The Lone Ranger - Dave Legget's Solution

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio Podcast – The Lone Ranger: "Dave Legget's Solution"

Overview In this gripping episode from the classic radio series The Lone Ranger, the titular masked hero aids the townspeople of Calhoun in solving a string of mysterious murders and robberies plaguing the stagecoach line between Pine River and Calhoun. The episode centers on young Dave Liggett, known as the "Kansas Kid," who believes he has discovered the secret behind the unexplained deaths of stage drivers and guards. With suspicion falling all around, the Lone Ranger and his companion Tonto help unravel the truth, revealing an ingenious—yet deadly—scheme.

---

Main Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Mysterious Stagecoach Deaths (03:04–06:00)

• Setting the Scene: Ben Sawtelle, superintendent of the stage line, and Sheriff Beardsley discuss recent crimes where both drivers and guards have been found dead, and stages robbed.
• Quote:
  • Ben Sawtelle: "Sure. They could have died by a bad heart or something, Sheriff. I might believe that if one of them had come in dead, but not with all four of them." (03:34)
• The key oddity: The mail is rifled, but the thefts are subtle, leaving few clues behind.

2. Enter Dave Liggett (“Kansas Kid”) (04:28–08:10)

• Young, thin Dave Liggett (using the name Pete Barrett) asks for a job as a stage driver, displaying determination but arousing suspicion due to his youth and persistence.
• Quote:
  • Dave Liggett: "I'll bring the horses through, Mr. Sawtelle, and when I get here to Calhoun, I'll be driving them. They won't be pulling the corpse like they done in the past." (05:56)
• Sheriff and Ben debate whether the kid could be involved in the crimes or knows more than he says.

3. A Suspicious Stranger (The Lone Ranger) & Escalating Tensions (09:20–11:12)

• The masked Lone Ranger and Tonto appear, inquiring about stage schedules, further spooking locals who are already on edge.
• Ben and the Sheriff wonder if the masked man and the Kansas Kid are connected to the crimes.

4. The Arrival of Passengers & Another Stagecoach Death (12:17–14:05)

• John Liggett and his wife (Dave’s parents) arrive by stage, unaware of the murders, until it’s revealed that the driver and guard on their stage have also died under mysterious circumstances—despite there being no sign of an attack.

5. The Family Connection & Rising Accusations (15:22–19:03)

• The Liggetts reveal they are searching for their son, Dave, who they believe could solve the crimes.
• The Sheriff detains Dave, thinking he might be involved, but the Lone Ranger rescues him, setting up a final confrontation.

6. Dave’s Theory and The Real Killer Revealed (19:34–28:39)

• In safety with the Lone Ranger and Tonto, Dave confides what he knows: Jake Meekin, a deputy, has been buying bug poison and matches the suspicious behavior Dave noticed.
• They devise a plan to catch Meekin in the act during the next stage run.

7. Climactic Showdown at the Watering Hole (24:33–28:39)

• At the solitary water hole along the route, Dave and Tonto prevent Meekin and others from drinking. It’s revealed the poison only lingers briefly in water—accounting for the mysterious deaths.
• Quote:
  • Dave Liggett: "He put it in that water hole. And when the guards and drivers would drink there, they'd get pisoned before they got to Calhoun. Then Meekin would stop the horses, loot the stage, and send the horses on again." (27:04)
• Sheriff forces Meekin to drink the water to prove innocence; Meekin breaks down and confesses to the murders.

8. Resolution and Aftermath (28:09–29:03)

• Meekin’s plot exposed, justice is served.
• Ben Sawtelle offers Dave a job on the stage line for his bravery and cleverness, provided his parents agree.

---

Notable Quotes & Key Moments

• On Dave’s Determination:
  • Dave Liggett: "I'll just hang around and make myself useful till all the other drivers are killed off. Maybe I'll get my chance." (07:51)
• On the Mystery’s Frustration:
  • Sheriff Beardsley: "Men can die so sudden." (19:03)
• Revealing the Scheme:
  • The Lone Ranger: "For proof, have Meekin drink the water." (27:16)
  • Jake Meekin: [Breaking down] "I confess. I done it. I'm the killer." (27:58)

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:04 – Discussion of the inexplicable, fatal stagecoach incidents
• 04:28 – Dave Liggett’s introduction as "Kansas Kid"
• 09:20 – The Lone Ranger appears, seeking information and deepening the mystery
• 12:17 – John and Mrs. Liggett arrive; more deaths discovered
• 15:22 – Liggett family reveals their search for Dave
• 19:34 – The Lone Ranger rescues Dave and he shares his suspicions
• 24:33–28:39 – The final confrontation: Meekin's poisoning trick is exposed
• 28:09 – Meekin confesses

---

Memorable Moments & Tone

• The episode captures the suspicion, grit, and problem-solving spirit of classic westerns, with characters trading sharp, sometimes wry dialogue—even in tense moments.
• The Lone Ranger’s steadfast calm contrasts sharply with the Sheriff’s suspicion and Dave’s youthful eagerness and nervousness.
• The dramatic revelation at the poisoned water hole pays off the slow-building tension, with an ingenious solution fitting for the genre.

---

Summary in Short:
"The Lone Ranger: Dave Legget's Solution" is a classic western whodunit, highlighting deduction over gunplay. With help from the Lone Ranger and Tonto, Dave Liggett unearths the truth behind a series of deaths linked to poisoned water, ultimately exposing deputy Jake Meekin as the murderer and robber. In the process, Dave earns respect—and a job offer—from the once-doubting adults around him.

---

For fans of classic radio drama, this episode is a tight, suspenseful story with a satisfying, logic-driven resolution and all the frontier color you'd expect from The Lone Ranger.

Transcript

[Bretzky]

Oh, I have had no luck lately.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Wait.

[Spinquest Advertiser]

Lady Luck Bretzky. I got you. I've had so much luck on spinquest.com they have all of my favorite games, slot games, live blackjack, craps and bubble craps. You can even get a 30 coin pack for just 10 bucks.

[Bretzky]

10 bucks for 30. I'm headed over to spinquest.com right now.

[Spinquest Disclaimer]

Spinquest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a

[The Lone Ranger]

hearty high O Silver, the Lone Ranger. It's Sam,

[Narrator]

A phantom figure of the plains rode the trails of long ago to bring justice to the oppressed. Where he came from, no one ever knew, but his heroic deeds were recorded in the memories of the people of seven states. Even today, the cowboys sit around the campfire and relate yarns of his daring, of his feet on the draw when he meted out punishment to the lawless of his great horse, Silver, the fastest the west has ever known. History does not record his many adventures, but the west will always remember the shout which has come down through the years. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. Oh, boy. That's it, old fellow. Fella's waiting for us on the trail ahead. We have to hurry, old boy, or it may be too late. I'll sil.

[Narrator]

Strange things had happened to the stages that covered the trail between Pine river and Calhoun. Twice within the past month, death had struck mysteriously at both driver and guard. On each occasion, the stage had been brought into town by the unguided horses. Ben Sawtelle, district superintendent of the line, found himself helpless to solve the crimes. In the first act of tonight's Lone Ranger drama, we see him in his office with the sheriff, Jack Beardsley. The superintendent is speaking of the deaths.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Sure. They could have died by a bad heart or something, Sheriff. I might believe that if one of them had come in dead, but not with all four of them.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Yeah, I guess you're right, Ben. Them boys must have been murdered. There ain't no two ways about that.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Murdered so's the stage can be robbed. Been robbed then, Both times.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

I thought there was a sizable load of stuff when the stage come in.

[Ben Sawtelle]

And so there was. The mail sex was filled, most overflowing. The rest of the things was as they should be, all but for one thing.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

What's that?

[Ben Sawtelle]

The mail had been pawed over and handled.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

For what?

[Ben Sawtelle]

To steal the mail. It looked like it might have money in it. I guess I checked the mail mighty careful. When I had the chance, Sheriff, and seen that it was different than usual. That's why I say the killers had

[Sheriff Beardsley]

gone through it, figuring the thieving wouldn't be discovered at all.

[Ben Sawtelle]

That's sure.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Who's that skinny looking kid stopping outside there?

[Ben Sawtelle]

I don't know. Never seen him before.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Mr. Sawtelle?

[Ben Sawtelle]

That's me. Who are you and what do you want here?

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Oh, my name's Barrett.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Peter Barrett. You don't like it? Look like you've been eating regular, kid.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Oh, I ain't complaining none.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Where are you from?

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Kansas. They call me the Kansas Kid over at Pine river, where I've been till now.

[John Liggett]

Pine River?

[Sheriff Beardsley]

You come along the trail from there to here?

[Ben Sawtelle]

Yep.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Bad country, ain't it?

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Pretty open country, but not much water. Lack of water and the sun is what makes it tough going over that stretch.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Yeah, there ain't but one water hole in the stretch that I know of.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

That's all they is.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Well, get to the point. What'd you want to see me fer?

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

I'm a stage driver.

[Ben Sawtelle]

What you? And I'm a full blooded Cherokee doing a war dance.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

You done laughing?

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Why, Thundersawtel. He's plumb serious about it.

[Ben Sawtelle]

The Kansas Kid, huh? Stage driver.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

I. Well, I. I heard that you was needing some drivers, so I'll rid over

[Ben Sawtelle]

here on that stove in Mexican plug that's out front.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Yes, sir, I. Well, I. I need a job powerful bad, Mr. Sawtelle, if you'd give me a chance. I know you're 18.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

I'd never believe it. You got the size and weight of a 14 year old and not a husky one at that.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Well, I'm 18 and I can handle a six in hand if you'd give me a chance to prove it.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

I.

[Ben Sawtelle]

A Kansas Kid being as that's what they called you. We need men to handle the stages. Doggone husky ones at that. You heard what's been taking place along the route?

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Yes, sir.

[Ben Sawtelle]

And want the job in spite of it?

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Yes, sir.

[Ben Sawtelle]

You make up and spunk what you lack in weight, don't you?

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

I'll bring the horses through, Mr. Sawtelle, and when I get here to Calhoun, I'll be driving them. They won't be pulling the corpse like they done in the past.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Maybe the Kid knows something, Ben.

[Ben Sawtelle]

What do you mean?

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Sheriff, let me talk to him. Come here, Kid.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Yes, sir.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

You say you can handle the six in hand?

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Yes, sir.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Where do you ever do it? Well, I.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

That is, I.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Did you ever try?

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

I. I can handle them, honest. I Can.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Well, granting it, you can. What makes you think you'll come through alive? Where big men toting rifles and guns and used all sorts of things on the stage trail comes in dead.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Oh, I can't answer.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

You can't answer? Why can't you?

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Well, I. I just can't, that's all. Look here, Mr. Sawtelle, just give me a try, won't you let me have just one chance? You ain't nothing to lose.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Nothing but six good horses and a stage and cargo. No, I'll handle the stage alone before I let you take it.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Is that all you gotta say then?

[Narrator]

That's all.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Except in this. I'm busy. There ain't the tie in the palaver with a half growed towhead that calls himself the Kansas Kid. So vamoose.

[Mrs. Liggett]

Where to?

[Ben Sawtelle]

Gee, Hoss of Ed, I don't care where to. Just vamoose, that's all.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

My Hoss can't do no more traveling. I've got to stay in Calhoun.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Then stay in Calhoun.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Gretchen, I ain't no cash to eat with. If you don't get me a job, I'll. Well, I'll just have to starve. And then you'll have a burying to tend to.

[Ben Sawtelle]

By thunder, I never seem to like you. Well, I have a berry to tend to. Why should I be the one to put you to work?

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Because I wouldn't work nowhere else.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Well, of all, if you won't work nowhere else, then blast you, go and starve. I don't give a hang. I.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

What is you gonna say?

[Ben Sawtelle]

What'd you say your name was?

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Pete Barrett. But you can put it on the payroll. A Kansas kid.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Look here, Sheriff, what am I to do with him? Dreaded I'll lay awake nights thinking of him starving if I don't give him a job. Here, you take that broom and sweep this office up. Hang around and make yourself useful somehow.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

What about driving a stage?

[John Liggett]

No.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Then I'll. Then I'll hang around and make myself useful till all the other drivers are killed off.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Then I'll.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Maybe I'll get my chance.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Start sweeping. Don't get under my feet or I'll likely step on you.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

I wonder if that kid does know something.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Tain't likely.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

He's the most peculiar acting cuss I ever seen.

[John Liggett]

I can't make him out.

[Ben Sawtelle]

He's likely touching the head. Imagine crossing that prairie land between Pine river and here on that no account horse. The critter almost has to lean again. The hitch rack to keep him falling over.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Come on outside, Ben.

[Ben Sawtelle]

For what?

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Something to say. Shut that door. Maybe I'm ruthful, but I got a hunch.

[John Liggett]

Yeah.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Keep an eye on that kid.

[John Liggett]

Why?

[Sheriff Beardsley]

He was powerful determined to get work here, wasn't he?

[Ben Sawtelle]

Beat all I ever seen.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

He knowed you wouldn't fuss him with a stage, but he figured he might get another job.

[Ben Sawtelle]

For what?

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Maybe just to hang around the office. Step around the side here. Let's look through the window. Somehow I got a notion the Kansas kids tied up with the mysterious murders and robberies.

[John Liggett]

Yes.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Here, take a look. What's he doing?

[John Liggett]

He's at my desk.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Pawn through it. By darn, I told you so. Ben, he's found something. What's that book?

[Ben Sawtelle]

The schedule. It shows when the stage is due to leave the Pine river station and when it's due to get here. Just so One is on the way here now from Pine River. The next one ain't leaving there till next week.

[John Liggett]

Mm.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Well, don't let the kid know you're suspicion anything, but watch him. Sharp.

[Masked Man]

Beg pardon, gentlemen. Peeking in your own window. I see you're both covered.

[Ben Sawtelle]

A mask man.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Put them guns down. Surrender in the name of the law.

[Masked Man]

If I intended to surrender, I wouldn't have come here.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Who are you? What do you want?

[Masked Man]

I'm here for information.

[Ben Sawtelle]

What sort of information?

[Sheriff Beardsley]

What's that mask for?

[Masked Man]

I'm not answering your question, Sheriff. I'm here to find out the schedule of the stages.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Warsaw. You're the mysterious killer, huh?

[Masked Man]

You think that Whether I deny it or not. So there's no use denying it.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Then you admit it.

[Masked Man]

No, I don't, Sheriff. I came here to ask a simple question. You give that information to anyone who wants to buy a fare on the stage. Why can't you give it to me?

[Ben Sawtelle]

Because we. We? Your mask.

[Masked Man]

That's the reason I have to keep my guns handy.

[Ben Sawtelle]

How'd you get here so quiet?

[Masked Man]

You were absorbed in watching through that window. You didn't hear my approach? When does the next stage leave Pine River?

[Ben Sawtelle]

I ain't giving out no information.

[Masked Man]

Don't you want to solve the murders?

[Ben Sawtelle]

Well, I.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Who's the redskin?

[Masked Man]

Did you find out what we wanted?

[Ben Sawtelle]

Tado here. Your horse, Silver.

[Masked Man]

All right, Tuttle. That's all we need here.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Don't you leave here.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

You're under arrest.

[The Lone Ranger]

Kyle. Silver. Stop him.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Shoot him.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Shoot him.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Sheriff, you're missed.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Fire again.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Oh, tain't no use shooting at Greased Lightning.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Gosh. What.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

What horses them two has.

[Ben Sawtelle]

And what'd the redskin do?

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

He come into your office and he forces me to look through the schedule book.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

The same book you was looking through, huh?

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

How'd you know?

[Ben Sawtelle]

We seen you.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Yeah, and you got a plenty things to explain. Pete. Kansas Kid, Barrett.

[Ben Sawtelle]

See what they done, Sheriff? The masked man kept us here while the redskin went inside.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

I know we've been tricked.

[Ben Sawtelle]

And it's too late to change the schedule. The stages will start from Pine River. One's most here already. The other will stop before we get a man and a warnage.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Anyhow, we know two of the men that's behind the murders, even if we don't know how they done it.

[Ben Sawtelle]

And maybe a third.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Yeah. You're going to the calaboose, Kid.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

No, no, you can't lock me up. I gotta be free.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

I expect you have to help rob the stages and kill the drivers. But you're going to jail all the same.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Please, you don't savvy. You don't understand.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

We savvy all we need to savvy. You're going to jail and starve till you tell all you know about the mystery of the stage trail.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Here comes the stage from Pine River. I got to tend to things.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

I'll just put these handcuffs on you, kid, and hold you to the hitch rack till I'm ready to.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Sheriff, there's passengers on this trip. Look, there's a man and woman getting out of the stage sure enough.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Please. Please don't, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

That'll hold you for a while. Come on, let's see what's up, Ben. Right, Sheriff.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Please don't leave me handcuffed. You can't do this. Can I tell you? Let me go.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

I'll go ask the garden driver a few questions about the trip.

[Narrator]

Ben.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Yeah, Sam, you tend to the horse as a mail. I go inside the office and see the passengers.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

All right, mister.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Howdy. My name's Sawtell. I'm in charge of the office here.

[Mrs. Liggett]

My sakes, what a dusty trip we've had.

[John Liggett]

We certainly have. My name is Lickett, Mr. Sawtelle. John Liggett. This is my wife.

[Ben Sawtelle]

I'm sure enough glad to know you, Mr. Liggett. Howdy, Mrs. Liggett.

[Mrs. Liggett]

If we were going on much further, I'd have a complaint to make about your drivers.

[Ben Sawtelle]

What's that, Mrs. Liggett?

[Mrs. Liggett]

The last half of the trip, it seemed as if the driver picked every bumpy spot and stone in the trail to go over. I've never been so shaken in all my life.

[John Liggett]

Certainly a rough trip.

[Mrs. Liggett]

I suppose we should be Grateful though, that we're here alive. I hear there's been a lot of things happening on your line, Mr. Sawtelle.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Sure enough has. I declare, it's a relief to see this stage come through safe and sound. We've had a sight of trouble lately.

[John Liggett]

I heard about it.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Wasn't no trouble this trip, was there, Mr. Liggett?

[John Liggett]

No, not a bit. We came right through without any trouble.

[Ben Sawtelle]

No one stopped the stage or asked any questions.

[John Liggett]

We didn't see a sign of anybody.

[Mrs. Liggett]

Not a soul. All the way from Pine river here.

[Ben Sawtelle]

I don't understand you complaining about the driver. He's one of the best men we got. He can handle horses like no one I ever seen.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

I want to ask them folks some questions, Ben.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Reckon they'll be glad to answer.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Sheriff, what happened on the trip?

[Mrs. Liggett]

Nothing.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Not a thing.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Come on, speak up. Who stopped the stage?

[Ben Sawtelle]

What's happened, Sheriff?

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Answer my question. Who stopped the stage? No one.

[John Liggett]

I'll swear to that. We didn't see a sign of anyone.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Who got at the guard and driver? No one.

[John Liggett]

It wasn't any way possible for anyone to get at them. What's the matter, Sheriff?

[Ben Sawtelle]

What's happened?

[Sheriff Beardsley]

So there ain't no way for anyone to have got to Bixby? Well, the fact remains him and the guard are dead right now.

[The Lone Ranger]

Foreign.

[Ben Sawtelle]

What's up everybody?

[Bretzky]

It's Bretzky. And America is turning 250. And I can't think of a better way to celebrate that than playing on an American owned social casino. Spinquest.com with all of your favorite games, live crafts, bubble craps, live blackjack, there's no better place to play for free and win real cash prizes.

[Spinquest Disclaimer]

Spinquest.com Spinquest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[Vrbo Advertiser]

This summer, don't squeeze in. Spread out. Find homes big enough for your whole guest list on vrbo. That's vacation rentals done right. Book your stay. Now

[Ben Sawtelle]

the curtain falls on the first act of tonight's Lone Ranger drama. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit

[Masked Man]

us to pause for just a few moments.

[Narrator]

Now, on with our story. We learn in the first act of tonight's Lone Ranger drama that the stage line between Pine river and Calhoun had been attacked. Three drivers and three guards had been killed, but no clue left behind, which would explain the murders. Two passengers, a man by the name of Liggett and his wife had been on the stage at the time of the last attack. But though they'd been present when the tragedy occurred, they could offer no explanation to account for it. We return now to the office of Ben Sawtelle, manager of the stage line. Sheriff Beardsley has been questioning the Leggetts for more than an hour but with no result.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Well, that's all you can tell?

[John Liggett]

We've told you the truth, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

You left Pine river with everyone in good shape. And you didn't see no one on the way here?

[John Liggett]

Not a soul.

[Mrs. Liggett]

We didn't even stop except for the men to fill their canteens with water.

[John Liggett]

My wife means the guard and driver.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

No one could have shot him from ambush.

[Ben Sawtelle]

If you know blame well, there ain't no signs of shooting.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

That's so.

[John Liggett]

I don't see how the stage could be brought here with both those men dead.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

The horses know the way as well as the men do. What do you folks come here for?

[Ben Sawtelle]

Was you aiming to head on west?

[John Liggett]

No, not unless we had to.

[Mrs. Liggett]

We're looking for our son.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Your son? Yeah, he.

[John Liggett]

Well, he ran away from home.

[Narrator]

We think he came this way.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

He said nothing about it before.

[John Liggett]

You didn't give us a chance. You were too blame busy trying to accuse us of murdering those two men.

[Mrs. Liggett]

Have you seen Dave?

[Sheriff Beardsley]

There ain't been no one here by that name.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Dave legged, huh? Yes.

[John Liggett]

He seemed to think he had an answer to these strange murders.

[Ben Sawtelle]

R.A. scott. Maybe it's the kid. What sort of looking kid?

[Mrs. Liggett]

Thin and pale and only 16.

[John Liggett]

But he looks even younger.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Towheaded.

[Mrs. Liggett]

Have you seen him?

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Thunder Ration. That's the Kansas Kid.

[Ben Sawtelle]

And we thought he was in cahoots with the killers.

[Mrs. Liggett]

Where is he now?

[John Liggett]

You've seen him then?

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Yeah, he's handcuffed to the hitch rack. He come here with big ideas and we figured he was in with the killers.

[Ben Sawtelle]

He acted peculiar. Like he was bound and determined to drive a stage or work for me here at something or other. We catched him snooping in my books.

[Mrs. Liggett]

Oh, John. What can we do with him?

[John Liggett]

I'll go get him.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Hey, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Sawtelle. Come fast. There's a masked man and injured. Where? They're loosing a prisoner.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Oh boy.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Get him. We want them to.

[Mrs. Liggett]

There they are.

[John Liggett]

Dave.

[The Lone Ranger]

Dave.

[Ben Sawtelle]

You got him on the horse with a mask, man.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

I'll stop him this time.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Don't shoot.

[John Liggett]

You might hit David.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on.

[Ben Sawtelle]

There they go again.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

I seen him loosen the handcuffs. That settles it. I'm going to get to the bottom of things if I have to jail everyone around here.

[Jake Meekin]

I couldn't have stopped them, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

It's all right, Meekin. There wasn't nothing you could do great.

[Jake Meekin]

Golly, what with another pair of men gone, new arrivals and that funny acting kid.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Hold on, Meekin. How'd you know he was funny actin'? Huh? You ain't had nothing to do with him. How'd you know he was funny actin'?

[Ben Sawtelle]

Well, I.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

You've been snooping around this office while he was here, ain't ya?

[Jake Meekin]

I didn't mean no harm, Sheriff. Honest, I.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Get inside there. You too, Liggett. Your wife with you?

[Ben Sawtelle]

What are you gonna do about the Kid, Sheriff?

[John Liggett]

Get me in there at Palmer posse. My boy's in the hands of that mask man.

[Mrs. Liggett]

Do something, Sherry. Fine, David.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

I says get inside. Maybe the Kid is working for killers. Maybe you work with him. Maybe you lied about the trip here. Maybe you killed them guards and drivers.

[John Liggett]

That's not true.

[Mrs. Liggett]

How dare you say such things?

[Sheriff Beardsley]

I dare say what I blame. Please. Now, sit down. I'm asking plenty more questions. You sit there, Meekin.

[Jake Meekin]

I didn't mean no harm, Sheriff. All I done was to get where I could hear what the Kid was saying. He looks odd.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Sit down and shut your mouth. You sit there, Leggett, and your wife next to you. Sawtelle.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Yeah.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Go get all my deputies and tell them we're running things with a high hand around this town till we find out about the Leggetts and the Kid and the Injun and the mask man. Maybe then we'll know how men can die so sudden.

[Narrator]

Ben Sawtelle and Sheriff Beardsley suspected that young David Liggett, who called himself the Kansas Kid, knew more than he wished to tell of the murders. The Lone Ranger believed that David would be willing to help solve the mystery. He rescued the boy and carried him to his camp. We see the masked man as he dismounts.

[Masked Man]

He'll be taken care of here, Dave. Better than you would in prison. You'd have gone there because the sheriff thought you were helping me.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

I. I reckon so.

[Masked Man]

I'm glad you told me your real name while we were riding.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

I. I don't know what it is, mister, but. But in spite of your mask, there's something about you. I. I can trust you, can't I?

[Masked Man]

Yes, Dave, you can.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

I knowed it. The Indian, too.

[Masked Man]

Toddo's my best friend.

[Ben Sawtelle]

What you come here for?

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

I. Well, I. I didn't dare to mention what I know to the chef or to Mr. Sawtelle.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Why?

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Well. Well, you see, the. The killer might be one of them. If that is the case, then. Then they just arrange for me to die. Sudden, like. And. And the killing would go on.

[Narrator]

That's good straight thinking, Dave.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

I didn't dare to tell Ma and Pa about what I thought because they'd say.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Well.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Well, they'd say I was too young to mix into things of the sort.

[Masked Man]

Dave, just what do you suspect?

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Well. Well, you see, Pa runs the store over at Pine center and I tend counter sometimes. And. And three times a certain man's come in and bought things. I seen him around Calhoun and he's one of the critters, I suspect.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Yes.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Look here, if I tell you the whole thing, will you. Will you take the chance of stringing along with me and just seeing if I'm right?

[Masked Man]

Tell me, Dave.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

No matter how loco it sounds, just

[Masked Man]

tell me and we'll see. Tonto and I came here to try and put an end to murder and robbery. If you have any idea how these stage drivers die, tell us.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

I,

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tonto listened as Dave Leggett told his story, then formed certain plans. It was several days before these plans could be put into action and meanwhile Sheriff Beardsley and his men searched the vicinity for the masked man and his companions. The deputies hunted far and wide, but each morning they returned to the parents of David Liggett with the same report.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Not a thing new. I'm downright sorry, folks.

[Mrs. Liggett]

But he must be around here someplace. Sheriff, he couldn't simply drop out of sight.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

He's being kept in hiding by that mask man. It's the only way I can figure it out.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Howdy, Mr. Mrs. Liggett.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Good morning.

[Ben Sawtelle]

The next stage is coming through today.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

I know it, Ben. I made arrangements like we talked of.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Got men all along the trail at intervals?

[Masked Man]

Yep.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

I had to drop the hunt for the Kid to do it, but I sent the men out to their posts.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Have enough men?

[Sheriff Beardsley]

I swore in a few extra ones.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Good enough. Ain't found no trace of the Kid, have you?

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Nope.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Seen Meekin around?

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Yeah, he's one of the new deputies.

[John Liggett]

Oh.

[Ben Sawtelle]

I wondered what he was this time. That coyote gets lickered and falls asleep somewhere in the woods ever so often. Takes too darn many days off.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

I'd fire him if I was you, Sawtelle.

[Ben Sawtelle]

I would. Only I'm too short handed already.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Snooping in your office, Winder, like he done.

[John Liggett]

Isn't there something we can do to find Dave? Can't we call out some army men or something?

[Sheriff Beardsley]

After the stage comes through, I'll put all my men out hunting him again, Mr. Liggett. That's all we can do.

[Ben Sawtelle]

That voice. That's the mask man.

[The Lone Ranger]

There he is.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Stand where you are, Sheriff.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's life and death and you've got

[Ben Sawtelle]

to listen to me.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

You're under arrest.

[Masked Man]

Don't waste time and talk. Come on and follow me.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Where's my boy?

[John Liggett]

What have you done with Dave?

[Masked Man]

Your boy's all right, but he might not be if you don't come with me, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

But I don't.

[Masked Man]

Misdeeds fail. Toward the east.

[Ben Sawtelle]

It's another trick of some sort. It isn't.

[Masked Man]

Bring some men and come.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

My men are scattered all along the trail.

[Masked Man]

Pick them up as you ride.

[John Liggett]

They're all looking for you and my son.

[Ben Sawtelle]

In that case, they may follow me,

[Masked Man]

even if this hair won't help solve the mystery.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Wait. Wait a minute.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, follow me.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger shouted for the sheriff to follow him, then wheeled Silver about and raced out of town to meet the westbound stage. When he passed the first of the deputies along the way, he called to them as Silver thundered by.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on. Follow me.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

That's the masked man, the one we're hunting.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Get ridin.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Get up there.

[Narrator]

The Great Horse. Silver continued his wild dash eastward while the deputies tried to follow far ahead. Dave Lickett and Tonto held three men at bay with drawn guns. Two of the men are the driver and guard of the westbound stage. The third is Jake Meekin, the new deputy.

[Stage Guard]

It's just a matter of time when these two will have to let us go.

[Jake Meekin]

This so.

[Stage Guard]

Guard, if the stage don't get to Calhoun on time, the rest of your deputies will ride out to meet it, won't they?

[Jake Meekin]

Sure they will. Then they'll make this redskin and kid tell how they've been killing everyone.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

We ain't the killers. You'll find out soon enough.

[Jake Meekin]

Look here, Kid. You leave the three of us go and we'll give you a chance to get away.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

No.

[Stage Guard]

Well, at least give us a drink of water from that hole.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

My throat's parched.

[Stage Guard]

I ain't had a drink since my canteen went dry a while after we left Pine River.

[Ben Sawtelle]

You noticed. Take them. Drink.

[Jake Meekin]

If you're gonna kill us in that mysterious way you had, why don't you do it and get it over with?

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

We ain't the killers and. And you know it, Meekin.

[Jake Meekin]

You'll swing for murder when my pards get here.

[Stage Guard]

I want a drink.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

The least you can do is let us have some water.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

No, no. You can't touch it.

[Jake Meekin]

When I say go, we'll jump.

[The Lone Ranger]

Em.

[Jake Meekin]

It's your only chance.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

What Are you saying Meekin.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Go.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Look out.

[John Liggett]

You.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

You not touch water. Now hold them. Hold until we get ropes.

[Jake Meekin]

Never mind the ropes.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Just drill em.

[Stage Guard]

It's a doggone good idea.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Let me up. Let me up. Listen to me. I'm here to help you. We ain't the killers.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Oh, we got him at last. Six murders for him to tell about. Shoot them. Shoot the two of them. There comes a third.

[Stage Guard]

We got a fight. Driver, get your gun from the redskin. Now shoot them.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

I'll fix them.

[The Lone Ranger]

Give them them white fellows that engine's horse.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Look out. He'll get you hand, dice, and free of.

[The Lone Ranger]

You got that done, Meekin. I'll show you.

[John Liggett]

Oh, my hand.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

I got my gun again. I'll keep him covered.

[Masked Man]

Now keep your hands up till the lawmen get here. And then you'll all learn the truth.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Keep em all covered. Stand back all of you. Hice your hands. You got em boys, huh? Good work.

[Ben Sawtelle]

What's happened? What's happened here?

[Masked Man]

Be quiet and let Dave Liggett tell his story.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Mr. Sawtelle, will you listen now?

[Ben Sawtelle]

Oh, I'm talking.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Well, that fella Meekin, he come into Pa's store a few times and he bought a certain thing that I. Well, I wondered a lot about.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Well, what was it?

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Pison. A kind that's used for killing crop destroying bugs. It don't hurt cattle none, but it's pison for a man.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Where's the Kid?

[Jake Meekin]

Lies.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

He put it in that water hole. And when the guards and drivers would drink there, they'd get pisoned before they got to Calhoun. Then Meekin would stop the horses, loot the stage and send the horses on again. I think so.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Very true, Sheriff.

[Masked Man]

For proof, have Meekin drink the water.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

What about that Meekin?

[Jake Meekin]

Them's the two that poisoned it. That Injun and the Kid.

[Stage Guard]

Hold on, Meekin. If that's true, why'd they let us drink the water? They blame near got killed for trying to keep us from drinking the poison

[Masked Man]

lasts only a short time, then the water clears itself. Try it, Meekin.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Here, take a good big drink.

[Narrator]

No.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

No. Sheriff.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Ben, help me. By darn, Meekin, you've been missing for a few days. Every time a stage was robbed you said you'd got too much to drink. But that was just a lie to cover up. I see it now.

[Masked Man]

I think you'll find the stolen loot in Meekin's home.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Meekin, you're going to drink that water.

[Jake Meekin]

No, no, don't make me.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

We'll pour it down your throat. Don't. Don't. I confess. I done it. I'm the killer. Gosh, look here kid. How do you know so much?

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Well, I just had a hunch. And when the masked man got to listening, he figured it was a good hunch. So me and the Indian Tono come here. That's all, son.

[Ben Sawtelle]

If your folks is willing, you got a job on the stage line.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

Gosh, thanks.

[Sheriff Beardsley]

Reason the last stage wasn't looted, I suppose was on account of the passengers carried water for the trip with them and didn't drink from this hole. Well, Meekin, you dirty rat.

[Jake Meekin]

I gotta write to a trial. I got a right to tell my story.

[Stage Guard]

I'll tell.

[Ben Sawtelle]

Mysterious murders, huh? Why, drat you. I can see through you as plain as day. Now come on and see what hanging's like.

[Dave Liggett (Kansas Kid)]

It.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sam,

[Narrator]

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

[Spinquest Player]

Hanging out at the pool is great. Relaxing and playing Vegas style games on my phone at the same time. Drink in one hand and a blackjack in the other. It's all at Spinquest. Over a thousand games, including your favorite slots and table games. Be cool with this summer special. New players get $30 coin packs for

[Spinquest Disclaimer]

[e-mail] SpinQuest is a free to play social casino. Visit SpinQuest.com for more details.

[American Express Advertiser]

Dinner time. It's where little moments are cherished with blue cash preferred. Get 6% cash back at US supermarkets and bring everyone together. I did say everyone. Learn more at americanexpress. Com, Explore BCP terms and cashback cap apply with blue cash preferred.