The Lone Ranger 1950-12-25- The Christmas Tree

Summary

Podcast Summary – Harold’s Old Time Radio: The Lone Ranger – "The Christmas Tree" (December 25, 2025)

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Episode Overview

In this special Christmas episode from the Golden Age of Radio, The Lone Ranger and his companions are drawn into a touching tale of hardship, justice, and redemption. Set in snowy Silverton, the story unfolds as they work to clear the name of an innocent man accused of theft, culminating in a moving Christmas Eve where the true spirit of Christmas is discovered among the humble.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Journey to Silverton & The Case Unfolds (03:41–10:08)

• Setting the Scene: The Lone Ranger, his nephew Dan Reed, and his companion Tonto travel to the snowy town of Silverton for a mysterious late-night visit.

• Introducing the Uptons and Dawsons:

  • Mr. Upton owns the Silverton Mining Company; his son Donald is Dan’s age.
  • Paul Dawson, newly arrived from St. Louis, is the new mine cashier, struggling with an ill wife and young son (Sandy).

• The Payroll Disappearance:

  • Payroll money ($5,500) is prepared and handed to Dawson.
  • When the bag reaches Dawson, $500 is missing; the bag was locked, with only Upton and Dawson possessing keys.
  • Miller, the manager, suspects Dawson, who panics and flees into the hills, leaving his destitute family behind.

2. Hardship at Home: The Dawson Family Struggles (10:08–12:31)

• Mrs. Downs, a kind neighbor, helps Sandy and his mother with food despite having little herself.
• Sandy’s Spirit: Despite poverty and gossip, Sandy remains hopeful about Christmas and the return of his father.

“My mother says that the real Santa Claus is the spirit of the Christ child that makes people want to give gifts because Christmas is His birthday.”
— Sandy Dawson (13:06)

3. Search for Paul Dawson & Uncovering the Truth (13:43–21:00)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto locate Paul Dawson in a deserted cabin.
• Paul’s Plea: He insists on his innocence, revealing he came from St. Louis, where he previously had trouble with a Dr. Upton related to a bank robbery.
• Backstory Revealed:
  • Dr. Upton had left St. Louis under suspicion but was later cleared.
  • Paul suspects Mr. Upton in Silverton may be the same Dr. Upton, with a motive to frame him.

4. Confrontation and Redemption (22:01–24:34)

• The Lone Ranger brings Paul Dawson into town and confronts Mr. Upton (revealed as Dr. Upton).
• After a tense exchange, Upton is persuaded to admit his part in the payroll setup, leading to Dawson’s exoneration.

“You ought to know how it feels to be wrongly accused, Doctor... Your name has been cleared back in St. Louis.”
— The Lone Ranger to Dr. Upton (23:08–23:22)

5. Christmas Eve: Reunion & The Spirit of Christmas (24:34–29:53)

• As Christmas Eve arrives, Mrs. Downs, Paul Dawson, and the Lone Ranger visit the Dawson home.
• Sandy is found praying by his modestly decorated pine tree, asking for his father’s return and his mother’s recovery.

“Donald Upton said there wasn’t any Santa Claus, but I know there is because he’s the spirit of the Christ child that makes folks want to give.”
— Sandy Dawson’s Christmas prayer (25:48–26:37)

• Paul reunites with his family; Dr. Upton promises to use his surgical skills to help Mrs. Dawson.

“The past is forgotten. I hope the future—well, as I heard Sandy say, if one wishes hard enough, perhaps I can make you walk again. I feel sure I can.”
— Dr. Upton (28:18–28:32)

• The family and community gather, experiencing the true meaning and warmth of the holiday.

6. Reflection & The Lesson (29:53–End)

• Watching from outside, the Lone Ranger and Dan observe the Dawson family’s newfound joy and sense of belonging.

“I like to believe, Dan, that the spirit of the Christ child is the spirit of Christmas. For these people have found it among the humble surroundings here, just as the shepherds and wise men found it in even more humble surroundings...”
— The Lone Ranger (29:53–30:14)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sandy’s innocent faith:
  “I know there is [a Santa Claus] because he’s the spirit of the Christ child that makes folks want to give.” (25:48–26:37)

• On justice and redemption:
  “You ought to know how it feels to be wrongly accused, Doctor.” (23:08)

• Reunion miracle:
  “Sandy... I’ve come home.” — Paul Dawson (26:57)

• Dr. Upton’s promise:
  “Perhaps I can make you walk again. I feel sure I can.” (28:18-28:32)

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Important Timestamps

• The Case Introduced: 03:41 – The Lone Ranger recounts how the trouble started.
• The Payroll Heist: 06:42 – The sequence of the missing money.
• Dawson's Flight: 08:54 – Paul Dawson flees, wrongly accused.
• Sandy's Hopeful Philosophy: 13:06 – Sandy discusses the true spirit of Christmas.
• Finding Dawson: 14:14 – Lone Ranger and Tonto discover Paul.
• Dawson’s Backstory: 18:26 – Paul’s troubled connection with Dr. Upton.
• Confronting Dr. Upton: 22:13–24:34 – Lone Ranger persuades the real thief to clear Paul.
• Sandy’s Prayer: 25:48–26:37 – Touching Christmas prayer.
• Emotional Reunion: 26:57 – Father and son embrace.
• Christmas Reflection: 29:53–30:14 – The Lone Ranger’s reflection on the spirit of Christmas.

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Tone & Style

The episode blends suspenseful Western adventure with heartfelt sentiment, culminating in a redemptive and touching portrayal of justice and the true meaning of Christmas. The language is earnest, with a focus on faith, hope, and the power of kindness—even in the harshest circumstances.

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In summary:
“The Christmas Tree” is a moving Lone Ranger Christmas adventure blending mystery, community spirit, and the enduring values of compassion and justice. Through its characters and their challenges, it beautifully evokes the nostalgic warmth and lessons of the Golden Age of Radio.

Transcript

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

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[Narrator]

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high O Silver the Lone Ranger. With his faithful Indian companion Tato, the daring and resourceful masked writer of the plains, led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. It was an hour before midnight in spite of the snow that fell in large drifting flakes. An unusual brightness was reflected by the shimmering whiteness of the trail as the Lone ranger, with his 14 year old nephew Dan Reed, and with his Indian companion Toto, rode leisurely along toward the town of Silverton.

[The Lone Ranger]

You haven't said much, Dan. What's on your mind?

[Dan Reed]

Well, as a matter of fact, sir, I'm wondering why we're riding to Silverton. It's so late and with the snow and all.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, maybe you tell Dan everything now so him enjoy a visit we make tonight. Kim Sabiha. All right, Toto. I think Dan will learn a lesson from what's happened. What's more, I think he'll appreciate what's to come.

[Dan Reed]

Jolly, I'd like to hear about it, sir.

[The Lone Ranger]

I guess you've heard of Mr. Upton who came to Silverton about eight months ago and bought the silver mining company there.

[Dan Reed]

Oh, yes, sir. He has a boy about my age named Donald. I met Donald Upton several times at the general store in town.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, Mr. Upton has an office in town and Walt Miller was manager of the mining headquarters outside of Silverton. Upton rarely went to the mine and left things out there in Miller's hands. About three weeks ago, Walt Miller entered Mr. Upton's office and.

[Dan Reed]

Good morning, Walt.

[The Lone Ranger]

I suppose you've come for the payroll. That's right, Mr. Upton. Bill, my clerk here, brought the money over from the bank a while Ago. I'll count it out for you shortly and lock it in the bag for you to take out to the cashier at the mine. By the way, how's old Sheldon getting along? Well, sir. As a matter of fact, Sheldon's resigned and took a job over at Pecos. Sheldon resigned? Yes, sir. But I put a new man on last week. Nice chap at Sheldon knew in Stockton. He's a bank teller there. Came there about six months ago. Oh, I see. Why did he want to leave the bank? He sure had reason enough. His job pays a lot more, for one thing. And he needs money bad as a boy about 8 years old and a wife who's an invalid. Seems a skittish horse threw her a couple of months ago and she hasn't.

[Dan Reed]

Been able to walk since.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, that's too bad. Sure is. Dawson hopes to get enough money someday to pay a good surgeon to examine her and maybe do something for her. Dawson, did you say? Yes, sir. That's name. Paul Dawson. Live in that rather shabby little house at the east end of town. Paul Dawson, huh? And he went to Stockton about six months ago? Yes, sir. Came from St. Louis, I understand. I see. So he's our new cashier out at the mine, huh? Yes, sir. I suppose you'll follow the usual routine with Dawson as you have with Sheldon. Carry the lock bag containing the payroll to him and have him open it with the key I left out there. That's right. You have the only other key to lock it with as long as you handle the money here. And he's responsible for it out there. I'd rather not have a key to bag.

[Dan Reed]

Of course.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, I'll get the money from the safe. I hope that fellow's trustworthy since he's so badly in need of cash. Well, I'm sure he is, Mr. Upton. Well, here's the cash. Put the bag on my desk and open it up. All right.

[Dan Reed]

There it is.

[The Lone Ranger]

Cash is tied up as usual in bundles of $500 each. Here are 11 bundles to make the necessary 5,500 for the payroll. I'll put them in. There's one bundle.

[Dan Reed]

Two.

[The Lone Ranger]

Three.

[Sandy Dawson]

Four.

[The Lone Ranger]

Upton slowly counted the bundles of cash as he put them in a small black bag under the watchful eyes of Walt Miller. Finally, all 11 bundles were in the bag. Then Mr. Upton closed the bag and reached into his pocket for the key. He spoke to Miller, by the way, Walt, step into the back office and tell Bill I want him to ride out to the mine with you. I've heard of outlaws in the vicinity. Gosh, in that case, I'll be glad.

[Dan Reed]

To have him go.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll get him. Glad Bill's coming with me. Wouldn't like to get robbed on the way.

[Dan Reed]

Golly, did outlaws hold them up on the way.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh. Then they arrived at the mine headquarters safely, turned the bag over to the cashier, Paul Dawson. Bill went back to town, and Walt left Paul alone in the headquarters office to make up the payroll. A little later, Walt returned to the mining office. Almost smacked you down, Paul.

[Dan Reed]

I was just coming out to call you, Mr. Miller.

[The Lone Ranger]

The payroll's short. Short what?

[Dan Reed]

Can't be. Come and see for yourself.

[The Lone Ranger]

Look there.

[Dan Reed]

10 bundles when there should be 11. It's $500 short. Mr. Up must have made a mistake.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hold on, Dawson. He didn't make any mistake. I saw him put 11 bundles in that bag. You're making the mistake if you think.

[Dan Reed]

You can pull a fast one like that. But I tell you, when I unlocked the bag and took out the money, only 10 were in it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Bill rode with me all the way.

[Dan Reed]

And that bag was locked. Only you and the boss have keys to it.

[The Lone Ranger]

And I know you put in 11. You go get your hat. We're going in to talk to the sheriff right now.

[Dan Reed]

No, I'm willing to bet. No, I won't go with you. You can't blame me for taking the money. I'm leaving here now.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, no, you're not.

[Dan Reed]

Get out of my way, sir. Gotta get away quick. I won't let him send me to prison. I won't.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh. Paul Dawson ran from the mining office and rode off into the hills. League 1 volleyball is coming to Minnesot, Minnesota in 2027. The world's best players together on American soil. This is volleyball like you've never seen before. Huge swings, massive blocks, jaw dropping digs. A sport where every play is a highlight. To learn more and get first access, visit LOVB Minnesota.com iheartra save on holiday.

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

Essentials at Safeway and Albertsons this week. Get USDA Choice Beef Bone in Roast for $6.97 per pound with digital coupon and minimum purchase of $50 or more in a single transaction, excluding the price of the roast while supplies last. Limit one plus, get broccoli, cauliflower, green beans or Brussels sprouts for 97 cents per pound with digital coupon limit six pounds and russet, red or yellow potatoes, yellow onions, yams or Sweet potatoes are 99 cents per pound. Member price. Visit safewaylbertsons.com for more deals.

[The Lone Ranger]

Golly of Course the sheriff and the posse hunted for him. They managed to cover his tracks and get away.

[Dan Reed]

Gosh, what about his invalid wife and his little boy?

[The Lone Ranger]

That was the sad part of it. Dawson's wife and his boy Sandy were left destitute. How And I didn't know about them at the time. We would have helped that right. For two weeks nothing was heard of Dawson. During that time, the widow Downs, a neighbor who had little herself, did what she could for Sandy and his mother. Well, one day about a week ago, Mrs. Downs took some soup and carried it over to Dawson's shabby little house.

[Mrs. Downs]

Good morning, Sandy. I brought a bit of scoop for you and your mother.

[Sandy Dawson]

Oh, hello Mrs. Downs. Mom will be awful glad to get some soup.

[Mrs. Downs]

I'm sure she will.

[Sandy Dawson]

I'll bring it in.

[Mrs. Downs]

It's warm and ready to sip, so I'll just take it into the other room for her. Come along, Sandy.

[Sandy Dawson]

Who is it? Sandy?

[Mrs. Downs]

Oh, Mrs. Downs, how nice of you to come over. Here's a bit of soup that'll warm you up, my dear. I. I'd rather Sandy had it, if you don't mind.

[Sandy Dawson]

Oh, I. I'm not very hungry, mama. You take it now.

[Mrs. Downs]

Now, that's enough for both. Sandy lad, bring another bowl like a good boy.

[Sandy Dawson]

Cowie.

[Mrs. Downs]

Yes, bless his heart. Another week and Christmas will be here. Mrs. Down, it isn't fair for a young child to face such a bare drab Christmas as Sandy will have to go through. I know Paul didn't steal that money. I thought that somehow he'd get to us. That he. I. Mrs. Down, you want to ask me something? Yes.

[Sandy Dawson]

Could. Could you take Sandy to.

[Mrs. Downs]

To the general store?

[Sandy Dawson]

They'll.

[Mrs. Downs]

They'll have a bit of tinsel or other trimming hanging about for him to see. Would you mind?

[Sandy Dawson]

Gosh, I'd like to go.

[Mrs. Downs]

Of course I'll take him. We'll go there right now. And while we're gone, Mrs. Dawson, you can take your soup. Have your soup first, Sandy. Then we'll walk down to the general store.

[The Lone Ranger]

So the kindly Mrs. Downs took Sandy with her to the store so he could see the meager trimmings the storekeeper put up for the holidays.

[Dan Reed]

Oh gosh.

[The Lone Ranger]

Like any small boy of eight, he forgot his troubles when they got there and enjoyed the holiday atmosphere. But the event was spoiled for Sandy when Donald Upton, a few years older than he, entered the store and came over to speak to Sandy.

[Mrs. Downs]

Hello. You're that Dawson kid, aren't you?

[Sandy Dawson]

Uh huh.

[Mrs. Downs]

I'll bet you're not going to have a Christmas tree. My father's getting a big one with lots of trimmings too.

[Sandy Dawson]

Maybe I'll have one too.

[Mrs. Downs]

I suppose you think Santa Claus will bring me one, Is that it?

[Sandy Dawson]

My mother says that the real Santa Claus is the spirit of the Christ child that makes people want to give gifts because Christmas is his birthday. And if anyone. And if everyone does right and wishes hard enough, the wishes might come true with Christmas. So there.

[Mrs. Downs]

You know what I think? See here, Donald Upton. You've said enough, Sandy lad. There's a little pine in my yard and we have cut that down for a Christmas tree. Tree for you.

[Sandy Dawson]

Callie.

[Dan Reed]

I feel sorry for little Sandy.

[The Lone Ranger]

T and I did too when we heard about it later.

[Dan Reed]

That's right.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, a few days ago, Tahoe and I, who had been hunting for Paul Dawson without success, had a bit of luck. We rode near Eagle Canyon and Taho noticed a thin column of smoke rising from back up the canyon. He rode up there and saw a deserted prospector's cabin. Leaving our horses, we approached cautiously on foot and sneaked open the door. We saw a man asleep on a cot against the far wall there.

[Dan Reed]

Man sleeping on cot. That calendar Kimasabi?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. He must be worn out with fatigue not to have heard us come in. Let's look.

[Dan Reed]

Kabi. That looked like Dawson. Me see him once at mine.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get your gun handy. I'll wake at him. Dawson. Dawson. Wake up.

[Dan Reed]

Outlaws.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're covered. Don't go for your gun.

[Dan Reed]

I don't have a gun.

[The Lone Ranger]

This is your can, Dawson. We've been hunting for you. To take you to the sheriff for the mine office robbery.

[Dan Reed]

I didn't steal that money. I looked. Would I be here now like this if I had?

[The Lone Ranger]

What do you mean?

[Dan Reed]

I haven't eaten for two days. I lost my horse. If I'd stolen money, would I try to live on scraps, berries, anything I.

[The Lone Ranger]

Could find like I've done All right.

[Dan Reed]

Take me back.

[The Lone Ranger]

I can't stand it any longer. I worry about my wife and son.

[Dan Reed]

At driving me crazy.

[Narrator]

Crazy.

[The Lone Ranger]

Here, sit down, Dawson. Take it easy.

[Dan Reed]

That money. I could only figure it out somehow. Only Upton and I had keys to the bank. But he's rich. Why would he want to take it? He'd know I'd get the blame.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'd. Upton know you, Paul?

[Dan Reed]

Not that I know of. I've never even seen the man. The only Upton I knew was back in St. Louis. He was a doctor, well to do surgeon. He had a reason to hate me. But he left St. Louis. I haven't heard of him since I. This couldn't be the same one. And anyway, he didn't even know I was around.

[The Lone Ranger]

Did that doctor you speak of have reason to leave St. Louis?

[Dan Reed]

Yes. Very good, Jason. To avoid arrest.

[The Lone Ranger]

Did he have any family? A wife and son perhaps?

[Dan Reed]

Yes. Yes, he did. Why?

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, after you answer a few more questions, I think I will take you back to town to prove that you didn't steal that money after all.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story. Before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

[Sandy Dawson]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue our story as the Lone Ranger with Totto and Dan Reed rode leisurely along the trail to Silverton in a light snowstorm. The masked man took time to tell Dan the story of Paul Dawson and his little family.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well then, as I've told you, we found Paul Dawson asleep in a deserted cabin and woke him up. His denial of guilt and a few things he told me about A doctor in St. Louis roused my curiosity. Though I questioned him further. Both Tom and I were impressed with the way Dawson answered my question. Tell me, Paul, what Was it that Dr. Upton did that caused him to leave St. Louis? And what was your connection with him out there?

[Dan Reed]

More than eight months ago, my uncle was sheriff there. He's dead now anyway. He made me a deputy, though I worked part time in the bank too.

[The Lone Ranger]

Go on.

[Dan Reed]

The bank was held up. The two outlaws got away. But we got a look at them and we knew one of them had been wounded by one of our bullets.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see.

[Dan Reed]

But then my uncle was quite sick at the time, so I took a posse out after them. The next day we caught them in their hideout some distance away. The wounded outlaw's shoulder had been treated by a doctor and properly bandaged, as we could readily tell.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I understand. Go on.

[Dan Reed]

They both swore that the well known surgeon, Dr. Upton had fixed the wound, but that he demanded $1,000 of the stolen money for doing it, promising that he'd send them out of town in his own carriage.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's not good.

[Dan Reed]

Anyway, I delayed getting out a warrant out for Upton's arrest for a while the outlaw story rang true and someone had seen the doctor's carriage going out of town over the route they had taken.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's interesting.

[Dan Reed]

Finally I went to Dr. Upton's house myself. But someone had tipped him off and he'd left town.

[The Lone Ranger]

That was proof of guilt. No way.

[Dan Reed]

Let me finish. His wife and son Donald stayed on in the fine big house for a while. Then she Quietly sold it to some Easterner. Just as quietly left St. Louis to join the doctor someplace.

[The Lone Ranger]

What then?

[Dan Reed]

The outlaws came up for trial and they were sentenced to hang. Just before the hanging, they confessed that the doctor didn't know they were outlaws at all and that he didn't demand the money. They said he did.

[The Lone Ranger]

Then why didn't he stay to defend himself?

[Dan Reed]

Everyone was bitter against me at the time. I guess he felt he didn't have a chance. I'm in a position to know how he felt.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's right.

[Dan Reed]

I had no way of contacting him to let him know. Then when my uncle died three months ago, I brought my wife and son out to Stockton and took a job in the bank. A few weeks ago, I got the job at the mine office. That's all there is to it.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see. Then still thinking that you might be after him, Dr. Upton would do what he could to prevent you from disclosing his identity. At least until after he could put you in such a position that no one would believe whatever you might have said against him.

[Dan Reed]

You mean you really think Mr. Upton and Silverton is Dr. Upton?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Paul, I do think so. I intend to make sure. I'm going to take you to stay a short time with someone I know as your friend till I can have the charge against you cleared.

[Dan Reed]

Gosh, mister, you could do that? Well, Christmas is coming in a few days and I could go home.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, that's what I'm hoping, Paul.

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[Dan Reed]

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[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, we'll take you back to town now.

[Dan Reed]

Golly, did you get things cleared up like you wanted to, sir.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm coming to that, Dan.

[Dan Reed]

How?

[The Lone Ranger]

And I left Paul with Mrs. Downs that night. Night before last. I went to Upton's house. I waited until I knew he was sitting up alone. Then I went to the door. Well, A masked man come to talk to you, Mr. Upton? What could an outlaw have to discuss with me? I'm not an outlaw. I came as a friend. And I'm certain you'll be very glad to hear what I came to say. Dr. Upton. Dr. Upton, how did you not. I. I mean. You made a mistake. You just gave yourself away. Doctor, do you care to listen to me or shall I go elsewhere? Come in. Come in. I wonder if you came here to blackmail me with any such intentions. I did come here to get you to admit you framed young Dawson.

[Dan Reed]

Ridiculous.

[The Lone Ranger]

There's an open and shut case against him. You ought to know how it feels to be wrongly accused, Doctor. Wrongly accused? You believe that I was? I know you were. Your name has been cleared back in St. Louis.

[Sandy Dawson]

What?

[The Lone Ranger]

Are you sure of that other eve? Paul Dawson hope to find you to tell you so. And they know I'm not guilty. Oh, thank him. How do you know all this? You must have seen Paul Dawson recently. That's right. I have. I don't know what to say. You've done him a great wrong. It's up to you to do what you can to right that wrong. Yes, I did wrong Dawson. I thought he was here to find me. To disclose the facts about me. Well, I can't admit in front of everyone that I withheld that money from the bag. No, I can't do that. I won't. You've just admitted it to me. It would be your word against mine. They take mine. Maybe. I understand the sheriff is out of town. Won't be back until day after tomorrow. Doctor, it's no use arguing. Day after tomorrow is Christmas Eve. It'd be a good day for you to have a talk with the sheriff in clear, Dawson. I'll wait until then. I advise you to think it over carefully. Good night, Doctor. Up.

[Sandy Dawson]

Gosh.

[Dan Reed]

Did Dr. Upton go to the sheriff?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, he did. Then. And the charges against Paul Dawson were dropped. Mr. Upton explained that he had withheld the money. And I told Paul. You can imagine how he felt. Well, this is Christmas Eve. Just after dark, I took Mrs. Downs and Paul Dawson to Paul's house. When we reached the front Porch, we found Dr. Upton waiting. Neither he nor Paul spoke a word. I whispered to them to follow me. Mrs. Downs had told me that Sandy's scraggy little pine tree was up in the front room, that she and Sandy had trimmed it with bows made of bits of ribbon, little balls of cotton. I'd mentally compared it with a big glittering tree. I'd seen it up, and we quietly opened the door to the darkened room. Sandy brought a blanket and spread it close to the tree to sleep on. As we tiptoed in and stood just inside, we saw Sandy's figure kneeling near the tree. We listened.

[Sandy Dawson]

My little Christmas tree is better than any of them. Thank you, God, for sending it to me. And please, God, let your spirit of Christmas make my mom well again. Don't bother about a present for me, except only send back my daddy. Donald Upton said there wasn't any Santa Claus, but I know there is because he's the spirit of. Of the Christ child that makes folks want to give. So please see that I get what I asked for just now. Amen.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sandy spoke his childish prayer. A moonbeam broke through the clouds and entered the window. It was like a small spotlight from the heavens, touching the little tree and sparkling in the ribbon boughs. Then Paul spoke softly, brokenly.

[Dan Reed]

Sandy. Sandy.

[The Lone Ranger]

I've come home.

[Sandy Dawson]

Daddy. Oh, Daddy.

[The Lone Ranger]

My boy.

[Sandy Dawson]

I knew you'd come. I knew I'd get my wish.

[Mrs. Downs]

There's his trusting little harm.

[The Lone Ranger]

That little tree. It seemed to be touched with the.

[Dan Reed]

Whole spirit of Christmas.

[Mrs. Downs]

And why not, Mr. Upton? A little touch of hope and love went into every little bough on its branches, each one made by Sandy's own hands.

[Sandy Dawson]

Sandy. Who's out there? I'm coming, Mama. Come on, everybody. Turn up the lamp, son, so I. I can see. Who's with you?

[Dan Reed]

I'll turn it up, Dora.

[Sandy Dawson]

Paul. Paul. You.

[Dan Reed]

You've come back to us. Yes, and. Just stay, honey. Everything's all right now. I've been cleared, thank heaven.

[Sandy Dawson]

But. But who?

[Dan Reed]

The mask man is a friend. The good one.

[The Lone Ranger]

How do you do, Mrs. Dawson?

[Dan Reed]

How do you do, Paul?

[The Lone Ranger]

Your other visitor.

[Dan Reed]

Oh, yes, you know Mrs. Downs. This man.

[The Lone Ranger]

I am Dr. Upton from St. Louis, Mrs. Dawson.

[Mrs. Downs]

Dr. Upton.

[Sandy Dawson]

Why I.

[The Lone Ranger]

The past is forgotten. I hope the future well, as I heard Sandy say, if one wishes hard enough, perhaps I can make you walk again. I feel sure I can.

[Sandy Dawson]

Oh, golly, Mama. I got both things I asked for. What you said about the spirit of Christmas is true. I'll always believe in it, Mama, even when I'm growing up.

[Dan Reed]

I hope you're well, Sandy.

[The Lone Ranger]

I've just begun to believe. Later tonight, I want to bring my son and some others from town to this house. In this simple home, I've really found the spirit of Christmas. That's the story, Dan. There's Dawson's place just ahead. Ride close to the window and find out if Dr. Upcom did return with the townsman he said he was bringing. There we are. Horse over easy on a steady big fella. Yes, I can see them in there. Look, Dan. There's Dr. Upton holding sand in his arms.

[Dan Reed]

See? Oh, gosh, he sure looks happy. And he's singing with the others, too.

[The Lone Ranger]

Mean, like your Christmas singer.

[Dan Reed]

I. Well, they seem so happy and all. With the snow falling and the singing, I feel sort of different inside, like they said they did.

[The Lone Ranger]

I like to believe, Dan, that the spirit of the Christ child is the spirit of Christmas. For these people have found it among the humble surroundings here, just as the shepherds and the wise men found it in even more humble surroundings. A little stable in Bethel.

[Sandy Dawson]

The heaven. It's.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created and produced by George W. Trendle, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer.

[Toyota Announcer]

Toyota Thon. Toyota Thon. Toyota Thon is on. Oh, what fun it is to drive a new Toyota today. Hey, Jan from Toyota here reminding you Toyotathon is on. Make your holiday wishes come true with a new Camry, RAV4 Tacoma and more. All right, let's sing it together this time. Toyota Thon, Toyota Thon. Toyota Thon is on.

[Dan Reed]

Dealer inventory may vary. Toyota Thon ends January 5th. See your participating dealer for details. Toyota, let's go places.

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

A new phone for Billy. A necklace for Sam. All the while on the lookout for scams. A swipe here and tap there. Better make it go far. Turns out mom didn't know she needs.

[Narrator]

A new car this year.

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