Deathtrap for Two | The Lone Ranger (05-26-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode Summary: Deathtrap for Two | The Lone Ranger (05-26-52)

Main Theme / Purpose

This episode of "The Lone Ranger," titled "Deathtrap for Two," transports listeners to the Wild West for a classic showdown between justice and outlaws. The story features the daring masked hero, the Lone Ranger, and his steadfast companion Tonto as they pursue the notorious outlaw leader, Sharkey Halden, and his gang—culminating in a cunningly set trap that turns fate against the villains thanks to the Lone Ranger's quick thinking and courage.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

Setting the Stage: The Infamous Sharkey Halden

• [03:17] The episode opens with the sheriff lamenting his inability to catch outlaw Sharkey Halden, whose gang is blamed for a recent train robbery.
  • “By thunder, that Sharkey Holden might as well be a ghost for all the good it does to try to run him and his gang down.” — Sheriff [03:45]
• Sharkey is described as brash, unmasked, and proud of his crimes, leaving a clear mark on the region.

Tonto's Investigation in Comstock

• Tonto is dispatched to the nearby town to gather intelligence.
• At the café and general store, Tonto spots a stranger (Joe) buying an unusual amount of supplies—more than a lone prospector would need.
  • Tonto notices inconsistencies in Joe’s story and his refined appearance: “Him use fine saddle horse to carry supplies... him wear nice boots and not rock scarred like boots of prospector.” — Tonto [08:39]
• Tonto discreetly decides to trail Joe out of town.

Discovery of the Gang's Hideout

• [09:29] Joe returns to the gang’s canyon hideout, revealing to Sharkey he faced no suspicion in town.
• Sharkey plots a bank robbery, indicating the gang will strike again soon.
  • “We’ll hide out here a while longer till things die down. Then we’ll clean out the town bank and leave this territory.” — Sharkey Halden [09:45]

Tonto Captured

• Tonto is discovered sneaking after Joe and is caught by Sharkey, Joe, and another gang member, Dave.
  • “You drop your gun belt.” — Sharkey Halden [10:39]
• Inside the shack, the gang becomes suspicious about Tonto's identity, eventually recognizing him as the Lone Ranger’s companion.
  • “Remember when you joined the gang?... I told you we’d left New Mexico Territory? ... because of a masked man called the Lone Ranger… an Indian who rode a fine paint, carried fine guns, and wore buckskins… this Indian may be the one who rides with the Lone Ranger.” — Joe [14:05~14:24]

Sharkey’s Trap: The "Deathtrap" Plan

• Sharkey devises a deadly scheme: keep Tonto alive in the shack, planning to lure and kill the Lone Ranger with a planted can of blasting powder.
  • “I ripped up a plank under there and ran the fuse to the boulders. When he goes in, I’ll light the fuse… he’ll be plumbed sky high.” — Sharkey Halden [22:26]
• The gang sends Mort to town to confirm the Lone Ranger’s arrival by feeding him information about Tonto’s whereabouts.

The Lone Ranger Outsmarts the Villains

• The Lone Ranger, suspicious of Mort, follows him back to the canyon, eavesdrops on Sharkey’s plan, and enters the shack where Tonto is tied up.
  • “First I’ll cut those cords there. I have some fast work to do.” — The Lone Ranger [24:06]
• Quickly discovering and disabling the trap, the Lone Ranger ingeniously tosses the blasting powder back toward the hiding outlaws.
  • “This will surprise you.” — The Lone Ranger, before hurling the powder [24:41]
• The explosion injures several gang members and throws Sharkey’s plan into chaos.

Posse and Justice Restored

• The sheriff and his posse, alerted by the explosion, arrive in force.
  • “You in there. Come on with your hands up. The rest of your gang is about finished out here.” — Sheriff [25:55]
• After a brief confrontation, Sharkey's gang is apprehended, and the sheriff realizes the masked man is the Lone Ranger.
  • "Why didn't you tell me who you were?" — Sheriff [26:34]
  • "I didn't have the chance." — The Lone Ranger [26:37]

Moral & Resolution

• The sheriff thanks the Lone Ranger and Tonto for their bravery. The Lone Ranger humbly replies:
  • “It’s worth the risk to have them captured.” — The Lone Ranger [26:54]
• As the episode closes, the sheriff praises the Lone Ranger’s cunning over any outlaw trickery.
  • “To my way of thinking, there’s no crook living that will ever put one over on the Lone Ranger. No sir.” — Sheriff [27:13]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “By thunder, that Sharkey Holden might as well be a ghost...”
  — Sheriff, expressing the gang’s elusiveness [03:45]

• “Good buckskins, fine guns and a paint that’s a beauty.”
  — Tonto, describing clues about Joe and summing up his suspicions [13:48]

• “Before we’re through, I figure both he and the mask man will be dead and buried.”
  — Sharkey Halden, as he reveals the depth of his malice [14:28]

• “I ripped up a plank under there and ran the fuse to the boulders… he’ll be plumbed sky high.”
  — Sharkey Halden, outlining his deadly trap [22:26, 22:49]

• “This will surprise you.”
  — The Lone Ranger, tossing the blasting powder back at the outlaws [24:41]

• “It’s worth the risk to have them captured.”
  — The Lone Ranger, showing his devotion to justice [26:54]

• “There’s no crook living that will ever put one over on the Lone Ranger.”
  — Sheriff, delivering the episode’s closing tribute [27:13]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:17] — Introduction of outlaw Sharkey Halden and his gang's activities
• [05:28] — Lone Ranger and Tonto set up camp near Comstock
• [06:07] — Tonto’s investigation and suspicious encounter with Joe
• [08:39] — Tonto summarizes his observations and chooses to follow Joe
• [09:29] — Joe returns to the gang hideout, revealing plans
• [10:23] — Tonto is caught and brought to the shack
• [13:11 – 14:24] — Gang identifies Tonto as Lone Ranger’s companion
• [16:15] — Sharkey decides to tie up Tonto and prepare the trap
• [17:53] — The plan to lure the Lone Ranger is set
• [19:01] — Mort passes Lone Ranger information in the store
• [22:26] — Outlaws discuss details of the trap with blasting powder
• [24:03] — Lone Ranger enters shack, disables trap, and escapes
• [25:55] — Sheriff and posse capture Sharkey’s gang
• [26:54] — Lone Ranger and sheriff cement the episode’s moral

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Tone & Atmosphere

The episode resonates with the classic upright, suspenseful tone of vintage radio Westerns. The dialogue is direct and imbued with courage, quick thinking, and Old West authority, keeping listeners engaged in a tense cat-and-mouse game of outlaws versus the forces of justice.

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A thrilling showdown, ingenious heroics, and justice served—this Lone Ranger installment reminds us why classic radio Westerns endure.

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Transcript

[Tonto]

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 HI O. Silver. The Lone Ranger.

[Tonto]

It's Sam Sa.

[Narrator]

Faithful Indian companion Tottle, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[The Lone Ranger]

Silver. Let's go, big fellow.

[Tonto]

Silver. Away.

[Narrator]

Sharkey Halden was an outlaw leader who outwitted all who attempted to capture him. Banks were robbed, stages held up and still Sharkey's gang continued as strong as ever. The gang's most recent crime had been a train robbery outside of Comstock. After many hours of long, hard riding with a posse the sheriff of the town returned to his office tired and downcast.

[Sheriff]

By thunder, that Sharkey Holden might as well be a ghost for all the good it does to try to run him and his gang down.

[Joe]

No luck, huh?

[Sheriff]

No, he's plenty smart at covering tracks.

[Tonto]

How do you know it was Sharkey Holden's gang that held up the train, Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

Well, as usual, he was the only one of the gang that didn't mask his face. That loud laugh of his could be heard above everything else as they rode away. He seems to take pride in letting everybody know who he is.

[Tonto]

The handbills I've read on him. He seems to know just when to strike to make it worthwhile.

[Sheriff]

Yeah, and since each one of his men wears a bandana to mask his face during a hold up any one of them could go into a town as a spy without being known.

[Tonto]

I reckon that's right.

[Sheriff]

That train robbery is the third crime his gang has committed in this territory. I figure he has a hideout somewhere near Comstock. I sure wish I could find it. Well, wishing won't help. Reckon I'll eat and rest and then look some more for Halden.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger had heard of Sharkey Halden's operations and he and Tonto had taken up the trail of the gunman. As they headed into the southwest territory. The masked man and his Indian companion pulled to a halt at a campsite in the hills not far from Comstock the day after the train robbery.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sharkey Holden and his gang have covered practically every town. We have passed Tonto. Yet they managed to evade capture.

[Tonto]

That outlaw leader plenty smart.

[The Lone Ranger]

The report we had of the train robbery near Comstock yesterday. Mean Shark and his men are still around here. If we could get a line on their hideout, we could act.

[Tonto]

That's not easy.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, we'll camp here, then decide our next move.

[Narrator]

For three days, Tonto visited Comstock in hopes of getting a line on the crooks. The fourth day, Tonto left camp and rode to the town to look around and to get a few supplies. First he went to the cafe and stood at the back looking over the crowd. The barkeep spoke to a man at the bar.

[The Lone Ranger]

You want something else, mister?

[Joe]

No, that's all for now.

[Narrator]

New around here, ain't?

[Joe]

Yeah, just passing through on the way to Peggy's. Might be around for a couple of days, though. I'll see you again.

[Tonto]

Maybe.

[Joe]

So long.

[Narrator]

So long, strangers. Tato waited a while longer, then left the cafe and entered the general store to buy his supplies. The storekeeper was waiting on another customer. Tato noticed it was the same man who had been in the cafe.

[Sheriff]

Here's your change, mister. You sure have a lot of supplies to tote.

[Joe]

Yeah, I reckon I have.

[Sheriff]

Sort of a stranger in these parts, aren't you?

[Joe]

Yeah, I don't get to town often.

[Sheriff]

I reckon you don't work on one of the ranches since you don't have a buckboard outside to carry this stuff.

[Joe]

The fact is, I'm not a ranch from a ranch, mister. I bought a pack horse to carry these supplies.

[Sheriff]

You sure need it. You bought enough to feed several people for a smell.

[Joe]

Matter of fact, I'm heading into the hills to work a clam. I staked out a few days ago figuring out, doing some prospecting. And I don't want to be bothered coming into town too often. That's why I'm laying in a good supply.

[Sheriff]

Prospecting, huh? Say, how about a pick and shovel? Sell them to you at a good price.

[Joe]

Ah, no, thanks. I have a pick and shovel out at the clean. Hey, I reckon you'll have to help me carry this stuff out.

[Sheriff]

Sorry, got others waiting.

[Tonto]

I can't leave right now.

[Sheriff]

Maybe that Indian will help you if you give him a bit of silver for his trouble.

[Tonto]

Oh, me help. Me not want pay.

[Joe]

All right, Indian. Grab some of those packages and let's go.

[Narrator]

All right.

[Tonto]

Yeah.

[Joe]

Here's my horses. Give me the stuff. I'll do the packing.

[Tonto]

Yeah.

[Joe]

Thanks, Indiana.

[Tonto]

Yeah.

[Joe]

Give you half a dollar for your trouble.

[Tonto]

No, me not one pay.

[Joe]

Suit yourself. Thanks again. Adios.

[Tonto]

Adios.

[Joe]

Easy now. Get up there. Get up.

[Tonto]

Come on.

[Narrator]

Toto stood a moment, watching the stranger ride away. The Indian's alertness had noted several things about the man at the cafe. He had said he was passing through town on the way to Pecos. Yet he told the storekeeper he had a claim in the hills. In the store, when the man had spoken of being a prospector, Tato had noted his smooth hands. Also, he noticed the large amount of perishable meat. More than one man could eat in a long time. Usually a man alone bought only enough for a day or two since it quickly spoiled. Then Toto thought of the pack horse.

[Tonto]

Him use fine saddle horse to carry supplies. And me notice spur marks. And him wear nice boots and not rock scarred like boots of prospector.

[Narrator]

Tonto stood a moment longer, then walked to the side of his horse. Scout.

[Tonto]

He must have plenty of reason to lie. Me follow. Find out where him go. Then me talk to Lone Ranger. Easy, Scout. Easy, fella. Get him up.

[Narrator]

Making sure he wasn't seen, Tonto followed the man who finally turned from the main trail and headed into the rocky foothills. Later, the man leading the pack horse rode into a small canyon and stopped before a shack.

[Joe]

Ho, ho. They ho, ho now.

[Tonto]

Hi, Joe. Did you get the supplies without any trouble?

[Sharkey Halden]

Sure did.

[Joe]

Sharky the barkeep and the old coot at the store were both kind of nosy. But I turned aside the questions without them being suspicious. I reckon folks are a little leery of strangers around Comstock right now.

[Tonto]

They'll get over it. We'll hide out here a while longer till things die down. Then we'll clean out the town bank and leave this territory.

[Joe]

I reckon they'll remember Sharkey Holden's gang for a long time to come.

[Tonto]

Yeah. Come on, I'll help you take this stuff inside. Then we'll get together and talk over our plans for the bank job.

[Narrator]

Meantime, Tonto moved along the rocky trail. Joe had taken a short distance from the canyon. He was passing some big boulders when.

[Sheriff]

Oh, Shot.

[Tonto]

Oh, for that.

[Joe]

Free threads.

[Narrator]

Kill.

[Joe]

Freeze.

[Sharkey Halden]

We got you coming.

[Tonto]

Get a minute.

[Joe]

Get him away.

[Tonto]

Hoo.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hoo, there.

[Narrator]

Hoo.

[Sharkey Halden]

I'd say this redskin was trailing Joe. What do you think, Dave?

[Tonto]

Yeah, it looks like it all right.

[Sharkey Halden]

You drop your gun belt.

[Joe]

Drop it.

[Tonto]

I'll give it. Steady, Mort.

[Joe]

Now what, Mort?

[Sharkey Halden]

We'll make him talk.

[Tonto]

Me not talk.

[Narrator]

You'd better.

[Sharkey Halden]

Why were you following Joe? Me not no feller named Joe.

[Joe]

We didn't ask you that.

[Narrator]

We know you were trailing them, and.

[Joe]

You'Re gonna tell us.

[Tonto]

Why me not talk?

[Sharkey Halden]

Well, I reckon the best thing to do is to plug him.

[Tonto]

No, no. Better wait, Mort.

[Narrator]

Why not?

[Sharkey Halden]

He had no right to.

[Tonto]

It'd be better to take him to the shack. Maybe we'll get some answers from him there.

[Sharkey Halden]

All right, get going, redskin. Don't forget, if you try any tricks, you'll get plugged. Go on.

[Narrator]

Straight ahead.

[Tonto]

Get him up. Scout, get away.

[Narrator]

Come on, get up. The two gunmen and Toto stopped in front of the shack in the canyon.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, Scout, no fouls.

[Sharkey Halden]

Easy, Scout, easy.

[The Lone Ranger]

Foul.

[Sharkey Halden]

All right, Indian, get moving. Into that check.

[Tonto]

Hey, what's this? Why'd you bring that redskin here?

[Sharkey Halden]

Hi, Sharkey. Me and Dave are watching out yonder by the boulders. We saw Joe come along, and then a few minutes later, this Indian rode by. We figured he was trailing Joe, so we jumped him, took his gun belt and brought him here. So you could question him.

[Tonto]

Joe wasn't as careful as he thought he was in town. Bring the redskin into the shack.

[Sharkey Halden]

You heard him, Indian.

[Narrator]

Get moving.

[Tonto]

Well, Indian, what do you got to say for yourself? Whatever it is, it better be plenty good. We have nothing to say.

[Sharkey Halden]

Make him talk, Sharkey. We know he was trailing Joe. That was easy to see.

[Tonto]

Yeah, but what I want to know is just why he trailed Joe. Come on, Indian, start talking. Why did you? Maybe me thinking me get job. Me hear him say him come to work clean. Don't lie. You found out somehow he was one of my gang. So you followed him. Now speak up. Do you hear me? Not know him. Member of any gang.

[Sharkey Halden]

Here's Joe now.

[Tonto]

Hey, Joe. Ever see this sneakin redskin before?

[Joe]

Yeah, saw him in town at the store. How'd he get here?

[Sharkey Halden]

I reckon he trailed you.

[Joe]

Yeah, we jumped him out of the.

[Narrator]

Big boulders when he rode by.

[Joe]

Gone. He was in the store when the storekeeper was asking me questions. Something must have made this redskin suspicious. Hey, hold on, Sharkey. Now that I look him over close, there's something familiar about this Indian. Something unusual, you might say.

[Tonto]

What do you mean?

[Joe]

Take a good look at the way he's dressed. For instance, I should have noticed that.

[Tonto]

In town he's wearing mighty fine buckskins. He is better dressed than most redskins I've seen. And I noticed the fine paint he was riding the one standing outside. Now, wait, wait. There's something stern in my mind. Mort, where's his gun Belt, Dave has it. Give it here, Dave, and keep him covered.

[Sharkey Halden]

Here it is. Look at those fine guns.

[Tonto]

Mighty fine guns for an Indian.

[Joe]

Yeah, by golly, they are at that.

[Tonto]

What's it all mean to you, Joe? Think hard. Good buckskins, fine guns and a paint that's a beauty.

[Joe]

I reckon I oughta have the answer.

[Tonto]

Remember when you joined the gang? I told you we'd left New Mexico Territory? In spite of the fact there was so much for the taking up there. Remember the reason I gave?

[Joe]

Oh, yeah. You told me it was because of a masked man called the Lone Ranger. But this Indian, he. Hey, wait a minute. Now it's coming to me.

[Sharkey Halden]

Yeah? What is?

[Joe]

Sharkey told me the masked man had a partner. An Indian who rode a fine paint, carried fine guns and wore buckskins. Why, this Indian may be the one who rides with the Lone Ranger.

[Sharkey Halden]

Holy mackerel. If he's on our trail. What are you gonna do, Shark?

[Tonto]

Don't get excited, Mort. I know just what to do with this redskin. If he's the masked man's pal. Before we're through, I figure both he and the mask man will be dead and buried.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger advent. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

[Tonto]

Satan Tuttle had been captured by the.

[Narrator]

Notorious Sharkey Halden and his gunman. While the Indian was trailing one of the gang. Sharkey finally recognized Tonto as the Lone Ranger's companion.

[Tonto]

Yep.

[Sharkey Halden]

What are you gonna do to the Indian, Sharkey?

[Narrator]

Best thing is to put a slug.

[Tonto]

In him while we have the chance.

[Joe]

I reckon Dave is right.

[Tonto]

Wait. Hold on. I got other plans. He'll get what's coming to him when I figure the time is ripe. Right. Now, take him over there and tie him plenty tight. Then put him onto the bunk.

[Sharkey Halden]

Yeah, we'll tie him tight. Don't worry about that, Dave.

[Tonto]

Put up the horses and take that paint of his long. Make sure he's fixed so he can't get loose. Tie him in the grove with the others. Sure thing, Sharkey.

[Sharkey Halden]

All right. Come on, Indian. Put your hands behind your back. Keep him covered, Joe. Now get over to the bunk.

[Narrator]

As soon as Toto was tightly bound hand and foot, Shockey signaled to Mortal and the two men stepped outside.

[Sharkey Halden]

You know, Chuck, if you're right, there's danger at the mask opera. He'll start looking for his friend. Might even come here.

[Tonto]

Mort, I think he really will come here. And you'll be the one who'll make it easy for him.

[Sharkey Halden]

You must be loco.

[Tonto]

No, the fact is I'm playing it real smart. Now listen. Joe said the Indian came into the store. That means the redskin went there to get something.

[Sharkey Halden]

Maybe he went in because he saw Joe go there and knew he was one of the gang.

[Tonto]

Oh, if he knew that, the redskin would have stayed out of sight, waited till Joe left town, then followed.

[Sharkey Halden]

What if he did go in and buy something?

[Tonto]

If he is that Indian, the masked man would know he went there. When the redskin doesn't show up, the Lone Ranger'd find some way to make inquiries there about his sidekick.

[Sharkey Halden]

Yeah, maybe you're right. What do I do?

[The Lone Ranger]

Go to town.

[Tonto]

Go into that store. Hang around a little while. Lots of fellows hang out there. If you hear anybody asking about the Indian, just tell him you saw the redskin riding out this way. Savvy? He might be the masked man.

[Sharkey Halden]

I reckon you plan to ambush him on his way. Is that the plan?

[Tonto]

No. He's escaped many an ambush. I have another plan you'll hear about later. Now get your horse and go on to town.

[Narrator]

Tonto had left camp before noon to get supplies. As the afternoon wore on, the Lone Ranger, waiting for his companion to return, became uneasy. He decided to disguise his features, then ride to town without wearing his mask so that he could inquire for Tonto at the store. When the Lone Ranger entered the general store, the crook Mort was among the idlers who wiled away time. Swapping stories, Mort noticed the tall stranger who entered and approached the storekeeper.

[Sheriff]

Howdy, stranger. Something for you.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm looking for a friend of mine, an Indian in Buckskins who came here earlier today.

[Sheriff]

There was an Indian in here? Only one today. Tall, well built. But he didn't buy anything. He helped some army take supplies outside, but the Indian didn't come back.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see. Well, I'll look around uptown.

[Tonto]

Thanks.

[Sharkey Halden]

Just a minute, mister.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes?

[Sharkey Halden]

I heard you asking about that Indian. Recollect, I saw a tall, well built redskin riding from town. Leastways, I figure he was tall. He wore buckskins.

[The Lone Ranger]

Did you notice his horse?

[Tonto]

Yeah.

[Sharkey Halden]

Paint Beauty, too. The Indian was going along the west trail like he was following somebody.

[The Lone Ranger]

What made you think that?

[Sharkey Halden]

Well, he was riding sort of slow and looking at the trail. Maybe he's the one you're looking for.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah, I think he is. Thanks very much. Adios.

[Sharkey Halden]

Adios, mister.

[The Lone Ranger]

Easy, steady, big fellow. Monsieur.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger had noticed Mort edge away from the crowd when he entered the store. And he sensed that the man was too eager to give him an accurate description of Tonto, the Lone Ranger rode until he couldn't be seen from the store windows. Then he suddenly swung silver in between two buildings and stopped.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll watch a moment to see if that man comes out. I wear the mask over my disguise.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger put on his mask, then waited tensely. Soon he saw Mort come out hurriedly glance along the main street then mount his horse and head for the opposite end of town at a fast gallop.

[The Lone Ranger]

Seems to be in a hurry all of a sudden. I'll follow him and trail Tonto later. Monsilver.

[Narrator]

Just inside the pass through had been taken were several large boulders. They hid from view the old shack, which was about 50ft behind the boulders. A thick pine grove near the shack provided a sheltered hitching place for the horses. At the opposite end of the small basin, there was another narrow pass. Joe, Dave and the three other gunmen waited among the boulders.

[Tonto]

Where did Sharkey go?

[Joe]

Joe Sharkey went to the back pass to wait for Mort.

[Tonto]

You. You mean Mort's taking the shortcut from town that leads to the back path?

[Joe]

That's right. I still think we should have plugged the Indian, then planned a dry gulch. A mask man, Shark. He wants it to be his way. So that's it.

[Tonto]

But that shack is between us and the horses.

[Joe]

We should have brought him over here someplace. Now they're out of sight. Then they'll be safe enough. Now stop your beefing, Dave. Soon as Mort and Sharkey get here, all we have to do is wait for the masked man to show up.

[Narrator]

It was late afternoon when Mort reached the far entrance to the canyon. A few minutes later, the Lone Ranger approached the place.

[The Lone Ranger]

He rode to that pass. I'll leave you here a few moments, big fella. Go on foot.

[Narrator]

The masked man cautiously moved forward through the brush toward the pass into the canyon. He edged along to look into the pass. Suddenly, he heard voices. Moving carefully, he leaned forward to look. Mort had stopped his horse and was talking with Sharkey just inside the pass.

[Tonto]

So you think the tall stranger you saw was the Lone Ranger, huh?

[Sharkey Halden]

Well, he came in asking for the Indian. Of course, he didn't wear a mask.

[Tonto]

I've heard he knows how to disguise himself so folks can't tell who he is. Did he leave right away?

[Sharkey Halden]

Yeah, headed for the west trail. And I beat it out and rode the shortcut to this pass.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good.

[Tonto]

That means you ought to reach the entrance at the other end before long. The men are over yonder waiting behind all those big boulders. Put your horse in the grove and join him.

[Sharkey Halden]

What do you plan to do when he does come?

[Tonto]

The horses are out of sight. I figure he'll go right into the shack to find the Indian. I had Dave take the Indian outside a while. Then I planted a can of blasting powder under the bunk. I ripped up a plank under there and ran the fuse to the boulders. When he goes in, I'll light the fuse. It'll take a couple of minutes for it to burn to the powder. And it'll take him that long to untie the redskin boss.

[Sharkey Halden]

He'll be plumbed sky high.

[Tonto]

I'm sure the Indian doesn't know about the powder under the bunk. Well, I'll go join the others. Put away your horse and then come on over.

[The Lone Ranger]

Right.

[Sharkey Halden]

Get up there.

[Tonto]

Get up. Get up.

[The Lone Ranger]

Be too bad to disappoint them. Get back to Silver, then ride to that shack they mentioned by way of the other entrance.

[Narrator]

The outlaws behind the big boulders, who had been joined by Sharkey and Mort, waited patiently for the intended victim. Finally, they heard hoofbeats entering the canyon from the west trail.

[Tonto]

Hey, I think he's coming. Get ready to light that fuse, Dave. I'm ready. I got the matches in my hand.

[Sharkey Halden]

Hey, look, he's stopping. He's leaving his horse in the pine grove.

[Tonto]

He's sneaking toward the shack with his gun ready.

[Sharkey Halden]

You think we flew the coop and left the Indian tied up in there? He looked in the window.

[Tonto]

Now he's going inside. Like that fuse, Dave. Quick.

[Sheriff]

Sure.

[Tonto]

There it goes. In a few minutes we'll see the blast. That means finish to the masked man and his Indian friend.

[Narrator]

Meantime, the Lone Ranger quickly entered the shack and closed the door.

[Tonto]

It not good. You come here. Them plan trap.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I know. First I'll cut those cords there. I have some fast work to do.

[Narrator]

Quickly, the masked man bent down and grasping the can of blasting powder, he cut the fuse, leaving part of it still attached to the powder.

[The Lone Ranger]

Can I have it now? The fuse will burn itself out under the shack.

[Tonto]

So that what that plan?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. They're waiting among the big boulders over near the entrance to the basin.

[Tonto]

And what we do now?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll step to the door, light the remaining piece of fuse and quickly throw it in their direction.

[Narrator]

Quickly striking a match, the Lone Ranger lit the short fuse. Then he ran to the porch and raising his arm, hurled the can of blasting powder toward the boulders.

[The Lone Ranger]

This will surprise you.

[Narrator]

The masked man quickly jumped back inside. And even as he ran to the window facing the boulders, the explosion took place. The can of blasting powder exploded among the big boulders taking the gunman completely by surprise. Three of them were injured by heavy rocks. But Sharkey, Mort, Joe and Dave had escaped with minor cuts and bruises.

[Joe]

Jumpin, Catfish. What happened?

[Tonto]

Those dirty sneaking coyotes turned the tables on us with that blasting powder.

[Joe]

Three of the men are out cold, Sharkey.

[Tonto]

Well, there are four of us still able to handle guns.

[Joe]

But they're protected by the shack and the horses in the grove beyond the shack. We can't get to them.

[Tonto]

We'll try to move up on them. Spread out and let them start moving in. Let's go. And keep lead flying so they can't make a run for it. Oh.

[Joe]

Oh, my arm.

[Tonto]

Use your other hand. You'll be all right. We gotta get those two polecats no matter what.

[Narrator]

Dusk was falling, and Sharkey hoped that when darkness fell, their chance would come. But then something happened they didn't expect. The sheriff and his posse, who had been searching the hills for the gang had heard the explosion and rolled into the canyon with guns blazing. Inside the shack, the Lone Ranger spoke to Toto.

[The Lone Ranger]

The sheriff and a posse have arrived.

[Tonto]

Toto.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now Sharkey Halden and his men haven't a chance.

[Sheriff]

You in there. Come on with your hands up. The rest of your gang is about finished out here.

[Tonto]

Him think we belong to gangs?

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll go out. Toto, Bolster your guns and go out with your hands raised.

[Sheriff]

A masked man and an Indian. The others were all taken. Now we have you two.

[The Lone Ranger]

We came here to find the Halden gang. Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Here they are, Sheriff.

[Tonto]

We wounded these four.

[The Lone Ranger]

Perhaps you'll find more over behind the boulders.

[Joe]

Don't that shock you? I told you we should have ambushed the Lone Ranger before he got here. That death trap you planned for him and the redskin turned right back on all of us.

[Tonto]

Now shut up.

[Sheriff]

Now, hold on. He spoke of the Lone Ranger and an Indian. He must mean you two hombres.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's right.

[Sheriff]

Goodbye, Thunder. Why didn't you tell me who you were?

[The Lone Ranger]

I didn't have the chance.

[Sheriff]

Well, this is sure something. What happened here anyhow?

[Narrator]

Briefly, the Lone Ranger told what had happened. When he finished, the sheriff spoke again.

[Sheriff]

Mister, we have you and the Indian to thank for giving us the chance to round up Sharkey Halden and his gang. But you both sure took a big risk.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's worth the risk to have them captured.

[Sheriff]

My men are tending to their wounds. And soon as they're finished, we'll take them to jail.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll stop by to see you in town before we leave the territory. Sheriff, unless you need us to help, take these men in huddle and I'll head for our camp.

[Sheriff]

I have plenty of men to handle them, Mr. Good.

[The Lone Ranger]

They get our horses and leave now. Adios everybody.

[Sheriff]

Adios. Adios. So the clever Sharkey Holland thought he'd fix a death trap for the masked man in Indiana. Well, let me tell you something, Sharkey. Pole cats like you have tried more than once to outthink that mask man. To my way of thinking, there's no cook living that will ever put one over on the Lone Ranger. No sir.

[Narrator]

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

[Tonto]

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 YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Tonto]

SA.