You are about to hear a story based on actual events to protect the innocent names and places
have been changed.
Auto Light and its 96,000 dealers bring you Mr. Richard Widmark in a story taken from
life.
Tonight's presentation of Suspense.
Tonight, Auto Light presents the hunting of Bob Lee.
The true story about the most famous of all Texas views, starring Mr. Richard Widmark.
Here it comes folks, here it comes.
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car to your neighborhood Auto Light spark plug dealer for a change of oil, grease, some
antifreeze.
And check those spark plugs too.
Right Johnny because the spark plugs are the very heart of your car's ignition system.
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And check those spark plugs too.
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She'll quickly tell you the name and location of your nearest Auto Light spark plug dealer.
And remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Auto Light.
And now with the hunting of Bob Lee and the performance of Mr. Richard Widmark, Auto Light
hopes once again to keep you in suspense.
Lee Ranch, Fannin County, June 26, 1868.
Editors, Texas News, Barnum, Texas.
Gentlemen, if you will permit me the use of your valuable columns, I would like to give
you a true statement on what is known as the pilot grove difficulty.
Notwithstanding that there's been no killing in the village except Dr. Pierce.
But to begin, I was raised in this state.
I came home from the war a hated man, merely because my fortunes had not suffered during
the wars at those of my neighbors.
And that was the basis for the hatred.
I was too prosperous.
They used my habit of dressing as an excuse for the first real trouble.
But when I rode into the village into pilot grove, I wore a black suit and a hat with
a plume in it.
It was that hat that started the trouble.
They were waiting in front of Nelson's saloon.
Hold up, Lee.
We want to talk with you.
Hold that.
Hold that.
Hold that.
Hold that.
What do you have to say to me?
We want to know who you are to be dressing like that.
Are you lauding it over us with your fancy suit and a plume and your hat?
Why should I laude it over anybody?
I dress the way that pleases me.
No man would ever wear a hat like that.
It's for a woman.
I'm wearing it, Evans.
We can see that.
That makes you worse than a woman.
Only one reason you wear it.
You think you're better than us.
Takes more than a plume to make you better.
And I see that hat pulled down around your neck.
You want to try that, Evans?
I'll see it there.
You talk mighty brave still upon your horse.
Then I'll get down.
Oh, stand there.
Stand there.
I'll take it from him, Evans.
Now Evans, if you or any one of the rest of you think you can tell me how to dress, this
is the time to begin.
Go ahead, Evans.
We're behind you.
Don't take it from him, Evans.
Shove that hat down his throat.
All right, I will.
Good boy, Evans.
Get him now.
You got some dirt on you, Evans.
Get him now, Evans.
Evans, pull him out from under that horse.
Come on, he got stepped on.
Move that horse.
Come on.
Pull him out.
Pull him out.
Come on.
Pull that horse.
Stand there.
Look at him.
Look at him.
He's dead, boys.
Look at the back of his head.
Did you hear that, Lee?
I heard.
Evans is dead.
And you killed him, Lee.
He fell under my horse.
You knocked him out.
It was a fair fight and I knocked him down.
Your sort was that way.
You killed him, Lee, and we'll get you for it.
He's not the only one who'll die in Pilot Grove.
You can remember that, Lee.
You'll pay for this.
Isn't that right, boys?
That's right.
There's no sense in my talking to you.
You all know it was a fair fight, but you've built up a hate.
And you'll think what you want to think.
So do what you want to do.
I'll be waiting.
You won't wait long.
You Madison, you can give me back my hat.
I want to say this strongly, gentlemen.
I did not kill Hugh Evans.
Those men knew I didn't or they would have killed me then they were all armed.
But nobody drew a gun.
So I left them on a road back home where my wife and my brother waited for me.
Why did you fight, Bob?
Why did you let them make you fight?
I had to, Coy.
I holds to.
You shouldn't have, Bob.
Now they got you, Evans dead.
Didn't help that Henry.
Hold still.
It's what they've been waiting for something like this.
Sometimes a man can't sit back.
Sometimes it's smarter to.
A man can't be insulted in the street and sit back.
Now I'm not a man for trouble.
I came home to live in peace.
They started this.
I've done nothing that I wasn't pushed into.
The way they're thinking is you kill one of theirs.
Now they'll kill you if they can.
And that's what they'll try.
There's nothing I can do about the way they're thinking.
But I'll wait for them.
As this group of men had been known before to raid ranches for profits, I thought they
might ride to mine if they were planning retaliation, however groundless.
So I prepared accordingly.
I sent my three ranch hands to take all the horses, saving two, into hiding a few miles
away.
And then at nightfall with lamps unlighted and with my wife afforded such protection
as possible, my brother and I sat down with our rifles at open windows and waited.
Now these might seem to you gentlemen unnecessary precautions, but they would not seem so if
you knew this band of cutthroats.
Well we were relieved sometime after when we heard two horses approach the house, saw
two men dismount in honesty near the front door.
The Union soldiers, what do they want?
I don't know.
Put your rifle aside.
Who is it Bob?
Union soldiers.
Why have they come here?
We'll find out.
Light another lamp Cory.
Evening men.
We're looking for Bob Lee.
You found him.
I'm Bob Lee.
What do you want?
I've come to take you to Sherman.
I have orders to put you under arrest.
Put me under arrest?
For the murder of Hugh Evans.
That was no murder.
It was a fair fight and I knocked him down, but he died by accident.
You'll have a chance to say all that to my officers at Sherman.
You'll come peaceably won't you Lee?
Of course I'll come peaceably.
Bob.
The Union army is a just army and I'll be treated fairly Cory.
That's more than I can expect from Boran and Beer and the others.
Of course I'll go peaceably.
In truth I was anxious to yield myself to arrest because I knew that by fair trial no
army court could find me guilty of murder.
So I surrendered in good faith believing in right.
But I was soon to learn that those two men who took me weaponless from my house were
not Union troops at all.
They were imposters with forged orders shaming the uniform.
And they turned me over to Boran and ten or a dozen others in Choctaw Bottom where I
was summarily tied to a tree before a fire.
You can say what you want Lee, but you'll be thanking us for what we've done here.
I'll thank the day that sees the end of you Boran and you Sam Beer and Wilson and Maddox,
Lewis Peacock all of you.
You might have seen your last one.
Did you ever think of that?
Are you trying to scare me Maddox?
Because you don't.
None of you do.
You want to get yourself killed Lee?
Never mind Maddox don't listen to him.
We brought you here to give you a chance to live.
You give me a chance to live?
That's what I said.
Ask arrested boys.
What kind of talk is that to give me a chance to live?
You mean you think you hold the right to give anybody a chance to live?
You're nothing but filth all of you.
Filth is it?
I say kill him and be done with it.
This isn't the time for talk like that Lee.
Some of the boys are just as soon to knock your brains out right now.
You don't hear me begging them.
Not to.
Give it to them boys.
Wait.
Wait.
We brought him here to give him a chance.
Why get it over with?
Now listen to me Lee.
You want to live don't you?
You got a wife to live for.
You're young.
A man comes back from a war he doesn't want to die.
Say what you have to say.
Blair there has a paper we're asking you to sign.
If you don't sign it we'll kill you here and now.
Get in the firelight beer and rate it to him.
This is what those thieves demanded of me in their note.
That I sign over to them a bill of sale upon my ranch.
The buildings, the cattle and horses and all other property.
That I promise payable on demand two thousand dollars in gold.
And that I and my family leave the state forever.
They threatened to kill me if I did not sign.
And also to kill me if I failed to meet the demands.
So balancing certain death against probable death in the future.
I decided to give them my signature.
But I forced myself to suffer their beatings and their insults for three long hours.
So that they'd get no inkling of a plan that was in my mind.
Now after being released I thought to set about proving the illegality of the note they
held.
And turn the civil law upon the scoundrels.
So in the company of my brother the next morning I rode into Pilot Grove to inquire about legal
counsel.
Although we still sought peace we went armed.
I with two pistols and a rifle.
My brother with two pistols.
It so happened that I first stopped for information at Nelson's saloon.
And in front of there I saw one of the men from the night before.
Jim Maddox.
I didn't notice out there if he was armed.
But he was not when he followed us in a few minutes later.
There he comes Bob.
I'm unarmed Lee.
I'm not starting a play Maddox.
But if you feel like backing up some of the things you said last night.
I'll loan you a gun.
I come in to say I was sorry about that.
The rest of the boys got me riled up.
I sure didn't expect to see you in town this morning.
While I'm here.
I came in to prove that note assigned isn't worth anything.
Be quiet Bond.
You can tell Boran and the others that if you've got enough brains to understand.
That note was mine dear Lee.
I didn't have nothing to do with it.
Then we've got nothing to talk about.
Goodbye.
You talk too much Bond.
I can't be driven by anybody.
This isn't a time for pride.
You got to let them know.
First chance you get you came out on top last night.
What's wrong Bob Maddox will get the boy.
Lee wanted me to.
Without a chance to draw Maddox.
That's no.
Bob.
Bob.
What did you do Bob?
What did you do?
Wake up.
Wake up darling Cory.
Wake up baby.
Wake up darling.
Auto light is bringing you Mr. Richard Widmark in The Hunting of Bob Lee.
Tonight's production in radio's outstanding theater of thrills.
Suspense.
Folks, winterize right now. Please do. And check those important spark plugs too.
That's potent and pertinent patter, Johnny Plug Check. Cold weather is coming fast and
it's not a bit too soon to have the oil and grease changed. Add a freeze, put in.
And check those spark plugs too. Right, Johnny, because when they're right,
your chances of starting even in coldest weather are better than ever. So visit your Auto Light
spark plug dealer. His exclusive Auto Light plug check indicator will instantly show you
if your spark plugs are right for the cold driving days ahead. If cleaning or adjustments
are needed, he has the latest equipment to do the job quickly. If replacements are needed,
he has resistor type or standard type Auto Light spark plugs. They're ignition engineered
for smoother performance, quick starts and gas savings. And used as original factory
equipment on many leading makes of our finest cars, trucks and tractors. So plan now to
have your car winterize this week. And remember, check those spark plugs too. Be sure. See
your neighborhood Auto Light spark plug dealer because from bumper to tail light, you're
always right with Auto Light. And now, Auto Light brings back to our Hollywood sound stage,
Mr. Richard Widmark in Elliot Lewis's production of The Hunting of Bob Lee, a dramatic report
well calculated to keep you in suspense.
Wake up, wake up, darling, quarry. And all that's left is to sleep.
What I am writing you gentlemen is the truth. It was a cold blooded shooting. The bullet
entered one side of my face, tearing my cheek and breaking my jawbone. Came out on the other
side of my head just in front of my ear. Maddox left me for dead. And well I might be had
it not been for the timely aid and skill of the late Dr. Pierce who I mentioned at the
beginning. I may add here that this excellent person later who nursed me in his own home
was later killed by this gang. He was murdered in the presence of his family for the reason
that he saved my life.
In time I was well enough to return to my ranch. But my face will always be twisted
by scars. My cattle had been stolen, one of my hands had been killed, and the other two
frightened and sought work elsewhere. The difficulty had become a true feud. My wife
had been removed to safety in Hunt County and I was forced to take up arms myself.
I'll stand with you whatever you say, Bob. We can't be outed anymore. I don't see how
it can get any worse. Except for one thing, Henry. Once we start out we can't come back
here. There's nothing to stay for anyway. All right then. We'll pack some food and blankets
right out late this afternoon. It's sure the ranch is being watched so we'll ride north
as though we're leaving. Then tonight when we're clear we'll cross over the blackjack
come back the other way. Where to, Bob? I made a list, Henry, and I put Jim Maddox at
the top. Under him there's Sam Beer and William Dixon and Israel Boran and Lewis Peacock.
It was at this time that my brother and I were first called outlaws. That is not now
nor never was true. All we wanted was peace and there was no law nor order. We never killed
an unarmed man or never without giving a man a chance. Why, that first night when we got
to the Maddox shack he was alone there with his guns hung up. We could have killed him
through the window. That's far enough. I won't go in alone. I can see how you would. Yeah,
yeah, but you might remember my voice. If you knock on his door and if he asks you tell
him you're John Baldock that Boran sent you. All right, Bob. Step to the side when he opens.
Who's there? John Baldock. Boran sent me. All right. Hey, what? I've come to clear it
up with you and me, Maddox. I'm not armed. You said that before. You'll put your gun
on. What if I won't? Then I'll kill you where you stand. Put it on. You'll have a chance
to draw. You don't have to watch me. Turn around. Buckle your gun on. Turn around so
you can see where it is. Bob. It's all right. He tried to draw from where it was hanging.
I think this is a night we'll remember, Henry. Sam Beers next on the list. Then we moved
into Jenigan Thicket for safety because Boran and Peacock and the others had enlisted aid
from Kansas. Some 30 strong, we were told, hired killers. So we were forced to move by
that. All right, Henry. I'm all right. I'll look for him on the right side, you on the
left. We'll go in there. Bob, there. Move farther down while we can. They see us now.
Sam Beer, William Dixon. The Lee brothers have come to clear it up with you and us.
What do you want, Lee? We want you to stand up from your table and start a play so we
won't have to kill you sitting there. They're going to dump the table. What are you going
to do? Back to the door. You've heard what the Lees have had from these men. If they
have any friends here, this is the time to speak up. One day, about 12 after that, when
my brother and I returned from hunting to the shack in Jenigan Thicket, we were surprised
to see Israel Boran waiting for us unarmed and with his hands in the air. What does he
want? Hold back, boys. You can see I came of peace. Then leave in peace, Boran. Hold
on. Hold. Stand. Stand. Leave, Boran, and come back wearing your gun. No. Wait. I came
of peace. You've got no right to come in peace. Bob, can't we hear what... Henry!
My brother was killed there in the Thicket by rifles hidden in the brush. Boran and his
hired gunman took advantage of the fact that we always gave our enemies a chance and lured
us in with an unarmed man. I killed Israel Boran after that and I looked for Peacock,
but I couldn't find him. And then I learned he put a thousand dollars on my head. And
more gunmen came to hunt me from Kansas. I moved to Gibson Thicket, then to Thatcher.
And there were so many men I could hardly move at all. And then finally, after three
months, although I'd vowed that I'd die before I ran, I left the county and rode to see my
wife. Oh, Bob, what have they done? What have they done so that we can't be man and wife
and live the way we want to live? It's finished now. I've seen my brother killed and I've
avenged him. I've done what I can. I can't do any more. There are things to do. There
are places we can go. We started in Fan County. We can start someplace else. Yes. Yes, yes,
we can. But I've one more thing I have to do, Carrie. I'll write a letter about this
trouble we've had to the newspaper in Barnum. When the people read it, they'll know the
truth that I'm not a criminal, that I wanted peace and I couldn't have it. And so I say
in conclusion that I have done what I can to procure peace. I have been driven farther
than most men I think, and any violence I have done has been justified. And finally,
I am still willing to surrender myself to any impartial civil authority at any time
since I know I am right. I'm sorry to take so much of your valuable time in your newspaper
space, but a great many people have no idea of the true origin of all this trouble. I
remain yours, Robert Lee. There's no danger here, Bob. Are you sure? If Peacock had followed,
I'd have known. I'm sure, Corey. I'll post a letter, be back in 30 minutes. Then we can
talk about where we'll go. Well, after four months, Corey, I think there should be much
to talk about. You wait in the house. Please hurry. I will. You go inside. Come on, boy.
Wake up, wake up, darling Corey, and go get me my gun. I ate no hand for trouble, but
I'll die before I run.
Suspense. A true story of the Old West, presented by Auto Light. Tonight's star, Mr. Richard
Woodmark. That was a powerful story, Richard Woodmark, a Western drama we'll remember for
a long time. Thanks, Harlow. I really enjoyed playing Bob Lee. And may I thank the other
members of the cast for their wonderful support. They were a great team. Reminds me of the
Auto Light team, Dick, working together for better performance. Yes, I see what you mean.
Yes, Auto Light makes over 400 products for cars, trucks, tractors, planes, and boats.
And they're engineered to work together perfectly. Auto Light makes a complete line of ignition
engineered spark plugs, both standard and resistor types. Auto Light batteries, including
the famous Auto Light Stay Full. In fact, Auto Light makes complete electrical systems.
No wonder from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Auto Light. Next week on
Suspense, our star will be Mr. Joseph Clotten as a man who, in a most unusual fashion, tried
to clear himself of the suspicion of murder. A dramatic report we call The Trials of Thomas
Shaw. In weeks to come, we shall also present Mr. John Hodiac, Mr. John Lund, and Mr. Frank
Lovejoy. All on Suspense. Suspense is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis with music composed
by Lucian Morawick and conducted by Lud Gluskin. Ms. Teria Lee was the ballad singer. The hunting
of Bob Lee was based on the book by C. L. Sonicson and was adapted for Suspense by Gil
Dowd. Featured in tonight's cast were Kathy Lewis, Lou Krugman, Junius Matthews, William
Conrad, Harry Bartel, Byron Cain, and Joseph Kearns. Tonight's appearance of Mr. Widmark
was made possible through the kind permission of 20th Century Fox Studios, whose current
release is The Desert Fox, starring James Mason. And remember next week on Suspense,
Mr. Joseph Clotten, in another story based on actual events, a dramatic report we call
The Trials of Thomas Shaw. For the location of your nearest auto light spark plug or battery
dealer or your nearest authorized auto light service station, phone Western Union by number
and ask for operator 25. Switch to auto light. Good night.
This is the CBS Radio Network.