Ambush | The Lone Ranger (03-16-53)

Summary

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Podcast Summary:

Old Time Radio Westerns – Ambush | The Lone Ranger (03-16-53)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Release: February 25, 2026
Original Broadcast: March 16, 1953

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Episode Overview

In this digitally restored classic, Andrew Rhynes brings listeners back to the golden age of radio, presenting an episode of The Lone Ranger titled "Ambush." This suspenseful Western unravels a plot of theft, betrayal, and attempted murder on a sprawling ranch in the old West. The Lone Ranger and his faithful companion, Tonto, intervene just in time to save the day, unveiling the truth behind a sinister attempt to murder an accountant and cover up a trail of stolen cattle and cash.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Highlights

1. Introduction to the Central Conflict

• Setting: Circle Bar Ranch, managed by Tom Dorn and owned by a Chicago syndicate.
• Dorn learns an accountant, Ned Bates, is coming to audit the books, threatening to expose his theft of cash and cattle.
• Dorn considers drastic measures, including murder, to keep his crimes hidden.
  • "There's just one way out of this, Jake. I don't like murder, but murder?" – Tom Dorn (06:13)

2. The Murder Plot

• Dorn confides in Jake Rucker (foreman) and Sam Collins (cowhand) about the missing cash and the plan to ambush Ned Bates.
• Dorn plans to blame the crime on the recently escaped Martin brothers, using the sheriff’s presence to stage the highway ambush as the work of outlaws.
  • "You and Sam Collins... When we stop to water the horses, shoot Ned Bates and ride away." – Tom Dorn (08:06)

3. The Lone Ranger’s Intervention

• Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger and Tonto spot suspicious figures lying in wait as the buckboard approaches Crystal Spring.
  • "That might be an ambush. We'll close in on those men and find out why they're hiding." – The Lone Ranger (11:08)
• As Jake and Sam prepare to fire on Ned Bates, the Lone Ranger intervenes, shooting the rifle from Jake's hands and saving Bates’ life.
  • "I smashed his rifle with a bullet. But not before he fired." – The Lone Ranger (12:57)
• Dorn quickly covers, claiming the attack was just a prank—an initiation for the new man from the East.

4. The Aftermath and Suspicion

• Sheriff Hawkins and the Lone Ranger both distrust Dorn’s cover story but lack firm evidence; both decide to remain cautious and observant.
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto decide to stay close and await an opportunity to speak privately with Bates.

5. The Second Murder Attempt – The Fire

• Dorn, Jake, and Sam, pushed to act quickly, sneak into the ranch office at night where Bates is working. Dorn knocks Bates unconscious and sets a fire, arranging the scene to look accidental.
  • "It'll look like he brushed the lamp into the wastebasket while he was asleep. No one can prove different. Here goes the lamp." – Tom Dorn (23:32)
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto, waiting outside, spot the growing fire and rush in to save Bates and salvage the ranch records.
  • "Toto, you take those books on the desk. Save all the papers you can." – The Lone Ranger (24:43)
• Dorn and his men spot the rescue and prepare to shoot, but are thwarted by Sheriff Hawkins and his deputies, who have been watching and intervene just in time.

6. Resolution and Justice

• The truth unravels: the deputies detain Dorn, Jake, and Sam. The rescued Bates recalls Dorn’s violence and the fire. The criminals' confession corroborates the plot.
  • "He started a fire to kill you and to burn the record." – Sheriff Hawkins (26:19)
• Sheriff Hawkins explains he suspected foul play and set the trap with his deputies after realizing the bullet at the ambush could not have been a ricochet.
  • "I figured the same as you did, missy... Then came here tonight with deputies." – Sheriff Hawkins (27:06)

7. Farewell and Final Note

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto depart, having restored justice once more.
  • "He smashes crooks wherever he can find them. He's a Lone Ranger." – Sheriff Hawkins (28:49)

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• The Lone Ranger’s quick thinking in the ambush:
  "We'll close in on those men and find out why they're hiding." – The Lone Ranger (11:08)

• Dorn’s cold rationale for murder:
  "I figured on replacing the cash when we sold the Russell cattle." – Tom Dorn (06:05)

• Classic reveal of the hero’s wisdom:
  "To stop us, you'll have to shoot us in the back." – The Lone Ranger (19:58)

• Sheriff’s shrewdness matches the masked man:
  "I knew that bullet hadn't ricocheted. I wanted to question Dorn... Then came here tonight with deputies." – Sheriff Hawkins (27:06)

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Timeline of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |:-------------:|:-------------------------------| |01:38 - 04:24| Dramatic Lone Ranger intro, set-up of the ranch and cast. | |05:06 - 08:44| Dorn reveals the crime and outlines the murder plot. | |10:32 - 12:28| Lone Ranger and Tonto discover the ambush, intervene. | |18:03 - 20:17| Aftermath: suspicions rise; stories cover up the truth. | |21:01 - 24:47| Night: Dorn’s second murder attempt—Bates attacked and fire started. | |24:58 - 25:29| Lone Ranger and Tonto rescue Bates from burning office. | |26:12 - 27:29| Truth revealed; Sheriff and deputies explain their role; justice restored. | |28:49| Sheriff’s recognition of the Lone Ranger’s heroism. |

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Tone & Style Notes

Faithful to the original Western radio drama tradition, the tone ranges from tense and suspenseful to upright and clear-cut, with characters delivering lines in a straightforward, often brisk style. The signature "Hi-yo Silver!" and sincere exclamations of lawfulness rounded out the episode’s earnest, heroic flavor.

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This episode is a classic Western tale of intrigue, justice, and daring heroics, demonstrating once again why The Lone Ranger remains an enduring legend of radio drama.

Transcript

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[Old Time Radio Westerns Host]

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

[Narrator / Storyteller]

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

[Old Time Radio Westerns Host]

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[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

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[Narrator / Storyteller]

With his faithful Indian companion Toto the daring and resourceful Mask 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.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Come on, Silver. Let's go, big fella. Silver.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

Ay.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

The Circle Bar was one of the biggest ranches in the territory. Owned by a Chicago syndicate, it was managed by Tom Dorn. Dorn had been to the nearby town of Gold Creek during the return trip. His face was set in a deep frown. Jake Rucker, the ranch foreman who stood near the corral when he rode in, wondered what was wrong.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Boss, you look like a thunderstorm ready to bust wide open. Is anything wrong?

[Tom Dorn]

Yes, plenty. There's a letter waiting for me in town. It's from the syndicate. An accountant is on his way.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Are the big wigs suspicious of us?

[Tom Dorn]

There's no suspicion now, but there'll be plenty when that accountant goes over the books in the office.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Well, I didn't know you'd stolen cash as well as cattle.

[Tom Dorn]

How'd you think I bought the eight box ranch?

[Narrator / Storyteller]

I didn't think about it.

[Tom Dorn]

We had to have a place to send the stolen cattle. Place where we could run a new brand over the Circle Bar and hold the critters until the fresh brands healed over. I used company cash to buy that ranch in the valley.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Gosh, boss, you might have known the shortage of cash would be found out sooner or later.

[Tom Dorn]

I figured on replacing the cash when we sold the Russell cattle.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Well, then we're all right. We run the cattle north, sell it to the Indian agency. We'll get the cash.

[Tom Dorn]

That'll take time. We can't do it before Bates the accountant arrives. There's just one way out of this, Jake. I don't like murder, but murder? Bates will have to be killed on the way from town.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Boss, just who do you think is going to do the job?

[Tom Dorn]

You and Sam Collins?

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Not by a jugful. Maybe Sam's fool enough to do a thing like that, but you better count me out.

[Tom Dorn]

Get Sam. Bring him to the ranch house. By the time you get there, I'll have something worked out.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

An hour later, when Jake Rucker and one of the cowhands named Sam Collins entered the ranch house, Tom Dorn wore an expression of smug satisfaction.

[Tom Dorn]

Sit down, boys, and stop looking worried. We got plenty cause to worry. Jake's been talking to you, huh, Sam?

[Narrator / Storyteller]

I told him what you told me.

[Tom Dorn]

And it stacks up just this way, boss. The three of us will go to jail for cattle stealing unless we kill that accountant. And if we kill a man, we'll hang. Not unless we're proved guilty. Boys, I have a plan that's foolproof. There's not a thing to worry about.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

I wish I could be sure of that.

[Tom Dorn]

I got the idea from an item in this newspaper. It tells about the Martin brothers breaking out of jail.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Who are the Martin brothers?

[Tom Dorn]

Crooks. They were arrested for cattle stealing in Bryant's Gap five years ago. I was a witness against them, so they swore to get square with me. Well, that's what they'll try to do.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

How do you figure?

[Tom Dorn]

At least as far as the sheriff is concerned.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

The sheriff?

[Tom Dorn]

Yes. I'll show him this piece in the paper and tell him about the Martin's threat. And I'll persuade him to ride back here in the buckboard with Bates and me. You two will be waiting in ambush at the foot of the hill near Crystal Spring. Wear different clothes and cover your faces with bandanas. When we stop to water the horses, shoot Ned Bates and ride away.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

By the sheriff who shooted us.

[Tom Dorn]

Leave him to me. I'll have him beside me on the seat. And I'll be in his line of fire. Act confused and interfere with his gun hand. So you'll have plenty of time to get out of sight in the ravine. You'll have less than a hundred yards to ride.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

He'll have his horse.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

He'll chase us.

[Tom Dorn]

The horse will be tied behind the wagon. I'll tie it myself and make a tight knot. You'll have plenty of time to get away.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Yeah, Then what?

[Tom Dorn]

The ravine's a shortcut back here. You'll be here with your clothes changed when we arrive, the sheriff will be dead sure that the Martin brothers fired at me and hit baits by mistake.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

The next day, Tom Dorn went into town to meet the stagecoach from the East. But before going to the station, he called on Sheriff Hawkins, whose office was directly across the street.

[Tom Dorn]

Good morning, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

Glad to see you dawn. Sit down.

[Tom Dorn]

Thanks.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

I heard you were in town yesterday. Didn't expect you to be back so soon.

[Tom Dorn]

A man from the syndicate is arriving on the stage. I'm here to meet him and take him to the ranch.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

I saw you tying up at the hitch rail and wondered why you brought a buckboard instead of a saddle horse.

[Tom Dorn]

Sheriff, I'd appreciate it if you'd ride back with us or send a deputy. Because of the Martin brothers. Did you see the piece about them in yesterday's paper?

[Sheriff Hawkins]

Yes. I read it, but I didn't think much about it. I figured those crooks wouldn't show up in these parts that head south for the border.

[Tom Dorn]

You're wrong, Sheriff. I saw them.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

You did? Shakes alive. Where are they? How'd you know them?

[Tom Dorn]

I was a witness against them at their trial and they swore to get me. That's why they came to these parts.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

I'd like to catch those crooks. There'd be a feather in my cap.

[Tom Dorn]

And that's why I suggested that you ride back to the ranch with us. I'll show you where I spotted them.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

I'll do it.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

The stage arrived on schedule and Neb Bates was on board. Dawn introduced himself and the sheriff and a few minutes later the three men were riding toward the Circle Bar ranch in Dorn's buckboard. The sheriff's horse was tied behind the light wagon. During the ride, the ranch manager explained the presence of the sheriff by telling about the Martin brothers. Then Ned Bates said.

[Tom Dorn]

Well, Mr. Dorn, I. I certainly hope we don't meet those outlaws.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

Where's your place? You sure I'm Dorn?

[Tom Dorn]

The other side of Crystal Spring. I'll show you when we get there.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Where is Crystal Spring?

[Tom Dorn]

It's in this valley, just about a mile ahead.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Come on. Yep.

[Tom Dorn]

Get up.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger and Tato were heading toward Crystal Spring to water their horses and fill their canteens. As they reached the crest of a hill that overlooked the valley, the masked man signaled a halt.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

What matter, King Sabi?

[The Lone Ranger]

Look over there. A buckboard. Go over this way so it be partly screened with a brush. Come on.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Come, scum. Come. Follow.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Kimasabi. Yes. Look down there. Near foot.

[Tom Dorn]

A hill. Two fella crouched behind big rock.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I see them.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Horses hidden behind other rock.

[The Lone Ranger]

One of those men has a rifle. Easy.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Silly big fella.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Dollar.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

And what we do?

[The Lone Ranger]

That might be an ambush. We'll close in on those men and find out why they're hiding.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Unaware that they had been seen from above, Jake and Sam, wearing a old black suits and battered black hats, crouched in their hiding place and peered over the boulder at the light wagon approaching Crystal Spring. Dawn and the sheriff were on the seat and Ned Bates sat on his suitcase placed on the wagon floor behind the seat.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Tie the bandana over your face, Sam. Right.

[Tom Dorn]

Doran's kept his word. See how he's arranged the seaton. He's between us and the sheriff. He'd be able to interfere plenty if the Sheriff tries to get his gun clear for a shot at us. Yeah, and beach is like a sitting duck. You can't miss.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Soon as I fire my rifle, jump for your horse and head for the ravine.

[Tom Dorn]

I know. Wagon's stopping.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

All right, get set.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm taking aim on fire behind us.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Hey.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

Drop that gun.

[Tom Dorn]

All right, all right.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Don't shoot.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

What's going on up there?

[The Lone Ranger]

You better come and find out. You two stand still. Watch them fellow.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Me watch him.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

The smashed rifle lay on the ground and Jake and Sam stood with hands raised, facing the Lone Ranger and Toto. The sheriff came uphill on the run with Dorn and Ned Bates at his heels. Bates was alive only because the masked man shot fired at the instant the ambusher's trigger finger tightened had caused Jake to miss his mark by inches. His bullet had drilled Ned Bates hat instead of his head.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

All right, Dorn. You covered me with a bandanas. I'll deal with these two. Drop your guns, mister. You too, Injun.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll holster them, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

That mask.

[The Lone Ranger]

First, you'd better question those two. We saw them hiding behind that rock. One of them was sighting a rifle.

[Tom Dorn]

Now, wait. These men are all right. Take off the bandanas, boys. But dawn, the Sheriff's had to keep them covered. Not necessary. They're friends. Jake Rucker and Sam Collins. You've seen them around town, Sheriff?

[Sheriff Hawkins]

Yes.

[Tom Dorn]

They're both from the Circle Bar. Someone shot a hole through my hat.

[The Lone Ranger]

That man did it. I smashed his rifle with a bullet. But not before he fired.

[Tom Dorn]

He had no business smashing his rifle. He wasn't going to hurt anyone. Sheriff, Jake and Sam were here as a joke.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

A joke.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

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.

[Weight Watchers Narrator]

We're lost. I'm gonna pull over and ask that man for directions.

[Old Time Radio Westerns Host]

Hi there.

[Weight Watchers Narrator]

We're looking to get to the campground.

[T Mobile Representative / Mike]

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[Weight Watchers Narrator]

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[T Mobile Representative / Mike]

Well, you're going to take a left at the old oak tree end of this here road. No, I'm just kidding. Let me get my phone out.

[Weight Watchers Narrator]

How are you getting a signal out here?

[T Mobile Representative / Mike]

T Mobile and US Cellular decided to merge. So the network out here is huge. We're getting the same great signal as the city and saving a boatload with all the benefits. Oh, and a five year price guarantee. Okay, here's those directions.

[Weight Watchers Narrator]

Actually, can you point us in the direction of a T Mobile store?

[T Mobile Advertiser]

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[T Mobile Advertiser (Technical)]

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[Narrator / Storyteller]

Now, to continue. The sheriff's face was expressionless. He was sure Doran's explanation was a cover for the two employees and that the masked man and the Indian had in some way interfered with their plans. His first impulse was to challenge Dorne's statement. Then he realized that a challenge might bring a showdown. And if his suspicions were correct, he'd face heavy odds. He didn't know that the masked man had the same idea. He didn't know where the mask man and the Indian stood. But he did know that Dorn, Jake and Sam would be teamed against him. The situation called for caution.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

You. You say it was a joke?

[Tom Dorn]

That's right. Sort of hazing for the tenderfoot. What, you mean me? Yes. No offense meant, Bates, but you are a tenderfoot.

[The Lone Ranger]

Are you from the East, Bates?

[Tom Dorn]

From Chicago. I'm going to the ranch to check the records. I'm an accountant.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

I see.

[Tom Dorn]

The boys thought it would be fun to dress as road agents, fire a few shots and ride in and hold us up. A fake hold up?

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

You sure that's right? We were going to stage a fake holdup. It was all in fun.

[The Lone Ranger]

You aimed mighty close to that man's head.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Oh, I wasn't aiming at his head at all. I fired at the ground this side of him. Bullet must have hit a rock and ricocheted through his hat. In fact, I heard it ricochet.

[Tom Dorn]

So did I. Didn't you, Sheriff?

[Sheriff Hawkins]

Well, no, no, I can't say they did.

[Tom Dorn]

I admit you had a narrow escape, Bates, and I'm sorry. The boys didn't mean any harm. But, Dorn, what about the Martin brothers? You said they were around here gunning for you. Was that story a part of my hazing? Oh, no, no, no. That was the truth. Jake, you and Sam were with me when we saw the Martins at the edge of Pine Woods.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Yeah, we were there, boss.

[Tom Dorn]

I'm gonna show the sheriff where they entered the woods. He'll come back with a posse and search for them. You boys might as well ride with us now that the joke misfired.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

Just a minute. Door. And I'm curious about this masman.

[The Lone Ranger]

And, Sheriff, I'm curious about a lot of things. Come on, Tado. We left our horses at the top of the hill, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

Hey, hold on. You're not leaving yet.

[The Lone Ranger]

To stop us, you'll have to shoot us in the back.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

They're leaving. Stop and make them pay for smashing my Rifle.

[Tom Dorn]

I'll stop them if they want to.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

Put away your gun.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

But, Sheriff. Let him go.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

What about my rifle, Jake?

[Sheriff Hawkins]

If I'd have been in that masked man's place, I'd have done the same thing he did. Let's get on our way.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

On the hilltop, the Lone Ranger and Totto stood beside their horses, watching Tom Dorn and his party continue the journey toward the Circle Bar. Presently, the masked man spoke.

[The Lone Ranger]

He might have made an honest mistake todo. He might have seen two men and thought they were the Martins. But I doubt it.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

And what we do, we'll watch for

[The Lone Ranger]

a chance to talk to Bates alone.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Dorn showed the sheriff a place on the trail near Pine woods where the Martin brothers were supposed to have been seen. The lawman studied the ground, then marked the place and said, can't make out any tracks.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

But then I'm no good at that sort of thing. I'll come back here with men who are good at cutting sand.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

That night, the ranch office, which occupied part of the commissary building, was brightly lighted. Ned Bates was there beginning work on the books. In the ranch house, Tom Dorn conferred with Jake and Sam.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

You mean to say he's working on the books? Yes, but it won't take him long to discover the shortage.

[Tom Dorn]

That's why we must act tonight. We'll wait here until we're sure all the men in the bunkhouse are asleep. Then we'll go to the office where Bates is working.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger waited with Scout and Silver in a small clump of cottonwoods about a hundred yards from the commissary building. Tato approached on foot.

[The Lone Ranger]

What did you learn Tado?

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Bates working office.

[Tom Dorn]

Me see him through window.

[The Lone Ranger]

Is he alone?

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Him alone? You go there now.

[The Lone Ranger]

No. I don't want someone to look through the window and see me talking to Bates.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

We'll wait here until he stops work.

[The Lone Ranger]

When we see the lights go out, we'll go to meet him. On his way to the ranch house,

[Narrator / Storyteller]

the masked man and Toto waited patiently, watching the lighted window of the office at one end of the commissary building. The rest of the long building and the ranch house were wholly concealed by the absolute darkness of the night. At midnight, Dorne left the ranch house with Jake and Sam. Unseen by the Lone Ranger and Tato, they walked through the darkness to the end of the commissary and entered the dark building.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Close door. Right.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

Dorne,

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

about a light to see our way through this commissary?

[Tom Dorn]

No. Some kind might see a light in the wind and get curious. Figured the way along.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

The office is lighted.

[Tom Dorn]

There's reason for that to be lighted. This part of the building is different. You're almost at the door. Yeah, here it is.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Oh, hello, dog.

[Tom Dorn]

Still working, huh? Yes. I didn't know you three were in the commissary. I thought you'd gone to bed. I see you've been counting the cash. Yes. Anything wrong? Well, I'm not sure. There seems to be a big shortage in the cash. I'll have to check more thoroughly to be sure. No, you won't. Huh? There is a shortage. $10,000. Dawn, what are you going to do with that gun? Sorry, Bates, but I don't want to go to jail. You stole the money and these two. I'm gonna do this.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

Let's go.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Good work, boss.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

Grab him.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

I got him.

[Tom Dorn]

Ease him down into the chair. That's it. Now lower his head and shoulders to the desk so it'll look like he fell asleep over his work.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

How's this?

[Tom Dorn]

That's fine, boss.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Maybe you killed him. You slugged him awful hard with your gun.

[Tom Dorn]

He's alive. I can feel his heart. Doesn't matter, as long as he stays unconscious until the fire finishes him off. I'll just move his arm to the side of the desk. It'll look like he brushed the lamp into the wastebasket while he was asleep. No one can prove different. Here goes the lamp.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Right into the wastebasket.

[Tom Dorn]

It's catching fire. We'll go back and wait close to the house until this part of the building's blazing high. Then we'll sound the fire alarm.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

The three crooks again made their way through the dark part of the building. And as the Lone Ranger and Totto were about to leave the woods, the masked man placed a hand on Totto's arm.

[The Lone Ranger]

Wait, Tutto. Look at the window.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Dark now.

[Tom Dorn]

Bates quit work.

[The Lone Ranger]

There's a light of some kind in that office.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Flickering light.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Watch. As the flames fed on loose paper, the light in the window increased until there could be no doubt as to what was happening.

[The Lone Ranger]

I know it's a fire. Come on.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

The two men running toward the office end of the building couldn't see Dorn and his companions as they left in the dark from the opposite end and hurried toward the ranch house. Meanwhile, the fire grew fast. The flames reached the dry wood of the wall on the desk and the papers piled upon it. The Lone Ranger and Toto found the office door unlocked. Look.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Himosabi. Bates unconscious.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll get him. Toto. You take Those books on the desk. Save all the papers you can.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

He's heavy.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Many loose papers on the desk were burning. Tato slapped at them with bare hands, beating out the fire to salvage all he could. The Lone Ranger pulled Bates back from the immediate peril, then took time to feel for a pulse.

[The Lone Ranger]

He's alive.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Not good.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's a bad bruise on his head, though.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Carry him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I'll manage.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

He got books, papers.

[The Lone Ranger]

Let's get out of here, then.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Tom Dorn and his partners stood in the darkness close to the house. They saw glass shattered at the windows at the far end of the commissary building. Then flames leaped out.

[Tom Dorn]

We'll let it go a little longer before we sound the alarm.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Yeah, just as well to be sure Bates died.

[Tom Dorn]

Hey, boss, look. Those men coming around the far end of the building. One of them is carrying Bates. The maskman, an Indian.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

They've rescued Bates.

[Tom Dorn]

Get your gun.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Shoot him.

[Tom Dorn]

But gunfire will arouse the boys in the bunk house. I'll say the masked man started the fire. Come on. Move close so we don't miss.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Yes, sir.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

And I'm not alone. My deputies are here with me. Let him have it.

[Tom Dorn]

Oh, my arm.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

As you was just saying. Drop those guns.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

You heard the sheriff. Don't shoot, Sheriff.

[Tom Dorn]

Get that masked man.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

He started the fire. Let to the judge.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

You murdering pole.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Catch.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

It was half an hour before Ned Bates was able to sit up and talk. Doran, Jake and Sam were on chairs near the wall and their hands were tied. Two deputies watched them closely. The sheriff was in the room and so was the tall masked man.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

The masked man said, you'll be all right, Bates.

[Tom Dorn]

Well, I. I remember finding a shortage of cash. Then Dorn slugged me.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

That's not all. He started a fire to kill you and to burn the record.

[Tom Dorn]

He stole money.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

Money and cattle. His partners were willing to talk, so they spilled everything.

[Tom Dorn]

Are you? You said there was a fire, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

The office burned, but the cowhands saved the rest of the building. The mask man saved you alive.

[The Lone Ranger]

Toto and I thought Doran was up to something.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

Oh, you did, eh?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. You see, Sheriff, we were sure that these two men were in ambush to

[Sheriff Hawkins]

kill the accountant because of the way the bullet drilled Bates.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Hat?

[Tom Dorn]

Yes.

[The Lone Ranger]

We came here hoping for the chance to talk to Bates. That's why we were on hand when the fire was started.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

You must have. Any horses here.

[The Lone Ranger]

All right, Totto. Sheriff, there's just one question I'd like

[Sheriff Hawkins]

to ask you right away.

[The Lone Ranger]

How did it happen that you were near the house with your deputies.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

I figured the same as you did, missy. I knew that bullet hadn't ricocheted. I wanted to question Dorn this afternoon, but I was alone and he had two potential killers with him. So I played along. Then came here tonight with deputies. We were near the house when he and his pals were getting set to gun ye.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thanks. That answers my question. Looks like you and I figured things the same way. Adios.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

Adios to ye. Well, boys, take the crooks to town. Lock em up. I'll stay here with Bates until you send the dock back with the wagon.

[Tom Dorn]

I still don't see why the masked man did so much for me.

[Sheriff Hawkins]

Because Bates, he's on the right side of the law. He smashes trucks wherever he can find them. He's a lone ranger. I. Sam,

[Weight Watchers Narrator]

We're lost. I'm gonna pull over and ask that man for directions.

[Old Time Radio Westerns Host]

Hi there.

[Weight Watchers Narrator]

We're looking to get to the campground.

[T Mobile Representative / Mike]

Well, you're gonna take a left at the old oak tree end of this here road. No, I'm just kidding. Let me get my phone out.

[Weight Watchers Narrator]

How are you getting a signal out here?

[T Mobile Representative / Mike]

T Mobile and US Cellular decided to merge. So the network out here is huge. We're getting the same great signal as the city and saving a boatload with all the benefits. Oh, and a five year price guarantee. Okay, here's those directions.

[Weight Watchers Narrator]

Actually, can you point us in the direction of a T Mobile store?

[T Mobile Advertiser]

America's best network just got bigger. Switch to T Mobile today and get built in benefits the other guys leave out. Plus our five year price guarantee. And now T Mobile is available in US Cellular stores.

[T Mobile Advertiser (Technical)]

Best mobile network based on analysis by Oogle of speed test intelligence data at 2H 2025. Bigger network. The combination of T Mobile's and US cellular network footprints will enhance the T Mobile network's coverage price guarantee on talk text and data exclusions like taxes and fees apply. See t mobile.com for details.

[Weight Watchers Narrator]

Weight Watchers now offers access to affordable GLP1s. It works for members like. I'm Haley and I've lost 100 pounds. Weight Watchers has everything I need from weight loss medications to nutrition support and help with my side effects. It's all in one place. Weight Watchers handles the insurance for you and offers affordable cash pay options. With our program, our members are losing more weight with expert nutrition and side effects support.

[T Mobile Representative / Mike]

I'm Mike and I've lost 135 pounds.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Weight Watchers prescribing GLP1 medications. It's been life changing.

[Weight Watchers Narrator]

I'M Sharia and I lost 80 pounds on Weight Watchers. I realized that it would take more than a prescription to lose weight and feel good on a glp. Better results, Expert support Lose more weight, make it last.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

I can't imagine doing a GLP1 without Weight Watchers.

[Weight Watchers Narrator]

Get started for as low as $25 at weight watchers.com glp1 for over 60 years, we've helped millions of members find what works for them. Now it's your turn. Weight Watchers. Watch it work. We're lost. I'm going to pull over and ask that man for directions.

[Old Time Radio Westerns Host]

Hi there.

[Weight Watchers Narrator]

We're looking to get to the campground.

[T Mobile Representative / Mike]

Well, you're gonna take a left at the old oak tree end of this here road. No, I'm just kidding. Let me get my phone out.

[Weight Watchers Narrator]

How are you getting a signal out here?

[T Mobile Representative / Mike]

T Mobile and US Cellular decided to merge so the network out here is huge. We're getting the same great signal as the city and saving a boatload with all the benefits. Oh, and a five year price guarantee. Okay, here's those directions.

[Weight Watchers Narrator]

Actually, can you point us in the direction of a T Mobile store?

[T Mobile Advertiser]

America's best network just got bigger. Switch to T Mobile today and get built in benefits the other guys leave out. Plus our five year price guarantee. And now T Mobile is available in US Cellular stores.

[T Mobile Advertiser (Technical)]

Best Mobile network Based on analysis by Google of speed test intelligence data 2H 2025 bigger network. The combination of T Mobile's and US cellular network footprints will enhance the T Mobile network's coverage price guarantee on talk text and data exclusions like taxes and fees apply ct.com for details.

[Weight Watchers Member / Jake Rucker]

Sam.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trundle Campbell, Muir Incorporated and directed by Charles D. Livingston. Tonight's drama was written by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beame.

[Old Time Radio Westerns Host]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-98-68739 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 It. Back in the Old west, folks didn't run to the pharmacy every time trouble hit. They relied on the know how and natural remedies. Kind of like how Tonto always seems to have a special mixture ready for whatever came next. If you want to learn how to do that today, check out the Beginner's Guide to Herbal Remedies, Easy steps for Teas, Tinctures, and Salves. Even if you've never tried herbs before, visit otrwesterns.comherbs to learn more again. Otrwesterns.com herbs.