The Lone Ranger - Range Wars at the Holstead Ranch

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Lone Ranger — Range Wars at the Halstead Ranch

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 27, 2026

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Episode Overview

This classic episode transports listeners to the days of the Old West with The Lone Ranger, centering on a fierce “range war” between the rival ranchers Halstead and Conway. Amid rumors, sabotage, and escalating violence, the Lone Ranger and his faithful companion Tonto investigate, seeking to uncover the real cause of the feud and restore peace before the conflict spirals out of control.

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Key Discussion Points & Segment Highlights

1. Setting the Scene: The Prelude to War

• [02:37–03:11]
  The Texas grasslands, once warm with prosperity, witness tension rising over land boundaries and water rights. The opening narration highlights the destructive cycle of range wars in the Old West and the Lone Ranger’s mission to bring justice.

  “It was he, more than any other man, who brought law and order to the frontier.” — Narrator (02:37)

2. Encounter with the Law

• [03:30–06:32]
  The Lone Ranger and Tonto are intercepted by the sheriff and his deputy near the Halstead ranch. Suspected of being troublemakers (as Tonto is Native American and the Ranger wears a mask), they question the masked man’s intentions. The sheriff reluctantly tells them to go around the ranch, warning of a deadly range feud.

  “Wearing a mask, eh?” — Sheriff (04:05)
  “I want to hide my face. Why do you block the trails to the Halsteads? What's the matter there?” — Lone Ranger (04:26)

3. The Origins of the Feud

• [05:08–05:45]
  Listeners learn the dispute centers on accusations that Halstead dammed a stream, diverting water from Conway’s land, while Conway is suspected of cattle theft.

  “Same thing as always. Starts—some water rights.” — Sheriff (05:24)
  “He dammed up one of the main streams and diverted water from Conway's place to his own.” — Sheriff (05:29)

4. Suspicious Dealings in the Saloon

• [07:42–10:40]
  A side plot unfolds in a saloon, revealing Deputy Pete colluding with Pete (not to be confused with Deputy Pete), organizing cattle thefts under the chaos of the feud. Pete bribes the deputy for inside information.

  “Men from both outfits, you're kept too busy with fighting to pay any attention to branding and line riding and things of that sort.” — Pete (08:27)

5. Investigating Both Sides

• [11:06–13:41]
  The Lone Ranger sneaks into Halstead’s ranch to question him directly. Each rancher blames the other for the feud, but both profess innocence regarding the sabotage—hinting an outside manipulator is at play.

  "It's an out and out lie… Chances are he had his own men dam it just to give him a reason to steal my cattle.” — Bill Halstead (11:45)

6. The Real Culprit Unveiled

• [13:41–14:23]
  Tonto shares what he’s witnessed: Pete is letting cattle through Halstead’s fence and receiving cash in return, revealing the range war is a smokescreen for theft.

  “It must have been Pete that started the range war. He started it simply to keep both ranches so busy fighting their men wouldn't be able to watch the stock.” — Lone Ranger (13:53)

7. Close Calls and Tense Escapes

• [14:41–15:59]
  The Lone Ranger narrowly avoids being killed by Halstead’s men after trying to expose the real villains behind the scenes.

8. A Plan for Peace

• [17:19–20:17]
  The Ranger visits Conway at night, revealing the truth about the conspiracy. However, both ranchers’ pride prevents immediate reconciliation.

  “You're going to let more men get killed because of your pride?” — Lone Ranger (19:21)

  He requests Conway to hire Tonto as a cook, planting him inside for further investigation.

9. Tonto’s Ruse and the Sick Men

• [21:24–22:08]
  Tonto, now Conway’s cook, “doctors” the ranch hands’ meals with harmless medicine, putting them temporarily out of action. This move keeps both ranches from fighting and forces Halstead’s men to check the ranch lines.

10. The Showdown & Justice Served

• [27:34–28:47]
  Halstead’s crew finds Pete and his co-conspirators branding stolen cattle by firelight. The Sheriff, tipped off by the Lone Ranger, arrests Pete and the crooked deputy.

  “We heard what you said when you started the war… dammed the creek and ran a running iron on our cows and cut the lines.” — Halstead (28:11)

  “I had a good idea the masked man told the truth… Now… the two of you can shake hands.” — Sheriff (28:36)

  An agreement is in sight, and justice is reestablished amongst the ranchers.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• The Cost of Pride:
  “I’d sooner go broke, lose all my cattle, see all my men shot down or get shot down myself, than to go and kowtow to Bill Halstead.” — Bart Conway (19:29)

• On War’s Futility:
  “There never yet was a range war that settled anything.” — Lone Ranger (07:02)

• The Real Enemy:
  “A third man did both those things just to start a range war… to keep you and Halstead busy so cattle could be taken from both of you.” — Lone Ranger (19:00)

• Resolution and Law:
  “That’s the way to be, Halstead. I always said you was a fair hombre.” — Sheriff to Halstead, on refusing to take advantage during Conway’s sickness (25:53)

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Structural & Thematic Notes

• Villainy Uses Division: The episode powerfully illustrates how outside agitators exploit pride and suspicion for personal gain.
• Classic Tone: The dialogue is colorful, rooted in period-appropriate colloquialisms, drawing a vivid, immersive scene of cowboy justice and decency.
• Pace and Suspense: The action moves briskly from armed stand-offs to secret investigations, culminating in a dramatic nighttime reveal.

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment / Quote | |---------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:37–03:11 | Opening narration; introduction to the range war | | 03:30–06:32 | The Lone Ranger talks with the sheriff about the ongoing feud | | 07:42–10:40 | Corruption between Pete and Deputy Pete revealed in the saloon | | 11:06–13:41 | Lone Ranger confronts Halstead; each blames the other for the war | | 13:41–14:23 | Tonto reveals Pete’s cattle theft scheme | | 17:19–20:17 | Lone Ranger reasons with Conway, highlights the role of pride | | 21:24–22:08 | Tonto’s ploy: making Conway’s men sick to prevent bloodshed | | 27:34–28:47 | Halstead confronts Pete; the Sheriff executes the arrest |

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Final Thoughts

The Lone Ranger — Range Wars at the Halstead Ranch is a stellar example of classic radio storytelling: action-packed, intricate in plot, and ultimately guided by a moral push for reason and justice. The Lone Ranger’s intervention unmasks deception on both a personal and systemic scale, reminding listeners that unity and clear-eyed investigation win out over violence and pride.

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Transcript

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[Liberty Mutual Customer]

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[Sheriff]

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[Liberty Mutual Customer]

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[Narrator]

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

[Lone Ranger]

It. Sa.

[Narrator]

The rich grasslands of Texas brought wealth and prosperity to many early settlers. But when the days of the open range passed, disputes arose over boundaries and water rights. With the cattle war the inevitable result. The vast rider of the plains fought this means of settling a dispute just as bitterly as he fought the outlaws and cattle rustlers who roamed the new territory. It was he, more than any other man who brought law and order to the frontier. And now return with us to those thrilling days when the west was young and adventure lay at the end of every trail. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. We're heading for the range country. Hey, O Silver.

[Narrator]

The sheriff and one of his deputies rode out from town toward the Halstead branch. As they approached the trail that led to the ranch house, they sighted two horsemen coming toward them. The sheriff and the deputy reined in their horses and held their rifles, ready for action.

[Sheriff]

Looks like one of them two's an Injuns.

[Deputy]

So he is, Sheriff.

[Deputy Pete]

The one riding the paint horse.

[Deputy]

Yeah.

[Deputy Pete]

And get a look at the other man. He's wearing a mask.

[Sheriff]

By thunderation. Halstead's doing just what he promised me he wouldn't.

[Deputy Pete]

Bringing in outside. Gunman, huh?

[Sheriff]

Just so. Hey there. You hold up there. Rein up. We aim to question you.

[Deputy Pete]

Stand where you are.

[Sheriff]

Don't move. Wearing a mask, eh?

[Masked Man]

You're the sheriff around here, aren't you?

[Sheriff]

That's what I am.

[Masked Man]

What are you blocking this trail for?

[Sheriff]

We hanker to ask a few questions. Why are you heading for the Halstead ranch?

[Masked Man]

I didn't know I was heading there. Is that where this trail goes?

[Sheriff]

Just so.

[Masked Man]

But it goes beyond the Halstead Ranch, doesn't it? Yes, that's where I'm going. I'm heading for the west.

[Sheriff]

What's the idea of the mast?

[Masked Man]

Because I want to hide my face. Why do you block the trails to the Hallsteads? What's the matter? There.

[Sheriff]

You a professional gunslinger?

[Masked Man]

No.

[Sheriff]

Them six guns you're wearing look capable.

[Masked Man]

And so they are. Tell me why this trail is closed. I want to go ahead.

[Sheriff]

Well, you ain't a going to savvy. If I wasn't so busy trying to keep some law and order with a range war going on, I'd run you in for wearing a mask and find out something about you.

[Masked Man]

Range war?

[Sheriff]

Yep, range war. There's a regular feud going on. That's why I stopping you and turning you back. Now swing your horses around. Head back the way you come. If you want to get beyond the Hallstead ranch, take the trail to the south and go around it.

[Masked Man]

Tell me more about this feud. Who's having trouble with Halstead?

[Sheriff]

Bart Conway in his outfit. Glad that the whole region's tore up with a feudin of them, too. I got my men posted on the trail to keep strangers from going through and getting shot up. And also to keep both Halstead and Conway from important gun toters. To make it a worse war than tis.

[Masked Man]

What started the war?

[Sheriff]

Same thing as always. Starts some water rights.

[Masked Man]

There's plenty of water around this part of the country.

[Sheriff]

That's what we always figured. But it seems that Halsett dammed up one of the main streams and diverted water from Conway's place to his own.

[Masked Man]

I've heard of Bart Conway. He has a good many thousand acres.

[Sheriff]

And so is Halstead. Two of the biggest ranches around here and they join each other. Now there's the dickens to pay.

[Deputy Pete]

What are you wasting time argifying with him for, Sheriff? Tell him to get. And if he don't get?

[Sheriff]

Start blazing. Mind your own business, Deputy. When a man speaks civil to me, I speak civil to him.

[Masked Man]

I want to see Halstead.

[Sheriff]

For what?

[Masked Man]

Bart Conway's on the level and so is Halstead. That's what I want to find out.

[Deputy Pete]

You better turn and get now, stranger.

[Masked Man]

Sheriff, we're going on to Halstead's ranch.

[Sheriff]

By thunderation, you ain't.

[Masked Man]

You said the reason you wanted us to turn back was to prevent our being shot by one of the fighters.

[Sheriff]

And that's just so.

[Masked Man]

Then what are you going to do if we push on past you? Shoot us?

[Sheriff]

You've been told to turn and get. Now, stranger, don't get me riled us

[Masked Man]

and do the very thing you're trying to prevent others from doing. Would you let us go and take our chance of being shot?

[Sheriff]

Dad. Rattitch. You ain't supposed to argue with me. You're supposed to.

[Lone Ranger]

Hey.

[Deputy Pete]

They're Coming past us.

[Sheriff]

Stop. Stop where you are.

[Lone Ranger]

Let's drill him.

[Sheriff]

Hold on. Bloody deputy. Don't shoot.

[Deputy Pete]

But he's gone past.

[Sheriff]

He's heading for Horse Teds. Well, what are we going to do about it? The critter's right after all. Better to let him take his chances being drilled by one of Conway's or Halstead's men than for us to drill him. He might come through alive. In spite of all the leads that's flying.

[Lone Ranger]

There never yet was a range war that settled anything. Tuttle not right. And in many cases, range wars have been started by people who sit back and watch two fine men break each other so they can step in when both sides are weakened. You think maybe that happened? If Holstead is as fine a man as Conway and this feud has got

[Deputy]

to stop, how you stop it?

[Lone Ranger]

Before we consider that, we'll try and learn more about Bill Holstead. Come on, Silver.

[Narrator]

In a cafe a few miles from the scene of the range war, we find two men seated at a table.

[Deputy Pete]

I did my best to pour lead into the two of them, Pete, but the sheriff wouldn't let me.

[Pete]

How long ago was it that they got through to Halstead's place?

[Deputy Pete]

Oh, it must have been 5, 6 hours. Middle of the afternoon.

[Pete]

They went right on past Halstead's and kept going. And it's all right. They'll be past the far end of his ranch by this time.

[Deputy Pete]

I thought maybe you could change the plans for tonight.

[Pete]

Can't do that. I promised delivery on the cattle.

[Deputy Pete]

Hi, Savvy. And the men that are paying the cash will meet you at the far side of the ranch to pay it and take the critters, huh?

[Pete]

Just so.

[Deputy Pete]

I sure gotta hand it to you, Pete. You work the thing right smart.

[Pete]

What's the sheriff think of the feud?

[Deputy Pete]

He's downright disgusted with it. Says the shame. Two men like the Halstead Conway pair has to shoot each other up.

[Pete]

The war is progressing in good shape, ain't it?

[Masked Man]

I should say it is.

[Pete]

Men from both outfits. You're kept too busy with fighting to pay any attention to Brandon and line riding and things of that sort.

[Sheriff]

Sure.

[Deputy Pete]

Good enough.

[Pete]

You do all you can to keep me posted on things.

[Deputy Pete]

Well, I can do that all right, Pete. Being a deputy, I get to hear all the news.

[Pete]

Yeah, see that you pass it on to me pronto.

[Deputy Pete]

Ain't I done that so far?

[Pete]

Keep on doing it. Now I gotta leave you. I'll meet you here tomorrow and have some cash for you.

[Sheriff]

Good.

[Deputy Pete]

It'll Be right handy.

[Deputy]

Hey there, Tiffany.

[Bill Halstead]

Yeah?

[Deputy]

I want to speak to you a minute. Step closer.

[Deputy Pete]

If it's about what I owe you, I.

[Deputy]

About nothing else. You just bought four more drinks you ain't paid for. I told you.

[Deputy Pete]

Way to charge them.

[Deputy]

Trouble is, deputy, the book I write the charge accounts in is just about plumb filled up on your page.

[Deputy Pete]

You'll get your money.

[Deputy]

When? Tomorrow. How's that? You don't get a payday until the first of the month.

[Deputy Pete]

I said you'd get your cash tomorrow.

[Pete]

Hey, what's the matter here?

[Deputy]

Oh, evening, Pete.

[Lone Ranger]

Barkeep.

[Pete]

Was you asking the deputy for cash?

[Deputy]

Yes, I was.

[Sheriff]

Well, here.

[Pete]

Does that square the account?

[Deputy Pete]

Well, Pete, I don't want to take your money.

[Pete]

I says, does that square the account?

[Deputy]

Sure. You got some change coming?

[Masked Man]

Yeah.

[Pete]

Keep it in case my friend the deputy wants a little more credit.

[Deputy Pete]

Thanks, Pete. I'll pay you as soon as I'll collect.

[Pete]

I ain't worrying.

[Deputy]

Well, you're square with the board again, deputy. But you hadn't better let the sheriff hear that you're letting an hombre like Pete pay your debts for you.

[Deputy Pete]

Well, I didn't ask him to.

[Deputy]

It's all fair peculiar that he do that. I just don't savvy it. Pete ain't given to being a generous critter.

[Deputy Pete]

Well, it ain't none of your affairs. You got your cash, and if you don't like where it come from, I'll tell Pete to take his business to the other cafe.

[Deputy]

It might suit me fine.

[Masked Man]

Ooh, Peller.

[Deputy]

Name Pete, huh? Say, Injun, we ain't allowed to serve no liquor to redskins. Not all right. Me see Pete feller with blowman. Yeah.

[Sheriff]

Ooh.

[Deputy]

Feller named Pete Injun. All's I can tell you is just this. The less you have to do with him, the better. Especially now when the range war is on and dead men are found most every day. You savvy that Pete don't like Injuns? And he especially don't like Injuns that are curious about them.

[Lone Ranger]

Me savvy.

[Narrator]

Tonto left the cafe shortly after Pete and followed him. Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger crept past Halstead's guards and finally reached Big Bill's ranch house.

[Bill Halstead]

How did you get here?

[Deputy]

How did you get?

[Masked Man]

Easy, Halstead. It's taken me hours to get past the guards.

[Deputy]

Mask, huh?

[Bill Halstead]

I suppose Conway sent you to get me.

[Masked Man]

No, I haven't seen Bart Conway.

[Bill Halstead]

I'm doggone glad of that. He ain't ever been the kind to send a man sneaking in to drill me like a dog.

[Masked Man]

I didn't come here to drill you, Halstead. Well, that gun was for my own protection. Came to talk to you.

[Bill Halstead]

What for?

[Masked Man]

About the range war.

[Bill Halstead]

If Conway sent you. Tully Mile fight until he sends back the steers he put a running iron on.

[Masked Man]

What's that?

[Bill Halstead]

Sure he's been changing my H brand to his own B brand.

[Masked Man]

Is that what Conway is supposed to have done?

[Bill Halstead]

Not supposed. It's what he done.

[Masked Man]

Story is that you started the trouble by damming the water so it didn't cross his land.

[Bill Halstead]

That's an out and out lie. The chances are he had his own men dam it just to give him a reason to steal my cattle. Then he could claim he was just getting even.

[Masked Man]

That isn't Conway's way of doing things, Halstead.

[Bill Halstead]

Ain't my way of doing things to damn that water either.

[Masked Man]

You didn't need the water.

[Bill Halstead]

Course I didn't. I got more water here than I can use.

[Masked Man]

Do you suppose this whole range war was started by someone else?

[Lone Ranger]

Huh?

[Bill Halstead]

What's that?

[Masked Man]

Someone who wanted you two to be at each other's throats.

[Bill Halstead]

No, of course it ain't. Conway wanted my prize steer, so he took them. Then when he seen I'd learned about it, he dammed the water.

[Masked Man]

How many men have you lost so far?

[Bill Halstead]

That ain't none of your business. I don't know who you are and I won't listen to you no longer. Conway sent you here to try and make peace. Well, there won't be none till he returns them steers.

[Masked Man]

What about the water?

[Bill Halstead]

The dam stays put till I get the steers back.

[Masked Man]

And he probably will keep the steers until you release the water.

[Bill Halstead]

There's some of my boys now. Hey, fellas. Come and get this hombre.

[Deputy]

You come past Tonneau.

[Masked Man]

What is it, Tonneau?

[Deputy]

You come past Tonto C Plenty.

[Masked Man]

Farewell, son of.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll see you later, Holt.

[Bill Halstead]

Where are my men? Have they all been shot up? Jake, Clem, where are you?

[Lone Ranger]

We're coming, boss. Watch out.

[Bill Halstead]

Get that man.

[Lone Ranger]

Get him. Who's that?

[Bill Halstead]

A masked man. Come from Conway, I figure.

[Lone Ranger]

We ain't no horses here. How'd he get in?

[Bill Halstead]

Got past the guard somehow.

[Deputy]

We'll get after him.

[Bill Halstead]

Wait, boys. I see through it. Let him go.

[Lone Ranger]

But boss, he's got it.

[Bill Halstead]

That's what it is. A trick of Conway's. He wants you to chase after them two and that'll take you away from the house. Then his men can come here. Let them two go. Stick right Here and double the guard. Them two slip past. Somehow double the guard and the feet of that masked man. Or the redskin shows up again. Shoot up.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tonto rode hard toward the west boundary of the Halstead ranch. On the way, Tonto described the man named Pete. He told the masked man how he'd followed him and had seen him letting cattle through Halstead's fence.

[Lone Ranger]

And then Toddler, you say this man took cash from the man he turned the cattle over to? Not right. And it must have been Peter started the range war. He started it simply to keep both rangers so busy fighting their men wouldn't be able to watch the stock.

[Deputy]

Wait.

[Bill Halstead]

Hold. Scott.

[Lone Ranger]

What is it?

[Deputy]

Toddler, you look.

[Sheriff]

Look. You see campfire?

[Deputy]

Yes, I see it looks.

[Narrator]

Is it the branding cattle over there?

[Sheriff]

That's right. Stay here.

[Masked Man]

Tono, keep an eye on the camp. I'm gonna ride back. Get Bill Halstead to see this.

[Bill Halstead]

Tono, watcham.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. Here's where we end this rainbow. I don't see.

[Narrator]

The mask rider raced back to the house, unaware that Halstead's men were waiting for him. They saw him ride out of the darkness and rush to meet him with drawn gun.

[Lone Ranger]

Wait a minute, man. I want to speak to your boss. I want to see Bill Holstead.

[Bill Halstead]

Ain't no need.

[Lone Ranger]

You see him. We got orders to grill you on site.

[Sheriff]

Captured by the men who tried to help, the masked man faces exposure and death before the next exciting scene. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. The Lone Ranger, riding to get Bill Halstead and show him that rustlers had been at work, was captured by Halstead's men.

[Deputy Pete]

Ain't no use you arguing, mister. Our boss says that you come from Conway and try to get us to follow you.

[Masked Man]

But why would I do that?

[Deputy]

Cause the chances are Conway's men are ready to close in on a ranch house as soon as we was to leave and follow you.

[Sheriff]

Man, listen to me.

[Deputy Pete]

Ain't wasting the time. Take his guns and mask and we'll drill him.

[Deputy]

Very well.

[Masked Man]

And you're going to shoot me? Might give me a chance to tell you just one thing.

[Deputy]

That's fair enough.

[Deputy Pete]

Go on.

[Lone Ranger]

Talk.

[Masked Man]

After I've gone, one of you will get my horse.

[Sheriff]

That's so. Hadn't thought of that.

[Deputy]

Good horse, too.

[Lone Ranger]

I never seen the like of it.

[Masked Man]

Sort of a long story I have to tell you. But I want to be sure and see that this horse has good care.

[Deputy]

Sure, we'll see to that.

[Deputy Pete]

Any one of us admires good horse flesh.

[Masked Man]

But you'll have to hear this story.

[Sheriff]

Hold on.

[Deputy]

This critter's just hauling for time. That's what he's doing. Figuring on some of his parts. Coming to help him.

[Deputy Pete]

Is that the case? By thunder, I bet it is. I'm dealing with you right now.

[Deputy]

Me, too. He slipped past me when I was on guard. I wanted to go after him then, but he was accommodating and come right back this way.

[Lone Ranger]

There's his help. To the south tunnel.

[Bill Halstead]

Hi.

[Lone Ranger]

Look out there. Hand them, Silver. Hand them over. Look out. Black camel hawks. Really?

[Bill Halstead]

What?

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. Get him from here. Come on, Silver. I hope you'd heal us up from running battle. He drew the retention just in time to let me swing Silver into them. Now what we do? We can't get the hose dead. Now his men are gunning for us.

[Deputy]

That's right.

[Lone Ranger]

And we might be able to reach the other side. We'll go and see. Bart Conway. I O Silver.

[Narrator]

Conway was sleeping when the Lone Ranger in Tonto managed to reach his ranch house. Tonto was left to stand guard while the masked man opened the door and entered the house itself. Once inside, he found Bart's room and walking to the side of his bed, gripped the rancher by the shoulder.

[Masked Man]

Wake up, Bart.

[Deputy]

Wake up. Where they at? Let me at the ornery. Water thieves. Where's my six gun?

[Masked Man]

Take it easy, Conway.

[Deputy]

I reckon I was dreaming. Hey, who are you?

[Masked Man]

My name wouldn't mean anything.

[Deputy]

How'd you get in here? Let me get a light.

[Masked Man]

You don't need a light to listen to me.

[Deputy]

Hold on. I heard that voice before. Talk some more.

[Masked Man]

I've come from Halstead's. What? Why, that Halstead's all right, Bart. Just as square as you are. Found that out for myself.

[Deputy]

By thunderation, I wish I could remember where I've heard that voice before. Wish there was some light in this room. I reckon. You're holding a gun on me, ain't you? No.

[Masked Man]

I don't need to hold a gun on you, Bart. Because I can draw it if it's needed. You saw me draw my guns a long time ago.

[Deputy]

Keep talking.

[Masked Man]

That time they were going to hang you for a murder you didn't do. An Indian saw the murder and it took quite a while to convince the sheriff.

[Deputy]

Hold on. I remember now. There was a man that saved me from hanging. I hid out in a cave with him while the law worked to find me.

[Masked Man]

That's right, Bart.

[Deputy]

A white horse, A mask. Are you masked?

[Sheriff]

Yes.

[Deputy]

Thunderation. Why didn't you say so? How'd you get here? What are you doing here? Why did you see horses?

[Masked Man]

One question at a time, Bart. Now listen. Both you and Halstead are strong willed men. He thinks you stole his cattle. Just as you think he damned the water to keep it from you.

[Deputy]

I never stole cattle in my life. What would I want of his critters? I got a plenty of my own.

[Masked Man]

What do he want with your water? There's more than he can use even in the dry weather.

[Deputy]

Just ornery, cussed. No.

[Masked Man]

A third man did both those things just to start a range war. What? Just to keep you and Halstead busy so cattle could be taken from both of you. You won't quit fighting till Halstead releases the water. And he won't release the water until you send him the cattle he thinks you've stolen.

[Deputy]

Stranger, I'd do anything you ask.

[Masked Man]

Almost.

[Deputy]

But I'm darned if I'll back down. I can't do it. If I was to go to him with peace terms, I'd be the laughingstock of the county.

[Masked Man]

Pride, Bart. You're going to let more men get killed because of your pride?

[Deputy]

Made Halstead come to me.

[Masked Man]

I can't reach Halstead. The men are ready to shoot me on sight.

[Deputy]

I'd sooner go broke, lose all my cattle, see all my men shot down or get shot down myself. Than to go and kowtow to Bill Halstead.

[Masked Man]

With both of you feeling that way. This war can go on as long as there's a man alive on either side.

[Deputy]

Just so, this war goes on. Unless Halstead comes to me, takes back what he said about me stealing his cattle and lets that water come through my land again.

[Masked Man]

Very well, Bart. I've done my best. There's one favor I'd like to ask of you.

[Deputy]

I told you I'd do most anything you ask. But I won't back down on this fight.

[Masked Man]

What I'm going to ask is very simple.

[Deputy]

Name it.

[Masked Man]

Mr. Friend of Mine will come here in the morning asking for a job. Gunman? No, cook.

[Deputy]

Cook? Well, I got a Chinese.

[Masked Man]

This man is an Indian. And a good cook.

[Deputy]

Well, we can always use a good cook. That's all you want? Send him around.

[Masked Man]

He'll be on hand first thing in the morning.

[Deputy]

I'll tell the guards.

[Masked Man]

Let him by. Thanks, Bart.

[Deputy]

Well, that beats me. They'd like him to give up trying

[Masked Man]

to stop the war yet.

[Deputy]

By ginger, that's just what he seems to have done. That's him all right. There Ain't but one man shouts like that. The Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

Shortly after breakfast the next morning, Bart Conway went to his bunk house.

[Deputy]

What's the matter with all you men? Your horses are waiting in the corral. Oh, boss, we're ailing something awful. What's the matter?

[Sheriff]

I don't know what it is.

[Deputy]

We all feel like we've been poisoned. Well, get yourself the saddle and you'll feel better. The boys just came in from the Hallstead place. They're eating now. And we ain't no guards on the job or nothing. Get going. I can't move a step to no saddle, boss. I'm just. Me too. All the hanker for us to keep horizontal. I feel like I've been poisoned, boss. Poisoned? Maybe some more work in that horse 10 outfit. They wouldn't use poison. They sure enough use something. I'll find out about this. Hey, you. I want to see you. What you want? What are you doing with that horse?

[Sheriff]

This Scout?

[Deputy]

Him Tanto's horse. I know it's your horse, all right, but what are you cinching up for me right way now. But you was the cook here. That's what I want to speak about. Mm.

[Masked Man]

Canto cook breakfast.

[Deputy]

Yeah, and half my men are ailin'. Do you know anything about it? All men get sick, by and by. What's that other feller eat now? Yeah, but by and by, them be sick too. Mean to say you poisoned that food? No. What you just said. He put medicine in food. Medicine not right.

[Bill Halstead]

Steady.

[Sheriff]

Steady. Scotch.

[Lone Ranger]

Hold on.

[Deputy]

Get down from that horse. You ain't going nowhere. I get done questioning you, and if

[Lone Ranger]

you laid up all my men, by

[Deputy]

thunderation, you'll swing for it. Even if you are the mask man's friend. Men be all right in two, maybe three days. Dead. Red out.

[Lone Ranger]

You not shoot me.

[Deputy]

Hey, you kicked away my gun.

[Bill Halstead]

Al.

[Lone Ranger]

Get him up.

[Deputy]

Scout, I'll kill you for this.

[Lone Ranger]

I won't. Come on, Scout.

[Narrator]

That same afternoon in the town cafe.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

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[Liberty Mutual Customer]

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[Liberty Mutual Agent]

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[Liberty Mutual Customer]

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[Liberty Mutual Agent]

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[Liberty Mutual Customer]

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[Sheriff]

So the hull of the Conway outfits laid up sick of bed.

[Deputy]

That's what I heard tell Sheriff, and I guess it's straight enough. Bob don't get his facts wrong.

[Sheriff]

I wonder what'll happen to the few now. There ain't no one for Halstead to fight again.

[Deputy]

Just so wonder if he'll attack while Conway is hampered so.

[Sheriff]

Oh, that ain't Hallstead style. I. I wonder if Big Bill knows about it. Seen any of his men around here, barkeep?

[Deputy]

Ain't seen hi nor hair of any of them. No, sir. Reckon we're all busy guarding Halstead's ranch house since that masked man got away.

[Sheriff]

I've heard about him. Doggone, I'd like to get a hold of him again. He slipped past me once. Well, I'll see you later, barkeep.

[Deputy]

Yes siree,

[Masked Man]

Sheriff. Eh?

[Sheriff]

Leaping, lightning, flashing. Take it easy, you.

[Masked Man]

Yes, I thought you'd be interested in what I have to tell you.

[Sheriff]

I'm interested in.

[Masked Man]

No, don't slap, brother.

[Sheriff]

You can't get away with this for long. Someone will come by here and see you holding a gun on me and wearing a mask. Then by darn you.

[Masked Man]

That's why you must listen without wasting any time. All of Bart Conway's men are laid up. I know my friend put medicine in their food.

[Sheriff]

That redskin. I'll get him too.

[Masked Man]

No, you won't. Because that's going to be the means of ending this range war.

[Sheriff]

What's that, stranger?

[Masked Man]

You can get to Halstead's place, can't you?

[Sheriff]

I'd like to see him. Try to stop me and go there

[Masked Man]

as fast as you can. If you'll do what I ask, you'll end the range war.

[Sheriff]

Why are you so interested in ending that war?

[Masked Man]

Because both Halstead and Conway are good men. They should be working together against certain crooks who live here.

[Sheriff]

Meaning a man named Pete. Ain't never been nothing proved again.

[Masked Man]

Him, one of your own deputies and half a dozen other men. Now will you listen to me?

[Sheriff]

Put that iron and leather, stranger, and start talking.

[Narrator]

After the sheriff had listened to the Lone Ranger, he went to Halstead's ranch. Arriving there in the late afternoon, Halstead began the conversation.

[Bill Halstead]

Now there ain't no use you trying to tell me to stop fighting, Sheriff. I won't do it.

[Sheriff]

I know better than to suggest anything as sensible as that, Halstead. What I do object to Is the means you use, huh? Tain't right. Nor just to try and pison all about carved men.

[Bill Halstead]

Who says I done that? Name the pole cat that accuses me of using pison.

[Sheriff]

I ain't naming nobody. But the facts are that every one of Conway's bodies is sick of bed.

[Bill Halstead]

Oh, is that so?

[Sheriff]

Yep. Looks to be some sort of pison that got into their grub. I thought you'd know something about it.

[Bill Halstead]

You know better than that.

[Sheriff]

I hoped you wouldn't use such means of carrying on a ranged war.

[Bill Halstead]

How bad are they?

[Sheriff]

Oh, they'll pull around in a day or two. But meantime, Conway is alone there. He ain't even a guard to help him.

[Bill Halstead]

Shucks, I can't fight a man in that condition.

[Sheriff]

That's the way to be. Hall said. I all said you was a fair hombre. I thought I'd tell you.

[Bill Halstead]

But as soon as his men are around, they'll be heading here again. Trying to get past my guards and smash that dam.

[Sheriff]

Reckon so.

[Bill Halstead]

And I won't let them. Not till he fetches back that cattle. I didn't dam the water, but as long as the dam is there, it stays there.

[Sheriff]

It's a darn shame you gotta neglect your ranch so much. I bet you ain't had line riders out since the feud began.

[Bill Halstead]

How could I? I'm most afraid to see what my fences look like. They ain't been checked in weeks.

[Sheriff]

Might have a lot of stray cattle by this time.

[Bill Halstead]

Say, with Conway out of the fight for a couple of days, I can have my men tend to some of the worthless here.

[Sheriff]

That's right, Halid, wait.

[Bill Halstead]

I'll get them started right away. Hey, you call in the boys. We're riding west to check the lines. Have all the men ready to ride and work all night.

[Lone Ranger]

All right, boss.

[Bill Halstead]

I'm glad you come and told me that, Sheriff. I've been worried about them fences. We'll be ready to ride in no time. Horset boys.

[Lone Ranger]

Sheriff staying in the house?

[Sheriff]

Yeah, go ahead, Horstead. Don't worry about your house. I look after it. Maybe spend the night here.

[Bill Halstead]

Come on, boys.

[Lone Ranger]

Get up there. Get up there.

[Sheriff]

It worked out just right. Now to meet the masked man. Then follow them boys so the law be on hand for the showdown.

[Narrator]

After dark. Halstead and his line rider spotted a campfire. They waited for a few moments, then circled it while Pete and the deputy sheriff huddled close to the fire, not suspecting that they were seen.

[Pete]

Stop worrying, Deputy. Ain't none of the Halstead men coming this Far from the house. Not while the war is on. I plan the war for that reason.

[Deputy Pete]

But the war ain't on right now. Pete Conway's outfit is sick in bed.

[Pete]

I ain't worried.

[Lone Ranger]

Hey, you lazy galoots. Get them running irons hot fast. We got a lot of dogies to brand tonight. Pay for the few hours for the boys will meet us to take them over.

[Bill Halstead]

That's all we need to know.

[Lone Ranger]

What's that?

[Bill Halstead]

Keep your hands high and stand up.

[Lone Ranger]

Hal said. We heard what you said when you started the war. Dammed the creek and ran a running iron on our cows and cut the line.

[Bill Halstead]

I guess we should make a move, Pete. Just move and give me a reason to shoot.

[Sheriff]

Never mind, Halstead. I'll deal with him.

[Lone Ranger]

Sheriff. Yep.

[Sheriff]

I've been a long time trying to prove something on you, Pete.

[Narrator]

All right.

[Lone Ranger]

What are you going to do about it?

[Sheriff]

Plenty. And that goes for you too, Deputy. And all the rest of you.

[Bill Halstead]

Well, I thought you was at the house.

[Sheriff]

Sheriff wouldn't stay there, Halstead. I had to be here to make arrest.

[Bill Halstead]

You knew these snakes was here?

[Sheriff]

I had a good idea the masked man told the truth. The masked man that made Conway's men sick so you'd ride lines and find Pete here. I reckon when I tell Bart the truth, the two of you can shake hands.

[Bill Halstead]

There's nothing I'd admire to do more. Dog gone it.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. All boy settlers are in trouble. We must hurry. I o Silver. Sam.

[Narrator]

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

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[Masked Man]

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[Lowe's Announcer]

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[Deputy]

Visit your nearby Lowe's.

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