The Lone Ranger - Poverty in Three Coners

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Lone Ranger - "Poverty in Three Corners"
Harold’s Old Time Radio – May 29, 2026

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Episode Overview

This classic episode of "The Lone Ranger," featured by Harold’s Old Time Radio, revisits a tense moment in Three Corners, a small western town beset by poverty and hardship. The story spotlights the ruthless banker Martin Gates and his relentless foreclosures, the efforts of the Lone Ranger and Tonto to aid the townspeople, and the redemption (or reckoning) that comes through a clever—yet morally charged—scheme involving gambling, deception, and a newly discovered sense of community justice.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage: Three Corners in Crisis

• Narrator (02:55): Explains how Martin Gates, the local banker, holds mortgages on nearly every property in town due to a poor cattle year and is foreclosing without mercy.
  • “A poor cattle year made it impossible for the people to meet their payments. And Gates foreclosed without mercy.”
• The Lone Ranger (03:16): Expresses concern for the townsfolk, believing they deserve more compassion and time to pay off their debts.
  • “Men must help each other. All those people who lost their homes to Martin Gates deserve some sort of help.”

2. Bolivar Bates and Hacksaw Hastings: Unlikely Heroes

• Bolivar and Hacksaw (05:02-07:15): The two ex-Confederate soldiers hatch a plan to run a poker tent, offering a cut of their winnings to the town, as a way to win cash back from Gates.
  • Bolivar: “For every dollar we win, the town will get 10 cents.” (06:42)
  • Sheriff Lampson (07:13): Sceptical about their skills, but willing to let them try.

3. The Lone Ranger and Tonto: Upholding Justice

• Lone Ranger (08:00): Monitors the scheme, ensuring Bolivar and Hacksaw play fair.
  • “Are you and Hacksaw planning to play a straight game?”
• Sheriff Lampson (10:11-11:04): Privately confides his animosity towards Gates and admits slight complicity:
  • “Martin Gates has darn near had to shoot me to make me serve notice on the folks. I'm agin him.” (10:56)

4. The Poker Scheme and Gates’ Downfall

• Poker Game Climax (12:33-15:15): High-stakes poker between Bolivar and Gates escalates, with Gates becoming increasingly suspicious and desperate as he loses.
  • Martin Gates: “There’s something mighty crooked about this game.” (12:43)
  • Bolivar: “I'm said to be the luckiest man alive.” (13:50)
• Violent Outburst (16:40): In a rage, Gates attempts to shoot Bolivar for allegedly cheating. The Lone Ranger intervenes; a dramatic moment that shifts the town’s fate.

5. Justice and Redemption

• Martin Gates in Jail (18:04-18:51): Faces isolation and fear of a rigged trial. The Lone Ranger lectures him about justice and empathy.
  • Lone Ranger: “You’ve taken their homes, their ranches, their cattle. You've taken everything they worked hard to earn.” (18:21)
• Gates Pleads for a Fair Trial (19:20): Realizing his predicament, he agrees to face the townspeople and has a change of heart.

6. Restitution: Mortgages Renewed

• Gates Visits Debtors (20:48-23:40): Gates, now under guard, moves from house to house, reissuing mortgages and giving people back their land and cattle.
  • Martin Gates: “Here's the new mortgage. You just sign here and go on living here. This place is still yours.” (21:17)
• The town is revitalized, and the residents prepare to drive cattle north for fair prices.

7. Revelations, Contrition, and Final Justice

• Truth Revealed (25:46-28:09): It is exposed that Bolivar and Hacksaw’s win was the result of cheating (signaled cards), but they return the money—with the Sheriff’s cut retained.
  • Hacksaw Hastings: “I'd hang around and get to see the hand that Banker Gates was dealt. And if he had anything to beat what Bolivar was holding, I'd give Bolivar the high sign.” (27:11)
  • Martin Gates: “So you cheated me. You cheated me after all.” (27:23)
• The Lone Ranger's Moral (28:09):
  • “In this new country, new laws must be made. Men can't live and grow with the country unless they replace the written laws with the laws of humanity and help each other.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sheriff Lampson (10:56): “Martin Gates has darn near had to shoot me to make me serve notice on the folks when he's foreclosed his mortgages. I'm agin him.”
• The Lone Ranger (18:21): “You’ve taken their homes, their ranches, their cattle. You've taken everything they worked hard to earn.”
• Martin Gates (24:33): “You know, Sheriff, it's a funny thing. Well, all my life in making money, I never been half as contented as I am right now.”
• Bolivar Bates (27:06): “We didn't win that cash fair.”
• The Lone Ranger (28:09): “Men can't live and grow with the country unless they replace the written laws with the laws of humanity and help each other.”

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Important Timestamps

• 02:55 – Narrator’s introduction of the town’s plight and Gates’ greed
• 06:42 – Bolivar proposes to share gambling winnings with the town
• 10:56 – Sheriff Lampson confides he dislikes Gates’ methods
• 12:33-15:15 – The climactic high-stakes poker game
• 16:40 – Gates attempts to shoot Bolivar
• 18:04-18:51 – Martin Gates confronts his fate in jail
• 21:08 – Gates renews Burke’s mortgage, signaling a change of heart
• 23:35 – Townspeople join together for the cattle drive north
• 25:46 – The truth about the poker game cheating is revealed
• 28:09 – The Lone Ranger's closing moral message

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Narrative Tone and Atmosphere

The episode blends tension and humor, as the sharp-witted banter of Bolivar and Hacksaw alternates with the Lone Ranger's solemn sense of fairness and the Sheriff’s gruff honesty. The ultimate message is one of restitution and community justice: written law is only as good as the hearts behind it, and true prosperity comes from looking out for one another.

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Conclusion

"Poverty in Three Corners" reflects on classic Western themes of justice, integrity, community, and redemption. The Lone Ranger stands as a catalyst for positive change, reminding listeners that laws exist to serve humanity, and sometimes, cleverness and compassion—along with a little daring—can right even the most entrenched wrongs.

Transcript

[Bolivar Bates]

Wait.

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[Narrator]

A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high. O Silver.

[Sheriff Lampson]

The Lone Ranger.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

It. It's.

[Narrator]

The mysterious phantom figure of the plains was the most famous character of the frontier days of the western United States. His heavy guns were loaded with bullets of silver. His great white horse was shod with shoes of the same metal. And in all his fights against crime and injustice, he was accompanied by his faithful Indian companion, Tonto. And now, as Silver thunders down the trail, adventure comes to life once more. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

Come on, Silver Hollow. Follow. Follow is waiting for us. Hail Silver. Away.

[Narrator]

Martin Gates, the banker Three corners held mortgages on almost every home in town. A poor cattle year made it impossible for the people to meet their payments. And Gates foreclosed without mercy. The Lone Ranger and his faithful Indian companion Tonto, hoping that they could aid the poverty stricken people, made their way toward the community. We joined them as they near the town.

[The Lone Ranger]

If Martin Gates is all that he said to be, we'll try to teach him a lesson. Tanto, he can't possibly need all the land he's grabbing.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Him got right to land.

[The Lone Ranger]

There are rights here that aren't argued in all courts. In spite of what is outline. Men must help each other. All those people who lost their homes to Martin Gates deserve some sort of help.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Not right.

[The Lone Ranger]

They didn't know that with the war ending, the price of cattle would fall too low to pay for shipping them. They're given a little time. They can get better prices for their stock and pay off their mortgages instead of losing their homes to Martin Gates for a tenth of their value.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Maybe them not know about north country

[The Lone Ranger]

cattle Prices north of here are good, huh? But if Gates takes possession of the stock in payment of the mortgages, those people can't ship their cattle north.

[Sheriff Lampson]

What we do I don't know yet.

[The Lone Ranger]

I.

[Sheriff Lampson]

What matter, fellow? Look ahead.

[The Lone Ranger]

That horse in front of the sheriff's office. Sway backed and gray Sando. That looks like the horse that belongs to our friends Bolivar Bates and Hacksaw Hastings.

[Sheriff Lampson]

That right. Ho ho there, Silver. That Herman all right. Well, old boy, where are your partners?

[The Lone Ranger]

He knows this tumble. I wonder what trouble Bolivar and Hacksaw have gotten into now.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Me not know them all time in trouble.

[The Lone Ranger]

They'd only learn that they can't beat the law. They try one thing after the other and they've Never yet. Come out on top.

[Bolivar Bates]

Tada.

[The Lone Ranger]

There's an open window at the side of the office. Take care of Silver. I'm going to see if I can learn what they're up to before we let them know we're here in Three Corners.

[Bolivar Bates]

Me?

[Sheriff Lampson]

Wait.

[Bolivar Bates]

Betty Silver.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Teddy wife on her. All right, so you introduce yourselves. Bolivar Bates and Hacksaw Hastings. What about it? In the Confederate army. What's left of it, huh?

[Bolivar Bates]

No siree, Sheriff. We ain't in it no more. We're wearing the uniforms because we ain't nothing else to wear, that's all.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Well, what do you want here?

[Hacksaw Hastings]

Mean to say you ain't hearing about us, Sheriff?

[Bolivar Bates]

Hush up, Hackshaw. Don't call it to his tension how backward Three Corners is when it comes to hearing things.

[Sheriff Lampson]

What do you want, Sheriff?

[Bolivar Bates]

Old Jeb Stuart used to brag something awful about the two of us. Why, he's frequent. Said that if he had a dozen more like us, the Yanks wouldn't have had a chance in the wall.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Dozen like you would scare em.

[Bolivar Bates]

Yes siree.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

It's the steely glint in our eyes.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Get to the point. What are you doing here? We got enough trouble around town without a couple of tramps like you here.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

Well, I like that tramp.

[Bolivar Bates]

Say, well, maybe you can match this roll of paper money.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Where'd you get all that cash from?

[Bolivar Bates]

Grateful town. That's appreciated. A couple of worthwhile gents like us.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

Yeah, and Peters for helping them in problems such as you got here.

[Sheriff Lampson]

What do you know about Three Corners?

[Bolivar Bates]

You got a critter here named Gates, ain't you? Well, he's took over almost everything in town, ain't he?

[Sheriff Lampson]

Yeah.

[Bolivar Bates]

So? None of the folks has any cash and the town ain't got enough to even pay your salary.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Get to the point, Sheriff.

[Bolivar Bates]

We aim to help Three Corners in the present deplorable situation.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

Oh, now you got gambling here, ain't you?

[Sheriff Lampson]

Did have when the men had anything to gamble with.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

Just so. But the town never got nothing from it, did it?

[Sheriff Lampson]

Nothing but free liquor for the law. That's me.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

Just so. Now we Axol.

[Bolivar Bates]

Let me do the talking, Sheriff. We bought us a tent from the army and we got that same pack to board our horse. Now if you leave us, set it up. Run a nice refined poker game for them that wants to play. We'll pay a percentage to the town.

[Sheriff Lampson]

A percentage?

[Bolivar Bates]

Sure.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

For every dollar we win, the town will get 10 cents.

[Sheriff Lampson]

That ain't much.

[Bolivar Bates]

If we win $1,000, you get 100. Me well, the town. But it's paid to you. It's the same thing, ain't it?

[Sheriff Lampson]

I reckon it is. Now you're talking something like sense. And you two don't look like gamblers.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

Well, we ain't exactly.

[Sheriff Lampson]

We play your cash against anyone that wants to play you.

[Bolivar Bates]

I'm the one that plays Hacksaw. He just stands by to see there ain't no crooked playin.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Well, if that don't beat all. I've seen a lot of strange things in my day, but no one could ever make me think that a couple with your looks was good at gambling.

[Bolivar Bates]

What about it, Sheriff?

[Sheriff Lampson]

Well, it's all right with me if you can find anyone with cash to play with.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

And there's Martin Gates, ain't there?

[Bolivar Bates]

And he's always glad to win cash.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Ain't no one yet has ever got the best of Martin Gates.

[Bolivar Bates]

Sheriff, you're looking right now at the man that can do it.

[Sheriff Lampson]

I can't believe it. But I'm willing to be convinced.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

Good enough, Bolivar. We'll set up our tent and get started this evening.

[Bolivar Bates]

Yes siree. And the 10% of all the winnings goes to you, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Lampson]

I'm warning you though. If you lose, you better be able to pay up or I'll jail you so fast your head will swim.

[Bolivar Bates]

Oh well, we'll be able to pay up.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Our food ain't so good in jail. So remember what I told you.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

Come on, Bolivar. He's making threats that don't mean nothing.

[Sheriff Lampson]

And keep that game honest. I'll be around to try it for myself.

[Bolivar Bates]

Sheriff, we couldn't be anything else but honest. There.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hacksaw.

[Bolivar Bates]

That big roll of Confederate paper money and a couple of genuine bills atop it. Done the trick. I never. Leaping termites. Bonifa.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

Them two white horses alongside General Sherman.

[Bolivar Bates]

Tonto.

[Sheriff Lampson]

How?

[Bolivar Bates]

It's Tonto. The injured.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

And the masked man must be close by. There's his horse.

[The Lone Ranger]

So you two are going into the gambling business now?

[Bolivar Bates]

Apart, stranger, Mister, we. Look here, we ain't busted no laws.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, I saw that you were careful to keep your word to me and get permission from the sheriff before you set up a gambling tent.

[Bolivar Bates]

Sure, that's it, mister. We was keeping our word.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

We was thinking of that when we called on the Sheriff.

[The Lone Ranger]

What do you know about Martin Gates?

[Bolivar Bates]

He's a money grabbing polecat. He swindled everybody around him.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Hey there. What's the masked man doing you? I got you covered, stranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get back in your office. Sheriff, I came here to talk to you.

[Sheriff Lampson]

You keep Your distance. Keep back, I tell you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Let's go inside and talk. You two, wait for me. How do you keep them there?

[Sheriff Lampson]

Let me keep them. I got you covered now, stranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

Put away that gun and sit down.

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[Narrator]

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[The Lone Ranger]

What's Martin Gates trying to do? Control the whole country?

[Sheriff Lampson]

No. Well, as you say to know, he's got legal papers and they are the law.

[The Lone Ranger]

And so he's taken over most of the ranches around here.

[Sheriff Lampson]

What he ain't took yet, he will do. All gone soon.

[The Lone Ranger]

And if he let those people keep what they own for a time, they could join the Chisholm Drive and get a good price for their stock.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Yeah, I know that. So does Gates.

[The Lone Ranger]

Do the ranchers know it?

[Sheriff Lampson]

Sure, but what can they do about it? I signed the land away to Gates.

[Martin Gates]

Sheriff, just who are you for, huh?

[The Lone Ranger]

Martin Gates or the people?

[Sheriff Lampson]

Me, I. Now, see here, I don't know who you are. And you ain't no right to come in here mask like this. Ain't no right to talk to me like you are. But I'll answer your question. Then I'll ask a few. Well, Martin Gates has darn near had to shoot me to make me serve notice on the folks when he's foreclosed his mortgages. I'm agin him.

[The Lone Ranger]

That helps.

[Sheriff Lampson]

I'm agin his methods in his style. Stranger, I'd do damn near anything to see him took down. Look at what I did do.

[Martin Gates]

What that?

[Sheriff Lampson]

Two old galoots with a lot of Confederate cash that they tried to make me think was genuine Federal folding money. Set up a gambling tent to take Gates cash.

[The Lone Ranger]

Then you knew they didn't have much real cash to lose.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Of course I knew it. I ain't blind.

[The Lone Ranger]

And you knew Gates couldn't win much from them.

[Sheriff Lampson]

I'm only hoping they'll be able to take a Plenty cash from that skin. Flint.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sheriff. I think we'll get along, huh? We'll meet again.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Now here, you hold on.

[Narrator]

Stay in your office.

[The Lone Ranger]

And put away that gun. You're not going to use it on me, dad.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Raider. How did you know?

[Bolivar Bates]

Mister, we ain't aiming to break no laws. We ain't figured out.

[The Lone Ranger]

You needn't hold them any longer.

[Bolivar Bates]

Tottle you say keep them here.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

You kept us here right enough. Now leave us be. Let go. My collar.

[The Lone Ranger]

Bolivar. Are you and Hacksaw planning to play a straight game?

[Bolivar Bates]

Hacksaw? He won't be playing. He'll just stand by and I'll handle the car.

[The Lone Ranger]

Honestly, huh?

[Bolivar Bates]

Oh, now you know I wouldn't do otherwise.

[The Lone Ranger]

You mean to play an honest game?

[Martin Gates]

Go ahead.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

You ain't gonna stop us.

[The Lone Ranger]

Go on and play and do what you can to win from Martin Gates.

[Bolivar Bates]

Yowie, Hacksaw. That's a good omen. Come on, let's get our tent set up pronto. We're going after Martin Gates.

[The Lone Ranger]

But listen to me first. You're going to do it my way.

[Narrator]

The two ex soldiers listened to the Lone Ranger. Then put up their second hand tent and installed some borrowed furniture. That evening several men drifted in and played for small stakes with varying luck. Later, Martin Gates and Sheriff Lampson arrived and played for a full hour. Finally, Gates shouted in anger.

[Martin Gates]

Blast at your game.

[Bolivar Bates]

What's the matter, banker geek?

[Sheriff Lampson]

You.

[Martin Gates]

You were too measly pairing. You beat me. I want another deck of cards. There's something mighty crooked about this game.

[Bolivar Bates]

Now banker, that ain't right or just. It's insulting.

[Martin Gates]

I need to man new cards.

[Narrator]

Leave.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Bust out another deck of cards. And you better get the cafe and buy up a few more decks. Looks like banker Gates aims to call for new cards with every deal he loses. When I win, what do I win?

[Bolivar Bates]

Your deal. Banker Gates with a full house.

[Martin Gates]

Last time I won. I want a pot mudded, a mountain, nothing at all. This time I try a bluff and raise and raise no one blame. Well, that coyote hasn't much, but he don't bluff out. He sticks and wins.

[Bolivar Bates]

You want a deal? A hand. Banker Gates.

[Martin Gates]

Something mighty odd about this whole thing.

[Bolivar Bates]

Banker Gates. I should resent that kind of talk. Ain't right to cast reflections on a man like me. Now leave it to the sheriff.

[Sheriff Lampson]

He's playing a straight game. Banker.

[Martin Gates]

That's what I thought at first. One look at his face and I figured the game would be honest. He don't look smart enough to be anything else.

[Bolivar Bates]

You done Shuffling that new deck, Banker Gates.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Got him. Uh huh.

[Martin Gates]

Not you. Get your hand off them cards. You cut, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Anything to be obliging. There you are.

[Bolivar Bates]

Maybe you better not play again. My unconscious luck, Banker Gates. I'm said to be the luckiest man alive.

[Martin Gates]

Lucky to be alive, you mean.

[Bolivar Bates]

Maybe you can't afford to lose no more cash. What's that?

[Martin Gates]

Why, you skinny old gadfly, you. I'll show you.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Let's see.

[Martin Gates]

Stand up looking over my shoulder.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

Me? I didn't mean nothing.

[Bolivar Bates]

Go on, hacksaw. Get outside where you belong.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

Oh, there ain't no use me staying outside no longer. There won't be no one else getting a chance to play tonight. Even if I do get him interested. Bolivar.

[Bolivar Bates]

Sure they will. The banker won't stick much longer.

[Martin Gates]

I'll stick till I get back my losin's. I'll get square if it takes me all night.

[Bolivar Bates]

Maybe I should quit while I'm ahead.

[Martin Gates]

Oh, no you don't. Pick up them cards and play them.

[Bolivar Bates]

All right then.

[Martin Gates]

Stakes are going up. I feel my luck's changing.

[Bolivar Bates]

I'm afeared you're right, Gates.

[Martin Gates]

I'll play these.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Huh?

[Martin Gates]

I'm standing pat. How many cards do you want?

[Bolivar Bates]

Me? Oh, give me three cards.

[Martin Gates]

Drawn to a pair, eh? And me sitting here with a full house. All right, here's your curds.

[Bolivar Bates]

I got a notion you're trying to bluff me again, Banker Gates.

[Martin Gates]

For how much?

[Bolivar Bates]

Oh, let's get this done with. I got openers.

[Martin Gates]

What's your bet? There'll be no piker.

[Bolivar Bates]

I won't be. I'll bet 20 bucks.

[Martin Gates]

20? Why you cheap skin Flint. After all you want from me? You bet $20?

[Bolivar Bates]

You can raise as fur as you want, Banker Gates.

[Martin Gates]

As fur as I want?

[Bolivar Bates]

Yep.

[Martin Gates]

I'll raise $500.

[Narrator]

Gosh.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Careful, banker Gates.

[Martin Gates]

He won't dare to see me.

[Bolivar Bates]

Mr. Gates, I still got a notion that you're bluffing. So I'll call you past your skinny hide.

[Martin Gates]

You ain't no right to call me. You ain't no right to think I'm bluffing.

[Bolivar Bates]

Maybe you got the cards to beat a pair of queens. If you have the pot, yours.

[Martin Gates]

Dying ain't a doggone thing. How'd you know I didn't have. Sheriff, this game's crooked. Stand aside. I'm gonna get back my money or drill that cheatin coke plum to the heart. You're cheating.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

You're crooked.

[Martin Gates]

Gates took down that gun banter, Gates.

[Bolivar Bates]

The curtain falls on the first act

[Sheriff Lampson]

of our Lone Ranger.

[Bolivar Bates]

Drama before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

[Narrator]

Now continue our story. Bolivar Bates at Hacksaw Hastings schemed to win at poker from the greedy banker Martin Gates. Gates had foreclosed without mercy upon the ranchers in the district, making it impossible for them to sell their cattle in the profitable northern markets. Knowing this, the Lone Ranger watched the progress of the game from outside the tent. But when the banker finally lost his temper and shot Point blanket Bolivar, the masked man quickly entered the only killer.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

You shot my partner. You killed Palamovich.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's enough of that shooting.

[Martin Gates]

Who's this mask man?

[Bolivar Bates]

Stop that gun. You're covered.

[Martin Gates]

Drop it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Me?

[Sheriff Lampson]

Help him, old man.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get him out of here. Todo, Sheriff. You're putting this man under arrest, aren't you?

[Sheriff Lampson]

You're doggone right I am. Hoist your hands, Gage.

[Martin Gates]

I had reason to shoot. I had reason. It was a card game.

[Sheriff Lampson]

That's for a jury. Did he sign?

[Hacksaw Hastings]

And I'll be on hand to tell that jury how square the game was. Why? Bolivar wouldn't cheat.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll stay here with Bolivar, Sheriff, and see if there's any chance to save him.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Hey, you coming to the caliboos, banker Gate?

[Martin Gates]

No, no, you can't do that to me.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Who says I can't?

[Hacksaw Hastings]

I better take care of my partner's winning.

[Martin Gates]

But Flint. Let me look at him. Let me see how bad he's hit.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Get going. You already done enough to him.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

I'd grill you myself if I wasn't sure. The Lord hang you for this.

[Sheriff Lampson]

On your way now put the mask man.

[Martin Gates]

Who's he?

[Sheriff Lampson]

Ain't no concern of yours who anyone around here is. Now you won't be around town.

[Narrator]

The sheriff promptly threw Gates into jail to await trial for the shooting of Bolivar Bates. There the banker could learn nothing of what happened in town since his arrest. From the window of his cell he saw the Lone Ranger passing by. He called to him.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Hey there.

[The Lone Ranger]

You calling me?

[Hacksaw Hastings]

Yeah.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Come here, will you?

[The Lone Ranger]

What did you want?

[Martin Gates]

How bad hurt is Bolivar? Is he killed?

[The Lone Ranger]

You'll hear at the trial.

[Martin Gates]

Blasted. Won't nobody tell me nothing.

[The Lone Ranger]

What has the sheriff said him?

[Martin Gates]

He won't say nothing. Neither will the deputy. They're all again me. Every plain one of them.

[The Lone Ranger]

You can't blame them. What have you ever done to make people like you, Martin?

[Sheriff Lampson]

Well, I.

[The Lone Ranger]

You've taken their homes, their ranches, their cattle. You've taken everything they worked hard to earn.

[Martin Gates]

That's just business.

[The Lone Ranger]

Other bankers have made profits without taking advantage of their customers.

[Martin Gates]

Who are you to tell me what I should do?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm just explaining why you won't stand much chance at your trial.

[Martin Gates]

Have you heard much about what folks think?

[The Lone Ranger]

I've talked to a lot of people.

[Martin Gates]

What'd they say?

[The Lone Ranger]

They feel that you shouldn't be given any more chance than you gave them.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Yes.

[The Lone Ranger]

You see, gates, 12 men will be chosen for the jury. The majority of those will be people whose land you grabbed.

[Martin Gates]

I've got to do something. I'll hang for sure. I gotta do something.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver.

[Martin Gates]

I don't wanna hang. I'll get out of this some way.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Sheriff.

[Martin Gates]

Hey, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Come here, Sheriff.

[Martin Gates]

I gotta talk to you.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

Sheriff.

[Narrator]

The banker shook the door of his cell and shouted until the sheriff came to the barred door.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Sheriff.

[Martin Gates]

Sheriff.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Come here, Sheriff.

[Martin Gates]

Sheriff.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Quit making all that noise.

[Martin Gates]

But this is important.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Well, what do you want? I ain't got much time.

[Martin Gates]

I'm gonna get out on bail. There's a lot of things I have to do.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Mm. You know darn well I can't let you out on bail, Sheriff. I're in on a charge of murder.

[Martin Gates]

You can set the bail any figure you want. I don't care what it is. I ain't trying to run away.

[Sheriff Lampson]

And what are you so head up about?

[Martin Gates]

I gotta get out. I gotta see people.

[Sheriff Lampson]

For what? I reckon folks have seen all they want of you.

[Martin Gates]

I wanna talk to them.

[Sheriff Lampson]

I don't know about that, Sheriff.

[Martin Gates]

I'll do anything you say if you'll just give me the chance. I don't wanna be hung.

[Sheriff Lampson]

If I take you outta here, the mob might lynch you.

[Martin Gates]

I'll take that chance. Look here, Sheriff. You can handcuff me and take a dozen guards along. Just let me get out. I've got to see some people.

[Sheriff Lampson]

What for?

[Martin Gates]

Everyone in town's against me. You won't get no jury. That'll give me a fair trial.

[Sheriff Lampson]

I wonder whose fault that might be.

[Martin Gates]

It's mine. It's mine. I saviour. That's why I've got to get out. I've got to talk to people. You won't regret giving a man a chance to live. If I go on trial now, with every man in town set dead against me, I'll swing for sure.

[Sheriff Lampson]

I reckon a man's entitled to a fair trial.

[Martin Gates]

Sure he is. And an impartial jury.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Well, I'll think it over.

[Martin Gates]

Gates, you gotta let me out.

[Sheriff Lampson]

I reckon that could be arranged if. If you go out well guarded.

[Narrator]

The sheriff smiled to himself as he released the Banker under guard. Gates wasted no time calling on the people he had driven from their homes. He went first to Jeremy Burke.

[Martin Gates]

What do you want here? We're getting out in this place as soon as we can. We got till the first of the month, Gates. You told us that yourself.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Hold on, Burke.

[Martin Gates]

You ain't gotta leave.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Wait till you hear what he says.

[Martin Gates]

Burke, I changed my mind. I ain't foreclosing. You ain't foreclosing? I'm gonna renew your mortgage like you asked me to.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

You're a what?

[Martin Gates]

Yes.

[Narrator]

Here.

[Martin Gates]

Here's the new mortgage. You just sign here and go on living here. This place is still yours. And you can pay me the cash you owe me when you get it.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Well, I'll be. Don't you see, Burke? That leaves you free to dispose of your cattle.

[Martin Gates]

And with the cattle my own again,

[Hacksaw Hastings]

I can sell it.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Sure you can.

[Martin Gates]

Wherever there's a market.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Certainly. Wherever there's a market.

[Martin Gates]

I can join the Chisholm cattle drive to the north.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

By thunderation.

[Martin Gates]

What's come over the banker? Martha, did you hear what Gates done with Jeremy Burke?

[Bolivar Bates]

What's that?

[Martin Gates]

He renewed his mortgage. Burke is going to keep his cattle. Who's that coming here?

[Bolivar Bates]

Well, I'll go see.

[Martin Gates]

Hey, Sid, I gotta talk to you. Banker Gates.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

How'd you get out of jail?

[Sheriff Lampson]

He's under guard, ma'. Am.

[Bolivar Bates]

Here.

[Martin Gates]

Here's the mortgage. What do you mean? I mean I'm gonna renew your mortgage. I ain't foreclosing on you.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

But you already have.

[Martin Gates]

I didn't mean to. I don't want to take your home or your kettle. Here. Just sign this. It's a new mortgage. And you can pay me when you get the cash.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Well, I. Cor, man. Sign it. The bankers had a change of heart.

[Narrator]

Martin Gates, renewing the mortgages on liberal terms, hurried from one place to another. His debtors were astonished. And the news of the banker's actions spread like wildfire. Those who'd already lost their homes rushed to interview Gates before he could change his mind again.

[Martin Gates]

Are you renewing my mortgage, too? What about me, Gates?

[Hacksaw Hastings]

Can we keep our land?

[Sheriff Lampson]

Are you gonna let us have our cattle?

[Martin Gates]

I'll pay you as soon as the cows are sold. This line right up here. I got new mortgages for every one of you. I ain't gonna foreclose on nobody. What's your name? Lem Purdy of the Bar Key.

[Sheriff Lampson]

All right.

[Martin Gates]

You foreclosed. You drove us out. We've been wondering where we was going to sleep next week. You're going to sleep right on the bar key. You're going to keep the bar key. Here's your paper. Sign right here. What about me, Gates? What's your name?

[Sheriff Lampson]

Sam Tindall.

[Martin Gates]

All right, Sam. I got your paper here somewheres. You can pay me when you're ready. Who's going north with cattle?

[Sheriff Lampson]

I am.

[Martin Gates]

So am I. Me too. We can join the Chisholm cattle drive.

[Sheriff Lampson]

We can get good prices to the north. Next man, step up here. Hurry it up now. Hurry it up.

[Martin Gates]

I've got to get through all these papers before sundown. And then the sheriff's taking me back to jail.

[Narrator]

Never in the history of Three Corners was there so much activity and excitement. Towards sundown, when Gates, tired and exhausted, was again in his cell, he saw countless herds of cattle being driven northward past the jail. The banker stepped to the door and called to the sheriff.

[Martin Gates]

Sheriff. Sheriff, I want to speak to you.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Well, what's on your mind now, Gates?

[Martin Gates]

All them cattle going by, they're all going to join Chisholm with a drive to the north, huh? Yep. They can sell the cattle air, can't they?

[Sheriff Lampson]

Sure. They can get good prices for it.

[Martin Gates]

You know, Sheriff, it's. It's a funny thing. Well, all my life in making money, I never been half as contented as I am right now.

[Sheriff Lampson]

In spite of the fact that you're waiting trial for murder?

[Narrator]

Yep.

[Martin Gates]

In spite of it. I just wish.

[Sheriff Lampson]

You wish what?

[Martin Gates]

I wish to goodness I hadn't shot that poor critter.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Ain't likely a jury'll hang you now, Gates. You bribed every man in town.

[Martin Gates]

Curious thing, though, Sheriff. It ain't the hanging that bothers me. Well, it's the killer and the man. I don't know. Something happened to me today. Seeing all them folks with their faces lighted up with smiles.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Looks like you had a good lesson, maybe, huh?

[The Lone Ranger]

Hey, how's the prisoner, Sheriff?

[Sheriff Lampson]

Come in, stranger, come in. He's a changed man.

[The Lone Ranger]

I heard he'd been doing a lot around town today.

[Martin Gates]

Sheriff, who is this masked man? What's he doing around town anyhow?

[Sheriff Lampson]

Well, did she come here to investigate you?

[Bolivar Bates]

Me?

[The Lone Ranger]

Good fortunes on old Bolivar and Hackso here.

[Martin Gates]

Look here. Can't you tell me how Bolivar Bates is? I ain't even sure he's dead.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come in, Bolivar.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Well, Sheriff, how are you feeling?

[Bolivar Bates]

I'm a feeling all right. Fact is, I'm feeling frustrated.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

You. Howdy, banker. You feel like playing some more poker?

[Martin Gates]

That man, he's alive.

[Bolivar Bates]

He's walking.

[Martin Gates]

He ain't even wounded.

[The Lone Ranger]

It Was generally believed, Gates, that if you lost money, you'd lose your head. You did that very thing and drew your gun.

[Bolivar Bates]

Yep. You sure enough did that.

[Sheriff Lampson]

But I shot. That's what you spent this time in jail for, Gates. Drawing and shooting a man over a game of poke.

[Martin Gates]

But he ain't even wounded.

[Bolivar Bates]

Ain't your fault, Gates. You sure shot straight enough. That Warden in the blank cartridge you fired most knocked the wind right out of me.

[Martin Gates]

Blank cartridge?

[Hacksaw Hastings]

Yep. You see, Banker Gates, you was figured to do just what you done. That's why your gun was slipped from your pocket and loaded with blanks while you was concentrating on the car.

[Martin Gates]

Who done it? Who done it? Who figured me out like that?

[Bolivar Bates]

The masked man there. That's why he let us play poker around here. After promising him we wouldn't do nothing crooked.

[Sheriff Lampson]

I'll let you out now, Gates. I. I reckon you've learned your lesson.

[Martin Gates]

Let me out. And I ain't kill nobody.

[Bolivar Bates]

I don't look there, do I?

[Sheriff Lampson]

Now, maybe you're going to regret what you done today, Gates. But it's all done and you can't recall it. You sign new mortgages.

[Martin Gates]

Funny part of it is, Sheriff, I don't regret it.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Doggone it.

[Martin Gates]

I'm glad I done it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Have you anything else to say to the banker, Bolliver?

[Bolivar Bates]

No, reckon not.

[The Lone Ranger]

I think hard.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Oh.

[Bolivar Bates]

Oh, yes, Gates. I come to give back what I won from you.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Huh? You mean you're going to give back the money?

[Bolivar Bates]

Yep. Minus your 10%, Sheriff. You see, we didn't win that cash fair.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

It was a darn good scheme just the same, Sheriff. You see, I'd hang around and get to see the hand that Banker Gates was dealt. And if he had anything to beat what Bolivar was holding, I'd give Bolivar the high sign.

[Martin Gates]

So you cheated me. You cheated me after all.

[Bolivar Bates]

Yep. And my conscience hurts me, banker. That's why I'm returning your cash.

[Martin Gates]

You cheated me by darn. I wouldn't believe that. A glute that looked like you would do it. But it looks like I got tricked

[Sheriff Lampson]

all around

[Martin Gates]

by darn. I'm doggone glad of it. I never felt better in my life. You keep that cash, Boliver. Keep it. You earned it.

[Bolivar Bates]

Well, I'd sure enough like to. But I can't do it, Banker Gates. You see, I didn't win it honestly. And my conscience bothers me.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

Your conscience, my eye. You're giving it back because the Lone Ranger made you. Just like he made Bankergates give back the land he took.

[The Lone Ranger]

You see, Banker Gates, in this new country, new laws must be made. Men can't live and grow with the country unless they replace the written laws with the laws of humanity and help each other.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

Come on there, Silver. Oh boy.

[Sheriff Lampson]

Donald's waiting on the trail ahead.

[Hacksaw Hastings]

There's trouble. Hail, Silver. It.

[Narrator]

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

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