The Lone Ranger - Toll Booth at Eagle Pass

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "The Lone Ranger – Toll Booth at Eagle Pass"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Air Date: May 29, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio (Narrator-driven episode)
Classic Radio Feature: The Lone Ranger
Story Title: Toll Booth at Eagle Pass

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Overview

This episode is a classic radio drama from the golden age, featuring The Lone Ranger in a tale of greed, justice, and clever resistance. Set in the Old West, the "Toll Booth at Eagle Pass" follows cattleman Clem Peabody, his encounter with a crooked scheme by Bill Lawson, and how the Lone Ranger’s clever strategy helps turn the tables. The show engages listeners with classic Western dialogue, moral dilemmas, and timeless themes of community and fair play.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. Setting the Stage: Eagle Pass and the Problem

• (02:17–03:03) The narrator sets up the story: Eagle Pass is a crucial cattle trail, controlled by the aging Pop Carter and, now, threatened by outlaw Bill Lawson.
• (03:03–05:36) Clem Peabody arrives with his herd; learns from Tonto that Bill Lawson and his gang have forced Pop Carter out and now charge a steep toll—either cash or a quarter of every herd moving through.

"Two bits for every head that goes through the pass, Clem."
— Tonto, [05:06]

Notable Reaction:

• Clem is outraged; the toll would cost him $500 or 500 head of cattle. Tonto explains there’s no other way to market, cornering Clem and other ranchers.

"I won’t pay it. It’s robbery!"
— Clem Peabody, [05:16]

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2. The Outlaw's Scheme and Legal Limitations

• (05:57–08:49) Clem confronts Bill Lawson, who claims legal ownership over the pass, making the toll scheme technically lawful. The law, sheriff, and banker confirm Lawson can set any fee—a loophole abused for profit.

"I own this land. Now, if you want to cross, you pay two bits a head for cows.”
— Bill Lawson to Clem, [06:09]

• Clem is forced to sign a note for the $500 toll, seething at the injustice.

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3. Community Frustration and Scheming in the Longhorn Cafe

• (08:49–11:07) Clem vents at the Longhorn Cafe, revealing all local ranchers will face the same toll. The sheer numbers threatened (up to 150,000 head a season) spell disaster for the valley.

“It’s getting so a man can’t make a living no more.”
— Cowhand in cafe, [09:29]

• The Lone Ranger (in disguise) and Tonto overhear and begin to hatch a plan.

"I'll not be recognized if I move around here in the cafe without a mask."
— The Lone Ranger, [10:20]

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4. The Lone Ranger's Counter-Scheme

• (11:07–14:32) The Lone Ranger, with Tonto's help, devises a clever plan:
  • Clem sells his cattle for cash, then buys back 500 head and pays Lawson in cattle, not cash.
  • Lawson’s gang is bewildered: they expected to collect cash, not be responsible for hundreds of cattle.

"He’s crazy. Beat us. That cattle’s worth a sight more than $500."
— Lawson’s gang member, [13:12]

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5. Lawson’s Downfall: Trapped by His Own Rules

• (16:35–18:11) Clem faces ridicule at home for giving away valuable cattle but explains the Lone Ranger’s involvement.
• The Lone Ranger rallies more ranchers; they all start paying tolls in cattle, not cash. Lawson is soon overwhelmed by the logistics and legality of holding so many branded animals.

"Every dog gone critter that’s gone through here with a herd has chosen to leave cattle instead of cash. We got the whole place cluttered up with cattle!"
— Bill Lawson, [20:32]

• Pop Carter and Tonto hint that selling these cattle could invite criminal charges.

"The only way they could drive us out in here was to get you to do something illegal — such as selling branded cattle."
— Tonto’s advice relayed, [13:57 & 14:07]

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6. A Taste of Their Own Medicine: The Toll Turned Back

• (24:29–27:09) Clem convinces Lawson to buy his ranch—on credit—along with the problem of grazing and moving the herd home. Each ranch Lawson tries to cross enforces the same toll per head he imposed, rapidly depleting his own herd.

"Not so fast, Lawson. I’m charging toll to get across my ranch."
— A rancher to Lawson, [25:06]

• By the time Lawson reaches the last ranch, almost all his cattle are gone.

"This valley ain’t so wide, but each rancher owns land from one side to the other."
— Clem Peabody, [24:44]

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7. Resolution: Justice Restored

• (27:30–28:25) Lawson, outmaneuvered at every turn and left without profit or cattle, realizes the Lone Ranger orchestrated the ranchers’ coordinated resistance. He’s forced to cede his ill-gotten gains and “head for the hills.”

"You done this. You schemed to get the cows back to these ranchers."
— Bill Lawson to the Lone Ranger, [27:55]

• The Lone Ranger rides off, having once again restored fairness and community.

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "I won’t pay it. It’s robbery!"
  — Clem Peabody, [05:16]

• "He'd sooner have the cash, but if I give him 500 cows, I never come out even."
  — Clem Peabody, [05:44]

• "I own this land. Now, if you want a cross, you pay two bits a head for cows. That's all there is to it."
  — Bill Lawson, [06:09]

• "I'll not be recognized if I move around here in the cafe without a mask."
  — The Lone Ranger, [10:20]

• "He’s crazy. Beat us. That cattle’s worth a sight more than $500."
  — Lawson’s gang, [13:12]

• "Every dog gone critter that’s gone through here with a herd has chosen to leave cattle instead of cash. We got the whole place cluttered up with cattle!"
  — Bill Lawson, [20:32]

• "Not so fast, Lawson. I’m charging toll to get across my ranch."
  — Another rancher, [25:06]

• "You done this. You schemed to get the cows back to these ranchers."
  — Bill Lawson to the Lone Ranger, [27:55]

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Memorable Moments

• The mounting comedy and frustration as ranchers outwit the outlaws by paying in cattle, not cash.
• The transformation of villain-to-victim as Lawson faces “tolls” at every turn.
• The satisfaction as the community unites, orchestrated by the masked Lone Ranger, to undo the crooks’ scam.

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Episode Structure & Timestamps

• [02:17] – Introduction & Setup
• [03:36] – Clem Peabody learns of toll scheme from Tonto
• [05:57] – Confrontation with Bill Lawson
• [08:49] – Rant at the Longhorn Cafe
• [10:15] – Lone Ranger eavesdrops and plans
• [13:01] – Lawson’s gang confused by payment in cattle
• [16:35] – Domestic fallout; Clem explains his actions
• [19:15] – Lone Ranger’s plan spreads among ranchers
• [20:32] – Lawson overwhelmed by cattle
• [24:29] – Lawson attempts to bring cattle “home”
• [25:06-27:09] – Ranchers turn toll system back on Lawson
• [27:55] – Lawson confesses defeat; episode resolution

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Tone & Style

• Classic Western: Gritty, direct, and sprinkled with humor and old-time colloquialisms.
• Morally upright and community-focused, with clear good vs. evil dynamics.
• Dialogue-driven drama with strong character interplay.

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Final Thoughts

This episode showcases The Lone Ranger at its best: swift justice, clever plotting, and a strong communal spirit overcoming exploitation. The episode’s structure, with repeated motifs and witty comeuppance, makes it both satisfying and instructive—a true piece of Golden Age radio storytelling.

The Lone Ranger rides again, championing fairness and outsmarting the schemers—with Silver and Tonto close behind.

Transcript

[Clem Peabody]

If you're into tech, you'll love this. TikTok is a live lab where users

[Bill Lawson]

post instant reviews of the latest trends.

[Narrator]

Download TikTok and check it out.

[Clem Peabody]

Over.

[Narrator]

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

[Clem Peabody]

Silver. The Lone Ranger. It. Sam,

[Narrator]

A phantom figure of the plains, rode the trails of the western United States, helping the agencies of law to bring peace to a lawless new land. It was the famous Lone Ranger. His identity unknown to anyone except his loyal Indian friend, Tonto. Adventure always followed him in his exciting exploits. So let's thrill once again as we turn back many years to the wild and untamed west of old. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Clem Peabody]

Come on, Silver. Oh, boy. Until. Silver away.

[Narrator]

Eagle Pass was a narrow cut between two sheer walls of solid rock. It separated the fertile valley where fine cattle grazed from the trail that led to the nearest shipping point. The general store and hotel run by old Pop Carter was located at the pass. Here the cattlemen were accustomed to pause for rest and supplies before continuing their cattle drives eastward. In the first scene of our Lone Ranger drama, we find Clem Peabody guiding his large herd toward the pass.

[Clem Peabody]

Hey there, pup. Don't go if you ain't a sight for sore eyes. Hi, Clem.

[Tonto]

Maybe you won't be so glad to see me when you hear what I gotta tell you.

[Clem Peabody]

Whoa there, Boo. Skitty boy. I'll draw up and pass a word while I wait for the critters to catch up to me. I got the finest stock ever. Just look at them long horn here. What's the matter? You look like you'd aged 10 years since last time I come through here.

[Tonto]

Reckon I have, Clem. Things ain't been good with me.

[Clem Peabody]

The matter?

[Tonto]

Big Bill Lawson's outfit.

[Clem Peabody]

Them Carthy's working around here?

[Tonto]

Not exactly, but you'll have trouble with them.

[Clem Peabody]

I got men to wipe them out.

[Tonto]

Don't get that sort of idea, Clem. Take a look ahead. There's bars across the pass. You see what's in for told?

[Clem Peabody]

Told?

[Tonto]

Yep. You see, my land went across the pass, as you know.

[Clem Peabody]

Sure, but what about it?

[Tonto]

I always had a pretty fair income from a store there. And I was glad to leave things stand like it was. But then Big Bill and his breeds and polecats come along.

[Clem Peabody]

Where they at now?

[Tonto]

Right inside my place. They tuck it over.

[Clem Peabody]

You mean they took it?

[Tonto]

I mean they bought it from me. I had my choice of selling or die.

[Clem Peabody]

Well, lovely.

[Tonto]

So I sold it to them and they let me stay here to Sort of tell you and all other ranchers that'll be passing this way how things stand. Ah, claim. It's a bad state of affairs.

[Clem Peabody]

What's Lawson want?

[Tonto]

Cash.

[Clem Peabody]

You said something about toll?

[Tonto]

Yep. Two bits for every head that goes through the pass.

[Clem Peabody]

Two bits? Well, I got over 2,000 head of cattle.

[Tonto]

Then it'll cost you plenty to get them through the pass.

[Clem Peabody]

I won't pay it. It's robbery.

[Tonto]

I'm afeared you ain't no choice, Clem.

[Clem Peabody]

Well, I'll turn back.

[Tonto]

Go back. And you won't get no cows to market. You know as well as I do that you can't go around no other way.

[Clem Peabody]

Oh, God. It'll mount up to near $500.

[Tonto]

Well, if you prefer, you can sign one fourth of your cattle over to big bill.

[Clem Peabody]

1/4 of my cattle. It's even worse. Robbery.

[Tonto]

Yeah. You see, he don't want to take the cattle. He'd sooner have the cash.

[Clem Peabody]

But if I give him 500 cows, I never come out even.

[Tonto]

I know it. So's Big Bill. He's figuring nobody'll leave cattle with him.

[Clem Peabody]

Darned if I will. Is that him over yonder?

[Tonto]

Yeah, that's him.

[Clem Peabody]

Well, go see him. Get up there. $500 or 500 head of king. I should say not. Hey there, Los. I want to talk with you. I figured you would. What's your name? Graham Peabody. From the Bar X Brand. What's this I hear about you robbing men that aim to get to market? I ain't robbing nobody, Peabody. I own this land. Now, if you want a cross, you pay two bits a head for cows. That's all there is to it. I've heard of you and your outlaws and your rustling. Now, hold on there, Peabody. I don't like to listen to that kind of talk. In the first place, there ain't a lawman in the country looking for me or any man that's with me. I ain't a lawman. Wouldn't like to have some proof of the things you've done. That may be right. But lacking proof, they can't do much, can they? So now you scheme a legal way to rob folks. Well, I ain't no cash with me. It's all right, Peabody. Cash or cattle, it don't matter. One cow to you for every three I take through them's the terms, it's robbery. I don't aim to make it too hard for you gents. You can give me your note and pay it when you come back here on your way Home. You're mighty trusting, ain't you? Of course, you could go the long way around through the hills and travel a hundred miles to cross the canyon. If you went through the pass and took the other route back. I just send men to your ranch to collect on the note. So I don't take no chance in trusting you, see? $500 if you got 2,000 head. That's just right. Why, you ornery, low down. I don't like harsh words, Peabody. Now pay up, sign a note or turn your cattle back. One of the three. What if I head right on through? I'd order my boys to open fire on your critters for trespassing on my land. Reckon I know my legal rights? Reckon You're a dirty polecat. I have to give you my note. Ain't no choice. What'll I tell the boys of the Longhorn Cafe about your scheme? Just you wait. I ain't done yet. If you're into tech, you'll love this. TikTok is a live lab where users

[Bill Lawson]

post instant reviews of the latest trends.

[Narrator]

Download TikTok and check it out. Wait.

[Clem Peabody]

You don't need an hour to burn calories.

[Narrator]

TikTok has short workouts that get your

[Clem Peabody]

heart rate up fast.

[Bill Lawson]

Download now and get moving.

[Narrator]

The Longhorn Cafe was filled with cattlemen and cowboys. Clem Peabody entered and joined his friends. They gathered around him while he told of the Lawson gang in control of Eagle Pass.

[Clem Peabody]

He is the dirndest thing you ever heard tell of, Clem. I don't see how Lawson could get away with that sort of thing. He's a doin it. Did you talk to the sheriff? I talked to the sheriff, talked to the banker and talked to the United States Marshal. They all said he was within his rights. Charging toll. Yep. He can charge whatever a doggone pleases. Back, dears. If you don't want to let the candle through, you can stop it altogether. That's doggone funny law, if you ask me. What's a man to do about it? Here. I got the cash of my cattle. I gotta hand over $500 of it to that ornery coyote on my way back. What if you don't do it? He's holding my note. Yeah, but just the same. If I don't pay the cash, he'll stop me from going back to my ranch. Now ain't that the darnest thing you ever hear of?

[Bill Lawson]

It's getting so a man can't make

[Clem Peabody]

a living no more. And the worst of it is, every cattleman in the valley Will have to do the same doggone thing. How many men is he lay and seeks? Ain't you never heard? That's the biggest grazing in the whole state.

[Bill Lawson]

Must be at least 50 or 60 ranches there.

[Clem Peabody]

least. That runs on for miles in every direction. How many head do you figure will come through there this year? Shucks, if they ain't over 150,000 head. I miss my guess.

[Bill Lawson]

What you need? Clem's drink.

[Clem Peabody]

I need a couple of them. Barkeep, patch up that bottle and set it down.

[Narrator]

Tondo, did you hear what Clem Peabody

[Clem Peabody]

was telling Tono here?

[Tonto]

The law has tried for years to

[Narrator]

put Bill Lawson and his gang in jail.

[Clem Peabody]

Them plenty.

[Narrator]

Nothing has ever been proved against them though.

[Clem Peabody]

Them fine way to beat law.

[Narrator]

There's a disguise on my face all right. Tah.

[Clem Peabody]

Mm. It's plenty good.

[Narrator]

I'll not be recognized if I move around here in the cafe without a mask.

[Clem Peabody]

No.

[Narrator]

Then I'm going to get closer and hear more of what temp Body has to say.

[Clem Peabody]

You maybe talk to him, huh?

[Narrator]

I think I will. Come over this way with me Tunnel.

[Clem Peabody]

If you don't want to pay two bits ahead, you can leave a quarter of your cattle. 25% of your cows. That's right. But in Sam Hill will do with all that cattle. He won't do nothing with it. He don't figure out getting none. All he wants is a cash money rotten.

[Bill Lawson]

This Game Air Hotel, huh?

[Clem Peabody]

Certainly.

[Narrator]

Did you hear that Hunter Lawson would have a hard time handling a lot of cattle.

[Clem Peabody]

That's right.

[Narrator]

And with his reputation as an outlaw, he'd have an almost impossible time selling branded cattle. All I could do would be to hold it for a year and sell the unbranded calves. Hu. I'm going to talk to Clem Peabody.

[Clem Peabody]

That good you maybe got planned?

[Narrator]

Perhaps I have. At Eagle Pass, Bill Lawson and his men had converted the general store into a lounging room with tables for cards. Old Pop Carter, its former owner, sat alone behind the counter which had been made into a bar. A man entered, slapping dust from his clothes and Lawson looked up saying, well,

[Clem Peabody]

Butch, took you long enough to get back from town.

[Bill Lawson]

Yeah, I was sort of hill up there. Things didn't work out just the way we figured they would.

[Clem Peabody]

What do you mean they didn't work out?

[Bill Lawson]

Just what I say. I kept an eye on Clem Peabody just like you told me to.

[Clem Peabody]

Well, what'd he do?

[Bill Lawson]

Sold the critters and got the cash for em.

[Clem Peabody]

Yeah, Then what?

[Bill Lawson]

Hey, give me a drink there, Pop. I'm thirsty from the rye.

[Clem Peabody]

Never mind that. Where's Clem Peabody?

[Bill Lawson]

Heading back this way with 500 head of cattle.

[Clem Peabody]

500 head of cattle? For what?

[Bill Lawson]

For you, I reckon.

[Clem Peabody]

But you said he'd sold his cattle.

[Bill Lawson]

So he did. Then he talked to a stranger and the two of them left the cafe and still kept on talking.

[Clem Peabody]

Who's the stranger? I don't know.

[Bill Lawson]

Never seen him before.

[Clem Peabody]

Then what?

[Bill Lawson]

He stayed over till the next morning. So I had to stay along, too. To keep an eye on him, like you said to do.

[Clem Peabody]

Yeah.

[Bill Lawson]

Well, next morning he goes to the agent he'd sold the cows to and bought back 500 head for cash money.

[Clem Peabody]

Sure.

[Bill Lawson]

And he rounded up his waddies. And they started driving 500 head of cattle back this way. They're heading this way now.

[Clem Peabody]

How far back?

[Bill Lawson]

They'll be here in an hour or so, I reckon. I didn't want to get too far ahead of them. I wanted to make sure they was heading back this way.

[Clem Peabody]

Wonder what the Sam Hill he's bringing back 500 head of cattle for. What'd he do with the rest of his cash money?

[Bill Lawson]

Left it in the bank there.

[Clem Peabody]

Banked it. You mean to say he's coming back without no cash?

[Bill Lawson]

That's just what he's doing.

[Clem Peabody]

But I got his note. I got his note for $500.

[Bill Lawson]

Yeah, I know you have.

[Clem Peabody]

He owes me $500 or 500 head of cattle.

[Bill Lawson]

Maybe he figures on paying you in cattle.

[Clem Peabody]

He's crazy. Beat us. That cattle's worth a sight more than $500.

[Bill Lawson]

Crazy like a fork. Shut up. Maybe it ain't worth that much to him.

[Clem Peabody]

What did he pay for it? To buy it back. Do you know? Nope.

[Bill Lawson]

Couldn't find out.

[Clem Peabody]

There's Clamp Peabody heading this way now. You can see him off in the distance. Let me take a look. You see Bill? There he is. Ain't that him? Looks like him.

[Bill Lawson]

That's him, all right.

[Clem Peabody]

I don't want them cattle. I didn't figure anybody would pay us off on cattle. I want the cash.

[Bill Lawson]

Looks like you're going to get the cattle instead, Bill.

[Clem Peabody]

What'll we do with the critters? There ain't no grazing here for them.

[Bill Lawson]

I'll tell you what I figure. In fact, I was told that by an injured named Tonto. Ever hear him pop?

[Clem Peabody]

Well, I might have. And again, I might not. Never mind that. What'd he tell you?

[Bill Lawson]

You see, Bill, this engine, he come up to me and he says the only way they could drive us out in Here was to get you to do something illegal. Yeah, such as selling branded cattle.

[Clem Peabody]

They can't get me if I buy it legal, can they?

[Bill Lawson]

Well, as to that, they might be able to. Might be hard for a man with your background to prove you got it legal. Savvy.

[Clem Peabody]

Anyhow, we're wised up to what Clem Peabody is scheming. That's something. Let him bring the cattle. I'll accept it. They don't get me on no low angles. I'm too smart for em.

[Tonto]

Injun named Tonto with a white horse.

[Clem Peabody]

What are you capin and laughing about, you old fool? Oh, nothing.

[Tonto]

As you say, Bill, you're too smart

[Clem Peabody]

to get trapped easy.

[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. Bill Lawson purchased the control of Eagle Pass. And demanded that he receive either cash or cattle for each herd driven through the cut. Clem Peabody, following the advice of the Lone Ranger, paid his toll in cattle. Our next scene opens in Clem Peabody's house. His wife is scolding him for giving Lawson 500 cows.

[Dolly Peabody]

Of all the plain and fancy food.

[Clem Peabody]

No, darling, I knowed what I was doing.

[Dolly Peabody]

Like fun you did. Of all things I ever heard tell of, this is the limit.

[Clem Peabody]

All right, Dolly, let it go. It's there.

[Dolly Peabody]

I won't let it go. You must have lost your mind. You had all the cash money and was to turn $500 of it over to Bill. Lost.

[Clem Peabody]

That's a lot of money.

[Dolly Peabody]

But you spent sight more than that buying back 500 head of cattle.

[Clem Peabody]

I know.

[Dolly Peabody]

What ever got into you?

[Clem Peabody]

Well, I. I talked to a man at Longhorn.

[Dolly Peabody]

You talked to a man? For my sakes, alive, I'm glad you didn't talk to two men. You might have come back without bank and a dime.

[Clem Peabody]

Someone coming, darling. Now hush up while we got company. Come on in,

[Bill Lawson]

Clem.

[Clem Peabody]

I want to speak with you. Hey, Brent. Ginger. It's good to see you. Leave the door open. It's kind of stuffy in here. You're a long ways from your own spread, Clem.

[Bill Lawson]

I heard things about Eagle Pass.

[Clem Peabody]

And there's plenty to hear about. I just got back. I know that you had to choose

[Bill Lawson]

between $500 and 500 head of cattle.

[Clem Peabody]

That's right.

[Dolly Peabody]

And the doggone idget gave away the cattle.

[Bill Lawson]

So I heard. That's why I come here, Clem. You ain't touching the head, are you?

[Clem Peabody]

No.

[Bill Lawson]

Ain't Been eating loco weed?

[Clem Peabody]

No.

[Bill Lawson]

Every one of your waddies was plumb disgusted with you for what you done.

[Clem Peabody]

I better not say so where I can hear him.

[Bill Lawson]

Clem, I'm an old friend. I'm here to see just what's being behind that move of yours. Now you ain't a fool and you never in your life went off half

[Clem Peabody]

cocked in a business deal.

[Dolly Peabody]

Not till now. But he sure made up for all the caution he showed heretofore.

[Bill Lawson]

Now hold on, Dolly. There's a smart look in his face. Clem. Just watch your angle on it.

[Clem Peabody]

Abe. There's a masked man heading this way. He's coming around through the hills to get to this grazing. Without going through the pass. Yeah, He's a riding a white horse. The finest horse in the Hull Blamed country.

[Bill Lawson]

Go on.

[Clem Peabody]

He's the one told me to give them critters cattle instead of cash mask. And riding a white horse. Yep.

[Bill Lawson]

Tell me some more.

[Clem Peabody]

He's going to have a talk with or you ranchers before you drive your cows through the pass. Yeah, and try and persuade you to do what I done.

[Dolly Peabody]

By all that's righteous. If he thinks he can do that, he's more a fool than Clem is.

[Clem Peabody]

Ain't so sure he won't persuade the boys to give away cows.

[Bill Lawson]

Darling, if there was any point to it. Hey, there's someone riding down here now. Look out that door.

[Dolly Peabody]

A white horse. Clem, get your gun. He must be one of the outlaws.

[Bill Lawson]

Clem. He's called his horse Silver. You mean to say the man that told you what to do is the Lone Ranger?

[Clem Peabody]

Yes, so. And there he comes to get the rest of you common to help.

[Bill Lawson]

Well, if the Lone Ranger says for me to give them crooks cattle, I'll give them cattle.

[Dolly Peabody]

You'll do what Clem done?

[Bill Lawson]

Yes, and so will all the other men. Dolly, mean to say you never heard

[Clem Peabody]

of the Lone Ranger? Here I am, mister. He got through the hills in record time. Come with me, Clem. We've got to call on the other racers before they drive their captain to the pass.

[Bill Lawson]

Here's one you can talk to right now.

[Clem Peabody]

Mister, this is Abe Brent. Tell him your scheme and he'll help to spread the word around. Good. Come on and ride with me, Clem.

[Bill Lawson]

Clem, get your horse in stuff. Did you hear that?

[Clem Peabody]

I heard it and we're a riding.

[Narrator]

When Peabody and Abe Brent rode with the Lone Ranger, they went from ranch to ranch, pausing only long enough to explain their plan and get a promise of cooperation from the Owners, they covered the valley from end to end as they enlisted the ranchers in their cause. When their work was done, the Lone Ranger left the valley by way of the hills, avoiding Lawson's men. At Eagle Pass. Lawson himself was pacing the floor of the general store in a rage. Pop Carter, grinning, watched him from behind the counter.

[Clem Peabody]

We gotta do something about it. What's the matter with you men? Can't none of you think of something? Who'd ever think the thing would work out this way? Every dog on critter that's gone through here with a herd has chosen to leave cattle instead of cash.

[Bill Lawson]

We got the whole place cluttered up with cattle.

[Clem Peabody]

Boss, all I can suggest is that you stop accepting cattle. Make them paying cattle. But blasted. How can I? They don't have the cash when they head for the East. And they can't get the cash if they don't sell the cattle. And they won't go through with cattle unless I take the doggone cows in payment of the toll.

[Bill Lawson]

We can't go on like this much longer, Boss. Them cows have got to be fed.

[Clem Peabody]

Why don't you take a chance and drive them into town and sell them? Wouldn't that be smart? Now wouldn't it be smart? Every lawman in the country wanting to frame me for something. And I go to try and sell cattle with 50 assorted brands registered in other men's names.

[Bill Lawson]

You can show bills of sale though. You can prove the cattle's yours.

[Clem Peabody]

Where's that engine that was around here?

[Tonto]

Right here beside me.

[Clem Peabody]

Lawson. Hey you come over here. Me come. What you want? You been hanging around here for the past week. Me help you. I wonder if you've been helping. You said they was laying for me in town. Waiting for me to try and sell some of this cattle. Why you not try? Where'd you get your facts? Me hear lawmen talk. What'd they say? Them say maybe get em. You in jail last. What about selling cattle? Lawmen? Hope you try. Reckon that's all I need to know. Then there ain't no sense in playing right into their hands.

[Bill Lawson]

They just hanker to have you run them cows to town, Bill.

[Clem Peabody]

Well, we gotta do something. We got too much value in them cows to let em die for lack of grazing. See who that is. There ain't no more cows heading this way. Is he?

[Bill Lawson]

The guard said. He would have said so if they was.

[Clem Peabody]

Well, what do you want? This clam, Peabody. Howdy, Bob. Howdy. Let's make a deal with you, Lawson. Well, you got a lot of cattle that needs grazing, ain't you? What about it? I figured maybe you could use my men to drive the herd to town to sell him. Oh, you did, eh? Well, I am wise to the scheme to get me to sell them critters. See, I ain't stepping into no frame up to land me in jail. How'd you know about that? I knowed about it. That's all that counts. Oh, shucks. Well, then, ain't no use us figuring no further. Reckon you got the best of it. Yeah, darn right. After me letting you have cows instead of cash, hoping to get you that away. Here, now get out of here. I'm broke. Now look here, Larson. You need land, don't you? What if I do? Your cows has to eat. If you had a ranch and the brands that go with it, you'd be setting right well in the cattle business. With all them critters to start with. Well, you'll have to hold them till next season if you don't own some brands of your own. Now, why don't you buy my spread, huh?

[Bill Lawson]

Maybe there's an idea.

[Narrator]

Bill.

[Clem Peabody]

For how much? How much cash you got? None. I'll sign notes for the place. I sort of hope to get some cash. I ain't more than a thousand dollars all told. You give me that much down, I take notes for the rest. How'd that be? What do you think of it, boys? Real deal. Get out some paper and we'll draw up an agreement. Boys, we're going to be honest cattlemen. How's that?

[Narrator]

An agreement was drawn up between Lawson and clem and the $1,000 paid over to the rancher. Unnoticed by anyone, Tonto left the store and rode to the cliff, where he sent up a smoke signal. Lawson's men began the roundup of their cattle. Their horses circled the herd, forcing the scattered animals into a compact group. Then the herd was started. On its journey into the valley, Lem and Lawson rode side by side.

[Clem Peabody]

We got quite a ways to go to reach the ranch, Lawson. How far? It'll take quite a while to get there. We gotta cross a dozen other ranches. Yep. Yeah. You see, the valley here is gosh, awful long, but it ain't so wide. Each of the ranch owners own the land from one side to the other. There's a square D just ahead. What are all them men lined up there? Looks like they've been fixing up the fences. Looks like they've been fixing up their shooting irons. What are they eyeing us like that for? Hi there, Leaf.

[Narrator]

Hi Clam.

[Bill Lawson]

Whoa.

[Clem Peabody]

Oh, boy. Steady here. Steady.

[Bill Lawson]

Woo.

[Clem Peabody]

Woo. They pursue him a range to Bill Lawson. He's moving his cattle to it.

[Bill Lawson]

Yeah, well, he has to cross my land to get there.

[Clem Peabody]

All right, then, let me through.

[Bill Lawson]

Not so fast, Lawson. I'm charging toll to get across my ranch.

[Clem Peabody]

What's that? Yeah, what's the matter, Bill? They aim to charge us across this land. Hey, there's a masked man coming. And the lawman with him.

[Bill Lawson]

Yeah, I figured maybe you wouldn't like pay him toll as well as you like collecting it. So arrange for the sheriff to be here. He'd sure admire to see you start some trouble.

[Clem Peabody]

Any trouble here?

[Bill Lawson]

Not yet, Sheriff.

[Clem Peabody]

Good way, Bill. Ain't got no cash.

[Bill Lawson]

That's all right. I'll take it out in cattle. A quarter of what he's.

[Narrator]

Lawson turned over a fourth of his herd to the owner of the Square D ranch, then continued his journey while the sheriff's posse and the Lone Ranger accompanied him. At length they reached the boundary of the next ranch, where they were confronted by Sam Tuttle and his men, all heavily armed.

[Clem Peabody]

Clem, what's all this? Hold on my place, Sam. Lawson is taking his critters there. Yeah, well, that's interesting. Reckon I'll have to get some toll if he aims across my land. What's that?

[Bill Lawson]

It's robbery.

[Clem Peabody]

Of all the dreaded I. Come on, Lawson. Make some trouble. Get started. You'll have your choice, Lawson. Cash or a quarter of your stock. Yep. Cash or cows don't matter now. I won't do it. We'll go back. You'll pay to go back. Pay for the square deal. We'll charge you again. How the Sam Hill fires your ranch. Why, this barely ain't. Blast it all. Count out a quarter of the cows and leave them here. We gotta go on. What's that ahead? Brag and Bill. That's another ranch we got across and more toll to pay. Brag and toe. Traveling comes high in these parts. Pay up or turn back. Turn back in them first two will collect again.

[Narrator]

Lawson, almost frantic, went on his way. With every ranch he crossed, more cows were taken. The cattlemen no Longer asked for 1 4, but each demanded the return of the same number of animals originally taken from him. When at last they reached Clem Peabody's ranch, less than a hundred cows remained. Lawson stared at the cattlemen, his temper beyond control.

[Clem Peabody]

Oh, you can all go to blazes. I'm here and what cows I got left are mine. I bought this land, so clear off.

[Narrator]

One minute, Lawson. You want the land.

[Clem Peabody]

But what will you do for water? What? Ain't there water here? Sure to mention it. Bill. You gotta get your water from the next ranch. An old skin. Flint Lewis is awful stingy. I'm afeard he'll want cash money. I get it. The whole thing's a put up job.

[Narrator]

You'll realize that at last, huh?

[Clem Peabody]

I realized it when you called that horse Silver. You done this. You schemed to get the cows back to these ranchers.

[Narrator]

Lawson, you can stay here on Clem's

[Clem Peabody]

land and do without water.

[Narrator]

Or you can let Clem keep the

[Clem Peabody]

cattle that's left and the cash you

[Narrator]

paid and clear out.

[Clem Peabody]

He was better off before we tried to go honest. You didn't try in the right way. Boys, we're quitting.

[Tonto]

Let's get out of here.

[Bill Lawson]

I had enough.

[Clem Peabody]

Come on. You keep your gurn ranch at cows. Thank you, Bill. Just sign this paper. I already got raw down. Give it to me. Had it already, huh? There. Now we're leaving. Here.

[Bill Lawson]

Let's start now. The sooner the better.

[Clem Peabody]

Hold on, Butcher. Don't go back the way we come. We're heading for the hills.

[Tonto]

But that's all.

[Clem Peabody]

I says we're heading for the hills. If we go back across all them doggone ranches, we won't even have our horses left. Come on there, Silver. Oh boy. Cuddles ahead. We'll see what he's signaling us for. Sa. Sam,

[Narrator]

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