Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: The Lone Ranger 38-02-23 (0792) "Missing Letter"
Date: October 26, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode Overview

This classic episode of The Lone Ranger returns listeners to the drama and adventure of the Old West, centering on a high-stakes tale involving a stolen letter, a desperate homesteader, a conniving neighbor, and the masked hero’s pursuit of justice. As the titular missing letter creates havoc in Silver Gulch, the Lone Ranger and Tonto ride to ensure the rightful owner receives both his fortune and his freedom. The episode weaves thrilling Pony Express action, frontier intrigue, and the enduring themes of justice and perseverance.

Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

The Pony Express and the Stolen Mail (00:21–04:15)

• The show opens with a flourish: "A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty 'Hi-Yo Silver!' The Lone Ranger rides again." (00:21)
• The setting shifts to the dangerous days of the Pony Express, with a rider carrying important papers to Silver Gulch.
• The rider is ambushed and shot off his horse; his mount continues down the trail, mailbag intact—but one letter is missing.

Jim Flood’s Struggles and Riggs’ Plot (06:03–12:00)

• Jim Flood and wife Ruth suffer financial hardships as Riggs, their neighbor, blocks their access to their gold claim using an injunction.
• Riggs pressures the Floods to sell their land for a pittance, hoping to gain the claim before an expected Eastern offer arrives by mail.
• There is despair in the Flood household:
  • Jim Flood: “I can’t tell what to do, Ruth. It’s the dernest thing I ever seen. Here I am with a fortune in gold right outside my house and I can’t get it.” (06:03)
  • Riggs gloats over his position and his legal machinations: “You can’t use the land yourself, and you won’t let no one else use it.” (08:17)

The Lone Ranger and Tonto Investigate (12:00–16:00)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto deduce that Riggs stole an Eastern syndicate's offer meant for Jim Flood, intending to blackmail him into selling cheaply.
• The masked hero helps Jim with food and money, earning his trust:
  • The Lone Ranger: "Suppose you call me friend. Friend. Reckon that's one thing I ain't got right now." (13:30)
• Tonto prepares to sneak into Riggs’ house in search of the stolen letter.

The Stakes Rise: Flood’s Desperation and Lone Ranger's Plan (17:24–19:00)

• Riggs, believing his victory is at hand, offers to buy the Floods' claim and house for $150, promising Jim a menial job.
  • Ms. Flood: "Jim, what'll we do when the 150's gone? We won't have nothing then. Not even this house in the train." (17:48)
• At a crucial moment, the Lone Ranger bursts in, masked and armed, and spirits Jim Flood away to explain his plan:
  • The Lone Ranger: “Put down them guns, mister. I want you to come with me.” (19:04)

The “Landslide” and the Town’s Awakening (20:00–24:00)

• The Lone Ranger directs Jim and Ruth to evacuate, warning, "There's a landslide due before morning and I'm not going to stay on this hill and get caught in it." (21:14)
• In town, Flood announces the landslide; townsfolk initially mock him, but then rocks begin to fall, causing panic.
• It is revealed that the landslide is a ruse orchestrated by the Lone Ranger to flush Riggs out and force a confrontation.

The Confrontation and Resolution (24:20–27:30)

• The townsmen rush to “save” Riggs, whose house is trapped by don'ted rocks.
• The Lone Ranger confronts Riggs, accusing him publicly of murder and theft of the letter:
  • The Lone Ranger: “Someone killed the Pony Rider and stole a certain letter from him. The rider lived just long enough to describe the killer... the description fits you, Riggs.” (25:44)
• Riggs is searched; the missing letter is found in his coat.
• The letter contains a major offer:
  • Jim Flood (excitedly): “This offers me $5,000 cash and half interest in the mine for my claim. I’m gonna be rich!” (27:10)
• Riggs protests, but the town sides with Flood. The Lone Ranger rides off after justice is served.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Opening Announcement:
  • "All of the glamour of the Old west is brought back to us today as the famous Lone Ranger, mystery rider of the plains, urges the great horse Silver down the danger trails of long ago." (00:21)
• Jim Flood's Despair:
  • “If you just let me have a little more credit, Steve... It’s grub I want. Bibles tain’t liquor.” (11:33)
• Lone Ranger’s Deduction:
  • “I think the paper Riggs stole was an offer from the east to buy Jim Flood's claim. Unless Flood has that paper, he'll sell out for practically nothing." (14:30)
• Riggs Manipulating the Law:
  • "The law says you go to jail as soon as you start digging." (08:11)
• Dramatic Landslide Warning:
  • “Some men are compelled by a feeling in them when it’s going to rain. Some tell other things. But me—I could tell there’s a landslide due before morning...” (22:32)
• Final Showdown:
  • “The letter to Jim Flood was one he was expecting from an Eastern mining syndicate... Riggs figured to force me to sell out to him and then he’d sell to the Eastern people.” (25:44)
  • "You frame me. Shut up, Riggs. Why should Jim Flood try to frame you by putting that letter in your clothes? That letter makes him a rich man." (27:22)

Important Timestamps

• 00:21 – Iconic Lone Ranger introduction and scene-setting
• 06:03 – Jim Flood’s financial desperation and friction with Riggs
• 13:30 – Lone Ranger offers food and aid as "friend"
• 17:24 – Riggs pressures Floods to sell, Mrs. Flood protests
• 19:04 – Lone Ranger interrupts, abducts Jim Flood to explain plan
• 21:14 – Lone Ranger warns of “impending landslide”
• 24:47 – Townsmen “rescue” Riggs, confrontation with Lone Ranger
• 25:44 – Lone Ranger’s public accusation, letter found
• 27:10 – Jim Flood reads the valuable letter, Riggs exposed

Episode Tone and Style

Staying true to the original radio drama, the story is filled with crackling tension, moral certainty, and the satisfying triumph of justice. The dialogue is colorful and direct, delivering frontier wisdom through the voices of beleaguered settlers, conniving villains, and the mythic Lone Ranger. The closing moments capture both the relief and gratitude of the triumphant townspeople and the classic, understated heroism of the masked rider.

For fans of classic radio or western drama, this episode features a deftly plotted tale of greed, justice, and quick wits—delivered with the excitement, earnestness, and larger-than-life atmosphere that makes The Lone Ranger an enduring legend of the airwaves.