Atonement | The Lone Ranger (03-26-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns – The Lone Ranger: “Atonement” (03-26-52)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Title: Atonement | The Lone Ranger
Air Date (Original): March 26, 1952
Podcast Release Date: October 2, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns presents a restored classic Lone Ranger adventure titled “Atonement.” The story centers on Terry Harris, a young Texas Ranger determined to bring law and order to the West. Unknown to him, his quest for justice unravels a hidden family tragedy involving Buck Norton—a prominent townsman secretly leading an outlaw gang—and Terry’s own father, presumed long dead. The narrative weaves themes of redemption, identity, and the enduring influence of family legacy, culminating in a dramatic act of sacrifice.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Outlaw’s Gambit and the Train Robbery (03:15–05:28)

• The episode opens in Richland, where Buck Norton, the outwardly law-abiding owner of the local cafe, orchestrates a successful express train robbery with his gang. The spoils and plans are discussed in his office, revealing Buck’s dual life.
• Notable quote:
  • “You sure do keep your ears open, Buck. That’s right. It pays off plenty.” — Gang Member, acknowledging Buck’s cunning (04:29)

2. Introducing Terry Harris: The Legacy of a Lawman (05:34–08:44)

• In Flintstone, Terry Harris, a newly minted Texas Ranger, visits his mother before embarking on his first assignment—investigating robberies linked to Richland’s gang.
• A poignant conversation reveals Terry’s unknown father, Buck Darby, was a notorious criminal who abandoned the family, leading Terry and his mother to reclaim her maiden name, Harris. The truth about Terry's ancestry and his grandfather’s legacy as a Texas Ranger comes to light.
• Notable quote:
  • “Then I’m really the son of a gambler and a crook? Is that it?” — Terry Harris (07:58)
  • “Remember your grandfather and forget about… about Buck Darby. That’s the only way.” — Mrs. Harris (08:32)

3. First Encounter with the Lone Ranger and Tonto (10:21–11:33)

• While tracking the outlaws, Terry mistakenly confronts the masked Lone Ranger and Tonto, assuming them to be criminals. A brief scuffle leaves the determined, but inexperienced, Terry disarmed, illustrating both his ambition and inexperience.
• Notable quote:
  • “That mask says you’re an outlaw, mister.” — Terry Harris (10:45)
  • “We’re not outlaws. And this is the first we’ve heard about the night stage being robbed.” — Lone Ranger (10:51)

4. Danger in Richland: Ambush and the Rope Bridge Plot (13:03–23:13)

• The Lone Ranger, disguised, and Tonto observe suspicious activity at the cafe, sensing that Terry is being set up. A barkeep’s actions and Buck’s orders confirm the gang’s willingness to eliminate Terry to protect their secrecy.
• The outlaws hatch a deadly plan: sabotage a rope bridge to ensure Terry’s “accidental” death.
• Notable sequence:
  • “Ride your horses to the end of town right now… cut the ropes on that bridge. Just enough to hold. That is, until a man on horseback starts across.” — Buck Norton, outlining the ambush (19:26)

5. Confrontation, Revelation, and Redemption (21:17–25:28)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto trail Terry, but Buck intercepts them. Upon learning Terry’s identity, Buck is shaken by the knowledge that he has sent his own son to his death.
• In a desperate bid to save Terry, Buck helps the Lone Ranger and Tonto race to the bridge, but arrives just as Terry is about to cross. A violent confrontation with the gang ensues, and Buck sacrifices himself by running onto the weakening bridge, causing it to collapse under him but saving Terry’s life.
• Memorable moment:
  • “My boy. My own boy… I’ve sent them to kill my own son.” — Buck, upon realizing who Terry is (21:57)
  • “Forgive me, my boy. Be a good lawman, like your granddad.” — Buck’s dying wish to Terry (25:28)

6. Resolution and Reflection (26:28–27:05)

• With the gang arrested and Buck gone, the Lone Ranger and Tonto quietly depart. Terry, now aware of the truth, is left to reconcile his feelings about his father and the sacrifice made.
• Notable quote:
  • “I always hated that name. But now it’ll mean something worthwhile to me.” — Terry, reconsidering his father’s legacy (26:54)
• The sheriff counsels Terry to accept Buck’s final act without probing too deeply:
  • “Maybe it’s best that you just take what Buck did for you without trying to find out why.” (27:05)
• Closing with the Lone Ranger’s true identity revealed by the sheriff.

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Notable Quotes, Moments, and Timestamps

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote / Moment | |------------|-----------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:29 | Gang Member | “You sure do keep your ears open, Buck. That’s right. It pays off plenty.” | | 07:58 | Terry Harris | “Then I’m really the son of a gambler and a crook? Is that it?” | | 08:32 | Mrs. Harris | “Remember your grandfather and forget about… about Buck Darby. That’s the only way.”| | 10:45 | Terry Harris | “That mask says you’re an outlaw, mister.” | | 10:51 | Lone Ranger | “We’re not outlaws. And this is the first we’ve heard about the night stage being robbed.” | | 19:26 | Buck Norton | “Cut the ropes on that bridge. Just enough to hold… until a man on horseback starts across.” | | 21:57 | Buck | “My boy. My own boy… I’ve sent them to kill my own son.” | | 25:28 | Buck | “Forgive me, my boy. Be a good lawman, like your granddad.” | | 26:54 | Terry Harris | “I always hated that name. But now it’ll mean something worthwhile to me.” | | 27:05 | Sheriff | “Maybe it’s best that you just take what Buck did for you without trying to find out why.”|

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Episode Tone and Storytelling

The episode blends suspense, classic Western action, and a heartfelt exploration of atonement and legacy. The dialogue is earnest and dramatic, true to its era—balancing gritty encounters with moments of vulnerability and redemption. The Lone Ranger himself remains reserved and principled, guiding events without the need for recognition.

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Key Takeaways

• Redemption is central: Buck Norton, once Buck Darby the outlaw, ultimately sacrifices himself to save the son he never acknowledged, atoning for past misdeeds in his final act.
• Family Legacy: Terry struggles with the shadow of his father’s crimes, but is encouraged to embrace his grandfather’s honorable legacy and his own resolve as a lawman.
• Justice, without judgment: The Lone Ranger and the sheriff urge Terry to accept the good done by Buck without obsessing over his failings.

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Recommended Segments

• [05:34–08:44] – Emotional family history and Terry’s identity.
• [10:21–11:33] – First mistaken confrontation with the Lone Ranger and Tonto.
• [19:26–23:13] – Plotting and executing the rope bridge ambush.
• [21:57–25:28] – Buck’s revelation, sacrifice, and final moments.
• [26:28–27:05] – Terry’s reflection and the episode’s resolution.

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This episode is a stand-out for its dramatic tension, emotional stakes, and the quintessential Lone Ranger combination of action and moral clarity.

Transcript

[Andrew Rines]

Foreign.

[Podcast Host]

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.

[Andrew Rines]

It's Sam.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sa.

[Narrator]

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

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. Let's go, big fellow. Silver. Away.

[Narrator]

Buck Norton, owner of the cafe in Richland, a man about 45 years old, was tough and powerfully built. He never spoke of his past and to all appearances kept within the law. But secretly, Buck bossed a gang of gunmen and planned crimes which they successfully carried out from time to time. It had been Buck's men who had and robbed an express train just outside of Richland.

[Terry Harris]

We'll soon be at Richland, Bill. Just about a mile beyond that cut we're coming to. Yeah, I'll be glad of it too. We'll have a two day layover and we'll just do it. Hey, look in the cut logs. Pile on the tracks. Holy mackerel.

[Narrator]

Must be a hold up.

[Terry Harris]

If you don't stop, we'll be wrecked. I reckon I'll have to stop. Put on the brakes. I see them. Several masked men coming from the trees. Use your gun.

[Narrator]

Later, in the back office at the cafe, Buck Norton fingered the packets of paper money on his desk as he spoke.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yep, that's a mighty nice haul. $20,000. That's just what I figured there'd be. Remember?

[Terry Harris]

How'd you guess the train was carrying those bills, Buck?

[The Lone Ranger]

Buck.

[Terry Harris]

Must be a mind reader.

[The Lone Ranger]

I didn't guess about it. The other day when I went to the bank to get small bills for the gambling room. They couldn't give me what I wanted in 10s and 20s. What's that got to do with it? Just this. Jake the banker told me he was expecting 20,000 small bills on today's train. It was then that I decided to have you boys stop the train and grab it. You sure do keep your ears open, Buck. That's right, Waco. It pays off plenty. And I'll give you Each your share of the cash, right now.

[Narrator]

Quickly, Buck made five piles of the bills. Then, putting the largest pile in his desk drawer, he spoke again.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hell. There you are, boys. 2,500 for each of you and you get 10,000. Is that it? That's your agreement with me, isn't it? You want to make anything of Jake? Oh, no, Buck.

[Terry Harris]

Forget it. I'm just thinking out loud.

[The Lone Ranger]

You better keep your thoughts to yourself after this. Grab your cash and mosey out of here one by one. When I have something else lined up, I'll let you know.

[Terry Harris]

Chino.

[Narrator]

In Flintstone, a small town 20 miles away, a young Texas Ranger dismounted before a small house on the edge of town.

[Terry Harris]

Holy ho. Easy. Hi, Mom.

[Andrew Rines]

Terry.

[Terry Harris]

Surprised to see me?

[Andrew Rines]

Yes, of course I am, son. You look handsome in that uniform.

[Terry Harris]

I completed my training at Austin. And I have my first assignment.

[Andrew Rines]

What is it, Terry?

[Terry Harris]

We've had complaints of robberies in the vicinity of Richland. Seems a gang is responsible.

[Andrew Rines]

Terry, you. You can't capture a gang of outlaws alone. It's dangerous to try. Whether they'd kill you.

[Terry Harris]

I wouldn't try to capture them alone, Mom. I'll try to get a line on them, then call on the sheriff and his men for help.

[Andrew Rines]

Terry, couldn't they send someone else? That's dangerous, Mom.

[Terry Harris]

I'm a Texas Ranger now, remember? Any assignment they might put me on would be dangerous to a certain extent. Ah, don't worry. I'll be plenty careful.

[Andrew Rines]

I do hope so.

[Terry Harris]

You.

[Andrew Rines]

You're all I have, Terry.

[Terry Harris]

Mom, you never have told me much about dad. Don't you think I'm old enough to know the facts now?

[Andrew Rines]

I suppose so.

[Terry Harris]

Go ahead, then. I'm listening.

[Andrew Rines]

There isn't much to tell, Terry. Your father left me stranded in Brownsville 20 years ago when you were only one year old.

[Terry Harris]

I always thought he was dead.

[Andrew Rines]

I. I told you that when you were a boy to turn aside your questions. Derry.

[Terry Harris]

I see. Go on.

[Andrew Rines]

At that time, he was a strong, rough man of 25. He gambled away our savings and was always getting into trouble of one kind or another. He became a member of a rough gang. And when the gang tried to rob a bank and failed, your father disappeared. I never heard from him since.

[The Lone Ranger]

Was.

[Terry Harris]

Was his name the same as mine?

[Andrew Rines]

No, Terry. His name was Buck. Buck Darby. I took back my family name of Harris for both you and me. Of course, Buck wouldn't use his real name anymore since he was hunted by the law.

[Terry Harris]

Then I'm really the son of a gambler and a Crook? Is that it?

[Andrew Rines]

Your father may have changed or he may be dead, I don't know. But you mustn't think of it that way, Terry. You're my son, Terry Harris, and I'm proud of you. My father, also named Terry Harris, was a Texas Ranger before you, son. He made a fine record for himself before he died.

[Terry Harris]

I've heard a lot about Granddad, but. Well, I thought he was Dad's father.

[Andrew Rines]

No, dear. Now you know the truth. Remember your grandfather and forget about. About Buck Darby. That's the only way.

[Terry Harris]

Yeah. Yeah, I reckon it is, Mom. But after the way he treated you.

[Andrew Rines]

He always treated me kindly, Terry, in spite of his roughness. I suppose the fear of capture and imprisonment kept him from ever coming back.

[Terry Harris]

As far as I'm concerned, he's dead.

[Andrew Rines]

Yes, I know how you feel, son. He's dead to both of us now. Well, I'll prepare supper, Terry. Then we'll talk some more.

[Terry Harris]

I'll be leaving right after supper, Mom. I have a job to do and the sooner I get started, the better.

[Narrator]

After supper, Terry Harris left his mother's home and rode toward Richland, 20 miles away. The night was clear and bright and Terry continued along the trail until a few miles from Richland. As he followed the trail along a ridge, he was startled by hearing shots down in the valley.

[Terry Harris]

Oh. Oh.

[Narrator]

Terry sat a moment, scanning the valley. Then he saw in the bright moonlight a Night Express stage which had stopped. He could make out several horsemen near it.

[Terry Harris]

Must be a stage hold up. That might be the gang I was sent to find. Get up. Get up there.

[Narrator]

As Terry turned from the trail and headed down the slope, the stage in the valley started again.

[Terry Harris]

The stage is leaving. I'll go down there and pick up the trail of those outlaws. Get up. Get up there.

[Narrator]

The young Texas Ranger followed the trail of the four crooks, but lost it after a while near a stream. For an hour he tried unsuccessfully to find the tracks again. Suddenly, as he rounded a bend, he saw a masked man on a white horse and an Indian on a paint coming toward him.

[Terry Harris]

Masked man and an Indian? Must be a couple of the crooks. Reach both of you have you covered full of a stop.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, well, a Texas Ranger.

[Terry Harris]

Don't move, either of you. That mask says you're an outlaw, mister. Must have been with the men who held up the night stage a while ago.

[The Lone Ranger]

We're not outlaws. And this is the first we've heard about the night stage being robbed.

[Terry Harris]

Isn't that right? Keep your hands up, both of you. I'LL take you to the sheriff in Richland.

[The Lone Ranger]

Just a moment. I can explain.

[Terry Harris]

Sorry. You'll explain to the sheriff. I'm taking both of you in.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger stared at the ambitious young officer with a half smile on his lips. Totto, watching the masked man closely, knew what was about to happen. The Lone Ranger signaled the great horse Silver, with his knees, then spoke. Suddenly the white stallion leaped forward, rearing and shoving against Terry's horse. Terry, for the moment, had to give his attention to the control of his horse. And at that moment, the masked man reached out and brought his stiffened hand crashing down against Terry's wrist.

[The Lone Ranger]

This will do it.

[Narrator]

The blow had been aimed in such a way as to deaden the nerves in the young man's wrist causing him to drop his gun to the ground while the Lone Ranger and Tonto hurriedly rode away. A short time later, the two men stopped some distance away.

[The Lone Ranger]

A young Texas Ranger was surprised. Toto. He must have been following the men who held up the stage. He may continue to follow the original tracks to find their hideout.

[Terry Harris]

That's right.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll circle back and pick up his trail.

[Narrator]

After the Lone Ranger and Tonto had left, Terry dismounted and picked up his gun.

[Terry Harris]

Made a fool of myself.

[Narrator]

Then remounting, he decided to continue to search for the original tracks left by the crooks at the stage.

[Terry Harris]

Get up there.

[Narrator]

Doggedly determined to find the gang's tracks again, Terry continued to search until he finally found them. Then he set out to follow them, not knowing that he too was being followed by the masked man and Indian. Dawn was breaking when Terry learned, to his disappointment that the trail entered the main street of Richland.

[Terry Harris]

Ho there. Who? The tracks I was following have been covered over. Might as well go to the hotel and get some rest. Later I'll go talk to the sheriff. Get up there.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Toto had noticed the tracks of the four horses Terry had been following. And when they realized the tracks entered the town they made camp in the woods outside of Richland and rested a few hours. During the forenoon, the Lone Ranger carefully disguised his features. Then he and Totto went to the cafe. They sat at a corner table having coffee when Terry Harris entered and approached the bar.

[The Lone Ranger]

Howdy, officer. If you want something, I'll take care of you until the barkeep gets here.

[Terry Harris]

All I want is information. Has the sheriff been in here this morning? He isn't at his office. I know.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sheriff and his men rode out of.

[Terry Harris]

Town early this morning to hunt for some outlaws to hill up the Night steeds. And they're wasting their time.

[The Lone Ranger]

How do you figure?

[Terry Harris]

There. I actually saw that hold up from on the ridge. I trailed four crooks right here to town.

[The Lone Ranger]

You don't see.

[Terry Harris]

Are you figuring on picking them up by yourself? I'm sure those crooks are in town, but their tracks were covered after they entered the main street. Hey, maybe they rode right on through town. Did you think of that? That's worth considering. I'll go to the other end of town and look around for their truck. Oh, see, I just thought the sheriff's deputy that he leaves in charge usually goes to the hotel dining room for breakfast about this time. If you want to talk to him, you might find him there now. Well, thanks. I'll go over there right away. See you later. Yeah, sure.

[The Lone Ranger]

Take care.

[Terry Harris]

Come watch the bar a minute. I have something to tell the boss.

[The Lone Ranger]

All right, let's go. Toto, I'm beginning to think we better keep close to that young Texas Ranger. Why? You think we ought follow Young Fell? I saw the way the man behind the bar watched him then. He seemed in a hurry to tell his boss about the Texas Ranger. I wouldn't be surprised to find the young fellows in danger of getting a bullet.

[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.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. The Lone Ranger's sharp eyes and keen perception had noticed the expressions on the face of the man behind the bar as he talked to Terry Harris. He mentioned something else to Toto that had caused him to be suspicious.

[The Lone Ranger]

You heard that man tell the Texas Ranger he might find the deputy at the hotel dining room. He also said the deputy always ate breakfast about this time. 10 o' clock in the morning? That's right. I saw the deputy in the dining room when we had breakfast earlier. Toto, that man who was behind the bar was at the next table with three other men. They spoke to the deputies. They left. Ah, me.

[Terry Harris]

Remember now.

[The Lone Ranger]

For some reason he wanted to delay the Texas Ranger from going to the other end of town. Perhaps long enough to arrange an ambush. Why you think that? From the man's attitude and the way he watched the young lawman. Of course, I may be wrong. What you do now? I'm going to talk to the young Texas Ranger. You wait for the horses. I'll join you there later. Me wait?

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger, in his disguise as a cowhand, met Terry Harris as the young Texas Ranger came from the hotel.

[The Lone Ranger]

Morning, officer.

[Terry Harris]

Good morning. I was Told the deputy sheriff might be in the hotel dining room.

[The Lone Ranger]

I saw him there some time ago. He may have gone to find the sheriff and the posse. If he isn't at the sheriff's office.

[Terry Harris]

Thanks. That's possible.

[The Lone Ranger]

I saw you in the cafe talking to the fellow who was behind the bar.

[Terry Harris]

I did talk to him. Why are you interested?

[The Lone Ranger]

Let's say, as a citizen who wants to see those outlaws caught.

[Terry Harris]

That's commendable.

[The Lone Ranger]

You look like a Texas Ranger I used to know. Of course, you're younger.

[Terry Harris]

Oh, that must have been my grandfather. Terry Harris. That's my name too.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see. Yes, it was Terry Harris I knew. Now, if you need help, someone to ride with you. Terry.

[Terry Harris]

Thanks, but I'll be able to handle things very well. If you'll excuse me, I must be on my way. Perhaps we'll meet again soon, Mr. Smith will do. Well, goodbye, Mr. Smith.

[The Lone Ranger]

Adios.

[Narrator]

A few moments later, the Lone Ranger joined Toto between the buildings where the Indian was waiting with Silver and Scout.

[The Lone Ranger]

You didn't have to wait long, Totto. That's right. I spoke to the Texas Ranger. His name is Terry Harris Kimasabi. Yes, we know old fellow in Texas Ranger by that name.

[Terry Harris]

Him die year?

[The Lone Ranger]

Two years ago. Yes. That was this fellow's grandfather. The old man told me about his grandson before he died. Seems the boy's real name is Terry Darby. He has his mother's name now. His father was Buck Darby, an outlaw. Him know that? I don't know. But I want to see Terry make good as a Texas Ranger. We go now. Follow young fellow? Not yet. From here we have a view of the grove behind the cafe where several horses are hitched. We'll wait and watch.

[Narrator]

Meantime, the man who had talked to Terry had entered Buck Norton's office. He told Buck about the Texas Ranger.

[Terry Harris]

I suggested he go to the other end of town and look for the tracks in case the crooks rode on through.

[The Lone Ranger]

Has he gone there?

[Terry Harris]

No, not yet.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sam, get Jake, Waco and Kel. Ride your horses to the end of town right now. And leave a clear trail to the rope bridge across narrow gorge here. Then what? Right across. Then cut the ropes on that bridge. Cut them only part way through. Just enough to hold. That is until a man on horseback starts across.

[Terry Harris]

Holy smoke. He got onto the bridge. It would break and throw him into the gorge.

[The Lone Ranger]

Uh huh. An accident. And he wouldn't live to tell about it.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Toto watched as the four crooks went to the grove behind the cafe and mounted.

[The Lone Ranger]

We follow Him? No. We'll wait until we see Terry Harris ride toward the other end of the town and we'll follow him.

[Narrator]

Five minutes later, Terry Harris rode past on his way to the other end of town. The Lone Ranger and Tonto mounted and rode some distance behind.

[Terry Harris]

Come.

[Narrator]

As they rode from between the buildings, the Lone Ranger and Toto didn't realize that Buck Norton had seen them. And suspicious that they might be following the Texas Ranger and the gunman, Buck hurried out to get his horse.

[The Lone Ranger]

If those two arm brace are fixing to interfere, they're gonna surprise themselves.

[Narrator]

Easy there.

[Terry Harris]

That.

[Narrator]

Buck didn't follow the Lone Ranger and Tonto. Instead, he turned off and took a shortcut and was waiting in ambush in time to see Terry ride by. Soon the Lone Ranger and Toto came around a bend. Buck, with gun in hand, rode out in front of them.

[The Lone Ranger]

Whoa. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Hoyt, stop where you are.

[Narrator]

Reach.

[The Lone Ranger]

I figure you're following somebody. Maybe the Texas Ranger who went by a while ago, huh? Yes. We're following him because we believe he's in danger. If you're a friend of Terry Harris's, you better go along with us. Did you say Terry Harris? That's right. The Texas Ranger's name is Terry Harris.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger didn't know Buck, and he was puzzled for a moment as a strange expression crossed the man's face.

[The Lone Ranger]

Then Buck said, what was that fellow's grandfather? A man by the same name. A Texas Ranger. That's right.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tonto were both startled by Buck's next words.

[The Lone Ranger]

My boy. My own boy. Wait a minute. Yes, Terry does resemble you. You must be Buck Darby. Yes. Known in Richland as Buck Norton. I own the cafe there. The cafe? Those four men, they came from the cafe. I sent them out to get that Texas Ranger. I've sent them to kill my own son like. We must stop them. Yes, yes. But it's too late to catch up with him. We'll take a shortcut to the other side of the rope bridge. They're going to fix it to fall. Show us away, and hurry. Get it back. Come on.

[Narrator]

Buck's gunmen had crossed the rope bridge and after hiding their horses in the woods, they quickly cut the ropes of the bridge partway through, leaving just enough strands to hold it without additional weight. Then the four gunmen walked back among the trees. They could see the trail along the other side of the narrow gorge. And soon Jake pointed, saying, look, there.

[Terry Harris]

He comes along a trail over there.

[The Lone Ranger]

In a few minutes, he'll reach the.

[Terry Harris]

Bridge and start Across. I'd sure hate to be him. Hey, Jake. Somebody's coming up behind us on this side of the gorge. Kill Waco. Get your guns handy. We'll step out and make him stop. Come on, stop. Stop, or we'll drill you. Hey, it's a boss. Oh, those armories with you, Buck?

[The Lone Ranger]

Forget them. We have to stop that Texas Ranger. Don't let him cross.

[Terry Harris]

He's getting close to the bridge now.

[Narrator]

And he's gonna cross like you planned.

[The Lone Ranger]

Buck. Yeah.

[Terry Harris]

What are you trying to pull?

[The Lone Ranger]

Terry. Terry, don't cross. Stay back.

[Terry Harris]

Why, you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hold it.

[Terry Harris]

Hey, Buck's gone loco. He's turned against us. Keep him back. Fellas. The Texas Ranger's about to cross.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get out of my way, Jake.

[Terry Harris]

Oh, my leg. Gun him. It's up to us. Waco, you not shoot.

[The Lone Ranger]

You drop that gun. Drop it.

[Terry Harris]

I'll drop you, you dirty coyote.

[The Lone Ranger]

Try it.

[Narrator]

During the fighting, Buck sprang from his horse. He saw that Terry was urging his horse toward the rope ridge. Buck ran toward the weakened span. Once more, the Lone Ranger shouted, terry, go back.

[The Lone Ranger]

Stay off the bridge.

[Narrator]

He saw Terry stop at the other end of the bridge. While the young Texas Ranger hesitated, the masked man suddenly realized what Buck Norton intended to do. He urged Silver forward.

[Terry Harris]

Buck, come back.

[The Lone Ranger]

Wait.

[Narrator]

But Buck ran unheeding onto the swaying bridge before the Lone Ranger could reach him. Buck had gone several yards onto the bridge. Then the structure gave way with a resounding crash. The sheriff and his posse, who were in the vicinity, heard the shooting and soon appeared on the scene. Terry Harris found a rocky path down into the gorge from the other side. While some of the sheriff's men bandaged the wounded gunman, the Lone Ranger, with Toto and the sheriff also made their way down into the gorge. They met Terry beside the badly injured man. Buck.

[Terry Harris]

It might have been I who fell if this man hadn't run onto the bridge. By golly, it's Buck Norton.

[The Lone Ranger]

Buck.

[Terry Harris]

Buck.

[The Lone Ranger]

He's very badly injured, sheriff.

[Terry Harris]

Yeah, but I don't savvy why a smart man like Buck would run onto that bridge if he knew the crooks up there had cut the ropes.

[The Lone Ranger]

He had a reason, I'm sure. Buck. Buck, can you hear me? Yeah. Yeah, mister, I hear you. I. I couldn't let him go under the bridge.

[Terry Harris]

Mister, you. You saved my life. I don't know why you did, but. Well, I'll never forget you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thanks. Thanks, Terry.

[Terry Harris]

He knows my name.

[The Lone Ranger]

He heard me call you by name.

[Terry Harris]

That must be it. He's a brave man.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah.

[Terry Harris]

But the crooks up there. Said he was their leader. He planned the whole thing. Leader of the outlaws. I don't know why he wanted to save me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Forgive me, my boy. Be a good lawman, like. Like your granddad.

[Terry Harris]

Easy.

[The Lone Ranger]

Easy, Bucket. Terry, you take my hand. Of course. Thanks. Thanks, Terry. I wish I could tell you that he's gone.

[Terry Harris]

Yeah. Now I'll never know why he did this for me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Perhaps he once had a boy like you, Terry. At the last minute, he couldn't let you be killed.

[Terry Harris]

I. I'm glad I didn't get the chance to turn him in for his crimes.

[The Lone Ranger]

He atoned in part for what he's done in the past. We'll help you get into town along with the other sheriff.

[Narrator]

Later, after Buck's body had been taken to town and the crooks had been jailed, the Lone Ranger and Tottle were about to take their leave in the sheriff's office.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tato and I'll be leaving now, Sheriff. I suppose Terry will wait here for the trial.

[Terry Harris]

You and the Indians sure did a lot, mister. Yes, they did. I'm grateful to both of you. And of course, I'll always be grateful to Buck Norton. My. My father's name was Buck.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see.

[Terry Harris]

I always hated that name. But now it'll mean something worthwhile to me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, I'm glad. Goodbye, Terry. Goodbye, Sheriff. Goodbye. Someday we meet again, I hope. Let's go tell him.

[Terry Harris]

I'm sure thankful for the way this turned out, Sheriff. But I'll always be puzzled by two things. Why Buck Norton did what he did, and why that tall man on the white stallion did so much for me. Well, Terry, maybe it's best that you just take what Buck did for you without trying to find out why. As for that tall fellow on the white stallion, well, he usually wears a mask, but he was in disguise when you saw him. He did what he could to help. Because he's 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 Beame.

[Podcast 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 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.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sam.