The champeen tracker in all of southern Utah and that other fella hire on at the Lone Pine Ranch, where they run into a chuckwagon full of familiar-sounding characters!




Feathery clouds wisped the brilliant blue sky of Wyoming. A hawk rode the thermals, looking for his next meal. Below him, he eyed two men riding along a narrow path, coming to a fork in the road.

“Bear Creek, fifteen miles to the left, and Universal City, nine miles to the right,” Curry read the pointer signs. “So which way?”

“Wanna toss a coin?”

"Why not? What've we got to lose?"

“Call it.” Heyes fished a coin out of pocket and was about to throw it up in the air.

“Heads, Universal City and tails, Bear Creek.”

The silver coin flew in the air and spiraled down before it was deftly caught and a hand slapped over it.

Heyes lifted his hand. “Heads – guess we’re heading right.”

“Universal City…what kind of name is that?”

Shrugging his shoulders, Heyes answered, “I kinda like it. Has a certain ring to it.”

Less than an hour later, the former outlaws scanned the town for anything out of the ordinary. Several people were milling along the boardwalk and crossing the street of the typical Western town.

“Sheriff Glen A. Larson,” Heyes quietly mentioned as he read the sign near the jail door. “Don’t believe we’ve met a Sheriff Larson, have we, Thaddeus?”

“Nope, don’t believe we have, Joshua. Thirsty?”

“Very. Let’s go get a beer first."

Curry nodded and they headed towards the Swerling Saloon. As they entered the establishment, they glanced around the room as they made their way to the bar.

The barkeeper looked up from wiping glasses. “What can I get you folks?”

“Two beers – as cold as you have ‘em,” Curry answered as he pulled some coins out of his vest pocket and put them on the counter.

“You’re in luck—my Swerling Ale is done brewing. Proud to say it’s one of the best in the Territory and one of my better batches.” He poured two glasses with amber liquid; a slight head formed on the top. He handed them to the strangers and waited for their reaction.

Both Heyes and Curry took a swallow and nodded.

“Ahh…this is mighty fine ale!” The Kid took another swallow.

Heyes wiped the foam off his upper lip. “Yep, this hits the spot!”

The bartender beamed and offered his hand. “Name’s Jo Swerling. And you are…”

Curry held out his hand and shook the proffered one. “Thaddeus Jones.”

“Joshua Smith.” Heyes did likewise.

"You two just passing through Universal City?"

“Depends…” Heyes put down his glass. “Any jobs in the area?”

Swerling stroked his chin as he thought. “Can’t think of any offhand, but ask Hal Frizzell. He owes the mercantile and hears all the gossip around these parts.”

“And you don’t?” Curry gave him a questioning look.

“Well, only if folks venture over to the saloon and talk. Everyone has to go buy at the store, so Hal hears more.”

After another Swerling Ale, Heyes and Curry strolled the boardwalk, locating the mercantile with a sign that read “Frizzell’s - Foodstuffs Fixin's and Frivols.” An overhead bell jingled as they pushed through the door.

“Can I help you?” a large man with a beard behind the counter asked.

“Mr. Frizzell?” Heyes asked, as Curry wandered through the store looking at the varied items for sale.

“Yes?”

“Mr. Swerling sent us down here. Said you might have heard if there were any jobs in the area.”

The shopkeeper looked at the two men and noticed their tied-down guns. “Guessing you’re good with a six-shooter, but how are you with a rifle?”

“Not bad,” the Kid joined the conversation. “Depends on what we’re shootin’ at.”

“Heard Huggins has some cats on his property that are helping themselves to his cattle. Have you hunted mountain lions before?"

Heyes and Curry quickly glanced at each other.

“Yeah, we’ve tracked big cats before. And we weren’t too bad at it either. Not one of our favorite jobs, but we will do it,” Heyes answered. “Where’s the Huggins’ place?”

“Can’t miss it. Big ranch ‘bout an hour out on the east side of town. Called the Lone Pine Ranch.”

After picking up a few supplies, Heyes and Curry were on their way to the Lone Pine. The sun began its descent as the warm afternoon continued. Soon they came to a large sign with “Lone Pine Ranch” engraved in it.

“Looks good so far.” Curry reined his horse off of the main road and onto a smaller path starting under the sign.

A mile later, buildings appeared – a large ranch house, a bunkhouse, barn, corral, several smaller outbuildings and a well. A singular monument pointed heavenward from the midst of the otherwise flat landscape. One tall, lone tree. A pine, to be exact.

“Well, now we know where they got the name.” Heyes spurred his mare forward into the yard and up to the house.

A man in his forties with dark wavy hair and glasses came out of the house and stood on the porch step. “May I help you?”

Heyes leaned on his saddle horn. “Looking for Mr. Huggins. Hal Frizzell said he might be hiring to get rid of some mountain lions on his property.”

The man scrutinized the drifters on horses. He noticed the tied-down guns, but the clean-shaven faces displayed friendly smiles. “I’m Roy Huggins and I am hiring trackers to get rid of a few big cats. Are you any good?”

Heyes grinned. “I was the champeen tracker in all of southern Utah.”

Curry coughed and then glanced down, knowing his partner was giving him a glare for questioning his ability to track.

“Good to hear. Are you interested?”

“Depends on what you’re paying,” Heyes continued, as the Kid allowed him to take the lead in negotiating their pay.

“Fifty dollars for every cat killed on my property, and free room and board while you’re tracking.”

The partners looked at each other.

“You have a deal, Mr. Huggins.” Heyes dismounted and stepped closer to shake hands with their new boss.

“I’ll be glad to be rid of those blasted mountain lions. You can take your horses over to the barn. There are some open stalls on the left side. Help yourself to some feed for them. Monty Laird is the ranch foreman, but he’s gone for the day with the hands. Just make yourself comfortable in the bunk house and introduce yourself when the rest come in.”

“How many ranch hands do you have?” Curry asked.

“Have three young men under Monty’s supervision. Doing a good job for me.” Huggins turned to go back into the house, but hesitated and came back near the step “Why don’t you two come to the main house for dinner to meet the family, since the boys are out in the far pasture and won’t be back ‘til late – dinner’s at 6:00 sharp. Just clean up – no need to dress up.”

Heyes and the Kid settled their horses and then went to the bunkhouse. It was apparent which bunks were not being used, so they put their belongings on them. They washed up and put on clean clothes.

At 6:00, they were knocking on the ranch house’s front door. A scurry of running and shouting was heard from inside, and the partners glanced at each other and smiled. Moments later, the door was flung open by a boy, around eight years old. “Pa said for you to come in.”

Heyes and Curry removed their hats as they walked into a small foyer.

Their young host ran up the stairs yelling, “John…Thomas…Ma said to tell you to come downstairs NOW!”

The partners smiled.

Roy Huggins came out of a front room and greeted them, “Sorry about the ruckus…boys will be boys. Come this way and we’ll have a drink while waiting for dinner to be served.”

He led them into his office and closed the door to drown out the noise. He poured brandies and handed his guests each one. “To a successful hunting trip.” They raised their glasses, clicking them for the toast, and swallowed the brandy.

When the men had finished their drinks, someone tapped on the door. Roy opened it and smiled. “Men, this is my lovely bride, Adele. Sweetheart, this is Thaddeus Jones and Joshua Smith.”

“Nice to meet you!” Adele came into the room and shook their hands. “So relieved you accepted the job. I’ve been so worried about a mountain lion attacking one of our boys.”

“Our pleasure, ma’am.” Heyes gave her a dimpled smile.

“Dinner is now served. Hope you men are hungry.”

Curry grinned. “Oh, we are.”

Mr. and Mrs. Huggins sat at the ends of a large table. Heyes and Curry sat on one side and three boys sat on the other. A platter held a large roast and there were potatoes, carrots, and gravy on the table.

“Before we say grace, let me introduce you to our boys. John is twelve, Thomas is ten, and I think you’ve already met James at the door. He’s eight. Boys, this is Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones. They’ve been hired to …”

Mrs. Huggins gave her husband a concerned look and barely shook her head.

“Good grief, Adele. The boys aren't babies anymore and need to know if there is a danger to them out there," Roy glanced at Adele, who smiled back at him. “Boys, Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones will be hunting for some mountain lions that have been spotted on the property. Well, let’s say grace before this delicious food gets cold.”

The family bowed their heads and folded their hands. Heyes and Curry followed suit out of respect for their host. “God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for this food. Amen."

At the table, the three boys were well-mannered as they ate their meal and dessert. After dinner, Roy and his newly-hired trackers adjourned back into his study for another quick drink.

Looking out the window, the rancher noticed lights on in the bunkhouse. “Looks like Monty and the boys are back. Come on. I'll introduce you."

The men walked over to the bunkhouse and Roy entered first. “Back a little earlier than I expected, Monty. Everything go okay?”

“Sure did, boss. Better than expected. The boys are workin’ together real well, now. Like pros,” answered a dark-haired man in his mid-forties, who was about five foot eight. “See you hired some men to get those cats.”

“Sure did. Let me introduce you. Monty Laird, this is Joshua Smith and Thaddeus Jones.”

The three men shook hands at the introduction while three younger men watched the interaction with curiosity from the table as they ate.

“And these are my boys,” Monty continued. “Pete,” pointing to a twenty year-old, dark-haired man with dimples, “Ben,” pointing to a curly blond a few years younger, “and Roger,” pointing to a taller, sandy-haired man, who appeared the eldest of the three.

The younger men stood up and also shook hands with the newcomers.

“Hope we didn’t take anyone’s bunk?” Heyes politely asked.

“No, no, your belongings are fine where you put ‘em. Noticed when we came in,” Monty replied.

“Since you’re all situated and met everyone, I’ll be going back to the house. Monty can tell you where we’ve had the most problems with the mountain lions, but if you have any questions, feel free to ask me.” Roy headed to the door.

“Thanks, again, for hirin’ us and for the dinner, Mr. Huggins.” Curry poured a cup of coffee and handed it to Heyes before getting himself some.

“Please, call me Roy, and you’re welcome. Just hope you can get some of those darn cats.”

“Oh, we will,” Heyes said confidently before taking a sip of coffee.

Huggins nodded. “’Night, boys. See you in the morning, Monty.”

“Sure thing, boss.” Monty sat back at the table to resume eating. “Glad you’re makin’ yourselves comfortable.”

“Monty, we got time for a few hands of poker tonight, don’t we?” asked Pete.

“Sorry, not tonight.” Seeing the downcast faces of Pete and Roger, Monty continued. “Tell you what, since you worked so hard today, we’ll quit earlier tomorrow and you can play for a few hours.”

Heyes glanced at Kid and grinned.

“And you’ll give me more pointers about shootin’?” asked an eager Ben.

“Sure, Ben.” Monty finished his stew and got up to wash his bowl.

Kid glanced at Heyes and grinned.

“But now we’ve all had a long day and have to get up early. Time to get ready for bed, boys.” The foreman washed up and headed to his bunk.

“Okay, Monty.” The three younger men washed their dishes and headed to their bunks.

Heyes and Curry headed outside with their coffee. “We’ll be in shortly,” Heyes informed Monty.

The former outlaws tilted the porch chairs back as they put their feet on the railing and finished drinking their coffee.

“Poker…”

“Now don’t you be thinkin’ about winnin’ their money, Joshua. Seems like a close gang in there.”

“I’ll make it a friendly game and give ‘em a few pointers. And I saw your eyes light up when shooting was mentioned, Thaddeus. Don’t you be showing off. We don’t need them figuring out who we are.”

Curry rolled his eyes. “I know, Joshua. I’ll just watch and maybe give Ben a pointer or two. Ready to go in?”

“Yep.”

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

The next morning, Monty pointed Heyes and Curry in the general location of the mountain lion attacks, and then he and his boys went in the other direction to mend some fences.

By mid afternoon, the ranch hands were rubbing down their horses when Heyes and Curry came back.

Monty greeted them. “No cat today?”

“Nope,” Heyes confirmed. “Saw the tracks and followed them, but they were two days old.”

“Two hours fresh. I still say we should’ve followed ‘em a little longer,” Curry mumbled, so only Heyes heard him.

Heyes quickly glared at his partner before turning back to Monty. “We’ll go back out first thing tomorrow and see if there are new tracks.”

Roger joined Monty. “Do either of you like to play poker? I’ve been teachin’ Pete and he’s catchin’ on. It’d be nice to have another player or two, though.”

Heyes smiled. “I’ll join you two. Let me put my horse away and clean up some.”

Ben came up to Monty. “Are you ready? Can we go shootin’ now?”

“Start linin’ up the cans on the fence behind the barn, Ben, and I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“Mind if I join you and watch?” Curry asked Monty as Ben hurried away.

“Not at all. Ben’s just learnin’ and not too good. Maybe a few pointers from someone else will help.”

Curry rubbed down his gelding and joined Monty as they watched Ben trying to shoot the cans. Ben holstered his gun and then quickly drew and aimed, but nicked only one can.

The Kid shook his head. "If that's your fast draw, kid, ya better hope the other fella is lookin' in another direction while you're clearin' leather. Think ya better just work on hittin’ the cans first. Try again and concentrate on just aimin’.”

“Are you good? Can you get all the cans?” Ben questioned the newcomer.

“I can usually hit what I aim at.” Curry removed his right glove and tucked it over his belt buckle.

“Let’s see ya try!” Ben stepped aside, making room.

Kid looked at Monty, who shrugged his shoulders. He took a stance in front of the cans and then consciously drew his gun slowly, yet hit every mark dead center.

“Wow, you are good!” exclaimed young Ben. “How did you learn to do that?”

“By listenin’ to my teacher and lots of practice.” Curry put the cans back on the fence and walked back. “Now this time, I want you to try doing it this way. Hold your gun like this and….”

A few hours later, Monty, Ben and Thaddeus walked into the bunkhouse in the middle of the poker game as Joshua commented, “Pete, NEVER draw to an inside straight again! You’ll lose every time.”

Thaddeus poured a cup of coffee and sat down. “He’s right.” Leaning toward Pete’s ear, he continued quietly, but loudly enough for all to hear, “Don’t tell him I said so, but Joshua’s pretty darn good at poker.”

Joshua and Pete both grinned so their dimples showed.

“He sure is!” Roger added. “I’ve seen Doc Holliday play in Arizona and Joshua’s just as good!”

Curry grinned with pride at his partner. “He didn’t take too much of your money, did he?”

“Nah.” Pete dealt out another hand of cards. “Joshua said we should play for matches instead of money and he’s been teachin’ us a lot of tricks.”

“He ain’t teachin’ you to cheat, is he?” Monty frowned as he sipped his coffee.

“Joshua doesn’t have to cheat; he’s that good, Monty.” Roger looked at his hands and threw in two matches.

“Thaddeus and Joshua, I need the boys to go to the south side of the ranch tomorrow and was wonderin’ if you’d go into town with me in the afternoon when you get back and help pick up some supplies.”

Heyes and Curry glanced at each other.

“Sure,” Heyes said as he threw out a card and asked the dealer for another. “We’ll make sure we get back in plenty of time.”

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

The next afternoon, Heyes and Curry returned with a mountain lion on the back of Heyes’ mare. John, Thomas, and James ran out of the house, excited at seeing the dead cat close up.

“Pa, they killed a cat! They got a cat!” they all shouted.

“I see that. Good job, men. Monty was asking if you’d help him go into town this afternoon.”

“Yeah, he mentioned it to us last night. That's why we cut our morning hunt short. On our way back, we happened on this cat.” Heyes dismounted and removed the carcass from his horse.

“Told you they were two hours fresh,” Curry mumbled loud enough for just his partner to hear.

Monty joined the group by the corral. “See you got one of ‘em! Still willin’ to come into town with me?”

“Yep!” Curry got off his horse. “Just give us a few minutes to clean up a little.”

Monty remained quiet on the way to town and let Heyes talk about tracking and shooting the animal. Once they got into town, Monty suggested a beer at Swerling’s. He sat them at a back table and leaned forward.

“What’s up, Monty?” Heyes asked, his brow furrowed.

"Look, I wanted to talk to you fellas in town so's no one at the ranch would overhear, and," he met both men's eyes briefly, "in case I should need the help of Sheriff Larson."

"Sheriff Larson? What are you talking about, Monty?" Heyes exchanged a wary glance with Curry.

"I want to know what you two are up to. How come you're really at Huggins' Lone Pine?"

"Trackin' cats, Monty. Just like Huggins hired us to do."

Monty shook his head. "I know without a doubt who you two are, Mr. Heyes and Mr. Curry."

“Heyes and Curry? Us?” Heyes set down his Swerling Ale.

“Don’t deny it; I already know who you are. It's why you're here that's got me puzzled."

Heyes glanced at Kid. “I warned you about…”

Monty broke in. “It wasn’t Kid’s shootin’ that gave you away, Heyes, though it did make me certain I wasn’t wrong about you two."

“What was it then?” the Kid questioned.

Monty took a long drink and sighed. “I was once in the Plummer Gang.” He hesitated for a moment and looked at Heyes.

Heyes’ mind was searching. “I don’t remember a Monty Laird.”

“As I was decidin’ to get outta the business, a young whippersnapper named Hannibal Heyes was joinin’ the gang. I left a few days after you came in. By readin’ the paper, I saw that Plummer disappeared and that the young kid with a funny name became a part of the Devil’s Hole Gang under Big Jim. You’re ten years older, but you haven’t changed that much, Heyes. So why are you here? Causin’ trouble?”

“No, Monty, just the opposite.” Heyes took a quick drink and glanced at Kid, who nodded. “We decided to get outta the business, too. If you read the papers, you probably have noticed there haven't been many jobs by Heyes and Curry lately.”

“And those jobs that are blamed on us have later been proven false,” the Kid added.

“We’re trying hard to go straight and take any honest jobs we can.”

“Like trackin’ mountain lions.” Curry took a swallow of ale.

Monty stared at each of them for a few minutes as he thought. “Hope you’re tellin’ me the truth. I don’t want no harm to come to Mr. Huggins. He’s a good man and a great boss.”

“It is the truth, Monty,” Heyes said with great conviction. “We are going straight.”

Monty nodded. “I believe ya. What made you become outlaws?”

Kid Curry shrugged. “We were orphans after the war and, well, we were hungry. Just stealin’ food led to more…”

“And then we found we were wanted. Didn’t seem to be a reason not to go big time and rob banks and trains.” Heyes took another drink.

“Wondered how it happened with you,” Monty replied. “My boys – they’re orphans, too. Pete’s dad, Horace Penfield, was the foreman of the Lone Pine.” Not missing the look from the two former outlaws,” he added, “He hated his first name, too, and went by Penfield or Pen. Lost his wife and kin to a plague. Brought two young boys with him to Mr. Huggins looking for a job – his eleven year old son, Pete and his nine year old nephew, Ben. Mr. Huggins took them all in and the missus helped with the boys while Pen worked. Few years ago, Penfield passed away from an accident on the ranch. I’ve been carin’ for Pete and Ben like my own since. And Roger, he got hired on as another hand when Pen died and I became foreman.”

Curry and Heyes glanced at each other in silent conversation.

“Monty, I’m glad the boys have someone like you…”

Heyes added. “Maybe if me and the Kid had had someone like you, we would have gone down a different path.”

Curry nodded in agreement.

“So you two are gonna kill the cats botherin’ Lone Pine and then move on?”

“That’s our plan. Don’t like to stay in one place too long in case we get recognized,” Heyes answered. “So, are you gonna tell Sheriff Larson or Mr. Huggins who we are?”

“No, I don’t see any reason to since we have this understandin’. And Mr. Huggins will be leavin’ in a week or two. He’s goin’ to visit the Sundance Ranch in Utah. Boss is already doin’ real good, but he likes to…what’s the word he uses…re-pli-cate what other successful ranches are doin’ to become even better. He’s never happy and always wants to improve on his own success.” Monty ordered three more ales. “Don’t understand something. Just 'cause you ain't robbin' no more... You two are still wanted, ain't ya?"

Heyes sighed. “You’re right; we’re still wanted. Hoping maybe the governor will be in a forgiving mood someday, since we quit the business.”

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Several weeks later, Heyes and Curry were packed and ready to leave Lone Pine after killing five more bothersome mountain lions.

“Sure appreciate you getting those cats. I feel so much better with my boys playing outside knowing they’re safer.” Adele Huggins smiled at them as she handed them a bag of food for the trip.

“Thank you, ma’am,” Heyes said as he stored the bag away. “Glad we could help.”

“Thanks for teachin’ me how to shoot good, Thaddeus,” Ben said as he shook Curry’s hand.

“And thanks for teachin’ us how to play poker better, Joshua.” Roger said.

“Just remember that unless you call it before ya starting playing, straights or flushes are NOT played, according to Hoyle.”

Pete grinned. “We’ll remember, and never draw to an inside straight.”

“Here’s your three hundred dollars – well worth it, every dollar.” Roy Huggins handed Heyes a stack of bills. “We’ve enjoyed you boys being here at Lone Pine. If you need a reference for another job, just wire me.”

“We will. And Monty, it’s been nice getting to know you.” Heyes shook the foreman’s hand.

“You boys mind Monty and do as he says.” Curry looked over at the three young ranch hands. “He’ll keep you straight and honest.”

“We will,” Roger, Pete and Ben said in unison.

“Ready, Thaddeus?”

“Yeah, let’s get goin’.”

The two former outlaws reined their horses around and rode away from Lone Pine. They turned, waved their hats at the group watching them leave, and spurred their horses into a lope out of sight.

“Nice men,” Roy Huggins commented.

He nodded in agreement. “Yep, they’re two pretty good bad men,” Monty Laird muttered quietly to himself as he turned and walked to the barn.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *




Glen A. Larson is an American television producer and writer best known as creator of the series Battlestar Galactica, Knight Rider , The Fall Guy and Magnum, P.I. His first hit series was Alias Smith and Jones (ASJ).


Jo Swerling Jr. is an American television producer of such series as Alias Smith and Jones, The Rockford Files, Baretta, The Greatest American Hero, The A-Team, and Profit.


Hal Frizzell was the stand in for Pete Duel in Alias Smith and Jones. He was the stunt double for Kevin Tighe on the medical drama show Emergency! He appeared in several episodes of ASJ and Emergency in minor parts.


Roy Huggins was an American novelist and an influential writer/creator and producer of character-driven television series, including Maverick, The Fugitive, Alias Smith and Jones, and The Rockford Files. He often wrote under the pseudonym “John Thomas James,” a composite of the names of his three sons from his second marriage.


Adele Mara Huggins was an American actress, singer and dancer, who appeared in films during the 1940s and 1950s. During the 1940s, the blond actress was also a popular pinup girl. She was the second wife of writer/producer Roy Huggins.


Monty Laird was an active stunt man and weapons advisor for more than 43 years. He worked on the television series The Virginian, Alias Smith and Jones, The Letters, Griff, Gemini Man, and Police Academy 6: City Under Siege. Monty also had bit parts in ASJ; Another Man, Another Chance; Stunts Unlimited; Lobo; and Universal Soldier.


Pete Duel was an American actor, best known for his roles in the television series Gidget, Love on a Rooftop, and Alias Smith and Jones. During the hiatus between the first and second seasons of ASJ, he starred in the television production of Percy MacKaye’s 1908 play, The Scarecrow. He was an activist, mainly concerned about ecology and environmental pollution.


Ben Murphy is an American actor and starred in eight television series: The Name of the Game, Alias Smith and Jones, Griff, Gemini Man, The Chisholms, Lottery!, Berrengers and Dirty Dozen--The Series. He is also an avid tennis player.


Roger Davis is an American actor, best known for his acting roles in Dark Shadows and Alias Smith and Jones. He has been the voice-over artist for over 6,000 TV and radio commercials. An accomplished designer and real estate developer, his achievements include construction and restoration of hotels, high-rises and 18th century mansions.





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