Ep 19. The High-Graders

In the nineteenth episode of Have Gun, Will Travel, titled "The High-Graders," Paladin takes on a case that involves tracking down a group of thieves who've been stealing high-grade ore from several mining companies in the area. The episode opens with one of the mining company owners, a man named Grayson, offering Paladin a job to find the thieves and put an end to their criminal activity.

Paladin sets out to investigate the situation and quickly learns that the High-Graders, as they're called, are a ruthless band of robbers who will stop at nothing to get their hands on the valuable ore. Paladin poses as a prospector and soon finds himself working alongside the High-Graders, trying to gain their trust and gather information about their operation.

As he spends more time with the High-Graders, Paladin starts to see that they're not just a bunch of mindless bandits. They have their own code of honor and are fiercely loyal to each other. He also starts to form a bond with one of the members, a young man named Slim, who is conflicted about his involvement in the thievery.

Meanwhile, Grayson and the other mining company owners grow impatient and demand that Paladin bring the High-Graders to justice. Paladin knows that if he's not careful, things could turn deadly for everyone involved. He devises a plan to trap the High-Graders and convinces Slim to help him execute it.

The plan goes awry, and Paladin finds himself in a dangerous standoff with the High-Graders. In the heat of the moment, Slim makes a decision that changes everything and puts his loyalty to the test. The episode ends with Paladin reflecting on the choices we make and the consequences they have.

Overall, "The High-Graders" is a well-written and suspenseful episode of Have Gun, Will Travel that explores themes of loyalty, honor, and the complexities of human nature. Richard Boone gives a strong performance as Paladin, showcasing his trademark toughness and quick thinking, but also displaying a softer and more contemplative side. The guest cast is also excellent, especially the actors who play the High-Graders, who bring a sense of depth and nuance to their roles. Fans of classic Westerns will definitely enjoy this episode.