Canyon Betrayal | The Lone Ranger (10-04-40)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: Canyon Betrayal | The Lone Ranger (10-04-40)
Date: September 7, 2025
Host: Andrew Rhynes

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Episode Overview

In this digitally restored classic from the golden age of radio, "Canyon Betrayal" transports listeners to the untamed frontier where The Lone Ranger and Tonto uncover a deadly conspiracy threatening both a pioneering bridge construction crew and the future of the West’s expansion. Amid looming Native American conflict and the treachery of hidden outlaws, our masked hero must race against time to prevent a massacre, test loyalties, and uphold justice on the edge of Knife Wound Canyon.

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Key Discussion Points & Storyline Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: Bridge of Progress and Peril

• The story opens with the Lone Ranger and Tonto traveling along the rim of Knife Wound Canyon, where a monumental bridge—key to the coming railroad—is near completion.
  • [03:31] "Knife Wound Canyon was so named because of its formation, a long, deep gash in the earth’s surface...one of the greatest engineering projects of the age was a bridge under construction across the gap." — The Lone Ranger

2. A Suspicious Campfire: Outlaws’ Plot Unfolds

• The pair spot a group camped suspiciously on the “wrong” side of the canyon. Upon investigation, The Lone Ranger discovers they are outlaws conspiring under Sam Barton's name, planning to incite a Native American attack upon the crew once the bridge is finished, with the aim of stealing the payroll.
  • [05:49] "Chances are that bridge will be done tomorrow. Once it’s done and the matter paid off, we won’t have a chance to staging the massacre." — Rawhide
  • [06:05] "I’m not Sam Barton." — The Lone Ranger
  • [06:36] "This is the Lone Ranger! Shoot!" — Outlaw realizes the plot.

3. Seeking Answers: Is Barton a Traitor?

• The Lone Ranger, narrowly escaping the outlaws, sneaks into Sam Barton’s shack that night to probe his involvement. Barton’s denial and concern for his men’s safety convinces the Ranger of his innocence—but Barton resists delaying the bridge’s completion out of suspicion that the masked man seeks to sabotage their bonus for finishing ahead of schedule.
  • [08:03] "I think I can bring help. There’s an army post with the commandant, a friend of mine. Postpone completing the bridge two days more." — The Lone Ranger
  • [08:15] "Postpone it and spoil our record so the contract will be forfeited...you’re sent here to slow us so we won’t be paid that bonus." — Sam Barton

4. Waning Trust and Rising Tension Among Workers

• As the men prepare to finish the bridge, tensions boil over suspicions about the Lone Ranger's motives, accusations against Barton, and the approaching threat. Despite warnings, the crew pushes to finish—motivated by the promised bonus.
  • [09:57] "If you insist on going ahead with that job...I’ve blasting powder planted where it’ll tear away part of the bridge. Don’t make me signal for that powder to be fired." — The Lone Ranger
  • [10:49] "He’s bluffing. Yes, I think he is." — Barton
  • [11:24] "There’s the signal!" — The Lone Ranger follows through, partly destroying the bridge to force a delay.

5. A Desperate Ride for Help

• The Lone Ranger rides Silver relentlessly to the Army post for aid. There, he faces bureaucratic inflexibility; Colonel Martin refuses to act until an actual attack occurs, citing Washington’s strict orders.
  • [13:46] "There are new regulations out of Washington. My orders are rigid. Until there is a fight, I cannot send out the cavalry." — Colonel Martin
  • [14:08] "By that time, it’ll be too late." — The Lone Ranger

6. Outlaws Maneuver and the Double-Cross Emerges

• Meanwhile, Joe Horner—Barton’s assistant—meets with Rawhide. Their true, greedy motives and impending betrayal even of each other are revealed; the plot is to let the Natives attack and kill everyone, seize the payroll themselves, and cover up their treachery.
  • [19:05] "If the Indians were to kill Joe and Barton too, you and me and the other...could split all of those." — Kaji
  • [19:20] "You never miss a trick, do you? Not when there’s money in it." — Rawhide

7. Smoke Signals and the Race Back

• Tonto spots signs of imminent attack and warns the Ranger via smoke signal. The Lone Ranger, determined to save the crew, forcibly brings Colonel Martin along, knowing the cavalry will only follow if they think their commander’s been abducted.
  • [21:29] "You’ll see you shut by the firing squad for this!" — Colonel Martin
  • [21:58] "Silver will." — The Lone Ranger, determined to climb the canyon with two men in the saddle

8. A Deadly Countdown at the Bridge

• As the final timbers are placed, thunderous Indian war cries grow louder. The workmen, spurred on by the lure of a bonus, ignore warnings—until they’re surrounded on the finished span.
  • [23:28] "It’s what that masked man said. He spoke the truth. I hear Indians." — Barton
  • [24:09] "Make attack." — Tonto

9. The Cavalry Arrives: Justice & Rescue

• Just as the massacre is about to begin, the Lone Ranger, Tonto, and the soldiers storm onto the scene, driving back the attackers and apprehending the true villains.
  • [25:57] "That masked man again—the soldier come with him now!" — Outlaw, spotting the rescue
  • [26:43] "You already know that your assistant was the ringleader of this attempt." — The Lone Ranger to Barton

10. Aftermath: Law, Loyalty, and the Lone Ranger’s Ride

• The defeated outlaws are rounded up, Barton’s loyalty affirmed, and the Lone Ranger makes his quiet, swift exit before the grateful workers and soldiers can even thank him properly.
  • [27:10] "I never in my life saw riding like that masked man’s. And that horse, carrying a double load..." — Colonel Martin

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "That horse is Silver! This is…The Lone Ranger! Shoot!" — Outlaw realization and shootout, [06:36]
• "If you insist on going ahead…blasting powder…Don’t make me signal for that powder to be fired." — The Lone Ranger’s bold threat, [09:57]
• "My orders are rigid. Until there is a fight, I cannot send out the cavalry." — Colonel Martin on bureaucratic stalemate, [13:46]
• "Silver will." — The Lone Ranger’s confidence in his horse, [21:58]
• "You never miss a trick, do you? Not when there’s money in it." — Rawhide, [19:20]
• "I never in my life saw riding like that masked man’s. And that horse carrying a double load." — Colonel Martin's awe, [27:10]
• (on being outwitted) "Pretty sure I missed him...20 years missed the Lone Ranger."* — Colonel Martin, [27:31]

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Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Event | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------------| | 03:31 | Introduction to Knife Wound Canyon and bridge project | | 05:04 | Lone Ranger meets outlaws posing as Barton's contacts | | 06:36 | Outlaws discover the Lone Ranger's identity | | 07:34 | Lone Ranger confronts Sam Barton in his shack | | 09:42 | Workmen lineup for Barton's speech; tensions rise | | 11:24 | Lone Ranger signals a blast, partially destroying bridge| | 12:57 | Lone Ranger’s ride to the Army post | | 13:46 | Conversation with Colonel Martin at Army post | | 19:05 | Outlaws plot to double-cross each other | | 21:29 | Lone Ranger forces Colonel Martin to ride to the canyon| | 23:28 | Barton notices imminent Native attack | | 25:07 | Cavalry arrives; attack is thwarted | | 26:43 | Lone Ranger helps expose the betrayals | | 27:10 | Colonel Martin and the Ranger’s legendary escape |

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Tone, Atmosphere, and Style

• Authentic Western flair with vibrant soundscapes—clopping hooves, distant war cries, gunshots, and tense, gravelly dialogue.
• Heroic, urgent, and suspenseful, buoyed by the Lone Ranger’s calm confidence, Tonto’s loyalty, and the cynical cunning of outlaws and frontier villains.
• The dialogue drives both character and suspense, with the classic OTR flair for bold, clear moral stakes and vibrant characterization.

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Conclusion

“Canyon Betrayal” is a quintessential Lone Ranger adventure: a tale of courage, cunning, and unswerving integrity, richly restored for modern ears. The episode artfully blends race-against-time tension with memorable personalities—demonstrating both the dangers and the heroism that built the American West.
The Lone Ranger emerges victorious, justice is served, but the legend rides on—still masked, still unknown, but never forgotten.

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Episode production by Andrew Rhynes / OTR Westerns

Transcript

[Tonto]

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.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

A fiery horse with the speed of.

[The Lone Ranger]

Light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi O.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Silver.

[The Lone Ranger]

The Lone Ranger. The engineers who built roads and bridges in the western United States before the coming of the railroad faced many dangers. The forces of nature, outlaws and hostile Indians combined to make the work almost impossible. And if it had not been for the strength and courage of the masked rider of the plains, the winning of the west might never have been accomplished. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Tonto]

Come on, Silver. We're heading for the canyon. Trail is waiting for us. Hail, Silver. Hooray.

[The Lone Ranger]

Knife Wound Canyon was so named because of its formation, a long, deep gash in the earth's surface. The canyon made it necessary for both horsemen and stagecoaches to spend an extra day in crossing the state. One of the greatest engineering projects of the age was a bridge under construction across the gap. The Lone Ranger and Tonto rode through the night along the canyon's rim. Far ahead, they could see the flickering light of a campfire. And when the railroad comes this way. Tata. The tracks can be run across the bridge. It's one of the greatest things that has been done in this state. Sam Barton's name will go into history as one of the builders of the West.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Soon railroads come this way, huh?

[The Lone Ranger]

That's right. Kimasabe. Look way over there. On the other side of the canyon, you can see the workmen's camp.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Ah, hunter film.

[The Lone Ranger]

I wonder who's camped on this side. Certainly not any of the workmen. They're all working from the other side.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Is that right?

[The Lone Ranger]

Seems to me there are some men around that campfire.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Tonto. See four men there.

[The Lone Ranger]

Not Indians.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

No, not Indian.

[The Lone Ranger]

There are Indians around here. We saw signs of them before sunset.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Fellows that fire not Injun.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, we'll soon see who they are. It doesn't matter. But it's an odd place for men to make camp. Feather. One of them has hurt our horses. He's standing, listening. Rein up.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Is that you, Barton?

[The Lone Ranger]

Barton? Same Barton.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Why would he be on this side?

[Tonto]

We heard your horse. Come on in. We're waiting for you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Stay here, T. Wait while I go on. Come on, boy.

[Tonto]

Answer up. Barton is that you or ain't it?

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Come on.

[The Lone Ranger]

What's the matter?

[Tonto]

We don't want to stay here waiting all night.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Where you been?

[The Lone Ranger]

That's my business.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Hey, where'd you get the white horse? Come on. Close to the fire. It must be sort of coal riding tonight.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm all right.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Hold on. Are you masked?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, what of it?

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

What's the idea of being masked?

[The Lone Ranger]

Maybe it wouldn't be wise to be recognized if I were seen.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Well, maybe not. You fetch the cash.

[The Lone Ranger]

For what?

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

For what? For us. You promised to have some cash for us tonight. Gotta get it so's we can get firewater and have the redskins re roused up.

[The Lone Ranger]

Suppose I didn't bring the cash?

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

You better head. You promised it Barton and we figured on it. Chances are that bridge will be done tomorrow. Once it's done and the matter paid off, we won't have a chance to staging the massacre. Hold on there, Rawhide. Let me have a look at this hombre. What's the matter? Don't sound like Barton speaking.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm not Sam Barton.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Guess what? I thought reach.

[The Lone Ranger]

It was risky for Barton himself to come here. If one of the men knew that he was paying you to get the Indians on the murder trail, he'd be finished.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

So Barton sent you, huh?

[The Lone Ranger]

How much cash did he promise you?

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

How much did he send?

[The Lone Ranger]

Look here, I don't know you men. How do I know you're the right ones?

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Right or wrong, we're the ones that's been promised hard cash. And either we get it or we call the whole deal off. Now shell out stranger and be fast. I got it. I got it. Rawhide. This here armory. The horse. The mask. That horse is silver. This is an old ranger.

[Tonto]

What?

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Shoot.

[Tonto]

Shoot the critter boy. You kill him. Shoot again. Get him boys. He blowed my gun out of my hand. Come on, shoot him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hello, T. This way.

[Tonto]

Hanlock's down. They're waiting for Sam Barton. Tyler, the builder of the bricks. And they're planning to kill the men.

[The Lone Ranger]

To steal the money.

[Tonto]

What do now? Down. Down into the canyon.

[The Lone Ranger]

You know a trail?

[Tonto]

What do we ride to that camp?

[The Lone Ranger]

First of all, I want to know. Sam Barton is really crooked.

[Tonto]

I can't believe he is. Come on, Sil.

[The Lone Ranger]

Later that same night, after a dangerous ride through the canyon, the Lone Ranger moved silently through the bridge builders camp. When he reached Sam Barton's shack, he opened the door and stepped inside.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Barton, wake up.

[The Lone Ranger]

What's wrong? Wake up, Barton, and listen to me. Tain't morning yet.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

What's Say, who are you?

[The Lone Ranger]

Someone who calls himself Sam Barton is meeting plotters on the other side of the canyon. Did you know that?

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Who is it?

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know. But I do know there's a plan to have the Indians attack your men as soon as the bridge is finished.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

What? You sure of that?

[The Lone Ranger]

Who are you? As long as the bridge is not finished, the Indians can't get here. That bridge is done. Tomorrow they'll be ready to massacre all of you.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Oh? And what's your suggestion?

[The Lone Ranger]

I think I can bring help. There's an army post with the commandant's a friend of mine. It'll take two days to get the troops. Postpone completing the bridge until two days more.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

So that's it. Postpone it and spoil our record so the contract will be forfeited.

[The Lone Ranger]

Will you forfeit the contract?

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

I cease with the scheme. We were promised a bonus that we got finished ahead of time. You're sent here to slow us so we won't be paid that bonus.

[The Lone Ranger]

Nothing of the sort.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

You get, but get. I say. Clear out. I'll have the whole camp on you. Scheming to do us out of the bonus, huh?

[The Lone Ranger]

Why you. The next morning, before the men started work, Sam Barton called them all together. And then.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Get close, boys, so you can hear what I say. Today is the big day. We got a few hours work and then the bridge is done. The planks will cross the canyon. I want every mother's son of you to know that I'm proud of you. Proud of the courage and loyalty you showed. The whole state's proud of you. We're going to finish ahead of schedule and then you'll get your pay. Where's our pay?

[Tonto]

Come, boss.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

The pay is here. You'll get it as soon as you step from the bridge to the far side of Knife Wound Canyon. Pay in full, plus a bonus. Then you'll have two days off before we make the finishing touches.

[Tonto]

A bonus. I'll need all you boys.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

I'll meet you with a cache on the far side of the canyon. Now get going. Hey, Barton, what's that coming? I know that voice. Masked man. I'll kill him here. What you knock my gun up for? The man's masked. He's an outlaw. That don't call for shouting.

[The Lone Ranger]

Him.

[Tonto]

Hold on there.

[The Lone Ranger]

I will respect you.

[Tonto]

Let me drill him.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Ready. Joe Martin.

[The Lone Ranger]

Last night I spoke to you in your shack.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

I didn't know then that you wore a mask.

[The Lone Ranger]

I told you it would mean death to every man here to complete that bridge. And Cross the canyon inside of two days.

[Tonto]

Ace loco.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Why should it mean death?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll tell you why. Indians are gathering on the other side and they're going to be filled with whiskey and then sent to wipe out you men.

[Tonto]

That's a lot of lies, boys.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

All he wants to do is to.

[Tonto]

Keep us from finishing the bridge so we don't get our bonus. Crack peas.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Maybe Barton's hired him to do that. How about it, Barton? Yeah, that ain't so, Joe. You know better than that.

[Tonto]

I don't know, Barton.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

They'll save a heap of cash if you don't have to pay that bonus. Why didn't you think of that before?

[Tonto]

Boys, are we finishing the bridge today? You're wrong.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're not going to finish it today. You're not going to finish it until the army sends troops here to drive away the Indians. If they attack you think you'll stop?

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

No. I'll handle this. Stranger, I don't know what your idea is, but you're not going to stop our work. We've thought through on this job against every handicap that nature and man could conceive. We're not going to stop because the Indians are drinking whiskey. If they are.

[Tonto]

Go on, boy.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

One minute, Martin.

[The Lone Ranger]

I didn't come here to make threats without being ready to back them up.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

He's bluffing. Yes, I think he is.

[The Lone Ranger]

If you insist on going ahead with that job, then you'll find that you'll have more work to do. I've blasting powder planted where it'll tear away part of the bridge. Don't make me signal for that powder to be fired.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

That's bluff. Nothing but bluff.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, it isn't, Barton.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

It's bluff and I'm calling you.

[Tonto]

Go on, boys. Cross over and go to work.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll give the signal when the first man puts a foot on the bridge.

[Tonto]

I don't know who I should believe. Blow that bridge and you won't live long. Go to work, man.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

That's an order.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're calling me, Barton?

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Your call. Very well.

[The Lone Ranger]

There's the signal. I'll kill my hull.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Well, boys, there's extra work for us now.

[Tonto]

Dog gone, dad ratted old boss. Now what?

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

That mask man wasn't bluffing. There ain't much damage there, Barton. Can be fixed and we still can finish the job. There's a lot more than three hours work there. Sure, but we'll work all night if need be, won't we, men? That mask man said he wanted to ride for troops to help us against the Savages. Look, Barton, I'll tell you what. You get the boys working double time and I'll ride over to the other.

[The Lone Ranger]

Side and scout around.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Can you get over there, Joe? Sure thing. We'll take the best horse and find a trail somehow. I'll see if there's redskins there. You get the boys going. If I don't bring back wood or coal to you from the other side of the canyon, you'll know there's no sign of redskins. Good. Come on, boys. We got twice as much to do now. Sooner we get started, the better.

[The Lone Ranger]

Joe rode into the canyon as the men went to work. The blast and the Lone Ranger's warning had sobered them. But they obeyed Barton's orders without hesitation. In the meantime, the Lone Ranger had reached open country.

[Tonto]

Come on, Silver.

[The Lone Ranger]

The great horse Silver raced across the plains, heading for the distant army post. Mile after mile flashed by, until finally.

[Tonto]

Hallo.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Who goes there?

[The Lone Ranger]

I've come to see Captain Grimes. Take this silver bullet to him. Captain Grimes has gone to Fort McHenry.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Colonel Martin is now in charge. Who are you with that mask?

[The Lone Ranger]

Captain Grimes would have known me. Let me speak to you, Colonel.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Who is this Colonel Martin? I am the Colonel. Who are you, Colonel?

[The Lone Ranger]

If Captain Grimes were here, he would know who I am because of the silver bullet I've just handed your guard.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Well, I'm not Captain Grimes.

[The Lone Ranger]

The need remains the same. The engineers at Knife Wound Canyon are in need of help.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Indians? Yes. How long has the fight been going on?

[The Lone Ranger]

It hasn't started yet.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

It started. Why should it start?

[The Lone Ranger]

It's certain to crooks have incited the Indians.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Remove that mag.

[The Lone Ranger]

I can't do that, Colonel Martin. Over 50 men will be massacred if you don't send troops to help them.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

There are new regulations out of Washington. Captain Grimes has been removed because he seemed to antagonize the Indians. My orders are rigid. Until there is a fight, I cannot send out the cavalry.

[The Lone Ranger]

But Colonel, they will attack as soon as the bridges across the canyon.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

I'm seriously. But you yourself have admitted that the Indians have not yet attacked. Until they do, I can make no move.

[The Lone Ranger]

By that time it'll be too late.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

I have my instructions, and as a soldier I must obey them.

[The Lone Ranger]

The life of every one of those men depends on your aid.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

I'm sorry, Colonel Martin.

[The Lone Ranger]

I've ridden hard to get here. I thought I could count on your help.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

You can. Unless it's in violation of my instructions from Washington.

[The Lone Ranger]

Instructions must sometimes be changed to meet conditions here in the West.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

I'm A soldier, sir. I cannot assume that authority.

[The Lone Ranger]

Then, Colonel, I will. Your men will follow you.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Let me down, sir. What does this mean?

[Tonto]

I'm sorry, Colonel. Sergeant of the guard. Corporal.

[The Lone Ranger]

The curtain falls on the first act of tonight's Lone Ranger drama. Before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Sam.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now to continue our story. As a construction crew neared the completion of their work, Sam Barton's assistant met the outlaws on the far side of the canyon.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Hey. Come here to check on things, Rawherd. Barton, we don't need no checking on. They paid us last night. We got the liquor for the redskins. Look, we may as well clear a few things up. In the first place, that masked man you told me about already knows that Barton ain't the man that come here. What? I ain't Barton. I'm Joe Horner. Trying to fool me? Now, relax, Rawhide, I ain't trying to fool you. That's why I'm telling you the truth. I let you think my name was Barton at first, just in case you figured. I'm not siding up to my idea. Savage? Reckon so. That nast man that Kaji called the Lone Ranger has writ for the army troops. Army troops? That's right. He tried to get us to hold up work on the bridge until he could get back here with the cavalry. Then what? Well, between me and Barton, we kept the boys willing to go ahead. Then he fired a blast to destroy part of the bridge, but not too much. Spartan's got the men going double time over there. They'll have it done before the troops can get here. How soon will the span be completed? We can get the redskins to attack from this side of the canyon, but they'd never cross over there. They're working along. I reckon it'll be done by daybreak maybe. Good. We'll manage to keep the redskins all liquored up till then without no trouble. I told Barton I'd come over here and look around. If I see any Sino redskins, I'm to signal them. Well, I reckon he won't be getting no signal. You better head back and tell the real Barton everything's all right. They got plenty of liquor for them redskins. Finally be able to keep them going. You see, the bridge is done. They'll be set to attack, Roy. Sure steam up a plenty, Bart. I mean Joe, or whatever your name is. I told him that when the bridge was done, the trains would be next to come and the steaming engines would chase all the game away from this part of the country. That fetched him. Them redskins are just spoiling to get at the men that built that bridge. The Injuns don't know about the money. Nah, the Injuns will do their part just to keep the Choo Choo trains from coming west. Good enough. Well, I reckon everything's set. I'll go back and help along with the work. The more men work them, the sooner the bridge is done.

[The Lone Ranger]

Joe returned to the camp and reported to Sam Barton.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

You didn't see Redkins, eh, Joe?

[The Lone Ranger]

No.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

That messed me. Just scheming against us like we figured. Barton, I'd sooner take time on this job than have any of our men killed. You needn't worry about that, Barton. There's been savages on the war path I've seen signs of. Good enough.

[Tonto]

Let it to it, boys.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Here, Steve, I'll give you a hand with that cross.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's it, Martin.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Work them hard. The sooner you cross, the sooner me and my friends will get some cash.

[The Lone Ranger]

In a safe hiding place where he could see without being seen, Tonto watched the workman, his horse scout beside him.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Then hello Work plenty fire scout.

[The Lone Ranger]

Maybe.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Soon them get bridge done and he plenty trouble. Come, Tonto. Better get signal ready. Me get smoke signal ready. Map tell mask friend.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hurry plenty fast.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

An engine war dance that infinite. Do you not like it? Eh? Scout them engine get ready to kill men on bridge when they cross over. Not plenty bad.

[The Lone Ranger]

Rawhide and his men had told the Indians that as soon as the bridge was completed, the change would not only drive all the game away, but that white men would steal their horses and children. They promised the redskins untold riches if the construction crew was massacred.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

You sure got them braves all head up.

[The Lone Ranger]

All right.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

They're raring to go. Look at the darn fools hop around there. Why do you think they'd swallowed a passel of Mexican jumping beans? They've been doing like that ever since yesterday. I'm scared that the men on the bridge will hear them and get wise. Let them get theirselves worked up. They can't hear them on the bridge with all the noise they're making building it. See, Rawhide, me and the boy's been sort of hankering for the feel of a little cash. When you gonna divvy up our share of what Joe paid you to rig up this scheme? You'll get what's yours when Joe comes through with the rest of the dough. I. I've been sort of figuring something out in my head, Rawhide, but I ain't said nothing about it. Mighty Strange coming from you, Kaji. Most times your tongue does all your thinking. What's itching you between them dirty ears? Well, I. I ain't good at figuring. But I reckon Joe will have a lot of hard cash after the men get killed and Barton don't have to pay him off. That's Joe's idea, ain't it? You're talking sense so far. Go on. Well, these Indians will only have dealings with us. So we're the only ones they'll take orders from. They don't know Joe hired us to do this for them. Ain't that right? Yeah. Now, if the Indians were to kill Joe and Barton, too, you and me and the other two men could split all of those. Kaji, you and me been riding the same horse. I worked that same little idea into my plan. Good. The story that Joe had me fix up to cover the killing of the men can cover up his killing, too. Doggone you, Rawhide. You never miss a trick, do you? Not when there's money in it. Nobody's gonna stop us neither. The Mingins will see to that. Just listen to em. Hoop her.

[The Lone Ranger]

Meanwhile, Silver, with his double burden of the Lone Ranger and Colonel Martin, was racing toward the canyon.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

We'll see you shut by the firing squad for this.

[The Lone Ranger]

It was the only way I could get your men to follow me.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Follow you?

[Tonto]

Follow you?

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

The entire detachment is chasing you. You've been riding an ordinary horse. They'd have cut you long before this.

[The Lone Ranger]

The soldiers will be needed when the Indians attack.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

You'll pay for this abduction.

[The Lone Ranger]

Lives are at stake.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

You have no proof. The workmen need your protection. My men will overtake you.

[The Lone Ranger]

I want them to. After we climb the wall of the canyon.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Climb up the side of the canyon. It's shorter than going around, man. You can never make it. No horse alive can carry two men up the precipice.

[The Lone Ranger]

Silver will.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Won't you, boy? Tunnel.

[The Lone Ranger]

Signal.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

There's not a moment to lose. Signal.

[The Lone Ranger]

A smoke signal.

[Tonto]

Come on, Silver. Hurry, boy. Stretch those great legs. You've got to carry us up. Climb, Silver. Climb. We've got to save those men.

[The Lone Ranger]

Even as the puffs of smoke drifted lazily toward the sky and the Lone Ranger called on Silver for his greatest speed. The last few ties and beans were being second place.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

We'll get through for a night, I reckon.

[Tonto]

You gotta get through. Four sent that, boys. You gotta do it.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Wait. Everybody keep quiet a minute. What's wrong, Mr. Barton? I thought I heard something. Yeah, there ain't nothing. Listen. Joe, do you hear Indians There ain't no Indians to hear. That's just canyon noise.

[Tonto]

Come on, man, let's get to work. Get those timbers in place now. Give it everything you got. You'll soon be through.

[The Lone Ranger]

All the crew. Joe urged the men on, but Barton, concerned for the safety of his crew, watched closely for any sign of Indians.

[Tonto]

Most done now, boys. Keep going. Will you finish here now. And for the pay and the bonus, dead and night in town. Hustle it up, boys. Keep it moving. Wait a minute. Wait not to let him go.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Barton, I heard Indians again.

[Tonto]

Yeah, just your imagination.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

I hear them.

[Tonto]

I tell you, you don't stop me. And keep it working.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Mr. Barton, maybe you don't want to have to pay the boys their bonus, huh? It isn't that. It's what that masked man said. He spoke the truth. I hear Indians.

[Tonto]

Tough work. Tough work. Cross bridge. There's the red skin. The red Cross bridge. He's all you men here in Barton, it's all part of their game. Shoot the critter.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

You not shoot engines. Wait on this side canyon when you come.

[Tonto]

Men kill men. Stop working. We can't risk other taking matters out of your hands, Barton. Keep on working, boys. Nothing can stop us now. Take care of that, engine.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

I'll take care of them as soon as we're finished. Engine.

[Tonto]

Wait this tired kill, men. Stop work till help come. We ain't waiting for nothing. Keep on there, boys. That's the ticket. Keep it going, men. Stop. I'm in charge. I order you to stop working. We're able to get that bonus, boss. We ain't stopped. You earned it, boys. Don't let him do you out of it. Engine, wait.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Make attack.

[Tonto]

Let's kill another ward out of you and I'll start shooting. Man, this Indian is right. Stop working and see if you don't hear Redskins. We ain't stopping till we got that bonus in our pockets, men. I'll pay you the bonus if you stop. Keep going, boys. Keep going. The bridge is hit. The other side of the canyon. Now get on the motor. Beams in place. We made it, men. Can't you hear those Indians? Don't worry. Kyman fights him. $50 are the first man to get over.

[The Lone Ranger]

The war cries of the Indians grew louder as the last beams were spiked in place. The men were so absorbed in their work that they didn't hear them. Finally, the last ties anchored the bridge and the whole crew surged forward to the other side of the canyon. Rawhide, Kaji and the other two outlaws watched them.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Here they come and there's our engines. Get him, Redskins. Get him right now.

[Tonto]

Don't know. We tried to get back.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Joe, what does this mean? Have you double crossed?

[Tonto]

It's all going right ahead. All right. Katy, give me a hand. They're trying to get back to the bridge. Come on, man, we'll stop it. What's this mean? Joe's double crossed it. He knew them Injuns was waiting for us. Them men with Indians have cut us off. We're surrounded.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

I see us, King Joe. You betrayed us to the Indians so that after we were all wiped out, you'd have the whole payroll for yourself.

[Tonto]

Get up and get pawned. Fight them as long as you can, men. Fight them as long as you can. Last man. Him. Come now.

[The Lone Ranger]

A small band of workmen were trapped between the outlaws and the Indians. Then suddenly, a great white horse thundered toward them. Close behind rode the soldiers of the fort, their rifles pouring a withering fire into the frenzied ranks of the silages.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

That masked man again.

[Tonto]

The soldier. Come with him now, Ellicham. Up and at him, boy.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Where's Joe?

[Tonto]

He's the one I'm aiming to get. He's hoping they're looking all the spirits we can get back to the bridge now. We're not going back. We're staying here and hid.

[The Lone Ranger]

The soldiers made quick work of the Indians. The Long Rangers stopped only long enough to lower Colonel Martin from his horse. Then, charging up to Joe, he covered the surprised outlaw with his guns.

[Tonto]

You're all covered.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't let anyone move.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

No, I know your voice. You should.

[The Lone Ranger]

I talked to you that night when you thought I was your partner coming with a cash.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

If I could get another chance to shoot you, I wouldn't miss. You're the one to shot away my gun. I'll get you for it. Yet. Where you're going, you'll get nobody.

[The Lone Ranger]

Burton, you already know that your assistant was the ringleader of this attempt.

[Tonto]

You can't prove that.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

There's 50 men to prove it. First of all, you reported there were no Indians. Then you fought against us when you thought the odds were on your side. We've got you. All right. All right, you got me. But tell me one thing. How'd that army get here so quick? I'll answer that. My men were following the Lone Ranger. He showed them the shortcuts. Heaven forbid that I should ever have to ride that train again.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come, tutor.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

I never in my life saw riding like that masked man's. And that horse carrying a double load. Thank you, Colonel. You arrived just in time. A little later and we'd all been killed. You mean thank me? Martin. Men broke those prisoners. We'll turn them over to the law.

[Tonto]

On our way back to the fort.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Hold on.

[Tonto]

Wait. The masked man.

[The Lone Ranger]

Colonel Martin, he's escaping.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Who is?

[Tonto]

I'll drop him.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

He won't get away with what he's.

[The Lone Ranger]

Done to you, sir.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Put down the rifle. Give it to me. I'll take a shot at him. Yes, sir. Can't let him escape without trying to get him there. I tried, didn't I? Oh, Colonel Martin, you missed him by mile. Pretty sure I missed him 20 years missed the Lone Ranger.

[Tonto]

It.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

It's Ram.

[The Lone Ranger]

The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of OTR Western 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 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 copy copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Joe Horner / Rawhide]

Ra.