
The Lone Indian 37xxxx 008 (Audition Disc)
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Robert E. Callahan
For the next 15 minutes, we present episode eight in the Life story and thrilling adventures of the Lone Indian, the original all Indian program of the air, written and directed by Robert E. Callahan, national authority on the first Americans. Another story of travel and adventure in the dramatic days of the Old West. In our last episode, you were told of the Lone Indian's narrow escape. I how he trapped four outlaws, was paid $3,000 cash, how Sheriff McFadden warned George Poole a band of Pawnee and mute Indians were at war near the trail and that any attempt to take the bag of gold through such a country was foolhardy and dangerous. Despite this warning, we find the pool caravan resuming its long, weary journey.
Uncle Edric
My friends, for three days the caravan had been winding through canyons and gorges, overhung with colorful crags and boulders, hemmed in by snow crowned peaks the whole year round. A scenic land unlike any other on the American continent. The Rocky Mountains of Colorado. No trouble had come to our caravan during the past few days, but they were now approaching Hell's Canyon, known as the toughest hole between Kansas and California. It was a narrow road made by trappers and traders, winding between fantastic ledges and rock formations resembling strange, weird, ghostly places of mystery. A rendezvous for the outlaws of that time. Many pioneers had been lost in this part of the wilderness. Halfway through the canyon, the Lone Indian came to a sudden halt, his eagle eyes on the antics of smoke curling above the distant forest. One puff, another, then a third. A pause, two puffs, another, then white whirling smoke shot up. Ah, they were signal fires. Poole did not know what they meant, and there was tense apprehension among our friends. But the Indian gave a deep grunt, shook his head, and the caravan moved on. Sunset found our friends encamped among the pines, where they spent a night of peace and rest, breaking camp at dawn, moving on soon to enter a country of scrubby pines, cedars and underbrush. By mid afternoon they had reached a stream over which some prospector had made a crude log bridge. Beyond the bridge lay a pine and cedar forest, the floor of which was a mass of underbrush, dry as desert dust. And beyond the forest, the road led out over rising ground into the Utah desert. It was near this bridge, a few yards from the roadside, that Poole encamped to water and rest his team. The sky was clear, the air soft and sweet with the perfume of cedar and pine. And as the twilight shadows fell, a golden moon rose above the cedar brakes. Our friends were enjoying a peaceful meal, and Buck and his banjo were in tune with Uncle Ezra's old fiddle, which he had brought all the way from Missouri. Little thinking of the impending situation.
Buck
Well, Buck, what do you say, huh?
Robert E. Callahan
All right, Uncle Edric.
Uncle Edric
What do you want to play, huh?
Buck
Play?
Robert E. Callahan
That old kick is real before your doggone goodness, Piper. Pappy taught me that when he did.
Buck
Hoist and go. Let's go now. Let's have something like Dixie. Why not play Carry Me Back to Old Virginia?
Sheriff McFadden
Sure. Children, let her go back.
Buck
What's that?
Uncle Edric
Get the children in the wagon.
Robert E. Callahan
Mama.
Buck
Johnny. Johnny. Jane, climb in the wagon. Where's your gun, folks? Oh, I hope it's not hindered.
Uncle Edric
What's the matter, Mama?
Buck
No time to ask questions, darling. Climb in the wagon. It's in the house.
Uncle Edric
Well, it looked bad, but the Pawnees dashed by. The caravan raced over the bridge and disappeared in the forest. But as they got undercover on the peak of a barren ridge, ahead came 200 youth, some mounted, some afoot, all armed and moving down the hill like a swarm of bees. The lone Indian knew he could escape by leaping into the forest. Ah, but he was thinking of his friends. His first thought was to burn the bridge so the youths could not pass. But knowing they were daring horsemen and after the impending battle, might wipe out the caravan, he knew his only chance of saving his friends was to ignite the forest beyond the bridge. With the forest afire, the Pawnees must come from COVID meet the Utes and the battling Utes would win the fight and return to their village. Of this he was sure. So from his buckskin pouch, he took pitch and smeared it on several arrow blitz, then sent a blazing shaft into the brush beyond the bridge, and the spot caught fire. A second arrow to the right of the bridge ignited another place, a third and fourth lower down. A fifth went whizzing further away, and the mighty porus became a roaring furnace. Massive rolling smoke and belching red flames swept through the toppling trees like great clouds filled with fire, lunging, plunging, climbing higher until the boiling black smoke, sheets of flame and terrific heat drove the Pawnees into open, and our friends stood frozen to the ground as they eyed the whirling, twisting, roaring fire eating its way through the beautiful forest. In 20 minutes, the dry cedar breaks and evergreen trees became a bed of ashes and burning ambers, a scene of death and desolation. The Utes had gone back, and the mighty flames were still roaring in the distant hill. About midnight, however, a breeze moved over the barren landscape. The night wore on in solitude and sadness, and when morning broke, the Pawnees were in the ashes of fate, the mighty forest only a memory. Clouds were gathering above the dull, gray, barren landscape. And in order the road might be free of hot cedar beds. The lone Indian, like a statue, his arms upstretched, his eyes facing the east, made a plea to the thunder God that rain might come to clear the way so they could resume their long and weary journey.
Robert E. Callahan
May we remind you on each disc space has been left for your opening and closing commercial announcements. Each program is new, distinctive and so arranged that you may broadcast daily three to six times each week over a period, as long as you desire. The Lone Indian Program has had a three year continuous run in Los Angeles four to five times each week with a special entrancing Spanish episode on Sunday nights. Each sponsor has exclusive rights to this broadcast in his community and is fully protected in his buying territory. We recommend using our merchandising plan by giving lucky wampum in exchange for sale slips issued by the sponsor. Any sponsor, however, may use the program with or without any premium features copy for commercial announcements. Sketches of Indian chiefs and historical events for your local paper are a part of the free service we give each sponsor. You may run this program to suit your time, stock and trade. It will become a byword to thousands of shoppers in your community. The Lone Indian Broadcast is a builder of new business confidence and goodwill. Now we hear Mr. Callahan giving the Lone Indian's prayer.
Sheriff McFadden
Well, my friends, our campsite is growing dim. It is time for solitude and sleep. So out here beneath the beautiful friendless stars and upon the sacred shield of life, we place an eagle feather. It is symbolic of good thought, praise and honor by which we make our pledge. For tomorrow we will arise each day smiling, cheerful, friendly and courteous to everyone. We will be kind to Mother, good to Father, loyal to friends, keep our promises and never criticize anyone. We will think before we see, hold our temper when things go wrong. And every day, in some unselfish way, we will try to make others happy. And now we extend to you our pipe of peace, the sacred pipe of friendship and hope. As the curling smoke wins its way to the happy hunting ground, we ask the Great Spirit to give you health, strength, sunshine and to entwine your heart with the golden band of peace, of love and eternal happiness. Yoho means farewell. Akola means friend and notavar means love. So as the Indian said, in signs we say, yo ho haukola no teba. To you.
Buck
It'S remember.
Robert E. Callahan
The Lone Indian Broadcast teaches lessons in kindness, courage, friendship and will leave many good thoughts in your home. This disc is for sample purposes only. Is copyrighted in every detail by Robert E. Callahan and the Olson Sound Studios of Hollywood, California, who can release to you the exclusive rights of this broadcast in your community.
Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "The Lone Indian 37xxxx 008 (Audition Disc)"
Title: The Lone Indian 37xxxx 008 (Audition Disc)
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: February 14, 2025
Overview
In this captivating episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "The Lone Indian 37xxxx 008 (Audition Disc)," host Harold transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio with a thrilling adventure set in the dramatic days of the Old West. Written and directed by Robert E. Callahan, a national authority on the first Americans, the episode continues the riveting saga of the Lone Indian and his caravan's perilous journey through treacherous terrains teeming with danger and intrigue.
1. Introduction to the Lone Indian's Quest
The episode opens with Robert E. Callahan setting the stage for the continuation of the Lone Indian's adventures. He recalls the previous episode, where the Lone Indian narrowly escaped danger, trapped four outlaws, and secured a $3,000 reward. Despite warnings from Sheriff McFadden about impending threats from a band of Pawnee and mute Indians near the trail, the caravan, led by George Poole, persists in their arduous journey.
Robert E. Callahan [00:22]: "For the next 15 minutes, we present episode eight in the life story and thrilling adventures of the Lone Indian..."
2. Navigating the Rocky Mountains
Uncle Edric narrates the caravan's three-day trek through the majestic Rocky Mountains of Colorado. He paints a vivid picture of the scenic yet formidable landscape, describing canyons, gorges, colorful crags, and snow-crowned peaks that overshadow the path. The caravan approaches Hell's Canyon, notoriously known as the most challenging route between Kansas and California, historically fraught with dangers posed by outlaws and natural obstacles.
Uncle Edric [01:24]: "A scenic land unlike any other on the American continent. The Rocky Mountains of Colorado..."
3. The Perilous Approach to Hell's Canyon
As the caravan edges closer to Hell's Canyon, Uncle Edric highlights the area's treacherous reputation. Hell's Canyon is depicted as a narrow, winding road carved by trappers and traders, flanked by bizarre rock formations that lend an eerie, mysterious atmosphere. This region has been a notorious haven for outlaws, with many pioneers having lost their lives navigating its wilderness.
Uncle Edric [01:24]: "...a rendezvous for the outlaws of that time. Many pioneers had been lost in this part of the wilderness."
4. Detecting the Signal Fires
Midway through the canyon, the Lone Indian senses impending danger as smoke signals—signifying a possible attack—are observed. The caravan faces a moment of tense apprehension as they interpret the smoke puffs rising from the distant forest. Despite the ominous signs, the Lone Indian decides to proceed cautiously.
Uncle Edric [01:24]: "One puff, another, then a third. A pause, two puffs, another, then white whirling smoke shot up."
Uncle Edric [01:24]: "Ah, they were signal fires... the caravan moved on."
5. The Attack and the Lone Indian's Strategy
As dusk descends, the caravan camps near a stream where George Poole rests his team. The peaceful evening is abruptly threatened when a group of approximately 200 Pawnee youths, both mounted and on foot, ambushes the caravan. In the ensuing chaos, Buck and the caravan members scramble to secure their families and possessions.
In a display of strategic brilliance and courage, the Lone Indian devises a plan to thwart the attackers. Understanding that direct confrontation could lead to the caravan's annihilation, he opts to create a diversion by igniting the surrounding forest. Utilizing pitch and arrows, he sets multiple fires, transforming the serene landscape into a fiery inferno. This tactic not only confuses the Pawnee attackers but also prompts the Utes to intervene, resulting in a fierce battle that forces the Pawnees to retreat.
Uncle Edric [06:25]: "The Lone Indian knew he could escape by leaping into the forest... his only chance of saving his friends was to ignite the forest beyond the bridge."
Uncle Edric [06:25]: "With the forest afire, the Pawnees must come from the forest to meet the Utes and the battling Utes would win the fight and return to their village."
6. Aftermath of the Battle
The raging fires rapidly consume the dense cedar and evergreen trees, leaving behind a desolate landscape. By morning, the once vibrant forest lies in ashes, and the Pawnee threat has been neutralized. The Lone Indian's swift and decisive actions have ensured the caravan's survival, albeit at the cost of the surrounding environment. As clouds gather ominously, signaling the urgency to continue their journey, the Lone Indian makes a heartfelt plea to the thunder God for rain to clear their path.
Uncle Edric [06:25]: "In 20 minutes, the dry cedar breaks and evergreen trees became a bed of ashes and burning embers, a scene of death and desolation."
Uncle Edric [06:25]: "The lone Indian, like a statue, his arms upstretched, his eyes facing the east, made a plea to the thunder God that rain might come to clear the way..."
7. Sheriff McFadden’s Prayer and Moral Lessons
As night falls, Sheriff McFadden leads the caravan in a solemn prayer beneath the stars. He emphasizes the values of kindness, courage, friendship, and unwavering moral integrity. The prayer serves as a spiritual anchor for the caravan members, reinforcing their commitment to goodness and mutual support as they continue their journey.
Sheriff McFadden [11:19]: "For tomorrow we will arise each day smiling, cheerful, friendly and courteous to everyone. We will be kind to Mother, good to Father, loyal to friends..."
Sheriff McFadden [11:19]: "We ask the Great Spirit to give you health, strength, sunshine and to entwine your heart with the golden band of peace, of love and eternal happiness."
8. Concluding Reflections
The episode concludes with a reflection on the lessons imparted through the Lone Indian's experiences. Emphasizing themes of resilience, strategic thinking, and ethical conduct, the narrative leaves listeners with enduring messages of peace and cooperation.
Buck [13:24]: "It's remember."
Robert E. Callahan [13:57]: "The Lone Indian Broadcast teaches lessons in kindness, courage, friendship and will leave many good thoughts in your home."
Key Takeaways
Strategic Leadership: The Lone Indian exemplifies leadership by prioritizing the safety of his friends over his own, employing innovative tactics to overcome overwhelming odds.
Moral Integrity: Sheriff McFadden's prayer underscores the importance of maintaining ethical values and kindness even in the face of adversity.
Cultural Representation: The episode authentically portrays Native American culture and beliefs, particularly through the Lone Indian's actions and the ceremonial aspects led by Sheriff McFadden.
Survival and Resilience: The caravan's journey through Hell's Canyon highlights human resilience and the ability to navigate and survive in harsh, unforgiving environments.
Notable Quotes
Robert E. Callahan [00:22]: "Another story of travel and adventure in the dramatic days of the Old West."
Uncle Edric [01:24]: "A scenic land unlike any other on the American continent."
Uncle Edric [06:25]: "With the forest afire, the Pawnees must come from the forest to meet the Utes and the battling Utes would win the fight and return to their village."
Sheriff McFadden [11:19]: "We will think before we see, hold our temper when things go wrong. And every day, in some unselfish way, we will try to make others happy."
Buck [13:24]: "It's remember."
Conclusion
"The Lone Indian 37xxxx 008 (Audition Disc)" masterfully weaves a tale of adventure, strategy, and moral fortitude against the backdrop of the Old West's untamed wilderness. Through vivid storytelling and authentic character portrayals, the episode not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons on leadership, resilience, and ethical conduct. Harold's Old Time Radio continues to honor the legacy of the Golden Age of Radio by bringing such timeless narratives to contemporary audiences.