The Lone Ranger - Branded a Coward

Summary

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Episode Overview

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: The Lone Ranger - Branded a Coward
Date: May 29, 2026

This episode features a classic Lone Ranger radio drama, "Branded a Coward." The story explores themes of courage, reputation, and self-belief in the rugged Old West. Central to the plot is Lee Taylor, a rancher cowed by his own insecurities and a family legacy of perceived cowardice, who must confront a ruthless land-grabber, Steve Drago. The episode showcases the Lone Ranger and his companion Tonto as they intervene to help Lee reclaim his courage and stand up for justice.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

Introduction: Setting the Stage

• Old West Context: The story takes place during the early settlement of the Western United States, where "the gun law ruled the cattle country" ([02:36]).
• Main Characters:
  • The Lone Ranger: Masked hero of justice.
  • Tonto: Faithful Indian companion.
  • Lee Taylor: Rancher plagued by a legacy of cowardice.
  • Ruth Taylor: Lee’s supportive but frustrated wife.
  • Steve Drago: Antagonistic rancher, seeks to seize Lee's land.

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Conflict Introduced: Drago’s Intimidation

• Lee and Ruth Under Threat ([03:29]–[05:00])
  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto arrive at the Taylors’ ranch during a tense standoff.
  • Ruth, armed and frightened, mistakes the Lone Ranger for Drago, underscoring the ever-present threat.
  • Drago is systematically breaking Lee down: stealing water, driving cattle, and using hired guns.

“Steve grabbed off the water hole and left men to guard it so's I couldn't water my stock. What cows I got that ain't been run over the edge of the canyon are dying of thirst.” – Lee Taylor ([06:38])

• Ruth’s Plea for Courage ([07:43])
  • Ruth implores Lee to believe in himself and ignore stories of his family's supposed cowardice.

“I know you better than anyone else in the world. I know you’re brave and strong and fine… believe what I tell you, not the stories you hear from other people.” – Ruth Taylor ([07:43])

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Lee Gives In: Shame and Separation

• Drago and Buck Confront Lee ([08:24]–[10:15])
  • Drago demands Lee leave his land by noon the next day, threatening violence.
  • Unable to stand up to Drago, Lee agrees to leave. Ruth chooses to leave him, given his inability to defend their home.

“But I can’t live with a man I don’t respect.” – Ruth Taylor ([10:30])

• Lee’s Crisis of Self-Worth ([13:32])
  • As Lee prepares to find work in town, he laments his failures and his perceived cowardice.

“I guess there ain’t nothing lower than me anywhere. And there goes the finest wife a man ever had.” – Lee Taylor ([13:32])

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Intervention: The Lone Ranger’s Guidance

• Lone Ranger Steps In ([15:31]–[17:58])
  • The masked hero forcibly removes Lee from the café, causing a stir and confusion among townsfolk.
  • At his camp, the Lone Ranger confronts Lee about his father's legacy, planting the seeds for a re-examination of what true courage is.

“Anyone can be frightened. That doesn’t mean he’s a coward if he fights in spite of it.” – The Lone Ranger ([19:07])

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Revelation: The Truth About Lee's Father

• Story within the Story ([19:25]–[24:32])
  • The Lone Ranger relates a parable mirroring Lee’s family story: “Jim” (implied to be Lee’s father) refused to fight not out of cowardice, but loyalty—refusing to harm the father of the man who once saved his life.
  • The story redefines courage for Lee, clarifying that bravery is not measured by violence but by principle.

“My paw was braver than if he’d fought it out.” – Lee Taylor ([24:40])

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Redemption: Facing Drago

• Lee Returns to His Ranch ([25:30]–[27:26])
  • Empowered by his newfound self-respect, Lee confronts Drago, refuses his orders, and engages in a physical fight.
  • The altercation ends with Drago and his gang being brought to justice, aided by the timely arrival of the sheriff and the Lone Ranger’s intervention.

“I’m not taking your orders no more… I’m gonna knock your block off.” – Lee Taylor ([27:05])

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Resolution: Newfound Confidence and Justice Restored

• Ruth and Lee Reunited ([27:50]–[28:14])
  • Ruth praises Lee’s courage, and the sheriff arrests Drago and his men with evidence of their criminal intent.
  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto quietly leave, content in knowing they've restored justice, with the Lone Ranger noting the importance of hope and belief.

“I didn’t tell Lee that story was about his father. But he thought it was. As long as he believes it, he’ll keep his courage.” – The Lone Ranger ([28:40])

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Ruth's Challenge to Lee about Respect ([10:30]):
  “But I can’t live with a man I don’t respect.”

• Lone Ranger’s Definition of Courage ([19:07]):
  “Anyone can be frightened. That doesn’t mean he’s a coward if he fights in spite of it.”

• Lee's Realization ([24:40]):
  “My paw was braver than if he’d fought it out.”

• The Lone Ranger’s Closing Reflection ([28:40]):
  “I didn’t tell Lee that story was about his father. But he thought it was. As long as he believes it, he’ll keep his courage.”

---

Key Segment Timestamps

• Encounter at the Ranch: [03:29] – [06:38]
• Ruth Urges Lee to Fight: [06:46] – [08:09]
• Drago's Ultimatum: [08:24] – [10:15]
• Lee's Lowest Point: [13:32]
• Lone Ranger Forces Lee to Confront Himself: [15:31] – [17:58]
• The Truth About Lee’s Father: [19:25] – [24:32]
• Lee’s Showdown with Drago: [25:30] – [27:26]
• Resolution & The Lone Ranger’s Departure: [27:50] – [28:40]

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Tone and Style

The tone is earnest and dramatic, with the gravitas typical of Golden Age radio westerns. Dialogue is straightforward, moralistic, and emotionally charged, emphasizing character growth and the themes of right versus might.

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Summary for New Listeners

This Lone Ranger episode, "Branded a Coward," is a stirring story of redemption and the triumph of character over reputation. The Lone Ranger helps Lee Taylor break the cycle of self-doubt stemming from family legend and liberates his spirit through an inspirational tale. Facing his fears, Lee reclaims his home and the respect of his loved ones, proving that true bravery is measured in actions and integrity—anchored, as always, by the wisdom and heroism of the Lone Ranger.

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Transcript

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[Narrator]

A fiery horse with the speed of light a cloud of dust and a hearty high O Silver, the Lone Ranger.

[Lee Taylor]

It's Sam. It's

[Narrator]

when the western United States was first open to settlers, the gun law ruled the cattle country. It was then that the phantom figure of the plains rode in the cause of justice. It was he who led the fight for law and order. And the stories of his adventures have come down to us through the generations. Return with us once more to those thrilling days when the west was young. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Steve Drago]

Come on, Silver fellows. Waiting for us on the trail ahead. Hi, Silver. Hooray.

[Narrator]

As our story opens, we find the Lone Ranger and his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, heading south toward the Rio Grande. They have spent the day in the saddle and now with night upon them, are looking for a place to buy feed for their horses and provisions for themselves. We hear Tonto speaking.

[Lee Taylor]

There.

[Steve Drago]

Light.

[The Lone Ranger]

It must be a ranch house, Kimosabe.

[Steve Drago]

Maybe we get grub there, huh?

[Narrator]

We'll try.

[The Lone Ranger]

Are you hungry, Silver, old fellow?

[Steve Drago]

Him say him plenty hungry and I can't blame him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Here's the lane leading to the house, Tanto. Come, Silver.

[Steve Drago]

We maybe get grub quick now.

[The Lone Ranger]

You'd better speak to the people inside, Kimosabe. My mask might frighten them.

[Narrator]

Tonto do that.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll rein up here and wait.

[Steve Drago]

What time? Oh, my God.

[The Lone Ranger]

That shot just grazed my saddle.

[Ruth Taylor]

You get out of here, Steve Baker.

[Steve Drago]

I'll.

[Ruth Taylor]

Oh, to miss me.

[Steve Drago]

What's the trouble?

[Ruth Taylor]

I thought you were someone else. Please forgive me.

[Steve Drago]

Wait. Ruth, what is it?

[Lee Taylor]

What's happened?

[Ruth Taylor]

Oh, the dolly.

[Lee Taylor]

Not plenty.

[Steve Drago]

Strange.

[The Lone Ranger]

That woman mistook us for someone else. Tuttle, come on.

[Steve Drago]

We let them think we're leaving, but we'll circle around, then come back again. Why do that? She sounded as though she feared this man she called Steve Drago. That's right. That was a tailored place, wasn't it? And she must be Mrs. Taylor.

[The Lone Ranger]

They can't hear us at this Distance. We'll go back.

[Lee Taylor]

Now we know. Make noise.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll be careful. Come on, Silver, Hit him. Up, my fellow. I want to find out why she fears Drago. Huh? He must have been expecting him, or she wouldn't have been waiting outside the fire when he arrived.

[Steve Drago]

Her plenty brave.

[The Lone Ranger]

It is a brave thing for a woman to do. She must be desperate to attempt it.

[Steve Drago]

That's what Tonto think.

[The Lone Ranger]

We don't want to get too close to the house this time.

[Steve Drago]

Maybe her out again.

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't think so. He probably wouldn't have the courage to try the same thing a second time. This is close enough.

[Lee Taylor]

Oh. Oh. Who's over?

[Narrator]

Oh, my.

[The Lone Ranger]

No one will be able to see the horses if we leave them here.

[Steve Drago]

No trees hide them.

[The Lone Ranger]

Stay here, Silver. Come, Tado. Me come. There's an open window. Tanto see inside. Keep your voice down.

[Lee Taylor]

Kimasabe. That must be your husband with her, not him.

[Narrator]

Quiet.

[The Lone Ranger]

Perhaps we'll hear enough to learn what their trouble is.

[Lee Taylor]

Ruth. Ruth. You shouldn't have done it.

[Narrator]

If.

[Lee Taylor]

If that'd been Steve Drago. It had only made things worse.

[Ruth Taylor]

I. I'd like to kill him.

[Lee Taylor]

Well, anyhow, you sure scared them other fellows away.

[Ruth Taylor]

I wish you'd do the same to Steve.

[Lee Taylor]

We ain't strong enough to fight him.

[Ruth Taylor]

Honey, if you're a man, you will leave.

[Lee Taylor]

But how? He's got a whole bunkhouse full of cowhands. The last fella I had working for me drawed his pay yesterday. You can't fight against odds like that.

[Ruth Taylor]

No.

[Lee Taylor]

Steve grabbed off the water hole and left men to guard it so's I couldn't water my stock. What cows I got that ain't been run over the edge of the canyon are dying of thirst.

[Ruth Taylor]

Ah, well, man, I'd fight no matter what the odds. I'd never give up.

[Lee Taylor]

I can't call him the sheriff. Cause there ain't no witnesses to what he done.

[Ruth Taylor]

Witnesses?

[Lee Taylor]

And this is all open range, so I can't claim he's took what belonged to me. None of us ranchers hold title to any land but what our houses are built on.

[Ruth Taylor]

This isn't something for the law to settle.

[Lee Taylor]

I know it, honey. And I reckon I'm a mighty poor excuse for a husband. But it's just something that's in my blood that I can't help.

[Ruth Taylor]

Lee, it isn't true. You just told yourself that so often, you've made yourself believe it.

[Lee Taylor]

But Pa was.

[Ruth Taylor]

Don't you think that because your father was a coward, you are too?

[Lee Taylor]

I'VE heard folks talk about the way Pa died. He just stood there and let them shoot him down. He was too scared even to go for his gun.

[Ruth Taylor]

You don't know whether that's true or not.

[Lee Taylor]

That was over in Wyoming. But the story got back and his PA was the same way. It's just something that runs in the family, I guess.

[Ruth Taylor]

Honey, listen to me. I know you better than anyone else in the world. I know you're brave and strong and fine. I know that you're as capable as any other man on the range. It's only that you don't believe in yourself. Oh, Lee, believe what I tell you. Not the stories you hear from other people. That's the only way you can keep from losing your home, your self respect and me.

[Lee Taylor]

I'll try.

[Ruth Taylor]

Ruth, when Steve Drago comes here tonight, you just tell him

[Lee Taylor]

that sounds like him. Now.

[Ruth Taylor]

Now, remember what I've told you. Come in.

[Steve Drago]

Evening, folks. Me and Buck here dropped over just like I said we would. Howdy. And I guess there ain't no question about what I'm here for you, you skunk. Now, ma', am, there ain't no call for names like that. Well, e. What do you say?

[Lee Taylor]

I. I ain't moving out. Huh? You heard me.

[Steve Drago]

Well, well. If the rabbit ain't showing some fight, you look, hear. Lee Taylor, when I tell you to move off this range, I mean business.

[Lee Taylor]

But I tell you.

[Steve Drago]

Do you hear me?

[The Lone Ranger]

I won't move out.

[Lee Taylor]

You ain't got no right to try and steal my range. I'm staying here.

[Steve Drago]

Yeah? Should I let him have it, boss? No. I reckon I can handle this fellow all right.

[Lee Taylor]

Get away from me.

[Ruth Taylor]

Take your hands off him.

[Steve Drago]

Sit down, you rotten. Now sit there and listen. I'm giving you orders. You're gonna be moved out of here by tomorrow noon, or I'm gun whipping you. And when I say noon, I don't mean even one minute after.

[Ruth Taylor]

Lee, get up.

[Narrator]

I'll show you.

[Steve Drago]

Get up. And I tell you to sit with you there,

[Lee Taylor]

you knock me down.

[Ruth Taylor]

Fight him, Lee. Fight him.

[Lee Taylor]

There's two again.

[Steve Drago]

One. I reckon you won't be doing no fighting.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Buck. Let's be riding.

[Steve Drago]

Yeah, and maybe you'd better start packing right now, Lee.

[Lee Taylor]

I won't.

[Steve Drago]

Yeah, you won't what?

[Lee Taylor]

I'll start packing.

[Ruth Taylor]

Please.

[Lee Taylor]

What is it, Ruth?

[Ruth Taylor]

I'm leaving you, Bly.

[Lee Taylor]

I don't blame you, honey.

[Ruth Taylor]

I love you, Lee. And I still have faith in you, even now.

[Lee Taylor]

Faith in me?

[Ruth Taylor]

But I can't live with a Man, I don't respect.

[Lee Taylor]

I said I'm not blaming you.

[Ruth Taylor]

I'll be waiting for you. Always waiting for you. For you to prove yourself.

[Steve Drago]

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[Lee Taylor]

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[Steve Drago]

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[Narrator]

The following morning, their few belongings stowed away in the buckboard, Lee Taylor and Ruth left the ranch house behind them and drove to town. They rode in silence until finally Lee spoke.

[Lee Taylor]

You. You still figuring on going back to your folks?

[Ruth Taylor]

Ruth, I have to leave.

[Lee Taylor]

Uh huh.

[Ruth Taylor]

But I'll be there until you want me.

[Lee Taylor]

I reckon you just better forget all about me, honey. I ain't worth thinking about.

[Ruth Taylor]

I know better than that.

[Lee Taylor]

I'll be stopping off in town. Yeah, get along there. Get up. I'll drop into the cafe and see if maybe I can't find me a job wrangling for some outfit.

[Ruth Taylor]

I hope you do well.

[Lee Taylor]

Uh huh. Thanks.

[Ruth Taylor]

And you let me know wherever you go.

[Lee Taylor]

Sure I will, honey.

[Ruth Taylor]

Where's the tattoo?

[Lee Taylor]

Now, Emma, I'll just pull up in front and leave you the buckboard. I don't just hanker to go out and meet your folks. All right, here we are. Oh, there. Oh. Oh boy. There. Here's the reins, honey. I'll be getting off.

[Ruth Taylor]

Oh Lee, honey.

[Lee Taylor]

Everything's gonna be all right. Ruth. Goodbye.

[Ruth Taylor]

Goodbye, Lee. Get up there. Get up.

[Lee Taylor]

Hey, I guess there ain't nothing lower than me anywhere. And there goes the finest wife a man ever had.

[Steve Drago]

Well, if it ain't Lee Taylor come to town.

[Lee Taylor]

Howdy.

[Steve Drago]

You having a drink?

[Lee Taylor]

I don't reckon I will. Look here, barkeeper, you don't know any outfit that's needing a top hand, do you?

[Steve Drago]

You looking for work?

[Lee Taylor]

Man's gotta eat.

[Narrator]

Will.

[Steve Drago]

Lee, I've always liked you, but.

[Lee Taylor]

Yeah?

[Steve Drago]

Oh, doggone it. I reckon you savvy without my telling you why. It ain't gonna be easy for you to find a job around here.

[Lee Taylor]

So everybody knows about me and Steve Drago, huh?

[Steve Drago]

Well, there's been a Heap of talk.

[Lee Taylor]

Sure. Sure, I know I'm a coward. I'm a yellow rat. I got no more backbone than a paw had afore me. I ain't fit to eat at the same table with real men or share the same bunkhouse.

[Steve Drago]

I ain't. Now, take it easy.

[Lee Taylor]

Come on, take it easy. I'm sick of the whole thing. I wish I'd never been.

[Steve Drago]

Well, I see you moved out today like the boss told you to. You looking for trouble?

[Lee Taylor]

I ought to shoot you and Steve and your whole crooked bunch.

[Steve Drago]

You take my advice and you clear out of this country.

[Lee Taylor]

Yeah, before me or one of the

[Steve Drago]

boys loses our tempers and takes you over his knee and spanks you. Get out there trying to talk. Buck Lee can't do his own fight. He's got to have you stick up for him. I've heard what you've been saying, Buck. And I'm here to tell you there ain't going to be no brawling in town while I'm sheriff. This ain't no fight. Sheriff Lee here is too.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yelling.

[Lee Taylor]

I. I reckon I'll be running along, fellas.

[Steve Drago]

Who's that fella just came in. He's masked. An outlaw. I'm not an outlaw. Put up your hands. No, you won't. Look at that brawl. I can't like.

[The Lone Ranger]

You can't arrest me, sir, for wearing a mask.

[Steve Drago]

Me? I came. You.

[Lee Taylor]

What's that for? Me?

[The Lone Ranger]

I want to talk to you.

[Steve Drago]

Put on them guns. I'm the law here.

[The Lone Ranger]

They and I are leaving.

[Lee Taylor]

What do you want me for?

[Steve Drago]

What do you come alone? Let go my arm. Hey, wait. Why you taking leave? You'll see him again soon enough.

[Lee Taylor]

I don't have to go with you.

[Ruth Taylor]

I.

[Steve Drago]

Out that door.

[Lee Taylor]

What's the idea?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm going to help you.

[Lee Taylor]

You can't help me. Nobody can.

[Steve Drago]

Get in that saddle. Hurry.

[Ruth Taylor]

Stop.

[Steve Drago]

Stop. In that. Don't let.

[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.

[Lee Taylor]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue the story. Steve Drago, a powerful and ruthless rancher, drove some of Lee Taylor's cattle from the range, refused to let the others use the only water hole in the district and finally ordered Taylor to leave the country. Lee, in spite of the urging of his wife, gave in to Steve. Believing himself a coward because his father had been branded a coward, the Lone Ranger learned of the situation and at the point of his gun, forced Lee to accompany him. Now, as our second act opens, we see the masked man reigning in his great horse, silver. At the small, well hidden camp where Tonto has been waiting.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get down, Lee.

[Lee Taylor]

What do you want with me? I ain't got nothing worth the stealing.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're going to listen to something I have to tell you.

[Lee Taylor]

You got the best of me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sit down over there. First, I want to ask you what you know about your father's death.

[Lee Taylor]

So you've heard about that, too?

[The Lone Ranger]

Perhaps.

[Lee Taylor]

Well, if you have, maybe you're savvy. What's been the matter with me?

[The Lone Ranger]

Tell me about your father.

[Lee Taylor]

There ain't much to tell. And what there is ain't the kind of thing a fellow can take much pride in. Yes, Paul left these parts when I was still just a young one. He went up to Wyoming, figuring that maybe he could find good range up there so as we could move. I've heard that he met up with some fellow and they planned to go into partnership, but they fell out over some cash being stole. This other hombre went gunning for pawn and then.

[The Lone Ranger]

Go on.

[Lee Taylor]

And then folks say Paul was so scared that he couldn't even go for his gun when this other fella and his friends caught up with him.

[The Lone Ranger]

And you've let this story frighten you all these years?

[Lee Taylor]

Like father, like son, I reckon.

[The Lone Ranger]

I suppose the first time you ran into trouble, you were scared.

[Lee Taylor]

It's just in my blood.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't you realize that anyone can be frightened? That doesn't mean he's a coward if he fights in spite of it. But instead you told yourself that you must be a coward because you believed your father to be one.

[Lee Taylor]

Well, there. There wasn't anything else I could think.

[The Lone Ranger]

And you've always believed what people told you of that shooting in Wyoming?

[Lee Taylor]

Why shouldn't I?

[The Lone Ranger]

Listen to me. I have a story to tell you. It's about a man who, like your father, went to Wyoming. Yeah, he went there looking for good rangeland. But the country there is rough and dangerous. And then one day, as he was riding alone along a canyon trail.

[Narrator]

If I known what this trail was like, I'd never come this way. Careful there, old fella.

[Steve Drago]

What's that? The trail's sliding.

[The Lone Ranger]

Something had started a landslide just as he rode along that treacherous path. But instead of being plunged to the bottom of the canyon which would have met his death, he was saved by a small scrub tree a third of the way down. He hung on. He couldn't climb back. And if he loosened his hold, he'd be dashed against the rocks hundreds of feet below. Finally, however, he managed to get his gun from its holster and fire three signal shots.

[Steve Drago]

If I don't bring somebody, I'm done for. The roofs are pulling out. I'll be falling in just a minute. I can't hold on. Just help me. Hang on there, friend. I'll set your rope in only a second. Hurry. Hurry. I'm a goner. Hurry. Hurry up. Hurry. Please. Hurry. Hurry. Hurry.

[The Lone Ranger]

This second man, with only his rope and horse to assist him, struggled to save the life of the man clinging to that weak support. With the trail still crumbling, the lives of both men were threatened. But finally the work was done and Jim was back on firm ground once more.

[Lee Taylor]

Jim?

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll call him that in the story, but.

[Lee Taylor]

But that was my pa's name.

[The Lone Ranger]

Was it?

[Lee Taylor]

Go ahead. Tell me the rest.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, Jim and young Fletcher became firm friends. Jim owed his life to the younger man, and Fletcher, in turn, introduced Jim to his father. They talked of ranching and decided to go into a partnership.

[Lee Taylor]

That was my father.

[The Lone Ranger]

Wait. But young Fletcher liked to gamble. He soon owed more money than he could pay. He knew where his father's strongbox was kept. And then one night, when he thought everyone was asleep.

[Lee Taylor]

There. A thousand dollars in folding money.

[Steve Drago]

It'll pay what I own. It'll keep me. What are you doing?

[Lee Taylor]

Huh?

[Steve Drago]

You're stealing. I got to have it. I got to. Don't tell my pa. If this ain't paid, them gamblers will kill me. Look here, I saved your life. You can't let Pa know about this. You can't.

[The Lone Ranger]

And.

[Lee Taylor]

And then what did Paul. Jim. I mean, do?

[The Lone Ranger]

What could he do? He couldn't tell the father of the man who had saved his life that his son was a thief. He couldn't make the boy put the money back and be killed by those gamblers. And he didn't have the money himself to help.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[The Lone Ranger]

He had only one choice. When the boy had gone, Jim wrote a note, Said that he had to leave in a hurry, then saddled and rode off.

[Lee Taylor]

But what did he do that for?

[The Lone Ranger]

He knew he'd be suspected of theft instead of the boy. He hoped to make his escape so that it wouldn't matter. But old Fletcher, believing Jim had used his hospitality to steal from him, pursued him at once. And the trail led to a lonely mountain cabin.

[Steve Drago]

You must be there, Bo. I'll get him. I'll get the sneak myself. You fellows stay here. Stand where you are. I've been looking for you to catch me. Where's the money you stole?

[Narrator]

I ain't got it.

[Steve Drago]

You're a Lion. Maybe I am, maybe I ain't.

[Narrator]

But that's all I got to say.

[Steve Drago]

Killin's too good for you. You come to my house, pretend like you're a friend, then we'll off with my cash.

[Narrator]

That ain't true.

[Steve Drago]

But I'm not arguing with you. And I'm giving you an even chance. Go for your gun.

[Lee Taylor]

I won't shoot you.

[Steve Drago]

Go for your gun, I say no. Well, I gave you your warning. I can't do more than that. I'm counting three, and if you don't draw by then, I'm shooting anyhow. 1.

[Lee Taylor]

But. But why wouldn't he shoot?

[The Lone Ranger]

His life had once been saved by young Fletcher. But I still couldn't fire upon the father of the man who had risked his own life to save his.

[Lee Taylor]

Then. Then that's why my father didn't draw. It wasn't because it was yellow at all.

[The Lone Ranger]

Do you still believe cowardice is in your blood?

[Lee Taylor]

Look here, stranger. My paw was braver than if he'd fought it out.

[The Lone Ranger]

And what are you going to do?

[Lee Taylor]

I'll show you. Where's your horse?

[The Lone Ranger]

Here, Silver.

[Lee Taylor]

You're taking me back to my ranch.

[Narrator]

We're leaving.

[The Lone Ranger]

But you do as we planned.

[Steve Drago]

I'll do it.

[Lee Taylor]

What Parker do, I can do. And I'll show Steve Drago that he ain't got men enough to take from me what's mine.

[Steve Drago]

Good. Come on, Silver.

[Narrator]

The two men raced across country to Taylor's place. It was almost evening when they arrived. But the gathering darkness did not conceal their arrival from Buck, who had been stationed nearby to warn Steve Drago if Lee should come back. We see Buck now as he draws up before Steve's ranch house.

[Steve Drago]

Over there. Stand there. Blaster. Boss, what's the matter? Buck, please come back. Back to his range just now he rode up with a masked feller. Why there. Where are you going? I'm gonna teach that young fool a lesson. But wait for me. I'm riding ahead alone. I don't need no help to handle that hombre. But look here, you get the other fellows together right after, and if there's anything left of them when I get done, you fellas can finish.

[Narrator]

Lee was alone when he heard hoofstop outside. A moment later, heavy steps crossed his porch. And then there was a loud knock on the door.

[Steve Drago]

Walk right in, you blasted snivel and fool. The next time I give you orders, you'll know not to follow him.

[Lee Taylor]

I'm not taking your orders no more. I'm getting back to my range. I'm stocking more cattle. And there's something else I'm gonna do.

[Steve Drago]

Yeah?

[Lee Taylor]

I'm gonna knock your block off.

[Steve Drago]

Why, you.

[Lee Taylor]

Come on, get it.

[Steve Drago]

I'll show you.

[Lee Taylor]

Here's one to begin with.

[Steve Drago]

I'll break you in two for that.

[Lee Taylor]

And here's another for you.

[Steve Drago]

Put on that chair. Take that, you, miss.

[Lee Taylor]

But if that's the way you're fighting, here's something for you.

[Steve Drago]

You give me orders, will you? No.

[Ruth Taylor]

No.

[Steve Drago]

This ought to finish you all off. Get away. Leave me be. Boss, what's happened? Kill him soon. I'll take care of him. Oh, my hand. Up with your hands, all of you. You can come in now, sheriff.

[Ruth Taylor]

I owe it all. Oh, yeah.

[Lee Taylor]

Honest, honey, I. I never felt better in my life.

[Steve Drago]

Steve, you and your whole bunch are going to jail. You can't jail us. You just think I can. I heard you tell Buck to kill Lee. If a masked fellow hadn't shot first, he'd have done it.

[Lee Taylor]

Ruth, honey, it was a masked fellow. Showed me I didn't need to be no coward.

[Ruth Taylor]

I know, Lee. The Injun told me when he brought the sheriff and me here.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come, Tunnel. We'll leave while they're not watching us.

[Steve Drago]

That good thing.

[The Lone Ranger]

Steady, Silver, old fellow.

[Steve Drago]

You. You tell plenty, plenty good story.

[The Lone Ranger]

I did the work, kimosabe.

[Steve Drago]

But him not know that.

[The Lone Ranger]

Not him.

[Steve Drago]

Father.

[The Lone Ranger]

I didn't tell Lee that story was about his father. But he thought it was. As long as he believes it, he'll keep his courage. Come on, Sil.

[Steve Drago]

Come on, Silver, old fellow. We're heading for Jackson City.

[Lee Taylor]

It. It's.

[Narrator]

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

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