Red River Range

Here they come.

All set, boys!

Alright, fellas, hustle it up!

I've called this meeting, men,

in the hope that we can find some way

to put a stop to this rustling outrages.

If we don't, we'll all be ruined!

I've lost most of my herd already.

Perhaps Sheriff Wood here has some suggestions.

I'm afraid not, Mr. Hartley.

All I can say is the situation's got me stumped.

These aren't ordinary rustlers.

The cattle just disappear.

It's up to you to find out just who's in back of this.

Excuses don't help none.

We elected you to enforce the law.

Just a minute, boys.

The sheriff's done his best,

but job is too big for any one man.

I suggest that we appeal to the governor for help.

I think you've got it.

You're right, Mason. Now you're talking sense!

Well, then if it's agreed,

I'll get in touch with the governor,

and we'll see that an investigator is sent down here immediately.

I reckon the folks in Red River are gonna be surprised

with getting three investigators,

when they only asked for one.

They're only getting one.

- And two assistants. - And I suppose you're the one.

Sure!

It's awfully nice of you to take us along for the ride.

When do you think we'll get to Red River?

I'm hungry.

We oughta get there by sundown.

Looks like one of those rustlers we were sent after.

Yeah.

He's fooled them.

He's not foolin' us.

- Tex Reilly! - Stony!

- Tex! - Hello, boys!

- Well, this sure is a surprise! - What are you doing here?

Undercover work for the Retail Butchers' Association.

Beef prices have hit rock bottom.

They think these cattle raids have something to do with it.

Looks like we're in on the same deal.

The governor sent us here.

- What'd you find out? - Not much.

I ran into a bunch running some cattle.

Evidently, they didn't want any visitors, and started chasing me.

You saw what happened.

There's one thing I'd like to know.

When do we eat?

Got any idea who's behind all this?

Right now I'm checking on a fellow named Payne.

He's got a prison record.

What's he doing up here?

Runner's Dude Ranch.

It's none too profitable, but he's surely throwing money around.

- That sounds interesting... - Yeah.

I was going up to the ranch as a guest, to see what I could find out.

If those fellows chasing you were part of the gang,

they'd spot you in a minute.

It's a chance I have to take.

Wait a minute.

How about me going instead?

You're expected at Red River.

No, the "three musketeers" are expected.

Nobody there knows what we look like.

You could go as Stony Brook, and...

I could be...

Alias "Killer Madigan".

- Sounds like a nice guy. - He is.

You'll be safe in using his name.

He's serving a life term at Leavenworth.

He'll do.

A little more to the front, please.

That's all.

- What are you gonna put in the newspapers? - Oh, just the routine history.

Prison break and my picture as "Killer" Madigan.

- Just one newspaper? - That's enough.

And thanks, Marshall, for your help.

Well, that's all right, that's what I'm here for.

But I don't understand how you're gonna get away with this split-up.

Are they expecting The Three Mesquiteers?

That's right.

And three is what they'll get.

What's the matter, ain't you never seen one of those before?

Yes, sir, but they wear them on their hip side here.

Anything else, boss?

Yeah, get those pants pressed.

You'll forget what you saw.

Yes, sir, I forget is awful easy, sir.

You better if you know what's good for you.

Thank you, sir. Yes, sir.

- Mr. Payne! - Yes?

He's here.

He told me not to tell you.

He gave me ten dollars to keep my mouth shut.

- Who? - The new guest.

- You mean Jack Benson? - Only he isn't Jack Benson.

He's Madigan, "Killer" Madigan!

He's just broke out of jail!

You sure you haven't seen too many movies?

Oh, no, sir, he's in the paper.

I seen his picture!

He told you to keep your mouth closed?

Yes, sir.

- Well, I'd follow his advice. - Yes, sir.

Think we oughta look into this?

He'll probably mind his own business.

We've heard a lot about you, Mesquiteers.

And we're sure glad the government sends you, fellas.

Thanks, we'll do everything we can.

Where do you think you gonna stay?

Well, we haven't given it much thought,

but I figure we'll spend most of our time in the saddle.

You're more than welcome to bunk out at my place.

I'm sure Pop will make you very comfortable.

Well, so long, boys, see you later!

So long!

Well, I'd feel a lot easier with you boys around

to sorta see after my little girl.

Well...

Thanks, Mr. Mason,

but I reckon we better stick around town for the present.

Just as you say,

but latch string's out if you change your mind.

Oh, Janey, here I am!

Here's my little girl.

Honey, these are The Three Mesquiteers.

- How do you do? - How do you do?

I invited them to stay at the ranch, but...

they've got other plans.

Oh, that's too bad!

Now... well, Mr. Mason...

I'm sorry, Ms. Mason, but we really oughta stay in town.

Of course.

We better be going, dad. Supper won't cook itself, you know...

Don't forget what I said about the latch string.

- We won't. - Good bye.

- Good bye. - Good bye.

Well, well, look who's here!

You're just in time for chow.

That's fine, but I don't mean to butt in...

Oh, you ain't buttin' in at all.

- Now, come this way. - Thanks.

- Hey, we got another customer! - Howdy, stranger.

- How do you do, Mr. Smith? - How do you... how...

Fine thing, sneaking off behind my back!

What's the matter, that pony of yours got flat feet?

Won't you sit here next to Mr. Joslin, Mr. Smith?

Thank you.

But if you don't mind, cout out the "mister" business and just call me Tucson.

Why not? All the rest of the gals do.

Hell, I'm sure glad you boys changed your mind about staying here.

No, we didn't exactly figure on staying,

after all, we can't leave Stony in the lurch.

- Speak of the devil! - Relief, my friend, you're just in time for dessert.

- Allez hop! - Thanks, pal.

Hello, boss.

- What's up? - I got more than I bargained for.

Those investigators the Governor sent down here's The Three Mesquiteers.

- They are dynamite. - Yeah, I heard about them.

- What're you gonna do about it? - That's your job.

They're staying over at the Mason place,

send over a couple of boys and take care of them right away.

- What about the Jones job? - We're getting on ahead with it.

Well, that sure is nice.

Just one big happy family.

You take care of Jane.

- Are you hurt bad, Tex? - No, I'm all right.

- Where'd they get you? - Why don't you go-

I'm gettin' outa' here right now.

You're gonna obbey the doctor's orders and stay where you are.

But, Tucson, we can't.

With us around, Jane, Pop and the kid'll be in danger all the time.

Now look, nothing's gonna happen tonight.

You just take it easy, and we'll figure something out.

- Boy, swell eat! - Yes, but not for you.

Looks like they shot the wrong fella.

- Where are the rest of the boys? - Steve got shot.

Slim's looking after him.

- Did you take care of the Mesquiteers? - Got one of 'em!

One of 'em?!

That's great!

You realize, with another two running around, we're in a swell spot?

- That's a mighty good-looking herd. - Yeah, I wonder who they belong to.

I don't know, but whoever he is,

he's kinda careless leaving them unguarded.

Yeah.

They won't have any trouble getting top prices for that beef.

But they ain't gonna get it!

Reach for the sky!

Now get going you, rustlers!

Say, you ain't rustlers after all!

You are The Mesquiteers, aren't you?

Saw you in town this morning.

Say, where is your partner?

He got hurt.