The Lone Ranger 38-10-21 0895 Orphans Of The West

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Lone Ranger – "Orphans Of The West"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: August 30, 2025
Original Air Date: October 21, 1938
Episode Number: 0895
Summary Prepared By: Podcast Summarizer

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Episode Overview

This Lone Ranger episode, "Orphans Of The West," weaves a tale of justice, prejudice, and clever detective work on the frontier. Two orphaned children, Johnny and Edith, and their guardian Dave Fenton become the subjects of suspicion and accusation after a rash of thefts in the town of Westwood. The Lone Ranger, disguised and working behind the scenes, must uncover the true culprit and restore the children’s reputation, all while preventing mob justice from prevailing over the law.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Plight of the Orphans

• Setting the Scene: The story opens outside Westwood, where orphaned siblings Johnny (age 10) and Edith (7), cared for by Dave Fenton, live in a covered wagon. Their parents are gone, and Dave has looked after them since rescuing them three years before ([03:53]).
• Hardship and Sacrifice: Dave expresses sadness that despite his best efforts, the children can't have a stable home or education ([04:44]).

“Stranger, that's what hurts most. To know you're doing your best. But your best ain't good enough.”
— Mr. Fenton ([04:48])

2. Accusations and Suspicion

• Community Distrust: Suspicion arises as townspeople notice that thefts coincide with the children's presence in various homes ([06:01]).
• Confrontation: The sheriff and others confront Dave, implying the children must leave to prevent further trouble. Some, like Jim Carver, defend the innocence of the orphans ([07:19]).

“The man that'd say them young uns stole is a low down, ornery skunk.”
— Mr. Fenton ([06:39])

3. Escalation: A Crime and a Mob

• A Major Theft: Four days after Johnny and Edith work for Silas, $500 is reported stolen. Suspicion again falls on the children ([10:11]).
• Search for Justice: The sheriff and townsmen debate the fairness of blaming the children and search for proof ([12:06]).
• Twist in the Case: The Lone Ranger insists on searching Ben Nugent, revealing the missing cash—but hard evidence tying Ben to the thefts is still lacking ([13:09]-[14:11]).

“You never saved $10 in your whole life... You never earned no cash during the day as long as you live that you didn't have it all spent before the next morning.”
— Sheriff ([13:39])

4. Mob Rule Threatens

• Lynching Calls: The townspeople, frustrated with the lack of unequivocal evidence, prepare to lynch Ben Nugent, whom they see as the thief ([17:17]).
• Lone Ranger’s Reasoning: The Lone Ranger argues for due process, emphasizing that mob action will not end suspicion of the children—only real, irrefutable proof will fully clear them ([19:00]).

“People are always ashamed of themselves after they've done something in anger... Ben's lynching won't save Johnny and Edith from suspicion.”
— Lone Ranger ([19:14])

5. Unmasking the Real Villain

• The Real Scheme: The Lone Ranger deduces the stolen valuables (not just money, but identifiable items—bracelets, rings, necklaces) must still be hidden somewhere nearby ([20:09]).
• Discovery and Confrontation: The items are found near Dave Fenton's wagon, exposing him as the true thief ([22:58]-[25:18]).

“He let the children work in the different homes in town. Then when they returned, he questioned them about what they had seen... Without realizing what they were doing, they often told him where valuables were hidden.”
— Lone Ranger ([25:54])

• Ruse Justified: The Lone Ranger and the sheriff staged Ben’s arrest and used the ensuing chaos to flush out the real thief ([26:18]).

6. Resolution and Justice Restored

• Moral Plea: The Lone Ranger insists the mob allow the courts to handle Dave Fenton's punishment ([27:06]).

“Use the courts. Don't take the law into your own hands. I promise you that Dave won't escape the penalty for his crimes.”
— Lone Ranger ([27:18])

• New Family for the Orphans: Silas and his wife, childless but well-resourced, offer to adopt Johnny and Edith, promising them the safe, loving home they deserve ([27:37]-[27:46]).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Responsibility and Compassion:
  “Shucks, I ain't what you'd rightly call tender hearted. Not by a mile I ain't. But there's a heap of difference between letting a growed man look out for hisself and making kids do the same.”
  — Mr. Fenton ([04:16])

• On Justice:
  “Friends don't ever steal from you.”
  — Jim to the children ([12:40])

• Revelation of the True Modus Operandi:
  “He let the children work in the different homes in town... Without realizing what they were doing, they often told him where valuables were hidden.”
  — Lone Ranger ([25:54])

• Call for Rule of Law:
  “Use the courts. Don't take the law into your own hands.”
  — Lone Ranger ([27:18])

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Important Segment Timestamps

• [03:49] – The plight of the orphans and Mr. Fenton's sacrifice
• [06:01] – Accusations begin; Silas speaks out against the children
• [10:11] – The major theft is discovered; suspicion falls on the orphans
• [13:09] – The Lone Ranger initiates the search on Ben
• [17:17] – Townspeople agitate for a lynching
• [19:14] – The Lone Ranger cautions about the consequences of mob justice
• [22:58] – Evidence discovered near Dave’s wagon
• [25:54] – The Lone Ranger explains the real scheme
• [27:18] – Final plea for using lawful justice
• [27:44] – Silas offers to adopt Johnny and Edith

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Conclusion

"Orphans Of The West" is a tightly woven episode that highlights classic Western themes: courage, mistaken suspicion, mob mentality versus judicial process, and the critical importance of evidence and fair play. The moral resolution is satisfying—evil is unmasked, the innocent are vindicated, and the community, guided by the Lone Ranger’s wisdom, chooses law over vigilantism. Johnny and Edith, finally freed from suspicion, are given the promise of a loving home and a bright future.

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“Hi-yo, Silver! Away!”

Transcript

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[Ben Nugent]

Wayfair Every style, every home.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse for the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a.

[Dave Fenton]

Hearty hi O Silver the Lone Ranger. It.

[Edith]

Sam.

[Dave Fenton]

Sa.

[Narrator]

The boys and girls who traveled to the western United States with their mothers and fathers and grew up in the new territory heard many stories about the masked rider of the plains. And those stories have come down to us through the generations. With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, he led the fight for justice on the frontier. In time, the fight was won and the west was safe for honest men. But the masked man's deeds will never be forgotten. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse.

[Dave Fenton]

Silver.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Ben Nugent]

Come on, Silver. We're heading for Westwood. Set us waiting in the trail ahead. Sail Silver away.

[Narrator]

It is evening as our story opens. The Lone Ranger, disguised but without his mask, is talking with a middle aged man a short distance from a covered wagon just outside the town of Westwood. Two children, a boy and a girl, watch them silently while Tonto waters the two great horses Silver and Scott at a nearby stream.

[Dave Fenton]

They're fine looking children, Dave. How old did you say they were?

[Mr. Fenton]

Well, stranger John is going on 10 and Edith there is almost seven.

[Dave Fenton]

And you've taken care of them ever since you discovered their mother dying? Yeah.

[Mr. Fenton]

Poor youngins. From what I heard, their paw was a nester that got killed by cowpunchers. If I hadn't come on them when I did, they'd most likely have starved to death. That was three years back.

[Sheriff]

Ain't that about it, Johnny?

[Dave Fenton]

Yes, Mr. Crimson, that was an unselfish thing for you to do.

[Mr. Fenton]

Shucks, I ain't what you'd rightly call tender hearted. Not by a mile I ain't. But there's a heap of difference between letting a growed man look out for hisself and making kids do the same.

[Dave Fenton]

And you live in this covered wagon?

[Mr. Fenton]

Well, it's handy, mister. The three of us can camp close by town like this, pick up what odd jobs there is. And then when there's no more work.

[Sheriff]

To be had, just hitch up the.

[Mr. Fenton]

Horses and move along to somewheres else. And I reckon we'll be doing that same again afore long. Jobs around here are beginning to thin out considerable.

[Dave Fenton]

It's too bad that children can't have a real home and a chance for an education.

[Mr. Fenton]

Stranger, that's what hurts most. To know you're doing your best. But your best ain't good enough. Hey you youngins, you climb into the.

[Sheriff]

Wagon and get to sleep. It's past your bedtime already.

[Edith]

We ain't tired, Mr. Fenton.

[Sheriff]

Now, I savvy what's good for you.

[Mr. Fenton]

Better than you do. Now you just run right along.

[Edith]

All right. Good night, stranger.

[Dave Fenton]

Good night, Johnny. Good night, Edith.

[Edith]

Good night.

[Mr. Fenton]

Well, looks like your engine part's got your horses watered already.

[Dave Fenton]

Yes. Have the horses rested enough todo? Uh huh.

[Sheriff]

All right.

[Mr. Fenton]

Well, it's been mighty good to meet you folks. What'd you say your name was?

[Dave Fenton]

Riders are coming this way.

[Mr. Fenton]

Well, what'd anybody be coming out here this time of night for?

[Sheriff]

Who's there? It's me, Dave.

[Mr. Fenton]

Oh, it's the sheriff.

[Dave Fenton]

There's two men with him.

[Sheriff]

Evening, Sheriff. Who's with you?

[Mr. Fenton]

Oh, it's Ben, Silas.

[Sheriff]

With you, huh? Where's Johnny and the girl?

[Mr. Fenton]

Just send him to bed.

[Dave Fenton]

Why?

[Silas]

Don't be asking questions, Dave. Get em out here and we'll ask the questions.

[Mr. Fenton]

Say, what's this all about, Sheriff? What's Ben mean by that kind of talk?

[Sheriff]

Who's a stranger in the redskin?

[Dave Fenton]

We just stopped here to water our horses, Sheriff.

[Mr. Fenton]

You ain't explained nothing yet.

[Silas]

It's them blasted kids of yours.

[Jim]

That's Ben. Let the sheriff handle this, Silas.

[Silas]

Don't you be telling me what to do.

[Sheriff]

Then keep your full mouth shut, Neve. You understand this ain't business I like to do. Well, there's been a heap of talk in town about Johnny and Edith lately. And some of the folks think me.

[Jim]

For one bad rat. You, Ben?

[Mr. Fenton]

Go right ahead, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Well, your kids helped out to the Simmons place, didn't they?

[Mr. Fenton]

They did.

[Sheriff]

And didn't they do some chores for the widow Cummins for a couple of days? Yeah, and for Bill Kent and out to the Stevens place.

[Mr. Fenton]

Get to the point.

[Silas]

I'll get to the point if the sheriff won't. Every one of them places had something stolen from it. But there wasn't never anything found missing till after the kids was there, Ben.

[Jim]

Are you?

[Sheriff]

I'm downright sorry, Dave. But it ain't just Ben that seen them things. It's most everybody in Westwood.

[Mr. Fenton]

The man that'd say them young un.

[Sheriff]

Stole is a low down, ornery skunk.

[Mr. Fenton]

And I never figured you'd talk like that, Silas.

[Jim]

Shucks, Dave, I don't hold with that talk at all. Why, Johnny and Edith are pards of mine.

[Sheriff]

Dave, maybe you better have the kids come out here for some questioning. They'll stay right where they are.

[Mr. Fenton]

And that's for you, Ben. And you, Sheriff. You can get back in your saddles and head for town pronto.

[Sheriff]

While you're still all in one piece.

[Silas]

Why, you.

[Jim]

I told you this was a fool's stunt to pull, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

You want some advice, Dave?

[Mr. Fenton]

Maybe.

[Sheriff]

If you do, I suggest that you pull stakes and get out of this.

[Dave Fenton]

Part of the country.

[Sheriff]

I ain't got no real evidence against the Youngins, but if anything more is stolen and is stolen from some place they worked, then I ain't answering for what might happen.

[Jim]

Just a second, Dave. I told the sheriff and I told Ben. I told everybody else in town that I figured John and Edith wasn't to blame. Now I want to do something to prove I got faith in him.

[Silas]

Yeah, you look old, idiot.

[Jim]

You stay out of my affairs, Ben.

[Sheriff]

We.

[Mr. Fenton]

We don't want no charity, Silas.

[Jim]

Shucks, I don't mean that. You see, Becky is getting ready for a spell of house cleaning. She thought the girl and boy would be real handy for errands and such. Well, anyhow, you ain't gonn outright when folks are accusing them of things, are you? That'd make it look worse for them.

[Mr. Fenton]

Then dog on it, it's agreed. I'll send them over tomorrow and we'd.

[Jim]

Be glad to have them. Come on, Sheriff. Let's get back to town. Steady there.

[Sheriff]

Ready, Ben?

[Silas]

I'm ready. But by thunder, Sheriff, if I was wearing your badge, I'd make Dave take those little thieves out of you.

[Sheriff]

No fighting, Dave. And as for your staying on, well, maybe it's all right, but somehow I can't see nothing but trouble ahead.

[Silas]

Get up there.

[Jim]

Get up. Get up.

[Edith]

Go on.

[Mr. Fenton]

I'd like to get my hands on the skunks that started that. Oh, I clean forgot about you and the engine being here.

[Dave Fenton]

Tell me something. Has Ben ever had anything stolen from him?

[Sheriff]

Him?

[Mr. Fenton]

Why, that polecat ain't got nothing worth the stealing.

[Sheriff]

But why'd you ask that?

[Dave Fenton]

Never mind. You may learn later. Come on, Tono. It's time we found a place to camp me ready. Come on, Silver. Hit him up.

[Sheriff]

Sk.

[Narrator]

Several days went by. No other thefts had been reported. But Ben Nugent stubbornly demanded that the sheriff order Dave and the children from the district. We see the two men in the sheriff's office.

[Silas]

I tell you, Sheriff, the sooner you get rid of them, the better.

[Sheriff]

What makes you so stubborn about it, Ben?

[Silas]

Because I ain't got no use for Dave, that's why.

[Sheriff]

You sure made it plain enough.

[Silas]

I didn't like him when he come here. I don't like him now and I never will like him. He's a crook, that's what he is. And if it wasn't him that put them young un's up to stealing the.

[Sheriff]

Cash and the other things that are.

[Silas]

Missing, then I'm a Comanche.

[Sheriff]

Silas and Becky think them kids are just about right. Yes, Silas is better off than anybody else around these parts. And he's plumb careless with his cash. He leaves a lane all around the house of his well. But it's four days now since Johnny Needers started doing chores for him. And there ain't been a penny missing.

[Silas]

But there will be, you mark my words.

[Sheriff]

You seem mighty certain they've been laying low.

[Silas]

Cause they savvy. We suspicion them. But they won't let Silas's cash get away from them. Dave will see to that.

[Sheriff]

You ain't got no cash. The whole blasted colony could be thick with crooks like kicks on a sheep. But you couldn't lose nothing. So why get so blame head up about it?

[Silas]

I ain't saying nothing other folks ain't saying.

[Sheriff]

Well, you're just as much as a sheriff.

[Silas]

Oh, howdy, Jim.

[Sheriff]

Now why do you have to bust in here like that? Next time I get me a deputy, he's going to.

[Silas]

This is important, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Something happens.

[Dave Fenton]

Silas has been robbed. No.

[Sheriff]

There.

[Silas]

What did I tell you, Sheriff? Just like I said, it happened.

[Dave Fenton]

There was $500 stole.

[Silas]

Styles is fit to be tied.

[Sheriff]

Who stole it?

[Silas]

Now there's a fool question for you. Who do you suppose stole it? Them kids, of course.

[Sheriff]

I was asking Jim. Well, speak up.

[Dave Fenton]

I don't know. But it sure looks like either Johnny or the girl or both of them together must have done it.

[Sheriff]

Well, we'll settle this thing right now. It's my horse outside. We're riding to Silas place. Come along, Ben.

[Dave Fenton]

No.

[Silas]

I told you what would happen. Now it's your job to do something about it. And maybe next time you'll listen a little closer when I tell you how.

[Dave Fenton]

To handle your work.

[Edith]

Ah, it.

[Dave Fenton]

Good morning, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Me and Jim got right out here as fast as we could, Silas.

[Jim]

Well now, Sheriff, that's mighty nice of you.

[Sheriff]

Jim says you've had $500 stole off you.

[Jim]

That's right.

[Sheriff]

Hard cash or folding money?

[Jim]

Folding money, Sheriff. Five 100 bills. And I had him tucked away in that desk over there.

[Sheriff]

And you've looked all through it where.

[Jim]

I ain't looked, Becky has. Ain't that so, Becky?

[Edith]

The money just ain't in the house, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Then I can tell you where it is.

[Edith]

Those kids around Johnny, he did he want us, ma'? Am? There's nothing to be afraid of, children. The sheriff just aims to ask you some questions. The Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

Yes, the sheriff. Now look here, you two young un's. Where's that money? What have you done with it? Speak up.

[Ben Nugent]

Now.

[Sheriff]

Don't try to lie out of anything.

[Edith]

Shame on your sheriff. You're scaring them half to death.

[Jim]

Well, I'm trying, Johnny. The Sheriff's got a fool notion that maybe you or your sister might have had some idea where my 500's gone to.

[Edith]

Honest, we don't know anything about it.

[Sheriff]

Do you know what it means to steal cash, Young?

[Jim]

That'll be enough of that, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

But Dad. Reddit. Silas, these kids gotta know where that cash is. It just don't make sense if they don't. They do chores for Whittaker Cummins, for the Stevens, for the Simmons, for Bill Kent. All of them folks lose cash right afterwards. And now they come here to work for you. And they ain't been in the house more than four days and your cash is gone.

[Ben Nugent]

Doggone it, Silas.

[Sheriff]

Who do you figure stole it if they didn't?

[Jim]

Edith. Are you my friend?

[Edith]

Uh huh.

[Jim]

And you, Johnny?

[Edith]

You bet, Mr. Carver.

[Jim]

There now, Sheriff, if you don't know it already, I reckon that'll show you that friends don't ever steal from you.

[Edith]

Man's sake, Sheriff. Seem to me you could find somebody better than a couple of innocent children to yell at.

[Sheriff]

Silas, how a trustful old fool like you ever made as much cash as you did is more than I can figure out.

[Jim]

What's that?

[Dave Fenton]

Keep right on going, Ben.

[Silas]

Let me go.

[Ben Nugent]

Let me go.

[Silas]

I tell you, you ain't got nothing on me.

[Sheriff]

What a place is this?

[Dave Fenton]

Search this man.

[Silas]

Don't listen to him. He's a masked man.

[Ben Nugent]

He's a crook.

[Silas]

Don't believe a word he says.

[Sheriff]

Put that gun down.

[Dave Fenton]

I said search this man.

[Jim]

You better do like the mask hombre says, Sheriff.

[Dave Fenton]

But I think you'll find something that'll interest you. Well, I. Stand still, Ben.

[Sheriff]

There ain't nothing in this pocket. I don't see.

[Dave Fenton]

Keep on looking.

[Silas]

Stay out of that pocket. Get away. Do you hear me?

[Sheriff]

My golly. Maybe the mask man's onto something. Quit squirming around, doggone ya. Well, I'll be.

[Edith]

What is the Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

Wait till I get a look. Maybe I'm wrong. Nope. Holding money.

[Jim]

$100 bill.

[Sheriff]

Five of them.

[Silas]

Never mind. Give me those back.

[Sheriff]

Yours? Now where would you get $500 all to want?

[Silas]

I. I saved it up, Sheriff. Honest I did.

[Sheriff]

You never saved $10 in your whole life. You never earned no cash during the day as long as you live that you didn't have it all spent before the next morning.

[Silas]

That ain't so. I did.

[Sheriff]

I see. Was you stirring up all the town folks agin the young UN's. It was you accused them of stealing. But all the time it was you that was really getting the cash. You was blamed clever. You found out where the young un's worked and then you stole from them places. Or the blame would be put on them.

[Ben Nugent]

No.

[Dave Fenton]

No.

[Sheriff]

Well now you're going to jail.

[Silas]

You ain't got no evidence. Again.

[Dave Fenton]

Me?

[Sheriff]

What would you call these greenbacks? If they ain't evident, is there any.

[Silas]

Way Silas can identify them as being.

[Dave Fenton]

The ones he lost? Is there, Silas?

[Sheriff]

Well, I Dunno. They're all $100 bills, ain't they?

[Silas]

Them ain't the only bills that size that was ever printed.

[Ben Nugent]

Blasted. I know. They're evidence.

[Mr. Fenton]

All right, Sheriff.

[Silas]

Put me in jail.

[Sheriff]

Lock me up.

[Silas]

Hold me till the judge gets here.

[Sheriff]

I'll do just that.

[Silas]

Then when he sees the proof you got, he'll throw your case out of court.

[Sheriff]

You all.

[Dave Fenton]

Sheriff, Ben's right. The money by itself isn't enough evidence. There's no way of proving that those bills are exactly the same bills that were stolen from Silas.

[Sheriff]

Well, it was you that brung Ben here.

[Dave Fenton]

Now you listen to me, Sheriff. Put Ben in jail. Hold him there safely. And I promise you that by the time the judge reaches town, you'll have all the evidence you need. But don't let Ben get away.

[Ben Nugent]

Hold on.

[Dave Fenton]

Wait. I got there.

[Silas]

Even the Mask fella admitted she didn't have no proof.

[Sheriff]

Well, maybe I ain't. But the Mask feller also said to jailia. And that's what I'm going to do. Even if the judge sets you loose again five minutes.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger drama. Before the next scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a moment.

[Wayfair Announcer]

Big news. Wayfair's end of season sale is here. It's Wayfair's Labor Day clearance. Right now you can score up to 70% off everything home at Wayfair. Plus amazing doorbuster deals and 24 hour surprise flash deals on home finds in every style. This is your last chance to score end of season savings and it's happening now. Did we mention fast shipping on everything, don't we? Head to Wayfair.com today to score up to 70% off now through September 2nd.

[Narrator]

Wayfair Every style, every home.

[Edith]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. When Ben Nugent was thrown in jail, the townspeople indignant that he should have let the children be blamed for his crime. Gathered in and around the cafe, the feeling against Ben ran high.

[Ben Nugent]

Fellers, it's bad enough to be a crook. It's worse to be the kind of a crook that sneaks in folks houses to steal. But I says the worst kind of crook of all is one to let children take the blame for what he done. What I say is this. Why let the low down coyote go to court when even the sheriff says it's likely he'll get off every blamed? One of us knows Ben's guilty. Let's handle this thing ourselves and save the the county the expense of a trial. We all l the pole camp blaming his feing on young. Let's all go down to the jail. If a sheriff tries to stop us, we'll bust into jail for a.

[Edith]

Come on.

[Ben Nugent]

Oh, Paula.

[Edith]

Oh, boy.

[Dave Fenton]

Over.

[Ben Nugent]

Dave.

[Dave Fenton]

Oh, Dave.

[Sheriff]

Who is it?

[Mr. Fenton]

What do you want?

[Dave Fenton]

Come out of the wagon. I've got to talk to you. I'll be right with you.

[Mr. Fenton]

Hey, what are you, a mask?

[Dave Fenton]

Listen to me.

[Mr. Fenton]

I. I've heard that voice before.

[Dave Fenton]

I talk to you just a few days ago, Dave. It was at night and there was an Indian with me.

[Mr. Fenton]

That's where I heard you. What's that mask?

[Dave Fenton]

Never mind that. We've got to act quick. Huh? The people in town are getting ready to lynch Ben. They're gathering now. We don't hurry. They'll drag him from the jail and hang him.

[Sheriff]

He ought to be hung.

[Dave Fenton]

They're doing it because they're afraid the court won't.

[Mr. Fenton]

What difference does that make?

[Dave Fenton]

The court can't hang Ben because there isn't enough evidence against him.

[Sheriff]

To blazes with the court.

[Mr. Fenton]

That skunk tried to frame Johnny and Edith.

[Sheriff]

He deserves anything he gets and a heap more besides.

[Dave Fenton]

But you're forgetting something, Dave.

[Jim]

Yeah.

[Dave Fenton]

What? There are still a few people in town who think that perhaps Ben isn't githy. There's still talk that the children might have had something to do with the robbery.

[Sheriff]

Any man says that. Lies.

[Dave Fenton]

I know that as well as you. But after Ben's hung, what do you think will happen?

[Mr. Fenton]

What are you getting at?

[Dave Fenton]

People are going to talk after this affair's over. They're going to wonder if justice was actually done. People are always ashamed of themselves after they've done something in anger.

[Sheriff]

But I don't see them.

[Dave Fenton]

The reaction is going to swing opinion the other way. And you'll find that Ben's lynching won't save Johnny and Edith from suspicion.

[Sheriff]

There's nothing can be done to help that now.

[Dave Fenton]

But there is, huh? If real proof could be found to pin the guilt on Ben, then a lynching wouldn't be necessary. Then the people could be surer of a conviction in court.

[Mr. Fenton]

Yeah, I see that all right.

[Dave Fenton]

But the most important thing is real proof would clear the children once and for all. There'd be no danger of suspicion later.

[Mr. Fenton]

It's mighty easy to talk about getting proof, but how's it gonna be done?

[Dave Fenton]

Money makes poor evidence. But there were other things stolen. Bracelets, rings, necklaces. Yeah, things that could be identified. Go on. Ben didn't spend any money. I found out that he hasn't been out of town long enough to have sold any of those other articles.

[Sheriff]

You mean.

[Dave Fenton]

I mean that those things must be hidden somewhere.

[Mr. Fenton]

But where?

[Dave Fenton]

I think I know. I'll tell you where to look. But I've got to get back to see that that lynching isn't carried out. For the sake of the children, we've got to prevent that hang.

[Ben Nugent]

Stand back from this here jail. We want Ben Newton. The first man steps on this watch, get shot. Him and me both got shoot nines.

[Sheriff]

And we know how to use them.

[Ben Nugent]

You know, Jack, the sheriff's just bluffing. Colors. Come on, let's rush. Jeff, we can't fire under that crowd. I know we can't.

[Sheriff]

Jim, come make believe you're going anyhow.

[Ben Nugent]

Stand back, I say. Help the sheriff. Take your guns away and tie them up. No, you don't do it, fellas. They're gone. Against the law. Leave Ben be. I'll take them keys, Sheriff. You there. All right, then. Some of you come with me to get Ben. And the rest of you stay here to guard the sheriff. The deputy. Oh, give me back them keys. You'll pay for this. It's Ben gonna pay, Sheriff. There he is. He's in the cell over the corner. Come on. Come on. Hey, Julie.

[Silas]

Fellas, I swear I ain't.

[Ben Nugent]

Hey, don't take me out of here. Maybe you can make the judge believe he ain't killy Ben, but we ain't lawyers. Get the door unlocked. Yeah. Now come on out before we drag you out. Listen, we ain't gonna argue. Grab a hold of him, fellas. I reckon that'll show you. Back to the horses, man, can't you wait?

[Sheriff]

Can't you let me go?

[Ben Nugent]

Hanging's too good for you.

[Sheriff]

You're making a mistake.

[Ben Nugent]

Shut up. Hustle them along. There's the horses, fellas. No, better cross with them. Let's get this thing over with. I remember this, man.

[Sheriff]

And when I get free, I'm cheating every one of ya.

[Ben Nugent]

If you do that, Sheriff, you'll have to jail just about every fella in town. All right, boys, get mounted. Let's go. Get up now.

[Edith]

Sam.

[Dave Fenton]

There's the lynch mob. Silver, old fellow, he doesn't. Dade, get here. That big tree over there.

[Jim]

Silver.

[Dave Fenton]

He should have been back by now if anything's gone wrong. There he is. Did you find it over there? Did you look where I told you, mister?

[Sheriff]

I did and I didn't find a thing.

[Dave Fenton]

You didn't?

[Mr. Fenton]

No, not where you told me, but.

[Sheriff]

I kept on looking. And just lay your eyes on this.

[Dave Fenton]

A ring.

[Mr. Fenton]

And that ain't all.

[Sheriff]

Here's some other stuff.

[Dave Fenton]

Just what we need. Stenny. Silver, you ain't gonna try and argue.

[Sheriff]

With that mob, are you?

[Dave Fenton]

That's just what I'm going to do.

[Ben Nugent]

Come on, Silver. Away.

[Sheriff]

Team. We gotta get loose from these ropes. If we don't, they'll inch bend just as sure as you're born.

[Silas]

Sheriff, I've been trying for the last 10 minutes to get loose, but it can't be done.

[Sheriff]

Gosh, have they hung him already? Is there some of them coming back?

[Silas]

I don't know.

[Dave Fenton]

They rode off in that other direct.

[Silas]

Say, that's Silas and a redskin.

[Sheriff]

You sure?

[Ben Nugent]

You bet I am. Silas. Hey, Silas, over here. We're coming. Hurry, blast ya. Untie us, won't you?

[Dave Fenton]

We got my cut rope, Sheriff. When to leave with Ben?

[Sheriff]

Near 15 minutes ago.

[Ben Nugent]

Redskin.

[Sheriff]

Get me loose now. You all right? There's never been a lynching on my collie since I've been sheriff. And if I can help, it ain't gonna be one now. You lose, Jim. And where are to go get the saddle, Sheriff.

[Ben Nugent]

I'm right with you. Get up, Stout.

[Dave Fenton]

Get up.

[Ben Nugent]

Get up there. We're just in time, Dave.

[Sheriff]

They sure look set for business.

[Ben Nugent]

Hold on there. Out of our way. Watch out for the horses. Wait Ben.

[Dave Fenton]

Dave, here is something to show you.

[Ben Nugent]

What is it, Dave?

[Sheriff]

Men, the masked fellow here showed me that if Johnny and Edith was to be cleared for good, there had to be some real evidence again.

[Dave Fenton]

Ben.

[Ben Nugent]

We know, Ben. Jilly, we don't need any more evidence.

[Sheriff]

What I wanted was evidence that would stand up in court. Evidence would make it impossible to ever suspicion the Youngins again.

[Ben Nugent]

Well what about it? You got any evidence like that? I have.

[Sheriff]

And here it is.

[Ben Nugent]

Where'd you get them things?

[Dave Fenton]

Dave?

[Ben Nugent]

Say that the ring was stolen from the widower.

[Edith]

I'll bet.

[Ben Nugent]

Tell us where you found them.

[Dave Fenton]

Wait.

[Ben Nugent]

There comes the sheriff. And Silas. There's a redskin with him. Bad thunder. I bet he let him loose. Howdy Silas. Dave was just showing us some real evidence again.

[Dave Fenton]

Ben, me and Tony can tell you.

[Sheriff]

Just where Dave got that evidence.

[Ben Nugent]

Where was that? In Ben's shack.

[Dave Fenton]

No.

[Jim]

Dave had it hid down by the stream where he's got his wagon.

[Ben Nugent]

Your loco.

[Sheriff]

I never did no such thing.

[Dave Fenton]

The game's up, Dave.

[Sheriff]

But what?

[Dave Fenton]

You stole the cash and jewelry that's been taken in town and you used the children to help you.

[Sheriff]

That's a lie.

[Ben Nugent]

What was that about the young UN's.

[Dave Fenton]

Dave used them. But they aren't guilty.

[Ben Nugent]

But how could that be?

[Dave Fenton]

He was clever. He let the children work in the different homes in town. Then when they returned, he questioned them about what they had seen. They were too young to realize the purpose of his questions. Without realizing what they were doing. They often told him where valuables were hidden.

[Sheriff]

You can't prove that.

[Dave Fenton]

I suspected you. From the first day you'd cared for the children, you'd have made a home for them. You wouldn't have taken them around the country making them earn their own way.

[Sheriff]

You still ain't got nothing on me.

[Dave Fenton]

Those were just the things that made me suspect you. Then I went to Ben and Silas and arranged a trap. Everything that happened, including Ben's arrest was to keep you from realizing that you were under suspicion. And to get you to provide evidence against yourself. But wait. You've probably gone from town to town working the same trick. I think if the sheriff sends out some letters he can determine that you had to keep the children above suspicion. When I reminded you of that, you realized it too. And I suggested getting real evidence to use against Ben.

[Sheriff]

But. But I found it in his place.

[Dave Fenton]

Donno and Silas trailed you and they can testify you didn't. You got it from a hiding place close to your wagon.

[Ben Nugent]

Then Ben took all that risk so the real crook could be caught.

[Dave Fenton]

He did. But he knew I'd rescue him if our plan failed.

[Ben Nugent]

We came here to lynch Ben, but now I say we ought to string Dava. Please listen to me.

[Dave Fenton]

Lynch Dave. There's plenty of evidence to convict him in court. Your only justification for attempting to hang Ben? That you felt he might escape conviction even though you thought he was guilty. Use the courts. Don't take the law into your own hands. I promise you that Dave won't escape the penalty for his crimes.

[Ben Nugent]

I reckon you're right, friend.

[Dave Fenton]

Now, there's one thing more. I've already talked this over with Silas. Johnny and Edith are fine children. The parents are dead and they've been unfortunate.

[Ben Nugent]

Anything you want to suggest is good enough for us strangers.

[Dave Fenton]

Silas and his wife have no children, but they have money and a good home. They want to adopt the children and give them the chance they deserve.

[Ben Nugent]

That's a swell id. Good for you, Silas.

[Jim]

Thank you, man. And as for me and Ben, we done our part. But from first to last, we was doing just what we was told to do by the Lone Ranger.

[Ben Nugent]

Hello, Silver. Hell.

[Dave Fenton]

Here.

[Ben Nugent]

Come on, Silver. There's Indian south of here. Hello, Silver.

[Dave Fenton]

It.

[Narrator]

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

[Jim]

It.