Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "The Lone Indian 37xxxx 017 The Spider"

Episode Information

• Title: The Lone Indian 37xxxx 017 The Spider
• Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Release Date: March 26, 2025
• Description: This episode transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, presenting a riveting tale from "The Lone Indian" series. Set in a time before television, families gathered around the radio to immerse themselves in stories of pioneers and Native Americans, chronicling their struggles, adventures, and the intricate dance between lawmen and outlaws.

Introduction

The episode commences with an introduction by Robert E. Callahan, a national authority on the American Indian. He sets the stage for the seventeenth installment of "The Lone Indian," promising a blend of enlightenment and entertainment through gripping stories of war, peace, and the profound connection between the first Americans and the great outdoors.

Robert E. Callahan [00:01]: "A program to enlighten as well as entertain. Embracing as it does gripping stories of war and peace."

Recap of Previous Episode

The narrator, Kola, briefly recaps the previous night's adventure, reminding listeners of the Lone Indian's cunning disguise as a sheep herder and his strategic infiltration of the Spider's gambling saloon. The Indian's primary objective is revealed: to monitor the movements of six outlaws under the notorious Spider's command.

Narrator [00:35]: "The Indian had no desire to gamble, but he was playing merely to keep his eye on the movement of the outlaws."

Main Story: The Confrontation at the Saloon

The Lone Indian's Strategy

The Lone Indian adopts a careful approach, blending into the environment to observe the outlaws without arousing suspicion. His strategic position beneath the stovepipe vent allows him to surveil the saloon's activities silently.

The Arrival of The Spider

The tension escalates as the Spider enters the saloon, vividly described in his menacing attire adorned with spiderweb motifs—a symbol of his nefarious reputation.

Narrator [01:03]: "He was attired in brown buckskin trousers fringed and beaded with spiderwebs along the seams... his revolvers... hung from his beaded belt."

The Showdown

A dramatic confrontation unfolds when a cowhand, portrayed as half-drunken and eccentric, challenges the Spider with a gunshot—only to witness the bullet flatten into the Spider's steel jacket, leaving the crowd in awe and fear.

Narrator [01:45]: "He had his spiderweb painted on each cheek... It struck a steel jacket and flattened out like a wad of gum and the crowd gasped in amazement."

As the situation intensifies, the Spider asserts his dominance, ordering the patrons to surrender their valuables.

Spider [02:32]: "Anybody else here want to smell a little powder, eh?... I want the watches, the pocketbook, jewelry, everything."

Outlaw Demands and Rising Tension

Under the Spider's command, his men enforce compliance, ensuring that all guns and valuables are relinquished. The environment becomes tense as fear grips the gamblers, who retreat to corners, hoping to remain unnoticed amidst the chaos.

Narrator [03:04]: "revolvers, purses, small sacks of gold, currency and silver had been piled high up on the bar room counter."

Skybird's Heroic Intervention

Amidst the Spider's rampage, the Lone Indian's young ally, Skybird, plays a pivotal role. Unknown to the outlaws, Skybird positions himself strategically behind a slot machine, capitalizing on an Apache superstition related to a white cat. This superstition becomes Skybird's tool to cripple the outlaws, disarming them and thwarting their plans.

Narrator [05:00]: "Skybird had crawled out from his concealed position... he pulled his slouch hat down over his eyes... his actions crippled the four outlaws in their right arms, making them helpless."

Despite his efforts, an unknown gunfire causes the Spider to recall a devastating memory tied to an Omaha magic charm, pushing him to flee Mexico in fear of retribution.

Spider [07:10]: "Hasta la vista. Adios."

Aftermath and the Lone Indian's Continued Quest

With the Spider momentarily defeated and his gang disbanded, the Lone Indian and Skybird press onward in their quest for justice and the reclamation of sacred treasures stolen from the Omahas. Their journey embodies a steadfast belief in divine justice and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

Narrator [07:18]: "The lone Indian and Skybird resume their journey afoot... implicit faith in God, in truth, and in justice."

Conclusion and Spiritual Reflection

The episode concludes with a heartfelt springtime prayer by Dick Comsey, a noted Shawnee Chief. This prayer emphasizes the sanctity of a harmonious home and the profound peace found in nature, reinforcing the episode's themes of faith, community, and the enduring spirit of the American Indian.

Prayer of Dick Comsey: "Such a home is found in the great outdoors... in the mighty forest, or in the desert foothills where one may cook their meals over a simple campfire and sleep beneath the friendless stars."

Notable Quotes

• Robert E. Callahan [00:01]:

  "A program to enlighten as well as entertain. Embracing as it does gripping stories of war and peace."

• Narrator [00:35]:

  "The Indian had no desire to gamble, but he was playing merely to keep his eye on the movement of the outlaws."

• Spider [02:32]:

  "Anybody else here want to smell a little powder, eh?... I want the watches, the pocketbook, jewelry, everything."

• Spider [07:10]:

  "Hasta la vista. Adios."

• Prayer of Dick Comsey:

  "Such a home is found in the great outdoors... in the mighty forest, or in the desert foothills where one may cook their meals over a simple campfire and sleep beneath the friendless stars."

Final Thoughts

"The Lone Indian 37xxxx 017 The Spider" delivers a captivating narrative that intertwines action, cultural lore, and moral undertones. Through the Lone Indian's vigilant pursuit of justice and Skybird's brave intervention, listeners are immersed in a tale that underscores the resilience and honor of the American Indian. The episode not only entertains but also offers reflective insights into the values of faith, community, and the unyielding quest for righteousness.

For those unfamiliar with the series, this episode serves as a testament to the rich storytelling of the Golden Age of Radio, where each broadcast was a window into a world of adventure, culture, and timeless lessons.