Old Time Radio Westerns

Cash for Cattle | The Lone Ranger (12-27-40)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Airdate: December 27, 1940
Podcast Release: October 25, 2025

Main Theme & Purpose

In this episode, Andrew Rhynes presents a digitally restored classic Lone Ranger drama, “Cash for Cattle,” immersing listeners in the Wild West with enhanced audio. The tale centers on a desperate wagon train trying to escape the corrupt influence of Travis, a ruthless town boss, and the heroic intervention of the masked rider, the Lone Ranger, and his loyal companion Tonto. The story is a quintessential battle between justice and lawlessness set against the dusty backdrop of the American frontier.

Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. Tensions in Snake Creek

[03:25 – 07:50]

• The episode opens in Snake Creek, a barren desert town where pioneers are frustrated and ready to leave.
• Travis, who runs the general store and gambling hall, tries to persuade the settlers to stay, as he profits from their presence.
• The settlers refuse, accusing Travis of manipulating them and extorting their supplies and money.
• The wagon train, led by Hanley and Mrs. Perkins, prepares to leave for the safety of the fort.

Notable Quote:

“All it’s got is dust and cactus and no water. And as for the Garden of Eden, the only resemblance is it’s got plenty of snakes.”
– Disgruntled Pioneer ([04:35])

2. Travis’s Scheme Revealed

[07:51 – 17:00]

• Travis gathers his gang, revealing his plan to ambush and wipe out the wagon train at Needle Pass, about 150 miles away – ensuring none of the settlers reach the fort and talk about his corruption.
• Sebastian, Trigger, and the gang are instructed on the ambush, emphasizing surprise and ruthless efficiency.

Notable Quote:

“Them folks ain’t getting back, huh? I want that wagon train wiped out.”
– Travis ([09:10])

3. Tonto Investigates & Is Captured

[12:45 – 16:30]

• The Lone Ranger suspects foul play and sends Tonto into town undercover to gather intelligence.
• Tonto discovers the plot but is quickly spotted, ambushed, and captured by Travis’s gang.

4. Lone Ranger’s Daring Rescue

[17:01 – 19:15]

• The Lone Ranger stealthily rescues Tonto just as Sebastian threatens him at gunpoint.
• Tonto and the Lone Ranger learn of the ambush plans and rush to warn the wagon train.

Notable Quote:

“We’ve got to catch that wagon train. We’ve got to warn them.”
– Lone Ranger ([19:10])

5. Saving the Wagon Train

[19:16 – 25:05]

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto reach the settlers just before they enter the dangerous Needle Pass.
• He warns of the ambush and commands the pioneers to circle their wagons to defend themselves.
• Travis and his gang initiate the attack, but the defensive circle saves the pioneers from immediate destruction.

Notable Quote:

“Unless you get back and form a circle, you won’t have a chance to defend yourself.”
– Lone Ranger ([22:25])

6. Siege and Desperation: Outlaws vs. Wagon Train

[26:00 – 33:40]

• After being unable to overrun the wagon train, Travis lays siege, cutting off their water supply.
• The settlers endure long days with dwindling water, facing constant gunfire and rising despair.
• Attempts to sneak out for help fail—Hanley is wounded while trying to reach the fort in search of help.

Notable Quotes:

“The wagon train has made a dry camp. The only water here is in the barrels and the wagons.”
– Lone Ranger ([28:32])

“Five day, Kimosabe. Five, maybe six.”
– Tonto ([32:16])

7. The Lone Ranger’s Epic Ride for Help

[33:41 – 41:35]

• Realizing their only hope is to summon help from the distant fort, the Lone Ranger mounts Silver.
• In a tense, heroic sequence, he sprints through Travis’s lines and embarks on a grueling 100-mile ride—a classic Western odyssey.
• Travis’s henchmen attempt to intercept the masked man, but Silver’s speed and stamina are unmatched.

Notable Quote:

“It’s up to you, old fellow.”
– Lone Ranger, to Silver ([37:02])

8. The Siege Breaks: Rescue at Last!

[41:36 – 48:30]

• Days pass; the settlers’ morale and water exhaust. Travis prepares for the final assault.
• Suddenly, the sound of approaching cavalry signals salvation.
• The Lone Ranger has returned, leading troops from the fort to break the siege and rout Travis’s gang.

Memorable Moment:

Sound of hoofbeats and triumphant music as the cavalry arrives, uplifting the besieged settlers after days of desperation. ([46:55])

Notable Quote:

“It’s the mask man! He brought help from the fort—200 miles, and that horse of yours done it!”
– Hanley ([47:55])

9. Resolution & Justice

[48:31 – 50:45]

• The cavalry escorts the wagon train safely to the fort.
• Travis and his men are arrested for their crimes.
• The settlers, grateful to the Lone Ranger and Tonto, bid them farewell.

Iconic Farewell:

“There’s no other horse in the world like Silver. Silver—away!”
– Lone Ranger ([50:30])

Memorable Quotes & Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-------------|------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:35 | Pioneer | “All it’s got is dust and cactus and no water...” | | 09:10 | Travis | “Them folks ain’t getting back, huh? ...wiped out.” | | 19:10 | Lone Ranger | “We’ve got to catch that wagon train. We’ve got to warn them.” | | 22:25 | Lone Ranger | “Unless you get back and form a circle, you won’t have a chance.”| | 28:32 | Lone Ranger | “The only water here is in the barrels and the wagons.” | | 32:16 | Tonto | “Five day, Kimosabe. Five, maybe six.” | | 37:02 | Lone Ranger | “It’s up to you, old fellow.” (to Silver) | | 47:55 | Hanley | “It’s the mask man! He brought help from the fort—200 miles!” | | 50:30 | Lone Ranger | “There’s no other horse in the world like Silver. Silver—away!” |

Episode Highlights & Tone

• Authentic Western Atmosphere: Enhanced soundscapes bring the drama and excitement of ambushes, galloping horses, and nighttime sieges vividly to life.
• Classic Heroics: The Lone Ranger’s relentless pursuit of justice and selfless courage are at the forefront.
• Community Resilience: The settlers rely on quick thinking, courage, and unity to withstand adversity.
• Villainous Schemes: Travis embodies the cunning, greedy frontier outlaw, making his eventual defeat satisfying.
• Memorable Rescue: The climactic arrival of the cavalry after Silver’s legendary ride delivers a thrilling resolution.

Key Timestamps

• 03:25 – Disillusioned settlers rebel against Travis
• 07:51 – Travis outlines the ambush plan to his gang
• 12:45 – Tonto goes undercover, is discovered
• 17:01 – Lone Ranger rescues Tonto
• 19:16 – Lone Ranger and Tonto warn wagon train
• 26:00 – Siege of the wagon train begins
• 33:41 – Lone Ranger begins epic ride to the fort
• 41:36 – Cavalry arrives just in time
• 48:31 – Villains captured, settlers rescued
• 50:30 – Famous “Silver—away!” signoff

Conclusion

“Cash for Cattle” is a stirring Western adventure, filled with suspense, daring heroics, and the unmistakable sound of justice thundering across the plains. By blending restored audio with timeless storytelling, the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast brings the Lone Ranger’s legend to new generations—reminding us all that, in the words of the masked rider himself: “There’s no other horse in the world like Silver. Silver—away!” ([50:30])