Buried Gold | The Lone Ranger (04-07-52)

Summary

---

Podcast Summary:

Old Time Radio Westerns with Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Buried Gold | The Lone Ranger (04-07-52)
Release Date: October 8, 2025

---

Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners to the golden days of Western radio drama, presenting a meticulously restored broadcast of The Lone Ranger titled "Buried Gold" (original air date: April 7, 1952). The story centers on a long-lost cache of Confederate gold and a desperate chase as greedy outlaws, a brave young heir, and the legendary Lone Ranger vie to determine its fate. As always, themes of justice, courage, and community ultimate triumph on the wild frontier.

---

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Backdrop: The Lost Gold of Gold Creek

• Setting: End of the Civil War; sympathetic Gold Creek miners collect $1 million in gold bullion to support the Confederacy.
• Inciting Incident: The gold, entrusted to Jim Bledsoe and volunteers for transport, vanishes after a deadly ambush; only Jonathan Drake survives and keeps the secret.

“One million in gold. That'll mean a lot to Jeff Davis.”
— Dave Drake, [05:28]

---

2. The Dying Confession and the Secret Map

• Jump to 1876: Jonathan Drake, sole survivor, is dying. He entrusts the secret of the gold’s location to his son, David Drake, who is to deliver a map directly to the Lone Ranger via a trusted padre.
• Security Measures: The letter and map are sent separately, with the hope that only the right people will reunite the clues.

“If we see that we can't get through, we'll try to make sure the Northerners don't get the gold... I alone know where the wagons with their gold cargo are hidden.”
— Jonathan Drake, [05:46], [07:10]

---

3. The Mission and the Lone Ranger’s Promise

• David’s Journey: David embarks westward to deliver the map.
• At the Mission: The Lone Ranger, Tonto, and the padre discuss the moral purpose of the gold.
  • The Lone Ranger proposes using the gold for the struggling Gold Creek community—funding machinery, a school, and a church for future prosperity.

“If the buried gold is found, it should be used to help the community from which it came.”
— Lone Ranger, [12:29]

“A million dollars will do more than that. There'll be enough left over to build a school and a church and do many other things.”
— Lone Ranger, [12:59]

---

4. Intrigue: The Plot to Steal the Gold

• Villainous Pursuit: Merkel, Drake’s unscrupulous secretary, teams up with Gorman and a gang to intercept David on the trail. They plan a hold-up and are prepared to commit murder for the map.

“In addition to holding up a stagecoach, we'll have to commit murder... We're playing for high stakes.”
— Gorman & Merkel, [15:44–15:55]

---

5. The Stagecoach Ambush

• David’s Preparation: On the journey, David stops in Orville to buy the latest Winchester 73 rifle.
• Dramatic Hold-Up: Near Gold Creek, Gorman and his men ambush the stage. A fierce shootout ensues. David is wounded but bravely fights back, using his new rifle’s firepower.

“A man can fire 12 times just as fast as he can work the lever. And every shot goes true to the mark. Hits like a sledgehammer.”
— Storekeeper, [20:02]

---

6. The Clever Disguise: Hiding the Map

• While Fading From Consciousness: David, desperate to protect the map, rolls it into a cylinder and hides it—though in the chaos, he cannot recall where.
• Gorman’s Search: The outlaws search David but can’t find the map. Just as the Lone Ranger and Tonto arrive, more gunfire and heroics ensue.

---

7. The Lone Ranger’s Justice

• Resolution of the Ambush: The Lone Ranger subdues Gorman in a dramatic chase and fight, ties up the bandits, and checks the wounded.
• Revelation of the Map’s Hiding Spot: David recalls he hid the map in his rifle, jamming it. The Lone Ranger retrieves the map from the jammed barrel using his knife.
• Plan for the Town’s Future: With the map found and the gold’s location secure, the plan to reinvest in Gold Creek is reaffirmed.

“It will build a school and church and set up mining machinery so everyone in the community will prosper.”
— Lone Ranger, [28:44]

---

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Lone Ranger’s Integrity and Vision:
  • “That gold came from the people in a small community known as Gold Creek... They need help. They deserve it.” [12:02]
• David’s Resourcefulness:
  • “I had it rolled up about the size of a cartridge. I shoved it into the magazine and... jammed the rifle.” [28:20]
• Classic Action:
  • The technical demonstration of the Winchester 73’s rapid-fire capability stands as a true period touchstone. [19:29]
• Final Recognition:
  • “That mask man sure saved our necks. But who is he, driver? He's the one man in all the world who my dad trusted. He's the Lone Ranger.” [29:10]

---

Major Timestamps

• [04:21] – Classic Lone Ranger opening and setup of the gold’s backstory
• [06:45] – Jonathan Drake’s deathbed confession and secret mission for his son
• [11:13] – Lone Ranger and Tonto at the mission with the padre
• [14:05] – Merkel and Gorman hatch their criminal plan
• [18:45] – David buys the Winchester 73 rifle in Orville
• [22:10] – Ambush on the stagecoach begins; shootout ensues
• [25:40] – Lone Ranger’s pursuit and capture of Gorman
• [28:06] – Map recovered from inside the jammed rifle
• [28:44] – Lone Ranger affirms the gold’s use for the community

---

Episode Tone and Style

The episode blends high drama, suspense, action, and exceptional period atmosphere typical of The Lone Ranger. Dialogue is earnest and quick, with each character’s motives and values clear. The Lone Ranger’s unwavering morality is foregrounded, while the gleam of Western ingenuity (both good and evil) shines throughout.

---

For Listeners Who Haven't Heard the Show

If you haven’t listened to this episode, you’ll experience a compelling blend of historical intrigue, classic Western action, and moral resolution. Buried Gold exhibits all the hallmarks of vintage radio storytelling: resourceful heroes, crafty villains, and a satisfying conclusion rooted in communal good.

---

Transcript

[Indeed Advertiser]

You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job posts seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored Jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com kidsandfamily just go to Indeed.com kidsandfamily right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you.

[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/Storyteller]

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

[Indeed Advertiser]

You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job post seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com kidsandfamily just go to Indeed.com kidsandfamily right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, the daring and resourceful mask 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.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver, let's go. Before hail Silver away.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

During the latter days of the War of the States, the Confederacy was desperately in need of gold. There were sympathetic gold mine owners in the rich community of Gold Creek in the Colorado territory they collected $1 million in bullion. It was loaded into heavy wagons and Jim Bledsoe was in charge of the brave volunteers who were to take the wagons to far off Virginia. They were ready to leave in the middle of the night.

[Dave Drake]

One million in gold. That'll mean a lot to Jeff Davis.

[Gorman]

Yeah, it will if it gets past the blockade.

[Dave Drake]

Blockade?

[Gorman]

Jim Bledsoe knows about it.

[Dave Drake]

The Northerners know there'll be an attempt to take gold of Virginia. They'll have plenty of troops watching all the trails. Do you think you can get through, Jim?

[Lone Ranger]

I hope to.

[Dave Drake]

By avoiding the trails you may be sure. We'll do our best. And I'll promise you this, if we see that we can't get through, we'll try to make sure the Northerners don't get the gold. Ready, boys. Harlan, let's go.

[Gorman]

Come on. Get up there.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

$1 million in gold bullion left Gold Creek that night. Months later, lifeless bodies found in an arid, remote valley were identified as those of Jim Bledsoe and his companions. But the gold in the wagons and the horses that drew the wagons seemingly disappeared into thin air. The war gave way to peace. Years later, in 1876, Colorado was admitted to the Union. And that year in Washington, a middle aged man named Jonathan Drake lay on his deathbed, dictating to a younger man, his secretary.

[Dave Drake]

You've been dictating steadily, Mr. Drake. Don't you want to rest a little while?

[Narrator]

Oh, no, Michael. My life expectancy is very short. I must finish this document. Is my son here?

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, sir.

[Gorman]

He's waiting in the library.

[Narrator]

He knows what the Dr. Zoo said about my heart?

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

Very well. I'll continue.

[Dave Drake]

Where.

[Lone Ranger]

Where was I?

[Gorman]

You had just finished telling about the wagons that had left Gold Creek on the night of April 14th.

[Narrator]

Oh, yes. I am the sole survivor of that party. It was generally believed that Jim Blitzo and everyone in the party were killed by the Union soldiers. This is not true. I survived the wounded. I managed to crawl away from the valley. Indians found me and took care of me until I was able to return to my wife and son in the East. I alone know where the wagons with their gold cargo are hidden.

[Gorman]

You do, sir?

[Narrator]

Please don't interrupt me.

[Dave Drake]

Sorry, Mr. Drake.

[Narrator]

My son will leave St. Joe by stagecoach on the 15th of the month carrying a map showing where the gold is buried. I pray that you will see that it is recovered and used to good advantage. That is all, my little. Write the letter and bring it to me.

[Dave Drake]

You haven't told me where to send it.

[Narrator]

Sir, my son will see that it's mailed. Ask him to come here.

[Gorman]

And the maps.

[Narrator]

Please do as I request. Ask my son to come here.

[Dave Drake]

Very well.

[Gorman]

Merkel.

[Dave Drake]

How's my father?

[Gorman]

He's very tired, but he wants to see you.

[Narrator]

David.

[Dave Drake]

Dad. I don't care what the doctors say. You're going to be all right. You're not an old man.

[Narrator]

The doctors are right, son. I know it. I haven't been well for many years, but I have no complaint. I've seen you grow to manhood. If you you promise to follow my instructions to the letter, I'll die content you.

[Dave Drake]

I'll do anything you ask.

[Narrator]

David, have you ever heard of the Lone Ranger?

[Dave Drake]

Oh, yes, sir. He just completed a mission for the government.

[Narrator]

Here. David, this envelope is addressed to a padre in the West. He'll see that the letter inside is given to the old Ranger.

[Dave Drake]

But, sir, the envelope is empty.

[Narrator]

I've dictated the letter to Merkel. He'll give it to you when it's written. I want no one but you to know where the letter is sent. You may read it before mailing.

[Dave Drake]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

And here sent me the map. I drew it myself. It's small, so you can conceal it easily. I want you to go to St. Joseph, Missouri. Leave there on the westbound stage. On the 15th of the month, go to the Padres Mission. The address is on the envelope.

[Dave Drake]

Why not send the map with your letter, sir?

[Narrator]

The letter might be lost or stolen. It might go astray or fall into the wrong hands. If so, it will be worthless without the map.

[Dave Drake]

I see.

[Narrator]

I want the letter to go ahead in the hope that the padre will have the Lone Ranger waiting at the mission when you arrive. Son, be sure you hand that map to the Lone Ranger. No one else.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Jonathan Drake died one week after the letter was mailed to the padre. Following the funeral, Merkel, the secretary, left Washington, ostensibly to take work elsewhere. A few days later, David Drake started on his trip. He reached St. Joseph, Missouri, and boarded a stagecoach on the 15th of the month in accordance with his father's last request. On that same day, many miles westward, the Lone Ranger and Toto drew rein in the patio of the mission. The padre welcomed them warmly.

[Dave Drake]

My friends, it is good to see you. I'm glad you've come.

[Lone Ranger]

Hello, Padre.

[Dave Drake]

Hello, Padre.

[Lone Ranger]

Padre. An Indian told us you wanted to see us.

[Dave Drake]

Yes, my friend. I sent out the word in the hope that you would come here quickly. I have a letter for you. It is from Washington.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

The masked man read Drake's letter carefully.

[Lone Ranger]

My son will leave St. Joe on the 15th of the month carrying a map showing where the gold is buried. I pray that you will see that it is recovered and used to good advantage. Signed, Jonathan Drake.

[Dave Drake]

Million dollars that heap plenty gold. Amigo, much that is good might be done with so much gold.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, Padre.

[Dave Drake]

You must think well before you decide where it is to go.

[Lone Ranger]

Padre. That gold came from the people in a small community known as Gold Creek.

[Dave Drake]

See, I know.

[Lone Ranger]

The names of the individuals who gave the gold are not known. Furthermore, many of those people have probably left the community. They have left? Yes. The rich gold claims were worked out and abandoned a few years ago. The only people in Gold Creek are those who have no money to start a new life somewhere else. They have homes and children. They're hanging on doggedly, trying to eke out an existence by farming and working the abandoned mines.

[Dave Drake]

I see.

[Lone Ranger]

They need help. They deserve it. If the buried gold is found, it should be used to help the community from which it came.

[Dave Drake]

Then you propose to divide it among the people?

[Lone Ranger]

No, Padre. I think it should be used to buy and install machinery.

[Gorman]

Machinery?

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, with mining machinery. The low grade ore that remains in the mountains might be profitably refined. In addition to gold, there is silver to be extracted. Also other metals. There would be work for everyone who wanted it.

[Dave Drake]

Amigo, that is good.

[Lone Ranger]

But a million dollars will do more than that. There'll be enough left over to build a school and a church and do many other things.

[Dave Drake]

Let us hope and pray that the.

[Lone Ranger]

Buried gold will be recovered. Toto, I want to meet David Drake as soon as possible.

[Dave Drake]

Let her say him leave St. Joe. 15th a month. That is today.

[Lone Ranger]

We'll save several days if we ride east to meet him on the stagecoach trail.

[Gorman]

Isn't that right?

[Lone Ranger]

We'll start as soon as possible.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Sunset found the Lone Ranger and Tonto riding east. And at the same time, Dave Drake headed in the opposite direction in a stagecoach from St. Joe. At sunset of the same day, Merkle sat in a cafe in the town of Orville. Orville was on the stagecoach trail about halfway between St. Joe and Gold Creek. Merkle had gone there soon after the death of his employer, Jonathan Drake, and had waited several days for the arrival of a man named Gorman. He rose from his seat as Gorman entered the cafe and approached the table.

[Dave Drake]

Well, Gorman, glad to see you. Hello, Michael. Sit down.

[Gorman]

Thanks. I'd begun to wonder if you received my letter.

[Dave Drake]

You told me to come here with four or five men I could trust. Took a day or so to line them up.

[Gorman]

Did you bring them?

[Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Dave Drake]

They're waiting at the hotel.

[Narrator]

Good.

[Dave Drake]

What's the deal, Merkel? Another blackmail scheme like we worked in Washington?

[Gorman]

Nothing like that.

[Dave Drake]

You know you gave me the short end of that deal. You made a lot of money. Yes, but I was the front man. I was the fall guy. I was the one who had to run and hide when things got hot. You'll be glad I was able to remain in Washington as Drake's secretary when.

[Gorman]

You hear what I have lined up.

[Dave Drake]

Well, it better be good, Merkel.

[Gorman]

Is a million dollars good?

[Dave Drake]

Paper money, gold bullion. Are you serious, Gorman?

[Gorman]

Just before Drake died, he dictated a letter to me. I made a copy of it.

[Dave Drake]

Is that it?

[Gorman]

Yes.

[Dave Drake]

While you read it, I'll find the.

[Gorman]

Waiter and order food.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Gorman read the letter carefully, then folded it and handed it to Mirko.

[Dave Drake]

You know where the letter was sent? No. Didn't you mail it, Mel? Gorman?

[Gorman]

Drake had his son mail it.

[Dave Drake]

Guess he didn't trust you too far.

[Gorman]

That doesn't matter. The map is the important thing.

[Dave Drake]

Drake's son has the map?

[Gorman]

Yes.

[Dave Drake]

You have a copy of it?

[Gorman]

No. We'll have to get the original.

[Dave Drake]

And he's on the stagecoach.

[Gorman]

Right.

[Dave Drake]

In other words, we'll have to hold up the stage.

[Gorman]

That's why I asked you to bring men with.

[Dave Drake]

Well, even after losing the map, young Drake would go on to his destination. There he'd find help. He probably remember the general location of the buried gold. Might even remember enough to draw another map.

[Gorman]

That's right, Gorman. There's just one way to be sure.

[Dave Drake]

Dave Drake will not make trouble. In addition to holding up a stagecoach, we'll have to commit murder.

[Gorman]

We're playing for high stakes.

[Dave Drake]

Yes, and we'll hang if we're caught.

[Gorman]

The prize is a million dollars in gold.

[Dave Drake]

All right, Marco, I'm with you on one condition.

[Gorman]

What's that?

[Dave Drake]

You share the risk. When we played our game in Washington, you stayed in the background. When the lid blew off, I was the one who had to run and hide. You were in the clear. Well, on this deal, you pack a gun and help the rest of us hold up the stage. Well, all right. And that's settled. Now to pick a place for the job. You know how far west Drake plans to go?

[Gorman]

No, but from the things he said, I'm sure he's going beyond Gold Creek.

[Dave Drake]

Good. I know a perfect spot a few miles this side of Gold Creek. Ground's too rocky to show our tracks. The place is desolate. There'll be no one near to hear the Gunplay. It's just the right place for a murder.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

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.

[Narrator]

Sam.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Now to continue. The stagecoach arrived in Orville on schedule and Dave Drake was the only passenger. He stepped out to stretch his legs and saw the driver climbing down from a high seat.

[Dave Drake]

How long do we stop here, driver? Long enough to change horses, walk around, if you don't mind. You. Oh, good. I'm going to look at rifles.

[Lone Ranger]

There's a first rate store right next door.

[Dave Drake]

Oh, yes, I saw it. You'll have at least half an hour. All right.

[Gorman]

Howdy, mister.

[Dave Drake]

Oh, hello. I just arrived from the east.

[Gorman]

Yep, I saw you leading the stage. Going far.

[Dave Drake]

Oh, yes. Yes, I am. And I'd like to have a rifle with me.

[Gorman]

Mister, I'll show you the finest rifle that's ever been made. It's right here. New model Winchester. Winchester 73. Here hefted. Mm mm. That's a carbine size. Carries 12 cartridges. And this magazine beneath the barrel.

[Dave Drake]

What size cartridges?

[Gorman]

44. Here's a box of them. Let's step outside and I'll show you how it works. This is live ammunition.

[Dave Drake]

Very well.

[Gorman]

Now, there's a place right here on the side of the rifle. And you shove the cartridges in here like this.

[Dave Drake]

Oh, I see.

[Gorman]

You put in 12 cartridges, one right after the other. I had two of these 73s sold one a couple of days ago to a man who was traveling west. She's loaded. Now, to operate, you just pull down this lever. Now see how the breech is open? Yes. And the cartridge in position. Close the lever and now it's ready to fire. After firing, you just lever it again. Watch.

[Narrator]

Oh.

[Gorman]

Did you see it throw at the carpage?

[Dave Drake]

Oh, yes. I'll pick it up.

[Gorman]

If I'd have fired, that would have been the empty shell, you see?

[Dave Drake]

Yes.

[Gorman]

A man can fire 12 times just as fast as he can work the lever. And every shot goes true to the mark. Hits like a sledgehammer.

[Dave Drake]

All right. You've sold a rifle, son.

[Gorman]

This Winchester is one buy that you'll never regret.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Proudly holding his new Winchester, Dave boarded the stage and the trip continued.

[Gorman]

Come on, get up there.

[Dave Drake]

Get up.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

The stagecoach heading west was right on schedule. It would reach Gold Creek on the following afternoon. From time to time, Dave Drake amused himself by firing out the window at rocks. And the floor of the stagecoach was littered with empty shell. About six miles east of Gold Creek, the killers were waiting. Gorman had Bought a Winchester like Dave's.

[Dave Drake]

Finest rifle I ever saw. I'll pick off the driver that stage with the first shot. You wait and see.

[Gorman]

It's Drake we're after.

[Dave Drake]

Well, I have to get the driver first. It'll be harder to hit a man inside the stage, but we'll get him.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

The following after, the Lone Ranger drew rain at the edge of Gold Creek. While Tottle went on alone to inquire about the stagecoach, the Indian brought back a report.

[Dave Drake]

Oh, scout, old fellow. Kimasabi. We ahead of time. Stage from east not due for maybe two hours.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, that's good. We'll meet Dave Drake on the trail instead of in town. There'll not be a lot of people around to ask questions about this mask.

[Dave Drake]

We circle town.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes. Let's go, Toto. Once a day.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

On the eastern side of town, the trail was made up of one sharp turn after another as it wound through the mountains. The two men had been riding for nearly an hour without finding a single stretch of straight road. Suddenly, they heard the sound of gunfire.

[Lone Ranger]

Someone shooting. That means trouble.

[Gorman]

Let's count.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Dorman's first shot had struck the driver of the stage. As he slumped unconscious and dropped the reins, the horses halted. Dave returned the fire through the window. His first bullet struck and shattered Gorman's rifle and sent Gorman leaping to the protection of a rock. Drake levered the.73 and fired at the other men who had come into view. The effective accuracy of the new Winchester sent three sprawling to the ground. Merkel and the other two raced for cover, firing with their pistols. One dropped with a bullet in the leg. The remaining two reached the rock that sheltered Gorman.

[Gorman]

Gorman, Norman. I didn't figure on anything like this.

[Dave Drake]

I smashed my rifle. All I have left is six gun. Keep firing, Merkel. You too, Jake.

[Narrator]

I can hardly see him inside that stage.

[Dave Drake]

Just pull that into it. One of the bullets is sure to hit him.

[Gorman]

He stopped shooting.

[Narrator]

Maybe he's reloading.

[Dave Drake]

Or maybe we got him. Jake, you keep your eye on the window of that stagecoach. I'm going over there. Be careful, Gorman. He sticks his head up to fire. Let him have it.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Dave lay on the floor inside the stagecoach, bleeding from two wounds. His strength was ebbing fast. His fingers were clumsy as he reloaded the rifle. He thought of the map and knew it would be found if he were searched. He drew it from his pocket and wondered where to hide it. It was on a small piece of paper, about 6 inches square and folded twice. He folded it again. Then again. He rolled the compact little square into A cylinder. While he tried to think of a place to hide it, he felt light headed, giddy. He knew he would soon slip into oblivion. Where to hide that priceless map? Where to hide it? Meanwhile, Gorman had come to within a few paces of the stagecoach.

[Dave Drake]

Hide your cover, Drake. Are you trying to fight any longer?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

We have you. The outlaw snatched open the door and saw Dave Drake on the floor, unconscious.

[Dave Drake]

We got it, boys. I'll look around for the map. You see how bad our pals are wounded.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Gorman saw the rifle. A new one like his own.

[Dave Drake]

Well, here's luck. Take this rifle in place of the one you smashed.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Many thanks, Drake. Gorman drew a cartridge from his belt and tried to slip it into the magazine. It wouldn't go.

[Lone Ranger]

Loaded full.

[Dave Drake]

Well, it's fine.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

He stood the rifle on the ground leaning against the side of the stagecoach. Then bent over the unconscious man. He found a wallet and went through it.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Dave Drake]

No map here.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

In Drake's pockets, Gorman found a knife, match, safe, coins, a key, but no map. Then suddenly he heard a shout.

[Gorman]

Hey Gorman, someone's coming.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Gorman saw two horsemen approaching fast. One was masked, the other was an Indian.

[Dave Drake]

All right, shoot him. I gotta find the map. Open fire on him.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Jake and Merkel opened fire, but they were poor shots. Gorman grabbed Drake's rifle. I'll drop him with this. He levered the weapon to bring a shell into firing position, but the rifle jammed.

[Gorman]

What's wrong?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

He tried the lever several times, then dropped the Winchester and drew his six guys. He fired several times at the oncoming masked man and the Indian. But the distance was too great for a mediocre marksman. Gorman's gun was empty. He leaped from the trail to the brush covered hillside in a frenzied flight to save his life. Meanwhile, Jake and Merkel had emptied their guns. Jake went down with a bullet in the leg and Merkel threw up his hand.

[Gorman]

I give up. Don't shoot.

[Narrator]

Don't shoot me.

[Lone Ranger]

My leg.

[Narrator]

My legs hurt.

[Lone Ranger]

He's in cover, Tuttle. I'll go after the man who went in the underbrush on the hill.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

The Lone Ranger raced ahead to the hillside near the stagecoach. He leaped from the saddle and started through the underbrush in pursuit of Gorman. Gorman slipped and stumbled on the steep hillside. He needed both hands to hang on. There was no chance to reload his gun. He looked over his shoulder and saw the masked man coming. I want you keep away, you hear?

[Lone Ranger]

Keep where I shoot. I'll return it.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

The outlaw knew he could not out distance. The sure footed masked man suddenly he turned and attacked.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll take you now. We'll settle it.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

The Lone Ranger sidestepped and met Gorman's charge with a crashing blow to the jaw.

[Dave Drake]

Here's another.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Gorman went down. His eyes were glassy as he lay in the brushwood.

[Lone Ranger]

Had enough? I'll take your gun. You'll not need it. Empty. Just as I thought. Stand up, mister. I'll help you. Down the hill.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

The masked man and Tom tied the hands and feet of Merkle and Gorman, then gave attention to the wounded. Dave's wounds were bloody but not serious. The stage driver had only a superficial brush on the side of his head. Some of Gorman's men were dead. The others, with wounds bandaged, were tied and placed with Gorman and Merkel close to the stagecoach. By the time the work was completed, Dave had regained consciousness. He looked at the masked man.

[Dave Drake]

You've certainly taken care of everything.

[Gorman]

Who are you, mister?

[Lone Ranger]

I'm the man who was to meet Dave Drake.

[Dave Drake]

That's my name.

[Lone Ranger]

I thought as much. Here, Dave, is a letter I received from your father.

[Dave Drake]

He sent it to a mission.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, that's where I received it. I came from there to meet you. You were to have a map.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

A map?

[Dave Drake]

Yes. I've been trying to remember where I hid it.

[Lone Ranger]

You lost it?

[Dave Drake]

I don't know. Just as I was losing consciousness, I. It was rolled up small. I intended to hide it.

[Lone Ranger]

Did these men intend to steal it?

[Dave Drake]

Oh, yes. That one. Merkel was my father's secretary. He knew about the map. Listen, let me talk.

[Gorman]

I was forced into this.

[Lone Ranger]

You be dealt with with the law. Merkel. Toddo, search that man again. I may have missed the map when I went through his pockets. Ah, me. Do it.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

I haven't got the map.

[Lone Ranger]

I admit I looked for it, but.

[Dave Drake]

I couldn't find it. I remember I just finished loading my rifle.

[Lone Ranger]

Ooh. What rifle?

[Dave Drake]

That one there on the ground.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, is that yours?

[Dave Drake]

Yes.

[Lone Ranger]

A new 73 Winchester. The best that's ever been made.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

It's no good.

[Dave Drake]

It jammed. Otherwise I'd have killed both you and that redskin.

[Lone Ranger]

This rifle jammed. I. Oh.

[Dave Drake]

What matter, Kimacelle?

[Lone Ranger]

A small roll of paper is wedged partway into the chamber. No wonder it wouldn't work.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

The Lone Ranger found it necessary to use his knife to pry out the jammed paper. He unrolled it.

[Lone Ranger]

This seems to be a map.

[Dave Drake]

It is now. I remember. I had it rolled up about the size of a cartridge. I shoved it into the magazine and.

[Lone Ranger]

When that man levered the rifle, the map was jammed into the chamber in place of a cartridge.

[Dave Drake]

Now, everything's all right. We'll find that gold. But what's to be done with it, Dave?

[Lone Ranger]

I think it should be used in the interest of the people of Gold Creek. That's the town it came from.

[Narrator]

Good.

[Lone Ranger]

It will build a school and church and set up mining machinery so everyone in the community will prosper.

[Dave Drake]

My dad wanted you to do what's best.

[Lone Ranger]

Can you and the driver help Tonneau guard these prisoners for an hour or two?

[Dave Drake]

Of course. You bet we can.

[Lone Ranger]

And I'll ride to town and bring back the sheriff, a doctor, and some men to help take charge of the crooks. Then you, Dave, might tell the townsmen what the future holds for them. It'll be the greatest news I've ever heard. Easy. Steady, Bigfoot. Adios.

[Dave Drake]

Adios. That Mass man sure saved our next Dave. But who is he, driver? He's the one man in all the world who my dad trusted. He's the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendall Campbell Muir Incorporated 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.

[Narrator]

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 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 Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Narrator]

Sam.