
The Lone Ranger 38-01-19 (0777) Crooked Banker and Sheriff
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Ben Bush
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The Lone Ranger
A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty heil, Silver.
Ben Bush
A lone Ranger. It.
The Lone Ranger
A phantom figure of the plains, rode the trails of long ago to bring justice to the oppressed. Where he came from no one ever knew, but his heroic deeds were recorded in the memories of the people of seven states. Even today, the cowboys sit around the campfire and relate yarns of his daring, of his speed on the draw, when he meted out punishment to the lawless of his great horse Silver, the fastest the west has ever known. History does not record his many adventures, but the west will always remember the shout which has come down through the years.
Ben Bush
Hail Tilmore.
The Lone Ranger
The Lone Ranger rides again.
Ben Bush
Come on, Tilbur. Oh boy. That's it, old fellow. Fellows waiting for us on the trail ahead. We have to hurry, old boy, or we may be too late.
The Lone Ranger
The Lone Ranger urged the great horse Silver down the trail toward Wells City, a typical ranchers community of the pioneer days. Ben Bush was the wealthiest man in town. He owned the bank, controlled vast sections of rangeland in the territory, received dividends from most of the other commercial enterprises. But for all his wealth and power, he was thoroughly disliked. He ruled Wells City and the surrounding district with an iron hand, and it was suspected, though never proved, that he had built his position upon a disregard of honesty and justice. It was certain that the Sheriff of the County, Pete Crowley, obeyed his commands without question and the lawman's reputation had suffered in consequence. In the first scene of tonight's Lone Ranger drama, we see Ben Bush speaking with Crowley in the cafe. They are seated in one corner of the large room and are careful that they're not overheard by the rest of the crowd.
Ben Bush
I tell you, I done all I could. It ain't my fault them two was rescued. I don't like alibis, but there ain't a man alive can do more than I done. You ain't done good enough, Crowley. That's the point. But I can't. Just remember, I'M the man put you in office. I ain't forgot that. I'm the man can get you out of office. I know, Mr. Bush, but what more can I do than what I'm doing? Job a sheriff means arresting crooks and guarding them, don't it? Sure. That's what I done. That's what I've been doing all along. I ain't to ask you to give evidence agin em. I've done that myself. They've gone to trial and been found guilty. Yeah, but twice when they was all set to get hung, they was rescued by some masked man on a white horse. But he rides like lightning. The way he handles them two guns of his, a man hasn't a chance to. I don't like alibis. I told you that before, Crowley. I ain't alibi. And Mr. Bush, you know as well as I do that white horse is a devil on four legs. The rider ain't. He had us all covered with them six guns of his before we could say Jack Robinson. Then you should get some deputies that's quicker on the draw. I tell you, Crowley, I don't like the way things is going here. Who is that masked man anyhow? I don't know. Like as not, he's an outlaw. Sure. Wearing a mask like he does. You must be. Then why don't you arrest him? Get him tried and hung but you can't find him. I'm heading men out hunting. It's the truth. I've had posses out ever since Lem Frisbee was saved from the hangman trope. Ain't even found tracks, have you? No, but we still got men out. Rot. First thing you know, my enemies will get teamed up against me. Then now they all threw in this town. I know. Maybe that's what you're figuring on. No, Mr. Bush, you know that ain't the case. I don't trust anyone, Crowley. Maybe that's why I got where I am. Well, you can trust me. Ain't I done what you asked me to ever since I got in office? He'll let two of my enemies escape like as not. The one that's in jail now will be rescued by that masked man of whore. He's hung you off, you can bet on that. We've got guards at the jail night and day. Reckon we better go down there and make sure he's still locked up. Shucks, he'll be there. Neither of the others was too til he was ready to hang. Larson ain't even come up for trial yet. We're gonna take a look anyhow. Come on. Well, if you want to. Ain't no use. You take my word, Bird, you're still there. I'm beginning to think your word don't amount to much. I wish you'd put more Trust in me, Mr. Bush. Just a couple more escapes in this town, and you're going to be out in office. Crowley, mind what I tell you. Well, come on, let's go to the jail. Hi, Fred. Sit down. Have a drink. Oh, no. You sight to know who that masked man is and what he's doing around here. So die. He must be an enemy of yours. Mr. Bush, my enemies hang. You know that. Except when you get careless. We can leave the horses here at the hitch rack ting far down to the jail. You know, Mr. Bush, I've been thinking. Well, you're sort of dissatisfied with the way I've been doing my job. Why shouldn't I be? Two men I figured to get rid of by this time are out free somewhere. Well, you ain't the only one that ain't satisfied with things as they stand. What do you mean? I've been thinking I ought to get more money. More money? Yep. If you had an honest sheriff in here, you wouldn't stand a chance of getting away with the things you've been doing. Yeah, well, get this, Crowley. Anytime you get tired working for me, or anytime I get tired of the way you do your job, there's a jail cell waiting to hold you. You mean. I mean I got evidence to put you in jail, same as I got it against my other enemies. Hey, look over by the jail. A light horse. If that's the same man. Hurry up, Larson. This way. Use your gun. Drop him. Get the two of them. They're getting to the saddle. I never figured he'd try and get Larson away before his trial. Three of my enemies out loose, and all saved by the same man. Rowley, I'm beginning to think you're scheming things again.
The Lone Ranger
In spite of the efforts of Bush and Crowley, the Lone Ranger had effected the rescue of each of the three men framed by the pair. After his last exploit, the masked man returned to his camp with Steve Larsen, the third of the rescued prisoners.
Ben Bush
Hello. This is Steve Larsen. I just helped him to escape from jail. Oh, that good. I don't savvy this at all. Who are you? I hope to be your friend, Larson. What'd you bust me out of the jail for? You wouldn't be tried and hung for murder, but they didn't have no evidence against me. They didn't have evidence against the other two men, but both of them were ready to hang. You're the man that rescued them? Yes, Toddo and I. Where are they now? They're safe for the time being. Just what are you up to, mister? What's the mask for? I brought you here to ask questions of you, not to answer yours. I suppose I should be doggone grateful to you, but I ain't. I'm not asking for your gratitude. If I got tried and freed, I'd been all right. But as it stands now, I'm an outlaw. Yes. My wife is there in town. So is my kid. I can't ever go back to see them. My busting out of the jail is the same as confessing my guilt. You were accused of murder. Yeah, but I. I could have proved my innocence. How? The night Sam Turner was killed, I was at home with Mary and Little Jerry. That wouldn't clear you, Larson. Remember, Ben Bush is against you. That scheming polecat. Someday he's gonna get all that's coming to him. That's what I'm working for. You know about him? Not all that I want to know. You tell me about him. He's got so much money. He does whatever he dern pleases. I've been told that. You had money in his bank, didn't you? All my savings, about $3,000. That's just the point. Frisbee and Slade had their money in his bank. That's why they were framed for murder, see? Do you mean to say they weren't guilty of murders? No, but the evidence. What? Four men, seeing them do the shooting. Those four men were paid to tell the jury that story. Why Bush? Yes. What's his game, Larson? Bush takes the money people put in his bank, steals it. Yes. And before the money can be claimed, he arranges for the owner to get into trouble. And Sheriff Crowley works hand in glove with him, see? Do you mean to tell me I'd have faced what Frisbee and Slade did? Yes. If there'd have been men on the stand that swear they seen me shoot a man, that's just what would have happened. Why, they don't? You're Paul Bush, a schemer in a polecat. What do you know about him? I know he never gives a man a chance to pay up a mortgage if he has a little late on him. Yes. He swindles and cheats wherever he can. I always thought he stuck to the letter of the law. No, he doesn't even do that. What am I to do now? I want you to help me. How? I'm going to ask you the same question I asked Slade and Frisbee. Yeah. Will you stake your freedom on a chance that you might hang rather than spend the rest of your life as an outlaw? I don't serve ye as you stand right now. You're safely away from the jail. You can leave my camp and go where you want to. But you'll always be hunted by the law for a crime you didn't do. I serve you that if you will help me and risk being captured, there's a chance to put Ben Bush and Sheriff Crowley where they belong. And then you can return to town a free man. Life wouldn't mean much to me away from my wife and kid. Then I can count on you? Yes. I suppose Frisbee and Slade decided different, being as they ain't around here. But I'll go in with you. They've made the same choice. Yeah. Gosh. And the four of us are working together. There are five of us, counting my friend Tato. Oh, yeah. Larson. From now on, don't ask questions. Just do what you're told and count on us. I never thought I'd trust a man that wore a mask, stranger. But there's something about your style that makes me like you and trust you. I'm taking your orders from now on.
The Lone Ranger
The Lone Ranger had a definite purpose in mind when he freed the three men Crowley had imprisoned. In the meantime, the sheriff and his posse scoured the country in search of the masked man and his companions, but without success. The hunt continued for several days. Bush became incensed over the delay. At length, the banker approached Crowley in the cafe and spoke heatedly.
Ben Bush
I could really make a cleanup if I could count on you at all, But I can't, Mr. Bush. I am doing all a man can do. Ain't pound to one of the four men. Three. Four, including the masked man, to save the others. Or ain't you bothering to hunt him? Yeah, sure we are. A stranger drifted into town today and opened a big account at the bank. Yeah, if only I could count on you. The next one won't get away from me. I promise you that. There won't be a next one for some time. It takes a while for me to line things up. Come fast. There's been a shooting down the road a piece. A shooting? Come on, quick. Maybe you can get the hombres. Did you see anything of the man that done the shooting? Well, there's a man still there. He's Examining the redskin he shot. He's that stranger in town, not in Mark High. I reckon that's what he calls himself. Come on, sheriff. Here's a chance to do something. I'm on my way. Never mind. I'll see you later. You won't need your horse. It's just a few rods away. Listen to me. I'm listening. Don't run so fast. I can't keep up. Well, I got to get there. It's a murder. If that man's name is Markheim, he's the one put a lot of money in the bank, see? What about it? Here's your chance to make good on one thing for me. What is it? See that Markheim gets arrested and hung. He'll get arrested and hung, all right. He's guilty. Never mind whether he's guilty or not. Make him guilty, you mean. I mean we can frame him same as we did them others. What's more, we got a real murder to start with. You coming, Jeff? Can't you come no faster than that? I'm with you. He's still there standing, looking over the red skin he's got. Greatly seen if the Injun's got any cash on them. Hey, you. Don't make a move. You're under arrest. I'm not going to run away. You're covered my time. It's you. No, it's me. Oh, you're Mr. Bush, ain't you? I am. And this here is Sheriff Crowley. Sheriff, I don't know who done this shooting. What do you mean, you don't know who done it? You done it. You're wrong there, Mr. Bush. I didn't have no part in it. Don't give us none of that. You're guilty. Who else would shoot an Injun? We ain't sure about it, Sheriff. We just heard the shot run up. I did the same thing. I heard the shooting, ran over and the engine was there on the ground. I told this army to sort of stand around and watch and I'd go fetch a sheriff. He's the one killed the engine. All right. Take his gun. Hold on, Sheriff. Ain't you being a little hasty? No, I ain't. It's my duty to warn you. Anything you say can be used against you. I'll touch him, sheriff. That ain't exactly right, Mr. Bush. I'm right. I said I'd touch him. All right, then. All right. Just what's the meaning of all this, sheriff? What rights Bush to search me? He ain't a lawman, is he? None of your talk now. You don't seem to have much money on you. You know blamed well where all my money is Bush. I put it in your bank today. You did? You know blame well I did. I don't know nothing of the sort. Hold on there. That's my receipt for the money you got. You say nothing but a scrap of paper. You must be loco, Mr. Markheim. Loco? That's what I said. I don't recollect you putting any money in my bank. Of all the dirty lion coyotes. What sort of game is this?
The Lone Ranger
Take him today or hello?
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Ben Bush
He's a murderer all right. You can't do this. Somewhere in Markham, that banker's saying, I ain't no money in this bank. I'm innocent. You can't call me guilty. I'm as innocent as you are, Sheriff. You can't take me to jail. You ain't only going to jail. You're going to the hangman's noose. We got evidence enough to send you there.
The Lone Ranger
The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger drama. Before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.
Ben Bush
It.
The Lone Ranger
And now on with our story. You will recall that in the first act of tonight's Lone Ranger drama, the banker and the sheriff of Wells City framed three men for murder, only to have them taken from jail by the masked man. The accused men were large depositors in the bank owned by Bush, who intended to steal their funds. The Lone Ranger, however, had freed the convicted men as part of a plan to bring Bush and Crowley to justice. Then a fourth man entered the story. His name was Markheim, and he was discovered standing over an Indian he was accused of killing. That same afternoon, Markheim had placed a large sum of money in the bank. Bush saw another opportunity to frame an important depositor.
Ben Bush
Hold on now, Sheriff. Can't you listen to me for just a minute or so? Oh, talk fair, son. What is it? You ain't even look to make sure the redskin's dead before you jail me for murder. We'll do the lookin later. We don't take chances with murderers like you. Then make that banker give me back the paper he took from me. Twasn't nothing but a scrap of paper. I throwed it away. It's a receipt for the cash I banked in your place today, Bush. I suppose now you'll claim I ain't no money there and keep it for yourself. Take him in, sheriff. Yep. Come on, Mark. Ham. What? The redskin. I'll go back and see if he's dead for sure. No, you won't. What the. The mask man again. You all stand right where you are. Cowley. If he gets this prisoner away from you, I'll have out in town on a rail. I'm not after your prisoner. I'm here to take the Indian away with me. See here, you. You're under arrest. Big talk from a man who doesn't dare reach for his gun. Shoot him, Crowley. Don't stand there like a sniveling coward. Draw and shoot. Don't fight. I'm still holding one gun on you. Now's your chance. While he's trying to hide the redskin on his horse. Go ahead if you think you can complete control. He's grease like him with a gun. Mr. Porter. I O Silver. Now's your chance. Shoot. Shoot him. I'll try. Give him Crowley. Try again. He's still riding. Tain't no use, Bush. He's out of sight in the dark. That horse he's riding's Grease lightning. What did he want, the dead Injun Fur? Don't ask me. Well, see that you don't let the prisoner get away. Blasted old Crowley. Don't let him get away.
The Lone Ranger
The Lone Ranger made no attempt to rescue the sheriff's latest prisoner. Instead, he and Tonto ruled swiftly to their camp. There they were met by the three fugitives who had agreed to assist in carrying out his plan.
Ben Bush
Here we are. Toto. How did it come out? What happened, missy? What did you do? Everything worked out just as we hoped. They didn't even examine Tado to see if he'd been shot enough. Can you beat that? It's just like I said. The sheriff's a crook and so is Bush. Not only that, they made sure to get the bank deposit slip away from Markheim. Bush done that, didn't he? Yes, and the sheriff permitted it. That means Markheim will be slated to hang and he won't have a chance of getting away. Not unless the masked man gets him away like he done us. We're going to let Markheim go on trial. And when that trial comes up, the sheriff and Ben Bush will have a surprise.
The Lone Ranger
The Lone Ranger had proved the dishonesty of the sheriff and the banker beyond all possibility of doubt. In the meantime, Markheim was put on trial. A jury was hastily summoned and the evidence of a series of lying witnesses presented to the court.
Ben Bush
Then Markheim drawed his gun and fired. The redskin dropped dead. That's all I got to say. Judge. That man lies. Judge. You're out of order. Markheim. Be quiet. But my gun wasn't even fired. The sheriff can tell you that. How about that, Sheriff? Oh, might have been fired. Might not have been. I dumped the cartridges out without looking to see. You railroad me to the hangman's rope, that's what you're doing.
The Lone Ranger
One after another, the witnesses swore to the same story. Markheim, they said, had killed the Indian. But outside the courthouse, a group of men led by the Lone Ranger watched the progress of the trial with keen interest. We hear the masked man as he addresses one of his companions.
Ben Bush
Frisbee. Yeah? Are those witnesses the same ones who testified against you? Yes, they are. They had plenty to say. Again. Me too. The same men? Yeah, the dirty rats. They're all being paid for that by Bambusch.
The Lone Ranger
Just wait.
Ben Bush
I'd like to get in there and have my say. Not yet. Look, the jury's going out now. Markheim hasn't had his full say yet. Wait until the jury comes in. But stranger, what's Markheim gonna do? Wait and watch. What's better? Give 10 DeVoni Hangs. Shucks, I wouldn't let one to a thousand. He don't. He didn't get a square trial. Not even a man to speak for him. Ain't no one gets a square trial in this town. The sheriff himself is the biggest Crook of all. Don't let yourself get here saying that there's a jury coming back. That jury is a hanging one. Let's have it quiet here. Order in the court. Order. Sheriff Crowley, you're acting as clerk. Go on and tend to business. Answer the jury. Have you reached a verdict? Well, let one of you stand up and tell it to the judge. We find the prisoner guilty of murder. Markham, you better stand up and face me so as I can sentence you. First of all, before you sentence me, Judge, I've got something to say. Well, make it short. In the first place, I'm charged of murdering a man that's not even proved to be dead. In the second place, not one of those witnesses saw the shooting. In the third place, my gun was not fired. And in the fourth place, before I'm through, you're all going to be sorry you had so much to say. What's the meaning of such talk? You're found guilty and I'm not. Judge, there's plenty of crooks in this town. Maybe you're one of them, maybe you ain't. We'll find that out before another 10 minutes goes by. What? Right now, Friends of mine are coming into this courtroom. Keep everyone covered, boys. No one make a move. The mask man. There's Keith Larson, one of the escaped prisoners. Order. Order in this court. You're under arrest. No one is under arrest just yet. Slade, Frisbee, bring in the Indian. We're coming. Let's look for the Indian. All of you be quiet. There's the other two fugitives ordering this. You can't run things in this high handed way. Even if you are holding two guns on us. Careful that judge. We're covering everyone. All right, Markheim, take charge. Get this place quiet so I can talk. Quiet. Quiet, I tell ya. That's better for the time being. Sheriff, you can't arrest those fugitives because they've got you and all your men covered. All right, all right, Markheim. But you said the body of the man you shot wasn't unhand. Or what do you call the injun Frisbee and Slade brought in? I'd like to ask the witnesses if that's the man I'm said to have shot. Yes, it is. Do you agree with that banker Bush? Yeah. What about you, Sheriff? It's him then. Judge, I'm not a murderer. Stand up. Toddle. Me not shot. Me not hurt. It's a double crossing frame up, that's what it is. Wait, I ain't done yet. Quiet in this room. Maybe that ain't the man you shot, Mark Hein. I didn't shoot anyone. Y the two men who just came in, Frisbee and Slade, were tried and found guilty in your court. Yes, that's right. And the witnesses against them was the same ones that appeared against me. Ain't that so, boys? Sure is. And the reason was Bush stole the money they had in his bank. Then, with the help of the sheriff and lying witnesses, he framed them for murder. That ain't so. Can't so much in you, Mark. I'm lying. Quiet, Sheriff. You make a more noise, me stopping you. Get away from me, redskin. Let me ask you this, banker Bush. Did I put cash in your bank? No, you did not. You heard that, Judge. Yeah, I heard it, Bush. You think you're safe in denying I put cash in your bank because you thought you got the slip of paper that would prove it? Well, all you got was a copy of that. Same here, Judge, is the paper with Ben Bush's signature on it. What about it, Judge? Is Markheim write? He seems to be. But never in my life have I seen anything like it. I ain't on you, Judge. The masked man fired a shot and I stayed where Tonto lay on the ground waiting to see if I'd be framed. All them witnesses that said they seen the murder lied. Steve, you were watching Abe Gorman when the shot was fired. Where was he? Gorman was gambling in the Cafe Blak. Yes. Slade, you were watching Lehman and Snyder when the shot was fired. Yeah, they was calling on the widow Perkins. Mrs. Perkins will prove that. See here, Judge. Wait. Let me speak. Markheim. Yes, you, Honor. You wondered if I was on the level. Well, you'll find out. Yeah. All it takes is to look at the faces of them lying witnesses to know the truth. Every one of them should be jailed for swearing away a man's life. But, Judge, that's where you, sheriff. And you, Bush. It looks like the murders Frisbee, Slade and Larson have been charged with are still unsolved. And it looks like it's up to me to appoint a deputy sheriff to arrest you for investigation. One minute, Judge. Yeah. You needn't appoint anyone. The United States Marshal is here to take charge of things. He is? Where's he at? You know him as Markheim. He come here to frame up the bunch of us. I came here at the suggestion of the Lone Ranger. He and Tonto outlined a where I'd be bait for the trap to show the sheriff and his deputies up as scheming crooks. But where's the lone laid gun? You mean that masked man is the Lone Ranger? That's about the size of it. Wait. Wait a minute. Lone Ranger. This town owes you a plenty. Stop him. I want to speak to him. It's due to him that this community will be safe for honest men. It.
The Lone Ranger
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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "The Lone Ranger 38-01-19 (0777) Crooked Banker and Sheriff"
Introduction
In the February 19, 2025 release of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with the thrilling episode titled "The Lone Ranger 38-01-19 (0777) Crooked Banker and Sheriff." This installment dives deep into a classic Western narrative, showcasing the eternal struggle between justice and corruption in the untamed frontier. Through compelling storytelling and rich character development, the episode captures the essence of The Lone Ranger's unwavering fight against wrongdoing.
Setting the Stage: Wells City Under Tyranny
The episode opens with a vivid portrayal of Wells City, a once-peaceful ranchers' community now overshadowed by the iron-fisted rule of Ben Bush, the town's wealthiest and most influential man. Bush's control extends beyond his banking empire to the local law enforcement, with Sheriff Pete Crowley acting as his unquestioned enforcer.
Key Characters Introduced
Plot Development
Initial Confrontation and Corruption Unveiled
At [02:55], the narrative delves into the dynamics between Ben Bush and Sheriff Crowley, highlighting their discussion in a secluded corner of the local café:
This exchange reveals Bush's manipulation of Crowley, emphasizing Bush's grip over the town's power structure.
The Lone Ranger's Intervention
The Lone Ranger's role becomes pivotal as he rescues Steve Larsen from wrongful imprisonment. Larsen, initially distrustful, gradually learns about Bush and Crowley's schemes:
Alliance Against Corruption
Larsen agrees to join forces with the Lone Ranger, recognizing the need to dismantle the corrupt alliance between Bush and Crowley:
Escalation and Climax
As tensions rise, Bush intensifies his efforts to maintain control, leading to a high-stakes showdown in the courtroom:
The Lone Ranger intercepts Bush's plans, ensuring that the truth comes to light during Markheim's trial.
Courtroom Showdown
The climax unfolds in the courtroom, where the Lone Ranger orchestrates the exposure of Bush and Crowley's corruption:
In a dramatic turn, the Lone Ranger reveals the fabricated evidence against Markheim, leading to the eventual downfall of Bush and Crowley as their fraudulent practices are exposed.
Conclusion: Justice Prevails
The episode concludes with the triumph of justice, as the Lone Ranger's unwavering dedication ensures that Wells City is freed from the clutches of corruption. The final moments underscore the importance of integrity and the impact one individual can have in standing against wrongdoing.
Notable Quotes
Ben Bush ([03:49], 03:49):
“I tell you, I done all I could. It ain't my fault them two was rescued... I'm the man who put you in office. I ain't forgot that."
The Lone Ranger ([02:00], 02:00):
“A phantom figure of the plains, rode the trails of long ago to bring justice to the oppressed."
Steve Larsen ([08:48], 08:48):
“I'm not asking for your gratitude... If I got tried and freed, I'd been all right. But as it stands now, I'm an outlaw."
Ben Bush ([16:25], 16:25):
“He's a murderer all right. You can't do this. Somewhere in Markham, that banker’s saying, I ain't no money in this bank."
The Lone Ranger ([23:01], 23:01):
“The reason was Bush stole the money they had in his bank. Then, with the help of the sheriff and lying witnesses, he framed them for murder."
Themes and Insights
This episode masterfully intertwines themes of justice, corruption, and redemption. The Lone Ranger embodies the quintessential hero, standing resilient against moral decay. The narrative emphasizes the power of truth and the necessity of vigilance in the face of systemic corruption.
Conclusion
Harold's Old Time Radio delivers a captivating episode with "The Lone Ranger 38-01-19 (0777) Crooked Banker and Sheriff," blending dramatic storytelling with timeless adventures. Through intricate plotlines and memorable characters, listeners are reminded of the enduring legacy of The Lone Ranger as a symbol of justice and integrity in a world rife with challenges.