The Lone Ranger 38-02-07 (0785) Contraband Liquor

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – The Lone Ranger Episode 38-02-07 "Contraband Liquor"

Episode Details:

• Title: The Lone Ranger 38-02-07 (0785) Contraband Liquor
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Release Date: May 30, 2025
• Description: This episode delves into the classic adventures of The Lone Ranger during the Golden Age of Radio, focusing on themes of justice, corruption, and heroism in the untamed West.

---

1. Introduction

The episode opens with a dramatized narrative setting the stage for a tale of deceit and lawlessness on the frontier. The story revolves around contraband liquor smuggling along the border and the subsequent efforts to apprehend those responsible.

2. Act One: The Framing of Cactus Pete

Setting the Scene:

• Narrator [00:35]: Introduces The Lone Ranger as a symbol of justice in the Wild West. “A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high. Silver. The Lone Ranger.”

Conflict Introduction:

• **Cactus Pete and Steve Brady encounter each other at a café suspected of liquor smuggling.
• Steve Brady [03:05]: Confronts Cactus Pete (Birkin) about the quality of liquor being sold. “This ain't a bad grade of liquor you're selling here.” ([03:12])
• Tensions escalate when a gunshot is fired, resulting in the death of Flint Berkman.

Escalation:

• Narrator [02:36]: Highlights the severity of liquor smuggling and introduces the main characters involved in the investigation.
• Sheriff Perkins and Deputy attempt to maintain order but face resistance from Steve Brady, a corrupt Border Patrol member.
• Sheriff Perkins [09:17]: Attempts to quell lynching rumors. “There ain't to be no lynching, boys.” ([09:17])

Framing Cactus Pete:

• Cactus Pete is wrongfully accused and arrested for Berkman's murder despite his innocence.
• Sheriff Perkins [21:08]: Confronts Cactus Pete with accusations. “You pulled a gun on me.” ([21:02])

3. Act Two: The Lone Ranger's Investigation

Introduction of The Lone Ranger:

• Narrator [16:26]: Shifts focus to The Lone Ranger and Tonto tracking the true perpetrators.

Cactus Pete’s Plight:

• Flint Berkman [19:03]: Expresses despair about being wrongly accused and his trust in The Lone Ranger. “If only someone had believed my story...” ([19:51])

Clues Unveiled:

• Cactus Pete [17:06]: Analyzes footprints to deduce that someone forced him to switch clothes. “Someone who is dodging the law is riding away scot free.” ([17:06])

The Lone Ranger’s Plan:

• Cactus Pete [21:25]: Collaborates with The Lone Ranger to expose Sheriff Perkins and Steve Brady's corruption. “I've sent a note to each of them...” ([22:26])

4. Confrontation and Resolution

Setting the Trap:

• The Lone Ranger (Craig Scott) [25:11]: Confronts Sheriff Perkins and Steve Brady with evidence of their involvement in smuggling.
• Cactus Pete [21:29]: Challenges the deputies' integrity. “Why didn't the lawmen see what was so obvious, huh?” ([21:30])

Final Showdown:

• Steve Brady [28:57]: Attempts to maintain his facade but is exposed by The Lone Ranger and Cactus Pete.
• Cactus Pete [28:58]: Asserts authority over the deputies. “You're talking to the judge and jury.” ([28:58])

Justice Served:

• Flint Berkman [28:47]: Validates Cactus Pete's innocence and the truth about the smuggling ring. “You had to. You should have seen that killer's feet...” ([28:49])

Resolution:

• Sheriff Perkins and his corrupt deputies are apprehended, clearing Cactus Pete’s name.
• Narrator [30:39]: Concludes the episode, highlighting The Lone Ranger's role in upholding justice.

5. Notable Quotes

• Steve Brady [03:35]: “Where I'm from ain't of special interest. But if you feel something poking into your stomach hard it's the muzzle of a six gun.” ([03:35])

• Sheriff Perkins [09:19]: “And I'm backing the sheriff. Any lynching mob that gets organized will have gun lead spread right into their midst and we don't care who it hits.” ([09:19])

• Cactus Pete [21:10]: “Or are you in league with the plotters against law and order?” ([21:10])

• Flint Berkman [13:12]: “Because he sold that liquor. He and all the rats that work with him didn't give a hang about the folks around here.” ([13:12])

6. Conclusion

"Contraband Liquor" masterfully weaves a tale of deceit, corruption, and the relentless pursuit of justice emblematic of The Lone Ranger series. Through the wrongful accusation of Cactus Pete and the eventual unveiling of Sheriff Perkins and Steve Brady's corruption, the episode underscores the timeless message that true justice prevails against the odds.

This episode not only entertains with its engaging plot and dynamic characters but also serves as a nostalgic homage to the storytelling style of the Golden Age of Radio.

Transcript

[McDonald's Advertiser]

McCrispy strips are now at McDonald's. I hope you're ready for the most dippable chicken in McDonald's history. Dip it in all the sauces. Dip it in that hot sauce in your bag. Dip it in your McFlurry. Your dip is your business. McCrispy strips at McDonald's.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high. Silver. The Lone Ranger.

[Cactus Pete]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Hundreds and hundreds of stories have come out of the west concerning a phantom figure of the plains who rode in the cause of justice. A masked rider whose heroic deeds have lived down through the years as a symbol of the courage and spirit of the wild and untamed west of old. Listen to those silver shot hoops as they race down the hard packed road beds of yesteryear. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Cactus Pete]

Come on, Silver, old boy. How was waiting for us near the border? We must hurry, old fellow, to stretch out those great legs of yours. I'll. Silver.

[Narrator]

Liquor smuggling had become a serious problem to the Border Patrol. The smugglers were too cunning to be captured. And though illegal liquor was known to be sold in the States the source of supply could not be discovered. The first act of tonight's Lone Ranger drama opens in a cafe whose owner was suspected of doing business with the smugglers. Steve Brady, a member of the Border Patrol sent to investigate is standing against the bar.

[Cactus Pete]

I'm told you was asking for me personally, stranger.

[Steve Brady]

That's right. Your name's Birkin, isn't it? Yep. You own this place?

[Cactus Pete]

That's right.

[Steve Brady]

This ain't a bad grade of liquor you're selling here.

[Cactus Pete]

Best I can get.

[Steve Brady]

I got something to tell you about that, Berkman. Suppose you step down to the end of the bar here where folks won't hear us talk.

[Cactus Pete]

You're downright mysterious, Hecton. What's it about?

[Steve Brady]

This way I can talk to you without three foot of bar between us.

[Cactus Pete]

All right, start talking. Where you're from and what's on your mind?

[Steve Brady]

Where I'm from ain't of special interest. But if you feel something poking into your stomach hard it's the muzzle of a six gun.

[Cactus Pete]

What's the big idea? Stick up.

[Steve Brady]

No, taint a stick up. Flint. You're coming with me for questioning. What do you mean? Reckon you know what I mean. The liquor you're selling here has been brought over from south of the border.

[Flint Berkman]

I don't know where it comes from.

[Steve Brady]

I ain't the man to that too, Flint. You gotta tell it to my bosses. I was Ordered to come here, find out what brands of liquor you sold and bring you in. Who fired that shot? Close the doors of this place and don't let no one out.

[Sheriff Perkins]

The shot came from the door. We didn't see who fired it but it's a cinch he's not here now. Yeah, it comes from outside someplace mister.

[Steve Brady]

Keep away from those doors all of you.

[Sheriff Perkins]

You can't order us around.

[Deputy]

That a way I'm sheriff here and if there's any orders to be given I'll give them strangers.

[Steve Brady]

I'm giving the orders, Sheriff. My name is Brady, the Border Patrol Brady.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Border Patrol?

[Deputy]

You're another one of them critters that come up here to find out where smuggled liquor's coming from, huh?

[Steve Brady]

That's right, Sheriff. This makes two men shot before they could tell. When we find the rats that are smuggling contraband liquor from the other side of the border there's two murders for them to account for.

[Deputy]

You're making a mistake Brady, keeping folks inside here. Yes, I was with the boys right here by the door. I swear the shot come from outside.

[Steve Brady]

Whoever fired it is a darn good shot then. Yeah, that was a six gun kill Flint Berkman and it drilled imperfect.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Whoever fired it is plenty far from here by now.

[Deputy]

All the deputies report for duty. We're organizing a posse right away. We'll get the coyote.

[Narrator]

Now hold on.

[Deputy]

Don't interfere with the law Brady. Read the rules and regulations of the border patrol and you will find you're overstepping your authority and interfering with justice if you hinder us in searching for the killer of Flint Burkeman.

[Sheriff Perkins]

That's right, we're going out.

[Flint Berkman]

Come on.

[Deputy]

Stand aside. We're leaving here and we're hunting for the killer of our part. Come on boys.

[Narrator]

The posse organized by the sheriff to hunt for Berkman's murderer was divided and sent out to search the surrounding country. The sheriff and a few of his deputies rode out together. After a night of riding they came upon a lone camper known as Cactus Pete.

[Deputy]

Keep your hands above your shoulders, mister.

[Flint Berkman]

What's this mean?

[Deputy]

It means we're hunting a killer.

[Flint Berkman]

But doggone mister, I ain't no killer. I'm Cactus Pete.

[Deputy]

I don't care who you are. Where you from?

[Flint Berkman]

Sharks ain't from no place in particular.

[Deputy]

I just travel Pretty sizable gun you're carrying there.

[Flint Berkman]

Yeah, taint mine though.

[Deputy]

It ain't yours. Hand it over, let me see it.

[Flint Berkman]

But Sheriff.

[Sheriff Perkins]

I'll take the gun.

[Deputy]

What did you say your name was?

[Flint Berkman]

Cactus Pete. They called me.

[Deputy]

What's your real name?

[Flint Berkman]

Pete Hawkins.

[Deputy]

Initials on this gun is TW that don't sound like Pete Hawkins to me.

[Flint Berkman]

I told you the gun weren't mine.

[Deputy]

Where'd you get it?

[Flint Berkman]

Granted, if you're suspecting me of murder you wouldn't believe me if I told you where I got it. I got at the same place I got these doggone oversized clothes I'm trying to wear.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Where's that?

[Flint Berkman]

Some ornery coyote come up to my camp here while I was sleeping. Woke me up jabbing. This year six gun in my face.

[Deputy]

That's a likely story.

[Flint Berkman]

Oh, drat your sheriff. It's the truth.

[Deputy]

Then what?

[Flint Berkman]

He made me switch clothes with him, took my guns, left this shooting iron. I ain't even any cartridges.

[Cactus Pete]

First.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Reckon we got the right man, Sheriff.

[Deputy]

We'll take him in and see what he might know about Berkman's murder.

[Flint Berkman]

Who?

[Deputy]

Berkman?

[Flint Berkman]

You don't mean Flint Berkman?

[Deputy]

Oh, so you know him, huh?

[Flint Berkman]

I know a plenty about Flint Berkman. Yeah, a dirty crook. He's been living on barred time a long while.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Reckon that remark will be used again him, eh?

[Flint Berkman]

Sheriff?

[Deputy]

Used a plenty.

[Flint Berkman]

You can't prove I was nowheres near his cafe.

[Deputy]

How do you know he was shot in the cafe?

[Flint Berkman]

I didn't.

[Deputy]

But that's another point again. You, mister.

[Flint Berkman]

Look here, the only reason I figured he was shot in that cafe was because he's there most of the time. He lives upstairs, don't he?

[Deputy]

Yeah, he does. You know all about him, don't you?

[Sheriff Perkins]

And you drilled him.

[Deputy]

What'd you do it for?

[Sheriff Perkins]

What'd Buckman do to you?

[Flint Berkman]

Doggone, I didn't shoot him.

[Deputy]

You know enough to warrant your arrest. And you lied about your name.

[Flint Berkman]

I did not lie. I'm Cactus Pete, I tell you.

[Deputy]

How can you prove it?

[Flint Berkman]

I can. I gosh I.

[Deputy]

What proof you got that your name's Pete Hawkins?

[Flint Berkman]

Sheriff, I reckon I ain't got no proof. Maybe you better take me to the jail, see what happens.

[Narrator]

Cactus Pete was returned to town and lodged in jail. The sheriff convinced the townspeople that his prisoner was the murderer of Berkman and sentiment ran high against Pete. There was talk even of lynching but the sheriff stopped it.

[Deputy]

There ain't to be no lynching, boys.

[Sheriff Perkins]

And I'm backing the sheriff. Any lynching mob that gets organized will have gun lead spread right into their midst and we don't care who it hits.

[Deputy]

Now go back to your homes, fellers. They'll all take care of this matter.

[Cactus Pete]

Sheriff's right fellows.

[Steve Brady]

Come on, let's get back.

[Deputy]

Well, I reckon there won't be no more lynch talk.

[Sheriff Perkins]

You reckon not, Sheriff? That's a blame. Good thing we have a lynching down here. It's a black mark again. You? Yeah, and we'd likely have the US Marshal down here along with a lot of them border patrol men.

[Deputy]

That'd be a reflection on the way we handle law and order now. Stick on guard here.

[Sheriff Perkins]

I sure will, Sheriff.

[Deputy]

I'm heading for home. It's been a busy day.

[Narrator]

Instead of going to his home, Sheriff Perkins went to the edge of town where the shadows of huge boulders concealed Steve Brady. Brady, though a member of the border patrol had betrayed his trust and was in the pay of the smugglers. We hear him as he greets the sheriff.

[Steve Brady]

Took you long enough to get here. I've been waiting.

[Deputy]

Come as fast as I could, Brady.

[Steve Brady]

How's everything look?

[Deputy]

It's working out all right. The prisoner will swing for murder as sure as my name's Perkins.

[Steve Brady]

How much does he know?

[Deputy]

Nothing.

[Steve Brady]

You sure that Dead sure he don't.

[Deputy]

Know a blame thing.

[Steve Brady]

Good enough he left a face in questioning. The less he can tell the more guilty he'll seem to be.

[Flint Berkman]

Yep.

[Deputy]

It was sure a lucky thing he said what he did about Berkman give a moody for the murder.

[Steve Brady]

Yeah, and Berkman had to die.

[Deputy]

I suppose he did.

[Steve Brady]

Sooner or later one of the other men from the patrol would get to questioning. He was yellow enough to squeal.

[Deputy]

He won't do no squealing now. But say Steve, what about the real killer of Berkman?

[Steve Brady]

Tad Walters?

[Deputy]

He the one?

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Steve Brady]

He does all the killing for our bunch. He got clear then switched clothes with that hombre that says he's Cactus Pete. Now here's what you got to know. There was a shipment of liquor due to be brought across the border next week but it's being held for a.

[Deputy]

Time till things quiet down around here.

[Steve Brady]

Yeah, there might be some strangers of the marshal here investigating that shooting. It's best to lay low for a time.

[Deputy]

I reckon so.

[Steve Brady]

Meanwhile you keep the town quiet and see there's none of the smuggled liquor sold in the cafe.

[Deputy]

I'll see to that. Is that all?

[Steve Brady]

That's all.

[Deputy]

And there's one thing I'd like to ask you, Brady. Well, just who is the big boss of this gang?

[Steve Brady]

As far as you're concerned, I'm the boss. Who gives me orders needn't concern you.

[Deputy]

I savvy.

[Steve Brady]

You just tend Your job and see that the prisoner pays for the murder and the shooting's cleared up. And there won't be no more hurt from it.

[Deputy]

You leaving this section now?

[Steve Brady]

Not till after I've questioned the prisoner. I'll do that in the morning. I gotta make a show of doing my duty as one of the border patrol. You'll be seeing me around tomorrow.

[Flint Berkman]

Brady, I've told you all I know, and every word I said is the truth.

[Steve Brady]

Your story don't hold water. It's as full of holes as a sieve.

[Flint Berkman]

I can't help it if it don't sound true.

[Steve Brady]

Pete, or whatever your name is. You admit knowing there's been smuggling going on?

[Flint Berkman]

Everyone knows it.

[Steve Brady]

Oh, so you admit that.

[Flint Berkman]

Yeah.

[Steve Brady]

And you was afraid Berkman would tell the names of those he bought liquor from, so you drilled him.

[Flint Berkman]

That ain't true.

[Steve Brady]

Then why did you hate him so?

[Flint Berkman]

Because he sold that liquor. He and all the rats that work with him didn't give a hang about the folks around here. All they cared about was selling liquor that had been smuggled in. They didn't care how rotten that liquor was. They didn't care how many families they wrecked with it. They sold it to whoever'd buy it. Didn't matter if they was white men or Injuns.

[Steve Brady]

You seem to know a lot about it.

[Flint Berkman]

Look here, Brady. Don't the way I feel about it show you I wouldn't have no hand in it?

[Steve Brady]

Makes me think you're a pretty good actor. That's what it does.

[Flint Berkman]

If I could give you any help, I'd do it even if it meant I'd hang. I'd most be willing to be proved one of the gang if by so doing it'd wipe the rest of him out.

[Steve Brady]

Pretty brave speeches, but they ain't gonna save you from the noose. There ain't but one thing that'd save your neck. Well, name the rest of the men that are in the gang.

[Flint Berkman]

I can't do it because I ain't in the gang. I don't know him. Gang's too clever for the law. There ain't but one power on earth I know of could clean them rats out.

[Steve Brady]

And what might that be?

[Flint Berkman]

I mean, the Lone Ranger. I don't know how he'd do it, but he sure as thunder would do it. If only the Lone Ranger knowed.

[Narrator]

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

[McDonald's Advertiser]

McCrispy strips are now at McDonald's. I hope you're ready for the most dippable chicken in McDonald's history. Dip it in all the sauces. Dip it in that hot sauce in your bag. Dip it in your McFlurry. Your dip is your business. McCrispy strips at McDonald's.

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[Cactus Pete]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now, on with our story. You will recall that in the first act of tonight's Lone Ranger drama we learned that liquor smuggling was common along the border. Steve Brady, a dishonest member of the border patrol, was sent to investigate the situation. While he questioned Flint Berkman, who was suspected of selling illegal liquor. The cafe owner was shot and killed. The sheriff, another member of the smuggling gang arrested Cactus Pete for the murder, though completely aware of his innocence. Now, as our second act opens, we see the Lone Ranger and Tonto riding toward town. They walk their horses, pausing frequently to permit Tanto to examine footprints on the ground.

[Cactus Pete]

That's the trail of Cactus Pete, all right. Tanto. Him dot hatch on goot. I remember it. Him toe in black Injun. Yes. Step light on left foot. His left leg is a bit stiff from an old wound. Here where he'll stop. Oh, I fell. Make him camp here. And Father, something happened here. Other feller come on horse stop here. Get off horse here. Where Pete get on horse ride way. Other men came here later. Oh, Pete not ride horse. This not weigh. Him walk. But those are his boots. Oh, other feller wear Pete's boot. That accounts for it. Someone came here and forced Cactus Pete to change clothes with him. The stranger put on Pete's boots then rode away. Not right. That can mean just one thing, kimosabe. Someone who is dodging the law is riding away scot free. While those other men who came here took Cactus Pete along with them. Tado. One of us must follow the trail of the outlaw. The other must go to town and see how bad a spot our friend is in. Me Me follow him. Trail to the north and I'll head for town. Bring the outlaw back with you. Tanto. Tonto. Get him. Get him up here. White feller.

[Narrator]

Cactus Pete held in Jail awaiting trial could see no hope for himself. He knew that Brady and the sheriff were determined to have him convicted as the murderer of Berkman. He knew also that the townspeople believed him guilty. Throughout the long hours of darkness Pete had heard the steady footsteps of a guard as he paced back and forth outside.

[Flint Berkman]

Oh, ain't but one man alive can help me. He'd know I weren't guilty. He'd believe me. There ain't no telling where he's at. If only someone had believed my story I might get out and hunt for the real killer. But I won't as long as they're so sure I'm guilty. Wish I could get to sleep, Rabbit. I need all my thinking for the trial. Hey, guard.

[Cactus Pete]

What do you want?

[Flint Berkman]

Come up to the window, won't you?

[Sheriff Perkins]

I'm close enough to hear you.

[Flint Berkman]

What do you want? Can't you stop that pacing for a time?

[Sheriff Perkins]

For what?

[Flint Berkman]

I can't sleep. You pace around like a caged lion crunching your boots on the ground and.

[Sheriff Perkins]

You'Ll get a plenty sleep before long. Permanent sleep.

[Flint Berkman]

I should have known better than ask a favor anyone in this town.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Yeah, you should have knowed better. Killers ain't privileged to ask no favors.

[Flint Berkman]

Ain't there anyone alive believes my story?

[Deputy]

No.

[Cactus Pete]

Yes, there is a quiet God.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Take that gun out of my bag.

[Cactus Pete]

I said keep quiet.

[Flint Berkman]

It can't be that voice. Mister. Mister, is it you?

[Cactus Pete]

Take it easy, Pete. Without hearing your story or knowing what it is. I believe you. You're a man and you will be gagged if you don't keep your voice down.

[Flint Berkman]

Mister, something told me you'd be coming here. Listen, let me tell you the whole story. There's no end of smuggling going on.

[Cactus Pete]

When are you supposed to stand trial?

[Flint Berkman]

I'll go to court in the morning. But I already been tried and found guilty by everyone in town.

[Cactus Pete]

What are you accused of?

[Flint Berkman]

Murder. Killing Flint Berkman.

[Cactus Pete]

Did the real killer make you change clothes?

[Flint Berkman]

Yeah, he did. But how'd you know?

[Cactus Pete]

Toto and I found the tracks. Tanner was already headed north to overtake the man who made you change with him.

[Flint Berkman]

He made me switch guns and everything.

[Cactus Pete]

He did, huh?

[Flint Berkman]

But mister, even if he's found, no one would think he was the killer.

[Cactus Pete]

Listen, Pete, you'll have to stay here for a while.

[Flint Berkman]

Ain't you going to lend me out?

[Cactus Pete]

Not yet.

[Flint Berkman]

What are you going to do?

[Cactus Pete]

Get around the town and see what I can learn.

[Sheriff Perkins]

I'm warning you, mister. You won't get out of town alive. You aren't Interfering with justice.

[Cactus Pete]

What are you going to say? I've done well.

[Steve Brady]

You?

[Sheriff Perkins]

You pulled a gun on me.

[Cactus Pete]

Did I harm you?

[Flint Berkman]

No.

[Cactus Pete]

Have I tried to help the prisoner escape?

[Sheriff Perkins]

No, he ain't.

[Cactus Pete]

Are you interested in seeing the right man punished?

[Flint Berkman]

Well.

[Cactus Pete]

Or are you in league with the plotters against law and order? No, I ain't. Burkman was killed because he might have told where he bought contraband liquor.

[Flint Berkman]

Yeah, yeah, I know.

[Cactus Pete]

By finding the real murderer we'll find the key to the liquor smuggling.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Put that man in the caliber.

[Cactus Pete]

You heard what I said about reading the signs of the trail?

[Flint Berkman]

Yeah.

[Cactus Pete]

Why didn't the lawmen see what was so obvious, huh? Is it because the lawmen themselves are in league with the smugglers? Pete.

[Flint Berkman]

Yo, mister.

[Cactus Pete]

Who found you?

[Flint Berkman]

Well, it was Sheriff Perkins and this year guard and a couple others.

[Cactus Pete]

You?

[Sheriff Perkins]

Yeah, I was along.

[Cactus Pete]

And you're going to tell me the truth.

[Steve Brady]

But I tell you.

[Cactus Pete]

Did the sheriff bother to examine the tracks?

[Sheriff Perkins]

No, they didn't seem to be no need of it.

[Cactus Pete]

Not even when Pete Hawkins told his story?

[Flint Berkman]

No, mister. The Sheriff and Steve Brady.

[Cactus Pete]

Who is Steve Brady?

[Flint Berkman]

He's from the Border Patrol. He was about to question Flint Berkman when Flint was shot.

[Cactus Pete]

The Border Patrol? Yeah, I met some men from the patrol. That's how I knew all about the smuggling that's been going on.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Hold on, mister.

[Cactus Pete]

Well look here.

[Sheriff Perkins]

I'm as set again the smuggling as.

[Deputy]

Any man can be.

[Sheriff Perkins]

If that Sheriff Perkins is in cahoots with the smugglers and framing this man.

[Cactus Pete]

Wait. This guard. The sheriff, Steve Brady, Deputies. Pete, I have an idea.

[Flint Berkman]

Yeah?

[Cactus Pete]

Have a long ride before morning. But Pete, don't lose your courage. Keep your chin up here, Silver.

[Flint Berkman]

With you on my side mister, I ain't wearing a doggone bed.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger did not wait for Tonto to return. Instead, the masked man determined to act at once he rode swiftly from the jail to the cafe. There, under cover of darkness he spoke to two men standing outside.

[Cactus Pete]

I'm looking for the home of Sheriff Perkins.

[Steve Brady]

Last house on this side of the road.

[Cactus Pete]

I must also find each of the deputies and the border patrolman Steve Brady.

[Narrator]

When he had learned the facts he needed the Lone Ranger was ready to put his daring plan into action. He rode first to the home of the sheriff. A moment later the sheriff was awakened from a heavy sleep by the sound of a rock thrown through his window.

[Deputy]

What? What? Where's the match? What's going on here anyhow? Blasted I. A note's fastened to that rock. Something as sure as Thunder due to happen.

[Cactus Pete]

Here's where one of the deputies lives, Silver, old boy. And here's a rock for him. Come on, Silver. Here's the home of another of the men who arrested Cactus Peach. Now for the camp of Steve Brady. Brady, wake up. Wake up, Brady. Come. Hurry. What's the matter? I've come to tell you something.

[Steve Brady]

Craig Scott. You're masked. Where'd you come from? How'd you find me?

[Cactus Pete]

I'm here to help you. You want the truth about the liquor smugglers, don't you?

[Steve Brady]

What?

[Cactus Pete]

There's a man in jail for murder.

[Steve Brady]

Yes, but who are you?

[Cactus Pete]

I'm trying to help you. And the Border Patrol put a stop to liquor smuggling by finding the real murderers of Flint Berkman.

[Steve Brady]

Oh, yeah. You are, huh? Hey, you're the man the prisoner spoke of.

[Cactus Pete]

Am I?

[Steve Brady]

What do you know about the smuggling?

[Cactus Pete]

Nothing yet. But before daybreak I'll have the whole truth for you.

[Flint Berkman]

You.

[Steve Brady]

You will? How?

[Cactus Pete]

I've sent a note to the sheriff and all these deputies. What for, Brady? Now listen. So you'll understand the plan. Yeah, I know. The sheriff and some of his men are working hand in glove with the smugglers.

[Steve Brady]

You know that?

[Cactus Pete]

Yes.

[Steve Brady]

Who else?

[Cactus Pete]

I don't know. But I do know Sheriff Perkins is a coward at heart. If he can be arrested with the proof that he's with the smugglers, he'll talk.

[Steve Brady]

Yeah, he struck me as a coward.

[Cactus Pete]

Now then.

[Steve Brady]

But hold on. How'll you prove these men are working with the liquor smugglers?

[Cactus Pete]

I've sent a note to each of them. The note is worded in such a way that if they are in with the smugglers, they'll go to a meeting place at daybreak. But if they're not, they'll not know what the note means.

[Steve Brady]

I savvy those that go to the meeting place will prove themselves guilty.

[Cactus Pete]

Yes. And the United States Marshal and your Border Patrol will be there to get them.

[Steve Brady]

Time to go get my parts of the patrol, huh?

[Cactus Pete]

No, I ain't. I'll take care of them. You go directly to the meeting place.

[Steve Brady]

Where is it?

[Cactus Pete]

The old arroyo near the dead cedar. There are good places to hide on the side of the arroyo.

[Steve Brady]

Where will you be between now and then?

[Cactus Pete]

Riding for the Border Patrol.

[Narrator]

Brady saddled his horse, then rode toward town and the home of Sheriff Perkins. There he dismounted and shortly afterwards pounded on the lawman's door, awakening the sheriff for the second time that night.

[Deputy]

Hey, dad. Rat it all. Can't a man get sleep when he's got to get up before daybreak. Who's there? That you, Brad? What are you doing here?

[Steve Brady]

Come in and shut the door.

[Deputy]

I'm glad you come. I wanted to see you. Listen, an hour ago a rock came through that window.

[Steve Brady]

I know. There was a note on it.

[Deputy]

Well, how do you know?

[Steve Brady]

This will give you a laugh. The masked man that sent the note come to me and told me how it was a trap for you and the deputy.

[Deputy]

Yeah, a trap, sure. Then the big boss ain't called a meeting at all? No, I ain't to go to the arroyo at daybreak.

[Steve Brady]

You go and it serves as proof that you're in with the smugglers. He told me how he'd set the trap.

[Deputy]

Yeah.

[Steve Brady]

You gotta tell the rest of the boys not to go there.

[Deputy]

Yeah, I'd better go. Get him out of bed right now.

[Steve Brady]

And tell him who you have to tell.

[Deputy]

All of them. Sneed, Miller, Lacy and Stone.

[Steve Brady]

What about the God of the jail tonight?

[Deputy]

He's one of the deputies that don't figure in our game.

[Steve Brady]

You'll tend to the telling of the rest.

[Deputy]

Yeah. You dead sure the whole thing was a face?

[Steve Brady]

Sure it was. And if we go to the arroyo, we show that we're with the smugglers.

[Cactus Pete]

You've already shown it. What?

[Deputy]

We're there at the busted window.

[Cactus Pete]

You're covered. Don't move. Hey, you boys get the gun.

[Deputy]

Sam, the marshal.

[Cactus Pete]

You're darn right.

[Steve Brady]

Look here, I'm a border patron.

[Cactus Pete]

Not no more you ain't. You're an ornery smuggler.

[Deputy]

It's a trick.

[Cactus Pete]

Did you hear enough, Marshal. All we needed here. Hank, take a couple of boys and get them deputies.

[Steve Brady]

All right, Marshall, it's a frame up. An honorary frame up. You said you was gone for my men.

[Cactus Pete]

And you thought you'd be safe coming here to warn the sheriff. Well, Brady, that's just what you were expected to do.

[Flint Berkman]

Mr. Tato's come with a killer.

[Steve Brady]

But that man's a prisoner.

[Flint Berkman]

Yeah, like fun. The guard let me out when Tyler showed him how that killer swiped clothes with me.

[Cactus Pete]

The guard believe your story then, Pete?

[Flint Berkman]

You had to. You should have seen that killer's feet. All cramped up by trying to wear my boots. That proved my story.

[Deputy]

Let me talk.

[Cactus Pete]

You're talking to the judge and jury.

[Deputy]

Maybe you can save your neck by giving names.

[Steve Brady]

He can't give the names of the bosses.

[Deputy]

But.

[Steve Brady]

But I can. Marshall. Let me talk.

[Cactus Pete]

Marshall, you'll get all the evidence, I promise you. If you'll bring some honest men and help me, I sure thunder will. Tato. I'll meet you at the camp.

[Flint Berkman]

I told you. I told you he could do it.

[Cactus Pete]

I know.

[Steve Brady]

Uncle. It.

[Deputy]

Sam.

[Narrator]

The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.

[Cactus Pete]

On June 6, I'd like to go hunting the greatest action franchise of the past decade.

[Steve Brady]

How do I start doing what you do?

[Cactus Pete]

Reloads. Looks like you already have. From the world of John Ballerina.

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