Hopalong Cassidy #65

A young man seeking work at Jed Frick’s ranch is quickly suspected of murder when Hopalong Cassidy discovers him near the safe shortly after Frick’s body is found. Though the suspect claims innocence, Hopalong’s sharp eye catches a crucial clue in the form of paint on the killer’s boots—leading him to pursue the real culprit, Pete Gans, who tried to frame the boy.

Hill Billy proudly recounts towing a city man’s broken-down car all the way to Whittle Junction, charging only fifty cents for the seven-hour effort. Hopalong Cassidy is stunned by the low fee, teasing Hill Billy about letting his mule handle the business side of things — a joke that leaves Hill Billy utterly flustered.

Hopalong Cassidy stumbles upon Whitey Whiskers, a self-proclaimed troubadour who believes his terrible singing is a gift, and is soon overwhelmed by the man’s off-key rendition of a Western ballad. As Whitey proudly recounts his bizarre vocal training and disastrous concert, Hopalong tries to escape the torment—only to end up paying him five dollars to stop singing.

In the quiet town of Twin River, Sheriff Hopalong Cassidy investigates a bank robbery where only twenty thousand dollars were stolen—just enough to buy the Walking T Ranch—leaving behind a hat and six-shooter that don’t match the thief’s cunning. When ranch hand Hillery Hodges suddenly inherits the same amount and boasts about his plans, Hopalong begins to suspect a connection, especially after discovering a letter with a Twin River postmark that contradicts Hillery’s claim of receiving it from Chicago. As the sheriff pieces together the clues, he uncovers a web of deception involving a trusted friend and a cleverly staged alibi.

In the dusty town of Arid Valley, a mysterious robbery at Haloway’s General Store leaves the owner baffled—his safe was emptied, yet all doors and windows were locked from the inside. When former employee Felix, who’s been labeled insane, claims he saw a man shot dead, Sheriff Hopalong Cassidy must decide whether to believe a man deemed crazy or uncover the truth behind a crime that defies logic.