Barbed Wire | The Lone Ranger (07-24-50)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Episode Summary – "Barbed Wire | The Lone Ranger"

Released on February 25, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast, host Andrew Rhynes transports listeners back to the golden age of radio with a digitally restored rendition of a classic Lone Ranger adventure titled "Barbed Wire." This episode masterfully blends enhanced audio quality with timeless storytelling, immersing the audience in the thrilling escapades of the legendary masked hero and his faithful companion, Tonto.

---

Plot Overview

The narrative unfolds in the bustling Cactus City, where Smiley Phillips, a tenacious reporter for the Daily Star, becomes entangled in a sinister plot orchestrated by the unscrupulous attorney, Cassius Holt. Together, they conspire to eliminate Sheriff Hubbard and Colonel Mitchell to seize control of the newspaper, thereby gaining the power to blackmail influential figures in the town.

Key Characters:

• The Lone Ranger: The enigmatic masked hero dedicated to upholding justice in the Wild West.
• Tonto: The Lone Ranger’s loyal Native American companion.
• Smiley Phillips: A resourceful reporter with a knack for uncovering secrets.
• Cassius Holt: A morally corrupt attorney with a hidden agenda.
• Sheriff Hubbard: The town’s honest lawman, targeted by the antagonists.
• Colonel Mitchell: The editor of the Daily Star, whose integrity is called into question.

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Detailed Synopsis

1. The Conspiracy Unveiled (05:11 – 07:09)

   Smiley Phillips meets privately with Cassius Holt, who reveals his plan to manipulate Colonel Mitchell into publicly challenging Sheriff Hubbard to a duel. This confrontation is designed to tarnish the sheriff’s reputation and eliminate him from power. Holt elaborates:

   Cassius Holt [05:26]: "I have some surprising news for you. Of course I shouldn't tell it. To do so makes me guilty of a breach of professional ethics."
   (05:26)

   The duo aims to leverage the ensuing scandal to take over the Daily Star and exploit its influence for blackmail purposes.

2. Setting the Trap (09:28 – 11:27)

   Colonel Mitchell prepares an editorial challenge to Sheriff Hubbard, accusing him of corruption. Unbeknownst to the sheriff, Holt and Phillips have spiked his gun to ensure his downfall during the duel. Holt instructs Smiley on the sabotaging method:

   Cassius Holt [11:03]: "Drive cactus spines into the six nipples on which the percussion caps fit. That will keep the caps from touching off the powder charges in the cylinder chambers and make him a perfect setup for the sheriff."
   (11:09)

   This meticulous plan guarantees that the Colonel's gun will malfunction, making the sheriff appear negligent or malicious.

3. The Duel and Its Aftermath (13:09 – 21:32)

   On the day of the duel, tensions in Cactus City reach a boiling point. The Lone Ranger and Tonto arrive just in time to witness the orchestrated confrontation. As Colonel Mitchell fires his gun, only the percussion caps detonate, leading to the Colonel’s untimely demise. The immediate aftermath sees Smiley and Holt scheming to cover their tracks, but their plans begin to unravel.

   Key moments include:

   • Colonel Mitchell's Final Words:

     Smiley Phillips [13:22]: "Be a scourge of evil doers. Now, goodbye."
     (13:22)

   • Revelation of the Spiked Gun:

     Smiley Phillips [16:35]: "This thing will hang you and Smiley for the sneaking killer's yard."
     (27:00)

4. The Lone Ranger's Intervention (24:04 – 30:07)

   As suspicion mounts, the Lone Ranger intervenes to uncover the truth behind the Colonel’s death. Through meticulous investigation, he discovers the spiked gun and exposes the treachery of Smiley Phillips and Cassius Holt. In a dramatic confrontation, Smiley's own tampered pistol backfires, leading to his demise and the collapse of the conspirators' scheme.

   Highlights include:

   • Confrontation with Cassius Holt:

     Smiley Phillips [25:01]: "We're here on business, not you and that Indian. You were hired to kill me."
     (24:42)

   • Final Showdown:

     Smiley Phillips [29:46]: "What happened."
     (29:46)

   The Lone Ranger ensures justice prevails, restoring honor to Sheriff Hubbard and dismantling the corruption within Cactus City.

---

Notable Quotes

• Cassius Holt on Ethics:

  "I have some surprising news for you. Of course I shouldn't tell it. To do so makes me guilty of a breach of professional ethics."
  (05:26)

• Smiley Phillips on the Duel:

  "A duel. In tomorrow's paper I shall print a statement saying that at 12 noon that day and each day following, I propose to walk down the middle of Main Street in the hope of meeting and shooting that."
  (09:17)

• Colonel Mitchell Before His Demise:

  "I have a secret. No, no, I won't tell it now. But if it should happen that I don't return, I want you to remain true to the tradition of fearless journalism."
  (13:22)

• Cassius Holt on Trust:

  "I still don't. But I advise you not to try any gunplay. I'm a man who knows how to protect himself."
  (20:56)

---

Conclusion

"Barbed Wire | The Lone Ranger" is a testament to the enduring allure of Western radio dramas. Through its compelling narrative and richly developed characters, the episode encapsulates the eternal struggle between good and evil. Andrew Rhynes' dedication to digital restoration shines through, offering listeners an authentic and immersive experience that honors the legacy of classic Westerns while elevating them with modern audio enhancements.

For those new to the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast, this episode serves as an excellent entry point, showcasing the intricate plots, moral dilemmas, and heroic feats that define the genre. Whether you're a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, "Barbed Wire | The Lone Ranger" promises an enthralling journey into the heart of the Wild West.

---

Join the Adventure

Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, follow us on Facebook, and join our community to unlock exclusive content and become one of our esteemed ranch hands. For more information, visit otrwesterns.com or contact us at [e-mail].

Happy listening!

Transcript

[Smiley Phillips]

Ch Ch.

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[Colonel Mitchell]

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]

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[Narrator]

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[Cassius Holt]

Sit down, Smiley. I was about to send for you.

[Smiley Phillips]

But I suppose you want a story kept out of the paper. No.

[Cassius Holt]

I have some surprising news for you. Of course I shouldn't tell it. To do so makes me guilty of a breach of professional ethics.

[Smiley Phillips]

You've been guilty of a lot of things. You weren't disbarred from the practice of law in the east for nothing.

[Cassius Holt]

And you weren't fired from a New York paper for nothing except blackmail.

[Smiley Phillips]

We've been over that before. Now spill your secret.

[Cassius Holt]

Last night I drew a will for your boss, Colonel Mitchell.

[Smiley Phillips]

He has no relatives, so where will his property go to?

[Cassius Holt]

You?

[Smiley Phillips]

Me? Oh, cash, this is great. The Star alone is worth a lot of money with. Wait. Colonels have to live for another 20 or 30 years. In spite of the fact he was shot through the chest during the Civil War.

[Cassius Holt]

Hasn't it occurred to you that his life could be shortened?

[Smiley Phillips]

Yes, but as his heir, I'd be.

[Narrator]

Suspected of murdering him.

[Smiley Phillips]

Sheriff Hubbard would jail me quicker than you can say habeas corpus.

[Cassius Holt]

Smiley, I've done a lot of thinking about that will. It presents opportunities for both of us.

[Smiley Phillips]

How do you figure it out?

[Cassius Holt]

My safe is filled with blackmailing material. Nearly every rich rancher and mining man around here has a skeleton in his closet. The cattle kings got their start as rustlers. The mine operators were claim jumpers, and some were killers. Once the Daily Star is yours, we can use it to blackmail them out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

[Smiley Phillips]

We couldn't get away with that or anything else. As long as Newt Hubbard is sheriff.

[Cassius Holt]

I've thought up a scheme that will eliminate him and colonel Mitchell at the same time. By working things right, we can put the sheriff in a position where he'll have to shoot the colonel.

[Narrator]

Some weeks later, the Lone Ranger and Toto were camped in the mountains a day's ride from Cactus City. Looking up from a copy of the Daily Star, which Tonto had obtained at a nearby stage station, the masked man remarked.

[Smiley Phillips]

Otto, our old friend Sheriff Hubbard is in trouble.

[Narrator]

What happens?

[Smiley Phillips]

This newspaper is viciously attacking him. The editor, colonel Mitchell, accuses him of being cowardly, incompetent and crooked. Oh, editor.

[Cassius Holt]

Wrong.

[Smiley Phillips]

I'd stake my life on that. Personal journalism in the west has reached a point where even the best men are slandered. The menace to good government. All right, let's break, Captain. And where we go? Cactor City. We help Sheriff Hubbard once. Perhaps we can help him again.

[Narrator]

As the Lone Ranger and Topple prepared for the trip, Smiley Phillips squeezed into Sheriff Hubbard's office.

[Smiley Phillips]

Hi, Sheriff.

[Narrator]

The lawman greeted him affably.

[Smiley Phillips]

How do, Smiley? Take your weight off your feet. Oh, thanks, Sheriff. You know, I can't understand why you allow a reporter for the Star to come into your office. Shook Smiley, I'm an understanding sort. I don't blame you for what Colonel Mitchell writes about me. I know your job is just getting news about shootings and such. I. I hate to tell you this, but in today's paper the Colonel will have an editorial claiming that you stuff the ballot boxes in order to get elected. No, I won't win for name calling. Sheriff has to expect abuse. Don't serve me where the Colonel is, blackguarding me. Well, just between us, I wouldn't stand for the kind of slander the Colonel's printing about you. I'd shoot him on sight. So would every other man in the territory. Maybe so, but I don't break any laws. In spite of what he says, I do my darndest to enforce him. You must be thick skinned, Sheriff. Well see you again.

[Narrator]

A few minutes later, Smiley was in conference with Colonel Mitchell, an ex army officer of reckless courage but poor judgment who had put aside the sword for the pen. He had not, however, discarded his six shooter. It was a cap and ball Colt, a Dragoon model of 1861. And it lay on his desk within.

[Smiley Phillips]

Easy reach as he asked Smiley, did you see that paltroon who wears a sheriff's badge? I just came from him, Colonel. Of course you realize that I have to keep on friendly terms with him in order to get more evidence of his unfitness for officers. Yes, you've convinced me of that. And remains for me to convince the public the lily livered scoundrel must be driven out of Cactus City. He feels the same way about you. I gathered. He claimed that you've been sneaking down alleys to avoid meeting him. What? No man can speak like that of me and live. I'll publicly challenge him to a duel. A duel. In tomorrow's paper I shall print a statement saying that at 12 noon that day and each day following, I propose to walk down the middle of Main street in the hope of meeting and shooting that.

[Narrator]

While Colonel Mitchell raked the English language for the high flown phrases popular in that day, Smiley hurried to Cassius Holt's law office. Bursting in upon his fellow plotter, he.

[Smiley Phillips]

Exclaimed, cash, it worked out. Justice, you play. I told you it would. The Colonel is going to force the sheriff's hand by challenging him to a duel on Main Street.

[Cassius Holt]

Excellent. Will the Colonel be armed with his cap and ball revolver as I anticipated?

[Narrator]

Naturally.

[Smiley Phillips]

Look here. That gun is reliable and accurate. I've seen him use it to shoot the flame from a candle at 50ft. You know, there's a good chance that he'll kill the sheriff instead of getting killed.

[Cassius Holt]

I thought of that. I want you to spike his gun.

[Smiley Phillips]

Spike it? How?

[Cassius Holt]

He doesn't carry it in the holster. You ought to be able to get hold of it before he leaves the Star office.

[Smiley Phillips]

I can do that.

[Narrator]

Then what?

[Cassius Holt]

Drive cactus spines into the six nipples on which the percussion caps fit. That will keep the caps from touching off the powder charges in the cylinder chambers and make him a perfect setup for the sheriff.

[Smiley Phillips]

Cash, you think of everything.

[Cassius Holt]

Indeed I do, Smiley. Right now I'm thinking of a way to keep you from double crossing me.

[Smiley Phillips]

Why, I wouldn't do that.

[Cassius Holt]

I don't trust you. You smile too much.

[Narrator]

On the following morning, the Star carried the Colonel's challenge under a banner headline. Sheriff Hubbard and his chief deputy, Bill Lyons read it together. At the jail.

[Smiley Phillips]

The deputy was saying, sheriff, you have to meet him or quit your job. Well, meet the Colonel, but I won't fight a duel. I have a resting.

[Narrator]

It lacked but a few minutes of being noon when the Lone Ranger and Trottle rode up to the crest of a high hill overlooking Cactus City. There they drew rein, unaware that colonel Mitchell's editorial attacks on the sheriff had reached a climax that threatened gunplay. They gaze down on the town topple pointed place.

[Smiley Phillips]

Look. Plenty quiet. Yes, too quiet. There isn't a man on the sidewalks or a horse at the hitch racks. Imasabe me see people let them all look out of doors, windows, round corners of buildings. They seem to be expecting trouble. And what we do? I want to keep my presence a secret. At least until I've talked with the Sheriff. So we'll go on to the edge of town. I'll wait there while you find out what's going on.

[Narrator]

At that moment, colonel Mitchell entered his office and found Smiley waiting beside the editorial desk. Picking up his gun, he looked at the shiny new priming caps. The smiling reporter's expression did not change as he asked.

[Smiley Phillips]

Colonel Line you. You sure your gun's in order? Yes. It couldn't be otherwise. Just before I went to the cafe. I oiled it, recharged it and put on new priming caps. Well, it's almost 12. Give me your hand, my boy. I have a secret. No, no, I won't tell it now. But if it should happen that I don't return, I want you to remain true to the tradition of fearless journalism. Be a scourge of evil doers. Now, goodbye. Goodbye, Colonel. Believe me, my heart and soul are in your gun today. My heart and soul and six cactus meals.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, the sheriff had stationed himself in the center of the street a block away. He stood with his legs wide apart, his hands hanging loosely at his sides. His one gun was holstered. Seeing the colonel emerge from the Star Building, he called to his chief deputy, who had posted himself on the walk nearby.

[Smiley Phillips]

Stay out of this meal. It's my job. Right. But don't give him more than an even break.

[Narrator]

From places of safety, hundreds of townspeople watched with bated breath. The deathly silence was broken only by the sound of the colonel's footsteps. He advanced on the sheriff with a measured tread of a soldier holding himself proudly erect. His gun hung barreled down from his right hand. As the distance between the two men shrank to 20 paces, the colonel paused and called the fug.

[Smiley Phillips]

You're under arrest. For what? Disturbing the peace. You can't hide behind your bands, you craven reprobate. When I reach the stone in front of you, I shall fire.

[Narrator]

As the colonel continued his fateful march, the sheriff slipped his gun from its holster but did not raise it again. The challenger stopped.

[Smiley Phillips]

Up with your gun. I'm firing.

[Narrator]

As he spoke, the colonel aimed and triggered his long barreled Army Colt. The hammer fell. Only the percussion cap exploded. The colonel's face was red with fury as he growled.

[Smiley Phillips]

Don't try that again. Give me your gun.

[Tonto]

Never.

[Smiley Phillips]

I'm sorry, Colonel. You had two chances. All right, get up. You're not badly hurt. I was waiting. The rest of you people stand back.

[Narrator]

As the sheriff kept the crowd back, Doc Harlow knelt beside the fallen man. Taking off his tall hat, he uncoiled the stethoscope, which he always carried in it. After applying the instrument to the Colonel's breast for a short time, he pronounced.

[Smiley Phillips]

This man is dead. Why, Doc, that can't be. I aimed at the colonel's shoulder. You've made a mistake. He's alive. Well, if he's alive, so is Julius Caesar. Here's some of you fellas. Put him on a shutter and carry him to my office. I'll take the Colonel's gun. I Want yours too, Sheriff. Megan. What for? I'm the coroner, remember? All right.

[Narrator]

Dig it.

[Smiley Phillips]

Mean coroner. It's my legal right and duty to hold you for the inquest. Sheriff. You're under arrest.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger adventure. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Narrator]

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[Sheriff Hubbard]

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[Tonto]

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[Sheriff Hubbard]

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[Tonto]

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[Smiley Phillips]

It's now to continue.

[Narrator]

It was a little later when Tottle, who had witnessed the death of Colonel Mitchell and the rest of the sheriff, rejoined the Lone Ranger and told what had happened. Meanwhile, the ever smiling reporter had gone to Cash Holt's law office to discuss the next steps in their plot.

[Smiley Phillips]

He was saying, the coroner has the Colonel's gun. Even if he finds it a worse spike, the sheriff will get the blame.

[Cassius Holt]

I agree.

[Smiley Phillips]

And now let's get that will probated.

[Cassius Holt]

No, you don't want to draw public attention to yourself yet.

[Smiley Phillips]

Well, I've got to keep the paper.

[Cassius Holt]

Going as the Most capable man on the staff. You'll be expected to do that pending administration of the estate.

[Smiley Phillips]

Then I'll take charge and get out a special edition.

[Cassius Holt]

By the way, Smiley, you're in a position now where you need a gun handy.

[Smiley Phillips]

You know, I've always thought it's smarter to pack a grin than a gun. It's more disarming.

[Cassius Holt]

You can't work a blackmail scheme in the west without more protection than that. I always keep a.45 on my desk. Here's a.41 caliber double barreled derringer pistol that you can carry in your pocket at all times. I'm making you a present of it.

[Smiley Phillips]

Thanks. First gun I ever had. Be careful, it's loaded.

[Cassius Holt]

Never look down the barrel of a gun. You may shoot yourself.

[Smiley Phillips]

Aren't you afraid I'll use it on you? You said you didn't trust me.

[Cassius Holt]

I still don't. But I advise you not to try any gunplay. I'm a man who knows how to protect himself.

[Narrator]

Last night, the sheriff and his chief deputy in whose custody he had been placed, sat at a table in the jail office. The coroner had just arrived. As he took off his tall hat and mopped his forehead, he said, sheriff.

[Smiley Phillips]

I thought I could clear you at the inquest tomorrow.

[Narrator]

Now, I don't know.

[Smiley Phillips]

I found that your bullet only hit the colonel's shoulder. The little what blazes killed him?

[Cassius Holt]

The shock.

[Smiley Phillips]

An old Civil War wound that weakened his heart. Well, that makes me feel some better. Don't help you in any other way. People are saying you took advantage of a Civil War hero who had only a ball and cap gun. They call it murder. I say. Look there, masked man. And take your hand off your gun. Bill. They're fringe of mine. You heard of your trouble, Sheriff? How can we help? Mister, I'm sure glad to see you in Tatu. I never needed you more. But it don't look like there's a thing you can do for me. Tato saw the shooting. He says you let colonel Mitchell snap his gun at you before you fired. I did. But I couldn't take another chance when his gun not firing. Hey, reckon he had some old priming caps on. It isn't like an ex officer to put old caps on a gun he expected to use in a duel. Oh. Where's the gun? Right here on the table. We're holding it for the inquest. May I see it? Go ahead. Here you are. This gun's in excellent condition. The copper caps are as bright as any that just came out of a Box. What are you. What are you doing? Cutting the cylinder and taking off the caps. Every nipple has been plugged, apparently with cactus spines. No wonder it wouldn't shoot Jarrett. Both you and the girl have been victims of a cunning plot. Somebody wanted him killed and arranged it so that you had to do the shooting. The masked man is right. But it won't help your case, Sheriff. In fact, it'll make it worse. If I let the inquest jury see that gun, they'll figure you manage somehow to spot it. Does the Colonel have any enemies? None I know about. I didn't even hate him. Well, who stands to gain by his death? Nobody. He didn't have any ears. You must have it through Winger. Please see somebody coming. We'll step into the back room. Smiley isn't Doc. What Sheriff Hubbard doing outside of cell? You better lock up that killer and keep him locked up, or I'll use my paper to run you out of town. Your paper? Did you see? Yes, I said it. You might as well know now as later that the Colonel willed me all his property. I don't believe it. I heard him say once that he figured to leave everything to an old soldier's home. Well, that was before I went to work for him. Where is that will you're talking about? Cash hold has it in his law office. Why, there's Shachter. He probably forged it for you.

[Narrator]

As the argument continued, the Lone Ranger touched Toto's arm and the two men moved silently through a door to an alley where they had left their horses. Mayor, the masked man said, talk won't.

[Smiley Phillips]

Solve the sheriff's problem. He can't work on it. The coroner isn't a real lawman. We'll have to act. And what we do. That reporter had a chance to spike the gun. The will gave him a reason to do it. We're going after the will. Maybe that get us in plenty of trouble. We'll take that chance for the sheriff's sake. You know where Lawyer Holt has his office to show you? This way. Good.

[Narrator]

A few minutes later, the greedy little lawyer was roused from a dream of power plunder by a knock on his door. Expecting a visit from Smiley, he unlocked and opened it. Then he backed over to his desk with a gasp.

[Smiley Phillips]

Masked man, City ho. We're here on business, not you and that Indian. You were hired to kill me. And I know who hired you. Why, he'll hang for it. I fix it so he will. We won't harm you. All we want you to do is show us. Colonel Mitchell's will. Of course. You want the will for that double crosser. What double crosser? You know his wife as I do.

[Narrator]

As he spoke, the lawyer slid one of his hands into the litter of papers on his desk. Then it's Snake Dog. With a gun that had lain concealed bleeding upon him. Colonel forced the gun upward. Just as the hammer fell. Plaster showered down on the struggling men.

[Smiley Phillips]

Holt was shrieking for me. Break your arm. Don't tris it anymore. I'll be quiet. I've taken his gun. Toto. Let go of it. He let go. You stand still, fella. Suppose when we came here we would have been satisfied with learning who witnessed that will. But your fear of being murdered by an accomplice has exposed you as being a crook yourself. Are you and Smiley Phillips behind the gun plot that cost the colonel his life? I'm through talking. Oh, those yells and that shot must have been heard. You'll have to work fast searching for the key to be safe. You'll pay for this. Him got something on string. Round neck. Little bag with paper in it. A key in paper. Good. Give me the key. You take it. Me look at paper. Put that back, you redskin. Put it back around. Paper. Try swallow it back. It's that important to him. I want to see it. You take it and me keep him quiet. I'll read it after I try that key on the safe. The whole town will be here after you outlaw us in a minute. Where did you get out? While you can keep it. Kim. Yes? I'm getting the safe unlocked. Better.

[Narrator]

As the Lone Ranger searched the strong box, a citizen who had heard the shot and peered through a window spread word through the town that a holdup was in progress.

[Smiley Phillips]

In cash.

[Narrator]

Holt's office. Armed men began to gather outside. Hearing the hubbub, the masked man abandoned his examination of the lawyer's files and got to his feet.

[Smiley Phillips]

Hello. We're trapped. That sound that way. And what you find? The will, which seems to have been duly witnessed and notarized. And actually bequeaths of property to Smiley Phillips. Also a lot of stuff which could be used for blackmail. Let's not help us or sheriff. I'm afraid not. I'll take a look at the paper.

[Narrator]

Hold tried to swallow.

[Smiley Phillips]

Or you'll kill me. What they do kill us. Heavy. Get down, fellow. You follow the other side. Hold your fire and get your lawmen. We'll surrender to them. They're coming. Now. What's going on here? We got you out loud. I'm the mask. I've seen them through the window. Mask man, we're coming in. Come on, D. Bring the chair. Now what this rocket's all about. That masked man and Indian help me up and rob my safe. See it's open and my papers are pulled out. Get your hands up, you two. Farewell, Deputy. Hello, freshman named Mighty, sir. You got yourself encountered into this mess by trying to help me. Now we're all shot. Turn the vomit over to hospital. Give me a chance to say something. Now what is it? Look at this paper I have in my hand. We found it in a bag Holt carried on his neck. It's mine. They stole it. Now get it back. Well, maybe I should. No. Read it, Deputy. The criminal's confession. You have a right to know what's in it. I'll show you if you do. Hi, Jing. I'll read it anyhow. I, Cassius Holt, in the belief that I may be murdered by Smiley Phillips, due hereby deport. Holt is crazy. I never had the idea of murdering him. Go on, Bill. Well, this statement says that Holt told Smiley about colonel Mitchell's will. And then Smiley asked the Colonel into a feud with the Sheriff by telling lies. And when it got to the dueling point, he spiked the Colonel's gun. Holt and Smiley plan to use the paper to blackmail people after getting the Colonel killed by the sheriff. Why, of all the vicious pots ever hatched, that's the worst. But why did Holt write such a thing and carry it? Because he was mortally afraid of Smiley. He thought tonight that Smiley had hired Tuttle and me to kill him. By carrying that confession on his body, he hoped to hang his accomplice in the event of being murdered. I didn't write it. Don't tell me that I've been looking at your legal papers too long not to know. Your hand. This thing will hang you and Smiley for the sneaking killer's yard.

[Narrator]

Smiled on his laugh from the derringer in his hand. The reporter rushed toward the crowded doorway. As the crowd fell back with exclamations of fear. The Lone Ranger, who had been standing with hands up, leaped to block his escape. One of the masked man's hands dropped to a gun buster. The reporter whirled just as the Lone Ranger's gun cleared leather. The twin barrels of smiling pistol were within inches of the masked man's heart. When the hammer fell, a body hit the floor. But it was not the Lone Ranger who fell. Smiley was on the floor, feebly repeating.

[Smiley Phillips]

What happened. His pistol backfired, apparently driving the lock and breach into his own chassis. No Bullets came out of the barrels or I would have been killed. I don't serve me. There are the barrels I just found on the floor. They're both plugged with oversized bullets which were driven in from the muzzle end. No wonder the gun blew apart. Oh, listen to what Smiley's saying.

[Narrator]

Holt gave me a gun, wanted me killed.

[Smiley Phillips]

Double cross. Well, we've got another body for the inquest. Oh. Oh, you must hurry. Look, lawyer fellow, paint tie. Look. Hey, Rick. And that's poor Cat will have to be carried to the gallows in a chair. He's plum yellow, but he knew all the gun tricks. Why do you suppose he gave Smiley a plug gun? He probably expected the reporter to turn the gun on him sooner or later. Figured out a perfect plan for committing murder and protecting himself against his confederate. But he outsmarted himself.

[Narrator]

Right now, Ian.

[Smiley Phillips]

Quite. Won't be anything but a formality, Irishman. I owe you another big debt now. I wish there was something I could do to repay. There is, Sheriff. Just keep on being the kind of lawman who is making the West a better place in which to live. Mon, Sheriff, who is that madman? Well, as I mind, I asked that same question once of another lawman. He told me like I'm telling you. He's the Lone Ranger.

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[Sheriff Hubbard]

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[Tonto]

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[Narrator]

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

[Colonel Mitchell]

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 the following ranch hand 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. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

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