The Lone Ranger - Jim Murdock's Mine

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: The Lone Ranger – "Jim Murdock's Mine"
Date: May 31, 2026
Main Theme:
This episode brings listeners back to the Wild West in a classic Lone Ranger radio drama, centering on themes of justice, greed, and redemption. The story follows the troubled fortunes of Abe Jenkins after a dubious gold mine deal with Jim Murdock and the dangerous schemes that unfold when desperation and villainy collide. At the heart is the Lone Ranger’s quest to expose the truth and restore fairness.

---

Key Discussion Points and Story Progression

1. Setting the Stage: The Gold Mine’s Dark Secret

• [03:26-05:37]
  • Jim Murdock discusses the origins of his wealth with Barney Holden, revealing that they once split a gold mine with Abe Jenkins, who ended up with a worthless share.
  • Murdock expresses his wish for Abe to leave town, fearing Abe might discover the crooked deal. Holden suggests Murdock might need Abe “out of the way,” hinting at darker intentions.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Barney Holden: "It’d be worth a lot to me to have him out of the way." (05:05)

2. Abe Jenkins’ Desperation

• [05:57-08:38]
  • Poverty drives Abe to confront Murdock for food, blankets, and cash to support his ailing wife and starving children.
  • Gun in hand, Abe’s desperation is palpable, but instead of resistance, Murdock surprisingly supplies him with provisions.
  • Memorable Moment:
    • Abe: "Maybe you never faced a man that was driven to thieving by the sight of his wife and kids being cold and sick and hungry. Well, you're facing one right now." (07:06)

3. Barney Holden’s Deceit and Abe’s Framing

• [09:03-11:18]
  • Shortly after Abe leaves, Barney Holden stirs panic in town, claiming to find signs of a violent struggle and Jim Murdock’s apparent disappearance.
  • The sheriff and townsfolk suspect Abe, backed by rumors of his desperation.
  • Notable Exchange:
    • Sheriff: "We look at the bottom of the ravine in the morning. We may as well call on Abe right now and see what he's got to say for himself." (10:58)

4. The Sheriff’s Confrontation With Abe

• [12:42-14:40]
  • Lawmen burst into Abe’s home. Abe maintains his innocence, explaining Murdoch gave him food and a mule; however, Murdock’s watch and ring are “discovered” on his mantle—planted evidence.
  • Abe is arrested for murder as suspicions mount.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Abe: "I didn't put 'em there. I don't know how they got there!" (14:13)

5. Lone Ranger and Tonto Investigate

• [16:16-18:38]
  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto distrust the official story, suspecting Abe has been framed by Holden. They search the canyon below Murdoch’s house for clues or a body, finding none but noticing activity from the house above.
  • Notable Discussion:
    • Lone Ranger: "Holden put that watch and ring in his house just to make it appear that he'd killed Murdoch." (17:25)

6. Revelation at Murdock’s Home: The Plot Unravels

• [20:06-24:41]
  • The sheriff’s group investigates Murdoch’s residence, uncovers evidence of a struggle, and finds a suspicious burnt note in the fireplace, later established as a promissory note.
  • They “find” Murdoch’s body apparently dead outside. However, a critical clue emerges—a button from Barney Holden’s vest clenched in the dead man’s hand.
  • Dramatic Reveal:
    • Sheriff: "Let me compare the two. By thunder, it's identical to the one that's on your vest... Looks like we got more of a case again you than again Abe Jenkins." (24:22–24:37)

7. The Lone Ranger Exposes the Real Villains

• [26:23–29:01]
  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto appear, confronting all involved. The masked man pressures Barney into confessing the plot: Murdoch and Holden schemed to frame Abe for murder so he’d be out of the way.
  • In a twist, it’s revealed Murdoch is alive (only gagged and tied up), exposing that the entire murder scene was staged to incriminate Abe.
  • Key Quote:
    • Lone Ranger: "There's just one man who can prove you are not guilty of murder... I'm that man." (26:39–26:41)
    • Sheriff: "I reckon, Murdoch, the best way to catch a couple of rats to try to frame an innocent man for murder is to pull the same sort of tricks on them." (28:41–28:51)

8. Resolution and Justice Restored

• [29:01–29:59]
  • Murdoch is shamed into promising restitution to Abe Jenkins.
  • With the villains unmasked, the Lone Ranger and Tonto ride off to their next adventure.

---

Memorable Moments & Quotes With Timestamps

• Abe Jenkins’ despair:

  • “Maybe you never faced a man that was driven to thieving by the sight of his wife and kids being cold and sick and hungry. Well, you're facing one right now.” — Abe Jenkins ([07:06])

• Holden’s villainy:

  • “It’d be worth a lot to me to have him out of the way.” — Barney Holden ([05:05])

• The sheriff’s deduction:

  • "By thunder, it's identical to the one that's on your vest... Looks like we got more of a case again you than again Abe Jenkins." — Sheriff ([24:22–24:37])

• Lone Ranger’s confrontation:

  • “There's just one man who can prove you are not guilty of murder... I'm that man.” — Lone Ranger ([26:39–26:41])

• Final Justice:

  • "I reckon, Murdoch, the best way to catch a couple of rats to try to frame an innocent man for murder is to pull the same sort of tricks on them." — Sheriff ([28:41–28:51])

---

Structure and Tone

• The original tone is dramatic, suspenseful, and rich with the urgency and moral clarity of the Golden Age radio drama. The dialogue is snappy, direct, and filled with Western vernacular.
• The pacing maintains steady suspense, building from poverty-driven desperation to a cleverly orchestrated justice.

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |----------------------------------------------------|-----------------| | The mine’s origin, Murdock and Holden’s plot | 03:26–05:37 | | Abe’s plea for help, confrontation with Murdock | 05:57–08:38 | | Holden’s deception, Abe framed for murder | 09:03–11:18 | | Law’s confrontation with Abe, planted evidence | 12:42–14:40 | | Lone Ranger investigates below the canyon | 16:16–18:38 | | The “dead body” and critical evidence discovered | 20:06–24:41 | | Lone Ranger’s intervention and truth revealed | 26:23–29:01 | | Resolution, justice for Abe | 29:01–29:59 |

---

In Summary

"Jim Murdock’s Mine" is a classic Lone Ranger story brimming with suspense, duplicity, and clever detective work. The episode stands out for its emotional depth—Abe Jenkins' desperate impoverishment—and the satisfying reveal of the scheme against him. The Lone Ranger’s unwavering pursuit of justice and the comeuppance for the villains encapsulate the enduring appeal of old-time radio heroics.

Listeners are treated to a tale where the marginalized find justice and the mask of respectability is ripped from the true villains—timeless themes delivered with the snap and color of authentic Golden Age radio.

Transcript

[A]

Hey everybody.

[B]

Lady luck here. And we're celebrating America's 250th birthday. Now, all summer long, I'm going to be celebrating by playing on spinquest.com which is an American owned social casino. It obviously features over a thousand slot games and live blackjack, live craps, live bubble craps. Head on over to spinquest.com get yourself a $30 coin pack for just 10 bucks.

[C]

Spin Quest is a free to play

[B]

social casino void where prohibited.

[C]

Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[A]

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

[D]

It's Sam. Sa.

[A]

People of seven states thrilled of the daring action of a phantom figure of the plains who rode in the cause of justice. No one ever knew where he came from, nor where he went when he completed his heroic deeds. But even today, the cowboys gather around the campfire and tell stories of this famous masked man. Of his heavy six guns with their bullets. Of Silver, of his great white horse, the fastest the west has ever known. O Silver, here he comes. Riding like the wind, blazing new trails in the west of old. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[E]

Come on, Silver, old boy. That's it, old fellow. We have a big job ahead of us. We must hurry, old boy.

[D]

Hi O Silver. Hooray.

[A]

Jim Murdoch was a wealthy man. He drew huge profits from the gold mine he owned. And out of those profits, he had built a large home standing on the edge of Grant's Canyon. As tonight's story opens, we see him with a visitor, Barney Holden, the man to whom Murdoch owed his present position. Holden has brought news from town.

[E]

So that's what Abe Jenkins planned to do with you.

[C]

Murdoch come here demanding that I help him out, huh?

[E]

Yeah. He claims that you and him owned the mine between you. Then you suggested that you split it. Need you to take a section for your own and work it independent.

[C]

That's just what we done.

[E]

He's sore because your half panned out first rate while his wasn't worth a hoot.

[C]

Well, we both took the same risk, didn't we, Holden?

[A]

Sure.

[E]

As far as he knows.

[C]

You don't reckon he suspects the truth, do you?

[E]

No. How could he?

[C]

Then why is he talking around town about coming to me for help?

[E]

He's desperate, that's why. Murdoch?

[F]

Yeah.

[E]

His wife is sick and his kid's half starved. He figures you could spare some grub and blankets without never missing them. So he's coming here to demand that same.

[C]

I see.

[E]

He said some pretty hard things about You? The worst of it is, Jim, most everyone in town sides with him.

[C]

It'd be tough if he ever did learn the truth about that deal.

[E]

I know enough law to know that he could make it downright tough for you.

[C]

I wish he'd move out in these parts. I'd pay him to do it.

[E]

That'd be smart.

[C]

If he wasn't around here, there wouldn't be no chance of his ever learning the truth.

[E]

But he won't move away.

[C]

Maybe if I offered him some cash.

[E]

That'd only make him all the more suspicious. He suspects enough already.

[C]

Maybe.

[E]

So you offer him cash to move away after refusing them loans and he'd know there was something funny about that gold mine deal.

[C]

It'd be worth a lot to me to have him out of the way.

[E]

Would it?

[C]

Yes. What do you mean?

[A]

Just that.

[E]

Would it be worth a lot to you to get him out of your way?

[C]

You talk like you might have ideas.

[E]

Maybe I have.

[C]

I wouldn't want a murder on my hands.

[E]

That wouldn't be necessary, Jim.

[C]

It was you that schemed the gold mine deal in the first place.

[E]

It made you rich.

[C]

Maybe you got another smart idea.

[E]

Suppose I sort of outline it and see how you like it.

[C]

Yeah, suppose you do.

[A]

While Murdoch and Holden made further plans against Abe Jenkins, the man they'd already robbed, Jenkins was making his way to Murdoch's home. As he approached the large house at the canyon's edge, he loosened the safety catch on his holster to make sure he could draw in a hurry.

[D]

If he's there alone, I'll make out all right. Hate to think of robbing a man, but I'd do more than that to see Martha and the kids warm and well fed for once. Hope he's alone in there.

[E]

Who is it?

[D]

It's me, Abe Jenkins. Open up. Murdoch. I want to talk with you.

[C]

Sakes alive, Abe. What brings you out on this sort of night? Step inside.

[D]

I aimed.

[C]

Sit down by the fire and warm up. You must have had a hard trip from the valley.

[D]

Not as hard as going back'll be.

[C]

How's that? It's downhill going back, ain't it? Yep.

[D]

Only I'll have a lot of things to carry when I go back. Murdoch. I'm here for some cash money, some grub and some blankets.

[C]

Yeah?

[F]

Yes.

[D]

And I'm gonna get em.

[A]

Here.

[C]

Put down that shooting iron. What ails you?

[D]

Maybe you never faced a man that was driven to thieving by the sight of his wife and kids being cold and sick and hungry. Well, you're Facing one right now.

[C]

You don't mean your folks?

[D]

Yes.

[C]

Gosh, I didn't know that.

[D]

Maybe you didn't. Maybe you thought I was fooling when I asked you to lend me some cash a while back. Will I?

[C]

I ain't in the habit of lending money. But if it's grub and blanket you want sakes alive, Abe, you're welcome to em all. You can carry all a mule can carry.

[D]

A mule wouldn't eat the grub my kids have had to eat for the past week.

[C]

I'm downright sorry things are so tough.

[D]

Maybe you know why they're tough.

[C]

What do you mean?

[D]

You pulled a slick trick on me when you talked me into splitting the gold mine that gave you all the land that was worth anything.

[C]

Now, Abe, you know that ain't a fair charge. I took the same chance you did. I didn't think your half would peter out. No, of course I didn't no more. And I thought my half would turn out rich.

[D]

I can't prove nothing, so I'll shut up about the mistake I made. But I'm getting food and blankets.

[C]

Why, sure. Come on, Abe. We'll fix up a big bundle for you to take along with you.

[D]

I don't know what to make of you, Murdoch. Why, you're acting a darn sight different about this than I thought you would.

[C]

I ain't as bad as you tried to tell everyone I was, Abe.

[D]

How do you know what I've been telling folks?

[C]

I hear things.

[D]

Maybe you heard me telling it around. That I hope someday to prove that you knew half of the mine was no good.

[C]

No, I ain't heard nothing like that. There ain't no truth in it.

[D]

Maybe not. But what about that stuff?

[C]

Come on with me and you'll get it. Gosh, Jenkins, I'm glad to help you and your folks out.

[A]

Murdoch gave Jenkins the blankets and food he asked for. And he helped him to load them on a mule. Then, shortly after Jenkins had returned home with the provisions, Barney Holden hurried into the cafe in town with a startling announcement that he had found evidence of an attack upon Murdoch. The sheriff demanded further information.

[F]

How do you know that Ben Fowl played at Jim Murdock's place?

[E]

Barney, I went there just to spend the evening with my friend Jim. And the house showed signs of a terrible fight. Josh, where's Murdoch? That's just it. The door was open wide with the wind howling through the house. And there was furniture upset and things busted. And no sign of Jim Murdoch around anywhere.

[F]

Who went there?

[E]

How'd I know? I spent some time looking around the house and when I seen what must have happened to Murdoch, I hustled back here to tell you.

[F]

What must have happened to him?

[E]

Murdered. Did you find him? No. But you know where his house is?

[F]

Right at the edge of the ravine, yeah.

[E]

What happened? There's a window looking out in the ravine and that window was smashed.

[F]

Gosh.

[E]

Looked like someone had gone through it.

[F]

Then we'd be likely to find Jim at the bottom of the ravine.

[E]

That's what I'm afeared of, Sheriff. Sakes alive. Look to me like a robbery.

[F]

Robbery and murder.

[E]

Who could have done it?

[F]

I got a blame good idea who.

[E]

Just name the man that killed my friend and let me at him.

[F]

Wait. Hey, Sam.

[C]

Come in, Sheriff.

[F]

Sam, you was telling me about Abe Jenkins earlier this evening.

[E]

Yeah?

[F]

What was he saying?

[E]

I remember him being mad about something.

[F]

Quiet, Bonnie. Go on, Sam.

[E]

Well, as I recollect, Abe Jenkins was

[F]

bound he'd make Jim Murdoch hand out the things you was need, Jessica.

[E]

Abe Jenkins, huh? Why didn't I think of him? He's been sore Jim Murdoch for a long time.

[F]

Yeah, a plenty sore.

[E]

Good gosh, Abe wouldn't go that far, would he? Why wouldn't he?

[F]

Ain't no telling how far a man would go when his wife and kids are cold and hungry.

[E]

But Abe didn't look to me like a man that'd do murder.

[F]

He was mad enough warned he Sam

[E]

seemed like he was. Then he's the one to question.

[F]

Yeah. We look at the bottom of the ravine in the morning. We may as well call on Abe right now and see what he's got to say for himself.

[E]

If he's killed Jim Murdoch, then I want the personal job of dealing with him.

[F]

If he's done a murder, we'll see that the law deals with him.

[E]

I'm betting Jenkins is plum innocent. That's the trouble. The jury will hear of all his hard luck and let him off scot free.

[F]

Oh, no, they won't, Barney. It's one of two things. Abe done it or he didn't. If he didn't do it, he won't get arrested. If he did, he'll hang. No two ways about that. Come on, we'll go and call on it.

[A]

Toddo, you heard all that? You remember what we heard about the way Jim Murdoch swindled Abe Jenkins, huh? We came here to see if we couldn't get a square deal for the poor fella. That right now it seems that he needs friends more than he did before him.

[E]

Good feller.

[A]

I don't think he'd do what Barney Holden says.

[E]

You know plenty about that feller.

[F]

Yes, I do.

[A]

Come on, Kimasabe. We're going to follow the lawman and hear what Abe Jenkins has to say. The Sheriff and Barney Holden, accompanied by a group of men, went immediately to Jenkins home to question Abe. The Lone Ranger and Tonto followed them without being observed. And when the party arrived at the house, the masked man and his companion were in a position to overhear what was said. We'll stay by this window, Tonto.

[C]

We can hear what's said inside the place.

[A]

That right?

[E]

Begin, Sheriff. They must be to home.

[F]

Hey, ain't that one of Murdock's mules tied there?

[E]

Looks like it.

[D]

Who is it?

[E]

The law.

[F]

Open up, Jenkins.

[D]

Sheikh's Elijah. What's the trouble?

[F]

Want to ask you a few questions.

[D]

Not so loud. You're with the youngsters.

[E]

Been doing some cooking here, ain't you?

[A]

We just fed the kids and they went to sleep.

[D]

First time in weeks they had blankets. Enough to keep them warm.

[F]

Yeah. Where the blankets come from?

[D]

Jim Murdoch gave them to me.

[F]

When?

[D]

Why? Tonight. I went there and he gave me a pack of food and some blankets and loaned me a little cake.

[E]

That ain't true.

[D]

What?

[E]

You know, blame. Well, Murdoch don't give things away.

[F]

I never heard of him giving anything away in my life. He don't, but he did.

[D]

So you don't think I stole them from him, do you, Sheriff?

[F]

Never mind what I think right now. What happened while you were there?

[D]

Nothing. Why?

[F]

You have a row with him?

[D]

No.

[E]

Listen to him, Jenkins.

[F]

You was telling everybody that you'd get help from Murdoch or you'd know the reason why.

[D]

He was right glad to help me.

[E]

Wait. Let me ask something, Sheriff.

[D]

What's all these questions about anyway?

[E]

Listen here, Jenkins. What else did Murdoch give you?

[D]

Well, he let me borrow a mule.

[E]

What else?

[D]

Nothing else. Look here, Jim Murdoch ain't going to you, Sheriff. And said I stole from him. Has he?

[F]

He ain't come to me. No.

[D]

Then what, Jenkins?

[E]

Did he give you his gold watch?

[D]

Gosh, no.

[E]

Or that fancy diamond ring he wears?

[D]

No.

[E]

Then what are they doing there in your fireplace mantle? Oh.

[D]

How'd they get there?

[F]

Leaping snake.

[E]

Take a look, Sheriff.

[F]

I see him. Name's Jim. Murdoch's all right.

[D]

I didn't put him there. I don't know how they got there.

[E]

Sheriff.

[D]

What's this mean?

[F]

You better come along with me, Abe.

[D]

For what? I ain't done nothing.

[F]

Take him into custody, boys. No.

[E]

No, you can't.

[D]

He's told you the truth.

[F]

We'll investigate some more in the morning.

[D]

Investigate what?

[F]

The bottom of Grant's Corpse Canyon. That's where we likely find the body.

[D]

Body?

[F]

Jim Murdoch's body.

[D]

Hold on. You don't mean. Sheriff, you ain't saying.

[F]

Take him away, boys. He's to be held on a charge of murder.

[A]

The curtain falls on the first act of tonight's thrilling Lone Ranger drama. Before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

[D]

Sam.

[A]

Now to continue our story. You will recall that in the first act of tonight's Lone Ranger drama, we learned that Murdoch and Holden cheated Abe Jenkins out of his share of a gold mine now owned by Murdoch. Jenkins, reduced to poverty, appealed to Murdoch for food and blankets these were given him. But shortly after Jenkins returned home, Holden announced in town that he had found evidence pointing to the murder of Murdoch. Jenkins was arrested, but the Lone Ranger believed in his innocence. That same night, he and Tonto rode to the bed of Grant's Canyon. We hear them as they halt at the spot. But according to Holden's story, Murdoch's body should be found.

[F]

Oh, move that little roll, boy.

[E]

Oh, wait.

[A]

Yes, it's mighty dark here, kimosabe. Too dark to see very much. We'll have to do our best. You got id? I don't think Abe Jenkins is guilty of the thing he's charged with.

[E]

You know, Barney, Holden and I know

[A]

enough about him to suspect that he might have framed Abe Jenkins. That's right.

[E]

Me take a look on ground.

[A]

Babe told the truth. And Holden put that watch and ring in his house just to make it appear that he'd killed Murdoch. I'll dismount and help you look around down here. Tyler. If anyone has fallen from the ledge above, we might find him before the sheriff.

[E]

That plenty long fall.

[A]

It's quite possible he'd have fallen into the water. That's right. The beach along here is mighty narrow.

[E]

Him falling water, we not find him.

[A]

Stream is pretty swift. Might carry him down quite a distance. In that case, the lawman might convict Abe Jenkins without finding the body. Because of the difficulty of searching for it, they wouldn't need it to prove there's been a murder. Not right. Wait. What is it, Tado?

[E]

You hear splashing water?

[A]

If there were only more light down here, we could search better. I heard it that time, Toto.

[D]

Huh?

[E]

Something fall in water?

[A]

There's only one place it could fall from. It's up on top of the ledge. That's right. And if Jim Murdoch is dead, there wouldn't be anyone up there. Maybe him not dead. In any case, we're going up above and find out. Plenty long way round. We can make it before daybreak.

[E]

Yep.

[A]

Come on, Toto.

[D]

Be ready.

[F]

Come on, Silver.

[A]

The masked man in Tonto could not find Murdoch's body. Instead they were disturbed by loose stones falling from the direction of Murdoch's home above at the top of the canyon. And they made their way to the house to investigate.

[B]

Happy birthday, America. It's time to celebrate and play your favorite Las Vegas casino games by American owned spinquest.com what's better than fireworks and American pie? Hitting a blackjack in the palm of your hand and you won't lose your fingers. Over a thousand games including slots and live dealers and 30 coin packs are on sale for 10 spinquest.com buy American players for American players, Spin Quest is

[C]

a free to play social casino.

[B]

Boyd where prohibited.

[C]

Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[B]

Discover Top rated stays Loved by guests Rated highest by real guests through authentic reviews VRBO Book a vacation rental Loved

[A]

by guests the scene changes now to the trail from town. It is the following morning and the sheriff, accompanied by several deputies and Barney Holden, is riding toward Murdoch's place at Grant's Canyon.

[F]

Door is open, just like you said, Barney.

[E]

Sure it is. I wouldn't have no reason to tell what wasn't true, would I?

[F]

We didn't find no sign of Murdoch at the bottom of the ravine.

[E]

That don't prove nothing.

[F]

The water could have carried him away.

[E]

Sure. Good.

[D]

Should we go right in and search the place here?

[F]

What do you think we come here for? To sit on the steps?

[D]

I was only asking.

[F]

Right, Thunder. It looks like a clean cut case again.

[A]

Abe Jenkins.

[F]

The watch and ring showed he wasn't telling the truth.

[E]

Yeah, I reckon he figured we'd believe his story about Jim Murdoch giving him food and blankets. But it's too much to think that Murdoch would give him the watch and ring.

[F]

Just so.

[E]

I'm sorry for Abe. He ain't a killer at heart. He just was drove to it by poverty.

[F]

Don't matter what drove him to it.

[E]

Maybe a jury will let him get away with murder. I most wish they would. Yeah. Of course, it'll look awful bad for the sheriff's record. Other counties would speak of this one as a place where they let men get away with murder.

[F]

He won't get away with it.

[E]

I don't blame you, Sheriff. You got your reputation to look out for.

[F]

Gosh, there's sure been a scrap in this house.

[C]

Ain't they, though?

[F]

Sure has.

[E]

There's the window at the rear. You see where I figured he went through?

[F]

What's beyond the window?

[E]

The ravine.

[F]

The house right on the edge of the ravine?

[E]

Well, no, there's five feet of ground there, but that's all.

[F]

Maybe Murdock didn't go over the edge.

[E]

Oh, he went over, all right.

[D]

Enough.

[F]

How do you know that?

[E]

I looked out the window last night when I was here. Held a lamp up so as I could see out. I could see where the ground had been disturbed from him sliding over the edge.

[F]

We'd have a look outside.

[E]

Yeah, and go right through. Hey, what's this?

[F]

What you got there, Sam? Looks to be a letter of some sort. Let me see it. And was thrown in the fireplace to burn. But it looks like the wind come and blowed it out. You can see where it's charged? Yeah.

[E]

What's it say?

[F]

Well, now, this is downright interesting.

[E]

What is it, Sheriff?

[F]

Don't you know, Barney?

[E]

No, can't say as I do.

[F]

I'll just hang on to this for a time.

[E]

But let me see it.

[F]

Nope.

[A]

Come on.

[F]

We'll get out that busted window and have a look at the ledge outside. I.

[E]

Hey, what's the matter?

[F]

There's Jim Murdoch on the ground.

[E]

What? Let me see.

[F]

Sure enough, there he is, lying face down on the ground there. Now, come on through this window.

[D]

Maybe he ain't dead yet.

[E]

I don't see how he.

[F]

What's the matter, Barney? I thought you told me he wasn't here last night.

[E]

I. I didn't see him.

[F]

Sam, you take care of Murdoch. The rest of you stay here. Barney, you was here after Jenkins left, wasn't you?

[E]

Yes, I. That is, I.

[F]

According to your own story, you was.

[E]

I reckon so. You're the one said the house is all tore up like this.

[F]

Now, it seemed to me, Barney, that if you didn't see Murdock there when you come here after Abe had left, it couldn't have been Abe that put him there.

[E]

How is he? Is he hurt bad? No.

[F]

Wait a minute, Barney. You stay right here. Sam's looking over him. What'd you find, Sam? Ain't nothing can be done for him now.

[E]

Gone? Yep.

[F]

He's done for him, then.

[E]

Abe Jenkins done it.

[F]

I wouldn't be so fast as to say that, Barney.

[E]

But he must have. I reckon when I looked out the window last night, I must have been so excited that. Well, I didn't see him. It was dark. You know?

[F]

Yeah, but you said you had a lamp.

[E]

Well, maybe I just missed seeing him, but what's the difference?

[F]

A lot of difference. Barney, I don't see where this is. If Murdoch wasn't here when Abe left, then it couldn't have been Abe that done the job.

[E]

No.

[F]

That means it must have been someone else. Now, let me have a close look at him. The rest of you stay back there. Sam, you help me.

[C]

Yeah.

[F]

Maybe we can find some more clues, Sheriff. Maybe so. Something to go with that paper from the fireplace.

[E]

Hey, Sheriff's got something already.

[F]

Reckon I have.

[E]

What is it, Sheriff?

[F]

Jim Murdoch's hands closed tight on something here. I'm trying to get her loose.

[E]

What is it? Now?

[F]

Don't be so fast about it. Let me find out for myself. He's holding on to something mighty tight. Can you get it? I'll get it. Shocks ain't nothing but a button. A button? Yeah. Looks like a button from a vest. A fancy one, sure enough. Say, Abe, Jenkins don't wear buttons of that sort.

[E]

Jenkins ain't even got a fancy vest.

[F]

Now let me see. That might be a mighty important clue, Eddie. Hold on, Barney. You're wearing a fancy vest with buttons like this. Stand still there. Let me take a look.

[D]

It's all gone.

[F]

There's a button missing from Barney's vest.

[E]

That ain't my button, I tell you.

[F]

Now hold steady. Let me compare the two. By thunder, it's identical to the one that's on your vest. And here's threads still clinging to the bottom.

[E]

Do they match the threads in the vest?

[F]

They sure do.

[E]

I can't understand it. I didn't have no scrap of.

[F]

Jim, shut up a minute. Let me think.

[E]

But I tell you, Sheriff's the frame up.

[F]

I keep an eye on him, boys, till I have another look at this hunk of paper Sam pulled from the fireplace.

[A]

We got you covered, Barney.

[F]

Just don't make no move till the Sheriff figures things out. This here paper Barney tells about you owing a side of money to Jim Murdock.

[E]

It ain't so. It ain't the truth.

[F]

It's a note promising to pay him $5,000.

[E]

I never owed no money like that. How would I owe him such money? He never loaned money in his life.

[F]

Now, if you was here last night and found out Abe Jenkins had been here before you.

[E]

I was here. Listen.

[F]

Shut up and let the Sheriff talk. You might have found out that Murdoch did just what Abe said he done. You mean Murdoch might have really give Abe food and blankets? Sure. He might have Then Barney sees a chance to get rid of Murdoch, throw the blame on Abe and burn this note so as he wouldn't have to pay it.

[E]

Listen to me. I tell you, that ain't so. There ain't a word of truth in it. That note's a forgery. Let me see the name.

[A]

Sign to it.

[F]

This you're writing no taint.

[E]

I never wrote that.

[F]

I reckon a jury will have to decide that, Barney. This note shows the motive for you wanting to kill Jim Murdoch.

[E]

But I didn't, I tell you.

[F]

And him having tore a button from your vest, maybe as you was trying to push him through the window, eh?

[E]

I didn't. I've been framed, I tell you. Framed. I didn't do it. Me and Jim Murdoch was the best of friends.

[F]

Well, there's Murdoch. Here's this note. Here's the button. And there's your vest. Looks to me like we got more of a case again you than again Abe Jenkins.

[E]

Didn't he have the watch and ring? Didn't he have other things?

[F]

According to your own story, Barney, you was hereafter Abe Jenkins left. You could easily have stole the watch and ring and put him in his house.

[E]

When could I have done it?

[F]

After you got in there with me last night? Reckon we'll take you to the calaboose. We'll jail both you and Jenkins till we find out a few more facts.

[E]

Just one minute, man.

[F]

That's something to say. Don't any of you make a move.

[D]

Look at them two guns.

[E]

And there's an engine with him.

[D]

Where'd you come from?

[E]

Maybe them two killed Jim Murdoch.

[F]

Maybe they didn't. Go on, stranger. Speak up. I've been waiting for you, Bernie. There's just one man who can prove you are not guilty of murder.

[E]

Who's that?

[F]

I'm that man.

[E]

You.

[F]

I'll do it on one condition.

[E]

Name it. Just name it, that's all.

[F]

That you tell the truth.

[E]

And the whole truth about what? Who are you, anyway?

[A]

That's not important.

[F]

You better do what he says, Barney, or you'll swing as sure as shooting. Tell the truth about last night.

[E]

What do you mean?

[F]

You and Murdoch planned to frame Abe

[A]

Jenkins for a murder, didn't you?

[E]

We?

[F]

Well, I. Murdock didn't want Abe Jenkins

[A]

to learn the truth about the gold mine. So the two of you plotted to

[F]

get him out of the way. Isn't that the truth?

[E]

I didn't have no part in it. It was all Murdoch scheming.

[F]

You mean Murdoch's scheme to disappear and Let you tell the story about Abe fighting with him so Abe would hang and be put out of the way.

[E]

That's right. All I was to do was to tell you about the fight here and

[F]

to take the watch and ring and

[A]

put them in the Jenkins home.

[E]

Yes, but I didn't have no part in the murder.

[F]

And why did Murdock want Jenkins out of the way?

[E]

He was afeared that someday Jenkins might learn that I'd made a survey of the gold mine and told Murdoch that half was no good.

[F]

And it was on the strength of that that Murdoch split the claim and gave Abe the worthless part.

[E]

Yes. Yes, that's the honest truth. Now, you gotta keep your word. You gotta prove that I ain't gonna leave a murder. Me get color up. Now you. You stand up. Oh, Murdoch ain't dead. No, he's roofed and gagged. I didn't see that before.

[F]

It was done in such a way you couldn't see it, Barney.

[E]

But. But the sheriff. Sheriff, you know he weren't dead. So the deputies, they seen him close.

[F]

Sure, we know this. That masked man come to me last night and told how he'd seen Murdock fixed on the ledge to look like a man fell over into the water down below.

[E]

No gang cut loose.

[F]

You squealer.

[E]

Murdoch.

[D]

I didn't know it head was yours

[C]

came in the first place.

[F]

Shut up. Maybe you can save your hides by turning over what rightfully belongs to Abe Jenkins. You see, Barney, as I told Murdoch

[A]

last night, the stone from the ledge fell down below and brought Toto and me here. We saw what you were doing and

[F]

told the sheriff everything. Yeah. Then during the ride here, I got a button from your vest and put it where it looked like. I took it from the dead man's hands. Dreamed as for that burned paper. The masked man put that in the fire.

[C]

Oh, that masked man. He's the one that's done it all.

[F]

Yep, he's the one. I reckon, Murdoch, the best way to catch a couple of rats to try to frame an innocent man for murder is to pull the same sort of tricks on them.

[C]

Don't take us to jail. Listen, I'll give Abe half my claim.

[F]

Well, maybe Abe will settle for a half. And maybe he'll take it all. But whatever Abe wants, he's going to get.

[E]

We'll take him the news he's waiting to hear. Come on, Silver, old boy. We're riding the Mitoto at the railroad. The cattlemen are making trouble there. And we're going to see what's going on it.

[D]

It's sam.

[A]

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

[E]

What's up everybody? 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 Craps Bubble Craps Live Black Crack Jack, there's no better place to play for free and win real cash prizes.

[C]

Spinquest.com Spin Quest is a free to play social casino.

[B]

Boyd where prohibited.

[C]

Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[B]

With VRBO's last minute deals, you can save over $50 on your spring getaway. So whether it's a Mountain Escape City break or a week at the beach, there's still time to get great discounts. Book your next day now. Average savings $72 select homes only.