The Lone Ranger - Barnaby's Gold Mine

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Lone Ranger – Barnaby’s Gold Mine

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 28, 2026
Episode Theme:
A compelling tale of greed, deception, and redemption in the Old West, "Barnaby's Gold Mine" centers on a group of orphaned siblings’ fight to claim their rightful inheritance, while their uncle and his partner scheme to keep it from them. The Lone Ranger and his trusted companion, Tonto, intervene to reveal the truth, protect the children, and restore justice.

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Main Theme or Purpose

Set against the rugged backdrop of the western frontier, this episode explores the exploitation of innocence in the face of greed. Barnaby Greer, the children’s uncle, and his accomplice Stan Denton attempt to defraud the children of their inheritance—an act that is ultimately foiled by the masked hero, the Lone Ranger, and his steadfast aide, Tonto. The story underscores themes of justice, trust, and the capacity for redemption.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Trouble Brews: The Past Catches Up

• Barnaby Greer and his partner Stan Denton are uneasy when Barnaby learns via letter that his deceased brother’s children are being sent from St. Louis to inherit the gold mine left to them. (03:36)
  • Barnaby: “I'll have to give an accounting of all the gold we took out in the mine.” (04:00)
• The two men plan to send the children back east by concocting a story that the mine is destroyed and their fortune gone.

2. Arrival of the Children and Tonto’s Suspicion

• Stan greets Tom, Sally, and baby Betty at the stagecoach, spinning a tale of ruin and suggesting they return home. He gives them borrowed cash and papers to sign, to legitimize the sham. (05:29–07:00)
• Tonto observes the exchange, becoming suspicious:
  • Tonto: “You not worry. Maybe you’ll not go east.” (08:29)

3. Lone Ranger Steps In

• Tonto informs the Lone Ranger, who decides to investigate, sensing the children’s plight. They decide to bring the children to Barnaby’s themselves. (09:25)
• The Lone Ranger coaches Tom not to judge Barnaby too harshly, suggesting he was “forced by bad companions.” (13:03)
  • Tom: “My pa used to tell me about the trouble men could get into if they had bad friends.” (13:07)

4. Schemes and Sabotage

• Upon learning the children are coming, Barnaby and Stan conspire to blow up the mine entrance to support their lie. (12:10)
  • Stan Denton: “Only thing we can do is blow up the entrance to the mine.” (12:10)

5. Daylight Revelation and Facing the Truth

• The next day, Greer awkwardly tries to maintain his story. The children remain conflicted, torn between their uncle’s word and the masked stranger’s help. (17:14–19:00)
• The local Sheriff intervenes, suspecting foul play after the mine explosion. He accuses Barnaby of murder when Stan Denton goes missing. (19:41–23:41)
  • Sheriff: “I want you for the murder of your partner, Stan Denton.” (21:00)

6. Lone Ranger's Investigation and the Real Story

• Through flashback, it is revealed that the Lone Ranger was the one who involved the Sheriff, suspecting violence. (22:27)
  • Lone Ranger: “You’d better get dressed and come with me, Sheriff. You may find a murder.” (22:27)
• The Sheriff’s men dig out the mine, but instead of a dead body, they find Stan Denton alive—having been captured by the Lone Ranger to prevent further mischief. (25:09)
  • Tom: “You see, Sheriff, you were all wrong.” (25:15)

7. Resolution and Redemption

• Stan Denton is arrested for his crime; Barnaby confesses his wrongdoing and faces consequences but is shown mercy because of his newfound sincerity and the children’s faith. (27:19)
  • Lone Ranger: "Barnaby Greer has three children to take care of and a mine to manage for them. Jail isn't the place for him." (26:56)
  • Barnaby Greer: “Take good care of those children, Barnaby. You're all they have. And they trust you.” (27:41)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Barnaby’s Guilt:
  • “You're the last relation we've got, Uncle Barnaby. Ma and Pa always told us about you.” — Tom (18:52)
• Children’s Loyalty:
  • “Anyhow, they can't say you did anything dishonest. If they do, they'll have Tom and me to argue with." — Sally (20:12)
• Justice Served:
  • "You decide sooner to go to jail for stealing gold than hang for murder, huh? ... Well, I fetched a crew to dig that mine out. And just as soon as we find Stan Denton's remains, you're going to jail for murder." — Sheriff (21:51/23:41)
• Final Words of Redemption:
  • "Take good care of those children, Barnaby. You're all they have. And they trust you." — The Lone Ranger (27:41)
  • "And they're all I got. And by dern, they'll have reason to trust their old Uncle Barnaby." — Barnaby Greer (27:47)

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Important Segments with Timestamps

• 03:13–04:17: Barnaby and Stan plot to keep the children from their inheritance.
• 05:08–08:29: Children meet Stan; Tonto grows suspicious.
• 09:25–13:17: Lone Ranger and Tonto resolve to help; coach the children.
• 12:10: Stan suggests blowing up the mine to cover their lies.
• 17:14–19:29: Breakfast confrontation—children question whom to trust.
• 19:41–23:41: Sheriff intervenes; murder accusation.
• 24:17–25:15: The mine is opened; Stan is found alive.
• 26:56–27:47: The Lone Ranger argues for Barnaby’s redemption; Barnaby pledges to become trustworthy.

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Episode Tone and Style

The episode delivers classic radio drama with an earnest, sometimes melodramatic tone—full of colorful Western expressions and the strong moral undertones characteristic of “The Lone Ranger.” Dialogue is often brisk and direct, with moments of sentimentality as the themes of trust and redemption come to the forefront.

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Summary Takeaways

This episode typifies the best of Old Time Radio—blending family values, suspense, and the steadfast heroism of the Lone Ranger. It highlights the destructive power of greed, the importance of honesty, and the redeeming influence of sincere trust between adults and children. Ultimately, justice and mercy prevail through the Lone Ranger’s intervention, reminding listeners of the enduring appeal of radio’s masked hero.

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Transcript

[Barnaby Greer]

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[Narrator]

A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty HI O Silver. The Lone Ranger. In the early days of the western United States, the local sheriffs had a full time job preserving the peace. They knew very little about law. There was no adequate court system. And the men, women and children who couldn't defend their rights by force had no law enforcing agency to protect them. The masked rider of the plains was the only man to whom they could turn for help. And in time, High O Silver became the battle cry of justice. And I'll return with us to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Barnaby Greer]

Come on, Silver. We're heading west to the gold country.

[Narrator]

Our story opens in the district surrounding Flat Rock, one of the richest gold producing sections in the state. Barnaby Greer opens the door of his home and looks outside for his partner. The letter he holds in his hand contains important news.

[Barnaby Greer]

Stan. Hey, you. Stan. Come over here.

[The Lone Ranger]

What's the matter with you?

[Barnaby Greer]

Come here. I got bad news.

[The Lone Ranger]

Button talk.

[Stan Denton]

It's the hurry about the spreading of bad news.

[Barnaby Greer]

Listen, I got a letter from a lawyer in St. Louis.

[Stan Denton]

St. Louis? That's where your brother's young ones was.

[Barnaby Greer]

Was. Is right. But they ain't there now. They're being sent here by stage.

[Stan Denton]

That lawyer must have heard something.

[Barnaby Greer]

He heard about all there was to hear. I didn't think news would get back there, but it has. And them good for nothing young un's of pizza are being sent here to lay claim to the gold mine their father left them.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's bad, Barnaby.

[Stan Denton]

That is bad. Especially after us figuring it was ours.

[Barnaby Greer]

It'll mean I'll have to give an accounting of all the gold we took out in the mine.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's bad.

[Barnaby Greer]

We gotta do something. You're the one told me the kids would never know about the poor's claim.

[Stan Denton]

I was sure of it.

[Barnaby Greer]

The lawyer mentions the mine right here in this letter. Well, think of something. Don't just stand there gaping like a hoot owl. Think of something.

[Stan Denton]

When does the stage get in?

[Barnaby Greer]

It's due at Flat Rock, Tuesday. That's half a day's ride from here.

[Stan Denton]

I know.

[Barnaby Greer]

Let her come by. Pony Express. Doggone you and your ideas. We'll likely go to jail now for stealing the kids gold. Most of what we took is spent. And them kids loyal were an accountant.

[The Lone Ranger]

Leave it to me.

[Stan Denton]

Barnaby.

[The Lone Ranger]

Got any case?

[Barnaby Greer]

No. You scraped together enough to ship them back to St. Louis. I don't want them pestering around here. Give them some sort of a story.

[Stan Denton]

It wouldn't do to use the gold.

[Sally]

No.

[Barnaby Greer]

Get cash in town and let that lawyer back east take care of them. Put him in an orphanage or something. I ain't going to have three kids hanging around here.

[Stan Denton]

I plan to meet that stage and tell him a few things. Don't you worry about it. Just leave everything to me.

[Narrator]

On the day the stage was due, Stan borrowed money from everyone he saw in town. Tonto, the faithful Indian companion of the Lone Ranger, was buying supplies when the bartender gave Stan the last few dollars he needed. The stage had already arrived when he left the cafe and hurried to the express office. He found Tom, Sally and little Betty waiting for their uncle.

[Stan Denton]

Now then, you three come on over here and sit on the porch. I've got a few things to tell you.

[Tom]

But where's my Uncle Barnby? Ain't he to be here, Tom?

[Stan Denton]

He ain't well. He couldn't get here.

[Sally]

What's the matter with him? Mister, I hope he isn't real sick.

[Stan Denton]

Well, to tell the truth, girl, your father's debts and worry about you three youngins sort of wore em down. You see, your old man thought he had a sizable sum of cash here as well as some mining claims.

[Tom]

We were told there was a house and a gold mine and some cash in the bank for us as well.

[Sally]

Yes, we come to live with Uncle Barnaby.

[Stan Denton]

Trouble is, kids, the mine caved in. It had cost too much to tunnel it out again.

[Tom]

Caved in?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yep.

[Stan Denton]

Then your uncle went broke. And then as if that wasn't enough, his creditors come and took the house and property. It was just a few dollars left. And I got that your uncle sent it so as to buy you a stage passage back east where you come from. You know people there.

[Barnaby Greer]

But.

[Tom]

But we can't go back there, Mr. Denton. There's no place to go there.

[Sally]

No, no place but the orphanage. Where? Where the lawyer said we'd have to go.

[Stan Denton]

Well, shucks. Even that'd be better than starving out here and putting your poor sick old uncle a lot of worry, wouldn't it?

[Sally]

Oh, we don't want to worry him or be a bother.

[Stan Denton]

There now, that's right nice of you Sally. See, Tom, you're the oldest. I'll hand this cash money over to you. And you sign this paper showing you. Got it?

[Tom]

Yes, sir.

[Stan Denton]

You're the man of the family, you know. Sign important papers and everything. I'll go see Mrs. Beebe. That's her house across the street. She'll put you three up for the night, and you can pay her a dollar or so for it.

[Tom]

Yes, sir.

[Stan Denton]

Then tomorrow the stage will come through and you can get on it and get back where you come from. There's cash enough to buy your passage there.

[Barnaby Greer]

Here. Now sign here.

[Tom]

Yes, sir.

[Sally]

This isn't the way we thought it'd be.

[Tom]

Now, don't lose your nerve, Sally. I'm not gonna let you and Baby go to the orphanage. I'll get a job and work. Don't you worry.

[Sheriff]

There.

[Stan Denton]

Now, wait right there, and I'll go across the street and see Mrs. Beebe about you.

[Sheriff]

Yes, sir.

[Sally]

Tom, what about Baby? It's an awful long trip. We can't turn right back and go through it all again.

[Tom]

I don't know what else we can do, Sally. This money won't keep us long if we stay here.

[Sheriff]

And.

[Tom]

And it's all there is.

[Sheriff]

Tonto. Si, Baby.

[Sally]

Oh, a real Indian.

[Barnaby Greer]

Oh, gosh, I her plenty nice, Sally. Look.

[Tom]

Baby smiling. That's the first time in days she smiles.

[Sally]

She likes the engine.

[The Lone Ranger]

Me, Tonto. You from east, huh?

[Sheriff]

Yes.

[Tom]

We. We came here to live with our uncle. But all the money was lost and he's ailing. So we're going back east.

[Barnaby Greer]

Mmm.

[The Lone Ranger]

That long trip?

[Sally]

It's an awful long trip. I. I wish we didn't have to go.

[Sheriff]

Who?

[The Lone Ranger]

Uncle?

[Tom]

His name's Barnaby Greer. Do you know him?

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, I don't know him.

[Tom]

You do.

[Stan Denton]

Get away from him. Youngsters.

[Barnaby Greer]

Engine.

[Stan Denton]

Come on, kids. You'll stay with Mrs. Beebe till the stage comes.

[Tom]

Now, wait, Mr. Denton. This engine's friendly.

[Stan Denton]

I told you to get.

[The Lone Ranger]

You say Greer sick?

[Stan Denton]

Yes, he's sick.

[The Lone Ranger]

You say money all gone?

[Stan Denton]

Tain't none of your business.

[Barnaby Greer]

They'll clear up before all the cash

[Tom]

that was left out of what Paul had was given to us.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tonto, you give him cash?

[Stan Denton]

Yes. Oh, what's it to you, Tonto?

[The Lone Ranger]

Go now. You'd better. You'll not worry. Maybe you'll not go east.

[Sally]

Not go east? What do you mean, Tonto?

[The Lone Ranger]

Maybe. See you later.

[Sally]

Wait.

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[Sally]

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[Commercial Announcer]

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[Stan Denton]

Wanna 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. Good riddance to em. Don't you kids talk to no redskins. Tain't safe. Savvy now, come on, get him up.

[Narrator]

Tonto rode to join his masked friend, the Lone Ranger, and briefly explained what he'd seen take place in town. Late that evening, Stan Benton raced up the hill to Greer's place and reined in his horse before the door.

[Stan Denton]

Barnaby, open the door. Hey, Barnaby.

[Barnaby Greer]

Now what's the matter with you? What are you on horseback for? Where's the buckboard?

[Stan Denton]

I had to leave it in town. I had to get here fast. Listen to me, Barnaby.

[Barnaby Greer]

My elbow on talk. What's all the excitement?

[Stan Denton]

Let me come in and get my wind back. I wanted to be sure I got here first.

[Barnaby Greer]

First? What do you mean?

[Stan Denton]

Tell you in a minute.

[Barnaby Greer]

Well, go on now, talk. Get to see the kids. Get some cash.

[Stan Denton]

I bought enough to give him the stage fair back to St. Louis. But it didn't do no good. They ain't going back.

[Barnaby Greer]

Ain't going back well enough.

[Stan Denton]

They're on their way here.

[Barnaby Greer]

On their way here? Confound you, Stan, I told.

[Stan Denton]

I know what you told me. Barnaby and I carried out things just as we'd planned. I met the kids and told them the mine had caved in.

[Barnaby Greer]

Yeah? What'd they say?

[Stan Denton]

They believed it, all right. Everything was going swell. He was going to stop for the night with Mrs. Beebe and catch yeast. Bound stage tomorrow.

[Barnaby Greer]

Well, why aren't they doing it? Why are they coming here? Who's bringing them here?

[Stan Denton]

I'm trying to tell you as fast as I can. While I was at Mrs. Beebe's, an Injun got to talking to the kids and they told them all about themselves.

[Barnaby Greer]

What'd you find out?

[Stan Denton]

Well, for one thing, I told the kids the money I gave them was what their PA had left them. And the Injuns seen me borrow it in the cafe.

[Barnaby Greer]

Blasted Injun spoiling all our plans.

[Stan Denton]

That ain't the worst of it. The kids didn't want to go back, of course not. So they was quick to believe anything that was told of them.

[Barnaby Greer]

Yeah, what was told, Em? They didn't believe an Injun over you, did they?

[Stan Denton]

Well, not at first. I left them with Mrs. Beebe, you see. Then I hung around town for a while. I figured there wasn't any sense in coming back too soon. So I dropped in the cafe. Next thing I know, the engine come in and took me out.

[Barnaby Greer]

And what?

[Stan Denton]

Outside there was a masked man. He told me the kids was coming here and him and the Injun was bringing him.

[Barnaby Greer]

A masked man? What in thunderation is a masked man doing interfering with our business?

[Stan Denton]

He told me he knowed the whole thing was a lie. That the kid's mind was good and they was going to get it.

[Barnaby Greer]

He talked to the kids?

[Tom]

Yeah.

[Stan Denton]

Tom, that's the oldest I know.

[Barnaby Greer]

Go on.

[Stan Denton]

Well, Tom showed him the letter the lawyer wrote proving who he was and telling anyone of my concern that he was the rightful owner of this mine. We'd been working.

[Barnaby Greer]

We gotta do something.

[Stan Denton]

We gotta do something. We gotta do it doggone fast. Barnaby. If them kids get here and see that mine's being worked, they'll know the whole thing's a fake. There ain't no telling what this masked man will do. Doggone it, I didn't think they'd get folks on their side five minutes after hitting town.

[Barnaby Greer]

Gotta do something. Gotta do something fast.

[Stan Denton]

There ain't but one thing we can do, Barnaby.

[Barnaby Greer]

Well, go on. I shouldn't know. Better to listen to your ideas. But go on, tell me.

[Stan Denton]

If the kids get here, see the mind working, they'll expect all the gold that's been taken out of it to be theirs.

[Barnaby Greer]

That's where the shoe pinches. We ain't got it.

[Stan Denton]

Not having it. We'll both go to jail.

[Barnaby Greer]

You ain't telling me no news. Thought you said you had a plan.

[Stan Denton]

I'm getting to it, Barnaby. Only thing we can do is blow up the entrance to the mine.

[Barnaby Greer]

Blow it up?

[Stan Denton]

We gotta do it, Barnaby. When the kids see it's caved in, they'll believe I told them the truth. Then we can convince them the masked man of the engine was just scheming something. And we can still send them back east.

[Barnaby Greer]

There'll be another stage heading there in a week.

[Stan Denton]

Yeah, we can tolerate him for a week.

[Barnaby Greer]

But with a mine caved in, we'll have all the trouble of digging it out.

[Stan Denton]

Well, what do you want to do? Dig the mine out again or go to jail?

[Barnaby Greer]

There ain't no choice. Go on. Get ready to set that blast.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger was guiding the Buckboard along the narrow back country trail. When they neared Barnaby's place, he turned to Tommy.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't think too hard of your Uncle Barnaby, Tom.

[Tom]

I can't believe he'd double cross me like that.

[The Lone Ranger]

Mister, suppose you just Believe that he was forced to do it by bad companions.

[Tom]

Gosh, maybe that was it. My PA used to tell me about the trouble men could get into if they had bad friends.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's it, Tom. We'll see what we can do about getting rid of your uncle's companion. Then you can settle down with Barnaby.

[Sally]

Is the mine there all right, mister?

[The Lone Ranger]

I think you'll find it all right, Sally.

[Sally]

Then we won't have to go back east.

[Tom]

Gosh, it sure is lucky we met you in the engine.

[The Lone Ranger]

You didn't seem to be afraid of me even when you saw my mask.

[Tom]

As soon as I heard you talk, I knew you were friendly, mister.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thanks, Tom.

[Tom]

What are you thanking me for?

[The Lone Ranger]

Perhaps when you're grown up, you'll understand why it means more to a man to have young fellows like you believe in him than grown men.

[Tom]

Maybe so, but I don't understand it now.

[Sally]

How soon will we bid Uncle Barnaby's father place?

[The Lone Ranger]

We're almost there now, Sully.

[Sally]

Gosh, I'll be glad. I'm awful tired out.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[The Lone Ranger]

Head. Good.

[Tom]

Is that the house?

[The Lone Ranger]

That's it.

[Sally]

Where's the mine?

[The Lone Ranger]

Goes up that hill a little way beyond the house.

[Tom]

Golly. Imagine us owning a gold mine. Is that Uncle Barnaby?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. You've never seen him, have you?

[Tom]

No, sir.

[Barnaby Greer]

Oh, tell her. Oh.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, Barnaby, I want to have a talk with you.

[Barnaby Greer]

That suits me. All right, stranger. My partner come back and told me he was bringing the youngsters here. I'm afraid you made a mistake, though.

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't think so. They're the owners of the gold mine.

[Barnaby Greer]

Didn't Stan tell them the mine caved in?

[Sheriff]

Yes, sir, he did.

[Barnaby Greer]

You're Tom, ain't you?

[Tom]

Yes, sir.

[Barnaby Greer]

And you must be Sally.

[Sally]

Yes, sir. Uncle Barnaby.

[Barnaby Greer]

Well, it's a doggone shame. This here masked man in the engine was fools enough to bring you all the way here.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll find out about that when daylight comes. Barnaby. I told them. You must have been forced to send word that the mine caved in.

[Tom]

We don't hold it against you, Uncle Barnaby.

[Barnaby Greer]

This masked man is trying to work some schemes of his own. The mine has caved in.

[Tom]

It has.

[Barnaby Greer]

It's caved in. And you can see for yourself soon as daylight comes. But you come in now, I'll put you up for the night. And then I'll have to take you back to town first thing in the morning.

[The Lone Ranger]

You mean to tell me the mine is actually caved in?

[Barnaby Greer]

You can hear, can't you?

[The Lone Ranger]

Tuto you stay right here. Keep an eye on these children. Me too. I'm going to find out something just as soon as I can unhitch Silver from this wagon.

[Tom]

I didn't think the masked man was working any scheme up Uncle Barnaby.

[Barnaby Greer]

He's Mask, ain't he?

[Tom]

Well, yes.

[Barnaby Greer]

Ain't your Paul ever told you outlaws in the west wear masks? Knock him in the house. If that hombre didn't pack two guns, I'd hold him and turn him over to the law.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll meet sometime tomorrow, Barnaby.

[Narrator]

Will the mask man be able to win back the children's inheritance? In just a moment we'll continue with act two of our Lone Ranger drama,

[Barnaby Greer]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. Barnaby, Greer's nephew and niece were up at dawn. Despite the late hour at which they'd gone to bed. Greer talked with them at breakfast while Tonto remained outside the house.

[Barnaby Greer]

I'll finish up, eat your breakfast and then I'll show you the cave in and start you back east again.

[Tom]

Gosh.

[Sheriff]

Hurt.

[Tom]

I don't hardly know who to believe. Do you, Sally?

[Sally]

No, I don't.

[Barnaby Greer]

What do you mean?

[Tom]

Of course, it's our own uncle's word against the masked man.

[Sally]

But I like that masked man. He didn't seem like a man who wouldn't tell what wasn't true.

[Barnaby Greer]

A masked man and a ninja.

[Tom]

They both said that the mime was pan.

[Sally]

You and Mr. Denton said it caved in.

[Barnaby Greer]

There ain't no question about it. Soon as you're done eating, I'll show you.

[Tom]

Anyway, even if we do lose the mine we sort of counted on and have to go back east, it'll be good to know that you are on the level. I'd sure hate to know that our own uncle planned to cheat us.

[Sally]

Now Tom, that ain't what the masked man said.

[Tom]

Well, he said that Uncle Barnaby.

[Sally]

He said that if Uncle Barnaby was trying to do us out of the mine, it wasn't his fault. Was because of his bad companion.

[Barnaby Greer]

Bad companion?

[Tom]

Yes sir.

[Barnaby Greer]

The masked man said that?

[Sheriff]

Uh huh.

[Barnaby Greer]

Well I'll be. Go on. Eat your corn meal and get done with it.

[Tom]

I don't want any more.

[Sally]

Neither do I.

[Tom]

You better take a look at the baby, Sally, and make sure she's all right.

[Sally]

I will. Right away.

[Barnaby Greer]

Hurry it up now.

[Sally]

I will.

[Barnaby Greer]

You three have got to catch that eastbound stage. If you miss it, you'll have to spend the whole week here.

[Tom]

I'm all ready, Uncle Barnaby.

[Barnaby Greer]

What about you, Sally? Coming.

[Tom]

Is the baby all Right.

[Sally]

She's still sleeping, dad.

[Barnaby Greer]

Rat at all, anyhow.

[Tom]

What's the matter, Uncle Barnaby?

[Barnaby Greer]

Come on, let's go see the mine.

[Sally]

Will baby be all right here?

[Barnaby Greer]

No, we won't be going wrong. Ain't far.

[Tom]

Gosh, I'll hate to leave this country. Look at those hills, Sally.

[Sally]

They're a sight different than what we see back east, aren't they?

[Barnaby Greer]

Say, Tom.

[Tom]

Yes, sir?

[Barnaby Greer]

Did you mean to say you'd sooner lose the gold mine than to find that I was a crook?

[Tom]

Sure. You're the last relation we've got. Uncle Barnaby. Ma and Paul always told us about you.

[Sheriff]

Dead rabbit.

[Sally]

Where's Mr. Denton? Doesn't he live with you?

[Barnaby Greer]

I don't know where he is. Ain't seen him since last evening when he left it to what? To do something at the mine.

[The Lone Ranger]

Me come, too.

[Barnaby Greer]

Are you still hanging around here, Injun?

[Tom]

It's Tondo.

[The Lone Ranger]

Me still here.

[Barnaby Greer]

Well, blast your hide.

[The Lone Ranger]

Stay close.

[Sally]

What are those people doing over there?

[Barnaby Greer]

Why, Don, they're all around. My what was left of your claim.

[Tom]

Is that where the gold mine was?

[Barnaby Greer]

Yes. You can see now that it's all caved in.

[Sally]

It sure is.

[Barnaby Greer]

What in tucker did they doing there, Uncle Barnaby?

[Tom]

It looks as if they're digging it out.

[Barnaby Greer]

Well, boy. Hey, what's this mean?

[Sheriff]

Howdy, Greer. You're just the man we want to see. I reckon this will save me going to your house and looking for you.

[Barnaby Greer]

What do you mean, Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

Just that the law's likely to want you.

[Sally]

The law?

[Tom]

Sally, he's the sheriff.

[Barnaby Greer]

What are you talking about, Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

You'll see later on.

[Barnaby Greer]

Now, look here.

[Sheriff]

Don't leave here till the men are done working.

[Barnaby Greer]

What are they doing?

[Sheriff]

Looking for the body.

[Barnaby Greer]

The what?

[Tom]

Now, you see here, Mr. Sheriff. My uncle Barnaby ain't done anything wrong.

[Sheriff]

How do you know, kid?

[Tom]

Because he hasn't. He's my pa's brother. He wouldn't do anything wrong.

[Sally]

He told us the truth about the mine.

[Sheriff]

Now listen, you come with Tonto.

[The Lone Ranger]

Who are you?

[Barnaby Greer]

Go on, you kids go with the Injun. Let me talk to the sheriff.

[Sally]

Anyhow, they can't say you did anything dishonest. If they do, they'll have Tom and me to argue with.

[Tom]

That's right, Sally. See you later, Uncle Barnaby.

[Barnaby Greer]

Come on, Tono.

[Sheriff]

Got a couple of loyal young un's there, Barnaby.

[Barnaby Greer]

I know it. Blasted. I. I've been feeling like an ornery, low down cuss.

[Sheriff]

It's a shame you are such a cuss.

[Barnaby Greer]

Look, if there was Any way to undo what I done?

[Sheriff]

There ain't no way to undo a murder, Barnaby.

[Barnaby Greer]

Murder?

[Sheriff]

Just so.

[Barnaby Greer]

Now see here, Sheriff, that there's all wrong. I never killed a man in my life.

[Sheriff]

We all know blame soon.

[Barnaby Greer]

I didn't. I done some pretty raw things. I did scheme to rob them young UN's. But that was before I knowed them. Before I seen the way they could look at me and tell me how

[Sheriff]

they crushed the matter.

[Barnaby Greer]

Before I seen the way both of them kids went and stuck up for me when they seen you.

[Sheriff]

It still stands. I want you for the murder of your partner, Stan Denton.

[Barnaby Greer]

Stan Denton? Yeah.

[Sheriff]

Come on. Step over here a ways. That mine wasn't closed up yesterday like that, was it?

[Barnaby Greer]

No.

[Sheriff]

And Stan was seen in town yesterday. Seems that you and him argued frequently.

[Barnaby Greer]

Sure, but there wasn't anything serious.

[Sheriff]

We'll see. Stop here. It's my bet that we'll find Stan's remains inside that tunnel.

[Barnaby Greer]

But we. I. Listen, Sheriff. I'll tell you the truth. Stan told those kids at the mine, which was theirs and caved in. There was a masked man that brought the kids here. Him and that engine, telling them that the mine hadn't caved in.

[Sheriff]

Masked man, huh? A white horse?

[Barnaby Greer]

Yeah.

[Sheriff]

Go on with your lies.

[Barnaby Greer]

Great lies. He came here with the kids and Stan come ahead of him. And the only way we could make our story true was to blast the mind.

[Sheriff]

Last night.

[Barnaby Greer]

Yes, last night.

[Sheriff]

You're slick, Barnaby.

[Barnaby Greer]

I admit I stole them kids gold, but I never killed.

[Sheriff]

You decide sooner go to jail for stealing gold than hang for murder, huh? Now let me tell you a thing or two. You got a story all fixed that seems to fit the cases. Only here's what happened. I was at home last night, asleep, when I heard a horse pull up outside the house. I woke up and heard the masked man shout. I get out in bed to see what it was, and I heard a hammering on the door. Then before I could get to the door, this man walked in. He had a pair of six guns holding them on me. Hey, what's the idea of them six guns? I yelled. And he just stood there quiet, saying,

[The Lone Ranger]

you'd better get dressed and come with me, Sheriff. You may find a murder.

[Sheriff]

I couldn't savvy what he was getting. At first I was just half awake.

[The Lone Ranger]

And then he says, you must have heard the blast.

[Narrator]

What blast?

[The Lone Ranger]

Near the Greer Mine about an hour ago.

[Sheriff]

Seems like I did hear something, but didn't pay much attention to it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come over there and see what the footprints around the entrance to the mine show.

[Sheriff]

But it's dark.

[The Lone Ranger]

There's a moon.

[Sheriff]

Can't study footprints in the moonlight.

[The Lone Ranger]

You'll see enough to convince you that there's need for the law.

[Sheriff]

Barnaby. I went along with him and come here. And what I seen was a plenty to hang you.

[Barnaby Greer]

No. No, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

The ground was tore up with a mess of footprints showing every sign of a scrap. I found an open knife and it had Stan Denton's letters on it. Like as not he tried to use it in the fight. Then I found a part of his coat which was tore off. And seen a blowed up entrance to the mine. You and Stan fought?

[Barnaby Greer]

It wasn't me. It was that masked man. The masked man's the one that fought with him and killed him. I was in the house all the while. Those kids can prove it.

[Sheriff]

They showed that they do most anything to help save your neck. They don't know what a polecat you are. Well, I fetched a crew to dig that mine out. And just as soon as we find Stan Denton's remains. You're going to jail for murder.

[Barnaby Greer]

Find that masked man. He's the one you want to find. He's the killer.

[Sheriff]

If that was the case, why'd he come for me?

[Barnaby Greer]

But I stay right here where I

[Sheriff]

can keep an eye on you.

[Barnaby Greer]

Hurry up there boys.

[Sheriff]

Get that tunnel opened up.

[Narrator]

The men worked hard all morning. Sally went back to the house and cared for the baby. When she heard the shout announcing that the mine entrance was cleared. She hurried to her brother's side.

[Sally]

Tom. Tom. Are they gonna hang Uncle Barnaby?

[Tom]

I'm afraid they will if they find Mr. Denton dead.

[Sally]

But they can't. He's our uncle. He wouldn't do anything wrong.

[Barnaby Greer]

Bless you for that, Uncle Barnaby.

[Sally]

They can't take you away, Sally.

[Barnaby Greer]

You're the living image of your moor. Am I? She's a fine woman too.

[Tom]

You can't wait here no longer.

[Sheriff]

Come on, Barnaby. I'll have to take you in while we hunt for Denton.

[Barnaby Greer]

Sheriff. Now listen.

[Sheriff]

No use arguing.

[Barnaby Greer]

But these kids, they need me.

[Sheriff]

Denton made arrangements for them. They can stay with Mrs. Beebe till the next stage.

[Barnaby Greer]

But don't you see? This is their mine. Your men tunneled it out for them. Now they can get the gold. They can't leave here.

[Tom]

That's so the mine isn't caved in no more.

[Barnaby Greer]

Come on, Tilbur. Tom.

[Sally]

There comes the masked man.

[Tom]

Sure enough.

[Barnaby Greer]

The mask man. Sheriff, If Denton's killed Mr. Denton in the saddle with him.

[Sheriff]

Denton's alive, sir.

[Tom]

You see, Sheriff, you were all wrong.

[Sheriff]

But what intoleration.

[Stan Denton]

You got arrested, man.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get down. Dennis, you take Tom and Sally back to the house.

[Stan Denton]

You come.

[Sally]

But we want to stay.

[The Lone Ranger]

Go along, Sally. I want to speak to your uncle.

[Tom]

Don't let him take him to jail. They won't, blast it.

[Sheriff]

I want this thing explained.

[The Lone Ranger]

I think your little sister's crying. Sally.

[Sally]

Oh, come on, Tom. We've got to go and see her.

[Tom]

Uncle Barnaby, you'll be at the house, won't you?

[Barnaby Greer]

I don't know.

[The Lone Ranger]

He'll be there. Go along, Tom.

[Tom]

Yes, sir.

[Sheriff]

I'll see you there.

[Tom]

Uncle Barnaby, you told me to come

[Sheriff]

here and dig that tunnel to find a dead man.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, Sheriff. I only showed you the signs of a struggle.

[Sheriff]

But you let me figure you figured

[The Lone Ranger]

that Barnaby and Denton fought and that Denton was killed and put in the tunnel. Sure you didn't figure that Denton might have blasted that tunnel last night so the story that he and Greer told would be convincing to those children.

[Sheriff]

But the fight.

[The Lone Ranger]

The fight took place when I captured Denton and took him to my camp to hold for you. Then what? To get you.

[Sheriff]

My boys and all the rest I brought worked all morning digging out that tunnel.

[The Lone Ranger]

And you've given those children the property that belongs of them.

[Barnaby Greer]

And I'm glad to see them get it. The only thing I don't like is that now all the faith they had in me will be shot to pieces. Sheriff, can't you take me to jail and not tell those kids where I went? I'm an old cuss and I got jail a coming. But I. I hate to see the faith them kids had in human nature destroyed.

[Stan Denton]

Throw that masked man in jail. He captured me.

[Barnaby Greer]

You shut up, Denton. You never did have an idea that was worth a hoot. The masked man gave them kids their claim that have taken me years to tunnel a thing out again and no case to work with.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sheriff, Barnaby, Greer has three children to take care of and a mine to manage for them. Jail isn't the place for him.

[Sheriff]

I reckon you're right. But that scheming croak.

[Stan Denton]

Now wait. Don't you hold me.

[Sheriff]

Yes, by darn, I'm going to. You blowed that tunnel up and there's been 30 men working here all morning. You're going to jail unless you pay for their time.

[Barnaby Greer]

That's it, Sheriff. The coyote's had me in trouble all these years with the cussed ideas.

[Stan Denton]

I can't pay him. I ain't no cash.

[Sheriff]

Just stay in jail till you can.

[Stan Denton]

Oh, I can't get cash if I'm in jail.

[Sheriff]

That's great. You'll stay there from now on. As for you, Barnaby, behave yourself. So long. Come on along here now.

[Barnaby Greer]

I don't know what I done to deserve a chance like this.

[The Lone Ranger]

Take good care of those children, Barnaby. You're all they have. And they trust you.

[Barnaby Greer]

And they're all I got. And by dern, they'll have reason to trust their old Uncle Barnaby. Come on, Silver. All More there's trouble in Eagle Pass. We've got to get there in time.

[Narrator]

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

[Barnaby Greer]

It.

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[Barnaby Greer]

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[Sally]

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[Stan Denton]

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