Claim of Death | The Lone Ranger (10-09-50)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode Title: Claim of Death | The Lone Ranger (10-09-50)
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: April 2, 2025

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Introduction

In this thrilling episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rines transports listeners back to the golden age of radio with a reimagined and digitally restored rendition of The Lone Ranger's classic adventure, "Claim of Death." Enhanced with rich audio quality, this episode breathes new life into the timeless tales of the Wild West, capturing every nuanced sound from the creak of a saloon door to the rhythmic thundering of hooves.

Plot Summary

Discovery of Gold

The story unfolds in the rugged terrains of the Western United States, where two prospectors, Davy Fletcher and Otto Johnson, discover a significant gold vein deep within a cave. [04:07] Fletcher exclaims, "Look at that vein, will you? Look at it. It's all gold. Solid all the way." Their excitement is palpable as they anticipate the wealth that their discovery promises.

The Cedar City Conflict

Venturing to Dorado City to file their claim before sundown, tensions rise as the town, once thriving, deteriorates under the influence of the nefarious Diamond Jack Cooper. The community begins to suffer as Cooper and his gang move in, disrupting the peace and order maintained by the honest Sheriff Lofty Logan. [05:04] The Lone Ranger observes, "It's becoming one of the worst [towns]... Even with a sheriff as honest and fearless as Lofty Logan."

Confrontation and Deception

As Otto deals with logistical hurdles in Dorado City, Cooper schemes to sabotage their claim. He orchestrates a plan involving his lieutenant, Pinto Wilson, to eliminate Fletcher and frame Otto, ensuring Cooper's monopolistic control over the gold-rich region. [09:35] Cooper manipulates Blackie Hampel, stating, "He'll use Otto's gun to kill Davy," revealing his intent to cover his tracks.

Lone Ranger’s Intervention

The Lone Ranger, ever vigilant, uncovers Cooper's malicious plot. Demonstrating his resourcefulness, he replaces Pinto's bullets with blanks, thwarting Cooper's attempt to murder Fletcher. [11:18] The Ranger explains, "We can't let that happen... I'll try to arrange things so Fletcher is shot with blank cartridges." This act of bravery is pivotal in exposing Cooper's deceit.

Resolution

The climax sees the Lone Ranger confronting Cooper in Dorado City. Armed with evidence and backed by Sheriff Logan, Cooper's criminal activities are laid bare. A heated showdown ensues, culminating in Cooper's arrest and the restoration of justice in Dorado City. [21:06] The Ranger asserts, "I want to hear what the stranger has to say," ensuring that Cooper faces the consequences of his actions.

Notable Quotes

• Davy Fletcher ([04:07]): "Look at that vein, will you? Look at it. It's all gold. Solid all the way."

• Lone Ranger ([05:04]): "It's becoming one of the worst [towns]... Even with a sheriff as honest and fearless as Lofty Logan."

• Diamond Jack Cooper ([09:35]): "He'll use Otto's gun to kill Davy."

• Lone Ranger ([11:18]): "We can't let that happen... I'll try to arrange things so Fletcher is shot with blank cartridges."

• Lone Ranger ([21:06]): "I want to hear what the stranger has to say."

Conclusion

"Claim of Death" exemplifies the quintessential Western narrative, blending suspense, heroism, and moral integrity. The Lone Ranger's unwavering commitment to justice not only saves his friends but also restores peace to a troubled town. Andrew Rines' dedication to digital restoration ensures that this episode resonates with both long-time fans and new listeners, celebrating the enduring legacy of The Lone Ranger. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer to old-time radio dramas, this episode offers an immersive and captivating journey into the heart of the Wild West.

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Listen to more episodes and relive the adventures of legendary Western heroes by subscribing to otrwesterns.com.

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 absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

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

[Lone Ranger]

O Silver the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

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[Lone Ranger]

Special recording the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

It would take a whole shelf full of spices and special flavorings if your mom started out to make a honey spice on her own. And lots of extra work, too. But with Betty Crocker's wonderful Honey Spice cake mix, everything she needs is right there in the package, all blended and ready to go. All she has to do is add water and two fresh eggs. M and what a cake. Why, a great big Betty Crocker Honey Spice Cake disappears in nothing flat around our house. You just can't stop eating it. And I know once your family finds out how good Betty Crocker Honey Spice Cake is, they'll make quick work of everyone your mom turns out. But she won't mind. They're quick work for her, too. So easy to bake. And they always turn out perfect. Betty Crocker promises that. So have mom put Betty Crocker Honey Spice Cake on her grocery list today, huh? You'll be glad she did. And so will your whole family. With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the daring and resourceful mask rider of the Plains led the fight for law and order in the early Western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear.

[Lone Ranger]

From out of the past come the.

[Narrator]

Thundering hoofbeats of the great Horn of Silver.

[Lone Ranger]

The Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver, let's go. We fell. I'll Silver.

[Narrator]

Prospector Davy Fletcher, white haired and weather beaten, used short, frenzied strokes as he chopped at the wall of the cave.

[Lone Ranger]

Otto, look at that vein, will you? Look at it. It's all gold. Solid all the way. Look at it.

[Narrator]

His partner, Otto Johnson, wiped the cold perspiration from his florid face and tried not to show the excitement that shone in his mild blue eyes.

[Lone Ranger]

Davy, I. I'm looking.

[Narrator]

We're rich.

[Lone Ranger]

After all these years, we've struck it rich.

[Narrator]

Outside the cave, more than an hour later, Otto Johnson prepared to leave for Dorado City. Davy Fletcher squinted at the sun frown.

[Lone Ranger]

The sun starting on the down path. Otto better hustle if you're going to get to town and file that claim before sundown. I'll go as fast as Wilhelm will take me daily. Don't worry. I'll be back. Are you ready, Wilhelm? Now come on then. We go to town and get rich.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Toto had camped in a thickly wooded section near the main trail into Dorado City. Tata was looking down on the trail before taking off for the town himself.

[Lone Ranger]

Imasabi Fat man down on trail have bad time with Dunky? I think maybe. Let me air those field glasses, will you please, Taro? Thank you.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger appeared through his glasses and studied the man and beast limping along the trail.

[Lone Ranger]

As I thought that figure looked familiar. $Johnson. Me know him. Him? Man who dig for gold always and find nothing always. That's Otto all right. I imagine he and his partner, Davy Fletcher have chased more rainbows than any other prospectors in these parts. Donkey seem to have bad foot. Me think maybe we might help. No, I doubt it. Otto. Otto Johnson is a kind hearted man. He wouldn't have taken the beast on the trail if it were seriously hurt. I see he's resting it now and tending it's who? Ah, me take back trail to town then. Oh, Tano. Yes, Kimasabi Tuno. While you're in town, I think it might be a good idea to do some more checking on Jack Cooper. Me think same thing, Kimasabe. Now you say I be good. Me do it. Sure. The Radio City was becoming one of the most thriving cities in the west. Until Cooper and his men moved in now. It plenty bad town. Yes, it's becoming one of the worst. Even with a sheriff as honest and fearless as Lofty Logan. Sheriff him go to San Felipe for prisoner? Yes, you told me that yesterday. TTO Easy, scout.

[Narrator]

Easy, Scout.

[Lone Ranger]

Steady, Scout. Steady. Meet it back late, Kimabi. Get up, Scout.

[Narrator]

The registration office and essay office were both closed when Otto Johnson arrived in Dorado City. That evening, he placed Wilhelm the donkey in a veterinarian's care. And now, late that night, he walked along the street.

[Lone Ranger]

I should be celebrating, and instead I must walk the streets alone.

[Narrator]

His lips were firm and his eyes looked straight ahead. But after a while, his steps wavered. It almost instinctively led him into Diamond Jack Cooper's Cafe Foreign. Two hours passed. Diamond Jack Cooper's lieutenant Pinto Wilson, sat in the closed office with his boss. From time to time, they glanced at the small nuggets of pure gold on the table as they listened to Blackie Hampel's story. Finally, the bartender reached his climax.

[Lone Ranger]

Johnson got so oiled up, he finally told me everything. Where they found the gold and how. Davy Fletcher's waiting back there at the keep now, guarding a place till Otto files a claim. Otto's not gonna file a claim, boys. You know that. I guessed at it, boss, as soon as he told me he was too late to do it today when I put those knockout drops in his drink, dragged him into the barrel room. Pino helped me. That's right, boss. He's in there now, dead to the world. Who saw you drag him in there? Just a few boys here in the bar where he was standing. Our boys, boss. No outsiders. But how are you? Hey, who's that? Like to run out here? Who'd you see? Nobody. Now, I could have sworn, though, I saw somebody at the window while we was talking. Where is he? I don't know. Only one I see is that engine across the road leaning against the hitching post. We're seeing things, Pino. Come on back inside and tell the boss he's going to be sold.

[Narrator]

Tottle, who had been lounging against the hitching post, waited for about five minutes. Then he moved. With unbelievable swiftness, he sped across the street, blended magically into the shadows, and walked almost noiselessly to a spot beneath the window in Diamond Jack Cooper's office. Inside, Blackie Hampel returned from the barrel room where he had emptied the pockets of the still unconscious Otto Johnson.

[Lone Ranger]

Now, Blackie, give us Johnson's map, the one he was going to use for filing his claim. Show Pinto the spot where that cave is located.

[Narrator]

Pinto studied the map closely and put it aside after a few minutes.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, here's Otto's gun, Pinnell. You want him to use this to kill Davey, don't you, boss? Sure. You gotta have that as part of the evidence to hang the fat fella in the morning. 45, huh? Get a nice feel to it, Pineau. Remember what I told you. Without your gun, you go into that cave where Fletcher is. He's gotta believe your story. Get him away from there before you kill him. Now, let's get it straight from first to last. While you're taking the trail to Davy Fletcher, Pinto Blackie will sneak out of out of the barrel.

[Narrator]

Seconds after Jack Cooper had repeated his plans to Pinto and Blackie, the shadows draping the rear of his cafe melted and the form of an Indian emerged. He sped to the end of the street, dashed into a clearing among some trees, and vaulted onto his horse. Then he turned the horse toward the trail that led him to the hills. Toddle galloped back to the spot overlooking the trail where the Lone Ranger was camped. The masked man listened grimly as his Indian companion finished the plot he had overheard outside Diamond Jack Cooper's window.

[Lone Ranger]

So Cooper is going to have Davy Fletcher killed, huh? And in the morning, he's going to incite a mob to hang Johnson before Sheriff Logan gets back to town. That plan he make, he must have it. You say the gun Pinto is going to use to kill Davy Otto Johnson gun is a.45. Me hear him say that? A Nisi gun through windows. Good. Then let's make some plans of our own. Are still.45s among those blanks we have in my kit? Yes, Kimasabe. Be sure let me get him.

[Narrator]

Picked up a large leather pouch resting against a tree near the horses. He opened the kit in the light of the dying fire on the ground. Then he withdrew an assortment of bullets, selecting six of the same caliber.

[Lone Ranger]

Here. Blank wallet you want. Oh, thank you, Otto. Jack Cooper can't be exposed unless Davy Fletcher is shot. We can't let that happen. But we want to get Cooper dead to rights. I will try to arrange things so Fletcher is shot with blank cartridges. Our problem will be to get those blanks into Cooper's gun and let Fletcher know what we're doing. Hello. Do you think I can find the cave where Fletcher's hiding? It's not far from here. Kimasabe, you come to brook like me say you find cave easy. All right. I'll set out once. Then you keep those bullets. Taro, watch for this Pin o Wilson on the main trail, me follow Kimasabi and do like you say. Be sure you remain near the spot where he intends to kill Fletcher. You've got to scare him away before he investigates his work. Me? No, me do it good. And I'll get going with the ridge trail and ride to Davy Fletcher easy. Ready, big fella? All right, big fella.

[Narrator]

We'll continue our Lone Ranger adventure in just a moment. When Bill's at bath, the kids all.

[Lone Ranger]

Shout, you can't strike that slugger out.

[Narrator]

He gets a hipp because he knows.

[Lone Ranger]

He'S got Go power from Cheerios. Yes, he's got go power. There he goes. He's feeling his Cheerios. Cheerios.

[Narrator]

Cheerios, sure, Cheerios. The cereal that's fun to eat because it's shaped like little letter O's. The only ready to eat oat cereal with this fresh toasted oat flavor. And listen, every delicious spoonful of Cheerios and milk is real muscle building food. Each spoonful contains vitamins, minerals and proteins your body needs. Yes, the good things in a Cheerios breakfast do good things for your body. Help you have healthy nerves, good red blood, strong bones and muscles. Yes, Cheerios is made to give you real go power. So every morning get going and keep going with Cheerios. Then you'll hear people say, he's feeling his Cheerios. Now to continue. The Lone Ranger found Davy Fletcher in the cave. The bewildered prospector was dubious at first. But as the Lone Ranger outlined the plot against Fletcher's life, the old man became convinced.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, stranger, it sounds mighty peculiar what you just told me. But if Pinto Wilson's mixed up in it like you say, it could be true. He's a bad one. So if he comes here like you say he will, I'll do just what you told me. I'll make believe I'm hopeful.

[Narrator]

From a path above, running parallel with the main trail, Tato had followed Pinto Wilson from the moment the Batman passed below the Lone Rangers encampment. Let me turn you here for a while. Toto dismounted and watched Wilson in a clearing near the brook that crossed the trail. At that point, the man removed his gun holster and placed it on a tree stump. Then he mounted his horse again and rode upward, following the path of the brook. Holding six.45 caliber bullets in his hand, Toto started down the embankment to the tree stumped and the gun which Wilson had left in the holster.

[Lone Ranger]

There.

[Narrator]

There. He removed the bullets from Pinto's gun and replaced them with the blanks. A short time later, Leaving his horse outside, Pinto Wilson, his clothes disarranged and pretending great stress and fear, staggered into the cave. The Lone Ranger had left for Dorado City a short time before, but it was a secretly confident Dave Fletcher who reacted to Pinto's performance.

[Lone Ranger]

Who's that there? You, get your hands up.

[Narrator]

Pinto's voice held an exaggerated tremor.

[Lone Ranger]

Now, don't shoot. Don't shoot, Davy. I've come for you. Otto sent me to bring you to him.

[Narrator]

Pinto, intent on his role, was unconscious of how readily Davy Fletcher sided in with him. Davy placed his gun in his pocket and went up to the man anxiously.

[Lone Ranger]

Otto sent you? Otto. Mister, has something happened to Otto? Well, don't stand there. Tell me. He's been shot, Davy. Now look, I. I got my horse outside. I'll take it to him. It's not too far. A couple of miles from here along the brook. Then let's get to him, mister. Let's get to him. Come on. Will you hurry? Yeah, I'm coming. I' Ho. Ho, ho.

[Narrator]

Pinto. Wilson and Davy Fletcher dismounted on the trail. Pinto, forging ahead about 10ft, led the way to the spot where his gun holster lay on the tree stump. He snatched the gun from the leather as Davey, following the Lone Ranger's advice, remained four or five strides behind.

[Lone Ranger]

Where's Otto? I don't see Otto.

[Narrator]

Pinto Wilson turned quickly, his gun pointing at Davey Fletcher.

[Lone Ranger]

You're not gonna see Otto. You're gonna die.

[Narrator]

Davey turned and started to run away from the trailer.

[Lone Ranger]

Hey, you won't get away, Davy.

[Narrator]

Davy Fletcher pretend as he saw a horse against the night sky 100 yards away.

[Lone Ranger]

Don't. Don't shoot me.

[Narrator]

Pinto stopped and fired point blank at the prospector.

[Lone Ranger]

What a prize sucker you are.

[Narrator]

As Davy fell to the ground, Pinto saw the horse in the distance. There was an Indian riding it. Quickly he turned and ran to the tree stump. He picked up the holster. Then, carrying that and the empty gun, he ran to the trail and leaped on his horse.

[Lone Ranger]

Get going, boy. We gotta get out of here. Get it, boy.

[Narrator]

Come on, get it into Wilson, panicky, streaked his horse toward Dorado City. The Lone Ranger, on arriving in Dorado City, had found Jack Cooper's cafe and let himself in a side door. When the place had closed, he sought out the barrel room where Otto Johnson was held captive. At daybreak, he leaped behind one of the barrels. When a key was heard in the lock on the door, Blackie smirked as he saw Otto move slightly.

[Lone Ranger]

Coming too, huh? Good. I can make a walk out into the woods. Then before People get stunned. Stand up. I said stand up. We're going out in the woods and do some wading. I'll be waiting with you. Blackie. What? Drop that gun. Drop it quick or I'll look strange.

[Narrator]

I'm not a gunman.

[Lone Ranger]

I don't like guns. Whatever you say. I say help Otto off the floor and take him where you're supposed to take him. Sure, sure, I'll do that. I'll tell you there what I want you to do if you don't. Go on. Go with him, Otto.

[Narrator]

The two men, one trembling, the other dizzy, staggered out the door into the street. A street completely deserted and still enveloped in the gray blanket of morning. As the two men headed for the woods, the lone ranger, proceeding cautiously, was never far behind. Pinto Wilson, aided by members of Cooper's gang, had swept through the town with a story of wanton killing. Now, as the sun came up in the sky, the angry mob was listening to Pinto speak from the porch of a main street building. And then, as if it had been planned, Pinto Wilson looked toward the edge of the woods and saw an undoubtedly semi conscious Otto Johnson staggering toward them.

[Lone Ranger]

Look, there's Johnson. There's the killer. Now there's the one who shot Davy Fletcher in cold blood without giving him a chance.

[Narrator]

Bird on. The mob set off to grab Otto Johnson. Cooper watched them rush at Otto, who stood shaking beneath a tree. Then, puzzled, he turned to the triumphant Pinto. Wilson.

[Lone Ranger]

Where's Blackie? I thought Blackie was supposed to make believe he found him. It doesn't matter, boss. Look, they've got Johnson. Come on, let's be there while they string him. Doesn't even know what's happening.

[Narrator]

The Cooper led Mob stood around A.O. johnson, whose terror was now real. He dropped the mask of grogginess and started to protest.

[Lone Ranger]

Please, please, you must let me talk. Please, you must let me. This is an awful thing you would do to an innocent man. Innocent? I saw you shoot Davy Fletcher. That's right. You saw that Fintel Wilson. Yeah, and don't try to deny it. Well, I'll deny it.

[Narrator]

The crowd turned in dumb surprise as they heard the voice of Davy Fletcher. He stood on a barrel between a masked man and an Indian.

[Lone Ranger]

Look, it's Davy Fletcher. He's not dead. That's Fletcher. Yeah, I'm Davy Fletcher, all right. And it wasn't Otto who emptied his gun at me. It was him. Pinto Wilson. That's a lie. I didn't. Pinto, you fool, what did you do? Yep, he tried to kill me. So's he could blame it on Otto. But why? I'll tell. So as Diamond Jack Cooper could steal the mime Mianotto located in the hills. Cooper. What? Cooper did this? Hey, look at him.

[Narrator]

AHU joined in the accusation.

[Lone Ranger]

That is true. His bartender, Blackie Hempel, talked me and held me prisoner in Cooper's cafe. That's a lie. These men are. No, it's not a lie, Cooper. You did. It's what you've done before in the past. Robbing honest men, stealing their claims. Who are you? A liar. A man and a man. I'll get in.

[Narrator]

The ranger's gun shot Pinto's wrist before he could pull the trigger of his revol.

[Lone Ranger]

Keep your hands free too, Cooper. Don't make move for gun away. Look, riding this way, Lofty Logan. The sheriff? Yes, and his deputies. Let them listen while I tell you all you need to know. Blackie Hamper will confirm everything I say. Blackie Hamper? Yes. Won't you, Blackie?

[Narrator]

The ranger fingered his gun as Blackie slunk from behind the great horse. Silver.

[Lone Ranger]

Arrest this man. Arrest him, Sheriff.

[Narrator]

Lofty Logan studied the scene motion his deputies mildly and smiled coldly at Cooper.

[Lone Ranger]

No, I won't.

[Narrator]

Cooper.

[Lone Ranger]

I want to hear what the stranger has to say. Go ahead, sir. Thank you, sheriff.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger told the entire plot against the lives and property of Davy Fletcher and Otto Johnson. Then he enumerated previous unsolved murders and crimes traceable to Diamond Jack Cooper. He backed up his horse as he ended.

[Lone Ranger]

All the things I've told you can be proved by Fletcher and Johnson and Blackie Hampel. Is that true? Hampel? You testify in court against Cooper. Yes, Sheriff. I'll prove stuff too. Oh, no, you won't. Hey, watch out. Cooper's gonna shoot that. Hey. He hit Cooper. The masked man did it again. Grab Cooper boy. All right, now stand back, everybody. Right. Deputies will arrest those men. All right, man. Arrest Cooper. When you banish his wrist, rest Pinto, Wilson and everyone else who joined in that lynch mob. Come on, get over here.

[Narrator]

As the deputies arrest Cooper Pinto and the gang, Otto Johnson joined Davy Fletcher, who was telling his story to Sheriff Logan.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, sir. And the only reason I didn't die was because the masked man's friend put blank bullets in the gun Pinto used to shoot me. That was the trick that saved us and made all this possible. Thanks to that man who wears the mask. Him and that engine. Sheriff, you. You let him talk there before and didn't even try to stop him. Did you know who he was? Why, of course.

[Narrator]

I wanted to hear the truth he.

[Lone Ranger]

Was bound to bring out. He's disappeared now. Do you mean to say you didn't know who that man was? No. Should I? He saved your life, didn't he? Yeah, of course you should. That's the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, is produced by Trendall Campbell Muir Incorporated. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer, your announcer, Fred Foy. Listen to the Lone Ranger, brought to you by Special Recording Mondays through Fridays at this same time.

[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 the following ranch hand, Steve 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 copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to odds trwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.