Deadline, Five-Fifteen | The Lone Ranger (08-28-53)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns – Summary

Episode: Deadline, Five-Fifteen | The Lone Ranger (08-28-53)<br> Host: Andrew Rhynes<br> Date: May 14, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode takes listeners deep into the Golden Age of Western radio drama with a digitally restored broadcast of The Lone Ranger classic “Deadline, Five-Fifteen.” The story revolves around an intense bank robbery, the unyielding pursuit of justice by the Lone Ranger and his loyal companion Tonto, and a suspenseful race against time to prevent a deadly hostage scenario.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. Opening and Setting the Scene

• [01:36] The famous Lone Ranger intro invites listeners to return to the "thrilling days of yesteryear," introducing the courageous masked rider and his mission for justice, aided by his steadfast companion, Tonto.

2. Bank Robbery and Getaway

• [04:54] Three masked men (Trigger, Snake, Toad) storm into the Grantville bank in broad daylight.
• The robbery is brisk and intimidating; the outlaws threaten to shoot anyone who resists and make a swift exit.
• Memorable moment: The bandits plan to split up and reconvene two weeks later at a prearranged location in Red Rock.
  • Snake: “Two weeks from today, we’ll meet in the shed, near the town of Red Rock...” ([05:24])

3. Aftermath and the Lone Ranger Enters

• [06:22] Fast-forward two weeks: Snake and Toad regroup in Red Rock, retrieve a letter from Trigger, and learn he’s being trailed – not by lawmen, but by the infamous Lone Ranger and Tonto.
• [07:18] The Lone Ranger and Tonto track the outlaws, deciphering signs and preparing for confrontation.

4. Capture of Trigger Regan

• [08:03] The Lone Ranger intercepts and captures Trigger Regan after a tense chase, recovering stolen money wrapped in Grantville bank notes.
• Quote:
  • Lone Ranger: “This is all the evidence that's necessary to convict you of robbing the bank and shooting the clerk.” ([09:16])
• The Lone Ranger opts for a safer, longer route to Red Rock to avoid an ambush.

5. Tonto’s Capture and Hostage Tension

• [10:32] While Tonto follows, he is confronted and captured by Snake and Toad, who leverage him as a hostage.
• Snake: "If Trigger don't go free, you’re gonna die." ([11:34])

6. The Ultimatum: Deadline at 5:15

• [12:00] Snake confronts the Lone Ranger: "Unless Trigger is out of jail and free at 5:15 in the morning, your Indian friend will die." ([12:17])
• The Lone Ranger is forced to choose between freeing a criminal or risking his friend’s life.

7. Moral Dilemma and Standoff

• [16:57] The Red Rock marshal offers to free Trigger to save Tonto, but the Lone Ranger refuses to compromise the law:
  • Lone Ranger: "A matter of principle. The law must never be compromised because crooks threaten violence." ([17:04])
• The Lone Ranger, determined, devises a plan to outwit the outlaws and rescue Tonto.

8. High-Stakes Psychological Game

• [19:48] The Lone Ranger ropes and interrogates Toad in a cabin. He sets up a "candle and gunpowder" timer (a bluff), convincing Toad that if he doesn’t talk before the candle burns down, the cabin will burn.
• Tense exchange:
  • Masked Man / Lone Ranger: “These candles burn about one inch in half an hour… it’ll burn to the floor at about 6 o’clock in the morning.” ([20:17])
  • Toad, sweating and desperate, is pressured as hours pass.

9. Breaking the Outlaw’s Nerve

• [22:04] The bluff works:
  • Toad (in panic): “I’ll talk. Blow out the candle! He’s tied to the railroad track…” ([22:05])
• Tonto has been left on the canyon tracks, scheduled for death at 5:15 by a passing train.

10. Race Against Time: The Climax

• [22:30] The Lone Ranger dashes through the woods and down a perilous path as the dawn breaks and the train whistle sounds.
• In a dramatic scene, he frees Tonto from the tracks just in time.
• Memorable moment:
  • Narrator: “The Lone Ranger picked his friend bodily and took three quick steps to safety scant yards before the rushing train went past.” ([23:01])

11. Resolution and Justice

• [23:41] Tonto returns to the cabin to free the terrified Toad.
• The Lone Ranger’s plan is revealed as a harmless ruse; the gunpowder never posed a real threat, but the psychological pressure broke the outlaw’s resolve.
• Tonto and the Lone Ranger ensure the remaining outlaws are apprehended, reaffirming their dedication to both justice and compassion.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Moral Backbone
  • Lone Ranger to Marshal:
    “The law must never be compromised because crooks threaten violence.” ([17:04])
• Classic Western Bluff
  • Lone Ranger (explaining the candle trick):
    “If I find Tonto, I’ll send him here to blow out the candle. But I’ll have to wait for daylight to follow his tracks.” ([20:42])
• Ultimate Rescue
  • Narrator:
    “The Lone Ranger picked his friend bodily and took three quick steps to safety scant yards before the rushing train went past.” ([23:01])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & Theme: [01:36]
• Bank Robbery: [04:54]
• Chase & Outlaw Split: [06:09]
• Lone Ranger Captures Trigger: [08:03]
• Tonto Captured: [10:32]
• Ultimatum Given (Deadline 5:15): [12:00]
• Moral Debate with Marshal: [16:57]
• Bluff with Candle: [19:48]
• Outlaw Breaks, Confession: [22:04]
• Train Track Rescue: [22:30]
• Aftermath & Resolution: [23:41]

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Episode Tone & Style

The episode maintains the iconic dramatic and earnest tone of classic radio westerns:

• The Lone Ranger is the very embodiment of justice, compassion, and unshakeable principle.
• The narration is vivid and suspenseful, building palpable tension during the ticking clock rescue sequence.

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Closing Thoughts

This episode encapsulates the spirit of old Western radio drama: morality under fire, suspenseful showdowns, loyalty, and clever problem-solving. Through crisp restoration, these timeless themes come alive with new clarity for modern listeners, blending nostalgia with gripping, fast-paced storytelling. For fans of justice served with a signature “Hi-Yo Silver!” ride, it’s a pitch-perfect tribute to the genre.

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Produced by OTRWesterns.com.

Transcript

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[Doug]

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[Narrator]

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[Doug]

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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]

by special recording. General Mills, makers of Wheaties, Breakfast of champions and Cheerios.

[Lone Ranger]

The Oat cereal Ready to eat presents. The Lone Ranger. A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of darts and a haughty high. Silver. The Lone Ranger,

[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, 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. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver.

[Chorus/Group Voice]

The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. Let's go, big fellow. Silver.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Then, Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Doug]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance of Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Narrator]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent, Liberty.

[Doug]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

This is the Lone Ranger. If you want to be a champion at anything, remember Others have done it in spite of obstacles. Take rodeo champion Bob Maynard.

[Narrator]

He did it the hard way.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

He proved champions are made, not born. Bob didn't even have the advantage of growing up on Western Ranch. As a boy, he lived in Chicago. But Bob started riding when he was 8 years old. At 14 in California, he became a stable hand. Today, Bob Maynard is one of the top money winners in rodeo competition.

[Narrator]

He sure is Lone Ranger. And like many champions in all sports, Bob still chooses Wheaties for his favorite training dish. There's no question about it. Champions are made, not born. And there's no question why champions choose Wheaties for their training diet. They want that famous wheat energy. They get it with Wheaties because there's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties flake. Champions are made, not born. Get on your way with Wheaties. Breakfast of champions. Three men whose faces were partly covered by bandanas entered the Grantville bank in Broadway. Daylight.

[Lone Ranger]

One shot at Stick Up, Ollie. Get your hands up. That's it. Keep them high and stand over there against the wall. We'll shoot to kill if anyone goes for a gun.

[Narrator]

The thieves worked quickly and efficiently. Two held guns, threatening the people in the bank. While the third filled a sack with paper money. In a couple of minutes, he was ready to leave.

[Lone Ranger]

Alice and Ol. We're going out the back door. We'll shoot anyone who comes after us. Stay where you are and no one will get hurt. All right. Come on, boys.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

I'll never get away with it.

[Lone Ranger]

Don't anyone come after us. We're going to get away with it. Shut up. Get on your horse and ride. He's got a gun. Now get him. You got him.

[Outlaw / Snake]

After that, no one else will dare come out of the bank.

[Lone Ranger]

Let's split. The cattle can't take the time. Now we got to travel. Lawman might have heard that shot and come to investigate. All right, keep a watch out. Now listen. We split and ride in different directions, just as we planned. Right. Two weeks from the day, we'll meet in the Shet, near the town of Red Rock, where we plan this job. That's when we'll give you the cash. If one of us thinks he's being trailed. He'll write a note stating the situation and send it to the Red Rock post office. Check there for me. Come on, let's go.

[Narrator]

Two weeks after the robbery in Grantville. Toad and Snake met in the town of Red Rocks, many miles away. Snake found a letter waiting in the Red Rock post office. He read it, then went outside where Toad Was waiting near the trail.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Words from Trigger.

[Narrator]

You read it?

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Yeah.

[Outlaw / Snake]

And he's in trouble.

[Lone Ranger]

How's that?

[Outlaw / Snake]

Confounded horse of his was wearing new shoes.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

That left clear trail.

[Outlaw / Snake]

Yeah, yeah. Trigger rode through a valley, then doubled back along a ridge that overlooked the valley and saw two men following his tracks. Lawmen?

[Narrator]

Worse.

[Lone Ranger]

What's worse?

[Outlaw / Snake]

A lone Ranger and his Indian pal.

[Lone Ranger]

A Lone Ranger?

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

You got a health, Trigger. Get rid of him.

[Outlaw / Snake]

Were to ride to the lone pine tree and ambush them. That's about five miles from here on the side of the mountain.

[Narrator]

Now, come on. Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger and Toto, following the familiar trail of the outlaw, had halted to study the ground near a running stream. Grass bent. Kimasabe outlaw here only a short time ago.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Yes, that's right.

[Narrator]

Toto.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

I'm going to get ready for the showdown.

[Lone Ranger]

What do you mean? Kimasabe?

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

I may have to chase the outlaw, so I'm going to relieve Silver of all excess weight. I'll go on ahead. You follow at a slower pace and bring my blanket, roll and camp gear.

[Lone Ranger]

Scott, carry him.

[Outlaw / Snake]

He follow.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

With Silver.

[Narrator]

Stripped for speed, the masked man left Taho to follow with his gear and continued on the trail alone. Presently the underbrush became less dense and the trees more widely spaced. Then he saw the man ahead.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

There he is at last.

[Lone Ranger]

Here.

[Narrator]

Go quicker. Regan saw the flight horse and the max rider gaining rapidly and knew he could not hope to reach the distant mountain. He fired repeatedly in the faint hope that a lucky shot would stop the Lone Ranger. Then the outlaw's gun was empty.

[Chorus/Group Voice]

Get up.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, you killer.

[Chorus/Group Voice]

Get up.

[Lone Ranger]

I want you.

[Narrator]

The powerful white stallion drew nearer and nearer. Trigger glanced back and saw the masked man loosening lariatly.

[Chorus/Group Voice]

Come on.

[Lone Ranger]

Get it for him.

[Narrator]

A moment later, a newt flew through the air and dropped around the outlaw. A new troop tight and pulled the

[Lone Ranger]

outlaw of his horse.

[Narrator]

He hit the ground and rolled. Then he saw the masked man standing at his side with a drawn gun.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Regan. So you're one of the three who robbed the Granville bank.

[Lone Ranger]

Now wait. Let me talk.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Talk to the Marshall of Red Rock. Going to turn you over to him. You're warned for a lot of crimes in addition to the Grandville robbery.

[Narrator]

While being tied and searched, Trigger Regan looked toward the mountain side and wondered if his friends were hidden behind the boulders beneath the tall pine. If so, they knew of his his capture. And though they were too far away to use their six guns effectively, they would surely find a way to rescue him.

[Lone Ranger]

Reach Red Rock. We left to go over that mountain.

[Narrator]

The Ranger ignored the comment. He was opening the outlawed saddlebags. He found them filled with money, much of it in wrappers stamped with the name of the Grantville bank.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

This does a. Trigger. This is all the evidence that's necessary to convict you of robbing the bank and shooting the clerk. Come on, I'll help you to the saddle.

[Lone Ranger]

That mountain trail is mighty rough. Expect me to ride over it with my hands tied behind my back?

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

No.

[Lone Ranger]

And you'll untie my hand?

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

No. We'll take the long way to Red Rock. We'll ride around the mountain.

[Narrator]

Snake and Toad, watching from behind the boulders on the mountain saw Trigger captured by the masked man.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

No use shooting from here.

[Outlaw / Snake]

That distance, we couldn't hit anything with our six guns.

[Lone Ranger]

Snake, we could mount our horses.

[Narrator]

Play to you.

[Lone Ranger]

The Lone Ranger.

[Outlaw / Snake]

What do you think he'd be doing in the meantime? He's a crack shot.

[Lone Ranger]

That's so.

[Outlaw / Snake]

He'd drill us long before we could hit him.

[Lone Ranger]

If he comes this way with Trigger, he might get close enough so as we could shoot him from behind these rocks.

[Outlaw / Snake]

Now he's starting out with Trigger. And they're not coming this way. They're heading south.

[Lone Ranger]

Hey, Snake, Trigger's got all the money. What are we gonna do? I'm trying to think. What's more, he'll squeal on us. If the masked man turns him over to the law. Well, he'll be turned over to the law.

[Outlaw / Snake]

No doubt of that. Looks to me like the Lone Ranger aims to take him to Red Rock.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, then why didn't he come this way and ride over the mountain? How do I know? Maybe he figured the other route would be safer. Snake, we gotta do. I told you, I'm trying to think. I'm.

[Narrator]

Hey, Toad, look over yonder.

[Lone Ranger]

Huh?

[Outlaw / Snake]

Someone else riding this way from the woods.

[Lone Ranger]

It's an engine.

[Outlaw / Snake]

See?

[Lone Ranger]

He's Tonto Tanto, the Lone Ranger's partner.

[Outlaw / Snake]

Trigger mentioned him in the letter. Hey, if that critter is Tonto, I have an idea. Come on, Toad. We'll ride to meet him.

[Narrator]

It was Tonto who appeared from the wood after delaying to tie the Lone Ranger's gear behind his saddle. He followed the tracks of the masked man through the woods and across the plains. Presently, he drew rein and studied the ground. The signs told him that Trigger Regan had been captured. He grinned and was about to continue riding when he saw two horsemen approaching. He waited until they came near and drew rein.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh.

[Outlaw / Snake]

Oh, hi there, angel. By any chances, you're named Tonto?

[Narrator]

Me?

[Lone Ranger]

Tonto.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Then Hike. Your hand.

[Lone Ranger]

You're coming.

[Narrator]

What this means take a pipe of

[Outlaw / Snake]

gun right that old steel engine or

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

we'll blow your head off.

[Lone Ranger]

I don't know why you do this.

[Outlaw / Snake]

Your masked pal captured our friend, so we're capturing you.

[Lone Ranger]

You savvy?

[Outlaw / Snake]

If Trigger don't go free, you're gonna die.

[Narrator]

It was after dark when the Lone Ranger turned Trigger Regan and the stolen money over to the Red Rock marshal, whom he knew then he left the jail. Silver waited near the saddle shed and next to the white stallion stood Toto's paint horse, Scouse.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

I wonder where Toto is.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll answer to that. Don't reach me with gun. Mister. You're coaxed.

[Outlaw / Snake]

I've been waiting behind the shed for you.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

If I'd known someone was waiting, I might have been here sooner. Who are you?

[Outlaw / Snake]

Names don't matter. The important thing is I'm one of the men who captured your Indian friends.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Did you bring Toto's horse here?

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah.

[Outlaw / Snake]

I did that to prove I've got the Indian. I just want to tell you where things stand. You captured my pal Trigger. Regan, unless Trigger is out of jail and free at 5:15 in the morning, your Indian friend will die.

[Narrator]

We'll continue our Lone Ranger adventure in just a moment.

[Chorus/Group Voice]

Cause champions are made. Not far.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

Get on your way get on your

[Lone Ranger]

way get on your way with Wheatie. It's good to know you can make

[Narrator]

something out of yourself.

[Lone Ranger]

And you can. Because champions are made, not born. Take the story of Jack Kramer, tennis star. When Jack was just 11 years, his tennis didn't win him cheers. But practice built his power game. And he got on his way to fame with Wheaties, the food that champs acclaim. Today. Jack tops the Tennis clan for 22 years. A Wheaties man, Jack Kramer, going steady on Wheaties since he was 11 years old. Mighty good for you. There's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties flake. Okay, Jack, serve that ball. Hey, hey, hey. He's on his way on his way

[Chorus/Group Voice]

he's on his way on his way

[Lone Ranger]

get on your with Wheaties.

[Chorus/Group Voice]

Cause champions are base, not sports.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

Get on your way get on your

[Lone Ranger]

way get on your way with sweeties. Breakfast of champions.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Doug]

Hey, everyone. Check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Narrator]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Doug]

Liberty, Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

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[Narrator]

Now to continue. Outside the jail where the Lone Ranger had left Trigger Regan, the outlaw's pal Snake held a gun on the last man and told him that unless Regan were freed, the Lone Ranger's friend Tahoe would die.

[Outlaw / Snake]

You buy Tondo's life by freeing Trigger.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

I've already turned him over to the marshal.

[Outlaw / Snake]

I know that. It's up to you to figure out how to get him out of jail. Bust him out if you have to.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Where are you holding Taro?

[Outlaw / Snake]

I've said all I'm going to say. We've talked long enough. The next move is yours.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Very well. I'll make the next move.

[Narrator]

The masked man's unexpected move was lightning fast. His left hand slapped aside Snake's gun, but his right fist crashed to the outlaw's jaw. Snake fired involuntarily, the bullet going harmlessly into the ground. He dropped his gun when the Lone Ranger's fist rammed him in the stomach, then went down from a blow to the chin.

[Lone Ranger]

Don't hit me again.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

I'm not going to hit you. I'll just make sure you have no other weapons.

[Lone Ranger]

Hey, what's going on? What's the gun play?

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

The gun play's over, Marshal. This man's gun is there on the ground.

[Lone Ranger]

Run. Your face. Oh, my God.

[Narrator]

Who's this critic?

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

A pal of Cherrygan.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

I think he's one of the bank robbers. Another man, probably the third bank robber, captured Tono. He told Me? Toto would die unless Regan went free.

[Lone Ranger]

And so he will. Tondo will die at 5:15 in the morning and nothing can save him.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

What did you decide on 5:15?

[Lone Ranger]

I'm not answering questions. But I'll tell you this, Jalen. Triggering me is the same as a death warrant for Tondo.

[Narrator]

He means that.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Yes, sir. I know he does. I'll try to find Tonto before the deadline.

[Outlaw / Snake]

You needn't count on finding my back trail. There's no moon tonight and you can't see in the dark. Not well enough to follow a trail.

[Narrator]

Mystery. The law is mighty deep in debt to you. You say the word now release the prisoners.

[Lone Ranger]

I'd be justified in doing that to

[Narrator]

save the life of Tono.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

More than Tano's life is involved, Marshall. A matter of principle. The law must never be compromised because crooks threaten violence.

[Narrator]

You're right, of course.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

But Todd, he's risked his life many times to put outlaws in jail, and so have you. It follows that we'd risk our lives to keep him there. Then you want me to jail this crook?

[Lone Ranger]

Tono will die. Do you hear that? Come on, you polkadot.

[Chorus/Group Voice]

Listen. He'll die at 5:15.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Scout Tunnel's in danger. That crook was right when he said we couldn't follow his trail by starlight. You know where Toto is. You know where that crook came from. Scout, lead the way and I'll follow you. Find Toto, you understand? Long, Scout. Find Toto.

[Lone Ranger]

Easy. Ready to be caught.

[Narrator]

Seemed to know just where to go. From behind the jail, he raced across flat country to a canyon that divided the area between the mountain and the town. He crossed one of several bridges that spanned the canyon, then turned sharply to the side and led the masked man and Silver along the canyon's rim until he reached a stand of timber. There he halted

[Outlaw / Snake]

in the woods.

[Narrator]

The masked man saw a square patch of light. It was the window of a cabin.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Easy, big fellow.

[Narrator]

He dismounted, drew one gun and advanced on foot. Two horses were tied to a tree near the cabin. The Lone Ranger looked through the window and saw a room crudely furnished, with a table and chairs and a door that seemed to lead to a bedroom. No one was in the room. The masked man entered the shack through a door that creaked noisily.

[Lone Ranger]

Hi there, Snake. I'll be right with you.

[Narrator]

The voice came from the bedroom.

[Lone Ranger]

Did you talk phone ranging the pentriger free?

[Chorus/Group Voice]

Hey, I asked you. Hey, look. What's the way?

[Lone Ranger]

Don't shoot. Don't shoot. Mister, I thought that.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

You thought I was a man who tried to make a deal for Tano's life.

[Lone Ranger]

No. No.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

I'll take your gun.

[Lone Ranger]

Now listen, mister.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Snake's in jail with Trigger Regan. You're going to join them after I release Toto.

[Lone Ranger]

Where is he? Oh, my arm.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Where is he?

[Lone Ranger]

I don't know where he is. Now, Juan's here, I admit that, but he. He's gone. Snake took him somewhere on foot. Where?

[Chorus/Group Voice]

I don't know.

[Lone Ranger]

Snake didn't tell me. You've got to believe me.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

I don't believe you. Come into the other room.

[Lone Ranger]

You're hurting my arm. Sit down in that chair. What are you gonna do?

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

First of all, I'm gonna tie you to the chair.

[Lone Ranger]

But, mister, I told you this rope should do. You've got no right to bust in on a man like this.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Make your complaint to the marshal, friend. Snake told me that Tanner would die at 5:15 in the morning.

[Lone Ranger]

I don't know anything about that.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

That's too bad, because your life may depend on the survival of my friend.

[Lone Ranger]

What do you mean?

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Just watch what I do and maybe you'll figure it out.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger took two new candles from a box and stood them side by side on the floor between the wood box and the wall. He lighted one and glanced at his watch. Then he drew the cartridges from Toad's gun belt and sat down at the table. Using his knife, he pried out the bullets and emptied the gunpowder from the cartridges into a small bowl. At the end of half an hour, he blew out the lighted candle, measured the amount that had burned, then turned to Toad, who had been watching every move.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Now do you understand?

[Lone Ranger]

No.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

These candles burn about one inch. In half an hour, I'm lighting a new candle. It burned to the floor about 6 o' clock in the morning.

[Lone Ranger]

Still don't savvy? I can't see what you're doing. The wood box is in the way.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

I'm putting gunpowder around the base of the candle. It will be ignited when the candle burns down and set fire to the kitchen wood. This cabin will burn fast.

[Chorus/Group Voice]

Was he tied to this chair?

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Holly will untie you.

[Lone Ranger]

If he's alive, I'll find it down.

[Chorus/Group Voice]

That's up to you.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

If I find Toto, I'll send him here to blow up the candle. But I'll have to wait for daylight to follow his tracks.

[Chorus/Group Voice]

Daylight?

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

That's a little after five at this time of year. I may be too late to save him.

[Narrator]

The masked man sat down on a chair and stretched out his legs. Toad's flabby face was beaded with a sweat of fear. And his eyes stared at the wall where the light of the burning candle behind the wood box seemed to measure his life expectancy in minutes. A long silence was broken by the Lone Ranger.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Two o'. Clock. You have four hours.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, no.

[Narrator]

The masked man seemed to doze. Toad struggled against the ropes that held him. They were strong. The knots were tight. He finally gave up.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Four o'. Clock. Just being stubborn.

[Lone Ranger]

You're a fool. You wouldn't let me die.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

You come bluffing?

[Lone Ranger]

I don't know.

[Narrator]

It was a battle of nerves. The Lone Ranger, realizing the hopelessness of searching in the darkness for his friend was staking everything on his conviction that the outlaw knew where Toto had been taken and would tell.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

4:30.

[Narrator]

The masked man's cool manner concealed an inward turmoil of worry, apprehension and questions.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

What if this man's told the truth? What if he doesn't know who Toto is? I have time to find Toto between

[Narrator]

the first light of day and 5:15.

[Chorus/Group Voice]

I can't stand it.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll talk.

[Chorus/Group Voice]

I'll talk. Blow out the candle.

[Lone Ranger]

Where's Conno?

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

He'll blow it out if he's here in time.

[Lone Ranger]

He's tied to the railroad track.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Railroad tracks?

[Lone Ranger]

One to run through the canyon?

[Chorus/Group Voice]

Yeah.

[Lone Ranger]

Snake and I took Tono down a steep path to the floor of the canyon. There's a train doing red Rock at 5:30. It'll pass here on 5:15. What is that path? A straight line from this cabin to the canyon.

[Chorus/Group Voice]

Conno is right near the bottom of the path. Hey, Wade, I'm fighting.

[Narrator]

As the Lone Ranger ran through the woods, he heard a whistle and knew the train was on schedule. His was a desperate race against time with Tahoe's life depending on the outcome. He reached the canyon rim and found the narrow path a dangerous one in the dim light of dawn. But this was no time to think of personal peril.

[Lone Ranger]

Tahoe's life was at stake.

[Narrator]

When he reached the canyon floor. The masked man saw the headlight of the locomotive and in between saw Tato

[Lone Ranger]

gagged and lashed to the rails.

[Narrator]

A quick flash with his knife and Toto's feet were free.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Now for the rope around your wrist.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger picked his friend bodily and took three quick steps to safety scant yards before the rushing train went past. Inside the cabin, towed calculated time by the increasing daylight that came through the window. With each passing moment, his nervousness and fear increased until he could wait in silence no longer.

[Lone Ranger]

Help.

[Chorus/Group Voice]

Help. Save me. Set Me free. Oh, why must I die like this? Help me.

[Lone Ranger]

You stop knowing, huh? Colonel, you're here. Let me see you from church. No, no. Blow the candle out first. The candle behind the wood box.

[Chorus/Group Voice]

Blow it out before it sets the place on fire.

[Lone Ranger]

There. No fire. Legs free now.

[Chorus/Group Voice]

No, you don't understand.

[Lone Ranger]

When the candle burns down, it will start a fire. No. You stand up. Leave hands tied. I'll blow the candle out myself. There.

[Chorus/Group Voice]

Why is this?

[Lone Ranger]

What matter? There never was any danger of fire. The gunpowder's nowhere near the candle. That mask band him go to Red Rock. Tell marshal me come there with you as prisoner. He trick me.

[Chorus/Group Voice]

He made me think I'd die when

[Lone Ranger]

a candle burned down.

[Outlaw / Snake]

Masked man never killed him. Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

We'll return in just a moment for a word of our next exciting Lone Ranger adventure. Go out.

[Chorus/Group Voice]

Sheriff Sam is a boy of 10. He busts right in the robber's den and gets his man because he knows he's got Go power from Cheerios. Yes, he's got Go power. There he goes. He's feeling his Cheerios. Cheerios. Cheerios.

[Narrator]

You know about Cheerios? How good Cheerios taste and how this wonderful toasted Oat cereal that's shaped like a little letter oh.

[Masked Man / Lone Ranger]

Is so good for you.

[Narrator]

A Cheerios and milk breakfast really starts the day right. It's real muscle building food. Each spoonful contains vitamins, minerals and proteins your body needs. They help to give you healthy nerves and muscles. So have Cheerios every morning.

[Chorus/Group Voice]

Then you'll hear people say he's stealing his Cheerios.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Toto were following two killers when a violent storm ended the chase. Taking shelter, they headed for a small cabin, unaware of the fact that the killers were there waiting for them with drawn guns. Be sure to listen to this next

[Lone Ranger]

thrill packed Lone Ranger adventure.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, is created by George W. Twendle, produced by by Trundle Campbell Muir Incorporated and directed by Charles D. Livingston. Tonight's drama was written by Fran Striker. The possible o' Ranger is played by Brace Beamer, your announcer, Fred Foy. The Lone Ranger is brought to you by General Mills every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the same time. Be sure to listen. This recorded program has come to you from Detroit. This is ABC Radio Network.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve 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 Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.