Best Laid Plans | The Lone Ranger (02-20-52)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Best Laid Plans | The Lone Ranger (02-20-52)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Airdate: September 19, 2025 (original radio date: February 20, 1952)

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Overview

This episode transports listeners into the tense world of Sunset Valley, where the classic Western conflict between ranchers and homesteaders simmers towards a boil right before a pivotal election. At the heart of the story is Chick Thompson, a rancher with a wild reputation, who is unexpectedly drawn to Mary Seaton, the spirited new schoolteacher—and sister to a prominent homesteader. The notorious Red Gordon and Ben Chalmers conspire to swing the election for sheriff in their favor, resorting to manipulation, intimidation, and a murder plot. It’s up to the Lone Ranger and his loyal companion Tonto to uncover and thwart their “best laid plans,” ensuring justice prevails for all residents—be they farmers or cattlemen.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Opening Setup in Sunset Valley

• Lone Ranger and Tonto Arrive: The episode begins with the masked hero and his friend dodging rifle fire as they enter a contested area near election time ([04:33]).
• Tension Between Ranchers and Homesteaders: The valley is divided; the powerful cattlemen Ben Chalmers (Bar X) and Chick Thompson (Lazy T) are stirring up hostilities, mainly backing Red Gordon for sheriff and hoping to drive out homesteaders.

2. The Schoolteacher Arrives

• Mary Seaton’s Introduction ([07:22]): Her stagecoach breaks down and she’s aided by a charming cowboy—revealed to be Chick Thompson.
• Verbal Sparring: Their banter humorously highlights prejudice and pride on both sides.
  • Mary: “I can't believe you're like some of the ranchers I've heard about.” ([09:03])
  • Chick: “The cattlemen were here first.” ([09:29])
  • Mary: "There's plenty of room for both." ([09:31])
• Mary’s Courage: She quickly unmasks Chick’s identity and boldly invites him to dinner—challenging their families’ hostility ([11:47]).

3. Scheming and Escalation

• Chalmers and Red Gordon Plot ([12:50]): Fearful of losing their grip, the villains plan to provoke a deadly confrontation between Chick and Jeff Seaton, using a defective gun to rig the outcome.
  • “If Chick decides we shouldn’t try to stop them, all our plans are finished.” — Red Gordon ([13:40])
• Tonto Gains Intel: He infiltrates the Bar X as a cook, keeps Lone Ranger informed ([15:33]).

4. Foiled Gunfight and Bank “Robbery” Diversion

• Dance at Setonville ([18:25]): Chick and Mary’s romance deepens, but tensions rise as Red and Chalmers try to bait Chick into a fatal showdown with Jeff Seaton.
• Lone Ranger’s Clever Intervention: He stages a fake bank robbery to draw everyone away, preventing a gunfight ([20:11]).
  • “He pretended he was robbing the bank to prevent a gunfight between your brother and Chick Thompson.” — Sheriff Wilson, to Mary ([24:14])

5. Murder Plot Intensifies

• Red and Chalmers’ Next Plan ([21:01]): Thwarted once, they decide to capture both Chick and Mary, arrange their murder, and frame it on the Seaton homesteaders, swaying the election.
  • “Jeff will find them at the entrance to the pass—dead.” — Ben Chalmers ([22:43])

6. The Lone Ranger and Sheriff Intervene

• Allies Mobilize ([23:25]): The masked man confides in Mary, earns her trust, and enlists her help:
  • “With your help, we may be able to put them both where they belong—behind bars.” — Lone Ranger ([24:44])
• Tonto Warns Chick: He rallies Chick’s crew and alerts them to the plot ([25:06]).

7. Showdown at Mrs. Shannon’s Farm

• Red Cornered ([26:23]): Red Gordon tries to lure Mary into a trap but is met by her suspicion and Mrs. Shannon’s resistance.
  • “You mean to kill me.” — Mary Seaton ([27:04])
  • “That can be arranged, Mrs. Shannon.” — Red Gordon ([27:23])
• Ben and Red’s Plot Foiled: The Lone Ranger, Sheriff, and Jeff Seaton reveal they’d been lying in wait—the villains are caught in the act ([28:12]).

8. Resolution and Reconciliation

• Justice Prevailed: Red, Ben, and their remaining gang are arrested ([28:47]).
• A New Understanding: Chick Thompson apologizes and commits to working for harmony in the valley; Jeff acknowledges his error:
  • “I'm ready to admit I was wrong, Jeff. On the wrong side all the way. But from now on, the homesteaders will get a fair break in this valley, if I have anything to say about it.” — Chick Thompson ([29:36])
  • “Well, I never did like family feuds. And looks as if he's gonna be a member of the family.” — Jeff Seaton ([29:58])
• The Lone Ranger Rides Away: The episode ends with the masked man leaving justice in his wake.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mary’s Introduction to Chick, Unmasking Him Instantly:
  • “Your initials are on your belt and your horse wears the Lazy T brand.” — Mary Seaton, coolly revealing she knew Chick’s identity all along ([11:55])
• Villainous Suite of Schemes:
  • “You got a spare gun belt around, Ben?” — Red plots to set Chick up, showing the depth of their treachery ([15:05])
• Lone Ranger’s Quiet Heroism:
  • “He pretended he was trying to rob the bank to prevent a gunfight between your brother and Chick Thompson.” — Sheriff Wilson ([24:14])
• Sharp Confrontations at Mrs. Shannon’s Farm:
  • “She’ll leave over my dead body.”—Mrs. Shannon
  • “Well, that can be arranged, Mrs. Shannon.” — Red Gordon ([27:23])
• Final Words of Peace and Accountability:
  • “I'm ready to admit I was wrong, Jeff. On the wrong side all the way.” — Chick Thompson ([29:36])
  • “He’s the Lone Ranger.” — Sheriff, as Ben threatens to expose the masked man ([30:55])

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Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:33 | Lone Ranger and Tonto enter Sunset Valley; shots fired | | 07:22 | Mary Seaton’s arrival and banter with Chick | | 12:50 | Ben Chalmers & Red Gordon plot Chick’s downfall | | 15:33 | Tonto reports to the Lone Ranger | | 18:25 | Dance scene; Chick woos Mary; plot to provoke a gunfight | | 20:11 | Lone Ranger’s staged bank robbery to avert violence | | 21:01 | Red and Ben plot to frame the homesteaders | | 23:57 | Lone Ranger and Sheriff recruit Mary’s help | | 25:06 | Tonto warns Chick at the Lazy T ranch | | 26:23 | Red confronts Mary and Mrs. Shannon | | 28:12 | Ben and Red exposed, captured by lawmen | | 29:36 | Chick and Jeff reconcile; valley conflict ends | | 29:58 | Seaton and Chick join families; villainous duo carted off | | 30:55 | Lone Ranger rides out, identity affirmed |

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Episode Character & Tone

• Dramatic, witty, and sincere: The script is peppered with classic Western banter, moral courage, clever tricks, and a deep longing for law and harmony. The Lone Ranger, as always, stands as a paragon of justice, working quietly behind the scenes, while frontier characters wrestle with pride, prejudice, and the hope for something better.

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This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns captures the thrill and complexity of frontier life—where right and wrong aren’t always as clear as a crack of a six-shooter, but where the courage to change sides, admit faults, and stand up for the law can reshape an entire community. Hi-yo Silver, away!

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Chick Thompson]

Sam.

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[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tottle, 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. As the Lone Ranger and Tonto started through the pass, they heard a shouted command from the top of the ridge. But the masked man and the Indian kept their mounts close to the wall of the canyon and raced on. The men on the ridge opened fire. There was no moon, and the light from the stars was too faint for accurate shooting. The Lone Ranger and Toto reached the open country beyond the pass in safety. There they saw a band of horsemen urging their mounts down from the high ground, riding hard in pursuit. But Silver and Scout soon outdistanced the cow ponies, and the Lone Ranger and Tottle swung toward the wooded hills at the north end of the valley, where the thick forest growth promised plenty of concealment for their camp. They picked a spot near a spring in a box canyon.

[Chick Thompson]

Easy city, Big Fox. Easy fellow. Sunset Valley. Toto. We're here. At last. There's water. Come on, Silver. Here, Scott. Happening pretty long ride. But we have a month before the election. All the time we need to look around. You think a cattleman shoot at us from rape? Well, the padre told us it set a guard to keep any more homesteaders out of the valley. We not look like homesteaders. They're probably stopping everyone. Padre say at Ben Chalmers at Bar X and Chick Thompson at Lazy T. Who make most trouble between ranchers and homesteaders. They're the men who are backing Red Gordon for Sheriff. Gordon have bad name in Texas. We must do our best to defeat him. Tom Wilson good sheriff? Yes. A man who believes in equal justice for everyone, whether he's a farmer or a rancher. Wilson deserves to be re elected. You show Wilson a letter from Padre? No, not right away. Our first job is to size up the situation. Kimasabe. Yes. Maybe it good idee me try get job at Bar X or Lazy T. An excellent idea. Todo you might try it the first thing in the morning.

[Narrator]

The following day, the stage from the east was stopped by the guards at the opening of the pass. But when the driver had identified his single passenger as a new school teacher, he the rickety vehicle was allowed to proceed. A few miles inside the valley, however, it broke down. The driver and the guard were making hard work of the necessary repairs when a young cowboy rode up and offered to lend a hand. Mary Seaton, the Girl inside the stage watched the young Westerner admiringly. He shouldered the brunt of the work, and it wasn't long before the stage was ready to roll again. Then, as the driver and the guard climbed to the box, the cowboy docked his hat to Mary.

[Chick Thompson]

Howdy, miss.

[Mary Seaton]

How do you do?

[Chick Thompson]

You don't mind? I've hitched my coyotes to the back of the stage. I'd like to ride with you, Wayne.

[Mary Seaton]

Well, I'd be pleased to have your company.

[Chick Thompson]

Oh, that's fine. Hit a ramble, boys. The driver tells me you're the new school teacher. I didn't realize they planned to make a change.

[Mary Seaton]

I'm not going to teach Clayburn. I'm heading for Seville.

[Chick Thompson]

Oh, you like Sunset Valley?

[Mary Seaton]

Of course. It's beautiful.

[Chick Thompson]

I've always thought so. Especially this time of year. Especially where it hasn't been spoiled.

[Mary Seaton]

Spoiled?

[Chick Thompson]

I'd better not speak my mind to you. Seton builds a homesteaders town, it's the homesteaders who'll be paying your salary.

[Mary Seaton]

What of it?

[Chick Thompson]

Well, just look out the window. Grass as far as you can see. That's what I call pretty. Where they've dug up the sodden, there's nothing but bare dirt around. I don't care much for that.

[Mary Seaton]

Did you ever see a field of ripe grain?

[Chick Thompson]

I like grass better.

[Mary Seaton]

We'll not argue. But I can't believe you're like some of the ranchers I've heard about.

[Chick Thompson]

What have you heard?

[Mary Seaton]

That they're wild and lawless and that they have no regards for the rights of other people.

[Chick Thompson]

Meaning the homesteaders?

[Mary Seaton]

Meaning the homesteaders. The ranchers would like nothing better than to drive them out of the valley.

[Chick Thompson]

That might not be such a bad idea.

[Mary Seaton]

How can you say such a thing? They've settled on government land and they have a perfect right to stay there.

[Chick Thompson]

The cattlemen were here first.

[Mary Seaton]

There's plenty of room for both.

[Chick Thompson]

Well, as you say, miss, we'll not gain anything by arguing. I wonder where you get your information.

[Mary Seaton]

From Jeff Seaton.

[Chick Thompson]

Oh, him.

[Mary Seaton]

I don't like the way you say that. Jeff's a fine man.

[Chick Thompson]

He just happens to be a farmer.

[Mary Seaton]

He also happens to be my brother. My name's Mary Seaton.

[Chick Thompson]

I see. And you've been living with him, I suppose?

[Mary Seaton]

No. The farm's a long way from town. They built me a cottage near the school.

[Chick Thompson]

I'm glad to hear it. Are you about Jeff? Does he have any special complaints when it comes to ranches?

[Mary Seaton]

A few. For instance, there's a crazy young rancher called Chick. Thompson. He thinks it's smart to come riding into a peaceful little town like Setonville and shoot up the place. Do you work for Chick Thompson?

[Chick Thompson]

Uh, no, miss.

[Mary Seaton]

Jeff told me all about him as a sort of warning to explain what I'd have to expect out here. But I'm not afraid of men like Thompson. I'd like nothing better than to meet him face to face and tell him exactly what I think of him.

[Chick Thompson]

Uh, yes, miss.

[Mary Seaton]

And then this election that you're going to have.

[Chick Thompson]

Jeff mentioned that, too.

[Mary Seaton]

Of course, he didn't want me to come until it was all over. Can you give me one good reason why the ranchers want to get rid of a fine lawman like Sheriff Wilson and elect a ruffian like Red Gordon in his place?

[Chick Thompson]

We're partial to our friends.

[Mary Seaton]

Sheriff's never been unfair to the ranchers. He enforces the law, that's all. And this Chick Thompson are we back to. Can you deny the reason for his senseless gunplay?

[Chick Thompson]

I never heard he shot anyone, miss.

[Mary Seaton]

No, but he's only been trying to scare the homesteaders so they'll be afraid to vote for Wilson. He's a childish young hooligan who should be taught better manners.

[Chick Thompson]

A school teacher would be just the person to do that, wouldn't she?

[Mary Seaton]

I'd certainly like the chance.

[Chick Thompson]

Uh huh. Uh. Well, my ranch is just over that way. I. I guess I'll be leaving you now. Hold it, Bill.

[Mary Seaton]

I don't see any buildings.

[Chick Thompson]

They're over the rise. Yeah. Steady, pain. Steady, boy. Easy. Come on, get up. It's. It's been a pleasure meeting you, Ms. Seaton.

[Mary Seaton]

It wasn't as difficult meeting you as I imagined it would be, Mr. Thompson.

[Chick Thompson]

What? You knew who I was? All the time.

[Mary Seaton]

Your initials are on your belt and your horse wears the Lazy T brand. Now, as for teaching you manners, Mary.

[Chick Thompson]

I. I'm not as bad as your brother thinks.

[Mary Seaton]

Suppose we start with table manners. I'll expect you for supper tomorrow night. Of course, my brother will be there, too. Perhaps it would be beneath your dignity to eat with the homestead.

[Chick Thompson]

Oh, no, no, Mary. I'd be honored.

[Mary Seaton]

Very well. Then it's possible that we may become friends.

[Chick Thompson]

Fine. Adios. Yep.

[Narrator]

That same day, Tottle was able to get a job as a cook at the Ben Chalmers Bar Ex Ranch, where Ed Gordon made his headquarters. And during the next two weeks, he kept the Lone Ranger informed of everything that went on there. One evening, Ben and Red were finishing supper when Chick Thompson walked in.

[Chick Thompson]

Well, it's Chick. Howdy, Chick. Sit down. Have some grub. Oh, I. I've already eaten. All right, Injun. Just clear off the table. Leave the coffee pot. Oh, you do it. You look as if you'd lost your last friend, Chick. There's nothing wrong with me. What's so funny? You are. You met school teacher in Setonville. What about her? Ah, Chick. The whole county knows about it. She asked you to suffer, and her brother refused to sit at the same table with you, so you had to leave. I've seen Mary since then. Sure, sure. You ride over every night and sit on the front steps. But sometime her brother will find you there and you'll have to shoot it out with him. Mary has a right to her own friends. Jeff doesn't seem to think so. He may change his mind about me. I doubt it. If you change your mind about homesteaders in general, I'd rather not talk about it. I don't like that chicken now. That's too bad. I'll be on my way. Now, wait a minute. I'll see you later. Where's he going? To Setonville. Having a party in the town hall tonight. He'd go to a farmer's hoedown. Why? They wouldn't let him in. If Mary Seaton's there, he'll be there. Maybe only hanging around the outside, but I'm telling you, he's got it bad. Yeah, that makes it bad for us. The only reason the cattlemen agreed to get tough with the farmers was because Chick was for it. The only chance you have of winning this election is to keep the farmers so scared they'll be afraid to drive into the county seat and cast their votes. Chick decides we shouldn't try to stop them. I know what happens to all our plans if you don't get elected. They're finished. But we still have two weeks before the election. And plenty of things can happen before then. Such as? Trouble between Chick and Jeff Seaton. They might shoot it out over the girl. Yeah, that helps some. Jeff's the leader of the homesteaders. If he were to be killed, it'd help us more. If Chick were to be killed. Chick? How do you figure? Just because the cattlemen think so much of him. Why, they'd be ready for anything. Burn out the nesters, lynch Jeff. Sheriff Wilson would stop them. Well, let it give us a chance to get rid of him. Oh, then there'd be no one to run against you. No. But if Chick's in love with Mary Seaton, he'll try to avoid a fight with her brother. Ah, he could be forced into one. He wasn't even wearing a gun tonight. Someone could slip him. Like this one I stuck in the table drawer the other day. I've been meaning to get the Firing pin fixed. Mrs. Every time. Yes, sir. Every time. You got a spare gun belt around, Ben?

[Narrator]

Shortly after Ben and Red left the ranch house, Tonto saddled and rode to the Lone Rangers camp. From the kitchen, he had listened to all of Ben and Red's conversation. Now he repeated it to the masked man.

[Chick Thompson]

So Ben and Red are trying to arrange a murder. Ah, them ride to Setonville. You tell sheriff. That would mean riding all the way to the county seat. There might not be time. You go to Setonville yourself. Yes, Toto. Yes, Silver. You want me ride with you? No, Kimo sabe. We can't take any chance on your being seen with me. The information you're getting at the Bar X is too valuable. Easy, steady, Silver. We know now that half a dozen of Red's old border cronies are camped in the hills that Red means to deputize them if he's elected sheriff. He and Ben mean to start large scale rustling operations under cover the law. Easy, steady, fellow. You managed to learn exactly what they plan. Sooner or later you'll find some way to prove they're crooks. No. We can't take any chance on your being seen with me. Ride to Setonville alone. Easy to Let me pull up. Adios, Tarto. Adios. Once over.

[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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[Mary Seaton]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. As the farmers and their wives danced in the town hall, Chick and Mary talked near the corral at the edge of Setonville.

[Chick Thompson]

Why not Mary? Why shouldn't we ride across the hills of the mission and get married?

[Mary Seaton]

I told you why. Because I owe a great deal to Jeff. He practically raised me and sent me Easter school. And what's more, he's justified in feeling about you the way he does. He's been wild and thoughtless and selfish.

[Chick Thompson]

Well, I promised to change.

[Mary Seaton]

I think you have changed. It'll only take a little time to convince Jeff that you're different. And then everything will be all right.

[Chick Thompson]

I wonder about that. He said things to me two weeks ago that I wouldn't have taken from any other man. I'm not sure I could take him again.

[Mary Seaton]

That's why you must keep away from.

[Chick Thompson]

I don't intend to keep away from you.

[Mary Seaton]

The ears. Someone's coming. I must get back to the party.

[Chick Thompson]

No, it's all right. It isn't any of your friends. It's Red Gordon and Ben Chalmers.

[Mary Seaton]

What are they doing in Seaton?

[Chick Thompson]

Here, Chick, strap on this gun belt now. Why? You'll be needing a gun. Someone just told Jeff Seaton you were down here talking with his sister. He's coming after you.

[Mary Seaton]

Oh, you must leave at once, Chick.

[Chick Thompson]

I'll leave if you leave with me. Ride to the mission will be done. No.

[Mary Seaton]

I told you that's impossible.

[Chick Thompson]

All right. It's too late anyway. Here he comes. Don't you worry about the men with him, Chick. We'll back up your play. Thomson. I thought I wanted you to keep away from my sister. If Mary doesn't object to my company, that's good enough for me. I've warned you. Now I mean to gun you.

[Mary Seaton]

Oh, Jeff. There's some trouble down near the bank.

[Chick Thompson]

Robert. Jeff. Jeff Seaton? Yeah. What's the matter? It's a bank robbery. The deputy saw a masked man come out of the bank with a canvas bag over his shoulder. He's robbed the bank. Come on, man. Get your horses after it.

[Narrator]

An old ranger had been standing in the the shadows beside the bank when Jeff Seaton started down the street toward the corral. A canvas bag lying on the ground had given him an idea for creating a diversion. He had filled the bag with waste paper to give it bulk and had then stepped into the moonlight in front of the bank. It was natural for the men in front of the town hall to think he had just come out of the bank. He fired a couple of shots in the air and ran around the building and down the alley and back of the main street to the edge of town where Silver was waiting.

[Chick Thompson]

Sh. Bigfoot.

[Narrator]

He swung into the saddle and started across the rolling meadows beyond the town. The man at the corral saw him and opened fire. Pluto was still awake when Red and Ben Chalmers returned to the Bar X ranch house and he heard them stomp into the kitchen.

[Chick Thompson]

Shall I get the Indian up No. Any coffee in the pot? Yeah. He's kept the stove going warm. That's all I want. All the wild goose chasing. It's just like a lot of farmers chase that owl. Hoot on the white horse halfway across the county and get back to town and find out the bank hasn't even been broken into. What happened to Chick after we got back to town? Well, the girl must have got ahold of him, persuaded him to clear out. Listen now. Someone outside. Maybe one of your hands just come back from Claiborne. Could be chicken. Yeah. Hello, Chick. This was a great gun you gave me to defend myself with, Red. Good thing I didn't have to draw against Jeff. Here, take it. What's the matter with the firing pin is broken. Oh, I didn't know. Oh, yeah. You'd sure make a great lawman. What do you mean by that? Looks like we've lost a vote. Was your idea. Would have worked. I could have talked him into a fight at that Bungling owl who'd hadn't acquired the deal. If Chick comes out for Wilson, we're sunk. We'll have to get rid of him. How? Dry Gulch. Wait a minute. You better think straight this time. How does this sound? Chick warns Mary to elope with him. She refused to do that. You heard her. Now, listen. Tomorrow night we'll see that a message gets to Jeff Seaton. It'll say that Chick and his sister are heading through the past for the mission. Now, Jeff will round up some of his friends and go after them, try to stop them. What's the sense of that? Chick and Mary aren't going to elope. Jeff will find them at the entrance to the pass, dead. How? We'll take care of that. Now, soon as it's dark, you and our future deputies will ride to the Lazy T and take Chick prisoner. I'll take care of the girl. There's a crew at the Lazy T. Chick sleeps alone in the ranch house. Now, you'll wait until the bunk house is dark, force your way into the ranch house and knock him out. Simple. And you'll get the girl. Right. But afterwards, Jeff and his friends will tell the sheriff the truth. What of it? That they only found the bodies. They didn't have anything to do with killing Chicken Mary. What of it? Maybe the sheriff will believe him, but the rest of the county. Oh, no. No one else will believe such a story. And if the sheriff doesn't arrest Jeff Seaton. He can't without any evidence. If he doesn't, he'll lose the Election Tomorrow night, Ben. It's all set.

[Narrator]

As soon as Ben and Red turned in, Totto rode to the Lone Rangers camp and told him what they were planning. The masked rider managed to reach the county seat before dawn. There he conferred with the sheriff, presented his letter from the padre, and informed the lawman of all that Tonto had learned. Then they made their plans for the following night. It was shortly after 8 o' clock the next evening when the sheriff and the Lone Ranger drew rein in the shadows beside Mary Seaton's house.

[Chick Thompson]

You better do the talking, Sheriff. Yes, sir.

[Mary Seaton]

Just a moment. Well, Sheriff Wilson, come in for this man with you. He's mad.

[Chick Thompson]

There's no need to be alarmed, Mary.

[Mary Seaton]

He's the man who tried to rob the bank last night.

[Chick Thompson]

No, Mary. He pretended he was trying to rob the bank to prevent a gunfight between your brother and Chick Thompson.

[Mary Seaton]

Really?

[Chick Thompson]

This man is the Lone Ranger.

[Mary Seaton]

The Lone Ranger?

[Chick Thompson]

You may have heard of him.

[Mary Seaton]

Well, I certainly have. But why? Why have you come here?

[Chick Thompson]

Because your life is in danger.

[Mary Seaton]

You're not serious?

[Chick Thompson]

Very serious. Red Gordon and Ben Chalmers are planning to kill you. There's no chance of their plans succeeding now. But with your help, we may be able to put them both where they belong. Behind bars.

[Mary Seaton]

I'll be glad to do anything I can.

[Chick Thompson]

Then listen. Oh, Scott Hope alert. Easy, Scout, easy.

[Narrator]

At just about the same time, Tampa dismounted in front of the Lazy T ranch house, climbed the steps and knocked at the door. Chick Thompson opened it.

[Chick Thompson]

Ow. Oh, hello. You're the engine who works for Ben Chalmers, aren't you? Ah, it better you not stay in ranch house tonight. You come to bunkhouse with me and me tell you all your men what Chalmers led Gordon plan to do.

[Narrator]

It was shortly before midnight when Red Gordon reached Mary Seaton's cottage.

[Chick Thompson]

Oh, hurry.

[Narrator]

The place was dark, but Red found a note pinned to the door. He lit a match.

[Chick Thompson]

Dear Chick, you said you might be coming over tonight. I'd like to talk with you. You'll find me at Mrs. Shannon's farm. She's been taken ill and I'm staying there overnight, so she won't be alone. We can't let a sick woman interfere with our plans. But now Chick's already been taken prisoner. I must get the girl. Get up there.

[Mary Seaton]

Come on.

[Narrator]

Mary and Mrs. Shannon were sitting in the parlor of the old woman's farmhouse.

[Mary Seaton]

Listen. I heard. It's Red Gordon, no doubt. I'll let him in. Now, don't you move from your seat. All right, all right. Don't try to break the door down.

[Chick Thompson]

Hello, Mrs. Shannon.

[Mary Seaton]

Hello. What do you want?

[Chick Thompson]

Mary Seaton's here, isn't she?

[Mary Seaton]

She is.

[Chick Thompson]

Well, I'm glad to see you looking so well. I must take Mary with me.

[Mary Seaton]

I don't think she has any intention of leaving tonight, but I'll let you talk to her. Come in.

[Chick Thompson]

Thanks, Red.

[Mary Seaton]

Gordon, Mary says you must leave with him. Leave Where? I'm staying the night with Mrs. Shannon.

[Chick Thompson]

I have bad news. Chick Thompson's had an accident. He's asking for you.

[Mary Seaton]

This is no time of night for a young girl to be riding the trails alone.

[Chick Thompson]

I'll be with her, Mrs. Shannon.

[Mary Seaton]

It's worse than being alone.

[Chick Thompson]

Now, you keep out of this.

[Mary Seaton]

Mrs. Shannon's right. I'll wait until morning before I start.

[Chick Thompson]

Then you'll never see chick alive.

[Mary Seaton]

Mr. Gordon, I don't believe you.

[Chick Thompson]

What?

[Mary Seaton]

I know exactly what you're up to. You mean to kill me.

[Chick Thompson]

Now, what gave you that idea?

[Mary Seaton]

It was an Injun who gave her the idea. He heard you and Ben Chalmers talking.

[Chick Thompson]

And you put stock in what an Indian says.

[Mary Seaton]

Yes, I do. And I have no intention of leaving here with you. She'll leave over my dead body.

[Chick Thompson]

Well, that can be arranged, Mrs. Shannon.

[Mary Seaton]

Oh, so now it's to be wholesale murder.

[Chick Thompson]

Just what the Indians say.

[Mary Seaton]

You plan to take both me and Chick prisoner tonight. You meant to kill us.

[Chick Thompson]

Yeah, and my plans haven't changed any. Who's that?

[Mary Seaton]

How should we know?

[Chick Thompson]

Ben, what are you doing here? I went to Mary's place. Found a note all crumpled up on the porch. I figured you came here after her, but you were supposed to meet me at the pass. Listen, I was lucky to get away. Someone must have tipped Chick off. Yeah. That Indian bunkhouse was dark. We broke into the ranch house, and Chick's whole crew were waiting for us inside. All your men are either captured or dead. Those who are still alive will be talking their heads off to save their necks. We gotta make tracks for the border. Well, I'm with you, But I'm gonna finish at least part of the job. Forget the girl. Not a chance. One bull.

[Mary Seaton]

No.

[Chick Thompson]

I'll get a gun, Sheriff. That was good shooting, mister. I'll take your gun, Chalmers. Sheriff Wilson.

[Mary Seaton]

And that isn't all, Mr. Chalmers. Here's Jeff Seaton. He and the sheriff and the maskman were out in the kitchen with the door partly open. You and Red have been covered from the moment you stepped into this house.

[Chick Thompson]

May I have something to bandage Red's arm, Mrs. Shannon?

[Mary Seaton]

Sure. Now, I have everything waiting on this shelf. Though I must say, I was hoping the wound would be a little more serious. Here's someone else. Who?

[Chick Thompson]

Check in his crew. And Tuttle.

[Mary Seaton]

Glory be. The door's open, men. Come in.

[Chick Thompson]

Mary, are you all right?

[Mary Seaton]

Of course. I was never in any danger.

[Chick Thompson]

I hear you've captured some of Red's border ruffians. Check. Oh, yeah, Sheriff. We left him with your deputy at Cold Springs. He'll be charged with attempted murder, along with Ben and Red. You will not need me any longer, Sheriff. No. No, sir. We'll have the whole mangy lot in jail before morning. But before I leave, I'd like a word with you, Jeff. About what, sir? About the strength of character it takes for a man to admit he's wrong. I'm ready to admit I was wrong, Jeff. On the wrong side all the way. But from now on, the homesteaders will get a fair break in this valley, if I have anything to say about it. Well, how about you, Jeff? Can you admit you were wrong about Chick? Yes. Well, I never did like family feuds. And looks as if he's gonna be a member of the family. Chick, will you shake? You know I will.

[Mary Seaton]

Thank goodness.

[Chick Thompson]

My best wishes, Mary. Adios. Why, Miser. A fine thing, Sheriff, putting an honest rancher like me in jail while you let a masked man walk out of here scot free. There's no law against wearing a mask. When I come to trial, I'll tell the whole county about it. I hope you do, Ben. It helps a man in my position to have influential friends. Influential? That's what I said. And when you start talking, just be sure and get his name right. He's the Lone Ranger. Sam.

[Mary Seaton]

It.

[Chick Thompson]

Sam.

[Narrator]

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

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com 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.

[Chick Thompson]

It.