Trooper’s Widow – Fort Laramie (07-01-56)

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Welcome to the old-time radio westerns.

I'm your host Andrew Rines, and let's get into this episode.

This episode is going to be...

For Laramie original air dates July 1, 1956, and the title is Troopers Widow.

Hope you enjoy and again, thanks for listening.

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That's the camera!

This way.

Port Larave.

Fort Laramie, starring Raymond Burr as Captain Lee Quince, specially transcribed hails

of the dark and tragic ground of the wild frontier.

The saga of fighting men who rode the rim of empire and the dramatic story of Lee Quince,

Captain of Cavalry.

Is that any better for us?

Charlie is still pulling your wrist back and he'll watch me again.

And I see this, if you just squeeze the trigger and hold steady on your target, your wrist

won't fly around so.

I'm not a Cavalry lieutenant.

I'm just his wife.

Oh, I know.

Oh my.

I didn't know anyone else was watching.

Captain Quince, as you were lieutenant.

Thank you, sir.

It's my wife, Hester.

It's Captain Quince, huh?

Ma'am.

How do you do, Captain?

Hester, if you don't take to a pistol but I'm learning her all I can, it's slow going.

Teaching blade, teaching, not learning.

I was a school mom back home, Captain.

And I must say blade doesn't take to words any better than I take to a pistol.

Well, then you're both teaching, not learning.

But that's just it.

Just it.

I try to tell her maybe she's got more need for pistol out here for when words don't matter.

Well, I just don't see the need, Captain.

Well, that's too bad.

Seeing it or not, there's need.

Now, you mean to tell me that your wife knows about pistols and rifles and riding horses

and all kinds of men folk hands on.

I should have warned you, Captain.

My hashie riles easy.

Well, I'm not rile blade stock.

I'm asking that's all.

If I had a wife, ma'am, she'd know all I know about living out here.

And pistols and rifles and riding are part of the living.

And I try to tell her, Captain.

I do try.

Well, I declare I am not stupid.

But everything you say, it's not womanly.

It's not womanly country.

Meaning women folk don't belong out here?

Depends on the women folk ma'am.

I'd say you have to want to belong.

Afternoon to you.

Afternoon, Captain.

Well, I'm not there.

This much is said I don't know.

No, that's not what I want.

You can move on the car.

It's not by the mean man.

You just can't get nowhere.

It's not what's hanging on with me.

I got anything on the phone, please.

Well, but...

You just don't ride side saddle, Sergeant.

Now, that's a fact.

Oh.

You looking for me, Captain?

Oh, just passing by, Sergeant.

Afternoon is me.

Good afternoon, Captain.

I guess I'm quite a specter, girl, aren't I?

Oh, you look fine, ma'am.

I'd like to believe that.

I don't know who's getting the worst of it.

The horse or me or Sergeant Gorse?

Seems to me you're all bearing up well.

The captain's a sight better teaching women folk to ride than I am, Mrs. Mead.

I tell you the truth.

I'm no hand at this side saddle business.

I got business with the major myself, or I'd sure...

Are you sure think of some other reason to be moving out, wouldn't you, Captain?

Yes, ma'am.

I guess it would.

I don't blame you, either of you.

And, Sergeant, if you can find some unsuspecting trooper and pass this duty onto him,

you have my leave, and I won't be the least bit offended.

Oh, no, ma'am.

Thanks just the same.

You understand?

It ain't you, Mrs. Mead.

You're just as willing as can be.

It's just...

It's just my pedicodes. That's what it is.

Well, now, ma'am.

I guess the major will wonder what's become of me.

Now I've embarrassed you.

Oh, help me down, Captain.

Before I break the post-mural completely.

Yes, ma'am.

Thank you, Captain.

Don't mention it.

You dropped something there, ma'am.

Not a pedicode, I hope.

This...

This pistol, Mrs. Mead.

Oh, thank you, Captain.

You always carry it.

Oh, Jim, it's scout me if I didn't.

I should.

I know. And I'm a good shot, too.

Mrs. Mead.

Have you met up with Mrs. Stalker yet?

Mrs. Stalker.

Oh, Blade Stalker's wine.

As you know her?

Well, just to speak to it, the safters.

I don't really know her.

She and the lieutenant moved on to the post just last week.

If you ever do get to know her,

you might show her you carry a pistol.

And tell her why.

She doesn't know why?

Well, Blade's doing his best, but she don't see the need.

I'll make it a point, Captain, but I can't understand Blade.

He was at Fort Field Carney with us.

Under Fedhamon?

Well, I thought she was there, too, but it may be not, though.

Because the women at Carney saw the need.

Fast.

You want any of these boxes open, Mrs. Stalker?

Oh, no.

Don't you bother with that, Lieutenant Sibert.

Just move on them in, for me's a big help.

Glad to do it.

Ah, declare you think they give a body time to move into their quarters.

Here it is less than a week, and Blade's already drawn officer the day.

That's the army for you, Mrs. Stalker.

You draw the duty.

You do it, that's all.

Now you're not going to start lecturing me, too, Lieutenant Sibert.

Sorry, ma'am. I didn't mean to sound that way.

Oh, tell mine me.

Blade says I ride easy, and I guess I do.

But he's also new to me.

And folks from Captain Quinn's up and down have been mighty free with their advice.

Well, I was just trying to help.

Well, I'm sure of that.

But there's help and help if you know what I mean.

Yes, ma'am.

Now you, Lieutenant Sibert.

I'm sure of that.

But there's help and help if you know what I mean.

Lieutenant Sibert's helping me move my books and belongings in.

I can appreciate that more.

Works, huh?

One of those boxes is so happy.

My school books.

I taught the grades back home before I married Blade.

Teaching was my whole life, till him.

I tell you I couldn't leave my books behind me.

I just couldn't.

I can understand that.

You okay?

Yes, ma'am.

I brought a lot of books out myself from West Point.

I attended the Military Academy.

My goodness, a real West Point.

I declare.

Mrs. Stocker, are there any more boxes of yours out there on the wagon?

Well, not exactly.

I mean, none on the wagon.

But there are more boxes somewhere.

Can you forgive me, Lieutenant Sibert?

They're clear down at the post office.

Now, I know you don't have the time to go all out.

I'll be glad, too, ma'am.

Well, I'll be more than grateful.

I'll make the nicest cherry tots, Lieutenant.

I'll see you get some soon.

I like that, ma'am.

I won't be long.

Anybody home?

Oh, well, yes.

Oh, come in, won't you?

I'm Liz Mead, two doors down.

I've seen you with the settlers, haven't I?

Yes.

I know.

Is it all right to sit on one of these boxes?

Well, I'm afraid they're all I have to offer right now.

I feel like I know you.

Won't you at Fort Carney with Blade?

No.

We just been married a month.

I've never been anywhere with Blade, but here.

Oh.

Well, my husband knew Blade better than I did,

but there's sort of a link between anyone who served there.

Fort Carney?

It's up on the Old Boseman Trail.

It's closed now.

That's all Indian territory since the treaty.

But I must be mistaken about Blade, Mrs. Mead.

He's never mentioned Fort Carney to me.

But I'm sure he was there.

There were five companies of infantry.

Oh, your husband's an infantry officer?

Uh-huh.

Well, that explains it then.

You must be wrong about Blade.

He's in the cavalry.

There was a company of cavalry, too, under Captain Federman.

Well, it's not important, of course.

But I know Blade would have told me.

Of course, I'm sure he would.

And as you say, it's not important.

Well, can I help you with anything?

No, thanks, kindly.

My goodness, I almost forgot.

I brought you a little present.

Well, aren't you nice?

I have a practical turn of mind.

It's something no army wife should be without.

What?

Well, these are cartridges.

I just assumed yours was a 38 like mine.

Well, I don't know.

You know about files?

A woman has to out here.

Well, I don't understand.

A big post like Fort Laramie, with all these men here to protect us.

But the men aren't always here, Mrs. Tucker.

My husband and most of the infantry are out now.

These are the facts of the West.

Many of the Indians are hostile.

And the fate of white women in their hands...

Well, it's best to know how to defend yourself.

You've had to defend yourself many times.

At Carnegie, the women held the fort in one Indian raid

with less than a dozen men to help.

Who ain't he the women killed, some?

And some carried off by the sue.

Dying's easier.

I'm a schoolteacher, Mrs. Mead.

I want to make my way out here teaching the young

that you don't have to kill to get along.

I think schools are more important than guns.

We can use the schools, Mrs. Tucker.

And there's not a woman out here who won't want to help you get them.

But till you do, you have to live.

Now, I guess I can defend myself if I have to.

It isn't always a case of defending yourself.

Sometimes a woman has to make a choice.

A quick choice.

Of living or dying.

Of living or enduring.

Mrs. Tucker, don't you know what happens to a woman

if a hostile carries her off?

I think maybe that would be something for Blade to tell me, Mrs. Mead.

Yes.

Yes, you're right.

And when he tells you that,

maybe he'll tell you what the pistol is for, really.

I talked to you a minute, Captain.

Sure.

What's on your mind?

Well, Captain, maybe just off the side here.

It's kind of personal, sir.

All right.

Would you be willing to do something talking for me, Captain?

I just can't seem to forget that job done with Hess,

using firearms and all of me.

Be sure you're trying hard at it.

I don't know what that means.

I'm trying. I've been trying, Captain.

There's a lot I've told her.

And a lot of times.

A lot you haven't told her.

Well, it looks like a big fork, Larry.

I just saw I wouldn't know anyone here for the old days.

I sure didn't reckon to run into Mrs. Mead again.

She told you, huh?

It's a secret you were at Fort Cunning.

Well, no, not that.

Well, they're just hard words to say to Hess, Captain.

It all happened kind of quick,

like I'm marrying and moving out here.

I know Mrs. Mead didn't aim too,

but she sure didn't do me no good,

bringing up Cunning to Hess.

Mrs. Mead didn't get very far with your wife,

and I can't talk to her about Fort Cunning.

I wasn't there.

But we only been married a month.

We don't even know each other right good yet.

Now, how are you going to say to a brand new bride

that she ate the first?

I mean, you was married before.

I don't know that.

But you're the one to tell her, if she's told.

Blade, what's the matter with you?

There's a lot, I guess.

First, you say, will I talk to your wife about her need

for a pistol, then you drag Fort Cunning into it?

Now you're talking about you were married before.

Well, don't you see, Captain, they're all the same thing?

In a way, you don't come easy to give Hess a pistol

and tell her to use it on herself

if it looks like she's going to get took by Indians.

Captain, I've done it before, at Cunning.

And that wife had to use that pistol on herself.

I...

I know that, Blade.

I don't think Mrs. Meat know it either.

I'm sorry.

No, no, Captain.

No, no, no.

Sorry is no matter, it's not your fault.

Captain, can't you see?

I've done it once.

And it don't set well for a second time.

You just might go hard with a man.

You've ever said it all out this way before, Blade?

No, sir, not out loud.

You might feel some better.

Now it's said.

You're reckonin' it might.

Blotch to you.

Listen, anyway, Captain.

And Blade, sir, you'll want to say something to her tonight,

tonight?

We're movin' out tomorrow.

Screw you.

Now, why can't I do that?

Oh, Mrs. Meat.

Do what?

I'm out like that.

I'll bet you where fewer pedicodes than I do.

It might be I do.

Sergeant Gorses, you ride beautifully.

I know some about horses.

Well, I'm learning.

Mind if I ride with you this morning?

Oh, well, I'm going quite away.

That is, I have some business to tend to.

All right, I just thought with Blade gone a week now,

you might be wanting some company.

I hope you're carrying your pistol.

I'm carrying it.

Well, have a nice ride.

I expect to, Mrs. Meat.

I'm going over to the Indian Agency.

Talk to the agent about setting up a school.

You're not riding to the agency alone.

Now, don't start tellin' me the agency Indians are hostile.

Blade told me different.

But it's 10 miles from Fort Laramine,

and you don't know what you'll run into between here and there.

I reckon I can take care of myself.

After all, Mrs. Meat, I'm carrying the pistol.

Not that I'll have a minute need for it.

Ha!

I guess you could do with the water.

Oh, more of a ride than I thought.

I don't know.

Mr. Acre?

Mr. Acre, you all right?

I'm fine, but for you comin' on me this way,

do you know how near I came to fire on you?

I've been tryin' to get with an earshot

of you all the way from the Fort.

This is a very stupid thing ridein' off alone this way.

I might have shot you.

Seems to me you're the stupid one.

I suppose I am, but you've got to realize the danger's out here, Mr. Acre.

At least with the two of us, we're protected.

Wait.

Wait over there.

I'm at brush near the trees.

Something big.

How can you tell? I don't see anything.

It moves big.

Timberwolf may be a rocket.

I hope not.

I hope that's all it is.

You're just tryin' to frighten me.

Hold your pistol steady toward that big tree.

And be quiet.

No!

It's an Indian.

You're not afraid, yes.

Pick up your pistol.

And show him you're not afraid.

And I don't let it stop.

Stop.

Stop where you are.

We're not afraid of you.

If you have something to say, say it, and go away.

You understand this pistol?

Go on.

Go away.

Leave us alone or I'll fire.

You understand?

Oh, it's gonna do.

One more step.

And I'll fire.

Is he dead?

Did you?

Did you kill him?

He's dead.

He didn't kill me.

He didn't think he'd let me kill somebody.

No, he wouldn't.

Not for a long time.

Let's go home.

You reckon she's heard somehow, Captain?

No, I don't see how.

You want I should go with you?

I'd be proud too.

Oh, I don't do it goes.

It's my place.

Yes, sir.

I'm sure if you might be bad for her.

Yeah.

Her being so nice.

I don't know.

I'm sure if you might be bad for her.

Her being so new here.

Not taking to the life easy.

I might just look in on her tomorrow,

laying the hand, maybe.

Yeah.

Yeah, you do that, Gors.

Well, not Captain.

Not Gors.

Miss Darker.

Oh, work, Captain Queens.

You're about the last person I expected to see.

I was belayed with you.

Can I come in, ma'am?

Oh, well, of course you can't.

Please, come in.

I don't know where my manners are.

I guess it was seeing you when,

if it was anyone, I thought it would be belayed.

You want to sit down, Miss Darker?

You've...

come about...

belayed, haven't you?

Something's happened to belayed.

He's dead.

Sometimes it's better,

mehering it right out.

You want to sit down, now, ma'am?

Yes.

Yes, I think I do.

Would you like a drink of something, or...

do you want to hear about it?

I want to hear.

It happened quick, Miss Darker.

If it's got to happen, it's best quick.

He didn't know, he didn't suffer.

Oh, ma'am, one shot, clean.

That did it.

I don't know what it'd mean, but...

belayed would want it just that way.

I guess he would.

Captain, we...

we didn't even know each other yet.

It hasn't been time.

Yeah, he said that, too.

That night, before he left,

kept trying to tell me something.

He tried, then he'd fled a while,

and then he tried again.

Finally, he just threw that blame pistol on the dresser

and he said to me,

take it here, honey.

Know how much I love you.

That's the last word he said to me.

I think he was trying to tell me something, Captain.

I think he told you something, ma'am.

Know how much I love you.

Oh, blade.

Blade, honey.

Mr. Tucker, if I can do anything...

You can go.

Leave me be now.

I wanted that way for now.

You'll be all right alone.

I gotta find that out for myself, Captain.

Yes, ma'am.

I'm...

right sorry, Mr. Tucker.

A captain?

Yes?

You brought him back, did you?

Back to the fort?

We brought him back.

I'm glad.

Night, Mr. Tucker.

Captain?

Captain Quest.

Oh, morning, Sergeant.

You heard about it, Captain?

Mr. Tucker.

What about it?

She's gone.

Gone? Where?

How?

I went over there right after Beverly, like I planned last night.

I couldn't raise her, so I figured she was sleeping, heavy.

Going away back, the corporal of the guard told me.

Some woman rode through the main gate, not ten minutes ago.

Why didn't they stop her?

Or what happened to her or anything?

Captain Quincy knew one thing.

She was carrying a pistol like she knew what to do with it.

Is that ten minutes?

Yes, sir.

You gonna find it, Captain?

Ma'am?

I was too scared to fire before.

You all right, ma'am?

I'm all right.

I am the user, Captain.

Turn it on myself.

I was too scared to do that, too.

No need for that.

No matter how I couldn't do it.

That's a pretty morning.

Got no right to be.

But it's pretty.

It's new.

It's a beginning.

That's always pretty.

We were beginning, laden me.

And I was beginning on my own.

To get a feel like I belonged out here.

But you're right, Captain.

It's not womanly country.

It still depends on the woman.

I'm a school ma'am.

Teaching was my life, till blade.

I reckon it's my life again now.

You still got a life.

Or don't you see the need?

Need?

Schools.

We can use them out here on the post on the agency.

Someone has to start them.

Someone has to want to.

Someone who could do some learning.

While they were teaching.

I might fit the bill, Captain.

I got a lot of learning ahead of me.

Forth Laramie is produced and directed by Norman McDonnell and stars Raymond Burr as

Lee Quince, Captain of Cavalry, with Vic Perlin as Sergeant Gors.

The script was specially written for Forth Laramie by Kathleen Height, with sound patterns

by Bill James and Ray Kemper, musical supervision by Amarigo Moreno.

Featured in the cast were Harry Bartel as Lieutenant Cyberts, with Gene Vaetz, Lynn Allen, and Lauren

Stubkin.

Company tension.

Next week, another transcribed story of the Northwest Frontier and the troopers who fought

under Lee Quince, Captain of Cavalry.

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Write or telephone your nearest civil defense center or write to ground observer core Air Force,

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