The Lone Ranger - Bar-X Cattle Drive

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: The Lone Ranger - "Bar-X Cattle Drive"

Podcast: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 28, 2026

---

Episode Overview

This episode of "The Lone Ranger" transports listeners to the rugged American West, following the Bar-X cattlemen as they attempt to drive their herd through Bighorn County. The story centers on their run-in with a corrupt sheriff and his henchmen who operate a lucrative scheme extorting trail bosses and stealing cattle. With the help of Tonto and the mysterious masked Lone Ranger, the cowboys outsmart the criminals in a tale of justice, ingenuity, and frontier bravery.

---

Key Discussion Points & Plot Summary

1. Setting the Scene: The Bar-X Cattle Drive ([02:19]-[03:46])

• The episode opens with a classic narration of the lawless Western frontier, introducing the legendary Lone Ranger upholding justice.
• The Bar-X cattle crew, led by Walt Benson, is moving their herd into Bighorn County, wary of the perils on the trail.

“When the western United States was first open to settlers, land was to be had for the asking. But peace and security were not… It was then that the masked rider of the plains rode in the cause of justice...”
— Narrator, [02:19]

2. Tonto’s Warning ([04:14]-[06:22])

• Tonto appears, warning Walt and his men that the sheriff in Bighorn County is crooked, and that trouble is brewing.
• He advises them to circle around the county and avoid it, suggesting heavy losses if they continue, but the crew, pressured for time, dismisses Tonto’s advice.

“That plenty bad place, huh? Law he crooked there maybe make you pay plenty trouble.”
— Tonto, [04:53]

“We’ve run into tough shelves afore and none of them looked so tough when we was through.”
— Idaho, [05:57]

3. The Villain’s Scheme Revealed ([07:12]-[09:09])

• Sheriff Judd Barker and cattle inspector Martin Weaver plot to extort the Bar-X men, boasting about their ill-gotten gains.
• Deputy Sid reports the arrival of a large herd, triggering their plan.

“We’ve been holding office for only about 10 months and already we’ve made us close to 10,000 apiece.”
— Sheriff Barker, [07:37]

4. The Shakedown and Standoff ([09:34]-[14:42])

• Barker demands the cowboys either wait a month (or more) for a “cattle inspection,” risk a dangerous river crossing, or pay a fifth of their herd as a “fee.”
• The Bar-X crew, incensed, refuses and arms are drawn. Tonto intervenes, urging them to wait for his friend and a better plan.

“It’s the law of the county and I’m here to see it enforced...You can keep right on going for only one cow in five.”
— Sheriff Barker, [11:25] & [12:32]

“By golly, the Injun was right when he said the law here was crooked.”
— Idaho, [12:54]

Memorable moment:
A tense, cinematic showdown between the trail boss and the sheriff ends in a draw, but Tonto’s steady influence prevents violence ([13:08]-[14:08]).

5. The Masked Man’s Plan ([15:06]-[19:38])

• Overnight, the Lone Ranger and Tonto devise a plan: dam the river with blasting powder so the herd can cross safely, then release the water to catch the villains as they attempt their ambush.
• Meanwhile, Barker and his men prepare to attack with the intent to murder and steal the entire herd.

“First, he used blasting powder to dam the river so the cattle could get through. Then he used more blasting powder and released the water in time to catch you, boy.”
— US Marshal (narrating Lone Ranger’s plan), [27:32]

6. The Ruse, Stampede, and Justice ([21:10]-[28:14])

• Tonto reassures the crew as they advance towards the now-dried riverbed ([21:10]-[22:02]).
• At the critical moment, the entire herd stampedes safely across—thanks to the dried river engineered by the Lone Ranger.
• Sheriff Barker’s gang rides in for their ambush, but the river’s sudden flood (carefully timed by the Lone Ranger) sweeps them off their horses, foiling their escape and attack.

“Look at the river—there ain't enough water left in it to boil a mess of beans... And there ain't nothing to keep the cattle from crawling.”
— Walt Benson & Idaho, [21:54]-[22:02]

“The water rushing in—a great flood from the hill swept along the dry bed of the river with the force and speed of an express train.”
— Narrator, [26:02]

• The Bar-X crew, the Lone Ranger, and a U.S. Marshal round up the battered criminals and ensure justice is served.

7. Conclusion & Reflection ([27:52]-[28:14])

• The criminals are marched off to jail, their scheme exposed.
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto slip away, leaving only gratitude in their wake.

“It’s too late now to thank him. They’re gone for good… but they done enough for us, so I ain’t never forgetting them.”
— Walt Benson, [28:11]-[28:14]

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You're defying the law.” — Sheriff Judd Barker, [13:06]
• “Crooks, you mean.” — Walt Benson, [13:07]
• “Wait till sun up, then you make up mind.” — Tonto, [13:50]
• “The dirty crook. They got the slickest game I ever heard of… If they don’t get paid... they just make the herds go around where they can be stowed easy.” — Walt Benson, [21:30]
• “All right, Marshal. Here’s the men we set out to capture for you.” — Walt Benson, [27:14]
• “The mask fellow brought me here… First he used blasting powder to dam the river… then released the water in time to catch you.” — US Marshal, [27:32]

---

Important Timestamps

• 02:19 – Show’s introductory narration, setting the Western scene
• 04:14 – Tonto warns Bar-X cowboys
• 07:12 – Corruption revealed in sheriff’s office
• 09:34 – Noon meal; talk of trouble in Bighorn County
• 11:05 – The “inspection” shakedown and fee demanded
• 13:08 – Tense gun-drawn standoff
• 15:06/16:56 – Nightfall; Tonto and Lone Ranger plan
• 21:10 – Plan in action, cattle cross the dry riverbed
• 22:02 – Stampede safely through with Ranger’s plan
• 26:02 – Sheriff’s gang swept away by returning flood
• 27:32 – Marshal reveals the whole plot, credits Lone Ranger
• 28:14 – Lone Ranger and Tonto depart, justice done

---

Tone & Style

• Dialogue reflects classic Western drama—straight-shooting, hearty, suspenseful, and sprinkled with humor and folksy expressions.
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto are depicted as clever, calm under pressure, and dedicated to justice.
• Sheriff Barker and his men are portrayed as greedy, conniving, and ultimately outwitted.

---

Summary

This installment of "The Lone Ranger" blends action, suspense, and clever problem-solving in a quintessential Golden Age radio adventure. Through Tonto’s wisdom, the Lone Ranger’s ingenuity, and the courage of the Bar-X cowhands, good triumphs over deception and violence on the open range. The episode is a tribute to classic Western values—bravery, justice, camaraderie—delivered in a lively, engaging style that continues to resonate with fans of old-time radio.

---

Transcript

[TikTok Advertiser]

Want to get more work done with less effort? On TikTok, creators are sharing AI automation tips that save time and deliver better results. Tap to discover Try TikTok now.

[Shorty]

Hello.

[Narrator]

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

[Shorty]

Silver.

[Walt Benson]

The Lone Ranger.

[Martin Weaver]

It's sam.

[Narrator]

When the western United States was first open to settlers, land was to be had for the asking. But peace and security were not. Outlaws robbed and killed and the local sheriffs elected to protect the honest people often worked with the criminals. It was then that the masked rider of the plains rode in the cause of justice. It was he, more than any other man who brought law and order to the frontier. And now return with us to those thrilling days when the west was young.

[Walt Benson]

The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Shorty]

Come on, Silver. We're heading for the Sioux Hills. Tyler was waiting for us. I'll say over.

[Narrator]

The Bar X Trail herd had covered many difficult miles and had survived a score of danger since first it had left the home spread now as it approached Big Horn county, it was close to the halfway mark on its journey. Our story opens shortly after sunrise. The trail crew, under the watchful eyes of Walt Benson, their leader, is busy getting the reluctant herd underway.

[Shorty]

Critters get a lot of flash up. You calling me, boss? Over here. Come in. Get up there, boy. Get up there. What do you want? Walt, look over west.

[Walt Benson]

What do you make of that?

[Idaho]

A rider, ain't it?

[Shorty]

Yeah.

[Walt Benson]

Looks like he's heading this way.

[Idaho]

Maybe just somebody wanting to pass the time of day.

[Walt Benson]

Maybe I can make him out now. He's riding a paint horse.

[Idaho]

He's waving his hand. Hey, there's some horse. That fella's got his saddle on.

[Walt Benson]

He sure is. I'll be blowed.

[Idaho]

It's an Injun.

[Walt Benson]

Wonder what he wants.

[Shorty]

Hi, there. That's him home. Hey.

[Walt Benson]

What?

[Tonto]

Oh, right now, ain't you Hunter? Hunter want to make talk with you.

[Walt Benson]

Yeah.

[Tonto]

You cold? Bighorn County.

[Walt Benson]

Sure we are.

[Idaho]

We ought to be there by noon or so.

[Tonto]

That plenty bad place, huh? Law he crooked there maybe make you pay plenty trouble.

[Walt Benson]

What do you mean the law's crooked in Bighorn County?

[Tonto]

Sheriff Badfeller, he'll make you pay cash.

[Idaho]

Shucks, redskin, you don't know what you're talking about. I was through here with the Bar Ex trail herd last year and the sheriff was a mighty fine fella.

[Tonto]

Tim got no sheriff.

[Idaho]

Ain't Jake Carter sheriff no more.

[Tonto]

No sheriff named Judd Barker now.

[Walt Benson]

Well, hell, what if it ain't the same sheriff that don't mean nothing to us.

[Idaho]

Crooked or not, I reckon we can handle our better.

[Tonto]

You not go there.

[Walt Benson]

And where'd you say we'd better go?

[Tonto]

You make circle. Go way round and lose a week doing it, Injun, we got cattle to deliver.

[Idaho]

You ain't got a whole year to do it in either. If we circle around every blamed place, you figured there might be trouble. We'd never get to the end of the trail.

[Tonto]

Hunto won't help you.

[Walt Benson]

Sure you do, Injun. But we've run into tough shelves afore

[Idaho]

and none of them looked so tough when we was through.

[Walt Benson]

So I reckon we'll just keep on the way we're going.

[Tonto]

You may keep Big mistake.

[Walt Benson]

I don't guess so.

[Tonto]

You keep on.

[Idaho]

Of course we are. Ain't scared so easy.

[Tonto]

Maybe todo see you later.

[Walt Benson]

You're welcome to ride the ways with us anyhow, redskin.

[Idaho]

Sure hang around for glove later on.

[Tonto]

Oh, me go now.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Hit him up.

[Tonto]

Paint part.

[Sid (Deputy)]

Now.

[Walt Benson]

I wonder what that was all about.

[Idaho]

I don't know. But if he was up to some trick, he didn't work it.

[Walt Benson]

Well, come on. Don't matter none, I guess. And we got us a job to do.

[Idaho]

Yeah.

[Walt Benson]

Tell them fellas up ahead to keep them critters moving. We want to reach water as soon as we can. And watch out for strays.

[Idaho]

Sure, boss.

[Sid (Deputy)]

Get up there.

[Walt Benson]

Get up.

[Narrator]

The sheriff of Bighorn county had his office in the town of Red Rock. Judd Barker was a heavy set man with small shrewd eyes and a cruel mouth. We see him seated in his office in conversation with Martin Weaver, the county cattle inspector. The sheriff is speaking.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Martin, you and me have been doing right well for ourselves.

[Martin Weaver]

Not bad. Not bad. Tall.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Let me see. We've been holding office for only about 10 months and already we've made us close to 10,000 apiece.

[Martin Weaver]

Not counting what the county pays us.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

That's only chicken feeding the other.

[Martin Weaver]

And we've made that cash during the slow months, too. We'll be doing a heap better as soon as the trail herds start coming through more often. Where's your deputy, Sid?

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

I sent him out to ride up the trail a ways and see if there's any herds heading this way. But he ought to be back before long.

[Martin Weaver]

That looks like Sid now. Yeah, and he looks like maybe he's got good news.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Any news, Sid?

[Sid (Deputy)]

You're blamed. Right there's news.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Good.

[Sid (Deputy)]

Listen, the bar ex hurt from Texas is on the trail. I seen him just outside of town.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

That's the best news yet. That outfit Always comes through with a big herd.

[Sid (Deputy)]

They got a real big one this time.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Well, Martin, I reckon that means you and me get busy again.

[Martin Weaver]

I'm ready, Sheriff.

[Sid (Deputy)]

You want I should get the rest of the boys and ride along with you?

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

There won't be no need yet. Besides, if it's just Martin and me talks to them first, it'll look more legal. And I'm sure dead set and everything being legal and above board.

[Sid (Deputy)]

Yeah. Come on, Martin.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

I'm with you.

[Sid (Deputy)]

Your horses are just outside. Sam brung around.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

If we ain't back in an hour, you might get the boys and ride out that way, Sid.

[Sid (Deputy)]

I'll do that, Sheriff.

[Martin Weaver]

Say, the Larx always comes true for big herd.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

They sure do. They got one of the biggest outfits in Texas. Steady there, boy.

[Sid (Deputy)]

Yeah.

[Martin Weaver]

Then by the time they come to terms, we ought to be a couple more thousand dollars to the good.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

You're blame right. We will. And there ain't nothing they can do about it either.

[Walt Benson]

Get up here.

[Martin Weaver]

Come.

[Narrator]

At noon, the Great Bar Ex trail herd was well within Bighorn County. The cattle were allowed to graze while Walt Benson and his men gathered around the chuck wagon for their noon meal.

[Idaho]

Dolly. I was hungry enough to eat a whole cow all by myself.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Ain't never seen the time.

[Walt Benson]

You weren't hungry, Idaho?

[Idaho]

I don't hold a candle to you, Shorty.

[Walt Benson]

Say, Walt, I'm right glad now that

[Idaho]

redskin didn't come along for grub. If he had, there'd been just that much less to go around.

[Walt Benson]

Uh huh. I've been wondering where. That's all the trouble he was saying we'd run into when we got to Bighorn County. What's that about trouble, boss? Oh, Idaho and me met up with a redskin that said there was a crooked sheriff here.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Yeah, well, if he is crooked, you're

[Walt Benson]

likely to find it outright sudden. Meaning? Meaning there's a law riding this way.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Now you can see where the sun hits that badge of his.

[Idaho]

Sheriff ain't riding alone. There's another fellow with him.

[Walt Benson]

Maybe that injun had the right of it.

[Idaho]

You ain't scared of no sheriff with a tin star, are you, Walt?

[Shorty]

No, but where's the trail boss for this outfit?

[Walt Benson]

That's me, Sheriff. What business you got with me?

[Sid (Deputy)]

Nothing.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

It'll take long to settle, I reckon. If you're reasonable gents.

[Walt Benson]

Yeah.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

This here is Martin Weaver. He's the inspector hired by this county.

[Walt Benson]

Howdy, Inspector.

[Martin Weaver]

That's my job.

[Walt Benson]

What kind of an inspector would this county be needing?

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

These Texas Cattle, ain't they?

[Walt Benson]

I reckon you know that we're mighty

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

careful around these parts with Texas cows coming through.

[Walt Benson]

Just what are you getting at?

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

What I mean is we don't want no Texas fever bothering our cattles.

[Idaho]

Texas fever?

[Walt Benson]

You're a loco. Are you trying to say that this trail herd might be bringing fever here?

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

I told you we're mighty careful.

[Idaho]

So what do you do?

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

So we'll have to inspect your cows before we let you go on?

[Idaho]

Well, I'll be dog gone.

[Walt Benson]

This is sure a new one on me.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

It's the law of the county and I'm here to see it enforced.

[Walt Benson]

But look here, Sheriff, we still got a long ways to go. We can't afford to be held up here too long.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

I can't help that.

[Walt Benson]

How long would it take?

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Well, that's up to the inspector. What do you think, Martin?

[Martin Weaver]

Well, I'm right busy these days. I can't promise when I'd get at it. All I can say is I won't be no longer gonna have to.

[Walt Benson]

Yeah, it might be.

[Martin Weaver]

Well, it might be no more than a month before I could get around to you.

[Walt Benson]

A month?

[Idaho]

You are loco.

[Martin Weaver]

Of course, that's just a guess. It might be a week or two longer and then. Besides, there's the actual inspecting to do. That'll take quite a spell seeing the size of your herd.

[Walt Benson]

You can't do this to us. We gotta keep traveling.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

As long as you're in Big county will abide by our laws.

[Walt Benson]

But ain't there something we can do so we won't have to wait?

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Well, there's a couple things you might do.

[Walt Benson]

What's that?

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

You might take your cows and go around by the Sioux Hills.

[Walt Benson]

The Sioux hills? That'd mean we'd have to cross the Whitewater River. Uh huh.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

But it's outside the county. So I couldn't stop you if you had a mind to.

[Walt Benson]

But there ain't no way to cross the river without losing half our cows.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Well, there's still another way. Yeah, you couldn't expect us to take the risk of Texas fever without getting something for it. But you can keep right on going through the county for only one cow and five. Well, that ain't so bad, is it? A fifth of your cows is better than being held up here for a month or two. And it's better than trying to cross

[Walt Benson]

the Whitewater, you low down skunk.

[Idaho]

By golly, the Injun was right when he said the law here was crooked.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Hold on there. You'd better be darn Careful how you talk to me.

[Walt Benson]

Careful.

[Idaho]

Why, you rotten range.

[Sid (Deputy)]

Rattle.

[Idaho]

Polecat. Where we come from, gents like you wouldn't make a hearty breakfast for a tadpole.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

You're defying the law.

[Walt Benson]

Crooks, you mean.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Sheriff, you'd better get.

[Idaho]

Why, you poor cowpoke. Walt, he's drawing his gun.

[Shorty]

Yeah.

[Walt Benson]

Paddle teacher.

[Idaho]

My shoulder.

[Shorty]

I'll take the sheriff.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Don't shoot.

[Walt Benson]

Up with your hands.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Reach.

[Walt Benson]

I'm Richard. You too, inspector. Let my soul reach for the sky. I only grazed you.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

You'll pay for this when I get my deputies out.

[Narrator]

Should we let him have it now?

[Walt Benson]

Walt, wait.

[Idaho]

It's the engine we've seen afore you come.

[Walt Benson]

You want to talk with me?

[Tonto]

You hear what Tonto say?

[Sid (Deputy)]

Go ahead.

[Martin Weaver]

Walt.

[Idaho]

The redskin tried to do us a good turn the first time. Me and Shorty will watch these fellas.

[Walt Benson]

All right, Redskin, what have you got to say?

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Come back here. Tell these fellas to let us go.

[Walt Benson]

You stay right there for a spell. What do you got to say?

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

You let the sheriff go.

[Walt Benson]

Yeah.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

You tell him.

[Tonto]

Wait till sun up, then you make up mind.

[Walt Benson]

Tell the sheriff to give us till morning to decide. That's right.

[Tonto]

But me got white friend. Him help you.

[Walt Benson]

Anybody that can help us out of the fix we're in has got to be smart.

[Tonto]

You do what Tonto say.

[Walt Benson]

I reckon I will. If I had listened to you the first time, we wouldn't have got in this trouble.

[Tonto]

You let Lawman go, then Tonto tell you plan.

[Walt Benson]

Come on. I'll send them cheap crooks on their way and we'll talk this out.

[Tonto]

That's good.

[Idaho]

What did the redskin have to say, Walt?

[Walt Benson]

I ain't heard all of it yet. Look here, sheriff, we're letting you go. But you can come back in the morning for your answer for what you've done.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

You're gonna pay twice as much to get through the county.

[Walt Benson]

Quit the palaver and climb on your horses.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

And if you don't pay, you'll either

[Shorty]

wait or go by way of the river.

[Martin Weaver]

Come on, sheriff, let's get out of here.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Well, fix these fellas for this.

[Shorty]

Get up there. Get up there. Get up there.

[Walt Benson]

Who's that?

[Sid (Deputy)]

A mash fella.

[Tonto]

Him friend of Tonto. Now you hear plans.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of our thrilling Lone Ranger drama before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue our story. The morning after the sheriff had told Walt Benson trail boss of the Bar X Herd that he would have to surrender a fifth of his cattle or leave Bighorn County. The lawman and a number of his deputies headed for the Bar X camp.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

This time, them smart call hands will either pay up or take what's coming to them.

[Sid (Deputy)]

You should have let the rest of us come along the last time, sheriff. Then there wouldn't have been no gunplay.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

They'll wish there hadn't been.

[Martin Weaver]

I wonder who that Injun was.

[Sid (Deputy)]

I know.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Never seen him before.

[Martin Weaver]

Didn't he call hisself Tonto?

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

He might have. What about it?

[Martin Weaver]

Just seemed to me I'd heard that name somewhere before. Maybe not, though.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Reckon you didn't.

[Sid (Deputy)]

Aren't we pretty close to the Bar Ex outfit?

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

You'll see him just as soon as we top this rise.

[Martin Weaver]

I can hear them.

[Sid (Deputy)]

Sounds like they're on the move by Gully.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

If they're trying to keep on going, I'll have their hides.

[Sid (Deputy)]

There they are.

[Idaho]

They ain't going on. They're heading back.

[Martin Weaver]

I'll bet they decided to try the river after all.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Here comes their trail boss. We'll soon find out.

[Sid (Deputy)]

Both don't look worried none.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

He will be if he tries to get his cows across the whitewater.

[Martin Weaver]

Yeah, and for more than one reason.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Well, what are you gonna do?

[Walt Benson]

Howdy, sheriff. I see you got all your gunslingers with you.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

That'll be enough out of you. All we want to know is whether you're paying up or getting out.

[Walt Benson]

We're going by way of the hill.

[Sid (Deputy)]

You're forgetting about the river, ain't you, fella?

[Walt Benson]

Nope.

[Sid (Deputy)]

Don't let it fool you none. It ain't very wide, but it sure moves fast. You get half your cars across and you'll be doing blame good.

[Walt Benson]

We'll do our own worry.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Go ahead. We can't stop you as long as you don't try to cross our county. But if you double back, you'll sure wish you hadn't.

[Walt Benson]

Thanks for the advice, sheriff.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

That ain't advice, it's a warning.

[Walt Benson]

Thanks just the same. Now I gotta be getting back. The boys will be needing my help.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

The faster you move out of here, the better.

[Walt Benson]

That's just the way we feel about it. Get up there. Get along there.

[Shorty]

Get up there.

[Sid (Deputy)]

Now what, Sheriff?

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Just the same as always. When them cow punchers get stubborn, we're

[Martin Weaver]

riding to the Sioux hills.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Yep, with masks.

[Martin Weaver]

I don't like that way of doing things so well.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

What's worrying you? We've done it before, ain't we?

[Idaho]

Yeah.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

And I reckon we could do it again myself.

[Sid (Deputy)]

I like it this way better. Instead of just part of the herd, we get all of it.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

We're late forming the hills. Wait till they're having trouble crossing the river, then ride down and wipe them out.

[Martin Weaver]

Yeah, taking big chances.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

But it's paying us big money.

[Sid (Deputy)]

The only thing is, Sheriff, ain't gonna be no sense selling a herd that size all at once.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

That'll be the easiest part of it. Yeah, we'll drill them fellas, take their papers and sell the cows to the same buyer they was goin to. You figure we can? Why not? Nobody that far off can prove we ain't working for the barracks.

[Martin Weaver]

You'll go along, Sheriff?

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Well, maybe I'll send the rest of you. It wouldn't look right for me to be leaving the carrots.

[Sid (Deputy)]

We could handle it.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

But first we gotta head them off by the river.

[Martin Weaver]

We'll need more men.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

We'll go back to town and get them right now. We'll load up on ammunition. And after we've met up with them punchers again, there won't be a one of them left to tell about it.

[Grainger Advertiser]

Protein packed meals in 10 minutes. TikTok's got millions of them. Could you whip one up in under eight? Probably. But hey, it's not a race. Grab the recipes on TikTok and start cooking. Want to keep up with everything trendy? From breaking news to shareable jokes, pop culture bites to viral food spots. It's all on TikTok. Download TikTok. Now to explore.

[Narrator]

When Tonto talked to Walt Benson, he not only outlined the masked man's plan to get the herd across the river safely, but also repeated everything the Lone Ranger and he had learned about the tactics of the sheriff and his men. Now we see the herd as it moves through a narrow valley in the Sioux Hills leading to the Whitewater River. Tonto is riding beside Walt and the cowboy. Idaho.

[Idaho]

You sure your masked pud can do like you said, Tono?

[Tonto]

He'll do that all right.

[Idaho]

It's a risky business.

[Tonto]

You not worry.

[Walt Benson]

If the mass puller slips up, we're gonna be in a worse fix than we were before.

[Idaho]

Especially if them polecats really try to raid us like the masked man figured they would.

[Tonto]

Them make raid all right.

[Walt Benson]

The dirty crook. They got the slickest game I ever heard of. If they don't get paid for letting cows lose their county, they just make the herds go around where they can be stowed easy.

[Idaho]

Maybe this is once they'll get food.

[Walt Benson]

I'm hoping for it.

[Idaho]

We should be getting sight of the river soon.

[Walt Benson]

Here comes Shorty. Maybe he's seen the river already.

[Shorty]

Hey, boss.

[Walt Benson]

Yeah. A mess fella. Down to shore?

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

You bet I am.

[Shorty]

I seen it for myself.

[Idaho]

The riverbed's dry.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

There ain't enough water left in it to boil a mess of beans.

[Walt Benson]

And there ain't nothing to keep the cattle from crawling.

[Martin Weaver]

Awesome.

[Idaho]

And now we got to do the rest. Like the masked fella told us.

[Walt Benson]

He's been right so far. And I'm with him all the way. And so am I.

[Shorty]

Hey fellas.

[Walt Benson]

Get moving. Fire off. You're shooting iron. Start them critters to stampedin.

[Idaho]

You're sure they won't get away from us?

[Walt Benson]

Not by a darn sight. They can't scatter in this valley. When they run out, we'll pick them up again.

[Shorty]

Then let's go.

[Walt Benson]

Make all the noise you can.

[Shorty]

You watch us.

[Walt Benson]

Get up there.

[Shorty]

Get up. It's.

[Narrator]

The sheriff and his men. Armed for the attack upon the Bar Ex trail herd rode out from town and made their way across country toward the Whitewater River. We see them as they approach the spot from which they plan to start their raid.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

We should be there just about in time to meet the herd.

[Martin Weaver]

Yeah, there's good cover over there, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

I reckon that'll do all right. Just so we ain't spotted a four ready for him.

[Sid (Deputy)]

I'd sure hate to have anything go wrong.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

That's up to you fellas. All I gotta say is this. After the way that smart alec trail boss acted, if they ain't made the pay for it, then I'll see to it you fellas are blamed.

[Sid (Deputy)]

Sorry.

[Martin Weaver]

We'll do our part.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

You better. It means cash for all of us.

[Sid (Deputy)]

How's this place here?

[Martin Weaver]

Ain't no sign of them yet.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Well, it's a heap better to be a little early than to miss them.

[Martin Weaver]

We'll see them just as soon as they come around the bend.

[Sid (Deputy)]

And when they start to crossing the river, they'll sure.

[Walt Benson]

Leaping catfish, huh?

[Martin Weaver]

What's the matter, Sid?

[Walt Benson]

Look at the river.

[Tonto]

Why?

[Sid (Deputy)]

Well, I'll be.

[Narrator]

Sheriff.

[Martin Weaver]

What in blazes could have happened?

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Don't ask me.

[Sid (Deputy)]

There's been rains a plenty. It ain't like as though we had a dry spell.

[Martin Weaver]

It was raining only last week.

[Sid (Deputy)]

I figured the river would be worse than ever. Something's gone wrong, Blaston.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Well, it can't be helped none now.

[Sid (Deputy)]

I'm gonna find out what's done it.

[Shorty]

You fellers wait here. Hold on, Del. Gunnar, what if them cowhands come along while you're looking?

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

You Want them to see you and spoil it all? Sorry, Sheriff.

[Sid (Deputy)]

Reckon I wasn't thinking.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Just stay right here out of sight.

[Martin Weaver]

But have you seen the river like this before, Sheriff?

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Nope. I never heard tell of the white water running dry in all the time I've been in this part of the country.

[Sid (Deputy)]

It's a blame funny thing.

[Martin Weaver]

Yeah, and it means we ain't gonna have so easy a time of it when the herd gets here.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Wait.

[Martin Weaver]

Huh?

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

The herd's coming now.

[Sid (Deputy)]

Say, it sounds like maybe they're stampedin. I'll bet that's just it. Maybe things are breaking our way after all.

[Martin Weaver]

How'd you figure that?

[Sid (Deputy)]

Shucks, if the herds got away from them Bar Ex fellers we can pick up the cows and come back and clean out them punchers.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Look over there. There they come. The whole herd can't stop them now.

[Martin Weaver]

Wonder where the punchers are.

[Sid (Deputy)]

Must be coming up behind.

[Shorty]

Look at the critter's rock.

[Sid (Deputy)]

We'll have to let them get by

[Idaho]

before we can take out after them.

[Martin Weaver]

I sure wouldn't want to be in front of a stampede like that.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

The way they're moving, it won't take

[Shorty]

long for em to get by.

[Sid (Deputy)]

See the last of them now.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

See to your horses.

[Idaho]

We're all set.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

I'll give the word when to start out.

[Shorty]

All right, fellows, after them.

[Walt Benson]

Get up there.

[Shorty]

Get up.

[Walt Benson]

Get up.

[Sid (Deputy)]

Get up.

[Shorty]

Get up. Get up. Them punches eaten sight. We'll take care of them later. Come on, boy.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Get along here.

[Shorty]

They're across the river. They won't run that fast for long.

[Sheriff Judd Barker]

Keep your horses moving.

[Shorty]

Yeah, we should. What was that sound?

[Sid (Deputy)]

A bit like blasting pony.

[Shorty]

I thought the same.

[Walt Benson]

Come on.

[Sid (Deputy)]

We're almost to the river.

[Shorty]

But wait. Look. What the. It's water.

[Tonto]

A whole lot of it.

[Shorty]

And coming right at us. We can't dodge it. Turn around. Yellow won't help. We just gotta hang on and hope we don't get drowned.

[Narrator]

The water rushing in. A great flood from the hill swept along the dry bed of the river with the force and speed of an express train. The sheriff and his men were caught on the torrent, carried helplessly along, then flung aside bruised and battered. As the flood's initial force subsided. Walt Tonto and the Bar Ex Cowpunchers watched until the time was ripe for action.

[Walt Benson]

Look at them crooks crawling up on the bank. They won't do much fighting now.

[Idaho]

Let's take after them.

[Walt Benson]

There comes a mask fellow and the

[Idaho]

US Marshal with him.

[Shorty]

No, we get them bad feller.

[Walt Benson]

You're blamed right we win. Come on, Max.

[Shorty]

Fella, we round up them crooks.

[Walt Benson]

Yes. Look at that white horse he's riding.

[Idaho]

Even BC Engine's horse.

[Shorty]

Come on. We'll get her. You said we will. Marshall, the sheriff's getting ready to fire at us.

[Walt Benson]

He's getting his men to get her

[Shorty]

the best he can.

[Walt Benson]

But it won't be half good enough. They're shooting now.

[Shorty]

All right, let him have it. I aim to pick off that sheriff. That'll show them we ain't fooling. Fire some more. Hey, the sheriff's trying to shout something. They're dropping.

[Walt Benson]

They're shooting on you and raising their hand.

[Shorty]

We give up. Don't tie no more hole. Your gun, fellas.

[Walt Benson]

We can't fire on them when they give up. All right, Marshall. Here's the men we set out to capture for you.

[Sid (Deputy)]

Sheriff, I'm taking your badge away and jailing the whole lot of you.

[Walt Benson]

Wait, Marshall. Listen.

[Sid (Deputy)]

I seen what you done.

[Idaho]

You can't do this. We were just trying to do.

[Sid (Deputy)]

Still, the masked fellow brought me here and told me all about your scheme. If that water hadn't trapped us. But it did. You can thank the masked fellow for that, too, huh? He thought up the whole plan. First he used blasting powder to dam the river so the cattle could get through. Then he used more blasting powder and released the water in time to catch you, boy.

[Idaho]

Then I'd like to get my hands on him.

[Sid (Deputy)]

Sure. Only you're going to jail instead.

[Walt Benson]

I'll send some of my boys to help you. Take them there, Marshall, while the rest of us round up our cows.

[Sid (Deputy)]

Good enough. But where's the mask fella and the engine? I want to thank them for what they've done.

[Walt Benson]

I don't know. Here they are. Wait.

[Idaho]

It's too late now to thank him. They're gone for good.

[Walt Benson]

Well, maybe they are. But they done enough for us, so I ain't never forgetting them. All right, let's get these crooks to the J.

[Narrator]

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

[TikTok Advertiser]

If the world were like a Sleep Number mattress, everything would adapt for your comfort. Because as your life changes and your body change, Sleep Number mattresses adapt and shift to give you personalized comfort night after night. And now it's the final Days of our Everything's on Sale event. Save up to $1,200 on mattresses. Our Memorial Day event ends Monday. To experience a whole new world of comfort, visit a Sleep Number store or go to sleepnumber.com sleep number to a good life. Sleep.

[Grainger Announcer]

If you work in university maintenance, Grainger considers you an MVP because your playbook ensures your arena is always ready for tip off. And Grainger is your trusted partner, offering the products you need, all in one place, from H VAC and plumbing supplies to lighting and more. And all delivered with plenty of time left on the clock so your team always gets the win. Call 1-800-GRAINGER visit grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.