Call to the Colors | The Lone Ranger (12-15-50)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Detailed Summary of "Call to the Colors | The Lone Ranger (12-15-50)"

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Podcast Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
Episode: "Call to the Colors | The Lone Ranger (12-15-50)"

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Introduction

In the "Call to the Colors" episode of "The Lone Ranger," listeners are transported to the rugged landscapes of the Arkansas Valley, where the iconic masked hero, the Lone Ranger, alongside his faithful companion Tonto, confronts personal betrayal, deception, and imminent danger. This episode masterfully intertwines themes of justice, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of the Wild West.

Plot Overview

Early Vigilance and Suspicion
The episode opens with the Lone Ranger and Tonto riding through the Arkansas Valley, noticing signs of Native American movements—smoldering signal fires and mounted raiding parties. The Lone Ranger expresses concern:

Lone Ranger [00:03:32]: "Hello. They appear to be raiding parties. But small ones. That's not good. And maybe make plenty trouble."

They decide to warn the local buffalo hunters at Fort Mason of the impending threat. Upon arrival, they encounter the Gannett family—Sage, Joe, and Elsie. Despite their warnings, Sage Gannett remains skeptical and hostile, leading to a tense exchange.

Encounter with Lieutenant Jim Wade
As the Lone Ranger and Tonto leave the sod-covered dugout, they are ambushed by five Native American riders. A skirmish ensues, resulting in the wounding of Lieutenant Jim Wade, who claims to have been falsely accused of theft. The Lone Ranger, suspecting deeper deceit, tends to Wade's injury:

Lone Ranger [00:06:34]: "You must be Lieutenant Jim Wade."

Wade reveals that Sage Gannett is the actual thief, responsible for stealing money from the fort's store to cover personal losses. This revelation sets the stage for the unfolding drama.

Sage Gannett’s Deception
Sage and his brother Joe, unaware of the Lone Ranger's discovery, discuss their plans to retrieve the stolen money and dismiss the Lone Ranger's warnings about the Indian threat. Sage manipulates the situation, ensuring Elsie remains unaware of the truth behind the stolen funds. Their conversation highlights Sage's cunning nature:

Sage Gannett [00:09:37]: "He must suspect something or he wouldn't have come around with that cock and bull story about redskins."

The Siege at the Sod House
The Lone Ranger, Tonto, and the newly exonerated Jim Wade confront Sage Gannett's deceit. As tensions escalate, the sod house becomes the battleground where Sage's true nature is revealed. Elsie, tormented by guilt for falsely accusing Wade, stands between loyalty and truth. The Lone Ranger defends Elsie and Wade against the onslaught of Native American attackers, showcasing his unwavering commitment to justice:

Lone Ranger [00:20:15]: "I still have six shots in my gun. I make every one count."

Resolution and Redemption
As reinforcements from Fort Mason arrive, led by Colonel Nelson, the Lone Ranger's investigations culminate in uncovering Sage Gannett's treachery. The episode concludes with Jim Wade's honor restored, Elsie's remorse, and the Lone Ranger ensuring that justice prevails. Wade is reinstated with accolades:

Jim Wade [00:26:54]: "Yes, and next week it'll be captain's bars. You'll see on my shoulder."

Meanwhile, Elsie finds solace in the truth, reconciled with her past actions, and the Lone Ranger departs, leaving behind a community healed by his intervention.

Key Characters

• The Lone Ranger: The steadfast hero committed to upholding justice in the Wild West. His strategic mind and unwavering moral compass guide him through challenges.

• Tonto: The Lone Ranger's loyal companion, providing both support and insight during their adventures.

• Sage Gannett: The antagonist masquerading as a buffalo hunter, responsible for stealing funds from the fort and manipulating those around him.

• Elsie Gannett: Sage's wife, torn between loyalty to her husband and remorse for her wrongful accusation against Jim Wade.

• Lieutenant Jim Wade: A wrongly accused officer seeking redemption, whose innocence is revealed through the Lone Ranger's intervention.

• Colonel Nelson: The authoritative figure at Fort Mason, who ultimately recognizes Wade's valor and restores his rank.

Notable Quotes

• Lone Ranger [00:03:32]: "Hello. They appear to be raiding parties. But small ones. That's not good. And maybe make plenty trouble."

• Sage Gannett [00:09:37]: "He must suspect something or he wouldn't have come around with that cock and bull story about redskins."

• Jim Wade [00:26:54]: "Yes, and next week it'll be captain's bars. You'll see on my shoulder."

• Elsie Gannett [00:22:05]: "I was the one who accused him of stealing the money from the store. I thought he took it that night after he brought me home from a dinghy. I ruined him. I'm to blame for it all."

• Lone Ranger [00:20:15]: "I still have six shots in my gun. I make every one count."

Themes and Insights

Justice vs. Deception: The episode delves into the battle between truth and deceit, embodied by the Lone Ranger's quest to uncover Sage Gannett's betrayal. It underscores the importance of integrity and the courage to confront wrongdoing.

Redemption and Forgiveness: Jim Wade's journey from accusation to exoneration highlights themes of redemption. Elsie Gannett's remorse emphasizes the path to forgiveness and personal growth.

Loyalty and Trust: The relationship between the Lone Ranger and Tonto exemplifies unwavering loyalty and trust, essential for overcoming adversity in their missions.

Courage in the Face of Danger: The Lone Ranger's bravery, especially during the intense siege at the sod house, serves as a testament to the heroic spirit necessary to protect the innocent and uphold justice.

Conclusion

"Call to the Colors | The Lone Ranger (12-15-50)" is a compelling episode that weaves tension, drama, and moral dilemmas into a classic Western narrative. Through meticulous digital restoration, listeners experience enhanced audio that brings the characters and their struggles vividly to life. The episode not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons on integrity, redemption, and the enduring fight for justice in the untamed frontier.

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Notable Production Credits:

• Origin: Created by George W. Trendle
• Producer: Trendle Campbell Enterprises
• Director: Charles D. Livingston
• Editor: Fran Stryker
• Voice of The Lone Ranger: Brace Beame

Special Thanks:

A heartfelt thank you to all ranch hands and supporters, including Steve, whose contributions continue to preserve and celebrate these timeless Western tales.

Transcript

[Lone Ranger]

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 haughty high of silver. The Lone Ranger.

[Tonto]

Satell Indian Companion Toto.

[Narrator]

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 yesterday. From out of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of the Great Horse Silver. The Lone Ranger Bride Brigand Come on, Silver. Let go, big fellow.

[Tonto]

Hi, Silver. Hooray.

[Narrator]

Since daybreak, the Lone Ranger and Toto had been riding through the Arkansas Valley observing signs that Indians were on the move. Presently they found the smoldering remains of signal fires and tracks of small mounted parties.

[Lone Ranger]

Hello. They appear to be raiding parties. But small ones. That's not good. And maybe make plenty trouble. We could locate the main body of Indians. We could ride to Fort Mason for troops. Look, Kimasabe. We see thawed house of buffalo hunters. Yes, there's smoke coming from the chimney. We're right there. And warn them.

[Narrator]

As they approached the sod covered dugout, a young woman stood in the doorway, watching as they reined in their horses. She turned and called into the study.

[Tonto]

Hey, you. And don't come out here. A last bandit Indian just rode off.

[Lone Ranger]

A last band of Indians.

[Tonto]

What did you say about a mask, man? My dad.

[Sage Gannett]

Sure enough.

[Elsie Gannett]

Hey, mister.

[Sage Gannett]

The idea of coming here with a mask on your face.

[Lone Ranger]

We're not bandits. We came to warn you.

[Sage Gannett]

Warn us about what?

[Lone Ranger]

Indians are on the move. They've seen the trail of several small parties this morning. They may be out for trouble.

[Joe Gannett]

We're not afraid of redskins.

[Sage Gannett]

Maybe they're hunting buffalo.

[Lone Ranger]

I doubt it. There's no herd in the valley right now. You'd be safer if you went to Fort Mason.

[Sage Gannett]

We're not budging, mister. When I see signs of Indians myself, I'll believe it.

[Lone Ranger]

Not until you should get this woman to safety.

[Sage Gannett]

That's my responsibility. Now get out of here before my brother puts a bullet through you.

[Lone Ranger]

Very well. I advise you to be on guard. Let's go, Totto.

[Elsie Gannett]

Sage. Maybe the masked man is telling the truth. If so, we'd better go to the fort like you said.

[Sage Gannett]

I know what I'm doing, Elsie. You get breakfast for me and Joe. After we've eaten. We'll ride out and take a look for ourselves.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tottle permit its.

[Lone Ranger]

Forces to slow to a walk soon.

[Narrator]

After leaving the sod house. Pottle registered his annoyance.

[Lone Ranger]

Pelorin Funhouse. Stubborn Pool. His name is Sage Gannett. The other man is his brother, Joe. How you know Kimakabi? I recognize the woman. She's the daughter of Seth Watkins, the storekeeper at the fort. Me know him. I learned recently that she married a buffalo hunter named Gannett. Look. Kimakabi.

[Sage Gannett]

Meet the Indians.

[Lone Ranger]

Them shoot guns.

[Narrator]

Those are hoes.

[Lone Ranger]

Five of them. They're shooting us somewhere. In the drawer below. That's right. Them not see us.

[Sage Gannett]

Yeah.

[Lone Ranger]

All right. Draw your guns. They're going shooting.

[Narrator]

Surprised by the sudden attack, the small group of Indians broke and fled on their horses as soon as the Lone Ranger and Tottle raced into the draw. And if they shoot at look like soldiers.

[Lone Ranger]

He must be wounded.

[Jim Wade]

You could sure save my scalp.

[Lone Ranger]

Are you badly hit?

[Joe Gannett]

No, no.

[Jim Wade]

Just a shoulder wound.

[Lone Ranger]

Tyler, get the medical kit. We'll bandage your wound, then take you to the fort. No.

[Jim Wade]

Thanks for offering to fix me up, but you're not taking me to the fort.

[Lone Ranger]

You must have that bullet removed. Blood poisoning might set in here. Medical. Thanks. Tuttle helped me get his shirt off.

[Jim Wade]

Just mix me up as best you can. We'll take a chance on blood poison.

[Lone Ranger]

There's no insignia on your uniform.

[Jim Wade]

That's right.

[Lone Ranger]

Are you a deserter?

[Jim Wade]

No, I was drummed out of the service. You're not interested in that. Just fix me up, friend.

[Lone Ranger]

You must be Lieutenant Jim Wade.

[Jim Wade]

How'd you know that?

[Lone Ranger]

You were accused of theft about six months ago.

[Narrator]

Theft?

[Lone Ranger]

From the Watkins store for an owl hooch.

[Jim Wade]

You know a lot about me.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm not a bandit. Easy now, while I clean the wound. Bracing fellow. I'll do it.

[Narrator]

For the next few minutes, the Lone Ranger cleansed and bound the wounded shoulder of Jim Wade. When he had finished, he said you.

[Lone Ranger]

Were drummed out of the service six months ago. Why are you still around here?

[Jim Wade]

It's none of your business. But you saved my life, so I guess I should tell you anything you want to know.

[Lone Ranger]

That's up to you. Jim.

[Jim Wade]

I didn't steal that money. But I think I know who did.

[Lone Ranger]

Who?

[Jim Wade]

Sage Gannett, buffalo hunter. Gannett and I were courting Elsie Watkins, store owner's daughter. Then money disappeared. One night I took Elsie to a dance. I was blamed for it.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, I know. But you haven't answered My question, why are you still around here?

[Jim Wade]

Yeah, I'm getting to that. The money was in a small iron box. If Gannett took it, he hid it because he married Elsie and took her to live in a dugout not far from here. Yes, I know Gannett wouldn't want Elsie to know he took the money. So I. I've been watching him for months now. I've trailed him everywhere. He's gone. One of these days he'll go after that iron box. When he does, I'll have him where I want him.

[Lone Ranger]

Catch him. All right, get his horse. We'll take him to the fort.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, Sage Gannett and his brother Joe had finished breakfast and saddled their horses. As they prepared to mount, Joe said.

[Joe Gannett]

Sage, don't you think one of us should stay with Elsie in case Injuns from prowling around?

[Sage Gannett]

I couldn't. I couldn't say anything while she was around Joe. I didn't want her to know what I'm up to.

[Joe Gannett]

What are you talking about?

[Sage Gannett]

There's no engines on the prowl in the valley.

[Joe Gannett]

But the Mask man said he seen the train.

[Lone Ranger]

Hogwash.

[Sage Gannett]

Come on to him, Joe. That masked man was a Lone Ranger. What? Surprised, huh?

[Joe Gannett]

Why, golly. He called that Injuncturno. I should have known then who he was.

[Sage Gannett]

I know him the minute I saw that mask in the big white stallion. But to keep Elsie from getting suspicious, I said we'd ride out and look for Injuns.

[Joe Gannett]

What are we gonna do, look for the mask man?

[Lone Ranger]

I don't know.

[Sage Gannett]

I don't want to mix with him. But I know what he's after. You see, Joe, he figured that when he told us that Indians are on the prowl, I'd get scared and go dig up that strong box.

[Joe Gannett]

Reckon he knows about it, Sage?

[Sage Gannett]

He must suspect something or he wouldn't have come around with that cock and bull story about redskins. He figured he'd follow me when I went to get the box.

[Joe Gannett]

Maybe he'd be following us right now.

[Sage Gannett]

I watched him as he was out of sight. We'll go get the box now and bust it open and take the cash. Ride back to the house and tell Elsie we saw engine signs. Then we'll load the wagon and move. But we won't go to the fort.

[Joe Gannett]

Oh, I get it now.

[Sage Gannett]

With that critter on my trail, the sooner we clear out of here, the better.

[Narrator]

The armed sentry on guard in front of Colonel Nelson's headquarters at Fort Mason could hardly believe his eyes when he saw the Lone Ranger. And Tottle with Lt. Jim Wade supported between them, riding boldly toward him. Holy smokes.

[Lone Ranger]

A masked man and an Indian with Jim Wade.

[Narrator]

Old cockle, fellas.

[Lone Ranger]

Get your hands up. Mister, you too injured? I must see Colonel Nelson at once. This man has been wounded and he's losing blood rapidly.

[Sage Gannett]

What's going on here?

[Lone Ranger]

We have a wounded man here, Colonel. They brought him here for medical care.

[Sage Gannett]

Waved. Who are you?

[Lone Ranger]

This may identify me here, sir.

[Sage Gannett]

A bullet.

[Lone Ranger]

A silver bullet.

[Sage Gannett]

I see.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Sage Gannett]

I'm sorry I didn't recognize you, but what happened to this man?

[Lone Ranger]

He was wounded by Indians. Tatana drove them off. He needs immediate care, Colonel.

[Sage Gannett]

Of course. Sidney, see that this man is taken to the hospital at once.

[Narrator]

Me.

[Sage Gannett]

Me.

[Lone Ranger]

Humpty over the guard post number one.

[Sage Gannett]

Mister, you say this is the work of Indians?

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, Colonel. They're out to make trouble and I.

[Sage Gannett]

Want more information about the issue. Will you come in fast?

[Lone Ranger]

I certainly, Silver. Easy.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger told Colonel Nelson how he and Tu had found Indian signs. How they had fought off the Indians attacking Jim Wade. And also the story that Wade had told them. When he had finished, Col. Nelson said.

[Sage Gannett]

I had no idea Jim Wade was still in the facility. You knew what he told you. His story rings too.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, it does. I intend to investigate it thoroughly later.

[Sage Gannett]

Not now.

[Lone Ranger]

Why not now?

[Sage Gannett]

Because of what you say about the Indians. My scouts are at Fort McPherson. I need your services.

[Lone Ranger]

Very well, Colonel.

[Sage Gannett]

If you can locate the main body of Indians, I have enough troopers here to stage a surprise attack. But it would be foolish to divide my men and send them looking for raiders.

[Lone Ranger]

That's probably what the Indians hope you will do.

[Sage Gannett]

Yes, of course. They haven't attacked the Fort Howell.

[Lone Ranger]

I shall be glad to scout the main body. I'm sure it must be close at hand here.

[Sage Gannett]

Pardon me.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes?

[Sage Gannett]

For him.

[Lone Ranger]

Come in, Taro. We take him away to hospital. Doctors say he'll be all right soon.

[Sage Gannett]

I'm glad to hear that, Todo. Indeed I am.

[Lone Ranger]

So am I. Well, Colonel, I'll now get on our way. Now, you're doing me a great favor, Brainwood. The moment we find the Indians. How do you. How do you, sir?

[Sage Gannett]

This is the place I buried the box. Joe, give me the short handled spade in the saddle. Just to be on the safe side. You keep watch while I dig.

[Joe Gannett]

That's a good idea. That masked man may have pretended to ride off and double back. He's mighty tricky.

[Sage Gannett]

If he should show up, we'll be ready for him. We'll pick him and the engine off with A rifle and we'll make the hole a little bigger and bury the two of them.

[Joe Gannett]

You get to digging, Sage.

[Sage Gannett]

I'll keep watching. Here it is, Joe. Just wide buried it.

[Joe Gannett]

Want me to help you?

[Lone Ranger]

No, no.

[Sage Gannett]

It's not heavy.

[Jim Wade]

Wait Sake.

[Lone Ranger]

Throw dirt back over that box.

[Sage Gannett]

Yeah, all right. Yep.

[Jim Wade]

What's wrong?

[Joe Gannett]

Look to the west Indian. A nice man didn't lie.

[Sage Gannett]

Yeah, you're right. The redskin's all right. Get my receipts.

[Lone Ranger]

No, Joe. We wouldn't stand a chance. We gotta fight it out here.

[Sage Gannett]

Give me my rifle.

[Narrator]

Just know they got your horse.

[Lone Ranger]

Let him have a tape.

[Narrator]

Make every shot. After leaving Fort Mason, the Lone Ranger and Tahoe followed the ridges overlooking the valley of the Arkansas for several miles. They adjust in words from a stretch of timber when the masked man pointed to the ground.

[Lone Ranger]

Look, Tahoe. There's tracks of horses coming out of the timber. Ah, me see em.

[Sage Gannett]

Tracks made by Indian ponies. No shoes on them.

[Lone Ranger]

It's a fairly large body of Indians. A dozen or more. That's right. We'll tail them. The tracks may lead us to the main body.

[Narrator]

Won't do this. 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. The Lone Ranger and Tato had gone but a short distance when they came upon the bodies of stage Janet and his brother Joe. The two dead horses lay nearby.

[Lone Ranger]

Indians were hiding in the timber. This was a surprise attack and Indians in hurry. They're not stop or scout. Look here, Cuto. These men seem to have been digging in the ground when they were attack. Look around that loose dirt. See what you can find while I examine the body.

[Narrator]

While the Lone Ranger identified the dead men as the Gamut brothers, Tonto dug in the loose dirt and soon found the iron box which he lifted from the hole. The masked man examined it and said.

[Lone Ranger]

Remember what Jim Wade told us this morning about the money stolen from the.

[Sage Gannett]

Store at the fort?

[Lone Ranger]

Ah, money in iron box. Him say, this must be it. Jim Wade trolla stage.

[Sage Gannett]

Gannett steal it.

[Narrator]

Now what we do?

[Lone Ranger]

Kimasabi. We'll take it with us. We must go to Gannett's widow at once. Cover these men with blankets. Then we'll break the news to Mrs. Gannett and take her to the fort. Send soldiers for these men.

[Narrator]

Elsie Gannett stood in the doorway of the sod house with a buffalo gun in her hands. She leveled it at the Lone Ranger and caught her as they blew rain and its mouthed.

[Elsie Gannett]

You get Back on your horses and clear out of here.

[Sage Gannett]

This is Janet.

[Lone Ranger]

We've got bad news. Your husband and his brother have been killed by Indians.

[Elsie Gannett]

I don't believe you.

[Lone Ranger]

Fell and I found their bodies about four miles from here. Now you must go with us to the fort. The Indians are out to kill every white person they find.

[Elsie Gannett]

No, I won't go with you. It's a trick of some kind. Get out of here or I'll use this buffalo gun.

[Lone Ranger]

Hand me the box. Tunnel.

[Narrator]

You get it from Paddlebag.

[Lone Ranger]

Here.

[Narrator]

Box.

[Elsie Gannett]

Where did you get that box?

[Lone Ranger]

Your husband had just dug it up from underneath an elm tree when he was killed by the Indians.

[Elsie Gannett]

I know you're lying.

[Lone Ranger]

I see you recognize the box.

[Elsie Gannett]

Of course I do. It was stolen from my father's store at the fort.

[Lone Ranger]

Jim Wade told me this morning that he believed Sage Gannett had stolen it.

[Elsie Gannett]

Jim Wade? What do you know about him?

[Lone Ranger]

I'll explain everything. Then perhaps.

[Narrator]

The little ranger told how he and Totter would save Jim Wade from being killed and what Wade had told them about his suspicion of the buffalo hunter. When he had finished, Elsie Gannett lowered the muzzle of a buffalo gun and broke it to tears.

[Elsie Gannett]

I'll leave you. I'll do as you say. I'll go with you.

[Lone Ranger]

I hope you'd understand.

[Elsie Gannett]

I'll get my belongings together.

[Tonto]

It won't take long.

[Lone Ranger]

Paddle is a horse in the corral. Saddle it while I help Mrs. Gather her things. Ah, me do it. Me take Silver and Scout and give them water. Them plenty thirsty. Come, scout, come. Hurry. Mrs. Garrett, we must leave here as soon as possible.

[Elsie Gannett]

Look, I'm ready to go now.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll carry the release for you. Let's join Toto. Wait. He found the doorway.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger pushed Elsie Gannett to the side. Then he too, ducked back from the door and drew his guns. He shouted to Toto.

[Tonto]

Potto. Otto.

[Narrator]

There was no reply from Toto. But the other Indians were coming closer. Their bullets plotted into the sides of the doorway and through the opening into the room. The last man realized he must make a decision that meant life or death. Not only to himself, but to the frightened woman behind him. He had heard no call from Tahto. That meant one of two things. Either Tahoe had escaped or he had been killed. To determine which was the case meant death the moment he emerged through the open door. Quick death for himself, perhaps, but a lingering death by torture for Elsie Gannett. A new onslaught by the Indian sealed the decision. The Lone Ranger holstered one of his guns, reached quickly for the heavy door and climbed the shot. He dropped the heavy bar and the place, then turned to face Elsie Gannett in the darkness of the dugout.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll light a candle so we can see.

[Elsie Gannett]

Here's one on the table there.

[Lone Ranger]

Now, how much ammunition have you for that buffalo gun?

[Elsie Gannett]

There it is on the shelf.

[Lone Ranger]

Only one box.

[Elsie Gannett]

That's all. Stage you plan to go to the fort tomorrow for more.

[Lone Ranger]

That won't last long, I'm afraid.

[Elsie Gannett]

What's that?

[Lone Ranger]

Trying to pound down the door with heavy timber. Let me have the buffalo gun.

[Elsie Gannett]

There's a fire split in the door. You shoot through there.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, I noticed it.

[Elsie Gannett]

Hurry. They'll knock the door down.

[Lone Ranger]

I can stop that.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger walked to the door and carefully slid back the COVID over the firing slit. He pulled the muzzle of the heavy buffalo gun through and fired.

[Lone Ranger]

Stop him temporarily. They'll try it again.

[Narrator]

Time after time, the Indians tried to pound down the door of the windowless s horse with a battering ram. And each time the heavy buffalo gun took its toll and drove the redskins back. Minutes turned into hours and around midnight the Lone Ranger heard stealthy footsteps on the sod roof.

[Lone Ranger]

They're on the roof.

[Tonto]

Look. They're breaking through with a pain.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll use my six gun and back. Hurry.

[Tonto]

Your break through.

[Narrator]

The masked man's gunfire drove the Indians off the roof, but only for a few moments. They soon returned. They were driven off a second time by the deadly fire of the Lone Ranger's guns. They returned again and yet again. Meanwhile, the savages renewed their attacks on the door, only to be met by the fire of a buffalo gun. Finally it was quiet outside the sod house and Elsie gathered her nerves taut and tingling with fear, sat down in a crude chair and buried her face in her arms.

[Elsie Gannett]

Why did I do it? Why did I do it? Poor Jim. He'll never know.

[Lone Ranger]

Terry, don't cry.

[Elsie Gannett]

But if I could only live to tell Jim the truth.

[Lone Ranger]

Jim Wade?

[Elsie Gannett]

Yes.

[Jim Wade]

Yeah.

[Elsie Gannett]

I was the one who accused him of stealing the money from the store. I thought he took it that night after he brought me home from a dinghy. I ruined him. I'm to blame for it all.

[Lone Ranger]

He didn't tell me you had accused him.

[Elsie Gannett]

No, Jim wouldn't. He's too loyal. But I caused it all. And to think Sage was the thief, the man I married.

[Lone Ranger]

Why did you marry him?

[Elsie Gannett]

Dad had to make good the loss of the money. Sage promised to help him out if. If I'd marry him. But he didn't keep his promise.

[Lone Ranger]

You Mean he didn't help pay the loss?

[Elsie Gannett]

No. Only a week ago dad told me Sage hadn't given him a dime. I was going to leave Sage, but when I threatened to leave him, he said.

[Lone Ranger]

What did he say?

[Elsie Gannett]

He said dad took the money himself. That he could prove it. He said that if I left him he'd produce proof and send dad to prison. I was afraid to leave him then.

[Lone Ranger]

I. I can understand that. Sitting now. Elsie.

[Sage Gannett]

They will be breaking.

[Lone Ranger]

The Indians will soon make another effort to crash the dugout.

[Elsie Gannett]

Here they come.

[Narrator]

Once again the Indians charged the heavy door of the dugout and the buffalo gun roared deathly rectory of. They were true to safety as a lone ranger cocked the weapon to a corner.

[Lone Ranger]

It's useless now.

[Elsie Gannett]

Useless.

[Lone Ranger]

The ammunition is gone. I fired the last round.

[Elsie Gannett]

But you have your sidearm.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes. One for you and one for myself. Take this one.

[Elsie Gannett]

But you can handle this better than I.

[Lone Ranger]

There's only one shell left in the chamber.

[Elsie Gannett]

1.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm killed when they break down the door. Don't be taken away. You understand?

[Elsie Gannett]

Yes, I understand. I won't be taken. I can see daylight through the fire and smitten the door.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, they just breaking.

[Elsie Gannett]

I can't understand it. They've been quiet for more than an hour. Do you suppose they're gone?

[Lone Ranger]

No. They don't give up that easily.

[Elsie Gannett]

You must have wounded many of them. There may not be enough left to attack again.

[Lone Ranger]

You're mistaken, Elsie. I'm certain it's the main body of Indians. There must be 200 of them. They may be trying to trick us into showing ourselves.

[Elsie Gannett]

But where are they?

[Lone Ranger]

In the timber below the draw. We couldn't see them if we went outside.

[Narrator]

They could see us.

[Lone Ranger]

The minute we get beyond the door, they'll open fire.

[Tonto]

Listen.

[Elsie Gannett]

War cries.

[Tonto]

They're coming this way.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes. They're making an all out attack.

[Elsie Gannett]

This. This is the end.

[Lone Ranger]

I still have six shots in my gun. I make every one count. They're back in the corner while I open the door.

[Tonto]

Here they come. They're not riding any closer.

[Lone Ranger]

They seem to be riding away.

[Tonto]

Is it a trick to draw us out?

[Lone Ranger]

I don't know. But I'm going to find out. Stay where you are while I open the door so I can see better.

[Narrator]

Balloon Ranger lifted the heavy bar and opened the door cautiously. But a six gun zipped in his right hand. The Indians were coming like an army. Riding hard and waving weapons as they shouted wild cries.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll let them get closer before I fire.

[Narrator]

The masked man waited and watched the Savage charging horde. And then a new sound came above the war cries and the thunder of hoops. At first the Lone Ranger thought the bugle was a figment of imagination. Then he hooded nearer and at the same moment saw horsemen approaching from another direction. These newcomers were no painted savages. They were men in uniform, hard riding coopers who opened fire with carbines.

[Lone Ranger]

Look over there, Elsie.

[Tonto]

The army cooper.

[Lone Ranger]

Confort, Mason.

[Tonto]

The Indians are turning. They're turning to the side. They're running away.

[Lone Ranger]

Do you see those men riding with the leading troopers?

[Elsie Gannett]

One's an Indian, Otto.

[Joe Gannett]

He's alive.

[Narrator]

He must have gone to the trooper's.

[Elsie Gannett]

That.

[Tonto]

That other man, the one with the banded shoulders.

[Elsie Gannett]

But.

[Tonto]

Get away.

[Narrator]

While the troopers raced on in pursuit of a fleeing Indian, Tono and Jim Wade cut away from the uniformed men and rode to the door of the sard house. The Lone Ranger and Elsie stepped out to meet them.

[Elsie Gannett]

Oh, damn.

[Jim Wade]

Elsie, you're safe. That's all that counts now. Tono told me about the money, but.

[Elsie Gannett]

James, can you ever forgive me?

[Lone Ranger]

No.

[Jim Wade]

I never lost faith, Elsie. I knew that someday I'd prove my innocence. Thanks to the masked man, I have Jim.

[Lone Ranger]

I see you have your insignia back.

[Jim Wade]

Yes, and next week it'll be captain's bars. You'll see on my shoulder.

[Lone Ranger]

When Tondo came into the fort and.

[Jim Wade]

Told what had happened, Colonel Nelson restored me to rank.

[Narrator]

And next week I get a captain.

[Lone Ranger]

Here's silver, Tony. Good.

[Elsie Gannett]

We'll never be able to repay you and Tondo for all you've done.

[Lone Ranger]

Enjoy your happiness, Elsie. Jim, you'd better wait here until the troopers return.

[Jim Wade]

Oh, you'll wait with me, won't you?

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, our work here is done. How long I must be going? I want to replenish my supply of cartridges. Come to know Easy to be caught.

[Narrator]

Bye.

[Elsie Gannett]

Goodbye and thank you.

[Lone Ranger]

Good luck and adios. Montul.

[Elsie Gannett]

Jim, I'd give anything to know who that last man is.

[Jim Wade]

I can only tell you what Colonel Nelson told me. He's the Lone Ranger.

[Tonto]

It's.

[Lone Ranger]

This is a feature of the Lone.

[Narrator]

Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Enterprises, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beame.

[Tonto]

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.