The Lone Ranger - A Second Chance

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Lone Ranger – "A Second Chance"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Air Date: May 27, 2026
Series: The Lone Ranger
Episode Title: "A Second Chance"

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Episode Overview

This episode of Harold’s Old Time Radio features a classic Lone Ranger adventure called "A Second Chance." The story explores themes of justice, redemption, and the enduring belief in giving people opportunities to change. Jack Bates, living under a new name after a crime in his youth, faces blackmail and a confrontation with his past. With both the law and a vengeful acquaintance closing in, the Lone Ranger intervenes in a race against time, challenging the rigid systems of frontier justice and advocating for compassion and understanding.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Setup: Jack Bates’ Troubled Past and New Life

• [03:01–04:45]
  • Jack Bates (formerly Jack Morton) and his wife Mary live peacefully on a Texas ranch.
  • Mary tells Jack a stranger — a scarred man named Lem Halstead — came looking for him.
  • Jack’s unease is palpable, hinting at a concealed past.
    • Notable Quote:
      • Mary: “You act as if that man was gonna kill you or something.” (04:19)

2. Blackmail and Jack’s Inner Turmoil

• [05:10–09:29]
  • Lem Halstead confronts Jack, revealing Jack's true identity and threatening to expose his past in exchange for money.
  • Halstead taunts Jack about his criminal record and the reward on his head.
  • Jack is tormented by the thought of losing his wife and home, even considering violence, but ultimately recoils.
    • Notable Quote:
      • Halstead: “Suppose you know they're still after you for murder in Kansas.” (06:32)
      • Jack, to himself: “You could shoot him...just one shot, that's all... No, I can't. I can't.” (08:57–09:29)

3. The Lone Ranger & Tonto’s Intervention

• [10:19–11:16]
  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto reveal they’ve been listening. The Lone Ranger stops Jack from making a fatal mistake.
  • The Ranger shows empathy:
    • Notable Quote:
      • Lone Ranger: “Perhaps I called you Bates because I'm more or less on your side.” (10:53)
  • He promises to look into Jack's case in Kansas.

4. Jack Confesses to Mary

• [12:14–14:51]
  • Mary confronts Jack about the truth. Jack comes clean about his involvement in a crime at age 17, orchestrated by Halstead.
  • Mary stands by him, advocating honesty and urging Jack to surrender to authorities rather than be blackmailed.
    • Notable Quote:
      • Mary: “What's a wife for if not to stick to her husband through all sorts of trouble?” (14:07)
      • Jack: “I'll ride to the county seat tomorrow. I'll give myself up.” (15:04)

5. Lone Ranger’s Investigation & Jack’s Capture

• [17:20–19:21]
  • Lone Ranger and Tonto head to Kansas, use telegraph for updates, and push for a fair assessment of Jack’s crime and military record.

6. The Grim Law of Kansas: Sentence of Death

• [19:45–21:51]
  • Jack’s confession in court leads to a death sentence, as the judge insists:
    • Judge: “For that you'll get the maximum. I sentence you to hang by the neck till dead.” (20:29)
  • Mary and Jack have a poignant farewell, devastated by the harsh ruling.

7. Dramatic Rescue

• [22:54–25:16]
  • As Jack is led to execution, the Lone Ranger arrives heroically, snatches Jack away on Silver, and escapes.
  • The town is thrown into chaos:
    • Sheriff: “A masked man will hang alongside Morton when we get him.” (24:18)

8. Aftermath: Hiding, Hope, and Redemption

• [25:32–28:00]
  • The sheriff and posse search for Jack and the masked man. Mary refuses to leave until Jack’s fate is known.
  • Tonto uses smoke signals to call the Lone Ranger back.
  • The Lone Ranger returns with a message: he sent Jack’s army record to Washington, advocating for a pardon due to Jack’s honorable service after his crime.
  • The sheriff is moved, delays any execution until the pardon can arrive:
    • Sheriff: “You won't hang me till that part[on] has a chance to get here, will you?” (28:00)
      Sheriff: “No...I’m glad it’s coming. I’m glad for the sake of your wife...and your whole doggone family.” (28:05)

9. Resolution

• [~28:13–End]
  • The episode ends with the hope of redemption and legal pardon, thanks to the Lone Ranger’s compassion and persistence.

---

Memorable Quotes

• Jack (on his regret): “I thought, being as I had gone straight all these years, I could marry you, settle down here in Texas and be happy. But it's no use.” (12:32)
• Mary (on support): “I love you, Jack. What's a wife for if not to stick to her husband through all sorts of trouble?” (14:07)
• Lone Ranger (on Jack’s past): “That affair was 10 years or more ago. You must have been pretty young.” (10:53)
• Judge (delivering sentence): “For that you'll get the maximum. I sentence you to hang by the neck till dead.” (20:29)
• Sheriff (reluctant justice): “Law is the law. Sooner we get this done with, the better. I hate like sin to do it, but...we gotta show the rest of the folks that crime don't pay in Kansas.” (23:05)
• Sheriff (after Lone Ranger's intervention): “I'm glad it's coming. I'm glad for the sake of your wife and...your whole doggone family.” (28:05)

---

Important Timestamps

• 03:01 — Jack and Mary discuss the stranger's visit.
• 05:10 — Lem Halstead arrives to blackmail Jack.
• 09:29 — Jack’s internal struggle; the Lone Ranger intervenes.
• 12:15 — Mary confronts Jack about his past.
• 14:07 — Mary pledges her support.
• 15:04 — Jack vows to surrender.
• 17:20 — Lone Ranger and Tonto initiate telegraph inquiry.
• 19:45 — Jack is tried and sentenced to hang.
• 22:18 — Mary’s appeal to the sheriff fails.
• 24:02 — Lone Ranger rescues Jack from the hangman.
• 25:32 — Mary refuses to leave; Tonto signals the Lone Ranger.
• 27:33 — The Lone Ranger announces the coming pardon.

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Tone & Style

The episode's tone is classic western drama: earnest, suspenseful, and sympathetic to the struggles of those trying to redeem themselves. Dialogue is direct, forthright, and tinged with both hope and fatalism, capturing the moral complexities of frontier life.

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Final Thoughts

"A Second Chance" is an impactful Lone Ranger tale highlighting the power of redemption and the possibilities within mercy and justice. With moments of high tension, poignant character moments, and timeless wisdom from the masked rider, it’s a fitting showcase of radio drama from the golden era, and a window into ideals that still resonate today.

Transcript

[A]

Yes, you can.

[B]

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[A]

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[B]

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[C]

A fiery horse for the speed of light. A cloud of dust and a hearty HI O Silver. The Lone Ranger, The masked rider of the plains, fought crime and criminals through the length and breadth of seven states. Outlaws could expect no quarter from him. But he never believed that one mistake should ruin a man's life. If a man deserved a second chance, he always received it. And that is why, Hyo Silver came to be the battle cry of justice on the frontier. And now return with us to those thrilling days when the west was young and adventure lay at the end of every trail. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[D]

Come on, Silver. We're heading for North Texas. Donna's waiting on the trail ahead. I O Silver away.

[C]

Jack Bates owned a small, well kept ranch in northern Texas. He lived there with his wife Mary. And at the time of our story, the young couple are just about ready to sit down for supper. Mary is standing at the stove while Jack washes in a tin basin.

[A]

Anything else happen while I was at the county seat?

[E]

Nothing against Jack. Let's see. I mentioned the hens. Told you the cows were better.

[B]

Mm.

[E]

Oh, yes. There was a man come by asking about you.

[A]

A man? Who was it?

[E]

Didn't say. He was a stranger to me. Jack. There's the town.

[A]

What'd he want?

[E]

Oh, he just said his business was personal. He wouldn't leave a message.

[A]

Well, what'd he look like? Mary? How old was he?

[E]

Offhand, I'd say about middle age.

[A]

That might mean anything from 40 to 60.

[E]

I didn't like his looks. He had the most frightful scar alongside of his mouth.

[A]

What?

[E]

Why, Jack. What's the matter? Do you know him?

[A]

Tell me more about him. What'd he ask about me? What'd he say?

[E]

Jack, for the love of mercy, you've gone pale. Let's go. Ma, you're hurting me.

[A]

What'd that man with a scar say?

[E]

Why, he. He just asked if Jack Beats lived here. And I said yes. He said, how long has he lived here? And I told him about two years.

[C]

Then what?

[E]

Why, I guess that's about all. I told him where you were, and he asked when you'd be back. I said, this evening. And he. He said thanks and grinned at me and rode away. Who is he, Jack?

[A]

I don't know. It doesn't matter. Just forget about it, Mary.

[E]

Forget about it? After the way you've acted? Jack, in the name of Goodness. What's the matter with you? You act as if that man was gonna kill you or something.

[A]

No, no, forget it. Let's sit down.

[E]

I'm worried, Jack. Did I do or say something I shouldn't have?

[A]

Don't say anything more about it. Maybe it's someone else. I. I won't worry.

[E]

But you are worried. I can tell.

[B]

Did.

[A]

Did he say anything about the law?

[E]

No. He did ask what you looked like and how long I'd known you, but that's all.

[A]

It's him, all right, Jack.

[E]

Well, are you hiding from someone?

[A]

How'd you get that idea?

[E]

Tell me.

[A]

There's nothing to tell.

[E]

You act as if you were hiding from the law or something. Is that the case?

[A]

I said not to say anything more about it, Mary. Now let it drop.

[E]

The first time, huh? The first time since we've been married that you've use that till not speaking to me.

[A]

I'm sorry, but.

[E]

Oh, the door.

[A]

Stay there. I'll go see who it is.

[E]

I wonder if it's the same man.

[B]

Well, if it ain't Jack. Beats. Phew. I suppose you remember me, don't you?

[A]

I. I guess you must have made a mistake, stranger. You're the second man that's been by here thinking I'm some other Jack Bates, eh?

[B]

Why are you.

[A]

What do you want here?

[B]

Hey, what sort of game you trying to play, telling me you ain't the man? I. My wife.

[A]

I didn't want her to know.

[B]

Oh, I savvy. So you ain't forgot Lem Hallstead, then, eh?

[A]

I know you're all right, Halstead. What do you want here?

[B]

How'd you know I wanted something?

[A]

You wouldn't come here otherwise.

[B]

Did your wife know that you was one time knowed as Morton?

[A]

No. Don't mention that name around here.

[B]

You ain't shot up anyone since you took your new name, have you?

[A]

No. Look here, Horstead.

[B]

Suppose you and me walk over past the Hen House. Or we can talk without your wife over here.

[A]

What suits me but there's nothing to talk about unless.

[B]

Unless I got something to say. It just happens I have. You ain't acted glad to see me, Bates. See, I'm willing to use your new name. Maybe I'll turn out to be a blame good friend of yours. Come on.

[A]

You never was a friend of anyone. How'd you find me?

[B]

It took some time. You can bet on that. What are you after, Jake? I suppose you know there's a standing reward for you. Well, I could use that reward money. I'd hate to ride to the county seat and tell the sheriff what I know.

[A]

If you hate to, then. Then you likely won't do it, huh?

[B]

That's why I come to you first. I suppose you know they still want you for murder in Kansas.

[A]

I. I suppose so.

[B]

Being as I'm broke, I need that reward money. Of course, we could talk the thing over so as I wouldn't stand to lose nothing by keeping what I know to myself. Then I could get away from here. Likely never see you again.

[A]

Not till you needed more money. Then you'd come back.

[B]

Tain't likely.

[A]

Look here, Halstead. I don't have any cash. I couldn't pay you anything if I wanted to.

[B]

Got the farm, ain't you?

[A]

But it's not.

[B]

We can make a deal without too much trouble. You went to jail. You'd lose the farm. Now sit down here at the edge. This is a royal jig. And I'll outline just what's on my mind.

[A]

Lemon, you know the situation. When I. When I got into that scrape in Kansas, I wasn't more than a kid, I. I didn't know what I was getting into. I didn't mean to start trouble.

[B]

But you did.

[A]

You're the one who planned the whole thing. You rope me in on it, and you know it. I thought ever since then that you framed it so as I'd take the blame. Instead of that, you were caught and I got away.

[B]

I was caught, all right. And I served my term a good many years. Now I'm a free man. Savvy? But you ain't. And Sheriff Masters in Kansas don't forgive or forget. He wants you, Morton.

[A]

Stop it.

[B]

I should say Jack Bates. You see, I'm reformed now and going straight.

[A]

By blackmailing me ain't blackmailing.

[B]

All's I want is a reward is standing for you.

[A]

I've gone straight. I've changed my name and settled down.

[B]

Masters don't care about that. You see, I should get a sight more than a reward because of all the time I spent in the calaboose when you should have been there with me.

[A]

How much do you. You want?

[B]

How much you got the rewards? $1,000.

[A]

I can't raise that much cash.

[B]

No. Now, ain't that too bad.

[A]

And my wife, if she knew, she'll know sure enough.

[B]

The law comes and takes your Mort. I should say Bates. Funny how I keep forgetting your new name, ain't it? If you wish to go back and spend the rest of your life in jail, you'd sure lose Your farm. So if I was in your place, I'd sooner give up the farm if need be to keep out of jail. Now, you just sit there and think it over. Yeah, get back to my horse and pull on. Be back maybe tomorrow for your answer.

[A]

I'll think things over.

[B]

Yeah, you think I'm over, Jack, Think things over.

[A]

Think things over. Think things over. You could shoot him. You can shoot him and close his mouth. One shot and that would end it. He's known as a killer. He's done a term in jail. Go on, draw your gun. Draw your gun, Jack. It means your home, your happiness, your wife. That's it. Cock it. Hurry and fire. He's mounting his horse. Hurry and fire. Just one shot, that's all. One shot. No, I can't. I can't.

[B]

I won't.

[A]

I won't do it. I couldn't do it.

[B]

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[D]

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[B]

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[D]

Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy.

[B]

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[A]

Liberty.

[B]

Liberty.

[A]

Liberty. Liberty.

[B]

I'm glad you didn't fire. Take it easy, Bates.

[A]

Masked.

[B]

Where?

[A]

You must have been down in the arroyo.

[B]

I was. You hurt enough to understand the situation. I had my gun leveled on you. You'd drawn back in the trigger, I'd have blasted your gun out of your hand.

[A]

Where'd you come from?

[B]

Who are you?

[A]

And that injun?

[B]

Me, Tonto. You see, if you try to silence that man, there'd have been two witnesses to another murder.

[A]

But I. I couldn't do it.

[B]

I. I understand. Bates.

[A]

You called me Bates. That's twice you called me Bates. You heard my real name.

[B]

Perhaps I called you Bates because I'm more or less on your side.

[A]

My side?

[B]

Lem Holstead. Served time in prison in Kansas. Yeah, in Sheriff Masters County. Yeah, that's why they're still looking for you. That affair was 10 years or more ago. You must have been pretty young.

[A]

Well, I. I was only 17.

[B]

I see. But who are you?

[A]

Where'd you come from?

[B]

We were watering our horses in the spring down below there. Here's Elmer, Scout.

[A]

I suppose you'll try and beat them Halsteads at that reward now.

[B]

Perhaps not.

[A]

Where are you going?

[B]

Right now we're heading for Kansas.

[D]

Yep. Hilstead SC

[A]

Heading for Kansas. That means it won't be long before Sheriff Masters will be trying to get me out of this county so he can throw me in jail for murder.

[C]

The next day.

[B]

I told you yesterday I'd be begged for your answer. What about it, Morton?

[A]

Not so loud. I. I don't want Mary to hear.

[B]

Well, I don't hanker to stay around these parts very long. Let me know, Prono, if you aim to pay me or go to jail in Kansas.

[A]

I've got to have some time. Let me see what I can do, Lem.

[B]

How much time?

[A]

A couple of days.

[B]

I'll make it for sure then. I'll be back day after tomorrow. And you better have the cash. Get up there.

[A]

I don't know what to do, Jack.

[B]

Oh.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

Mary?

[E]

Come inside, Jack. I want to talk to you.

[A]

Yes, Mary?

[E]

Isn't there something you want to tell me?

[A]

Like. I don't know.

[E]

I heard that man call you Morton.

[A]

Yes, he called me Morton.

[E]

You did a little talking in your sleep last night, too.

[A]

I suppose the only thing to do is to tell you everything a lot sooner. You would, Mary. A man can't hide his past, especially if there's a big mistake in it. It always catches up to him sooner or later. I thought, being as I had gone straight all these years, I could marry you, settle down here in Texas and be happy. But it's no use.

[E]

You were in on a killing, weren't you?

[A]

How'd you know?

[E]

You kept saying killer Immorton in your sleep.

[A]

Oh, did I?

[E]

And you was thinking about a son, your son growing up and being known as a killer. Son.

[A]

Mary, I'll tell you the whole story. Maybe you can decide what to do. It all started when Lem Halstead put a proposition up to me. I was just past 17. He was around 30 then. I didn't know he was planning a robbery, but that's what he was doing. We were seen, and there was one shot.

[D]

Run. Run.

[B]

We're seeing. You shot him.

[A]

I got away. And Lem Halstead was caught. Well, that's the whole story, Mary. The law still wants me in Kansas.

[E]

I believe you, Jack. Even if you weren't really to blame, you'd have to pay for it.

[A]

Eight years, Mary. Eight years during which I tried to square myself with the world. I joined the army, fought Injuns, took all kinds of chances. But I wasn't ever hurt, not even wounded. So I figured that the Lord had forgiven me. He sees things sometimes different than the law does.

[E]

Yes, Jack.

[A]

Now do you still have any use for me?

[E]

I love you, Jack. What's a wife for if it not to stick to her husband through all sorts of trouble?

[A]

Oh, Mary.

[E]

There's no use paying Lem Hallstead. That wouldn't be the honest thing.

[A]

Lif if I do sell a place here and pay him, that masked man of the redskin will likely report me anyhow.

[E]

The only thing to do was to ride to the sheriff and surrender yourself.

[A]

At least ten years in jail. Maybe longer.

[E]

I'll be waiting, Jack. You know that.

[A]

And. And the little fellow that's coming, Mary, what of him?

[E]

He'll be waiting too. Or. Or she. At least you'll have squared yourself with everyone. And then you can face the world for the fine honest man you are.

[A]

I wouldn't even see him in all that time. He. He wouldn't see me his own paw until. Until he was half grown.

[E]

But he'd love you, Jack. I'd tell him all about you and how fine and good you were. And he'd be looking forward the same as me. For the time when. When you'd come back home.

[B]

Then.

[A]

If that's what you want.

[E]

It is, Jack.

[B]

I'll.

[A]

I'll ride to the county seat tomorrow. I'll give myself up. Tell the sheriff to send me to Kansas and. And Sheriff Masters.

[E]

You're brave, Jack.

[A]

I. I haven't been.

[E]

I'm proud of you. And somehow I. I have a feeling you won't have to go to jail.

[A]

You don't know Sheriff Masters.

[E]

We'll see. Remember, Sheriff Masters doesn't know you.

[C]

Before the next act of our Lone Ranger drama, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. When Lem Halstead threatened to turn Jack Bates over to Sheriff Masters, Jack decided to give himself up. Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger and Tonto rode to Kansas and investigated the 10 year old crime for which Bates was wanted. Then they headed for a railroad station where a gleaming wire showed them that there was a telegraph.

[B]

Donald, there's a station right ahead. We can use that telegraph and check on the report we've had of Jack Morton. We'll save a lot of time. Those reports are true. We may be able to help him more than he thinks.

[D]

Maybe.

[B]

Maybe. Feller not send message. I think he'll send it all right. We. We make them. Steady there, Silver. Oh, boy. All right, stranger. I want to speak to you.

[D]

Your mask. Yes.

[B]

Get away. This ain't no place for mask, man. Stay there with the horses, Tato. Not so fast. Don't try to slam that door. Now, see here. Ain't nothing here that's worth robbing. I don't want to rob you. All I want is for you to send a message. I can't do it unless it's railroad business. Yes, you can. It's government business. Yeah. Here's the message I once sent. But see here, mister, this ain't government business. Yes, it is the business of the government to give men the right to life and liberty. That message means all of that to the men concerned. Jack Morton, say. Well, I was talking with the operator down Texas way this morning. Talking to him on the telegraph. I mean, we sort of visit back and forth. Well, he told me about Jack Morton. He surrendered himself to the sheriff. He did? Yeah. They're sending word to Sheriff Masters up here to go and get him. He's wanted for murder he'd done 10 year ago. I know he is. Fact is, he's on his way here right now. There's a couple of deputies bringing him. Sheriff Masters is south of here. Between here and the Texas border. Just so. I had to come a long way north to get to this office. Yeah. If Sheriff Masters is the kind of man I think, he'll waste no time with Jack Morton. Or Bates, as he calls himself now. Masters don't waste time with no one. He'll have Morton tried first thing in the morning. Chances are then they'll be set to hang him a full night if they don't lynch him. They won't hang him, will that. Sure they will. He's been a fugitive too long to get anything else. Send that message and get me an answer as soon as you can. I'll do it, mister, even if it is again the rules. My friend will stay around here two or more days if necessary. May take that long before the answer comes. Tunnel, I'm riding for Sheriff Masters County. You stay here. As soon as the message comes from Washington, bring it to me. Why you go? To try and postpone a hanging?

[D]

Hail, Silver. Hello.

[C]

The Lone Ranger headed south. Meanwhile, Jack Morton had been taken north from Texas to Sheriff Masters, who immediately called for a trial. While the mask rider urged his great horse, Silver to its utmost speed. Jack was brought before the judge.

[A]

Yes, I did it, all right. I came to surrender.

[D]

That's all we need to know. Judge he's confessed to the crime.

[A]

All right.

[B]

You plead guilty? Yes. Married, eh?

[A]

This. This is my wife. She came with me, you, Honor.

[B]

Well, there's nothing for the jury to decide. Stand up close to the bar and hear your sentence.

[A]

Yes, sir.

[B]

If you'd been captured at the time, you would have had 10 years. As it is, you've been a fugitive from justice. You've cost the county no end of time, money and trouble. You understand that?

[A]

Yes, sir.

[B]

For that you'll get the maximum. I sentence you to hang by the neck till dead.

[E]

No. No, you can't do that.

[D]

Come on there, Silver. Stretch out those great legs of yours. Oh, boy. I. Oh, Silver. Away.

[C]

Taken to prison, stunned by the grim penalty that had been meted out, Jack sat in his cell with his wife on the opposite side of the bars. There were only a few short hours before he was to hang.

[E]

Jack. Jack. I can't believe it. It can't be true.

[A]

Mary, I. I was willing to pay, but this.

[E]

I'm going to talk to the sheriff.

[A]

It won't do no good.

[E]

But it won't do.

[C]

The Lone Ranger drew closer to his goal. But he realized how quickly a sentence of death would be carried out. Silver responded to his urging with even greater speed.

[D]

Come on, Silver. A man's life is at stake. A good man's life.

[E]

Sheriff. Sheriff, you can save him if you mind to. He's a good man.

[D]

Sorry, Mrs. Morton, but the law is the law.

[E]

Can't you understand? There's not just me that there's a little one coming.

[D]

It's too bad, but he killed a man.

[E]

That was 10 years ago. He wasn't more than a boy.

[D]

He should have thought of that before he married you.

[E]

Lem Holstead was only given 10 years. He wasn't killed.

[D]

Jury was weak kneed, that's why. Now there's nothing more to talk about. You can stay here in my office if you want, till the hanging is over.

[E]

Oh, heaven help it.

[D]

Jake, you stay here with Mrs. Morton. I'll go with Pete and Lefty and the prisoner.

[B]

All right. Sheriff.

[E]

Sheriff, this is murder you're doing.

[D]

The law is the law.

[E]

But, Sheriff.

[B]

All set, Sheriff.

[D]

Come on. We'll get him out in the cell and take him to where the boys are waiting for him.

[B]

The rope's all set.

[D]

Sooner we get this done with, the better. I hate like sin to do it, but. Well, we gotta show the rest of the folks that crime don't pay in Kansas.

[C]

That's right.

[A]

Got the keys?

[B]

Yeah. Sheriff? Yeah?

[A]

My wife did she talk to you?

[B]

Yep.

[A]

You're gonna let me out?

[B]

Yep.

[E]

Then.

[A]

Then you've changed your mind.

[D]

Changed my mind.

[A]

You're gonna let me go?

[D]

Can't do it, Jack.

[A]

Well then why?

[D]

Pain for me to say. The law spoke. And all I can do is carry out the law.

[A]

You're mean.

[D]

You're going now, Morton. I reckon it'll be best if you don't see your wife again.

[B]

Come on.

[A]

No. No, you can't do it, Sheriff.

[D]

Now don't make trouble. We got two men here to rope

[B]

you if we have to do it.

[D]

There just ain't no way to get around the law.

[A]

No, I. I reckon they ain't.

[B]

That's the way to take it, Martin.

[A]

And I thought what a fool.

[B]

You thought what?

[C]

That.

[A]

That I'd been forgiven.

[D]

There's the boys right ahead.

[A]

Hey, there's someone coming.

[B]

There.

[D]

Come on, Pilmer.

[A]

That's the masked man.

[D]

Oh, he's riding hard. Maybe he's got word for you, Sheriff. He's heading right this way.

[A]

Likely wants a share of the reward.

[D]

Hey, what's this mean? Look out there. Look out. That. Come on, Jack. But you. Snatched him right away from us. Never got the chance to use a gun. Knock me clean off my feet. Where's his wife? I'll hold her, that's what I'll do. You boys round up a posse. Scour the country for them too. A masked man will hang alongside Morton when we get him.

[E]

What did you see?

[D]

He got away.

[E]

My husband. Isn't he going to hang?

[D]

He'll hang, but not as planned. We got to get him back first. I never see nothing like the way that masked man rid up. Lifted him to the white horse and high tailed.

[E]

Thank the Lord.

[D]

Thank the Lord you were staying here till we get your husband back. Shabby.

[E]

That I'm glad to. I'm glad to stay here forever as long as Jack is alive.

[C]

Several days went by. The Sheriff's posse was unable to find any sign of Jack or the mask man. And finally the deputies returned to town. Sheriff Masters refused to give up.

[D]

What sort of men are ya? Them two couldn't disappear into thin air. We sure hunted high and low for em.

[E]

Then.

[D]

Get out and hunt some more. I want both them men dead or alive.

[E]

He's still alive.

[D]

Do you know where he's hiding?

[E]

No, Sheriff.

[D]

If I thought you did, I wouldn't

[E]

tell you if I did.

[D]

Now look here, Mrs. Morton. You can't stay in this here office from now on.

[E]

Then put me in the jail.

[D]

I. I can't do that neither. You ain't committed no crime.

[E]

No, and I don't think Jack did either.

[D]

Look, suppose I was to let you go back to Texas?

[E]

I wouldn't go, Sheriff.

[B]

Why not?

[E]

Because I wouldn't know whether Jack was alive or dead. I wouldn't know whether or not he'd been found and brought back that rat at all.

[D]

You can't stay here. I can't lock you up. My missus can't go on a feeding you and letting you sleep in our place.

[B]

Sheriff, we got an engine here.

[D]

Well, what about me?

[B]

Tondo?

[E]

Jack spoke of what about?

[D]

Of it. What are you bringing him here for?

[B]

He rid into town and one of the boys recognized him as a friend

[C]

of the masked man.

[B]

Yeah, they seen him last night. He was building a fire on Dead Man's Hill. And this morning he was keeping that same fire going and heaping wet stuff on to make my smoke signals.

[D]

Oh, and who you signaling to?

[B]

Me send message.

[D]

To who? To good friend the mask man.

[E]

What for?

[B]

Me tell him come back. Come back?

[D]

You mean he'll come here on account of you sending a smoke signal?

[B]

That's right. Maybe him come heap soon. He can't be close enough to see that signal. If he was, we'd have found him. Him high trail plenty good.

[D]

What? What's that? Here they come. They got him.

[B]

Masked man in the other.

[D]

He surrendered, Sheriff. But he won't give up his guns or take uh's mask off. You wait. He got guns. You ain't on a jewel, huh?

[B]

You keep back. Where's the message, Tuttle? We got it here. Give it to the shell.

[D]

What's this?

[B]

While you were arresting Morton, I sent a message to Washington, to the War Department. Jack Morton had a fine army record. Good enough to merit a lot of things.

[D]

Army record? Jake.

[E]

Jack, why don't you stay away? What did you come back for?

[A]

We're trusting the mask man.

[B]

Mary Toddo waited for the replies to come in. Sheriff and I had to take Morton away so we wouldn't be dead when his pardon arrived. Wart, the War Department sent word to the governor of Kansas. He's sending a pardon by a fast rider. Isn't that what the message says, Tyler? That's right. That why me send smoke signals?

[D]

This sure says them very things, stranger.

[A]

Sheriff, you're a hard man, but I reckon you're honest. You won't hang me till that part has a chance to get here, will you?

[D]

No, dad. Riders. Morton. I'm glad it's coming. I'm glad for the sake of your wife and.

[B]

And

[D]

well, for the sake of your whole doggone family. Come on, Ms. Silver, old boy. Maggie McGee needs our help. I owe Silver away.

[A]

Sa. Sam.

[C]

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

[E]

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[B]

Bro.

[E]

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[A]

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[B]

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[E]

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