Brothers of the West | The Lone Ranger (02-20-42)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns – The Lone Ranger: "Brothers of the West" (02-20-42)

Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date of Episode: February 20, 1942
Podcast Release Date: January 29, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a digitally restored presentation of the classic radio drama, The Lone Ranger: "Brothers of the West." Set against the backdrop of railroad expansion in the American West, the story explores themes of justice, prejudice, and the importance of unity in a divided frontier town. Tensions boil over in Warren City, as old Civil War resentments ignite a power struggle over the local sheriff's office. The Lone Ranger and Tonto step in to prevent bloodshed, orchestrating a series of clever deceptions to reveal the true value of law, order, and cooperation.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Turmoil in Warren City

Setting the Stage

• The introduction sets Warren City as a town on edge, grappling with the challenge of the railroad's arrival and internal strife rooted in lingering Civil War animosity.
• Saul Gardner, a prominent store owner and Union veteran, leads a torchlight revolt against Sheriff Bob Dixon, who has southern (Virginian) roots.
• [05:10] — Saul Gardner's Speech: "I'm an honest, God fearing man and I didn't like the verdict. The men who were hanged were veterans...And Bob Dixon and Carteret were rebels in the war between the States."

2. Prejudice vs. Law and Order

• The episode explores how Gardner’s grievances are rooted in prejudice and personal history rather than current justice.
• [07:40] — Roger Manning (Editor): "That's prejudice talking. You're a mass of prejudice. It's distorted your mind. Let yourself be fooled by outlaws and gunmen. There's only one principle at stake in Warren City and that's a principle of law and order."
• Roger Manning debates Gardner in public and presses the point that Sheriff Dixon is being unfairly persecuted. The crowd simmers with division.

3. Kimberly’s Scheming

• John Kimberly, a wealthy manipulator, emerges as an outside influence, colluding to escalate the conflict.
• He offers Gardner rifles and the plan to seize the town by force, further endangering peace.
• [12:44] — Kimberly: "You've picked a good lieutenant. I say give each one of them a rifle, proclaim martial law and set up the kind of government you ought to have."

4. Lone Ranger’s Plan to Prevent Bloodshed

• Realizing direct confrontation would end in violence, the Lone Ranger and Tonto kidnap Sheriff Dixon, taking him out of the equation as a means to show the town what chaos would ensue without him.
• [17:56] — Lone Ranger: "We took you prisoner to prevent bloodshed and also to prove to the townspeople just how much they need you."

5. A Series of 'Crimes' to Teach a Lesson

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto stage a sequence of false robberies, targeting businesses whose owners were prejudiced against Dixon. Each time, the "stolen" funds are kept safe, and no one is harmed.
• Their actions destabilize the confidence in the newly self-appointed sheriff, Ace Johnson, an incompetent crony of Kimberly, revealing the importance of true lawmen.

6. The Turning Point

• Gardner and the others realize the cost of their division as the "robberies" undermine security, and their new sheriff proves hopeless.
• [27:28] — Roger Manning: "Bob Dixon, he would have been fooled the way you were."
• [27:36] — Saul Gardner: "Yes, I admit it. I'd give every cent I got left if he were still wearing a badge."

7. Resolution and the Lone Ranger's Message

• The Lone Ranger returns the "stolen" funds and confronts the townsfolk, delivering the episode’s moral.

• [28:36] — Lone Ranger: "The idea was convince you so and everybody like you that you were wrong. You need Bob Dixon. It doesn't make any difference where he comes from. It's time you forgot your prejudice. Because... you're all Americans. You're all fighting toward a common goal. United we stand, divided we fall."

• Gardner commits to change, acknowledging the folly of his prejudice.

• [29:05] — Saul Gardner: "You can bet I have, mask man. And so is everybody else who was talking the same way."

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto ride off, leaving the townspeople wiser and more unified.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Saul Gardner rallies the crowd:
  [05:10] “How long are we going to stand for it? How long are we going to stand for rebels hiking themselves up to the seats of the mighty and judging the men who fought to save the Union?”
  – Saul Gardner

• Manning’s defense of due process:
  [07:40] "That's prejudice talking. You're a mass of prejudice. It's distorted your mind. Let yourself be fooled by outlaws and gunmen. There's only one principle at stake in Warren City and that's a principle of law and order."
  – Roger Manning

• Louise Gardner confronts her father:
  [10:05] “You can't make me believe any different. Bob Dixon's a good sheriff. He's never been unfair in his life. He couldn't be. He's the finest man I've ever known.”
  – Louise Gardner

• Lone Ranger's strategy revealed:
  [17:56] “We took you prisoner to prevent bloodshed and also to prove to the townspeople just how much they need you.”
  – The Lone Ranger

• Lone Ranger sums up the lesson:
  [28:36] “It's time you forgot your prejudice. Because you're all Americans. You're all fighting toward a common goal. United we stand, divided we fall.”
  – The Lone Ranger

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Important Segment Timestamps

• [05:10] — Saul Gardner’s inciting speech to the townsfolk
• [07:30-08:46] — Roger Manning’s impassioned response, defending Sheriff Dixon
• [10:05-10:50] — Louise Gardner’s exchange with her father about law and fairness
• [12:10-12:53] — Kimberly’s proposal to arm a mob, laying groundwork for a coup
• [17:56-18:50] — Lone Ranger’s explanation for kidnapping the sheriff
• [23:54-24:09] — Dramatic staged bank “robbery” and its aftermath
• [27:28-28:36] — Realization, confession, and the Lone Ranger’s moral coda
• [29:05] — Gardner's public change of heart

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Tone & Atmosphere

The episode balances tension and frontier justice with moral clarity and understated humor (especially in the banter between Tonto, the Lone Ranger, and townsfolk). Dialogue remains sharp and evocative of the Western genre, reflecting period-specific cultural and social dynamics.

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Summary

"Brothers of the West" is a standout Lone Ranger episode, resurrected with pristine audio by Old Time Radio Westerns, delivering both action and a powerful social message. The drama deftly unpacks prejudice and division, ultimately celebrating unity and the rule of law as the true foundations of the frontier—and, by extension, America itself. The Lone Ranger’s clever agency gently manipulates both sides, ensuring that the townsfolk discover for themselves the value of justice over petty grudges. The closing, with its call for reconciliation and unity, underscores the enduring appeal of this legendary Western hero.

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Transcript

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[Trevor]

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[Trevor]

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[Trevor]

I know what I'm doing, mom.

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Or attend a corporate team building workshop.

[Saul Gardner]

Go, team.

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[Trevor]

They're here.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the old time radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly. From your enjoyment, you can find more western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi O. Silver. The lone Ranger.

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[Trevor]

Just try to relax.

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Or be trapped in a car for eight hours with toddlers on a sugar high. Or remove a nest of irate hornets. That's why the zebra searches for you. Comparing over 100 insurance companies to find savings no one else can compare. Today at the Zebra.com we do the searching, you do the saving. I think I'll wait ins.

[Narrator]

When the first railroads were built into the western United States, the engineers and men were faced with a constant danger of attack by outlaws and Indians. And their task might never have been accomplished had it not been for the masked rider of the plains. It was his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness that blazed the trail for progress and finally made possible the winning of the West. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of a great horse.

[Trevor]

Silver.

[Narrator]

The lone Ranger rides again.

[Trevor]

There. We're heading for town.

[The Lone Ranger]

There's going to be trouble.

[Trevor]

I will sell Their.

[Narrator]

When the Lone Ranger and Tonto learned that Kimberly had left Kawego Canyon and headed back for Warren City, they raced after him. But although they were able to pick up his trail and followed all the way to the hills on the outskirts of the town, the easterner had too much of a start. It was long after dark when they rained us.

[Tonto]

Kimberly, get the town ahead of us.

[The Lone Ranger]

He didn't lose his trail for a minute though. We know where he is. Just because he failed at the canyon, we know that won't stop him. He'll find some other way to slow down the building of the railroad.

[Tonto]

Next time he'll try that. Maybe we catch him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Once we get enough evidence to put him in jail, our work will be finished. Look down below Kimasabe.

[Tonto]

Oh, there are plenty of people in town now.

[The Lone Ranger]

I've never seen it so well lighted.

[Tonto]

Maybe they mope a new cafe on Main Street.

[The Lone Ranger]

The lights aren't coming from the buildings. Seem to be in the street itself. Mount Right. It looks like a torchlight procession. Better ride down there and have a look.

[Tonto]

You wear masks.

[The Lone Ranger]

We can leave Silver and Scout in one of the back streets and then keep to the shadows.

[Tonto]

There's plenty dangers.

[The Lone Ranger]

Got to find out what's going on. Come on, Silver.

[Tonto]

Hit him up.

[Narrator]

Hundreds of torches lit the main street of Warren City. But there was no procession. This was a meeting called by Saul Gardner. When he stepped out on the balcony of the Palace Cafe, a cheer rose from the rougher element of the town. The storekeepers and most of the railroad men kept silent. Sol raised his hand and began to speak.

[Saul Gardner]

Boys, Three men were hanged today in Warren City. They were arrested by our sheriff, Bob Dickson. They were tried by Judge Carteret and a jury of 12 men. Everything was according to law. I'm not saying it wasn't. But I'm an honest, God fearing man and I didn't like the verdict. The men who were hanged were veterans of the grand army of the Republic. And Bob Dixon and Carteret were rebels in the war between the States. I'm asking you this now. How long are we going to stand for it? How long are we going to stand for rebels hicing themselves up to the seats of the mighty and judging the men who fought to save the Union. Quiet. I tried to speak this peace in court this morning. That was fine for contempt, but now I'm going through with it. And if Bob Dixon tries to interfere with my right of free speech, he'll pay the penalty we've always reserved for tyrant. We can't do Anything about Carteret to grant you that? He's a federal judge and he's left the town. But Sheriff Bob Dixon's still here. As Bob Dixon, one of the Dixons of Virginia. He's still wearing his badge and ruling a roost. That's something we can change.

[Roger Manning]

I can't do anything about it.

[Trevor]

To the next election.

[Narrator]

It was Roger Manning, the editor of the Warren County Times, who had answered Gardner. He was standing in the second story window of the newspaper building directly across the street from the Palace Cafe. And the crowd turned toward him as he spoke.

[Roger Manning]

You can't shut me down. If Shaw Gardner has her at a free speech, so have I. Bob Dixon was elected chair for Warren City long before it became a railroad town. According to our laws, there won't be another election until November. By that time, all of you gamblers and parasites and living off the railroad men will be gone from here. It'll be good riddance. It would be good riddance for the railroad and the town if we could drive you out now. So I've got you. You say you're an honest, God fearing man.

[Saul Gardner]

You can't deny it.

[Roger Manning]

I'll add to it. You believe in justice just as much as I do.

[Saul Gardner]

There can be no justice when a rebel runs a town.

[Roger Manning]

That's prejudice talking. You're a mass of prejudice. It's distorted your mind. Let yourself be fooled by outlaws and gunmen. There's only one principle at stake in Warren City and that's a principle of law and order. Bob Dixon is fighting for it. They know it. Cheering you on and fighting against it. I'm no rebel. I never was. I was born in Massachusetts and I fought in the first Volunteers. I served on that jury today and I voted for hanging because those men were murderous.

[Saul Gardner]

They were veterans.

[Roger Manning]

If they ever wore an army uniform, they stole it first. But that doesn't matter.

[Saul Gardner]

It matters to me.

[Roger Manning]

They broke the law and they had to pay the penalty.

[Saul Gardner]

You can talk until you're blue in the face, Manning. You can print whatever you want to in your own newspaper. But there's hundreds and hundreds of us here in Warren City that won't take orders from a Dixon. From Villa. We're going to get rid of them. We can't do it by legal means. They will try something else.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's final.

[Saul Gardner]

You can warn him if you want to. He's got to turn in his badge or take the consequences.

[The Lone Ranger]

Very silver. You may camp here. Toto.

[Tonto]

You. You'll not say anything all the way from town? What you think?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah. It's a bad situation.

[Tonto]

That feller Manning talk good sense?

[The Lone Ranger]

Of course he did. When men are filled with prejudice, they won't listen. I'm afraid there's going to be trouble. Kimo Sabe? That's right.

[Tonto]

Maybe Kimberly helped make it.

[The Lone Ranger]

You can be sure of that.

[Tonto]

Trouble in Warren City. It hold up Railroad.

[The Lone Ranger]

You better get into town early, find Kimberly and follow him. If he and Saul Gardner get together, ride back here as fast as you can.

[Tonto]

Ah, time to do that.

[Narrator]

The following morning, Louise Gardner served her father's breakfast in silence.

[Trevor]

Good flapjacks, Lou.

[Louise Gardner]

Are they?

[Saul Gardner]

Aw, what's the matter with my girl?

[Louise Gardner]

Oh, Pa, I don't have to tell you.

[Saul Gardner]

You mean last night?

[Louise Gardner]

Yes, I do. You're so wrong.

[Roger Manning]

Nah.

[Saul Gardner]

It don't become a woman to get mixed up in politics.

[Louise Gardner]

That's just what it is, politics.

[Saul Gardner]

It's a question of right and wrong.

[Louise Gardner]

All right. And you're the one who's wrong. You can't make me believe any different. Bob Dixon's a good sheriff. He's never been unfair in his life. He couldn't be. He's the finest man I've ever known.

[Saul Gardner]

He's a Virginian.

[Louise Gardner]

What of it? That's so stupid, Pa. You're. You're so old fashioned.

[Saul Gardner]

Old fashioned?

[Louise Gardner]

That's what I said.

[Saul Gardner]

You're taking his side against me.

[Louise Gardner]

I've got to. He's a friend of mine.

[Trevor]

Well, I'm your pa, but Bob's in.

[Louise Gardner]

The right and you're.

[Trevor]

Young lady, if I ever catch you.

[Saul Gardner]

Talking to Bob Dixon again, I'll lock you up in your room and keep you there. I want your promise.

[Louise Gardner]

You won't get it. I'll have no part in fighting a civil war over again in Warren City.

[Saul Gardner]

I'll lock you up.

[Louise Gardner]

That just proves your old fashioned.

[Narrator]

Lou.

[Saul Gardner]

I can stand so much.

[Louise Gardner]

Don't get excited. It's bad for your digestion.

[Saul Gardner]

I warn.

[Louise Gardner]

Besides, there's somebody at the door.

[Saul Gardner]

If it's Roger Manning, I won't see him.

[Tonto]

Good morning, miss.

[Louise Gardner]

What do you want?

[Tonto]

What's he.

[The Lone Ranger]

A paw.

[Saul Gardner]

Who is it?

[Louise Gardner]

It's that no good gambler, Ace Johnson. Shall I shut the door on his.

[Saul Gardner]

Face and tell him to come in?

[Louise Gardner]

What?

[Tonto]

If you don't mind, Ms. Lou, I should have mentioned I was expected.

[Louise Gardner]

All right, you can come in. But there's no law that says I have to stay in the same room with him. And when a decent man gets mixed up with a crook, then he must be loco.

[Saul Gardner]

Aw, don't mind her.

[Trevor]

Women don't understand politics.

[Tonto]

Sure, I know. Got some good news, Sol.

[Saul Gardner]

That so?

[Tonto]

Someone else is on our side.

[The Lone Ranger]

Man that's got a lot of influence and money. Who do you mean?

[Tonto]

He's in the back room of the Palace. Wants to talk to you personal, right away. Will you go over there with me?

[Saul Gardner]

Why, sure, Will. What's his name?

[Tonto]

You're gonna be surprised. It's John Kimberly.

[The Lone Ranger]

Will you have a drink, Sol?

[Saul Gardner]

I never touch it.

[The Lone Ranger]

I wish I could say the same. But you don't mind if I drink to your success, do you?

[Saul Gardner]

No, siree.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hell in his hair. Well, now then. I heard your speech last night and I agreed with every word.

[Saul Gardner]

That's fine.

[The Lone Ranger]

Manning is no better than a traitor.

[Saul Gardner]

He sure sounds like it.

[The Lone Ranger]

And as for Dixon, the sooner you get rid of him, the better. The only question is how.

[Saul Gardner]

I can't answer that.

[The Lone Ranger]

It won't be easy. There are plenty of men like Manning who want to keep him where he is. There won't be another election until November. That's too long to wait.

[Trevor]

It sure is.

[The Lone Ranger]

Then there's only one answer. You and your men must take possession of the town by force.

[Saul Gardner]

By force?

[The Lone Ranger]

Ace tells me you have three or 400.

[Saul Gardner]

He probably knows more about it than I do.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah, he does. You've picked a good lieutenant. I say give each one of them a rifle, proclaim martial law and set up the kind of government you ought to have.

[Saul Gardner]

But three or 400 rifles?

[The Lone Ranger]

The door's open.

[Trevor]

Get out of here.

[The Lone Ranger]

That door was open, Ace. Yeah, it's closed now. What's out there?

[Tonto]

Just an engine sleeping on the floor.

[Saul Gardner]

You said you could arrange it, Kimberly.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, yes, yes.

[Tonto]

The rifles.

[The Lone Ranger]

I can get them to you in three days. The rest is up to you. What did Gardiner say?

[Tonto]

That all Tonto. Here, Ace.

[Trevor]

Come along.

[Tonto]

Make tonto go.

[The Lone Ranger]

Force three or 400 rifles. The sheriff's friends won't give up without a fight. We've got to do something to prevent it, Tonto. Oh, wait.

[Tonto]

You've got plan.

[The Lone Ranger]

It may work, Saul. Gardner wants to get rid of Dixon. We'll do it for him.

[Narrator]

What you mean?

[The Lone Ranger]

Let's go. We're riding back to town. Steady, boy. Come on, Silver.

[Tonto]

Get him out of the scout.

[Narrator]

When Louise Gardner walked into the sheriff's office, she phoned Roger Manning with the young lawman.

[The Lone Ranger]

Lou.

[Trevor]

Hello, Bob.

[Roger Manning]

I'm glad to see you, Ms. Gantt. Do you know what this young idiot's decided?

[The Lone Ranger]

You let me explain it, Roger. Well, there's plenty of honest men in this town that don't Want me to be sheriff anymore? Your father's one of them. It's gonna make everything a lot easier if I just turn him a bath.

[Louise Gardner]

Oh, no, Bob.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now let me finish. Roger here was to take the job or there wouldn't be any objections from anybody.

[Roger Manning]

You can't send me out chasing crooks at my age.

[Louise Gardner]

There's no one who can fill the job half as well as you. Bob, I won't stand for your resignment.

[The Lone Ranger]

But, honey, don't you.

[Louise Gardner]

And if you're thinking of me, you just forget it. I don't agree with Pa at all, and I've told him so.

[Roger Manning]

What we need is law and order. And you're the man to give it to us.

[The Lone Ranger]

But how can there be law and order when even the honest men are fighting against each other? Then there's a railroad, too. Just think of that.

[Roger Manning]

Louise.

[Louise Gardner]

Hello, Pa.

[The Lone Ranger]

I told you it was her.

[Saul Gardner]

We saw him down the street. You know what I told you this morning?

[Louise Gardner]

I remember.

[Saul Gardner]

You're coming home with me now. And you're not going to leave the house again.

[Louise Gardner]

Do you aim to carry me, Pa?

[Trevor]

Well, if I have to, I might kick a little.

[Roger Manning]

Who sent this Rain about in front.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's a masked man and an engine. Don't go for your gun, Bob. I got you covered.

[Saul Gardner]

Outlaws in broad daylight.

[Narrator]

What's the idea?

[The Lone Ranger]

You're coming with me. You can try and make me. All right, if that's the way you want it.

[Tonto]

Hunter want chopper.

[Trevor]

Let go, Amina.

[Roger Manning]

Let me down.

[Tonto]

You not move.

[Roger Manning]

Pick him up like he was a feather, Bob.

[Louise Gardner]

Somebody do something.

[Roger Manning]

He's got him on his horse.

[Louise Gardner]

Well, don't just stand there. He's being kidnapped.

[Roger Manning]

This is your work, gardener.

[Saul Gardner]

That's a lie and I'll prove it.

[Louise Gardner]

Don't shoot, Paul. You might hit Bob.

[Saul Gardner]

I don't care if I do.

[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.

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[Roger Manning]

Go team.

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[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. The Lone Ranger and Tonto raced out of town with the sheriff as their prisoner long before any effective pursuit could be organized. They headed into the tangled wilderness of the hills above Warren City and did not draw rain until their camp was reached.

[The Lone Ranger]

City? Silver City, old feller. You can go down now, Bob. Oh, that was some ride. This is our camp. You're going to be our guest here for a few days. Your guest, huh? Yes. You won't consider yourself a prisoner. That is, after I've explained everything. I'm beginning to put two and two together already. Oh, are you? A masked man and an engine called Tono? A white horse called Silver. Now, if you was to show me a ring like I heard Matt Kirby talk about, I could make a pretty good guess as to who you are. A ring like this? Yeah. Does it have a secret compartment in it? Yes, it does. Just like Matt said. You're the Lone Ranger. But this is still gonna take a lot of explaining. I'm not a bad sort of hombre. I've always tried to do my duty. I can't figure out how I've gotten your bad books. Oh, you haven't, Bob. You see, we were in town last night and we heard everything when Saul Gardner made his speech. That right?

[Tonto]

Ye hear men in cafes scheme to take rifle.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now, those rifles won't be necessary. We took you prisoner to prevent bloodshed and also to prove to the townspeople just how much they need you. I don't savvy. Well, the first thing I want is a list of all the honest men who dislike you because you come from the South. There's a whole lot of them. The most important ones, then. Especially the ones who own stores or businesses. Oh, well, I. I guess bank of Henderson had come first. Good. I don't feel good about it. Go on. McNamara, Corwin, Bachelor. Oh, and then of course, here's Saul Gardner himself. He owns the biggest store in town. That's fine. Don't you understand how I feel about it? I think so. You're giving all those men protection and they don't realize what A good job you've done. It's up to us to make them. But how? By giving them a taste of what might happen with another man in your place. We'll start with the bank, huh? Tonto and I are going to hold it up tonight. You're going to The Lone Ranger's gonna hold up a bank? Don't worry. No one will be hurt. The money we take will be just as safe here as in town. You say nobody will be hurt. What about you? We'll have to move fast. Of course. I'll say you will. But it's worth the chance. After the bank, we'll pay calls on the others. We'll save Gardner for last. Not all in one night. No. We'll take one night for each of them. That's even worse. After the bank holed up, there won't be a man in town without a gun. They'll shoot first and ask questions afterwards. The only one we're afraid of is Matt Kirby. Matt Kirby? He's the only one who knows you. That's just it. He might recognize us and tell the others who we are. They want these holed up to seem genuine. Oh, you'll. You'll have to warn him in advance, Tonto.

[Tonto]

Uh huh.

[The Lone Ranger]

His cabin's on the edge of town. You'll be able to reach it without being seen once it's dark.

[Tonto]

Not plenty easy.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll wait for you near his cabin. And then as soon as he's been warned, we'll go to work.

[Narrator]

Early that afternoon, Ace Johnson called on Kimberly in his room at the hotel and described the capture of the sheriff. Then he confessed his bewilderment.

[Tonto]

How does it add up, Kimberly? Mask Hombre was an outlaw. Sure, he might have had it in for Dixon. But if that's so, why didn't he shoot him? It was awful risky taking him prisoner.

[The Lone Ranger]

What difference does it make? You. You got what you wanted.

[Tonto]

How's that?

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, Dixon's gone. He'll have to appoint a new sheriff.

[Tonto]

You're smart, Kimberly. I figure I can lay my cards.

[The Lone Ranger]

On the table with you and go ahead.

[Tonto]

Well, it won't do us any good if they appoint somebody that's honest.

[The Lone Ranger]

Not even as honest as you.

[Tonto]

As me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Why not? We don't need those rifles now. It ought to work out fine. You could invite every gunman in the country to make his headquarters here. And you could collect from every one of them. Well, yeah, but Saul Gardner, Who'll have the most to say about the appointment? You listen to me, Ace. I'd like to bet $10,000 you'll be wearing a badge before dark.

[Narrator]

At 10 o' clock that night, the Lone Ranger was waiting for Tonto outside of town.

[The Lone Ranger]

Steady Silver. He's coming now.

[Tonto]

Hi Kiwisabi.

[The Lone Ranger]

Did you find Matt at home?

[Tonto]

Ah, me Tell him what you say they're bad news.

[The Lone Ranger]

What kind of news?

[Tonto]

Ace Johnson, Sheriff. Now railroad men. Not like that.

[The Lone Ranger]

You can't blame them.

[Tonto]

Matt fraid Town run wide open now. Plenty fight, plenty men get hurt. Outlaws steal from railroads.

[The Lone Ranger]

It isn't bad news, Toto. It's good. Even if Ace weren't crooked, he's incompetent. That's going to make our job easier. Come on Silver, get him up.

[Trevor]

Just take a seat anyway, Sheriff.

[The Lone Ranger]

Bud.

[Tonto]

Oh yeah. I'm not used to the new title.

[Trevor]

Now the reason I've asked you to come over to the bank tonight is so that you can see for yourself how much we need in the way of protection.

[The Lone Ranger]

Uh huh.

[Trevor]

This building was never meant for a bank. And you'd be amazed at the amount of money we have here.

[Tonto]

Is that so?

[Trevor]

It's because of the railroad. Naturally. Now I warned a deputy on duty here day and night. Necessary we'll pay a salary.

[Tonto]

Where do you keep all this money?

[The Lone Ranger]

In that safe over there. Most of it.

[Tonto]

Why isn't it locked?

[Trevor]

I was just checking it over when you arrived.

[Tonto]

Uh huh.

[Trevor]

I don't mind telling you that I'm worried. A masked man riding into town in broad daylight. It's disgraceful.

[The Lone Ranger]

Huh.

[Tonto]

Somebody at the door.

[Trevor]

That must be Roger Manning.

[Tonto]

Don't forget I wasn't sheriff this morning.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't make a sound. Up with your hands inside.

[Tonto]

Huh?

[The Lone Ranger]

Sheriff.

[Trevor]

It's the Mashman. Get him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Keep him covered.

[Narrator]

Tunnel.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll have to get out of here fast now. Right had the safe's open. This will be enough.

[Trevor]

There's $50,000 in that bag.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll take your word for it. Adios gentlemen. It's been a pleasure.

[Trevor]

Sheriff.

[Saul Gardner]

Get after him. Get a posse together.

[Trevor]

Get that money back. You've got to capture that man.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tonto made good their esc. The posse that started after them lost the trail less than five miles from town. But when Ace returned, he appointed 20 new deputies to guard against another holdup. They roamed the main street throughout the next day and the following night. And yet when morning came again.

[Saul Gardner]

Sheriff.

[The Lone Ranger]

Morning sir.

[Saul Gardner]

He's done it again.

[Tonto]

What's that?

[Saul Gardner]

Back window to McNamara's store is wide open. Throws a safe and it's empty.

[Narrator]

Following morning.

[Roger Manning]

It's Cor's place. This morning, Sheriff, he took $1,000.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll get the poor cat.

[Roger Manning]

You said that yesterday.

[Tonto]

The only trouble is he won't show up again.

[Roger Manning]

Oh, yes, he will. He left a note for you.

[Tonto]

Read it to the sheriff. You can expect me at Gardner store.

[Saul Gardner]

Tomorrow night at my place.

[Tonto]

Boy, the nerve of him.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll have the store surrounded.

[Trevor]

I'll have 20 men there.

[Roger Manning]

50 if le it makes dear trick.

[Trevor]

I'll deputize every man in town. If he sets foot in it tonight.

[Saul Gardner]

He'Ll never leave it alive.

[Tonto]

What time is it, Saul?

[Trevor]

Just midnight.

[The Lone Ranger]

All right, boys, you got your orders.

[Tonto]

Saul and I are going to stay away in here in the store.

[The Lone Ranger]

Rest.

[Tonto]

You spread out a little. Not too close, see? Keep undercover. Go on, then.

[The Lone Ranger]

Clear out.

[Saul Gardner]

Roger may be right. That note may have been a trick.

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't think so.

[Tonto]

Shut the door. Shall I lock it?

[The Lone Ranger]

No. We've set the trap.

[Tonto]

Let him walk into it.

[Trevor]

We? We don't want the lamp, do we?

[Tonto]

Hey, wait a minute. I heard something behind the counter.

[The Lone Ranger]

One of the boys. You.

[Tonto]

What are you doing back there?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm taking the money out of the safe.

[Saul Gardner]

I never saw him before.

[Tonto]

You're what?

[The Lone Ranger]

Who are you, anyway? Who told you to do that? This is what I came for, Ace.

[Saul Gardner]

I recognize his voice.

[Trevor]

Only he isn't wearing a mask tonight, just a disguise.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sol.

[Tonto]

Who are you?

[The Lone Ranger]

Careful, you're covered.

[Saul Gardner]

How'd you get in here?

[The Lone Ranger]

I walked in with your men. It's a good thing there were so many of them.

[Saul Gardner]

You ducked down behind the counter and.

[The Lone Ranger]

The safe was open. Right. Just stay right where you are. Don't make a move and don't raise your voice.

[Tonto]

You can't get away with this.

[The Lone Ranger]

As long as you're sheriff, it'll be easy. Adios, gentlemen. Been a pleasure.

[Roger Manning]

Hi.

[Saul Gardner]

Did you make it?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. I've got the money here. Time for you to show up, Bob.

[Trevor]

Right.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hurry, before they get the posse rounded up. Get up there, Daddy boy. We'll ride back to camp and leave this money to the rest.

[Narrator]

Hunter.

[Saul Gardner]

Come on, silver lips.

[Trevor]

Come.

[Saul Gardner]

You're a fine sheriff.

[Tonto]

I'd like to know anybody who could do better.

[Roger Manning]

Well, I'll tell you. Bob Dixon, he would have been fooled the way you were.

[Saul Gardner]

That's right.

[Roger Manning]

What? You admitted so.

[Saul Gardner]

Yes, I admit it. I'd give every cent I got left if he were still wearing a badge.

[The Lone Ranger]

I heard that song. Don't be so tenorous, bub.

[Saul Gardner]

Hey, where'd you come from, boy?

[The Lone Ranger]

I got away from the masked man's camp. Just follow me and I'll lead you there.

[Roger Manning]

That's the way to talk.

[Saul Gardner]

Come on, men. Follow Bob, the trap.

[Trevor]

Follow me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Here's the camp. Right over there by that rock is where you'll find the money.

[Roger Manning]

Here's the best man.

[Saul Gardner]

He's got away again.

[Narrator]

Oh, no.

[Roger Manning]

He has?

[The Lone Ranger]

Here he comes through the woods. Don't enter your slap leather.

[Trevor]

That's the Lone Ranger.

[Roger Manning]

Lone Ranger?

[Trevor]

Have you gone local?

[Saul Gardner]

Lone Ranger? An outlaw?

[The Lone Ranger]

He's no more of an outlaw than I am. Steady, Silver. Steady, boy.

[Saul Gardner]

That's the same homage.

[Trevor]

He's the one that took the $50,000.

[The Lone Ranger]

From the bank, I admit it. But you have the money back now. There's no harm done, is there?

[Roger Manning]

Well, no.

[Saul Gardner]

But if you're the Lone Ranger, what was the idea?

[The Lone Ranger]

The idea was convince you so and everybody like you that you were wrong. You need Bob Dixon. It doesn't make any difference where he comes from. It's time you forgot your prejudice. Because. Because you're all Americans. You're all fighting toward a common goal. You've got to remember that. United we stand, divided we fall. How about it, Sol? Have you changed your mind?

[Saul Gardner]

You can bet I have, mask man. And so is everybody else who was talking the same way. I.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's all I wanted to hear. Come on, Silver.

[Trevor]

Get him up. Get him up. I'm here on a job site with Tim, who owns his own electrical contracting business.

[Narrator]

Three employees and two work trucks.

[Trevor]

Tim traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance. We're positively here where he needs us most.

[The Lone Ranger]

They sure are.

[Trevor]

With step by step help on all his insurance needs. All for shockingly low rates. Shockingly low, huh? It's just a little bit of electrician humor. Do you get it?

[Saul Gardner]

I got it.

[Trevor]

You know, it feels like we have a real connection. All right, I'll stop. Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail] and see how much you could save. It feels good to Geico.

[Andrew Rines]

Back in the Old west, folks didn't run to the pharmacy every time trouble hit. They relied on the know how and natural remedies. Kind of like how Tonto always seems to have a special mixture ready for whatever came next. If you want to learn how to do that today, check out the Beginner's Guide to Herbal Remedies. Easy steps for teas, tinctures and salves. Even if you've never tried herbs before, visit otrwesterns.comherbs to learn more. Again, otrwesterns.com herbs.

[Trevor]

Sam.

[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 and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Roger Manning]

Sam.