Blue Pebbles | The Lone Ranger (10-19-42)

Summary

Podcast Summary:

Old Time Radio Westerns – Blue Pebbles | The Lone Ranger (10-19-42)
Host: Andrew Rynes
Date: June 18, 2026 (Episode originally aired October 19, 1942)

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Overview

This episode of the "Old Time Radio Westerns" podcast brings to life a digitally restored version of "Blue Pebbles," a dramatic Lone Ranger adventure from the golden age of radio. Bolstered by atmospheric sound restoration, listeners are transported to the rugged frontiers of the Old West, where the Lone Ranger and Tonto are drawn into a tale of injustice, secrets, and redemption. The story centers on an innocent man, Jeff Thompson, who breaks out of prison to set right an old wrong and reveal the hidden truth behind a "played-out" gold mine in Montana.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Beats

1. Jeff Thompson's Prison Ordeal and Escape

• Setting the Scene:
  The story opens in the harsh environment of a territorial prison, where Jeff Thompson toils under a relentless desert sun. He is wrongly convicted and clings to hope for escape, driven by an injustice involving false evidence and perjured witnesses.
• Visit in Prison:
  Jeff receives a rare visit from his lawyer, Harvey, who brings important news from Montana—John Cartwright, a rancher and mine owner, has died, and his estate is set to be inherited by the unscrupulous Nathan Black since Cartwright's heir is presumed missing.
• The Offer & Setup:
  Harvey tempts Jeff with the news that the Cartwright mine yields only "worthless blue pebbles" and hints that Jeff knows the secret to new treasure. He orchestrates an escape for Jeff under suspiciously perfect conditions.
  • Notable quote:
    “You’re busting out of here tonight. At midnight, your cell will be open. There’ll be a rope over the wall.” – Harvey (07:25)
• The Double-Cross:
  As Jeff escapes with Harvey’s help, he narrowly survives a double-cross and flees—with Tonto and the Lone Ranger noticing his escape and beginning to follow his trail.
  • Notable moment:
    "They purposely gave him an empty gun." (08:44)

2. Encounter with the Lone Ranger and Tonto

• Crossing Paths:
  Fleeing the law and his pursuers, Jeff stumbles upon the Lone Ranger and Tonto camped nearby. In desperation, Jeff briefly holds them up to "borrow" a horse, displaying both his grit and his desperation.
  • Notable exchange:
    “That’s strange. I’d never take you for a horse thief.” – Lone Ranger (10:36)
    “I ain’t stealing, just borrowing. I’ll leave your horse up the trail.” – Jeff Thompson (10:39)

3. Revelation: Tommy’s True Identity

• Father-Son Reunion:
  In Wyoming, Jeff is reunited with his adopted son, Tommy, and reveals a life-changing secret: Tommy is the long-lost Cartwright heir, kidnapped as a baby but raised as Jeff's own.
  • Notable emotional moment:
    "You're that kid." – Jeff Thompson (14:06)
    “You're the only Pa I've ever known. I don't want to change.” – Tommy (14:22)
• Conflict of Inheritance:
  Jeff explains to Tommy that although the Cartwright mine appears worthless, the truth is more complex, and Tommy's inheritance is under threat from Nathan Black.

4. Race to Montana: Facing Black and Harvey

• The Conspiracy:
  Nathan Black and Harvey are revealed as not only greedy but incompetent; they fail to find gold in the mine and bicker over their prospects.
  • Notable dialogue:
    "All that's left is a mess of blue pebbles." – Harvey (21:03)
• The Return:
  The Lone Ranger, having promised to help, leads the group north to confront Black and secure justice for Tommy.

5. The Mine: Showdown and Sacrifice

• Climactic Standoff:
  At the mine, Jeff tries to share his secret about the blue pebbles, but Black and Harvey ambush them from across a canyon.
  • Turning Point:
    Jeff is mortally wounded while protecting Tommy, imparting his final trust to both his adopted son and the Lone Ranger.
  • Heart-wrenching farewell:
    "Call me Pa again, will you?" – Jeff Thompson (26:03)
    “You’re my pa. Best pa in the world.” – Tommy (26:09)
• Lone Ranger’s Daring Rescue:
  The Lone Ranger escapes the crossfire with a daring leap across the canyon on Silver, subdues Black and Harvey, and secures the mine.
  • Notable action moment:
    “That’s a twenty-foot jump across a gorge. Can we make it?” – Lone Ranger (27:01)
    “Now, Silver! Jump!” – Lone Ranger (27:22)

6. Resolution: The Blue Pebbles’ True Value

• Discovery:
  With the villains captured, Lone Ranger reveals the mine’s true secret—the blue "worthless" pebbles are sapphires, far more valuable than gold.
  • Key reveal:
    “Those little bits of blue gravel, Tommy, are sapphires. You’ve inherited a sapphire mine!” – Lone Ranger (28:47)
• Final Reflection:
  Tonto confirms the Lone Ranger’s identity to an awestruck Tommy as the episode closes on a note of hope and vindication.
  • Classic farewell:
    “That not just feller. That Lone Ranger.” – Tonto (29:21)

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Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Harvey’s setup for Jeff’s escape:
  “You’re busting out of here tonight. At midnight, your cell will be open.” – Harvey (07:25)
• Jeff’s heartbreak and confession to Tommy:
  “You’re that kid.” – Jeff Thompson (14:06)
  “You’re the only Pa I’ve ever known. I don’t want to change.” – Tommy (14:22)
• The Lone Ranger’s sense of justice:
  “If what you say is the truth, all you want to do is prove that Tommy here is a legal heir to his father's mine and ranch.” – Lone Ranger (18:57)
• Dramatic leap:
  “That’s a 20 foot jump across a gorge. Can we make it? … Now, Silver! Jump!” – Lone Ranger (27:01–27:22)
• Emotional farewell:
  “Call me Pa again, will you?” – Jeff Thompson (26:03)
  “You’re my pa. Best pa in the world.” – Tommy (26:09)
• The true discovery:
  “Those little bits of blue gravel, Tommy, are sapphires. You’ve inherited a sapphire mine!” – Lone Ranger (28:47)
• Tonto’s final words:
  “That not just feller. That Lone Ranger.” – Tonto (29:21)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Segment | |-------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:31–07:05 | Jeff in prison, Harvey’s visit, and escape arrangement | | 08:38–11:27 | Escape, confrontation, Lone Ranger and Tonto pick up the trail | | 12:24–15:15 | Jeff reunites with Tommy; father-son secret revealed | | 17:43–19:20 | Lone Ranger, Tonto, Jeff, and Tommy form their alliance | | 20:19–22:19 | Black and Harvey’s foiled mining efforts | | 22:19–26:26 | Arrival at the mine; ambush and Jeff’s sacrifice | | 27:01–27:37 | Lone Ranger's daring canyon jump and capture of villains | | 28:19–29:21 | Revelation of sapphire mine; episode conclusion |

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Takeaways

• The heightened audio restoration captures the drama and tension of classic Lone Ranger radio, making the adventure even more immersive.
• The episode masterfully intertwines themes of redemption, lost identity, and the enduring power of chosen family.
• The pivotal twist—that the mine’s real treasure is sapphires, not gold—provides a satisfying resolution and moral lesson about true value.
• The Lone Ranger embodies justice, resourcefulness, and compassion, standing as the archetype of the Western hero.

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Tone & Atmosphere

Reflecting the vintage radio era, voices are dramatic, earnest, and clear; music and effects add suspense and warmth. The Lone Ranger, as always, is marked by stoic courage and understated compassion, while the supporting cast embodies colorful Old West archetypes.

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For those who love classic radio drama, “Blue Pebbles” is both a rousing adventure and an emotional journey—faithfully restored and retold on the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast.

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines (Host)]

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 for your enjoyment, you can find more western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Silver,

[Narrator]

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

[Carvana Customer]

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[Lone Ranger]

Well, that's cool.

[Carvana Customer]

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[Carvana Customer]

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[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Wow.

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[Carvana Customer]

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[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. The stories of his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness, have come down to us through the generations. And nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. There's danger on the trail ahead.

[Narrator/Guard]

I. Oh, Silver.

[Carvana Customer's Partner]

Hi.

[Narrator]

The desert sun that streamed into the yard of the territorial prison was molten and glassy. It threw a blinding glare into the eyes of Jeff Thompson, who worked with a group of prisoners repairing a section of broken walls.

[Narrator/Guard]

All right, you jailbirds get to work. Please drink of water.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Shut up.

[Narrator/Guard]

I've got more to do than fetch water for a bunch of cons. Get to work.

[Narrator]

Jeff didn't ask the prison guard for water. Not that he didn't want it. He would have bartered his soul for a drink. But he knew that asking was useless. Prisons like this were meant to break men, not help them, even though a man had been convicted on false evidence. But it would take more than livid heat and back shattering work to break Jeff Thompson. He was a small man of middle age with tight lips that rarely smiled. Cloudy gray eyes screened thoughts that were never spoken. Plans of escape that would someday be fulfilled. Most of these plans hinged on a Colt.45 that was well hidden under the mattress in his cell. Although he didn't know it. At this very moment in the warden's office, a visitor was asking for him. Visitors were the exception, not the rule at the territorial prison. So Jeff was as surprised as the guard who brought the message.

[Narrator/Guard]

Hey, Thompson, somebody to see in the office. What do you mean, warden? Ah, somebody from outside. I don't know any warden says for you to come in, so get moving. Right in here.

[Narrator]

He's waiting for you.

[Lone Ranger]

Thanks.

[Narrator/Guard]

And don't try any shenanigans, cuz I'll be right outside the door.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Hello, Jeff.

[Narrator/Guard]

Oh, J.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Aren't you glad to see me?

[Lone Ranger]

No.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

First time I ever heard of a prisoner who didn't want to see his lawyer.

[Narrator/Guard]

Being a prisoner hasn't changed my mind

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

about you, H. Jeff was new coffee to feel that way. I did the best I could for him. The cards were stacked against us, that's all.

[Narrator/Guard]

Fake evidence, perjured witnesses.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

I did the best I could.

[Narrator/Guard]

What are you doing here, Harvey? What do you want with me?

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Nothing much. I just happened to run across a newspaper from up north. Thought you might be interested.

[Narrator/Guard]

What is it?

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Newspaper from Shield Town, Montana.

[Narrator/Guard]

Mon. Montana? Let me see it.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Can't do that, Jeff. Against prison rules. But I'll read you a little item here on the front page.

[Narrator/Guard]

Go on, read it.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

It's the Shield Town News. Listen. John P. Cartwright, prominent rancher and mining man of Shield Town, passed away yester Cartwright dead. Yeah, I figured it would be news you'd like to hear.

[Narrator/Guard]

Does it say anymore?

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Says the Cartwright estate, consisting principally of rangeland and the gold mine in the Trinity Basin, will undoubtedly pass to Mr. Nathan Black, as there are no Cartwright heirs.

[Narrator/Guard]

So Black is finally going to get what he's been trying to steal for the past 16 years.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Now wait a minute. Jeff, Nate Black has a moral and legal right to the Cartwright place. Hasn't he been the old man's range boss in mine form?

[Narrator/Guard]

Black's a crook and you know it.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

He's my client.

[Narrator/Guard]

That's the same thing.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Well, anyway, Nate gets the ranch in the mine because nobody's ever seen hiding their hair the Cartwright kid since he disappeared over 16 years ago. You don't know anything about that, do you?

[Narrator/Guard]

Why should I?

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

No reason.

[Narrator/Guard]

You came down here to talk. Harvey, what is it?

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

No, I just came down talker.

[Narrator/Guard]

I'm going back to work.

[Andrew Rines (Host)]

All right.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Nate Black figures that someday you'll be getting out of here.

[Narrator/Guard]

Not for 10 years.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

And he thought maybe you'd like to come back to Montana.

[Narrator/Guard]

What's the matter? Pay dirt petered out in a cut right mind. He figures I know where the new load is.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Well, to tell the truth, that is one of the reasons mine has petered out. The past two months, we haven't panned anything but a lot of blue pebbles.

[Narrator/Guard]

What?

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Nothing but a lot of worthless blue pebbles. No gold.

[Narrator/Guard]

If I was only out of here, Spirit.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

We thought you'd feel that way.

[Narrator/Guard]

It doesn't do me any good.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Yes, it does, Jeff. You're busting out of here tonight. Oh, and but off again. You'll open up your cell at midnight. You'll find a rope hanging over the wall where you were working today.

[Narrator/Guard]

How about a getaway?

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

We'll be waiting for you outside the wall.

[Narrator/Guard]

All right.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

By the way, you don't have a gun, do you?

[Narrator/Guard]

What do I get? No, no, of course not.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

The guy will slip you on. Understand?

[Narrator/Guard]

I understand.

[Narrator]

All right.

[Narrator/Guard]

Time's up.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Well, goodbye, Jeff. I'll see you some other time.

[Narrator/Guard]

I'm sure you.

[Narrator]

At midnight, the door to Jeff Thompson cell was unlocked from the outside, and a guard pressed a gun into his hand. His own gun, the one he had kept hidden for so long, was now beneath his shirt. As he slunk out a side door of the prison and hurried toward the wall, Jeff was worried. It was all too easy to be real. Yet there was the rope, just as Harvey had promised it. And overhand he climbed the rough stone barricade and poised a moment at the top to catch his breath. And he jumped into total darkness.

[Narrator/Guard]

Right here, Henry.

[Tommy Cartwright]

There he is. Guard. Right.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

That open space. He's got them together.

[Narrator/Guard]

Who are you?

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

He's gonna stay prisoner.

[Narrator/Guard]

I don't need him.

[Narrator]

Jeff turned quickly. Gun in hand, he pressed the trigger. In a flash, he realized the frame up they had purposely given him an empty gun. He reached for his own pistol, the one he knew was loaded.

[Narrator/Guard]

Hugging before he gets away.

[Nate Black]

Yeah.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Hey.

[Narrator/Guard]

I'm gonna get Preach Harvey or I'll blow that lion head of yours into a million pieces.

[Nate Black]

Listen, Jeff.

[Narrator/Guard]

Shut up, you double crossing scum. So the idea was to blast me, huh?

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

You don't understand, Jeff.

[Narrator/Guard]

I understand that Nathan Black must be mighty scared of me or what? I know how much he pay you to frame this killer.

[Nate Black]

How much?

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Hundred dollars.

[Narrator/Guard]

Give it to me. I'll give it back to Blank in lead.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Yes, I've always.

[Narrator/Guard]

And here's your share. I should kill you, but I've got more important things to do.

[Narrator]

Not far from the walls of the territorial prison, two men were seated on their haunches beside an open campfire. One of them was tall and lean. He wore a black mask. The other was a grave faced Indian. The Lone Ranger spoke to Tonto.

[Lone Ranger]

That sounded like gunfire a few minutes ago. As soon as we finish supper, we'll

[Narrator/Guard]

get one of the moves to get his spine split with a bullet.

[Lone Ranger]

He's behind us, Tado. Don't move.

[Narrator/Guard]

That's good advice, stranger. Now stand up, both of you. Yes, put your hands in the air and turn around.

[Lone Ranger]

We haven't much choice.

[Narrator/Guard]

Mask man injured Outlaws, eh?

[Lone Ranger]

What do you think?

[Narrator/Guard]

Guess I'm in the right company. I just busted out of prison.

[Lone Ranger]

I guessed as much.

[Narrator/Guard]

But I'm not in a produce. Only reason I made the break was to stop a gang of crooks from cheating an innocent kid.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, if you'll tell me what?

[Narrator/Guard]

Keep him up. Don't drop your hands.

[Lone Ranger]

All right, what do you want?

[Narrator/Guard]

All I need from you two hombres is a good horse. One that can travel fast.

[Lone Ranger]

They only have two horses.

[Narrator/Guard]

One's enough for me. I'll ride the paint over there.

[Lone Ranger]

That's strange. I'd never take you for a horse thief.

[Narrator/Guard]

I'm not stealing your cayuse, just borrowing it. All right, till he's winded and then pick up another one.

[Lone Ranger]

Do you mind telling us which way you're heading?

[Narrator/Guard]

North. I guess I'd better take them. Shoot. Nines of yours too, just to play safe.

[Lone Ranger]

Throw them down.

[Narrator/Guard]

Kick them over this way. Careful now, no tricks. There, that's better. I'm not gonna keep them. You'll find them in the saddlebags in the paint.

[Lone Ranger]

All your cayuse over here call him Tada.

[Narrator/Guard]

Here scout. Quite smart looking pony. Well gents, I'm mighty grateful to you. You happen to mosey along my trail, you might find this Critter along about sun up. Get up. Horse wheat. Right, Silver catch crook.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes. Tado.

[Narrator/Guard]

Here's over easy, big fella.

[Lone Ranger]

Unless I'm mistaken, there's more than one cook to be caught.

[Narrator/Guard]

Me ready one.

[Carvana Customer]

For hours.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger in Tonto. Riding double on Silver, trailed Jeff Thompson, the outlaw. About an hour after sunrise, they reached the outskirts of a small town. Tonto was the first to sight what they were looking for.

[Narrator/Guard]

There's Scout. Him wait.

[Lone Ranger]

All right, Tonto. Ho, Silver.

[Narrator/Guard]

Ho by ho, huh? Scout plenty tired.

[Narrator]

That hard?

[Tommy Cartwright]

Right.

[Lone Ranger]

They're both tired, Toto. We'll stop here for a few hours and hit the trail again, huh?

[Narrator/Guard]

Kimasabi.

[Lone Ranger]

Quick.

[Narrator/Guard]

Leave guns. They're here in saddlebag.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes. He kept his promise. That's what puzzles me, Tato. We're going to follow him no matter how far north he goes.

[Narrator]

It was almost a week later that Jeff Thompson rode into the corral on a small ranch in northern Wyoming. He was dead tired for many hours on the trail, but his eyes brightened when he saw a tall, young cow puncher hurrying toward the corral to greet him.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Pa, Where'd you come from?

[Lone Ranger]

South.

[Narrator/Guard]

Down the territory.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Pa, I had a letter from you. Said you'd gone to South America or someplace like that. You might be gone a long time.

[Narrator/Guard]

Yes, son, I know that wasn't the truth.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Not the. What do you mean?

[Narrator/Guard]

Anybody in the bunk house?

[Tommy Cartwright]

No.

[Narrator/Guard]

Let's go in there. I've got a lot of things to tell you.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Well, what is it, Pa?

[Narrator/Guard]

Well, to start with, Tommy, I want to tell you a story about an old cowpoke who was working on a spread up in Montana about 16 years ago.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Who was he?

[Narrator/Guard]

I'll get to that. This fellow wasn't very smart. Oh, he knew plenty about cattle and mining, but not much about human nature.

[Tommy Cartwright]

I don't understand, Pa. One day he

[Narrator/Guard]

had a fight with his boss. So for revenge, he kidnapped the boss's motherless kid and hightailed it.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Kidnapped a baby?

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Well, who was this man, Pa?

[Narrator/Guard]

Me?

[Tommy Cartwright]

You mean you.

[Narrator/Guard]

I sure ain't proud of what I've done. Scheme kind of backfired on me anyway. I thought I was hurting my ex boss, but right from the first, I raised the kid and the little jigger. Kind of got a hold of my heart. He called me Pa. I call him Son.

[Tommy Cartwright]

But I'm the only. You mean I'm that kid?

[Narrator/Guard]

Yes, son. You're that kid.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Well, then who's my real father?

[Narrator/Guard]

Your real pa's dead. Tommy died last week on his ranch. In Montana.

[Tommy Cartwright]

What was his name?

[Narrator/Guard]

Cartwright. John Cartwright. That's your right name, too.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Oh, I don't care about that. You're the only PA I've ever known. I don't want to change.

[Narrator/Guard]

You don't understand, Tommy. I've been in territorial prison down south. I busted out as soon as I heard that Cartwright was dead. There's a ranch and a played out gold mine in Montana that are rightfully yours.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Oh, I don't want them. I'd rather be with you.

[Narrator/Guard]

Tommy, the only reason I broke out of jail is to square things with you. You've got to go up there and claim what's yours. You see, I know something about that Cartwright mine that nobody else.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Listen. Somebody's coming.

[Narrator/Guard]

Must be that mascot alone. An Injun. They've been trailing me for days.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Who are they?

[Narrator/Guard]

I don't know. But I do know nobody's gonna stop me from taking you back to Montana.

[Tommy Cartwright]

What do we do?

[Narrator/Guard]

Just keep quiet. They'll see my horse outside and they'll come in here. The minute they open the door, I'll start to blast with lame. I started this show and I'm gonna finish it.

[Lone Ranger]

Horse is here, but he's nowhere in sight. Let's try the bunkhouse.

[Narrator/Guard]

Me?

[Nate Black]

Wait.

[Lone Ranger]

No tunnel. I think we've finally reached the end of the trail. Come on.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger drama before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

[Carvana Customer's Partner]

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[Narrator/Guard]

Unbelievable.

[Carvana Customer's Partner]

Okay, I accepted the offer. They're picking it up Tuesday from the driveway. I haven't even left my chair. It's done. The car is gone. I'm holding a check anyway. Carvana, give it a whirl. Love ya.

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[Narrator/Guard]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue our story Unaware that Jeff Thompson was waiting inside the bunk house with leveled guns, the Lone Ranger and Tunder walked quickly toward the door.

[Lone Ranger]

This is the only place he can be. Oh, wait a minute, Tato. I don't know what's behind this door. It's best to play safe out on our knees. And I'll push the door in.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Lone Ranger]

Keep your gun ready. Keep them covered.

[Narrator/Guard]

Let me do it.

[Lone Ranger]

You were trying to kill me, so you shot too high. I know.

[Narrator/Guard]

You'd come crawling into your hands and knees.

[Lone Ranger]

You didn't know. That's why you failed.

[Tommy Cartwright]

What do you want?

[Lone Ranger]

I think I'm the one to ask questions. This man held us up, stole one of our horses.

[Narrator/Guard]

I didn't steal. I left your horse where you could find it.

[Lone Ranger]

Very true. But you escaped from territorial prison.

[Narrator/Guard]

Are you a lawman?

[Lone Ranger]

No.

[Narrator/Guard]

And what do you care?

[Lone Ranger]

You also tried to kill me just now. That is my business.

[Narrator/Guard]

Look here, stranger, I ain't.

[Lone Ranger]

You're going to talk and talk fast.

[Narrator/Guard]

All right, I'll tell you what it's all about. My name is Jeff Thompson. The boy here is Tommy. Tommy Cartwright.

[Lone Ranger]

No. If what you say is the truth, all you want to do is prove that Tommy here is a legal heir to his father's mine and ranch.

[Narrator/Guard]

Yeah, if I could do that, I'd be willing to go back to the territory and spend the rest of my life there.

[Lone Ranger]

How can you prove what you say?

[Narrator/Guard]

It won't be easy. Nate Black is a tough hombre, and so is that shyster Harvey.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, that depends on how we handle it.

[Narrator]

We?

[Narrator/Guard]

You mean.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Stranger, you'll help Pa and me.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, saddle your horses. We're all heading for Montana.

[Narrator]

The vast spread of Trinity Basin wasn't considered good grazing land. It was made up mainly of broken country, crisscrossing coulees and rocky draws. Many years before, John Cartwright had homesteaded the upper part of it and tried to raise cattle. This hadn't been very successful, so he began placer mining for gold up near Jubilee Peak. But that venture, too, seemed doomed to failure, because everyone knew that long before the old man died, he had ceased to pan any pay dirt from the Cartwright mine. Nathan Black, who had apparently inherited the property, was convinced there was a secret ore vein someplace on the claim. The problem now was to find it.

[Nate Black]

All right, Harvey, fetch another bucket of that sand and limestone. We'll run it through the rock here.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Yeah. Don't seem to be getting any police, Nate. We've washed almost a ton of this stuff. Another speck of gold so far.

[Nate Black]

Double in here and shut up.

[Narrator/Guard]

Oh.

[Nate Black]

Grab a hold. Help me lift this thing into the creek. I can't understand it. This stuff looks good, but it don't pan out.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

It's no good, Nate. There's no gold within 100 miles of this place.

[Nate Black]

There's gotta be. Cartwright took it out of here.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

That was a long time ago. Now it's played out.

[Nate Black]

Can't be. The old coot wouldn't have been so worried about the place. It was worthless.

[Narrator/Guard]

See?

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Look at what's left. Nothing but a mess of blue pebbles. I tell you, native. Shut up.

[Nate Black]

You can't tell me anything. You haven't done your part of this job yet.

[Narrator]

What do you mean?

[Nate Black]

That hombre Jeff Thompson's got the Cartwright kid staked out someplace.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

I don't believe it.

[Nate Black]

Well, I do. So you were gonna have Thompson killed so he couldn't get to the kid.

[Tommy Cartwright]

I did, Frank.

[Nate Black]

All you did was make it easy for him to get out of prison. And right now it's 10 to 1 he's on the prod headed this way.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Jeff Thompson can't do anything.

[Nate Black]

He did plenty to you. Unless you're lying.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Suppose the contract kid is alive. He can't prove it.

[Nate Black]

He could come into Shaletown and raise an awful ruckus because I inherited this property.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

You've got a ranch, ain't you? What do you care about this plate out plastic mine? It ain't worth a party to blow it up.

[Nate Black]

There is gold here someplace. I'm gonna keep on panning till I find it.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Yeah, loco. There's nothing in this pit but some blue gravel.

[Nate Black]

Listen, Harvey, I'll do the mining and you the law work, which is more than you've done so far.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Shut up.

[Nate Black]

I'm tired of listening to alibis. Come on up to the shack. It's getting too dark to wash any more sand.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

There's no use talking like that, Nate.

[Nate Black]

Stop weeping. Go up to the shack.

[Narrator]

A few moments later, four horsemen rode through the fur fringed jaws of Jubilee Pass. The Lone Ranger was in the lead. Jeff and Tommy followed, and Tonto brought up the rear. It was a bright, moonlit night. Every rock and crag of the rugged country was outlined sharply against the flat valley that lay below. The masked man reined up suddenly and called a halt.

[Lone Ranger]

Hell. Is this the place, Jeff?

[Narrator/Guard]

Yep, this is it.

[Lone Ranger]

How far is shale town?

[Narrator/Guard]

About 20 miles. But the Cartwright ranch is right below us. And the mine is just across that

[Lone Ranger]

big ravine where we find this Nathan Black.

[Narrator/Guard]

The ranch? Most likely. But I'd like to stop by the mine first. I want to tell Tommy a few things about it.

[Lone Ranger]

All right, lead the way.

[Narrator/Guard]

Get him in. Come on, get him up.

[Narrator]

The four riders threaded their way through a rock strewn ravine. At its upper end, they reached a small creek that seemed to come tumbling out of nowhere. In single file, they headed upstream until they broke into a level clearing that was bounded on the far side by a deep chasm. Jeff Thompson brought his pony to a halt. He dismounted quickly and the others followed suit.

[Narrator/Guard]

That's it, right over there.

[Tommy Cartwright]

What?

[Narrator/Guard]

The mine. Come on. See, this is it.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Why, it's nothing but an open pit.

[Narrator/Guard]

Plaster mine, Tommy.

[Lone Ranger]

Apparently somebody's been working it. There's a sluice box and rocker in the creek, Nate.

[Narrator/Guard]

I bet Nate Black's been up here. And Harvey, too. You ever got over that punch and a joy.

[Lone Ranger]

Is this all there is to the mine? Aren't there any buildings?

[Narrator/Guard]

Tool shack right across the canyon there.

[Lone Ranger]

Across the canyon? How do you get over there?

[Narrator/Guard]

When Cartwright first stick this claim, I was working for him. He couldn't build a tool shed here because the creek floods over every spring. So he put it over there and swung a cable across.

[Lone Ranger]

How does it work?

[Narrator/Guard]

Block and tackle in a bucket.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Does all this really belong to me, Pa?

[Narrator/Guard]

Sure does, Tommy. We'll go into Shale Town and see old Judge Barnes. He drew up your dad's will. Judge will recognize you. He knew your PA well.

[Lone Ranger]

How much gold has been taken out of here, Thompson?

[Narrator/Guard]

Oh, not very much. I'd make a bet there hasn't been more than $200 panned here in the last five years.

[Lone Ranger]

200? You broke jail, stole horses, tried to kill me and risked your life to get here. That doesn't make sense.

[Narrator/Guard]

There's something about this mine that I haven't told anybody. It's a secret only me and old John Cartwright knew about.

[Tommy Cartwright]

What is it, Pa?

[Narrator/Guard]

Come over here to the sluice box. Hey, look at this box. A little bit different than most of them.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

You see?

[Tommy Cartwright]

I don't understand.

[Narrator/Guard]

I looked down to the end. Those are iron riffles instead of wood or zinc.

[Tommy Cartwright]

What's that mean?

[Narrator/Guard]

Well, it means that that's from the other side.

[Lone Ranger]

The tool shed. Black.

[Narrator/Guard]

Nate Black.

[Lone Ranger]

Gotta keep down.

[Tommy Cartwright]

That come from Pass?

[Lone Ranger]

Is there any other way off this clearing?

[Narrator/Guard]

Just the cable. The pass we came in and those are both covered.

[Lone Ranger]

They're shooting over our heads now, but if they drop their fire, we're trapped.

[Narrator/Guard]

As long as I can sling any lead with this. 45. Wait, wait.

[Lone Ranger]

You'll Only show them exactly where we are.

[Narrator/Guard]

Those low down sidewinders don't raise up.

[Lone Ranger]

They're in that shack across the canyon. They can see every move you make. But I'm not gonna.

[Narrator/Guard]

Oh, Pa. Pa.

[Lone Ranger]

Lie still, Tommy. You'll make the same mistake he did.

[Narrator/Guard]

Tommy.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Yeah, Pa.

[Narrator/Guard]

I think that one had my number on it, sir.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Oh, no. You'll be all right, Pa. We'll whip those poor cats and get you down to a doctor in Shamrotown.

[Narrator/Guard]

I want to last that long. But I want to tell you something. Tommy, listen to me.

[Tommy Cartwright]

What is it, Pa?

[Narrator/Guard]

The mine? Yeah, it's yours. Don't let Black cheat you. I'll get it, Pa. And Tommy, I don't know who this mask man is, but I know he's square. Trust him.

[Tommy Cartwright]

I will.

[Narrator/Guard]

One. One more thing, Tommy.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Yeah?

[Narrator/Guard]

Call me. Call me Pa again, will you?

[Lone Ranger]

Son,

[Tommy Cartwright]

you are my pa. Best PA in the world.

[Narrator/Guard]

Thanks, son. That's worth anything it ever cost me. Pa. Pa. He's gone.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes. It's tough, Tommy. We've got to do now is save ourselves.

[Tommy Cartwright]

We can.

[Lone Ranger]

There's only one chance. If I can get across that canyon, I can come up behind the tool shack.

[Tommy Cartwright]

You heard what Pa said. The cable's the only way across.

[Lone Ranger]

No, it isn't. You wait here with Toddo. Lie flat.

[Tommy Cartwright]

What are you going to do?

[Lone Ranger]

Ask my horse Silver, to do the impossible. Oh, wait here.

[Narrator]

Masked man bent low and ran zigzag fashion across the open clearing. Flying lead. Missed it by inches. We finally reached the large rock behind which Silver was waiting. He mounted the white stallion quickly and spoke in a low tone of voice

[Lone Ranger]

rather. It's up to you. That's a 20 foot jump across a gorge. Can we make it?

[Narrator/Guard]

All right, big fella, here we go. Come on, Silver.

[Narrator]

Like a bolt of silver lightning, the powerful white stallion chopped from behind a protecting rock and raced across the clearing to the edge of the canyon. His ears seemed to flatten back for just an instant as though to hear the Lone Ranger's urgent cry that would send him across the gaping canyon.

[Lone Ranger]

Now, Silver, jump.

[Narrator]

The moment the stallion's feet touched the earth, the Lone Ranger shouted his admiration.

[Lone Ranger]

Good work, big boy. I knew you'd do it.

[Narrator/Guard]

Now over to the right back of that tool shed full. Silver fool.

[Lone Ranger]

Throw up your hands, both of you. Oh, you won't stand where you are.

[Harvey (Lawyer)]

Swear the best.

[Narrator/Guard]

March over to that cable car.

[Lone Ranger]

We're going over to the mine. Hold on. Get moving.

[Narrator]

A few moments later, the prisoners were bound hand and foot.

[Lone Ranger]

Have you Tied them well, Tanner.

[Narrator/Guard]

Ah, me time plenty good Now.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll ride into Shale Town and get the sheriff. You and Tommy take care of Jeff, then wait here.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Oh, one thing I can't figure out.

[Lone Ranger]

What is it, Tommy?

[Tommy Cartwright]

My pa. The man I thought was my pa, he died trying to protect a gold mine. It looks like it was played out. What's a gold mine without gold?

[Lone Ranger]

I think I know the answer. Tommy, come over here. Jeff tried to tell us about this, but he didn't get a chance. Look at this sluice box. See the tiny bits of blue gravel stuck to the bottom of it?

[Tommy Cartwright]

I'm sure. But those hunks of blue gravel aren't gold.

[Lone Ranger]

You're right. They're far more precious than gold. Those little bits of blue gravel, Tommy, are sapphires. You've inherited a sapphire mine. Now. I'll bet that's something Nathan Black and his partner didn't know.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Well, I'll be done.

[Lone Ranger]

I've got to go now and get the sheriff. You wait here with Toddo.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Sure.

[Lone Ranger]

I won't be.

[Narrator]

Tommy watched the masked man walk quickly to the cable car and swing across the canyon. He saw him beckon to his horse and mount.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Say, who is that fell anyway?

[Narrator/Guard]

That not just feller. That Lone Ranger. Sam.

[Carvana Customer]

It.

[Narrator/Guard]

Sam.

[Narrator]

The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.

[Tommy Cartwright]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines (Host)]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com 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 Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Narrator/Guard]

Sam.