Claws of Death | The Lone Ranger (03-17-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns: Claws of Death | The Lone Ranger (03-17-52)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date of Release: September 29, 2025
Original Air Date: March 17, 1952

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Episode Overview

In this digitally restored episode from "The Lone Ranger," the peace between cattle and sheep ranchers in the foothills of the Sacramento Mountains is shattered by mysterious livestock killings and a series of horse thefts. When suspicion falls on Lee Comstock’s beloved dog Duke, and then on the rival sheepmen, it sets the stage for a tale of accusation, misunderstanding, and ultimately justice—delivered with the Lone Ranger’s signature blend of courage and wisdom. The story is not only a classic western adventure but also a lesson in not rushing to judgment and the value of community harmony.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Insights

1. Conflict Between Ranches

• Setting: Sacramento Mountains; two main ranches—Comstock (cattle) and Kinney (sheep) (04:00–04:18)
• Inciting Incident: Sheep rancher’s lambs found killed, suspicion falls on Lee’s dog, Duke, due to large dog tracks.
• Dialogue:
  • Josh Kinney: “We lost three lambs last night… Len has reason to believe they were killed by that dog of yours.” (06:06)
  • Hank Comstock: “Well, that doesn't prove Lee's dog did it. If that's all you come here to tell me, you might as well get back to your filthy sheep…" (06:32)
• Escalation: Josh Kinney threatens to have his men “shoot that Great Dane on sight” if found on their land.

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2. Lee’s Connection With His Dog and Father’s Ultimatum

• Scene: Lee pleads his dog’s innocence to his father.
  • Lee: “Golly, Dad, I don't believe it. Duke wouldn't do a thing like that. I know he wouldn't.” (07:12)
  • Hank: “If I find out he did do such a thing, I'll shoot him myself. You understand?” (07:17)
• Emotional Tone: Doubt, frustration, and the threat of loss hang over Lee as he tries to prove Duke’s innocence.

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3. Lone Ranger and Tonto Enter the Scene

• Introduction with Lee:
  • Lone Ranger on his mask: “That’s so real outlaws can't recognize me when I help capture them.” (08:14)
  • Lone Ranger: “Perhaps he knows I like dogs. Here, Duke.” (08:24)
• Advice & Comfort:
  • Lone Ranger: “The best way to be sure, Lee, is to make certain Duke can't get out at night. Then no one can accuse him.” (08:54)
  • Tension between Lee’s desire for the colt and fears about Duke’s fate.

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4. Horses Stolen—Complications Escalate

• Tonto’s News:
  • Tonto: “During night, some of Comstock's new horses stolen. Thieves driving down valley where wild herd leave plenty tracks…” (11:57)
  • Lone Ranger: “The situation is getting tense between Kinney and Comstock. Others may be drawn into a range war.” (12:18)
• Suspicions Shift: Comstock blames Kinney’s men for horse theft following the dog accusation.

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5. Lee’s Ordeal—Lost in the Foothills

• Lee Sets Out: Determined to find his dog and the missing colt, Lee gets lost in the wild hills (13:40–15:06).
• Memorable moment:
  • Lee, exhausted: “I just can't go any further. I can't.” (14:39)
  • Narration: His fear and fatigue are palpable, adding emotional stakes.

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6. The Crooks’ Plot Revealed

• Canyon Confession:
  • Al: “I reckon we're the only ones who know the dog actually chased that mountain lion away from those sheep. The milling flock covered over the lion's tracks, but they found a few dog tracks and so the dog got blamed.” (17:34)
  • The real villain is revealed as a mountain lion, with the crooks using events to create suspicion and provide cover for stealing horses.

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7. Climactic Confrontation: Mountain Lion Attack

• Lee in Peril:
  • Lee, lost and alone, is threatened by a mountain lion.
  • Lee: “Help!” (19:43)
• Lone Ranger’s Heroics:
  • Shoots and wounds the lion, but is stunned by a fall; Silver (the horse) battles the lion to protect him.
  • Lone Ranger (awestruck): “Silver fighting the mountain lion.” (20:53)
  • Lee: “Silver saved you from the lion, mister.” (21:21)

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8. Resolution: Truth Uncovered and Peace Restored

• Kidnappers Caught: Lone Ranger and Tonto apprehend the real crooks and reclaim the stolen horses and colt (23:04).
• Clearing Duke’s Name:
  • Lone Ranger (logical deduction): “No, the dog was wounded and we found him unable to walk… All the killings must have been done by the mountain lion. He, in turn attracted the dog to the scene.” (25:36)
  • Hank Comstock (relieved and grateful): “By thunder, Mister, in spite of your mask, I'm thankful to you for saving my boy… That does put Duke in the clear.” (26:14)
• Apologies and Reconciliation:
  • Lone Ranger: “I'm sure you'll both take care not to be hasty in your accusations again. Being friendly will help both of you to prosper.” (26:49)

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9. Identity Revealed & The Lone Ranger’s Departure

• Lee’s Proud Moment:
  • Lee: “Look, Sheriff… he said you'd know what the mask meant if I showed you this silver bullet he gave me.” (27:38)
  • Sheriff (realization): “Silver bullet?… That he's the Lone Ranger.” (27:45)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Justice and Prejudice:
  • Lone Ranger: “The best way to be sure, Lee, is to make certain Duke can't get out at night. Then no one can accuse him.” (08:54)
• Lee’s Loyalty:
  • Lee: “Golly, Dad, I don't believe it. Duke wouldn't do a thing like that. I know he wouldn't.” (07:12)
• Clever Villainy:
  • Al: “The milling flock covered over the lion's tracks, but they found a few dog tracks and so the dog got blamed.” (17:38)
• Silver’s Heroic Fight:
  • Narration: “The great stallion reared and took the offensive by slashing at the lion with his front hooves…” (20:14)
• Triumphant Reveal:
  • Lee (showing the silver bullet): “Look, Sheriff… he said you'd know what the mask meant if I showed you this silver bullet…” (27:38)

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Key Timestamps

• Conflict and Accusation (04:00–07:24)
• Lone Ranger Meets Lee (08:01–09:31)
• Horses Stolen & Tensions Rise (11:34–12:33)
• Lee Sets Out and Gets Lost (13:40–15:06)
• Crooks Reveal Plan (17:24–18:29)
• Mountain Lion Attack and Rescue (19:43–21:25)
• Capture of the Thieves (23:04–23:42)
• Resolution and Reconciliation (25:10–27:45)
• Identity Reveal (27:38–27:45)

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Tone and Language

The story is narrated with classic Western drama and suspense, with direct, earnest dialogue reflecting the values of justice, fairness, and community. The interplay between suspicion and vindication delivers moral lessons as relevant now as in the original broadcast era.

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Conclusion

“Claws of Death” delivers an engaging mystery that shows how assumptions and accusations can spiral out of control—and how the courage to seek truth and forgive can bring reconciliation. With thrilling action, heartfelt moments, and the wisdom of the Lone Ranger, this digitally restored classic continues to resonate.

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Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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.

[C]

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi O. Silver the Lone Ranger. With his faithful Indian companion, Tottle, 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 hoofbeats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[A]

Come on, Silver, let's go. Big fellow, are you Silver?

[D]

Away.

[C]

In the foothills of the Sacramento Mountains, many small ranchers had settled. The two largest ranches were those belonging to Hank Comstock, who raised cattle and horses, and Josh Kinney, who raised sheep. The bitter feeling that had at first existed between the two ranches had turned into indifferent tolerance. Though neither the ranchers nor their men were on friendly terms with one another, the bitterness broke out anew one morning when the sheep rancher's foreman entered the ranch house with a scowl on his face.

[A]

Morning, lamb. Sit down, have some coffee. Boss, have bad news for you. Three lambs were killed during the night. Three lambs? Killed? How? I'd say they were killed by that Great Dane owned by Hank Comstock's boy. I thunder if it was that dirty hound before I go accusing that dog. What makes you think he did it? Well, I found big dog tracks near where they were killed. The sheep tender out there last night heard a dog barking. That Great Dane is the only big dog in the neighborhood. Right? Come on, men. We're going over to Comstock place right now and see what he's going to do about it.

[C]

Meantime, Hank Comstock was at breakfast with his wife and 10 year old boy.

[A]

Lee. Lee, how many times do I have to tell you to keep that dog away from the table when we're eating.

[D]

Down, Duke. Go lie down. Duke was waiting at the back door when I opened it this morning. Lee, didn't you shut him up in the woodshed last night? Yes, Mom, I did.

[A]

Well, next time, make sure the door is closed tight, understand? I don't want him yowling around at night, disturbing the hands and all.

[D]

All right, dad. May I be excused now?

[A]

Yes, yes, you run along, son.

[D]

Come on, Duke. Come on. That Great Dane just worships the ground.

[A]

Lee.

[D]

Wolf, son, seems like you know, Lee's been a different boy since he got that dog.

[A]

Well, I reckon a dog is good for a boy at that. Well, I'm going back on the range. Look over those new horses I bought yesterday. One of the mares has a mighty fine black and white colt Lee might like to own. Take care of as soon as it's weaned.

[D]

Oh, Hank, Lee'll be mighty happy to own it.

[A]

Somebody coming. Let's see who it is.

[D]

All right.

[A]

Well, Josh, Kitty, what brings you and Len here? Nothing pleasant. You can figure on that. All right, get to the point. I haven't any time to waste. We lost three lambs last night. Len has reason to believe they were killed by that dog of yours. That's right. Now, wait a minute. Don't come here yapping about something you can't prove. The sheep tender heard a dog barking during the night out there, and Len found dog tracks. Well, that doesn't prove Lee's dog did it. That's all you come here to tell me. You might as well get back to your filthy sheep and let them. Well, I'm gonna tend to my own work. I might have known you'd talk that way, Hank Comstock. But I'm telling you, I'm giving my men orders to shoot that Great Dane on sight if he comes on our property. Come on, Lynn, let'.

[C]

After the two sheepmen had left, Hank called Lee into the house.

[D]

You want me, dad?

[A]

Yes, I do. Josh Kinney accuses that dog, yours, of killing some of his lambs. What have you to say to that?

[D]

Golly, Dad, I don't believe it. Duke wouldn't do a thing like that. I know he wouldn't.

[A]

Well, I'm not so sure, by Jiminy. If I find out he did do such a thing, I'll shoot him myself. You understand?

[D]

Yes, dad.

[A]

See these locked up every night like I told you? We have enough troubles it is with those sheep herders without having that dog bring more. Now, get him out of my sight and see that I get no more complaints.

[D]

Yes, dad. Come on, Dude.

[C]

Lee left the house with his dog and walked down to the ranch gate. Out by the trail, he sat on a boulder and scuffed his foot in the dirt as he stroked Duke's smooth coat. Suddenly the dog growled and barked as two horsemen approached.

[D]

Golly. Masked man and an Indian.

[A]

That's a fine dog you have there, son.

[D]

Well, I think so, mister. Are you outlaws?

[A]

No, we're not outlaws.

[D]

But you wear a mask.

[A]

That's so real outlaws can't recognize me when I help capture them.

[D]

Oh. Oh, look. Duke is wagging his tail as if he likes you.

[A]

Perhaps he knows I like dogs. Here, Duke.

[D]

He really does like you, mister. Funny, though. He doesn't like everybody he meets.

[A]

I think dogs have a way of knowing people who like them. What's your name, son?

[D]

Lee Comstock. I live him there.

[A]

I've heard of your father.

[D]

Dad is angry because the sheepman told him Duke killed some lambs last night. But I know he didn't.

[A]

I see. Was he out last night, Lee?

[D]

Well, he did get out of the shed where I keep him. But I'm sure Duke wouldn't kill lambs.

[A]

The best way to be sure, Lee, is to make certain Duke can't get out at night. Then no one can accuse him. That right? Is it because of what was said about your dog that caused you to sit there looking so sad just now?

[D]

Well, mostly I was thinking about something else. Mom told me just a while ago that dad was going to give me a black and white colt he bought with some other horses yesterday. Now maybe he'll change his mind.

[A]

I hope not. Lee.

[D]

I saw that colt yesterday. Gosh, he's a beauty. I reckon he'd grow up to be almost as nice looking as your horse or the Indians.

[A]

Why, of course. Well, we'll say goodbye now, Lee. Perhaps we'll see you again sometime.

[D]

Goodbye, mister. Goodbye, Indian.

[A]

Adios, fellow. Come on, get him up.

[C]

That night, the Lone Ranger and Tato made camp in a grove on a hillside. The moon shone brightly. They had rolled in their blankets in the shadows when they heard a thundering noise in the valley below. They got up and walked to the.

[A]

Edge of the grove that heard wild horses running through valley. Yes, Tonto? They're heading for the safety of the hills. Well, let's go back to the camp.

[C]

The two men once more rolled in their blankets. But only about an hour later they were again aroused by distant shots.

[A]

Hear those shots, Totto? We hear em. We'll saddle the horses and Go investigate quickly.

[C]

They saddled Silver and Scout, then started out in the direction from which the shots had seemed to come. As they rounded a bend in the trail, Totto's keen eye saw a figure lying beside the trail. As they approached, they heard a dog whine.

[A]

That dog beside trailer. The Great Dane that belonged to Lee Comstock. Him get flesh wound from bullet. Help me fix it.

[C]

The masked man and Indian carefully bandaged the wounded dog, who then tried to get to his feet but was too weak to stand.

[A]

It's all right, Duke. We'll take care of you. We'll take him back to our camp, Toto, until we find out what this is all about.

[C]

The following morning, Tonto went to town for supplies. When he returned at noon, he brought news.

[A]

Oh, scum. Oh, fellow, it's his gun. Easy, fella. Did you hear anything about the dog totter? Ah, them say sheep herder see dog near flock. Him shoot, but dog get way. Then him hear bleatin. When him go look, him find another lamb killed. But we know Duke couldn't have done that. That's right. And me hear something else, Kimasabe. Oh. Well, during night, some of Comstock's new horses stolen. Thieves driving down valley where wild herd leave plenty tracks, so them get way. That was smart. But Comstock blamed sheepmen. Him say them steal horses cause them think dog kill sheep. The situation is getting tense between Kinney and Comstock. Others may be drawn into a range war. That's right. We'll investigate. I'd like to find out who stole those horses and also who or what killed those lambs.

[C]

At noon at the Comstock ranch, the boy Lee again faced his angry father.

[A]

Lee, from what they say, they got the goods in that dog of yours. I told you to lock him up, make sure he couldn't get out of that shed.

[D]

I did lock him up, dad. But I found a loose board in the side of the shed where he got out. He didn't come back this time.

[A]

Well, good riddance. He's caused enough trouble. Because of him, you lost that black and white colt I was gonna give you, too. Those sheepman stole him along with the others.

[D]

Oh, golly. You shouldn't accuse Josh and his men of stealing those horses. After all, that's a serious charge.

[A]

Yes, and horse stealing's a serious business either. Sheriff's out with the posse scouring the hills trying to find him. I sure hope we do find him. Catch some of Josh's men red handed guarding them.

[D]

No, I haven't a dog or a colt either.

[A]

Well, it serves you right. Not gonna do any good going around blubbering about it. You're not responsible enough to have a dog or a colt.

[D]

When I find Duke and the cold, I'll take good care of him from now on. Poor little fellow's brokenhearted about losing both that dog and the cold. Hank.

[A]

Welly, you'll have to get over it, that's all. I'm going to ride over into the hills, find the Sheriff Nepossi. I want to be with them when and if they run down the thief and polecats. Who took those horses.

[C]

That afternoon, the boy, Lee, left the ranch house and headed for the hills. He was determined to find both his dog and the colt, which would have meant so much to him. After a time, he left the hot, dusty trail and climbed up the hillside, gradually going further into the wild foothills.

[D]

Here, Duke. Here, boy. He must be around here someplace. I just know he is here, Duke.

[C]

After a time, he gave up calling the dog. He was hot and thirsty and his short legs were weary. Finally, he reached the top of a rocky ridge and sat down to rest on a log.

[D]

I just can't go any further. I can't.

[C]

Tired by the constant walking and the long climb, Lee gradually dozed off. When he awoke, long shadows were deepening on the ridge and the hilltops around him. He realized it was almost sunset and got to his feet.

[D]

I have to get home. Golly, it'll soon be dark. I better hurry.

[C]

For a short time, he walked hurriedly in the direction he thought would take him home. Then, as he stopped to rest, he saw the same log.

[D]

That log. That's where I sat down before we lost those noises. Maybe wild animals up here. I. I have to find my way home. I have to get home.

[C]

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 now to continue. Intent on finding his dog and the stolen colt, the boy, Lee Comstock, had wandered into the rough foothills. As sundown approached, Lee became panicky as he realized he was lost. Meantime, in a small canyon not far away, two men who had camped under a ledge were preparing to break camp. Their riding horses already saddled, were ground hitched nearby, while five sleek horses and a colt grazed a short distance away.

[A]

Hey, hear that mountain lion, Wes? Yeah. We better keep a close watch of driving those horses toward the border tonight. He's not going to bother us when we're on the move, Al. Don't forget, he may be the same one that started the trouble between Comstock and Kenny over that dog. Yeah. I reckon we're the only ones who know the dog actually chased that mountain lion away from those sheep. The milling flock covered over the lion's tracks, but they found a few dog tracks and so the dog. So he got blamed. And it worked out again for us when the wild horses passed through so the tracks of Comstock's horses couldn't be found. You know, I didn't get the idea of grabbing those horses till I learned about the dog. I decided we could wait till those wild horses pass through the valley like they do so often, then steal Comstock's prize horses and let the sheepmen get the blame. You think they will get blamed? Sure. Comstock will think they did it to get back at him for protecting his dog. Those horses will bring a big price. Soon as the moon comes up, we'll start moving them.

[C]

The Lone Ranger and Toto had gone in the direction of the foothills in hopes of picking up the trail of the horse thieves. The herd of wild horses that roamed the territory complicated matters since the masked man and Indian had no particular marked trail to follow. Finally, at the base of a ridge, the two men pull to a stop.

[A]

Well, Toto, so far we haven't had much success. No, horse thieves have plenty. Good start, Kimasabe. True, but the logical thing would be for them to hide the stolen horses during the daytime and move on at night. That's why I hope to find them in these foothills. It isn't long until sundown. I suggest you go down about a mile and ride back along the ridge. From there, I'll take this trail up the ridge here and ride to meet you. Look in the canyons for the horses. Get him up, Scout. Come on, Zulu.

[C]

When he reached the top of the ridge, the Lone Ranger stopped and dismounted. Leaving Silver Ground Hitch, the masked man walked toward a cliff edge to look into the canyons below. He passed alongside a rocky peak, the sides of which were covered with jagged formations and ledges. Suddenly, he was startled by an unexpected happening.

[D]

Help.

[A]

Help.

[C]

The Lone Ranger swung around and it was then he saw the boy Lee, crouched on a log. A short distance away, a tawny mountain lion stood on a ledge ready to spring Lee.

[A]

Don't move.

[C]

The Lone Ranger's quick shot had slightly wounded the mountain lion, which turned in fury to face the approaching man. The Lone Ranger moved in for the kill. His eyes were focused on the infuriated animal on the ledge. When his foot struck an exposed root, he lost his footing on the sliding Shale and crashed to the ground.

[D]

Get off. Look out, mister.

[C]

But a glancing blow from a jutting rock had momentarily stunned the masked man and he lay without moving the valiant horse. Silver had heard the snarling and saw his master fall. As the mountain lion crouched for a spring, the intelligent stallion started forward at a gallop. Just as the animal leaped to the ground, Silver galloped between him and the Lone Ranger. The great stallion reared and took the offensive by slashing at the lion with his front hooves. The boy Lee watched in wide eyed fear as Silver battled the infuriated beast. Silver met every snarling attack with flailing hooves and squeals of anger. The Lone Ranger's mind cleared as the stomping and the noise of the furious battle resounded through the hills.

[A]

Silver fighting the mountain lion.

[C]

Getting hurriedly to his feet, the masked man picked up his guns, then moved over beside the boy Lee. He waited a chance to use his guns, but feared to risk hitting Silver. Finally, with a loud squeal of rage, Silver reared high and brought his sledge like forefeet pounding down toward the snarling yellow beast. It was then that the Lone Ranger fired.

[A]

Silver. Silver. Good work, boy.

[D]

Golly. Silver saved you from the lion, mister.

[A]

Yes, I know.

[D]

The lion would have killed me maybe if you hadn't come.

[A]

What are you doing up here in the mountains?

[D]

Well, I was hunting for my dog and my black and white coat. Then I got lost.

[A]

Your dog is all right, Lee. Tato and I found him slightly wounded. He's at our camp.

[D]

Oh, golly. But if they know he's found, they'll shoot Duke. Because of the lambs?

[A]

I don't think so, Lee. Oh, here comes Toto. Oh, Scott, help that, huh? Easy, fellow. Kimasabe. Me here big fighter animals. You all right? Yes, Toto. Silver fought that mountain lion to save my life. That good? And Kimasabe? Yes. Me see two men in small canyon back yonder. Me see five horses and colt with them.

[D]

Was it a black and white colt?

[A]

But why this boy up here?

[C]

Briefly, Lee told Tonto about coming to search for his dog and the colt. Then the Lone Ranger spoke.

[A]

Well, it's still light enough to see. I'll take Leon Silver with me and we'll ride back to where you saw those horses and men. Let's go.

[C]

The masked man and Indian rode down the ridge a short distance. Then, leaving Lee with the horses in a place of safety, they moved to the edge of the canyon wall.

[A]

Look. Them down there. Yes, they're getting ready to leave. It's only about 20ft down to the floor of the canyon. I'll tie my Larry to that stump over there. Then we'll go down. Come on.

[C]

The place where the Lone Ranger and Tottenham slid down the rope was in the shadows. And the two crooks, Wes and Al, didn't see them. The crooks had packed their supplies and their saddlebags and were preparing to mount.

[A]

Wonder what happened back there in the hills, Al? Sure sounded like a couple animals having a terrific fight. Yeah, as long as they keep away from us, let them battle. Come on, let's em out and get going with the horses. They're acting kind of poor. Freeze, both of you. Hey, look. Near that boulder of mast. Hombre. Yeah. They're trying to grab the horses from us. Him and that engine. Use your gun, Wes. Hold it. You drop guns. We'll take care of you. How to manage their wounds then? Tie them to their mounts and go to the Comstock Ranch. Me go up wall, bring Silver and scout here.

[C]

A short time later, Tato and Lee arrived at the place in the canyon where the Lone Ranger was guarding the two wounded crooks. Then driving the stolen horses before them. The masked man and Indian started with the boy and the crooks along the canyon in the direction of the Comstock Ranch. Before long, they left the foothills and moved along the main trail. There was still enough twilight for them to see. As they rounded a bend, they saw a group of horsemen approaching.

[A]

Look, horsemen coming.

[C]

Maybe a posse.

[D]

Gosh, I think I see dad with a shearer. Dad. Dad. We found the horses.

[C]

As the two. As the groups met, they stopped.

[A]

Here, I'll help you, Lee.

[C]

The sheriff and his men held guns as the sheriff asked.

[A]

What's that? Who's that masked man? That Indian. They must help steal the horses.

[D]

Wait a minute, Sheriff. The masked man and Indian aren't crooks at all. They saved my life and caught the two men who had stolen Dad's horses.

[A]

Son, I heard from one of my men that you were missing. That's why we were heading back to the foothills. How come you went up there like you did? The boy went to search for his dog and for the colt, Mr. Comstock. Well, that dog has a bullet waiting for him when he does come back. The dog didn't kill Kenny. Sheep. We are not taking the word of a mask man on that. Mr. Kenny's men saw that dog and even fired at him last night. But he got away. What's more, you haven't explained that mask. Use your common sense, Sheriff. Why would we tie these crooks and bring them and the stolen horses back here if we wanted to get away. That's right. Just what's this all about, anyway?

[D]

Let me tell you, dad.

[C]

Lee told in detail what had happened. The men listened intently as he described the fight between Silver and the mountain lion. And how the Lone Ranger and Tonto went down into the canyon to capture the thieves. He finished by saying, and the lion.

[D]

Would have killed me, dad if the masked man hadn't come along. And he has Duke at his camp. He says most likely the lion killed the sheep.

[A]

By thunder. Mister, in spite of your mask, I'm thankful to you for saving my boy. Hold on, Hank. We can prove the boy's story by backtracking to where they left the dead lion. But it doesn't clear that Great Dane of killing Josh's lamb. Sheriff, didn't the sheepman see the dog and fire at him last night before any lambs were killed? That's right. They missed him and he went back later. No, the dog was wounded and we found him unable to walk. We took him to our camp and attended to his wound. The dog is still there. Then he couldn't have done the killing that took place later. That's right. All the killings must have been done by the mountain lion. He, in turn attracted the dog to the scene. By Jiminy, I reckon you're right, mister. That does put Duke in the clear.

[D]

See, I told you Duke wasn't to blame.

[A]

Well, I'll be to go, Sheriff.

[D]

The masked man and Indian are friends. And you ought to be glad they caught the horse thieves. I am. Cause I got my colt back. If dad will let me have him.

[A]

Why, of course, son. And we'll ask the masked man where to pick up your dog, Duke, too. I reckon Duke will sort of know I have misunderstood him. Tuttle and I'll take a shortcut to our campsite and get Duke. We'll leave him at your ranch as we pass by, Mr. Comstock. He'll be there by the time you reach home.

[D]

Gosh, mister, if it hadn't been for you and Tano, everything would have been just awful.

[A]

We're glad we could help Lee take good care of Duke and the colt. Someday we'll stop by to see you again. Josh Kinney is sure going to have to apologize for the way he acted and the way he blamed Lee's dog for what happened. Oh, Mr. Comstock, you're forgetting that you accused Josh Kenny and his men of stealing your horses. I'd say you have some apologizing to do, too. He's Got you there, Hank. Well, I reckon the best thing is for Josh and me to get together and forget the whole thing. That's what I hoped you'd say. I'm sure you'll both take care not to be hasty in your accusations again. Being friendly will help both of you to prosper. Adios, Lee. Adios, everybody. Hey, wait. About that mask. I wanted to find out.

[D]

Look, Sheriff here, he said you'd know what the mask meant if I showed you this silver bullet he gave me.

[A]

Silver bullet? Why should say? He said, come on, silver. And the Indian's name was Tonto. And in that white stallion and all. Sure, now I know. You know what? That he's the Lone Ranger.

[C]

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

[B]

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 Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[A]

It.