The Lone Ranger 38-02-23 (0792) Missing Letter

Summary

Summary of "The Lone Ranger 38-02-23 (0792) Missing Letter"

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode: The Lone Ranger 38-02-23 (0792) Missing Letter
Release Date: May 17, 2025

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Introduction

"The Lone Ranger 38-02-23 (0792) Missing Letter" transports listeners to the adventurous days of the Old West, blending suspense, drama, and the timeless heroics of the Lone Ranger and his faithful companion, Tonto. This episode delves into a gripping tale of betrayal, justice, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

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Plot Overview

The episode begins amidst the rugged terrains of the Pony Express route in 1860, where a valiant rider is ambushed, setting the stage for the central conflict. As the Pony Express rider is attacked, the Lone Ranger and Tonto discover the aftermath, prompting them to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Ambush of the Pony Express Rider

At [02:59], Ruth Flood exclaims, "Run as you've never run before," highlighting the urgency of the situation. The rider's horse continues unabated, signaling that foul play was involved. The Lone Ranger deduces, "Maybe that right here," [04:52], suggesting a deliberate act rather than an accidental fall.

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Key Characters

The Lone Ranger

A masked vigilante committed to upholding justice in the Old West. His keen sense of right drives him to intervene in the affairs of those wronged by unscrupulous individuals.

Tonto

The loyal Native American companion of the Lone Ranger, providing wisdom and support throughout their adventures.

Jim Flood

A determined prospector struggling to maintain his gold claim against the ruthless Harv Riggs. His plight forms the emotional core of the episode.

Ruth Flood

Jim's supportive wife, who shares in his struggles and stands beside him against external pressures.

Harv Riggs

The antagonist, a cunning businessman employing legal maneuvers to force Jim Flood to sell his valuable land at a pittance.

Sam

A friend of Jim Flood, who grapples with the moral dilemma of supporting his friend amidst mounting pressures.

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Conflict

Jim Flood and Ruth Flood find themselves in a dire situation as Harv Riggs pressures them to sell their land, which is purportedly rich in gold. Riggs utilizes legal injunctions to prevent Jim from digging, thereby controlling access to the valuable claim.

At [07:37], Ruth Flood questions, "You can't get the pay dirt without no," highlighting their frustration with the legal obstacles. Riggs responds smugly, "The paper Riggs has got from the law... keeps me from doing any digging here," [07:40].

Riggs's aggressive tactics leave Jim and Ruth with dwindling options, culminating in Jim's visit to the Silver Gulch Cafe, where his desperation becomes palpable. At [06:33], Jim laments, "Here I am with a fortune in gold right outside a house, and I can't get it," emphasizing the cruel irony of their situation.

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Intervention by the Lone Ranger

The Lone Ranger and Tonto enter the narrative as seekers of justice. Upon learning about the ambush and the missing letter—a critical piece of evidence linking Riggs to malfeasance—they devise a plan to expose Riggs's deceit.

At [17:54], Ruth exclaims, "And so would I," expressing solidarity with Jim's resistance against Riggs. The Lone Ranger observes the dire straits Jim and Ruth are in, stating, "They'd break their necks riding down the hill at that speed," [20:14], underscoring the imminent danger.

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Climax

The tension peaks when Riggs captures Jim Flood, intending to coerce him into compliance. However, the Lone Ranger intervenes once again, rescuing Jim and revealing Riggs's treachery to the townsfolk.

A pivotal moment occurs at [19:40], when Riggs confronts Jim, leading to a standoff that epitomizes the classic showdown between good and evil. The Lone Ranger's strategic maneuvers and Tonto's assistance ultimately unmask Riggs's schemes.

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Resolution

In the aftermath, Riggs's plans unravel as the missing letter surfaces, proving his intent to manipulate Jim Flood for personal gain. The community rallies behind the Lone Ranger, restoring justice and integrity to Silver Gulch.

At [23:03], Sam declares, "We gotta travel downhill fast," reflecting the swift move towards justice. The episode concludes with Riggs's schemes exposed, and Jim and Ruth Flood's claims secure, thanks to the Lone Ranger's unwavering commitment.

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Notable Quotes

• Ruth Flood [02:56]: "Oh, boy."
• Jim Flood [06:33]: "Here I am with a fortune in gold right outside a house, and I can't get it."
• Sam [07:23]: "Ain't nothing at all to what the claim is worth."
• Ruth Flood [06:46]: "I'd say we'd better sell your land to Harv Riggs and get what we can out in it."
• Lone Ranger [17:54]: "They'd break their necks riding down the hill at that speed."
• Riggs [07:59]: "Buy your place, buy mine or sell me yours."
• Ruth Flood [18:41]: "I guess our dreams of being wealthy will never be more than dreams, Jim."
• Lone Ranger [19:35]: "Put down them guns, mister. I want you to come with me."
• Harv Riggs [19:57]: "I won't submit to this. It's an insult. I'll take you to court."

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Themes and Insights

• Justice vs. Greed: The episode poignantly contrasts the noble quest for justice embodied by the Lone Ranger against the avaricious motives of Harv Riggs.

• Community and Support: Jim and Ruth Flood's struggle highlights the importance of community support in overcoming adversity, a common theme in Old West narratives.

• Clever Use of Legal Systems: Riggs's manipulation of legal injunctions serves as a critique of how laws can be exploited by those in power to suppress the vulnerable.

• Heroism: The Lone Ranger's intervention underscores the timeless appeal of the hero archetype, willing to risk personal safety for the greater good.

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Conclusion

"The Lone Ranger 38-02-23 (0792) Missing Letter" masterfully weaves a tale of suspense, moral dilemmas, and heroic valor. Through rich dialogue and compelling character arcs, the episode captivates listeners, offering a nostalgic yet timeless glimpse into the essence of Old Time Radio storytelling. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, this episode promises an engaging and memorable listening experience.

Transcript

[Styles MacKenzie]

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[Sam]

Wayfair Every style, Every home. A fiery horse of the speed of light. A cloud of dust and a haughty high. O Silver. The Lone Ranger. It's Sam Sa 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. Listen to the tattoo of those silver shot hoofs. The Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver.

[Ruth Flood]

Oh, boy.

[Sam]

That's it, old fellow.

[Ruth Flood]

Run as you've never run before.

[Sam]

We need it on the trail ahead. Coyote. That thunder of cannons was the signal for the start of the first thrilling ride of the Pony Express. In the year 1860, the route extended from Missouri to California. For two years, the most highly skilled young horsemen and the fastest mounts carried the mail across the country in record time, 24 hours a day. The pony riders urged their sweet little horses along the trail at top speed. Stations were established every few miles to furnish fresh horses for the racing riders. Our story begins as we see foam flecked horse pulled to a stop at the end of his run. There he is, just on time. Slapped that saddle on a French horse and let me be on my way. I'm out to make a record. Ill Cody just passed here in the eastbound run. Speed is time. If I have to break my neck line. Want some hot coffee? Not this time. Hurry up with that saddle. Cinch it up tight. I got some important papers this trip. Yeah? What are they? I don't know. Something for Silver Gulch. This particular load just gotta get through fast. Sam takes the mail from you at the next station, don't he? Yeah. What's taking you so long about that horse? Hurry up there. Watch out for engines ahead. I'm watching all the time. Your horse is ready. That's the ticket. On my way. The Pony Express rider was on his way again with important papers to be delivered to Silver Gulch. He gave his mom his head and urged him along at his greatest speed in an effort to break the record of another express rider, Bill Cody, later to be known as Buffalo Bill. Then, from ambush, a shot rang across the plain. The pony express rider fell headlong from his horse while the animal continued down the trail alone. In the meantime, the Lone Ranger and his faithful Indian companion Tonto had made their camp along the route at a point several miles beyond the spot where the express rider had been ambushed. As the riderless horse flashed past them, they ran out on the trail looking for some explanation. That pony rider. Horse. But where's the rider? Me not know. Maybe him fall off. The pony riders don't fall off their horses, T.T. that's right. And that horse isn't running away. It's galloping right along the regular trail. Something's happened. Maybe that right here. Silver, what you do? Huh? It's about eight miles to the station where the horses are changed. We're going back to tower and see what's happened to the pony rider. And that's good. When anyone interferes with a mail, it's something serious. You think someone do something. The only way to get a pony rider from his horse is to shoot him off. Yep. Come with me. Tle T Ready. Come on, Silver. While the Lone Ranger and Tanto rode back to the spot where the express ride had been shot, our scene changes to the town of Silver Gulch. Like so many other towns of the surrounding country, Silver Gulch was situated at the bottom of a steep hill. On the hill itself were two homes crudely built of logs. In one of the places lived Jim Flood and his wife. Our story continues as Jim says. I can't tell what to do, Ruth. It's the darnest thing I ever seen. Here I am with a fortune in gold right outside a house, and I can't get it.

[Ruth Flood]

Jim, we waited long enough for that eastern company to buy out to claim. I don't reckon they ever aims to buy it.

[Sam]

I sort of figured from what the examiner said that it was Wouldn't be no question for what. They'd buy us out. Same as they've done with all the other good claims.

[Ruth Flood]

I'd say we'd better sell your land to Harv Riggs and get what we can out in it.

[Sam]

Come out back and take a look at the claim ruse.

[Ruth Flood]

I've seen it a hundred times.

[Sam]

But maybe we can figure out some way to get the ore out. Come on.

[Ruth Flood]

Get the tired climbing this hill. I don't know whatever possessed us to build our house here.

[Sam]

Good timber or stone, swift stream and being near my plane. That's what it was. Here, let me help you. Ruth, you'd like to Turn your ankle on this loose rock.

[Ruth Flood]

I'll get along better alone. What's Harv Riggs last offer?

[Sam]

Just $150.

[Ruth Flood]

Including the house.

[Sam]

The whole works. House, land and gold claim.

[Ruth Flood]

Ain't much.

[Sam]

Ain't nothing at all to what the claim is worth. The worst of it is these rocks are a dog gone loose. I send them sliding down on Riggs place every time I stick a spade into the ground.

[Ruth Flood]

You can't get the pay dirt without no.

[Sam]

What's that?

[Ruth Flood]

Paper Riggs has got from the law.

[Sam]

Something called an injunction.

[Ruth Flood]

What's it do?

[Sam]

Just about ruins me, that's what. It keeps me from doing any digging here. Every time I dig, I send the shale down on Riggs property. So he got this paper. Next time I dig, I go to jail.

[Ruth Flood]

There's Riggs coming up the hill now.

[Sam]

Or Rat. Hey, Blood. Hello, Riggs. Just get back. Paid your health by the rocks. Me past my place? Yeah, all over. My proposition. Buy your place, buy mine or sell me yours. Ain't no ways an even proposition. You offer 150 for mine and ask a thousand for yours. That's the deal. And mine has gold on it. Can't get at that gold, though, can you? Thanks to you and your dog. On legal papers, I can't.

[Ruth Flood]

Jim, why can't you build a fence and keep the rock from sliding down?

[Sam]

Sorry, ma' am, but that won't do. You build a dozen fences in a wooden, it'll stop the sliding rock. Yep. Only that paper don't make no mention of fences. The guess is that you can dig and it's all there is to it. Why, you ornery pole cat. You're just trying to force me to accept your proposition. That's right. But look here, Riggs. 150 for my land's nothing at all. Why, them eastern mining men said it was worth at least $20,000. They ain't offered you that much, have they? Well, no, but they might.

[Ruth Flood]

It takes time for the males to get get here.

[Sam]

You won't get no such offer. Like as not. That's fool's gold, anyhow. Ain't neither. Well, buy me out for a thousand. That's a good bargain. If your place is worth 20,000. All right, I will. Thousand dollars. Cash money. But now wait, Riggs. You know blame well I ain't no cash. Cash is what I'm after. I'd have it blamed soon if I could dig that land. The paper says you go to jail as soon as you start digging. Look here, Rig. I'll Make a deal with you? I'm listening. I'll pay $2,000. That sounds good, but not cash money. I'll give you 2000 if you let me dig my land to get it. It ain't no deal. The law says you can't dig. But I could. If you wish to let me, I'll sign a paper pledging $2,000 to you and you have the judge take the paper back. Call that injunction, please. No. Your place ain't worth 500. What more do you want? I know a good thing when I see you, Jim. Reckon I'd be a blame fool to let this chance go by. Sooner or later you'll have to sell your land, won't you? Why? Sell it or starve? I don't reckon anyone would buy it with me holding this injunction. You better sell to me while you got the chance. Cause maybe when you want to sell, I won't be willing to go as high as a hundred and a half. Polecat, that's what you are. You know just enough about the law to use it to your selfish ends. You're misjudging me, Jim. You're the one that's being selfish. You're like the dog in the manger. You can't use the land yourself and you won't let no one else use it. Well, I can wait. I reckon you'll sell when you begin to get good and hungry. Several days went by. Jim Flood, unable to sell to the Eastern Syndicate and unwilling to sell to Riggs. Began to feel the pinch of poverty. As our next scene opens, we see him in the Silver Glove Cafe and watch him as he approaches the bartender. If you'd just let me have a little more credit, Steve. I'd like to, Jim, but you already owe a sizable amount here. But it's grub I want. Little stink liquor. Don't you see? Food costs money. Jim, I'm afeared your credit here has come wore out. You won't give me none, Steve. I reckon not. You ain't heard from that Eastern company, have you? No, not yet. I didn't figure you would. Riggs was talking about the fool's gold you thought was genuine. Riggs? That Orn Riggs says that you never would hear from that company. Says we'd be foolish to let you have more credit. We never will get our money. Riggs is trying to make me sell out to him. That's why I say in them things. Well, maybe you better head. Sell out for $150. Oh, Steve, you know what my Place is worth. Well, it ain't worth much if it's got fool's gold on it. Let me tell you something, Jim Flood. Yeah? If you don't sell out pretty quick, me and Sam over in the general store is going to have to go to law. I suppose that's Riggs suggestion. Well, it's a good one. You owe us both considerable money. It's up to us to get it. We can force you to sell out if we have to. Pardon me. Oh yeah? What would it be, stranger? I happen to overhear you two talking. I reckon we was talking a little too loud. Who is this man, Riggs? What you want no fer. Who is he? He lives up on the hillaways just below my house. I've heard something about the situation on that hill. Your name is Flood, isn't it? That's right. What's your handle, stranger? Suppose you call me friend. Friend. Reckon that's one thing I ain't got right now. Flood, you'll sit over here at the corner table with me. I'll stake you to a meal. Thanks, stranger. It ain't so much that I'm hungry. It's the missus. My wife. She's home. When you go home, you'll take food to her. Flood, I ain't taking charity from no stranger. You're looking for word from the east, aren't you? Yeah. Hey stranger, you sort of talk like an Easterner. Is that where you're from? Picks up some food for Flood to take home when he goes. You'll be paid for it. Are you from the Eastern? Minus indicate. Suppose we sit over here at this corner table and talk. I don't know when food ever tasted better. Strange. Tell me more about this letter you've been looking for. Seeing as you ain't from the mining company, I reckon I ain't looking for no letter. Just what was it to be? Well, I reckon there ain't no use talking about it now. I sort of hoped I might get an offer from my land. I can't work it on account of its being on a hill. The stone falls down on Riggs land. I heard about that. He has an injunction that prevents you from working your land. Yeah, that's right. He wants to buy your place from you for $150. That ain't very much, but I expect I'll soon have to sell to him. Suppose the Easton Company did buy the land. Shucks. They'd be able to rake up the cash and pay Riggs what he wants for his place. And Work the claim but you can't pay the cash, huh? Gosh no. I can't even raise the price of a square, Neil no more. How to ever get a thousand dollars. I'd like to see Harv Riggs. Oh, he'll be coming in here real soon. Blowing off his mouth and bragging how he put a slick deal over on me. You just stick around stranger and you'll see him. The Lone Ranger gave food to Jim Flood and loaned him money. Then covering his disguised face with his mask, he left town and rode to the small well concealed camp where Tonter waited for him. You find Huller? Yes Tanner. I found Jim Club in the cafe. Whatn him like? He's all right, Tanto. He's up against hard luck. Mighty hard. I also saw Harv Riggs. He came in before I left. In color. You want asked Hudder. He's the fellow the poor described to us. In color. Will cute pony rider Tutta. Harv Riggs is our man. How you prove that? With the pony rider dead, I don't see how we can prove that Harv Riggs is the one who stole the mail. Unless we succeed in the plan. I haven't mind what that the pony rider told us. Riggs stole one letter from the mailbag. Uh huh. Then him leave Pony rider? He left the rest of the mail as it was strapped to the back of the rider. It looked like Indians had done the killing. I think the paper Riggs stole was an offer from the east to buy Jim Flood's claim. What we do? Unless Flood has that paper, he'll sell out for practically nothing. Then Riggs will sell to the Eastern Corporation. I want to find that paper, Tonto. Must be someplace in Harv Riggs house. You'll have to go there tonight and search the place. Me do wait a watch. You go in when Riggs leaves. And when we've got the paper title, we're going to stake a claim of our own. We'll stake it on that same hill higher up in Jigging Blood's place. 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 few moments now to continue our story. You will recall that in the first act of our Lone Ranger drama, Dim Flood found himself unable to work his mind or fell it because of the opposition of his neighbor. A letter to Flood from the Eastern syndicate was stolen by Riggs before it reached its true destination. Riggs had also won an injunction prohibiting Flood working The claim on the grounds that loose rock endangered his property. At this point, the Lone Ranger took a hand in the affair by giving financial help to Jim Flood, the famous masked rider determined to bring Riggs to justice. That night, Tonto entered Riggs home in search of the missing letter. In the meantime, Riggs had gone to call on Jim Flood. We hear him as he raps on the door of Jim's home. Evening, Jim. I figured you might want to talk to me tonight. Oh, you. Well, come in, Riggs. Come in. Heard you was having a hard luck in town today. You knew I was going to have hard luck before I went there, Riggs. It's your talk that's had them shut off. All my credit everywhere. Well, you can't blame a man for being a shrewd business dealer, can you, Flood? I'd almost sooner starve than sell out at your price.

[Ruth Flood]

And so would I. Jim. Tell Riggs we ain't gonna sell.

[Sam]

I. No, No, I can't do it, Ruthie. I reckon we ain't no choice but to sell out to this pole cat and try and find new digging somewhere. When them vittles that man from the east brought us, this gone. There won't be no more. No money to buy, none with and no credit. $150 is a lot of cash, Jim.

[Ruth Flood]

Don't you take it, Jim, What'll we do when the 150 is gone? We won't have nothing then. Not even this house in the train.

[Sam]

Ah, I reckon we can find something to do. We'll settle down in the valley. Okay to worry, Jim. I'll give you a job working for me. I'll make that part of the deal. I'll pay you 150, 50 cash and give you a job. Well, that fair enough, ain't it? I reckon so.

[Ruth Flood]

I guess our dreams of being wealthy will never be more than dreams, Jim. Some people just ain't cut out so.

[Sam]

Well, that's the way to look at it, Mrs. Flood. Now, here I got a paper all made out. Bill of sale, it's called. Let me see it. All I gotta do is fill in the date. I'll need it for tomorrow. You just sign it and I'll hand over the money to you. I sure hate to do this after.

[Ruth Flood]

All your hard years of prospecting. Jim, the family strike this gold claim and then have to sell out for $150.

[Sam]

Never mind, Ruth. We never had the gold, so we won't miss it. What about that job, Riggs? I'll write it right here. On this paper for you, I'll even specify just how much I'm to pay you. Don't be much. I'll vouch for that. It'll be a living wage. You needn't worry. Jim, look what's there. Take it easy. It's an outdoor.

[Ruth Flood]

A masked man.

[Sam]

Put down them guns, mister. I want you to come with me.

[Ruth Flood]

What are you coming here, sir? What do you want? Who are you?

[Sam]

You stay back, Riggs. It's Jim's what I want. You can't do this. You can't take me. I ain't got nothing to say. Hurry, Blood. I'm waiting. Don't try to draw that gun. All right, mister. Showing good sense, Jim, and coming without a struggle.

[Ruth Flood]

Riggs. Riggs. Don't let him take him. Stop him somehow.

[Sam]

Stop him. I don't know anything I could have done.

[Ruth Flood]

He's captured Jim. He's on. Off with him. Is this more of your own? Risky.

[Sam]

There they go.

[Ruth Flood]

Look, the outlaw's carrying Jim. On that white house man's sake, they'll break their necks riding down the hill at that speed.

[Sam]

Ain't no use me going after him.

[Ruth Flood]

But you can get to town, can't you? Hurry up and get the sheriff. There ain't no telling what will happen to Jim.

[Sam]

The Lone Ranger made Jim a captive. He took him only far enough from his home to explain a daring plan to the miner. He gave Flood careful instructions before releasing him. Then rejoined Tonto. Did you find the letter Har Rigg stole Tonto look in house not fine letter. He wouldn't destroy the letter, Kimosabe because he'd want to sell the mind of the company. When he gets a from Jim must be hidden somewhere in his house. Until not find you search the house. May not have much time. Search only part of house. He may have the letter in his pocket. We'll go ahead with our plans anyway. I think he'll produce the letter when the time comes. That good. I told Jim Flood just what he's to do and he's agreed to do it. He's on his way to talk to his wife right now. And in a few minutes I think we'll see them leaving the house. Come on, Ruth, we gotta get.

[Ruth Flood]

Oh, I was that much a. What did that madman want for?

[Sam]

The rig's gone.

[Ruth Flood]

Yeah, a long time ago.

[Sam]

But you will. I ain't no time for talking. I can't explain things now. We gotta travel downhill fast. Don't ask no questions. Just take things to wear and come on. Why landslide that's why I've been hearing rumblings on the hill.

[Ruth Flood]

I ain't heard nothing.

[Sam]

Your ears ain't sharp enough then. Now come on, Ruth, and get some things together. It's too risky to stay here tonight.

[Ruth Flood]

Blood. Have you took leave of your senses?

[Sam]

No. Here. Here, take these things.

[Ruth Flood]

Where are we going?

[Sam]

We're going to put up for the night at the hotel in town.

[Ruth Flood]

You have gone loco. First that math man runs off with you, then you come back shouting things about a landslide coming off tonight. And now without a cent of cash, money and no credit, you talk of going to the hotel.

[Sam]

We got some money.

[Ruth Flood]

Where did it come from?

[Sam]

It was lonely. Come on now, let's get going. The sooner we get to town, the better. The Lone Ranger and Tonto were outside Jim's home waiting in the darkness until the sound of falling stones told them of the departure of Flood and his wife. Then the masked man spoke. They're on their way downhill now, Tuba. That's good. I was afraid Jim wouldn't carry out his part of the plans. Him do it. All right. Yes. Here they come. Get back to the side of the trail. We don't want Mrs. Flood to see us and ask a lot of questions. Maybe now tundra'll start uphill. No, not just yet. Wait until they pass by.

[Ruth Flood]

I still can't see what possesses you to leave the house tonight. Jim Flood.

[Sam]

Ruth. Some men compelled by a felon in the when it's going to rain. Some tell other things, but me I could tell as a landslide due before morning. And I'm going to stay on this hill and get text in it.

[Ruth Flood]

Well, you can probably expect more than I can. That's all I got to say.

[Sam]

Well, Tuttle, he's down up the hill. Get everything ready now. Wait till Jim Flood gets to town before I ride in with the exciting news. Everyone will laugh at Flood when he tells them there's a landslide due. Maybe them laugh too soon. Yes, they'll be sorry that they laughed. Where do you feel the landslide? In your bones, Jim? All right, a lot of you go on a laugh, boys. He invites us to laugh. Free charge. Half the dramatic. Take what rain is due. He gets a feeling when there'll be a landslide coming off. Hey, what last. Oh, what did I tell you? What sort of trick is this? Come on, Sage, see for yourself. He's me. What's the nice man? Who is he? Come on. He ain't going here. But look anyhow. Ride his bed. It might wreck the town. I tell you, boy, get rid of all the town if it's a bad one. There's no trouble with having a town where this one is. Wonder why Riggs don't know about it. He didn't have the feeling of it like I did. You might have warned him. He laughed like the same all you men did. That is this thing was right. Why he go there? Boys, we got to rescue Har Riggs. We got to get to him somehow. Get your horses. The men of Silver Gulch learn to their alarm that a land fight had actually started. Jim Fart and his wife were safe. But it was feared that Rigs would be destroyed in his cabin. And so while rocks and shale thundered into the valley men fought their way upward to rescue him. His dark face is the top of the hill, boys. I missed in a jab with rock, so you can't get out. Come on, boys. Keep your footing. Riggs is in his house. Come on, help me. He'll set me up for him. There he is. They're coming, stranger. We're coming. Is Riggs in there? He takes it out. Rocks. The pile against the house. Toss them rocks aside, boys. Help. Help. Let me out. Let me out of here. We're here, Rigs. We'll get you out. Hurry, all the house going in away from the door. The drives are stopping up now. You're going to be all right, B. Keep them, Rockstar. It won't be long now. I guess there were two slides done with. Sounded to me like a blast that started here. Hurry with those rocks. Hear me out, boys, in the name of this. Hurry. Get me out of here. This is downright curious. These rocks don't look like shale that have been broken off. They look like they've been piled here by someone. Yeah. My thinking too much. Get them to the side. Now he can get out. Thank goodness you come, boys. Couldn't get through the winters, eh? No. I guess the flight is over now anyhow. But your workmen has just begun. Rick, you stand right where you are. I imagine when you thought you'd lose your house with a slide you hid the most valuable of your possessions on your person. I hope so. Don't make a move. The stranger's holding the gun on Rick. What's the bigger idea, stranger? Listen to me, men. Someone killed a pony rider and stuff. Stole a certain letter from him. The rider lived just long enough to describe the killer. He knew the letter was addressed to Jim Flood. And the killer he described was Harv Riggs. He lied. He ain't got no proof. The description of the murder has hit you, Riggs, since I came here. I found out that you'd have reason to want that letter. I wouldn't. It's very true. Keep your hands where they are. See here, stranger, you can't talk. Listen to me till I finish. The letter to Jim Flood was one he was expecting from an Eastern mining syndicate. I thought I'd get an offer to buy my place to see Jim. Well, Riggs know that he didn't want me to get that offer. He figured to force me to sell out to him and then he'd sell to the Eastern people. Well, it's nothing but a pack of lies that he proves. Could easily be proved. Riggs, if you didn't steal that letter, you wouldn't have it Now, Riggs, you're going to be searching. Well, I won't submit to this. It's an insult. I'll take you to court. We'll hold court right here. That whole landslide was staged for your benefit. Rocks were piled against your house or you couldn't get out. Take your hands off. Please. Let me see about that letter. Here's something. Hold the lantern close. Here. I don't know nothing about that. I didn't put it there. I don't know how it got in my pocket. Here, Tim, this is yours. My letter takes a lime. How'd you get it, Riggs, if you didn't do what the masked man said? Jim Flood must have stuck it in my pocket. Boy, this offers me 5,000 cash and half interest in the mine for my claim. I'm gonna be rich. You frame me. Shut up. Rich? Why should Jim Flood try to frame you by putting that letter in your clothes? That letter makes him a rich man. Stranger, we sure want to thank you. Get that mess with. How do you know he ain't the killer? Maybe he's just trying to frame me for what he done. We don't want him, Riggs. We got you, Sam. Sa the story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.