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Lone Ranger 38-02-21 0791 Jim Flood's Mine
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Lone Ranger 38-02-21 0791 Jim Flood's Mine
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- [00:19]
A
A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high. O Silver. The Lone Ranger. It's. It's. All of the glamour of the Old west is brought back to us today as the famous Lone Ranger, mystery rider of the plains urges a great horse, Silver, down the danger trails of long ago. Listen to the tattoo of those silver shot hoops. The Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver. Oh, boy. Now, Shadow fellow, run as you've never run before. We'll meet it on the trail ahead. That thunder of cannons was the signal for the start of the first thrilling ride of the Pony Express. In the year 1860, the route extended from Missouri to California. For two years, the most highly skilled young horsemen and the fastest mounts carried the mail across the country in record time, 24 hours a day. The pony riders urged their fleet little horses along the trail at top speed. Stations were established every few miles to furnish fresh horses for the racing riders. Our story begins as we see a foam flecked horse pull to a stop at the end of his run. There he is, Joe. Down time. Slap that saddle on a and let me be on my way. I'm out to make a record. Ill Cody just passed here in the eastbound run. Speed is time if I have to break my next climb. Want some hot coffee? Line up this time. Hurry up with that saddle. Cinch it up tight. I got some important papers this trip. Yeah? What are they? I don't know. Something for Silver Gulch. This particular load's just got to get through fast. Sam takes the mail from you at the next station, don't he? Yeah. What's taking you so long about that horse? Hurry up there. Watch out for engines ahead. I'm watching all the time. Your horse is ready. That's the ticket, Ear. I'm on my way. Get him out of there, Bo. The Pony Express rider was on his way again with important papers to be delivered to Silver Gulch. He gave his mom his head and urged him along at his greatest speed in an effort to break the record of another express rider, Bill Cody, later to be known as Buffalo Bill. Then, from ambush, a shot rang across the plain. The Pony Express rider fell headlong from his horse while the animal continued down the trail alone. In the meantime, the Lone Ranger and his faithful Indian companion Tonto had made their camp along the route at a point several miles beyond the spot where the Express rider had been ambushed. As the riderless horse flashed past them, they ran out on the trail looking for some explanation. That pony rider horse. But where's the rider? Me not know. Maybe him. Polo. The pony riders don't fall off their horse's tunnel, isn't that right? And that horse isn't running away. It's galloping right along the regular trail. Something's happened. Maybe not right here. Silver. What you do? Huh? It's about eight miles to the station where the horses are changed. We're going back to town and see what's happened to the pony rider. Map. Good. When anyone interferes with the mail, it's something serious. You think someone do something. The only way to get a pony rider from his horse is to shoot him off. Come with me, Tottle, Tonto. Ready? Come on, Silver. While the Lone Ranger and Tonto rode back to the spot where the express rider had been shot, our scene changes to the town of Silver Gulch. Like so many other towns of the surrounding country, Silver Gulch was situated at the bottom of a steep hill. On the hill itself were two homes crudely built of logs. In one of the places lived Jim Flood and his wife. Our story continues as Jim says. I can't tell what to do, Ruth. It's the darnest thing I ever seen. Here I am with a fortune in gold right outside a house and I can't get it.
- [05:23]
B
Then we waited long enough for that eastern company to buy out your claim. I don't reckon they ever aims to buy it.
- [05:28]
A
I sort of figured from what the examiners said that it wouldn't be no question but what they'd buy us out. Same as they've done with all the other good claims.
- [05:34]
B
I'd say we'd better sell your land to Harb Riggs and get what we can out in it.
- [05:38]
A
Come out back and take a look at the claim, Ruth.
- [05:40]
B
I've seen it a hundred times.
- [05:41]
A
But maybe we can figure out some way to get the ore out. Come on.
- [05:47]
B
I guess a tired climbing this hill. I don't know whatever possessed us to build our house here.
- [05:53]
A
Good timber, a swift stream and being near my claim. That's what it was. Here, let me help you, Ruth. You'd like to turn your ankle on this loose rock.
- [06:01]
B
I get along better alone. What's Harv Riggs last offer?
- [06:04]
A
Just $150.
- [06:06]
B
Including the house?
- [06:07]
A
The whole works. House, land and gold claim. Ain't much, Ain't nothing at all to what the claim is worth. The worst of it is these rocks are so doggone loose I send them sliding down on Riggs place every time I stick a spade into the ground.
- [06:19]
B
You can't get the pay dirt without spading.
- [06:22]
A
No. What's that?
- [06:23]
B
Paper Riggs has got from the law.
- [06:25]
A
Something called an injunction.
- [06:26]
B
What's it do?
- [06:27]
A
Just about ruins me, that's what. It keeps me from doing any digging here. Every time I dig, I send the shale down on Riggs property. So he got this paper. Next time I dig, I go to jail.
- [06:37]
B
There's Riggs coming up the hill now.
- [06:39]
A
Ornery rat. Hey, Blood. Hello, Riggs. By the rocks. Asleep. Past my place? Yeah, it's all over. My proposition to buy your place. Buy mine or sell me yours. Tain't no ways an even proposition. You offer 150 for mine and ask 1,000 for yours. That's the deal. And mine has gold on it. Can't get it that gold, though, can you? Thanks to you and your dog. On legal papers, I can't.
- [07:01]
B
Jim, why can't you build a fence and keep the rock from sliding down?
- [07:04]
A
Sorry, ma', am, that won't do. You could build a dozen fences and it wouldn't do.
- [07:08]
B
It'd stop the sliding rock.
- [07:09]
A
Yep, only that paper don't make no mention of fences. The just is that you can't dig. And it's all there is to it. Why, you ornery polecato. You're just trying to force me to accept your proposition. That's right. But look here, Riggs. $1.50 for my land's nothing at all. Why, them Eastern mining men said it was worth at least $20,000. They ain't offered you that much, have they? Well, no, but they might.
- [07:29]
B
It takes time for the mails to get here.
- [07:31]
A
You won't get no such offer like as not. That's fool's gold, anyhow. Ain't neither. Well, buy me out for a thousand. That's a good bargain if your place is worth 20,000. All right, I will. Thousand dollars Cash money. But now, wait, Riggs. You know blame well, I ain't no cash. Cash is what I'm after. I'd have it blamed soon if I could dig that land. The paper says you go to jail as soon as you start digging. Look here, Riggs. I'll make a deal with you. I'm listening. I'll pay $2,000. That sounds good, but not cash money. I'll give you 2000 if you let me dig my land to get it. That ain't no deal. The law says you can't dig. But I could if you was to let me. I'll sign a paper pledging $2,000 to you. And you have the judge take the paper back. Call that injunction. Paper? No. Your place ain't worth 500. What more do you want? I know a good thing when I see you, Jim. Reckon I'd be a blame fool to let this chance go by. Sooner or later you'll have to sell your land, won't you? Why sell it or starve. And I don't reckon anyone would buy it with me holding this injunction. You better sell to me while you got the chance. Cause maybe when you want to sell, I won't be willing to go as high as a hundred and a half. Cousin Polecat, that's what you are. You know just enough about the law to use it to your selfish ends. You're misjudging me, Jim. You're the one that's being selfish. You're like the dog in the manger. You can't use the land yourself and you won't let no one else use it. Well, I can wait. I reckon you'll sell when you begin to get good and hungry. Several days went by. Jim Flood, unable to sell to the Eastern syndicate and unwilling to sell to Riggs, began to feel the pinch of poverty. As our next scene opens, we see him in the Silver Glove Cafe and watch him as he approaches the bartender. If you'd just let me have a little more credit, Steve. I'd like you, Jim. But you already owe a sizable amount here. But it's grub I want. Vittles. Taint liquor. Don't you see that food costs money? Jim, I'm afeard your credit here has come wore out. You won't give me none, Steve. I reckon not. You ain't heard from that Eastern company, have you? No, not yet. Well, I didn't figure you would. Riggs was talking about the fool's gold you thought was genuine. Riggs, that orange says that you never hear from that company. Says we'd be foolish that you have more credit. We never get our money. Riggs is trying to make me sell out to him. That's why I say in them things. Well, maybe you better had. Sellout. Well, $150. Oh, Steve, you know what my place is worth? Well, it ain't worth much if it's got fool's gold on it. Let me tell you something, Jim Flood. Yeah? If you don't sell out pretty quick, me and Sam open the general store is going to have to go to law. I suppose that's Riggs suggestion, too. Well, it's a good one. You owe us both considerable money. It's up to us to get it. We can force you to sell out if we have to. Pardon me. Oh, yeah. What'll it be, stranger? I happen to overhear you two talking. I reckon we was talking a little too loud. Who is this man Riggs? What do you want? No fer. Who is he? He lives up on the hillaways just below my house. I've heard something about the situation on that hill. Your name is Flood, isn't it? That's right. What's your handle, stranger? Suppose you call me friend. Friend. Reckon that's one thing I ain't got right now. Flood, you'll sit over here at the corner table with me. I'll stake you to a meal. Thanks, stranger. It ain't so much that I'm hungry. It's the missus. My wife. She's home. When you go home, you'll take food to her. Flood, I ain't taking charity from no stranger. You're looking for word from the east, aren't you? Yeah. Hey, stranger, you sort of talk like an Easterner. Is that where you're from? Mix up some food for Flood to take home when he goes. You'll be paid for it. Are you from the Eastern miners in the Kate? Suppose we sit over here at this corner table and talk. I don't know when food ever tasted better. Stranger, tell me more about this life you've been looking for. Seeing as you ain't from the mining company, I reckon I ain't looking for no letter. Just what was it to be? Well, I reckon there ain't no use talking about it now. I sort of hoped I might get an offer for my land. I can't work it on account of its being on the hill and the stone falls down on Riggs land. I heard about that. He has an injunction that prevents you from working your land. Yeah, that's right. He wants to buy your place from you for $150. That ain't very much, but I expect I'll soon have to sell to him. Suppose the Eastern company did buy the land? Shucks, they'd be able to rake up the cash and pay Riggs what he wants for his place and work the claim. But you can't pay the cash, huh? Gosh, no. I can't even raise the price of a square meal no more. How to ever get $1,000? I'd like to see Harv Riggs. Oh, he'll be coming in here real soon, blowing off his mouth and bragging how he put a slick deal over on me. You just Stick around, stranger, and you'll see. The Lone Ranger gave food to Jim Flood and loaned him money. Then covering his disguised face with his mask, he left town and rode to the small, well concealed camp where Tanto waited for him. Oh boy. Over there, fella. You find feller? Yes, Tada. I found Jim Flood in the cafe. What him like? He's all right, Tada. And he's up against hard luck. Mighty hard. I also saw Harv Riggs. Isn't that good? He came in before I left. Impeller. You want asked Tuttle Leaves. The fellow the pony rider described to us. Impeller who shoot pony rider? Tutta. Harv Riggs is our man. How you prove that? With the pony rider dead, I don't see how we can prove that Harv Riggs is the one who stole the mail. Unless we succeed in the plan. I haven't mind what that the pony rider told us. Riggs stole one letter from the mailbag. Then him leave pony rider. He left the rest of the mail as it was strapped to the back of the rider. They look like Indians had done the killing. I think the paper Riggs stole was an offer from the east to buy Jim Flood's claim. What we do? Unless Flood has that paper, he'll sell out for practically nothing. And Riggs will sell to the Eastern Corporation. I want to find that paper, Tonto. Must be someplace in Harv Riggs house. You'll have to go there tonight and search the place. Me do? We'll watch you go in when Riggs leaves. And when we've got the paper, Tonto, we're going to stake a claim of our own. We'll stake it on that same hill higher up in Jigging Flood's place. The curtain falls on the first act of tonight's Lone Ranger drama. Before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue our story. You will recall that in the first act of our Lone Ranger drama, Jim Flood found himself unable to work his mind or sell it because of the opposition of his neighbor. A letter to Flood from the Eastern Syndicate was stolen by Riggs before it reached its true destination. Riggs had also won an injunction prohibiting Flood working the claim on the grounds that loose rock endangered his property. At this point, the Lone Ranger took a hand in the affair by giving financial help to Jim Flood, the famous masked rider determined to bring Riggs to justice. That night, Tonto entered Riggs home in search of the missing letter. In the meantime, Riggs had gone to call On Jim Flood. We hear him as he raps on the door of Jim's home. Evening, Jim. I figured you might want to talk to me tonight. Oh, you. Well, come in, Riggs. Come in. Heard you was having a hard look in town today. You knew I was going to have hard luck before I went there, Riggs. It's your talk that's had them shut off. All my credit everywhere. Well, you can't blame a man for being a shrewd business dealer, can you, Flood? I'd almost sooner starve than sell out at your price.
- [15:24]
B
And so would I. Jim. Tell Riggs we ain't going to sell.
- [15:27]
A
I. No, No, I can't do it, Ruthie. I reckon we ain't no choice but to sell out to this pole cat and try and find new digging somewhere. When them vittles that man from the east brought us, it's gone. There won't be no more. No money to buy none with and no credit. $150 is a lot of cash, Jim.
- [15:45]
B
Don't you take it, Jim, What'll we do when the 150's gone? We won't have nothing then, not even this house. McLean.
- [15:51]
A
I reckon we can find something to do. We'll settle down in the Valley. You won't need to worry, Jim. I'll give you a job working for me. I'll make that part of the deal. I'll pay you 150 cash and give you a job. That's fair enough, ain't it? I reckon so.
- [16:05]
B
I guess our dreams of being wealthy won't never be more than dreams, Jim. Some people just ain't cut out so.
- [16:11]
A
Well, that's the way to look at it, Mrs. Flood. Now, here I got a paper all made out. Bill of sale, it's called. Let me see it. All I gotta do is fill in the date, I'll date it for tomorrow and you just sign it and I'll hand over the money to you. I sure hate to do this after.
- [16:27]
B
All your hard years of prospectin, Jim. To finally strike this ball clean and then have to sell out for $150.
- [16:34]
A
Never mind, Ruth. We never had the gold, so we won't miss it. What about that job, Riggs? I'll write it right here in this paper for you. I'll even specify just how much I'm to pay you. Don't be much. I'll vouch for that. It'll be a living wage. You needn't worry. Jim, look. What? Take it easy.
- [16:51]
B
It's an outdoor I'M ass man.
- [16:52]
A
Put down them guns, mister. I want you to come with me.
- [16:54]
B
What are you coming here for? What do you want?
- [16:56]
A
Who are you? You stay back, Riggs. It's Jim Flood I want. You can't do this. You can't take me. I ain't got nothing to say. Hurry, Flood. I'm waiting. Don't try to draw that gun. All right, mister. Showing good sense, Jim, and coming without a struggle. Ay. Struggling now. Riggs. Riggs.
- [17:08]
B
Don't let him take Jim. Stop him somehow.
- [17:10]
A
Stop him. I don't know anything I could have done.
- [17:12]
B
He's captured Jim. He's on. Off with him. Is this more of your own risk? He.
- [17:20]
A
There they go, miss.
- [17:21]
B
The outlaw carrying Jim on that white house.
- [17:23]
A
Land sakes.
- [17:24]
B
They'll break their necks riding down the hill at that speed.
- [17:26]
A
Ain't no use me going after him.
- [17:28]
B
But you can get the town, can't you? Hurry up and get the sheriff. There ain't no telling what'll happen to Jim.
- [17:42]
A
The Lone Ranger made Jim a captive. And he took him only far enough from his home to explain a daring plan to the miner. He gave Flood careful instructions before releasing him. Then rejoin Tonto. Santo, did you find the letter Harbriggs stole? Tonto look in house. Not fine letter. He wouldn't destroy the letter Kimasabe because he'd want to sell the mind of the company when he gets it from Jim. Must be hidden somewhere in his house. Santo not fine. You search the house. May not have much time. Search only part of house. He may have the letter in his pocket. We'll go ahead with our plans anyway. I think he'll produce the letter when the time comes. Isn't that good? I told Jim Flood just what he's to do and he's agreed to do it. He's on his way to talk to his wife right now. And in a few minutes I think we'll see them leaving the house. Come on, Ruth, we gotta get some guy.
- [18:31]
B
Where you been? Oh, I was that much a fid. What did that mask man want?
- [18:34]
A
The rig's gone.
- [18:35]
B
Yeah, a long time ago. But you with it.
- [18:36]
A
Ain't no time for talking. I can't explain things now. We gotta travel downhill fast. Don't ask no questions. Just take things to wear and come on. Landslide. That's why I've been hearing rumblings on the hill.
- [18:45]
B
I ain't heard nothing.
- [18:46]
A
Your ears ain't sharp enough then. Now come on, Ruth, and get some things together. It's too risky to stay here tonight.
- [18:51]
B
Have you took leave of your senses?
- [18:52]
A
Nope. Here. Here, take these things.
- [18:54]
B
Where are we going?
- [18:54]
A
We're going to put up for the night at the hotel in town.
- [18:56]
B
You have gone loco. First that mask man runs off with you, then you come back shouting things about a landslide coming off tonight. And now without a cent of cash money and no credit, you talk of going to the hotel.
- [19:07]
A
We got some money.
- [19:07]
B
Where did it come from?
- [19:08]
A
It was lonely. Come on now, let's get going. The sooner we get to town, the better. The Lone Ranger and Tonto were outside Jim's home waiting in the darkness until the sound of falling stones told them of the departure of Flood and his wife. Then the masked man spoke. They're on their way downhill now, Tata. I was afraid Jim wouldn't carry out his part of the plans. Him do it. All right. Yes. Here they come. Get back to the side of the trail. We don't want Mrs. Flood to see us and ask a lot of questions. Maybe now I'm going to start uphill, huh? No, not just yet. Wait until they pass by.
- [19:50]
B
I still can't see what possesses you to leave the house tonight, Jim Flood.
- [19:54]
A
Ruth, some men can tell by feeling inside them when it's going to rain. Come to tell other things. But me, I can tell it's the last ride due before morning and I'm going to stay on this hill and get catched in it.
- [20:03]
B
Well, you can telegraph more than I can. That's all I got do to no tottle.
- [20:07]
A
He's down up the hill. Get everything ready now. Wait till Jim Flood gets to town before I ride in with the exciting news. Everyone will laugh at Flood when he tells them there's a landslide due. Maybe them laugh too soon. Yes, they'll be sorry that they laughed. Where do you feel the landslide? In your bones, Jim. All right, dad. Not a lot of you. Go on a laugh, boys. He invites us to laugh. Bring a charm and half his rheumatics ache. What rainers do. He gets a feeling when there'll be a landslide coming over. What did I tell you? What sort of trick is this? Come outside. See for yourself. He's me. What's the matter? Who is he holding? Rigs will be trapped. Come on. Here. For Lucinio. Right. It's bad. It might wreck the town. I'll tell you, boys, it'll ruin the town of a Caddwin. There's no trouble with having a town.
- [20:59]
B
Where this one is.
- [21:00]
A
Wonder why Riggs don't know about it. He didn't have a feeling of it like I did. You might have warned him. He laughed like the same argument did. Miss Me was right. Why'd he go, boys? We got to rescue High Rigs. We got to get to him somehow. Get your horses. And then the silver goats learned to their alarm that a landsite had actually started. Jim Card and his wife were safe, but it was feared that Riggs would be destroyed in his cabin. And so while rocks and shale thundered into the valley, men fought their way upward to rescue him. His door place is the top of the hill, boys. Likely been jabbed with rocks, so you can't get out. Come on, boys. Keep your foot. Riggs is in his house. Come on. Help me. There's a lift. There he is. We're coming, stranger. We're coming. Is Riggs in there? He chased it out. Toss them rocks aside, boys. We'll get you out. Enough now. You're going to be all right, Rick. Keep them rocks aside. It won't be long now. I guess the worst of the slide's done with. Sounded to me like a blast. Hurry with us, rocks. Hear me out, boys. In the name of goodness, get me out of here. This is John Rykaria. These rocks don't look like shale that have been broken off. They look like they've been piled here by someone. Never mind thinking too much. Get him to the side.
- [22:36]
B
Now he can get out.
- [22:39]
A
Thank goodness you come, boys. Couldn't get through the windows, eh? No. I guess the flight is over now, anyhow. But your workmen has just begun. Who are you, anyhow, sir? You stand right where you are. I imagine when you thought you'd lose your house with a slide, you hid the most valuable of your possessions on your person. I hope so. Don't make a move. Hey, the stranger's holding the gun on Rigs. What's the big idea, stranger? Listen to me, men. Someone killed the pony rider and stole a certain letter from him. The rider lived just long enough to describe the killer. He knew the letter was addressed to Jim Flood. And the killer he described was Harv Riggs. He lied. He ain't got no proof. The description of the murderer fits you, Riggs. Since I came here, I found out that you'd have reason to want that letter. I wouldn't. That ain't true. Keep your hands where they are. See here, stranger, you can't talk. Listen to me till I finish. The letter to Jim Flood was one he was expecting from an eastern mining syndicate. I thought I'd get an offer to buy my place. You see Gents. Well, Riggs knowed that. He didn't want me to get that offer. He figured to force me to sell out to him. And then he'd sell to the Eastern people. There's nothing but a pack of lies. It ain't true. It can easily be proved, Riggs. If you didn't steal that letter, you wouldn't have it now, Riggs, you're going to be searched. Well, I won't submit to this. It's an insult. Take you to court. We'll hold court right here. That whole landslide was staged for your benefit. Rocks were piled against your house so you couldn't get out. Take your hand off me. You'll let me see about that letter. Here's something. Hold the lantern close. I don't know nothing about that. I didn't put it there. I don't know how it got in my pocket. Here, Tim, this is yours. My letter takes a life. How'd you get it, Riggs, if you didn't do what the nice man said? Jim Blood must have stuck it in my pocket. Boy. This offers me 5,000 cash and half interest in the mind for my claim. I'm gonna be rich. You frame me. Why should Jim Flood try to frame you by putting that letter in your clothes? That letter makes him a rich man. Stranger, we sure want to thank you. Get that man, Smith. How do you know he ain't the killer? Maybe he's just trying to frame me for what he done. We don't want him, Riggs. We got you. The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.