 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 harrows 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 as Huffleong Cassidy and Andy Clyde as California. Well, Hoppy, what about our story? It's one called Death Crosses the River and began one morning down the rear grand country of Texas. California and I had just delivered some breeding stock to a rancher near Laredo. We were planning on a few days vacation in San Antonio so to save wear on our horses we took the stagecoach and tied our horses back of it. The only other passenger was a nervous little bald headed man in a black alpaca suit. He seemed to have no yen for California's conversation. I don't know, Hoppy. Horses might be hard in the seat of your britches, but this blame cracker box shakes up all over. Going all the way to San Antonio, stranger? Eh, yes. I'll bet you're a drummer. Ain't you, mister, uh, mister... No, no. Hmm, your name wouldn't be, uh, Smith, would it? Yeah. You see, Hoppy, he's Mr. Smith. Oh, shut up, Flabby Lips. Well, that serves your right. But Flabby Lips? Hoppy, I... Say, this isn't a regular stock. There's a tree across the road. There's a hold up. You're not all like Swiss cheese off that box. We'd better do as he says. There's a dozen riders out there. Santos, keep the driver covered. Hello, Parker. Taking a fit for your health? Kills, but I wasn't running away. I was coming back. What's your idea? This stage ain't carrying no money. Ranger, keep quiet and keep healthy. Parker, hand me your bag. Sure. Here are these kills. Take it. Thanks, I will. Here's something for you, Parker. A little comment from the boss on your behavior. No, no, no, please! Quiet, dirty murder. Hold on, you don't do that. Yeah, that's right. Shut Flabbermouth up where I will, for good. In fact, both of you better forget this. Because if you talk, that corpse is going to have company. All right, couple, get us! Well, there goes the coldest killer yet. And you came mighty close to meeting Gabriel, California. Yeah, me and my big Flabbermouth. Flabbermouth? Why, that low-down skunk can't call me that. All right, close mouth, untire horses. In fact, Parker's body back to Laredo. Sir, to Laredo? No, we don't want to have no corpse for a company. You heard what Cal said. We have to turn in that bag of Parker's, California. Bag? What bag? He gave his bag to that killer. No, he made a switch. I saw him. That was my bag he handed, Cal's. His must still be in the coach, and I have an awful yen to see what's in it. Yeah, there it is. We'll open it up, and California, look at this. Hoppy, is that real? It's real, all right. We just fell heir to about $50,000 in cash. Now back to Hoppinong Cassidy and our story, Death Crosses the River. The stagecoach from Laredo to San Antonio, Hoppy and California witness a strange robbery and murder of a fellow passenger. After Kel's, the killer has gone. They find that their bags were switched, and, opening that of the murdered passenger, they discover it filled with money. We now find Hoppy and California taking the bag and the body of the man back to Laredo. There's no one on that killer wanted this bag. You sure get a surprise when he finds all he has in my extra clothes and taking Parker's body back to show Mr. Kel's he can't scare us. You want a bag? Now, California, you know you wouldn't have let Kel run you out of the country. I know, just the same. It's times like these I wish who was cowards. I've a hunch we'd live longer. Yeah. We'll get lots of action when there's noses around that we've dropped off a little black bag at the sheriff's office. That's real nice. Hey, take a look at that big wagon up ahead. Good gravy, what is it? I don't know, but it's got lots of color. Looks like a sunrise with yellow jaundice. Wonder what it's about for? Montaggy, the magn... He's a foreigner. That's Montague the Magnificent. I wonder if he'd mind carrying that body into the radio. Hey, I'd sure like that. Anything to get it off of a saddle horn. Hey, hey, you open the wagon. Oh, no answer. Let's take a look. Well, no wonder he's sleeping. Sean was more like he's gargling with sheepkin. Hey, Montaggy, wake up. Hey, Montaggy. Please, let none of your people starve me. I have an exposition of sleep come upon me. And a quits that horrible bell ring. Who's bell ring? I recognize that other. What Shakespeare. A what? A soul in this benighted wilderness that has rid the barred Eureka. Is it a millennium? No, it ain't either. It's February. I can see you don't share your companion's wealth of mind. My modern Caliban. And your abysmal ignorance is non-relieved by your griffle's appearance. But permit me. I am Montague. I'm Apollon Cassidy, and this is my partner, California Carl. He'll like it, sir. Excuse my curiosity. But is that a deceased person dangling across your saddle? Old and battered? Oh, why, you'll all know as poor I tend to food. I'll show you who's old and battered. Break it up. Wait a minute. Well, yeah, it's a corpse, Montague. We're hoping you wouldn't mind carrying it into Laredo. Well, I suppose courtesy demands that I submit as much as I detest the defunct company. Put him here, back of the seat. I can put him back in the wagon if you'll open it. And tag her well. Please allow me to decide where I prefer my cargo. Back of the seat, if you will. All right, all right. I've been a soldier, actor, author, chemist, and maker of bad doctorals. I guess it's only fate that I now become the driver of a hearse. How did he reach his deplorable condition? He was murdered. You wouldn't have to know a man named Kel's, would you? I would rather gather you think this Kel's than insist if he's shuffling off the mortal coil. That's right. Do you know him? Oh, quite. Around Laredo is well-known as a dangerous man who works for Bramwell's importing company as a trail boss. You seem to know Laredo rather well. As purveyor of learning, distributor of printed wisdom, and I generate master of the children of this area, it is easy to hear of anything. Well, thanks, Montague. We'll be seeing you in Laredo. My warning, you'll do better to avoid it, my friends. For what you've told me, only trouble awaits you there. Ah, busy little town, Laredo. Let's have a talk with this Bramwell first. I have a feeling that he should know about his trail boss's activities. Well, we won't have to look hard. Er, there exists at the end of the street. Big warehouse with a sign across the top. Bramwell importing company. Well, that's mostly down. Ah, go in alone. You stay out here and guard that bag. I'll stay here in this whole-tail room forever. I know. The Bramwell told me Cal's a temporary sheriff now. After the regular sheriff, and it takes its ranger a-killed, and the waiver Laredo across the border. Yeah, and that Parker, which is accountant, would run off with their money, which Cal's returned, but why? I'm stuck, California. I don't know where to turn. This thing is a mess. It doesn't make sense. Let's go to Chantone. Can't. We have $50,000 that belongs to someone. Well, let's think. We know that Parker was Bramwell's accountant. According to Bramwell, he ran off with money. Cal's chased him, caught him, killed him... And returned the money to Bramwell. Only he couldn't have because we have it. Then Bramwell lied to you. Well, it looked like it, but that's ridiculous. Cal's must have reported us as being passengers and witnesses to Parker's murder. Bramwell must know we have the money. Why'd I lie to us? All he has to do is claim it. Let's go to Chantone. Uh-oh. We've got company. Do we want it? No, correct. Come on in there. Open up. Well, we might as well live like heroes. Yeah? Back up and be quiet. Yeah. A gun. Dang, if this ain't the unfriendliest town... Shut up. ...shatterbox. What's your business with Bramwell? What did you do that made Cal so a fired man? Why is he on the prod for you? Question one, we saw Bramwell's accountant, Parker, murdered. Question two, we got something Cal's overlooked. Same answer for number three. Question from us, who are you and what do you want? Never mind that. What do you know about gunrunning? Gunrunning? Oh, now look, we just came here to deliver some cows. You know, with horns and a moo. Eh, not triggers. Eh, all right. A word of warning. Get out of town still before Cal finds you. Well, that about makes it unanimous. Yeah, we're as popular as the hoof and mouth disease. And one thing for sure, we're in the middle of no ordinary affair. Gunrunning is big business. My bet's on that Cal's. Maybe, but Bramwell said his boss has the organization. And the wagons and mules are to take the whole gun. Yeah, that's right. He mentioned the sheriff and ranger getting killed in the way of a radio across the border. They tend to want bet they were killed over this same affair. Only I can't figure it out. Wait, listen. What's that shouting outside? First open in the winter. What's all the fuss about? Highest! Highest! Bramwell's warehouse! Now back to half-along Cassidy and our story, Death Crosses the River. Poppy in California have found themselves involved in a strange affair that centers around gunrunning, murder, $50,000, and a man named Bramwell. It was his accountant that was murdered, and by Cal's, his trail boss. It's also possibly his money. And now his warehouse has caught fire. From the window of their hotel room, Poppy in California watched this latest development. They're getting it under control, California, centered in his office. Let's use that fire as a cover and slip out of town. Now you're talking. We're going to St. Tom's? No. Come on. Greetings. Get up and back up. This hall's a little public for what I'm going to do. I hope you realize that killing us is highly illegal. Where's the bag? Bag. Bag. California, you see a bag around? Bag. Bag. Still want to be funny and play games? Want to try that without a gun? Where's that money? Next one will hurt, Cassidy. You, Carlson, maybe you better get on that bed and lie face down. All right, I'm a goner. But this ain't the end, Cal. Now, Cassidy, turn around. I'm going to make you talk the hard way. Ever heard of a garrote? I have a leather-taken string here that makes a good one. I can make your head swell like a balloon. Come on, turn around, I said. I think you're the one that should turn around, Cal. You forgot to close the door and you got company right behind you and holding a gun. Save those old gags for a chump. Well, hallelujah. Thanks, Stuart. I think Mr. Cal was about to be a problem. It's my pleasure. I hope I cracked his thick skull. Now, come on, you better get out of here and fast. I've got horses out back waiting. Wait, I'll get my bag. Cal should have looked under the bed and saved himself a headache. Well, we're in the Nueva Laredo. You'll be saving Cal's head. Now, then tell me, just what is your part in this? Will you tell us why you can't kill and save our bacon? I can't kill because it's part of my duty to prevent murder when I can. I thought so. Texas Ranger? That's right. On special assignment from Washington. To stop gunrunning? Yes. Report reached Washington that guns and large numbers have been smuggled across the border and into the hands of a bandit leader. Pretending to be a revolutionary. His headquarters is just north of Monterey. There's only one way the guns could have traveled. That's through the radar. And you think Cal was taking them across from Bramwell's wagon train? Here's what we know. Bramwell sends empty wagons into Mexico to pick up consignments of registered imports. His wagons are the only means but with a large number of guns to travel. And Cal is his wagon boss. He's had strangely good luck in passing through bandit territory safely. Do you think the bandits don't attack him because he's working with him? It would figure. But we checked Bramwell's wagons from the time they leave his yard until they're across the border. We found them. Well, you're all gone. We know who our cook is, but just try and put it. Oh, by the way, here's a little something you better take care of. This bag. Yes. Oh, yes, yes. You've been acting like it's full of money. Where are these? It is full of money. It was Parker's until he was shot. I thought it was Bramwell's, but he swears that Cal's returned his money. I'll have a sense of range of headquarters. They'll find a claimant. I'm blasted. I wish I could send the case in as easy. But now I'm afraid Bramwell's burning of his record indicates his awareness of our investigation. He's probably ready to quit. Maybe. Or maybe that's what we're supposed to believe. What does the next wagon train do to leave Bramwell for Mexico? Tonight. But we won't find any guns in. Maybe do. Perhaps you don't check out on us the right time. I have an idea. Can you get Mexican cooperation on this? I already have. But I can't get the rallies in time to stop that train tonight. Well, send a man after them and meet me here in the way of Laredo right after dark. We may wind this up tonight. That sounds good to me. All right. Can't do, Cassidy. Hey, where do you think you're going? Back across the river to Laredo. Mac! Oh, Cassidy, are you crazy? I just listed you for me. Can't help it. I have to ask Bramwell a question. Come on, California. He's got a question to ask. We arrived right back to spit at the devil. That, Cassidy, is amazing. There's the reel again, Ruffy. You sure you've got to go over into Laredo? It has to be done, California. Well, look, someone's crossing. That wagon? It's old slick tongue in these books. Yeah, for a sleepyhead he gets around. Hi, I'm Montaguey. Well, if it isn't old and depressed. And Mr. Cassidy. Hi, Montaguey. How's business? Cosspring, sir. Cosspring. By the way, here's a book I think you need old and faded, a present. A present for me? Yes. Well, thanks, Montaguey. The Pleasure of Ignorance. Why, yellow downpaked. Although it is entirely conceivable that you are correct to a degree, I resent such imputation from you on the grounds that you are mentally incompetent, that you are irrelevant, and I sufficient immaterial. Well, I'll be a not-need-son-of-a-spaven-new. What an intriguing ancestry. I can see it's true. Would you explain how this remarkable genesis came about? Uh, Ruffy. Ruffy, did you ever hear such language in your life? Why, if I thought he was saying what I think he's saying. I don't know. When you can, I put that gun away. No, Montaguey. You've done enough in selling for one afternoon. Now move along. As you wish, Mr. Cassidy. But he is such a remarkably apt subject for insults. Good day. Why didn't you let me plug him, Hoppy? Just a little bit. Make it easy, California. I have a feeling you may get enough shooting tonight to last you. Come on. If we're going to get back in time to meet Stuart, we have to make tracks. All right. But don't go on it. For a nice ombre, you've got the dang to stitch. You'll never know, until there's someone going to shoot at us. Then you can't wait. I'll never get old. Well, Stuart, there's your proof. Heldsney's wagon train is down that was seen loading guns. I'm seeing it, but I still don't savvy it. Ten wagons loading guns. But where'd they come from? How'd they get across the border? One thing at a time. First, Bramwell is innocent. He's what? Oh, say, you are crazy. His men loading his wagons with smuggled guns. Sure, but they're not under Bramwell's orders right now. He's got a nice business. No reason to deal in gun-running. I found out he didn't lie about getting his money back, with Kells who lied, trying to cover up for Parker's murder. He also started that fire in Bramwell's office. Yeah, there never was no money stolen from Bramwell at all. Parker stole it from Kells. It was gun-running profits Bramwell never knew about. Kells reported money missing. Parker down, recovered that bag he thought contained his money, and murdered Parker so he couldn't talk. Then Kells is the leader of this gun-running outfit. No, Kells told Parker he was acting under orders from a boss. Uh-oh. Look as if the loading is nearly finished. We'd better move in. Here's what the rallies aren't here. We can't take them alone. We have to. Want to try a trick? See, you know I'm wondering if you shouldn't be wearing the badge. All right, deal a hand. It's too dark for them to see much outside of their fires. If you take one rim of the ravine, California take the other. If you'll make me a deathly for about ten minutes, I'll split the middle and arrest them. Oh, just like that, huh? You'll walk in on twenty smugglers and arrest them. That cassaville will drop you in your second word. Not if they think they're surrounded by rangers and ruralis. That's your jobs. When I yell up for proof, give me proof. Like what, Hoppy? I don't care. Yell, shoot, do a fandango, and make them think the rim of that ravine is lined with men. Yeah, it might work. If they're surprised enough, they may give in before they notice anything's falling. It'll work. When they see me walk in alone, they'll think I'm covered by an army of men. And if they don't, goodbye, Cassidy. All right, let's try it. Me, I'm starting to say some prayers. Get that last wagon loaded. Take us. Start covering up that last fire. We want to hold them five minutes. As soon as the boss comes. Every one, you're surrounded and under arrest. Cassidy, you. This is impossible. Men, don't. Shut up, Kelz. Tell them to drop their guns or I'll drill you. All right. You're bluffing, Cassidy. Do you think I dare walk in here unprotected? Captain Carson, your men ready to fire? Ready and waiting. Major Short, your men ready? And it's true. They're on both sides of us. And looking down at you here in the fire life. Want to fight it out? No. Now, men, drop your guns. Don't fight. Don't massacre us. Drop your guns. Hey, one of you men up there. Come down and help me pick up these weapons. I don't think they want to. Get to the guns and store it back. Hog time the last of the men. I think we're going to have company. The leader's coming. It's a wagon coming around the bend. Oh, it's Montague. I know. All of Montague, you're under arrest. This is going on. I'll give you a guess. Your boys got caught, that's all. In short, the game has finished. Done. My boys? The stochasticity you flatter my virility, no end, but hardly my intelligence. You can skip the debate. When there were certain no large wagon trains crossed the Rio Grande, the answer was simple. One wagon crossing many times. You stocked this cache of guns here for Kells wagons to pick up. Yours was the only wagon that crossed the river regularly and without being examined. No, it is. It's also filled with books. I doubt it. No, you gave yourself away when you made so many trips to Nueva Laredo. You know what I found out? There isn't but one literate man living there. Hardly a large market for your wear. That is pathetic evidence, Mr. Cassidy. I'll tell you what, let me look in that wagon. I'm going to love Putin Hemeny's play. Go ahead, I'll get stored. Back! Back! You bought heat and all right. Get down from that seat, you windy croaker. I'll kick you off. The degradation of being taken by such as you is galling. Yet as a token of my acceptance of fate, I have this one large book as a final present for you, old and scrawny. Here. Hide up. Cassidy, don't bother to draw. Are you hurt bad? Hurt? I ain't even scratched, Hoppy. But I sure bore that big mouthed book salesman he was ready to drill. I know, but are you sure you're not hurt? I saw a dust kick out of the front of your shirt and I thought... Hey, let me in on this. Who shot Montague? California. Montague pulled a gun out of a fake book. He's your leader, Stuart. Hoping he's wagging, you'll find all the evidence you need. He's brought the guns over in small loads. Montague? The leader? Yeah. I'll give you a story in a minute. But California, turn around. I know I saw that bullet hit you. Sure, it knocked my wind out, but it didn't hit me, Hoppy. It hit this darn book, Montaggy Gimme. I had it stuck in my shirt. You know something, Hoppy? I gotta take up reading. Seems a shame that one so clever as the great Montague would come to such an end as death crosses the river. But similar is the fate of all men who stray from the path of justice to the life of an outlaw. When we meet again, Hoppy tells the story of an exciting adventure which he calls Stage Coach West. So be sure you're listening to the next thrilling episode of Papalong Cassidy. Papalong Cassidy starring William Boyd is transcribed and produced in the West by Walter White Jr. Death Crosses the River was written by Herb Purdom. All stories are based upon the characters created by Clarence E. Mulfer. This is a Commodore production.