WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:10.720 You, finding life rather dull, dreaming again of exotic places, wishing you were somewhere 00:10.720 --> 00:29.940 else, we offer you escape. 00:29.940 --> 00:35.800 Keep with us now to the Old West and the unusual story of a merciless professional killer as 00:35.800 --> 00:54.120 Ernest Haycox tells it in Wild Jack Wret. 00:54.120 --> 00:58.520 Red Mesa. 00:58.520 --> 01:03.720 A little town springing out of the hot, dry prairie beside the Chisholm Trail. 01:03.720 --> 01:10.520 A saloon, a hotel, two general stores, and a tiny church where the decent citizenry might 01:10.520 --> 01:17.560 pray for salvation while a wilder element, trail driver, teamster, and buffalo hunter, 01:17.560 --> 01:22.960 restlessly searched out friend and enemy along the dusty main street. 01:22.960 --> 01:29.480 A small hill rose on the western edge of Red Mesa, plagued with a rash of graves, some 01:29.480 --> 01:34.520 marked and cared for, others sinking and forgotten. 01:34.520 --> 01:43.520 Men, that is born of woman, has but a short time to live and is full of misery. 01:43.520 --> 01:47.680 He cometh up and is cut down like a flower. 01:47.680 --> 01:53.200 He flyeth as it were a shadow, while we're praying a couple of you boys start throwing 01:53.200 --> 01:55.200 some dirt on the sheriff. 01:55.200 --> 02:08.920 Oh Lord, with whom do live the spirits of them that be dead and in whom the souls are 02:08.920 --> 02:12.960 dead. 02:12.960 --> 02:17.840 And that same evening, a committee of the leading citizens of Red Mesa gathered together 02:17.840 --> 02:21.600 at Mayor Wayne's home to decide upon a new sheriff. 02:21.600 --> 02:29.320 All right gentlemen, sit down and let's get this settled. 02:29.320 --> 02:34.920 Gentlemen, to make this town a decent place for our women, folk, and children, we've got 02:34.920 --> 02:39.160 to have a sheriff, Todd Mallon, and his kind can't kill. 02:39.160 --> 02:43.120 We need the toughest gunfighter available and I want to propose... 02:43.120 --> 02:46.040 Just a minute Mayor Wayne, let me speak. 02:46.040 --> 02:48.600 All right, go ahead Bo Helen. 02:48.600 --> 02:52.920 I don't think we should get all upset just because we lost another sheriff. 02:52.920 --> 02:57.520 Jim Speed worked out fine for Red Mesa, all we need is another sheriff just about like 02:57.520 --> 02:58.520 him. 02:58.520 --> 03:03.560 I expected that Bo Helen, all you look out for is to keep that saloon of yours full of 03:03.560 --> 03:06.500 anybody who'll buy whiskey and gamble. 03:06.500 --> 03:13.700 I still propose we reform this town by sending for a man some of you may have heard of, Jack 03:13.700 --> 03:14.700 Rhett. 03:14.700 --> 03:21.000 Gentlemen, I do want my saloon full and full of the only men who'll bring any money at 03:21.000 --> 03:22.560 all into Red Mesa. 03:22.560 --> 03:27.120 Cow punchers coming up the Chisholm Trail with Texas cattle, thirsty men on the prod 03:27.120 --> 03:28.880 from a long drive. 03:28.880 --> 03:34.040 But you give them Jack Rhett instead of a little fun and this town will go broke. 03:34.040 --> 03:36.800 We'll chance that Bo Helen, we'll chance that. 03:36.800 --> 03:39.640 What about Matt Travener, what's he got to say? 03:39.640 --> 03:43.880 I have nothing to say gentlemen, as US Deputy Marshall for the district my job is strictly 03:43.880 --> 03:45.720 outside Red Mesa. 03:45.720 --> 03:49.280 You ruin your town any way you like, I'll handle the surrounding territory. 03:49.280 --> 03:52.120 Know anything about Jack Rhett Travener? 03:52.120 --> 03:58.520 Just by reputation, professional town tamer and I've heard he's the most cold blooded 03:58.520 --> 03:59.720 killer ever drew a gun. 03:59.720 --> 04:02.800 Travener's right, we can't afford a man like that here. 04:02.800 --> 04:05.440 Let's put it to a vote gentlemen. 04:05.440 --> 04:09.160 All in favor of sending for Jack Rhett raise their right hand. 04:09.160 --> 04:13.720 Five to one, the matter is settled gentlemen. 04:13.720 --> 04:14.720 Good night. 04:14.720 --> 04:15.720 Good night. 04:15.720 --> 04:16.720 Good night Wayne. 04:16.720 --> 04:19.360 You'll wait and see Mary Travener? 04:19.360 --> 04:20.360 If you don't mind Mayor. 04:20.360 --> 04:24.600 Of course, sit down, she'll be out in a minute. 04:24.600 --> 04:28.680 Well, Bo Helen is pretty mad. 04:28.680 --> 04:32.960 But after Jack Rhett is here for a while at least there'll be less gun fighting. 04:32.960 --> 04:36.200 Be less anyway if Todd Mallon were out of the way, that's a bad example. 04:36.200 --> 04:38.200 He's a hard man to catch. 04:38.200 --> 04:43.640 Well, if it's not all you can Travener, there's just too much territory around here for Mallon 04:43.640 --> 04:46.080 and his gang to lose themselves in. 04:46.080 --> 04:51.360 He'll have to be taken by a town officer and I think Rhett is the man to do it, if Mallon 04:51.360 --> 04:53.120 comes to town again. 04:53.120 --> 04:55.040 He'll come Mayor. 04:55.040 --> 04:59.600 The word gets out that Rhett is sheriff here, Mallon will have to face him or lose his reputation 04:59.600 --> 05:00.600 with his own men. 05:00.600 --> 05:01.600 Good evening Father. 05:01.600 --> 05:02.600 Hello Matt. 05:02.600 --> 05:03.600 Good evening. 05:03.600 --> 05:04.600 Hello darling. 05:04.600 --> 05:07.920 Well, Matt Travener, aren't you going to kiss me? 05:07.920 --> 05:10.840 Of course, sure. 05:10.840 --> 05:15.080 Mary, what a shameless wench you are. 05:15.080 --> 05:17.680 Oh Father, you're old fashioned. 05:17.680 --> 05:19.200 After all we're engaged. 05:19.200 --> 05:22.800 Your mother, God rest her soul, didn't behave like that when we were engaged. 05:22.800 --> 05:25.240 Your war changed things Father. 05:25.240 --> 05:28.280 I know, but not for the better. 05:28.280 --> 05:30.320 Well, I'm off to bed. 05:30.320 --> 05:31.880 Don't stay up too late now. 05:31.880 --> 05:32.880 Good night. 05:32.880 --> 05:33.880 Good night Father. 05:33.880 --> 05:36.360 You look worried Matt. 05:36.360 --> 05:37.600 Do I? 05:37.600 --> 05:38.600 Tell me about it. 05:38.600 --> 05:45.040 Well, it's just that they're sending for a new sheriff, a legal killer named Rhett. 05:45.040 --> 05:49.600 He has quite a reputation and there'll always be men to challenge it. 05:49.600 --> 05:52.320 That means more gun fighting, is that it? 05:52.320 --> 05:54.680 I'm afraid so. 05:54.680 --> 05:57.160 It's a bloody way to peace Mary. 05:57.160 --> 05:59.520 I know. 05:59.520 --> 06:00.800 Let's not worry about it now. 06:00.800 --> 06:10.760 Come on, I'll pick some coffee for us. 06:10.760 --> 06:14.040 Three weeks later, Wild Jack Rhett rode into Red Mesa. 06:14.040 --> 06:17.800 He was 38 and at the peak of his reputation. 06:17.800 --> 06:23.440 He stood well over six feet, better than 200 pound of plain sinew. 06:23.440 --> 06:29.480 Tawny blonde hair grew long in the frontier style and his features, fair and tinted like 06:29.480 --> 06:32.600 a girl's, were boldly aquiline. 06:32.600 --> 06:39.280 He was a picturesque man until one looked at his eyes, which were large and pale blue, 06:39.280 --> 06:43.920 and had the disconcerting trick of remaining too steadily on people. 06:43.920 --> 06:48.960 There was to be seen in him the suggestion of inhumanity. 06:48.960 --> 06:53.120 He sent word to the committee that he'd meet him at the mayor's office that evening. 06:53.120 --> 06:56.840 It's eight o'clock now. 06:56.840 --> 06:57.840 Where is he? 06:57.840 --> 06:59.560 He's in town and that's bad enough. 06:59.560 --> 07:02.920 Dear sport boy Helen, we took a fair vote on Rhett. 07:02.920 --> 07:07.920 Here he comes now. 07:07.920 --> 07:23.680 My name is Jack Rhett. 07:23.680 --> 07:25.920 I have your offer. 07:25.920 --> 07:29.240 I'm Peter Wayne, mayor of Red Mesa. 07:29.240 --> 07:30.840 Do you accept it? 07:30.840 --> 07:33.520 Depends on what you want. 07:33.520 --> 07:34.520 Tell me. 07:34.520 --> 07:36.560 Rhett, this is a difficult town. 07:36.560 --> 07:42.080 Chisholm Trail lies just across the river and we get most of our money from the riders passing 07:42.080 --> 07:44.520 through Texas cattle. 07:44.520 --> 07:48.640 Now we want them to have a decent time with their money, but we don't like a lot of gun 07:48.640 --> 07:50.920 play and killing. 07:50.920 --> 07:55.720 I have always been accustomed to complete authority, mayor. 07:55.720 --> 07:59.640 I presume to know my job and I won't have interference. 07:59.640 --> 08:00.640 That's agreed, Rhett. 08:00.640 --> 08:06.020 By the way, the last sheriff had a rule that riders leave their hardware at his office. 08:06.020 --> 08:07.480 He had trouble enforcing it. 08:07.480 --> 08:09.520 A poor rule. 08:09.520 --> 08:10.520 Let them pack their guns. 08:10.520 --> 08:13.440 Well, that gives the wild ones a fair chance at you. 08:13.440 --> 08:16.640 I never give a man a fair chance at me. 08:16.640 --> 08:28.520 Is that all, gentlemen? 08:28.520 --> 08:34.200 Bo Helen's saloon was the usual dead fall with a huge bar along one side of the room 08:34.200 --> 08:37.560 and gaming tables toward the rear. 08:37.560 --> 08:43.640 Next morning, Bo Helen stood tapping the mahogany of the bar with his fingertips, staring thoughtfully 08:43.640 --> 08:44.640 at nothing. 08:44.640 --> 08:48.800 Good morning, Bo Helen. 08:48.800 --> 08:49.800 It's noon, Samus. 08:49.800 --> 08:50.800 Huh? 08:50.800 --> 08:51.800 Oh, sure. 08:51.800 --> 08:53.800 Hey, draw me a beer, Mike. 08:53.800 --> 08:57.600 Where's the new sheriff, Bo Helen? 08:57.600 --> 08:59.600 Over there at the corner table. 08:59.600 --> 09:01.600 Came in just before you did. 09:01.600 --> 09:02.600 Huh? 09:02.600 --> 09:03.600 Barkeep. 09:03.600 --> 09:06.000 I'll get a cigar and a glass of rye. 09:06.000 --> 09:07.000 Yeah. 09:07.000 --> 09:11.520 Now he's going to clean and reload his six guns one at a time. 09:11.520 --> 09:13.200 My god, he is. 09:13.200 --> 09:14.640 How'd you know? 09:14.640 --> 09:18.000 It's an old gunman's trick to impress the citizens. 09:18.000 --> 09:21.040 But there's no one here except you and me. 09:21.040 --> 09:23.000 Then it's to impress me. 09:23.000 --> 09:24.000 Huh. 09:24.000 --> 09:25.000 I don't think... 09:25.000 --> 09:30.000 Well, goodbye, Bo Helen, Mike. 09:30.000 --> 09:46.960 You've got something to say to me, Bo Helen? 09:46.960 --> 09:49.880 Yes, yes, I have. 09:49.880 --> 09:51.160 You're smart, Red. 09:51.160 --> 09:53.160 I recognize that. 09:53.160 --> 09:57.480 But your record for killing is too severe, and my business depends on an open town. 09:57.480 --> 10:01.120 Now, the reform element got you, and I'll go along for now. 10:01.120 --> 10:03.840 But just remember one thing. 10:03.840 --> 10:06.960 I can break you, Red, any time. 10:06.960 --> 10:08.960 I was waiting for that, Bo Helen. 10:08.960 --> 10:11.480 Well, and I guess we understand each other. 10:11.480 --> 10:12.480 Hello. 10:12.480 --> 10:14.480 Oh, any luck, Matt? 10:14.480 --> 10:16.480 Just a morning's ride. 10:16.480 --> 10:18.800 Uh, Matt, here's Jack Red. 10:18.800 --> 10:22.360 Red, this is Mack Traven, a U.S. deputy marshal for the district. 10:22.360 --> 10:25.280 Glad to know you, Red. 10:25.280 --> 10:26.560 You're young. 10:26.560 --> 10:28.280 Don't be misled. 10:28.280 --> 10:32.280 Red, your job is in town, mine is everything outside. 10:32.280 --> 10:36.240 So I'll either back you up here in Red Mesa, or I'll leave you strictly alone. 10:36.240 --> 10:37.840 I'll handle Red Mason. 10:37.840 --> 10:39.560 All right. 10:39.560 --> 10:40.920 One more thing. 10:40.920 --> 10:41.920 I want Todd Mallon. 10:41.920 --> 10:44.240 If he comes to town again, he'll have to be taken. 10:44.240 --> 10:46.460 Will you do that, or shall I? 10:46.460 --> 10:47.460 What is he? 10:47.460 --> 10:48.460 Outlaw. 10:48.460 --> 10:50.720 His main line is plain robbery. 10:50.720 --> 10:53.720 And now I want him for killing Jim Speed. 10:53.720 --> 10:55.040 Let me handle Mallon. 10:55.040 --> 10:56.040 Why? 10:56.040 --> 10:58.320 It's my trade. 10:58.320 --> 11:02.280 Man doesn't live with enough animal instinct to get me. 11:02.280 --> 11:03.280 Maybe. 11:03.280 --> 11:08.240 Killing you would build a man's reputation considerable. 11:08.240 --> 11:09.240 Just so? 11:09.240 --> 11:20.240 Well, good luck, Red. 11:20.240 --> 11:26.040 There was peace for a full week in Red Mesa, and then on Saturday night, Matt Travener's 11:26.040 --> 11:28.320 prediction came true. 11:28.320 --> 11:33.880 Jack Rett was at his customary post just opposite Bo Helen's saloon, in a chair on the porch 11:33.880 --> 11:41.140 of the Chinook Hotel, obscured by the shadows and watching the crowd, his cold, pale eyes 11:41.140 --> 11:44.400 half concealed by cigar smoke. 11:44.400 --> 11:46.400 Trouble found him thus. 11:46.400 --> 11:50.480 Good evening, Sheriff. 11:50.480 --> 11:51.480 Good evening, ma'am. 11:51.480 --> 11:52.480 Eating an eye on the boys, huh? 11:52.480 --> 11:53.480 Oh, shoot. 11:53.480 --> 11:54.480 Not good. 11:54.480 --> 11:55.480 Where's the sweat that used to be in Abilene? 11:55.480 --> 11:56.480 Where's he hiding? 11:56.480 --> 11:57.480 Where's that great man Wild Jack Red? 11:57.480 --> 11:58.480 Bring him out. 11:58.480 --> 11:59.480 Hello, cowboy. 11:59.480 --> 12:00.480 Oh, no. 12:00.480 --> 12:01.480 Oh, no. 12:01.480 --> 12:02.480 Oh, no. 12:02.480 --> 12:03.480 Oh, no. 12:03.480 --> 12:04.480 Oh, no. 12:04.480 --> 12:05.480 Oh, no. 12:05.480 --> 12:06.480 Oh, no. 12:06.480 --> 12:07.480 Oh, no. 12:07.480 --> 12:08.480 Oh, no. 12:08.480 --> 12:09.480 Oh, no. 12:09.480 --> 12:10.480 Oh, no. 12:10.480 --> 12:11.480 Oh, no. 12:11.480 --> 12:12.480 Oh, no. 12:12.480 --> 12:13.480 Oh, no. 12:13.480 --> 12:14.480 Oh, no. 12:14.480 --> 12:15.480 Oh, no. 12:15.480 --> 12:16.480 Oh, no. 12:16.480 --> 12:17.480 Oh, no. 12:17.480 --> 12:18.480 Oh, no. 12:18.480 --> 12:19.480 Oh, no. 12:19.480 --> 12:20.480 Oh, no. 12:20.480 --> 12:21.480 He's in a shadow. 12:21.480 --> 12:22.480 Oh. 12:22.480 --> 12:35.120 That's a lot of killing, for one, Sheriff. 12:35.120 --> 12:36.120 Three men. 12:36.120 --> 12:37.120 I don't like it. 12:37.120 --> 12:38.120 Forget it, friend. 12:38.120 --> 12:40.180 Have a drink and forget it. 12:40.180 --> 12:41.180 You're Bo Helen, ain't you? 12:41.180 --> 12:42.180 That's right. 12:42.180 --> 12:43.560 Come on, now, have one in the house. 12:43.560 --> 12:45.040 Now, Mike, fix them up. 12:45.040 --> 12:46.040 I can pay for my liquor. 12:46.040 --> 12:47.040 Yeah, me too. 12:47.760 --> 12:48.880 You never gave him a chance. 12:50.240 --> 12:53.560 What kind of sheriff you got stands in a shadow and kills one man 12:53.920 --> 12:56.880 and then jumps 50 feet from his gun flash and shoots down two more. 12:57.920 --> 13:00.080 Those boys never had a chance at him. 13:00.080 --> 13:01.440 Drink your drink, cowboy. 13:01.440 --> 13:03.360 That was the most merciless killing I ever seen. 13:04.600 --> 13:06.400 He's a butcher. 13:06.400 --> 13:07.240 I wish I'd gunned him. 13:07.240 --> 13:15.360 Shut up! 13:15.360 --> 13:17.600 This is my game. 13:17.600 --> 13:20.280 They were fools to play it. 13:20.280 --> 13:24.000 Never buck a man who spent his life learning to kill, son. 13:26.120 --> 13:28.240 Get out of town. 13:28.240 --> 13:30.400 Get out now. 13:30.400 --> 13:34.120 Red, what if I don't try it, son? 13:34.120 --> 13:37.240 Don't let your anger destroy you. 13:38.800 --> 13:43.040 Drift. Go on, drift. 13:44.560 --> 13:45.960 Blast your town. 13:45.960 --> 13:48.200 I can hold my thirst another 200 miles up the trail. 13:48.840 --> 13:50.240 Come on, boys. 13:50.240 --> 13:52.720 We'll send word back to Texas to go around. 13:52.720 --> 13:54.720 Red Mason, let it dry to powder. 13:59.200 --> 14:01.120 It won't do, Red. 14:01.120 --> 14:03.520 It'll do, Bo Allen. 14:03.520 --> 14:07.840 Barkeep, bring me a glass of rye on the house. 14:14.720 --> 14:16.640 Red stood with his back to the bar, 14:16.640 --> 14:20.320 holding his drink and a thin black cigar carefully in one hand. 14:21.240 --> 14:24.040 He stood there for about 10 minutes. 14:24.040 --> 14:27.040 Then trouble came again. 14:27.040 --> 14:33.920 Todd Mellon, he's riding in with four men. 14:33.920 --> 14:37.320 Close the games. Open up the back doors. 14:37.320 --> 14:41.760 Well, Jack Rett, now let's see you shoot down Todd Mellon 14:41.760 --> 14:43.960 and four men from the shadows. 14:43.960 --> 14:58.960 Good night, Bo Allen. 14:58.960 --> 15:03.360 Escape under the direction of Norman McDonald returns in just a moment. 15:03.360 --> 15:06.000 Sorry, but if you think school teachers have it easy, 15:06.000 --> 15:07.560 you've got another thing coming. 15:07.560 --> 15:10.600 Just ask our Miss Brooks, as played by Eve Arden, 15:10.600 --> 15:14.160 on most of these same CBS stations this evening. 15:14.160 --> 15:18.160 And now back to Escape. 15:30.160 --> 15:32.360 When word came to Bo Helen's saloon, 15:32.360 --> 15:36.160 that Todd Mellon was riding into Red Mesa with four men. 15:36.160 --> 15:40.160 Jack Rett simply walked out, crossed the street to his office. 15:40.160 --> 15:42.160 Sat down and waited. 15:42.160 --> 15:47.160 20 minutes later, Todd Mellon had arrived and departed. 15:47.160 --> 15:49.160 Not a shot fired. 15:49.160 --> 15:52.160 Then Jack Rett went quietly to bed. 15:52.160 --> 15:56.160 But early Sunday morning, he was back in his office. 15:59.160 --> 16:01.160 Come in. 16:01.160 --> 16:03.160 Morning, Rett. 16:03.160 --> 16:05.160 Well, Travener? 16:05.160 --> 16:07.160 Let's talk, Rett. 16:07.160 --> 16:08.160 I expect that. 16:08.160 --> 16:11.160 Now, Rett, you told me you'd handle Mellon if he came to town. 16:11.160 --> 16:13.160 Yes, Travener. 16:13.160 --> 16:16.160 Well, they say Mellon rode into town last night with four men, 16:16.160 --> 16:20.160 rode right up to this office, got down, came inside. 16:20.160 --> 16:24.160 That you and he stood here with this desk between you talking. 16:24.160 --> 16:27.160 And then a few minutes later, Mellon left and rode out of town. 16:27.160 --> 16:30.160 I play the game my own way, Travener. 16:30.160 --> 16:34.160 And I don't want interference from anybody. 16:34.160 --> 16:37.160 People are saying maybe you and Mellon made a deal. 16:37.160 --> 16:40.160 You and Mellon made a deal of some kind. 16:40.160 --> 16:44.160 Well, now, somebody's breaking the Sabbath. 16:44.160 --> 16:46.160 Know who could beat Travener? 16:46.160 --> 16:48.160 No, I don't. 16:48.160 --> 16:50.160 Well, it's a rifle. 16:50.160 --> 16:53.160 Sounds like one of those seven-shot Spencers. 16:53.160 --> 16:54.160 Well, it's old hack Crow. 16:54.160 --> 16:55.160 Who's he? 16:55.160 --> 16:56.160 An old trapper. 16:56.160 --> 17:01.160 Comes to town every few months, sells his furs, gets drunk, goes a little crazy. 17:01.160 --> 17:05.160 Jim Speed always laid him away in jail to sober. 17:05.160 --> 17:07.160 Well, I'll take a look. 17:09.160 --> 17:11.160 You better stop him, Rett. 17:11.160 --> 17:13.160 He's only got two shots left. 17:13.160 --> 17:15.160 That'll satisfy him. 17:15.160 --> 17:17.160 I doubt if he'll reload. 17:17.160 --> 17:19.160 And if he notices us and decides to shoot? 17:19.160 --> 17:21.160 Then I'll have to kill him. 17:21.160 --> 17:25.160 Hey, who's that coming out of Bo Helland's? 17:25.160 --> 17:27.160 Ewald Bay, gambler. 17:27.160 --> 17:29.160 He's a fool. 17:30.160 --> 17:32.160 Now he's getting his horse. 17:32.160 --> 17:33.160 You gonna stop him, Rett? 17:33.160 --> 17:35.160 No, let him go. 17:37.160 --> 17:42.160 Rett, the town is your territory and I won't interfere. 17:42.160 --> 17:45.160 But why did you refuse a fair shot at Hack Crow? 17:45.160 --> 17:47.160 Ewald Bay is dead. 17:47.160 --> 17:50.160 Which is the more useful citizen, Travener? 17:50.160 --> 17:52.160 Crow or Bay? 17:52.160 --> 18:01.160 The West is full of gamblers. 18:05.160 --> 18:17.160 There was considerable talk that day in Red Mesa over Jack Rett's aloof and cruel calm in condoning a shooting that had occurred under his very eyes and within reach of his formidable guns. 18:17.160 --> 18:25.160 Then, mid-afternoon, a rider came up from the prairie and reported finding old Hack Crow dead in a coolie. 18:25.160 --> 18:27.160 Dry-gulched and robbed. 18:27.160 --> 18:32.160 Mayor Wayne heard about it and went to Bo Helland's saloon to hear more. 18:32.160 --> 18:36.160 Ah, good evening, Mayor. 18:36.160 --> 18:38.160 Hello, Bo Helland. 18:38.160 --> 18:39.160 I'm Dr. Brandy. 18:39.160 --> 18:42.160 And what do you think of your great Jack Rett now, Mayor? 18:42.160 --> 18:44.160 It looks bad. 18:44.160 --> 18:49.160 Now, look, Mayor, everyone knew Hack Crow carried his profits in his pocket. 18:49.160 --> 18:51.160 He always did that. 18:51.160 --> 18:55.160 So Rett allowed him to leave and Todd Mallon and his men were waiting for him in the coolie. 18:55.160 --> 18:57.160 It's as simple as that. 18:57.160 --> 18:59.160 You have no proof of that, Bo Helland. 18:59.160 --> 19:00.160 No? 19:00.160 --> 19:03.160 And why didn't Rett take Mallon when he rode in here last night? 19:03.160 --> 19:06.160 Because they made a business arrangement, that's why. 19:06.160 --> 19:11.160 Well, it doesn't look good, but shh, there's Rett now. 19:11.160 --> 19:15.160 Barkeep, glass of rye. 19:15.160 --> 19:17.160 I don't want to talk to him yet. I'm leaving. 19:17.160 --> 19:19.160 Good night, Bo Helland. 19:19.160 --> 19:20.160 Good night, Mayor. 19:20.160 --> 19:25.160 Mike, give me that rye. I'll take it over to the sheriff myself. 19:33.160 --> 19:37.160 Here's your drink, Sheriff. Mind if I sit down? 19:37.160 --> 19:42.160 The game never changes, Bo Helland. I know what you're going to say. 19:42.160 --> 19:44.160 I warned you I could break you, Rett. 19:44.160 --> 19:46.160 It's an old story to me. 19:46.160 --> 19:50.160 Every town's got one insider who plays along with the outlaws. 19:50.160 --> 19:54.160 And I knew you to be that one here when I first saw you. 19:54.160 --> 19:59.160 Running a saloon, you'd know when a cattle buyer was riding out of town carrying a species, 19:59.160 --> 20:03.160 when the overland stage was loaded with gold. 20:03.160 --> 20:10.160 There was a quarrel over the split of profits between you and Mallon, and you fell apart. 20:10.160 --> 20:12.160 That's always the way. 20:12.160 --> 20:14.160 Very shrewd, Rett. 20:14.160 --> 20:17.160 It's an old story, Bo Helland. I know it by heart. 20:17.160 --> 20:20.160 Very shrewd. But you can't play the same game. 20:20.160 --> 20:23.160 All sheriffs are supposed to be crooked. 20:23.160 --> 20:29.160 You and Mallon had an agreeable little chat last night. Did he make you a good offer, Rett? 20:29.160 --> 20:35.160 Maybe I should accept his offer, Bo Helland, just to keep you two split. 20:35.160 --> 20:37.160 Maybe I should do that. 20:37.160 --> 20:41.160 Rett, I've seen sheriffs come and go. It's a chance he trade. 20:41.160 --> 20:47.160 Sheriffs die. They all die. It's only a question of time. 20:47.160 --> 20:49.160 You're a hard one, Jack Rett. 20:49.160 --> 20:52.160 You might make your peace with Mallon. 20:52.160 --> 20:57.160 It'll have to be that way, otherwise you'll have little chance of getting rid of me, Bo Helland. 20:57.160 --> 20:59.160 It may be that way. 20:59.160 --> 21:02.160 I wouldn't be surprised. 21:02.160 --> 21:08.160 I always expect the worst of men, and I'm seldom disappointed. 21:16.160 --> 21:20.160 It was turning dark as Jack Rett left Bo Helland's saloon. 21:20.160 --> 21:26.160 Across in the street, he walked into his office, but continued on out through the back door. 21:26.160 --> 21:31.160 A few minutes later, he stood in the gathering shadows opposite the O.K. stable, 21:31.160 --> 21:36.160 and watched Bo Helland ride out and drift into the prairie to the south. 21:36.160 --> 21:42.160 He knew now what to expect. It would happen soon, perhaps tomorrow. 21:42.160 --> 21:46.160 He returned to his office and slept the night there. 21:46.160 --> 21:51.160 The next morning... 21:53.160 --> 21:55.160 Come in. 21:57.160 --> 22:02.160 Well, good morning. Rett, I want you to meet Mary Wayne. 22:02.160 --> 22:04.160 Miss Wayne, very proud. 22:04.160 --> 22:06.160 I wanted to know you. 22:06.160 --> 22:12.160 To meet him, Mary, not to know him. Rett lives in a closed world. 22:12.160 --> 22:16.160 See that? I have no friends. 22:16.160 --> 22:21.160 We're to be married on Thursday, Mr. Rett. I should like you to be there. 22:21.160 --> 22:24.160 I'd be most happy. Thank you. 22:24.160 --> 22:27.160 Now, Mary, would you wait outside? I've got some business to discuss with the sheriff. 22:27.160 --> 22:30.160 Of course, Matt, but don't be long. Goodbye, Mr. Rett. 22:30.160 --> 22:32.160 Bye, Miss Wayne. 22:32.160 --> 22:36.160 Rett, this afternoon I'm leaving to find Todd Mallen. 22:36.160 --> 22:38.160 You had your chance, but you let him go. 22:38.160 --> 22:40.160 Wait, Travner. Wait. 22:40.160 --> 22:43.160 I've tried patience, Rett, and I'm a poor hand at it. 22:43.160 --> 22:46.160 Travner, you have a fine girl. 22:46.160 --> 22:51.160 If it's not presuming, let me congratulate you, compliment her. 22:51.160 --> 22:54.160 Thank you. Was that all? 22:54.160 --> 22:57.160 Um, I'll take care of Mallen. 22:57.160 --> 23:00.160 Give me a little time. It's my job. 23:01.160 --> 23:04.160 Rett, I want to believe you. 23:04.160 --> 23:09.160 No man wearing a star should believe anybody. It's a weakness. Haven't I told you? 23:09.160 --> 23:12.160 Blessed if I quite understand you, Rett. 23:12.160 --> 23:14.160 Understand this. 23:14.160 --> 23:17.160 Every man has his time. 23:17.160 --> 23:20.160 When it comes, he knows it. 23:20.160 --> 23:22.160 There's no turning back. 23:22.160 --> 23:29.160 Nothing makes any difference then except to stand up to the finish and go out in decent style. 23:29.160 --> 23:32.160 And yet you're the man who never believes and give another man a break. 23:32.160 --> 23:34.160 Don't try to understand me. 23:34.160 --> 23:36.160 You want help with Mallen? 23:36.160 --> 23:38.160 I have no faith in help. 23:38.160 --> 23:40.160 Come on, Mary. 23:40.160 --> 23:42.160 Wait, Travner. 23:44.160 --> 23:46.160 I'll suggest this much. 23:46.160 --> 23:52.160 Take one man, ride due north to where the cattle trail crosses Tempus Creek. 23:52.160 --> 23:56.160 Be there tonight. Understand? 23:57.160 --> 24:00.160 Rett, I'd hate to oppose you. 24:00.160 --> 24:03.160 If you did, you'd lose. 24:03.160 --> 24:07.160 I've been fifteen years at this, Travner. 24:07.160 --> 24:10.160 Which is five years beyond average luck. 24:16.160 --> 24:20.160 That evening, Jack Rett took up his post on the porch of the Chinook Hotel. 24:20.160 --> 24:22.160 Dressed in his best. 24:22.160 --> 24:28.160 A hard white shirt, a blood red winter tie, and a suit of black broadcloth, 24:28.160 --> 24:31.160 swelling around the big uncompromising shoulders. 24:31.160 --> 24:37.160 He sat there calm behind the smoke of his cigar, waiting. 24:38.160 --> 24:40.160 Full moon tonight, Sheriff. 24:40.160 --> 24:42.160 That's right. 24:42.160 --> 24:44.160 No offense, mind you. 24:48.160 --> 24:49.160 Good evening, Rett. 24:49.160 --> 24:51.160 Hello, Mayor Wayne. 24:51.160 --> 24:53.160 Mayor, have you seen Travner? 24:53.160 --> 24:55.160 He rode north this afternoon. 24:55.160 --> 24:57.160 He'll be back tomorrow, he said. 24:57.160 --> 25:01.160 Good. 25:02.160 --> 25:03.160 Where's the Sheriff? 25:03.160 --> 25:05.160 Here I am. 25:06.160 --> 25:12.160 Rett, listen, I just come up South Creek and Todd Mallon and six men were only a quarter mile behind me, heading into town. 25:12.160 --> 25:14.160 All right, friend. Take cover. 25:14.160 --> 25:16.160 Yeah, yeah, sure. 25:16.160 --> 25:20.160 Rett stood up and moved into the shadow at the end of the hotel porch. 25:20.160 --> 25:26.160 Across the street, Bo Helen appeared in the full glow of the doorway of his saloon. 25:26.160 --> 25:30.160 Come out in the dark and meet your friends, Jack, Rett. 25:30.160 --> 25:32.160 What are you afraid of? 25:32.160 --> 25:35.160 It's only Mallon riding in to see you. 25:35.160 --> 25:41.160 Thieves fall out, but the urge for profits brings them together again. 25:41.160 --> 25:43.160 You should have known it, Rett. 25:46.160 --> 25:48.160 Nothing surprises me. 25:48.160 --> 25:55.160 Well, there you are, Rett. Surprised to find you exposing your great reputation out there in the middle of the street. 25:55.160 --> 25:57.160 Every man has his time. 25:58.160 --> 26:00.160 You want to try it, Bo Helen? 26:01.160 --> 26:03.160 Or will you wait for help? 26:03.160 --> 26:05.160 I'll wait. 26:07.160 --> 26:13.160 The arriving horses came up into the moonlit street and hollered at the corner of the saloon. 26:13.160 --> 26:22.160 Bo Helen's hand lifted toward the group, and at that order the horsemen spread out until they were flank to flank all across the street. 26:22.160 --> 26:28.160 Todd Mallon advanced from the line and stopped, square and alert above the saddle. 26:28.160 --> 26:34.160 Jack Rett stood alone in the middle of the street, his eyes flashing a hard fury. 26:34.160 --> 26:38.160 Then he dropped his cigar and ground it beneath a boot. 26:38.160 --> 26:43.160 It was a final gesture. 26:43.160 --> 26:45.160 Are you, Mallon? 26:46.160 --> 26:48.160 Goodbye, gentlemen. 26:48.160 --> 26:58.160 Next day, Red Mesa buried some more men out on the hill and talked of Jack Rett, who was more of a mystery to them now than when living. 26:58.160 --> 27:05.160 To all of them but one, Madden, who was the only one who could be seen. 27:05.160 --> 27:19.160 Next day, Red Mesa buried some more men out on the hill and talked of Jack Rett, who was more of a mystery to them now than when living. To all of them but one, Matt Travener. 27:19.160 --> 27:25.160 Nobody knows a killer's world, Mary. Wasn't any room in Jack Rett for much pity. 27:25.160 --> 27:32.160 But he sent me away to save me from what he knew was coming. I think that was a kindness, although I had no fear. 27:32.160 --> 27:44.160 It was a fine thing for him to do, Matt. But they say he stood in the middle of the street to face them all in the moonlight. Why? It wasn't his style. 27:44.160 --> 27:49.160 As long as he was sure of himself, he never gave anybody an even chance, Mary. 27:49.160 --> 27:55.160 But killers live and die by instinct. In somewheres along the evening, he got the warning. 27:55.160 --> 28:05.160 After that, it was just a matter of pride. He killed Mallon and Bo Helland before he died, standing up and in good style. 28:05.160 --> 28:10.160 And that's sort of a greatness, isn't it? 28:10.160 --> 28:29.160 Under the direction of Norman MacDonald, Escape has brought you Wild Jack Rett by Ernest Haycox, especially adapted for radio by John Meston. 28:29.160 --> 28:35.160 Jack Rett was played by John Danaer, with Larry Dubkin as Matt and Lou Krugman as Bo Helland. 28:35.160 --> 28:43.160 Parley Bear was the narrator. Featured in the cast were Junius Matthews, Russell Simpson, Gene Bates, Paul Dubov, and Sam Edwards. 28:43.160 --> 28:48.160 The special music for Escape was composed and conducted by Ivan Dettmarz. 28:48.160 --> 29:05.160 Next week, we escape with the story of two small boys who discover the most fabulous Christmas ever dreamed of, as Anthony Ellis tells it in his delightful tale, The Cave. 29:05.160 --> 29:28.160 Stay tuned now for Make Me Leave Town, which follows immediately on most of these same CBS stations. Roy Rowan speaking for CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.