The Lone Ranger 38-03-07 (0797) Jim Murdock's Mine

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Lone Ranger 38-03-07 (0797) Jim Murdock's Mine

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Air Date: January 4, 2026
Original Air Date: March 7, 1938
Show Featured: The Lone Ranger

Episode Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio brings to life a classic Lone Ranger adventure, “Jim Murdock’s Mine.” It’s a tale of greed, betrayal, desperate poverty, and justice in the Old West. Abe Jenkins, left destitute by a shady mining deal with Jim Murdoch, is accused of murder after Murdoch vanishes under suspicious circumstances. The Lone Ranger and Tonto ride to expose the real villains and clear the innocent.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: Murdoch’s Wealth and Jenkins’ Desperation

[03:55]

• Jim Murdoch is introduced as a wealthy man, having profited greatly from a gold mine at Grant’s Canyon—a mine split with Abe Jenkins.
• Jenkins’ portion of the mine was worthless, leaving his family destitute, while Murdoch thrived.
• The townsfolk sympathize with Jenkins, knowing his wife is sick and his child starving.
• Jenkins grows desperate, prepared to confront Murdoch for help and even steal if necessary.
  • "Maybe you never faced a man that was driven to thieving by the sight of his wife and king being cold, and sick, and hungry. Well, you're facing one right now." (Barney Holden as Abe Jenkins, 07:36)

2. A Shady Past and New Plots

[04:16–06:27]

• Murdoch and his associate, Barney Holden, discuss the original mining deal and Jenkins’ plight.
• Holden alludes to the idea of getting Abe out of the way for good, hinting at foul play rather than mere charity or bribery.
  • "It'd be worth a lot to me to have him out of the way." (Jim Murdoch, 05:35)
  • Holden: "Would it be worth a lot to you to get him out of your way?" (05:44)

3. Jenkins’ Confrontation and Murdoch’s Charity

[06:43–09:33]

• Jenkins confronts Murdoch, nearly at gunpoint, demanding basic supplies for his family.
• Murdoch unexpectedly gives Jenkins blankets and food, acting generous and dismissing Jenkins’ accusations of fraud.

4. The Disappearance and False Accusation

[09:33–12:52]

• Soon after, Holden bursts into the town café, announcing evidence of foul play at Murdoch’s house.
  • Claims the house shows signs of a struggle, Murdoch is missing, a window smashed, and robbery/murder is suspected.
  • Jenkins is quickly accused due to his previous dispute over the mine and his family's needs.
  • "It's one of two things. Abe done it or he didn't. If he didn't do it, he won't get arrested. If he did, he'll hang." (Sheriff, 11:47)
• The sheriff and a posse go to Jenkins’ home, finding the stolen items (Murdoch’s watch and ring) suspiciously on Jenkins’ mantel.

5. The Lone Ranger & Tonto Investigate

[16:46–19:26]

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto, doubting Jenkins’ guilt, search Grant’s Canyon for Murdoch’s body—but find nothing.
• They suspect framesmanship, especially since evidence (watch, ring) appears planted.

6. Crucial Morning Discoveries

[20:42–24:56]

• The sheriff’s return to Murdoch’s house reveals blown-open doors, a ransacked scene, and physical evidence.
• Jenkins' supposed guilt is called into question:
  • They find a letter half-burned in the fireplace (suggesting another subplot).
  • Murdoch’s body is found near the house, not at the canyon’s bottom—contradicting Holden’s earlier account.
• Physical evidence deepens: a button gripped tightly in Murdoch’s hand matches those on Holden’s vest.
  • "Let me compare the two? By thunder, it's identical to the one that's on your vest. And here's threads still clinging to the bottom." (Sheriff, 25:14)

7. The Masked Man’s Reveal and Final Justice

[27:08–29:45]

• The Lone Ranger appears at the tense stand-off, exposes the scheme, and pushes Holden to confess.
• It’s revealed Murdoch and Holden plotted to frame Jenkins by faking Murdoch’s death. Their goal: prevent Jenkins from ever learning the truth about the rigged gold mine split.
  • "You and Murdoch planned to frame Abe Jenkins for a murder, didn't you?" (Lone Ranger, 27:41)
  • Holden confesses under pressure, blaming Murdoch for the scheme.
• The sheriff further reveals that Murdoch is alive, bound and gagged, not murdered. The fake evidence (the button, the note, the planted ring/watch) was staged to entrap Holden.
  • "The best way to catch a couple of rats to try to frame an innocent man for murder is to pull the same sort of tricks on them." (Sheriff, 29:25)
• Justice: Murdoch is forced to return the mine share to Jenkins, or even more, as the townspeople and law look on approvingly.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Desperation and Honor
  • "Maybe you never faced a man that was driven to thieving by the sight of his wife and king being cold, and sick, and hungry. Well, you're facing one right now." (Abe Jenkins, 07:36)
• Cunning Justice
  • "The best way to catch a couple of rats to try to frame an innocent man for murder is to pull the same sort of tricks on them." (Sheriff, 29:25)
• Exposing the Plot
  • "You and Murdoch planned to frame Abe Jenkins for a murder, didn't you?" (Lone Ranger, 27:41)
  • "All I was to do was to tell you about the fight here." (Barney Holden, 28:03)
• The Lone Ranger’s Steadfast Justice
  • "There's just one man who can prove you are not guilty of murder... I'm that man." (Lone Ranger, 27:24)
• Restoration and Resolution
  • "Well, maybe Abe will settle for a half and maybe he'll take it all. But whatever Abe wants, he's going to get." (Sheriff, 29:39)

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Timestamps of Key Segments

• [03:55] — The backstory: Jenkins’ loss, Murdoch’s wealth
• [05:35] — Murdoch considers getting Jenkins “out of the way”
• [07:36] — Jenkins confronts Murdoch at gunpoint
• [09:33] — Murdoch is apparently attacked; false evidence begins
• [11:45] — Town suspects Jenkins; sheriff leads posse
• [16:46] — Recap and Lone Ranger’s pursuit of the truth
• [19:26] — Lone Ranger & Tonto search for the body
• [22:24] — The “murder scene” revisited, vital clues (note, body, button)
• [25:14] — The sheriff finds the incriminating button
• [27:08] — The Lone Ranger steps in: sting operation revealed
• [29:25] — Final justice and Murdoch’s defeat

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Conclusion

This Lone Ranger installment delivers all the suspense and moral clarity fans expect: the plight of the innocent, greedy schemes, mistaken guilt, and the cleverness of the masked man who embodies frontier justice. The episode is a classic example of Golden Age radio storytelling—quick-moving, full of intrigue, and ultimately upholding community values and the triumph of truth.

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Transcript

[Josh Whalen]

If you're paying more than $1 a month for any ED or hair medication, listen up at Joy and Blokes. When you start TRT or enclomiphene, you can add any ED or hair loss prescription for just $1 a month. $1 add ons with your hormone plan and right now all labs are 50% off. I'm Josh Whalen, founder of Joy and Blokes. I built this company because men are tired of paying for fragmented care without results. Every Joy and BL lab includes a visit with a licensed clinician who connects your symptoms to your biomarkers. You'll get a real plan that covers hormones, performance and confidence. If you're considering TRT or Enclomiphene, this is the most efficient way to do it. Get [e-mail] and use a promo code podcast. New customers get 50% off their labs. And for a limited time, you can take advantage of our $1ed or hair loss add ons. You start TRT or in Clomiphene. Not available in all states. Compounded medications are not FDA approved. Learn more at joy and blokes.com.

[Barney Holden]

Silver Away.

[Sheriff]

A fiery horse with a.

[Narrator]

Speed of light, a cloud of dust.

[Sheriff]

And a hearty high. O Silver.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger.

[Barney Holden]

It. It's.

[Narrator]

People of seven states thrilled of the daring action of a phantom figure of the plains who rode in the cause of justice. No one ever knew where he came from, nor where he went when he completed his heroic deeds. But even today, the cowboys gather around the campfire and tell stories of this famous masked man. Of his heavy six guns with their bullets of silver of his great white horse, the fastest the west has ever known.

[Barney Holden]

Hail Silver.

[Narrator]

Here he comes, riding like the wind, blazing new trails in the west of old. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Abe Jenkins]

Come on, Silver, old boy. That's it, old fellow. We have a big job ahead of us. We must hurry, old boy.

[Narrator]

Jim Murdoch was a wealthy man. He drew huge profits from the gold mine he owned. And out of those profits, he had built a large home stone standing on the edge of Grant's Canyon. As tonight's story opens, we see him with a visitor, Barney Holden, the man to whom Murdoch owed his present position. Holden has brought news from town.

[Abe Jenkins]

So that's what Abe Jenkins planned to do with you.

[Jim Murdoch]

Murdoch come here demanding that I help him out, huh?

[Sheriff]

Yeah.

[Abe Jenkins]

He claims that you and him owned the mine between you. Then you suggested that you split it each year, take a section for your own and work it independent.

[Jim Murdoch]

That's just what we done?

[Abe Jenkins]

He's sore because your half panned out first rate while his wasn't worth a hoot.

[Jim Murdoch]

Well, we both took the same risk, didn't we, Holden?

[Abe Jenkins]

Sure. As far as he knows.

[Jim Murdoch]

You don't reckon he suspects the truth, do you?

[Abe Jenkins]

No. How could he?

[Jim Murdoch]

Then why is he talking around town about coming to me for help?

[Abe Jenkins]

He's desperate, that's why. Murdoch?

[Sheriff]

Yeah.

[Abe Jenkins]

His wife is sick and his kid's half starved. He figures you could spare some grub and blankets without never missing them. So he's coming here to demand that same.

[Jim Murdoch]

I see.

[Abe Jenkins]

He said some pretty hard things about you. The worst of it is, Jim, most everyone in town sides with him.

[Jim Murdoch]

It'd be tough if he ever did learn the truth about that deal.

[Abe Jenkins]

I know enough law to know that he could make it downright tough for you.

[Jim Murdoch]

I wish he'd move out in these parts. I'd pay him to do it.

[Abe Jenkins]

That'd be smart.

[Jim Murdoch]

If he wasn't around here, there wouldn't be no chance of his ever learning the truth.

[Abe Jenkins]

But he won't move away.

[Jim Murdoch]

Maybe if I offered him some cash.

[Abe Jenkins]

That'd only make him all the more suspicious. He suspects enough already.

[Jim Murdoch]

Maybe.

[Abe Jenkins]

So you offer him cash to move away after refusing him loans, and he'd know there was something funny about that gold mine deal.

[Jim Murdoch]

It'd be worth a lot to me to have him out of the way.

[Barney Holden]

Would it?

[Jim Murdoch]

Yes, it. What do you mean?

[Sheriff]

Just that.

[Abe Jenkins]

Would it be worth a lot to you to get him out of your way?

[Jim Murdoch]

You talk like you might have ideas.

[Abe Jenkins]

Maybe I have.

[Jim Murdoch]

I wouldn't want a murder on my hands.

[Abe Jenkins]

That wouldn't be necessary, Jim.

[Jim Murdoch]

It was you that schemed the gold mine deal in the first place.

[Abe Jenkins]

It made you rich.

[Jim Murdoch]

Maybe you got another smart idea.

[Abe Jenkins]

Suppose I sort of outline it and see how you like it.

[Jim Murdoch]

Yeah, suppose you do.

[Narrator]

While Murdoch and Holden made further plans against Abe Jenkins, the man they'd already robbed, Jenkins was making his way to Murdoch's home. As he approached the large house at the canyon's edge, he loosened the safety catch on his holster to make sure he could draw in a hurry.

[Sheriff]

He's there alone.

[Barney Holden]

I'll make out all right.

[Sheriff]

Hate to think of robbing a man.

[Barney Holden]

But I'd do more than that to see Martha and the kids warm and well fed for once. Hope he's alone in there.

[Sheriff]

Who is it?

[Barney Holden]

It's me, Abe Jenkins. Open up, Murdoch. I want to talk with you.

[Jim Murdoch]

Sakes alive, Abe. What brings you out on this sort of night? Step inside.

[Barney Holden]

I aimed.

[Jim Murdoch]

Sit down by the fire and warm up. You must have had a hard trip from the valley.

[Barney Holden]

Not as hard as going back will be.

[Jim Murdoch]

How's that? It's downhill going back, ain't it?

[Sheriff]

Yep.

[Barney Holden]

Only I'll have a lot of things to carry when I go back. Murdoch. I'm here for some cash money, some grub and some blankets.

[Jim Murdoch]

Yeah? Yes.

[Barney Holden]

And I'm going to get em.

[Sheriff]

Here.

[Jim Murdoch]

Put down that shooting iron. What ails you?

[Barney Holden]

Maybe you never faced a man that was driven to thieving by the sight of his wife and king being cold and sick and hungry. Well, you're facing one right now.

[Jim Murdoch]

You don't mean your folk?

[Barney Holden]

Yes.

[Jim Murdoch]

Gosh, I didn't know that.

[Barney Holden]

Maybe you didn't. Maybe you thought I was fooling when I asked you to lend me some cash a while back.

[Sheriff]

Will I?

[Jim Murdoch]

I ain't in the habit of lending money. But if it's grub and blanket you want sakes alive, Abe, you're welcome to em all. You can carry all a mule can carry.

[Barney Holden]

A mule wouldn't eat the grub my kids have had to eat for the past week.

[Jim Murdoch]

I'm downright sorry things are so tough.

[Barney Holden]

Maybe you know why they're tough.

[Jim Murdoch]

What do you mean?

[Barney Holden]

You pulled a slick trick on me when you talked me into splitting the gold mine that gave you all the land that was worth anything.

[Jim Murdoch]

Now Abe, you know that ain't a fair charge. I took the same chance you did. I didn't think your half would peter out. No, of course I didn't. No more than I thought my half would turn out rich.

[Barney Holden]

I can't prove nothing, so I'll shut up about the mistake I made. But I'm getting food and blankets.

[Jim Murdoch]

Why, sure. Come on, Abe. We'll fix up a big bundle for you to take along with you.

[Barney Holden]

I don't know what to make of you, Murdoch. Why, you're acting a darn sight different about this than I thought you would.

[Jim Murdoch]

I ain't as bad as you tried to tell everyone I was, Abe.

[Barney Holden]

How do you know what I've been telling folks?

[Jim Murdoch]

I hear things.

[Barney Holden]

Maybe you heard me telling it around. That I hope someday to prove that you knew half of the mine was no good.

[Jim Murdoch]

No, I ain't heard nothing like that. There ain't no truth in it.

[Barney Holden]

Maybe not. But what about that stuff?

[Jim Murdoch]

Come on with me and you'll get it. Gosh, Jenkins, I'm glad to help you and your folks out.

[Narrator]

Murdoch gave Jenkins the blankets and food he asked for. And he helped him to Load them on a mule. Then, shortly after Jenkins had returned home with the provisions, Barney Holden hurried into the cafe in town with a startling announcement that he had found evidence of an attack upon Murdoch. The Sheriff demanded further information.

[Sheriff]

How do you know there'd been foul play at Jim Murdock's place? Barney?

[Abe Jenkins]

I went there just to spend the evening with my friend Jim. And the house showed signs of a terrible fight. Josh, where's Murdock? That's just it. The door was open wide with the wind howling through the house. And there was furniture upset and things busted. And no sign of Jim Murdoch around anywhere.

[Sheriff]

Who went there?

[Abe Jenkins]

How did I know? I spent some time looking around the house, and when I seen what must have happened to Murdoch, I hustled back here to tell you.

[Sheriff]

What must have happened to him?

[Abe Jenkins]

Murdered. Did you find him?

[Narrator]

No.

[Abe Jenkins]

But you know where his house is?

[Sheriff]

Right at the edge of the ravine? Yeah.

[Abe Jenkins]

What happened? There's a window looking out in the ravine. And that window was smashed.

[Sheriff]

Gosh.

[Abe Jenkins]

Looked like someone had gone through it.

[Sheriff]

Then we'd be likely to find Jim at the bottom of the ravine.

[Abe Jenkins]

That's what I'm afeared of, Sheriff. Sakes alive look to me like a robbery.

[Sheriff]

Robbery and murder.

[Abe Jenkins]

Who could have done it?

[Sheriff]

I got a blame good idea who.

[Abe Jenkins]

Just name the man that killed my friend and let me at him.

[Sheriff]

Wait. Hey, Sam.

[Jim Murdoch]

Come in, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Sam, you was telling me about Abe Jenkins earlier this evening. Yeah? What was he saying?

[Abe Jenkins]

I remember him being mad about something.

[Sheriff]

Quiet, Barney. Go on, Sam. Well, as I recollect, Abe Jenkins was bound.

[Jim Murdoch]

He'd make Jim Murdock hand out the.

[Sheriff]

Things he was needing just so.

[Abe Jenkins]

Abe Jenkins, huh? Why didn't I think of him? He's been sore, Jim Murdoch, for a long time.

[Sheriff]

Yeah, a plenty sore.

[Abe Jenkins]

Good gosh, Abe wouldn't go that far, would he? Why wouldn't he?

[Sheriff]

Ain't no telling how far a man would go when his wife and kids are cold and hungry.

[Abe Jenkins]

But Abe didn't look to me like a man that'd do murder.

[Sheriff]

He was mad enough, warn't he, Sam? Seemed like he was.

[Abe Jenkins]

Then he's the one to question.

[Sheriff]

Yeah. We look at the bottom of the ravine in the morning. We may as well call on Abe right now and see what he's got to say for himself.

[Abe Jenkins]

If he's killed Jim Murdoch, then I want the personal job of dealing with him.

[Sheriff]

If he's done a murder, we'll see that the law deals with him.

[Abe Jenkins]

I'm betting Jenkins is. I'm innocent. That's the trouble. The jury will hear of all his hard luck and let him off scot free.

[Sheriff]

Oh, no, they won't, Barney. It's one of two things. Abe done it or he didn't. If he didn't do it, he won't get arrested. If he did, he'll hang. No two ways about that. Come on, we'll go and call on him. You heard all that? You remember what we heard about the way Jim Murdoch swindled Abe Jenkins. We came here to see if we couldn't get a square deal for the poor fellow. That's right. Now it seems that he needs friends more than he did before him. Good feller. I don't think he'd do what Barney Holden says. You know plenty about that feller. Yes, I do. Come on, Kimasabe. We're going to follow the lawman and hear what Abe Jenkins has to say.

[Narrator]

The Sheriff and Barney Holden, accompanied by a group of men, went immediately to Jenkins home to question Abe. The Lone Ranger and Tonto followed them without being observed. And when the party arrived at the house, the masked man and his companion were in a position to overhear what was said.

[Sheriff]

We'll stay by this window, Toto.

[Jim Murdoch]

We can hear what's said inside the place.

[Sheriff]

That's right.

[Abe Jenkins]

Wrap again, Sheriff. They must be to whom.

[Sheriff]

Hey, ain't that one of Murdock's mules tied there?

[Abe Jenkins]

Looks like it.

[Barney Holden]

Who is it?

[Sheriff]

The law. Open up, Jenkins.

[Barney Holden]

Sheikh alive, Sheriff. What's the trouble?

[Sheriff]

Won't ask you a few questions.

[Jim Murdoch]

Not so loud.

[Barney Holden]

You're with the youngsters.

[Abe Jenkins]

Been doing some cooking here, ain't you?

[Narrator]

We just fed the kids and they went to sleep.

[Barney Holden]

First time in weeks. They had blankets. Enough to keep them warm.

[Sheriff]

Yeah? Where the blankets come from?

[Barney Holden]

Jim Murdoch gave them to me.

[Sheriff]

When?

[Barney Holden]

Why? Tonight. I went there and he gave me a pack of food and some blankets and loaned me a little case.

[Abe Jenkins]

That ain't true.

[Barney Holden]

What?

[Abe Jenkins]

You know blame. Well, Murdoch don't give things away.

[Sheriff]

I never heard of him giving anything away in my life. He don't.

[Barney Holden]

But he did. Say, you don't think I stole them from him, do you, Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

Never mind what I think right now. What happened while you were there?

[Barney Holden]

Nothing. Why?

[Sheriff]

You have a row with him?

[Barney Holden]

No.

[Abe Jenkins]

Listen to him, Jenkins.

[Jim Murdoch]

You was telling everybody that you'd get.

[Sheriff]

Help from Murdoch or you'd know the reason why.

[Barney Holden]

He was right glad to help me.

[Abe Jenkins]

Wait, let me ask something, Sheriff.

[Barney Holden]

What's all these questions about anyway?

[Abe Jenkins]

Listen here, Jenkins. What else did Murdoch give you?

[Barney Holden]

Well, he let me borrow a mule.

[Abe Jenkins]

What else?

[Barney Holden]

Nothing else. Look here, Jim Murdoch ain't going to you, Sheriff. And said I stole from him, has he?

[Sheriff]

He ain't come to me.

[Barney Holden]

No. Then what's Jenkins?

[Abe Jenkins]

Did he give you his gold watch?

[Barney Holden]

Gosh, no.

[Abe Jenkins]

Or that fancy diamond ring he wears?

[Barney Holden]

No.

[Abe Jenkins]

Then what are they doing there in your fireplace mantle?

[Barney Holden]

Oh. How'd they get there?

[Sheriff]

Leaping snake.

[Abe Jenkins]

Take a look, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

I see him. Name's Jim Murdoch's, all right.

[Barney Holden]

I didn't put him there. I don't know how they got there. Sheriff. What's this mean?

[Sheriff]

You better come along with me, Abe.

[Barney Holden]

For what? I ain't done nothing.

[Sheriff]

Take him into custody, boys.

[Barney Holden]

No.

[Sheriff]

No, you can't.

[Barney Holden]

He's told you the truth.

[Sheriff]

We'll investigate some more in the morning.

[Abe Jenkins]

Investigate what?

[Sheriff]

The bottom of Grant's Canyon. That's where we likely find the body.

[Barney Holden]

Body?

[Sheriff]

Jim Murdoch's body.

[Barney Holden]

Hold on, you don't mean. Sheriff, you ain't saying.

[Sheriff]

Take him away, boys. He's to be held on a charge of murder.

[Narrator]

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

[Barney Holden]

Sam. It.

[Narrator]

Continue our story. You will recall that in the first act of tonight's Lone Ranger drama, we learned that Murdoch and Holden cheated Abe Jenkins out of his share of a gold mine now owned by Murdoch. Jenkins, reduced to poverty, appealed to Murdoch for food and blankets. These were given him. But shortly after Jenkins returned home, Holden announced in town that he had found evidence pointing to the murder of Murdoch. Jenkins was arrested, but the Lone Ranger believed in his innocence. That same night, he and Tonto rode to the bed of Grant's Canyon. We hear them as they halt at the spot. But according to Holden's story, Murdoch's body should be found.

[Sheriff]

This place.

[Abe Jenkins]

Yes.

[Sheriff]

It's mighty dark here, kimosabe. Too dark to see very much.

[Abe Jenkins]

We'll have to do our best.

[Sheriff]

You got id? I don't think Abe Jenkins is guilty of the thing he's charged with. You know, Barney, Holden and I know.

[Narrator]

Enough about him to suspect that he.

[Sheriff]

Might have framed Abe Jenkinson. That right? Me?

[Abe Jenkins]

Take a look on ground, babe told the truth.

[Sheriff]

Then Holden put that watch and ring in his house just to make it appear that he'd killed Murdoch.

[Abe Jenkins]

I'll dismount.

[Sheriff]

Help you look around down here, Toto. If anyone has fallen from the ledge above, we might find him before the sheriff. That plenty long fall. It's quite possible he'd have fallen into the water. That's right. The beach along here is mighty narrow. Him falling water we not find him. Stream is pretty swift.

[Narrator]

Might carry him down quite a distance.

[Sheriff]

In that case, the lawman might convict Abe Jenkins without finding the body. Because of the difficulty of searching for it, they wouldn't need it to prove there's been a murder. Not right. Wait. What is it, Tado? You hear splashing water?

[Narrator]

If there were only more light down.

[Sheriff]

Here, we could search better.

[Narrator]

I heard it that time, Toddo.

[Sheriff]

Something fall in water. There's only one place it could fall from. That's up on top of the ledge. That's right. And if Jim Murdoch is dead, there wouldn't be anyone up there. Maybe him not dead. In any case, we're going up above and find out. Plenty long way round. We can make it before daybreak.

[Barney Holden]

Yep.

[Abe Jenkins]

Come on, Toto. Me be ready.

[Sheriff]

Come on, Silver.

[Narrator]

The masked man in Tonto could not find Murdoch's body. Instead, they were disturbed by loose stones falling from the direction of Murdoch's home above at the top of the canyon. And they made their way to the house to investigate the scene. Changes now to the trail from town.

[Josh Whalen]

If you're paying more than $1 a month for any ED or hair medication, listen up at Joy and Blokes when you start TRT or enclomiphene, you can add any ED or hair loss prescription for just $1 a month. $1 add ons with your hormone plan and right now all labs are 50% off. I'm Josh Whalen, founder of Joy and Blokes. I built this company because men are tired of paying for fragmented care without results. Every Joy and Blokes lab includes a visit with a licensed clinician who connects your symptoms to your biomarkers. You'll get a real plan that covers hormones, performance and confidence. If you're considering TRT or Enclomiphene, this is the most efficient way to do it. Get [e-mail] and use a promo code podcast new customers get 50 off their labs. And for a limited time, you can take advantage of our $1 ED or HA loss add ons when you start TRT or in Clomiphene. Not available in all states. Compounded medications are not FDA approved. Learn [e-mail] it is the following morning.

[Narrator]

And the sheriff, accompanied by several deputies and Barney Holden, is riding toward Murdoch's place at Grant's Canyon.

[Sheriff]

Doors open, just like you said, Barney.

[Abe Jenkins]

Sure it is. I wouldn't have no reason to tell what wasn't true, Would I?

[Sheriff]

We didn't find no sign of Murdoch at the bottom of the ravine.

[Abe Jenkins]

That don't prove nothing.

[Sheriff]

The water could have carried him away.

[Abe Jenkins]

Sure it. Should.

[Barney Holden]

We go right in and search the place. Here.

[Sheriff]

What do you think we come here for? To sit on the steps?

[Barney Holden]

Was only asking.

[Sheriff]

Right, Sunday, it looks like a clean cut case again. Abe Jenkins. The watch and ring showed he wasn't telling the truth.

[Abe Jenkins]

Yeah, I reckon he figured we'd believe his story about Jim Murdoch giving him food and blankets. But it's too much to think that Murdoch would give him the watch and ring. Just so I'm sorry for Abe. He ain't a killer at heart. He just was drove to it by poverty.

[Sheriff]

Don't matter what drove him to it.

[Abe Jenkins]

Maybe your jury will let him get away with murder. I most wish I would. Yeah. Of course, it'll look awful bad for the sheriff's record. Other counties would speak of this one as a place where they let men get away with murder.

[Sheriff]

He won't get away with it.

[Abe Jenkins]

I don't blame you, Sheriff. You got your reputation to look out for.

[Sheriff]

Gosh, there sure enough been a scrap in this house.

[Jim Murdoch]

Ain't they, though?

[Sheriff]

Sure has.

[Abe Jenkins]

There's the window at the rear. You see where I figured he went through.

[Sheriff]

What's beyond the window?

[Abe Jenkins]

Ravine.

[Sheriff]

The house right on the edge of the ravine?

[Abe Jenkins]

Well, no, there's five feet of ground there, but that's all.

[Sheriff]

Maybe if Murdoch didn't go over the edge.

[Abe Jenkins]

Oh, he went over all right.

[Sheriff]

Enough. How do you know that?

[Abe Jenkins]

I looked out the window last night when I was here. Held a lamp up so as I could see out. I could see where the ground had been disturbed from him sliding over the edge.

[Sheriff]

We'd have a look outside.

[Abe Jenkins]

Yeah, we can go right through. Hey, what's this?

[Sheriff]

What you got there, Sam? Looks to be a letter of some sort. Let me see it. It was thrown in the fireplace to burn, but it looks like the wind come and blowed it out. You can see where it's charged? Yeah.

[Abe Jenkins]

What's it say?

[Sheriff]

Well, now, this is downright interesting.

[Abe Jenkins]

What is it, Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

Don't you know, Barney?

[Abe Jenkins]

No, can't say as I do.

[Sheriff]

I'll just hang on to this for a time.

[Abe Jenkins]

But let me see it.

[Sheriff]

Nope. Come on. We'll get out that busted window and have a look at the ledge outside. I.

[Abe Jenkins]

Hey, what's the matter?

[Sheriff]

There's Jim Murdock on the ground.

[Abe Jenkins]

What? Let me see.

[Sheriff]

Sure enough, there he is, lying face down on the ground there. Now, come on through this window.

[Barney Holden]

Maybe he ain't dead yet.

[Abe Jenkins]

I don't see how he.

[Sheriff]

What's the matter, Barney? I thought you told me he wasn't here last night.

[Abe Jenkins]

I. I didn't see him.

[Sheriff]

Sam, you take care of Murdoch. The rest of you stay here. Barney, you was here after Jenkins left, wasn't you?

[Abe Jenkins]

Yes, I. That is, I.

[Sheriff]

According to your own story, you was.

[Abe Jenkins]

I reckon so. You're the one said the house is.

[Sheriff]

All tore up like this. Now, it seemed to me, Barney, that if you didn't see Murdock there when you come here after Abe had left, it couldn't have been Abe that put him there.

[Abe Jenkins]

How is he? Is he hurt bad?

[Sheriff]

Wait a minute, Barney. You stay right here. Sam's looking over him. What'd you find, Sam? Ain't nothing can be done for him now.

[Abe Jenkins]

Gone? Yep. He's done for then, Abe Jenkins done it.

[Sheriff]

I wouldn't be so fast as to say that, Barney.

[Abe Jenkins]

But he must have, I reckon. When I looked out the window last night, I must have been so excited that. Well, I didn't see him. It was dark, you know.

[Sheriff]

Yeah, but you said you had a lamp.

[Abe Jenkins]

Well, maybe I just missed seeing him. But what's the difference?

[Sheriff]

A lot of difference, Barney.

[Abe Jenkins]

I don't see what it is.

[Sheriff]

If Murdoch wasn't here when Abe left, then it couldn't have been Abe that done the job.

[Abe Jenkins]

No.

[Sheriff]

That means it must have been someone else. Now, let me have a close look at him. The rest of you stay back there. Sam, you help me. Yeah. Maybe we can find some more clues, Sheriff. Maybe so. Something to go with that paper from the fireplace.

[Abe Jenkins]

Hey, Sheriff's got something already.

[Sheriff]

Reckon I have.

[Abe Jenkins]

What is it, Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

Jim Murdoch's hands closed tight on something here. I'm trying to get it loose.

[Abe Jenkins]

What is it?

[Sheriff]

Now, don't be so fast about it. Let me find out for myself. He's holding onto something mighty tight. Can you get it? I'll get it. Shucks. Ain't nothing but a button. A button? Yeah. Looks like a button from a vest. A fancy one, sure enough. Say, Abe Jenkins don't wear buttons of that sort.

[Abe Jenkins]

Abe Jenkins ain't even got a fancy vest.

[Sheriff]

Now let me see. That might be a mighty important clue, Eddie. Hold on, Barney. You're wearing a fancy vest with buttons like this. Stand still there. Let me take a look.

[Abe Jenkins]

Jaw are gone.

[Sheriff]

There's a button missing from Barney's vest.

[Abe Jenkins]

That ain't my button, I tell you.

[Sheriff]

Now hold steady. Let me compare the two? By thunder, it's identical to the one that's on your vest. And here's threads still clinging to the bottom.

[Abe Jenkins]

Do they match the threads in the vest?

[Sheriff]

They sure do.

[Abe Jenkins]

I can't understand it. I didn't have no scrap of.

[Sheriff]

Jim, shut up a minute. Let me think.

[Abe Jenkins]

But I tell you, Sheriff's the frame up.

[Sheriff]

I keep an eye on it, boys, till I have another look at this hunk of paper Sam pulled from the fireplace. We got you covered, Bonnie. Just don't make no move till the sheriff figures things out. Ah, this here paper Barney tells about you owing a sight of money to Jim Murdock.

[Abe Jenkins]

It ain't so. It ain't the truth.

[Sheriff]

It's a note promising to pay him $5,000.

[Abe Jenkins]

I never owed no money like that. How'd I owe him such money? He never loaned money in his life.

[Sheriff]

Now, if you was here last night and found out Abe Jenkins had been here before you.

[Abe Jenkins]

Oh, I was here. Listen to me.

[Sheriff]

Shut up and let the sheriff talk. You might have found out that Murdoch did just what Abe said he done. You mean Murdoch might have really give Abe food and blankets? Sure, he might have. Then Barney sees a chance to get rid of Murdoch, throw the blame on Abe and burn this note so's he wouldn't have to pay it.

[Abe Jenkins]

Listen to me. I tell you, that ain't so. There ain't a word of truth in it. That note's a forgery. Let me see the name signed.

[Sheriff]

Is this your writin'?

[Abe Jenkins]

No, Taint. I never wrote that.

[Sheriff]

I reckon a jury'll have to decide that, Barney. This note shows the motive for you wanting to kill Jim Murdoch.

[Abe Jenkins]

But I didn't, I tell you.

[Sheriff]

And him having tore a button from your vest, maybe as you was trying to push him through the window, eh?

[Abe Jenkins]

I didn't. I've been framed, I tell you. Framed. I didn't do it. Me and Jim Murdock was the best of frames.

[Sheriff]

Well, there's Murdoch. Here's this note. Here's the button. And there's your vest. Looks to me like we got more of a case again you than again Abe Jenkins.

[Abe Jenkins]

Didn't he have the watching ring? Didn't he have other things?

[Sheriff]

According to your own story, Barney, you was here after Abe Jenkins left. You could easily have stole the Watson ring and put him in his house.

[Abe Jenkins]

When could I have done it?

[Sheriff]

After you got in there with me last night? Reckon we'll take you to the calaboose. We'll jail both you and Jenkins till we find Out a few more facts. Just one minute.

[Abe Jenkins]

Hey, I have something to say.

[Sheriff]

Don't any of you make a move.

[Barney Holden]

Look at them two guns.

[Abe Jenkins]

And there's an Injun with him.

[Barney Holden]

Where'd you come from?

[Abe Jenkins]

Maybe them two killed Jim Murdock.

[Sheriff]

Maybe they didn't. Go on, stranger. Speak up. I've been waiting for you, Barney. There's just one man who can prove you are not guilty of murder.

[Abe Jenkins]

Who's that?

[Sheriff]

I'm that man.

[Abe Jenkins]

You.

[Sheriff]

I'll do it on one condition.

[Abe Jenkins]

Name it. Just name it, that's all.

[Sheriff]

That you tell the truth.

[Abe Jenkins]

And the whole truth about what? Who are you anyway?

[Sheriff]

That's not important. You better do what he says, Barney, or you'll swing as sure as shooting. Tell the truth about last night.

[Abe Jenkins]

What do you mean?

[Sheriff]

You and Murdoch planned to frame Abe Jenkins for a murder, didn't you?

[Barney Holden]

We?

[Sheriff]

Well, I. Murdock didn't want Abe Jenkins to learn the truth about the gold mine. So the two of you plotted to get him out of the way. Isn't that the truth?

[Abe Jenkins]

I didn't have no part in it. It was all Murdoch scheming.

[Sheriff]

You mean Murdoch scheme to disappear and let you tell the story about Abe fighting with him so Z would hang and be put out of the way?

[Abe Jenkins]

That's right. All I was to do was to tell you about the fight here.

[Sheriff]

And to take the watch and ring and put them in the Jenkins home.

[Abe Jenkins]

Yes. But I didn't have no part in the murder.

[Sheriff]

And why did Murdoch want Jenkins out of the way?

[Abe Jenkins]

He was afeared that someday Jenkins might learn that I'd made a survey of the gold mine and told Murdock that half was no good.

[Sheriff]

And it was on the strength of that that Murdoch split the claim and gave Abe the worthless part.

[Abe Jenkins]

Yes. Yes, that's the honest truth. Now, you gotta keep your word. You gotta prove that. I ain't gonna leave a murder me.

[Sheriff]

Get Puner up.

[Abe Jenkins]

Now you. You stand up. Murdoch ain't dead. No, he's roofed and gagged. I didn't see that before.

[Sheriff]

It was done in such a way you couldn't see it, Barney, but.

[Abe Jenkins]

But the sheriff. Sheriff, you know he weren't dead. So the deputies, they seen him close.

[Sheriff]

Sure, we knowed it. That masked man come to me last night and told how he'd seen Murdoch fixed on the ledge to look like a man fell over into the water down below. No gang cut loose. You squealer.

[Abe Jenkins]

Murdoch. I didn't know it.

[Jim Murdoch]

It was your scheme in the first place.

[Sheriff]

Shut up. Maybe you can save your hides by turning over what rightfully belongs to a Wave Jenkins. You see, Barney, as I told Murdoch last night, the stone from the ledge fell down below and brought Toto and me here. We saw what you were doing and told the sheriff everything. Yeah, and then during the ride here, I got a button from your vest and put it where it looked like. I took it from the dead man's hands. Dreamed as for that burned paper the masked man put bat in the fire.

[Jim Murdoch]

Oh, that mask man. He's the one that's done it all.

[Sheriff]

Yep, he's the one. I reckon, Murdoch, the best way to catch a couple of rats to try to frame an innocent man for murder is to pull the same sort of tricks on them.

[Jim Murdoch]

Don't take us to jail. Listen, I'll give Abe half my claim.

[Sheriff]

Well, maybe Abe will settle for a half and maybe he'll take it all. But whatever Abe wants, he's going to get.

[Abe Jenkins]

We'll take him the news he's waiting to hear.

[Barney Holden]

Come on, Silver. Oh, boy.

[Abe Jenkins]

We're riding the misaddle with the railroad. The cattlemen are making trouble there and we're going to see what's going on.

[Barney Holden]

It's sam.

[Narrator]

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

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