Canyon Secret | The Lone Ranger (10-17-52)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns: Canyon Secret | The Lone Ranger (10-17-52)

Hosted by Andrew Rhynes

Release Date: December 3, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this classic episode of The Lone Ranger, listeners are transported back to the Wild West with a suspenseful tale of conspiracy, courage, and justice. “Canyon Secret” centers on journalist Stephen Fairchild and his daughter Mary, who fall victim to a scheme intended to incite war between settlers and the local Navajo tribe. The Lone Ranger and his faithful companion Tonto must navigate deception and danger to restore truth and peace. The episode explores themes of manipulation, prejudice, and the fight for justice, highlighting the importance of integrity in both personal and public life.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Ambush and Fairchild's Predicament

• Setting the Scene: Stephen Fairchild, a renowned journalist returning to the West with his daughter Mary, is ambushed on a stagecoach by masked outlaws (04:58).
• Blackmail & Impersonation: The outlaws, led by Major John Stafford, threaten Fairchild’s daughter to coerce him into surrendering his new newspaper to their control. An impostor, Rosa, is forced to play the role of his daughter in town, while the real Mary is kept captive in the mountains.
  • Quote — Major John Stafford:

    "Right now, the people think as I want them to think. From the distinguished Major Stafford down to the lowest peon. I'll not let you interfere with my plans at this late date." (07:32)

• The Plan: Stafford reveals he wants Fairchild’s reputation and influence to turn public sentiment against the Navajos for his own gain—specifically, to steal their land, which contains a “secret” silver deposit.

2. Manipulation of Public Sentiment

• Editorials Against the Navajos: Under duress, the newspaper begins running inflammatory editorials promoting “the menace of the Navajos” and calling for settler action, written by Burnett, the imposter assistant, but published under Fairchild’s name (10:07).
• Raising a Militia: Stafford works to organize the town’s men into a militia, further escalating tensions and violence.
  • Quote — Major John Stafford:

    "The Indians in the mountains are a sword of Damocles hanging above our heads. But we all have rifles, and we all know how to use them." (24:23)

3. The Lone Ranger & Tonto Investigate

• Suspicion Raised: The Lone Ranger and Tonto hear of Fairchild's unexpected hostility and investigate in disguise, questioning how Mary Fairchild could have red hair and why his editorials are so out of character (13:11–14:04).
• Secret Meeting: At night, the Lone Ranger confronts Fairchild, who reveals the blackmail plot and Mary’s abduction.
  • Quote — Stephen Fairchild:

    "My daughter is being held prisoner by a band of outlaws somewhere in the mountains. I've had to turn over my paper... Otherwise, Mary will be killed." (15:18)

• Narrow Escape: When Burnett and Rosa nearly catch them, the Lone Ranger escapes through the window as gunshots are fired (16:18–16:27).

4. Uncovering the Motive: Silver in the Canyon

• Indian Council: The Lone Ranger and Tonto seek out Red Hand, chief of the Navajos. Through their conversation, the true motive is revealed: silver has been discovered on the Navajo reservation, forming the true reason for Stafford’s plot (20:05–21:56).
• Solidarity and Plan: Red Hand pledges cooperation. The tribe’s knowledge of outlaw movements helps Tonto and the Lone Ranger locate and rescue Mary Fairchild.

5. Climax: Exposing the Conspiracy

• Escalating Tensions: As Stafford whips the townspeople into a frenzy for an assault on the Navajo, Fairchild (recently freed by the Lone Ranger) races to expose the truth.
• Dramatic Interruptions: In the town square, Rosa (the imposter) bursts in, feigning distress and blaming the Navajos for attacking her (25:07–25:38). Fairchild and the sheriff interrupt from the courthouse window and reveal the plot.
  • Quote — Stephen Fairchild:

    "Lie upon lie has been forced down your throats. But now I have proof that Red Hand is not our enemy, but our friend." (26:37)

6. Resolution: Justice Restored

• Truth Comes Out: Captured outlaws openly confess to staging attacks disguised as Navajos, and Mary Fairchild testifies to her captivity and rescue (27:36).

• Reconciliation: The townsfolk reconcile with Red Hand and his tribe.

• Criminals Apprehended: Stafford, Burnett, and Rosa attempt escape but are captured. The episode closes with Fairchild vowing never again to let his paper be an instrument of injustice.

  • Quote — Stephen Fairchild:

    "Never again shall the Mountain Times become an instrument of injustice." (28:40)

  • Closing acknowledgment — Sheriff:

    "There's only one man who fills that bill of goods... that's the Lone Ranger, Sam." (31:20)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Stafford’s Ultimatum to Fairchild:

  “I'm not offering you any money... your honor. It isn’t for sale.” — Stephen Fairchild (07:51)

• Lone Ranger’s Pledge of Help:

  "If we can find her and take her home to her father, he'll be able to help you." — The Lone Ranger to Red Hand, regarding Mary Fairchild (21:38)

• Town Rally Scene:

  “Before you commit murder, men, listen to Stephen Fairchild.” — The sheriff, halting the mob (26:02)

• Final Recognition of Heroism:

  “There’s only one man who fills that bill of goods. So that’s who he is. So that’s the Lone Ranger.” — Sheriff (31:20)

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Important Timestamps

• Ambush and Blackmail Revealed: 05:38–09:50
• Stafford Plots Militia: 10:37–11:51
• Lone Ranger and Tonto Investigate: 13:07–14:44
• Fairchild’s Confession to Lone Ranger: 15:01–16:38
• Indian Council and Silver Secret: 20:05–22:01
• The Town Square Showdown: 24:13–28:49
• Villains Captured and Lone Ranger Honored: 29:00–31:20

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Tone & Language

The dialogue is rich in the moral clarity and melodramatic style typical of golden-age radio Westerns, blending suspense, earnestness, and brisk pacing with moments of heartfelt emotion and classic “masked hero” intrigue.

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Takeaway

“Canyon Secret” is a vivid reminder of how propaganda, fear, and greed can threaten the fabric of community—but also of how truth and courage can ultimately prevail. With signature drama and warmth, this episode showcases the Lone Ranger's dedication to justice, with his legendary presence delivering hope “to every honest man of every race and creed.”

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Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Tonto]

The big man up north.

[Narrator]

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[Commercial Announcer]

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more Western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

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

[Stephen Fairchild]

Sam.

[Commercial Announcer]

What do you think makes the perfect snack?

[Stephen Fairchild]

It's got to be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient.

[Commercial Announcer]

Could you be more specific when it's.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Craving okay, like a freshly baked cookie made with real butter, available right down the street at a.m. p.m. Or a savory breakfast sandwich I can grab in just a second at AM pm.

[Commercial Announcer]

I'm seeing a pattern here.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Well yeah, we're talking about what I.

[Commercial Announcer]

Crave, which is anything from AM pm.

[Stephen Fairchild]

What more could you want? Stop by AM PM where the snacks and drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient. That's cravinience. AM PM Too much good stuff.

[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, 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 yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the Great War. Silver.

[Major John Stafford]

The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Tonto]

Silver.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Let's go.

[Tonto]

Big fell.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Silver.

[Narrator]

The stage had made poor time after leaving San Felipe. And as dust deepened into night, the town of dorado was still 10 miles ahead. Stephen Fairchild and his daughter Mary were the only passengers. They were returning to the west after 10 years in Washington, where Mary had completed her education. Even in the East, Fairchild was considered a brilliant journalist. But he had made his reputation as a fighting editor in Abilene, and the problems of the frontier were still his chief concern. That was why he had bought the Mountain Times in Dorado. And now he was looking forward to assuming his old role in a new territory. He was roused from his thoughts by his daughter.

[Mary Fairchild]

Father, I don't understand why we turned off the main road.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Have we?

[Mary Fairchild]

Of course. About two miles back.

[Stephen Fairchild]

What's the matter, driver? Why are we stopping?

[Tonto]

Men on the trail ahead. They signaled for us to stop.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Why?

[Tonto]

Well, they got guns and they were wearing masks.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Road agents?

[Tonto]

Looks that way. Here they come. I advise you to take it easy, Mr. Fairchild.

[Stephen Fairchild]

I have no gun. I'll have to. Now there's no need to be alarmed. Mary. Hold up. They'll not get much from me. Do exactly as they say.

[Major John Stafford]

All right, man. I know exactly what to do.

[Stephen Fairchild]

All right.

[Major John Stafford]

Get out, both of you.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Come on, man.

[Major John Stafford]

I walk ahead of me along that path to the right.

[Narrator]

Fairchild and his daughter were marched along a footpath into the forest a hundred yards from the trail. They reached an outlaws camp in a small clearing and the leader said, sit.

[Major John Stafford]

Down right there beside the fire. Keep them covered, men.

[Narrator]

Then he disappeared into the forest on the far side of the clearing. A moment later.

[Major John Stafford]

Good evening, Mr. Fairchild.

[Tonto]

What?

[Narrator]

Fairchild and Merry looked up at the sound of a new voice. It came from the shadow of the trees. They were able to make out the dim figure of a man.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Good evening. Who are you and why have you brought us here? If it's money you want, I'm more.

[Major John Stafford]

Interested in your politics than your money, Fairchild.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Politics?

[Major John Stafford]

To be more specific, what will be your editorial attitude toward the Navajos and their new chief, Renham?

[Stephen Fairchild]

It will be the same as it's always been. They must be treated fairly.

[Major John Stafford]

If they stay in the mountains, they'll be a continual threat to the peace of this whole district.

[Stephen Fairchild]

That's absurd.

[Major John Stafford]

You'll find the people of Dorado don't think so.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Then I'll do my best to change their minds.

[Major John Stafford]

I Was afraid that would be your attitude. That's why you've been brought here. It's you who must change your point of view.

[Stephen Fairchild]

No one has ever dictated my point of view. And no one ever will.

[Major John Stafford]

You're mistaken, Mr. Fairchild. Right now, the people think as I want them to think. From the distinguished Major Stafford down to the lowest peon. I'll not let you interfere with my plans at this late date.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Do you. Do you intend to kill me?

[Major John Stafford]

Of course not. I intend to buy your name and your influence.

[Stephen Fairchild]

In other words, my honor. It isn't for sale.

[Major John Stafford]

I'm not offering you any money. Rosa, Ben. Introduce yourselves.

[Narrator]

A tall, sharp featured man and a girl with dark red hair, only slightly older than Mary, stepped into the circle of light cast by the campfire.

[Major John Stafford]

I am Ben Burnett, Mr. Fairchild. Time to be your assistant on the paper.

[Stephen Fairchild]

My what?

[Major John Stafford]

As a matter of fact, Ben will write all the editorials that carry your name.

[Mary Fairchild]

And I am your daughter, Mr. Fairchild.

[Stephen Fairchild]

My daughter? Yes.

[Mary Fairchild]

I'm going to Dodo with you and Ben, and you'll introduce me as your daughter.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Of all the crazy.

[Major John Stafford]

There's nothing crazy about the arrangement. It's necessary. Your daughter is expected in Dorado. And since she'll not be able to accompany you, Rosa will take her place.

[Stephen Fairchild]

What do you mean she'll not be able to accompany me?

[Major John Stafford]

Just that.

[Stephen Fairchild]

If you intend to harm her in any way, I'll.

[Major John Stafford]

I'll the words failure for once. Don't worry, fair child. No harm will come to her as long as you're reasonable.

[Stephen Fairchild]

And being reasonable means turning my paper over to this man to edit as he sees fit.

[Major John Stafford]

As I see fit. It will be only for a few weeks. A month at the outside. By that time, the battle will be fought and won. Red Hen's tribe will be destroyed or driven out of the mountains. Then the reservation will be open to settlers. Rosa and Ben will disappear. Your paper and your daughter will be returned to you. And you'll be free to write anything you please.

[Mary Fairchild]

You're sure no one in town knows the girl? I don't look anything like her.

[Major John Stafford]

No one in town has ever seen her. Rosa.

[Stephen Fairchild]

What are you going to do with her?

[Major John Stafford]

She'll be our guest.

[Stephen Fairchild]

You mean to hold my daughter here prisoner and not here?

[Tonto]

No.

[Major John Stafford]

Let's say somewhere in the mountains. She'll be perfectly safe as long as you give us no trouble.

[Mary Fairchild]

I don't want you to go through with this horrible masquerade for my sake, Father.

[Stephen Fairchild]

My dear, I. I have no choice.

[Major John Stafford]

He's so right, Mary. He has absolutely no choice. No father could be expected to condemn his daughter to death.

[Narrator]

Dorado welcomed Stephen Fairchild and had no reason for not accepting Rosa and Ben Burnett as his daughter and his assistant. But in reality, those two were the editor's jailers. And it was Burnett who ran the Mountain Times from the beginning. His editorials warned against the menace of the Navajos and called for action against them. Fairchild found it difficult to assume responsibility for his words. When Major John Stafford walked into his office toward the end of the week and offered his congratulations.

[Major John Stafford]

Mr. Fairchild, I should like to shake your hand. That editorial in today's paper was a masterpiece.

[Stephen Fairchild]

I'd hardly call it that.

[Major John Stafford]

You're much too modest, sir. In line with your suggestion, I'm calling a meeting of all the able bodied men in town. And I mean to propose the organization of our own militia.

[Stephen Fairchild]

You have no authority to do anything like that, Major. Authority, sir?

[Major John Stafford]

Is there anything wrong with men uniting to protect their homes?

[Stephen Fairchild]

Not if that's as far as it goes.

[Major John Stafford]

Well, I have no intention of raising an army under my leadership. I'm sure that a hundred well armed men can handle the situation.

[Stephen Fairchild]

I'm sure they can, too, considering the Navajos have very few rifles. Considering the fact there aren't more than 200 people in red Hand's tribe, counting the women and children.

[Major John Stafford]

It's a shame, isn't it, That a handful of savages should stay in the way of progress.

[Stephen Fairchild]

I don't quite follow you.

[Major John Stafford]

You mean to say you don't know Mr. Fairchild?

[Stephen Fairchild]

Know what?

[Major John Stafford]

There's silver on the reservation.

[Tonto]

Sure.

[Major John Stafford]

That's it Exactly. Good day, Mr. Fairchild. Keep up the good work.

[Stephen Fairchild]

That laugh. I've heard it before. The night in the forest. The accent is a fake. Major Stafford is the man who's holding Mary prisoner. If only I dared go to the sheriff. No, I can't take the chance.

[Narrator]

The major stopped at Burnett's desk in the outer office.

[Major John Stafford]

He seems to be behaving very well so far. I tried to force him into speaking his mind. He didn't. Didn't recognize her, did he? There's no sign of it.

[Tonto]

Good.

[Major John Stafford]

You'll put the notice of my meeting on the front page?

[Tonto]

Of course.

[Major John Stafford]

Some of the nearby ranches will be raided during the next few days. Our men will be dressed as Navajos. You'll have plenty of fuel to keep the pot boiling. That's fine. I'll be at the Mansion House if you need me for anything.

[Tonto]

Right.

[Narrator]

It was the rumor of Indian trouble which brought the Lone Ranger and Tonto to the Dorado district. They made their camp in a mountain canyon, and Toto went to town. When he returned with supplies, he also brought a copy of the Mountain Times.

[Stephen Fairchild]

There much talk in town about what Papers say you'll read it.

[Tonto]

Thanks. Kimasabe. What's this? Stephen Fairchild, editor.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Isn't that right?

[Tonto]

It's been 10 years since we've seen him.

[Stephen Fairchild]

And him change plenty. Why do you say that?

[Tonto]

Did you see him today?

[Stephen Fairchild]

Ah, me see him. Him look same, but him not right same. People say him want war with Indian. You read?

[Tonto]

Yes, Tata. It seems that he does want war. I can't understand Fairchild riding this way. But if it's true Red Hand's tribe has been attacking the ranches, perhaps he's justified.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Not true.

[Tonto]

It's hard to believe, but it may be.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Kimasabe, there's something wrong.

[Tonto]

Wrong?

[Stephen Fairchild]

Ah, you remember little girl with yellow hair and Abilene.

[Tonto]

Mary Fairchild? Why, of course. Is she here with her father?

[Stephen Fairchild]

Their girl walked down street with them. And people say that Mary. It's not true.

[Tonto]

It's been 10 years.

[Stephen Fairchild]

This girl have red hair? Come from cafe in El Paso. Me know her name, Rosa.

[Tonto]

And the people in the radio think she's Mary Fairchild.

[Stephen Fairchild]

That right now this girl and feller called Burnett. Them stay with Fairchild in house next to newspaper.

[Tonto]

Who's Burnett?

[Stephen Fairchild]

Him work on paper.

[Tonto]

Did you ever see him before?

[Stephen Fairchild]

Me not sure. Me think maybe me see him in El Paso.

[Tonto]

Strange company Fairchild's keeping these days. I think I'd better have a talk with him.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Not good, idee.

[Tonto]

And it had better be. Tonight.

[Narrator]

A lamp burned low in Stephen Fairchild's bedroom, and the editor, unable to sleep, paced the floor, considering his problem. How to act without endangering his daughter's life. He turned toward the open window and stopped short. A man was standing just outside.

[Stephen Fairchild]

A masked man.

[Tonto]

Don't you remember me, Fairchild?

[Stephen Fairchild]

The Lone Ranger.

[Tonto]

May I come in?

[Stephen Fairchild]

Yes, yes, I'll bolt the door.

[Tonto]

Why are you afraid?

[Stephen Fairchild]

If they should hear me talking to you, if they should find you with me?

[Tonto]

Burnett and the girl they call Rosa.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Yes. Their rooms are just down the hall. But it doesn't matter as long as they don't hear it. Listen, Mary. My daughter is being held prisoner by a band of outlaws somewhere in the mountains. I've had to turn over my paper to Rosa and Burnett to run as they see fit. Otherwise, Mary will be killed.

[Tonto]

Now I'm beginning to understand your editorials.

[Stephen Fairchild]

They're not mine. Burnett writes them.

[Tonto]

Why does he want to provoke an Indian war?

[Stephen Fairchild]

It's all part of a conspiracy to drive the Indians off their reservation. Now, I have no proof of this, but I'm almost certain the ringleader is a man who's known as Major Stafford. Denounce him. In a minute. If it weren't for Mary. Can you find her? Can you rescue her?

[Tonto]

We'll do our best. I'd like to know how far this conspiracy has gone. Is there any danger of an immediate attack on the Indians?

[Stephen Fairchild]

It may happen any day now. Stafford's called for a meeting in the town square tomorrow.

[Mary Fairchild]

And there's someone in there with him. And the door's locked. I tried it.

[Major John Stafford]

Open this door.

[Tonto]

Fairchild.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Quick, out the window.

[Major John Stafford]

Who was in here? Fairchild?

[Mary Fairchild]

The window.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Ben.

[Mary Fairchild]

There he is.

[Major John Stafford]

The corner of the stables, wearing a mask.

[Mary Fairchild]

Use your gun.

[Narrator]

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.

[Stephen Fairchild]

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[Stephen Fairchild]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. Burnett held his fire as the Lone Ranger disappeared around the corner of the stables. And a moment later, Rosa and Burnett caught another glimpse of the masked man as he rode away on his white stallion.

[Major John Stafford]

Silver.

[Mary Fairchild]

Who was that man, Fairchild?

[Stephen Fairchild]

Well, I. I don't know.

[Mary Fairchild]

What were you saying to him?

[Stephen Fairchild]

He must be a friend of the Indians. He wanted to know why you were trying to start a war.

[Mary Fairchild]

Did he threaten you?

[Stephen Fairchild]

He was armed. He may have meant to kill me.

[Tonto]

I doubt that.

[Major John Stafford]

What'd you tell him, Fairchild?

[Stephen Fairchild]

Well, I had no chance to tell him anything. He heard you and went out the window.

[Mary Fairchild]

Who could it have been?

[Major John Stafford]

I have a good idea. I Must see the boss at once.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Why?

[Major John Stafford]

You saw the white horse the masked man was riding. A beauty. And he called him Silver. And from what Fairchild has told us, the masked man is a friend of the Indians. That ties in, too. They say he has an Indian companion called Tondo.

[Mary Fairchild]

You're talking about the Lone Ranger.

[Tonto]

You're right.

[Major John Stafford]

And I'm almost positive that was the Lone Ranger who just rode away. The boss must be told he's been here.

[Narrator]

After the Lone Ranger left Fairchild's home, he and Tottle rode into the mountains to Red Hands village. There the chief welcomed them. And when the masked man suggested that a council be held, all the braves gathered in front of the chief's lodge. The Lone Ranger rose to address them.

[Tonto]

I come to you with a warning. It is said in Dorado that Red Hands braves have been attacking the ranches of the settlers. But not true. I believe you, Chief. But there are evil men in Dorado who wish to drive the Indians from their reservation. Why them want to do that? This land not good for ranches, farms. I agree. Still, these men want your land for some reason. And they're ready to go to war to get it. Maybe them learn secret of Black Canyon. What's that? They're much silver there. Indian try to keep secrets so white man not want hunting ground. Silver? Yes. That would explain everything. If secret lost, then it better Navajo leave mountain. That isn't true. The government's given you this land. And if there's silver on it, the silver belongs to you. You say men of Dorado want war. My tribe not strong enough to fight them. I said there are some men who want war. But you have a friend in Dorado who may be able to help you. He's Stephen Fairchild, the editor of the newspaper. When he speaks, people will listen to him. Why him not speak? Because he can't. The same evil men I've been talking about are holding his daughter prisoner somewhere in the mountains. If we can find her and take her home to her father, he'll be able to help you. Great chief. What you say, Little Elk?

[Stephen Fairchild]

We know a bad man camp. Me Sea Girl with him. Girl with yellow hair.

[Tonto]

That's Mary Fairchild. Where is this camp?

[Major John Stafford]

In valley, that way to the east.

[Tonto]

How many men are in the camp?

[Stephen Fairchild]

Maybe 20.

[Tonto]

Red Hand, this is your chance to prove you're a friend of the settlers. We fine girl. Take her home to Father. Marika Wamai.

[Narrator]

As it grew dark the following evening, Ben Burnett left for the meeting. After gagging, then tying Stephen Fairchild hand and foot, a Sound of many voices reached Fairchild from the town square, and he rolled across the floor to the window of his bedroom. He struggled to his feet. He could see nothing but a glare in the sky that came from the many pine torches that lit the square. But then he turned at the sound of hoofbeats. The Lone Ranger was drawing rein in the shadow of the stables. Fairchild turned his back to the window with his bound hands beat on the glass. A moment later, the window was opened and the Lone Ranger climbed into the room. In a matter of seconds, the editor's ropes were cut and the gag taken from his mouth.

[Stephen Fairchild]

There it started.

[Tonto]

Meeting in the square, you mean?

[Stephen Fairchild]

Yes. And I've heard them talking. Stafford and Burnett. They have some plan that will arouse the people to a fighting pitch. They mean to attack the Indians tonight. And by tomorrow morning, Stafford will have staked a claim in Black Canyon.

[Tonto]

So he knows exactly where the silver is.

[Stephen Fairchild]

What about Mary? Were you able to find her?

[Major John Stafford]

Yes.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Where is she?

[Tonto]

We rescued her from the outlaw camp last night.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Wonderful.

[Tonto]

You have nothing to worry about. As far as Mary's concerned, she's alive and well. Right now, Red Hand and his braves are guarding her.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Why didn't you bring her home to me?

[Tonto]

Because it isn't safe to bring her into town until we've dealt with Stafford.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Then take me to her. No.

[Tonto]

You must make the town safe for her and for Red Hand. You have work to do here, Fairchild, and you must work fast.

[Narrator]

Major Stafford mounted the steps of the courthouse and looked at the sea of faces in the square. Burnett took his place beside him as he raised his hand in a signal for silence.

[Major John Stafford]

Men, there's only one reason we are gathered here tonight, and that's to consider ways and means of protecting our homes. They stand in great danger. The Indians in the mountains are a sword of Damocles hanging above our heads. But we all have rifles, and we all know how to use them. And a rifle is more than a match for any sword. Many of your homes have been attacked, your barns burned, your cattle driven off. Now you've read the stirring words of that fearless editor, that great pioneer, Stephen Fairchild. He's told you that we can expect no help from the territorial militia and that the time for action is now.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Wait.

[Major John Stafford]

Look.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Look.

[Narrator]

All eyes were turned in the direction Stafford pointed. Rosa, her clothes torn, her hair streaming down her back, rolled into the square.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Whoa.

[Mary Fairchild]

Whoa, there.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Whoa.

[Major John Stafford]

Miss Fairchild.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Please.

[Mary Fairchild]

Please let me by.

[Major John Stafford]

Miss Fairchild, you must tell us what's happened.

[Mary Fairchild]

It was too terrible.

[Major John Stafford]

You must tell us.

[Mary Fairchild]

I rode out to the ridge to see the sunset. I started back here as it grew dark.

[Major John Stafford]

And then suddenly a band of Navajos.

[Mary Fairchild]

Swept down on me. They tried to drag me from the saddle. I fought them off. Somehow I escaped.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Please.

[Mary Fairchild]

Please let me pass.

[Major John Stafford]

Men. Men. Now the savages are attacking defenseless women. What are we going to do about it? If you're men, you'll follow me. Tonight we'll drive the redskins from the mountain.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Listen to me.

[Narrator]

The men in the square raised their eyes. Stephen Fairchild and the sheriff were framed in one of the upper windows of the courthouse. The sheriff raised his hand.

[Major John Stafford]

Before you commit murder, man, listen to Stephen Fairchild.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Yes, listen to the truth. Let me tell you what happened on the night I arrived in Toledo. My daughter and I were taken prisoners by a band of outlaws. On our way here, I was told that my daughter would be killed.

[Narrator]

As Stephen Fairchild revealed the details of the outlaw plot to start a war with the Navajos and how he had been forced to serve their purposes, an angry murmur swept through the crowd.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Lie upon lie has been forced down your throats. But now I have proof that Red Hand is not our enemy, but our friend. Here he comes. Carrying a flag of truth.

[Narrator]

A chief and Mary Fairchild rolled into the square. At the head of the band of Navajos and between the warriors lines were 20 outlaws, their horses led by the Indians, their hands tied to their saddle horns. The crowd parted to make way for the cavalcade. And the chief and Mary rode straight on to the courthouse.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Mary, thank heavens. You see.

[Narrator]

The editor descended to the street and took his daughter into his arms.

[Stephen Fairchild]

This is my daughter, Fairchild. The other girl is gone, and so.

[Major John Stafford]

Have Stafford and Burnett. I must stop them before they get out of town.

[Stephen Fairchild]

They'll not get fired. Mary, tell everyone what happened last night.

[Mary Fairchild]

All right, Father, listen to me. I was being held prisoner in the mountains by these men the Indians have captured. It was Red Hands and his braves who rescued me. Afterwards, these renegades were taken to the Indian village. They thought Red Hand meant to kill them.

[Tonto]

Bloody prey.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Yes.

[Mary Fairchild]

So afraid they were glad to tell the truth about everything. These are the men who have been dressing as Navajos and raiding the ranchers around Dorado. And they've confessed who their leader is as well. They took their orders from Major John Stafford. And you should know that Ben Burnett and the girl they call Rosa, the girl who's been taking my place here, are also members of the gang.

[Major John Stafford]

Stafford's gone. Show him the girl and Burnett.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Don't worry. The sheriff's going after them. They'll Be brought back. And they'll go to jail with these other crooks. Have you had enough? Have we proved to you that Red Hand is our friend? There's your answer, Chief. There'll be no more talk of war between us.

[Tonto]

That's plenty good.

[Stephen Fairchild]

And this I pledge to all of you. Never again shall the mountain times become an instrument of injustice.

[Narrator]

The crowd clustered around Fairchild, his daughter and Red Hand as rancher after rancher shook hands with the chief. Then a shout went up as the sheriff marched Stafford, Burnett and Rosa into the square.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Good work, silly. Did they give you much trouble?

[Major John Stafford]

None at all.

[Stephen Fairchild]

It was a mighty peculiar thing. How's that? Well, we knew they needed horses for a getaway, so we went directly to the stables behind your house, Fairchild. And there they were. Didn't they put up any fights? They couldn't. They were hog tied. I think I understand. Well, I don't.

[Major John Stafford]

What's more, I'm afraid a couple of.

[Stephen Fairchild]

The members of the gang got away. Why do you say that? Well, just as we came out of the stables, we saw a couple of men up on the hill to the south of town. The moon was shining full in their faces and I could have sworn that one of them wore a mask. The other one looked like an Indian. Sheriff, I have an idea it was those two men who prevented your prisoners from escaping.

[Major John Stafford]

Yeah, they got the drop on us.

[Stephen Fairchild]

I was told I'd be watching every move you made after I started to speak to the crowd.

[Tonto]

What?

[Stephen Fairchild]

Sheriff, I explained that I managed to contact a friend of mine last night. That it was he who went to Red Hand. I know, but I didn't have time to explain that my friend wears a mask. That he rides with an Indian called Tonto. That he's been fighting for truth and justice all through the West. And that every honest man of every race and creed can always depend on his help. Sheriff, my friend, you don't have to go any further. There's only one man who fills that bill of goods. So that's who he is. So that's the Lone Ranger, Sam.

[Commercial Announcer]

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[Stephen Fairchild]

It. Sam.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendall Campbell, Muir Incorporated, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Striker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beame.

[Stephen Fairchild]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com Become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Commercial Announcer]

Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 12247 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch. You'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care. Go to Dutch.com to get vet care that is always there for just $92 a year.