The Lone Ranger - Jailed for Rustling

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: The Lone Ranger - Jailed for Rustling

Date: May 28, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode immerses listeners in a classic Lone Ranger adventure, set in the rugged ranching country of Texas. Frontier justice, cattle rustling, suspicion, and loyalty drive a sweeping tale as the Lone Ranger and Tonto help honest ranchers caught in a web of deception and false accusations. At the heart of the episode is the struggle of veteran rancher Bill Owens and his loyal foreman, Utah Simpson, who are unjustly accused and jailed for cattle rustling—while the true culprits, led by the cunning Nate Finch, operate undetected. Through detective work, quick action, and community spirit, the Lone Ranger helps expose the real scheme and clear the names of the innocent.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

The Rustling Mystery Unfolds

• [03:14–07:27] Setting & Suspicion:
  • Crow Valley, Texas, is prosperous but plagued by cattle theft. Longtime rancher Bill Owens and foreman Utah Simpson work tirelessly to catch the thieves.
  • Suspicion centers on Nate Finch, the only rancher untouched by rustling since arriving in the valley. Yet, no evidence can be found.
• Bill Owens (04:04):
  “Take a look there... Them pits warn't made my Injun ponies neither. The horses made 'em was plenty hefty.”
• Utah Simpson:
  “Anybody that gets the best of me, there's gotta be plenty good...” (09:12)

The Lone Ranger and Tonto Step In

• The Lone Ranger, identified only by his mask and his famed horse Silver, arrives to investigate the case, asking pointed questions and proposing fresh strategies.
• Lone Ranger (07:02):
  “I can't explain that [the mask]...” when asked by Bill about his identity.
• The resistance and suspicion from locals toward outsiders, even helpful ones, are palpable.

Conflicts and False Accusations

• [10:15–12:10] Confrontation at Nate’s Ranch:
  • The ranchers, sheriff, and posse search Nate Finch’s property but find nothing to incriminate him.
  • Nate angrily confronts Bill and the others, escalating tension.
• Nate Finch (11:15):
  “If I'm crooked, prove it. You can't prove it. Keep your mouth shut.”

The Frame-up and Arrest

• [13:02–14:54] Bill and Utah Framed:
  • Nate Finch devises a plan to frame Bill by planting stolen cattle with altered brands on his ranch.
  • Bill and Utah are arrested to the shock and disbelief of the community.
• Bill Owens (13:19):
  “I reckon we are licked, Utah.”
• Sheriff Mike:
  “I'm arresting you for rustling.” (14:07)

Jailed but Not Defeated

• [16:52–19:47]
  • In jail, Bill and Utah reflect on their fate and the loss of community trust.
  • The Lone Ranger secretly visits them, vowing to prove their innocence. He hints at a solution, probing if anyone searched the mountains for hidden cattle.
  • Bill Owens (17:05):
    “Who would have thought that 30 years of honest ranching could land a feller in jail?”
  • Lone Ranger (18:53):
    “I think you've overlooked something... I won't tell you now in case I'm mistaken, but I'll soon put it to the proof.”

The Trap is Set

• [20:26–24:18]
  • Nate and his gang grow bolder, targeting Mike Pearson’s new purebred cows.
  • The Lone Ranger, using the new cows as bait, works with Mike Pearson to draw the rustlers out.

The Ambush and Revelation

• [24:55–28:22]
  • A posse led by the Lone Ranger and Tonto follows a trail marked by fires through the hills at night.
  • Nate’s men, after stealing cows, unknowingly lead the law to a hidden mountain valley full of stolen cattle—his operation’s core.
  • The gang is surrounded and surrenders rather than be shot.
  • Lippy (26:27):
    “There ain't nothing more to do, is it, boss?”
  • Sheriff Mike (27:31):
    “The doggone right it does. Hog tie ‘em, boys. We're starting back for town right away.”

Resolution and The Lone Ranger’s Justice

• [27:54–28:10]
  • The scheme is revealed: Nate had been hiding stolen cows till their unbranded calves could be raised and branded with his mark.
  • Mike Pearson (27:54):
    “That way they wasn't running no risk. Calves didn't have no brands but what they put on 'em. And they never tried to sell the cows that had our brand.”
• Community reconciles; Bill and Utah are vindicated, restoring their reputation.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Bill Owens’ despair at betrayal:
  “When folks that have been your friends for years quit trusting you, then it don't matter much whether you're in jail or out.” (14:54)
• The Lone Ranger’s optimism:
  “Bill, I may be able to get you out of jail.” (18:00)
• Community justice and forgiveness:
  “If he can, that suits me.” (24:29) – Sheriff Mike, hoping the Lone Ranger can prove the truth.

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Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | Description | |------------|------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:14 | Ranchers Investigate | Bill and Utah begin searching for evidence of rustling | | 07:02 | The Lone Ranger Interrogated | Bill questions the masked man’s motives | | 13:19 | Bill Owens’s Hopelessness | Admits defeat after years of struggle | | 14:07 | Arrest of Bill and Utah | Sheriff brings formal charges | | 17:05 | Reflection in Jail | Bill and Utah discuss their plight | | 18:53 | Lone Ranger’s Secret Visit | Offers hope, hints at solving the mystery | | 24:55 | Posse Organizes | Lone Ranger and sheriff muster a riding posse | | 26:02 | Hidden Valley Discovered | Nate's secret operation is found | | 27:54 | The Scheme is Explained | Mike Pearson reveals the rustlers’ branding scam | | 28:22 | Restoration and Justice | Bill and Utah vindicated, Nate and gang tied up for justice |

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Tone & Style

The episode features classic Western drama, fraught with suspicion, clipped dialogue, and the signature upright confidence of the Lone Ranger. Characters speak in authentic, period-appropriate language, peppered with humor and gravitas.

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Summary

The Lone Ranger - Jailed for Rustling delivers quintessential radio drama: an engrossing story of betrayal, perseverance, and triumphant justice. The Lone Ranger’s clear-headed investigation, paired with community action, restores trust and reveals true villainy. The climactic discovery of the hidden cattle herd and the criminals' downfall showcases the values of teamwork, determination, and belief in the truth.

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“The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.” (30:18)

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Transcript

[Narrator]

Wait.

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[Narrator]

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

[The Lone Ranger]

It's sam.

[Narrator]

When the rich grazing land of Texas was open to settlers, it brought wealth to many. But the honest ranchers found it hard to protect their property from outlaws and cattle rustlers. It was then that the masked rider of the plains rode in the cause of justice. Astride his great horse, Silver, he fought crime and criminals throughout the western United States. And no man did more to bring law and order to the frontier. And now return with us to those thrilling days when the west was young. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Todo]

Come on. Silver. Tunnel's waiting for us in Crow Valley. Hello Silver.

[Narrator]

Nestling at the foot of the High Ridge Mountains, Crow Valley was large and fertile enough to support half dozen prosperous ranches. One of these, the Lazy M, was owned by Bill Owens, an old time cattleman who had been the first to settle in the region. We see him now with his foreman Utah Simpson, who had been in Bill's employ for more than 20 years. They are riding near the edge of the valley in the shadow of the towering hills by the Great Horn.

[Bill Owens]

Too. Juto, if we don't get evidence against that fella this time, we might just well give up.

[Utah Simpson]

But I ain't hoping for much. I got a notion Nate Finch is plenty smart.

[Bill Owens]

Smart? I've been missing more critters in the last three years since he come here than in the whole 27. I was here before.

[Utah Simpson]

He needn't tell me. I know.

[Bill Owens]

Utah.

[Utah Simpson]

Huh?

[Bill Owens]

There's been horsemen. Oh, there. Whoa, whoa, whoa.

[Nate Finch]

Whoa.

[Bill Owens]

Take a look there. And over there.

[Utah Simpson]

By golly, someone was here sure enough.

[Bill Owens]

Them pits warn't made my Injuns ponies neither. The horses made em was plenty hefty.

[Utah Simpson]

Wait.

[Bill Owens]

Yeah.

[Utah Simpson]

Them tracks lead over to them trees and they're mighty fresh.

[Bill Owens]

Maybe we're gonna take a look. See. Get up there.

[Utah Simpson]

Get up.

[Bill Owens]

Get up.

[Utah Simpson]

Get up. Get along.

[Bill Owens]

Maybe them tracks wasn't made by rustlers. But they're sure it's made by strangers. And any strangers around these parts now have got a plenty to explain.

[Utah Simpson]

Uh huh. Hey, did you hear that?

[Bill Owens]

A horse. And close by.

[Utah Simpson]

Keep your six gun loose. Come on boy.

[Bill Owens]

Get up there.

[Utah Simpson]

We are a masked man and a redskin. Hey there.

[Todo]

Yes.

[Bill Owens]

Hoist your hands Mister. You two Injuns.

[Todo]

Put down those guns.

[Bill Owens]

Fellows. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Say, just how come you know my handle?

[Sheriff]

I've been expecting you.

[Bill Owens]

What's that?

[Sheriff]

I heard about the meeting. The sheriff's called. I knew he would be coming this way, so we waited for you.

[Utah Simpson]

Well, I'll be doggone.

[Bill Owens]

Maybe you are, stranger, but you ain't gonna get nothing. Cause we got the drop on you.

[Sheriff]

I'm not enough, though, and I didn't plan to hold you up. Yeah, all we want is some information.

[Bill Owens]

Well, information comes cheap enough. Just what kind you hankering after?

[Sheriff]

You've been losing cattle, haven't you?

[Bill Owens]

You didn't have to come to me to learn that. Everybody knows it. And everybody knows I ain't the only one losing cattle, neither. Yes, there's Mike Pearson, Judd Braley, and all of us having critters stole except Nate for.

[Sheriff]

And you think Nate is responsible for your losses, is that it?

[Utah Simpson]

I wouldn't put nothing past that lowdown blowhard.

[Bill Owens]

It stands to reason he's got something to do with it. There wasn't nothing missing until he bought out the Circle G three years ago.

[Utah Simpson]

And out of the six outfits in the valley, his is the only one that ain't been bothered.

[Sheriff]

You've told him you suspect him?

[Bill Owens]

We've told him aplenty. And all he does is laugh at us.

[Utah Simpson]

He says if we can't prove nothing, to leave him alone.

[Bill Owens]

The ornery coyote.

[Sheriff]

I can't understand why, if you suspect him, you can't prove your suspicions.

[Bill Owens]

We've sure tried hard enough.

[Utah Simpson]

He's just too slick for it, I reckon.

[Sheriff]

If he's taking your cattle, what do you suppose he does with them?

[Bill Owens]

The fellow that can answer that question can ride his own ticket.

[Sheriff]

Yes.

[Bill Owens]

There ain't but one way for cows to be took from the valley, and that's by way of Stovepipe Pass.

[Sheriff]

There's no other possible way?

[Utah Simpson]

None at all, mister. And we've had to pass. Watch. Sublime. Careful. Them critters would have to sprout wings and fly across to get by without our seeing them.

[Sheriff]

Couldn't they be taken through the mountains?

[Bill Owens]

Sure they could. And by the time you got through, you'd have one cow out of 10 left. And that wouldn't pay a rustler his wages.

[Sheriff]

Nate couldn't be changing the brands, could he?

[Bill Owens]

Stranger, we thought of all them things long before you come here. And if Nate's got one critter with a blotted brand, I ain't never seen it.

[Sheriff]

Then what's the idea? Of this meeting this afternoon.

[Bill Owens]

Well, we gotta do something. We're gonna ride from one end of Nate's range to the other. And if we find trace of anything at all crooked, he's sure gonna have to explain.

[Sheriff]

I see.

[Bill Owens]

Any more questions you want to ask?

[Sheriff]

I think that's all.

[Bill Owens]

Then I'll ask some. What's the idea of that mask?

[Sheriff]

I can't explain that.

[Bill Owens]

You don't talk like no outlaw. But I never saw an honest man that wanted to hide his face.

[Utah Simpson]

Yeah? And what are you so old fired interested in the rustling fer?

[Sheriff]

I want to help you.

[Bill Owens]

Maybe you do and maybe you don't. But I can tell you this, stranger, you needn't think you can figure out what we can. We live here, we savvy this country. And if Nate can fool us, he sure don't have to worry about no outsiders.

[Sheriff]

Both you and Nate may be surprised.

[Bill Owens]

Well, I ain't saying I don't hope you're right. I just don't think you are, that's all. Come on, Utah.

[Utah Simpson]

Yeah, we'd better be moving along.

[Sheriff]

Perhaps we'll meet again.

[Sheriff Mike]

Maybe.

[Bill Owens]

If me and Utah here said anything to get you mad, don't pay no mind. You'd be mighty suspicious of strangers too, if you'd been losing cows for close to three years.

[Sheriff]

Yes, I believe I would.

[Utah Simpson]

Hurry up, Bill. We got business to do. And if there's any chance of getting evidence again, Nate today, I want to be there when it happens. Get up there.

[Bill Owens]

Get up though.

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[Narrator]

Bill Owens and Utah Simpson joined the sheriff and their friends and a systematic search was made of Nate Finch's range. Men had been stationed at the pass to make it impossible for Nate to move stolen cattle while the hunt was going on. But still they had little hope that they would be successful.

[Sheriff Mike]

See any sign of a blotted brand in that bunch, Mike?

[Mike Pearson]

Not a sign, Sheriff. Nate never used nothing but a stand brand on them critters. And if they ever wore any other brand but the Circle G, I ain't able to find it.

[Bill Owens]

I reckon it'd be this way.

[Utah Simpson]

Anybody that gets the best of me, there's gotta be plenty good and let's

[Mike Pearson]

get on with it.

[Sheriff Mike]

We ain't Done yet by a blame side.

[Mike Pearson]

Get up there.

[Nate Finch]

Who there,

[Utah Simpson]

dad?

[Bill Owens]

Well, if these critters ain't no different from the others. We looked at all circle GS, fellas.

[Utah Simpson]

I'm just about ready to give up, but I ain't.

[Sheriff Mike]

Maybe Nate figured the safest place to keep that wrestle stock was right where he wouldn't think we'd have the nerve to keep it.

[Bill Owens]

Yeah? And where'd you say that'd be, Sheriff?

[Sheriff Mike]

In his own corral, sir. Come on, get up there.

[Utah Simpson]

Come on, get up there. Get up.

[Bill Owens]

Well, Sheriff, looks like that guess of yours was wrong, too. There ain't no Russell cattle in these corrals.

[Sheriff Mike]

And what in blazes happens to them critters?

[Utah Simpson]

Now you're asking something.

[Sheriff Mike]

Just look at the way things are. You fellas have all had your cows stole. The rustin started about the time Nate

[Narrator]

bought the Circle G. Cows can't be

[Sheriff Mike]

took across the mountains. And they ain't been took out by the way of the pass. And yet, by dern, there ain't a critter with a blotted brand on this reins.

[Mike Pearson]

I was just thinking, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Mike]

Yeah?

[Mike Pearson]

Maybe Nate ain't to blame. Maybe somebody else. One of us right here started stealing when Nate came figuring he'd be the one. That'd be suspicion.

[Bill Owens]

That might be your local. I know every one of you fellers. And there ain't a one of you I wouldn't take my oath for straight.

[Sheriff Mike]

I'd have said the same, Bill, but I don't know.

[Utah Simpson]

Here comes Nate now.

[Bill Owens]

Wants to know what we're doing here a bit.

[Nate Finch]

We'll give you fellows permission to come in my place.

[Sheriff Mike]

Now look here, Nate.

[Nate Finch]

I'm asking you a question. I want a straight answer.

[Lippy]

I can tell you what they're doing, boss. They're looking for the cows they think we stole.

[Nate Finch]

Is that it?

[Bill Owens]

And what if it is?

[Nate Finch]

Guess this. I'm getting tired of you fellas seeing I'm crooked. If I'm crooked, prove it. You can't prove it. Keep your mouth shut.

[Bill Owens]

Why, you.

[Nate Finch]

And that goes for you, Bill Owens, like the others here. And maybe a bit more. Yeah, you're the one that's been doing most of the talking. And I ain't standing for it.

[Bill Owens]

I'll say what I please, when I please.

[Nate Finch]

You do and you'll stop lit.

[Bill Owens]

Why, you blasted polecat. I'm twice your age, but I'm still twice the man you'll ever be.

[Nate Finch]

I'll do what?

[Utah Simpson]

He got a gun on you, Bill?

[Sheriff Mike]

I'm the law.

[Lippy]

Here.

[Sheriff Mike]

And you.

[Nate Finch]

And you'll take your pards and get out of here. And you won't come back less than

[Sheriff Mike]

I telled you to put the inmate.

[Lippy]

Keep him covered, Boss.

[Nate Finch]

Now get.

[Sheriff Mike]

You're going too far, Nate.

[Nate Finch]

And right now you're going fast.

[Sheriff Mike]

We might as well, Sheriff.

[Mike Pearson]

We don't want no shooting till we get evidence.

[Bill Owens]

Yeah, but I'm telling you, Nate, we'll get that proof one of these days. And when we do, you'll hang. Come on, you dog.

[Nate Finch]

So they still can't figure it out, eh, Boss?

[Lippy]

We got them fooled and they'll stay fooled.

[Nate Finch]

There ain't a one of them fellas that'll ever savvy that scheme you thought up, Nate. I'm wondering what about. They'd have give up by now if it hadn't been for that old fool of a Bill Owens.

[Lippy]

He's the one that's been keeping them stirred up all right.

[Nate Finch]

There ain't nothing we can do about that. There ain't.

[Lippy]

You thought of something, boss?

[Nate Finch]

I was just thinking it might do some good to have Bill jailed.

[Utah Simpson]

Jailed?

[Nate Finch]

Jailed. And if I ain't figured mighty wrong, I know just the way to do it. Listen here, fellas. I'll tell you what I got in.

[Narrator]

For the next three days, the situation remained unchanged. The ranchers, disappointed in their final effort to place the blame for the rustling on Nate Finch, went back to their work. On the fourth day, old Bill Owens sat in the Lazy M bunkhouse talking with his foreman.

[Bill Owens]

I reckon we are licked, Utah.

[Utah Simpson]

That's what I've been thinking right along.

[Bill Owens]

When rustlers get too slick for a couple of old hands like you and me. It's about time we quit calling ourselves cattlemen and start the sheep raising business. Yeah, I've allus said that.

[Utah Simpson]

Sounds like we got company.

[Bill Owens]

Wonder who in blazes.

[Utah Simpson]

Tis looks from here like it might be the sheriff.

[Bill Owens]

The sheriff? Say, you don't suppose he's found out anything, do you?

[Utah Simpson]

Not a chance. They probably just stopped by for grub.

[Bill Owens]

Howdy, Sheriff. Howdy, Mike. Come on in.

[Sheriff Mike]

I don't want no trouble. Bill, huh?

[Utah Simpson]

Gee, you fellas look like you just lost your best friend. What's ailing you?

[Sheriff Mike]

I'm arresting you both.

[Bill Owens]

You are? Say, you're loco.

[Sheriff Mike]

I never thought you'd turn crooked. Bill.

[Bill Owens]

Crooked?

[Utah Simpson]

You call Bill crooked? Why, you must be crazy in a breed on marijuana.

[Sheriff Mike]

I'm arresting you for rustling.

[Bill Owens]

Now look here, a joke's a joke.

[Mike Pearson]

This ain't no joke.

[Sheriff Mike]

No, we just found 20 of my

[Mike Pearson]

cows with Your brand on them? They'd been worked over with a running iron.

[Bill Owens]

No.

[Sheriff Mike]

I reckon we don't have to tell

[Bill Owens]

you about it, Bill, but I don't savvy this.

[Sheriff Mike]

I got it figured out now. There wasn't a fella in this valley that was more trusted than you. You could take critters with blotted brands out of the valley and nobody would look them over close enough to find it out. They was too busy suspicioning Nate Finch.

[Utah Simpson]

Where'd you find them cows you say we stole?

[Sheriff Mike]

Right on your reins.

[Bill Owens]

And you fellas allus claim to be my friends.

[Sheriff Mike]

It's the other way around, Bill.

[Mike Pearson]

It was you that had us fooled.

[Sheriff Mike]

Come along, Bill. You too, Utah, you dang digit. I ain't gonna argue.

[Utah Simpson]

You can't arrest Bill. Take me if you wanna, but there ain't a square fella in this valley than him.

[Sheriff Mike]

We're taking you both.

[Bill Owens]

Never mind, Utah. We'll go along. I. Well, when folks that have been your friends for years quit trusting you, then it don't matter much whether you're in jail or out. We're going with you, Sheriff. But someday you will find out this is the biggest mistake you ever made.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of our thrilling Lone Ranger drama before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few minutes.

[Utah Simpson]

It's Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. Bill Owens and Utah Simpson, who had been accused of cattle rustling, were arrested by the sheriff and taken to the county jail. We see them in their cell that same evening.

[Bill Owens]

Utah, when the sheriff say court's gonna

[Utah Simpson]

set, he looks for the judge to be here in about three weeks or so.

[Bill Owens]

Golly. Who would have thought that 30 years of honest ranching could land a feller in jail?

[Utah Simpson]

Uh huh. And who'd have thought that folks who was your friends for most of that time, I'd be the ones to jail you.

[Bill Owens]

You sound like you're forgetting you're in jail just as sure as I am.

[Utah Simpson]

I ain't forgetting nothing. And mostly I ain't forgetting that you've been my pardon boss both for a blame long spell.

[Bill Owens]

Well, we've had our share of good luck, Utah. We'll show em we ain't afeared to take the bad.

[Utah Simpson]

What was that?

[Bill Owens]

I didn't hear nothing.

[Utah Simpson]

Reckon I just imagined now I heard it come from the window.

[Bill Owens]

Let's have a look.

[Sheriff Mike]

Yeah.

[Bill Owens]

Anybody out there remember me?

[Utah Simpson]

It's the masked man again.

[Bill Owens]

Where'd you come from?

[The Lone Ranger]

I was at your ranch when you were arrested, Bill.

[Bill Owens]

Say Was it you that called your horse Silver?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Bill Owens]

By golly, you wouldn't be. Oh, but shucks, I reckon that ain't possible.

[Utah Simpson]

Who wouldn't he be, Bill?

[Bill Owens]

I was just thinking of another fellow that's got a horse called Silver.

[The Lone Ranger]

Bill, I may be able to get you out of jail.

[Bill Owens]

Yeah? You mean break us out?

[Sheriff]

That wouldn't help you.

[The Lone Ranger]

I will if everything else fails. But I think there's another way. I don't know what it'd be to prove you innocent.

[Bill Owens]

Innocent? You ain't got a chance. Them cows of Mike Pearsons that was found on my place is all the proof the law's looking for.

[The Lone Ranger]

When I spoke to you before, I asked you some questions in.

[Utah Simpson]

A fine lot of good they done you.

[The Lone Ranger]

I have another to ask you, stranger.

[Bill Owens]

Me and Utah sure appreciate what you're trying to do, but you're up against a proposition that's too blame tough for you.

[The Lone Ranger]

But answer the question anyhow.

[Bill Owens]

Well, if it'll please you, it won't hurt us.

[The Lone Ranger]

Have you or any of the other ranchers ever searched the valleys and the mountains for your stolen cattle?

[Utah Simpson]

Why would we look there?

[Bill Owens]

Of course we ain't. I told you there ain't no way to get cattle out except through the pass. You could hide a million cows in them mountains, but it wouldn't do you no good till you got them to market.

[The Lone Ranger]

I think you've overlooked something.

[Bill Owens]

Yeah? What's that?

[The Lone Ranger]

I won't tell you now in case I'm mistaken, but I'll soon put it to the proof.

[Utah Simpson]

You talk like maybe you got some scheme.

[Bill Owens]

Perhaps I have.

[Sheriff]

Bill.

[The Lone Ranger]

Is there anyone among the other ranchers who still believes in you?

[Bill Owens]

That's a funny question to ask.

[The Lone Ranger]

I have to get in touch with someone who'll be willing to help you out.

[Bill Owens]

Well I dunno who, Bill.

[Utah Simpson]

How about Mike Pearson?

[Bill Owens]

Mike? Why it's his cows that I'm supposed to have stole.

[Utah Simpson]

Uh huh. But I got a notion that nobody'd be more pleased to find out it wasn't so than Mike Woody self.

[Bill Owens]

But he.

[Utah Simpson]

Look here, Bill. Mike did what he figured he had to do. You'd have done the same. Maybe if you'd have been in his boots.

[Bill Owens]

Well maybe.

[Utah Simpson]

But if the mask feller can go to him and show him where you could be proved honest. I bet Mike could jump at the chance to help you troll.

[Nate Finch]

I think you have it.

[Utah Simpson]

You're darn right I have.

[Bill Owens]

Here, Silver. Say, is that your horse?

[Nate Finch]

Yes. Why?

[Bill Owens]

Then. Then maybe you're the same feller I Was thinking of all the time.

[Sheriff]

I'm leaving, but don't give up hope.

[Bill Owens]

But wait, I.

[Utah Simpson]

Sorry, Bill. What do you look so excited about, Utah?

[Bill Owens]

That mask color's on our side. And I'll bet the Lazy M in my saddle to boot that the sheriff ain't got no chance of convicting us now. No more than you have of being good.

[Narrator]

Almost a week went by, and although the passage of time brought the day of their trial near, neither old Bill Owens nor Utah Simpson were worried. In the meantime, Nate Finch was pleased with the success of his trick. We see him now in his ranch house talking to the man called Lippy.

[Nate Finch]

Lippy. My scheme worked out just like I said it would. Them two old fools are sitting in jail and folks have quit suspicioning us. Yeah, that's gonna make it the easier for us to get the cattle we want. We never did have no trouble to speak of, but Bill was needing a lesson anyhow. Where'd Wally go to? I don't know. He said something about some news he heard. He wouldn't say what it was. Lead made sure. Yeah, he told me the same thing. He ought to be along pretty soon. Where are the rest of boys? Playing cards in the bunk house. Well, in the morning, they.

[Mike Pearson]

Boss.

[Bill Owens]

Boss, just listen to this.

[Nate Finch]

What's the matter?

[Lippy]

There ain't nothing the matter unless new calls. Good news. Something to worry about. Mike Pearson just bought some purebred cows.

[Narrator]

He did?

[Lippy]

I heard he bought some, but I didn't want to say anything till they got here.

[Nate Finch]

Purebred cows, eh? Just a second, Nate. Huh? You ain't gonna steal them, are you? And why not? But look here, you do that and folks are gonna figure that Bill in Utah wasn't the rustlers after all.

[Lippy]

Chucks, what do we care what they figure? Them cows are just what we need.

[Nate Finch]

Oh, yeah, Libby. Yeah, Wally's right. We can use them cows. And even if we do rustle them, that don't prove Bill and Utah didn't run their brands on them other critters. Maybe not, but it's gonna make folks do some thinking. Well, we weren't planning on quitting, was we? No, but. Any other places for them fellas sitting in jail? If we can lay our hands on some pure breads, the judge can let him go a hundred times and I won't give a darn.

[Lippy]

Boss, they're on the Pearson place now.

[Nate Finch]

Then we're riding tonight. Tonight? Sure. When you want something, take it before the fellow that's got it can get set to keep it. My System's a strike hard and sudden

[Lippy]

and I say the same.

[Nate Finch]

Then let's go. Wally, you bring the horses around.

[The Lone Ranger]

Right.

[Nate Finch]

Lippy, you rouse the boys out of the bunkhouse. Well, if you figure we are, we oughta. And we are. Now get moving. I'll give the orders and you will take.

[Narrator]

Later that same night, the sheriff, the deputy and Mike Pearson the rancher were in the sheriff's office in town. Mike, who claimed to have dropped in only to exchange gossip, seemed strangely nervous.

[Mike Pearson]

What time's it getting to be Sheriff?

[Nate Finch]

Oh, gone it.

[Sheriff Mike]

Mike, I wish you'd go on home. I'm getting callouses on my hand reaching for my watch.

[Utah Simpson]

Uh huh.

[Mike Pearson]

But what time is it?

[Sheriff Mike]

It's near 11 o'.

[Utah Simpson]

Clock. And it's time.

[Sheriff Mike]

I was locking up and going home.

[Mike Pearson]

Wait there. There's no hurry.

[Sheriff Mike]

Well, what's got into you anyhow, Mike? You're jumping around like you were sitting

[Narrator]

in the frying pan.

[Mike Pearson]

Why, I. I just feel like company tonight, I reckon.

[Sheriff Mike]

And find your company somewhere else. I need my sleep. Oh, but Sheriff, you can talk all you want. You ain't keep me here any longer.

[Sheriff]

I reckon it'll be all right for me to go home too.

[Nate Finch]

Won't it, Sheriff?

[Sheriff Mike]

Yeah, right along.

[Mike Pearson]

Doggone it, you can't do this. You don't.

[Sheriff Mike]

You got something on your mind? No. It's only Then we'll leave him.

[Mike Pearson]

I sure wish you'd stay a while longer.

[Sheriff Mike]

Can't be done. Mike.

[Utah Simpson]

Mike, we're gonna go. What the.

[Sheriff]

I was afraid you'd be gone.

[Mike Pearson]

And I was darn scared you wouldn't be getting here.

[Todo]

Oh, man.

[Sheriff]

Never mind that.

[Sheriff Mike]

Say, what is it?

[Mike Pearson]

Hey, just a second, Sheriff. Stranger. Did it work?

[Nate Finch]

It did.

[Sheriff]

Bring all the men you can get and come with me.

[Sheriff Mike]

Mike, what do you got to do with an outlaw?

[Mike Pearson]

This fella ain't no crook. And it was on account of him that I was keeping you fellas here.

[Sheriff]

Sheriff, tonight you're going to learn who the real rustlers in the valley have been.

[Sheriff Mike]

Huh?

[Sheriff]

What's more, I think you'll learn why the stolen cattle were never discovered before.

[Sheriff Mike]

Is this fella talking sense?

[Bill Owens]

Mike, you do what he said.

[Nate Finch]

Don't waste time.

[Sheriff]

We have to hurry. Well, I'm going to do as I say.

[Sheriff Mike]

How about Billing Utah? There ain't two sets of rustlers in the valley, is there?

[Sheriff]

They never stole anything and tonight will prove it.

[Sheriff Mike]

You sure of that?

[Nate Finch]

I am.

[Narrator]

Man.

[Sheriff Mike]

Come on. The hardest thing I ever done was jail them fellas. And if I can find the reason for letting them out again. I'm gonna do it, sheriff.

[Mike Pearson]

I got a notion the masked fella's

[Sheriff Mike]

gonna show us we made blame big

[Mike Pearson]

fools out of ourselves.

[Sheriff Mike]

If he can, that suits me.

[Bill Owens]

Hey.

[Sheriff Mike]

Yeah, the cafe's still open. You go down there and tell them fellas I want everybody along that can ride a horse. Sure thing, sheriff. And go a running.

[Todo]

I'm on my way.

[Sheriff Mike]

And tell them to fill their gun belts with catching. If we're meeting rustlers, we're gonna need them.

[Narrator]

A posse was hastily formed with the masked man in the lead. Raced out of town toward the Pearson ranch. There the lone ranger waited until he saw a dim glow in the distance. Then he gave the command to ride again. And the posse headed for the hill.

[Sheriff Mike]

That's a fire, ain't it?

[Todo]

It is. And Todo said it. Todo, my friend. Come on, Silver. There's another fire up ahead.

[Sheriff Mike]

May we get pretty deep in them hills?

[Todo]

I don't know how far we have to go, but these fires will mark the way.

[Sheriff Mike]

That engine sure knew how to make them.

[Todo]

They're bill so they can be seen only from one direct. I noticed that it was the only way we could blaze a trail at night. And I got a notion that's going to blaze some low down polecats right into jail.

[Narrator]

Nate Finch and his men driving Mike Pearson's purebred cattle ahead of them followed a winding trail that led them farther and farther into the mountains. At last they reached a broad valley filled with cattle.

[Nate Finch]

There we are. A hundred more head. One hundred of the finest cows that money can buy. Only we didn't pay no cash. We'll let them pay us cash.

[Lippy]

There ain't nothing more to do, is it, boss?

[Nate Finch]

Who there?

[Utah Simpson]

Who there?

[Nate Finch]

I reckon that them cows ain't gonna leave the valley now.

[Lippy]

Then let's be getting back. We can just make it a four son up y.

[Narrator]

Hey boss, what's that?

[Nate Finch]

You see something?

[The Lone Ranger]

I ain't sure.

[Nate Finch]

Seemed like I seen the light, but it was gone before I could be sure.

[Lippy]

Almost justly.

[Sheriff Mike]

Like some fireflies maybe.

[Nate Finch]

All right, fellas, we're heading for home.

[Sheriff Mike]

I'm so dark. Gone tired. I can sleep in the sand.

[Nate Finch]

Uh huh.

[Sheriff]

But we.

[Nate Finch]

What the. We've been following.

[Narrator]

Ain't that a feller on a white horse? And there's more riders with him.

[Nate Finch]

Fire at him

[Todo]

too.

[Lippy]

Blame dark to see good.

[Todo]

Give up or we'll shoot the bunch here down.

[Nate Finch]

We can't fight all of them fire. I tell you.

[Sheriff Mike]

Watch out for the incident.

[Todo]

Hey, he's roping up your gunny. He'll have the case.

[Sheriff Mike]

You blasted pole cat.

[Todo]

You're the skunks that framed Bill in Utah.

[Sheriff Mike]

They kind of thing shoot him down.

[Nate Finch]

Take that rope off of me. Let me loose.

[Sheriff Mike]

You ain't getting loose till you're in jail.

[Utah Simpson]

We give up.

[Sheriff]

I think this is prove who the real rustlers are.

[Sheriff Mike]

The doggone right it does. Hog time, boys. We're starting back for town right away.

[Lippy]

Look at all them cat.

[Bill Owens]

Except for those that have died.

[Sheriff]

You should find every cow that's ever been stolen from you.

[Sheriff Mike]

I can't figure this out, stranger. Why in blazer should these fellas steal cows and leave them here where they can't be sold?

[Mike Pearson]

Because they was doing just like the masked fella figured they must do. Yeah, they kept the stone cows here, then took the calves each season and put their brand on them.

[Sheriff Mike]

Huh.

[Mike Pearson]

That way they wasn't running no risk. Calves didn't have no brands, but what they put on them. And they never tried to sell the cows that had our brand.

[Sheriff Mike]

That's the slickest thing I ever heard of.

[Mike Pearson]

That's why the masked man had me get pure bread cow. He figured as long as calves was what they wanted, they'd jump at the chance to steal purebred stuff to improve the breed.

[Narrator]

And they fell for it.

[Mike Pearson]

That redskin trailed him here.

[Sheriff Mike]

Well, thanks to the masked man, this is one stunt the rustlers won't be trying around here for a long time to come.

[Mike Pearson]

Not these rustlers, anyhow. They'll be too busy hanging from the end of a rope.

[Sheriff Mike]

And Mike, I'm going to ask Bill in Utah if they won't give me the land of theirs for the.

[Todo]

Come on, children. We're hanging from Baker City. Someone's waiting for us.

[Narrator]

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

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