 With action and suspense out of the Old West comes the most famous hero of them all, Hopalong Cassidy, starring William Boyd. The ring of the Silver Spurs harrows the most amazing man ever to ride the prairies of the early West, Hopalong 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. Hopalong is a name to be feared, respected and admired. For this great cowboy rides the trails of adventure and excitement. William Boyd as Hopalong Cassidy and Andy Clyde as California. Well Hoppy, what about our story? We call this Land of the Gunhawks. It's one that took place a long ways from the old bar 20. Orn Lomax, the son of an old friend of mine, had gotten into a shooting scrape and hit the Alhut trail, not knowing that the man he'd shot recovered and cleared him. Orn's dad asked me to try and bring the boy back before he got into real trouble. Orn's trail led into the Cherokee Strip, the Indian territory where outlaws from all over the West took shelter. California and I finally tracked him through the Badlands to the town of Lance, the headquarters for Three Jacks Gang of bandits. Wow, which heart. And water country. Nothing but engines and outlaws and rocks. And Orn Lomax, California. He rode in to join Three Jacks Gang. He'll be in Lance. That's their hangout. Yes, sir. Nice sociable country with bandits for leading citizens. Stop complaining. We'll probably have a nice peaceful visit. So many shooting rabbits. And these Badlands is more likely someone shooting men. Those shots are coming over that rise. Wait here. Now take a look on the foot. What you see Hoppy? Two more hombres ganging up on one man down in the basin. Looks like they shot his horse. Horrible one. That's kind of tough arch. I was thinking the same thing. Let's even it up a little. Unliber your gun, California, but shoot over their heads. We don't want to plug anyone until after we know what the play is all about. We're ha ha. Look at him scamper. Yeah, they don't act like four to three or good odds. Let's get down and see who we rescued. Hi stranger, what was the shooting about? Yes, Senorys. You have arrived in time to save my life, you think. I am Don Patrick, Manuel, Brian, Esteban, O'Flaherty, and Italia Ferro at your service. Er, all of that are you? Yes, Senor, but you can call me Don Patrick. I think I will accompany you if you're headed toward Lance. But your horse has been shot. It is but the little trick we play. Yeah, vete, Senor Cleveland. Your horse is named Cleveland? After your great president, Senor. Like him, Mi Cavallo is good at the running. Oh, Hoppy, do we have to listen to his jokes? No, we don't. Maybe you better ride on by yourself, Don Patrick. For me, that is fine, but you need my help. This town of Lance, it has a bad habit, Senorys. Ah, vete, what is it? You? Senor, please. It is that for men of honest face like yourself, Lance has the habit of arranging special welcome. Yeah, you mean like a dance? I mean like the murder. Now, back to Hoppillon Cassidy and our story, Land of the Gunhawks. Failing Owen Lomax with the Cherokee strip Badlands, Hoppy and California bring news they hope will make him return home. But as they near the town of Lance, hang out for three jacks gang of bandits, they are delayed by the rescue of Don Patrick O'Flaherty, who warns them that Lance has no welcome for any but outlaws. So, Senorys, if your occupation is not dishonest, I would suggest you do not reveal it in Lance. I have the idea you will be compadres of mine. I will tell the town of Lance that you are Wild Bill Cassidy, bad man from the Big Bend country, and you, Viejo, will be fingers Carlson, the horse thief. Hoppy, did you hear that? I'm gonna shoot him, shall help me. Yeah, easy fingers. Don Patrick has a good idea. If three jacks thinks we're just another pair of outlaws, we'll be a lot safer until we locate Owen. You must be very careful. No one knows these three jacks. You mean these three jacks has never been seen? Not by anyone who lives, except the straw boss, Link Scofield. No one has seen three jacks without the mask. Then even you may be him. If so, Senor, you're as good as dead men right now. But look, we're coming into town. See? Lance has put up this signpost. I can see. Lance, population 340 Indians, 61 white men and four sheriffs dead. Now, there's Don Patrick Callop. I mean fingers. Let's join him. Right, Hoppy. I mean, Wild Bill Cassidy. Don Patrick, you get 32? Yes, Senor. What will you have? Saspurla for me. But of course. Bartender. Yeah, friend. What's the poison? For me, amigo, one... Senor Cassidy. Tell me my ears are no good. What was your order? Saspurla. Then I did hear right. Perhaps it is better if you order for yourself. Wild Bill from Big Ben. Bartender, give us a couple of saspurla. You can call me Weepy, but I ain't got no saspurla. And maybe you got water? Why, you dirty? Well, I... oh, watch the youth. I'll tell you what, Weepy. We'll settle for an introduction to Link Scofield. Well, I'll tell you. If you turn and spit, you'll sure hit him. Only I wouldn't advise it. Because he can throw that knife he's playing with through a knothole at 20 paces. Amateur. What? Hey, Scofield. This Caballero says you're an amateur with that knife. How about a match? It does, eh? Sure, Don Patrick. What'll it be for? Money at shock. Shall we say a thousand dollars, Senor? A thousand. How much rock got? My pardon, Senor. I thought you wished a wager. If it despoored you on... Oh, that's sunny. You can show a thousand. You got a bet. If you can't, I'm glad I sliced those pretty years off to teach you not to brag. It would be the dangerous lesson to teach, Senor. But to save your life, I will obtain them much. Watch, Weepy. I'll bet I can sink this knife right through that spot on the back of the shirt. Oh, let's go, Field. You throw that knife and I'll give you some lead with it. Oh, I forgot. You're his compadres, aren't you? Just drop the knife, then we'll get friendly. I'd never like to drop it. It might break the handle. But I'll put it away. And don't get the idea your gun comes from much. Those guys at the tables have had you cover since you walked in. Oh, in that case, end of hostility is the gun's up. Uh, by the way, I don't think you've introduced me to your friend. You have got a nerve. Maybe my friends won't like that. What a bet. You know, and, uh, hence you're going to be an asset to Lance Cassidy. Either that or you're going to get awful dead. All right. Right to left. Slim, Tony and Big Ear. Next table. A kid, soapy and Vic. And the back playing cards, Tennessee, Pete and Frenchers. Sweet bunch of cutthroats. What jail did you pick them out of? Well, I just don't ask questions, Cassidy. Lose the habit. Yeah? What happens if I don't? I think I see what you mean. Hoppy, when do we leave? Well, fingers. Didn't you enjoy our visit with Mr. Scopey? Never was a darn scared in my life. That grin and ache talks too soft and those fellas sitting around holding guns on us. Hoppy, my knees were knocking so hard a plumb near fell down. What? Oh, California. Well, those bow legs you could not get knees if you had to. But at least we did find Owen Lomax. We found Hoppy. You've been out in the sun too long. No, it was simple. Most of three Jack's gang were there and only one young enough to be Owen. Yeah, that's right. The spout with the floppy hair. The one Scopey will call the kid. It's Owen. Looks a lot like his dad, too. I don't know anything about this old thing. Take it easy. That's why we came back to this shack. We can see the saloon from here. The kid comes out alone. I'll ease out in Shanghai. We may be out of this town with the job done today. I hope so. I'd sure like to be heading home. Here, take a look. Isn't that the kid walking toward the café across the street? Where? Yeah, sure is, Hoppy. And he's all by his lounge. Stay here. I'll get him. Hey, kid. Kid. Oh, Jude. What do you want? I'd like to have a little talk with you. Come into the shack. Well, sure. What's it about? In a minute, kid. That was a nervy thing you did, Bracen Scopey. I wouldn't be surprised if three Jacks invited you to join us. That would be good. You must be joking. He's got the best gang in the whole territory. Hiya, fingers. Uh, what? Oh, howdy, kid. Come down, Owen. You're going to listen to a little straight call. Sure. Hey, what did you call me? Owen. That's your name, isn't it? Owen Lomax. We trailed you here. What? The law? You're the dirty stinkin' law. We're friends of your dad. Who just happens to be a man that doesn't deserve the heartache you've given him. Oh, I get it. You're a preacher. Now go on. Sing me a song. Look, maybe you had reason to think the cards were stacked against you. But the man you shot didn't die. He recovered and admitted it was self-defense. So you can come home now. You threw? Maybe Hoppy is, but I ain't youngster. We've ridden a lot of miles and stuck our necks into a lot of danger to give you this chance to go straight. And by heck, you're going to take it. Oh, man, you got a big surprise coming if that's what you think. Oh, wait a three, Jacks. Here's about you guys. You mean you're going to turn us in after we come to save your hide? I sure would, Mr. Hoppy. We can't let him go now. I know what California. I guess we'll have to do this the hard way. You can stop the bluff. She wouldn't dare pull anything off here in the middle of three Jacks' towns. Son, you'd be surprised at what I'd dare. Sorry you couldn't see it our way, but I guess you will in time. Excuse me. Hey, what? Well, he'll be quiet till we're ready to pull out. Russell, lift our horses as quick as you can. Right, Hoppy. Now I'll just hoist you over on the bed, kid. California! Hoppy, Hoppy! Two fellas were just clubbed right across the street. Sure, from moment I was afraid it was you. They come riding up to the hitch-rack and a shotgun let go from between those buildings. Better go get our horses. We want to get out of here as quick as we can. Right, Hoppy. I don't, Patrick. What's the shooting about? It looks as if still another person takes the hand in my affairs. Those two men who were shot were part of the group that attacked me this morning. Who shot them? I can ease your mind, gents. Until I was three Jacks, I saw those men who were trespassing in his territory. Three Jacks, don't... Scofield, grab them! Hold it, Cassidy. See, Senor, but what is this? He's a lawman, Scofield. He and his pal came to take me back to Hang. But you must be mistaken, kid. They saved my life this morning. They're law, I tell you. Thanks, Owen. Oh, shut up. Scofield, they're not outlaws, and he knocked me out. Look at my jaw. Don't take a look at those men three Jacks just bushwhacked. Your brave idol is just a plain murderer. Shut up. Kid, hand me one of those guns. Thanks. Now, Cassidy, I'm gonna teach you not to talk so much. Like this. Wait, I... Are you good? I used to be pretty good at pistol whipping. Uh, Senor, maybe this three Jacks, he not like this. I don't think he'll mind. But take him and lock him in his shack for now. Kid, get the boys to round up the old keys and throw them in with this one. I'll check with three Jacks to see what they do with them. Oh, Cassidy, I wouldn't make any long-range plans if I were you. No, sir, I sure wouldn't. Now, back to Hop along Cassidy and our story, Land of the Gunhawks. Hoppy and California have really met up with the bad men of the town of Lance while searching for Owen Lomax, son of a friend of Hoppy's, a young lad who apparently has gotten in with a band of outlaws. Both Hoppy and California are prisoners of Lance Schofield at present with little or no chance of escape. I reckon you could do with a little breakfast. Morning, Weepy. You the jailer as well as Bartender. Me? I'm anything they want to use me for. Folks take advantage of a sick man like me that's not able to ride and fight like the others. Here, I'll fit it down. They sure smells good. What you feeding us for? Fattening us up for the kill? Now, I'm the guy you should ask. How should I know? Where's Schofield? We've seen the ones since yesterday. What's going on? That's right. Badger me. I ain't got enough troubles with my back ailing me again. And the doc says I gotta go to bed for a week. But you guys gotta badger me. Well, you must know something. You know, we can pay you. Huh? You can? Here's $20 that's yours if you'll tell us what's been planned. Oh, right. Pretty these gold pieces. Well, reckon won't hurt to tell you. Seems that Schofield is getting the gang together for a raid. Three Jacks decided you're to ride with them. One way that is. Yeah? Where's the raid gonna be? Sometime in Texas just across the border from the territory named Colville. But that's all I know. You umbers best eat hearty. You got a lot of riding to do. And I guess a lot of dying to do. I'll pick up the tray later. Morning, Wavy. How's the prisoners? Tolerable, Schofield. Tolerable. Sleep well, Jim. Oh, fine. Nothing like the prospect of being murdered to make your rest easy. I wish I could get my hands on that double-crossing kid. You better wish for a bulletproof gizzard, old man. You two would join our raid into Colville. Three Jacks figures maybe they'll throw suspicion off our gang when they find your bodies. So eat fast. We ride in 20 minutes. We are not far from our destination, Senorys. Don Patrick, where are all these riders coming from? We seem to pick up a half a dozen of each turn of the rocks. There's the combination of many small outfits, Senor. The idea of three Jacks. He intends to wipe out the town of Colville completely. The whole town? He's plumb local. Is he, Senor Carlson? Take a look. There are over 60 men in this bandit army now. Given the advantage of surprise, they will take Colville by storm long before resistance can be made. Hey, Don Patrick, I'm Ty Casely at Carlson's hands and feet. You want to give those rope marks enough time to disappear before their bodies are found? Hey, kid! Yeah? Scout on ahead and see how the land lies. We want to pull this attack just before sunup. Right, Colville. You must be closer than I thought. The time draws near. Yeah, who's to be our executioner? It is said that three Jacks will appear during the battle. Your death is to be his pleasure. Turn have ever heard of such a bloodthirsty galutus this free Jacks. See, Senor? There. You are untied. Now, if you will excuse me, I have the words to make with Senor Scoping. California, we have to warn that town. We can't let them be massacred like this. Well, sure. I know, Hoppy, but we're due to get massacred a little ourselves. How are we going to warn them? I'm going to try a break. When we hit that ravine ahead, there should be cut-offs on it. When we come to one, I'm going to make a run for it. This darker might make it. Right, Hoppy. I'll ram a horse and try to confuse him a little. We're entering the ravine. Get set up. I think I see a cut-off. Hold up, everyone! Hold up! I guess I'm not leaving. Sobie, you and Big Ear take the prisoners up front. Put ropes on their horses just in case they get any bright ideas. Call those just over the next hump, men. Now check your guns. We'll go in just as soon as the kid brings us the okay. All right. If you take the old buzzard, Big Ear, I'll dab my loop on Wild Bill's horse. Senor Scoffield, three Jacksies coming soon. You'll be here to take care of those two prisoners. The young one, he's late. Perhaps all is not well with the plan. I heard a kid would have signaled if anything was wrong. He don't get back before time for us to move in. That'll be his hard luck. He'll get caught smacking a crossfire. And he'll serve him right. Look, Senor Scoffield, the moon. She's starting to hide her face in the clouds. Yeah, that's what we want. All right! Get set, men! All right, get set. I'll have to try it on foot, California. I can't take the rope off topper and we can't wait any longer. All right, Hoppy, I'll do my part, but before you go, I... I am... What? Nothing. Just take care of yourself. Thanks, Borna. So long. Hey, come back! He's making a break! Hey, hey, hey! You gotta keep a look! Hey, Hoppy! Hey, Hoppy! Slap this guy! Hey, no! That'll keep him cool. Now, Patrick, get over there and make sure Cassidy's done first. See you, Senor Scoffield. Soapy, you stupid lunkhead. It'll save your right if Free Jacks gives it to you along with Carlson. Oh, how was I to know he'd try a stunt like that? Senor Scoffield! We do not have to worry about Cassidy. You done first? See, he got one dead center. He was dead when I reached him. Good. No shoot shots mean we can't wait for the kid any longer. Soapy, stay with Carlson. Free Jacks will be along pretty soon. He'll take over. Right. All right, men! Let's go, Carlson! Around Carlson? How's Shoppy? I'll forget him. He's dead. And I reckon you will be too, Pronto. Just as soon as the... Free Jacks! Oh, oh, oh, oh! Where's Soapy? Now look at the hero. Mashed and carrying his catargon. A very effective weapon, my friend, as you will see. Soapy, go join the others. The attack should hit Coville any time now. Sure, Free Jacks. Sure. Well, goodbye, fella. Give my regards to the devil. Well, Fingers, how are you feeling? Huh? Here, my boys. Well? Well, get it over with, you murdered rattlesnake. Don't be so anxious. I like to enjoy these moments. I hope you enjoy the one when they hang here. Oh, quiet, will you? I'm listening. That shooting seems awful heavy. Sounds like the town is putting up a fight. I hope they get a whole gang. Blast it. Shoot it and we're done with it. Very well, if you insist. Hey, wait. Who's that? Soapy, what's up? Free Jacks. Free Jacks, we've got a hot-tailed son. The town was warned. Our gang's being slaughtered. What? Well, that's impossible. They must have rode smack into a trap. I saw what was happening and got away. Well, now, how do you feel now, Free Jacks? Shut up, you. Hey, Soapy, hit for the territory. Free Jacks, I ain't stopping till I hit Canada. This country's gonna be too warm for my blood after tonight. So long. Eh, perhaps he's got a good idea. I think maybe I'll hit for myself. Just as soon as I take care of you, Carson. Which is right now. Say your prayers. Here it comes. On Cassidy. Shot. Shot. Funny, I don't feel a thing. I must be dead. California, me, Poppy. Then I am dead. Poppy, this sure ain't heaven. You mean we're in... Oh, California, you aren't dead. You aren't even hurt. What? But they said that you and Free Jacks were... Hey, what's he doing on the ground? I'm alive and Free Jacks is dead. And the end of a long trail for me, Seniors. Well, Bill, again, you buddy. Don Patrick, I thought I heard another shot over mine. You shot him too? See, I am on Free Jacks' trail for a long time. Well, I suspected you were along with Don Patrick, but I wasn't sure you gave me that break tonight when I was supposed to be shot and when you accidentally dropped a gun near me. Oh, sure that was it, huh? You, uh... You suspicion me, Senor Cassidy? You have two pinholes in your shirt, Don Patrick. Right where a star would hang. Did you warn the town? Oh, no, no, not me, Senor. It was the kid. When he had time to think about your talk, he had the change of heart. Ah. I saw it and persuaded him to set the trap. But, uh, who is the Masked Free Jacks? I must remove the hood. It's Weepie, the bartender. Didn't you catch the giveaway? Weepo, uh, why... It is him. It was the shotgun. Only one man to have one of those in a town like Lance would be the bartender. And two, Weepie has mighty timely spells of sickness to cover his absence. See, see, oh, I am the idiot. Yeah? Well, it came out fine. The kid all right? See, he stayed in town after warning them. He will meet you there. Ah, that's good. You know if Dad's gonna be mighty proud of him. Did, uh, did you get a Scofield? Uh, Senor Scofield and I finally had our knife contest while Bill. He cheated me the big thief. Oh. I won. But he was too dead to pay his honest debt. I'm desolate. Ah, that's too bad, Don Patrick. Well, California, you had enough action? Have I? Hoppy, when we get back to the bar 20, the only action I'm gonna have is penny anti-stud games. And you know what? The first fella that yells he's got three jacks, I'm gonna shoot him on general principle. So the bloodthirsty mask bandit known as Three Jacks turned out to be Weepie the bartender. Next time we meet Hoppy, spend a tale about a romantic adventure concerning a beautiful Spanish senorita. So be sure to hear Hop along Cassidy's next exciting story titled The Devil's Drum. Hop along Cassidy starring William Boyd is transcribed and produced in the west by Walter White Jr. Land of the gun hawks was written by Herb Perdom. All stories are based upon the characters created by Clarence E. Mulford. This is a Commodore production.