 That's the theme from the Sears Radio Theater. Tonight, a story of the West with Lorne Green as your host. Here's a preview. Terrible. They just stay surrounded and they shoot everybody. Apaches. Men dressed like soldiers. He's a lying, full-cat troopers, me I. What's your name? Lopez, me Colonel. Héctor Lopez. The Sears Radio Theater will begin after this message from your local station. This is Lorne Green. The Apache Pass in Southeastern Arizona was a vital link between Tucson and El Paso, Texas, during the 1870s. To protect settlers and travelers, the army used Fort Bowie as a base of operations. The fort was a desolate outpost carved into the sun-baked desert surrounded by mesquite, cactus, and miles of barren plain. The time is 1872. The Butterfield stage rattles furiously across the desert. Suddenly, the air is filled with a withering volley of rifle fire. The desert is alive with armed riders chasing the stage. A running gun battle ensues, but the guard is hit. Finally, the driver reigns in his horses. Oh! What are you going to give them? Shoot them. Send them to Colonel Gibbons. Or, or accept him. Hey, you. Come here. Yes, sir. Speak English? A little. Tell the Colonel Fort Bowie is next. Tell him Lucas is after his scalp. All right, boys. It's only the beginning of our story. Five nights of exceptional entertainment every week, brought to you in Elliott Lewis' production of The Sears Radio Theater. Our story, Trooper Lopez by Ken Gerard. Our stars, Len Berman, Stephen Markle, and Keith Andes. The Sears Radio Theater is brought to you by Sears Roboc and Company. Sears, where America shops for value. While the Butterfield stage episode was taking place, another drama was unfolding at Fort Bowie, approximately 20 miles away. Come in. Sergeant Michael Hawks reporting, sir. Netties. Sir. I suppose you've thought up excuses for this latest incident. Sir, yes, sir. I should have never let either of you go to Tucson with a commissary detail. Begin the Colonel's part, and, sir. Make it a good one, Keough. It was my fault. I started the brawl. In a pig's eye, you did. Why, you big lummicks, if you'd control that Irish temper, no one wouldn't be... You want to step outside, Michael Melland. I'll show you an Irish... Ah! That's it. Ah! Now that's better. I will not have my top non-coms fighting in public. Again. Begin the Colonel's part. Quiet! Sir! Yes, sir. My report shows that you smashed the front windows and the doorway at the Golden Cactus Saloon. $100. Broke the barkeep's arm and sent three men to the hospital. You don't say. Three. There were mitigating circumstances. There always are. You two act like thugs. MacDally brawlers instead of non-commissioned officers. I started it. That's true. And naturally, Mr. Keough couldn't resist help. I was different this time. I lost my head. There were some... Well, I think they were army deserters making remarks about the service. No, let me tell it. Of course they were deserters. Some of them no good's the Colonel mustered out in 70. Just sitting there, sloppin' up the red eye. Well, they started. Then began calling the Colonel. They beg your pardon. They cowered. I lost my head. Before I knew it, I was knee deep in bully bull. All right, all right, I understand. Sir! Yes, sir. Hawks, what about it? Strange lot. Some from Texas. Some from Kansas. I never saw them before. Neither did the saloon keeper. Did they mention Lucas? Is that sidewinder back in the territory? Well, it's possible. It's a rumor that he's assembling an army of renegades. Just when we had things a little quiet around here. What the devil's going on? Looks like it was a target in the Turkish. Back here. Good Lord. Massacre. Horrible. Except for him. You, driver, get off that sheet. Sir, sir. Come here. What do you know about this? Fuck or I'll beat it out of you. I was a passenger when they attacked. Who? Many men were with these rifles. We did not have a chance. How come you're the only one alive? Easy, Brian. Terrible. They just stay surrounded and they shoot everybody. Apaches? No, sir. Men dressed like soldiers. He's a lying forecat. Troopers, me I. What's your name? Lopez, my colonel. Hector Lopez. What else happened? The man, Lucas, he told me to tell the colonel. Yes? A big man with a scar? Yes, a scar down his cheek and a man called Charlie. So he is back. Go on. Tell me to say to Colonel Gibbons. I'm Colonel Gibbons. Tell him that Fort Bowie is next. We'll see about that. And Lucas is after your scout. I don't doubt it. That's what started the brawl in Tucson. Some of them lizards were saying how this Urukus was going to take over the territory, drive the army back to Texas. And that he put a bounty on the colonel's head. Why didn't you tell me this before? We thought it was bar room scuttlebutt. Keo, assemble companies A, D and E. We're going after him. Yes, sir. Let's get this stage into the quartermaster corral at the double. Corporal Hector? Yes, Colonel. I want to help you. I want you to show me on a map where you were attacked. Sergeant Albright, have my horse saddled. Come into my office. What do you want? I've got to get the ammunition distributed, bucko. That Lopez, fella. You believe his story. Yeah. I do? I don't. Strange. He's the only survivor. And that message? Kind of fishy, no? Come to think of it. Or enough. It don't hang together now, does it? I'll bet Michelini the trope's running into an ambush. Or the post. It's a real target. You better get to the old man. Oh, Brian Keo ain't so dumb after all. I never thought you were dumb. Just thick. Come on. Tell the Colonel before he has that eagle blown right off his shoulder. If I may, sir. Yes? The trope may be riding into a trap. The post could be the real objective. Well, of course it is. I don't believe Lopez for one moment. Lucas is probably watching our movements right now from one of those buttes. We're going out with three columns, but not far enough to expose the fort. Yes, sir. And Hawks, throw Lopez into the guardhouse. Yes, sir. If you're attacked, shoot him. Colonel Gibbons and Sergeant Major Keo led three columns into the desert, supposedly in search of the renegades. Sergeant Major Michael Hawks prepared the remainder of the garrison for an expected assault. Corporal Lawrence, roll those wagons to the south portal. Look alive and take a squad of riflemen to the roof of the dispensary. Check your weapons. The sun hung like a ball of molten lead above the port as the troopers waited. The beads have swept, running down the dust-covered faces. Keep your head down, mister. You, Lopez, come with me. Can I be of assistance? Sure. Come on. I want to talk with you in the orderly room. Sit down. What's going on that stage? I was going to El Paso looking for a job. I don't buy that. Oh, it's true. Lopez is a very good blacksmith. He knows apprentice to Senor Thomas Howard in Tucson for almost three years. I have a letter of recommendation. Here, look. Says you do good work. All right. Try. Maybe I get a job with the army. As a spy? Senor. How come you're the only one that survived that massacre? You're working with Lucas's gang, aren't you? Oh, Sergeant, I know nothing. I'm a blacksmith. What aren't you telling us? I tell you everything. Except what? The killer's Charlie. He searched the stage. He tore everything apart. He was looking for a gun. Go on. The man, Lucas, asked the driver about a gun. A gun that shoots 200, no, no, 400 bullets a minute. There isn't any such gun. I swear, Sergeant, that's what they look for. When's he going to attack the fort? I know nothing. I think you do. Don't shoot me. Tell the truth, or I'll put one in your eye. I am a blacksmith. Please believe me. Let's try that story again. Please, Lord, tell the truth. Maybe. Corporal Adams, take this man to the guardhouse. If the fort's attacked, shoot him on the spot. And Cousin Joshua leading him. It means it's your cousin? Right. Except he fought for the Union. And me? I played both sides against each other. Running guns, ammunition. First to their ribs, then to the anks. Whoever could pay the highest price. Does he know you're back in hands, owner? Yeah, probably. Oh, Cousin Josh is no dumbbell. Well, either about your plans to take over part of the territory. No, no, I doubt it. Look at him come. Like a blue snake going through the cactus. Yeah. When are we going to raid the fort? We're not. That's what the colonel expects me to do. Huh? No, I'm playing for a bigger game this time. I want those Gatlin guns. Imagine, Charlie, 400 shots a minute. I got those guns. Then we go for Fort Bowie. Well, he was supposed to be on the battlefield. Yeah, but they weren't. I thought the information was good. Old Joshua knows when they're coming and which route. Well, why don't we just hang high here and then make him talk? But he never leaves that fort without the troop. They get that gun here. The whole plan might go up in smoke. Not this time. Nobody's going to stop me. I'm going to run this expanse the way I want it. Town, stage routes, mines, the silver mines. With that Gatlin gun, everything will be under my control. Yeah, sure, sure, sure. Three months we'll have 2,000 men. Maybe five armed and ready. Not even the U.S. Army will stand in my way. Yeah, yeah, yeah, right, right. You think I'm insane, don't you? Oh, no, no, Lucas, I'm with you. Let's have some fun. We'll take the men and head up to Wilcox. Yeah, yeah, right, boss. Oh, boys, we're going to have a party. Easy silents fell over Fort Bowie as the garrison waited for the attack. Sergeant Major Hawks was everywhere, checking fortifications, ammunition, reassuring his nervous troopers. Minutes seemed like hours as the desert sun blazed overhead. The assault never came. Finally, Colonel Gibbons returned to the fort with the column. Was there any sign of Lucas Renegade? No, sir. He's out there, hiding among the cliffs, watching every move we make. Lopez told me something strange. It seems Lucas was searching for a gun that fires 400 shots a minute, seems impossible. So that's why he ambushed the stage. He's after the Gatling guns. Sir? A hand-crank gun. 10 barrels that can spew out 400 shots. Deadly. A brand new weapon. The seventh cavalry used it in Kansas in 67. Woo! That kind of firepower in the wrong hands could be deadly. Right. This orders our position quite a bit. What else did Lopez mention? Only that he's an apprentice blacksmith. Release him. Release him from the guardhouse. Put him to work. I still don't trust him, sir. Neither do I, but Sergeant Wallace can always use another hand with the horses. Yes, sir. And watch him hawks, just in case. Yes, sir. Oh, I want you and Sergeant Kehoe to report to me at six o'clock. That'll be all. Can we keep an O'Brien in the dark, would you? It could be about my discharge papers. What? You start in that again. I'm finished with you, Army. Breathing dust. Eating hard tech. I'm going back to Ohio. The Army's in your blood. It's your life. No more. I want out. Sure. Especially when this Lucas fella's running wild. Maybe gonna stir up the Apaches again. All right. Go to Ohio. You'll make a wonderful clerk in a dry goods store. At least I won't have to look at you. Suits me fine. Be a pasty face nobody, withering away behind a counter. If you want it, Mike, I'm glad you can have it. Sit down, man. Have you told Mr. Kehoe about the gun? Yes, sir. Gentlemen, two Gatling guns are on the way to this fort right now. Oh, I hate your life. They're being shipped to us from the Army Command in El Paso, not by stage, but hidden inside a medicine show wagon. Very clever. The driver of that wagon is really an Army officer, disguised as a drummer for Dr. Raleigh's nerve tonic. Oh, I wouldn't want to be him right now. Now, this is his route. It's top secret. It's a dangerous trip, especially over the open desert. Yeah. He left El Paso on the 17th. With how many troopers? None. It will arouse too much suspicion. Holy smoke. Now, we're supposed to rendezvous with him here on the 20th, just before he enters the Chiricaba Mountains. That's tomorrow. Getting through their mountains will be something else again. Yeah, I know. I want him to have an escort. It's a two-man job. Yes, sir. Now, while the two men dressed as civilians ride to the east, I'll take two columns and ride to the west. If Lucas is watching, I'm sure you'll follow me. He'll think I'm the escort for the Gatling guns. When do we leave? Mr. Hawks will not be going with you, Sergeant Keo. What? Your discharge papers came through. We took them from the Butterfield stage. You'll be a civilian in a week. Sure. You never use short timers on dangerous assignments. Shut up, Brian. Sorry, Hawks. Sir, I respectfully request permission to accompany Sergeant Keo on this assignment. Request denied. Yes, sir. Keo, I want you to pick a partner for this. You've got to look like two wranglers or traitors. How about Corporal Stewart? No. No, what about Lopez? Using him as a decoy. Sure, if he ain't armed. Right. You'll leave at first life. You take these maps, copy them. Now, when you meet the wagon, the password is Cochise is safe. Yes, sir. And Keo. Sir. If there's any chance of trouble, destroy the Gatling guns. That's an order. Give me them binoculars. Two civilians riding out of the fort. At this hour, that's strange. Hey, wait a minute. Seems they've got a troop mounted and ready to ride. Yeah, I think they're coming after us. No. Here you are. You take most of our men, shadow the column. Yeah. They meet up with any wagons, play, hit, and run with them. Harass them. I'm following those two. Maybe just maybe. They'll lead us to the guns. All right. I want a dozen men to ride with me. Both of us is a friend. We'll see about that, Mabacco. Just keep riding. I want to help you. You can trust me. Just like I helped you. Cochise is safe. Oh, right. Cornel Gibbons sends his respects. We're going to escort you to Fort Bowie. All right. Well, let's not make a spectacle of this. They're supposed to be selling nerve, don't it? Let's say that. Sure. We'll lead you. Man, right in this way. They ain't troopers. We better make a run for it. You'll not get away with it. Really? It'll mow down your colonel. If I could only? I'll push the army right out of this territory. Colonel Gibbons will get you. Oh, no, he won't. And you'll never live. They'll have you for dinner. If I ever get out of this, you won't. All right? Let's ride. The army will come after you. Oh, trooper. Too bad you won't be there when we massacre Fort Bowie. They're up on my left. And it's loose. Try to work yourself free. The buzzards smell of death. The ropes are too tight. Oh, look at them. Yes. It moves it. It's coming out. The steak is munchy. It's loose. There. It's out. Steak's free. It's the son that's getting to you. No. Fine. I'm telling you, Lopez has got more courage than you are me. You owe your life to him. Oh, don't I know? Well, they are sergeant hawks. How are you feeling, Sergeant Kio? Got the sergeant stuff. It's Brian. And never better. Thanks to you. I was lucky. In a pig's eye, it was heroism. You're wound at the ceiling. You bet. And when I get out of this bed, we're going to Tucson and having a ritz slaughter. I see you're on the men. Absolutely. And ready to chase them. Pull control over the territory. Right, Lopez? You'll have your chance. Our Apache scouts located Lucas hideout near the base of the mountains. Just past shadow curse. Excuse me. I get back to the blacks. No, no. No. I'm employed by the cavalry as a scout. Thank you, Colonel. I'd like Lopez to be riding with me. All right. Quite a trio. But there's just Lopez and me. Wrong. My buckles. Gonna mess all the fun. Meet me in my office at three o'clock. I want to work with my plans with you. Me too, Colonel. I wouldn't miss this battle for all the tea in China. I have to fight brief soon. But frackin', this fella says he's got the information of Lucas. Yeah, yeah. And I'll do anything to pay him back. Looks like he did quite a job on you. Well, you've got to stop him here. He's a madman. He plans to massacre your fort. When? Soon, with the repeating guns. He's got 10 barrels. I've never seen nothing like him. Where's he hiding? He's got 40. Come in and hold up here. Shadow Cliffs. Just what the scouts pulled. But them guns are useless. What? They stole the ammunition clips. The bullet loader. Lucas don't know it yet. I don't miss that tea. I hear him in the cave near the pass. Here's the break we're looking for. We've got to attack right away. Will you lead us to the clips? Oh, sure, sure. Leo, take this man to the dispensary. Fox, get the troop ready for action. Lopez, you're assigned to my column. We're right at sunrise. I fought you with a troop in case of trouble. I go with you, Colonel. Fine. All right, mister. Lead on. Let me go ahead. I don't like this, Colonel. I should've known you were behind this. Take his weapon, Charlie. Yeah. The Colonel won't be needing it anymore. Sure. You were to see his troops slaughtered. Charlie, get the boys in place. I want those guns pointed right into that pass. A ringside seat for the destruction of the troopers. My men won't fall for it. The gun really works. They'll be right in my trap. Not if I can help it. Look out, Colonel. You got the north slope. I'll take my men around on the south. Hold it, Michael. Some gatling guns trained right on the pass. Right. We'll fan out before you reach the gully. Let the men take independent fire. Sure. I'll send the sharpshooters to that ridge. There's no one over there. Good. Let's do it. Michael. Yeah. Keep your head, lad. You're on, you big bloke. Oh! Here's Roebuck Inc. Where our policy is, satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Sears. Where America shops for value. Trooper Lopez was written by Ken Gerard. And directed by Elliott Lewis. Your host was Lorne Green. Our stars were Len Berman, Stephen Markle, and Keith Andes. Featured in the cast were Don Diamond, Tyler McVeigh, and Tom Brown. The music for Sears Radio Theatre was composed and conducted by Nelson Riddle. This is Art Gilmore speaking. The Elliott Lewis production of Sears Radio Theatre is a presentation of CDI. Let's listen. Play the dime machine. I will. I will. And stop combing your hair all the time. It's my one claim to male beauty. Heaven only knows what you'll do if you lose it. Well, you'll stop combing. That's for sure. See you guys later. So be sure and tune in tomorrow to the Sears Radio Theatre. Entertainment with great music and more. People like Lori Allen and Jim Doyle on KMOXFM St. Louis. KMO? CBS News. Russell and Rachel Thompson have done with their five-year-old daughter. Kidnapped last Saturday is safe in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This is John Bohannon reporting on the CBS Radio Network. A man stole the Thompson's car Saturday at a motel in Daytona Beach, Florida with five-year-old Caroline in the back seat. Tonight, police in Myrtle Beach caught up with the kidnapper, arrested him, rescued Caroline and contacted her parents. Police chief Jay Stanley Byrd says all is well. A little girl has been into traditions that she's an excellent conveyor, hot dog, French fries, a milkshake, and the kidnappers identified as James Keith Tucker, who's on parole on car theft charges in North Carolina. The National Transportation Safety Board opened public hearings today in Chicago in the investigation of the American Airlines DC-10 crash last May at O'Hare Airport. 273 people were killed. Betty Ann Bowser recaps the testimony. American Airlines supervisor Robert Graham was in a parking lot at O'Hare Field about 1,000 feet from the runway when Flight 191 will pass him for take-off. He said he first noticed vapor coming from the left wing and the aircraft's number one engine. It was bouncing, he said, up and down, first one foot, then about two feet. Graham said the bouncing continued. The engine separated from the wing, flew up and over the left wing quickly, then the big DC-10 took off only to crash moments later. Another eyewitness, a supervisor in the control tower, told the hearing he noticed a torching or burst of flames coming from engine number one, but didn't realize the entire engine was on the wing until the plane was airborne. Under questioning, the supervisor said he had seen other DC-10s develop problems after take-off, and he described one instance where a wide body took off and had to return to O'Hare Field after it developed an engine problem. Betty Ann Bowser, CBS News, Chicago. The board will hold two weeks of hearings and will release a report on the probable cause of the crash in October or November. Paul Volcker testified before the Senate banking committee that fighting inflation was the top priority as chairman of the Federal Reserve Board. President Carter has nominated him to the post to take over from G. William Millard. The Senate Energy Committee has approved the nomination of Charles Duncan as the new Secretary of Energy. The vote was 16 to nothing, and the full Senate most likely will vote on the confirmation tomorrow. The Lundberg letter, an authoritative petroleum industry publication says we should find more gasoline next month because the world's crude oil supplies have improved and several oil companies have increased their deliveries. A newspaper in Kuwait reports that the organization of petroleum exporting countries may hold an emergency meeting in September to talk about the possibility of raising prices again if, according to the newspaper, the U.S. dollar continues to decline on the International Monetary Exchange. The House has voted a table of motion to expel Congressman Charles Diggs of Michigan. The move was a close vote, and it means Diggs may keep a seat in Congress while appealing a conviction for mail fraud and for making false statements. The House will vote tomorrow on whether to censor Diggs, the punishment the House Ethics Committee has recommended. The Food and Drug Administration says the makers of the widely used painkillers drug Darvon have agreed to warn consumers of potentially lethal damage.