Brad Wallace Takes the Blame | The Lone Ranger (12-18-39)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns: "Brad Wallace Takes the Blame" | The Lone Ranger (12-18-39) Summary

Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: April 26, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rines presents a digitally restored classic episode of The Lone Ranger titled "Brad Wallace Takes the Blame." This episode transports listeners back to the Wild West, where themes of justice, corruption, and redemption intertwine in a tale of deceit and heroism.

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Conflict at Martin Craig’s Home

The story unfolds in the home of Martin Craig, a powerful and influential lawyer, engaged in a heated confrontation with Snyder, a menacing figure intent on exposing Craig's corrupt dealings.

• Martin Craig: "Craig, you don't dare, huh?" [04:02]

Craig asserts his dominance and threatens Snyder, revealing the depth of his power and the lengths he will go to protect his interests.

• Snyder: "I'm not one of them. I'll break you from inside of jail." [04:05]

The tension escalates as Craig attempts to intimidate Snyder into silence, highlighting the pervasive fear Craig instills in others.

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Brad Wallace’s Predicament

Amidst this confrontation, Brad Wallace, a young homesteader, inadvertently becomes entangled in the power struggle. Witnessing the altercation, Brad intervenes, leading to a dramatic standoff where Craig coerces Brad into taking the blame for a crime.

• Martin Craig: "You've got to take the blame. You're crazy. No, no, wait." [06:19]

Craig offers Brad a tempting bribe to falsely confess to a murder, exploiting Brad's desperation and financial woes.

• Martin Craig: "Then think of what you could do with $20,000... with that kind of money, you could do anything." [07:08]

Despite Craig's manipulations, Brad steadfastly refuses, asserting his innocence and moral integrity.

• Brad Wallace: "I won't take the blame." [06:31]

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The Lone Ranger Steps In

As Brad faces the dire consequences of Craig’s schemes, The Lone Ranger and his loyal companion Tonto begin their investigation. The Lone Ranger discerns inconsistencies in Brad’s story and suspects foul play orchestrated by Snyder and Craig.

• The Lone Ranger: "If there were only something we could." [10:02]

Determined to uncover the truth, The Lone Ranger delves deeper into the case, unveiling the layers of corruption that have ensnared Brad.

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Courtroom Drama and Deception

Brad’s trial becomes a spectacle, with Judge Thornton presiding over the case under the shadow of Craig’s influence. Craig manipulates the situation, ensuring that Brad’s plea for a lesser sentence is meticulously arranged but ultimately sabotaged.

• Martin Craig: "You need money... I can't risk an investigation." [06:10]

In a critical moment, The Lone Ranger confronts Judge Thornton, questioning the integrity of the legal proceedings and exposing the judge's susceptibility to Craig’s corruption.

• The Lone Ranger: "You put yourself in a position where a thousand honest citizens... will suspect he's bought you." [22:54]

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Unveiling the Truth

The Lone Ranger crafts a strategic plan to expose the truth. By dictating a letter to Judge Thornton, he manipulates the judge into incriminating himself, thereby unraveling Craig’s and Snyder’s deceitful tactics.

• The Lone Ranger: "I dictated it. Thornton wrote it." [28:21]

As the plot thickens, Martin Craig’s true nature and his attempts to manipulate the justice system are brought to light, leading to his downfall.

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Climactic Confrontation and Resolution

In the episode’s climax, a tense confrontation ensues at the Kirkwood Hotel. Craig attempts to eliminate Judge Thornton and cover his tracks, but The Lone Ranger intervenes just in time.

• Martin Craig: "You think I'd let any man live who could put me in danger?" [27:21]

A dramatic showdown results in Snyder’s arrest and Craig’s scheme being exposed, ensuring that justice prevails. Brad Wallace is vindicated, and the community's faith in The Lone Ranger is reaffirmed.

• The Lone Ranger: "Men like you think everyone as crooked as themselves." [28:14]

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Conclusion

"Brad Wallace Takes the Blame" masterfully weaves a narrative of courage and morality against a backdrop of corruption and manipulation. Through its rich storytelling and dynamic characters, the episode underscores the enduring values of justice and integrity championed by The Lone Ranger.

Notable Quotes:

• Martin Craig: "You're a pretty cool customer, Schneider." [08:08]
• Brad Wallace: "I'll hang to save you." [07:10]
• The Lone Ranger: "Silence. Silence." [15:14]

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Final Thoughts

This episode exemplifies the golden age of radio dramas, brought to life with enhanced audio quality that immerses listeners in the Wild West. Andrew Rines’ dedication to digital restoration ensures that these timeless tales continue to captivate new audiences with clarity and depth.

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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 in the hearty Hio. Silver the Lone Ranger with his faithful Indian companion Tonto the masked Rattler Plains fought crime and criminals throughout the early western United States. The stories of his adventures were told around thousands of frontier campfires. And these stories have come down to us through the generations. No greater champion of justice ever rode the western plains. 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.

[Martin Craig]

Come on, Silver.

[Brad Wallace]

We're heading for Kirkwood.

[Martin Craig]

Tada's waiting on the trail ahead. Hail Silver away.

[Narrator]

Two angry men faced each other in the home of the lawyer Martin Craig. One was Craig himself. The other was a man named Snyder, Middle aged, stoutly built and with the air of one accustomed to being obeyed. Now, although he kept his voice low, he found it hard to control his temper.

[Martin Craig]

Craig, you don't dare, huh?

[Snyder]

A lot of men in this state fear you, Snyder. Too many. But get this, I'm not one of them. I'll break you from inside of jail.

[Martin Craig]

How much will you take to keep still?

[Snyder]

More than you've got.

[Martin Craig]

Why, you dirty, meddling.

[Snyder]

Don't want this conversation overheard. Snyder, keep your voice down. There's a young fellow in the hallway waiting to see me.

[Martin Craig]

What do I care if you don't care?

[Snyder]

I don't.

[Martin Craig]

Craig. I'm a big man out here. I'm at the top of the heap. I've got money, power, influence, everything that years ago I said someday I'd have.

[Snyder]

And how did you get them?

[Narrator]

How?

[Martin Craig]

By fighting for what I wanted. By taking every blow aimed at me and giving twice as good in return. By showing the fools who fought me that I was stronger than they were. Stronger and a blame sight smarter, too.

[Snyder]

I'd put it a different way.

[Martin Craig]

Naturally. You're one of the fools, I'd say.

[Snyder]

That you got your money by cheating your power, by betraying your friends and your influence by trickery and lies and murder. And the people of this state are.

[Martin Craig]

Going to know it.

[Snyder]

They're going to learn the true story of Toliver's death. About those federal leases, about the contracts you got from Gleese.

[Martin Craig]

I'm warning you.

[Snyder]

I've had you watched. I know every move you've made within the past 12 months. I've got facts and figures and testimony that will put you where you deserve. And you won't prevent my using them.

[Narrator]

Young Brad Wallace, waiting to see Craig, listened to the muffled quarrel with rising alarm. But just as he had made up his mind to interfere.

[Brad Wallace]

What the. Ed.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ed.

[Brad Wallace]

You killed him. I'll take that gun.

[Martin Craig]

Stand back. You better stand back, I tell you. Don't move. I'll shoot if you do. I'll shoot.

[Brad Wallace]

Snyder, don't go local. You've killed a man. Killed him. Can't you savvy that shooting me would just make it worse? You.

[Martin Craig]

You know me?

[The Lone Ranger]

Who?

[Martin Craig]

Don't. Who are you? Now, look, who are you?

[Brad Wallace]

My name's Brad Wallace.

[Martin Craig]

But you. You need money.

[Brad Wallace]

What was that?

[Martin Craig]

Isn't there anything you want? Need have to have? Couldn't you use five? No, no. 10,000. Couldn't you use $10,000?

[Brad Wallace]

Hey, what in the world.

[Martin Craig]

Wallace, I've got to get out of this. It'll ruin me. I've got enemies everywhere. They. They tear me to pieces for this, but I don't. I can't go to jail for this. Do you understand?

[Narrator]

I won't.

[Brad Wallace]

What in thunder are you getting at?

[Martin Craig]

You. You've got to take the blame. You're crazy. No, no, wait. You said you knew me. You do. You know I've got power. I'll see that you never go to jail. I'll give you money besides, as much as you want.

[Brad Wallace]

Mister, I wouldn't take the blame.

[Martin Craig]

If you don't, I'll say you killed him.

[Judge Thornton]

Huh?

[Martin Craig]

I'll say I took the gun from you, held you here.

[Brad Wallace]

You couldn't get away with it.

[Martin Craig]

Who take your word against mine? You're nobody. I give orders to the men who run this state.

[Brad Wallace]

You're bluffing. If you were so sure they'd believe you, you wouldn't try to bribe me.

[Martin Craig]

Because I can't risk an investigation. I tell you, nobody's got to take the blame for this. Now, the end you'd hang. Not me. I can't have the law prying into my affairs with a confession from you. It wouldn't.

[Brad Wallace]

I'm to hang to save you.

[Martin Craig]

You wouldn't hang. When I confess, I'll buy the judge. I'll see that you get a suspended sentence.

[Brad Wallace]

The judge wouldn't dare suspend the sentence.

[Narrator]

He would. He would.

[Martin Craig]

I tell you, it's been done before. Craig wasn't liked. You wouldn't be the first man to go free after a gunfight.

[Brad Wallace]

You think of everything, don't you?

[Martin Craig]

Haven't you got a family? No. No one at all?

[Judge Thornton]

A daughter.

[Brad Wallace]

But my wife died when Gene was born.

[Martin Craig]

She can't be very old.

[Brad Wallace]

Just 10.

[Martin Craig]

Have you money, Wallace? Then you give your daughter the education she ought to have. The pretty clothes, the care a girl needs.

[Brad Wallace]

Right Now I got $10 in the bank. If I paid all I owed, I wouldn't have that.

[Martin Craig]

Then think of what you could do with 10,000. No, I'll make it $20,000. Think of it, man. Say you killed Craig. Plead guilty, get a suspended sentence. Then go somewhere you wouldn't be known and get another start, A new start. With $20,000 behind you. Man, with that kind of money, you could do anything.

[Brad Wallace]

And if I tell you I won't.

[Martin Craig]

I'll see you hanged if it takes every dollar I've got.

[Brad Wallace]

You're a pretty cool customer, Schneider.

[Martin Craig]

Don't waste time. Craig's got a daughter too. She'll be back with her mother any minute now.

[Narrator]

Drop that gun. Both of you.

[Brad Wallace]

Raise your hand. Hey. What?

[The Lone Ranger]

I said drop that gun. That's better. We thought we heard shots. Took us some time to find where they came from. Tanto, ride for the sheriff. I'll stay till he gets here.

[Judge Thornton]

You get him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hurry. All right. Which one of you did this?

[Brad Wallace]

Ranger? I.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, I did.

[Narrator]

That night, the famous masked rider of justice stood beside a small campfire built in an isolated spot several miles west of Kirkwood. Tonto, his faithful Indian companion, approached with an arm full of wood.

[The Lone Ranger]

Fire. Fire. Neat wood. You not here, Tonto. What was that? Tonto asked. You want more wood? I'm sorry, Kimasabe. I was thinking. No. We let the fire go out. Lay the wood there for the morning. Ah. What matter? I've been thinking about what happened in Kirkwood. Oh? Craig's death was a bad thing. Most people didn't know him. They thought he was cold and unsympathetic. I don't believe even he realized how unpopular he was. But the man wasn't hard. He had just one purpose. To bring law and order to the West. He didn't take the time to make friends. And the things he fought didn't leave much room for sympathy. Him good teller. I could have understood Snyder killing him. They were bitter enemies, that young homesteader. It seems impossible. You say him do it. I know. Snyder says he was waiting to see Craig when Brad fired the shots. He rushed into the room and took Brad's gun. Brad claims he needed money. Been turned down by the bank. Had hoped to borrow from Craig.

[Narrator]

Craig refused.

[The Lone Ranger]

He lost his head and killed him. Him hang? Without a doubt, but just the same. What you think? How do I? If there were only something we could.

[Narrator]

Brad's first thought after his arrest was for his daughter Jean. The sheriff sent a deputy to bring the girl into town, and two hours.

[The Lone Ranger]

Later, he's in here.

[Jean Wallace]

Young'un what's fraudulent in jail.

[The Lone Ranger]

I reckon you'd better ask him that yourself, Gene.

[Brad Wallace]

Pa. Can't you come inside for a while, Clem? It'd be easier talking.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sure, Brad. I don't see why not. She ain't gonna break you loose. There you are, young un. Go right ahead in.

[Jean Wallace]

Thank you.

[Brad Wallace]

Yell when you want me bad. Sure.

[Jean Wallace]

Why are you in jail, Pa? The man wouldn't tell me.

[Brad Wallace]

Honey, you mustn't be frightened.

[Jean Wallace]

I'm not.

[Brad Wallace]

We. We won't be seeing much of each other for a little while, so you mustn't cry either.

[Jean Wallace]

Oh, I never cry anymore, Pa. But aren't you coming home pretty soon? How soon?

[Brad Wallace]

Maybe in a week.

[Jean Wallace]

Not before that?

[Brad Wallace]

No. No, it just can't be done. But I've got things all fixed. The sheriff's gonna take you to his house with him. He's got half a dozen kids your age. You'll like them fine. And I'll bet you won't miss me once. I bet you'll have such a good time, you won't even want to come home again after I'm out.

[Martin Craig]

I will, too, Pa. Oh, that's a good girl.

[Brad Wallace]

Well, Gene, we haven't much time, so you listen close to what I got to say now before I'm out of here again. It's likely folks will be telling you I did something real bad. What's more, they likely say I've admitted doing it.

[Jean Wallace]

Doing what?

[Brad Wallace]

Well, that's something we won't talk about just yet. But when you hear them say those things, don't you say one word, see? Don't you answer them back at all. Then when I'm out, I'll tell you all about it and you'll see that everything's all right. You remember that. I don't know what you mean, Pa. You will, honey. And here's something else for you to think about. Something that'll make you feel good.

[Jean Wallace]

What?

[Brad Wallace]

When I get out, we'll take a long, long trip. And you'll have all the candy taint off before you to eat. And more fancy dresses with pink ribbons in them than you could shake a stick at. And just about everything else that goes to make little girls happy.

[Jean Wallace]

Will I, Pa? Will I?

[Brad Wallace]

Oh, you betcha. And you can take it from me, honey. There's the real reason your pa's here.

[Narrator]

A week later, when Judge Thornton of the circuit court arrived in Kirkwood, Brad entered a plea of guilty. The following day, the courtroom was crowded with spectators. Brad and Snyder waited in the natty room.

[Martin Craig]

No need to worry, Wallace.

[Brad Wallace]

Everything's fixed. It's kind of hard not to worry some.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's not necessary. You.

[Martin Craig]

You talk to the judge with money, wallets with money. Thornton's got his price just like anyone else.

[The Lone Ranger]

Mm.

[Martin Craig]

That reminds me.

[Brad Wallace]

Here.

[Martin Craig]

Look at this.

[Brad Wallace]

Bank book.

[The Lone Ranger]

Right.

[Brad Wallace]

See?

[Martin Craig]

It's in your name. $20,000. This bank's in Kansas. The money will be waiting for you when you get there.

[Brad Wallace]

I won't have no trouble getting it.

[Martin Craig]

That's all been arranged.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's.

[Brad Wallace]

Well.

[Martin Craig]

Pretty nice stake, eh?

[Brad Wallace]

I'm earning it, of course.

[Martin Craig]

Of course.

[Brad Wallace]

There's something I want you to get straight. Yes? Don't take what I'm doing as a favor to you. It ain't. I've seen a lot of you this past week. And what I've seen, I don't like. Not any. This is just business. We made a deal, and I'm carrying out my part. It weren't for Gina to call you bluff the second you made it.

[Martin Craig]

But I wasn't bluffing. I pointed out that before. And as for your opinion of me, I can't think of anything less important.

[Brad Wallace]

Well, I had to get it off my chest anyhow. Now I feel better.

[Martin Craig]

You're all alike, Wallace. You little fellows who can't get ahead. You envy the men who do. You haven't the ability to climb to their level, so you take it out in hate. You'd like to drag them down. You know, in a way, it's a kind of flattery.

[Brad Wallace]

No, I can't argue with you, Snyder. You're too smooth. Maybe you're right.

[Martin Craig]

Of course I am.

[Brad Wallace]

But I sleep nights without a conscience to bother me, mister. Which same I'm betting you don't.

[Martin Craig]

Wall is your.

[Narrator]

Here's the Sheriff. Ready, Sheriff?

[Snyder]

Time, Brad.

[The Lone Ranger]

Judge is waiting.

[Martin Craig]

Good luck.

[Brad Wallace]

Thanks.

[Martin Craig]

This way. Uh huh. Here's the prisoner, your honor.

[The Lone Ranger]

Very well.

[Judge Thornton]

Wallace.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, sir.

[Judge Thornton]

You still plead guilty, do you?

[Brad Wallace]

Yes, sir.

[Judge Thornton]

I see. And there's nothing left for me to do but pronounce sentence. Young man, I've given your case the most serious consideration. I've been told that until now you've had an excellent reputation in the district. I've also been told that you have a young daughter dependent on you for support.

[Brad Wallace]

Yes, sir.

[Judge Thornton]

Although the crime you have committed calls for the extreme penalty of the law, these are mitigating circumstances. Therefore. Therefore, Brad Wallace, I hereby sentence you to jail, there to remain for the rest of your natural life. Silence. Silence.

[Brad Wallace]

You're sending me to jail?

[Judge Thornton]

Yes.

[Brad Wallace]

For as long as I live?

[Judge Thornton]

Yes.

[Brad Wallace]

Then I've been double crossed.

[Judge Thornton]

Snider neither. You rotten crook.

[Martin Craig]

You double cross me.

[Narrator]

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 now to continue. The Lone Ranger told Tonto the story of Brad's outburst in the courtroom.

[The Lone Ranger]

And it was the last thing anyone had looked for. Tanto took the Sheriff and bailiff 20 minutes to restore order. I think Brad would have murdered Snyder if he could have gotten his hands on the fellow. What judge say the sentence stands. Imagine Thornton believes, as everyone else seems to, that Brad expected a lighter sentence than he received and got panicky. No one thinks he told the truth. What you think I believe Brad did? His story fits in too exactly with what I suspected. Member Tanto? I told you before it was almost impossible for me to believe him guilty, not right. That's why I couldn't leave here. I knew there was something wrong. There had to be. This proves it. Why Brad say him do it. His story explains that he's not the first man Snyder's tricked. He wasn't acquainted with Thornton. How was he to know the man couldn't be bribed? How would a poor homesteader like Brad with little education know that you can't receive a suspended sentence for murder? He make he bribed big mistake. Which we're going to correct. Call Scout.

[Judge Thornton]

Yes, Scout.

[The Lone Ranger]

What we do? We ride into the saddle.

[Martin Craig]

T. Get him up, Scout. Come on, Silver.

[Narrator]

Come on, old fellow.

[Martin Craig]

Come on.

[Narrator]

A young woman stood just outside Brad's cell. Jean stood beside her, firmly holding her hand. And Brad stared at both as if unable to believe what he saw.

[Brad Wallace]

You mean you want to take Jean home with you?

[Molly]

Yes.

[Brad Wallace]

To stay?

[Molly]

Yes. Brad.

[Brad Wallace]

But Molly, they claim I killed you four.

[Molly]

I know.

[Brad Wallace]

But don't that make any difference to you?

[Molly]

Brad, I happen to be one of the few who believe you told the truth in court this morning. I can believe anything about Snyder. I help Father in his work. I know some of the things he's done.

[Brad Wallace]

I just can't seem to get it through my head that anybody could do a thing as fine as this. They just don't seem possible.

[Molly]

Babe, if you were guilty, that wouldn't affect Jean. She doesn't deserve to be punished.

[Brad Wallace]

But your ma. What did your ma say?

[Molly]

Leave that to me.

[Brad Wallace]

She's against it.

[Molly]

Oh, she'll come around. Jean's lovely. Anyone would.

[Brad Wallace]

Well, nobody ever had a finer young one than Jeanne is. Honey?

[Jean Wallace]

Yes, Pa?

[Brad Wallace]

Did you hear what Molly said? Would you like to go to her house to live?

[Jean Wallace]

Will you be there, Pa? Well, you said we were going away.

[Brad Wallace]

Jean, I'm afraid that's a trip that'll have to wait for a while. You just told her no more than necessary.

[Molly]

I. I'd rather wait.

[Brad Wallace]

Yeah.

[Jean Wallace]

Tell me. What?

[Brad Wallace]

What? Oh, that's surprise. Sure, surprise you. You ain't supposed to tell surprises till the ready.

[Jean Wallace]

Is it a nice one?

[Brad Wallace]

Sure thing.

[Jean Wallace]

We are going away. That's the surprise, isn't it? Isn't it, Pa?

[Brad Wallace]

Well, let me tell him.

[Molly]

But you.

[Brad Wallace]

Now, don't you get so curious. You just be a good girl and go along with Molly without making a fuss. And you'll find out everything when it's time for you. To Molly?

[Molly]

Yes.

[Brad Wallace]

Take care of her. Take good care of her.

[Molly]

Of course.

[Brad Wallace]

And I promise a day won't go by without me giving thanks for her.

[Molly]

I love her already, Brad. She'll get the best of care.

[Brad Wallace]

Thanks. Sorry, folks, you have to leave now.

[Molly]

We're going. Goodbye, Dave.

[Brad Wallace]

Bye, Molly. Bye, Gene.

[Jean Wallace]

Bye, Paul.

[The Lone Ranger]

What's that?

[Martin Craig]

An arrow.

[The Lone Ranger]

Where'd that come from?

[Molly]

Look, there's something around it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Give that here.

[Brad Wallace]

Just a second.

[The Lone Ranger]

If you don't hand that over, I'll.

[Martin Craig]

Molly.

[Molly]

What bed.

[Brad Wallace]

Somebody else believes in me. He's promised to get me free.

[Judge Thornton]

Who?

[Brad Wallace]

The Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

That night, two horsemen reined up at the rear of the Kirkwood Hotel.

[The Lone Ranger]

Stay with the horses, Taylor. Keep watch and see that I'm not disturbed. You're sure of his room? It right room? Maybe them loft, back door. It's never left. The guests often use it to go in and out. I'll be with you as quickly as possible. Fire three shots if there's danger. How to do it? Judge Thornton let me in.

[Judge Thornton]

Mess.

[Martin Craig]

Quiet.

[Judge Thornton]

You.

[The Lone Ranger]

Quiet. I said. This isn't a hold up.

[Judge Thornton]

What do you want?

[The Lone Ranger]

Brad's freedom.

[Judge Thornton]

Who?

[The Lone Ranger]

Brad Wallace.

[Judge Thornton]

You know what you're talking about.

[The Lone Ranger]

I do. He's innocent.

[Judge Thornton]

Nonsense.

[The Lone Ranger]

The story he told you in court was the truth.

[Judge Thornton]

Where's your proof?

[The Lone Ranger]

I have none.

[Judge Thornton]

Then get out.

[The Lone Ranger]

No.

[Judge Thornton]

Get out before I.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sit down.

[Narrator]

What?

[The Lone Ranger]

Sit down and listen. Don't threaten me. I don't leave until we've had a talk. I'll use these guns if necessary.

[Judge Thornton]

This is outrageous.

[The Lone Ranger]

No doubt it is. So is sending an innocent man to prison for life.

[Judge Thornton]

You said you had no proof of that.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's why I'm here.

[Judge Thornton]

But I.

[The Lone Ranger]

At least I've never thought you as one of Snyder's hirelings.

[Judge Thornton]

Why compound your impression?

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't get up, Thornton. You put yourself in a position where a thousand honest citizens of this state, unaware of the facts and hating Snyder, will suspect he's bought you. Ridiculous, of course. But how many will know it? The moment Snyder's name was mentioned in this case, it became news to the entire state. Crooked as he is, Snyder's important. This case will be discussed everywhere. How many will be sufficiently acquainted with the facts to say you couldn't have been bribed?

[Judge Thornton]

Who are you?

[The Lone Ranger]

That doesn't matter.

[Judge Thornton]

Well, no doubt you're a friend to Wallace. Maybe your motives are honest, but you've come to the wrong man. I couldn't help you even if I would.

[The Lone Ranger]

I. I've come to the right man.

[Judge Thornton]

Do you think I have authority to free the fellow?

[The Lone Ranger]

No.

[Judge Thornton]

Then how do you.

[The Lone Ranger]

The little direct aid you could give Wallace would be nothing. That's not what I'm after.

[Judge Thornton]

Then what are you after?

[The Lone Ranger]

Your help to prove Snyder guilty.

[Narrator]

Me?

[Judge Thornton]

You want help from me?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Judge Thornton]

What could I do?

[The Lone Ranger]

If Snyder's guilty, would you want to see him behind bars?

[Judge Thornton]

Of course. Martin Craig was my friend.

[The Lone Ranger]

Then pick up that pen. There's paper on your desk. Write what I dictate. But hey, save your questions till later.

[Judge Thornton]

I am ready.

[The Lone Ranger]

Snyder's already left town. Address the letter to his office.

[Narrator]

Five days later.

[Brad Wallace]

This test come by stage, Mr. Snyder?

[The Lone Ranger]

What?

[Martin Craig]

Oh, a letter. Give it to me.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Martin Craig]

What's Thornton writing about?

[The Lone Ranger]

Didn't he preside at that trial where.

[Brad Wallace]

A homesteader confessed to killing Martin Craig?

[Martin Craig]

Sir?

[Brad Wallace]

Here.

[Martin Craig]

One moment. Well, I'll be.

[Brad Wallace]

What's the trouble, sir?

[Martin Craig]

The blackmailing sidewinder. What's wrong, Jensen? Listen to me and get it straight the first time. Yes, sir. I'm leaving town. Maybe I'll be gone for a couple of weeks. You're leaving. But if you ever mention this letter, anytime, anywhere, as long as you live, I'll rip out your tongue.

[Narrator]

Another five days passed, and then.

[Judge Thornton]

Come in. Well, it's you, Schneider. I thought you'd be here tonight. That's why I stayed up so late.

[Martin Craig]

Gordon, what's this letter mean?

[Judge Thornton]

Letter? Who's that bother? You did it? Well, maybe I did make it a little strong.

[Martin Craig]

Don't fool with me, Thornton.

[Judge Thornton]

Not so fast. You followed instruction?

[Martin Craig]

Instruction?

[Judge Thornton]

You know what I wrote if you've let anyone know you've come here.

[Martin Craig]

Of course I haven't. I didn't need to be told that.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good.

[Martin Craig]

How do I know you haven't mentioned I'd be here?

[Judge Thornton]

You think I'd advertise it?

[Martin Craig]

What's your game?

[Judge Thornton]

Make a guess.

[Martin Craig]

Like me, Alice?

[Judge Thornton]

Why not?

[Martin Craig]

What do you know?

[Judge Thornton]

Oh, perhaps not enough for a conviction, Snyder, but enough to make it very uncomfortable for you. Especially in view of the fact quite a number of people are beginning to wonder about Wallace's Guild.

[Martin Craig]

What do I care what they think?

[Judge Thornton]

You're bound to. Don't pretend with me, Snyder. Any judge understands politics, whether he plays it or not. Let the crooks you put in office suspect for one moment you're in danger of being exposed. And they'll desert you like rats leaving a ship.

[The Lone Ranger]

This is interesting, isn't it?

[Martin Craig]

Judge Thornton.

[Brad Wallace]

Thornton?

[Martin Craig]

A man nobody could bribe. The man who's so honest, they say he'd sentence his own son if he were guilty. Judge Thornton out to line his own pockets.

[Judge Thornton]

Others do. Why not me? I can use money.

[Martin Craig]

And I've got money.

[The Lone Ranger]

Huh?

[Judge Thornton]

Yeah.

[Martin Craig]

And I'm to give some to you. And everything will be fine, isn't it?

[Judge Thornton]

I didn't think you'd be happy about it, Thornton.

[Martin Craig]

You don't know me very well, do you?

[Judge Thornton]

We'll know each other better after this.

[Martin Craig]

You're wrong. We won't. You see, as you've already suggested, a man in my position can't afford to make mistakes.

[Judge Thornton]

Mistakes? But.

[Martin Craig]

And paying blackmailers is one.

[Judge Thornton]

Good.

[Martin Craig]

Now I'll talk. Don't move, Thornton. You weren't as clever as you thought yourself. You told me to come here secretly. You didn't want this talk known. Well, I followed your instructions. No one knows I'm here. No one will know I've killed you.

[The Lone Ranger]

No.

[Martin Craig]

No.

[Judge Thornton]

Schneider, you can't. You wouldn't. Please.

[Martin Craig]

I wouldn't. You think I'd let any man live who could put me in danger? When you get where I'll send you, ask Craig about that.

[Judge Thornton]

You did.

[Martin Craig]

You did kill him. As I'm going to drill you. Wait. What's that? Gop that gun.

[Narrator]

What the.

[Martin Craig]

Take it. Blast you.

[Judge Thornton]

He's heading for the winder. Get it.

[Martin Craig]

Hold him. Tad of. Keep your living. Thornton.

[Molly]

You all right?

[Judge Thornton]

Nothing wrong with me, young woman.

[Molly]

Thank heaven.

[Martin Craig]

Snyder, you're under arrest for the murder of Martin Craig and the attempted murder of the judge here. Hold still while I handcuff you. You'll go to jail with me, Thornton. I'll tell about your trying to blackmail you.

[The Lone Ranger]

You'll be wasting your time.

[Martin Craig]

He did. I can show you the letter.

[The Lone Ranger]

Snyder. Men like you think everyone as crooked as themselves.

[Martin Craig]

I'll prove what I said. We know all about that letter.

[Judge Thornton]

What?

[The Lone Ranger]

I dictated it. Thornton wrote it. The sheriff was told about it when it was sent. And you were told to come here in secret just to make you think it's safe to try murder.

[Martin Craig]

And you fell for it. Trick.

[Judge Thornton]

Snyder. I'm proud to have been able to help finish the work that Martin Craig started. You'll hang in in red, young woman. Red goes free.

[Molly]

He kept his promise. The Lone Ranger kept his promise.

[Martin Craig]

Lone Ranger. What she had to do with it.

[Molly]

Why he's the madman.

[Brad Wallace]

SA.

[Narrator]

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

[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 the following ranch hand, 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 copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ra.