Tales of the Texas Rangers - Apache Peak

Old Time Radio Mysteries

After midnight, on October 4, last a late model blue sedan comes to a stop at a traffic light on the highway leading Southwest out of Wichita Falls, Texas. While the driver waits for the light to change, a figure moves out from the shadows and taps on the window of the sedan. He asks "Going toward Haskell, mister? The driver says "I don't know. Where is it? I'm headed for El Paso". Stranger says "That's my direction. How about a ride?" Driver says "All right, hop in". Stranger says "Thanks, mighty hard getting a ride". Driver asks "How far is, Haskell?" Stranger says "It's about 80 miles. I'm going past there, up near Apache Peak. It ain't far from El Paso". Driver says "Oh good, it will keep me from falling asleep with the wheel. I got to be in El Paso in the morning for a business appointment". Stranger asks "What kind of business are you in? Driver says "Salesman, airplane parts". Stranger says "If you get tired, I can drive a spell". Driver says "Hey, that's a thought. Soon as I start to feel sleepy". Stranger says "Sure, get a chance to rest up". After a few hours of driving, Driver says "It's almost 4:00 A.M. We'll be in Odessa in about 20 minutes. You want to take over?" Stranger says "Yeah". Driver says "I guess I can stop any place on this highway. We haven't seen another car in an hour". The driver pulls the car to the side of the road, stops, and says "I'll slide over. You get out and come around. Stranger says "No, you get out. Driver says "Well, it's just as easy for you... hey, what are you doing with that gun?" Stranger says "I need money, mister, and you got it". Driver says "Sure, I'll give it to you. I won't report it or anything". Stranger says "I know you won't". Gun shots are then heard.