Clouds Across the Moon | The Lone Ranger (06-24-42)

Summary

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Episode Overview

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Title: Clouds Across the Moon | The Lone Ranger (06-24-42)
Release Date: April 10, 2026

In this episode, Andrew Rhynes presents a digitally restored version of the 1942 Lone Ranger radio drama, “Clouds Across the Moon.” The story dramatizes the perils and progress of constructing the first transcontinental railroad, focusing on sabotage attempts, misunderstandings with Native American tribes, and the heroics of the Lone Ranger and his allies. It is a tale of conspiracy, courage, and cross-cultural trust set in the wild, dangerous frontier.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. The Threat to the Railroad (Starts 02:55)

• Backdrop: The Central Railroad pushes westward but faces strong opposition from cattlemen, stage lines, steamship companies, and outlaws.
• Conflict: The railroad construction site is in hostile Cheyenne territory, with workers anxious about possible Indian attacks.
• Atmosphere: Tension is quickly established—workers speculate on dangers hidden in the landscape.
  • Notable Quote:
    “Why do they have to lay a road bed through these ravines? …that’s the time when you better start worrying about redskins when you don’t see them.” (03:40) – Unnamed Railroad Worker

2. Sabotage by the Iron Spur Gang (05:11)

• Antagonists: Doc Barlow leads the Iron Spur Gang, with Angel Face and Murphy; one is disguised as a Cheyenne to confuse blame.
• Plan: The gang waits to push a rock onto the track, aiming to both destroy equipment and frame the Cheyennes.
  • Notable Dialogue:
    “When I give the signal, you shove the rock. Murphy, you stand up so they can see you. You’re that Indian in war whoop, understand?” (05:27) – Doc Barlow

3. Tragedy Strikes the Railroad Crew (07:45)

• The gang’s plan succeeds: two cars are smashed, and a worker, Joe McCullen, is killed.
• Workers and management debate whether Indians or saboteurs were responsible.
• Introduction of Joan Barkley: Secretary to Colonel Parkman; she suspects white saboteurs dressed as Indians.
  • Notable Exchange: Joan Barkley: “White men can dress as Indians, you know.” (08:09)
    Colonel Parkman: “Oh, you mean the Iron Spur.” (08:13)

4. The Lone Ranger Investigates (09:26)

• Joan contacts the Lone Ranger: “I knew he’d come.” (09:08)
• She voices her suspicions about the Iron Spur, believing they are manipulating events to derail the railroad’s progress.
• The Lone Ranger confers with Tonto, who reports strangers fitting the Iron Spur’s descriptions in town.

5. The Deeper Plot: Provoking an Indian War (11:30–14:33)

• At the Silver Star Café, the Lone Ranger and Tonto overhear the gang mockingly recounting having humiliated a young Cheyenne by shaving his head—a deep insult, meant to drive a wedge between the tribe and the railroad.

  • Notable Quote:
    “The worst disgrace that can happen to a brave Cheyenne…blame on railroad men.” (11:59) – Lone Ranger

• Joan and Pete (the foreman) struggle to keep the frightened workers from quitting after the attack.

• War drums are heard—Cheyenne are stirred up.

6. Race to Prevent War (15:00–17:43)

• Lone Ranger confronts Chief Black Hawk: He succeeds in convincing the chief that the railroad men aren’t to blame for the insult; it was the outlaws, not the workers, who disgraced his brave.

  • Key Quote:
    “Because I give you my word. It has never been broken.” (16:47) – The Lone Ranger
    “Masked men always speak truth.” (16:50) – Chief Black Hawk

• The Indian war party stands down, thanks to trust between the Lone Ranger and Black Hawk.

7. The Iron Spur’s New Sabotage: Prairie Fire (18:27–20:43)

• The gang, undeterred, plans to set a prairie fire, counting on the wind to wipe out the railroad bunkhouses and blame the Indians.
  • Notable Exchange:
    Doc Barlow: “Fire will sure wipe out them wooden bunkhouses. …the railroad won’t be able to hire a man west of the Mississippi for any kind of wages.” (18:52)

8. The Prairie Fire Erupts (20:40–22:56)

• As the fire blazes, it threatens both the railroad camp and the Cheyenne village.
• The wind, crucially, shifts direction—now the Indian village is at greater risk than railroad property.
• The Lone Ranger insists on using the steam engine and flatcars to evacuate the Cheyenne, risking his life.
  • Dramatic Moment:
    “I’ll take the steam cars and bring the Cheyennes back here.” (22:59) – The Lone Ranger

9. The Rescue (24:32–26:08)

• The Lone Ranger, Tonto, and a few helpers commandeer the train through the flames, rescue the Cheyenne, and even pick up the now-trapped Iron Spur gang members along the way.
• Return to the railroad camp met with astonishment and gratitude.
  • Key Quote:
    “Most of the credit is due at the engine. The men who ran it. Colonel, here are three men. You better turn over to the sheriff.” (26:31) – The Lone Ranger

10. Resolution and Moral (26:27–27:02)

• The rescued Cheyenne and the gang are delivered to safety.
• The Lone Ranger reminds all that Indian lives are as valuable as any others, setting a tone of respect and justice.
• As Joan says:
  • “If only the Lone Ranger can always be with us to help.” (26:53)
  • The Lone Ranger: “Do not be far away. Come on, fellow.” (27:02)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |-----------|-------|---------| | 05:27 | “When I give the signal, you shove the rock. Murphy, you stand up so they can see you. You're that Indian in war whoop, understand?” | Doc Barlow | | 08:09 | “White men can dress as Indians, you know.” | Joan Barkley | | 11:59 | “The worst disgrace that can happen to a brave Cheyenne…blame on railroad men.” | Lone Ranger | | 16:47 | “Because I give you my word. It has never been broken.” | The Lone Ranger | | 16:50 | “Masked men always speak truth.” | Chief Black Hawk | | 18:52 | “Fire will sure wipe out them wooden bunkhouse. Yeah, and everybody in them, huh?” | Doc Barlow | | 22:59 | “I’ll take the steam cars and bring the Cheyennes back here.” | The Lone Ranger | | 26:31 | “Most of the credit is due at the engine. The men who ran it. Colonel, here are three men. You better turn over to the sheriff.” | The Lone Ranger | | 26:53 | “If only the Lone Ranger can always be with us. They help.” | Joan Barkley | | 27:02 | “Do not be far away. Come on, fellow.” | The Lone Ranger |

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Key Timestamps for Main Segments

• 02:55 – Story introduction: the railroad and its enemies
• 05:11 – Iron Spur gang plots sabotage
• 07:45 – Aftermath of sabotage: management and crew response
• 09:26 – Joan summons the Lone Ranger
• 11:30 – The Lone Ranger and Tonto eavesdrop on the gang
• 15:00 – War drums, Indian attack seems imminent
• 16:01 – The Lone Ranger persuades Chief Black Hawk
• 18:27 – Iron Spur plots prairie fire; stakes escalate
• 20:40 – Prairie fire discovered, wind shifts course
• 22:59 – The Lone Ranger vows to save the Cheyenne
• 24:32 – Dramatic rescue by train through the flames
• 26:27 – Resolution; the Iron Spur gang arrested

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Tone and Style

True to the original Lone Ranger broadcasts, the episode delivers drama, moral clarity, high stakes, and ultimately, justice and reconciliation on the frontier. The Lone Ranger's steady, ethical leadership anchors the narrative, while suspenseful sound design (restored vividly by the podcast’s team) adds to the immersion.

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Conclusion

This episode encapsulates the classic Lone Ranger themes: sabotage and misunderstanding nearly bring disaster to both railroad workers and Native Americans, but through courage, trust, and a willingness to risk all for justice, the Lone Ranger averts catastrophe and unites former foes. The story showcases both the tension and mutual reliance found in the building of the American West, all delivered with restored audio that brings this timeless adventure to new life.

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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 for your enjoyment. You can find more western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse for the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi O.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Silver.

[Narrator]

Silver. The Lone Ranger.

[GEICO Commercial Auto Insurance Representative]

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[Pete (Foreman)]

Hey, good morning.

[GEICO Commercial Auto Insurance Representative]

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[Pete (Foreman)]

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[GEICO Commercial Auto Insurance Representative]

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[Pete (Foreman)]

It's all right.

[GEICO Commercial Auto Insurance Representative]

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[Pete (Foreman)]

Look at me. Take a deep breath.

[GEICO Commercial Auto Insurance Representative]

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[Narrator]

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[GEICO Commercial Auto Insurance Representative]

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[Narrator]

The building of the first transcontinental railroad was one of the most important steps in the winning of the West. The railroad was of prime importance to the future of the country. But powerful forces, cattlemen, stagecoach lines and steamship companies opposed it. Outlaw opposition sprang up, and the Lone Ranger was commissioned by the president to lead the fight against the enemies of progress. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beat for the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[The Lone Ranger]

Silver.

[Pete (Foreman)]

We're head to end the track.

[Narrator]

As the construction crew of the great Central Railroad pushed its tracks further west, they came to a section of the plains that was notched with deep gullies and ravines as though some prehistoric monster had clawed the earth. It was also the home of the hostile Cheyenne Indians. And as the little steam engine chugged along, pushing loaded flat cars toward End of track. The workmen became increasingly nervous. I tell you, Joe, I don't like it. What's the matter, Sam? This country gives me the creeps. Why do they have to lay a road bed through these ravines? Because it's easier than going around, I guess. Yeah, easy for some of them murdering redskins to get up there behind those rocks and take us home. We ain't seen hiding a hair of an engine for over a week. Sure, and that's the time when you better start worrying about redskins when you don't see them. Chief, the foreman says there ain't no danger. Why are we packing guns in?

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know.

[Narrator]

Well, here we are in the track. Better start unloading or Peter yell his head off.

[Pete (Foreman)]

All right, you man up there, let's get these ties down. Step live and I tell you. Might as well start pitching. Yeah, but I still don't like it.

[Narrator]

Perhaps Sam's fear was prompted by more than suspicion. For at that very moment the construction crew was sighted by three men who crouched behind a large rock high on one side of the ravine. The leader of the trio was thin lipped Doc Barlow. By his side stood a boy in his early twenties known as Angel Face and Murphy. The third man was dressed as a Cheyenne Indian.

[Doc Barlow]

Listen, Murph. You two. Angel Face, remember I've given you what is around here.

[The Lone Ranger]

What?

[Doc Barlow]

I say go see.

[Narrator]

Why not shove this rock over now? It's big enough to smash three of those cars. Maybe knock the engine over.

[Doc Barlow]

A signal.

[The Lone Ranger]

What kind?

[Doc Barlow]

Never mind. You get a man down there, gotta wait till he moves up the track a little ways.

[Narrator]

I got Drillbot tell them.

[The Lone Ranger]

Before they knew what happened.

[Doc Barlow]

Put that rifle down, there'll be no shooting and I get the signal, you shove the rug. Murphy, you stand up so they can see you. They're that ninja in war. Whoop. Understand?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Don't I even get one shot?

[Doc Barlow]

Not unless they try to drill Murphy.

[Narrator]

Then what do we do?

[Doc Barlow]

Get on our horses and ride from clean town.

[Narrator]

I thought I was hired in this job to do something.

[Doc Barlow]

Only when I tell you to.

[The Lone Ranger]

Angel Face, fine job.

[Doc Barlow]

You just forgetting a. There were just three piece of blazer come out to west from St. Joe.

[Narrator]

But the Iron Spur is another name for parlor games and pink.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's right.

[Doc Barlow]

Parlor games and pink tea.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, back at the end of track, the construction gang continue their work of unloading tires from the flat cars. They did not realize that high above them on a bluff overlooking the roadbed, three members of a notorious iron spur gang were planning death and destruction. Pete shouted to his men, come in

[Pete (Foreman)]

all together on these rails. Take em one at a time.

[The Lone Ranger]

Rabbit, lift.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Punch, go. He passed away, me laddie. Now the next week I'm over thirsty.

[Narrator]

I gotta have a drink of water.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Well, go down the track and find the water boy and send him back here. We all could use a drink. Oh, thanks, Pete.

[Narrator]

Let me borrow your bandana, will you, Joe? Face of steam. Sure, Sam.

[The Lone Ranger]

Here it is.

[Narrator]

Thanks.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Now another one, man.

[The Lone Ranger]

Pick it up. Live.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Keep look up there. That.

[Narrator]

Finally, the Indians were beaten off, and Pete and the railroad men bandaged the wounded men, put them on the train and headed back to the long line of construction shacks where the workers made their camp. Ms. Bartley, Col. Parkman's secretary, heard the news of the Indian attack and rushed to Colonel Parkman's office.

[Joan Barkley]

Colonel Parkman, there's been an accident at the end of track.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Joan. A big rock dropped from a ledge.

[Joan Barkley]

You heard about it?

[The Lone Ranger]

Just a few minutes ago.

[Narrator]

Two cars completely smashed and one man killed.

[The Lone Ranger]

Who was it?

[Joan Barkley]

Joe McCullen, one of our best trackmen.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's too bad.

[Narrator]

Pete said it was Indians.

[The Lone Ranger]

Cheyennes, I suppose. I was hoping we'd won their friendship.

[Joan Barkley]

I'm not so sure it was Indians, Colonel Parkman.

[Narrator]

Pete said he saw one of them.

[Joan Barkley]

It was timed too perfectly. White men can dress as Indians, you know.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, you mean the iron spur.

[Joan Barkley]

Exactly. They know that the best way to put fear into the hearts of every man working for the railroad is with Indians. They've tried to rouse them against us, and failing in that, they're imitating them.

[The Lone Ranger]

Maybe you're right.

[Joan Barkley]

I'm sure of it.

[Narrator]

I've asked for a detachment of soldiers from the fort, but the commanding officer

[The Lone Ranger]

seems to think I'm exaggerating the danger of this job.

[Joan Barkley]

We still have the Lone Ranger to help us.

[The Lone Ranger]

Can you get word to him?

[Joan Barkley]

I'm going to try.

[Pete (Foreman)]

From here we'll both walk.

[Joan Barkley]

This is the place, right in this grove of trees. Now, if he only hears me. Thank goodness. I knew he'd come.

[The Lone Ranger]

I rather expected you'd have a message for me.

[Joan Barkley]

You know then what happened this afternoon out at end of track?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I know. Railroad men expect serious trouble with Indians.

[Joan Barkley]

I really can't blame them. One man was killed today, and two flight cars were smashed. But it wasn't minions who caused it. I know it wasn't.

[The Lone Ranger]

How do you know, Ms. Barclay?

[Joan Barkley]

Why, it's just suspicion, I guess. I know how relentless the iron spur is, how anxious they are to prevent the railroad from going through?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I think you're right.

[Joan Barkley]

There's an Indian village near the end of track, isn't there?

[The Lone Ranger]

Cheyennes. That's a few miles east of the bunkhouses.

[Joan Barkley]

But the Cheyennes aren't an especially warlike tribe.

[The Lone Ranger]

Only when they're aroused.

[Joan Barkley]

Our men have done nothing to antagonize them. It must be the members of the Iron Spur. I know it is. What shall we do, Pete? The foreman thinks the men will leave their jobs.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ms. Barkley, go to the camp, try to keep the men at work. I'm going to meet Tano.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Oh.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, Silver.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Ho.

[Narrator]

I came and. Hello.

[The Lone Ranger]

I've been talking to Ms. Barkley.

[Narrator]

Ah, time to wait.

[The Lone Ranger]

Have you been over to Plainville? Huh? Are there any strangers in town? Anyone who looks like a member of the Iron Spur?

[Narrator]

Three stranger, two old, one young.

[The Lone Ranger]

Who are they?

[Narrator]

Well, t or not know, maybe they're my own spur.

[The Lone Ranger]

Are they still there?

[Narrator]

Ah, come on.

[The Lone Ranger]

Then we'll see who they are. Get them out.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Scout, Silver,

[Narrator]

Lone Ranger and Tunnel rolled into Plainville and it took them but a few minutes to reach the front of the Silver Star Cafe. Inside was the sound of much celebration. The masked man and his Indian partner dismounted, walked up the steps of the cafe, listened for a few moments outside the door and then entered. They saw three men standing at the bar, engaged in a noisy conversation. Taking a table in a corner where they would not be noticed, they listened to the heavy set member of the trio as he laughed about his exact. Boy, it's earlier in the day.

[The Lone Ranger]

You know, the best part of it

[Narrator]

was when we tied that young Cheyenne Indy to his horse and sent him home.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Way look what he got. His haircut.

[The Lone Ranger]

I told him that was a regular railroad haircut.

[Pete (Foreman)]

He made this old man Chief Blackhawks.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hello. Are those the men? Ah, I captured a young Indian and cut his hair off.

[Narrator]

That'd be plenty bad.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I know. But the worst disgrace that can happen

[Narrator]

to a brave Cheyenne sheep foot. Blame on railroad men.

[The Lone Ranger]

Otto, you know, Chief, tell him it wasn't railroad men who sent his brave home in disgrace. I'll watch things at the camp. Meet the work.

[Narrator]

Get him up, Scout. Meanwhile, Pete, the foreman of the construction gang in the railroad, was trying to persuade them to stay on the job. Joan Barkley stood beside him to give what aid she could.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Come in. Ben, please, you got to listen to me. The thing that happened today was an accident. It wasn't an Indian raid.

[Joan Barkley]

You let our coord listen to Pete.

[Pete (Foreman)]

It was an Indian. I saw him. Well, we all saw Him. But it was just one redskin. We've got to expect things like that. We all knew it when we took this.

[Narrator]

I didn't take a job as target for rock slides and engine bullets.

[Pete (Foreman)]

I say let's all quit and go back home before we'll kill. But we promised to do a job, and a certain amount of danger is part of it. Not for me. How about the rest of. Are you a bunch of babies that

[Joan Barkley]

you let the sight of one Indian scare you?

[Pete (Foreman)]

Why didn't you ask Joe McCullum that question? He wasn't scared this morning either. But he's dead now. But that doesn't mean that we'll all be killed. That's a good enough sign for me. All right, Sam. If you're afraid, why don't you.

[Narrator]

I'm just talking sense.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Boys, Boys. I never steered you wrong, have I? All you care about is this railroad with all their money. I say there ain't enough money in the world to pay for getting killed by engines.

[Joan Barkley]

I know how you all feel. And I'd feel the same way if I'd been there today when Joe McCullen was killed.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Now you're talking.

[Joan Barkley]

But that same thing is not going to happen again.

[Pete (Foreman)]

How do you know? Have you got a treaty with the engine? No, I haven't a treaty.

[Joan Barkley]

But I have a lot of confidence in someone who's going to help us.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Yeah?

[Narrator]

Who is it?

[Joan Barkley]

I can't tell you, but I know it's real help.

[Pete (Foreman)]

I suppose it's your fairy God. Boy, don't listen to us, please. We've all got a job to do here.

[Joan Barkley]

We're getting paid for it, so let's do it.

[Pete (Foreman)]

How about the engines?

[Joan Barkley]

There won't be any more trouble with the Indians. I know there won't.

[Pete (Foreman)]

I promise you that. Well, maybe she's right here. Why, of course she's right. Now, let's all forget about this idea of quitting, get some sleep, and do a good day's work tomorrow. How about all right? You, Ulrich, must be crazy.

[Narrator]

Don't you know all this railroad is

[Pete (Foreman)]

after is to get their track built? They don't care how many men get killed building it. That's not true. I guess you're the only one who wants to get out. Sam, the rest of us are going to stay on the job.

[Joan Barkley]

Thank you, all of you.

[Pete (Foreman)]

I know you'd dick. Listen. Listen. All of you, listen. Listen to what? I'll open the door and you can get a real earful. Well, I don't hear anything. You don't well, just keep your ears open. It's getting louder all the time. You know what that is? I'll tell you. Cheyenne war drums. That means Indians on the warpath.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue our story. The Lone Ranger rode hard to meet Tanto at the Indian camp. Before Chief Blackhawk could attack the railroad men. He reigned up short of the edge of the camp with the sound of the Indian war. Dance was louder than ever.

[The Lone Ranger]

There's Tunnel Silver.

[Narrator]

Steady, boys.

[The Lone Ranger]

Teddy, Hurry.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Hurry.

[The Lone Ranger]

Where's the TP of Chief Blackwater? Accomplish away. All right. Either way, I'll follow this tv. Raise a flat with wind. There's no time to lose. Chief Blackhawk. Hunter, come back.

[Narrator]

Bring white Brandon.

[The Lone Ranger]

Black Hawk. No friend with mask. Aye, Chief. I want to ask help of Black Hawk. Make talk, Black Hawk.

[Narrator]

No.

[The Lone Ranger]

Your graves are on the warpath. They're going to attack the railroad men.

[Narrator]

Why did they do this?

[The Lone Ranger]

Men from Iron Horse make fool giant brave. I know what happened. I saw the men who did it. Bad Black Hawk not like make war medicine. But you're wrong, Chief. The men who cut your brave's hair are not with the railroad brave. Tell Black Hawk he was mistaken. The men who did that are outlaws. You make war against the railroad men, you'll be killing innocent people. How Black Hawk? No white friends speak true. Because I give you my word. It has never been broken.

[Narrator]

Masked men always speak truth.

[The Lone Ranger]

Iron Horse and you? No. I come alone. Because you're making a mistake. Innocent people will suffer. Will you stop war medicine? Will you do this for me? For white friend Black Hawk Dude. For Iron Horse? No. It's for me. The Blackhawk. Tell Brand. Thank you, Black Hawk. I'm proud to have such a good friend. Come along, Toto. Must be done.

[Narrator]

Ah, we call fine outlaw.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, Toto. They can't do any more damage tonight. We'll keep an eye on the construction gang tomorrow. Teddy. Silver. Teddy Boy. You think Cheyennes not make war? They won't unless they're provoked. It's up to us to see that it doesn't happen.

[Pete (Foreman)]

All right.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hunt up, Kenneth.

[Pete (Foreman)]

I'm guilty.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tonto rode back to the high bluff that overlooked the railroad construction camp. There they kept a vigilant watch all through the night. Alert for any sound or sign of movement that would indicate the Indian chief had broken his promise. But Blackhawk was true to his word. The ominous throb of Tom Toms was heard no more. The braves had taken off their war bonnets and all was peaceful. However, the scheming members of the Iron Spur had also heard the war dance stopped suddenly. They didn't know the reason for Blackhawk's sudden change of plans, but they realized the Indians would not attack. And on the following afternoon their leader Barlo called a meeting.

[Doc Barlow]

They found out where there was c attack last night. It was a Lone Ranger that stopped him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Lone Ranger. Hang at that, Ambrose.

[Doc Barlow]

Always got an ace up my sleeve. We're going to do something tonight that the Lone Ranger doesn't like him. Can't interfere with it.

[Narrator]

What is it, Doc?

[The Lone Ranger]

I. I don't get you.

[Doc Barlow]

There's a square mile of dry buffalo grass between the engines camp and the railroad bunkhouse. And there's an east wind. That's all we need.

[The Lone Ranger]

Fire will sure wipe out them wooden bunkhouse. Yeah, and everybody in them, huh?

[Doc Barlow]

I think the Indians did it. After that the railroad won't be able to hire a man west of the Mississippi for any kind of wages.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hey, who's behind this iron spur we're working for, Doc.

[Doc Barlow]

None of your business. I was just thinking it won't do you any good.

[Narrator]

Well, what do we do now?

[Doc Barlow]

Lay low until the night. It will fire up the prairie and vamoose.

[Narrator]

Let you have his dam supposes loom.

[Doc Barlow]

Stop it. Even if you know about it, that's one thing. Nobody can stop the prairie fire.

[Narrator]

Nervous and distraught by a strange sense of impending trouble, Joan Barclay spent all of that day watching the construction gang at work. She knew the Lone Ranger had somehow been able to prevent the threatened Indian attack the night before. But she also felt that the present lull was an unnatural quietness which might portend another outbreak from some new and unexpected quarter. If the members of the Iron Spur were unsuccessful in arousing the Cheyennes to declare war, would they try the same tactics a second time? Or would they postpone the attempt until some future and indefinite time? These were questions she couldn't answer, and thinking about them only increased her fear and anxiety. At sundown, when the workmen had finished and gone to their bunkhouse, she returned to Colonel Parkman's office, tired and worried by a fear she could not put into words.

[Joan Barkley]

I don't know what to expect next, Colonel Parkman.

[Narrator]

I wish I could feel that there

[The Lone Ranger]

was permanent peace with the Indians.

[Joan Barkley]

The Lone Ranger is doing what he can to keep them friendly, but.

[The Lone Ranger]

But you think there'll be further trouble, aren't Joan?

[Narrator]

I'm afraid so if only we could

[The Lone Ranger]

defeat this iron spur. As long as there's one member left

[Narrator]

to fight against the railroad, we must look for.

[Joan Barkley]

What is it, sir?

[The Lone Ranger]

That red glow. Look out the west window.

[Narrator]

You see it?

[Joan Barkley]

Oh, yes. It seems criminal. Parkman fire gets way out by the

[Narrator]

end of track carry fire.

[Joan Barkley]

The bunk houses, the buildings and supplies.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Everything will burn.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on. We're right out there. This fire, Col. Somewhere between the Indian cab and the railroad. Hardly any penny big with this wind. It'll get bigger every going to. Get

[Pete (Foreman)]

red skin.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hold on, Pete. John Bartley told you about me. Listen a minute mast.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Hey, you. I've heard of you. You're the Lone Ranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I am. Don't accuse the engines of this.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Go in. Get down here with more shovels. Get bored. Stitch anything. Hike that fire beat them down.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now listen to me, Pete. This fire was started between here and the Cheyenne camp.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Hey, Pete. Get in there. Pilots don't want to get ahead of you pilots. Then we'll fight the engines. Too little. Bring up that engine. Get her in place.

[The Lone Ranger]

Why bring iron horse? It's no good to fight fire. I guess they want to use the water out of the boiler. Won't help much against this

[Narrator]

big prayer.

[The Lone Ranger]

Plenty of pads on prairie about any place Tahlo. Especially with wind behind them. Kimasabi. Wait. What about it? Take a look at moon. The moon? What do you mean? Look close. See clouds over moon. I see them clouds not move east to west. Then move west to east. Hello. You're right. The wind is changing. That means the fire not come closer.

[Pete (Foreman)]

It go back.

[The Lone Ranger]

The railroad housing will be saved after all. But it'd be plenty bad for Indian camp. You mean the Cheyenne? Cheyenne have no place to run.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Big mountain at back.

[The Lone Ranger]

No way to escape. Fire burn camp. All Cheyenne burn. That's right. Heavy trap. Anyway. Wind blow fire blad. Wait a minute. The railroad goes by the south side of the mountain. Skirts our camp. We could use the engine and cars. We could save them. Railroad men not like to say Cheyenne Indian lives are just as important as any others.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Pete.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, Pete.

[Pete (Foreman)]

I haven't got that in the pulley.

[The Lone Ranger]

You won't have to worry. The wind's changing the wind's. I want to use that engine in those cars.

[Pete (Foreman)]

What?

[The Lone Ranger]

The wind's switching to the southeast. The Indian camp is at the base of the mountain. They'll all be burned.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Well, who cares?

[The Lone Ranger]

I do Color and I'll take the steam cars and bring the Cheyennes back here.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Well, that's crazy. You can't run A train through that pyre. It'll roast your life.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll take that chance. Look.

[Narrator]

Wind already start change.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Pete.

[The Lone Ranger]

Pete, you'll rid of us. A train.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Now look here. I don't know who's assured and we'll take them.

[The Lone Ranger]

Teddy, be here. Hello. You need silver Now.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Now wait a minute.

[The Lone Ranger]

Give the orders or I'll give them myself the point of the gun.

[Pete (Foreman)]

I'm going to let the water out

[The Lone Ranger]

of the engine quarter, Pete. We can use it to smother. Wait. Are you the engineer? Yeah. Then leave the water in the engine. Put on more wood. Get this team up. Hey, you're mad. I don't know who you are, but I'm letting the water out. We needed to smother the fire.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Better do as he says, Bill. I reckon he knows what he's doing.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's better. Now Pete, tell the rest of them.

[Pete (Foreman)]

All right, man, that's enough. Quiet. Quiet. The help of the wind. It looks like we've whipped the fire. If you all can see, the thing that saved us is going to be bad for the Indian camp over by the mountain. And this man here is the long Ranger. He's going to take the engine and the cars and try to get through to save the Indians. Why do you stop the fire still burning. The wind has changed, Sam. Now we're going to try and save the Indians. What? I'm taking instructions from this mask man. He's the Lone Ranger. Save the engines. He's crazy. Don't listen to him.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're in no danger. The pirate can't jump this railroad right away. The engines will be trapped. Teams up. He's ready to go. I want a few men to ride with us and help the Indians move on here.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Don't do it.

[Joan Barkley]

Don't do it.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Don't listen to this man's man. All he wants to do is let the fire get the plane mill. Don't go with him tomorrow.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, fellow. Now what? Do a silver and scout. We'll take them with us. All right, Silver. Up you go.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Up scout. All right, Bill. We're ready.

[Narrator]

Gradually picking up speed, the engine and three flat cars plunged into the inferno of blazing prairie grass. Tongues of greedy flame licked the iron rails and tried to climb onto the train itself. The air was thick with smoke and wind borne embers at the long range of protected silver flying sparks heavy.

[The Lone Ranger]

Boy, we'll be through it soon.

[Narrator]

Finally, the rear. The base of the mountain on the south edge of the Indian camp. There they found the stoical Cheyennes working in Little groups trying to fight off the fire.

[The Lone Ranger]

You find seat time to get his people on the cars as quick as he can.

[Narrator]

Ah.

[The Lone Ranger]

How to do it? All right, Silver. We won't have to go far. Jump, boy. And you go. I'll be right back. Sleeping fellow. Silver, that's it.

[Pete (Foreman)]

This way.

[The Lone Ranger]

Help us to get out. We'll be burned alive. I thought I'd find you somewhere around here.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Get up.

[The Lone Ranger]

All three of you.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Just get us out of this burn.

[The Lone Ranger]

How did we fell there before you started this fire? We didn't start it. No, you did. I can't leave even you out here to burn to death. Paul will take care of you. Start marching over to that tr.

[Narrator]

Back through the raging fire, the engine labored with its heavy load. The Indians were silent, but grateful for their deliverance. While under the watchful eye of the Lone Ranger, the three members of the Iron Spur were surly and sullen. As the rescue train backed up to the front of the bunkhouse, a large crowd awaited them.

[The Lone Ranger]

Everybody planned Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

Help.

[The Lone Ranger]

Cheyenne. That's Colonel Parker. Ms. Barkley. Daughter.

[Narrator]

Most amazing thing I've ever seen.

[The Lone Ranger]

How did you do it? Most of the credit is due at the engine. The men who ran it. Colonel, here are three men. You better turn over to the sheriff.

[Narrator]

Who are they?

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know. But the sheriff will find out. Down, Silver. Down, boy. Here's Scout. Colonel Parkman, you'll find that these three men are working for the Iron Spur.

[Narrator]

And there's three less of that gang to fight our job now.

[Joan Barkley]

The Indians will be on our side. Oh, Colonel Parkman. If only the Lone Ranger can always be with us. They help.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Hold on.

[The Lone Ranger]

Then don't leave us now.

[Narrator]

We need you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Do not be far away. Come on, fellow.

[Pete (Foreman)]

It's sam.

[The Lone Ranger]

The story you have just heard is

[Narrator]

a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.

[The Lone Ranger]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com

[Pete (Foreman)]

Become one

[Andrew Rines]

of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, 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 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.

[Pete (Foreman)]

Sam.