Think this key is gonna work hoppy come on in and shut the door. I just hope you don't walk in here We got a hurry look through that bureau in any place else. They might have been hidden. I'll look through the closets, right hoppy You get plenty of matches. Yeah Nothing here but clean shirts and stuff looking No sign of them hoppy. Well, maybe I was wrong wait a second. Look here. Well I'll be stuck back in the corner there. Yeah, that's just what we're looking for too. Come on. We got to get over to Grace Crawford's house Mr. Cassidy you shouldn't come here Jake just came by and said the whole town's down at the saloon They're organizing posse's to search for you. Well, that's fine I'll save them the trouble in a minute. You mean you're going to give yourself up not exactly I'm gonna try to show your husband's murderer up. You know who it was I think I do but proving it may not be so simple. Is there anything I can do to help? Yes, I'd like to see the dog if you'll show me where he is. Well, of course. He's on the back porch How's he making out by now? Well, he's better, but well come with me and you can see for yourself. I'll bring the lamp Your husband told me he was sort of a one-man dog. That's right. He wouldn't have anything to do with anybody else Hello timer Poor thing. He doesn't seem to know what's happened. Tell me was he mean or vicious with other people? No, not mean or vicious, but of course. He didn't have much chance to be Frank kept him tied out back of the store and nobody would go near him anyway Do you think he'd come with me for a little while without you or being alone? I don't know. I think so. Why I think Colonel here might help us prove something. It's worth a try anyway He acts like he wants to be friendly anyhow Hi there fellow That's a good old boy, I never saw him do that before licking your hand. Can you get up all right boy? Come on out up boy. He acts as if he wants to go with you, Mr. Cassidy Here hoppy. I want to use this leather strap for leash. Yeah, thanks. Ah There we are old timer. How's that? Yes, that means it's all right. All right. All right. Let's get going You see in the window hoppy. Yeah, must be 30 or 40 men inside the sheriff's talking to him Well, let's get over closer to them batwing doors. Maybe we can hear what they're saying Hang on to that leash California. I got it. Good boy Listen, okay, sir. We're ready. Well, I mean you and proud to take some men down towards the patch of Creek They might have headed that way of direction if they did we'll get them. We can save you the trouble sure Watch it go man. They've got guns. They were y'all of you and keep your hands in sight You better give yourself up Cassidy. You can't get away this time I'm not figuring to get away sheriff Frank Crawford's murderers in this mob, and I'm gonna prove it What are you driving at whoever shot Crawford almost killed his dog too after the dog broke loose and chased him Unless I miss my guess the dog can show us who that man is. That's ridiculous sheriff. Come on. Let's get it It's just a stall. That's all it is just a minute Cassidy may have an idea here. You can't prove anything with that dog. I'm afraid you're going about things in the wrong way Cassidy It's worth a try judge. You still think it was either Gorman or Farrell that killed Crawford? Why well, yes, but why you Alright Gorman, suppose you come up here and pet the dog. Come on get a move on. Well, all right, but Hmm nice dog. Good dog there. All right, you're next fellow. I don't like dogs. Why should I get moving? That's a good fella good boy You don't seem to be proving much Cassidy, maybe I'd better consult my lawyer sheriff. Come here minute judge What do you want Cassidy? I cease being your lawyer when you broke out of jail. I said come here now Oh, don't let go of that. Well, it doesn't seem to take to you. Does it judge? I don't know whether it can hold him or not What's the judge he's doing for his gun? Drop it judge Now back to hop along Cassidy Well, the judge is locked up safe Cassidy and you were right One of his legs was tore up with that dog that bit him that Varmint had a right clever scheme worked out to get rid of Crawford and put the blame everywhere, but on himself Yeah, and he had more motive than either Gorman or Farrell for killing Crawford. I declare I never would have thought the judge was an embezzler, but I suppose handling all of Crawford's investments was just too much temptation How'd you get wise to that though Cassidy? I Didn't think of that until I was practically sure he'd shot Crawford I first suspect them the night after the shooting when he came to the jail to visit me You see sir if he told Hoppy and me he was going to his office to do some work that night just to for the shooting Yeah, but what's that got to do with it? Well, I knew Crawford's dog had broken loose and chased somebody and when the judge came to See me. I noticed he'd changed his pants. I got to thinking it was sort of strange for a man to get into a new pair of pants Just to work in at night Hmm and when we look through the judge's house sure enough there was the old pair the dog a torn in his class clear Well, I'm glad the whole thing's settled and oh, I'm sorry about all the trouble you got into I'm afraid oh you're both an apology I'm willing to call it a unit of you are sure called even yeah You owe us an apology and we owe you a jail window I Well the judge was really up against it when he tangled with both Hoppy and a loyal one-man dog in his scheme to solve his money Troubles with a shot in the dark Hoppy and California reluctantly parked company with ten thousand dollars in gold When they walk into a bank run by bandits and gunfighters in a town turned inside out for a gun-hawk convention Don't miss this next thrilling adventure Apollon Cassidy starring William Boyd is transcribed and produced in the West by Walter White Jr A shot in the dark was written by RT Smith with original music under the personal direction of Albert Glasser All stories are based upon the characters created by Clarence Mulford. This is a Commodore production