A Ranchland Frame Up | The Lone Ranger (02-26-41)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "A Ranchland Frame Up" – The Lone Ranger (02-26-41)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: A Ranchland Frame Up | The Lone Ranger
Original Air Date: February 26, 1941 (Podcast Release: January 17, 2026)

---

Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners back to the golden age of radio with a digitally restored presentation of The Lone Ranger. “A Ranchland Frame Up” tells a classic tale of justice in the Old West, following the Lone Ranger as he unravels a plot to falsely accuse a proud rancher, Bert Sanders, of cattle rustling—a crime punishable by death. Themes of law vs. mob violence, loyalty, honor, and the pursuit of truth run through the story, all brought to life with improved audio richness that immerses the audience in the era’s dramatic soundscape.

---

Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. Setup: Bert Sanders' Predicament

• [02:20-03:55]
  • Bert Sanders, after years of hard work, is proud to own a small ranch and dreams of sharing it with his sweetheart, Nellie.
  • At the branding fire, Bert discovers his hand, Red, using a “running iron” to change a cow’s brand from the Half Circle Bar to his own Circle T.
  • Red is caught in the act, pulls a gun, and Bert is forced to hold him at gunpoint. The sheriff and accuser, Hank Greenwald (owner of Half Circle Bar), arrive just in time.
  • Bert is accused of rustling and framed with planted evidence.

Quote:
"That’s rustling. You’re taking Half Circle Bar cattle and putting my brand on it.”
—Bert Sanders, [03:39]

2. Bert is Arrested and the Community Turns

• [03:56-06:31]
  • Sheriff Calhoun, although begrudging, arrests Bert based on the evidence.
  • Bert maintains his innocence, insists it’s a frame-up, and accuses Red of being bribed by Hank.
  • The ranching community, led by Hank, is eager to see Bert hanged for the crime.

Quote:
"Sheriff, listen here. It was Red that was handling this iron. I just now caught him at it and he throwed down on me. Then you rode up."
—Bert Sanders, [04:23]

3. Sheriff’s Dilemma and Introduction of Lone Ranger

• [06:31-09:30]
  • Sheriff Calhoun privately encourages Bert to confess, but Bert refuses, confident that the law should protect the innocent.
  • The Lone Ranger and his companion, Tonto (referred to as “Tada”), enter the scene (under the guise of a new “deputy”), suspicious of the rush to judgment.

Quote:
"I was framed. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell the sheriff all the time…"
—Bert Sanders, [07:19]

4. Lone Ranger’s Scheme: Bert Escapes Jail

• [09:30-10:26]
  • The Lone Ranger orchestrates Bert’s escape from jail, trusting him to return voluntarily. He urges Bert to find evidence to clear his name.
  • Tonto takes Bert’s place in jail to help in the ruse.

Quote:
"You wanted to be free for just a little while. I'm giving you the chance you asked for. I'm depending on your honor to bring you back, stranger."
—The Lone Ranger, [09:51]

5. Uncovering the Real Culprit

• [11:10-12:09]
  • Bert visits Nellie to declare his innocence and tries to see if Bob Barker (a rival suitor) could be involved. Bob denies knowledge.
• [12:53-14:29]
  • Bert seeks out Red to confront him, but is ambushed and shot, barely escaping with his life thanks to the Lone Ranger and Tonto.

6. Mob Mentality and the Sheriff’s Stand

• [14:29-18:44]
  • The townsfolk form a lynch mob to take justice into their own hands. Sheriff Calhoun faces mounting pressure but refuses to sacrifice legal principles.
  • Bert’s absence from jail puts the sheriff under severe public scrutiny.

Quote:
"I'd sooner lose office than see an innocent man hang. Even if Bert is guilty, he's got a right to a trial."
—Sheriff Calhoun, [18:44]

7. The Truth Emerges: Confession and Justice

• [19:53-23:59]
  • The Lone Ranger captures Red and brings him to the sheriff. Red, under pressure, confesses that Hank hired him to frame Bert. The mob’s anger turns to realization.
  • Evidence is presented: bribe money, signed confessions, and physical evidence from the attempted shooting.

Quote:
"Sheriff, what Bert says is all true. Hank did hire me to frame Bert. Bert didn’t steal anything. It was all Hank’s scheme."
—Red, [24:03]

8. Resolution: Bert Cleared, Hank Exposed, Lone Ranger Rides On

• [24:00-25:02]
  • Hank is arrested; Bert is cleared of all charges.
  • The Lone Ranger’s identity is hinted at but never fully revealed as he disappears into the West.

Quote:
"That hombre was the Lone Ranger."
—Bert Sanders, [25:02]

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Bert’s affirmation of honor:
  "You've got my word. I'll be back." – Bert Sanders, [10:21]
• Sheriff’s integrity over popularity:
  "I'd sooner lose office than see an innocent man hang." – Sheriff Calhoun, [18:44]
• Red’s confession under pressure:
  "Sheriff, what Bert says is all true. Hank did hire me to frame Bert." – Red, [24:03]
• The Lone Ranger’s identity is revealed to the audience but not the law:
  "That hombre was the Lone Ranger." – Bert Sanders, [25:02]

---

Episode Timeline

| Timestamp | Segment | | --------- | ----------------------------------------------- | | 00:48 | Iconic Lone Ranger opening, historical context | | 02:20 | Bert discovers the frame-up in progress | | 03:56 | Bert is accused and arrested | | 06:31 | Sheriff counsels Bert, Lone Ranger plans | | 09:30 | Bert’s jailbreak, Lone Ranger’s intervention | | 11:10 | Bert confronts Nellie & Bob | | 12:53 | Bert’s hunt for Red, foiled and shot | | 14:29 | Lone Ranger rescues Bert, mob forms | | 18:44 | Sheriff stands up to mob | | 24:03 | Red confesses, Bert exonerated | | 25:02 | The Lone Ranger rides away |

---

Episode Tone and Style

The episode maintains the brisk, dramatic, and upright moral tone that characterizes The Lone Ranger, blending earnest frontier dialogue with suspenseful action. The digital restoration enriches the classic effects (hoofbeats, gunfire, saloon noise), making the justice-driven narrative even more immersive.

---

Conclusion

“A Ranchland Frame Up” is a classic Western drama that upholds the ideals of truth, honor, and due process, even in the face of a furious lynch mob. The Lone Ranger, aided by Tonto, brings light to a well-orchestrated deception, restores a good man’s name, and vanishes on Silver’s thundering hooves. It’s a timeless reminder of the dangers of mob rule—and the importance of standing up for what’s right, even when the odds are against you.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Foreign.

[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.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

I am Silver Horn.

[Bert Sanders]

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud.

[Narrator]

Of dust and a hearty Silver the Lone Ranger. In many parts of the early western United States, cattle rustling was made a capital crime. And before the masked rider of the plains started his great fight for law and order, a man accused was a man convicted. It was a Lone Ranger who made the settlers realize that justice and violence could not exist together. It was his example that held the pioneers true to the principles of democracy and finally made possible the winning of the West. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear.

[Bert Sanders]

From out of the past come the.

[Narrator]

Thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Hello, Silver. We're heading for the rage country. It's going to be tunnel.

[Bert Sanders]

Hail, Silver.

[Narrator]

Bert Sanders, after years of hard work, had finally managed to buy a ranch of his own. Even though it was a small place, Bert was proud of it. And as he reined up beside the campfire where his single hired hand was preparing to brand cattle, he was unable to keep that pride from showing in his voice.

[Bert Sanders]

Whoa.

[Narrator]

Whoa, boy. Whoa.

[Bert Sanders]

How's the branding coming, Red? All right, I reckon. Oh, that's great. By golly, Red, if things keep on as good for me as they have been, I'll just about be ready to ask Nellie if she wouldn't like to be part owner of the Circle T and full owner of Bert Sanders. Aiming to get hitched, huh? We've been planning on it. There's another ombre with the same I.D. bob Barker. Yeah.

[Narrator]

No.

[Bert Sanders]

Shucks, Bob's too dog on me for her. Besides, she knows how I'll feel, and she wouldn't have none of him. Girls are funny critters. Can't never tell. I'm worried none. Hey, Red, hold on a second. Huh? What's wrong? Let me see that iron you use.

[Narrator]

What for?

[Bert Sanders]

Ain't nothing to see about it.

[Narrator]

Stand aside.

[Bert Sanders]

Let me get that iron out of that fire. That in the Circle T iron. Look here, Bert. Charlie, I'm gonna have a look at. Hey, this is a running iron. It's all right, Bert. I couldn't find the other. That's all I could find away from that critter. Let me get a look at its hide. I tell you what.

[Narrator]

I tell you, Bert.

[Bert Sanders]

Now wait just a second. Hey, what's this mean? This critter's been stamped with a Half Circle Bar brand. He was fixing to change it into a circle T with that drone iron. All right, maybe I was. What of it?

[Narrator]

What of it?

[Bert Sanders]

Why you're double crossing coyote. That's rustling. You're taking Half Circle Bar cattle and putting my brand on it. Yeah, well, just take a look at this. I've got you covered. Drop this. Not so fast. Just raise your hands and keep them raised or I'm drilling you. Why you. You'll get it for this. There's a sheriff hitting this way right now. This is right.

[Narrator]

Good luck.

[Bert Sanders]

Hi, Sheriff. Hi there.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Just watch this gun for you.

[Bert Sanders]

I got him for you, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

So I see.

[Bert Sanders]

Sheriff Calhoun, this hand of mine's been stealing candle. Hold on. Reckon that's too thin with a sheriff to swallow. I wouldn't have no point stealing candle for you. Take a look, Sheriff. He's holding a running iron right now. And there's one of the Half Circle Bar cows he was fixing to change the brand on.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Well, this is sure interesting, Bert.

[Bert Sanders]

You believe him, Sheriff?

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Can't do much else, can I? The facts are all plain enough.

[Bert Sanders]

But Sheriff, listen here. It was Red that was handling this iron. I just now caught him at it and he throwed down on me. Then you rode up.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

I might believe you if it weren't for one thing. Red wouldn't have anything at all to gain by stealing for you. There's Hank Greenwald now. Being as how it's his critters it's being stole. Reckon he'll have something to say about this.

[Bert Sanders]

Yeah, this is a dirty, low down frame up.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Yeah, well, we'll see about it.

[Bert Sanders]

I'll handle this.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Red, you can leather that gun now.

[Bert Sanders]

Sure. Go, feller.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Oh, boy, aren't you cattle right enough? Hank.

[Bert Sanders]

Listen, Hank, you can't accuse me of stealing.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Oh, Hank.

[Bert Sanders]

I caught him right in the act. Good work, Red.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Well, I'd never have suspicioned you was a cow thief, Bert, but the facts speak for theirselves.

[Bert Sanders]

I'm telling you, I didn't have nothing.

[Narrator]

To do with it. Bert.

[Bert Sanders]

Seeing what folks around here thinks are.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Cow thieves, I'm right glad I ain't in your boots.

[Bert Sanders]

Dang, I didn't do it. Yeah, well, then let me tell you something.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

I've been suspicioning you for quite some time. Ever since you left off working for me to start your own place. I had a hunch you were stealing my critters at the hunt. Soon as I seen the brand you picked out. You picked one. It'd be easy to make out the Half Circle Bar.

[Nelly]

Hank.

[Bert Sanders]

I never once thought of such things. Honest I didn't. Well, I reckon my work's done. I caught him for you. Lost myself a job doing it. I see that you get another. I owe it to you plenty, Jeff.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

No use talking Bert straight. I'll have to lock you up. Ain't no two ways about it.

[Bert Sanders]

Sure, lock me up here and tomorrow morning I'll be hanged from the end of a rope.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

I don't stand for no links mob.

[Bert Sanders]

But you can't stop them. Red and Hank will see to that. I'm hanged. It ain't fair. The whole thing's a frame up. Oh, gone you Red. Who paid you for this? Huh? Who paid you?

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Ah, save your breath.

[Bert Sanders]

If you've got to know, Bert, I'm the Omni that paid him.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

I told him there was a hundred dollars in it if he found out who was rustling my stock.

[Bert Sanders]

So that's why you pay me for a measly hundred dollars where you'd study there.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Get rambunctious and I'll have to use lead on you. Take his gun names.

[Bert Sanders]

Sure will. You don't have to shoot me, Sheriff. I'll go with you. I know you're on the level.

[Narrator]

You do your best to see to.

[Bert Sanders]

It that I get a fair break. Look, can I go to my house first?

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Sorry, Bert, but I ain't taking no chances. You'll have to come right along. The rest of you fellas come along for witnesses.

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

All right, hit the saddle. Let's go.

[Narrator]

Hank Greenwall was a power and his Half Circle Bar outfit was one of the largest in the state. The feeling of the other ranchers was all on his side and against Bert. But Sheriff Calhoun spoke to Bert confidentially.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Bert, let me give you some advice. You confess to this year stealing and it'll go a heap easier on you. Maybe you might even be given the chance to pay off what you stole and just get a small jail.

[Bert Sanders]

Oh, you know that ain't true, Sheriff. They'll lynch me sure as you're born. And what's more, I didn't have no hand in that stealing.

[Narrator]

Mind if I fit in on this conference?

[Sheriff Calhoun]

No. Come on in, Deputy.

[Narrator]

Who's this?

[Sheriff Calhoun]

New deputy? That's all.

[Bert Sanders]

Bert.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Calls himself Smith on account of how that ain't his name, but I hired him anyhow.

[Narrator]

Are you guilty or Not Bert, I ain't.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

He sure sticks to his story.

[Narrator]

You aren't guilty. You were framed.

[Bert Sanders]

I was framed. That's what I've been trying to tell the sheriff all the time. I just can't figure out who do such a thing.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Ain't no ideas at all?

[Narrator]

No.

[Bert Sanders]

Red might have done it, of course. Just to get that hundred dollars Hank promised. Maybe Bob Barker have a reason to. Who is he? Oh, a fella that's been sort of hankering to marry the same girl I've been planning to get hitched to. Maybe as I was planning on it.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

You wanted to get rich fast so she'd get married that much faster. Ain't that so?

[Bert Sanders]

Sure, it's all. But I wouldn't have stolen to get rich. See here, Chef. How'd it happen that you and Hank showed up so handy out to my place?

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Used to happenstance is all.

[Bert Sanders]

They'd sure enough planned it at the right time. Sheriff, what I told you about the way it happened is the truth. Just let me get my hands on Red for a few minutes. I'd make the critter talk.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

But Sheriff, you got. I'm downright sorry to see you here and I ain't so sure. But maybe there might be a chance you're telling the truth. But I can't let you go. I gotta act according to the law.

[Narrator]

I'll see if anyone's in the office.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

All right.

[Bert Sanders]

Deputy Sheriff, huh? Couldn't you? Well, when you leave here, just leave the door unlocked behind you. Careless likes as I could get out for long enough to make Red come clean. Bert, as much as I'd like to Arcade, I will kill my holiday.

[Narrator]

The ringing shot of the Lone Ranger had no significance for either the sheriff or his prisoner. They did not suspect that when the deputy left the sheriff's office, a mask was slipped on his face. And then a great white stallion carried him out of town. He raced across the plain until he reached the camp where Tono was waiting. And.

[Bert Sanders]

What?

[Narrator]

You'll find out he's innocent. Tada. The sheriff tried to make him confess. He promised that he'd get off with a small jail sentence. But the boy wouldn't change his story. He named two men that might have a reason for framing him. Who? Them Red and Bob Barker. What you think? It might be either of them. But there isn't time to find out. And listen to the men talking in the cafe. They don't want to wait for a trial that bad. The cattlemen in the district believe that Russell should be hanged. As soon as they're caught. And then break into jail. I'm afraid they'll try. Just as soon as they find a leader. There's only one way.

[Bert Sanders]

How?

[Narrator]

We help them. We'll have to wait until dark. Bert Sanders is going to escape from jail tonight. But nearly midnight, the door of the jail opened softly, and then. Bert?

[Bert Sanders]

Who's it?

[Narrator]

Bert, the door's open. I'm trusting you.

[Bert Sanders]

You're Ma. Who are you?

[Narrator]

You wanted to be free for just a little while. I'm giving you the chance you asked for. I'm depending on your honor to bring you back, stranger.

[Bert Sanders]

I don't savvy why you're doing this, what you're up to.

[Narrator]

Nevertheless, you'll trust me and I'll trust you. Have a horse? Saddle. I'm waiting for you.

[Bert Sanders]

Where's the sheriff?

[Narrator]

It doesn't matter. If you're not going too long, you'll never know that you've been away. Come, follow me. This way.

[Bert Sanders]

I just can't figure this out.

[Narrator]

Nelly will want to hear from you. You'd better go there first.

[Bert Sanders]

There's your horse, stranger. Yes, I'm going. But you've got my word. I'll be back.

[Narrator]

I'm sure of it.

[Bert Sanders]

Get up. Get along there.

[Narrator]

Maybe you make a mistake. No, Kimasabe. I was ever certain of anything. I'm certain that fellow's honest. To prevent anything going wrong, you'll have to take Bert's place inside. Sleep in his cell, just as if you were him. Time to do it. A little too late for then, old friend. Adios.

[Bert Sanders]

Adios.

[Narrator]

Come on. The way. Ellie was at home, but not alone. Bob Barker had called on her that evening, and I got it.

[Bert Sanders]

Nelly, I thought you said you wasn't expecting no one.

[Nelly]

Well, I wasn't, Bob. I see who did.

[Bert Sanders]

What.

[Nelly]

What's. Bert.

[Bert Sanders]

Evening, Nelly. Howdy, Barker.

[Narrator]

Howdy.

[Bert Sanders]

Reckon you folks are kind of surprised to see me here. Well, yeah, sure. Sit down.

[Nelly]

What's the matter, Bert? You. You look so funny. Has anything gone wrong?

[Bert Sanders]

Wrong? Yeah.

[Narrator]

Plenty.

[Bert Sanders]

Right now I'm supposed to be sitting in jail.

[Nelly]

In jail?

[Narrator]

For what?

[Bert Sanders]

The sheriff and Red and Hank Greenwald says I stole cattle. Well, that's just loco. You ain't no thief.

[Nelly]

Of course he ain't. Where'd you get that idea, Bert?

[Bert Sanders]

Someone frame me, and I'm gonna find out who. Barker. Didn't you know I'd been jailed? Never heard a word. Bert been out of town all day. I thought maybe you'd know about it anyhow. Huh. What do you mean. Well, I don't know if you're savvy or not, but I figured the fella that framed me would know about it without being there. Hey, you blaming me? Just trying to find out things is all. You can't accuse me of anything.

[Narrator]

Wait.

[Nelly]

Don't fight, Bert. You didn't mean that.

[Bert Sanders]

Well, there's things about this look awful funny to me. Well, if you're riled, I reckon you got reason to be, Bert. So I ain't going to quarrel with you about that. All I can do is tell you honest, I didn't know anything about this. I guess you and Nellie want to be talking, so I'll just be moseying along and you two can be alone.

[Nelly]

Thanks, Bob.

[Bert Sanders]

Night.

[Nelly]

All right, Bert Sanders, you sit right down and cool off and tell me sleep. What this is all about?

[Bert Sanders]

Ain't much time, Nellie. Gotta get back to jail before sunup. Promised I would. All I'm here for is to find out if you'll believe me when I say I ain't done nothing to be ashamed of.

[Nelly]

Of course I believe you, Bert. But what are they gonna do with you?

[Narrator]

I don't know.

[Bert Sanders]

Be doggone lucky if I ain't hanging Bert. No. I'll give you the facts and then I'll be getting on my way. There's still a plenty for me to do before morning.

[Narrator]

Burt rode toward the town, expecting to find Red in one of the cafes.

[Bert Sanders]

I'll find Red and I'll make that double deal. And I'll tell the truth once I get my hands on that critter who's just riding this way.

[Narrator]

Steady, Silver. You.

[Bert Sanders]

You're the ombre Thomas.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

You. You tell me.

[Bert Sanders]

Why, you dry couch.

[Narrator]

Steady Birch.

[Bert Sanders]

You tricked me. It was hired by someone to get me. Was Bob Barker a best.

[Nelly]

Oh.

[Bert Sanders]

Well, Mr. Hip, go back and tell him you earned your pay. I reckon I'm Johnny.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue our story. Tano was still in jail when the masked man returned there a second time, dismounted and opened the door. Come with me quickly.

[Bert Sanders]

Huh?

[Sheriff Calhoun]

What matter?

[Narrator]

Bert Sanders has been shot.

[Bert Sanders]

He needs your help.

[Narrator]

Oh, wonderful. We must hurry. Listen. Hidden. There's a lynch mob on his way here into the saddle. What you think was the fleet that brought me here in time? That mob is aroused to kill. I hadn't expected action this early because Bert was shot. I needed you and came here. Otherwise you might have fallen into the hands. That's right. The sheriff's going to be angry when he learns his prisoner disappeared. But right now that's something that we can't help. Ready? Tell them me ready. Let's go.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Get him up. Sc Come on, Silver. Hurry up. Fell. Hurry. Running away? That cross is guilty. Fellas, get your horses. We're taking after them. Two armor. They got away. They took this trail. We ain't giving up yet. Hey, I see him. Somebody just ran up front of Nelly's house. Boys, get up there. Get up there.

[Bert Sanders]

Looking this way.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

It's Bert, all right. Going to give himself up.

[Narrator]

Hello there.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

No, it's Bob Barker.

[Bert Sanders]

What's going on here?

[Sheriff Calhoun]

You seen Bert Saunders tonight?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Bert Sanders]

When? Oh, about an hour ago.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Then maybe you're the one who helped him get out of jail. He said an hour ago. He's in on it some way. Otherwise he'd have told the sheriff.

[Bert Sanders]

Oh, no, not me. It's the law's business to catch him. What are you doing out at this time of night? Oh, just rode over here to see if Nellie was all right.

[Nelly]

Bob.

[Bert Sanders]

She saw him after I did.

[Nelly]

You looking for Bert?

[Bert Sanders]

Yeah. Where is he?

[Nelly]

He told me that he was heading back for jail.

[Bert Sanders]

You believe that?

[Nelly]

Why should he lie to me? The only reason he broke up was to try and prove he was innocent. He was looking for the man who framed him. You men ought to have better sense. Bert's lived around here for a long time. He never showed any signs of being crooked before. And a man don't change overnight.

[Bert Sanders]

Yeah, Burke did. Running away proves it. You ain't showed much sense yourself, Ms. Nelly. What do you mean? Well, you've been breaking the law just as much as Bert. Leave her out of there.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

And you too, Barker.

[Bert Sanders]

Oh, I didn't help him escape. It's the last thing in the world I'd have done, Bob. Well, a man can't help the way he feels. Nelly, I said. But there wasn't much chance for me with him around. I wouldn't do anything to get him into trouble. But once he was in, you couldn't ask me to get him out. You can't blame me. There's no time to argue about blame. You both did wrong. You knew where Bert was. You knew where he should have been. If you want to square yourselves, you better go to see the sheriff right away. We can't waste any more time here.

[Nelly]

What are you going to do, Jed? What are you going to do if you find him?

[Bert Sanders]

That's my business.

[Nelly]

Does the sheriff know what you're up to.

[Bert Sanders]

He will if you tell him. Get to the sheriff and tell him all you know. Come on, man.

[Narrator]

The mob hunted for Burt without success. And as they rode back to town after sunrise, their anger turned against the sheriff. They reined up in front of his office, and the lawman could hear their shouted accusations. He turned his head toward the window for a moment but continued with his questioning of Nelly and Bob Barker.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Don't pay no attention to them folks. Can't stop them from howling. Just go on. Now, then, Bob, what was that you.

[Bert Sanders]

Started to say about Bert? He suspicioned me, sir.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

And still claimed he was framed, huh?

[Bert Sanders]

Yeah.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Well, I'm half inclined to believe him, Sheriff.

[Nelly]

You know and I know that Bert ain't no thief and never will be.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

I kind of figure the same way, but I just can't think who would have wanted to frame Bert.

[Bert Sanders]

You wouldn't, would you, Bob? I would not.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

On top of everything, them fellers outside figure I let Bert get away. They know all us liked him.

[Nelly]

Who did let him out?

[Bert Sanders]

I don't know.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Ain't any id.

[Bert Sanders]

Boy, oh, boy, that mob sure is riled.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Well, I ain't gonna try and find Bert.

[Bert Sanders]

Not now, I ain't. Why not?

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Can't you answer that for yourself? Can't you hear them out there? Think they wouldn't string Bert up if he was located?

[Bert Sanders]

Yeah, maybe they would. But won't they throw you out of office for not doing your duty?

[Sheriff Calhoun]

I'd sooner lose office than see an innocent man hang. Even if Bird is guilty, he's got a right to a trial. And I reckon it's just about time I went outside and told him, Fuller.

[Bert Sanders]

So you better be mighty careful, Sheri. If you ain't, they're likely to start pouring lead at you.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Not with me, they won't. Ain't nothing more cowardly than a ying mob. And when it comes to cowards, I'll.

[Bert Sanders]

Handle them any day. There he is.

[Narrator]

Where's the boss?

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Why aren't you looking for your prisoner? You're to blame for his getting away, Sheriff. Where's he at?

[Bert Sanders]

You tighten him.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

You fell. Shut up and shut. Now, quiet down and try to act like men, not a pack of loco animals.

[Bert Sanders]

Don't talk to us that way.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

I'll talk to you any way I please.

[Bert Sanders]

We want Bert Sanders.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Where's he at? You fellas ain't doing nothing today. You let him escape. I didn't. I don't know how he escaped or anything about it. All I know is he ain't here. And I ain't sending out no posse to bring him back till this sling talk, guys. Out.

[Bert Sanders]

Wait.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

That's him.

[Bert Sanders]

That's it. Fell, help her get away. Here he comes. It's his name I lost, and he was mad. Watch out, fellas. Watch out.

[Andrew Rines]

Red.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

You're the man I want.

[Bert Sanders]

Let me down, Fell.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

She's trapping me. Stop him.

[Bert Sanders]

Stop him.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Oh, Silver. All right, boy, let's go. Come on, Silver. Sil.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger urged Silver to his greatest speed.

[Bert Sanders]

The few who tried to overtake him.

[Narrator]

Soon fell hopelessly behind. At last he reigned up in the camp where Tanto had been caring for birth. Steady, Silver.

[Bert Sanders]

I'll get you for the twister. I'll catch, I tell you.

[Narrator]

Down you get him.

[Bert Sanders]

Good for you, masked man.

[Narrator]

Burt, take this fella tender, huh? See that he doesn't escape.

[Bert Sanders]

How's Bert? Him be all right soon. Feeling almost as good as new already, stranger, thanks to your engine party. Fact is, just seeing that you got your hands on this coyote is about all the medicine I'm needing. Red, you can holler all you want, but you're going to talk. And you're two to hang. You'll be found when you are. The boys will take care of you. If they hang a crook, you can be doggone sure it won't be me. And aboard anybody's hang. I aim to find out who hired you to frame me the way you did. I tell you that I guess it's.

[Narrator]

Up to us to see that Red talks a little more willingly.

[Bert Sanders]

Hey, hey, wait a minute. Hold on now. What do you fellas plan to do? Red, huh?

[Narrator]

That's something you'll not be long in finding. Out. In town. The mob had broken up and the street was quiet when Hank Greenwald entered the sheriff's office. He found Nelly and Bob Barker still there, but ignored them.

[Bert Sanders]

Sheriff, I reckon you might as well just forget about hunting Bert.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Where as I'm concerned, I ain't going to press no charges. He comes back of his own accord, all right, you'll have to jail him. But I've got my cattle back. And as long as that's so, I've got all I wanted.

[Nelly]

You've got more than your cattle back. You've taken all Bert's, too.

[Bert Sanders]

Well, reckon ain't much he had that.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Wasn'T stolen from me in the first place.

[Nelly]

That ain't so.

[Bert Sanders]

We ain't going to argue about it. Still, Hank, I'd kind of like to know if maybe Red didn't double cross Bert just to get his hands on that hundred dollars you'd promised him. I wouldn't figure that way. Bob Brett wouldn't be likely to do a thing like that.

[Nelly]

Well, I'm sure Bert wouldn't steal cattle. And I'm sure that he'll be back.

[Bert Sanders]

Why do you see that, Nellie?

[Nelly]

Because he's honest, that's why. Bert, I knew you'd be back. I know it.

[Bert Sanders]

Here we go. Stand out of the way, Nelly. Red's gonna talk or I'll know the reason why.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

That's so, Red. You got something to say? What could he.

[Bert Sanders]

What's Red got to say but what he said already? He's got a plenty to say, and he'd better start spilling it right now. Shut the door. I'm all right. Let's have it. You won't let me get shot at here.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Talk all you want. As long as you're in my office, you're safe.

[Bert Sanders]

All right, then. Grab your prisoner. Why are you.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Bert. Stand where you are. Don't move. Stand right where you are.

[Bert Sanders]

I fetched him back. Sheriff.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Sheriff, he's lying again.

[Bert Sanders]

Back in camp, he told the whole story how Hank was behind all that.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

He's nothing but lying. Quiet, everybody.

[Bert Sanders]

Quiet.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

In case you were right, Bert, why would Hank pay Red for something like that?

[Bert Sanders]

Hank done it cause he aimed to grab my cattle. He kept telling everybody his own cows was being stolen because he had too many to check. Nobody could tell he weren't telling the truth. He never lost any. Just a story fixed so you have an excuse to take mine.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

You mean Hank's critters want Russell?

[Bert Sanders]

Not by nobody. He didn't lose one single head. All that was fixed up between him and Red just to make it look like I was guilty.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Sheriff, you sure ain't gonna swallow anything like that, are ya?

[Bert Sanders]

Yeah, if you have to. Red confessed to the whole thing. Now he's denying it because he figures it's safe to. Last night, Red shot at me.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

All eyes.

[Narrator]

The door.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

A redskin. What can you want?

[Bert Sanders]

You tell truth or I'll see two of you do. A masked man.

[Narrator]

You talk.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

A chauffeur. Cactus. What's all this mean? Where'd you come from, masked man? Who are you? I'll fix him.

[Bert Sanders]

Hank, put down that gun.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

I'll show you.

[Bert Sanders]

You're out first. Quiet, everyone.

[Narrator]

Red, now out with it. The truth. I'm not giving you much more time. Red, quick.

[Bert Sanders]

Out with it. Oh, shoot me. Go on.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Red. Shut up.

[Narrator]

Keep still.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Doggone ya. Thank you. Keep still. You keep still or I'LL gag you.

[Bert Sanders]

Sheriff, what Bert says is all true. Hank did hire me to frame Bert. Bert didn't steal anything. It was all Hank's scheme.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

You won't get things. Grab himself a jetty. Hang on to an engine.

[Bert Sanders]

I give up.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

I give up. Your lucky, Hank, that when you made that break, I didn't shoot the kill.

[Bert Sanders]

And nobody been sorry of your head.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Ain't no use in that kind of talk. But I'll take care of the skunk.

[Bert Sanders]

You believe me now, chef?

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Ain't no choice. I have to, Nellie. You believe me.

[Nelly]

But I always did.

[Narrator]

Thanks, Sheriff.

[Bert Sanders]

Yeah.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Masked man.

[Narrator]

You find the money Hank used to bribe Red in Red's pocket, you'll find Red's sign on the trail where he tried to drag Elspurt last night. You have enough on both of them. Put them behind bars for a good many years.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Well, they'll be. Hey, wait. Come back here.

[Narrator]

Hold on. Adios.

[Sheriff Calhoun]

Well, I'll. Bert, who was that fella?

[Bert Sanders]

Couldn't you make a guess, Heav?

[Sheriff Calhoun]

How could I when he was wearing that mask? He weren't nobody from around here. No?

[Bert Sanders]

Then who was not around here, Sheriff? That hombre was the Lone Ranger. It.

[Narrator]

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

[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 and Ron W. 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 Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.