Frontier Gentleman - "Mighty Tired" (1958)

0:00You are listening to Old Time Retro Radio for full access to our archive. Visit patreon.com slash Old Time Retro Radio. Antony Ellis wrote, directed and produced this July 27, 1958 CBS broadcast. On a train bound from Laramie to Cheyenne, London Times correspondent JB Kendall travels with minor Thaddeus Clark after the Jesse James gang has robbed them, taking Clark's gold dust along with their money. Then three of the outlaws appear aboard the same train. John Denner stars as Kendall, with Harry Bartell as Clark, Stacey Harris, Charles Seale and Vic Perrin are also heard. This is Frontier Gentlemen, episode 25, mighty tired, the continuation of the preceding week's mighty mouse. And now our story begins.

1:01My second encounter with the Jesse James gang was a little more fortunate than the first. This is what happened. Frontier Gentlemen. Here with an Englishman's account of life and death in the West. As a reporter for the London Times, he writes his colorful and unusual stories. But as a man with a gun, he lives and becomes a part of the violent years in the new territories. In just a moment, we will bring you the latest report from the Frontier Gentlemen. Keeping one ear to the ground may offer fine possibilities for calisthenics. But when it comes to keeping up with world affairs, you'll find CBS News much more reliable, much more convenient too.

2:03Regularly scheduled CBS News programs like those featuring Walter Cronkide and Wells Church, come to you on most of these same stations throughout the week. They keep you right up to the minute with history, with concise, informative reports. Now, starring John Daener. This is the story of JB Kendall, Frontier Gentlemen. That is Clark was a minor, returning to Illinois from the Western Wyoming Gold Mining Country. He and I shared a common bond. We had both been held up by Jesse James and his companions outside of Laramie. But Clark had been relieved of some $5,000 in Gold Dust, whereas my loss, although leading me stony, broke, amounted to a matter of only $20.

3:06In all friendliness and good will, Clark offered to pay for my ticket to Cheyenne, where I was sure my remittance from England would be waiting. I accepted the loan, and the two of us boarded the train. As we waited in the station for our departure, I commented to the conductor on the fact that except for us, the carriage was empty. Here these days, folks is moving west. Not many coming back. You should have seen us last trip out this old lake. Biggest crowd in the year. Any particular reason for that? No, just like a plague of locusts. No telling why. Same with eastern folks. Seems they all decided once to pull up steaks and head out this way. Of course, they'll be more getting on in Cheyenne. How soon will we be pulling out, Master? In about two minutes. Riven Cheyenne, burn Buffalo, Indians and bad men at 4.30. Buffalo and Indians is all right. We've had enough of bad men. That's so trouble, huh?

4:07And we had the dubious honor of being held up by Jesse James. Don't say. Well, how Jesse James. I had to get him something to see in him. We did. Well, here. proud to have met you boys. Have a good trip. Jesse James. Thank you, sir. He's impressed. He can afford to be. What do you plan to do now? Do you still go back to Illinois? I made up my mind. Got enough to last for a while. Maybe I'll go back to Sweetwater Country after I spent a little while in Cheyenne. Pan gold again? No. Unless I'm lucky enough to hit a bane. How about you? Well, I'm not sure. I've been thinking about working my way through Dakota territory. And perhaps down to Kansas. I'd like to see Dodd's city. Well, can't say I'll be sorry to see the last laugh. It can't exactly blame you.

5:08Hey. Coming out of the waiting room. Those two men. Both men were well dressed in Caledono luggage. They ran toward the train and then disappeared from view. But I'd had enough time to recognize at least one of them. There's Jesse James companion, the one where you knew only as CD. They got on. I swear they did. Did you see him CD? Did you? Yes. You think the other fellow is one of the gang? You got a mask, but I'd be willing to bet on it. Keep your head down. Pretend to be asleep. I'll read the newspaper. I'm not going to see. There'll be some leave where we are. Where's the ID? I don't know how you're doing. You just don't know how to get out of the door. No, not yet. Keep your head down. They look back there. Can you see? How are they doing?

6:08Just sat down up at the front. I get my hands on that sneaking low-down. The question is, are the others on the train too? Me James? You might have gone on further back. We didn't see him. My five thousand. If they've still got it, you might get it back. What's going on now? They've got a bottle, taking a drink. All right. I think now is as good a time as any. Get out your gun. Are you sure it's loaded? Yep. They'll walk up there quietly. They'll sit down behind me. If they see us before we get there, drop to the floor and start shooting. Don't worry. Come on then. Let's go.

7:09Listening to Arthur Godfrey Time, five days a week, is a virtue that comes with a build-in reward. Arthur and the gang have just one thought in mind to bring you entertainment. Since their songs and comedy do just that, you do yourself a favor every time you tune them in. Every weekday, join us on most of the same stations for Arthur Godfrey Time. Some files were sealed for a reason. Classified programs, missing witnesses, patterns buried beneath official narratives. On conspiracy files with Page Carter, we follow the documents, the money, and the contradictions others ignore. Search conspiracy files with Page Carter and follow now.

8:14The two men who had robbed us, members of Jesse James gang, occupied seats at the front of the carriage. Clark and I moved up the aisle toward them. The carriage rocking and swaying as we rounded the bend. We sat down behind them. Listen, I've seen it. This fella only got one eye. Frank, you don't like the way the car just goes. Lee Vick is the one eye gen, is doing some fancy dealing. So he's getting his gun out. You seem Frank drool. I sure have seen him. Really lays it on the table in front of him and he says, my boys are going to have fresh tea. Well, he's in the game. They take one look at Frank's face. This one is a hard Frank. Sure, sure, anything you say. Frank's in. Ah, now we got that settled. And you know what he's doing all this time? He's, he's, he's happened on that gun landing. Well, he's talking, and he says,

9:14now we got that settle I'm saying right now. That from here on, there ain't going to be nothing but square deal. I ain't making no accusations, nothing like that. But I'll tell you, if I catch any son of a gun cheating again, I'm going to shoot his other eye out. Very good. Good story. But don't turn around gentlemen, just put your hands up. All the way. Hey. You don't know how to know you. Recognize the voice, huh? Kendall? And Clark, where's my goal? All in good time. Better search them first. If they try anything while I'm doing it, Clark, shoot CD. You're back at the neck, right? Here. Oh. Just so. Well, an unexpected pleasure, CD.

10:18I don't think I've met your companion. Billy. Billy Badger. All right, Billy. Keep those arms stretched nice and high. Quite an arsenal. And that does for you, now a CD. Very carefully. Get up and come out into the aisle. You hold these, Clark. Two more. That's better. What about the goal? Yes, I was coming to that. Sit down, CD. Now, what about Mr. Clark's goal? We ain't got it. Oh. Who has? Jesse. And where is Jesse?

11:19We don't know. Do we, Billy? No. That's a fact. We split up. Did you? And where did Mr. James go? I told you. We don't know. I saw you did. Which makes it rather awkward for you two gentlemen. Hey, now, are you going to kill us? I look you can't do that. Without the money you stole, you're not much used to it. And I just woke, wait a minute here. Hold on. I've got some. Here. Maybe 200 and gold. There's another 15 paper. I got about the same. Hand it over. Sir, that leaves about 4500, you always. Well, now listen, we can give it to you. You were saying nothing. Oh, all it meant was it. The one we get to Cheyenne, we raise the money there for you.

12:19Is that what he meant? Yeah. Yeah, that's right. They're lying, Kendall. I agree. No, we ain't lying on us. We sure ain't. You want first shot, Clark? Sure. Not in a stomach, though. They make so much noise. Now, downright murder. Give us a chance. And up in the aisle, boys. We don't want to get blood all over the seat. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. You can get your money. Shut up, Billy. But just shut up. Kendall, I'll bet you five bucks you can't take off an ear at five paces. Who's? Either one. I'll take Billy. Better bet. Which ear? Right or left? Um. Left. Hmm? Left. And move over CD. Billy. Back up to the door. What I look, fellas. You said you got none to worry about Billy. He's bluffing. Back up. He's bluffing, Billy. How do you know? Ain't your ear. Yeah, that's far enough, Billy. Ready?

13:20You ain't got the guts, Ken. Don't worry, Billy. He ain't got the guts. Oh. Mist. That's five, y'all. Same bet. You try it. All right. No. No, I'll tell you. You shut up, Billy. You shut up. Ain't shooting at you. Frank Stack. In the next carriage back. He's carrying them gold sacks we took off. Anybody else with him? No. Where is James? Where is James? What? We're meeting him up ahead. I'm good. That's it down again. Both of you. Clock. I get stuck. You keep an eye on these fellows. What's he wearing, Billy? Oh. Regular black sack coat, vest, bowler hat. He's about your height, wouldn't you figure CD? Yeah, I guess fine. If they give you any trouble, Clyde. Well, we won't give no trouble, honest.

14:21I moved back through the carriage and now come to the open platform, climbed over the railing, and into the next coach. I looked for the conductor, but he was nowhere in sight. Then I spotted the man who answered the description of Frank Stack. He was sitting alone, but I felt uneasy when I saw that the seats both behind and in front of him were occupied. Keeping my gun hidden underneath my jacket, I quickly moved down the aisle and sat down next to Stack. They have found another place, mister, right on one. This is a gun stack. See? Now, we don't want any of the people in here to be hurt and doing. Hey, you're the fellow that was there. That's right. The one you held up near Lallon. Pick up your bag and walk a hundred. No, no, less than I have. Don't just do as your told. Yeah. Yeah, alright. Don't get it. We're going to join your friends up in the next coach. Walk slowly, behave yourself, and you may live until we reach Cheyenne.

15:25Why are they all here? They're all here. Yeah, sure. They're going to go in. They're not going to prove nothing. Just put them in the shot. I'm going to get the gun back. Time over the railing. Not at strangers. Man could get killed between the coaches. Man could get killed standing here unless he stopped arguing. I'll hold the bag. No, no. You don't have to. Oh, yes, I do. Thank you. Off you go. Open the door and go in. I thought you'd sit. There ain't nobody in here. Clark. Clark. Keeping stuck in front of me, I walked the length of the empty car. Then where Clark had been sitting, I found him.

16:25The miner was sprawled out on the coach floor, wedged between seats. A nugly cut on his head, a trickle of blood running from it. Get more for the money you spend. Earn more on the money you save. By making use of the practical information that comes your way on the business news. Throughout the week on CBS Radio, our business news brings you Walter Cronkite or Bill Downs with an up to the minute report on price trends, marketing conditions, and everything else of a business nature that's likely to interest you. Join us on most of these same CBS radio stations when it's time for the next edition of the Business News. I had a pretty good idea where the other two road agents had gone.

17:27In front of our carriage was the mail and baggage car. I disarmed Stack and forced him to lie face down on the floor while I tried to help Clark. He took about ten minutes for him to recover consciousness. Clark. The Clark. Clark. I thought I was dead. Clark, what happened? We hit a rough, better rail on a curve to throw me out of balance. And the next thing I know that CD was all over me. He got one of the guns we left lying on the seat. That's where... I hear this might make you feel better. Open up the bag. Hey. What's he doing down here? You have shooting? No, he's just behaving himself. Hey! Hey, my gold!

18:27See? Seven? Wait a minute, there's only seven. Where's the other three sides? The rest of him. Where's the rest of my gold, mister? It upstack. Where is it? Jesse lost it in the poker game last night back in Laramie. He did, huh? Where are you supposed to meet James? Hmm? No, don't worry. You'll tell me. Clark, go and find the conductor. Tell him the other two are in the baggage car. Right. Now here, take his gun with you. Now, mister, stack. I'm only going to ask you once more. Where are you meeting James? More? No, no, no. You're waiting at Dale Creek Bridge. Oh, so that's the game. Train hold up this time, huh? How many with him? Just one. What's the plan? If you flagged down the train this side of the bridge,

19:30CD Billy Badge and Neil, please not the baggage car. And wait for the westbound out of Cheyenne. As soon as it crosses Dale Creek Bridge, we blow up the Trassel and MPR Dead baggage car. I see. Single track. Two trains facing each other, bridge down. The only way to go is Laramie. You fell as high-tellet for the east, right? Yeah. Effective. But the time they're able to get to Laramie and telegraph the news to Cheyenne, I imagine you'll be well on your way to Dakota Territory. Well, we'll have to try to do something about this, won't we? He didn't answer. You stood there glaring at me. A minute or so later, a clock came back followed by the conductors. I told them it was in store for us. The first thing we did was to bind the stack securely and place them under the guard of one of the other passengers. Then we had to work out the best plan of procedure. I don't know. Dale Creek Bridge, so far off, maybe five minutes, probably less.

20:34We're making pretty fair time. Is there any way of getting into the baggage car besides through the door? No, sure. I've got no key. May I have a club must have opened it for them. Side door, seal, too. The only way to get in is to blow it in. No, no. If you ask me, we'll keep right on going, right into Cheyenne. Then we can let the marshall get them out. There's a good idea except for one thing. James has already got the charge laid to the bridge and we don't stop on the signal. He might blow it up. Not with his own boys, it would. And I shouldn't like to risk the lives of your passengers on this opposition that James has a tender heart. How much gold you're carrying in the baggage car? $300,000. Bester from what I've seen at Jesse James, for a hundred thousand gold he'd set fired his own mother. You won't give two hoots in a holler about the rest of his gang. Yeah, yeah. Now, if they don't suspect that anything is wrong, when they signal you to stop, you stop.

21:34Well, there's only two of them. I want to avoid the possibility of one meeting the train and the other waiting to set off the charge. Once we can get them both in the sight, we can shoot it out. Make good sense to me. I'll go up and tell the engineer. No, you won the passengers. Tell them not to panic. I'll talk to the engineer. You don't have to go over the top of the baggage car. I'll manage. Well, we better get a move on. We have much time. But it took longer than I thought it would to convince a highly suspicious engineer. So that by the time you agreed to stop the train, if so ordered, you would only a scant minute from Dale Creek. I remembered the tressor from another trip I had taken a few weeks before. It was more than 130 feet high, spanning a chasm between six and seven hundred feet in width. The thought of a charge blowing up as we were crossing was not pleasant. I left the engine cab and had just reached the platform, standing between the baggage car and the coach. When there was a scream of breaks.

22:36Is there anything? Not yet. Yes, there's one. It's unhorse. Standing by the engine. I can't see who it is. Nobody on this side. Unless they're going to blow up the side of the car, James is either going to have to get in through here. A CD and Badger will have to come out. Maybe they're waiting for one of the boys to get off. You figure there's some kind of signal we don't know about? No, no. Wait a minute. That's another. Both of them now. Come over here. Yep. That's James on the black horse, see? Keep back. Turn the lookout. Does he? Does he have to drop? Look out, James! Come on, guess who has to get out here. Give me your gun, Clark. But it was too late.

23:36Jesse James and his companion were gone. When we reached Cheyenne, Frank Stack and the buddies of CD and Billy Badger were turned over to the marshal. That Clark recovered all but $750 of his fortune, and I, my $20. As well as being able to boast that I had fired at and missed the notorious Jesse James. Frontier gentlemen was written, produced and directed by Anthony Ellis and stars John Daener as JB Kendall, featured in the cast where Harry Bartel is Clark, Stacey Harris as CD, Charles Seale as the conductor and Vick Peron as Billy Badger. Music

24:41Join us again next week for another report from the Frontier gentlemen, but Suele speaking. Music Music

25:55That was Frontier gentlemen, Episode 25, mighty tired. We're glad you could share this Western radio hour with us. Follow Old Time Western Radio for more classic Western broadcasts.