Death Will Out | The Lone Ranger (06-08-51)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Detailed Summary of "Death Will Out | The Lone Ranger (06-08-51)"

Host: Andrew Rhines
Release Date: July 14, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of *Old Time Radio Westerns titled "Death Will Out," the timeless tale of the Lone Ranger unfolds with enhanced audio quality, bringing listeners back to the golden age of Western radio dramas. Hosted by Andrew Rhines, the episode immerses the audience in a story filled with deception, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice in the untamed frontier.

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Setting the Scene

The episode opens with the Lone Ranger and his faithful horse, Silver, halting by a narrow stream to water their horses. The serene setting soon becomes the backdrop for a conspiracy that threatens the peace of the western United States.

Key Quote:

Lone Ranger [03:16]: "Here, Kim. Fabi, bring me my field glasses, will you please?"

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The Conspiracy Unfolds

As the Lone Ranger observes the surrounding area with his field glasses, he spots three suspicious men near Devil's Rock. Among them is Amos Stockton, a lawyer with a dubious reputation, accompanied by Rex Bacon and Pete Roswell, the half-owner of the R Cross Tea Ranch. The conversation between Stockton, Bacon, and Roswell reveals a sinister plan to seize control of the ranch from Ed Thomas, the current owner.

Key Quote:

Storming Conversation [04:11]:

Stockton: "When you get back to the ranch, hide Thomas's eyeglasses. Take this will and tell him it's an agreement to purchase some new stock for the ranch. Tell him it's a bargain."

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The Failed Holdup

That evening, Stockton and Roswell attempt to eliminate Ed Thomas to secure the ranch. Their plan takes a dramatic turn when their horse becomes unruly, causing the buckboard to plunge off a ridge. The Lone Ranger and his companion, Tonto, witness the aftermath, where both Roswell and Bacon are wounded, and Thomas appears to be dead. However, suspicion arises as the Lone Ranger notices inconsistencies in the men's injuries and their urgent actions post-incident.

Key Quote:

Lone Ranger [08:12]: "Oh, that fool horse. The way he reared and backed up. I jumped off that buckboard just in time."

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Discovering the Truth

Believing that Roswell and Bacon fabricated the holdup to create an alibi, the Lone Ranger delves deeper into the mystery. Upon their return to the scene, they find the area deserted, and further investigation reveals that Ed Thomas is not dead as initially believed. Instead, he's alive and being held captive, indicating a deeper layer of deceit orchestrated by Stockton.

Key Quote:

Lone Ranger [17:13]: "Perhaps if you stop and think you'll find some significance in that bullet. This mask I wear and the white horse I ride. Dog gone, Tom. That's it."

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Confrontation and Resolution

The tension culminates when the Lone Ranger confronts Sheriff Tom Niles and the posse. Evidence points towards Stockton's betrayal, leading to his arrest. The masked man, revealed to be the Lone Ranger himself, ensures that justice is served by unmasking Stockton and securing the ranch for its rightful owner, Ed Thomas.

Key Quote:

Lone Ranger [22:11]: "Don't move, Roswell. Stay right there in bed. Dad. Put the handcuffs on him."

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Conclusion

"Death Will Out" masterfully blends suspense and classic Western elements, showcasing the Lone Ranger's unwavering commitment to justice. The episode not only entertains but also highlights themes of loyalty, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of truth in the face of corruption.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Lone Ranger [03:16]: "Here, Kim. Fabi, bring me my field glasses, will you please?"
• Stockton [04:11]: "When you get back to the ranch, hide Thomas's eyeglasses..."
• Lone Ranger [08:12]: "Oh, that fool horse. The way he reared and backed up..."
• Lone Ranger [17:13]: "Perhaps if you stop and think you'll find some significance in that bullet..."
• Lone Ranger [22:11]: "Don't move, Roswell. Stay right there in bed..."

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Final Thoughts

Andrew Rhines delivers another stellar episode, meticulously restored to provide clarity and depth to the original recordings. "Death Will Out" stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Lone Ranger, captivating both longtime fans and new listeners alike with its rich storytelling and dynamic characters.

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Note: This summary excludes promotional segments and focuses solely on the narrative content of the episode to provide an engaging overview for those who haven't had the chance to listen.

Transcript

[Lone Ranger]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now, let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hio. Silver, the Lone Ranger. Before this exciting adventure, a word from our sponsor, General Mills, makers of Cheerios, the ready to eat oat cereal that gives you go power. And Wheaties, the breakfast of champions. Present by special recording the Lone Ranger.

[Lone Ranger]

G man. Jimmy is 8 years old. He is strong and he is bold. He can capture outlaws. Cause 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]

That's Cheerios all right. The nourishing Oat cereal that's shaped like little letter O's. The ready to eat cereal with a wonderful toasted oat flavor. What's more, every delicious spoonful of Cheerios and milk is real muscle building food. That's right. Each spoonful contains vitamins, minerals and proteins your body needs. And these good things in a Cheerios breakfast do good things for your body. Help you have healthy nerves, good red blood, strong bones and muscles. Yes, Cheerios is made to give you real go power. So try Cheerios, the famous Oat cereal that needs no cooking. And soon you'll hear people say he's feeling his Cheerios. 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. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. Let's go, big fellow. I am Silver. Away easy.

[Narrator]

Lone Ranger and Toto stopped to water their horses at the narrow stream that ran along the ridge where they had been riding.

[Lone Ranger]

Here, Kim. Fabi, bring me my field glasses, will you please? Here, Kim. Here. Glasses. Oh, thanks, T. You see something? Yes. Amen. Toto, down there by Devil's Rock. Me see three men. I recognize one of them. Amos Stockton. The lawyer? Him not good. He's never been honest, Toto. We know that. Why should he meet with those other two out here? Who are they?

[Narrator]

The younger of the two men was Rex Bacon. The other was Pete Roswell, half owner of the R Cross Tea Ranch.

[Lone Ranger]

I don't know what's got into that old Daluth. Ed Thomas. When I bought half interest in his ranch I paid him more than it was worth. You'd think he'd be glad to sell me the other half. Yeah. Mr. Stockton, when Pete bought his interest it was your money he used. Why'd you let him pay old man Thomas so much? Because I wanted Thomas to sell without quibbling. But now he won't sell me the other half. Stockton, you think he knows about them oil prospectors being ready to pay all kinds of money for the property? No, I don't. I'm the only one who knows about them. We know Mr. Stockton, Pete and I. Yes you do raise it but don't let it put any ideas in your heads. Let's get this matter. Let Thomas settle. Yes, doctor. Just what do you want me and Rex to do? Here's the will that Thomas must sign. I've made it out. It leaves his half of the ranch to you when he dies. See that he signs it today. What good'll it do if I get him to sign it? The oil people are gonna buy the property next week. You'll own the ranch by then because Ed Thomas will be dead. You and Rex are going to kill him. Oh yeah? When? This evening. Now Pete, here's what I want you to do. When you get back to the ranch. Hide Thomas's eyeglasses. Take this will and tell him it's an agreement to purchase some new stock for the ranch. Tell him it's a bargain.

[Narrator]

As the men talked the Lone Ranger removed his field glasses from his eyes and spoke to Toto.

[Lone Ranger]

It's strange those men meeting down there. Toto, we'll camp south of here at the bend. We remain a few days. We're trying to protect the people in this territory for the good of the West.

[Narrator]

At sunset the masked man and the Indian met once more. More at their campsite. Toto had followed Roswell into town where the latter had gone to the sheriff's office. The Lone Ranger had trailed the other two men to a nearby ranch.

[Lone Ranger]

They went to the old Ed Thomas ranch house. The ranch has gone to ruin since.

[Narrator]

We saw it last year.

[Lone Ranger]

Toto must learn what happened to it and why those men are there.

[Narrator]

Ed Thomas hobbled to a chair placed his cane on the table and peered at the paper which Roswell had been insisting that he sign all afternoon.

[Lone Ranger]

Pete, I tell you I can't read it and I won't sign what I can't read. Where's My glasses. Ed, will you stop the fussing? This paper just says we get 200 head of beef from the Grand Circle Ranch at a price. Yeah, you told me all that before. We both have to sign this paper to make it legal. I'm your partner now. Here, I'll sign my name on this line.

[Narrator]

Pete Roswell wrote his name, then led Ed Thomas's protesting hand to the paper. Finally, the old man signed. Shortly after, he was seated on the front seat of a buckboard heading for town. Rex Bacon had supposedly remained behind while Roswell drove.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, get along there. Where are you going? I don't see well, but I know this isn't the road to town. We're up on the ridge road, aren't we? I'm taking the long way because thunder. Why are you stopping like that, Pete? Ed, there's a man riding out of the bushes with a gun. He's masked. Ed, it's a hold up. Get your hands up, the two of you. Oh. Oh. Stop that crazy horse. They jump, Pete. Jump. The carriage is going over the ridge. Pete, help me. Shoot him, Rex. Shoot him, Pete.

[Narrator]

Roswell jumped to the ground, yelling at Rex Bacon to fire. But as the mounted man did, the buckboard turned over. Then as Ed Thomas pawed frantically at the air, the vehicle plunged over the side of the ridge.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, that fool horse. The way he reared and backed up. I jumped off that buckboard just in time. Yeah, you almost went with it. You see down there? Look, that wagons busted. All the pieces and the horse. Yeah, yeah, I see it. Dead. That's sure. Yeah, and Thomas must be too. See, he's not moving. So what do you say? Ready to take care of me now? You mean I'm still supposed to shoot you? Sure. We got to make this look good the way Stockton said. Yeah, I suppose, but I. But nothing. All right, we'll not take off this bandana. Now, where do you want me to shoot you? Well, top of the left shoulder. That's the best spot. Only be sure you make it high. Stand in the moonlight so I can see you. Oh, wait. I'll empty my gun first. It's gotta look like I was firing at those bandits too. Trying to protect poor old Ed Thomas. Go ahead then. How many bullets you got left in your gun? I fired four, Thomas. There's two left. Well, only use one on me. Well, here goes.

[Narrator]

Camped less than a quarter of a mile away, the Lone Ranger and Toto heard the shots to the north on the ridge road.

[Lone Ranger]

Easy. Steady. Big Easy ride fast. TTO Sounds like Trouble.

[Narrator]

Rex Bacon waited almost a minute before he took aim at Pete Roswell's left shoulder.

[Lone Ranger]

Don't move. Pete. Pete. Now get ready. Now I get you in the right spot, Pete. Yeah, yeah. Bandage me quicker, then ride to town. Get the sheriff and the doctor out here. Yeah, sure. Let me tear your shirt. Yeah. That horse is coming this way. Someone heard the shots. They'll think you did the shooting if they see. Why should they? Why so? Wait. Wait. We'll make this real good. Give me your gun quick. Huh? You'll need an alibi, too. Give me a gun. Got one shot left. Quick. I'll get your shoulder, too. This is crazy. No, it's not. Now lay back, Rex. I see him coming against the moon. There's two of them.

[Narrator]

Pete Roswell threw aside the second empty pistol and laid beside Rex Bacon, both of them grabbing at their superficial wounds. Lone Ranger and Tottle leaped from their horses and ran to where the men lay on the ground.

[Lone Ranger]

What happened to you? Who shot you? Bandits shot us. Got away. Look at. Oh, let me see. Well, that's not too bad. Only a shoulder wound. How's that man, Tunnel? You've not hurt much. Look after these men, Tunnel. Bandage them. I'm going after the bandits. Who held them up, Mister? Which way they go? They went north. North.

[Narrator]

As the Lone Ranger galloped off towards the north, Torque from Rex Bacon's shirt and began to treat the man's wounded shoulder, he didn't notice Pete Roswell behind him. Roswell had risen to his knees and grabbed the discarded revolver. Now he leaped to his feet and using his right hand, brought the gun crashing down on Toto's skull.

[Lone Ranger]

Pete. He knocked the engine out. What'd you do that for? Get up, Rex, and forget about that shoulder of yours. We're in the clear for sure now. We're taking this redskin to the sheriff ourselves. Oh, that shoulder hurts. So does mine. Forget about it and listen to me. Our story now is the masked man and this engine held us up, killed Ed Thomas and shot us. The masked man escaped, but we got the Engine. We're turning him over to the law.

[Narrator]

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

[Lone Ranger]

All over the country, in every direction. How ya, how ya doing? Is a question. And here's what the hap hap happy people have to say. Okay? Right. That's something champions know everywhere, wherever you go. Take par bustin Sammy Snead, born in old Virginia, Slammin Sam has been up on top for years and eaten his Wheaties regularly and al Rosen, born in sunny South Carolina, clutch hitter with the Cleveland Indians. There's Al at the plate. Here's a pitch. Another solid sock for a solid champ. And say Al Rosen's been eating Wheaties for 23 baseball seasons. That's the way it goes. South, north, east, west, Wheaties. Why there's a whole kernel of wheat.

[Narrator]

And in every Wheaties flake.

[Lone Ranger]

Keep on eating your wee.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. Amos Stockton had planned to be in Sheriff Tom Nile's office that evening when Rex Bacon would make his appearance he went there and pretended to seek search certain involved information. Sheriff Niles was attempting to supply it when the door to his office first opened Stockton was surprised to see Pete Roswell with Bacon. But he was more surprised when he saw that both their shirts were blood stained and that they were holding an unconscious Indian between them. Sheriff Niles rushed forward to relieve them of their burden. Let me take him.

[Lone Ranger]

What happened Sheriff? The Indians abandoned he and a masked man held us up on the ridge. Yeah, they killed Ed Thomas. Ed Thomas, my friend. Sheriff, we got to tell you what happened so you can go after that mask Omri and catch him. Tell me after I fix this Indian and get you over to Doc Briggs.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger had ridden miles in pursuit of non existent bandits when after a while he saw no sign or trace trail of the phantom men. He galloped back to the spot where he left Toto treating the wounded Roswell and Rex Bacon. But he found this place deserted.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh easy, said a big fellow. That's odd. Easy.

[Narrator]

The masked man dismounted prepared to study the ground now bathed in moonlight. Then he heard a voice cry faintly from below. He ran to the edge of the road, peered downward then turned and hurried back to Silver.

[Lone Ranger]

Easy big fella. Someone needs help down there.

[Narrator]

Amos Stockton was riding with a posse that set out for the scene of the hold up and Ed Thomas's supposed death. He was riding next to Sheriff Niles and Deputy Dad Phillips when Philip suddenly pulled the reins on his horse.

[Lone Ranger]

Tom look coming up from the ridge. Hey it's a mess man. The bandit that killed Ed Thomas he's carrying something or someone on his horse. Come on man, get your guns ready.

[Narrator]

Niles was in front of the posse when he saw who it was. The Lone Ranger bore on his horse.

[Lone Ranger]

That's Ed Thomas he's carrying. Gone it is. Hold your fire boys. He's got Ed Thomas. Hold it. It's a masked man with Eddie. Doctor, don't use that gun. Thomas is alive. Hold it Stockton. I'll kill him. I'll Kill that man. Give me that gun. You're a crazy, sheriff. The man's a killer. Let go of my arm. You almost shot Thomas, you fool. Now give me that gun. The law will handle this, Stranger. What is this? We've been looking for you. Never mind me. Take Ed Thomas and get him to a doctor, will you please, Sheriff? He's in bad shape.

[Narrator]

Members of the posse carried Ed Thomas and placed him carefully on a horse. As they started to take him to town, the sheriff turned to the Lone Ranger. Right in front of me.

[Lone Ranger]

Stranger, you're a cool one. I don't know what this means, you.

[Narrator]

Carrying Ed Thomas up from that gully.

[Lone Ranger]

But you're under arrest. We got your engine partner in jail already. What for? I don't understand, Sheriff. We ought to string up this man. For the last time. Stockton, keep out of this. All right, stranger, no tricks. Under the circumstances, I'll be glad to go with you, Sheriff. Very glad.

[Narrator]

Back in town, at his office, Sheriff Tom Niles questioned the Lone Ranger and ended by admitting he was puzzled.

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah, you're right, stranger. No hold up man I ever met has come back to take his victim to a doctor. Like you started to do with Ed Thomas. I've been thinking the same thing, Tom. Sheriff, here's a silver bullet I carry. Look at it. I see it. Perhaps if you stop and think you'll find some significance in that bullet. This mask I wear and the white horse I ride. Dog gone, Tom. That's it. The mask and all the rest. The engine said his name was Tonto, too. Now that means. I know what it's supposed to mean, dad. Stranger, you said you had a story to tell me and I'm listening. Go on, talk.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger told of what he and Tato had seen that afternoon. The meeting of Stockton and the two other men. Then he repeated the story Ed Thomas had told him before the posse had come upon them. And before the old man had lost consciousness. It was the story of signing the paper and the hold up on the ridge.

[Lone Ranger]

And Ed Thomas recalls everything clearly. As the buckboard started over the ledge the man wearing the bandanna yelled for Pete to jump clear. Then Pete called the man Rex and told him to shoot Thomas. Pete and Rex. They called each other by name. Gosh, Tom, it sure sounds like they were working together. But Pete Roswell and Rex Bacon were shot. How do you account for that? Only one way. They was an alibi for themselves. You'll notice their wounds are slight. Yes, but slight as their wounds are, Doc Briggs is keeping them in his place overnight Sheriff. Ed Thomas is there too. They want him dead. They'll kill him. Oh no they won't. We got men watching him huh Tom? Right. Another question stranger.

[Narrator]

How does Stockton fit into this?

[Lone Ranger]

That is if there's a plot of some kind against Ed Thomas. I don't know but I'll try to find out if you let me. Sheriff I just thought of something. Yes what is it? Perhaps it's a risky proposition but we might find out the truth about Stockton and the two men. What rooms are Roswell and Ed Thomas in? Over at Doc Briggs place? Yes. I don't know. Dad can find out. Sure can. You want dad to go over to Dark Briggs while you're telling your plan to me? No, no not yet. Because he'll play an important part in this. Here's what I want him to do. Let Amos Stockton know that Tottle and I are in jail. That Ed Thomas is in a room.

[Narrator]

Deputy Sheriff Dad Phillips went into Doc Briggs house a short time later. When he came out again minutes after he passed Amos Stockton who was standing in front of the building.

[Lone Ranger]

Hi Stockton. Waiting for word about Ed Thomas? Yes I am. Is he conscious yet? No not yet. Doc Briggs says he may come too later tonight. Me I'm all tuckered out. I gotta stay with him all night. Where do they have him? That big room up there on the corner of the south wing. Man am I tired. I'll probably fall asleep when I get back in the job and be out colder than Thomas. Oh well see you. Mr. Stockton. Yes I'll let you know if I get any good news about Ole. Hey do that will you? So that's where Thomas is eh? That big room in the corner of the serving where.

[Narrator]

Emma Stockton moved with a desperation born of avarice and fear of exposure.

[Lone Ranger]

I bet you he must have fallen asleep. If he has he's alone. Well so Ed Thomas you wouldn't die when you were supposed to. Now you will let go of me. Help. It's too late. I'll never hear you. Pete. Pete Roswell. It's you. Throat stocked and white. Quiet. Quiet. Where's your Thomas? I was told I had him in this room. This is my room. This what you say? What's this about Thomas? He didn't tell you? He's still alive. He's here in this house and he may recover. You mean it Stockton? Did he tell him about us? Me and Rex? No, no he wasn't conscious. That's why I must kill him before he recovers. You can't let him Live, Stockton. He knows Rex and I did it. He must. Rex yelled at me. I don't care about that part. I care about the will you had him sign. That's where I come in. It's where I come in, too. Stuck. And I'm his partner. That will says I get the ranch property, all of it, when Thomas dies. The oil people have to pay me for it when they buy it, but the money goes to me now. Don't worry. I'll share it as we planned. But we can't waste time here arguing. Thomas signed the will, didn't he? Sure, else we wouldn't have killed him. Trying to kill him, I mean. The will's in my pocket. I'll get it. Then I'll find out what room Thomas actually is in. I wouldn't bother if I were you, Stockton. It's the mask, man. The doorway. Use your gun, Stockton. Use. Too slow, Stockton. You were a perfect target in the moonlight. All right, Sheriff.

[Narrator]

The sheriff, followed by deputies carrying lighted lanterns, came in with guns drawn.

[Lone Ranger]

Don't move, Roswell. Stay right there in bed. Dad. Put the handcuffs on him. Yep. And get that will they were talking about in Roswell's pocket. Here. You heard everything, right? You're here. You went home. You told me. I was told to tell you. You come here and do just what you did. The masked man called it right, didn't he, Tom? He certainly did. Stranger's gone. He disappeared like a ghost. Must have gone over to the jailhouse to meet his engine pal. What? You let the engine go? Yes. As soon as we saw you sneak into this hospital, Roswell. Then we knew. The masked man was right. My army, he did that, too. Too bad you didn't aim at your heart before you take me and Stockton away, Sheriff, we'll take Rex Bacon, too. After Doc Briggs says you may go. All right, but. But tell me anyway. Who was that mask omry? You should have guessed by now, Roswell. That was the Lone Ranger. I will do it.

[Narrator]

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

[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.

[Lone Ranger]

Become one of.

[Andrew Rines]

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.

[Lone Ranger]

Sam.