Across the Canyon | The Lone Ranger (04-02-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: Across the Canyon | The Lone Ranger (04-02-52)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: October 7, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this richly restored episode of The Lone Ranger, "Across the Canyon," listeners are transported to the heart of railroad country, where the integrity and ambition of a bridge construction crew are threatened by sabotage. The Lone Ranger and his faithful companion Tonto seek to safeguard a vital structure from the nefarious Roger Force and his gang, who will do anything to delay the railroad’s expansion. Loyalty, suspicion, and bravery intermingle as a plot to undermine the future of the West is unravelled and confronted.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Setting the Scene: The Urgency of the Railroad Project

• [04:10] Jim Henderson supervises the pivotal task of constructing a bridge across Crystal Canyon. The railroad must reach Eagle Pass before the year’s end or lose its franchise.
• Atmospheric audio: Birds, stampeding horses, and the echo of canyon winds enhance immersion in the historical challenge.

2. First Encounter: The Lone Ranger’s Warning

• [04:49-06:35]
  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto intercept Jim Henderson on the trail.
  • They warn him of Roger Force, an infamous saboteur hired to prevent the track’s completion.
  • Henderson is skeptical but assures them of his crew’s loyalty, particularly his son Bob and construction boss Jeremy Stewart.
• Notable Quote:
  • “A great deal depends on you.” – The Lone Ranger to Jim Henderson [05:29]

3. The Outlaws’ Plot Unfolds

• [07:21-08:50]
  • Roger Force, with Butch Rankin posing as a worker named Sawyer, conspires to eliminate Henderson for a hefty sum.
  • Emphasizes the duplicity and infiltration within the camp.
• Memorable Moment:
  • Roger Force: “If anything were to happen to the bridge, that could run into important money.” [08:24]

4. Assassination Attempt and Misdirection

• [09:54-10:53]
  • Jim Henderson is shot before dawn.
  • Butch frames the masked Lone Ranger and Tonto, pointing them out as culprits to Bob and Jeremy as they find Jim wounded.
  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto, unaware, search for the real shooter, thus building suspense and suspicion.

5. Doubt and Investigation

• [12:07-14:02]
  • With Jim unconscious, Bob and Jeremy assume leadership and contemplate the shooting’s mystery.
  • Jeremy receives a suspicious letter implying his betrayal, intensifying the camp’s paranoia.
• Notable Quote:
  • Bob: “If he were the Lone Ranger, that just couldn’t be possible… It might have been anyone, even one of our own.” [12:54]

6. The Lone Ranger’s Strategy

• [15:08-16:05]
  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto sneak into camp, intending to help and investigate.
  • The Lone Ranger discovers the incriminating letter meant to frame Jeremy, but is ambushed by Butch.
• Tense Moment:
  • Butch: “You’re the Lone Ranger… when I squeeze this trigger, I’ll be getting even…” [17:32-18:17]

7. Turning the Tables

• [18:18-19:10]
  • Tonto intervenes, allowing the Lone Ranger to subdue and bind Butch.
  • The Lone Ranger deliberately lures camp men to follow him to Highland Valley as part of a trap.

8. The Final Confrontation in the Valley

• [20:05-24:47]
  • Roger Force’s plan: ambush Bob and Jeremy as they approach the outlaw camp.
  • The Lone Ranger meets Bob and Jeremy, reveals the frame-up, and coordinates a counter ambush.
• Notable Quote:
  • Lone Ranger: “Perhaps we can use Roger Force’s trick to capture him and his gang.” [21:42]

9. The Trap Springs: Law and Order Restored

• [24:47-26:47]
  • The outlaws’ horses are stampeded by “wolves” (men imitating wolves’ howls), forcing Force’s men into the open.
  • The Lone Ranger’s posse, including construction workers, rides in and captures the gang in a spirited takedown.
• Memorable Exchange:
  • Outlaw: “You’d never have caught us if those wolves hadn’t stampeded our horses.”
  • Jeremy: “How would you like to meet the wolves? First, the Lone Ranger himself…” [25:57-26:23]

10. Resolution: Justice Done and Bridges Built

• [27:01-27:47]
  • At sunrise, Henderson is healed thanks to Tonto’s medicine.
  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto ride off, leaving the camp to build the bridge and continue the work of progress and justice.
• Closing Reflection:
  • Jim Henderson: “There might never have been a bridge… if it hadn’t been for the Lone Ranger.” [27:47]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “A great deal depends on you.” – The Lone Ranger to Jim Henderson [05:29]
• “If anything were to happen to the bridge, that could run into important money.” – Roger Force [08:24]
• “If he were the Lone Ranger, that just couldn’t be possible… It might have been anyone, even one of our own.” – Bob Henderson [12:54]
• “You’re the Lone Ranger… when I squeeze this trigger, I’ll be getting even for Lefty…” – Butch Rankin [17:32-18:17]
• “Perhaps we can use Roger Force’s trick to capture him and his gang.” – The Lone Ranger [21:42]
• “You’d never have caught us if those wolves hadn’t stampeded our horses.” – Roger Force’s Gang Member [25:57]
• “There might never have been a bridge… if it hadn’t been for the Lone Ranger.” – Jim Henderson [27:47]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [04:10] – Introduction of the bridge project and its stakes
• [04:49-06:35] – Lone Ranger and Tonto warn Henderson about sabotage
• [07:21-08:50] – Roger Force plots with Butch Rankin
• [09:54-10:53] – Henderson shot, Lone Ranger framed
• [12:07-14:02] – Leadership and suspicion after the shooting
• [15:08-16:05] – Lone Ranger infiltrates camp, framed letter found
• [17:32-18:17] – Lone Ranger’s confrontation with Butch
• [18:18-19:10] – Butch captured, Lone Ranger sets a countertrap
• [21:42-24:47] – The plan is revealed and executed in Highland Valley
• [25:57-26:23] – Stampede and outlaw capture
• [27:01-27:47] – Justice restored; Lone Ranger and Tonto depart

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Tone & Atmosphere

• The tone is one of suspense, classic heroism, and camaraderie, with vivid sound design offering the authentic atmosphere of the Golden Age of radio.
• The dialogue is earnest and direct, relaying both period grit and the unyielding optimism that defines The Lone Ranger series.

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Conclusion

This episode is a quintessential Lone Ranger adventure that captures the spirit of Western justice, teamwork, and quick-witted heroics. The masterfully restored audio allows new listeners to appreciate the rich detail of the soundscape and the dynamic storytelling. With its lessons of trust, vigilance, and the triumph of law, "Across the Canyon" stands as a tribute to the enduring legend of the Lone Ranger.

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Transcript

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[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 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 hi O Silver the Lone Ranger, with his faithful Indian companion, Turtle, 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 hoofbeats of the great horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver.

[Tonto]

Let's go.

[The Lone Ranger]

Big fellow, are you Silver?

[Tonto]

Away.

[Narrator]

Jim Henderson superintended the loading of his supplies at the railhead and saw the wagons on their way to his own construction camp 50 miles to the west, on the brink of Crystal Canyon. Jim was the engineer in charge of constructing the bridge across the canyon, and he had other business at the railhead. So it wasn't until after dark that he left the busy camp.

[Tonto]

Get up here. Get up.

[Narrator]

He urged his mount along the moonlit trail. But less than a mile to the west, as he was passing a grove of cottonwoods, someone hailed him. He drew rein and two men rode out from the COVID of the trees.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't go for your gun. You're covered.

[Tonto]

What do you want? Hey, I don't have any money on me.

[The Lone Ranger]

This isn't a hold up. I have a letter I want you to read. The moon's bright enough, I think.

[Tonto]

The letter.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. Here. It's from General Warren. Oh, you know him, don't you?

[Tonto]

Of course he's the head of old construction for Southern and Western. I've met him a few times. What does he have to do with you?

[The Lone Ranger]

The letter's addressed to Whom It May Concern at the moment. That means you.

[Tonto]

It does, huh? Let's see. Gee, you're the Lone Ranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

That right?

[Tonto]

And you're Tonto. Uh huh. Well, I consider this an honor, but why have you stopped me?

[The Lone Ranger]

A great deal depends on you.

[Tonto]

The bridge?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. As you know, track must be laid as far as Eagle Pass before the first of the year or Southern and Western will lose its franchise.

[Tonto]

That's right.

[The Lone Ranger]

A powerful interest in Washington. Who would like to see that happen? They've hired a man called Roger Force to come out here and do his best to delay the building of the road.

[Tonto]

Roger Force? I've heard that name before.

[The Lone Ranger]

It isn't his first trip to the west. And there's always been trouble when he's around.

[Tonto]

Is he around here?

[The Lone Ranger]

Toto has Indian friends who have seen him near Crystal Canyon.

[Tonto]

Well, we'll be on the lookout for him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Do you trust your crew?

[Tonto]

Of course. There'll be no trouble inside our camp. Nearly all the men have worked with me before.

[The Lone Ranger]

Nearly all?

[Tonto]

They're all right and good workers. They'll get the bridge built before the track laying crew reaches the canyon.

[The Lone Ranger]

What if something were to happen to you?

[Tonto]

The work would go on. My son Bob is my assistant. And you couldn't find a better construction boss than Jeremy Stewart. You don't have to worry about the bridge.

[The Lone Ranger]

We all must worry. With Roger Force around, we'll keep a sharp look at. And you watch out on trail back to camp.

[Tonto]

Sure thing.

[The Lone Ranger]

Todo, after you catch up with your wagons, will you be traveling with them?

[Tonto]

No, I'll push on by myself. But I'll be on guard. Thanks for the warning, mister. And if you're near our camp, drop in and pay us a visit.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll do that as soon as we locate Roger Force.

[Tonto]

Good. And good luck. Adios.

[The Lone Ranger]

Adios.

[Tonto]

Get up there. Get up. Get up.

[The Lone Ranger]

Him not listen. He listen, kemosabe. I don't think he realizes how dangerous Force is. Maybe we find Force in hills this side canyon. We'll try. But first we'll follow Henderson to his camp. Isn't that good idea? Come on, Silver. Come up.

[Tonto]

Scout.

[Narrator]

Roger Force was camped with a half a dozen gunmen he had recruited in Highland Valley, a few miles northeast of the construction camp at Crystal Canyon. That night, a burly, bearded man rode into the camp and Force rose to meet him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, been a long time Getting here. You write the note that Breed gave me?

[Tonto]

Yes.

[The Lone Ranger]

Said a friend from Kansas City wanted to see me in Highland Valley, as I thought that would bring you. But I never saw you before in my life. The name is Roger Force. Oh, so you've heard of me. Butch. Butch, you got me wrong. My name is Sawyer. Pete Sawyer. Your name is Butch Rankin. And letting your beard grow doesn't change it. Hi, Savvy. So you know who I am. Now what? You were smart to take a job with a construction gang, Butch. The law would never suspect you'd gone to work. Everyone at the camp thinks I'm Pete Sawyer. If you follow my lead, they'll keep right on thinking that. Be safe. At the same time you can make yourself some easy money. I'll pay $100 a day for every day the track laying crew is held up at the canyon. If anything were to happen to the bridge, that could run into important money. Exactly. But what could happen to it? Well, that depends on you. Any ideas? The progress of the work depends on Jim Henderson, doesn't it? He's in charge. And if he were to be eliminated?

[Tonto]

Uh huh.

[The Lone Ranger]

He isn't in camp right now. Yes, I know that. He plans to be back by tomorrow morning. If he should arrive before it's light, that might be a good time for something to happen to him. Yeah, but I want a payment in advance before I take on any job like that. $500. Here it is. You're quick on the trigger. I should have made it a thousand. You'll get another 500 when Henderson is out of the way. It's a good. I have only one word of caution. What's that? Did you ever hear of the Lone Ranger? Hear him? He sent my partner, Lefty Borden to jail. Do you know him? By sight? No. But I'd know that horse of his anywhere. Well, you may find a chance to even the score for your partner, Butch. The Lone Ranger wants this bridge finished just as much as I want it delayed. If you do see the masked man, I'd suggest you shoot to kill.

[Narrator]

Jim Henderson, his son Bob and Jeremy Stewart lived in the headquarters cabin at the construction camp. Shortly before dawn the next morning, Bob was wakened by a shot.

[Tonto]

Hey, Jeremy. What's the matter? I heard a shot. Are you sure? It sounded like one. And listen to the horses. There's something wrong. Down the corral. Come on.

[Narrator]

Hurriedly, Bob and Jeremy pulled on their boots and ran outside. They saw a man running toward the corral and the horse standing near the gate.

[Tonto]

That's Dad's horse, Jeremy. But where's Jim? There he is, lying on the ground.

[Narrator]

Bob and Jeremy found Butch Rankin, alias Pete Sawyer, bending over the still form of the engineer.

[The Lone Ranger]

Bob, your pa's been shot in the back.

[Tonto]

Who could have done it?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll show you. Look where I'm pointing.

[Tonto]

That rise to the east. Two horsemen.

[The Lone Ranger]

A masked man and an Indian.

[Tonto]

How can you make out what their faces look like at this distance?

[The Lone Ranger]

I was just coming out of the bunkhouse when I heard the shot and.

[Tonto]

I saw him riding away.

[The Lone Ranger]

A masked man and an Indian. There they go.

[Tonto]

We have no horses that can catch those two. It's dad that's important. He's still alive. Help me get him into the house. We must work fast. All right, Bob.

[Narrator]

Easy with him now. The Lone Ranger and Tonto had not been witnesses of the shooting. When they drew rein on the rise to the east of the camp, Butch, Bob and Jeremy were already running toward the corral. The masked man and the Indian at the time believed the shot might have come from the high ground to the north of the camp and had urged Silver and Scout in that direction to try and pick up the trail of a gunman. They were unsuccessful, and that night Tonto crept close to the bunkhouse and listened to the workman's talk. He reported what he had heard to the Lone Ranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

Henderson hurt bad, but him still live. I'm glad of that. Tonto like helped take care of Henderson. That might be possible. No, no. Men think you me shoot them. They saw us. Then I wonder if the shot could have been fired from inside the camp. We not find trail that lead away from camp. It's rocky ground. Ah, well, we're sure that Roger Force is camped somewhere in the hills to the north. And this shooting is something he might have planned. They must try to find him. We'll start right now. That's good, Easy said. He's got easy, fella.

[Tonto]

Come on.

[The Lone Ranger]

Silver and I must come.

[Narrator]

Three days passed. Jim Henderson had not regained consciousness, but the work on the bridge was directed by Bob and Jeremy Stewart. At 10 o' clock in the evening, they were still at work in the headquarters cabin, checking the day's progress and planning ahead.

[Tonto]

Now, the way I figured, we start laying the foundation on the far side of the canyon tomorrow. I wonder. But what? I've been sitting beside Dad's cot. He's still unconscious, but his lips were moving. And I leaned close to see if I could pick up what he was saying. Well, it sounded like the Lone Ranger. The Lone Ranger? Yeah. Now We've all taken it for granted it was the masked man who shot dad. But if he were the Lone Ranger, that just couldn't be possible. It might have been anyone, even one of our own. Yeah. I'll see who it is. Yes? I have a letter for Senor Stewart. Oh, I'll take it. Oh, no, no, senor. You're not Stuart. Well, he's right here. It's a letter for you, Jeremy. Who are you? My name Gonzalez. I am Travel. Where did you get this letter? Fellow stop me on trail, he give me five dollar. Bring it here. Letter for me? Here I go now. What is it, Jeremy? What's the matter? Stop that man. He's gone. Read this. Sure good work, Stuart. With Henderson out of the way and you on our side, the bridge will never get finished. Pick up your first payment anytime you want. Island Valley. That makes me responsible for Jim being shot, doesn't it? Oh, of course not. You were sound asleep when the shot was fired. But if I hadn't been, would you think it possible for me to shoot your father? No, Jeremy. I don't understand this at all. Neither do I. Could some crook be laboring under the delusion I'd sold out to him? There's one way we can find out, Jeremy.

[The Lone Ranger]

How?

[Tonto]

By going to Highland Valley. I wouldn't let you go alone, of course. Well, I couldn't find out anything if you came with me. Well, I wouldn't have to show myself. But I'd want to be there, just in case. Go to the valley, meet whoever's there, pretend I'd come to collect and then find out who was really behind the shooting. It sounds like a good idea. Well, let's go.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Toto had discovered the hiding place of Roger Force's gang in Highland Valley and decided the time had come to make themselves known to Bob Henderson and ask his help in rounding up the gunman. They left Silver and Scout in a grove of cottonwoods near the edge of the camp and started for the headquarters cabin on foot. They reached it just as Bob and Jeremy mounted their horses at the corral and rode away.

[The Lone Ranger]

Where'd them go? There's no telling. Perhaps a tour of inspection. While they're gone, you'll have a chance to examine Jim Henderson and see if there's anything you can do to help him. They're light in both rooms. The cabin, maybe. Somebody stay with Henderson. More than likely, we'll take a look.

[Narrator]

Through the bedroom window of the cabin, the Lone Ranger and Tonto could see Jim's Bunk. There was a man sitting beside it with his back to the window.

[The Lone Ranger]

Wait here, Kimasabe. I'll slip inside and keep that man covered while I explain who we are and why we're here. You show him General's letter? Yes, but we don't want him rousing the camp before he has a chance to read it.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger entered the living room of the cabin. He noticed the letter which Jeremy had received lying on the table and stopped to examine it.

[The Lone Ranger]

What's this?

[Narrator]

As soon as he had read it, he crumpled the paper in his hand, turned on his heel and started for the door. But just then the door of the bedroom opened.

[The Lone Ranger]

Not so fast, mister. You're covered.

[Narrator]

And Butch Rankin leveled a six gun at the Lone Rangers. Back.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get your hands up high.

[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.

[Tonto]

Ram.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. At the sound of Butch Rankin's voice, the masked man slowly raised his hands. Then Butch closed in and unbuckled the Lone Ranger's gun belt.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now turn around. What's that you got in your hand? Ah, the note Jeremy got. I'd like you to read something else.

[Tonto]

What?

[The Lone Ranger]

A letter of introduction I have in my pocket. I know who you are. You're the Lone Ranger. When you read this note, you figured Bob and Jeremy might be heading for Highland Valley. Are they? Yeah. They're riding into a trap. You know that and I know it. But they don't. You're not gonna warn em. I recognize you now. You're Butch Rankin, wanted for murder in Kansas City. That's right. You've been working here. Uh huh. I'm a trusted employee. Bob left me to sit beside his old man. You've been working for Roger Force as well. Must have been you who shot Jim Henderson three days ago. Yeah, that's right. I'm glad you recognized me. Because when I squeeze this trigger, I'll be getting even for Lefty. Another murder. They'll give me a medal for this one. Everyone in this camp thinks you shot Jim. Hey.

[Narrator]

At that moment, Butch caught the flash of moonlight on Totto's gun outside the open window and he dropped to the floor instinctively. But before he could fire, the Lone Ranger was on top of him and twisting the gun from his grasp. The gun shot across the floor and both men sprang to their feet. Now their weapons were barefoot. Butch was a powerful man. But the Lone Ranger matched his bull like strength with the speed and precision of his blows. He watched for an opening found it and crashed a solid right to the outlaw's jaw.

[Tonto]

I take it. No.

[Narrator]

Butch dropped to the floor. By that time Tonto had enter the cabin.

[The Lone Ranger]

Me here. What I'm telling you. We'll bind and gag him and you'll stay here to guard him. You go after young feller and Stewart. Yes, but first I'll get Silver. I let the men here see me. Them think you kill her? Exactly what I want them to think. I want them to follow me to Highland Valley. Now. My gun belt.

[Narrator]

When the half breed who had delivered the letter to Jeremy Stewart. Stewart reached the outlaws camp in Highland Valley Force and his gunmen jump to their feet.

[Tonto]

Well, I give him the letter.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah. What then?

[Tonto]

Then I go away fast, like you say. Then I stop on a ridge above camp. Wait there.

[The Lone Ranger]

You couldn't have waited long.

[Tonto]

No, no. Young feller and Stuart, they come out of cabin, saddle up, ride this way.

[The Lone Ranger]

They're coming here. Both of them?

[Tonto]

Si, senor. So it worked. I never thought it would.

[The Lone Ranger]

Why not?

[Tonto]

Well, why should it? Stewart must have known he didn't have anything to do with shooting Henderson.

[The Lone Ranger]

Naturally. But he must have realized at once that the man who wrote the note did. The simple truth. Truth can be a powerful weapon. Even in the hands of such as we. It inspires belief.

[Tonto]

There was just as much lie as truth in that letter.

[The Lone Ranger]

There was only one word of lie. The name Stewart. The letter should have been addressed to Butch. His money is waiting here.

[Tonto]

What if young Henderson had brought all his men with him?

[The Lone Ranger]

Reed would have warned us. We'd have cleared out. But I had a hunch he and Stuart would investigate alone.

[Tonto]

Well, there isn't much time. Where do we wait for them in the canyon? It's plenty dark in there.

[The Lone Ranger]

You'll need more light to shoot straight. We'll wait until they get out of the canyon into the valley. The moon's bright. They'll make good targets.

[Tonto]

You expect them to ride straight into the valley?

[The Lone Ranger]

From the opening of the canyon, they'll see our campfire. They'll see our horses grazing. They'll want to get a closer look at us.

[Tonto]

You seem to have all the answers.

[The Lone Ranger]

They'll want to get a closer look at us.

[Tonto]

So we take cover near the canyon.

[The Lone Ranger]

When they show themselves, you shoot.

[Narrator]

It's very simple. Bob and Jeremy Stewart stopped for a moment at the opening of the canyon that led down to the rock rimmed valley. And as they drew rein, they heard a thunder of hoofs behind them.

[Tonto]

Someone riding hard. He'll be rounding the bend. In a second. Ready with your gun. There he is. It's a mask, man. Hold your fire. Jeremy, didn't you hear what he called his horse? Silver. Lone Ranger it must be. Look at that horse. Yeah. Silver.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ho.

[Tonto]

Easy.

[The Lone Ranger]

Steady, big fellow. Steady.

[Tonto]

Mister, we have just one question to ask you. Are you the Lone Ranger?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Bob, I am.

[Tonto]

I knew it. Your name. It's the only word Dad's spoken since he was shot.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, I'm glad I won't have to waste any time in convincing you I'm your friend.

[Tonto]

Of course not. Jeremy, tell him about the note you received.

[The Lone Ranger]

I've already read it.

[Narrator]

Quickly. The Lone Ranger told the two men of what had happened at the construction camp and the danger that waited for them in the valley then.

[The Lone Ranger]

But perhaps we can use Roger Force's trick to capture him and his gang. Your men are following me?

[Tonto]

My men?

[The Lone Ranger]

At least 20 of them. I let them see me heading out of camp and allowed them to keep sight of me until we hit the foot of this trail. They'll be coming along soon.

[Tonto]

You wanted them to follow you?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. They'll be needed. I want you to wait here for them until I get back.

[Tonto]

Where you going?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm climbing to the top of the ridge.

[Tonto]

That's something we should have thought of. Take a look at the valley before riding into it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Your men are coming now. You just had a big fellow. I won't be long.

[Narrator]

The ridge rose steeply on either side of the pass and the Lone Ranger made a careful escort before choosing the slope he meant to climb. Then he started up, working his way from one precarious foothold to another, up and around outcroppings of rock onto the crest of the ridge. There he crawled forward until the whole valley lay before him. Tato and he had made the climb before and he knew where the outlaws camp was located. He studied the woods. The campfire glowing through the trees, the band of tethered horses grazing at the edge of the woods. Then he made a survey of the whole valley. Every clump of trees, every cluster of boulders. Finally, he turned and made a swift descent. The men from the construction camp were gathered around Bob and Jeremy, their faces raised expectantly toward him. He dropped from a 10 foot ledge to the trail and ran toward them.

[Tonto]

What did you see?

[The Lone Ranger]

Not much. The outlaws are camped in the woods halfway across the valley. At least they have been camped there. I could see the light from a campfire through the trees. There were horses grazing at the edge of the woods.

[Tonto]

Then all we have to do is surround the woods.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, wait, not so fast. I watched the campfire carefully. I couldn't see any shadows moving against it. There was no sign of life in the woods.

[Tonto]

Well, if they're not there, where are they? Probably hiding somewhere, waiting for you and me to ride into the valley.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's a good guess, Jeremy.

[Tonto]

Keeping the far end of this canyon covered.

[The Lone Ranger]

Wait.

[Tonto]

Yes, and having a few more men doesn't help any. They could pick us off one by one as we rode into the open.

[The Lone Ranger]

I think we may be able to force them into the open. There's another entrance to the valley beyond the woods. Will take about half an hour to reach it.

[Narrator]

As time passed, Roger Force's men became impatient.

[Tonto]

Breathe. You sure young Henderson and Stuart headed this way? See, senor, Maybe they changed minds, go back.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, and maybe they didn't. They could be waiting in the canyon.

[Tonto]

What for?

[The Lone Ranger]

With a campfire to die down? Waiting until they think we're all asleep.

[Tonto]

Well, I say let's go after them.

[The Lone Ranger]

And I say you're staying where you are, behind these rocks.

[Tonto]

You listen. Sounds like wolves. That is. Right in the woods, going after our supplies. I think they'll go after horses. Yeah, boss. Listen, we gotta save our mounts. You look. Horses break loose around this way. We gotta head them off before they reach the canyon.

[The Lone Ranger]

We can't show ourselves. Young Henderson and Stewart are waiting in the canyon. They'll see us and hightail it back to camp.

[Tonto]

We'll have to let em go. Try to get them some other way. If we don't stop those horses before they get out of the valley, we'll never catch em. We'll be stranded here on foot, 100 miles from nowhere.

[The Lone Ranger]

All right, all right. Go to it. Stop the men. Stop the horses before they get out of the valley.

[Narrator]

The outlaws broke from COVID shouting and shooting their six guns in the air to turn aside the band of half wild horses from the opening of the canyon. They succeeded. But then they saw there were other horses behind their own horses that carried riders whose guns were blazing. The outlaws go for cover. A few of them broke for the opening of the canyon, only to be met by another band of horsemen racing into the valley. Force and his men fought hard, but against mounted men they had little chance. And it was Force himself who issued the cease fire order.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's enough. Let them take us. The jail is a mate that can hold us. All right, hold your fire. We surrender.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and the men from the construction camp closed in. The outlaws who had been wounded were given first aid. And the others Securely bound.

[The Lone Ranger]

So, breed, you made a slight mistake, didn't you? You said Henderson and Stewart were coming here alone. Instead they brought 20 men and the Lone Ranger.

[Tonto]

But they leave camp alone and we'd have ridden straight into your trap if it hadn't been for the masked man. You'd never have caught us if those wolves hadn't stampeded our horses. Wolves, huh? Well, how would you like to meet the wolves? First, the Lone Ranger himself. And Pete and Curly and Joe and Al. They're the wolves you heard. They're the ones who stampeded the horses. The masked man knew you'd have to show yourselves to head them off. And once you were in the open, all we had to do was ride in and round you up.

[Narrator]

Very clever.

[Tonto]

They rode into the valley from the other side. Yeah. There's no law against it.

[The Lone Ranger]

There's no law against anything we've done. As far as I can see, you're wrong. Force. The charge against you and your men is attempted murder. Butch Rankin has already been taken prisoner. He's admitted that you hired him to shoot Jim Henderson. He'll be held at the construction camp until the United States Marshal arrives to take you to Omaha. Shall we get started for camp, Bob?

[Tonto]

That suits me. All right, let's go, man. Take those prisoners.

[Narrator]

It was after sunrise when the camp was reached and the men who had been left behind were already hard at work. But the sight that made Bob spur his mount on ahead of the posse was his father, sitting in a chair in front of the headquarters cabin.

[Tonto]

Ho. Ho, ho. Hold on, boy. Is it dad? Well, son, I hear you've had a busy evening. I suppose I can't blame you for being late for work. What happened? Are you strong enough to be out here? I feel fine. Toto fixed me up some medicine and my fever broke in an hour.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good morning, Jim.

[Tonto]

It is a good morning.

[The Lone Ranger]

Huddle tells me that if you take it easy for a while, you have nothing to worry about.

[Tonto]

Nothing to worry about at all.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm glad. Todd and I'll be on our way to get to Marshall. Bob, good luck with the bridge.

[Tonto]

Thanks. And thanks for everything. Well, son, soon our bridge will be stretching from here across the canyon. The rails will be laid on it and trains will be crossing it. The people who ride them may not think about it, but you'll know and I'll know that there might never have been a bridge. There might never have been a railroad if it hadn't been for the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

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

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

[Tonto]

Sam.