Sam (0:00)

Foreign.

Andrew Rines (0:15)

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.

Sam (0:49)

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi O. Silver. The Lone Ranger Sam Sa his faithful Indian companion Tahoe, 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. A lot of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. Montalvo. That will be cross. I'll still let alay. Ho. Ho there. Ho ho now. A tan trimley built man of medium height brought his horse to a halt at the hitch rail in Twin Junction. The rider's face was round, smooth, shaven and disarmingly youthful. It was a deceptive face. Kid Branson had been riding the outlaw trail for many years. His crimes included robbery and murder. He dismounted and walked down the dusty street to the office of lawyer Chester Bragg. He paused for a moment, then opened the door suddenly. Howdy, Drag. What's the idea of busting in here like a tornado? Your disposition hasn't improved any in the last five years, Kid Branson. Where? I'm glad to see you. I been wondering where you've been and how you were getting along. Save it, Drake. How'd you manage to stay out of jail when the Lone Ranger rounds up the rest of your gang? Maybe I'm smarter than the rest of my game. What are you doing? In a two bit time like this, the folks in Durango get wise to the shady deals you covered with your law practice. You needn't be insulting, Kid. Hadn't been for me, you'd have gone to jail at least three times. You were well paid. Why'd you leave Durango? As a matter of fact, I did have to leave in a hurry. Not for murder then. You know I'm wanted for murder, huh? I've heard about your activities. Anything I can do? Yeah, there is. You know an old gent named Fussy Callahan? Yes, of course. He's a client of mine. Where does he live? There's a shack in the hills. Take me there and I'll cut you in on easy cash. What's the risk for you, brag? No risk. Tell me more. How Much cash is in it. Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger and Tonto had been searching for the man who was wanted for murder, Kid Branson. They had lost his trail in the vicinity of Twin Junction and had decided to call on Fussy Callahan, who might be able to furnish information about the man they sought. They had drawn rein beside a running stream not far from Callahan's cabin in the secluded hills above Twin Junction. They wanted their horses and filled their canteens. All right. Come on. Come on, boy. Then, leading Scout and Silver, they walked the remaining distance to the small shack. We leave the horses here, Toto. Oh, boys. What's that? A cuckoo flock. Donno never hear cuckoo clock before. Must be inside the cabin. As the Lone Ranger and Tonto stood in the open doorway, they saw Fussy Callahan reach into the mechanism of an ornate cuckoo clock. Mind, have we come in? Do you remember us, Fussy? Remember you, mister? I'll never forget you. How are you? First rate. Since you put me in prison, I've been going straight. I'm glad to hear that. Yes, sir. I have more cash now than I ever go cracking safes. I've started this. That's good. So your luck's changed. Yes, sure has. I figure I owe it all to you. You owe it to your own hard work. All the same, I'm obliged to you for putting me spent. How'd you happen to find me? The warden at Territorial Prison told us where you were living. Did you know Dave Roberts is to be released this week? Yeah. Dave wrote home he has a surprise coming. Oh, what kind of a surprise? Giving him half interest in my gold mine. That's plenty. Big surprise. I'm going to see that Dave gets some good grades for change. Listen, is it true that you interceded Dave with the law? The counting, him being too young? Oh, there was more than youth in his favor. He's a fine boy, Kid Branson. Slick talked him into joining the gang. Have you seen Branson? No. Why'd he ask? Well, Punta and I have been trailing him for some time. We found several of his old campsites loaded with brown cigarette butts. He's still wrapping his smokes in that thin ground paper. What makes you think. I see. I think he's around here. If he contacts you, try to find out where he's hiding. I'll do that. You planning to stay nearby? I'm coming back after I've talked to Sheriff Morgan in Temple City. Temple City's just a few miles from where Dave lives. That's right. I want to talk to the Sheriff, about Dave. If the boy is sincere, Morgan will help him. Would it be out of your way to stop at Dave's place? No. Why? Since you'll be passed in the house ask if you'd mind taking this clock today. He's crazy about clocks. This is a mighty valuable one. If it's so valuable, Fussy, why did you break it? Break it? Me? I didn't do any such thing. This clock hasn't won two years. They will be able to fix it. Oh, I see. Of course, if it's too much trouble. Oh, not at all. I'll deliver the clock today for you. Well, thanks a lot, mister. I sure appreciate it. Downright anxious for the boy to have this. A couple of clean flour sacks out back, sonny. We see old fellow break clock. Yes, I know. Color broken clock. To Dave Roberts living. It will give me a chance to see Dave like a talkable boy. After I've seen Sheriff Morgan, I'll return here. What we do? Go into town, get the supplies we need, then come back here. It might be a good idea for you to keep an eye on Fussy. Branson knows he turned state's evidence on the gang. That Kid may be determined to get revenge. The Lone Ranger was on his way to Dave Roberts home. And Totto was heading for town to buy supplies when Chester Bragg and Kid Branson came in sight of Fussy Callahan's small shack. There's Callahan's place. Kid. He sure picked around the right way of getting here. I thought we'd better stay off the main trail. You afraid to be seen with him? Better than that. It's you I'm thinking of. You don't fool me, brag. I know you're trying to play it safe anyhow. How long have you known Kelly? He used to belong to my game. Didn't know that. There's a lot you don't know. Hello, Fosse. Hey. Hey, Branson. What brings you in? Business. Posse. State it and clear out. Yeah, I'll state it. Then we'll leave together. Why should I leave with you? To do a special job on a safe in Jefferson City. The biggest vault west of the Mississippi. One in the bank? Yeah. I need an expert safeguard. You'll have to get somebody else. Well, see, I came here to kill you. What killed you? Shut up, Craig. I happen to know this Double Courser turned state's evidence on my game. Not only that, he told where their share of the loot was headed. How do you know about that? Double Coursers get killed posse. You know that I'M giving you a chance to buy your life. You crack the vault in Jefferson City for me, and I'll let you live. Better do as you can. If I see no. Don't want any part of it, Pussy. If you don't do it and I have to kill you. Kill Dave Roberts, too. You can save Dave's life as well as your own. Give Dave out of this. You think a lot of him, don't you, kid? You said you'd give me a chance to buy my life. I'll pay you any price if you leave Dave alone. I'll pay you in gold. You pay me. Name me a price. Hey. All right, fussy. $10,000. Give me the gold I have here. Get the rest in a few days. $5,000 in this sack. You must be bluffing, Kid. Open that sack. You'll see if I'm bluffing. It is gold. This shack's full of it. Bluffing, huh, hussy? Where'd you get this gold? I stuck it. Rich, you have a claim. I hadn't piled on it yet. Made them to file the claim in partnership with Dave Roberts. Yeah, Pussy. You think I'll settle for $10,000 when I can take over all the gold? You gonna tell us where you found a gold, Fussy? Now, I'd be downright foolish to tell you, wouldn't I? You've already told too much for your own good. Now, where's the gold? Too late. Callahan realized his mistake. He knew he might be tortured into revealing his secret and that he would be killed even if he told Branson where to find the gold. The outlaw smiled grimly at the dismay in plus his face. He saw the old man back to the wall, still holding his gun. The kid sneered. You can't get away, old timer. Branson didn't see the rifle leaning against the wall of the shack. Fussy decided to take a desperate gamble. The old man's fingers touched the rough, unfinished wall. Then his hand closed around the barrel. He grabbed the rifle from the wall. Kid, he has a rifle. No, you don't. Killahan could. Branson fired twice before Fussy could bring the rifle to bear. You killed him, Daddy. Come up, Trosse. You'd have known better than to try a fool play like that. You tried to be, Kid, but still outsmarted. You don't tell me where the gold is, nobody will ever get it. Dave. Dave will get it. You won't live to tell him where to find it. He's dead. Yes. You told me there'd be no risk. In coming. Shut up. You hang for murder, I'll hang with you. I should have known no good would come of traveling with a killer. I tried to do you a favor and what do I get? You didn't come here as a favor. You came for cash. You'll get the same with Callahan if you go to the law. I help you search this death before. A map or something. Callahan must have left something in writing for Dave. Maybe he wrote to Dave while he was in prison and told him where to find gold. Some friends of mine are trusted. They see all the mail that goes to the prison. Let me know if Callahan had written anything about gold. I made out his will. All he left Dave Roberts was this shack and everything in it. He didn't mention any gold or gold claims. This shack and everything in it, huh? And the map must be hidden here. We'll take this place apart. Get busy, Brag. I aim to find Callahan's gold. It took but a short time for Kid Branson and a lawyer named Chester Bragg to search Callahan's small track. The two partners in murder had been gone less than 15 minutes when Tonto returned from town with supplies. Scout whinnied uneasily as the Indian dismounted and went to the shack. The shack was a shambles. A mattress and blankets had been thrown off the bunk. Tables and chairs were overturned and drawers pried open. Containers of flour and coffee were emptied, their contents spilled on the floor. And in the midst of the chaos, Tato saw Fussy sprawled near the wall. He moved quickly to the old man's side. Old dad Fato covered Fussy's body with a blanket. Then he unloaded the supplies he had brought from town. You must have say keep eye on Fussy. Too late to watch him now. He looked for crack. A killer. The Clicking falls on the first act of our Lone Granger adventure. Before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue. It was mid afternoon when the Lone Ranger reached the Roberts farm. He brought the great horse Silver to a halt beneath a shade tree at the side of the small weather beaten house. As the masked man approached the back door, he heard voices in the kitchen. Now that I'm home, I'm forsaken. There's only one member of the old gang. I sure like to see old Fussy Callahan. You probably will see him, Dave. Please don't be alarmed, Mrs. Roberts. I'm not here to harm you or your son. It's all right, Mom. Do you know this man? He's the man who put me and the rest of Kid Branson's gang behind bars. You mean he's. He's the Lone Ranger. Lone Ranger? Mister, I. I should hate. But I don't. You've come here to find out whether or not I intend to go straight. That's not why I'm here, Dave. I've come from Fussy Callahan. You've seen Fussy? Yes. Your friend Callahan struck it rich. Oh, God, I'm glad to hear that. Did he tell you about his claim? Mister, he told me very little about it. Dave, I'm here because he asked me to deliver this clutch for you. Thanks. But why did he send me a clock? Why? I thought you might be able to explain that. Thanks. Me? Take it out of those flower sacks, baby. Yes. Oh, it's packed in two of them there. Hey, that's a cuckoo clock. I wonder if it works. Oh, it doesn't. I saw Fussy break that clock. Huh. That's a strange deal. A clock that doesn't look. Perhaps Dave will be able to fix it. I'll sure try. Thanks anyway, mister. You're welcome, Dave. I'm glad you're home now. I. Oh, don't go. Bye. Mrs. Roberts, my son and I have worked with you. We meet again, Dave. Adios. Adios. Dave, you didn't tell me Fussy knew the Lone Ranger. He met him the same way I did, Mom. As long as Fussy has the mask man for a friend, he'll be all right. After leaving the Roberts farm, the Lone Ranger called on his old friend Morgan. Then he began the trip back to Fosse Callahan's. He rode steadily. The sun went down and darkness fell. A full moon rose and brightly lighted the trail. It was shortly after 9 o' clock when the masked man brought the great horse Silver to a halt beside Hussy Callahan's darkened shack. When a knock brought no response, the Lone Ranger lifted the latch and opened the door. Moonlight spilled into the shack, revealing the debris of a search and a murder urge. Cut. What's happened? As he entered the cabin, the Lone Ranger saw the blanket covered form on the floor. Lifting a corner of the improvised shroud, he saw Fussy Callahan dead for several hours. Where's Toto? Why isn't he here? What's happened to him? The moonlight outside the cabin was bright enough to reveal Tato's trail. But it was difficult to follow the tracks through the hills. Sometimes it was necessary for the Lone Ranger to dismount and proceed on foot. As he carefully studied the ground, traveling slowly, it took him nearly two hours to reach the outskirts of Twin Junction. As the Great Horse Silver walked through the street the Lone Ranger heard a distant whinny. Silver responded. Silver sounds like Scout. I knew big fellow. Come on. The masked man found Scout at ground hitch in the rear of Chester Bragg's house. Must be in that house. He's just any sore quiet boy. Leaving Silver in the shadows beside the house the Lone Ranger made his way to an open window. The room inside was dark, but in the brilliant moonlight streaming through the window the masked man saw his Indian friend bound and gagged. Toto, I'll have you free in a moment. We found Pussy and Kyoto. Here those ropes. And take the gag from your mouth. As the Lone Ranger slashed through the ropes that tied Toto to a heavy table the Indian told how he had followed the trail of two riders from Callahan's shack to the house. Is Branson in the house now? No, no Branson not here now. Lawyer named Chester Bragg live here. Them plan take me into hell soon. Then Branson kill Tonto Kimasabi. We leave here play quick before them come back. Scouts back of the house. Will you be able to travel me be all right? Then let's go. As soon as they were sure no one had come followed them the Lone Ranger and Tahoe halted in a dense cottonwood grove. There, the Indian told how he had been taken prisoner when he had trailed Callahan's killers to Bragg's house. You hear plenty talk. Kid Branson fell named Bragg shoot Fuzzy and Kai learn where Fussy find gold. Where's Kid Branson now? Him leave house, go into CR him say he meet lawyer later. And Chester Bragg will be the only one who's Steve Branson. Isn't that right? Maybe we go to law tell what we know. There's no sheriff in Twin Junction, Totto. Even if there were, we have no proof that Branston Bragg killed Fussy. But I have a plan. It works. Branson will pay for Fussy's murder as well as his other crimes. Early the next morning, Malone Ranger, disguised as an elderly gentleman wearing a frock coat and carrying a battered briefcase under his arm entered Chester Bragg's office. Bragg, who had slept little the night before as a result of Totto's escape and his haunting fear of Kid Branson looked up from his desk irritably. Well, what do you want? Are you Chester Bragg? That's my name, but I don't know yours. There was nothing about the slow moving, stoop shouldered old man to indicate that he was in reality the Lone Ranger. Wearing a disguise? My name wouldn't mean anything to you. My business concerns a young man named Dave Roberts. Dave Roberts? I'm here in his behalf. He received a valuable piece of property from Mr. Fussy Callahan. What kind of property? I'm not at liberty to say. Ever. I'm sure you know that Fussy Callahan found a mighty rich gold mine. Just what did Callahan send Dave Roberts? I thought you knew. Is it a map? If you found gold, Mr. Bragg and you desired to share it with a partner wouldn't you send him a map? After all, there's always a chance that something might happen to you. The finder. I'm sorry. You've come to the wrong place. What's that? I don't know anything about Callahan. You'll have to make inquiries elsewhere. But I thought you were Fussy Callahan's lawyer. I can't help what you thought. I'm very busy. Oh. Sorry to have trouble you. Good day. Good day. Chester Bragg watched the caller ride away on a rented horse. Then he hurried to his home where he waited for Kid Branson to call. It was nearly noon. When he answered, a light tap on the back door. Kid, come in here. This morning an old galoot came to my office. He said he'd come from Dave Roberts. I suppose he's a lawyer. Why would Roberts need a lawyer? I didn't wait to find out. Soon as I heard, Fussy had sent Dave a man for. I came here to wait for word from you. Yes? Where's the old gentleman? I don't know. Kid. If we start now, we can reach Roberts and get that man. It's just what I was thinking. Then what are we waiting for? Let's go. Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger and Tottle were already on their way toward Dave Roberts home. They traveled steadily until they were within a couple of miles of the farmhouse. Easy. So easy. Easy. This is where I leave you. Totto Wall the Roberts farm and warn Day that Kit Branson and Chester Bragg will come there looking for Fussy's map. And what you do? I'm going to tell Sheriff Morgan our plan. With his help, we may be able to capture Branston Bragg. Come on, Philip. In their anxiety to reach Dave Roberts Kid Branson and Chester Bragg pushed their horses to the limit. The animals were near exhaustion when they halted in front of the robbers home. As the two men dismounted and went up the porch steps. They didn't know that Tahoe, after talking to Dave had gone out the back door of the house. When he heard the riders approach Branson pulled his Hat low to shield his face while Bragg rapped on the door. Yeah? Who back inside? Kid Branson. What are you doing? Talk about that indoors. Hold on, Kid. I don't want anything more to do with you. I'm going straight. You can't come in. This gun says different. Who is it, Dave? What? Who is this man? Why is he holding a gun on you? Close the door, Greg. What's the meaning of this? Dave? Who are these men? The man holding the gun is Kid Branson. Oh, no. Stay here, lady, where I can keep an eye on you. Greg, see if there's anyone else in the house. Sure thing, Kid. What do you want, Branson? I'm here to get the map. Callahan sent you, man. Callahan sent me. The clock there in the wall. I don't want clocks. I want the map to his gold. Dave has no map. He received nothing from anyone except the clock. I know he has a map, but I tell you, he hasn't. If you want to know about Fussy Callahan's gold, why don't you see him? I have seen him. You made the mistake of trying to hold out on me. If you're smart, Dave, you'll hand it over and I'll clear out of here. But Fussy. Fussy's dead. May as well know it. He wouldn't talk. I killed him. You can see I mean business, Dave. You can save your life and your mother's too, if you'll turn over the map. But he can't give you what he doesn't have. Dave. I'll shoot your ma. No, wait. Kid Branson didn't know that the Lone Ranger had come to the farmhouse accompanied by Sheriff Morgan and his deputies. They had entered through the back door and had captured Bragg. Then, joined by Toto, who had been waiting for them they made their way silently into the living room. Your killing days are over, Kid. What? Drop the gun. You're covered, Sheriff Morgan. That's right. Turn around slowly, Kid. See for yourself. Still holding his gun, Kid Branson turned. He saw the sheriff and several deputies standing in the doorway with their guns drawn. With them was Chester Bragg. Bragg, you're double crosser. You set this trap. Oh, no, Kid. I'll kill you for this. Don't you? A silver bullet from the Lone Ranger's Colt smashed the Kid's gun. Seconds after Branson fired, Lawyer's hit. The Kid's bullet got him. My hand. My hand smashed. Kid, you dirty killer. I didn't double caution. What he said is true. We came in the back door and captured him. As he was starting to search the house. Chester Bragg's dead, Sheriff. Then that's one more murder against you, Kid. Sheriff, you heard Kid Branson admit killing Callahan? I heard it, mister. And I'm obliged to you for tipping me off that Branson would be here. I was afraid you wouldn't get here in time, Sheriff. Then you expected these men. Tano told me they were coming. He told me what they were after. It was a trap. If Brag didn't set it, who did? The masked man said it, Kid. You. You put the rest of my gang in prison. I've been trying to run you down ever since. Now you'll hang for your crime. And I thought I was coming here to get a map. I found the map, kid. It was inside the clock. What? Plus, he must have put it there knowing I'd find it when I fixed the clock. That's why Fussy wanted you to have the clock. And that fire won't fell or break. It. Sounds to me as if Callahan knew Branson come gunning for him. Sheriff, would you send the coroner to get Fussy's body? I'll do that, mister. Work is finished. Huddle and I'll be on our way. Adios and good luck, Dave. Thanks, mister. Thanks for everything. Goodbye. Outsmarted pussy said he'd outsmarted me. You were outsmarted the day the masked man set out to get you. Anyone who tries to dodge the Lone Ranger is just. This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Enterprises, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Striker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beame.