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

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio - Episode Summary

Title: The Lone Ranger 38-02-07 (0785) Contraband Liquor
Release Date: March 26, 2025
Duration: Approximately 31 minutes
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Overview

In this gripping episode of The Lone Ranger, titled "Contraband Liquor," listeners are transported back to the Wild West era, where the struggle between lawmen and outlaws is intensified by the pervasive issue of liquor smuggling. The story intricately weaves themes of corruption, justice, and redemption, showcasing the Lone Ranger's unwavering commitment to upholding the law.

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Act One: The Web of Deceit

The episode opens with a vivid narration that sets the Wild West scene, introducing the Lone Ranger and his trusty horse, Silver. The tranquility of the town is soon disrupted as Steve Brady, a seemingly dedicated member of the Border Patrol, arrives to investigate a surge in liquor smuggling across the border.

Key Moments:

• Interrogation at the Cafe (03:17 - 04:25): Steve Brady confronts the cafe owner, Birkin (the Lone Ranger in disguise), suspecting involvement in illegal liquor sales.

  Steve Brady (03:25): "I got something to tell you about that Bergman."

• The Shooting Incident (03:59 - 05:25): A gunshot rings out, resulting in the mysterious death of Flint Berkman. Sheriff Perkins intervenes, leading to the wrongful arrest of Cactus Pete, a local camper.

  Lone Ranger (05:07): "You're making a mistake, Brady, keeping folks inside here."

Act Two: Unraveling the Truth

As suspicion mounts against Cactus Pete, the Lone Ranger and his ally, Tonto, embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind Berkman's murder and the ongoing smuggling operations.

Key Moments:

• Cactus Pete's Plight (07:25 - 14:12): Cactus Pete is jailed under false pretenses, with Sheriff Perkins and Steve Brady orchestrating the frame-up to conceal their involvement with the smugglers.

  Cactus Pete (08:32): "Yeah, a dirty crook. He's been living on barred time a long while."

• Lone Ranger's Investigation (17:34 - 21:38): The Lone Ranger and Tonto analyze footprints and evidence, leading them to suspect that the Sheriff and Brady are deeply entwined with the smuggling ring.

  Lone Ranger (17:54): "This can mean just one thing, kimosabe. Someone who is dodging the law is riding away scot free."

• Confrontation and Revelation (22:05 - 29:46): The Lone Ranger confronts Sheriff Perkins and Steve Brady, exposing their deceit. A strategic plan is devised to lure the corrupt officials into a trap, ultimately leading to their downfall.

  Lone Ranger (26:16): "I've sent a note to the sheriff and all these deputies. 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."

Climactic Resolution

In the final act, the Lone Ranger executes his plan flawlessly. By sending cryptic notes, he identifies the true smugglers. As dawn breaks, the corrupt Sheriff Perkins and Steve Brady fall into the trap, revealing their true colors to the United States Marshal and the reformed Border Patrol.

Key Moments:

• The Trap is Set (26:32 - 27:21): The Lone Ranger's ingenuity leads to the exposure of the smuggling ring.

  Steve Brady (27:53): "Well, how do you know?"

• Final Showdown (28:25 - 29:46): Sheriff Perkins and Brady attempt to escape but are apprehended, ensuring justice is served.

  Lone Ranger (29:05): "You are darn right."

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Notable Quotes

• Lone Ranger on Justice:

  Lone Ranger (17:54): "Someone who is dodging the law is riding away scot free."

• Cactus Pete's Innocence:

  Cactus Pete (14:00): "If I could give you any help, I'd do it even if it meant I'd hang."

• Steve Brady's Deception Unveiled:

  Steve Brady (22:42): "If that Sheriff Perkins is in cahoots with the smugglers and framing this man."

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Conclusion

"Contraband Liquor" masterfully portrays the battle between good and evil in the Old West. Through clever storytelling and dynamic character interactions, the episode highlights the Lone Ranger's role as a beacon of justice amidst corruption. Listeners are left with a satisfying resolution, reaffirming the timeless message that integrity and courage triumph over deceit and malice.

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Note: This summary excludes all advertisement segments and non-content sections to focus solely on the narrative and character development within the episode.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty HI O. Silver. The Lone Ranger. 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 shod hoofs as they race down the hard packed roadbeds of yesteryear. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Lone Ranger]

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

[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.

[Lone Ranger]

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

[Steve Brady]

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

[Lone Ranger]

That's right.

[Steve Brady]

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

[Lone Ranger]

Best I can get.

[Steve Brady]

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

[Lone Ranger]

You're downright mysterious, Acton.

[Steve Brady]

What's it about this way? Cause I can talk to you without three foot of bar between us.

[Lone Ranger]

All right, start talking.

[Steve Brady]

Where are you from and what's on your mind? 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. What's the big idea?

[Lone Ranger]

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. I don't know where it comes from. I ain't the man to tell that to 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. What the.

[Lone Ranger]

The dirty rats who fired that shot.

[Steve Brady]

Close the doors of this place and don't let no one out. 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.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Mister.

[Steve Brady]

Keep away from those doors, all of you. You can't order us around that way.

[Sheriff Perkins]

I'm sheriff here and if there's any orders to be given I'll give them, stranger.

[Steve Brady]

I'm giving the order. Sheriff. My name is Brady of the Border Patrol.

[Lone Ranger]

Brady?

[Sheriff Perkins]

Border Patrol? 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.

[Sheriff Perkins]

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. Whoever fired it is plenty far from here by now.

[Sheriff Perkins]

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

[Steve Brady]

Now hold on.

[Sheriff Perkins]

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 Berkman.

[Steve Brady]

That's right. We're going out.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Come on. 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.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Keep your hands above your shoulders.

[Cactus Pete]

What the. What's this mean?

[Sheriff Perkins]

It means we're hunting a killer.

[Cactus Pete]

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

[Sheriff Perkins]

I don't care who you are, where you from.

[Cactus Pete]

Sharks ain't from no place in particular.

[Sheriff Perkins]

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

[Cactus Pete]

Yeah, ain't Mine though it ain't yours.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Hand it over. Let me see it.

[Cactus Pete]

But Sheriff.

[Steve Brady]

I'll take the gun.

[Sheriff Perkins]

What did you say your name was?

[Cactus Pete]

Cactus Pete they called me.

[Sheriff Perkins]

What's your real name?

[Cactus Pete]

Pete Hawkins.

[Steve Brady]

Hmm.

[Sheriff Perkins]

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

[Cactus Pete]

I told you the gun weren't mine.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Where'd you get it?

[Cactus Pete]

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.

[Steve Brady]

Where's that?

[Cactus Pete]

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

[Sheriff Perkins]

That's a likely story.

[Cactus Pete]

Oh, drat you Sheriff, it's the truth.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Then what?

[Cactus Pete]

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

[Steve Brady]

Reckon we got the right man, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Perkins]

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

[Steve Brady]

Who?

[Sheriff Perkins]

Berkman?

[Cactus Pete]

You don't mean Flint Berkman?

[Sheriff Perkins]

Oh, so you know him, huh?

[Cactus Pete]

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

[Steve Brady]

Reckon that remark will be used again him, eh, Sheriff?

[Sheriff Perkins]

Used a plenty.

[Cactus Pete]

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

[Sheriff Perkins]

How do you know he was shot in the cafe?

[Cactus Pete]

I didn't, but I.

[Sheriff Perkins]

That's another point again. You mister.

[Cactus Pete]

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?

[Sheriff Perkins]

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

[Steve Brady]

And you drilled him.

[Sheriff Perkins]

What'd you do it for?

[Steve Brady]

What'd Berkman do to you?

[Cactus Pete]

Doggone, I didn't shoot him.

[Sheriff Perkins]

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

[Cactus Pete]

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

[Sheriff Perkins]

How can you prove it?

[Cactus Pete]

I can I Gosh I.

[Sheriff Perkins]

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

[Cactus Pete]

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. It was talk even of lynching. But the sheriff stopped it.

[Sheriff Perkins]

There ain't to be no lynching, boys.

[Steve Brady]

And I'm back in 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.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Now go back to your homes, fellers. The Lord take care of this matter.

[Lone Ranger]

Cara's right, fellows.

[Steve Brady]

Come on, let's get back.

[Sheriff Perkins]

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

[Steve Brady]

You reckon not, Sheriff? That's a blame. Good thing we have a lynching down here. It's a black mark again.

[Sheriff Perkins]

You?

[Steve Brady]

Yeah, and we'd likely have the US Marshal down here along with a lot of them border patrol men.

[Sheriff Perkins]

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

[Steve Brady]

I sure will, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Perkins]

I'm heading for home. 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.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Come as fast as I could, Brady.

[Steve Brady]

How's everything look?

[Sheriff Perkins]

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?

[Sheriff Perkins]

Nothing.

[Steve Brady]

You sure of that?

[Sheriff Perkins]

Dead sure. He don't know a blame thing.

[Steve Brady]

Good enough. He'll have to face some questioning. The less he can tell, the more guilty he'll seem to be.

[Cactus Pete]

Yep.

[Sheriff Perkins]

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

[Steve Brady]

Yeah, and Burkeman had to die.

[Sheriff Perkins]

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.

[Sheriff Perkins]

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

[Cactus Pete]

Tad Walters?

[Sheriff Perkins]

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 gotta know. There was a shipment of liquor due to be brought across the border next week. But it's being held for a time.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Till things quiet down around here.

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah.

[Steve Brady]

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

[Sheriff Perkins]

I reckon so.

[Steve Brady]

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

[Sheriff Perkins]

I'll see to that. Is that all?

[Steve Brady]

That's all.

[Sheriff Perkins]

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

[Steve Brady]

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

[Sheriff Perkins]

Nice savvy.

[Steve Brady]

You just 10 your job. And see that the prisoner pays for the murder and the shooting's cleared up. And there won't be no more heard from it.

[Sheriff Perkins]

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.

[Cactus Pete]

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.

[Cactus Pete]

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?

[Cactus Pete]

Everyone knows it.

[Steve Brady]

Oh, so you admit that.

[Cactus Pete]

Yeah.

[Steve Brady]

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

[Cactus Pete]

That ain't true.

[Steve Brady]

Then why did you hate him so?

[Cactus Pete]

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.

[Cactus Pete]

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.

[Cactus Pete]

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.

[Cactus Pete]

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?

[Cactus Pete]

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.

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[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 Tondo to examine footprints on the ground.

[Lone Ranger]

That's the trail of Cactus Pete, all right. Tanto. Him got patch on goot. I remember it. Him toe in like Injun. Yes. Step light on left foot. His left leg is a bit stiff from an old wound. Here. Where him stop? Oh, white tunnel.

[Steve Brady]

Oh.

[Cactus Pete]

Oh.

[Lone Ranger]

Make em camp here and puddle. Something happened here. Other puddler. 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. 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. Toto, 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.

[Steve Brady]

Me.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Me. Follow him.

[Lone Ranger]

Trail to the north and I'll head for town. Bring the outlaw back with you. Tonto. Tonto. Get him. Get him up.

[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.

[Cactus Pete]

Oh, there 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 would believe 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. Rattlet. I need all my thinking for the trial. Hey, guard.

[Steve Brady]

What do you want?

[Cactus Pete]

Come up to the window, won't you?

[Steve Brady]

Close enough to hear you. What do you want?

[Cactus Pete]

Can't you stop that pacing for a time?

[Steve Brady]

For what?

[Cactus Pete]

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

[Steve Brady]

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

[Cactus Pete]

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

[Steve Brady]

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

[Cactus Pete]

Ain't there anyone alive believes my story? No.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, there is. A quiet guard.

[Steve Brady]

Take that gun out of my bag.

[Lone Ranger]

I said keep quiet.

[Cactus Pete]

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

[Lone Ranger]

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.

[Cactus Pete]

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

[Lone Ranger]

When are you supposed to stand trial?

[Cactus Pete]

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

[Lone Ranger]

What are you accused of?

[Cactus Pete]

Murder. Killing Flint Berkman.

[Lone Ranger]

Did the real killer make you change clothes?

[Cactus Pete]

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

[Lone Ranger]

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

[Cactus Pete]

He made me switch guns and everything.

[Lone Ranger]

He did, huh?

[Cactus Pete]

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

[Lone Ranger]

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

[Cactus Pete]

Ain't you gonna lend me out?

[Lone Ranger]

Not yet.

[Cactus Pete]

What are you gonna do?

[Lone Ranger]

Get around the town and see what I can learn.

[Steve Brady]

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

[Lone Ranger]

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

[Steve Brady]

You? You pulled a gun on me.

[Lone Ranger]

Did I harm you?

[Sheriff Perkins]

No.

[Lone Ranger]

Have I tried to help the prisoner escape?

[Steve Brady]

No, he ain't.

[Lone Ranger]

Are you interested in seeing the right man punished?

[Cactus Pete]

Well.

[Lone Ranger]

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

[Cactus Pete]

Yeah, yeah, I know.

[Lone Ranger]

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

[Steve Brady]

Put that man in the caliber.

[Lone Ranger]

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

[Cactus Pete]

Yeah.

[Lone Ranger]

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

[Cactus Pete]

Yo, mister.

[Lone Ranger]

Who found you?

[Cactus Pete]

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

[Lone Ranger]

You?

[Steve Brady]

Yeah, I was along.

[Lone Ranger]

And you're going to tell me the truth.

[Steve Brady]

But I tell you.

[Lone Ranger]

Did the sheriff bother to examine the tracks?

[Sheriff Perkins]

No.

[Steve Brady]

There didn't seem to be no need of it.

[Lone Ranger]

Not even when Pete Hawkins told his story?

[Cactus Pete]

No, mister. The sheriff and Steve Brady.

[Lone Ranger]

Who is Steve Brady?

[Cactus Pete]

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

[Lone Ranger]

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.

[Steve Brady]

Hold on, mister. Well look here, I'm as set again.

[Sheriff Perkins]

The smuggling as any man can be.

[Steve Brady]

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

[Lone Ranger]

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

[Cactus Pete]

Yeah?

[Lone Ranger]

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

[Cactus Pete]

With you on my side, mister, I ain't worrying that 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.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm looking for the home of Sheriff Perkins.

[Steve Brady]

Last house on this side of the road.

[Lone Ranger]

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.

[Sheriff Perkins]

What? What? Where's the match? What's going on here anyhow? Why did I. A note's fastened to that rock. Something as sure as thunder due to.

[Lone Ranger]

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]

Great Scott, you're masked. Where'd you come from? How'd you find me?

[Lone Ranger]

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

[Steve Brady]

What?

[Lone Ranger]

There's a man in jail for murder.

[Steve Brady]

Yes, but who are you?

[Lone Ranger]

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.

[Lone Ranger]

Am I?

[Steve Brady]

What do you know about the smuggling?

[Lone Ranger]

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

[Steve Brady]

You will? How?

[Lone Ranger]

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?

[Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Steve Brady]

Who else?

[Lone Ranger]

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.

[Lone Ranger]

Now then.

[Steve Brady]

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

[Lone Ranger]

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.

[Lone Ranger]

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?

[Lone Ranger]

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

[Steve Brady]

Where is it?

[Lone Ranger]

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? Riding for the Border Patrol.

[Narrator]

Brady saddled his horse, then rode toward town. In 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.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Ain't dead red at all. Can a man get sleep when he's got to get up before daybreak? Who's there? That you, Brady?

[Steve Brady]

Open up.

[Sheriff Perkins]

What are you doing here?

[Steve Brady]

Come in and shut the door.

[Sheriff Perkins]

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.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Well, how do you know?

[Steve Brady]

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

[Sheriff Perkins]

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.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Yeah.

[Steve Brady]

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

[Sheriff Perkins]

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

[Steve Brady]

And tell them who you have to tell.

[Sheriff Perkins]

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

[Steve Brady]

What about the guard at the jail tonight?

[Sheriff Perkins]

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

[Steve Brady]

You'll tend to the telling of the rest.

[Sheriff Perkins]

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

[Steve Brady]

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

[Lone Ranger]

You've already shown it. What?

[Sheriff Perkins]

We're there at the busted window.

[Lone Ranger]

You're coming. Don't move. Hey, you boys get that gun.

[Sheriff Perkins]

Sam, the marshal.

[Lone Ranger]

You're darn right.

[Steve Brady]

Look here, I'm a border patrolman.

[Lone Ranger]

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

[Sheriff Perkins]

It's a trick.

[Lone Ranger]

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

[Sheriff Perkins]

All right, Marshal.

[Steve Brady]

It's a frame up. An honorary frame up. You said you was gone for my men.

[Lone Ranger]

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

[Cactus Pete]

Mr. Todo has come with the killer.

[Steve Brady]

But that man's a prisoner.

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah, like fun.

[Cactus Pete]

The guard let me out when Tono showed him how that killer swiped clothes with me.

[Lone Ranger]

Did the guard believe your story then? Pete?

[Cactus Pete]

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

[Sheriff Perkins]

Let me talk to you.

[Lone Ranger]

You're talking to judge and jury. Maybe you can save your neck by giving names.

[Steve Brady]

He can't give the names of the bosses.

[Cactus Pete]

But.

[Steve Brady]

But I can't. Marshall. Let me talk.

[Lone Ranger]

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

[Cactus Pete]

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

[Lone Ranger]

I see you sa.

[Narrator]

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