Big Bend | The Lone Ranger (05-14-41)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns – The Lone Ranger: “Big Bend” (05-14-41)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns

Host: Andrew Rhynes

Episode Date: May 10, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this digitally restored presentation of the classic radio drama “Big Bend,” the iconic Lone Ranger rides to the rescue as steamboat passengers and a company of U.S. soldiers find themselves targeted by a scheming outlaw sheriff and a coalition of hostile forces along the wild Missouri River. With tension mounting between soldiers, prospectors, and outlaws—and decorated by the legendary sounds of old-time Western radio—this episode plunges listeners into a frontier tale of redemption, loyalty, and courage.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

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1. Setting the Scene: Fort Benton and the Missouri River ([02:10])

• The episode opens with background on the post–Civil War West, with Fort Benton as a central frontier outpost and the arrival of steamboat Prairie Belle carrying reinforcements, soldiers, and passengers.
• The narrative establishes Gold Rush boom towns and tensions between local interests and the U.S. military.

Notable moment:

“It was his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness, that finally brought victory to the forces of law and order. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear.” — Narrator ([02:10])

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2. The Lone Ranger and Tonto Intervene ([02:50–05:30])

• The colonel at the fort confides in the Lone Ranger about needing reinforcements for order in the mining camps.
• Conversation reveals concern for the delayed arrival of Prairie Belle, possibly imperiled by river obstacles or hostile attacks.
• Tonto and the Lone Ranger set off to investigate, hinting at lurking dangers.

Notable quote:

“There may have been an Indian attack.”
— Colonel, expressing concern about the steamboat ([04:25])

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3. The “Big Bend” Dilemma: Crossing the Strip ([06:19–07:30])

• Onboard Prairie Belle, Virginia Baird and Mr. Darcy discuss the route: the river’s big bend means hours of sailing for a mile and a half of distance, and passengers plan to shortcut across land with an escort.
• Virginia expresses worry about safety, especially with woods “full of Indians.” She’s reassured by Darcy and the presence of soldiers.

“Isn’t it dangerous?”
“The captain doesn’t seem to think so.”
— Virginia Baird and Mr. Darcy ([07:02])

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4. Reputation and Redemption: The Mystery of Harry Darcy ([08:04–08:57])

• Captain Daniels warns Virginia about Darcy; once a decorated soldier under her father, Darcy was disgraced after being accused of selling army rifles to Indians.
• The episode plants seeds of doubt and sets up Darcy’s need for redemption.

“Once a renegade, always a renegade. …I have every confidence in Harry Darcy, both as a man and a soldier.”
— The Lone Ranger, defending Darcy’s character ([18:17])

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5. Sheriff Gordon’s Plan Unveiled ([09:11–12:41])

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto eavesdrop on outlaw Sheriff Gordon’s plot: to attack the steamboat, steal the army's rifles, and ambush the soldiers on land with Black Eagle’s tribe.
• Gordon’s “trapper” disguise and attempt to learn military plans ratchets suspense.

“Attack the boat first… Wreck the engines, get all the rifles and ammunition we can find… The end of the trail is good. The end of that trail for all of them.”
— Sheriff Gordon, outlining his scheme ([11:51])

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6. Preparing for Attack: Trust, Suspicion & Tactical Moves ([16:26–20:50])

• The Lone Ranger alerts the captain and Darcy to the threat, catching them between their suspicion of Darcy and their escalating predicament.
• Tonto aids the pilot, using skills to get the steamboat past river hazards.
• The Lone Ranger insists Darcy be given command of the crew and cannon to fend off Gordon’s attack.

“If we’ve been wrong about you, Darcy, I’d be the first man to apologize.”
— Captain, after the Lone Ranger vouches for Darcy ([19:41])

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7. Battle on the Bend: Ambush and Defense ([20:51–23:25])

• The Prairie Belle faces an ambush; the crew and Darcy, using a cannon with the Lone Ranger’s leadership, repel the outlaws and Indian warriors.
• The Lone Ranger leaps ashore, racing to warn and support the soldiers before Gordon regroups for another attempt.

“The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story.”
— Narrator, ending the episode’s primary action cliffhanger ([15:48])

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8. Climax: The Showdown and Gordon’s Capture ([24:01–25:59])

• Lone Ranger helps Captain and soldiers hold the defensive line at the land crossing.
• As the Prairie Belle arrives, cannon fire and a counterattack turn the tide. Gordon, his accomplice, and Black Eagle are captured.

“Just keep reaching for the sky, Gordon. They’re your prisoners, Captain.”
— The Lone Ranger, securing victory ([25:49])

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9. Resolution: Redemption for Darcy ([26:14–27:28])

• Virginia privately reveals to Darcy she knows the truth: he took the blame for another officer’s crime (selling the rifles), proving his integrity.
• The captain promises to help Darcy restore his commission, with the Lone Ranger’s support.

“It was a lieutenant that sold the rifles.”
“It was a captain. But after he had fought bravely and died like a hero, the young lieutenant didn’t want anyone to call a captain a renegade. He took the blame for the rifles himself.”
— Virginia and Darcy, on the truth of his past ([26:42])

• The Lone Ranger rides away—his work done, anonymous as always.

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Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On the Lone Ranger’s Purpose:
  “Come on, Silver! We’re heading for the river. Quarrels waiting for us… Hi-yo Silver! Away!” — The Lone Ranger ([02:25], [05:12])

• On Courage and Leadership:
  “Without him, we’d all have been killed.”
  — Captain, recalling the Lone Ranger’s past heroism ([17:22])

• On Justice and Trust:
  “Once a renegade, always a renegade… You’re mistaken, Captain… I have every confidence in Harry Darcy.”
  — Captain and the Lone Ranger ([18:13])

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Important Timestamps

• 00:46 – Podcast intro by Andrew Rhynes
• 02:10 – Narrator sets historic scene: Fort Benton, Gold Rush
• 06:19 – Onboard Prairie Belle, Virginia expresses concern
• 08:12 – Captain warns against trusting Darcy
• 09:11 – Lone Ranger & Tonto discover Gordon’s ambush plans
• 16:26 – Lone Ranger reveals plot to boat crew, leadership struggles
• 20:51 – Prairie Belle prepares for, then repels, ambush
• 23:25 – Lone Ranger warns land party, organizes defense
• 24:01–25:59 – Climax: last battle, Gordon and Black Eagle captured
• 26:14–27:28 – Resolution: Darcy’s redemption
• 27:07 – The Lone Ranger rides away

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Episode Tone & Style

The storytelling is dramatic and richly atmospheric, with the classic Lone Ranger gravitas: earnest, suspenseful, and punctuated by sharp, declarative action sequences. The dialogue balances frontier toughness with moments of empathy and ethical reflection.

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This summary provides a thorough guide to every important story point and character beat, with quotes and timestamps for easy navigation. It is ideal for listeners who want a comprehensive recap or those unfamiliar with this classic Western audio drama.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

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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. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly from your enjoyment. You can find more western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse for the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high o Silver the Lone Ranger.

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[Narrator]

Visit spin quest.com for more. Ram. Sam when federal troops were sent to the western United States at the close of the Civil War, the officers in command were untrained in frontier methods. Their great task of bringing peace and security to the new territory might never have been accomplished without the help of the masked rider of the plains. It was his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness, that finally brought victory to the forces of law and order. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the pass come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse. Silver the Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver, we're heading for the river. Quarrels waiting for us. I know. Silver away. Fort Benton was the head of navigation on the Missouri, not far from Helena Alder and Virginia City during the gold rush to these Diggins, most of the prospectors from the east traveled by steamboat and the village around the fort became a boom town overnight. It was late one evening in July that an Indian waited in the shadows of the colonel's house on the far side of the parade ground. Near him, a paint was grazing and a great white stallion lifted his head into the evening breeze. The front Door of the house opened and I know that you won't want to enter the fort. It's daylight when you get back. But I suppose Tonka will be riding with you. Yes, he will. And you can send him with any message. I leave word for the sentries to admit either of you. Is there anything more? No. I hope you bring me good news. As I told you, my daughter's on that boat and well, you understand. Of course. Goodbye, masked man. Adios, Colonel. What colonel want? If he's going to keep order in the mining camps and still have enough men to garrison the fort, he needs reinforcements. They were supposed to leave St. Joe on the prairie bell nearly a month ago. It not take boat months to get here. It shouldn't. But you know what the upper Missouri is like. The forest grows right down to the river. It isn't broken once in a hundred miles. There may have been an Indian attack. Engine. Freight steamboat. They wouldn't be if they had someone to lead them. There are plenty of men around here who don't want to see more soldiers. Soldiers? In the territory? Gordon? Yes, Sheriff Gordon and all of his gang. Here, Silver. Yes, count it. Right. Tonight. We're starting now. Here. Come on, Silver. Get him on, Scout. I am Silver.

[Virginia Baird]

Oh, dear. We're slowing up again, Mr. Darcy. This trip seems to have taken a year.

[Narrator]

It only started for me this afternoon when you. When you met me. You've guessed it, Miss Beth.

[Virginia Baird]

That's a very pretty compliment, but please go on. You were telling me about Big Ben.

[Narrator]

We're coming to it just up ahead. We'll anchor there tonight and then tomorrow all the passengers will leave the boat.

[Virginia Baird]

Leave it?

[Narrator]

Wouldn't you like to walk on dry land for a change?

[Virginia Baird]

I certainly wouldn't like the boat to leave me behind.

[Narrator]

It will and it won't.

[Virginia Baird]

Is this the river?

[Narrator]

No, Ms. Baird. You see, the river makes a 30 mile circle at the big bend. Prairie Belle will steam all day long. But when she ties up for the night, we'll only be a mile and a half closer to Fort Benton.

[Virginia Baird]

A mile and a half?

[Narrator]

That's all. And most of the passengers are going to walk across that mile and a half strip of land and meet the boat on the other side.

[Virginia Baird]

Isn't it dangerous?

[Narrator]

The captain doesn't seem to think so.

[Virginia Baird]

That forest is full of Indians.

[Narrator]

But you'll have 200 soldiers to act as escort. They've asked permission to take shotguns along with them and do some hunting. Oh, yeah.

[Virginia Baird]

There won't be much protection. Will you be leaving the Boat.

[Narrator]

Of course it is. What's the matter on that point of land?

[Virginia Baird]

An Indian and a mast man.

[Narrator]

Well, you needn't be alarmed.

[Virginia Baird]

We hadn't seen for that point. Isn't that where you meant we were going to tie up for the night?

[Narrator]

Yes, but I've seen the masked man before. Don't worry, Ms. Bear.

[Virginia Baird]

Who is he?

[Narrator]

Perhaps you've heard your father mention him. That's the Lone Ranger.

[Virginia Baird]

The Lone ranger? Oh, yes, Mr. Darcy. Many times.

[Narrator]

Look. He and the Indian are riding back into the forest. Virginia.

[Virginia Baird]

Who's calling me?

[Narrator]

The Captain. He's up on the bridge. May I see you for a moment?

[Virginia Baird]

Of course.

[Narrator]

On his bed? Yes. I want you to know that I'm not as bad as most people seem to think you're.

[Virginia Baird]

That's a strange remark.

[Narrator]

It won't be after you listen to the Captain. Excuse me, Virginia.

[Virginia Baird]

I'm coming, Captain.

[Narrator]

That's it, Mr. Norton. Half speed until you reach the big willow. Then cut the engines and nose her into the bank. Aye, aye, sir.

[Virginia Baird]

Well, Captain?

[Narrator]

Your father's a good friend of mine, Virginia. And I feel responsible.

[Virginia Baird]

For what?

[Narrator]

For the company you keep on board the Prairie Belle. Mr. Darcy is a scoundrel.

[Virginia Baird]

What? I don't believe he's a gambler. A gambler can be a gentleman.

[Narrator]

When your father's regiment was in Texas, Mr. Darcy served under him.

[Virginia Baird]

Really?

[Narrator]

As a soldier? He served well. When Captain Collins was killed at Rocky Meadows, Harry Darcy took command of the company and saved a thousand lives by driving the Indians back. But afterwards, it was discovered that the Indians had been able to attack in the first place. Because Darcy sold them rifles from the army stores. He was court martialed into jail. No. Cashiered and disgraced. I know that I can trust your good judgment. You'll say no more about it.

[Virginia Baird]

Perhaps. Perhaps that's this, Captain.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger had made camp in a clearing not far from the point where the Prairie Bell had tied up for the night. As soon as it was dark, Tonto went down to the water's edge and questioned the crew. But when he returned, the Lone Ranger had left the camp. That plenty strange silver scouts both here. Mask friend go away. That Lone Ranger him call Tonto. Him and wood Tonto find him. Why are Tanto? Why you come here? I'll tell you that later. What did you find out? Pilot on both sick with fever, Captain Nut no river. Good. Get stuck on many sandbars. Trip take long time. I see. You could help the pilot, couldn't you? And once he was well the rest of the trip wouldn't take long. That right? Want to stay here. You ride back to fort. Tell Colonel both get there soon. No trouble. Yes, but there will be. What you mean? The horses were restless, so I decided to investigate. About a hundred yards from the camp, I heard something moving through the underbrush. It turned out to be two men. You see him when they reached the bank of the river? Indian. Look. The lights from the boat just hit that big pine. There they are. Cops down beside it. Time to find the Indian sign around here. They aren't Indians. The light will catch their faces in a moment. Wait. Not dressed like Indian. There. Kimasabe. That Gordon? Yes. Tahoe. Sheriff Gordon of Virginia City. He'll do everything in his power to keep the soldiers on board from reaching the fort. We capture them and man with them. What good would that do? We can't prove they're up to anything until we catch them at it. The soldiers and the passengers will be crossing the strip of land tomorrow. Them used trail that way. Gordon must have more than one man with him. There are any number of places where he could ambush the soldiers on the trail. That's right. We've got to keep an eye on him. Would you bring Silver here? Then you can go on board and offer your services to the captain. Do everything you can for the pilot. You'll hear from me just as soon as I find out what Gordon was planning. Somebody coming ashore. Gordon? Stand up. You want him to see us walking to meet him? But that ain't safe. He's a passenger. We got to find out what they're going to do. Tomorrow they'll reach be sitting down on that rock. Let me do the talking. Sure. Howdy, Misty. Don't get scared. We're just a couple of trappers. What do you want? Well, this is our off season. We thought we might pick up a few dollars acting as guides for passengers. Why should they need guys? They're going to cross the strip tomorrow, aren't they? Yes, but the second mate's going to guide the party. And as I understand it, the trail's only a mile and a half long. It's bad country, lots of engines. You could use a couple of good rifles for protection. There'll be 200 soldiers with us. Soldiers, huh? Reinforcements for Fort Benton, huh? Well, I guess we won't be needed then. No harm in asking, missy. Oh, none at all. Come on, Buffalo. What do we do now? Head upstream for our horses and ride to Black Eagle's camp. Attack them on the trail? Shut up. Sneak in Here. I'm shaking. What's there to think about? Black Eagle's got over 200 Braves. All the soldiers won't be armed. Just pick the right place. And then the Indians only got Bull's nerves. I didn't figure out 200 soldiers, but if we surprise them. Plenty of rifles on that boat, huh? I got above low. We attacked the boat first. What for? Hit the top of the bend, border, wreck the engines, get all the rifles and ammunition we can find. And then wait until night before we attack the soldiers at the end of the trail. The end of the trail is good. The end of that trail for all of them. Good morning, Miss Bath. Are you going ashore?

[Virginia Baird]

That depends on you, Mr. Darcy.

[Narrator]

On me?

[Virginia Baird]

If you travel with the prairie belle, I'll walk across the land with the rest of the passengers. If you go with them, I'll stay on board.

[Narrator]

I see. Which would you rather do?

[Virginia Baird]

Captain Daniels has asked me to walk with him. I'm sure I'd enjoy it. He isn't the type of man who ever disgraced his uniform.

[Narrator]

I understand, Ms. Baird. I shall stay on board.

[Virginia Baird]

Your manners are perfect, Mr. Darcy. I never realized before that a. A renegade could act like a gentleman. May I ask one favor?

[Narrator]

I am at your service.

[Virginia Baird]

Please don't address me again. Good day, sir.

[Narrator]

Goodbye, Miss B. Up with the gang plank. Cast off those lines. Step lively, boys. Reverse the edge of Tristan Orton until we clear the point. Then full speed ahead. Like Eagle. You follow my orders and there won't be no more fireboats coming up the Missouri. There won't be any soldiers to drive away the game. This is your hunting ground, and you'll keep it for yourself. I don't think we're over there. Dada, Nago, Monika. How we do what you say? That's easy. There's a sandboy down stew about half a mile. Boat's got to push right into this bike to get past it. That means we can climb right onto the lower deck, knock out the crew and go after the rifles. When? We'll get here about noon. We got somebody watching us. What's that? Yeah, they sent out a scout. I saw him. Where? Over there, at the edge of the clearing. Is he still there? I guess so. I came around the minute I spotted him. You heard him. Black eagle. Get about 10 men together, head into the trees in that direction. And once you get cover, circle back to the river. Do you understand? No Black Eagle. Not let scout know we come after him. If we can get between him and the river, there's no chance for him to get away. All right, hurry it up. Look, Gordon, there's a white horse standing on the bank of the river. I see it. Moss belong to the scout Black Eagle. We'll wait for him over there. Take cover near the bank. He'll come back to his horse sooner or later. Oh, that horse knows we're coming. He's looking right this way. Where, man? We got him cut off. That's all that matters. Where did that whistle come from? Black Eagle show you. He was calling his horse. See? We can follow that white easy. He's heading into the tree here. Put a bullet through him. Why can't we just follow? How can we catch the scout of his mist there, man? No, he's masked. Open fire. The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story. Before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Narrator]

play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more detail. Now to continue our story. Once mounted on Silver, the Lone Ranger made his escape from Gordon and the Indians. Meanwhile, the Prairie Bell was steaming slowly up the river. The captain had called Harry Darcy to the bridge. Darcy, you recognized that Indian who come aboard last night, didn't you? Yes, I did. He's taking care of the pilot. Seems to know a lot about fever. But I'm not so sure that I can trust him. If my word means anything, you can. He calls himself Tono. That's right. The same Tarno that rides with the Lone Ranger. Lone Ranger? Where'd you ever meet him? It was down in Texas, Captain, during that battle where Jim Collins lost his life. The masked man helped us drive off the Indians. Without him, we'd all have been killed. I see. Is that all? That's all, Darcy. I will send word to Captain. Oh, hello, Tonto. Didn't hear you. How's your patient? A fever go down, but him too weak to stand. Can we have him moved up here on the bridge? Not yet. Maybe soon. The sooner the better. It's two years since I've taken the Prairie Bell up from Missouri. And the river changes its course every month. And pilots in Word. Something to look out for. San Bar. Cross River. Topper Bend. You stay close to left bank. The left bank, huh? Used to be the right. I'll take a look at my chart. Harlow, there's your friend, huh? You see Lone Ranger up ahead there? That's the Lone Ranger, Captain. The masked man standing beside the white horse. He's signaling. Trouble comes soon now. Did you say trouble? Lone Ranger? Follow bad men. Find out what them try do. He's diving into the water. Check your speed, Mr. Norton. We're picking up the Lone Ranger. Keep an eye on Silver Tyler. Oh, him all right. Him from a boat on bank. Where's Cow? I left him at the strip. You can pick him up tonight. What's this again, Mask man? Outlaws and Indians. You see, Gordon is a gunman that got himself elected sheriff of Virginia City. He runs the mining camps. And he doesn't want any more soldiers at Fort Benton. You see, as soon as a colonel gets reinforcements, he's going to run Gordon out of the hills. But the soldiers aren't on board now. Gordon plans to wreck the boat and get rifles for the Indians. And you have many? Plenty. Plenty of ammunition too. There's even a small field piece. Cannon? Yes. Good. I'm glad you're here, Darcy. Thank you. Then after the boat is wrecked, Gordon and the Indians will attack the soldiers back at the strip. What about my other passengers? There are women, even children. They're all in danger. But the boat will be attacked first. Where? I can't tell you that. They're camped near the top of the bend on the left bank. They know about the sandbar. Then they know we'll have to come close into shore. You will. Our pilot's sick, but he sent word to hug the bank at the top of the bend. All right, Captain. Captain, we know where the attack will be. All we have to do is get ready for it. But how? My crew doesn't know anything about fighting Indians. Can you get that cannon mounted on the forward deck, Darcy? I think so. Good. Captain, I want you to tell your men that are to take orders from him. I refuse. Refuse? You want to save your boat, don't you? I'd turn the command over to you in a minute, but that man's no better than Gordon. Once a renegade, always a renegade. You're mistaken, Captain. Gordon's trying to steal rifles. Darcy did the same things, sold them to the Indians. I know all about that court marshal. Then how can you. I have every confidence in Harry Darcy, both as a man and a soldier. I can't say anything more. Oh, that's plenty if you mean it. I do. Captain, will you give your men the necessary orders? If we've been wrong about you, Darcy, I'd be the first man to apologize. He didn't ask for that. Well, he'll get all the men he needs. You don't have to worry. Come on. Harry, Ride with you. Captain. Toto. Silver still following us. You see him? Through tree himself hollow. Yes. Well, we have to beat off the attack on the boat that comes first. How many empty? Over 200. Pretty hard. Yes, Totto. But even if we do it, the soldiers must be warned. And without Silver, there's no chance of doing that. A him follow Silver. Be ready when you want him. Come on, boy. Are you coming, Darcy? Well, Captain, we're getting close to the bend now. I don't see any sign of engines. You will. Don't check your speed. I know. Hold her to the left bank, Mr. Norton. Full speed ahead. Aye, aye, sir. The cannon slowed his mask man. But we can only fire once or twice. She'll tear herself loose after that. Twice should be enough. Will you give the command? The fire. Back to your post. Darcy. What is it? You see that big branch that comes out over the water? Yes. There's an Indian standing on it now. Look out. I'm trying to see others now. Stand by the reload man. Mr. Martin, pass the word along the engineer. Give the boilers all they can stand. Aye, aye, sir. Hold speed ahead. The cannon will be a surprise. That's what I'm counting on, Captain. Blow. Thistle, too. That's the idea. Make all the noise we can. Use that cannon as a signal for a long salute, Mr. Norton. Less than 200 yards now. There's two in line with our fire. No. Him. Back away. That's fine. Last man. Hold your fire. Hold it.

[Virginia Baird]

Now.

[Narrator]

Stand back, men. Stand back. That did it. That stopped him. We're getting past the point. You won't have to fire again. Darcy. They're running for cover. It's all over. No. Captain Gordon and the Indians have horses. The river winds so much that they can make it to the soldiers long before you do them. Right through forest. But they're running away. Gordon will rally them. I'm going ashore. Do you want us to pull into the bank? I want you to get down to that strip as fast as you can. Darcy. What is it, dead man? This fight isn't over. And we'll need the cannon again. Which you've said. I don't mean now. We'll need it when the Boat gets to the strip, get it lashed more firmly. You'll have two or three hours. That's plenty of time. But if we don't stop, how are you going to get ashore? There's another branch hanging over the water. Keep the boat close to the bank and I can reach it from this deck. Can you jump? Yes. Toto. Hold it into the bank, Mr. Norton. We can't come too close. Masked man. I won't have to jump far. Better stand on railing. Yes. And thunder. Steady, you. Silver in sight, huh? You can get the tree by time you reach ground. Here come, Branch. All set? Come on, Silver. This trail is longer than the one Gordon and the Indians are using. But you can still beat them faster, boy. That's it. I own Silver. Away. Captain. Are you in command of the soldiers? Yes, I am. There's going to be an attack. Indians. With a renegade white man for their leader. Indians. Round up your men. Where's the buglers? Down by the river. May I tell him to sound assembly? Of course. Wait.

[Virginia Baird]

You'll be. He won't know who you are.

[Narrator]

You better let me ride with you. You're Miss Barrett, aren't you? Yes.

[Virginia Baird]

Help me up, Ken.

[Narrator]

There. Come on, Sil. Hurry. Hurry. Hurry. Miss Barrett. I'm leaving it up to you to keep the passengers back of the soldiers and out of danger.

[Virginia Baird]

You can depend on me.

[Narrator]

I'm wondering about this position you've picked out for us. We're defending a point of land. The river's on three sides. We have no retreat. You will have when the prairie bell gets here. But when will that be? We'll have to hold out for at least an hour. The men don't have much ammunition. Tell them to save it us. They have good cover. Tell them to wait for the Indians to charge. Here they come. Hold your firemen. Wait until they show themselves. They've got to cross the clearing to reach us. Out now, Captain. Iron wheel men, drive them back. We've turned the back again. Masked man. Good work. What about next time? We can't fight without ammunition. There shouldn't be a next time, Captain. What do you mean? If I've gauged her speed correctly, the prairie bell should be coming around the last bend any minute now. We can get aboard. Then we won't have to. Harry Darcy's mounted a cannon on the forward deck. And there she is. Wait. Watch the Indians. Looks as if they're trying to run away. Those two men are trying to stop them. Those are the men we want. We've got the charge, Captain. Capture Those two men and the Indians standing beside them and your troubles are over. Will you follow me? Lead the way. All right, boys, Follow the Lone Ranger. All right, you got a spot. We ain't shooting no more. Just keep reaching for the sky, Gordon. They're your prisoners, Captain. We take the Indian with us, too. He's the chief of the tribe. General Barrett will want to have a talk with him. As for the other two, you have to tell me about them. They're going to jail. They'll be lucky if they don't hang. Darcy, the masked man told me that you had a great deal to do with the capture of those renegades. You handle that cannon very well. I'm glad he thought so. Colonel Barrett shall hear of it. The War Department too. In my opinion, you've redeemed yourself. And if you should ever wish to re. Enter the service, well, we shall see. There's nothing I'd like better. And let's hope it can be arranged. Are you coming, Ms. Barrett?

[Virginia Baird]

If you don't mind, there's something I'd like to say to Mr. Darcy alone.

[Narrator]

Oh, excuse me. Then.

[Virginia Baird]

I. I know it can be arranged, Harry. You know, the Lone Ranger told me a story and I think my father ought to hear it.

[Narrator]

A story?

[Virginia Baird]

It's about a captain who sold rifles to the Indians. His company was ordered out to protect a settlement from an Indian attack and, well, he tried to redeem himself. He fought bravely.

[Narrator]

It was a lieutenant that sold the rifles.

[Virginia Baird]

It was a captain. But after he had fought bravely and died like a hero, the young lieutenant didn't want anyone to call a captain a renegade. He took the blame for the rivals himself. One has to admire a man like. Like that young lieutenant.

[Narrator]

Even now. I don't want anyone to know.

[Virginia Baird]

There won't be many. Just my father, Chief of Staff and. And the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

There he is.

[Virginia Baird]

Where?

[Narrator]

Riding away.

[Virginia Baird]

I see him now. He. He says you belong in the army. But I'll have to tell Father for it to be sure. You will let me, won't you?

[Narrator]

He thinks I ought to.

[Virginia Baird]

Yes, Harry.

[Narrator]

Well, whatever he thinks is right is good enough for me.

[Virginia Baird]

Then it's just as good as settled, Lieutenant.

[Narrator]

Oh, they wouldn't give me that.

[Virginia Baird]

Yes, you'll get your commission back and you can save the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

I do Virginia, with all my heart. It.

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[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands Steve 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.

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