The Lone Ranger - Bridge Explosion

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: The Lone Ranger - Bridge Explosion

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

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Overview & Main Theme

This classic episode of The Lone Ranger, "Bridge Explosion," immerses listeners in a thrilling tale of crime and justice on the western frontier. The story features a dramatic bank robbery, a cunning escape involving a sabotaged bridge, and the relentless pursuit of justice by the Lone Ranger and his loyal companion, Tonto. Through clever disguises, suspenseful chases, and quick wits, the masked hero and his friends unravel a plot of deception, ultimately exposing the culprits and restoring peace to Martinsville. The show captures the spirit of Old Time Radio, complete with fast-talking villains, righteous lawmen, and the iconic call: "Hi-yo Silver, away!"

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Opening and Bank Robbery Getaway

• [02:12] The Lone Ranger is introduced as a legendary masked rider fighting for justice in the Old West.
• [03:08] Steve, Tennessee, and Sam Larkin are seen fleeing after robbing the Martinsville bank.
• [03:27] Realizing the white horse pursuer (the Lone Ranger) is gaining on them, they rush toward a bridge, planning their escape.
• [04:03] With careful coordination, Sam Larkin blows up the bridge after the gang crosses, seemingly eliminating the Lone Ranger as a witness.

Notable Quote:

Steve: "When we make the bridge, what then? We'll be safe there. How do you know?"
Sam Larkin: "I planned it."
[03:32]

2. Villainous Plotting and Alibi Fabrication

• [04:44] Steve congratulates Sam on blowing up the bridge; Sam believes the masked man is dead.
• [05:18] The outlaws recount their plan: Sam will return to town with a fake story, giving false descriptions to throw off the law.
• [06:24] Steve emphasizes their cleverness: the bank robbers will hide in plain sight, back in town, unsuspected.

Notable Quote:

Steve: "The one place they'd never think of hunting for the bank robbers is right in town."
[06:19]

3. Tonto’s Worry and Town Suspicion

• [07:59] Tonto, waiting at camp, grows concerned when the Lone Ranger doesn't return.
• [09:05] Sam Larkin returns to Martinsville, spins his rehearsed tale of being attacked by the outlaws, fueling town suspicions.
• [10:19] Locals believe the Lone Ranger (the masked rider) perished in the bridge explosion.

Notable Quote:

Tonto: "Our friend not come. We go find him, huh?"
[08:22]

4. Clever Deception and Disguise

• [14:50] Tonto rejoins the Lone Ranger—who survived by taking cover during the blast—at their camp. They concoct a plan to expose the villains.
• [16:03] The Lone Ranger, disguised as a wealthy stranger intent on buying a mining claim, arrives in town with a conspicuous carpet bag full of 'money.'
• [17:25] The outlaws see the new opportunity and decide to rob the stranger, planning to frame Tonto for the theft.

Notable Quote:

The Stranger (Lone Ranger): "I had to keep out of sight until I learned more about their plan. Those crooks will pay before we leave here."
[15:10]

5. Trap is Set: Robbery and Frame-Up

• [21:04] The gang stages the theft: Tennessee, disguised as Tonto, steals the carpet bag from the stranger's hotel room, while the real Tonto is set up to be the fall guy.
• [21:26] The gang shouts loudly that "the redskin" stole the bag; the townspeople and sheriff give chase.

Notable Quote:

Steve: "That's pretty slick work, eh, boys?"
Tennessee: "Slick as a pig's ear."
[21:51]

6. The Reveal and Justice Served

• [22:55] During the chase, Tonto intentionally stops and is caught, while the Lone Ranger (in disguise) disappears.
• [24:44] The outlaws open the 'stolen' carpet bag, only to find it filled with blank paper—it was all a setup.
• [25:55] The sheriff and posse arrive, uncover the stolen bank money at the gang’s hideout, and arrest Steve, Tennessee, and Sam Larkin.
• [26:02] The Lone Ranger and Tonto reveal their ruse and involvement in the capture.

Notable Quotes:

The Stranger: "I knew there was no way to prove you men guilty unless we could find the money. So I invited another robbery. You fell into the trap nicely..."
[26:02]

Sheriff Potsdam: "You tricked us gents. When critters bust laws, I'm willing to try any tricks to get ‘em. Stranger, let me say this: Anytime you'll unmask and let folks see who you really are, I'll step right out of office and give you my job."
The Stranger: "Thanks, Sheriff, but not just yet."
[26:41 - 26:50]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• The bank robbers’ overconfidence:

  Steve: "Stick with me, fellas, and you’ll all be rich."
  [06:24]

• Tonto’s determination:

  Tonto: "Tonto not afraid."
  [15:44]

• Sheriff Potsdam’s ultimate respect for the Lone Ranger:

  Sheriff Potsdam: "Stranger, let me say this: Anytime you'll unmask and let folks see who you really are, I'll step right out of office and give you my job."
  [26:41]

• The moment the outlaws realize they've been duped:

  Sam Larkin: "What sort of skin game is this?"
  Steve: "Nothing but blank paper. We're tricked."
  [25:13-25:16]

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Key Scene Timestamps

• [02:39] – Outlaws flee after robbery; plan to blow up the bridge.
• [04:44] – Bridge explodes behind fleeing thieves.
• [07:59] – Tonto grows anxious, sets out to search for Lone Ranger.
• [09:05] – Sam Larkin returns to town with false story.
• [14:50] – Lone Ranger and Tonto rejoin; plan their trap.
• [16:03] – Lone Ranger, now disguised, enters town with carpet bag.
• [20:43] – Tennessee steals bag, framing Tonto.
• [21:51] – Town believes Tonto is the culprit, chases him.
• [24:44] – Outlaws open bag, realize they've been tricked.
• [25:47] – Outlaws are caught, Sheriff takes them in.
• [26:41] – Sheriff offers job to unmasked Lone Ranger (declined).

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Conclusion

This episode is a quintessential Lone Ranger tale: a thrilling mix of fast-paced action, devious villains, clever disguises, and the unerring pursuit of justice. It showcases the ingenuity of the Lone Ranger and Tonto, who outsmart a crafty gang and ensure their capture through an elaborate—and thoroughly entertaining—trap. The authentic period language, quick plot turns, and moral clarity make this a standout adventure in the classic radio tradition.

Final Memorable Moment:

Tonto: "Come, Silver! Hiyo, boy!"
The Lone Ranger rides again, justice served and the West a little safer.
[27:15]

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For more episodes from the golden age of radio, check out the podcast archive.

Transcript

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[Tonto]

Hayle Silver. Away.

[Narrator]

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

[Steve]

O.

[Narrator]

Silver. The Lone Ranger.

[Tennessee]

It.

[Narrator]

The masked rider of the plains was one of the great figures in the early history of the western United States. Fearless in the cause of justice, he fought crime and criminals in the new territory. No one ever knew his name. But no man did more to bring law and order to the frontier. And the memory of his deeds will remain as long as the memory of the early west itself. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoop beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Tonto]

Come on, Silver.

[Steve]

There's going to be trouble at Martin Mill. We've got to hurry.

[Tonto]

Hey, O. Silver. How are you?

[Narrator]

As our story opens, two. Two men are riding at breakneck speed across a level section of prairie land.

[Steve]

Get up there. Get up. He's gaining on us. Steve. Get up there.

[Sheriff]

Get up.

[Steve]

Fly ship. How close is he now? I don't know, but he's moving up faster in all places. Throw some light back at him.

[Tonto]

Missed.

[Steve]

Blasted. Can't shoot good at this speed anyhow. We gotta make the bridge. It's our only chance. Who's that masked feller? I don't know. He's sure to catch us. Our horses is wore out.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Get up.

[Steve]

Get along there. When we make the bridge, what then? We'll be safe there. How do you know?

[Sam Larkin]

I planned it.

[Steve]

There's the bridge. Get up there. Come on. Get up there. He's closer now. Blast him. I'll get him. Never mind shooting. We got to get to the bridge. I never seen a faster horse than that one. That white one.

Here's the bridge.

Don't stop on it. Keep right on going. Come on, horse. Come on there.

[Tonto]

Come on.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Get on, boy.

[Narrator]

Come on.

[Steve]

Get on there, boy.

[The Stranger]

Come on.

[Tonto]

Come on.

[Steve]

Come on, horse.

[Tonto]

Boy.

[Sam Larkin]

Come on.

[Steve]

Get on there.

Come on.

[Tonto]

Come on. Get across it.

[Steve]

We're all right now. But he's still coming. It's all better now.

[Sam Larkin]

What the Sam joke?

[Steve]

Look at that bridge. Blowed higher than a kite.

[Sam Larkin]

Gosh, Steve, that was the closest shave we ever had. For a minute I thought you was loco stopping like this.

[Steve]

Tennessee, you ought to be glad you tied up with a fellow that's as smart as me. I don't overlook nothing.

[Sam Larkin]

What blows the Bridge up.

[Steve]

Sam done it. Sam Larkin. There he comes now.

[Tonto]

Yeah.

[Steve]

I figured when we robbed that there bank over to Martinsville, we might have to make a run for it.

[Sam Larkin]

But I thought there weren't any better horses in the world than the ones we're riding. I like to drop dead. When I seen that white horse overtaking

[Steve]

us, I told Sam to stay by the bridge and watch if he saw we was being chased to touch off a blast after we was across.

[Sam Larkin]

Hey, Steve. I done it.

[Steve]

You done it just right, Sam. Where's the mask fella that's chasing us?

[Sam Larkin]

Well, I seen the cloud of dust he was kicking up and that rider coming behind it.

[Steve]

Yeah.

[Sam Larkin]

So soon as you was across the bridge, I touched off the fuse and run for my life. And when I heard the blast, I looked back and the white horse and the rider weren't nowhere to be seen.

Gosh.

[Steve]

On the bridge when it went up?

[Sam Larkin]

Reckon so.

[Steve]

That sure is fine.

[Sam Larkin]

I don't reckon there's any sense even

[Sheriff Potsdam]

hunting for them, is there? Reckon not.

[Sam Larkin]

That was an awful big charge of powder I used.

[Steve]

Not too big to suit me, though.

[Sam Larkin]

How did you make out in town?

[Steve]

Fine. We cleaned out the bank good and proper. Got the cash in our saddlebags.

[Sam Larkin]

How much?

[Steve]

Ain't got around to counting it yet. There's more than 5,000 for each of us.

[Tennessee]

Gosh sakes.

[Steve]

But you don't get your share of the cash till you finished your part of the scheme, Sam.

[Sam Larkin]

You can count on me, Steve. You know that.

[Steve]

You ought to go back to town, see? Yeah. No one there got a good look at us. Except on that fellow that got blowed up with a bridge. He's the only one could have described us. And now he can't do it, sure.

[Sam Larkin]

Not.

[Steve]

When you get to town, you tell how you seen two horsemen riding away from town, like all get out. You tried to stop them. Ask what was wrong. Yeah. They both drawed guns and shot at you Most drilled ya then, right away.

[Tennessee]

Yeah.

[Steve]

And then you won't give the right description. You'll see to it the law is gunning for men that don't look nothing like me in Tennessee.

[Sam Larkin]

But where'll you boys be?

[Steve]

That's the best part of the plan. We'll be right back in Martinsville. We told folks we was riding away in a prospecting trip we'd come back in two or three days, and we'll go right on, as we always have.

[Sam Larkin]

You sure are slick, Steve. The one place they'd never think of hunting for the bank robbers is Right in town.

[Steve]

Stick with me, fellas, and you'll all be rich. Now, Sam, you stand up over there.

[Narrator]

What are you going to do?

[Steve]

Your story is that men took shots at you.

No, no, Steve.

The evidence has to bear out the story.

[Sam Larkin]

You might have killed me.

[Steve]

You wasn't in no danger, Sam. I was just coming close, that's all. There's a hole through your hat and

[Tennessee]

one through your sleeve.

[Steve]

Now get back to town and tell your yarn.

[Sam Larkin]

I won't be able to go back over the bridge. It's down.

[Steve]

That's all right. You're right around.

[Sam Larkin]

It'll take me the rest of the afternoon and tonight to make it. I won't be back in town before morning.

[Steve]

Don't get there till afternoon. Say, you met us this side of the bridge. Savvy?

[Sam Larkin]

Yeah.

[Steve]

Then you won't be asked nothing about the fellow that was chasing us.

[Sam Larkin]

Doggone, he thinks of everything.

[Steve]

You better say you was knocked down by us two. That'll make folks feel more sorry for you.

[Sam Larkin]

You ain't gonna.

[Tonto]

No.

[Steve]

I don't reckon I need to knock you down to prove that, Sam. Now, you get going. You can camp this side of the ravine tonight and get some sleep. Then you'll get to town tomorrow afternoon.

[Sam Larkin]

I'll do what you say, Steve.

[Steve]

You do, and you'll never have to worry about getting caught. Soon as the robin of the bank dies down, I'll have plans made for another job. I got in.

[Narrator]

Tonto, the faithful Indian companion of the Lone Ranger, was waiting for the masked man at their camp. But he didn't come at the appointed time. Tonto wondered what could be detaining him. Hours passed by. Night came, and still the mystery rider did not appear. Tonto listened through the night, but there was no familiar shout, no sound of silver shot hoofs. The Indian kept his vigil until dawn, then saddled his horse.

[Tonto]

Scout Heller. Our friend not come. We go find him, huh? Him say him go town. Come back camp soon. Him not come back.

We.

We go camp now.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Get him up.

[Steve]

Scout.

[Narrator]

Late afternoon brought Sam Larkin back to Martinsville. He went directly to the sheriff.

[Sam Larkin]

Sheriff? Sheriff Potsdam.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Hey. Why, it's Sam Larkin. Where you been, Sam?

[Sam Larkin]

I've been having a hard time, that's what. Look at me. Look and see what I run into.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

What's happened?

[Sam Larkin]

Two fellas shot at me. I was most killed. See, there's the bullet holes. Look at my head.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Land sakes.

[Steve]

Who was they, Sam?

[Sam Larkin]

I don't know who they was, but they knocked me down and shot at Me?

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Which way was they going?

[Sam Larkin]

That way, heading away from town. It was yesterday. I seen them dead right at the luck.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Yes, they did. And that's Sam. Did you get a good look at them two fellas?

[Sam Larkin]

I sure did.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Why, them's the two who stuck up the bank. They cleaned it out. Got more than $15,000. No, it's the truth. They was escaping when you seen them. That's what happened.

[Sam Larkin]

Well, I'll be blasted.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

What'd they look like? Can you remember them well enough to tell us?

[Sam Larkin]

I sure enough can. One of them was sort of heavy said and the other one. Never seen nothing like it. Then two robbers got away as slick as a whistler. Yes, sire.

[Steve]

That one fell that lit out after him.

[Sam Larkin]

What of him?

Reckon he's the only one. Got a good sight of him, maybe.

[Sheriff]

He won't be able to say nothing about it.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Why, what's up?

[Sam Larkin]

What's the matter?

[Sheriff]

You heard they went in the direction of the bridge, didn't you?

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Yeah.

[Sheriff]

Well, some of the boys set out to follow the trail of those three and they found the bridge blowed up.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Blowed up?

[Sam Larkin]

You see the bridge was blowed up, Kit.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Yep.

[Sheriff]

Blowed all the smithereens. That's what them two did to keep from being followed.

[Narrator]

Must be.

[Steve]

They know they leave a clean cut trail.

[Narrator]

They know they be followed. So they blowed up the bridge to stop us.

[Sheriff]

And stop that other fellow was following them. The masked fellow with a pure white horse.

[Sam Larkin]

All these horse silver or something like that.

[Sheriff]

Yeah. Now, barkeep, take a look at this mask. Does it look anything like the one the stranger wore?

[Sam Larkin]

Oh, don't if a don't. Where'd you find it?

[Sheriff]

Right close by the bridge that was blowed up. Yeah, I figured at first it'd been drop of one of the thieves. But I reckon was the other fellas.

[The Stranger]

You.

[Tonto]

You. Let me see.

[Sheriff]

What are you so interested for?

[Tonto]

That mask.

[Sheriff]

That.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

That.

[Sheriff]

Well, what's the trouble?

[Tonto]

That mask of White Friend, huh? Him get caught in blast.

[Sheriff]

I'm afraid that's what happened to him, Injun. But what's it to you? Where'd you come from?

[Tonto]

Me be not top now. White friend Mask.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

What?

[Sam Larkin]

Ain't him, kid. He sure looked like he was busted up about things, didn't he?

[Sheriff Potsdam]

I got into skips of them robbers. Sam Larkin seen him. They knocked him down, took shots at him.

[Sam Larkin]

That's right, boys. I seen him. And I got a first class description of them.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

I'm forming AOS to scour this here county.

[Sheriff]

They cross the Ravine. I know that much.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Then we won't waste no time hunting this side of the ravine. We'll scour the other side. Who wants to help, then?

[Tonto]

Come on.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

We've been hunting them men since yesterday. Not much chance of finding them now. They had a pretty good sight on us.

[Sheriff]

Hey, Sheriff, there comes a couple of riders this way.

[Sam Larkin]

That's Steve in Tennessee.

[Sheriff]

Oh, sure enough.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Maybe they seen them two outlaws.

[Steve]

Hi there, Steve.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

I want to speak to you two hombres. Thieves, that's what.

[Steve]

What do you mean, thieves?

[Sheriff]

The bank was robbed.

[Sam Larkin]

Was robbed yesterday, Steve. We thought maybe you and Tennessee had seen them.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Yeah, did you?

[Steve]

Well, we did see a couple of men, but they didn't look like thieves.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

What'd they look like?

[The Stranger]

Now?

[Steve]

Let me see. They.

[Sam Larkin]

It was when we was camped that we seen them. They rid right into our camp past

[Sheriff Potsdam]

the time of day. And what do they look like?

[Sam Larkin]

Say, Steve, did they have red shirts on?

[Steve]

Yeah. Yeah, that's right, Sam, they did.

[Sam Larkin]

And one of them was heavy set with a black beard, wasn't he?

That's right.

And the other had a big scar from an old knife wound, just so.

[Steve]

Them was the ones.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Now, hold on there. I want you fellas telling me, not Sam telling you.

[Sam Larkin]

Well, there wasn't much more to tell.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

What sort of horses do they ride?

[Steve]

They.

[Tonto]

Well, they.

[Steve]

Well, let me think now. Yeah, just like kids there. One of them was, and the other one was like Sam's. That's the kind.

[Sam Larkin]

And one of the fellas had two fingers missing.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Which two fingers, Sam? Tennessee. Which ones?

[Steve]

No, it was. Did you notice, Tennessee?

[Sheriff Potsdam]

These here, too.

[Sam Larkin]

Them's the men, all right.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Which way they go?

[Steve]

Yonder, toward Mariposa. Said they aimed to strike down that way.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Mariposa, eh?

[Tennessee]

Oh.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

How'd you two make on your prospecting trip?

[Sam Larkin]

Not so bad, Sheriff. Not so bad.

[Steve]

We sure are anxious to get back to town now, though. There ain't any cafes out in the desert.

[Sam Larkin]

Sure ain't.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Well, take care. There ain't too many in town.

[Steve]

We sure will, Sheriff. We'll be hoping you get them robbers.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Get up. Get up.

[Narrator]

Get up.

[Sam Larkin]

It's all right, boys.

[Tennessee]

Nothing to worry about.

I was afeard the sheriff would catch us giving a different description than the

[Steve]

one you gave Sam.

[Tennessee]

I gave you the point.

[Sam Larkin]

You've done all right.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

You coming with us, Larkin?

[Sam Larkin]

Coming, Sheriff. When I get back, I'll get my share of the cash. And don't you forget it.

[Steve]

We won't get up there.

[Sheriff]

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.

[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. After what he'd seen and heard in town, Tonto gave up the search for his masked friend and started back for his camp. As he drew near, he saw the great horse Silver, and then the Lone Ranger himself. Tonto raced toward the campfire, dismounted, and hurried to clasp his friend's hand.

[Tonto]

Tonto's good friend, huh?

[The Stranger]

I knew you were worried, Tanto, but I had to keep out of sight until I learned more about their plan.

[Tonto]

Oh, me he glad you still.

[The Stranger]

Those crooks will pay before we leave here.

[Tonto]

What we do, huh?

[The Stranger]

First of all, I'll have to disguise myself.

[Tonto]

You take mask off? Yes.

[The Stranger]

I'll ride a little ways east from town, then put on other clothes. And I'll have to have a carpet bag of some sort.

[Tonto]

Tonto get him.

[The Stranger]

Very well. Then I'll go into town and see if those three men don't try to contact me. We'll give them every chance to plan another crooked scheme.

[Tonto]

Then what do you'll have to play

[Steve]

your part too Here.

[The Stranger]

There'll be some risk. Sarah's men may try to capture you.

[Tonto]

Tonto not afraid.

[The Stranger]

Then listen carefully and I'll outline a plan.

[Narrator]

Several days later, a stranger came into town carrying a heavy carpet bag. There were several men sitting in the office of the sheriff. When the stranger entered, they all stopped talking to study their new arrival.

[Tonto]

Sheriff.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

That's me, stranger. What can I do for you?

[The Stranger]

I'm looking for someone that has a

[Steve]

good claim for sale.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Yeah, well, I reckon there's plenty of that sort of thing around here. Everyone's got a claim, is willing to sell it. The price is right.

[The Stranger]

Oh, I've got the price all right. Right here.

[Tonto]

Mmm.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Kind of dangerous toting it around that way, ain't it?

[The Stranger]

I never been robbed yet.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Don't say you never will be. Better get it in the bank as quick as you can.

[The Stranger]

I heard that your bank was robbed. I'll keep this money right with me.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Suit yourself.

[The Stranger]

I'm taking a room at the hotel. If you hear of anyone that wants to sell, send them over to see me.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

All right, but what Strange hombre never

[Sheriff]

even give his name.

[Sam Larkin]

I wonder how much he's got.

[Sheriff]

Must be from the East. He don't talk like us fellas.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Blame fool, that's what dreaded. I know the robin of that bank could give this place a bad name.

[Sam Larkin]

Well, I reckon I'll show burn. Maybe Steve and Tennessee would like to sell that Claim they got.

[Tennessee]

Steve. Steve.

[Steve]

What is it, Sam?

[Sheriff]

What's up?

[Tennessee]

Come on. Get Tennessee.

I got something to tell Tennessee ain't

[Steve]

home now he's rid out a ways.

[Tennessee]

What's going on?

Listen, there's a stranger here in town with a hull bag full of money that he hankers to buy a claim with.

[Tonto]

Yeah?

[Tennessee]

He won't put it in the bank. He's stopping at the hotel.

How much he got?

I know, but it's a plenty. Listen, we gotta do something to get it.

[Steve]

We'll think it over and watch that fella.

[Tennessee]

I'd like to see him.

Go on, see him. You can talk about selling your claim.

He'd wore the hoot. He'd never buy it.

Sure not. But it'd give you the chance to size him up.

Yeah, that's so. That's what I'll do. As soon as we get a plan worked out, we'll figure another slick scheme so's we won't never be suspicioned.

Leave it to you, Steve.

You bet. Just leave it to me.

Yeah. Gotta get someone to take the blame though.

[Steve]

We'll find someone.

[Tennessee]

Hey, there's an engine been hanging around here for the past week.

That'll be perfect.

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[Narrator]

The following evening, Steve, Tennessee and Sam met in the back room of the cafe on the ground floor of the hotel.

[Sam Larkin]

There's your drinks, gents. Anything else now?

[Steve]

And now, barkeep? Nothing but this here room to ourselves.

[Sam Larkin]

Right yard.

[Tennessee]

Now, Tennessee, you're the one that's to go to the stranger's room. Being you're the same size. The engine we got in mind. Yep. I told that engine we could. He could earn himself some easy money this evening. He's right outside the window there waiting.

[Narrator]

Good enough.

[Tennessee]

It'll be the word of the three of us again. One redskin. You put on this jacket and talk Injun. Like when you throw your gun in. That fella's heavy. I got it all straight.

[Sam Larkin]

You went over it before.

[Tennessee]

Ain't good enough. I'll get his jacket.

[Steve]

Hey, Injun, huh? Now let's take your jacket.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Jacket.

[Steve]

All right. Now get this. My part is gonna use it to play a joke. Savvy? Here, Tennessee, put this jacket on.

[Tennessee]

Sure.

[Steve]

Now listen.

[Narrator]

Engine.

[Steve]

He's climbing to the second floor by way of the rear.

[Tennessee]

When he comes down, he'll give you

[Steve]

your jacket and a cash. Get started now, Tennessee.

[The Stranger]

I'm going.

[Tennessee]

Let me through that, Steve.

[Tonto]

What me do next?

[Steve]

Wait right here till he comes down. Then get aboard your horse. And travel fast.

[Tonto]

Me go plenty fast.

[Narrator]

Tennessee went to the room on the second floor and in the darkness held a gun on the tall stranger.

[Tennessee]

You keep still or me shoot.

[The Stranger]

What is this, Indian?

[Tennessee]

A robbery, that what me take bag.

[The Stranger]

Very well, take it. Take it, but don't shoot.

[Tennessee]

You keep face to wall.

[Narrator]

Tennessee backed out of the window and down the side of the house. Using the notched corner logs for a foothold. Then he hurried to the window of the rear room where his friends were waiting.

[Sam Larkin]

I got it here.

Here's your jacket.

[Tennessee]

And here's the money we promised.

[Sam Larkin]

Now start out and travel fast. Get going.

[Tonto]

Get him up, Scout.

[Sam Larkin]

Hey, Steve.

[Tennessee]

Here, take this carpet bag.

[Sam Larkin]

I got it. Now give me a hand.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

That's it.

[Tonto]

I'm in roof. I'm in roof.

[Steve]

There he is, boys. Start shooting.

There he goes. There goes the redskin.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

What's the shooting?

[Sam Larkin]

An engine on a horse.

[Steve]

He went that way. Come right past that window.

[Sam Larkin]

And we see a carpet bag in his hands, too.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Boys, get going. Maybe he's the one that robbed the bank.

[Steve]

That's your man, all right. All three of us seen him.

Come on, boys.

[Sam Larkin]

Hop out the window.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Give the horse the sun down.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Be right with you.

[Steve]

Get that redskin. He rob me. Let me take a horse.

[Sheriff]

Take anyone's handy, Stranger.

[Sam Larkin]

This is your pocket.

[Steve]

Good luck. Good luck, boys. Good luck to you, Sheriff. Bring him back. Good luck. Bring him back, Sheriff.

That's pretty slick work, eh, boys?

[Tennessee]

Slick as a pig's ear.

[Sam Larkin]

Steel worked out just so. Let the engine escape and we're in the clear. Ain't a man alive won't think he's the crook.

[Steve]

That's how I got it figured, Genesee.

[Tennessee]

But what if the redskin gets caught, Steve? What'll happen then?

[Steve]

Shucks, let him get caught.

[Tennessee]

Who is there?

[Steve]

Believe his story. They'll all think he's hid the cash somewheres.

[Tennessee]

Just so we ain't a thing to worry about, Tennessee.

[Sam Larkin]

Good enough.

[Tennessee]

Just one thing more, Steve. We want to be sure and get this carpet bag hidden with the other cash before the riders come back this way.

Wait a minute. Let's split the cash here.

[Sheriff]

We ain't the time.

[Sam Larkin]

The sheriff and them other fellas may

get that engine and come back here.

[Steve]

All right. Come on.

[Narrator]

Let's go.

[Steve]

Get up there.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Get along, Cad. Reddit.

[Sheriff]

Come on.

[Tonto]

Here.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

What sort of a horse that redskin riding? He's traveling hard.

[Sheriff]

Look at him now.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

He's slowing up.

[Sheriff]

Bye, Ginger. Sheriff, he's drawn his horse right down to a stop.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Maybe it's a trick of some sort.

[Sheriff]

Where's that stranger with the borrowed horse?

[Sheriff Potsdam]

He's right behind. No, he ain't.

[Steve]

He ain't with us.

[Sheriff]

Hold on a second.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

I don't see that stranger.

[Sam Larkin]

Me neither. Now what's happened to him?

[Sheriff Potsdam]

The redskin stopped up ahead. Wonder if he figures to drill us.

[Sheriff]

Gosh, I don't know.

[Sam Larkin]

I.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Well, we're finding out. Get up. Come on, get up. You're covered, redskin. Make a fast move and we fire.

[Tonto]

You come.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

We're coming. And don't think we won't shoot to kill.

[Sheriff]

Stand right where you are now.

[Tonto]

You not want me.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

No, we don't, eh? Well, there's room for argument about that. Oh, there. Get his weapons, kid.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Tonto]

Me not right, feller.

Come on.

[Sam Larkin]

That voice. He's riding down here.

[Sheriff]

That's a voice.

[Tonto]

Him good friend.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Get ready to shoot. Who are you? The voice is the same. But that white horse, that ain't the one he.

[Sheriff]

We got you covered like the redskin.

[Steve]

Now you suppose you listen to me first, J. I changed my clothes and took the disguise off my face.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Clothes? Disguise.

[Steve]

I left your horse with the clothes I discarded.

Then you're the one who borrowed a horse.

Also the one who had that carpet bag. You mean to say you don't want that Indian?

[Narrator]

No.

[Tonto]

Me not right man. Me help fix trap.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Now, see here. If you ain't the right one, who is?

[Steve]

The men you want are the ones who stole that bag.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Yeah.

[Steve]

And if you'll come with me, I'll lead you to them.

[Sheriff]

How do we know you're on the level?

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Maybe it's just a trick to free the red skin.

[Steve]

Come on. Follow me.

[Tonto]

I'll stand.

[Narrator]

Steve, Sam and Tennessee went on foot to their hideout. When they reached the shack, Steve lighted a candle.

[Steve]

Now we'll open our new carpet bag and see what's inside.

[Sam Larkin]

Maybe a few more thousands of dollars, eh, Steve?

Here's hoping it'd be a funny one if the Injun got shot.

[Tennessee]

He couldn't even say he wasn't the thief.

[Sam Larkin]

Then there's a blame good chance of his being shot, too. Sheriff's awful sore about stealing around here.

[Tennessee]

Hurry up, Steve. Get that bag open. Let's see what she holds.

I'm getting it.

[Steve]

There I'LL dump it on the floor and we'll all count it.

[Sam Larkin]

Hey, what's that?

That ain't money.

[Steve]

Bundles or something. Cut that string.

[Sam Larkin]

I can bust it.

What sort of skin game is this?

[Steve]

Nothing but blank paper.

[Sam Larkin]

We're tricked.

[Sheriff]

We're double crossed.

[Sam Larkin]

Who done it?

[Steve]

See you here, Tennessee. Did you do this to double cross us?

No, of course I didn't, but where's that gent's money?

There never was money.

Three of you. The sheriff, Lee from Han. That masked fellow chased us through the bridge. He ain't dead.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Take the guns, kid.

[Steve]

Now turn right and that's the engine.

[Sam Larkin]

What's the idea?

[Sheriff]

Get the frame up.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

No frame up about it. You ornery thieves. Where's that bank money? Don't shoot.

[Steve]

Don't shoot.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

I'll tell. Where's it at?

[Steve]

Under that bunk there.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Take a look, Kit.

[Sam Larkin]

Right.

[Sheriff]

I'll see if he's telling the truth.

[Steve]

What's it all mean?

[Sheriff]

Here's the money.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Means you three mavericks are headed for jail. That's what.

[Steve]

Listen. That engine, he's a.

[Tonto]

You plenty big fool.

[The Stranger]

No use, men.

[Steve]

You're finished.

[Sam Larkin]

That voice. The clothes ain't the same, but the voice is.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Yeah, he's a stranger all right. When you blow the bridge up, he ducked for cover and let you think the only man that knowed you was dead.

[Tonto]

What?

[Tennessee]

What?

[The Stranger]

I knew there was no way to prove you men guilty unless we could find the money. So I invited another robbery. You fell into the trap nicely when we followed your trail and you led us to your hiding place.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

I first got suspicious of you two when Sam was telling you how to describe the fellows that was supposed to have stole the money.

[Sam Larkin]

You blame fool you, Sam.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

I planned with that fella. I was right outside your room when you was talking to the Injun.

[Sheriff]

Well, we got the bank money and the crooks.

[Steve]

You better take that blamed carpet bag too and make a clean sweep of it.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

I'll take that and the fancy dude clothes I lent that mask right in.

[Steve]

You framed us, Sheriff.

It was an ornery trick.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

You tricked us gents. When critters bust laws, I'm willing to try any tricks to get em. Stranger, let me say this.

[The Stranger]

Yes, Sheriff?

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Anytime you'll unmask and let folks see who you really are.

[Tonto]

Yes.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Well, I'll step right out of office and give you my job.

[The Stranger]

Thanks, Sheriff, but not just yet.

[Tonto]

Come t we ride together again.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

Get them three ties.

[Sheriff]

Come on, you coyote.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

I to blame. Good night's work. That masked rider down.

[Tonto]

Come on, Silver. Oh, boy.

[Steve]

We're heading for the town of Westwood. Battles waiting in the trail ahead.

[Narrator]

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

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[Steve]

Hey, good morning.

[Geico Advertiser]

Dale traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance for all his business vehicles. We're here where he needs us most.

[Steve]

Yep, they sure are.

[Geico Advertiser]

We make it easy for him to save on all his insurance needs. All in one place with coverage that fits his business and box bottom line. Oh, I shouldn't have looked down.

[Steve]

It's all right.

[Geico Advertiser]

We're so far up here.

[Steve]

Look at me. Take a deep breath.

[Sam Larkin]

I'm good. So good.

[Tennessee]

Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail] and see how much you could save. It feels good.

[Sheriff Potsdam]

To Geico.