The Lone Ranger - Guilty Knowledge

Summary

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The Lone Ranger: "Guilty Knowledge"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: The Lone Ranger - Guilty Knowledge
Date: May 29, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode returns listeners to the thrilling world of "The Lone Ranger," a classic tale from the golden age of radio. In "Guilty Knowledge," the Lone Ranger and his loyal companion Tonto unravel a murder mystery set across the rugged Western plains. When rancher Eric Wagner is shot down, suspicion, greed, and romance intertwine as the masked hero rides into action to uncover the truth, protect the innocent, and bring the guilty to justice.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Murder and Initial Investigation

• Setting the Scene:
  • The episode opens with the assassination of Texas rancher Eric Wagner ([04:13]).
  • US Marshal Al Cook and the Lone Ranger, accompanied by Tonto, quickly arrive at the scene ([05:10]).
• Early Clues:
  • Tonto identifies distinctive hoofprints with a broken horseshoe, likely left by the killer ([06:02]).
  • Eric’s only heir is Helen, his niece, living in Arizona and struggling financially ([06:44]).
• Strategic Secrecy:
  • Tonto proposes to keep Eric’s death a secret to catch the murderer ([07:31], [07:53]).
  • Tonto: "If we keep it a secret, we’ll have a better chance to learn who did this." ([07:33])

2. Helen Wagner's Plight and Romantic Tensions

• Helen's Struggle:
  • Helen is on the verge of losing her ranch after a disastrous winter ([10:09]).
  • Tom Forbes, loyal ranch hand, offers financial and emotional support, hinting at marriage ([10:25]).
• Greg Spencer Returns:
  • Greg, a former suitor, unexpectedly reappears, rekindling his proposal, raising suspicion ([11:01]).
  • Tension escalates between Tom and Greg; Helen is emotionally torn ([12:17]).
  • Notable Quote:
    • Tom Forbes: "If I can't stop it no other way, I'll gun whip you." ([12:11])

3. Unveiling Suspicions

• Secret Meeting:
  • The Lone Ranger brings Tom Forbes to his camp for a private conversation ([13:44]).
  • They discuss Greg's suspicious absence and the match between his horse’s tracks and those at the crime scene ([14:39]).
  • The Lone Ranger notes that Greg’s alibi (prospecting) and sudden interest in Helen, just as she stands to inherit a fortune, are damning ([14:51]).
• Forming a Plan:
  • Tom is eager for direct action, but the Lone Ranger cautions patience; evidence is still circumstantial ([15:24]).
  • Notable exchange:
    • Tonto: "Will you help me trap him?" ([15:20])

4. A Frame-Up for Tom Forbes

• Theft Accusation:
  • Helen reports missing items; Greg seizes the opportunity to cast suspicion on Tom ([17:19]).
  • Tom is caught retrieving a letter from Helen’s desk (by prior arrangement with the Lone Ranger) but cannot reveal the real reason ([18:32]).
  • Greg pushes for Tom’s arrest. Helen is devastated ([19:17]).
• Tom’s Disappearance:
  • Greg fetches the sheriff; Tom seemingly vanishes. Suspicion against him grows ([20:13]).

5. The Wedding Trap

• Greg's Proposal Accepted:

  • Greg pressures Helen into agreeing to marry him in two weeks, believing his scheme is working ([22:29]).
  • Notable Quote:
    • Greg Spencer: "Then two weeks it is... we’ll have the biggest wedding that was ever seen around these parts." ([22:32])

• Preparations and Despair:

  • As the wedding approaches, Tom laments Helen's impending union with Greg ([23:18]).
  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto reassure Tom that their plan is nearly ready ([23:43]).

6. Climactic Revelation and Justice

• Wedding Day:
  • The whole community gathers at the Wagner ranch for the big event ([24:37]).
  • Marshal Cook introduces another lawman—himself, revealed as a U.S. marshal from Texas ([25:52]).
• The Lone Ranger’s Scheme:
  • The masked man interrupts the ceremony, presenting a letter from Eric Wagner to Helen ([26:15]).
  • Greg unwittingly reveals guilty knowledge:
    • "Helen's uncle was shot and killed." ([26:54])
  • Only the murderer could know of Eric’s death, since it had been kept secret.
  • Marshal Cook: "When you said he was dead, that proved you must have been the killer." ([27:21])
• Greg's Downfall:
  • Greg’s alibi collapses under scrutiny, and horse tracks confirm his involvement ([27:40]).
  • He is promptly arrested and faces a grim fate in Texas ([28:02]).
  • Notable Quote:
    • Marshal Al Cook: "We hang folks for murder. Come on, Greg." ([28:02])

7. A Happy Ending

• Restitution and Romance:

  • Tom reveals he took only the old letter to help expose Greg, not to steal ([28:08]).
  • The community festivities continue as Tom proposes to Helen with the ring he had all along:
    • Tom Forbes: "You got everything here set for a wedding. What's the use of wasting it?" ([28:31])
    • Helen, tearfully, accepts ([28:42]).

• The Lone Ranger’s Exit:

  • As harmony returns, the masked man rides away once more:
    • Lone Ranger: "Come on, Silver. We’re heading for Thundercloud camp in the hills." ([29:09])

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Notable Quotes & Moments by Timestamp

• Marshal Al Cook on the Lone Ranger’s identity:
  • "I reckon I ain’t fool enough to mistake you for an outlaw." (07:19)
• Tonto’s insight:
  • "If we keep it a secret, we'll have a better chance to learn who did this." (07:33)
• Greg incriminates himself:
  • "Helen's uncle was shot and killed." (26:54)
• Marshal Al Cook's conclusion:
  • "Only two people besides the murderer knew of his death. The masked man and myself." (27:16)

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Section | Summary | |-----------|------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:13 | Murder of Eric Wagner | The inciting murder occurs | | 07:33 | Pact to keep death secret | Tonto and marshal agree to secrecy | | 10:09 | Helen’s struggle | Helen & Tom discuss the fate of the ranch | | 12:17 | Tom vs Greg | Dramatic confrontation over Helen’s affections | | 14:39 | Horse print evidence | Matching tracks linked to Greg’s horse | | 17:19 | Accusation of theft | Helen confronts Tom, Greg pushes for arrest | | 22:32 | Wedding set | Helen agrees to marry Greg in two weeks | | 26:54 | Greg confesses knowledge | Greg slips up, exposing his guilt | | 28:02 | Arrest | Greg is arrested; threat of hanging in Texas | | 28:31 | Tom proposes to Helen | Resolution and romantic payoff | | 29:09 | Lone Ranger departs | The masked man rides away |

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Summary

"Guilty Knowledge" delivers a classic Western radio mystery layered with suspense, romance, and clever deduction. Signature elements—distinctive sound effects, rapid-fire dialogue, and a galloping pace—create an immersive experience typical of "The Lone Ranger." The episode highlights the value of evidence, quick wit, and courage in seeking justice, culminating in both a criminal’s capture and a heartfelt union for the innocent. With its blend of action, intrigue, and morality, this episode stands as a testament to why old-time radio remains so enchanting.

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Transcript

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[Narrator]

A fiery, horseless speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty hi O Silver. The Lone Ranger. When the early pioneers settled in the western United States, outlaws and hostile Indians made it impossible for them to maintain law and order. Cattle were stolen, banks were looted, and no one's life or property was safe. It was then that the masked rider of the plains first rode in the cause of justice. No man did more in the fight against crime and criminals. And the memory of his deeds will remain as long as the memory of the early west itself. Let us return now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of the great Horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. We're heading for next crossing. It's going to be trouble. Tyler. Silver.

[Narrator]

The Texas sun blazed down on the range country not far from the small town of Meigs. Crossing, a trail wound across the prairie. A trail overlooked on one side by a cluster of rocks. And behind these rocks, a young man crouched. His face was lean and hard. His eyes were intent on the sights of his rifle, pointed toward the trail. A rider approached. The young man's finger slowly tightened on the trigger.

[Tom Forbes]

There.

[Greg Spencer]

That'll hold him.

[Narrator]

Here, boy.

[Tom Forbes]

Come on, fella.

[Greg Spencer]

We gotta hightail it out of here. Steady there, boy. You're right over there to make sure, fella, but I don't reckon there's much need. I was aiming dead center. Get up there.

[Tom Forbes]

Come on, get up. Get.

[Narrator]

Two men were attracted by the shot. One was Al Cook, the United States marshal for the district. The second was the Lone Ranger, who was camped in the territory with his faithful Indian companion, Tonto. The masked man, urging his great horse over forward, saw the marshal standing beside a figure on the trail.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. Hurry, old fellow.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Hi, there.

[Lone Ranger]

What's happened?

[Marshal Al Cook]

There's plenty happening.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh. Oh, Silver. Oh, fellow, two more.

[Tonto]

Is he dead, Marshall?

[Marshal Al Cook]

He sure is. Just one shot, but it got him plumbed through the heart.

[Tonto]

Wait. Isn't that Eric Wagner?

[Marshal Al Cook]

It's Eric right Enough. And I'd sure like to get my hands on the dirty, sneaking coyote that shot him.

[Tonto]

He was killed with a rifle bullet.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Yeah, I thought it sounded like a rifle. Then when I got here, I seen it was the man who shot him.

[Tonto]

Has had plenty of time to get away.

[Marshal Al Cook]

He's most likely in town by now.

[Narrator]

What's that over there?

[Tom Forbes]

Huh?

[Tonto]

You can see where somebody rode a horse this way. The grass is just beginning to spring up again with a horse past.

[Marshal Al Cook]

By golly, I want to look at that.

[Tonto]

Those tracks must have been made by the killer.

[Tom Forbes]

Come here.

[Tonto]

Did you find something?

[Marshal Al Cook]

Look here at this bare patch of ground. You can see the hoof prints. Like somebody drawed a picture.

[Tonto]

Let's see here, Marshal. You see where a part of the shoe had been broken from the hoof?

[Marshal Al Cook]

Yeah.

[Tonto]

You could recognize that print again anywhere.

[Marshal Al Cook]

It ain't proof, though, blast it.

[Tom Forbes]

No.

[Tonto]

Could have been possible for these prints to have been made before the killing, and I doubt it.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Doubting won't help none.

[Tonto]

You're well acquainted here, aren't you?

[Marshal Al Cook]

I ought to be. I was raised in these parts.

[Tonto]

Did Eric have any enemies?

[Marshal Al Cook]

That's what's got me buffaloed. There weren't a better liked fellow than Eric anywhere. He owned the biggest spread around here. But he was always willing to help out anybody that needed help. And he was a dog gone. Good neighbor.

[Tonto]

He didn't have a family, did he?

[Marshal Al Cook]

The only kin Eric had was a niece up Arizona way.

[Tonto]

A niece?

[Marshal Al Cook]

His brother's girl. Helen, I think her name was. Eric paid her a visit about a year ago. She's an orphan now.

[Tonto]

Seems strange you didn't bring her to live with him.

[Marshal Al Cook]

He tried to hard enough. But she wanted to stay and make a go over Pa's ranch. But from what I hear, she ain't had much luck.

[Tonto]

I see.

[Marshal Al Cook]

She'll get Eric spread, though. Eric always said he was leaving it to her.

[Tonto]

There's one thing, Marshall.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Yeah?

[Tonto]

I've been wondering why you didn't mention my mask.

[Marshal Al Cook]

I heard you call that horse of yours Silver.

[Tonto]

Other horses might be called the same,

[Marshal Al Cook]

but not horses like that one. I reckon I ain't fool enough to mistake you for an outlaw.

[Tonto]

Thanks.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Well, I don't see much use staying here any longer. I better be getting back to town, reporting this killing.

[Tonto]

Wait.

[Marshal Al Cook]

But I don't report it, Marshall, but I've got to.

[Tonto]

You and I and the killer are the only ones that know of Eric's death. If we keep it a secret, we'll have a better chance to Learn who did this.

[Marshal Al Cook]

But I gotta let his niece know.

[Tonto]

Anyhow, she's a long way from here.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Yeah, and she's blamed hard up. She'll be feeling mighty bad about this, but at least she'll know she ain't in danger of starving no longer.

[Tonto]

Then I'll make a bargain with you.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Yeah?

[Tonto]

You'll keep this a secret here until I get back.

[Marshal Al Cook]

And I'll ride to Arizona to see Eric's niece. Yes, but what did you want to make a trip like that for?

[Tonto]

You say Eric had no enemies here. His niece inherits his fortune. Probably she had nothing to do with his death, but I'd like to judge for myself.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Oh, shucks. She wouldn't have had nothing to do with a thing like this.

[Tonto]

Is it a bargain?

[Marshal Al Cook]

Well, if there's anybody but you that ask me, yes, I'll do it.

[Narrator]

Good.

[Tonto]

Here, Silver.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Say, where you going?

[Tonto]

To Arizona.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Right now?

[Tonto]

Right now I'm depending upon you to keep your word with me.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Well, I'll be blasted.

[Tom Forbes]

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[Narrator]

Hey, everyone.

[Helen Wagner]

Check out this guy and his bird.

[Narrator]

What is this, your first date?

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[Greg Spencer]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league anyways.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Get a'[e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Greg Spencer]

Liberty.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Liberty.

[Helen Wagner]

Liberty.

[Narrator]

Liberty, a ranch owned by Helen Wagner, was barely making expenses. A disastrous winter had reduced the herd to almost nothing. And only young Tom Forbes, out of what had once been a large crew, remained loyal to his worried employer. We see Helen and Tom as they return to the ranch house after a ride across the range.

[Helen Wagner]

I'm afraid I can't hold on much longer, Tom.

[Tom Forbes]

You ain't figuring on selling out, are you, Helen?

[Helen Wagner]

I've been thinking of it. We're scarcely clear enough this year for Texas.

[Tom Forbes]

All we need is stock the range again.

[Helen Wagner]

And that takes money.

[Tom Forbes]

I got some cash saved.

[Helen Wagner]

Please, Tom.

[Tom Forbes]

Shucks. I know. You told me not to mention it again. That cash is only sitting in the bank. There ain't nothing I'd rather do than give you the lend of it.

[Helen Wagner]

I couldn't take money from you, Tom.

[Tom Forbes]

There's one way you could. Yes, If I was married to you.

[Helen Wagner]

I think a lot of you.

[Tom Forbes]

But you're still thinking of that no good Greg Spencer. That's so, ain't it?

[Helen Wagner]

We. We won't talk about that. Here's the house. I think I'll go right in. You'll unsaddle the horses, won't you?

[Marshal Al Cook]

Sure.

[Helen Wagner]

Go there. It's time to start dinner.

[Narrator]

Helen.

[Helen Wagner]

Great.

[Greg Spencer]

Ain't you glad to see me?

[Helen Wagner]

But. But we quarreled.

[Greg Spencer]

Oh, shucks. I got to thinking it over and I seen where I was wrong. I reckon I was just jealous of Tom then.

[Tom Forbes]

Oh, hold on. You aren't jealous of me. The only reason you picked that fight with Helen was to get out of marrying her after she lost most of her cabin. Why are you.

[Helen Wagner]

Greg, stop it.

[Greg Spencer]

He can't talk to me like that.

[Tom Forbes]

You don't blame him? Well, I ain't told you nothing but the truth, Tom.

[Helen Wagner]

You never were fair to Greg.

[Tom Forbes]

And you ain't never been nothing but blind where he was concerned.

[Greg Spencer]

Only. How are things on the ranch now?

[Helen Wagner]

Pretty bad.

[Greg Spencer]

Then I'm asking you to forget that fight we had and marry me. I reckon that'll prove I ain't after cash.

[Tom Forbes]

There's something mighty funny about you getting so almighty big hearted this sudden.

[Greg Spencer]

I ain't talking to you, honey. What do you say?

[Helen Wagner]

I don't know what to say. You. You've been gone so long.

[Greg Spencer]

I've been prospecting. I was hoping I'd strike it rich so as I could give you all the things I'd like to.

[Helen Wagner]

Oh, great.

[Tom Forbes]

Prospecting. That takes hard work. And if you ever done something like that, it'd be the first time.

[Greg Spencer]

That's what I've been doing.

[Tom Forbes]

Anybody see you at it?

[Greg Spencer]

I ain't seen anybody for months. I was way back in the hills.

[Tom Forbes]

Yeah.

[Helen Wagner]

Tom, you shouldn't.

[Greg Spencer]

Don't pay no mind to him.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Helen.

[Greg Spencer]

What do you say?

[Helen Wagner]

If you really mean it this time,

[Tom Forbes]

by golly, I won't stand for it.

[Greg Spencer]

Tom, you keep your nose out of it.

[Tom Forbes]

I won't. I ain't gonna stand here and see Helen took in by a rat like you. If I can't stop it no other way, I'll gun whip You.

[Marshal Al Cook]

You what?

[Tom Forbes]

You heard me. And I meant it.

[Helen Wagner]

Stop it.

[Tom Forbes]

In fact, I don't need no gun for your kind.

[Greg Spencer]

That's just about enough.

[Tom Forbes]

And take this.

[Helen Wagner]

You knocked Greg down.

[Tom Forbes]

And when he gets up, I'll knock him down again.

[Helen Wagner]

You brute.

[Tom Forbes]

I ain't no sneak like him.

[Helen Wagner]

Greg, honey, are you hurt?

[Greg Spencer]

Not too much to fix him.

[Helen Wagner]

Greg, don't shoot.

[Marshal Al Cook]

A rope.

[Tom Forbes]

A mask.

[Helen Wagner]

Man the engine. Ropes. Cake.

[Tonto]

Let me go.

[Lone Ranger]

Let me loose.

[Tonto]

You're not getting loose until we leave.

[Narrator]

Come on, Tom.

[Tom Forbes]

You want me?

[Marshal Al Cook]

We are riding.

[Lone Ranger]

But what?

[Tonto]

Are you coming willingly or do we have to rope you too?

[Tom Forbes]

You got the drop on me.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Get mounted.

[Helen Wagner]

What are you doing? Who are you?

[Marshal Al Cook]

You may learn that later.

[Tonto]

Hurry, Tom.

[Tom Forbes]

If you didn't have the drop on

[Greg Spencer]

me, you're Madeline Crook.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Let me alone. Tyler will let you go when we start here.

[Lone Ranger]

Silver.

[Helen Wagner]

Please don't hurt Tom.

[Marshal Al Cook]

He'll be back.

[Lone Ranger]

But please, get started.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Get up.

[Helen Wagner]

Now.

[Tom Forbes]

Get up.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Sil.

[Narrator]

Guarded by the Lone Ranger in Tonto, young Tom Forbes was taken to the small camp near Helen Wagner's ranch. There, at a signal from the masked man, they reined in their horses.

[Tonto]

Get down, Tom.

[Tom Forbes]

What's the idea then?

[Tonto]

You and I are going to talk.

[Tom Forbes]

But why did you?

[Tonto]

I haven't been here long, but Tono and I have asked questions. From what we've learned, you can be trusted.

[Tom Forbes]

That sounds good coming from a Mass comrade.

[Tonto]

I'm not an outlaw.

[Tom Forbes]

Then why can't you show your face?

[Tonto]

That's something I won't explain. But I think I can prove I'm your friend.

[Tom Forbes]

Yeah.

[Tonto]

You think a lot of Helen Wagner, don't you?

[Tom Forbes]

Enough to give my life for her. If it'll do any good.

[Tonto]

I've heard as much. What do you know about Greg Spencer?

[Tom Forbes]

Him? He's the biggest crook ever came out of these parts.

[Tonto]

You can prove that?

[Tom Forbes]

No, but I'd bet on it. Say, what are you so interested in him for?

[Tonto]

Santo and I arrived here from Meigs Crossing in Texas yesterday.

[Tom Forbes]

What are you aiming to do?

[Tonto]

Helen had an uncle there.

[Narrator]

Uh huh.

[Tom Forbes]

Old Eric Wagner. He was here last summer.

[Tonto]

You met him?

[Tom Forbes]

No, I was away driving a trail herd to market when he was here. I remember the letter he wrote saying he was coming.

[Tonto]

Eric was murdered, huh? And near his body we found the prints of a horse with a broken shoe.

[Tom Forbes]

Well, I'll be.

[Tonto]

And that print was identical with a print made by Greg Spencer's horse.

[Tom Forbes]

How'd you know that?

[Tonto]

I was waiting to speak to Helen when Greg rode up I stayed out of sight, but I saw the trail he made.

[Tom Forbes]

Well, he said he'd been prospecting in the hills.

[Tonto]

You didn't believe that story yourself. It would serve as a good excuse for his absence all this time. It would take quite a while to ride to Meg's Crossing from here and back.

[Tom Forbes]

Then that explains it.

[Tonto]

Yes.

[Tom Forbes]

If Greg shot Eric, he know durn well she'd come into what Eric owned.

[Tonto]

That's true.

[Tom Forbes]

Greg made up a fight with Helen when she lost most of her own critters. Then most likely, he got the idea of shooting Eric. So's Helen to get his ranch.

[Tonto]

That sounds probable.

[Tom Forbes]

The dirty skunk pretending to want to marry her when she's broke. And knowing all the time she's the owner of one of the biggest spreads in Texas.

[Tonto]

Will you help me trap him?

[Tom Forbes]

Help Here? We'll go back there right now and pick him up. No.

[Lone Ranger]

Why not?

[Tonto]

Prints in his absence aren't evidence. We turned him over to the law. Now he'd be tried and freed. And a man can't be tried a second time for the same killing.

[Tom Forbes]

But we gotta do something.

[Tonto]

And we will.

[Tom Forbes]

If you ain't got no more evidence than that.

[Tonto]

I haven't, Tom. But something you said suggested a plan.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Tonto]

Listen to me. There are some things I want to know. And if you can give me the answers I hope for, I think Greg will go to jail for Eric's murder.

[Marshal Al Cook]

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. Eric Wagner, a wealthy Texas rancher, was shot from ambush and his body was discovered by the United States Marshal and the Lone Ranger. The marshal promised to keep Eric's death a secret. And the masked man rode to Arizona to inform Helen Wagner of her uncle's death. On his arrival, he found that the hoof prints of Greg Spencer's horse corresponded to prints found near the scene of the murder. The ranger took Tom Forbes to his camp in order to question him. And now, as our second act opens, we see Tom back at the ranch house once more, talking to Helen.

[Helen Wagner]

And the masked man didn't try to rob you, Tom?

[Tom Forbes]

He ain't no outlaw, Helen.

[Helen Wagner]

But what did he want?

[Tom Forbes]

That's something he made me promise not to tell right now, but I reckon you'll know all about it in time.

[Helen Wagner]

No, I'm curious.

[Tom Forbes]

Well, I give my word.

[Helen Wagner]

Tom, there's something.

[Narrator]

Yeah?

[Helen Wagner]

The last couple of days, there's been things missing. I don't know who could have taken them?

[Tom Forbes]

You mean somebody stealing things?

[Helen Wagner]

I had some rings in my room. They're gone. And some gold spurs that were given to poor one.

[Tom Forbes]

Oh, God. Who could have taken them things?

[Helen Wagner]

I can't think.

[Tom Forbes]

Say, I'll bet it was that sneaking.

[Helen Wagner]

I know what you're going to say, and I won't listen to you.

[Tom Forbes]

Well, maybe you'll learn better someday.

[Helen Wagner]

I forgave you for the fight you had with Greg the other day. But you can't say things about him to me.

[Tom Forbes]

I don't think you know.

[Helen Wagner]

There's Greg's now.

[Tom Forbes]

Don't he ever. Stay away from here.

[Helen Wagner]

Don't you fight with him again.

[Tom Forbes]

Fight with him? I'll do more than that before I'm through. They're outside talking. I better see what's in that desk while I still got the chance. Here it is. Hope it ain't locked. It ain't, by golly. Now let me see. I gotta find it. No, that ain't it.

[Narrator]

Oh, we're in.

[Tom Forbes]

Tarnation. My gosh, this is it. I'll just.

[Greg Spencer]

Honey, I just had to see you.

[Helen Wagner]

Tom, what on earth are you doing?

[Greg Spencer]

He just now took something out of that desk. I seen him slip it into his pocket.

[Helen Wagner]

Tom, is that true?

[Greg Spencer]

Well, look at him. You can't even say anything.

[Tom Forbes]

What did you take now, Helen? I didn't take anything you'd want.

[Helen Wagner]

What is it?

[Tom Forbes]

I can't tell you.

[Greg Spencer]

You blasted thief. You're the fellow that took them things Helen was telling me about.

[Tom Forbes]

That ain't so.

[Greg Spencer]

Then what are you doing taking things from that desk like that? We caught you and you can't lie out of it.

[Helen Wagner]

Tom, I never would have believed you a thief.

[Greg Spencer]

I always said he weren't no good.

[Tom Forbes]

Maybe I can explain later, but I can't tell you nothing now. I just can't.

[Helen Wagner]

You could explain if he were innocent.

[Tom Forbes]

You gotta trust me.

[Greg Spencer]

We ain't trusting nobody.

[Tom Forbes]

Give back what you took out by a dern si.

[Helen Wagner]

Do as Greg says and perhaps we can forget about the other things that have been stolen. I couldn't bear to let folks know you were dishonest.

[Tom Forbes]

Folks can think what they want. I ain't putting nothing back.

[Greg Spencer]

You just think you ain't.

[Tom Forbes]

I'll be going now. Feeling the way you do, Helen? I reckon you won't want me around here anymore. Hold on. Yeah?

[Narrator]

Come back here.

[Tom Forbes]

I'm a Goin.

[Marshal Al Cook]

No, you ain't.

[Tom Forbes]

Draw on me, will you? You missed, Greg.

[Helen Wagner]

Let him go. Don't go after him.

[Marshal Al Cook]

I'll get that sneak thief.

[Helen Wagner]

Please let him go.

[Marshal Al Cook]

I'll drill him.

[Greg Spencer]

I. Blast it, Helen, you shoved my arm.

[Helen Wagner]

I did it on purpose. I don't care what Tom's done, but I don't want him shot.

[Greg Spencer]

Yeah, well I'm getting the sheriff. And when the law catches up with him, he'll be sitting in jail where he belongs.

[Narrator]

Greg Spencer mounted and rode to town for the sheriff in spite of Helen's pleas. Then he accompanied the sheriff and his deputies on the search for Tom. But the young man seemed to have disappeared completely. When the sheriff and Greg were finally convinced that the manhunt was a failure, they returned to the ranch house.

[Marshal Al Cook]

I sure never figured Tom Forbes to be a thief.

[Greg Spencer]

Well, he is. We seen him taking something to the deaths ourselves.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Did you find out what it was? No, but. Well maybe Ms. Helen has gone through the desk and found out what's missing by this time.

[Greg Spencer]

And if you ever find that pole cat, you throw him in jail. I reckon I know my duty without being told.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Here we are.

[Narrator]

Ho ho there.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Ho there.

[Helen Wagner]

Did you find him?

[Greg Spencer]

No, but he ain't gonna be able to hide out forever.

[Helen Wagner]

I'm glad you didn't.

[Marshal Al Cook]

I thought it was you he stole from. Ms. Helen.

[Helen Wagner]

Yes.

[Greg Spencer]

You ain't feeling sorry for that hombre, are you?

[Helen Wagner]

You know I'm not. He's always been a good friend to me until now.

[Greg Spencer]

Then forget about him.

[Marshal Al Cook]

What was missing?

[Helen Wagner]

I don't know. I went through the desk carefully and I had some money there. But that isn't gone.

[Greg Spencer]

That's most likely what he was after. But we come too soon.

[Marshal Al Cook]

But you told me he took something.

[Lone Ranger]

He did.

[Greg Spencer]

He must have.

[Helen Wagner]

Of course there's a lot of papers a keepin the desk too. Some of those could be gone but I can't think of anything of value.

[Greg Spencer]

Well anyhow, he must have taken that other stuff.

[Helen Wagner]

I don't know what to tell.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Well, I'll be getting back to town. I'll keep an eye out for Tom and if I find him, I'll hold him in jail till you bring charges again. Him steady there.

[Greg Spencer]

You ought to find him before he skips out of this part of the country, Sheriff.

[Narrator]

Uh huh.

[Tom Forbes]

Maybe.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Well, good day to you, Miss Helen.

[Helen Wagner]

Goodbye, Sheriff.

[Tom Forbes]

Get up there. Come on.

[Greg Spencer]

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

[Helen Wagner]

Wish you hadn't told the sheriff about this, Greg.

[Greg Spencer]

I reckon it's about time you and me got hitched. Helen, you're too darn soft hearted. What you need is a man to look after things for You.

[Helen Wagner]

You still want to marry me?

[Greg Spencer]

Of course I do.

[Helen Wagner]

Well, perhaps.

[Greg Spencer]

And the sooner the better.

[Helen Wagner]

Not too soon, Greg. We ought to have more time to think it over.

[Greg Spencer]

I don't need to think it over. I care a heap for you, and

[Tom Forbes]

I reckon you know it.

[Helen Wagner]

Do you really?

[Tom Forbes]

You're blame.

[Greg Spencer]

Right. How about getting hitched right now? But I can get the parson and he can do the job tomorrow.

[Helen Wagner]

Not tomorrow.

[Greg Spencer]

And why not?

[Helen Wagner]

I couldn't get married that soon.

[Greg Spencer]

Well, I want a day set for sure.

[Helen Wagner]

Give me two weeks.

[Greg Spencer]

And then you'll marry me?

[Helen Wagner]

Yes.

[Greg Spencer]

Then two weeks it is. And then, honey, we'll have the biggest wedding that was ever seen around these parts.

[Narrator]

Two weeks passed while preparations for the wedding were being made. Everyone for miles around was invited to the ceremony. And nothing was spared to make the occasion festive. Meanwhile, in the Lone Rangers camp, young Tom Forbes was close to despair.

[Tom Forbes]

Honest, friend, every time I think of Helen getting hitched to that skunk, I see red.

[Tonto]

You'll have to be patient, Tom.

[Tom Forbes]

Patient? What I'd like to do is go gunning for Greg and shoot it out with him till one of us drops.

[Tonto]

That would solve nothing.

[Tom Forbes]

Maybe not, but it'd make me feel a heap better.

[Tonto]

Do you think Helen loves Greg?

[Tom Forbes]

No, I don't. She might have once, but I figure she got over it without knowing it herself. Only she's so darn straight she'd feel guilty about changing her mind.

[Tonto]

Yes, I can understand that.

[Tom Forbes]

The wedding's set for tomorrow.

[Tonto]

A lot can happen between now and then.

[Tom Forbes]

Why can't we go through with our scheme now?

[Tonto]

We've got to wait for Totter to return.

[Tom Forbes]

I sure wish he'd get here.

[Tonto]

Long journey to Meg's Crossing and back.

[Tom Forbes]

But he ought to have been here by now.

[Tonto]

I expect him today.

[Tom Forbes]

Well, if anything goes wrong tomorrow.

[Tonto]

It won't, Tom. There's one thing you can depend upon. It's that a man coward enough to shoot without giving warning will still be a coward when it comes to the test.

[Narrator]

Yeah, I reckon.

[Tonto]

But I'm hoping the wedding will go through anyhow.

[Narrator]

Huh.

[Tonto]

Perhaps you'll understand what I mean later.

[Tom Forbes]

You want Helen to marry that skunk. Well, look here.

[Tonto]

Our waiting is almost ended.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Tom.

[Tonto]

There's Toto, and he's brought the man we want. Now, Tom, we have only to wait until tomorrow and see what happens.

[Narrator]

The next day, guests for the wedding arrived at the Wagner ranch. Some came in the saddle, others by buckboard or wagons. Great stores of food had been cooked. And inside the ranch house There was singing and Gayety.

[Tom Forbes]

My Sally and my spunky girl Sing Polly Wally Doodle Holiday Far thee well, far thee well, Far thee well, my fairy day for I'm from Louisiana Porter, she missed. Thee well, far thee well Farewell.

[Narrator]

Helen, of all the crowd, seemed unable to smile. Her lips were set and her eyes betrayed the evidence of recent tears. She tried to face the crowd and hide her true feelings.

[Greg Spencer]

Honey, what's ailing you anyhow?

[Helen Wagner]

It's nothing.

[Greg Spencer]

Well, I always heard that girls take to cryin afore they got hitched. And I guess you ain't no different from the rest that way.

[Helen Wagner]

Yes.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Howdy, Miss Helen. You don't mind if I introduce a friend of mine, do you?

[Helen Wagner]

Of course not.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Step up here, Al. Miss Helen, this is Al Cook. He's a lawman too. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Ms. Wagner.

[Helen Wagner]

How do you do?

[Narrator]

You're a lawman?

[Marshal Al Cook]

Sure he is. He's a U.S. marshal down Texas way. This is Greg Spencer. Al, huh? I think I seen him somewhere before.

[Tom Forbes]

You couldn't have.

[Marshal Al Cook]

I never been to Texas.

[Greg Spencer]

Yeah.

[Marshal Al Cook]

What's going on over there?

[Helen Wagner]

Why is that. Same mess man.

[Greg Spencer]

And Tom's with him. Arrest him.

[Helen Wagner]

Sheriff, what do you want with me? What's Tom doing here?

[Tonto]

We came to ask you to put off the wedding for a short while.

[Narrator]

What are you buttin in for?

[Tonto]

Don't you think Helen should wait for her uncle to get here for the marriage?

[Lone Ranger]

But.

[Tom Forbes]

But I don't.

[Helen Wagner]

I wrote him. But he didn't answer.

[Tonto]

He did write you a letter.

[Marshal Al Cook]

You're wearing a mask. You're an outlaw. Ask the marshal. You know this fellow, Al? I do. And you can take my word for it that he ain't a crook, Sheriff.

[Greg Spencer]

Then what's he lying for?

[Tonto]

Lying?

[Greg Spencer]

Helen's uncle never wrote her.

[Tonto]

Suppose you look at this.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Well, give it here.

[Helen Wagner]

What's the matter? What?

[Tom Forbes]

Quiet, Helen.

[Helen Wagner]

But I.

[Tom Forbes]

Don't you say nothing. You leave the mask to handle this.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Well, Helen's uncle couldn't have written this.

[Tonto]

He says he's on his way here, doesn't he?

[Marshal Al Cook]

But he's dead.

[Greg Spencer]

Sheriff. Arrest the masked fellow, too. He must have wrote this letter himself.

[Tonto]

Helen, is this your uncle's handwriting?

[Helen Wagner]

Well, of course.

[Tom Forbes]

Didn't I tell you to hush up?

[Tonto]

I think that proves it isn't a forgery.

[Greg Spencer]

But it's gotta be. Helen's uncle was shot and killed.

[Helen Wagner]

Greg, you never told me that.

[Greg Spencer]

Well, I. I just heard it the other day.

[Marshal Al Cook]

That's right, Ms. Wagner. I'm sorry you had to learn it this way. But it's so.

[Helen Wagner]

Uncle. Dad.

[Marshal Al Cook]

And I'm arresting Greg here for being the killer.

[Narrator]

No, no.

[Marshal Al Cook]

How'd you know Eric Wagner had been killed?

[Greg Spencer]

Well, a fellow from Texas.

[Tom Forbes]

Well, he rode through here and told me.

[Marshal Al Cook]

That's a lie. Only two people besides the murderer knew of his death. The masked man and myself.

[Tom Forbes]

But.

[Marshal Al Cook]

But I tell you, when you said he was dead, that proved you must have been the killer.

[Helen Wagner]

Greg a murderer?

[Tom Forbes]

Helen, can't you see what he did? He left you when you lost your cattle and he'd kill off your uncle and come back here to marry you knowing you'd get your uncle's rent.

[Greg Spencer]

That ain't so.

[Marshal Al Cook]

I tell you what's more. You said you'd never been in Texas, but I seen you there.

[Greg Spencer]

I was prospecting when Helen's uncle was killed.

[Marshal Al Cook]

That was your alibi. I've looked at the prints left by your horse and they're just the same as some fellow left where Eric was shot.

[Greg Spencer]

You won't never get me. The first man lays a hand on me gets grilled.

[Lone Ranger]

I blow my head.

[Marshal Al Cook]

Last man shot him.

[Tonto]

I only hid his gun.

[Marshal Al Cook]

This is your territory, Sheriff. Arrest Greg. That's what I'm doing. And I'll take him back to Texas with me. Blast you.

[Greg Spencer]

When I get out, I.

[Helen Wagner]

You won't.

[Marshal Al Cook]

We hang folks for murder. Come on, Grace.

[Tonto]

Come on.

[Helen Wagner]

It's better. With what you took from my death.

[Tom Forbes]

Sure it was Helen. That's the letter your uncle wrote last year when he was coming here. I couldn't have let you know what I took or it would have spoiled it all.

[Marshal Al Cook]

It was the masked man scheme. He knew the side of that letter. Tricked Greg into admitting he knew of Eric's death.

[Tom Forbes]

I'll bet we'll find it was Greg yourself that stole them things from Helen. Look here, Helen.

[Helen Wagner]

Yes?

[Tom Forbes]

You got everything here set for a wedding. What's the use of wasting it?

[Helen Wagner]

What do you mean?

[Tom Forbes]

I got a ring here I'd sure like to put in your finger. And I didn't steal it either.

[Helen Wagner]

Do you think we should?

[Tom Forbes]

You blame right we should. The masked fellow planned it and anything he wants, he gonna have.

[Helen Wagner]

But then I. I say.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Filmer. We're heading for Thundercloud camp in the hills.

[Narrator]

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

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