Cattle Code | The Lone Ranger (06-25-41)

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: "Cattle Code" | The Lone Ranger (06-25-41)
Release Date: July 11, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a digitally restored classic Lone Ranger adventure entitled "Cattle Code." Set in the conflicts and camaraderie of the Old West, the drama revolves around the themes of trust, integrity, community, and the tension between old customs and new business practices among neighboring ranchers. The Lone Ranger intervenes in a brewing dispute over cattle shipments, exposing treachery and ultimately helping to restore justice and Western neighborliness.

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Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: Cattle, Conflict, and the Newcomer

• [04:11 – 05:07]:
  • The rise of the cattle industry led to disputes over land and water rights.
  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto decide to learn more about newcomer rancher Kester, who is causing tension by charging other ranchers to move their cattle across his land.

2. The Gates Family's Predicament

• [06:07 – 10:17]:
  • Bart and Mrs. Gates, aging ranchers, discover that their foreman, Sam, reports Kester now demands a steep fee ($1 per head) for crossing his land to the railroad—an unaffordable sum that threatens their financial survival.
  • The Gateses, frustrated by the unfairness of the situation but resigned to legality, consider their limited options, with Bart lamenting: "Why ain't there laws to protect a man?" (09:14, Mrs. Gates).

3. The Lone Ranger’s Investigation

• [10:50 – 13:02]:
  • The Lone Ranger enters, gently interrogating the Gateses and revealing that neither Bart nor his wife can read or write, making them vulnerable to manipulation.
  • Lone Ranger: "Can you read and write or can't you?" (12:04)
  • It becomes clear that Sam, the trusted foreman, handles all correspondence—opening the door to treachery.

4. Uncovering Deception: The Conspiracy Between Sam and Kester

• [13:26 – 16:09]:
  • The Lone Ranger deduces Sam is double-crossing his employers.
  • Sam meets with Kester, confirming they're working together to push Gates out and profit from the situation:
    • Kester: "Another month and we'll all be rich and Bart Gates will be flat." (16:23)

5. Turning the Tables: The Lone Ranger’s Plan

• [19:41 – 21:47]:
  • The Lone Ranger consults with the sympathetic railroad agent, Mr. Field. They conspire to help Gates by ensuring the railroad cars are routed to his side of the new spur, not Kester’s. The plan is set to oust Sam and his cronies.

6. Confronting the Traitor and Securing Justice

• [21:07 – 22:26]:
  • The Lone Ranger confronts Sam in the bunkhouse:
    • "You've got until morning to get out of here and take all of your men with you... Sam, Gates is wise to all that you've been going and doing." (21:26-21:47)
  • Sam, realizing the scheme is exposed, flees with his men.

7. The Final Showdown

• [23:03 – 29:39]:
  • As dawn breaks, Kester is stunned to see the cattle cars moved to Gates’s siding. With his plans foiled and no leverage left, Kester faces having to pay the same $1 per head fee he once demanded.
  • Bart Gates, emboldened, turns Kester’s own logic against him:
    • Gates: "5,000 head at a dollar each comes to $5,000. That's right, ain't it?" (27:40)
  • The Lone Ranger nudges Kester toward mutual understanding:
    • "Perhaps instead of having Gates change... you're the one that should change... This is a country where men have to depend on each other." (29:06)

8. Resolution and Reconciliation

• [29:41 – 30:39]:
  • Rather than seek revenge, Gates forgives Kester and refuses payment, reminding him:
    • Gates: "You go on for home and do some thinking. I can wait a couple of weeks to ship my cattle. Yours is all loaded in my car, so we'll let her roll... We're neighbors, ain't we?" (30:11 – 30:13)
  • Kester, humbled, promises to adopt a more neighborly approach, recognizing the value of Western cooperation over cutthroat business practices.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Frontier Justice vs. Law:

  • "There ain't no justice in laws that make it so a man can't sell his livestock. There ain't nothing fair about it." — Mrs. Gates (07:37)

• On Literacy and Vulnerability:

  • "Can you read and write or can't you?" — The Lone Ranger (12:04)
  • "No, I can't and ain't ashamed of it neither. I done as much with my life as most men and a dog on site more than a lot has had schooling." — Bart Gates (12:08)

• The Betrayer Unmasked:

  • "Sam has been double crossing his employer all along." — The Lone Ranger (13:30)
  • "We make more on this deal with Kester than we'd make in the next six months working for Gates." — Sam (14:31)

• The Lone Ranger Lays Down the Law:

  • "You've double crossed a man who trusted you. If I were you, I'd leave. And you'd better take all of your men with you." — The Lone Ranger (22:21)

• A Lesson in Western Ethics:

  • "It's better to make a good businessman into a good neighbor than to make a bad neighbor into one that's even worse and harboring a grudge besides. Now, ain't it?" — Bart Gates (29:39)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Introduction of the Cattle Feud: [04:11–07:13]
• Gates Family’s Struggle Laid Bare: [07:13–10:17]
• The Lone Ranger’s Investigation: [10:50–13:02]
• Sam and Kester’s Conspiracy: [13:26–16:09]
• The Railroad Alliance: [19:41–21:07]
• Sam Expelled, Justice Done: [21:07–22:26]
• Kester Outmaneuvered, Mutual Respect Restored: [23:03–30:39]

---

Tone & Style

The episode is marked by plain-spoken, rural language with a focus on practical justice, the value of honest labor, and faith in community over legal technicality or exploitation. The Lone Ranger brings calm wisdom and moral guidance—emphasizing mediation and second chances over retribution.

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Conclusion

“Cattle Code” is a classic morality tale as timely as it is timeless. The Lone Ranger not only exposes a betrayal but models how the right intervention and a steady hand can restore both justice and neighborly trust on the Western frontier. The resolution underscores the importance of integrity and working together over petty revenge—a message delivered with warmth, wit, and the iconic sound of thundering hooves.

For fans of vintage Westerns, this episode delivers all the hallmarks: treachery, redemption, and the triumph of decency, all set to the rhythm of a bygone America.

Transcript

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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. 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 the speed of light. The cloud dust in a hearty high. Old Silver the Lone Ranger.

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[Narrator]

With the rise of the cattle industry in the early western United States, arguments over boundary and water rights sprang up between the ranchers. Feuds and range wars might have followed if it had not been for the masked rider of the plains. It was he who brought about a better understanding between the ranchers, and it was his vision of the future that united their progress toward a common goal, the winning of the West. 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.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hello, I'm Silver. We're heading for the range country pals waiting for us. I want Silver. Hooray.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tonto stopped to water their horses near a comfortable looking ranch house. Light showed at several of the windows. But the masked man said.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll not stop here, Tono. I want to push on to the next ranch and find out more about the new owner.

[Narrator]

Bad story come about him?

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, there are usually bad stories about newcomers in this part of the country. It's hard for a man to win the confidence of the other ranchers. I'm hoping that the things we've heard about Kester are untrue.

[Narrator]

Maybe we find them true.

[The Lone Ranger]

We might. Then what we do? If the things they've said about Kester are true, we'll have to find some way to change a man.

[Narrator]

Someone is coming this way and then come 20 past.

[The Lone Ranger]

Let's get back in the shadows. Come on, Silver. You don't want to waste a lot of time answering questions about the man.

[Narrator]

That's right. Boss. Hey, boss, open up. I got to speak to you.

[Mrs. Gates]

Damn boy and junk. It's the matter. What's going on?

[Narrator]

Where's the boss?

[The Lone Ranger]

Mrs. Gates.

[Mrs. Gates]

Barbara fix me to turn in for the night. Is there something wrong about the cattle? I'll call him. Bye.

[Narrator]

I'm coming, Maggie. Man. Speak up. What's wrong, boss? Who drove the cattle as we planned, Right through the valley heading for the railroad. Sure, but what's wrong? Well, Samuel rid back here like old Nick was chasing you. It said on a red double dealing coyote. That's double gross. Your boss kissed her. None else.

[Mrs. Gates]

Oh, what's Kister done? We spoke to him when we was playing in the cattle driveway. He was right here in this room and we talked to him. You remember that bar?

[Narrator]

Now, Maggie, let me talk to Sam. What's Ker done, Sam? Nothing except in the fence off his land. Says we can't get the cattle through the railroad. That's all he's done. Woody told us it'd be all right with him if we drove across his land. There ain't no other way we could get to the railroad with our stock. I spoke to him about it. I know you did, Boss. Has he gone back on his word? Oh, he says we can still run the cattle across his land if we want to. That's all right with him so long as we pay for the perfect.

[Mrs. Gates]

But we never said nothing about making us pay for the land. That was never mentioned.

[Narrator]

It's mentioned a plenty now. Where's the cattle herded and corral? Near the line fence. The rest of the boys are there with it. They didn't want to start shooting until they got the word from you, boss. But if you say the word, we'll cut the wire and go through and open fire on anyone that tries to stop us.

[Mrs. Gates]

Oh, that wouldn't gain nothing.

[Narrator]

But we'd lose men and then there'd be a lot of cattle lost. And I reckon legally, Kester would have us in the long run anyhow.

[Mrs. Gates]

Who makes laws of that sort?

[Narrator]

Let me think.

[Mrs. Gates]

There ain't no justice in laws that make it so a man can't sell his livestock. There ain't nothing fair about it.

[Narrator]

Laws are made up for the general run of folks, Maggie. But the right sort of people sort of works the laws out to suit conditions. What do we do, boss? Yeah, I got to think her over some. There ain't no other way to get the cattle to the railroad that I know of. If we'd known about this at the outset, we might have figured some way to take the cattle around the Casterland. By going through the hills. Thunderation. We can't do that now. It'd be too far. And the critters couldn't stand a trip of that sort. We could do it, Sam. It'd take time. If we let the cattle graze on the way and keep your weight up, we could fetch em back and go through the hills. Yeah, but the railroad company won't wait that long. Nice heavywood kissed is up to the ornery, scheming credit.

[Mrs. Gates]

What do you think?

[Narrator]

Sam wants to sell his own stock? That's what he's wanting to do. And he can't do that till he gets the stock all rounded up. And code. He knows that if our stock goes through the railroad cars will be loaded and they'll be moved. If we don't get our cattle on board the Choo Choo, then it'll give Kester the chance to use them cars. That sounds like good reasoning. That's what he's up to. He knows you can't afford to pay for the right to cross his land. He knows you can't circle his land by going through the hills and load the cattle before he gets his own stock ready.

[Mrs. Gates]

Oh, then he's got us.

[Narrator]

He has? Listen, we pay his price across his land. What's his price? A dollar a head. A dollar?

[Mrs. Gates]

It's robbery.

[Narrator]

He knows you can't pay that kind of money. Boss, has he started rounding up his own cattle? Sure. He's got all the men he can hire working on it night and Day he phoned, I wasn't so old and stovy.

[Mrs. Gates]

And there's nothing more you could do about it.

[Narrator]

Bart, I ain't no right to be trying to run a ranch. I ain't sat a saddle for three years. And I ain't even been out on my own land for three years. Don't know what's going on half the time. Boss, you hinting that I ain't doing all that can be done. Shocked? No, Sam. If you can find the top hand that can handle things any better than me, I'll be.

[Mrs. Gates]

Sam. Such a way to talk, but didn't mean nothing again you.

[Narrator]

I don't know what you do that I ain't done both. If you'll tell me what's to be done about Kester, I'll do it. What do you think we should do, Sam? You want my advice? I'm asking for it. Well, all I can suggest is that you have the cattle fetched back in graze till later. But if it ain't sold now, we'll stand to lose a plenty. You lose a plenty anyhow. Catches inside his legal rights, and he knows it. Maybe if he sees it, we ain't gonna pay him what he wants. Well, he'll make some sort of deal. He's got his boss. Ain't no two ways about that. All right, Sam. Bring the cattle back here then. If that's what you think is best.

[Mrs. Gates]

Why ain't the laws to protect a man?

[Narrator]

I'll get started back right away. We want to get the cattle moving as soon as we can. They're dropping lots of weight up near the line. The grazing ain't good there. Shut the door, Sam. My sakes. House it's chilly with it being open so long. Right. There's a story, Ma.

[Mrs. Gates]

I still say it ain't right, Bar. It ain't justice.

[Narrator]

Here, boy.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on here.

[Narrator]

There he goes. I figured on the sale of that cattle to make up for the last two years.

[Mrs. Gates]

It always seems to be the same. Just when we think we're going to catch up on everything, then something like this comes up. I don't.

[Narrator]

What's the matter, Sam? Oh, no. Shoot, stranger, we. Aimee, don't be frightened.

[The Lone Ranger]

I have no intention of shooting.

[Narrator]

What you want here?

[The Lone Ranger]

Just a few words with you, Bart. Your door was open while Sam was in here. I couldn't help hearing what was said.

[Narrator]

Well, how long have you had that

[The Lone Ranger]

man in your employ, Sam?

[Narrator]

Why, for a couple of years. What about it?

[The Lone Ranger]

He's in complete charge of the ranch.

[Narrator]

Why Is you don't attend to very

[The Lone Ranger]

many details yourself, do you?

[Narrator]

Now see here. What's the idea all these here questions?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm simply trying to help you. Seems to me that there are things going on that you don't know about.

[Narrator]

How's that?

[The Lone Ranger]

Why did you have the cars for your cattle left on the other side of the Kester ranch?

[Narrator]

That's where they've always been, left. Ain't no place else to have them put.

[Mrs. Gates]

Railroads have got to have tracks to run on, stranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, but. But what? I wonder.

[Narrator]

You wonder what?

[The Lone Ranger]

Now look here, Mr. Gates. Read this to me.

[Narrator]

Read it yourself.

[Mrs. Gates]

What is it?

[The Lone Ranger]

That's a page of printing that was here on the table. Tell me what it says.

[Narrator]

Why, I ain't got my glasses.

[The Lone Ranger]

You read it.

[Mrs. Gates]

Mrs. Gates, my eyes there. Well, they ain't.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tell me the truth. Can you read? No.

[Narrator]

See here. There ain't no call for you to come busting in here and asking questions like you're doing. Dad read it all.

[The Lone Ranger]

I mean, Gates, it's important. Can you read and write or can't you?

[Narrator]

No, I can't and ain't ashamed of it neither. I done as much with my life as most men and a dog on site. More than a lot has had schooling.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's what I wanted to know. How about you, Mrs. Gates?

[Mrs. Gates]

Reckon ain't had no more schooling than Bart had.

[The Lone Ranger]

Then who has handled your business? Who writes your letters for you? The foreman. Sam.

[Narrator]

Sure.

[The Lone Ranger]

And when you get mail, he reads it to you?

[Narrator]

Yeah, he sort of handles all the things like that. But I'm the one that makes all the decisions.

[The Lone Ranger]

Of course you are. Tell me one thing more, Bart. Did you have any letters from the railroad people?

[Narrator]

I reckon there's been one or two, but nothing out of the ordinary.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sam read them to you. Where are the letters?

[Narrator]

Sam has always took them with him. Hang it all, Maggie. Why for we talking so with this masked stranger?

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[Narrator]

Who are you? Why are you wearing a mask? What you doing here with all your questions?

[The Lone Ranger]

I think I'm doing something that will surprise you.

[Narrator]

Huh?

[Mrs. Gates]

What do you mean, mister?

[The Lone Ranger]

You'll hear from me again. I have a few things to take care of.

[Narrator]

Hey, stranger. Late. It's my turn to ask questions.

[The Lone Ranger]

Later. I want Silver away.

[Narrator]

Lone Ranger joined Tonto and the two men set out across the valley.

[The Lone Ranger]

The answer is clear, Toto. Sam has been double crossing his employer all along. How that? The railroad must have notified Gates. The same as all other cattlemen were notified that new tracks have been laid in this stretch of country. Old Peller not know that? No. If he'd known it, he would have had his freight cars brought to the siding instead of beyond the Kester property.

[Narrator]

Where we going now?

[The Lone Ranger]

We're going to have a look at the tracks. I want to see them and learn more about their location. The sort of land that's near them. Then what we do? We'll plan some means of beating Kester and bar Crook at foreman Sam at their own game. Come on, Silver.

[Narrator]

Dawn brought Sam to the line fence that marked the division between the Gates land and Kester spread. What's your answer, Sam? Orders how to turn back. I bet the old man was pretty sore, wasn't he? He didn't like the news none too well. Suppose he finds out about the way

[The Lone Ranger]

he's been double crossed.

[Narrator]

What can he do about it? Nothing, I guess. Setting the fires and let him. We make more on this deal with Kester than we'd make in the next six months working for Gates.

[The Lone Ranger]

How about the rest of the men?

[Narrator]

I can handle him. They're hired to do as they're told and keep their mouths shut. I get the stock ready for starting back. I'm going on tell Kester what's happened so far. Open the wire and let me through.

[The Lone Ranger]

So that's the way it worked out. Asap.

[Narrator]

Followed my advice, Kirsty. He's having the cattle brought back. He figures to hold it for a time.

[The Lone Ranger]

What'll he do for a grease or for that much livestock?

[Narrator]

I don't know.

[The Lone Ranger]

He'll have it stubborn on his hand and I'll be able to buy it for whatever I want to pay.

[Narrator]

That's the way it sure to work out.

[The Lone Ranger]

Meanwhile, I'll just make use of the cattle cars that my neighbor Bart Gates won't have no use for. You're done a good piece of work, Sam. I won't forget it.

[Narrator]

Oh, the. The boys have stuck right along with me, Caster. They're counting on cashing in on the deal.

[The Lone Ranger]

They will and all cash in plenty,

[Narrator]

I'll tell him that.

[The Lone Ranger]

One thing more, Sam.

[Narrator]

Yeah?

[The Lone Ranger]

You sure Gates don't know about the new spur of tracks?

[Narrator]

He don't know about it. If he did, he wouldn't have let me have the cars brought here. The same as in other years.

[The Lone Ranger]

Is he likely to hear about that spur?

[Narrator]

Not for some time he ain't. Maybe never. You see, he don't get around none. And I do all the hiring on the range.

[The Lone Ranger]

Goody nuts.

[Narrator]

I guess everything is taken care of then.

[The Lone Ranger]

Another month and we'll all be rich

[Narrator]

and Bart Gates will be flat. Can you fix it with the railroad?

[The Lone Ranger]

Sure. I'll just tell him that Gates won't be able to use the cattle cars, but I'll take them over so as the old man won't have to pay for them. The railroad man will be willing.

[Narrator]

You'll have to handle it careful. That railroad man is a friend of old Gates.

[The Lone Ranger]

That makes it all the better. He'd be real glad to let me take the cars so Gates won't get stuck for the charges on them. Hey Sam, who's that? Hey you.

[Narrator]

Me? The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story before the next exciting scene. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. When the Lone Ranger rode away from Kester's ranch, he headed straight for the

[The Lone Ranger]

office of the railroad agent.

[Narrator]

A few hours later.

[The Lone Ranger]

Gates hasn't a chance without help. Mr. Fields, not only his foreman, but every one of his men is working for Kester. Of all the ornery deals I ever

[Narrator]

heard of, that's the limit.

[The Lone Ranger]

So Sam has been betraying the old couple, eh? Yes.

[Narrator]

I wondered why Gates told us to put the cars for his cattle in

[The Lone Ranger]

the same place as usual.

[Narrator]

I wrote and reminded him he could have the cars run up on the

[The Lone Ranger]

spur, save a lot of driving. Chances are he never even saw your

[Narrator]

letter one we pull cats by Juniper. I'd like to find a way to give Kester the short end of the stick.

[The Lone Ranger]

I think it can be done.

[Narrator]

How's that?

[The Lone Ranger]

Kester's going to ask you to let him use the cars.

[Narrator]

I'll tell that.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, wait.

[Narrator]

Huh?

[The Lone Ranger]

You'll tell him just what I ask you to tell him. I wish I could see behind that mask.

[Narrator]

You got a mighty convincing way about you, stranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thanks, Mr. Field. Now here's the way you'll handle this man Kester.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger covered a great deal of ground in the next few days. He first returned to Bart Gates and had a lengthy talk with the old man. Afterwards, he rode from the valley to a nearby town and found a man whom he could trust. Then one night he went to the bunk house and.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sam, I want to speak to you. The rest of you stay where you are. Your foreman I want to speak to.

[Narrator]

Look here. Put down them shooting.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on. Stand the door tto watch and make sure that no one else leaves the bunk house. I don't want my talk with Sam to be interrupted. Time to watch him.

[Narrator]

What do you want with me?

[The Lone Ranger]

Just this. You've got until morning to get out of here and take all of your men with you. Where are you? I'm serious about that. Sam Gates is wise to all that you've been going and doing. He has men from town coming here to take your places. They're coming with Dick Stebbins. I guess you know that Dick's been looking For a job for a long time. And he'll fight to get and hold this one.

[Narrator]

You got nothing to do with it. Where's Gates? I ain't taking orders from you. What's more, you can't fire me till I'm paid off.

[The Lone Ranger]

You've already had more pay than you're entitled to. I'll tell you just what's happening. And you can stay around here if you think it would be wise.

[Narrator]

What's happening tonight?

[The Lone Ranger]

The cars near the Kester Ranch are being moved.

[Narrator]

And what about it?

[The Lone Ranger]

They're not being moved east, though. They're being brought here down the spur. What? To be loaded with Bart Gates cattle.

[Narrator]

But them cars, Caster. Well, that is.

[The Lone Ranger]

Personally, I'd like to see you stay here. But look here. If Kester and Gates as well as Vic Stens against you, that'd be something to see.

[Narrator]

Who are you anyhow?

[The Lone Ranger]

You've double crossed a man who trusted you. If I were you, I'd leave. And you'd better take all of your men with you.

[Narrator]

They'll be safe. That same night, an engine backed into the long string of cattle cars near the Kester ranch. Kester watched the operation and congratulated himself.

[The Lone Ranger]

Here we go. My kettle head lease for market. I'll never get over laughing the way we put it over an old Gates.

[Narrator]

Hey, boy. The Choo Choo don't seem heading right, does it? Them cars is going to the spur. See them?

[The Lone Ranger]

The spur?

[Narrator]

Yeah. They're being shunted right down toward the Gates outfit.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hold on. They can't do that. All our livestock is loaded.

[Narrator]

Yep, I loaded. I'm going to stop him. Don't know how you can.

[The Lone Ranger]

Where's the agent? I've got to see him.

[Narrator]

Wait. Stop that train.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hold on there. You wait. Make me want to talk. Who are you? What are you doing here?

[Narrator]

Go to Gates Ranch.

[The Lone Ranger]

Who says?

[Narrator]

You. Gates want to talk, you go see him in the morning, huh?

[The Lone Ranger]

You find Choo Choo there.

[Narrator]

The cars rolled slowly on through the night. At daybreak, Bart Gates looked from his window. There he is, Ma. The Lone Ranger's there and waiting. He's got the rig all hitched up and ready for me.

[Mrs. Gates]

But I do hope things work out as you planned.

[Narrator]

As I plan? Taint my doing. Ma, it's a lone Ranger. Sakes alive, the way I've been double crossed by them orner hands we had here. But you wait. Things is gonna be different.

[The Lone Ranger]

Are you ready, Bart?

[Narrator]

Ready is a word. What about the cattle cars?

[The Lone Ranger]

They're on the spur. The Edge of your land. They're waiting for you. Oh, there's Mr. Veal.

[Narrator]

Hi there, Veal.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Mark.

[Narrator]

This is going to be a day to see time a coming bye more. And now let's get going, Fields. You're going to see a mighty surprise man in a little while. Oh, will Tester be there?

[The Lone Ranger]

He'll be there, you may be sure of. See here.

[Narrator]

What are these cattle cars doing here? Ah, these here cars were sent to this fur for the Gates line start. That's it, you see.

[The Lone Ranger]

All herded and ready for loading.

[Narrator]

You want cars, we'll arrange it for you. Taking the time though?

[The Lone Ranger]

A couple of weeks. Now look here. Not going to be bluffed out of my rights. You told me, I suppose of these

[Narrator]

cars were for Gates's stock. And if you wanted to take a chance on using, that was up to you. Well, now we've got to order more cars for you because Gates is going to use them. That's simple enough, ain't it? Glad to see you, Kester. Open the cars up boys.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll start load now which Those cars are loaded.

[Narrator]

Loaded? Well, they can't be loaded, can they, Mr. Field? I don't see how anyone would be foolish enough to load cars was to be sent here. You ain't buying stock, are you? G. Why, of course not. I had my stock put on board

[The Lone Ranger]

with the understanding of the train with

[Narrator]

to take it easy. I don't know where you get such notion. You better get the critters unloaded, Caster. And do it PR because if you don't, I'll have to file a claim again. You for using railroad property for storage.

[The Lone Ranger]

This is a trick. Ain't you planted this way just to

[Narrator]

make it inconvenient for me? Where's your foreman?

[The Lone Ranger]

Where's Sam?

[Narrator]

I'll talk to him.

[The Lone Ranger]

You'll have to go fast and far to catch him.

[Narrator]

Caster.

[The Lone Ranger]

What? You.

[Narrator]

I seen you before.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, at your ranch. I saw you and Sam together there. Where is Sam? He's gone. His friends have left with him.

[Narrator]

I found out, Caster, that I couldn't count on my hired hand. So I cleaned him out.

[The Lone Ranger]

I guess Sam was afraid that these new hands would be given orders to tar and feather him. Tor and feather him myself. He might be aware of that too. You see, if he hadn't bungled things would have been no trouble. What he should have told Gates in the first place that this spur was available for him to use. If you'd done that, there would have been none of this.

[Narrator]

Only thing I can see Caster, is that you will unload your stock. I can't unload it myself. No? I reckon you'll have to have help.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, I'll go get my men.

[Narrator]

That'll take some time. It'll set me back in doing my own loading.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, what's your suggestion?

[Narrator]

I'll have my men move the livestock for you. Where'd you want it? Up on your own range, where it come from?

[The Lone Ranger]

Of course. Where do you think I want it?

[Narrator]

Fair enough. We'll put it there for you. And we won't charge a dime for the handling of it. Now, you can't say that ain't fair and square, can you?

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, no. After all, Gates, maybe you did have reason to work out a grudge.

[Narrator]

Me?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm just a businessman.

[Narrator]

After all that, I ain't got no grudge. I'm just a businessman my own self. Shucks, you ain't done nothing.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm glad you feel that way. Sure I do.

[Narrator]

Fact is, I'd likely have done the same as you if I'd have thought of it. The card was there and you didn't figure I'd be using them. It was the most natural thing in the world for you to take them over.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, if you'll tell the men to take orders from me, I'll handle the unloading. I'll send you men back here as soon as the cattle is back on my land.

[Narrator]

Fair enough. How many heads you got there?

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, 5,000 head.

[Narrator]

Sizable stock, ain't it? It is. Now, let me see. 5,000 head at a dollar each comes to $5,000. That's right, ain't it? What drip? That's right. $5,000. Now, if you got the cash with you, I'll take it. If you ain't, I'll take it. In livestock, we can figure out how many critters it takes to make that much cash. And you can turn them over to me for what? Five thousand up. What are you talking about? Go on, Mr. Caster. You mean to say you figured on cross my land for nothing? Where you. A month ago I'd have said sure thing and there'd be nothing to it. But you sure showed me what rights a man in this part of the country has. It ain't good business to give something for nothing. You taught me that

[The Lone Ranger]

very Chevy.

[Narrator]

I wouldn't have had any idea how much to charge for letting a cow set foot on my land. A dollar must be a fair price, though, because you're a good businessman and you fixed that surprise.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, Gates, you've got me.

[Narrator]

Got you? I don't savvy. I'm only doing business according to your rules. We had our own ways of doing things till you come here and showed us where we was all wrong. I'd suggest that you make a quick decision too, Kester. Oh, wait, stranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

I got ideas where Gates learn so much. You post them on what to do now. Let us stand, won't you? Not yet. Kester got me where he wants me. And he's going to rub it in until it hurts.

[Narrator]

I don't blame Gates.

[The Lone Ranger]

Isn't a businessman, caster. Not according to the way you deal. He's doing all right just the same. Perhaps instead of having Gates change from a Western rancher whose policy is to work hard and trust his fellow men. You're the one that should change me. Why don't you forget what the law gives you in the way of rights and try to change your method to the way things are done out here? This is a country where men have to depend on each other.

[Narrator]

I've learned Elysium thought I was smart. Well, I'm not.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm just so smart that I've done myself out of a nice lot of cattle.

[Narrator]

Oh, shucks. Kissed her. I don't want none of your cattle. They don't have a cash. Don't want that neither. Ain't hurting my land none to run your cattle across it. You go on for home and do some thinking. What do you mean? I can wait a couple of weeks to ship my cattle. Yours is all loaded in my car, so we'll let her roll. You order some cars for me and see that I get help in loading them with my stock. And we'll call things square.

[The Lone Ranger]

Do you mean to say you're. You're doing that for me?

[Narrator]

We're neighbors, ain't we?

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, I never. If you mean after what I tried

[Narrator]

to do to you yesterday. The whole thing was cleaned up by the Lonely Ranger. That's him there with the mask. You'll hear more about him when you've been here longer.

[The Lone Ranger]

I have heard of the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

My first notion was to go gunning for you. He changed that. He said that you'd make a doggone good man to have here in the west once you learned how we do things.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, take my word for it.

[Narrator]

I have learned. Good. It's better to make a good businessman into a good neighbor than to make a bad neighbor into one that's even worse and harboring a grudge besides. Now, ain't it? Yes. It is.

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[Narrator]

Sam.

[The Lone Ranger]

The story you have just heard is

[Narrator]

a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.

[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 YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands Steve and Tom 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 copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

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