A Word of Advice | The Lone Ranger (01-21-52)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: A Word of Advice | The Lone Ranger (01-21-52)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: September 10, 2025

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Main Theme & Purpose

This digitally restored episode of "The Lone Ranger" takes listeners back to the golden age of radio Westerns, offering a tale about consequences, reputation, and morality in the lawless West. The story centers on two brothers, Tim and Curly Darrell, who after a fateful gunfight, face life-changing choices amidst a swirl of rustling, undercover intrigue, and the influence of the legendary Lone Ranger.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Aftermath of a Gunfight: Fate and Reputation

• Tim and Curly Darrell are discovered by the Lone Ranger and Tonto after a violent incident where they killed two notorious outlaws.
• The Lone Ranger counsels them on the lasting impact of their actions and the reputation that follows a gunfighter.
  • Quote:

    “Because the story of how Cap Wyatt and Ben Erskine died will be told over and over around a thousand campfires. And whenever a man who's proud of his draw meets you, you'll be thinking, this is Curly Darrell. He out fought Cap Wyatt. I wonder if he could beat me to the draw.” (Lone Ranger, 07:22)

2. Choosing the Path of the Law

• The Lone Ranger gives the brothers pivotal advice:
  • Quote:

    “Now that you've become, or I should say are about to become famous as gunfighters, you'll find it hard to avoid fights. I'm suggesting that you fight on the side of the law.” (Lone Ranger, 08:09)

• He encourages them to consider roles such as sheriff or marshal to use their notoriety for good.

3. Diverging Destinies: Tim and Curly’s Choices

• Tim Darrell accepts the advice, becomes a respected sheriff, and starts a family and ranch (09:04).
• Curly drifts, remaining unsettled and eventually returns, causing concern due to the company he keeps at the Last Chance Cafe and suspicions about involvement in local rustling.

4. Suspicion and Undercover Work

• As rustling increases, Curly is seen associating with known unsavory characters, fueling rumors and distrust among locals, including Tim.
• The narrative builds tension: Is Curly an outlaw or something else?

5. Unveiling the Rustling Operation

• Curly appears to get involved in a cattle rustling operation led by Lance Raymond, with ties to the infamous bandit Drigo.
• In secret, it is revealed Curly is working undercover for the U.S. government, a twist that subverts initial suspicions (20:06–20:48).

6. The Real Culprit Revealed: Mr. X Unmasked

• A complex plan is described: rifles are to be sold to border bandits, with a shadowy “Mr. X” orchestrating the crime.

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto discover that John Norton, the respected local merchant, is in fact Mr. X (27:04–27:10).

  • Quote:

    “The man who owns the biggest store in town. His name is John Norton.” (Lone Ranger, 27:05)

• Norton had tried to divert the lawmen to allow his smuggling of rifles, showing the duplicity of his public persona.

7. Justice and Reunions

• After a dramatic showdown, the posse—led by the Lone Ranger and Tonto—captures the rustlers and Norton. Curly’s undercover role is revealed and exonerated.
• The episode closes with Tim and Curly reconciling, reflecting on the Lone Ranger’s advice:
  • Quote:

    “You said it was good advice for me, but not for you. I know. And yet, try as I might, I couldn't help remembering the man who gave us the advice. I couldn't help wanting to…well, to be like the Lone Ranger.” (Curly, 31:12)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On reputation and violence:
  “Do you want to be forced to do that time after time? Do you want to be forced to kill men?” (Lone Ranger, 07:47)

• On redemption and the law:
  “As a sheriff or a marshal... Either of you could be elected sheriff of this county without any trouble. Or the United States government would be happy to hire either of you as a marshal.” (Lone Ranger, 08:21–08:32)

• On brotherly concern and distrust:
  “I may have to arrest your friend someday. I hope I don't have to arrest you with him.” (Tim Darrell, 12:35)

• On undercover intrigue:
  “You're setting him free because he's a representative of the United States government... Lieutenant Curly Darrell of United States Army Intelligence.” (Lone Ranger, 24:50–24:56)

• On the duplicity of Mr. X:
  “He wanted you and all your deputies a long way from this valley... he didn’t mind sacrificing his hard hands to do it.” (Lone Ranger and Tim, 27:35–27:40)

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Timeline & Timestamps for Key Segments

• [05:06–08:52] — Lone Ranger’s intervention & word of advice to Tim and Curly
• [09:04–10:43] — Tim becomes sheriff; Curly drifts, raising suspicions
• [11:51–15:17] — Curly’s involvement with rustlers and apparent slide toward outlawry
• [18:54–20:48] — Curly revealed as an undercover agent; operation to unmask “Mr. X” set in motion
• [22:41–24:55] — The capture of Curly and revelation of his government role
• [25:39–27:10] — The plan explained, and Mr. X (John Norton) is named
• [27:59–29:22] — The gun battle climax, with Norton’s capture
• [29:32–31:12] — Brothers’ reconciliation and reflection on the Lone Ranger’s influence

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Conclusion

This episode demonstrates classic Western drama, full of twists, moral quandaries, and the enduring appeal of the Lone Ranger as both lawman and inspirational figure. The themes of reputation, justice, undercover sacrifice, and brotherly loyalty are drawn in broad, rich strokes. Even listeners unfamiliar with the era or genre will find resonance in the wisdom imparted and the layered plot. The rich restoration and engaging performances truly underscore why these stories are timeless.

Transcript

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[Andrew Ryans]

Welcome to the Oldtime Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Ryans, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

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

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[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 hoof beats of the great horse Silver, the Lone Ranger rides again.

[Tim Darrell]

That's going big fellow. I am Silver Away.

[Narrator]

Toto had marked the trail earlier in the evening, so even though there was no moon, he was able to lead the Lone Ranger through the tangled hills and straight to the Vox Canyon without any Difficulty. They left their horses at the entrance of the canyon. Beyond the trees that masked the opening, they could see the embers of a campfire. And as they drew closer, they were able to make out two sleeping figures. Two young men, one of them with a bandage around his head. Their gun belts were lying beside them. Toto moved forward silently and picked them up.

[Lone Ranger]

Good work, Toto. Now we'll be able to talk. Tim. Curly, what is.

[Tim Darrell]

Look. Where's my gun?

[Lone Ranger]

We have your gun.

[Tim Darrell]

What are you going to do with this?

[Lone Ranger]

Nothing. We merely want to talk. Well.

[Tim Darrell]

Applause. Curly, they found out what happened in town today. And now they figured me might want to join up with him.

[Lone Ranger]

In a way, that's what we want.

[Tim Darrell]

No, thanks, mister. We're cub folks. We aim to keep on working for a living. We were just passing through town. We. We didn't want any trouble. We didn't start the fight.

[Lone Ranger]

I know.

[Tim Darrell]

Then you were there.

[Lone Ranger]

My friend here, Toto was.

[Tim Darrell]

Ah, young fellows tell truth, Kimasale. Other two start fight, and other two go for guns first.

[Lone Ranger]

The whole town saw that. Evidently, you aren't wanted by the law. If you hadn't run away, you probably would have been treated as heroes.

[Tim Darrell]

Well, I don't get it.

[Lone Ranger]

Tim and Curly Darrell. Before long, your names will be well known all through the West.

[Tim Darrell]

Why?

[Lone Ranger]

Because the men you killed were notorious outlaws.

[Tim Darrell]

Ah, them plenty bad.

[Lone Ranger]

The one with the sandy mustache was Cap Wyatt.

[Tim Darrell]

Huh?

[Lone Ranger]

The other was Ben Erskine.

[Tim Darrell]

Do you mean to say I outdrew Cap Wyatt?

[Lone Ranger]

I'm not sure that you outdrew him. You shot straighter than he did. You only have a scalp wound.

[Tim Darrell]

Cap Wyatt? Why, he's killed a dozen men. He's supposed to have the fastest draw in the West. And he went for his gun first. I outdrew him, Tim. And you outdrew Ben Erskine.

[Lone Ranger]

Curly, would you like to have the same reputation as the man you killed?

[Tim Darrell]

I'm no professional batman, but you may.

[Lone Ranger]

Be forced into being a professional gunman.

[Tim Darrell]

Why?

[Lone Ranger]

Because the story of how Cap Wyatt and Ben Erskine died will be told over and over around a thousand campfires. And whenever a man who's proud of his draw meets you, you'll be thinking, this is Curly Darrell. He out fought Cap Wyatt. I wonder if he could beat me to the draw. There are some men whose pride will force them to find out.

[Tim Darrell]

Take a fight with me.

[Lone Ranger]

Exactly.

[Tim Darrell]

Well, I can take care of myself.

[Lone Ranger]

Do you want to be forced to do that time after time? Do you want to be forced to kill men?

[Tim Darrell]

I don't. I Can see how it might happen. I think I know who you are, mister.

[Lone Ranger]

Do you?

[Tim Darrell]

You called your Indian friend Tado. Are you the Lone Ranger? Not right. Hey. And you've come here to help us, is that it?

[Lone Ranger]

I have a word of advice.

[Tim Darrell]

What is it?

[Lone Ranger]

Well, now that you've become, or I should say are about to become famous as gunfighters, you'll find it hard to avoid fights. I'm suggesting that you fight on the side of the law.

[Tim Darrell]

How?

[Lone Ranger]

As a sheriff or a marshal.

[Tim Darrell]

Me, a sheriff?

[Lone Ranger]

Either of you could be elected sheriff of this county without any trouble. Or the United States government would be happy to hire either of you as a marshal.

[Tim Darrell]

I'm a cowpoke.

[Lone Ranger]

But you'd make a good lawman.

[Tim Darrell]

It doesn't appeal to me.

[Lone Ranger]

Think it over. If you're wearing a badge, you'll not be the target. For every would be bad man who would like to gain a reputation. And you'll be doing something for your country. Yes. Think it over.

[Tim Darrell]

I mean to Mr.

[Lone Ranger]

Early.

[Tim Darrell]

I don't know.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, that's all I had to say. Adios and good luck. Adios.

[Tim Darrell]

Bye, mister. Adios.

[Narrator]

Tim took the Lone Ranger's advice. He settled down in Richmond county. And a year later he was elected sheriff by an overwhelming majority. He married and bought a small ranch near the county seat. But Curly drifted on, and Tim heard nothing of him for five years. And then one night, there was a knock at the door of the ranch house.

[Tim Darrell]

Late. I wonder who that can be. I do hope you're not being called out again tonight. Soon find out. Curly. Hello, you old horsey. Come in. Come in. Claire. It's my brother, Curly. Curly, this is Claire, my wife. You couldn't have heard. I heard just recently. And you have my congratulations, brother. Hello, Claire. Hello, Curly. Welcome home. Now, that's the right, hospitable thing to say. We mean it. This is your home.

[Lone Ranger]

And.

[Tim Darrell]

Hey, I can't spend enough time out here to supervise the range properly. How about you running it for me? Be my foreman, Curly. I'll make a deal. A salary against a share of the profits. You name the figure, I'll hold it, Tim. I'm only passing through. We'll see about that. Sit down and tell us all about yourself. I have nothing to tell. But I hear you're the best sheriff Richmond county ever had. That's gospel truth. I haven't been doing so well lately. How's that rustling? A lot of it. Now, I haven't found any trace of the rustlers yet. We're Close to the border, you know. And once across the river, the cows are gone. But I don't want to talk about business tonight. Oh, I'm interested. Maybe you'd like to be one of my deputies. No.

[Lone Ranger]

No, thanks.

[Tim Darrell]

Remember that advice a certain mask man gave us? It was good advice for you, but not for me. Well, what have you been doing with yourself? You don't happen to have a wanted notice with my picture on it, do you? No.

[Lone Ranger]

Well.

[Tim Darrell]

In that case, I'll talk freely. Tim, I wish you could have seen your face. Well, you don't really imagine that your brother could be an outlaw? No, no, not that. Only I'm remembering the mask man again. His warning. I promise you, Tim, there's no posse on my trail. Now, let's talk about the ranch. How many acres do you have? How many head of cattle?

[Narrator]

Curly spent the night at the ranch. But the next day he insisted on moving into town. And to Tim and Claire's disappointment, they saw very little of him during the following week. But it wasn't until Tim discovered Curly was spending most of his time in the Last Chance Cafe that he became worried. One day he asked Curly to drop into his office. When he had closed the door behind him.

[Tim Darrell]

Sit down, Curly. Sheriff. Don't shoot. I didn't do it. You haven't been doing much of anything, have you? No. None of the crowd that hangs out at the Last Chance seems to do much of anything. Well, that's their privilege, isn't it? They spend money, Curly. I have to wonder where they get it. Wouldn't surprise me if those men had something to do with the rustling in this county. Well, Sheriff, all you have to do is get the evidence against him and lock him up. I know that. But why should you pick such characters for your friends? Tim, you pick your friends, I'll pick mine. Let's leave it at that, shall we? I may have to arrest your friend someday. I hope I don't have to arrest you with him. I hope not, Tim. I surely hope not.

[Narrator]

Tim wasn't the only person in town who worried about the company. Curly kept a respectable element. Openly regretted his behavior. And John Norton, the leading merchant in the county, was the most outspoken. He even spoke to Claire about it.

[Tim Darrell]

Claire, I'm presuming on a long friendship with you and Tim. I think he should do something about his brother. What about him? Well, it doesn't look well for our sheriff's brother to be associated with the riff raff. I don't see what Tim can do about it. He can speak to him? He already has, John. And Curly practically told him to mind his own business. Is that so? I'm afraid that. Afraid of what? Nothing. But you may be sure of this, John. If Curly does anything wrong, Tim will not show him any special consideration simply because Curly's his brother. May I have my supplies? I'm in a hurry. I'll have everything loaded in your buckboard.

[Narrator]

It was that same afternoon that Lance Raymond sat down beside Curly at a corner table in the Last Chance.

[Tim Darrell]

Howdy. Howdy.

[Lone Ranger]

Say, Curly, has your brother said anything to you about the rustling in this county?

[Tim Darrell]

No, we. We don't have much to do with each other anymore.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, do you have any ideas about it?

[Tim Darrell]

Wrestling? Well, I happen to know Drigo has his bandit army camped in the hills across the river.

[Lone Ranger]

How do you know that?

[Tim Darrell]

I've been over there recently.

[Lone Ranger]

I wonder why.

[Tim Darrell]

What do you mean by that?

[Lone Ranger]

Don't get riled. You're among friends. Hey, here's a circular that dropped out of your pocket last night when you pulled out your bandana.

[Tim Darrell]

Give me your hats.

[Lone Ranger]

Sure. I'd advise you to tear it up. That picture doesn't do you justice anyway.

[Tim Darrell]

So you looked at it.

[Lone Ranger]

Naturally. You don't have to worry. How did she get out of the bank job?

[Tim Darrell]

Not much. It's practically gone now.

[Lone Ranger]

You might be able to use a little money.

[Tim Darrell]

I've been thinking of ways and means.

[Lone Ranger]

Drigo may be needing some more beef soon. He has plenty of gold.

[Tim Darrell]

Are you in contact with Drigo?

[Lone Ranger]

Indirectly, I'm told. When he can use beef, I'm told where it should be delivered.

[Tim Darrell]

How much for me?

[Narrator]

Dollar a head for every steer we.

[Lone Ranger]

Get across the river.

[Tim Darrell]

You'll pay 15 a head. That isn't much of a cut.

[Lone Ranger]

It's a job that takes more than one man. Take it or leave it.

[Tim Darrell]

Well, I am nearly broke.

[Lone Ranger]

And we can count on you.

[Tim Darrell]

The sooner the better.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll have to wait for the word. The word and the weather.

[Tim Darrell]

You will have good weather tonight. Good weather for wrestling, anyway.

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah, it looks like rain, doesn't it?

[Narrator]

The sky clouded over completely. By seven o' clock that evening it was already dark and a few drops of rain were falling. As Tonto rode into the woods on the edge of town. A lone ranger was waiting for him in the COVID of the trees.

[Tim Darrell]

We stay close to Last Chance Cafe all afternoon. That window open, you see inside plenty good.

[Lone Ranger]

Was Lance Raymond there?

[Tim Darrell]

Uh huh. Him talk with Curly Dare a long time.

[Lone Ranger]

I see. Anything else to report?

[Tim Darrell]

No. Well, me follow Raymond. When in leave Last Chance.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, where'd he go in?

[Tim Darrell]

Go to Mansion House. Eat supper in dining room. Go back to cafe.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, we know there are half a dozen bandits camped in the far bank of the river. This will be a fine night for rustling. We can only wait and see what happens.

[Narrator]

On his return to the Last Chance. After eating supper, Lance Raymond nodded to Curly, who joined him at a table in the rear of the cafe.

[Tim Darrell]

So, all set for tonight? Yeah. How did you get the word?

[Lone Ranger]

That's my business. We'll meet in the woods outside of town at 10 o'.

[Tim Darrell]

Clock. At 10 o'. Clock. Right.

[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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[Tim Darrell]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. After talking with Lance, Curly slipped out of the cafe and started toward the edge of town. An occasional streak of lightning flashed the across the sky and thunder rumbled in the west. The rain was beginning to fall steadily. When he reached the woods, he stopped for a moment and looked back to make sure he wasn't being followed. Then he stepped into the leafy cover. A moment later he was joined by the Lone Ranger and Toto.

[Lone Ranger]

We were hoping you'd be able to get out here.

[Tim Darrell]

They've asked me to join them.

[Lone Ranger]

Good.

[Tim Darrell]

And it's to be tonight.

[Lone Ranger]

We thought it might be bandits wedding on the other side of the river.

[Tim Darrell]

Oh, I saw you following Lance when he left the cafe. Where did he go? He'll go to Mansion House, eat supper and that's all. Then him go straight back to cafe. The man we're looking for must have been in that dining room. It must have been there. Lance was given word and a beat of night.

[Lone Ranger]

Did Lance talk with many men? T Mr. X might be any one of them. We'll have to let them get away with the rustling they've planned. Because until the bandits pay off for the beef, Lance will have no reason for contacting his chief officials.

[Tim Darrell]

I may not be able to follow him after the cattle are delivered.

[Lone Ranger]

I thought. I will do that. Good.

[Tim Darrell]

There's only one thing I wish.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, what's that?

[Tim Darrell]

That we could confide in Tim.

[Lone Ranger]

You have your orders, Lieutenant.

[Tim Darrell]

Yeah, I know. The general was explicit. We work alone until the identity of Mr. X has been positively established. But some Rancher will lose 200 head of cattle a night and Tim will be blamed.

[Lone Ranger]

The general couldn't ignore the possibility that some local authority might be involved.

[Tim Darrell]

Oh, not Tim. How could he possibly be mixed up in the theft of 200 rifles from Fort Houston?

[Lone Ranger]

You don't believe he could and neither do I. Still, you have your orders.

[Tim Darrell]

I know.

[Lone Ranger]

And it isn't the cattle that are important. Not tonight. The government will gladly pay back the ranches for every head they lead us to, Mr. X. But if Mr. X manages to deliver those rifles to Drigo, we're absolutely certain his bandits will raid every border town down from here to Brownsville.

[Tim Darrell]

I know. I know, Mr. X. Someone in that dining room at the Mansion House tonight. If only. The undercover man we have with Drigo's forces could have identified him by name, even by appearance.

[Lone Ranger]

Mr. X agreed to deliver both rifles and beef that ties him in with the rustling. Lance is his lieutenant in charge of rustling operation. And Lance will lead us to him before the night's over. When do you start?

[Tim Darrell]

We meet here at 10 o'. Clock.

[Lone Ranger]

Todd and I'll be keeping a close watch on the river. Here, Silver. Here, Scout. Adios, Monsel.

[Narrator]

Someone who had had supper in the Mansion House dining room rode out to Tim's ranch that night. And the news he brought was startling.

[Tim Darrell]

As sure as my name is John Norton. I'm telling you the truth, Lance. Raymond. It doesn't surprise you, does it? No. Who is he talking to? I don't know. I didn't want to take a chance on turning around at that moment. And when I did, they're both gone. You're sure of the details? Absolutely. I heard him say 200 had to be taken from the Bar Ex range and to be driven across the river at Rocky ford. I'll have 20 men waiting at the ford. Don't let any of them get away, Tim. Don't worry, we won't. Thanks, John. Thanks very much.

[Narrator]

The storm made the cattle spooky, but Lance, Curly and the half Dozen outlaws who accompanied them had no trouble driving the herd over the low hills between the Bar Ax Range and the river. But when the ford was reached, the steers refused to enter the water and the rustlers had their hands full. That was why it was possible for Tim and his posse to surprise them so completely.

[Tim Darrell]

Curling.

[Lone Ranger]

It's your brother.

[Narrator]

Take a break for it.

[Tim Darrell]

Up with your hands, Lance. Or a full of lead. Oh, no. Don't shoot. That's better. You and all your men are under arrest. Jim, get their hands tied behind the backs. Right, Sheriff. Hey, what's the matter? Or this one. It's your brother, Curly. He's no brother of mine. Tie his hands. Whatever you say, sir. Tim, may I speak to you a moment alone? No. Whatever you have to say can be said to the judge. This is important. Something you should know. Curly, why? Why did you have to do it? All I ask is a chance to tell you.

[Narrator]

You came into this with your eyes open, mister. No crawling out of it.

[Tim Darrell]

Now, that's true. You've been caught. And it isn't like you're to crawl. Take it like a man. I'm not thinking of myself. Let's go, man. Wait. I saw him when the lightning flashed. They're heading this way. You've got to wait for. Wait for whom? I saw him too, Sheriff. An Indian and a masked man and a big white horse. More outlaws. Ready with your guns. Tim. Didn't you hear what he called his horse? Silver Long range. Tell your men to hold the fire. Hold your fireman. Man's wearing a mask, Sheriff. I saw it clear as day. So did I. Just now. That man is a lone ranger.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, Curly, your career as a rustler didn't last long.

[Tim Darrell]

I haven't had a chance to explain to Tim.

[Lone Ranger]

You may tell him anything you want to. Now. We've found Mr. X.

[Tim Darrell]

You have? Where?

[Lone Ranger]

Hunt and I were riding along the riverbank. We saw a squad of bandits crossing over. They were leading pack mules. We followed them and they led us straight to Mr. X.

[Tim Darrell]

Where?

[Lone Ranger]

About five miles from here, in the valley north of the river. They're just beginning to load their rifles on the mules.

[Tim Darrell]

We must stop and capture them. Wait a minute. What's all this about bandits, mules, rifles. Mr. X, we need your help.

[Lone Ranger]

Tim, there isn't time to explain. Will you put your trust in me? Of course.

[Tim Darrell]

I'll do that any day.

[Lone Ranger]

Then assign six of your men to guard these prisoners and take them to jail. Follow me with the rest of your posse.

[Tim Darrell]

Jim, take charge of the prisoners pick out five men to help you. All right, Sheriff. The rest of you follow the mass. Mirror. Hold it. I'm coming along too. Not so fast, Turner. He was caught red handed, rustling. I can't set him free just because he's my brother.

[Lone Ranger]

You're setting him free because he's a representative of the United States government.

[Tim Darrell]

The United States government?

[Lone Ranger]

Lieutenant Curly Darrell of United States Army Intelligence. What surprised him? I will tell you all about it later. Let's.

[Narrator]

With the Lone Ranger and Tato in the lead, the posse charged downstream along the riverbank. They rolled hard as the storm lashed at them. When they had covered a little more than four miles, the Lone Ranger swung away from the river and into the hills. Another mile and he raised his arm in a signal to stop.

[Lone Ranger]

Now, Toto, right up to the top of the hill and see if they're still loading their rifles.

[Tim Darrell]

Get him up, Scout.

[Lone Ranger]

Now we can take a moment to rest our horses and answer any questions you have.

[Tim Darrell]

Tim, I don't know where to start.

[Lone Ranger]

Suppose you tell him the whole story, Luteo.

[Tim Darrell]

Lieutenant Curly Darrow. Yeah, that's the name and rank. I don't get it. Now look, Tim, you've heard of the bandit called Drigo? Yeah. Well, he and his men, about a thousand of them, camped across the river. An army? Yeah, almost. We've been keeping track of all Drigo's movements because we've been afraid he might try to raid some of the borders. We have an agent who keeps us informed. Yeah, and word came from him about a month ago that a mysterious Mr. X had agreed to supply Drigo with beef and rifles. Just about a month ago, the rustling started. Yeah, that made us link Mr. X with your county. At the same time, 200 rifles disappeared from the arsenal at Fort Houston. Well, that's a long way from here. But we figured that if Mr. X were responsible and meant to sell them to Drigo, that they'd have to be brought here for delivery. So I was ordered to find Mr. X and the rifles. The general asked the Lone Ranger in town to help me. Why didn't you tell me this when you arrived? Orders, Tim. We were to work undercover and suspect everyone. And you became friendly with Lance Raymond? Because I was convinced he had something to do with the rustler. That meant he had something to do with Mr. X. And we hoped to find Mr. X through him.

[Lone Ranger]

We expected to follow Lance after the the raid tonight.

[Tim Darrell]

And I ruined everything by capturing the whole gang. It would have been too late to stop the rifles if the Lone Ranger in Tono hadn't spotted those bandits and the mules. But now you found Mr. X.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes. He's in the next valley.

[Tim Darrell]

Who is he?

[Lone Ranger]

The man who owns the biggest store in town. His name is John Norton.

[Tim Darrell]

Why, that's impossible.

[Lone Ranger]

Todd and I were close enough to make sure. We saw him once with a light from a lantern full on his face.

[Tim Darrell]

But John Norton. It was John Norton who warned me that Lance Raymond was a wrestler. That he'd be driving a herd of steers across the river at Rocky Ford tonight. Norton rode out to my ranch in all this rain. Why'd he do a thing like that if he were Mr. X, I can.

[Lone Ranger]

Make a good guess, Tim. Oh, why, he wanted you and all your deputies a long way from this valley.

[Tim Darrell]

That's it. He was to get you out of the way, Tim. And he didn't mind sacrificing his hard hands to do it.

[Lone Ranger]

Here comes Tullo, who's gone home, fella.

[Tim Darrell]

Tim was Hobby.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Tim Darrell]

Mule train almost ready to start, or are we? Let's go, men. Another roundup.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on.

[Narrator]

The capture of Grego's bandits was no roundup, however. There were 15 men who rode with a lone ranger into the valley. There were only 10 outlaws, but they had the precious rifles in their possession, and they meant to fight for them and fight to a finish. The posse was forced to dismount and take cover. The bandits found cover, too, and their guns barked defiance as the thunder crashed and lightning cut across the sky. The issue remained in doubt for over an hour, and the decision might have been different if Norton's contraband had included ammunition as well as rifles. But finally, with half the outlaws wounded, the remainder fired their last rounds. Then they had no choice but to surrender. The moon broke through the clouds as the posse closed in, and Curly realized John Norton was not among the prisoners.

[Tim Darrell]

Oh, no. He got away. Maybe not. Lone rangers see him go and the masked man went after him. But if he managed to get across the river into Drigo's camp. Do not worry about that masked friend. Come back now. Montauvier it is. It's a lone range. And he's bringing Norton with him. A prisoner.

[Narrator]

With the prisoners safely locked in the county jail, there was a celebration at the Darrell ranch. And Claire cooked breakfast as Tim and Curly recounted the events of the evening.

[Tim Darrell]

Well, there's one thing I still don't understand, Curly. What's that, Tim? When I left the jail, Lance was still insisting that you were wanted for a bank robbery in California. He said he'd seen the wanted note he did. Tondo had it printed for me in Collinsville, and I let it drop from my pocket where Lance could pick it up. That was to convince him you were a crook. Well, thank heavens you aren't. I might have been. Claire. Never. Yeah, once, if it hadn't been for some good advice Tim and I received. You said it was good advice for me, but not for you. I know. And yet, try as I might, I couldn't help remembering the man who gave us the advice. I couldn't help wanting to. Well, to be like the Lone Ranger SA.

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[Tim Darrell]

Sam.

[Narrator]

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

[Tim Darrell]

Foreign.

[Andrew Ryans]

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 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.

[Indeed Advertiser]

You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job post seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit. To get your jobs more visibility at indeed.comkidsandfamily just go to indeed.comkidsandfamily right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.