Richard Wade has his hands full as two brothers create chaos around the town of Lyons Colorado. Emily Hobart has her own troubles, but helps out the Marshal.
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The Mutual Audio Network
Richard Wade US Marshal S03E03: The Drenin Brothers(080824)
(upbeat music) This episode is brought to you by Experian. Are you paying for subscriptions you don't use, but can't find the time or energy to cancel them? Experian could cancel unwanted subscriptions for you, saving you an average of $270 per year, and plenty of time. Download the Experian app. Results will vary, not all subscriptions are eligible. Savings are not guaranteed. Paid membership with connected payment account required. (dramatic music) What will we find in today's Thursday thrillers here on the Mutual Audio Network? A few baffling mysteries? Perhaps a touch of murder. Let's find out. The following audio drama is rated PG for parental guidance recommended. (upbeat music) 1910 and the new west is dawning, bringing a future of telephones, cars, and new ways of doing. But there still rides a man at the old west. A lawman out to serve justice to those who need its help, and to those who deserve its sharp sword. That lawman is Richard Wade at US Markle. This time it's The Drenen Brothers, written for radio by Barry M. Putt Jr. - Sun sure going down fast. - That's good. I had enough of this heat. My stomach been too long since we had a decent meal. That critter we seen back there could have been suffering. You hit it. If it was so easy, why didn't you shoot it? Don't try to pin your mistakes on me. We need to find another train to Rob so we can get some money to eat. I'm working on it. Hey, there's a cabin up ahead. Yeah. Anyone in there? Oh, locked. Stick aside so I can kick it in. Doesn't look like anyone's here. Check the coverage over there. Nothing. Nothing is either. Figures. Keep looking. I'll see what's out back. Okay. Hey, melt! Get out here! Yeah, what is it? See for yourself. A compost bin. That's right. Hold this. And this? That's it. A few rotten bunches of carrots and some potato skins. It'll hold us over 'til our next score. If we're lucky, let's hit the road. I'm tired, Jack. Let's bunk here tonight. You want those veg landies to catch us? We're a few days ahead of 'em. A couple hours won't hurt. We'll get back on the road tomorrow. We go now. Not me. Hey, hands on. You do what I say. Just 'cause you're older don't mean you're the boss. Yes, it does. Mm-hmm. Oh! Hey, I'm staying put. Got it? Be that way. Give me those vegetables. Well, I need some too. Fine. But I've had it with you. Yawn young from now on. (bell ringing) Marshall, deputy. Nice to see you. You too, Miss Angela. Has my order come in? Let me check. It's been months since the flood, Jim. People are still moving out. It's sad to see, sir. I had such hope for this town. Well, some good has happened. Ben Carter found gold on his land. That isn't stopping people from leaving, though. Good day, all. John, been a while. I was in Oregon helping my folks. I heard you as I was coming in. You sound just like you, Paul. Always worrying about others. It's in my nature, I guess. He's still marshalling down the south? Last I heard. Your order hasn't arrived yet, Marshall. Thank you for checking. Certainly. I didn't know your father was a law man as well. I don't talk about him much. He's always on the road helping someone in need. He must be a special person to have a son like you. Thank you, Miss. Could you give me these supplies? Sure. It's going to take a lot to turn this town around. I wish I knew what could do it. Yeah, no. We could form a council. Hmm. Good idea. The problem is getting members. I'd be glad to help get the word out. Really? Sure. We can have the first meeting tomorrow night. You think we can get people that quickly? If we can't get them by then, we never will. I'll help you as soon as my order is filled. Well, all right. I can't find any other pieces in this area. I don't want any more over here either, Ben. Oh, so much for our gold prospects. Yeah. Even so. It's more than we expected when we started digging this foundation for your new barn. That's true. Well, let's add this to what we have already and then bring it into town. All right. Back against that tree. Well, who are you? Shut up in the end over that sack. Look, you, this is my land. You're trespassing. My guns got to ride away no matter where it goes. Now I ain't asking again. All right, here. What'd you do that for? It was an accident. Pick them nuggets up. Now. OK. Faster. Oh, man. You got him. Yeah. Boy, you're going to regret that. Nobody messed with my brother no matter how picketed he can be. Where'd you come from? Pick up that shovel. No. Do it. All right. Let's see how fast you can dig your own grave. Hello, Marshall. Deputy. Emily. Are you living here now? It's all I can afford. Good day, gentlemen. Who do you want me to put these plates, Emily? On the shelf there. All right. Connie's helping me unpack. That's good. Be careful, Emily. The saloon downstairs can get pretty rough sometimes. Thank you, Marshall. I'll try my best. I just hope my savings will tide me over until I can find a job. If I hear of anything, I'll let you know. I'd appreciate that. Today, we're canvassing the area regarding a shooting that happened. Connie and I heard a shot, but we couldn't tell where it came from. What was that? It's hard to see through the dirt in this window, but it looks like something is going on at the doctor's office. Let's get over there, Jim. This is the doctor's office, sir. I don't give out patient information to strangers. You're going to need a doctor. If you don't tell me where he is, please leave. Oh, stop, stop. Here you are. You thought you could get away from me, did you? What's going on here? Let him go. You heard me. Drop him. The only place I'm dropping him is six feet under. Not on my watch, you are. I told you, let him go. No! I'm glad you're all right. Thank you, Marshall. You there. Get up. What's your name? Huh? Tell the Marshall you're named. Drennin. Jack Drennin. Hands behind your back. Drennin. Move out. So, this is Mr. Carter's property. Sure is beautiful. Yep. I wish the in town investigation had gone faster. So we could have started our search here yesterday. I know. Drennin sure wasn't receptive to answering our questions. I'll say. What's that down there? Looks like a shovel. And a large hole. Probably where they found the gold. There's something mixed in there. What? There's more in the leaves here. It leads off that way. And it gets worse. I've never seen so much. Where'd it go? Look around. Maybe it veers off in a different direction. I don't see any over here. Here, either. It doesn't make sense. I know. The woods in this area are dense and easy to get lost in. What do we do? Oh, let's head back to the office. I know. The woods in this area are dense and easy to get lost in. Let's head back to the office. I'll see if that book I have has a map of this area in it. Alright. There's barely a mention of that area in this book, Jim. Much less a map. That's too bad. But now, let's give questioning another try. Drennin? Yeah. Where is he hiding? Who? Your partner in crime. I work alone. Not according to the men you shot. Who were you with? You bore me, Marshall. Someone is out there bleeding. They could die if you don't help us. That's so. You want to be charged with murder? It's all the same to me. Don't you care about your fellow, man? Why should I? They don't care about me? What? You better start talking if you know what's good for you. Dowsing water in my face ain't going to change nothing. We don't have time for games. I actually feel good to cool off at all this heat. What do you know? What? I could use another Dowsing Water as you got one. Come on, Jim. There are other leads we can pursue. Yes, sir. Mr. Carter, sorry to disturb you. I have a few questions. Anything to help, Marshall. How was your friend Mr. Boone doing before you escaped? He was shaking up a bit. Was he injured? No, he's okay, isn't he? We hope so. We're looking for the second man that was there. He didn't give his name. But he mentioned they were brothers. Really? What did he look like? He was thin and a little more ragged than the other one was. I see. How many horses do you own? Two. Did your attackers have any? Not that I saw. Marshall, if Mr. Carter and Drennan came into town on horses, that means the other two will have to travel by foot. Yep. That might make it easier to find them. We'll keep you posted, Mr. Carter. Oh, please do. What do we do now, sir? We'll get to Carter's property and search the surrounding area. Without a mouth. I think I know where we might be able to get one. Where? I'll show you. Hello, Miss Angela. Marshall. Deputy. I'm still waiting for your order. Thank you for the update. Or actually, what happened to your book section? I got rid of it. The books are too old. Miss Hobart just got in some books before she left. Nothing she brought in as sold. I need the shelf space to pick up business. I have a few ideas of what to add. I'd love to get your thoughts. I don't know much about merchandise. You know a lot about what people in this town use. Perhaps. But we're on a case right now. Really? Yes. I was looking for a book. I wish I would have known sooner. I would have saved it for you. What did you do with the books you had? I put them out for the trash this morning. Alright. Thank you. Let's go, Jim. I hope you'll reconsider. I sure could use your advice. I'll see. Right now we need to get back to work. Have a good day. That didn't kill us anywhere. Unfortunately. You know, Marshall, the trash wagon isn't always on time. That's true. Might be worth checking the store's bins. I think they're around the side. Here we go. Nothing but some old newspapers in here. Oh, Marshall, did you lose something? Fred. No. I was hoping to find something, actually. You're the second person I saw rummaging through those today. What do you mean? Emily Hobart was looking at them this morning. Did she take anything? I couldn't tell. I was just passing by. She had some bucks in her hand, though. Thank you for letting me know. Sure. Come on, Jim. Marshall, Deputy. Good day, Emily. Do you know anything about the books that were thrown out at the general store? I took them. I hope that was okay. Of course. The store didn't need them anymore. Good. Books have such value. They should be preserved and shared. I agree. I was hoping you could look something up and one of them for me. Sure. Come in. What exactly are you looking for? Before you stopped working at the general store, you mentioned getting some new books in, including one that featured various towns in Colorado and their landscapes. Yes. I don't remember seeing that one in the trash, though. Let me look. I was wrong. Here it is. Good. Does it have a map of the mountainous area on the outskirts of town? Let's see. Oh, there is one drawing of that area. I see. It isn't very detailed. No, but it gives an overall layout. Do you have some paper? I'd like to trace it. You can take the book with you if you want. A piece of paper would be easier to carry. Of course. I'll get some. Everything seemed the same as when we were here before, Marshall. That's good. We haven't checked down that way. Is it on the map? Yes. At least toward the mountains. But it's too small to make out, clearly. Let's see where it goes. I hope we're able to catch up to them. Me too, Jim. Chances are they don't know the area. That could be the hard advantage. What the... Get off of me. Marshall. Deputy. It's you. Yes, Mr. Boone. It is. What got into you? I'm sorry. I've been hiding here since yesterday. Why? I kept hearing noises and I was worried that the men that attacked us were looking to kill me. When I heard your footsteps, I thought it was them. I decided I'd act first hoping I could overtake them. The one who chased Mr. Carter is in jail. Good. What about the other? He's still on the loose, but we'll find him. I hope you find him soon. We'll do our best. Do you know anything about the blood? Blood? We found a trail of it on the ground. No? All right. Let's get you back to town. I don't want to leave until we find the other man. He's got our gold. It would be safer if you went back. It's okay, Jim. He might be able to help us. May I see the map? Oh, sure. According to it, the forest becomes more dense here. That creates a lot of places to hide. Let's head in that direction. Okay. Have you been out this way before, Mr. Boone? Only once. Neither Ben or I are too familiar with it. That's understandable. It's a large area. What's that? You're buying that tree? Yes, sir. Oh, that was close. Stay here. Jim. Did you find anything up there? No. Everything is quiet. The rock didn't fall on its own, though. I'm sure of it. Come up. We'll keep searching. Thank you for coming back to help me finish unpacking, Connie. My pleasure. Who could that be? Maybe it's the Marshall again. That would be nice. Yes? Where is he? Who are you? That's coming to the doctors no more, so they must have moved him. You're the one that- Where is he? I thought you were in jail. That place couldn't hold a hog much less, man. Tell me what they've done with him. I don't know. I've seen the Marshall come out of this place. You must know something. I don't. Don't lie to me. You heard what she said. Nobody's talking to you, girl. Get the Marshall. Neither are you going nowhere. Tell me where he is. We don't want any trouble. Be on your way. You want to live? Talk. Now. I've told you all I know. I've had enough of you. That table ain't gonna protect you, girl. All right. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Grab his gun. He kicked it away. Oh. Oh. Oh. Why? You. You're not leaving this room, sir. Oh, yeah. Connie, get some rope out of that box and help me tie him up. Then we'll get the Marshall. All right. Marshall, look. There's some broken thistle. Yeah. More over here. We must be heading in the right direction. Come on. I'm glad we found this trail. Maybe. Look at that area up ahead. What about it? There are three paths. Each has broken thistle on it. How can that be? Animals. People. Maybe even the wind. There's no way to tell which path he took. What do we do? Each of them leads upward. Let's not take a path. We'll go straight up. That's our best chance. All right. I can't believe nobody has seen the Marshall a deputy. They must be out searching. I hope they come back soon so we can turn that man over to them. I know. I'm glad you hit his gun in that draw. I wasn't taking any chances. How did you get loose? Well, it's my specialty. It's time to even the score for what you've done to me. What? How? Connie, help. It's not nasty, lady. Shut up, girly. No, you don't. Oh! That's it, Emily. Punch him harder. Oh! Open the pocket, Connie. Help me. Shut him in. Hey. Put. Me. Shut up harder. I'm trying. He got the latch. Oh, that was close. Too close. Let me out. Do you have a key for this door? Oh, Jack. Here it is. That should hold him until the Marshall comes. I'm staying here until he does. Thank you. Look at the size of this clearing. Yeah. I can't believe how far up the mountain it is. I don't see it on the map. It must've been carved out after the map was printed. Marshall, come look. The remains of a campfire. Some of the wood is still warm. We can't be too far behind them. Let's keep moving. Yes, sir. What happened? Oh, my leg. It's caught in a trap. Deputy, help me get it open. I know it's painful, Mr. Boone. Try to hold on. Jesus leg out. That's a strong trap. The bleeding doesn't look too bad. Oh, can you stand? Oh, yeah, but that really hurts. We can't keep going with them like this, Jim. Bring them to Doc Porter. Sir. Lean on my shoulders, sir. All right. Do you think you can make it? Oh, no, I'll try it. I'll see you later, Marshall. Be careful. You too. Is someone there? Hello? Hey, there. I see you, you know. I'm Marshall Wade. Stop. Get off of me. Who are you? None of your business. Is Jack Drennan any your business? What are you talking about? He's your brother, isn't he? No, we're holding him in town. What's that got to do with me? A lot. What happened to your arm? Mountain lion attacked me. Back near the road? Yes. That explains the blood we found. What's in that sack? My lunch. It's pretty big for that. Let me see. Huh. Gold nuggets. You stole these from Ben Carter, didn't you? Nice vantage point up here, ain't it? Don't change the subject. Hey, give that back. Come back here. It's getting hot in here. Could you open a window? Sure. I should get a little breeze now. Thank you. It looks like there's a line outside the cafe. Well, I'm not leaving until the Marshall and Deputy get back. I appreciate that, Connie, but it's almost dinner time. I don't want your customers to get impatient and leave. You could lose business. Bill, I can handle it until I get there. It's going to take both of you to tend to the crowd out there. Hmm, let me see. It is rather large. Go. I'll be all right guarding him on my own. Are you sure? Yes. The closet is double locked. All right, then. I'll send Billy over to check on you in a little while. Thank you. Call her out the window if you need anything. I will. Doctor. Yes? It doesn't hurt, caught in a trap. I see. Up on the table, Mr. Boob. Let me take a look. Hmm. All right. Oh. Is that hurt? No. Yes. Does that hurt? Oh, yeah. These traps are terrible. They shouldn't even be permitted. Is he going to lose that leg? No, but it is fractured. Can anything be done? A split will help it heal properly. It will just take me a few minutes to put it on. All right. Thank you. Sir. I know you're here somewhere. It's time to turn yourself in. You had no right doing what you did. Show yourself. No. No, Marshall's going to take me in. You ruthless cuss. Weak sister. Hey. Keep back from the edge. Help. Help. Come. Come. Oh, no. Sweet. Oh. We're lucky it wasn't a far drop. You all right, sir? Oh. Haha. Why you. No. Let me out. Settle down in there. Don't tell me what to do. You're not going anywhere until the Marshall gets here. We'll see you about that. There's a strong lock on that door. Ow. I told you. Thank you, Doctor. Easy now, Mr. Boone. I'll help you get on. Oh, thank you. You got out. Leave me alone. Hey, put down that gun. Take shelter in that barn, there, sir. All right. Deputy. Deputy. What's going on? He got away. Who? The man you and the Marshall arrested escaped from jail. I tried to hold him, but he broke free and took off. What direction did he head in? Toward the north side of town. Thank you. Could you help Mr. Boone home? He's in the barn, there. Sure. Be careful. I'll try. Stand up, you. This way. We meet again, Marshall. Drennan, why you... Stay back unless you want me to use this. That's good. Give that sack here, Mill. No. Hey, Jack. Give it back. Jack. Come back. Don't leave me here. All right, you. Pull that your hand. No. No. No. No. There. Stop biting me. There. That tree will hold you until I get back. That's far enough, Drennan. Keep away. My God. Yeah. And the gold. We'll never get it back now. Come back here. Drennan. Drennan. I'm going to shut you up for good. Hey. Oh, my jaw. Hey, where did you get that knife? Ah. Not so bold now, are you, Marshall? [grunting] Can't touch my blade forever. You better turn yourself in, Drennan. [laughing] That skinny branch ain't no match for this. Surrender. My knife. Yeah. [grunting] You're my prisoner now. behind you. Both of you get in there. I'm going. I'm glad you found me when you did Jim. You made bringing them in a lot easier. I wish I could have got there sooner. It all worked out. That's what's important. This jail won't hold us for a long Marshall. I wouldn't be too sure about that. We fixed the lock you broke and one of us will be on guard around the clock until you're taken off for trial. The charges won't stick. With the amount of evidence we have, they definitely will. Hello Marshall. Emily. Good to see you. I'm glad you were all right. Deputy, I walked Mr. Boone home like you asked. Thank you. Any news from Doc Porter on Mr. Carter and Mr. Boone? He said it will take time, but they'll men. I'm glad to hear that. So am I. I'll stop by tomorrow and tell them what happened to the gold. I know that won't be easy, sir, but you did the best you could. Thank you, Jim. It's been tough on all of us. How are you doing, Emily? I still haven't had luck finding a job. Keep at it. Something will come through. I hope so. I appreciate your support. Hello, everyone. Scotty the Barber. We missed you at the Town Council meeting today. I wanted to be there, but I was involved in a case. We understood. John Quinley was elected our leader. He's a good man for the job. You were recognized as the Council's founder. Really? Well, thank you. Well, hope to see you at our next meeting. I'll be there. Good. See you in my chair tomorrow for your trim. You will. Bye. I should be on my way. Have a good day. You too. It was nice of her to stop by, wasn't it? Yes, and it'll be nice to see this town begin to get back on its feet. It sure will, Marshall. Let's get to paperwork on the Drennan brothers done so we can arrange for the county to pick them up. Yes, sir. The sooner our part is done, the sooner they'll be on their way to justice. That will be a good thing for everyone. It certainly will, Jim. It certainly will. This was Richard Wade, U.S. Marshall, written by Barry M. Putt, Jr., starring Reed Thompson as Marshall Richard Wade, Bob Helling as Deputy Jim Clayton. Also in the cast were Floyd Nestle, Jack Drennan, Billy Armstrong, Travis Remi as Milk Drennan, William Masc as Ned Boone, Claudia Chamini as Connie Armstrong, Beth Graderach as Angela DeMonico, Jason D. Markiwitz as Ben Carter, Dave Johnson as Dr. Porter, Joseph McGuire as Scotty the Barber, and Ethan Horton as Fred Sorone. I'm your announcer, Ryan Barker, sound design and dialogue editing, Jay Charles, produced by Joseph C. McGuire. This episode was recorded on Clean Feed with financial support from Gregory Sweeth, members of the RTP Repertory Company, and Soundlay, the sound effects platform. You can find this in other series at PodcastPlayhouse.org or wherever you get podcasts. Go to the website and donate today to help support this and other programs. This is a Radio Theater project presentation. [Music] [ Silence ]