The Lone Ranger 38-02-09 (0786) Dave Legget's Solution

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Lone Ranger 38-02-09 (0786) Dave Legget's Solution

Title: The Lone Ranger 38-02-09 (0786) Dave Legget's Solution
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: April 17, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in the suspenseful tale of "Dave Legget's Solution." Set against the rugged backdrop of the Wild West, the story unravels a series of mysterious murders plaguing the stage lines between Pine River and Calhoun. As tension mounts, alliances form, secrets are unveiled, and the iconic Lone Ranger steps in to restore justice.

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Plot Overview

Act 1: The Mystery Unfolds (00:51 - 05:00)

The episode opens with a vivid narration introducing Silver, the Lone Ranger's steadfast horse, emphasizing the Ranger's elusive origins and heroic reputation. Suddenly, the tranquility is broken by Nicole Byer's character, who delivers an urgent message about the impending danger:

"[00:51] Narrator: ...History does not record his many adventures, but the west will always remember the shout which has come down through the years. The Lone Ranger rides again."

As the Lone Ranger and Silver set out, they encounter Ben Sawtelle, the district superintendent, and Sheriff Jack Beardsley. The duo discusses recent mysterious deaths associated with stage robberies:

"[03:34] Ben Sawtelle: Yeah, I guess you're right, Ben. Them boys must have been murdered. There ain't no two ways about that."

Act 2: Enter the Kansas Kid (05:00 - 12:00)

Peter Barrett introduces himself as Peter Barrett, the "Kansas Kid," seeking employment as a stage driver despite skepticism from Nicole's character:

"[05:08] Peter Barrett: You done laughing?"

Tensions escalate as suspicion grows around Barrett's true intentions. Ben Sawtelle decides to investigate further, leading to a confrontation where Barrett is apprehended but maintains his innocence:

"[10:31] Ben Sawtelle: The same book you was looking through, huh?"

Act 3: Unveiling the Truth (12:00 - 23:40)

As the plot thickens, passengers John and Mrs. Liggett arrive, raising questions about the safety of the stage line. Suspicion shifts towards Jake Meekin, the new deputy, who has been acting strangely and is eventually revealed as one of the culprits responsible for the murders by poisoning the water sources:

"[26:40] Peter Barrett: Poison. A kind that's used for killing crop-destroying bugs. It don't hurt caval none but... It's poison for a man."

Nicole's character confronts Meekin, leading to his confession:

"[27:46] Ben Sawtelle: I confess. I done it. I'm the killer."

Act 4: Justice Served (23:40 - End)

With the truth exposed, the Lone Ranger and Tonto collaborate to bring peace back to the stage lines. The resolution sees Meekin's arrest and the restoration of safety for the travelers between Pine River and Calhoun.

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Character Analysis

• The Lone Ranger: Embodies justice and heroism, swiftly responding to the crisis and unearthing the truth behind the murders.

  "[19:55] Nicole Byer: Yes, Dave, you can."

• Ben Sawtelle: The determined district superintendent, whose investigative mindset drives the narrative forward.

  "[17:24] Ben Sawtelle: Oh boy."

• Nicole's Character: Acts as a pivotal figure in uncovering the mystery, showcasing both authority and vulnerability.

  "[05:56] Nicole Byer: Nothing but six good horses and a stage and cargo."

• Peter Barrett (Kansas Kid): Initially viewed with suspicion, his genuine quest for the truth becomes instrumental in resolving the mystery.

  "[20:07] Nicole Byer: Why?"

• Jake Meekin: The antagonist whose deceit and malice instigate the series of unfortunate events.

  "[27:46] Ben Sawtelle: I confess. I done it. I'm the killer."

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Key Moments and Discussions

1. Suspicion Around the Kansas Kid: Barrett's persistent efforts to secure a job amidst ongoing murders raise alarms, highlighting themes of trust and deception.

   "[06:04] Ben Sawtelle: Maybe the Kid knows something, Ben."

2. The Poison Scheme: The revelation of Meekin's use of poison to incapacitate drivers and guards underscores the cunning nature of the crimes.

   "[26:39] Ben Sawtelle: Well what was it?"

3. Climactic Confrontation: The intense showdown where the true villain is exposed serves as the narrative's climax, emphasizing justice triumphing over evil.

   "[27:46] Ben Sawtelle: I confess. I done it. I'm the killer."

4. Resolution and Restoration: The Lone Ranger's intervention ensures the safety of the stage lines, restoring peace and order.

   "[28:08] Peter Barrett: Gosh, thanks."

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Themes and Insights

• Justice vs. Corruption: The episode delves into the struggle between upholding the law and the deceit of those in power.

• Trust and Betrayal: Barrett's journey from suspicion to trust exemplifies the complexities of human relationships in high-stakes environments.

• Courage and Redemption: The Lone Ranger's unwavering commitment to justice serves as a testament to heroism and the possibility of redemption.

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Notable Quotes

• "[10:35] Peter Barrett: He come into your office and he forced me to look through the schedule. Book." — Highlights the coercion used to conceal the truth.

• "[20:43] Peter Barrett: If I tell you the whole thing, will you. Will you take the chance of stringing along with me and just seeing if I'm right?" — Reflects Barrett's trust in the Lone Ranger.

• "[27:53] Peter Barrett: Well I just had a hunch. And when the masked man got to listening he figured it was a good hunch." — Emphasizes the role of intuition in solving mysteries.

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Conclusion

The Lone Ranger 38-02-09 (0786) Dave Legget's Solution masterfully intertwines suspense, character development, and moral dilemmas, offering listeners a captivating journey through the Wild West's perilous landscapes. Harold's Old Time Radio delivers a nostalgic yet fresh narrative, reminding audiences of the timeless appeal of classic radio dramas. With memorable characters and a tightly woven plot, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Lone Ranger series.

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Note: This summary is based solely on the provided transcript and podcast information. Any discrepancies within the transcript, such as the presence of Nicole Byer's segments, have been incorporated as part of the storytelling device for this episode.

Transcript

[Nicole Byer]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms. Flyer today's style tip when it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com Ooh. Fierce. This has been your Wayfarer style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Wayfair Every style.

[Nicole Byer]

Every home.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hyo. Silver 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 feet 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. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Nicole Byer]

Come on, Silver. Oh, boy. That's it, old fellow. Palace waiting for us on the trail ahead. We have to hurry, all boy, or it may be too late. I'll. Silver.

[Narrator]

Strange things had happened to the stages that covered the trail between Pine river and Calhoun. Twice within the past month, death had struck mysteriously at both driver and guard. On each occasion, the stage had been brought into town by the unguided horses. Ben Sawtelle, district superintendent of the line, found himself helpless to solve the crimes. In the first act of tonight's Lone Ranger drama, we see him in his office with the sheriff, Jack Beardsley. The superintendent is speaking of the deaths.

[Peter Barrett]

Sure.

[Nicole Byer]

They could have died by a bad heart or something, Sheriff. I might believe that if one of them had come in dead. But not with all four of them.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Yeah, I guess you're right, Ben. Them boys must have been murdered. There ain't no two ways about that.

[Nicole Byer]

Murdered so's the stage can be robbed.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Been robbed then.

[Nicole Byer]

Both times.

[Ben Sawtelle]

I thought there was a sizable load of stuff when the stage come in.

[Nicole Byer]

And so there was. The mail sex was filled, most overflowing. The rest of the things was as they should be, all but for one thing.

[Ben Sawtelle]

What's that?

[Nicole Byer]

The mail had been pawed over and handled. For what? To steal the mail. It looked like it might have money in it. I guess I checked the mail mighty careful. When I had the chance sheriff and seen that it was different than usual. That's why I say the killers had.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Gone through it, Hagin the thieving wouldn't be discovered at all, that's sure. Who's that skinny looking kid stopping outside there?

[Nicole Byer]

I don't know. Never seen him before.

[Peter Barrett]

Mr. Sawtel?

[Nicole Byer]

That's me. Who are you and what do you want here?

[Peter Barrett]

Oh, my name's Barrett. Peter Barrett.

[Ben Sawtelle]

You don't like it look like you've been eating regular, kid.

[Peter Barrett]

Oh, I ain't complaining none.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Where are you from?

[Peter Barrett]

Kansas. They call me the Kansas Kid over at Pine river, where I've been till now.

[Nicole Byer]

Pine River?

[Ben Sawtelle]

You come along the trail from there to here? Yep. Bad country, ain't it?

[Peter Barrett]

Pretty open country, but not much water. Lack of water and the sun is what makes it tough going over that stretch.

[Nicole Byer]

Yeah, there ain't but one water hole in the stretch that I know of.

[Peter Barrett]

That's all they is.

[Nicole Byer]

Well, get to the point. What'd you want to see me for?

[Peter Barrett]

I'm a stage driver.

[Nicole Byer]

What you? And I'm a full blooded Cherokee doing a war dance.

[Peter Barrett]

You done laughing?

[Ben Sawtelle]

Why, Thundersawtel. He's plumb serious about it.

[Nicole Byer]

The Kansas Kid, huh? Stage driver.

[Peter Barrett]

I. Well, I. I heard that you was needing some drivers, so I'll read over.

[Nicole Byer]

Here on that stove in Mexican plug that's out front.

[Peter Barrett]

Yes, sir, I. Well, I. I need a job powerful bad, Mr. Sawtelle, if you'd give me a chance. I know you're 18.

[Ben Sawtelle]

I'd never believe it. You got the size and weight of a 14 year old and not a husky one at that.

[Peter Barrett]

Oh, I'm 18 and I can handle a six in hand. If you'd give me a chance to prove it.

[Nicole Byer]

I. Kansas Kid being as that's what they called you, we need men to handle the stages. Doggone husky ones at that. You heard what's been taking place along the route?

[Peter Barrett]

Yes, sir.

[Nicole Byer]

And want the job in spite of it.

[Peter Barrett]

Yes, sir.

[Nicole Byer]

You make up and spunk what you lack in weight, don't you?

[Peter Barrett]

I'll bring the horses through, Mr. Sawtelle, and when I get here to Calhoun, I'll be driving them. They won't be pulling the corpse like they done in the past.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Maybe the Kid knows something, Ben.

[Nicole Byer]

What do you mean?

[Ben Sawtelle]

Sheriff, let me talk to him. Come here, Kid.

[Peter Barrett]

Yes, sir.

[Ben Sawtelle]

You say you can handle the six in hand?

[Peter Barrett]

Yes, sir.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Where do you ever do it?

[Peter Barrett]

Well, I. That is, I.

[Nicole Byer]

Did you ever try?

[Peter Barrett]

I. I can handle them. Honest I can.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Well, granting it you Can. What makes you think you'll come through alive? Where big men toting rifles and guns and used all sorts of things on the stage trail comes in dead.

[Peter Barrett]

Oh, I can't answer.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Ya can't answer? Why can't you?

[Peter Barrett]

Well, I. I just can't, that's all. Look here, Mr. Sawtelle, just give me a try. Won't you let me have just one chance? You ain't nothing to lose.

[Nicole Byer]

Nothing but six good horses and a stage and cargo. No, I'll handle a stage alone before I let you take it.

[Peter Barrett]

Is that all you gotta say?

[Nicole Byer]

Then? That's all. Except in this. I'm busy. Ain't the tiny palaver with a half growed towhead that calls himself the Kansas Kid. So vamoose.

[Peter Barrett]

Where to?

[Nicole Byer]

Gee Hossefat, I don't care where to. Just vamoose, that's all.

[Peter Barrett]

My hoss can't do no more traveling. I've got to stay in Calhoun.

[Nicole Byer]

Then stay in Calhoun.

[Peter Barrett]

Gretchen, I ain't no cash to eat with. If you don't get me a job, I'll. Well, I'll just have to starve. And then you'll have a burying to tend to.

[Nicole Byer]

By thunder. I never seem to like you. Well, I have a berrying to tend to. Why should I be the one to put you to work?

[Peter Barrett]

Because I wouldn't work nowhere else.

[Nicole Byer]

Well, of all, if you won't work nowhere else, then blast you, go and starve. I don't give a hang. I.

[Peter Barrett]

What is you gonna say?

[Nicole Byer]

What'd you say your name was?

[Peter Barrett]

Pete Barrett. But you can put it on the payroll. A Kansas kid.

[Nicole Byer]

Look here, Sheriff, what am I to do with him? Dreaded I'll lay awake nights thinking of him starving if I don't give him a job. Here, you take that broom and sweep this office up. Hang around and make yourself useful somehow.

[Peter Barrett]

What about driving a stage?

[Nicole Byer]

No.

[Peter Barrett]

Then I'll. Then I'll hang around and make myself useful till all the other drivers are killed off.

[Nicole Byer]

Then I'll.

[Peter Barrett]

Maybe I'll get my chance.

[Nicole Byer]

Start sweeping. Don't get under my feet or I'll likely step on you.

[Ben Sawtelle]

I wonder if that kid does know something. Likely he's the most peculiar acting cuss I ever seen.

[Nicole Byer]

I can't make him out. He's likely touching ahead. Imagine crossing that prairie land between Pine river and here. On that no account horse, the critter almost has to lean again. The hitch rack to keep them falling over.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Come on outside, Ben.

[Nicole Byer]

For what?

[Ben Sawtelle]

Something to say. Shut that door. Maybe I'M local, but I got a hunch.

[Nicole Byer]

Yeah?

[Ben Sawtelle]

Even I own that kid. Why, he was powerful determined to get work here, wasn't he?

[Nicole Byer]

Beat all I ever seen.

[Ben Sawtelle]

He knowed you wouldn't bust him with a stage, but he figured he might get another job.

[Nicole Byer]

For what?

[Ben Sawtelle]

Maybe just to hang around the office. Step around the side here. Let's look through the window. Somehow I got a notion the Kansas kids tied up with the mysterious murders and robberies.

[Nicole Byer]

Yes.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Here, Take a look. What's he doing?

[Nicole Byer]

He's at my desk.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Pawn through it. By darn, I told you so. Ben, he's found something. What's that book?

[Nicole Byer]

The schedule. It shows when the stage is due to leave the Pine river station and when it's due to get here. Just so one is on the way here now from Pine River. The next one ain't leaving there till next week.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Mm. Well, don't let the kid know you're suspicion anything. But watch him. Sharp.

[Nicole Byer]

Beg pardon, gentlemen. Peeking in your own window. I see you're both covered. A mask man.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Put them guns down. Surrender in the name of the law.

[Nicole Byer]

If I intended to surrender, I wouldn't have come here. Who are you?

[Ben Sawtelle]

What do you want?

[Nicole Byer]

I'm here for information. What sort of information?

[Ben Sawtelle]

What's that mask for?

[Nicole Byer]

I'm not answering your question, Sheriff. I'm here to find out the schedule of the stages war.

[Ben Sawtelle]

So you're the mysterious killer, huh?

[Nicole Byer]

You think that whether I deny it or not. So there's no use denying it.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Then you admit it.

[Nicole Byer]

No, I don't. Sheriff. I came here to ask a simple question. You give that information to anyone who wants to buy a fare on the stage. Why can't you give it to me? Because we. We? Your mask. That's the reason I have to keep my guns handy. How'd you get here so quiet? You were absorbed in watching through that window. You didn't hear my approach. When does the next stage leave Pine River? I ain't giving out no information. Don't you want to solve the murders? Well, I.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Who's the redskin?

[Nicole Byer]

Did you find out what we wanted? Tado here. Your horse, Silver. All right, Tuttle. That's all we need here. Don't you leave here.

[Ben Sawtelle]

You're under arrest.

[Peter Barrett]

Kyle.

[Nicole Byer]

Silver.

[Peter Barrett]

Stop them.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Shoot him.

[Nicole Byer]

Shoot him.

[Peter Barrett]

Sheriff, you're missed. Fire again.

[Nicole Byer]

Oh, tain't no use shooting at Greased Lightning. Gosh, what.

[Peter Barrett]

What horses them two has.

[Nicole Byer]

And what'd the redskin do?

[Peter Barrett]

He come into your office and he forced me to look through the schedule. Book.

[Ben Sawtelle]

The same book you was looking through, huh?

[Peter Barrett]

How'd you know?

[Nicole Byer]

We seen you.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Yeah, and you got a plenty things to explain, Pete. Kansas Kid, Barrett.

[Nicole Byer]

See what they done, Sheriff? The masked man kept us here while the redskin went inside.

[Ben Sawtelle]

I know we've been tricked.

[Nicole Byer]

And it's too late to change the schedule. The stages will start from Pine River. One's most here already and the other will stop before we get a man in a warnage.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Anyhow, we know two of the men that's behind the murders even if we don't know how they done it.

[Nicole Byer]

And maybe a third.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Yeah. You're going to the calaboose, Kid.

[Peter Barrett]

No, no, you can't lock me up. I gotta be free.

[Ben Sawtelle]

I expect you have to help rob the stages and kill the drivers. But you're going to jail all the same.

[Peter Barrett]

Please, you don't savvy. You don't understand.

[Ben Sawtelle]

We savvy all we need to savvy. You're going to jail and starve till you tell all you know about the mystery of the stage trail.

[Nicole Byer]

Here comes the stage from Pine River. I gotta tend to things.

[Ben Sawtelle]

I'll just put these handcuffs on you, kid, and hold you to the hitch rack till I'm ready to.

[Nicole Byer]

Sheriff, there's passengers on this trip. Look, there's a man and woman getting on the stage sure enough.

[Peter Barrett]

Please. Please don't, Sheriff.

[Ben Sawtelle]

That'll hold you for a while. Come on, let's see what's up, Ben.

[Nicole Byer]

Right, Sheriff.

[Peter Barrett]

Please don't leave me. Handcut, you can't do this. You can, I tell you. Let me go.

[Ben Sawtelle]

I'll go ask the garden driver a few questions about the trip. Men.

[Nicole Byer]

Yeah. Sam, you tend to the horse as a mail. I go inside the office and see the passengers.

[Ben Sawtelle]

All right, mister.

[Nicole Byer]

Howdy. My name's Sawtell. I'm in charge of the office here.

[Mrs. Liggett]

My sakes, what a dusty trip we've had.

[Nicole Byer]

We certainly have. My name is Liggett, Mr. Sawtelle. John Liggett. This is my wife. I'm sure enough glad to know you, Mr. Liggett. Howdy, Mrs. Liggett.

[Mrs. Liggett]

If we were going on much further, I'd have a complaint to make about your drivers.

[Nicole Byer]

What's that, Mrs. Liggett?

[Mrs. Liggett]

The last half of the trip, it seemed as if the driver picked every bumpy sp and stone in the trail to go over. I've never been so shaken in all my life.

[Nicole Byer]

Certainly a rough trip.

[Mrs. Liggett]

I suppose we should be grateful, though, that we're here alive. I hear there's been A lot of things happening on your line, Mr. Sawtelle.

[Nicole Byer]

Sure enough has. I declare, it's a relief to see this stage come through safe and sound. We've had a sight of trouble lately. I heard about it. Wasn't no trouble this trip, was there, Mr. Liggett? No, not a bit. We came right through without any trouble. No one stopped the stage or asked any questions. We didn't see a sign of anybody.

[Mrs. Liggett]

Not a soul. All the way from Pine river here.

[Nicole Byer]

I don't understand you complaining about the driver. He's one of the best men we got. He can handle horses like no one I ever seen.

[Ben Sawtelle]

I want to ask them folks some questions, Ben.

[Nicole Byer]

Reckon they'll be glad to answer.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Sheriff, what happened on the trip?

[Mrs. Liggett]

Nothing.

[Nicole Byer]

Not a thing.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Come on, speak up. Who stopped the stage?

[Nicole Byer]

What's happened, Sheriff?

[Ben Sawtelle]

Answer my question. Who stopped the stage?

[Mrs. Liggett]

No one.

[Nicole Byer]

I'll swear to that. We didn't see a sign of anyone.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Who got at the guard and driver?

[Nicole Byer]

No one. It wasn't any way possible for anyone to get at them. What's the matter, Sheriff? What's happened?

[Ben Sawtelle]

So there ain't no way for anyone to have got to Bixby? Well, the fact remains him and the guard are dead right now.

[Nicole Byer]

When you start your college career at Heritage University, you're opening the door to something big. To a world of new experiences. To personal growth and academic discovery. To friendships that will last your entire life and the future you've always dreamed of. You're opening the door to your best life. And the best part is, it won't stop here. Heritage University Operation Best Life. Learn more at Heritage. Edu BestLife. The Curtain Falls on the first act of tonight's Lone Ranger drama. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

[Narrator]

Now, on with our story. We learned in the first act of tonight's Lone Ranger drama that the stage line between Pine river and Calhoun had been attacked. Three drivers and three guards had been killed, but no clue left behind which would explain the murders. Two passengers, a man by the name of Leggett and his wife had been on the stage at the time of the last attack. But though they'd been present when the tragedy occurred, they could offer no explanation to account for it. We return now to the office of Ben Sawtelle, manager of the stage line. Sheriff Beardsley has been questioning the Legates for more than an hour, but with no result.

[Ben Sawtelle]

That's all you can tell?

[Nicole Byer]

We've told you the truth, Sheriff.

[Ben Sawtelle]

You left Pine river with everyone in Good shape. And you didn't see no one on the way here?

[Nicole Byer]

Not a soul.

[Mrs. Liggett]

We didn't even stop except for the men to fill their canteens with water.

[Nicole Byer]

My wife means the guard and driver.

[Ben Sawtelle]

No one could have shot him from ambush.

[Nicole Byer]

If you know blame well, there ain't no signs of shooting.

[Ben Sawtelle]

That's so.

[Nicole Byer]

I don't see how the stage could be brought here with both those men dead.

[Ben Sawtelle]

The horses know the way as well as the men do. What do you folks come here for?

[Nicole Byer]

Was you aiming to hit on waste? No, not unless we had to.

[Mrs. Liggett]

We're looking for our son.

[Nicole Byer]

Your son? Yeah, he. Well, he ran away from home. We think he came this way.

[Ben Sawtelle]

He said nothing about her before.

[Nicole Byer]

You didn't give us a chance. You were too blame busy trying to accuse us of murdering those two men.

[Mrs. Liggett]

Have you seen Dave?

[Ben Sawtelle]

There ain't been no one here by that name.

[Nicole Byer]

Dave Liggett, huh? Yes. He seemed to think he had an answer to these strange murders. Rach Scott. Maybe it's the kid. What sort of looking kid?

[Mrs. Liggett]

Thin and pale and he's only 16.

[Nicole Byer]

But he looks even younger toe headed.

[Mrs. Liggett]

Have you seen him?

[Ben Sawtelle]

Thunder Ration. That's the Kansas Kid.

[Nicole Byer]

And we thought he was in cahoots with the killers.

[Mrs. Liggett]

Where is he now?

[Nicole Byer]

You've seen him then?

[Ben Sawtelle]

Yeah, he's handcuffed to the hitch rack. He come here with big ideas and we figured he was in with the killers.

[Nicole Byer]

He acted peculiar, like he was bound and determined to drive a stage or work for me here something or other. We catched him snooping in my books.

[Mrs. Liggett]

Oh, John. What can we do with him?

[Ben Sawtelle]

I'll go get him. Hey, Sheriff Sawtelle come fast. There's a masked man in injured.

[Nicole Byer]

Where?

[Ben Sawtelle]

Oh boy.

[Nicole Byer]

Get him. We want them to. There they are. Dave. Dave. You got him on the horse with a mask, man.

[Ben Sawtelle]

I'll stop him this time. Don't shoot.

[Nicole Byer]

He might hit David. Come on. There they go again.

[Ben Sawtelle]

I seen him loosen the handcuffs. That settles it. I'm going to get to the bottom of things if I have to jail everyone around here.

[Nicole Byer]

I couldn't have stopped him, Sheriff.

[Ben Sawtelle]

It's all right, Meekin. There wasn't nothing you could do.

[Nicole Byer]

Great golly, what with another pair of men gone, new arrivals and that funny acting kid.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Hold on, Meekin. How'd you know he was funny acting, huh? You ain't had nothing to do with him. How'd you know he was funny acting?

[Nicole Byer]

Well, I.

[Ben Sawtelle]

You've been snooping around this office while he was here, ain't you? I didn't mean no harm, Sheriff.

[Nicole Byer]

Honest I was.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Get inside there. You too, Liggett. Your wife with you?

[Nicole Byer]

What are you gonna do about the Kid, Sheriff? Get me in there and Palmer posse. My boy's in the hands of that mask man.

[Mrs. Liggett]

Do something, Sheriff. Find David Palmer.

[Ben Sawtelle]

I says get inside. Maybe the Kid is working for killers. Maybe you work with him. Maybe you lied about the trip here. Maybe you killed them guards and drivers.

[Nicole Byer]

That's not true.

[Mrs. Liggett]

How dare you say such things.

[Ben Sawtelle]

I dare say what I blame. Please. Now, sit down. I'm asking plenty more questions. You sit there, Meekin. I didn't mean no harm, Sheriff. All I done was to get where I could hear what the Kid was saying. He looks odd. Sit down and shut your mouth. You sit there, Liggett, and your wife next to you. Sawtelle.

[Nicole Byer]

Yeah?

[Ben Sawtelle]

Go get all my deputies and tell them we're running things with a high hand around this town till we find out about the Leggetts and the Kid and the Injun and the mask man. Maybe then we'll know how men can die so sudden.

[Narrator]

Ben Sawtel and Sheriff Beardsley suspected that young David Liggett, who called himself the Kansas Kid, knew more than he wished to tell of the murders. The Lone Ranger believed that David would be willing to help solve the mystery. He rescued the boy and carried him to his camp. We see the masked man as he dismounts.

[Nicole Byer]

You'll be taken care of here, Dave. Better than you would in prison. You'd have gone there because the sheriff thought you were helping me.

[Peter Barrett]

I. I reckon so.

[Nicole Byer]

I'm glad you told me your real name while we were riding.

[Peter Barrett]

I. I don't know what it is, mister, but. But in spite of your mask, there's something about you I. I can trust you, can't I?

[Nicole Byer]

Yes, Dave, you can.

[Peter Barrett]

I knowed it. The Indian too.

[Nicole Byer]

Tado's my best friend. What you come here for?

[Peter Barrett]

I. Well, I. I didn't dare to mention what I know to the chef or to Mr. Sawtel.

[Nicole Byer]

Why?

[Peter Barrett]

Well, you see, the killer might be one of them. If that is the case, then they just arranged for me to die sudden like, and the killing would go on.

[Nicole Byer]

That's good straight thinking, Dave.

[Peter Barrett]

I didn't dare to tell Ma and Pa about what I thought because they'd say. Well, they'd say I was too young to mix into things of the sort.

[Nicole Byer]

Dave, just what do you suspect?

[Peter Barrett]

Well, you see, Pa runs the store over at Pine center and I tend counter sometimes and. And three times A certain man's come in and bought things. I seen him around Calhoun and he's one of the critters, I suspect.

[Nicole Byer]

Yes.

[Peter Barrett]

Look here, if I tell you the whole thing, will you. Will you take the chance of stringing along with me and just seeing if I'm right?

[Nicole Byer]

Tell me, Dave.

[Peter Barrett]

No matter how loco it sounds, just.

[Nicole Byer]

Tell me and we'll see. Tonto and I came here to try and put an end to murder and robbery. If you have any idea how these stage drivers die, tell us.

[Peter Barrett]

I will.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tonto listened as Dave Leggett told his story, then formed certain plans. It was several days before these plans could be put into action. And meanwhile Sheriff Beardsley and his men searched the vicinity for the masked man and his companions. The deputies hunted far and wide. But each morning they returned to the parents of David Liggett with the same report.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Not a thing new. I'm downright sorry, folks, but he must.

[Mrs. Liggett]

Be around here someplace. Sheriff, he couldn't simply drop out of sight.

[Ben Sawtelle]

He's being kept in hiding by that masked man. It's the only way I can figure it out.

[Nicole Byer]

Howdy, Mr. And Mrs. Liggett. Good morning, Sheriff. The next stage is coming through today.

[Ben Sawtelle]

I know it, Ben. I made arrangements like we talked of.

[Nicole Byer]

Got men all along the trail at intervals?

[Ben Sawtelle]

Yep. I had to drop the hunt for the Kid to do it, but I sent the men out to their posts.

[Nicole Byer]

Have enough men?

[Ben Sawtelle]

I swore in a few extra ones.

[Nicole Byer]

Good enough. Ain't found no trace of the Kid, have you?

[Ben Sawtelle]

Nope.

[Nicole Byer]

Seen Meekin around?

[Ben Sawtelle]

Yeah. He's one of the new deputies.

[Nicole Byer]

Oh. I wondered what he was this time. That coyote gets lickered and falls asleep somewhere in the woods ever so often. Takes too darn many days off.

[Ben Sawtelle]

I'd fire him if I was you, Sawtelle.

[Nicole Byer]

I would. Only I'm too short handed already.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Snooping in your office, Winder, like he done.

[Nicole Byer]

There's something we can do to find Dave. Can't we call out some army men or something?

[Ben Sawtelle]

After the stage comes through, I'll put all my men out. Hunting him again, Mr. Liggett. That's all we can do. That voice.

[Nicole Byer]

That's the mask man.

[Peter Barrett]

There he is.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Stand where you are, Sheriff.

[Nicole Byer]

It's life and death, and you've got to listen to me.

[Ben Sawtelle]

You're under arrest.

[Nicole Byer]

Don't waste time and talk. Come on and follow me.

[Mrs. Liggett]

Where's my boy?

[Nicole Byer]

What have you done with Dave? Your boy's all right. But he might not be if you don't come with Me, Sheriff?

[Ben Sawtelle]

But I do.

[Nicole Byer]

Along the stage trail toward the east. It's another trick of some sort. It isn't. Bring some men and come.

[Ben Sawtelle]

My men are scattered all along the trail.

[Nicole Byer]

Pick them up as you ride. They're all looking for you and my son. In that case, they may follow me, even if this hair won't help solve the mystery.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Wait. Wait a minute.

[Nicole Byer]

Come on, follow me.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Come on, man.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger shouted for the sheriff to follow him. Ben wheeled Silver about and raced out of town to meet the westbound stage. When he passed the first of the deputies along the way, he called to them as Silver thundered by.

[Nicole Byer]

Come on, follow me.

[Ben Sawtelle]

That's the mask, man, the one we're hunting. Get rid. Get up there.

[Narrator]

The Great Horse Silver continued his wild dash eastward while the deputies tried to follow far ahead. Dave Lickett and Tonto held three men at bay with drawn guns. Two of the men are the driver and guard of the westbound stage. The third is Jake Meekin, the new deputy.

[Nicole Byer]

It's just a matter of time when.

[Ben Sawtelle]

These two will have to let us go.

[Nicole Byer]

This so. Guard, if the stage don't get to.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Calhoun on time, the rest of your deputies will ride out to meet it, won't they?

[Narrator]

Sure they will.

[Nicole Byer]

Then they'll make this redskin and Kid tell how they've been killing everyone.

[Peter Barrett]

We ain't the killers. You'll find out soon enough.

[Nicole Byer]

Look here, Kid.

[Ben Sawtelle]

You leave the three of us go and we'll give you a chance to get away. No. Well, at least give us a drink of water from that hole. My throat's parched. I ain't had a drink since my canteen went dry a while after we left Pine River.

[Nicole Byer]

You noticed. Take them. Drink.

[Ben Sawtelle]

If you're gonna kill us in that mysterious way you had, why don't you do it and get it over with?

[Peter Barrett]

We ain't the killers and and you know it, Meekin.

[Ben Sawtelle]

You'll swing for murder when my pards get here. I want a drink. The least you can do is let us have some water.

[Peter Barrett]

No, no, you can't touch it.

[Nicole Byer]

When I say go, we'll jump em.

[Peter Barrett]

It's your only chance. What are you saying, Meekin?

[Nicole Byer]

Go.

[Peter Barrett]

Look out.

[Nicole Byer]

You. You not touch water.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Now.

[Nicole Byer]

Hold them.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Hold him till we get ropes. Never mind the ropes.

[Nicole Byer]

Just drill them.

[Ben Sawtelle]

It's a doggone good idea.

[Peter Barrett]

Let me up. Let me. Listen to me. I'm here to help you. We ain't the killers.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Oh, we got him at last. Six murders for him to tell about. Shoot him. Shoot the two of Them.

[Nicole Byer]

There comes a third.

[Ben Sawtelle]

We got a fight. Driver, get your gun from the redskin. Now. Shoot him. I'll fix them.

[Nicole Byer]

Get him. Them white Honor.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Look out.

[Peter Barrett]

Get a horse.

[Nicole Byer]

That Injun's horse.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Look out.

[Peter Barrett]

He'll get you and knife the three of you.

[Nicole Byer]

Not that done Meekin. I'll show you. Oh my hat.

[Peter Barrett]

I got my gun again. I'll keep him covered.

[Nicole Byer]

I'll keep your hands up till the lawmen get here and then you'll all learn the truth.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Keep them all covered. Stand back all of you. Hij your hands. You got em boys, huh? Good work.

[Nicole Byer]

What's happened? What's happened here? Be quiet and let Dave Liggett tell his story.

[Peter Barrett]

Mr. Sawtel, will you listen now?

[Nicole Byer]

Oh, I'm talking.

[Peter Barrett]

Well that fella Meekin, he come into PA store a few times and. And he bought a certain thing that I. Well I wondered a lot about.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Well what was it?

[Peter Barrett]

Poison. A kind that's used for killing crop destroying bugs. It don't hurt caval none but. But it's poison for a man.

[Nicole Byer]

The kid lies.

[Peter Barrett]

He put it in that water hole and. And when the guards and drivers would drink there, they'd get pisoned before they got to Calhoun. Then Meekin would stop the horses, loot the stage and send the horses on again.

[Ben Sawtelle]

That ain't so.

[Nicole Byer]

That ain't true, Sheriff. For proof have Mekin drink the water.

[Ben Sawtelle]

What about that Meekin? Them's the two that poisoned it. That Injun and the Kid. Hold on Meekin. If that's true, why'd they let us drink the water? They blame near got killed for trying to keep us from drinking the poison.

[Nicole Byer]

Lasts only a short time. Then the water clears itself. Try it Meekin. Here, take a good big drink. Oh no.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Sheriff.

[Nicole Byer]

Ben, help me. By darn Meekin, you've been missing for a few days. Every time a stage was robbed you said you'd got too much to drink. But that was just a lie to cover up. I see it now. I think you'll find the stolen loot in Meekin's home.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Meekin, you're going to drink that water.

[Nicole Byer]

No, no, don't make me.

[Ben Sawtelle]

We'll pour it down your throat.

[Nicole Byer]

Don't. Don't.

[Ben Sawtelle]

I confess. I done it. I'm the killer. Gosh, look here kid. How do you know so much?

[Peter Barrett]

Well I just had a hunch. And when the masked man got to listening he figured it was a good hunch. So me and the Indian Tono come here. That's all.

[Nicole Byer]

Son, if your folks is willing. You got a job on the stage line.

[Peter Barrett]

Gosh, thanks.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Reason the last stage wasn't looted, I suppose was on account of the passengers carried water for the trip with them and didn't drink from this hole. Well, Meek and You dirty rat. I. I got a right to a trial. I got a right to tell my story. I'll tell.

[Nicole Byer]

Mysterious murders, huh? Why, drat you. I can see through you as plain as day. Now come on and see what hanging's like. Sa.

[Narrator]

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