A Child of Faith | The Lone Ranger (02-11-53)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: A Child of Faith | The Lone Ranger (02-11-53)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: February 5, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this digitally restored episode, Andrew Rhynes transports listeners to the golden age of radio with the classic Lone Ranger tale "A Child of Faith." The story showcases courage, trust, and the innocence of youth, as a young girl’s unwavering belief in the masked hero changes not just her future but the fate of her entire family. Amid outlaws, stolen horses, and frontier justice, Diane Fawson’s friendship with the Lone Ranger and Tonto provides the heart and anchor of this adventure.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Diane’s Birthday and New Friendships

[04:44 – 07:41]

• Gift of a Pony: Young Diane receives a pony, Spotty, for her birthday from her father, Lee Fawson.
• First Encounter: On a ride, Diane discovers and befriends the Lone Ranger and Tonto in a wooded grove.
• Child's Innocence & Curiosity: Diane’s direct questions about the Lone Ranger’s mask and Tonto’s heritage highlight her openness.
  • Quote:
    "Are you a mean Indian? Do you scalp people?"
    — Diane Fawson (07:00)
  • Quote:
    "Her childlike friendliness and trust are heartwarming, Tonto. Grown people could take a lesson from children like this."
    — The Lone Ranger (07:44)
• Secret-Keeping: Diane promises the Lone Ranger to keep his secret, deepening their bond.

2. Ranch Trouble & Framing the Lone Ranger

[09:04 – 13:30]

• Horses Stolen, Violence Ensues: Ranch hands report missing horses and the murder of a fellow rider. Tempers flare as the Fawson ranch is suddenly under siege.
• The Antagonists: Outlaw Kirk Deal and his gang are revealed to be hiding in a canyon, plotting to rebrand stolen horses and escape the law.
• Mistaken Identity: A ranch hand spots the Lone Ranger and Tonto, assuming wrongly they are the culprits.

3. Diane's Crisis of Conscience

[11:07 – 12:29]

• Faith Tested: Diane overhears that her friends, the Lone Ranger and Tonto, are suspected. Torn between obedience and protecting her friends, Diane chooses to warn them.
  • Quote:
    "If Daddy and the men find them, they'll be killed. I have to tell them. I have to."
    — Diane Fawson (12:04)

4. Tense Confrontation in the Grove

[16:05 – 20:05]

• The Showdown: Lee Fawson and his men surround the Lone Ranger and Tonto. Guns are drawn, and a lynching is threatened.
  • Quote:
    "Reach and freeze, both of you. There are men with guns on each side of your camp."
    — Lee Fawson (16:32)
• Diane’s Intervention: Diane bravely places herself between her friends and the gunmen to shield the Lone Ranger and Tonto.
  • Quote:
    "You can't shoot them. I won't let you. I won't."
    — Diane Fawson (18:01)
• Revelation of Identity: The discovery of the silver bullet and the names of the horses (Silver and Scout) prompts recognition. The standoff ends peacefully.
  • Quote:
    "Now I get it... The masked man always has silver bullets." — Lee Fawson (19:43)
  • Quote:
    "In fact, Diane's faith in us saved the day."
    — The Lone Ranger (20:05)

5. The True Outlaws Revealed and Justice Served

[20:37 – 24:44]

• Tracking the Rustlers: Lone Ranger applies his frontier logic to examine horse tracks and uncovers the outlaws’ hidden trail.
  • Quote:
    "Wild horses are unshod, Mr. Fawson. We should be able to pick up the trail where the rustlers turn out of the valley with the shod horses."
    — The Lone Ranger (20:49)
• Showdown in the Canyon: A classic Western gunfight erupts as the outlaws' escape is blocked both at the pass and the hidden tunnel.
  • Quote:
    "Stop your guns and reach. We're behind you."
    — The Lone Ranger (23:39)
• Resolution: The outlaws surrender. Diane’s faith and courage are credited for preventing a grave mistake and enabling justice.
  • Quote:
    "Diane believed in us, had faith in us. I value the simple faith of a child very highly."
    — The Lone Ranger (24:23)
  • Quote:
    "If a man can get a child's faith and trust, well, I figure he's a darn good hombre."
    — Lee Fawson (24:29)

6. Closing Reflections

[24:57 – 25:41]

• Gratitude and Lessons Learned: The adults reflect on Diane’s bravery and conviction, recognizing that her innocence averted bloodshed and ensured true justice.
  • Quote:
    "Thank heaven she did, or we might have done something we'd always regret."
    — Lee Fawson (25:04)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Her childlike friendliness and trust are heartwarming, Tonto. Grown people could take a lesson from children like this."
  — The Lone Ranger (07:44)

• "If Daddy and the men find them, they'll be killed. I have to tell them. I have to."
  — Diane Fawson (12:04)

• "You can't shoot them. I won't let you. I won't."
  — Diane Fawson (18:01)

• "Diane believed in us, had faith in us. I value the simple faith of a child very highly."
  — The Lone Ranger (24:23)

• "If a man can get a child's faith and trust, well, I figure he's a darn good hombre."
  — Lee Fawson (24:29)

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Important Timestamps

• [04:44] Diane receives Spotty the pony
• [06:33] Diane meets the Lone Ranger and Tonto
• [11:07] Diane debates warning the Lone Ranger
• [16:32] The ranch hands confront the Lone Ranger and Tonto
• [18:01] Diane intervenes to defend her friends
• [19:43] Lee Fawson realizes the masked man’s true identity
• [20:49] Lone Ranger solves the trail puzzle
• [23:39] The gunfight and capture of the outlaws
• [24:23] Lone Ranger extols the virtue of a child’s faith

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Tone and Atmosphere

The episode balances suspenseful frontier action with heartwarming moments, echoing classic Western values of honesty, trust, and community. Diane’s innocence, the iconic stoicism of the Lone Ranger, and the earnestness of Fawson and his ranch hands are captured in period-appropriate dialogue and vivid soundscapes—bolstered by the podcast’s restored audio.

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Summary Takeaway

"A Child of Faith" is more than a Western adventure—it’s a testament to the power of trust and innocence. Diane’s unwavering belief in her masked friend doesn’t just save lives; it bridges misunderstandings and brings hardened adults back to the essentials of decency and hope. The Lone Ranger and Tonto’s heroics, paired with Diane’s courage, form a tale that uplifts as much as it thrills.

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Transcript

[VRBoCare Announcer]

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

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

[VRBoCare Announcer]

Day or night, VRBoCare is here 24, 7 to help make every part of your stay seamless. If anything comes up or you simply need a little guidance, support is ready whenever you reach out from the moment you book to the moment you head home. We're here to help things run smoothly because a great trip starts with the right support. And hey, a good playlist doesn't hurt either.

[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the Plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoot beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. Lee Fossen, owner of the large Circle F Ranch, entered the ranch house one afternoon and spoke to his wife Laura and their 10 year old daughter, Diane.

[Lee Fawson]

Well, I suppose both of you thought I forgot what day this is, didn't you?

[Laura Fawson]

Frankly, Lee, I did think you'd forgotten when you failed to mention it this morning.

[Diane Fawson]

You mean you remembered it's my birthday, Daddy?

[Lee Fawson]

Well, of course, honey. I wouldn't let your birthday go by without giving you a present.

[Diane Fawson]

A present? But where is it?

[Lee Fawson]

Well, you and your mother come to the front porch with me and I'll show you.

[Diane Fawson]

Oh, come on, Mama, Hurry.

[Laura Fawson]

All right.

[Lee Fawson]

Now look there, Diane. That's your present.

[Diane Fawson]

Ooh, a pony. A real life pony.

[Lee Fawson]

Let's go down and get a close look.

[Diane Fawson]

Lee.

[Laura Fawson]

He's beautiful. But do you think Diane is old enough to ride a pony?

[Lee Fawson]

Of course, Laura. She'll take to riding like a duck takes to water. Won't you, Diane?

[Diane Fawson]

May I ride him right now, Daddy?

[Lee Fawson]

Well, I'll lift you into the saddle. There you are.

[Laura Fawson]

Be careful, Diane.

[Diane Fawson]

Yes, Mama.

[Lee Fawson]

Don't go too far.

[Laura Fawson]

There are outlaws in this vicinity, and it'd be dangerous for you to ride alone. Anyway, supper will soon be ready.

[Lee Fawson]

Now, remember what your mother said, Diane.

[Diane Fawson]

Yes, Daddy. Oh, Golly, this is real. Thanks for giving them to me. Get up. Get up there.

[Narrator]

For a short time every day, Diane rode her pony and soon became a good rider. Either her father or the foreman Tex, rode with her as a rule. But one day, Diane rode away from the ranch house alone.

[Diane Fawson]

Get up. Get up, Spotty.

[Narrator]

For a time, the pony trotted along a trail through the hills with the little girl constantly urging him on.

[Diane Fawson]

Oh, get up, Spotty. Golly, this is fun. Get up.

[Narrator]

Diane turned off the trail and headed up a slope toward a wooded grove. When the pony reached the edge of the grove, Diane pulled him to a stop.

[Diane Fawson]

Whoa, Spotty. Whoa. Golly. An Indian and a masked man.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hello. Don't be afraid. Do not hurt you.

[Diane Fawson]

Oh, I'm not afraid.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's a mighty fine pony you have there.

[Diane Fawson]

I got him for my birthday. His name is Spotty. I'm Diane Fossen.

[Tonto]

You lucky to have fine pony.

[Diane Fawson]

Daddy gave him to me. Are you a mean Indian? Do you scalp people?

[The Lone Ranger]

No.

[Tonto]

Me not scalp people.

[The Lone Ranger]

Toto's a good Indian, Diane. He's my friend.

[Tonto]

That right?

[Diane Fawson]

Are you an outlaw?

[The Lone Ranger]

No, I'm not an outlaw.

[Diane Fawson]

But you wear a mask. Why?

[The Lone Ranger]

Someday I'll tell you if you can keep a secret.

[Diane Fawson]

All right, I won't tell anybody. When you tell me the secret, I'm.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sure you can be trusted.

[Diane Fawson]

I trust you and Tano too.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good. That means we're friends, doesn't it?

[Diane Fawson]

Oh, yes, masked man. And I'll come back to see you again.

[The Lone Ranger]

Fine. We'll be glad to see you, Diane.

[Diane Fawson]

Well, I have to go home now.

[Lee Fawson]

Goodbye.

[The Lone Ranger]

Adios.

[Diane Fawson]

Get up, Spotty. Get up.

[Lee Fawson]

Pretty little girl ride plenty good.

[The Lone Ranger]

Her childlike friendliness and trust are heartwarming, Toto. Grown people could take a lesson from children like this.

[Tonto]

Kimosabe.

[Lee Fawson]

Yes.

[Narrator]

We go now.

[Lee Fawson]

Try find hideout of outlaw gang.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. Toto, Kirk Deal and his men must be caught before they kill somebody else. They're wanted for two murders already. Let's go.

[Andrew Rines]

Easy.

[Lee Fawson]

Set it easy, fella.

[Narrator]

The Long Ranger and Tod searched for Kirk Deal's gang without success. During the following week, Diane Fawson visited the masked man and Indian every day, and they became good friends. One day, when she was ready to leave, the Lone Ranger lifted her gently onto the pony.

[The Lone Ranger]

There you are, Diane.

[Diane Fawson]

Thank you. Golly, what nice shiny bullets you have in your belt. I never saw any like that before.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll give you one to remember us by.

[Lee Fawson]

Here.

[The Lone Ranger]

This bullet is made of silver.

[Diane Fawson]

Oh, thank you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now be careful and go straight home so you'll reach there before dark.

[Diane Fawson]

Uh huh. Goodbye. Get up, Spotty.

[Narrator]

The following morning, the ranch foreman, Tex, hurriedly entered the ranch house where Diane was having breakfast with her parents.

[Tonto]

Hey, Boss.

[Lee Fawson]

Tex seemed to be excited about something.

[Tonto]

Hey, listen, boys. Rustlers ran off half a dozen of your prized horses from the south reefs last night.

[Lee Fawson]

Dog Garnet. That's the second time in a month they've stolen my stock. Did the men trail them?

[Tonto]

We tried to trail them, boys, but they turned down that valley where the herd of wild horses run most every night. We lost the trail.

[Lee Fawson]

What about the whitey who was riding ranged out there last night? How come he didn't?

[Tonto]

He's done for, boss.

[Lee Fawson]

What?

[Tonto]

Come to the bunk house and see if he's out. He must have been shot from his saddle. From ambush?

[Laura Fawson]

How awful.

[Lee Fawson]

Who was it?

[Tonto]

The new fella? Delroy.

[Lee Fawson]

Too bad, Tex. Send someone to town to notify the sheriff.

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah.

[Lee Fawson]

By thunder. This time we'll keep hunting till we round up those sneaking killers.

[Narrator]

In a small box canyon in the foothills, the outlaw leader, Kirk Deal, and two of his three tough followers sat playing cards in a deserted prospector's cabin.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah, El Buck, it's about time for.

[Narrator]

You to relieve Bill of the pass.

[Lee Fawson]

Sure, Kirk.

[Tonto]

I'll go there right now.

[Lee Fawson]

Later, when Red relieves you, we'll use.

[The Lone Ranger]

A running iron and they'll circle F.

[Lee Fawson]

Horses behind the cabin.

[Narrator]

It'll be simple to change the F.

[Tonto]

Into an E. Those horses will bring a good price. When do we take them across the border, Kirk?

[Lee Fawson]

Couple of nights from now, after the brand sets. All right.

[Tonto]

Get going, Buck.

[Lee Fawson]

Yeah, sure.

[Tonto]

This place is a perfect hideout, Kirk.

[Lee Fawson]

Yeah. Most folks think that pass is the.

[Narrator]

Only way in or out of here.

[Lee Fawson]

Lucky I stumbled onto the low, narrow tunnel at the back of the canyon.

[The Lone Ranger]

The tall brush covers it well, yet.

[Lee Fawson]

It'S just wide and high enough to lead horses through. Single file if necessary.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah, we're plenty safe here, Red. And our operations are driving the ranchers and the sheriff loco.

[Narrator]

That morning at the ranch house, Diane Fawson sat on the front porch playing with her dolls. But her eyes wandered fretfully to the pony over in the corral.

[Diane Fawson]

Oh, I just don't want to play with dolls today.

[Narrator]

She walked slowly to the corral and reached through the split rail fence to pet Spotty. The child's faith in the Lone Ranger and Totto had instinctively kept her from telling about them. She realized questions might be asked and felt the matter was her secret. As she stood rubbing the pony's sleek coat, a ranch hand rode hurriedly to the ranch house and dismounted.

[Lee Fawson]

Oh, ho there, boy.

[Diane Fawson]

Ho.

[Tonto]

Steady down.

[Laura Fawson]

I saw you riding in.

[Lee Fawson]

What's wrong now?

[Tonto]

Where's the boss? Mrs. Watson?

[Laura Fawson]

He and the men left to search for the rustlers. Didn't you ride with them?

[Lee Fawson]

No, ma'.

[Diane Fawson]

Am.

[Tonto]

I went to town to notify the sheriff.

[Diane Fawson]

Oh?

[Tonto]

I saw a couple of armies. One an Indian, the other wearing a black mask. I figured they're a couple of the rustlers. They didn't see me, and they didn't seem to be covering the trail. So I decided to come and get the boss and the men to trail them.

[Laura Fawson]

Lee and the others took the west train. You'd better go find them as quickly as possible and tell them.

[Tonto]

Yes, ma'.

[Lee Fawson]

Am. Daddy.

[Tonto]

There. Get up there. Come on, get up there.

[Diane Fawson]

Golly, Spotty, he was talking about our friends in the grove. If Daddy and the men find them, they'll be killed.

[Narrator]

Diane stood a moment, thinking of what might happen to her too kind friends.

[Diane Fawson]

I have to tell them. I have to.

[Narrator]

Diane was an obedient child. She had no thought now of disobeying her parents. The one thought that put everything else from her mind was to warn her friends. Quickly, she saddled the pony, then mounted.

[Diane Fawson]

Get up. Get up. Hurry, Fatty.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, the cowpoke who had caught a glimpse of the Lone Ranger and Tonto rode at top speed after Lee Fossen and his men. Finally, he sighted them.

[Tonto]

Hey, Mr. Parson.

[Diane Fawson]

Hey.

[Narrator]

The horsemen saw the galloping horse coming behind them and pulled to a stop. Jake, quickly. The cowpoke repeated what he had told Mrs. Fawson. When he finished, Lee exclaimed, by thunder.

[Lee Fawson]

This time we'll get him. That mask man Indian must be in with the gang.

[Tonto]

We'd better get back to where Jake saw them and pick up the trail.

[Lee Fawson]

That's what we'll do right now when we find them. If they go for their guns, we'll fill them with lead. Come on, let's get that Indian unmasked. Man, get up there.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act. Of our Lone Ranger adventure. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Tonto]

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[Tonto]

And check out the financing options payments to fit our budget.

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[Narrator]

Delivery to our door.

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Just a hop, skip and a click away.

[Lee Fawson]

And bought.

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[Diane Fawson]

It's.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. Lee Fawson and his ranch hands found and followed the tracks left by Toto and the Lone Ranger. Later, they approached the place where the two men had turned up toward the wooded grove on the slope. At their camp in the grove, the Lone Ranger and Toto had prepared a midday meal and were seated on a log, enjoying it when.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, we'll see.

[Lee Fawson]

Reach and freeze, both of you. There are men with guns on each side of your camp.

[The Lone Ranger]

Better do as he says, Tuttle. We're reaching. What now?

[Lee Fawson]

Close in on the men. Watch their hands. If they move them, shoot to kill.

[The Lone Ranger]

Him right?

[Lee Fawson]

Him have plenty men with him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Right now we're in a tight spot. These men mean business. May I ask what this is all about?

[Lee Fawson]

Sure. You two are part of the gang that killed one of my line riders and stole my horses last night.

[Tonto]

Let's string them up right here. Yeah. I say finish them off.

[Lee Fawson]

I have 12 men with me, mister, all holding guns and all aching to use them.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're mistaken about us. We're not outlaws. We didn't know about what happened last night.

[Tonto]

He's going to try to lie out of it. Him not lie. Shut up, Indian. Take their guns and strain.

[Lee Fawson]

Hold on, men. Hold on. No use losing our heads. We'll disarm them, hog time and take them to jail. Then we'll find out who that stranger is behind the mask, too. I'll text you and Jake get there.

[Diane Fawson]

Daddy, wait.

[Lee Fawson]

I'm a little girl. Diane, stay back.

[Tonto]

Hey, he's heading in between us and the Max man.

[Lee Fawson]

Diane, do you hear me? Stay away.

[Tonto]

Turn around.

[Lee Fawson]

These men are dangerous.

[Diane Fawson]

Whoa, fatty, whoa. No. Oh, Daddy, don't hurt them.

[Tonto]

Don't keep your eyes on those two. Watch out, boss. You could use the girl as a shield.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't worry about that, Diane. You shouldn't have come here.

[Narrator]

When the Lone Ranger spoke, Diane looked at her father, who started toward her. Then she quickly dismounted and ran to the masked man standing in front of him.

[Diane Fawson]

You can't shoot them. I won't let you. I won't.

[Lee Fawson]

Diane. Come away quick, men. Be careful if you happen to fire.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll not let DIANE get hurt, Mr. Fawson.

[Lee Fawson]

How do you know my name?

[Diane Fawson]

I told them my name. They're my friends. They're good and kind to me.

[Lee Fawson]

If I don't savvy this. Stand away, child.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Diane. Take Spotty off to one side.

[Diane Fawson]

No, no. They'll hurt you and Tantalize.

[Narrator]

Eyeing the masked man and Indian carefully, Lee Fossen slowly walked toward them. He knew the masked man had only to grasp Diane and use her as a shield for them to escape. Fear for the child's safety showed on the father's face a moment. The Lone Ranger spoke quietly.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't worry. Diane is in no danger from us. Diane, take my guns from their holsters and hand them to your father.

[Diane Fawson]

Should I?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Diane. They outnumber us greatly. We can't escape, but we'll clear this matter up soon. Go ahead. Take them.

[Narrator]

Hesitantly, the little girl lifted the heavy, beautiful guns from the Lone Ranger's holsters and handed them to Lee Fawson. Then she took tatos and gave them to him. The men waited, tense but puzzled and curious.

[Diane Fawson]

Now, Daddy, you have their guns.

[Lee Fawson]

Don't hurt my friends, doggone it. I. I don't figure this at all.

[Diane Fawson]

I met the masked man in Tano several days ago. I saw them again, and the masked man gave me this.

[Lee Fawson]

What? A bullet. Now why should he give you a silver. A silver bullet?

[Diane Fawson]

Uh huh. Look in his gun belt. Lots of them.

[Lee Fawson]

Now hold on, mister. Where are your horses?

[The Lone Ranger]

Over to the left. Come Silver, Scout.

[Lee Fawson]

Silver and Scout, eh? Jumping grasshoppers. Now I get it.

[Tonto]

What do you mean, you get it?

[Lee Fawson]

I remember when we drove a herd to San Antonio. Folks told us about a masked man who rides a white stallion called Silver and an Indian who rides a paint called Scout. Well, they help the law. And the masked man always has silver bullets.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's right, Mr. Fossen.

[Lee Fawson]

Man, these two aren't outlaws like we thought. I'll vouch for them, Mister. Why in tarnation didn't you up and say who you were?

[The Lone Ranger]

You gave us little chance for explanations, Mr. Fossum. In fact, Diane's faith in us saved the day.

[Lee Fawson]

Well, here are your guns and the Indians.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thanks. I suggest you send one of the men to ride back with Diane.

[Lee Fawson]

Sure thing. Jake, take Diane home.

[Diane Fawson]

Do I have to go home?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yep.

[Diane Fawson]

All right. Goodbye, masked man. And, Tano.

[The Lone Ranger]

Goodbye. And we'll see you again, Diane.

[Diane Fawson]

I hope so. Get up, Spotty.

[Tonto]

I'll go get my horse.

[The Lone Ranger]

Mr. Fossen, give me the detail of last night's robbery. Perhaps Tano and I can help.

[Narrator]

Briefly, Lee Fossen told about the stolen horses and how the ranch hands lost the trail in the nearby valley.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, I suggest we go to that valley and search again.

[Lee Fawson]

But the place is covered with the tracks of wild horses.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now, wild horses are unshod, Mr. Fossen. We should be able to pick up the trail where the rustlers turn out of the valley with the shod horses.

[Lee Fawson]

Say, that's right. We'll be mighty glad to have your help. You and the Indian. Our horses are down there among the trees. We'll join you in a few minutes.

[Narrator]

After considerable searching along the sides of the valley, the tracks of the stolen horses were found. The Lone Ranger and Tonto rode with the Circle F men toward the hideout in the canyon.

[The Lone Ranger]

Mr. Fossen, that pass ahead seems to lead into a canyon. It's my idea we should divide our forces. Have a few of the men go with Toddle and me. We'll ride along that ridge at the top of the canyon and see if there's another way out. If there is, we'll move in and help you.

[Lee Fawson]

Well, that makes good sense. We'll give it time to reach there, and then we'll go through the pass.

[Narrator]

Later. On a low bluff near the pass into the box canyon where the outlaws were hiding, Buck, who was standing guard, saw a group of horsemen approaching.

[Lee Fawson]

Easy. Get up.

[Diane Fawson]

Come on.

[Narrator]

He hurriedly ran to his horse and rode to warn the others. Kirk, Deal, Red and Bill were waiting at the open door when he stopped at the the cabin.

[Tonto]

Oh, Kirk, I saw what looks like a posse approaching the pass. We better get the horses and clear out through the back. Open them before they get here.

[The Lone Ranger]

Right.

[Lee Fawson]

There's no time to lose. Let's go.

[Narrator]

Within a short time, the crooks were mounted.

[Lee Fawson]

Get up.

[Tonto]

Come on.

[Narrator]

The stolen prize horses, tied one behind the other, were led through the narrow opening behind the tall brush at the back of the canyon.

[Lee Fawson]

Here, we'll just make it. That posse hasn't come through the pass yet.

[Tonto]

Hey, I better ride through first, just in case. Won't take but a couple of minutes. You men follow with a string of horses. Get him. Come on up.

[Narrator]

A few minutes later, the others were about to follow when Buck was seen backing his horse from the tunnel where it was too narrow to turn around.

[Lee Fawson]

Back. Back, boy, back.

[Tonto]

I caught sight of someone out there. In fact, there's several horsemen snooping around beyond that tunnel.

[Lee Fawson]

There they are.

[Tonto]

Holy smoke. The posse's coming through the path. What'll we do?

[The Lone Ranger]

We can't go through the tunnel.

[Lee Fawson]

We'll be picked off one by one. Take the COVID behind the boulders and we'll make a stand. All right, let him have it.

[Narrator]

The gun battle raged for a short time. One or two men on each side were wounded. Near the outer opening of the tunnel, the Lone Ranger and Tahoe heard the shooting in the canyon.

[The Lone Ranger]

Man, that shooting seems to be beyond that tunnel. That must lead into the canyon. We'll dismount and go through it. Hurry. Easy.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger led the others through the low, narrow tunnel. When he stepped out into the canyon, he saw the crooks with their backs to him and the men fighting the ranchman.

[The Lone Ranger]

Stop your guns in reach. We're behind you.

[Lee Fawson]

Some men came through the opening. All right.

[The Lone Ranger]

Got him.

[Lee Fawson]

Hold.

[Narrator]

Kirk fell wounded. Buck had already taken a bullet in his gun arm. The remaining two, Red and Bill, saw that they had no chance. The ranch hands were in front of them. The Lone Ranger with his group behind them. They hastily dropped their guns and raised their hands.

[Lee Fawson]

We give up. Don't shoot.

[The Lone Ranger]

Take their guns. Tullo.

[Tonto]

Me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get him.

[Lee Fawson]

By thunder, mister, we caught them all. What's more, I see my prize horses over there. Oh, if it hadn't have been for you and Tondo, though, we'd have never picked up their trail from the valley.

[The Lone Ranger]

And if it hadn't been for your little girl, Diane, Todd and I might not have been here to help you.

[Lee Fawson]

Yeah, I know. And I'm sure sorry we were so hasty at your camp.

[The Lone Ranger]

Diane believed in us, had faith in us. I value the simple faith of a child very highly.

[Lee Fawson]

Yes, that's right. If a man can get a child's faith and trust, well, I figure he's a darn good hombre.

[The Lone Ranger]

You have enough men to handle these crooks, Mr. Fossen. Toto and I will head south directly from here. Please tell Diane we'll see her again sometime.

[Lee Fawson]

I'll tell her, mister. Bandage up those crooks in time so as we can take them to town.

[The Lone Ranger]

All right. Let's go, Tano. Our horses are beyond the narrow opening. Adios everyone. Bye.

[Tonto]

Boss. That sure beats all. How in places did Diane get to know that masked man and Injun?

[Lee Fawson]

Well, I reckon she just met him and liked him. And thank heaven she did, or we might have done something we'd always regret.

[Tonto]

I sure admired the way she stuck up for those two at their camp.

[Lee Fawson]

Yep, so did I. I was mighty proud of my little daughter when I realized what it was all about. And she's going to be mighty proud too, when I tell her the hombre who gave her that silver bullet is none other than the Lone Rang.

[Diane Fawson]

Sam.

[Geico Commercial Auto Insurance Representative]

I'm here on the job site with Dale, who's a framing contractor.

[Tonto]

Hey, good morning.

[Geico Commercial Auto Insurance Representative]

Dale traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance for all his business vehicles. We here where he needs us most.

[Tonto]

Yep, they sure are.

[Geico Commercial Auto Insurance Representative]

We make it easy for him to save on all his insurance needs, all in one place with coverage that fits his business and bottom line. Oh, I shouldn't have looked down.

[Tonto]

It's all right.

[Geico Commercial Auto Insurance Representative]

We're so far up here.

[Diane Fawson]

Look at me.

[Tonto]

Take a deep breath.

[Geico Commercial Auto Insurance Representative]

I'm good. So good.

[Narrator]

Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail] and see how much you could save. It feels good to Geico.

[Andrew Rines]

Back in the Old west, folks didn't run to the pharmacy every time trouble hit. They relied on the know how and natural remedies. Kind of like how Tonto always seems to have a special mixture ready for whatever came next. If you want to learn how to do that today, check out the Beginner's Guide to Herbal Remedies. Easy steps for teas, tinctures and Salves. Even if you've never tried herbs before, visit otrwesterns.com herbs to learn more. Again otrwesterns.com her b.

[Lee Fawson]

Sam.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendall Campbell Muir Incorporated, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beame.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve, who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Diane Fawson]

Sam.