Broken Shoe Trail | The Lone Ranger (08-04-50)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns: "Broken Shoe Trail | The Lone Ranger" Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
• Host/Author: Andrew Rhynes
• Episode: Broken Shoe Trail | The Lone Ranger (08-04-50)
• Release Date: February 26, 2025

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Introduction

In this thrilling episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rhynes presents a digitally restored classic radio drama featuring the legendary Lone Ranger and his faithful companion, Tonto. Titled "Broken Shoe Trail," this episode delves into a gripping tale of deception, betrayal, and justice in the Wild West.

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Plot Overview

The story unfolds in Silver Canyon City, a modest town dominated by the Damon Stagecoach Company and a hotel managed by Jake Parker. The tranquility of the town is disrupted when Jim Blake, a seasoned prospector, arrives with gold destined for Carsonville's bank. Amid rising tensions due to recent Paiute attacks on stagecoaches, Blake becomes wary of the security around his valuables.

As Blake boards the stagecoach, he encounters alarming signs of corruption within the Damon Stagecoach Company. Unbeknownst to him, Jake Parker and Simon Damon are orchestrating the stagecoach robberies, masquerading as Paiute Indians to mask their criminal activities.

The Lone Ranger, alongside Tonto, investigates the attacks, uncovering the truth behind the robberies. Their pursuit leads to a climactic confrontation in the hotel cellar, where the Lone Ranger exposes Damon and Jake's deceit, restoring peace and justice to Silver Canyon City.

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Key Characters

• The Lone Ranger: The masked vigilante dedicated to upholding justice.
• Tonto (Toto): The Lone Ranger's loyal and resourceful Indian companion.
• Jake Parker: The hotel owner and Simon Damon's right-hand man, secretly orchestrating the stagecoach robberies.
• Simon Damon: The main antagonist, leader of the stagecoach robbery gang.
• Jim Blake: A prospector who becomes a victim of the stagecoach robberies.
• Marshal: The local law enforcement officer who ultimately aids in capturing the culprits.

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Detailed Breakdown

1. Introduction to Silver Canyon City

Andrew Rines sets the stage by welcoming listeners to another free episode of the podcast, highlighting the digital restoration that enhances the classic Western tales.

2. The Arrival of Jim Blake

At [00:46], the narrator introduces Silver Canyon City and its main establishments. Jim Blake enters the hotel, seeking to transport his gold safely.

• Jake Parker (03:34): "I guess you don't remember me, do you, Mrs. Park? Your face is familiar and I never forget a face."

Jim Blake discusses the challenges of transporting gold amidst recent Paiute attacks, raising suspicions about the security provided by Damon Stagecoach Company.

3. Suspicion and Deception

Jim Blake decides to ride with his gold on the stagecoach to ensure its safety, unaware of the impending betrayal.

• Jim Blake (04:03): "I can't carry it around with me, especially with so many owl hoots in town."
• Jake Parker (05:32): "I'm gonna go with it."

The stagecoach departs, but shortly after, it falls victim to a well-coordinated robbery by men disguised as Paiute Indians.

4. The Lone Ranger's Investigation

The Lone Ranger and Tonto are introduced as they observe the aftermath of the robbery. They suspect foul play beyond mere Indian attacks.

• The Lone Ranger (09:07): "You won't save your cash for dying."

Their investigation leads them to confront Simon Damon, the seemingly respectable stagecoach company owner.

5. Confrontation with Simon Damon

At [11:16], the Lone Ranger confronts Simon Damon, revealing that the Tampiest group behind the robberies are not the Paiute but white men in disguise.

• The Lone Ranger (12:01): "Because I've investigated. I came here directly from the Paiute village toward the east."

This revelation shifts the narrative from intertribal conflict to internal corruption within the town.

6. The Climactic Showdown

Damon and Jake Parker realize the Lone Ranger poses a threat to their scheme. They attempt to eliminate him, leading to a tense standoff in the hotel cellar.

• Jake Parker (20:03): "Hey, Lefty, where's the Indian?"
• The Lone Ranger (20:28): "You won't get Toto. You're not even sure of me."

The Lone Ranger's swift actions and Tonto's bravery culminate in the capture of Damon and Parker, unveiling their deceit.

7. Resolution and Justice

Marshal arrives with lawmen, and the truth is laid bare. The stolen gold is recovered, and the town's trust is restored.

• Marshal (26:02): "There was a mistake, Damon. And you made it when you tried to beat the law."

Jim Blake expresses his gratitude, acknowledging the Lone Ranger and Tonto's heroism.

• Jim Blake (26:19): "Oh, I'd have lost all I got in the world. I'll sure be everlastingly grateful to him."

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Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Jake Parker (03:34): "I guess you don't remember me, do you, Mrs. Park? Your face is familiar and I never forget a face."

• Jim Blake (05:04): "Find that out from Damon. His office is at the far end of the street."

• The Lone Ranger (12:01): "Because I've investigated. I came here directly from the Paiute village toward the east."

• The Lone Ranger (20:28): "You won't get Toto. You're not even sure of me."

• Jim Blake (26:19): "Oh, I'd have lost all I got in the world. I'll sure be everlastingly grateful to him."

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Themes and Insights

"Broken Shoe Trail" explores themes of trust, deception, and the relentless pursuit of justice. The episode underscores the Lone Ranger's unwavering commitment to truth and his role as a protector of the innocent. It also highlights the complexities of frontier life, where appearances can be deceiving, and alliances are crucial for maintaining law and order.

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Conclusion

Andrew Rhines effectively revives this classic Lone Ranger episode through meticulous digital restoration, enhancing the auditory experience while preserving the narrative's integrity. "Broken Shoe Trail" serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Old Time Radio Westerns, offering listeners a rich and immersive journey into the Wild West's timeless tales of heroism and justice.

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Join the Adventure: For more classic Western dramas and exclusive content, visit otrwesterns.com. Engage with the community on Facebook, subscribe to the YouTube channel, and consider becoming a ranch hand for special perks and behind-the-scenes access.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

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

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hyo. Silver the Lone Ranger, with his faithful Indian companion Tato, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Jake Parker]

Oh, Silver.

[Tonto]

Let go.

[Narrator]

Because Silver Canyon City was made up of a few stores, the main office of the Damon Stagecoach Company and a hotel that catered to travelers who had to wait sometimes several days for accommodations on the stagecoach. Jake Parker ran the hotel and spent most of his time behind the counter in the lobby. He was there when Jim Blake entered and slapped dust from his well worn clothing.

[Jake Parker]

I guess you don't remember me, do you, Mrs. Park? Your face is familiar and I never forget a face. Now let me think.

[Jim Blake]

I spent the night here at your hotel one year ago. Name's Jim Blake.

[Jake Parker]

From your clothes, I'd say you'd been prospecting in the hills.

[Jim Blake]

Yeah, you're right.

[Jake Parker]

Any luck?

[Jim Blake]

Freddie Midland. I spent most of my time panning streams and hit some good ones.

[Jake Parker]

Glad to hear it. Aim to stay in town?

[Jim Blake]

I guess so. How long does it take for the stage to get from here to Carsonville and back?

[Jake Parker]

Well, it used to take two days in each direction.

[Jim Blake]

What do you mean it used to?

[Jake Parker]

Sometimes takes longer now. Been some Indian trouble. Piutes have attacked a few of Damon's stages. Piutes?

[Jim Blake]

I thought they were peaceful. Didn't they sign a treaty?

[Jake Parker]

A treaty? They've attacked one of the stagecoaches three times in the last few months.

[Narrator]

Is that so?

[Jake Parker]

Scott, show Damon won't be responsible for shipments that are lost. So if you're figuring on sending your gold to the bank in Carsonville, you better think again.

[Jim Blake]

I can't carry it around with me, especially with so many owl hoots in town.

[Jake Parker]

What do you mean so many owl hoots?

[Jim Blake]

Crooks, gunslingers, men with their guns tied low. Those two gents sitting over in the corner, for example. I'd bet anything they lived by their guns. And I saw lots of others just like them in the Street.

[Jake Parker]

As long as any man can pay for what he buys in my hotel, I don't ask questions.

[Jim Blake]

Now, I've got to get my gold to the bank in Carsonville. It's the only safe place.

[Jake Parker]

I hope it gets to Carsonville.

[Jim Blake]

I'll ride with it to make sure. How soon does the next stage leave?

[Jake Parker]

Find that out from Damon. His office is at the far end of the street.

[Narrator]

Yes, Mr. Blake. It's quite true we have had some trouble with Paiute, in spite of the.

[Jim Blake]

Peace treaty they signed.

[Narrator]

I wouldn't say that Paiute as a whole have broken the treaty. But a band of them has been making it hot for my stage line.

[Jim Blake]

Well, I. I wanted to send some gold to the bank in Carsonville.

[Narrator]

I'll weigh it and give you a receipt. But in the event of Indian attack, of course, I cannot be responsible.

[Jim Blake]

I'm gonna go with it.

[Narrator]

As a passenger on the stagecoach?

[Jim Blake]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Well, that's up to you. You have to pay full fare. I'll pay. In that case, you might as well carry the gold with you. There's no use having me take charge of it.

[Jim Blake]

Well, you have a strong box on the stage, haven't you?

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, yeah.

[Jim Blake]

That might give me a little more protection.

[Narrator]

Stage leaving this afternoon.

[Tonto]

Good.

[Jim Blake]

Here's the dust. You'll have to weigh it.

[Narrator]

Stage will leave at 3:00.

[Jake Parker]

I'll be here.

[Narrator]

A few minutes. After Jim Blake left the office of the stagecoach company, Jake Parker came in to call on Damon.

Oh, hi, Jake. Glad you came. I have something to discuss with you.

[Jake Parker]

So a young prospector named Blake leave here.

[Narrator]

He's shipping gold on this afternoon's stage.

[Jake Parker]

What's it worth?

[Narrator]

Over $5,000.

[Jake Parker]

Worth?

[Narrator]

Going after him as he's sending it at his own risk. He's going to ride the stage himself to keep an eye on the gold. Pass the word to the boys, will you, Jake? Tell him to get rigged out as piutes and watch for the stagecoach. Well, what's the matter, Damon?

[Jake Parker]

I've been wondering. We don't want to overwork that piute Indian business. Tommy may hear about it and come to see about the Indians breaking the treaty.

[Narrator]

What of it? Who can prove it's not the Piutes that stick up my stagecoaches?

[Jake Parker]

Couldn't the boys do it without dressing up like piutes?

[Narrator]

I want the guard and driver, as well as any passengers who might be on board, to describe the attackers as Indians. That throws suspicion off our own boys.

[Jake Parker]

I think the guard and driver should.

[Narrator]

Be in on the deal just that many more to pay off Guard might.

[Jake Parker]

Shoot one of our own men.

[Narrator]

Lefty and the other boys know they must take that risk. Furthermore, I've warned the guard to avoid starting gunplay that would lead to his own death as well as the death of the driver and passengers. Don't tell me how to run my business.

[Jake Parker]

I'm not. I just.

[Narrator]

You just take care of the hideout and the costumes, Jake. I'll do the rest.

It was later that same afternoon when the stage left Canyon City to head for Carsonville with gold belonging to Jim Blake and several other men. The horses followed the familiar trail through the hills for over an hour. Jim Blake and another passenger were inside the stagecoach and a guard and driver rode on top. Suddenly, an Indian war cry rang out through the hills.

It's Indian come raining. Open fire.

[Jake Parker]

Hey.

[Narrator]

Inside the stage. Hold your fire. Those red skins are firing at us. They're shooting over our heads. They won't kill us unless we start killing them.

[The Lone Ranger]

The guard is right.

[Narrator]

They'll rob us.

[Jake Parker]

They'll rob us anyway.

[The Lone Ranger]

You won't save your cash for dying.

[Narrator]

The garden driver stuck their hands into the air as a small body of men in war paint wearing the clothing of Piute Indians rode in fast to surround the halted stage. The attackers worked quickly and with the efficiency of a well drilled team. They dragged the guard and driver from the box and the passengers from inside the stage and took away all weapons. Then they smashed the strongbox, loaded the contents into saddlebags and rode away.

[Jim Blake]

There goes every cent I have in the world. All my gold dust. There goes a solid year of hard work.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah, we're lucky to be alive.

[Narrator]

You God.

[Jim Blake]

Why didn't you fight? Why didn't you let me shoot him?

[Marshal]

That wouldn't have helped any. Mr. Blake might have drilled one or.

[Jim Blake]

Two, but the others would have killed.

[Narrator]

Us in short order.

[Jake Parker]

And Mr. Damon told us not to list flies by shooting.

[Jim Blake]

Why doesn't the government step in? Why do they let those Indians break a treaty like this?

[Narrator]

Hey, look over there.

[Lefty]

Coming from other direction.

[Narrator]

More Indians.

[Marshal]

Just one Indian.

[Jake Parker]

And others amassed.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

More robbers.

Well, at any rate, there's nothing left for them to steal.

[Jim Blake]

Just two of them. We could get them if those coyotes hadn't taken our guns.

[Lefty]

Let's get in the stage and make.

[Narrator]

A run for it.

[Jake Parker]

You think my team could have run those two horses? This is not a chance. May as well stay right here and tell those critters they came too late.

[Jim Blake]

You're too late, mister. We've already been cleaned Out, Pius.

[Marshal]

Robbers.

[The Lone Ranger]

Anyone hurt?

[Jim Blake]

No, but I'd sooner have a bullet in the shoulder than lose all that was stolen.

[Tonto]

May as well shove on a hoop.

[Lefty]

We got nothing left to steal.

[The Lone Ranger]

They're jumping to the wrong conclusion. They came to investigate the gunfire and offer help.

[Lefty]

You say coyote, Indian, hold up stage.

[Jake Parker]

A trap.

[The Lone Ranger]

Where'd they go?

[Jim Blake]

That way, toward Canyon 6.

[Narrator]

Well, if you'd have been here a.

Minute earlier, you'd have seen them riding over yonder hill.

[Marshal]

Sooner we get back to town, the.

[Narrator]

Sooner the marshal can get a posse.

[Marshal]

Out to hunt him. Mind if we get aboard the stage and get going?

[Jake Parker]

Searches?

[Jim Blake]

If you don't believe we've been robbed, be fast so we can get started for town.

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't want to search you.

[Jim Blake]

You mean we're free to go?

[The Lone Ranger]

You really do think I'm an outlaw, don't you? I'll tell Mr. Damon the stage is coming back.

[Jake Parker]

You'll tell? You mean you're going to town?

[The Lone Ranger]

We may see more of each other. Ready, Toto?

[Andrew Rines]

Be ready.

[Tonto]

Montreal.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Toto reached the edge of town without catching sight of the men who had attacked the stage. They found a suitable campsite in the woods where Toto waited while the masked man rode to the rear of a row of buildings, where he left his horse and entered Simon Damon's office. Damon's face registered surprise.

Who are you?

[The Lone Ranger]

My name wouldn't mean anything to you, Damon. I wear this mask because there are men who would shoot me on sight if they recognized me.

[Narrator]

Oh, what do you want?

[The Lone Ranger]

First of all, I want your confidence. It'll help if you've heard of me. I am called the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

What?

You the Lone Ranger?

[Jim Blake]

Why, I can't believe that.

[The Lone Ranger]

I can show you a silver bullet. My horses and back. You might recognize silver from descriptions. Other than that, I don't know how I can prove my identity in any event. Please listen to me.

[Narrator]

Yes. Yes, I'll listen to you.

[The Lone Ranger]

There have been reports that Paiute Indians have attacked your stagecoaches.

[Narrator]

That's true.

[The Lone Ranger]

Maybe true that your coaches have been attacked, but it was not the work of Paiute.

[Narrator]

How do you know?

[The Lone Ranger]

Because I've investigated. I came here directly from the Paiute village toward the east. Those Indians have a lot of respect for the peace treaty they signed. They're proud of their status as law abiding people. Had put to death any of their tribe who displayed any form of violence.

[Narrator]

But I have eyewitness reports. Passengers who are on the stagecoaches as well as my guard and Driver, it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Would not be hard for white men to disguise themselves as Piutes.

[Narrator]

You only have the word of the Piute leaders.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, more than that. Your stage was attacked this afternoon between here and Carsonville.

[Narrator]

It was.

[The Lone Ranger]

My statement will be confirmed within an hour when the stage returns. The men who attacked it looked like Paiutes, but they came directly here.

[Narrator]

See?

[The Lone Ranger]

How do you know that their trail was fresh? Other than I could follow it to the hard ground within a half mile of town.

[Narrator]

But not in the town.

[The Lone Ranger]

Several of the horses had distinguishing hoof marks. We may be able to identify them.

[Narrator]

Well, now, what you say is very, very interesting. But have you given this information to the marshal?

[The Lone Ranger]

Not yet, but I shall. Unless you prefer to pass it on to him yourself.

[Narrator]

I'll be glad to.

[The Lone Ranger]

These crooks must be found and exposed before the pirate Indians are involved in serious trouble that might result in the breaking of the treaty.

[Narrator]

Yes, I'll speak to the marshal just as soon as possible. He'll probably want to question you. I'm sure he'll want to meet you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Otto and I are camped in a clump of cottonwood directly south of town. The marshal can find us there.

[Narrator]

I'll tell him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Meanwhile, we'll be looking for the horses with the distinctive hoof mark.

[Narrator]

Oh, wait. I'd like to talk to you some more.

[The Lone Ranger]

Suppose we meet again. Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

That's bad.

[The Lone Ranger]

I must do something about him.

[Narrator]

Oh, come in, Jake. Come in. You're just the man I want to see.

[Marshal]

Boys, go back.

[Jake Parker]

All right.

[Marshal]

Both checked in.

[Jake Parker]

Turned over the goal they got from Blake.

[Narrator]

Jake, listen to me. A man went out that back door just before you came in the front. He knows it isn't Piute who've attacked the stagecoaches. And he's likely to find out the truth about our game. We've got to get rid of him before he gets us.

[Jake Parker]

Naomi.

[Narrator]

Man oh, he's not in uniform, lawman. He's not wearing a badge.

[Jake Parker]

Well, who in tarnation is he?

[Narrator]

Jake? The man we've got to kill is the Lone Ranger.

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger adventure before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue. When the Lone Ranger told the owner of the stage line that the highwaymen were not Paiute Indians, he didn't realize that Damon himself was the leader of the gang. Nor did he suspect that Jake Parker, owner of the hotel, was Damon's right hand man. The two conspirators knew that their security had to be bought by the murder of the Lone Ranger. Tottle had gone to town to scout for information and the masked man was alone in camp when a horseman approached.

[Jake Parker]

Ho.

[Tonto]

Ho there.

[Jake Parker]

Ho.

[Lefty]

Ho.

[Tonto]

Hi there, missy.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hello.

[Tonto]

I reckon you're the man I'm looking for. They told me you were camped in these trees. Please.

[Narrator]

Steady, boy.

[The Lone Ranger]

I've been expecting someone to come to ask questions. I kept a fire burning as a beacon. Are you from the marshal's office?

[Tonto]

Oh, yeah. Say, will you saddle your horse and come back to town with me? Marshall wants to talk to me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Very well. You dump some water on that fire while I saddled my horse.

[Narrator]

That's right.

[Tonto]

So you're the Lone Ranger, huh?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Tonto]

You can call me Left.

[The Lone Ranger]

You said you came from the marshal's office.

[Tonto]

Oh, yeah. I don't have a badge. I'm not a regular lawman. Just running an errand for the marshal. Oh, he sent me because he wants me to show you something on the way back to town.

[The Lone Ranger]

What are you to show me?

[Tonto]

Well, it's a cave in the hillside. Marshal wants you to look it over and see if you got any ideas about it.

[The Lone Ranger]

There. I'm ready. All right. Lead the way.

[Tonto]

Right.

[Narrator]

Excuse me.

[Jake Parker]

Now get up there.

[Narrator]

Lefty rode in the direction of town and approached a hill in the rear of the hotel. He drew rein and they dismounted near a dense stand of underbrush at the bottom of the hill. It concealed the entrance to a cave.

[Tonto]

Yeah. Follow me. I'll show you how to get through the brush.

[The Lone Ranger]

Right.

[Tonto]

There. Now you can see the opening. Goes right straight into the hill.

[The Lone Ranger]

Dark inside.

[Tonto]

I got a bit of candle in my pocket and I'd light it as soon as we're inside. We can dodge around some big boulders. This cave goes straight through the hill, slanting down a little bit, about 50 yards long. There. Now you can see a tunnel.

[Narrator]

Yep.

[Tonto]

It's what it is, a tunnel. And the other end opens into the cellar of the hotel.

[Narrator]

You follow me. As the Lone Ranger followed Lefty through the tunnel, three men appeared from behind the brushwood at the mouth of the cave.

[Jim Blake]

I'd like to follow along and see what happens.

[Jake Parker]

Jake told us to stand guard here at the mouth of the cave.

[Tonto]

Better do as he says.

[Jim Blake]

Oh, I ain't aiming to go against Jake's orders. Just the same, I'd like to be.

[Tonto]

In the hotel cellar when the Lone.

[Jim Blake]

Ranger learns a demon is our boss.

[Narrator]

That'd be worth seeing.

[Tonto]

There you can see the end of the tunnel is a wooden door. It opens into the hotel cell.

[The Lone Ranger]

What are we going to find there?

[Tonto]

We're going to find proof that what you told Mr. Damon is right. Those highwaymen weren't piutes at all. They were white men. The hotel cellar is a hideout and that's where they keep their engine clothing. I'll see if the door's.

[The Lone Ranger]

There's a light in there.

[Tonto]

Yeah, so I see. Open the door a little while.

[Narrator]

Now.

[Marshal]

Step right in, mister.

[The Lone Ranger]

What's gone?

[Narrator]

I'm holding a gun on your back.

[Jim Blake]

The boys are waiting for you.

[Narrator]

Get your hands up and come in here.

[The Lone Ranger]

Damon.

[Narrator]

Come in and meet Jake Parker who owns a hotel and the boys who robbed the stagecoach.

Holding his hands at shoulder level, the Lone Ranger took two steps into the room. Then moved slightly only to one side. While Lefty came out of the tunnel. The masked man saw a large room with walls of stone. A flight of stairs at one end led up to a door that probably opened into the first floor of the hotel. In addition to Damon and Jake Parker, a half a dozen hard faced men eyed the newcomer. Piled on a nearby table there lay buckskin jackets and trousers as well as headdresses typical of Paiute Indians.

[The Lone Ranger]

I seem to have played right into your hands, Damon.

[Narrator]

Marked yourself for death when you came into my office with the guess that the robbers were white men dressed as piutes.

[Jake Parker]

Hey, Lefty, where's the Indian?

[Tonto]

Indian?

[Jake Parker]

That's what I said. This masked man has an Indian pal named Tonto. Told you to bring them both.

[Tonto]

I didn't see nothing of a redskin in his camp.

[Narrator]

We've got to have Tono. We won't be safe until both he and the Lone Ranger are dead.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're right about that, Damon. Tono is just as determined as I to clear the name of the Piute Indians.

[Narrator]

Go back and get the redskin, Lefty. Meanwhile, a couple of you boys disarm the Lone Ranger and take off his.

[The Lone Ranger]

You won't get Toto. You're not even sure of me.

[Narrator]

With lightning speed, the Lone Ranger leaped behind Lefty, snatched the gun and fired two shots toward the lamp.

Get him.

[Lefty]

Stop him.

[Narrator]

Where is he? Get a light.

His sudden move caught the others completely off guard. He was in the tunnel and slammed the door.

Quiet down now. Quiet, all of you. Take it easy. He can't get away. The boys are watching the outside of the tunnel. All right, Pete, get a light. Joe, open the door.

[Tonto]

That.

[Jake Parker]

He'S firing at us.

[Narrator]

Two can play at that game.

[Jake Parker]

Can't see him in the tunnel. He'll be able to see us. When we get a light, stand out of the line of fire.

[The Lone Ranger]

What about that light?

[Jake Parker]

I got another lamp up.

[The Lone Ranger]

Light.

[Lefty]

Did you.

[Narrator]

Hey, boys. You at the outside. Can you hear me? The masked man got away. He's heading toward your end of the tunnel. Don't let him out.

The tunnel was studded with big boulders. The Lone Ranger ran into several of them. As he hurried through the darkness, he heard Damon shouting to the men outside near the horses and knew that he was trapped. One bullet struck a big rock close at hand and splashed chips against his face. He between two rocks, which gave him temporary protection from bullets fired at either end of the long tunnel. But he knew that his security would be short lived.

He's trapped, boys. He can't get away.

[Jake Parker]

How are we going to get him? He could shoot us if we went into the tunnel after him.

[Narrator]

We're not taking that chance. Lefty, you go and get the Indian.

[Tonto]

I didn't see him in camp.

[Narrator]

And wait for him. Bring him back here. We can use him to bring that masked man out of the tunnel.

While Damon's men watched both ends of the tunnel, Lefty went up the cellar stairs to the hotel. He borrowed one of the horses at the hitch rail and rode over the hill to the tunnel's entrance where he had left his own horse beside Silver.

[Tonto]

Ho, ho, there. Ho, ho.

[Jake Parker]

Easy now.

[Tonto]

Keep a sharp watch, boys. Don't let that masked man get out this end.

[Jim Blake]

Where you going, Lefty?

[Tonto]

I'm taking my horse and I'm going to get the Lone Ranger's Indian pass. Steady now.

[Jake Parker]

Get it.

[Narrator]

As Lefty approached the Lone Rangers camp, he saw a fire burning far brighter than the one he had extinguished earlier that evening. As he rode into the camp, he saw no sign of Tonto. The Indian appeared from behind a tree as the outlaw dismounted. Get hands up.

[Jim Blake]

You've got your cupboard in a.

[Tonto]

Take it easy, Tanner. I'm from the marshal's office.

[Lefty]

Well, what you want?

[Tonto]

I was here a little while ago to get your friend and he's with the marshal right now helping solve the stagecoach robberies.

[Lefty]

You hereafore?

[Jim Blake]

Why, sure.

[Tonto]

That's what I'm telling you. Now put that gun down and figure it easy, huh?

[Jake Parker]

How mean no.

[Lefty]

You tell truth about Lone Ranger.

[Tonto]

I'd have no reason to lie.

[Lefty]

Oh, you got plenty of reason to lie. Now get hands up.

[Narrator]

Hi.

[Tonto]

Hold on. Now listen.

[Narrator]

Now see here.

[Tonto]

The marshal ain't gonna like this.

[Lefty]

Marshal not like it when I'm here. You hold up stage.

[Tonto]

What do you mean?

[Lefty]

You ride with outlaw now, you Talk where Lone Ranger.

[Tonto]

I told you, he's with the marshal.

[Lefty]

That's not true.

[Tonto]

Somehow you got the idea I'm one of the outlaws. Now, that's crazy, Tano.

[Lefty]

Fine marks of outlaw horse. One horse got broken shoe. Same horse here in camp a little while ago. And same horse here now.

[Tonto]

So that's it, huh? Well, if you think you stop.

[Jake Parker]

Now.

[Tonto]

Wait a minute.

[Marshal]

Engine.

[Narrator]

Wait.

[Tonto]

Now listen to me. I borrowed that horse.

[Jim Blake]

I don't know where Lone Ranger. Are you talking?

[Narrator]

Talk fast.

[Marshal]

Don't beat me.

[Jim Blake]

Don't beat me like that, red skin.

[Jake Parker]

Do not talk me, Pete.

[Jim Blake]

You.

[Narrator]

Damon, Jake and the other thieves had maintained a constant vigil in the cellar room while others in the gang did the same thing at the outer end of the cave. Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger was trapped between the two. It was nearly midnight when the door opened and Tonto appeared at the top of the cellar stairs.

An Indian.

[Lefty]

Me Tang. Lefty say you want me.

[Narrator]

Yep, that's right. Tonto, come on down here.

[Lefty]

Him say masked friend here.

[Narrator]

You'll be with your masked friend in just a few minutes, Tano. Now get your hands up.

[Jake Parker]

Take his guns, boys. Get ropes on him.

[Narrator]

Now we'll get that mask man. Hey, you. Back there in the cave, we've got your Indian pal. You want to come out peaceful or stay there and listen to him howl in pain for what we do to him?

[Lefty]

Me not howl in pain.

[Narrator]

Get him roped and be quick about it. You hear me? Let him have it.

Bedlam broke loose when the Marshall leaped down the entire flight of stairs with other lawmen at his heels. Damon and his men went for their guns, but fired too fast. The shots went wild. Then the marshal's men went into action. At close range, Tahoe jerked free and swung a hard fist at the nearest man. It was a hand to hand fight at corners, two close for further gunplay. The Lone Ranger could hear the action. He knew what it meant and rushed from the tunnel into the room to add his weight to the forces of law.

[The Lone Ranger]

This is for you, Damon.

[Narrator]

The fight was quickly ended. Damon and Jake were bruised and beaten and their men were in even worse condition.

[Marshal]

Line up there against that wall.

[Narrator]

Hey, hold. Hold on, Marshall. There's a mistake.

[Marshal]

There was a mistake, Damon. And you made it when you tried to beat the law. That goes for you too, Jake. Marcia, I got the whole truth from Lefty. Tono brought him into my office and he spilled all he knows, including the fact that all the gold that's been stolen from the stagecoaches is in a chest right here in this room.

[Narrator]

Oh, that's squealing. Double crossing.

[Marshal]

Don't hold it too much against Lefty. You'd have squealed too, if Tono had.

[Jake Parker]

Gone to work on you the way.

[Marshal]

He did on Lefty.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good for you, Totto.

[Lefty]

Well, he make big mistake when him ride horse with broken shoe.

[The Lone Ranger]

That reminds me. Silver's on the far side of the hill. There are others of the gang.

[Marshal]

We went there first and brought in those. Then Tono brought Silver around, tied him in front of the hotel. He's there waiting for you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good enough. Come along, Tono.

[Marshal]

You find that cash, Blake?

[Jim Blake]

Right here, Marshall.

[Marshal]

Then that cleans everything up. Gosh, Marshall, it hadn't been for that.

[Jim Blake]

Mess, man, I'd have lost all I got in the world. I'll sure be everlastingly grateful to him. And a turtle.

[Marshal]

Jim, you're not the first to say that about the masked man. I guess you already know who he is.

[Jim Blake]

Yeah, I sure do. He's the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Enterprises and directed by Charles D. Livingston. Tonight's drama was written by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beame.

Foreign.

[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 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.