The Lone Ranger - Pitfall Trap

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Lone Ranger - "Pitfall Trap"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Release Date: May 30, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio revives the classic Western radio drama "The Lone Ranger" with the thrilling adventure "Pitfall Trap." The story takes listeners back to the lawless days of the Old West, where the masked hero, The Lone Ranger, and his loyal companion Tonto battle against the ruthless gangster Jim Burton, who holds an entire territory in his grip through intimidation, violence, and extortion. The episode weaves together suspense, moral lines, and acts of clever justice while spotlighting classic Western themes of good versus evil.

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Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. The Menace of Jim Burton (02:33–06:34)

• Jim Burton’s Rule of Fear: Burton controls an entire district, forcing residents to pay him "protection" money under threat of violence and arson.
  • “You run the court the same as you run the sheriff and everything else in this part of the country.” — Tyler (04:15)
• Burton’s Methods: If tribute isn’t paid, Burton’s gang destroys property, poisons cattle, or even murders holdouts.
• Rancher Tyler's Plight: Tyler can’t pay this month, having sent money to his niece Betsy, coming to live with him after her father's death.
• Intimidation: Burton threatens consequences if not paid, hinting "accidents" like arson or cattle loss may befall Tyler.

2. The Lone Ranger Rides In (07:27–09:42)

• Distress Signal: The Lone Ranger and Tonto are drawn into trouble after hearing Tyler fire three shots, a traditional Western signal for help.
• Tyler’s Refusal: Tyler insists he doesn't need help but details Burton’s misdeeds to the masked stranger and points him to Mrs. Simmons, another victim.
  • "Jim Burton purposely shot this critter just because I ain’t paid him for protection." — Tyler (08:13)
• Mrs. Simmons’ Fear: Mrs. Simmons shares further tales of community-wide fear, explaining that even the sheriff is powerless.

3. The Lone Ranger's Daring Justice (09:53–12:57)

• Standing Up to Outlaws: The Lone Ranger abducts wanted criminals from Burton’s gang in broad daylight, outsmarting the lawless town.
  • "I’ll be back, Burton, for some more of the crooks that you’re shielding in this town." — Lone Ranger (10:36)
• Escalating Tensions: As news spreads of the masked man’s exploits, Burton becomes desperate to eliminate the Lone Ranger, openly plotting ambush.

4. Tyler’s Bargain—A Pitfall Plot (12:57–18:57)

• Tyler’s Deal With the Devil: Out of fear for his and Betsy’s safety, Tyler offers to help Burton trap the Lone Ranger in exchange for immunity.
  • "If I showed you where you could trap him, would you call what I owe you square and give me your protection for a few more months?" — Tyler (13:16)
• Trap Set: Tyler proposes luring the Lone Ranger using Tonto as bait, constructing a covered pitfall over a mountain lion’s den to ensure the Lone Ranger’s demise.
  • "You boys dig a deep hole in the ground, then cover it... he drops to the bottom of it and that finishes it." — Tyler (17:27)
  • "What if you was to capture a few rattlers and put them in the pit?" — Tyler (18:09)

5. The Trap Springs—and the Tables Turn (20:22–27:13)

• Tonto Captured: Tonto is ambushed and used as bait tied near the pit; the outlaws wait for the Lone Ranger (20:22).
• Conversation as Confession: While waiting, the outlaws boast of their past crimes—arson, thievery, murder—unaware they’re being overheard.
  • "I wouldn’t admit it to the law, but of course, you covered your tracks pretty slick on that job, boss." — Jordan about Burton (24:40)
  • "Well, I done it." — Burton admitting to killing Hank Green (24:51)
• Dramatic Climax: Just as Tyler's niece Betsy approaches the pitfall, the Lone Ranger emerges to rescue her:
  • "Ride, mister, save Betsy!… He’s got her!" — Tyler (25:17)
• Double Cross Is Revealed: Tyler confesses the entire pitfall trap was staged by him, the Lone Ranger, and Tonto to trick Burton into confessing (25:30).
  • "We wanted you to show yourself in all your men as murders. You done that by setting this death trap. Well, then I got you to talking…" — Tyler (25:42)
• Justice Delivered: The sheriff, hiding in the pit with deputies, overhears and arrests Burton and his men.
  • "Because after you gents finished with that pitfall, the sheriff took it over. And now he’s got plenty of evidence again ya with deputy to back my hand." — Tyler (26:21)
  • The supposed mountain lion guarding the pit is revealed to be toothless and tame—another clever ruse.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Corruption and Fear:
  • "Court? Everyone’s afraid of you. You run the court the same as you run the sheriff and everything else in this part of the country." — Tyler (04:15)
• The Underlying Morality:
  • "You wouldn’t have a Chinaman’s chance of getting him." — Tyler outlining how hard it would be to kill the Lone Ranger (17:59)
• The Twist Revealed:
  • "We wanted you to show yourself in all your men as murders… now there's enough on you to hang you." — Tyler (25:42)
  • "It was him and Tonto and me that staged the whole thing for your benefit." — Tyler (25:59)
• On the Power of Justice:
  • "It’s downright foolish to try and beat the little ranger’s gun." — Tyler (26:50)

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Timestamps for Major Segments

• 02:33 – Introduction of Jim Burton and his reign of terror
• 07:27 – Lone Ranger and Tonto hear signal and intervene
• 09:53 – Mrs. Simmons and more victims share their stories
• 10:15 – Lone Ranger takes action against outlaws
• 12:21 – Burton plots against the Lone Ranger
• 13:11 – Tyler offers to help trap the Lone Ranger
• 17:27 – The pitfall trap is described
• 20:22 – Tonto is ambushed
• 23:09 – The pit is baited; final preparations
• 24:51 – Outlaws brag about their crimes
• 25:17 – Betsy is saved by the Lone Ranger
• 25:30 – Tyler reveals the double-cross to Burton
• 26:21 – Sheriff and deputies emerge, arresting Burton

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Conclusion

“Pitfall Trap” exemplifies the classic Lone Ranger formula: bravery, wit, and a moral heart triumphing over evil, even when the odds seem insurmountable. With vivid performances, sharp dialogue, and a twisty plot, the episode offers a satisfying dose of Golden Age radio adventure—where the heroes are clever and the villains, brought to justice in grand, theatrical style. If you enjoy timeless tales of cunning, justice, and Western valor, this episode captures all the hallmarks of the Lone Ranger legend.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty HI O.

[Tyler]

Silver. The Lone Ranger. It's sam.

[Narrator]

The Wild and Untamed west of yesteryear with all of its stirring action is brought back to us in a vivid word picture as the phantom figure of the plains rides on another exciting adventure. Listen to those silver shot hoops racing down the trails of old. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Tyler]

Come on, Silver, old boy. We have a big job to do. God is waiting for us somewhere ahead. Hey, O Silver. How are you?

[Narrator]

Jim Burton had made himself absolute master of a large district in the Southwest. All who lived in that territory were forced to pay him tribute or suffer the consequences. His men, outlaws and hired gunmen, openly punished those who refused to pay. Homes were stripped, buildings burned, cattle stolen or poisoned. Men who stubbornly defied Burton were murdered. The gang had become so powerful that the law was helpless. In the first scene of tonight's story, we see Burton and his lieutenant, Bat Jordan, riding to the home of a rancher named Tyler.

[Jim Burton]

How much do a man Tyler owe us, Tyler? Let me look at the book here. Just a second, Burton. Well, don't be all day finding it. Yeah, here it is. He ain't paid for last month yet. Oh, he ain't, huh? Well, I'll have to teach him a lesson. That's his prize bull over yonder, ain't it? Yeah. All right. That got him.

[Tyler]

Hey. What? Stop it, Burton. Look at what you done. Ain't that a downright shame?

[Jim Burton]

I ran over here to have a talk with you, Tyler.

[Tyler]

Why, you.

[Jim Burton]

Just an accident, that's all. I'm mighty sorry. I was just looking at my gun and went off and got that bull.

[Tyler]

Accident, my eye.

[Jim Burton]

Accidents do happen, Tyler. Yep, that's why it's smart to keep signed up with my company. Now, if only you'd paid up your fee last month, I'd have stood the loss of that bull.

[Tyler]

And because I didn't pay you, you shot the critter.

[Jim Burton]

I wouldn't be so quick to say things like that, Tyler. Especially when they can't be proved in court.

[Tyler]

Court? Everyone's afraid of you. You run the court the same as you run the sheriff and everything else in this part of the country.

[Jim Burton]

You'd be smart to pay up your dues and button up your lip, Tyler. You know, I think that just the fact that a man has signed up with me is enough to keep thieves and troublemakers away. Now look at how all my clients have been let alone. And look at how thieves will trouble Them that ain't been registered with me. I know.

[Tyler]

When Bob Frisby refused to pay you, he lost 100 head of cattle from poison pool. Then when he still held out, his house, catched fire.

[Jim Burton]

Bad accident. I was sorry to see Bob wiped out like that.

[Tyler]

Yes, you was.

[Jim Burton]

Then there was Hank Fenton. My, but he had a streak of tough luck. Remember, Jordan, how them prowling thieves kept busting in his house and taking things? Yeah. He done well to sign up with us. His house is likely to catch fire easy. Yeah, well, enough of that. Mr. Tyler, you owe just $50. That'll bring your payments right up to date.

[Tyler]

I ain't got no $50.

[Jim Burton]

No? Seems to me you sold some cattle last month. Ain't you been paid for it?

[Tyler]

I sent the cash to my niece at Red Bluff.

[Jim Burton]

That's bad. That's mighty bad. You should have thought of your own protection.

[Tyler]

Look here, Barton. I ain't a man to ask favors, but I've got to. My niece Betsy lost her paw and she's coming here to live with me.

[Jim Burton]

So you sent her all your money, huh?

[Tyler]

Her paw had some debts that she wanted to clean up before she left there. Now, look here, Burton. Just leave me alone and I'll pay ya. I'll pay up in time if you just let me be.

[Jim Burton]

Tyler, I wouldn't do anything to you. You seem to think that I'm behind all the trouble around here.

[Tyler]

You ain't fooling me, Burton. Everyone knows about your gang and how you tell them to go to work on anyone that won't pay you.

[Jim Burton]

I wonder. You look for this niece of yours

[Tyler]

to get here as soon as you might be tomorrow or next week or next month.

[Jim Burton]

Well, we'll be on the way. I sure hope you'll be able to pay up what you owe, Tyler. Been quite a long dry spell. They ain't no telling when a man's house might catch fire. Come on, gentlemen. We'll go call on Mrs. Simmons. She's behind in the payments, too. Yeah. Come on. Get up here. Get up.

[Tyler]

Get up.

[Jim Burton]

Get up there.

[Tyler]

Tad. Rabbit. That poor bull. He ain't dead. I gotta take care of him. I'll go get my gun.

[Narrator]

Wait, Thomas.

[Jim Burton]

Here. Two shot.

[Narrator]

Yes. If there's a third, three shots todo. That's always a danger sign. That's right. No man fires three shots based like that unless he wants help and wants it bad.

[Jim Burton]

Shot come from that wave. Come on, Silver.

[Tyler]

Get him up.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and his faithful Indian companion Tanto were riding along the trail when they heard the three shots. Throughout the west, three spaced shots were known as the signal of distress. The masked rider lost no time answering what he believed to be a call for help. And soon he and Tonto pulled their horses to a stop alongside of old Tyler, who stood beside the dead bull.

[Jim Burton]

What's the trouble here?

[Tyler]

Trouble? A plenty trouble. But you're talking to the wrong man, stranger.

[Narrator]

How's that?

[Tyler]

I reckon you're looking for the boss of all the outlaws, Jim Burton. Well, he went to see poor old widow Simmons. Reckon he'll be drilling her cattle about now.

[Jim Burton]

Didn't you fire three shots for help? Huh? I'm no outlaw.

[Narrator]

Came here because I heard three space shots.

[Tyler]

Oh, Plan six. I never thought of that guy, Stranger. I didn't mean to signal for help, even though the good Lord knows I need it plenty bad. I fired them shots to put this bull out in his suffering. Jim Burton purposely shot this critter just because I ain't paid him for protection.

[Jim Burton]

I see.

[Narrator]

Jim Burton, huh?

[Jim Burton]

Yeah. We hear a story about him. Yes.

[Narrator]

I didn't think there could be any truth in those stories, stranger.

[Tyler]

Ain't none of my affair. And a smart man don't ask too many questions. But why are you wearing that mask around here?

[Narrator]

I want you to tell me more about Jim Burton.

[Tyler]

Well, if you ride hard for the first white house you come to heading that way, you'll likely catch him talking to Witter Simmons.

[Narrator]

Very well.

[Tyler]

If she don't tell you all you want to know about Jim Burton, just come on back here and I'll tell a plenty.

[Jim Burton]

Come on, Silver.

[Mrs. Simmons]

And there ain't nothing that crook won't stoop to, stranger. I had to give him a last penny or the chances are my house would have catched fire tonight.

[Narrator]

Doesn't the sheriff do anything to stop that sort of thing?

[Mrs. Simmons]

The sheriff? He can't do anything. No one can ever prove that Burton's the one that does all these things. Not even United States Marshal can do anything about it.

[Jim Burton]

Why don't all of you band together and refuse to pay him?

[Mrs. Simmons]

There ain't no one was spunk enough to even speak again him except an old man, Tyler, and me. I tell you, stranger, just to tell everyone I get the chance to tell, Jim Burton's the orneriest skunk that ever breathed. You go ask Tyler to tell you a few things that he's done.

[Jim Burton]

I'm going to.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger. Gathered all the information he could find concerning Jim Burton and his men. Among other things, he learned that many members of the gang were wanted by the law in other sections of the country. This knowledge suggested a way to break Burton's power in town. The next day, the men were gathered in the cafe. The masked man suddenly appeared in the doorway, his two heavy six guns covering every person in the room.

[Jim Burton]

Hold it. Every one of you. Stand still.

[Tyler]

It's a sticker.

[Jim Burton]

It's no robbery. The man I want is Scar Lewis.

[Tyler]

Hold on. Here, mister.

[Jim Burton]

Grab him. Take his mask off.

[Tyler]

Don't try.

[Jim Burton]

Leave your guns alone. Come on, Lewis. You don't want it for murdering Pecos Burton.

[Tyler]

You ain't gonna let him get me.

[Jim Burton]

Burton has nothing to say. Come on. Let me go.

[Tyler]

Let me go.

[Jim Burton]

I'm covering the rest of you with one gun. Stay where you are. I'll be back, Burton, for some more of the crooks that you're shielding in this town.

[Tyler]

Let me go. Jim. Help.

[Narrator]

During the next three days, the townspeople talked of nothing but the daring action of the masked man. We hear Burton and Jordan with two of their men discussing the matter on the porch of the general store.

[Jim Burton]

He must have taken Scar all the way to Pecos. Reckon he must have. Just who's he think he is, Burton? He ain't no right to drag a man across the county line that way. Wearing a mask, too, if he comes back here. But you better duck for cover. You're wanting Red Bluff. That's where he's going.

[Tyler]

What? Why, you.

[Jim Burton]

Hey. Come from the side of the building. You won't get me. Burton's be back. You too, Jordan. See you here, stranger. Hey, Silver. They say you're pretty slippery, Butch. I'll put a rope on you. Stop him, Burton.

[Tyler]

Jordan.

[Jim Burton]

Stop him and more of your gang. That I want, but let me down. You can't let me on your horse like this. You're going to Red Bluff, Butch.

[Tyler]

I O shield.

[Narrator]

Within the next two weeks, the Lone Ranger struck at Burton's gang four more times. He appeared when least expected, forced an outlaw to go with him and made his escape before his surprised victims could defend themselves. In all, he had taken six of Burton's men. And the gang leader was furious. We see Burton with Jordan, considering a method to get rid of the Lone Ranger.

[Jim Burton]

If that man is the Lone Ranger, he wouldn't touch you unless he had proof of something agin you. I don't know about that. Maybe we've seen the last of them. I hope not, Jordan. I ain't gonna rest till I see that man shot unmasked and planted six foot deep. As for me, I'm Willing to let well enough alone.

[Tyler]

Well, I ain't.

[Jim Burton]

I'll get him, Jordan, if it's the last thing I do.

[Tyler]

Mr. Burton.

[Jim Burton]

Huh? Oh, it's you, huh? Tyler, you're about due to pay me some money.

[Tyler]

I know.

[Jim Burton]

Did you bring it with you?

[Tyler]

I. I hate no money.

[Jim Burton]

Well, I ain't waiting no longer.

[Tyler]

Now, Mr. Burton.

[Jim Burton]

You pay up or there might be some accidents happen on the trail to Red Bluff. An accident that might affect this niche you're expecting.

[Tyler]

Wait. Won't you listen to me?

[Jim Burton]

Money talk's the only language I care to listen to.

[Tyler]

There's something. We'll talk louder.

[Jim Burton]

What?

[Tyler]

Look, you'd like to get this Lone Ranger, wouldn't you?

[Jim Burton]

I'd give up plenty to get him.

[Tyler]

Cliff, if I showed you where you could trap him, would you call what I owe you square and give me your protection for a few more months?

[Jim Burton]

For the rest of your life? That's what it means to me to get that mask, man. He's made things too darn tough around here. Do you know where he says? Well, do you?

[Tyler]

Yeah, I think I can find him.

[Jim Burton]

Sit down there, Tyler.

[Tyler]

Thanks. I don't mind if I do.

[Jim Burton]

Where's the Lone Ranger?

[Tyler]

I ain't saying I know where he is.

[Jim Burton]

You don't know? Why, you old four plus of you.

[Tyler]

Wait. I know where he will be. You got something?

[Jim Burton]

Where? Come on, speak up. Where?

[Tyler]

Now, let me tell it my own way. I got a scheme all worked out so as you can get him.

[Jim Burton]

Let's hear.

[Tyler]

You promised me that you won't make me no trouble.

[Jim Burton]

I told you I wouldn't.

[Tyler]

And you won't make no trouble for my niece, Betsy?

[Jim Burton]

No, of course not.

[Tyler]

All right, then it's a deal. Listen close, gents, and I'll tell you how to get the Lone Range.

[Narrator]

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. Now to continue our story. You will recall that in the first act of tonight's drama, the Lone Ranger learned of Burton's crooked activities. And in a series of daring raids, the masked man carried off those of Burton's men, known to be outlaws. In the meantime, Burton tried desperately to defend himself against the Lone Rangers attacks. Let us pick up the threads of our narrative as Tyler completes the outline of his plan.

[Jim Burton]

Now, let me get this straight, Tyler. You're to show me where to get this Lone Ranger. In exchange for that, I'll see that you're protected from trouble. All sorts.

[Tyler]

It's a deal then.

[Jim Burton]

You don't know when this niece of yours is coming, do you?

[Tyler]

No. She ought to be getting here soon though. She was only going to stay in Red Bluff till she paid up her Paul's debts. Then take her horse and ride down here.

[Jim Burton]

Maybe if she's good looking, I might take her to a couple parties.

[Tyler]

Now hold on. One other thing I want in that agreement, Burton. Well, Jordan, or none of the rest of your bunch are to come annoying Betsy.

[Jim Burton]

Oh, now tell them. All right, I'll see they don't. You hear that, Jordan? Yeah, I hear it. Now suppose you tell us. I aim to get this Lone Ranger while we can get at him.

[Tyler]

Well, there's an Injun friend of his.

[Jim Burton]

I heard about him. His name's Tardo.

[Tyler]

That's right.

[Jim Burton]

What's Tardo got to do with it?

[Tyler]

I know where to capture the injunction.

[Jim Burton]

Yeah?

[Tyler]

You see, him and the Lone Ranger have been friendly with me. The engine has been to my place several times already and he'll be back again. Now, if you was to capture Tonto, the Lone Ranger would blame seem no about it.

[Jim Burton]

Yeah, I suppose he would.

[Tyler]

All right then, what'll he do?

[Jim Burton]

Come riding like lightning with a couple guns blazing?

[Tyler]

You needn't fear about being shot. The Lone Ranger never shoots to kill. He'll come in fighting fair.

[Jim Burton]

What about it?

[Tyler]

When he comes along the trail where you men are holding Tonto, making out to torture him so's he'll tell where the masked man is, he'll hit a pitfall.

[Jim Burton]

Pitfall?

[Tyler]

Sure. You boys dig a deep hole in the ground, then cover it with branches and things so he won't see it. He drops to the bottom of it and that finishes it.

[Jim Burton]

My thunder Tyler, you got an idea there. Why don't we just blaze head him with our guns?

[Tyler]

I'll tell you why, Jordan. You ought to know already. You tried to shoot him once before and one of them silver bullets blasted your six gun out in your hand.

[Jim Burton]

And blame near broke my hand. Of course, if he sees any of us drawing a gun, he'll let you have it. That's right, Jordan. Tyler's right.

[Tyler]

You wouldn't have a Chinaman's chance of getting him.

[Jim Burton]

Just don't pay no attention to him and let him come at us and drop into the pit. How do we know he'd get killed?

[Tyler]

What if he was to capture a few rattlers and put them in the pit? Rattlers?

[Jim Burton]

Sure. When he falls in the pit, they'd finish him.

[Tyler]

Sure, they Would. What's more, I'll provide him. Can you get him? Sure I can get him.

[Jim Burton]

Tyler, it seems to me that you're doing a lot to get the man that sort of worked on your behalf. How come?

[Tyler]

I'd do anything to make my home safe for my niece, Betsy when she gets here.

[Jim Burton]

I see. We'll follow out that scheme. Jordan, get the boys together. We'll dig the pit. And then we'll leave it up to Tyler to lead us to capturing that in Gintano.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger had captured all of Burton's men who had criminal records. But Burton himself was still free. Our next scene opens in the masked man's hidden camp. He and Tonto are speaking of the gang leader. We can't put another one of them in jail, Tanto. The rest have no crimes chalked against them that bad. And even if they had, the one man we must get is Jim Burton, Isn't that right? None of the others count. We can replace them as fast as we can capture them. Burton is the man who must be jailed.

[Jim Burton]

What jail him for?

[Narrator]

That's the problem. There's not a thing that can be proved against him.

[Jim Burton]

You know Sheriff here.

[Narrator]

I've talked to the sheriff. He's honest and he'd like to see Jim Burton's power broken just as much as we would. His hands are tied.

[Jim Burton]

Oh, here, Whitefeller, you're leaving now. Time to go see old man.

[Narrator]

Very well.

[Jim Burton]

Maybe someday we get Burtonpeller.

[Narrator]

Here's hoping, Kemo Sabe.

[Jim Burton]

See you by and by. Yes. Get him a point for.

[Narrator]

Tonto. Riding to Tyler's home, entered the trap set by Burton. The faithful Indian drew his horse to a stop before the ranch house, prepared to dismount, and was immediately surrounded by the outlaws who advanced upon him with drawn guns.

[Jim Burton]

Make a move and we shoot.

[Tyler]

Watch him.

[Jim Burton]

We're watching him.

[Tyler]

Move him tight. Are you double crouched?

[Jim Burton]

Strange.

[Tyler]

Sorry, engine, but I had to do it.

[Jim Burton]

Pull those ropes tight. You won't get loose. You double crossed.

[Tyler]

It was you and me injured.

[Jim Burton]

No, redskin. It's you or the Lone Ranger. Yeah. You got just one chance to save your neck. What you mean? Tell us where to find the Lone Ranger and we let you go free. That Tyler feller, him double cross.

[Tyler]

It was you or me.

[Jim Burton]

You better do the same thing and lead us to the Lone Ranger. If you know what's good for you. Me not double cross. Oh, so you figure you won't tell us, huh? That's right. We got ways of making any man talk. Tonto Nut talk. We'll see about that. Take him to the post, boys. Yeah. Here's where we see just how much pain an engine can stand. Keep a close watch on him.

[Tyler]

Don't give him a chance to get free.

[Jim Burton]

Jordan, you ride ahead with Tonto and my mothers. Me and Tyler, I'll follow you. Come on.

[Tyler]

Come on. Come on. Get a boy. Get back. Come on.

[Jim Burton]

Get a boy. It was easier than I figured.

[Tyler]

Yeah.

[Jim Burton]

He didn't put up no fight at all. No.

[Tyler]

He seen there wasn't no use agin such odds.

[Jim Burton]

I wonder if the Lone Ranger will come after him.

[Tyler]

I'm betting on it. Just look at the ground around here, how it's trampled. The Lone Ranger will see the Tonto don't get back to the camp. Then he'll come see the signs and follow the trail.

[Jim Burton]

I hope so.

[Tyler]

All you have to do is keep the engine at that post just beyond the pit until the Lone Ranger comes.

[Jim Burton]

Good. Unless he spots our trail, sees where we went around the pit.

[Tyler]

Chucks, he won't do that. When he gets that post, he'll see his Injun friend being tortured and come riding hard with eyes on us instead of on the trail.

[Jim Burton]

That's reasonable to suppose. How about the rattlers?

[Tyler]

Well, Burton, I had to change that part some. What? Yeah, you see, I managed to trap a mountain lion alive. I take it on trying to get bounty for it. When I seen how vicious the critter was, I thought it'd be better to put that in the bottom of the pitch than in the rattlers.

[Jim Burton]

It's all the same. Don't matter none.

[Tyler]

That's the way I.

[Narrator]

Tonto. Boundless strong rope was carried by Burton's men to a point along the trail that led from Red Bluff to town. There, within sight of the trail, he was tied to the stump of a dead tree. Not far beyond them could be heard the cries of the mountain lion supplied by Tyler, marking the location of the pitfall prepared for the Lone Ranger. We hear the outlaws as they wait for the masked man to appear in search of his companion.

[Tyler]

How much longer do you think you'd better wait, Burton?

[Jim Burton]

Yes, we waited about long enough. That blamed mountain lion down the pit smells horses.

[Tyler]

Yeah, he's downright hungry.

[Jim Burton]

Reckon I'll move back to cover and have a look at him.

[Tyler]

Don't you do it.

[Jim Burton]

Why not?

[Tyler]

Them critters can leap higher than a man's head. He might get out.

[Jim Burton]

Tyler's right. He's sure making a plenty of noise.

[Tyler]

Yeah, he's pretty hungry. Oh, by the way. Well, I hope you made that pit deep enough.

[Jim Burton]

Sure took the Lord of us all

[Tyler]

night to dig it big enough for a man and a horse to drop in. Sure enough. Well, Burton, why don't you start on the redskin?

[Jim Burton]

We maybe should wait till we see the Lone Ranger coming along the trail.

[Tyler]

What's the sense in that?

[Jim Burton]

You seem mighty anxious for things to get hot for the redskin, Tyler.

[Tyler]

Well, taking part in murder don't appeal to me. I want to get it over with.

[Jim Burton]

Murder?

[Tyler]

This is your first murder, too, ain't it, Burton?

[Jim Burton]

Mine?

[Tyler]

Sure. I figure you never take the risk of killing a man.

[Jim Burton]

Listen to him, Jordan. That's a good one. Well, have you tell him about the Parker affair, Burton? You found out about who done for

[Tyler]

Jack Parker, did you?

[Jim Burton]

Well, I wouldn't admit it to the law, but of course, you covered your tracks pretty slick on that job, boss.

[Tyler]

And you must have been the one that knifed Hank Green.

[Jim Burton]

Listen to him.

[Tyler]

Oh, but I don't reckon you was. Green was a pretty tough hombler. It'd take a sight of nerve for a man to fight him.

[Jim Burton]

Well, I done it.

[Tyler]

You did?

[Jim Burton]

Sure. Someone coming. Take a look. Stand ready with them lasses to handle Tanner with.

[Tyler]

That ain't the Lone Ranger. That's my niece. Your niece? Yeah. She's heading down the trail. She'll fall into that hole. Stop her. Right ahead and stop her. We can't. There ain't none of us near to our horses.

[Jim Burton]

If she drops into that, we'll miss getting the Lone Ranger.

[Tyler]

Get for the horses. Hurry. They're behind them trees. We can't get to them in time. There's the Lone Ranger. He was behind them trees with the horses.

[Jim Burton]

How'd you get there?

[Tyler]

Ride. Ride, mister. Save Betsy. He's getting to her. Thanks a good Lord. Do you get her? Look at him travel. He's got her to save Betsy.

[Jim Burton]

All right, Tyler. Now suppose you tell how he happened

[Tyler]

to be where he was. All right, Burton, I will tell. I can tell you now because you talked all you needed, Tyler.

[Jim Burton]

What?

[Tyler]

The whole thing was staged just to get you to show your hands.

[Jim Burton]

What's that? Keep your gun on, Tyler. There's something funny here.

[Tyler]

You won't think it's a funny. We wanted you to show yourself in all your men as murders. You done that by setting this death trap. Well, then I got you to talking about other murders you done. You see, Burton, now there's enough on you to hang you.

[Jim Burton]

Yeah? Well, ain't that interesting?

[Tyler]

Thought I double Crossed the Lone Ranger, huh? Well it was him and Todo and me that staged the whole thing for your benefit.

[Jim Burton]

I had the Lone Ranger behind them trees to hear what we said. Ain't no one else back there boss. No. And when Toddo and Tyler are done for, there ain't no one but the mask man to know what was said there. And we're shooting him as soon as he gets in gun range. Get ready boys.

[Tyler]

Oh no you won't.

[Jim Burton]

Why?

[Tyler]

Because after you gents finished with that pitfall, the sheriff took it over. And now he's got plenty of evidence again. Ya with deputy to back my hand. What? They've been hid down there to hear the whole thing with ladders to climb out on. Throw the rest of that brush aside boys.

[Narrator]

We got all we need.

[Tyler]

It's a frame up. We've got to shoot our way out. Find them. Don't stand steady.

[Jim Burton]

Cover them from behind.

[Tyler]

And I've got guns on you from here.

[Jim Burton]

Nice French cut ropes. Give tunnel guns.

[Tyler]

You want them, don't anyone else try

[Jim Burton]

to use a gun.

[Tyler]

You see Burton, it's downright foolish to try and beat the little ranger's gun. As for that lion you pull cat. That's an old toothless mountain cat that's just as tame as a kitten. But he kept you boys from trying to look in the pit. We got your button and your men with you.

[Jim Burton]

Thanks Honor for helping to trap these men takes alive.

[Tyler]

Mister, you repaid me in full. You saved Betsy's life.

[Narrator]

She's waiting for you beyond the pitfall.

[Tyler]

Come on silver heads out there old boy. That looks like a house.

[Jim Burton]

The player BEYOND the valley.

[Tyler]

Sa. Sam.

[Narrator]

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