Diamond Trail | The Lone Ranger (03-04-42)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Diamond Trail | The Lone Ranger (03-04-42)
Release Date: February 5, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Old Time Radio Westerns" features the classic Lone Ranger radio drama "Diamond Trail" (originally aired March 4, 1942). Andrew Rhynes presents a meticulously restored audio experience, immersing listeners in a story of greed, deception, and justice on the lawless frontier. The Lone Ranger and his faithful companion Tonto face a cunning plot by the Drexel syndicate involving a staged robbery, a stolen diamond, and a frame-up designed to bring down the masked hero. Through sharp dialogue, inventive plotting, and evocative sound design, this episode encapsulates the thrilling spirit of the Old West and the enduring heroism of the Lone Ranger.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Setting the Scene: Corruption in Deadwood

[02:48 – 05:01]

• Gold fever has brought both honest settlers and criminals into the Black Hills.
• Clark Drexel, head of a criminal syndicate, owns the Golden Lady Cafe, using parties to ingratiate himself with townspeople while plotting shady deals behind closed doors.
• Drexel laments the failure of an associate, Beasley, who’s now jailed due to Lone Ranger’s intervention.

Notable Quote:

“Most men have some weakness. Find it, and you’ve got them... But strength can be weakness, Rita.”
— Clark Drexel ([05:46])

2. Conspiracy Against the Lone Ranger

[05:10 – 07:44]

• Drexel and his partner, Rita Perry, discuss their inability to operate freely with the Lone Ranger interfering.
• They devise a plan to exploit the Lone Ranger’s sense of justice, using Rita’s upcoming trip and her “diamonds” as bait.
• The plot hinges on drawing the Lone Ranger into a trap via false information about a loan deadline threatening Rita’s (fake) gold mine.

3. The Staged Stagecoach Breakdown & Framing the Lone Ranger

[08:47 – 11:31]

• Rita boards the morning stage to Crawford, carrying her diamonds; Judd Bartlett (in on the scheme) is the driver.
• Near Lookout Hill, Judd sabotages the axle and creates the appearance of an accident, awaiting the Lone Ranger’s expected arrival.
• Rita and Judd, performing for the Lone Ranger, convince him to take the diamonds to Crawford to help her brother.

Notable Quote:

“You’re my only chance... Here, take the diamonds.”
— Rita Perry ([11:19])

4. Ambush and Arrest

[12:19 – 14:38]

• Rita immediately accuses the Lone Ranger of robbing her, telegraphing ahead to ensure the sheriff in Crawford expects a masked bandit.
• En route to Crawford, the Lone Ranger and Tonto are ambushed by the sheriff’s posse.
• Tonto escapes with the diamonds, while the Lone Ranger is taken into custody.
• The curtain falls on Act I as the Lone Ranger faces trumped-up robbery charges.

5. Twists Revealed: The Double Con

[16:37 – 21:02]

• In jail, the Lone Ranger asks Tonto (who has visited under cover of darkness) to test the diamonds—discovering they are fakes.
• Tonto spots Rita wearing a single, exceptional stone and deduces it could be the famous, unrecovered Rockwell Diamond.
• Lone Ranger refuses to escape immediately, investigating further.

Notable Quote:

“Not even the diamonds are genuine... There’s only one diamond that big in the United States...”
— Lone Ranger ([18:19])

6. The Jailbreak & Retrieving the Diamond

[21:02 – 22:59]

• Tonto breaks the Lone Ranger out, and they return to Deadwood.
• They break into Rita’s room, retrieve a strongbox (with the real diamond), and narrowly escape after Drexel interrupts them.

7. Confrontation & Confession in the Cave

[23:25 – 27:32]

• Rita and her brother Rance bicker over how their plan went awry, then are led by Tonto to the Lone Ranger’s hideout.
• They attempt to bargain, offering to clear the Ranger’s name if he returns the strongbox.
• Instead, the Lone Ranger reveals the sheriff is listening in and has heard their confession about the attempted frame-up and diamond theft.

Notable Quotes:

“But suppose I do this, Ms. Perry. Suppose I give myself up to the sheriff. Suppose I hand over...the real ones I took from your room last night.”
— Lone Ranger ([26:05])

“You’re a smart masked man... But you still don’t know how powerful Clark Drexel is. You ever find out? Well, maybe that’ll be the last of the Lone Ranger.”
— Rita Perry ([27:44])

8. Justice Prevails & The Lone Ranger’s Departure

[27:58 – 29:13]

• Rita finally confesses, and both siblings are arrested.
• Sheriff thanks the Lone Ranger, who rides off into the night, leaving law and order restored but hinting at future dangers.

Notable Quote:

“You have your prisoners, Sheriff.”
— Lone Ranger ([27:58])

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Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Drexel’s Philosophy on Weakness:
  “Most men have some weakness. Find it, and you've got them... But strength can be weakness, Rita.”
  ([05:46], Clark Drexel)

• Tonto’s Loyalty:
  “You wait. I'll come back soon.”
  ([18:49], Tonto)

• The Twist:
  “Not even the diamonds are genuine.”
  ([18:19], Lone Ranger)

• Rita’s Fatalistic Warning:
  “You still don’t know how powerful Clark Drexel is. You ever find out? Well, maybe that’ll be the last of the Lone Ranger.”
  ([27:44], Rita Perry)

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Important Timestamps

• [02:48] – Introduction to Drexel’s syndicate and criminal ambitions in Deadwood
• [05:11] – Drexel and Rita plot to frame the Lone Ranger
• [09:32] – Stagecoach sabotage at Lookout Hill
• [11:19] – Rita hands “diamonds” to the Lone Ranger
• [14:38] – Lone Ranger arrested and Tonto escapes
• [18:19] – Discovery that the diamonds are fakes; true diamond revealed
• [21:02] – Jailbreak and break-in at the Golden Lady Cafe
• [25:23] – Rita and Rance led to the cave for final confrontation
• [27:01] – Sheriff hears confession, Rita and Rance arrested
• [29:13] – Lone Ranger rides away after restoring justice

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Episode Tone & Style

The dialogue is fast-paced, tense, and rich with period detail and intrigue. The Lone Ranger maintains his stoic, honorable demeanor against the cunning and bitterness of his adversaries. Rita's manipulations and Drexel’s moral ambiguity provide a shadowy counterpoint to the heroism at the episode's core. Trademark catchphrases (“Hi-Yo Silver! Away!”) and the signature soundscape of hoofbeats and saloon bustle anchor the story in the immersive Western radio tradition.

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For fans old and new, this episode offers everything that made "The Lone Ranger" legendary—tight plotting, sharp banter, justice, and the ever-present sense that, as long as the Lone Ranger rides, the West will not fall to corruption.

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more Western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

With the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty hi O Silver the Lone Ranger.

[Vrbo Narrator]

At vrbo, we understand that even the best of plans sometimes need a little support. So so we've planned for the plot twists. Every booking is automatically backed by our VRBO Care Guarantee, giving you confidence from the very start. Whenever you need help, it's ready before your stay, through the moments in between and after your trip. Because a great trip starts with peace of mind and maybe a good playlist. But we've got the peace of mind part covered.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

When gold was discovered in the Black Hills, a new wave of emigration swept into the western United States. Along with the honest settlers came gamblers, criminals and confidence men. And the mining towns ran wide open. It was in the hills that the Lone Ranger led the fight against the powerful and ruthless Drexel syndicate. And it was only his strength and courage that made possible the victory of right over might. Return with us now to those thrilling days when the west was young. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of a great horse. Silver the Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver. We're heading for Deadwood. Hel.

[Rita Perry]

Silver.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

The Golden Lady Cafe was one of Clark Drexel's many properties. In Deadwood. When he reached the town, the doors were thrown open to all the miners and drinks were on the house. Clark himself stood near the door and shook hands with every newcomer. At midnight, he climbed the stairs to the balcony, walked past several private rooms and opened the door of the office. Rita Perry, who operated the cave, was waiting for Drexel. Well, Rita, it's quite a party downstairs.

[Rita Perry]

It should be. It's going to cost you more than $1,000.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

We'll get it back tomorrow night.

[Rita Perry]

That's possible. I have all the figures on the cafe here since we opened up. Cost of the building, income, expenses. You'll find everything's in order.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I know I will. You've done a good job. Only wish my other employees were as competent.

[Rita Perry]

Talking about Beasley?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Rita Perry]

What are you going to do about him?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Nothing.

[Rita Perry]

Aren't you even going over to jail and see him?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I should say not. I've already told the sheriff I'd not be responsible for anything Beasley did. He acted without orders from me.

[Rita Perry]

That's a lie, of course.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Not exactly. I left the choice of methods up to him. He evidently chose the wrong ones and was stupid enough to get caught. Let him serve his sentence.

[Rita Perry]

Who's going to manage your mining property?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I'll handle it personally for the time being.

[Rita Perry]

Then you plan to stay here for a while?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Until things get running smoothly again. I can't understand why Beasley failed. He was a good man in Virginia City.

[Rita Perry]

The opposition was a little bit too much for him, that's all.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Opposition? You don't mean the shares?

[Rita Perry]

No.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Then my good friend Benjamin Steel hasn't become interested in gold, has he?

[Rita Perry]

I don't think so. Ben's in Texas.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Then what's the opposition?

[Rita Perry]

Did. Did you ever hear of the Lone Ranger?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Yes, I have. Well, out with it. What's he been up to?

[Rita Perry]

He stopped Beasley in every deal he tried to put through finished up by sending him to jail.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Is he still around here?

[Rita Perry]

Judge Bartlett saw him yesterday afternoon.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Bartlett?

[Rita Perry]

Yes. Bartlett's one of our men. Drives the stage between here and Crawford. He saw the Lone Ranger about five miles from town, near Lookout Hill.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Only five miles? Well, you know, I've often thought I'd like to meet the Lone Ranger.

[Rita Perry]

Don't forget what happened to John Kimberly. The Lone Ranger's never been beaten.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

There's a reason for that. Most men have some weakness. Find it, and you've got them.

[Rita Perry]

That isn't true of him.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I know. That's why everyone who's fought him has met defeat. But strength can be weakness, Rita.

[Rita Perry]

What do you mean?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Whenever anyone needs help, he's always ready to give in. Well, that's dangerous. When you help the wrong people, you're apt to get in trouble.

[Rita Perry]

He doesn't do that.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

He might, if we played our cards right.

[Rita Perry]

You got an idea?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I think so. If the Lone Ranger never comes into town, how does he get his information?

[Rita Perry]

There's an Indian called Toddle that travels with him. I've often seen him around town.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Does he ever come to the Golden Lady?

[Rita Perry]

Now and then.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Good. Let me know the next time he shows up.

[Rita Perry]

Now, wait a minute, Clark. We haven't got a chance in the world of framing the Lone Ranger in Deadwood. The sheriff won't believe a word against him.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Black Hills cover a lot of territory. Isn't there some place he isn't known?

[Rita Perry]

Maybe in Crawford. It's a long way.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Find out.

[Rita Perry]

That's easy. My brother Rance is over there.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Better and better, we might be able to use the yellow coyote.

[Rita Perry]

None of that. Remember, he's my brother.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

That's the only reason anyone puts up with him. Just tip me off the next time you see Tarnow in here. By that time, I'll have my plan worked out. A week passed, and then one night, as Drexel was watching the play at the roulette table, Rita touched his arm. What?

[Rita Perry]

He's here? In the daddy door. You don't have to look.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

We'll talk a few seconds like this. When you start to fight, raise your voice so he can hear every word.

[Rita Perry]

Don't worry. What's the name we agreed on? Who's supposed to hold his note?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Frank Carson.

[Rita Perry]

Carson.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Carson.

[Rita Perry]

Booming mind. Notes due when? Day after tomorrow.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Then that allows too much time. Better make it tomorrow at sundown. Stage leaves here in the morning and gets there about 4 o'. Clock. If it kept to its schedule, you'd be able to make it with a couple of hours to spare.

[Rita Perry]

Tomorrow at sundown. All right. I think I've got everything straight.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

All right, now raise your voice. Get angry.

[Rita Perry]

I ought to have known better than to ask a favor from you.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Now calm down, Rita.

[Rita Perry]

I won't calm down. My brother means a lot to me. He's got every cent invested in the mine.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

That's too bad.

[Rita Perry]

He doesn't pay that note by sundown tomorrow, he'll lose it. You've got to help him out, Clark.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I won't, and that's final.

[Rita Perry]

But it won't cost you anything. Think of it as a business transaction. It's a good investment. All you have to do is take over the note. In another 30 days, the mine will be producing and Rance can pay you back with interest.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I realize that.

[Rita Perry]

What?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

You don't know much about my affairs, Rita.

[Rita Perry]

I know plenty.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

This Frank Carson who holds the note is one of my agents.

[Rita Perry]

Your agent?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Of course. He was acting for me when he lent your brother the money. By sundown tomorrow, the Blue Moon will belong to me.

[Rita Perry]

You'll get it for just $10,000.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Yeah, that's right.

[Rita Perry]

You think you will, but you'll won't. I'll see that Rance gets the money.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

How?

[Rita Perry]

I've got my diamonds, haven't I?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

You won't be able to sell them in Deadwood. I'll see to that.

[Rita Perry]

I'll take them to Crawford on the morning stage. I'll sell them there.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

You can. And don't try it.

[Rita Perry]

You try and stop me.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Rita was the only passenger on the stage the following morning. Judd Bartlett was the driver. And as usual on the Crawford run, there was no guard. They rattled out of town and along the trail until they drew near Lookout Hill. Then Judd reined up, climbed down from the box and started to work in a wooden axle with a saw. Rita watched him.

[Rita Perry]

I don't saw all the way through.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Now, you leave it to me.

[Rita Perry]

Well, hurry up. There's camp somewhere around here. He might show up at any minute.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Oh, that's enough, I guess.

[Rita Perry]

Hurry up. What's the matter? I see a pot of dust to the south. That might be him.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

All I have to do is drive the stage over that rock up ahead. Better get in.

[Rita Perry]

All right, but hurry.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Judd swung to the driver's seat and whipped up the team. In a moment, the right rear wheel of the stage careened over a large rock at the side of the trail. There was a loud crack as the weakened axle broke. The dragon coach soon brought the horses to a stop.

[Rita Perry]

That's that. That's fine, Judge. Yeah.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

He was too far away to see what I was up to.

[Rita Perry]

Don't stand around. Get one of the horses unharnessed as if you're going to start over the hill to the telegraph office.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Hino.

[Rita Perry]

A white horse.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

The Lone Ranger. All right.

[Rita Perry]

I can see his mask now. That'll let me do all the talking.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Suits me. Help. You ought to let on that you're scared when you see his man.

[Rita Perry]

I will.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

And I can tell you who he is.

[Rita Perry]

Fine, Judd. It's an outlaw. Clark's hired an outlaw to hold us up.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Well, yo, Loco. He ain't no outlaw. Daddy's the loose, pretty boy. You hear what he called his horse? That's the Lone Ranger.

[Rita Perry]

The Lone Ranger?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

What's happened? Looks like dirty work to me. Somebody saw the axle almost all the way through. When I hit that rock back there, it cracked.

[Rita Perry]

It wasn't just somebody park Drexel's behind this. That no good schemer toc Drexel? Yes. He knew I had to get got back to Crawford by 4:00'.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Clock. I was going to ride over the hill to the telegraph office and send word for men to bring a new axle from Deadwood. I can't fix it myself.

[Rita Perry]

Judd, wait. If this man's a Lone Ranger, he'll help. Listen, mister, my brother's going to lose his mind if I don't get to Crawford. He's got to pay off a note by six o'. Clock. I've got to get there and sell my diamonds to help him.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I see. Miss Rita, you don't have to go there yourself, do you?

[Rita Perry]

Of course I do. Haven't I explained time and time again that I'm the only one?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I see it. All that matters is for Rance to get the stones. Why don't you ask the Lone Ranger to take them for you?

[Rita Perry]

What?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

You couldn't find anybody better to trust? And it wouldn't take any time for Silver to get them.

[Rita Perry]

Of course. Would you do it? Would you do it, please?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Why don't you ride one of the horses from the stage? Why?

[Rita Perry]

I'm afraid of horses.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

It's no use. I've already suggested that. Please.

[Rita Perry]

Here, take the diamonds. You're my only chance.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I'll have to ride back to my camp first.

[Rita Perry]

Is it far?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

No.

[Rita Perry]

Then hurry. Please hurry.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

What's your brother's name?

[Rita Perry]

Red Perry. I telegraphed him and he'll be waiting at the express office. How soon can you make it?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Less than four hours. Don't worry, Ms. Perry. I'll be there. Adios. Come on, Silver. Rick, you'll have to help me with my disguise. And what happened? The girl started for Crawford, but the stage broke down. Drexel say girl not get to Crawford. It's up to us now. I have the diamonds. You take them for. Yes, but the sheriff in coffer doesn't know me. I can't ride into town. Mask not right. I t fix disguise plenty quick.

[Rita Perry]

Are you a telegraph operator around here? Sure. Then go ahead and send the message.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

But look, if you've been held up and your diamonds have been taken, why don't you notify the sheriff in Deadwood?

[Rita Perry]

It's close. You aren't paid to argue. You're paid to send the message.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

You want to catch the cook, don't you?

[Rita Perry]

The sheriff. Crawford's the only one who can do that.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

It's a long way, but that's where the master was headed.

[Rita Perry]

Send the message.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Okay, Boys. There's been a hold up on a trail near Lookout Hill. A masked man on a white horse. You mean the stage was held up, Sheriff? Yep. My sister was on that stage. He was bringing me some diamonds. Masked man got him, Rans. But he's heading this way. And I'm rounding up a posse right now. You got to catch him. Get your horses saddle boys. We're going after the. For its last five miles, the trail to Crawford led through Shadow Canyon. A lone ranger in Tono had covered half the distance when the Indian suddenly raised his arm and a signal to rain up. What's the matter, Tunnel? It's hard to tell when we ride. It's hard to think him here. Other horse. Yes, I think you're right. Ah, many horse. They're Drexel's men. We're in for trouble. Only way to Crawford go through canyon. We can't turn back. Just in case anything happens. We'll make sure they don't get the diamonds. What you mean? Only a little past 12. There's plenty of time. We leave the diamonds and those rocks over there and then ride on. Come on. Sit him up. Easy there. Easy, boy. All right. That's the sheriff riding in front. You're covered, mister. I can see that. You aren't wearing a mask. But there couldn't be another white horse like that in the west. Look out. The inches making a break for him. Let him go. There was only one man held up the stage. What stage? The Deadwood stage. Look out, Hill. And you're the arbery who did it. But Sheriff, maybe the engine's got the diamonds. Oh, I never thought of that. Pete.

[Rita Perry]

Surely.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I'll get after him. Rest up the cab.

[Andrew Rines]

Hold this.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Morning search you. You won't find anything. I told you. The engine. We'll get him. They'll end up in jail together. Tie him up, boys. The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Now to continue our story. The Lone Ranger offered no objection as he was taken to jail, but Tonto made a clean getaway. It was early that evening that the Deadwood stage rolled into Crawford with Judd Bartlett on the driver's seat and Rita Perry inside. Rants and the sheriff were waiting for her and they took her directly to the Lone Ranger's cell. I haven't been able to get much out of Ms. Perry, but if you can identify him, that's all we'll need. He's in here. I'll take the lantern, Sheriff. Come over here, mister. Hold the lantern up high. Yeah.

[Rita Perry]

Well, Ms. Perry, his face was masked this morning.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

How about height and weight?

[Rita Perry]

They seem about right. I could hear him talk. I'd be sure.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Oh, I'll say something. Your brother's lost his gold mine, Ms. Perry. He doesn't seem to be worried about it. What's that?

[Rita Perry]

That's the man.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

There wasn't any truth in your story at all, was there? What's he talking about?

[Rita Perry]

I told him that my brother had to get my diamonds by six o' clock to pay off a note so he wouldn't lose his mind.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Since when did you own a mine, Rance? I don't know anything about it.

[Rita Perry]

It was just a story I made up. I tried to appeal to his sympathy, but he wouldn't listen. He grabbed the jewels.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Grabbed him, eh?

[Rita Perry]

And he twisted my wrist. Still hurt.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

You give your testimony to the jury just like that and he'll get 20 years. And if you don't tell where the Jews are hit, he'll hang. Shortly after the sheriff and the Parrys had left the Lone Ranger cell. He heard the low call of a night bird outside the barred window. It might be tom. Kimo Sabe. Why then put you in jail? They've accused me of holding up the stage and stealing the diamonds. That argument between Rita and Clark Drexel was the beginning of a frame up. Oh, that plenty bad. It's a good thing you got away. It's always a good thing to have one of us on the outside. That's right. Did you pick up the diamonds? Meek of them. Here. Your bank. Thanks. Now to get you out of here. I don't want to get out just yet. Silver incarel out back. It's hard to judge these stones in this light. Hand me your knife. Ah, here. I'm going to try and scratch the surface of this one. Why you do that? Just as I thought. Tano. Not even the diamonds are genuine. They're imitations. It not shine like other stone girl wear. She has other ones. Ah, Tanto Seastone. One time this big time in that size. Would have to be an imitation. It shine plenty bright. There's only one diamond that big in the United States and that was Otto. Are you sure? Nearly as large as a silver dollar. Ah, me sure. It's possible. The Rockwell diamond was stolen. Has never been recovered. Deadwood's a long way from New York City. She might take a chance on wearing it. No one would think it was real out here. It plenty bright. That changes things. I've got to get out of here and go back to Deadwood. Ah, there be a deputy on guard in the office. And they get keys from him. Be careful. You wait. I'll come back soon. This chair sure uncomfortable. Might just well try to sleep on the floor. So that kyosh woke me up. That and the creaking. Say, I didn't leave the window open. We'll see what. You keep quiet. What the. Quiet. All right. You don't have to stick a gun in my ribs. You got key. You let prisoner out. Move. All right, all right. I'm. I'm going. Hey, you must be the engine that got away from the posse. How do you expect to get out of town without getting caught? Do not talk. Unlock door pronto. Right on time. T, huh? Yeah. UK Gun counter type. Holler up. Put gag in mouth. A good idea. We'll be in Deadwood before dawn. They're back at cafe. Only one window lighted on the second floor. That office you know, which is a girl's room. Her have room next to office. At least we can get up to the balcony without Being seen after. We'll have to take our chances. Come on, Silver. I'm going to leave you right under the balcony for a fast getaway. Get him up. Stop. There was Clark Drexel in the office. Let's hope this window is unlocked. Maybe better we wait. It'll do daylight for another half an hour. So far, so good. All right. Come on. Get through the bed. Pretty plenty dark in here. I'll risk a match. Gotta have light. Dead bureau. Washed in. There's a cabinet over there. No lock on it. Doesn't seem likely. She. We'll have to light another match. Look. Tunnel. Strong box. That's right. Can't take the hand. Open it Here. We'll take it with us. That easy? It not me. Who's in this room. Take the box. I can hear you. I'm going to shoot. Oh, my hand. Quick, out the window. Come here. Get out. In a matter of seconds, the Lone Ranger and Tonto were through the window and on the balcony. The masked man leaped over the railing. Then Tonto tossed the box to him and followed the next instant. When the sheriff of Crawford county discovered his prisoner was gone the following morning he called out his posse and they searched the hills and canyons around the town. They found no trace of him, and it was long after dark before the lawman returned home. Scarcely had he closed the door behind him and dropped into a chair to pull off his boots. Then. Hey.

[Rita Perry]

What?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

A masked man in the same engine that I. He'll stay gagged until we're out of town. I'll tie his hands and feet. After leaving the sheriff, Rance Perry stopped the cafe for nearly an hour. Then he went to the cabin where Rita, his sister, was waiting.

[Rita Perry]

Oh, it's about time. Just getting ready to go. After you. Close the door and sit down.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

What's the matter now? More trouble?

[Rita Perry]

Plenty.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

What's that you got there?

[Rita Perry]

Letter from Clark Drexel. Came on the afternoon stage.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Oh, he's heard about the escape.

[Rita Perry]

Listen. Dear Rita, the news of the jailbreak came to us by telegraph early this morning. I may be able to complete the story for you.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

What's he mean? Does he know where the.

[Rita Perry]

Be quiet. I was working in the office long after everyone else had turned in. Heard a noise in the next room. Your room. When I opened the door, I couldn't see anything, but I could hear someone whispering. Started to shoot, but my gun was shot out of my hand first. Does that mean anything to you?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Lone Ranger?

[Rita Perry]

Here's the rest of it. There was more than one man in the room. But whoever they were, they got away. The door of your cabinet was open. Can't tell you if anything was taken. There are only a few old papers inside it now, however, burn this letter.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

The Lone Ranger and the engine rode all the way to Deadwood last night.

[Rita Perry]

Yes.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

What are you doing?

[Rita Perry]

I'm burning the letter.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Well, they weren't there. What were they looking for in your room?

[Rita Perry]

They found what they were looking for.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

What?

[Rita Perry]

My strongbox was in that cabinet.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

What of it? What if you tell me I got.

[Rita Perry]

To the diamond was inside. The Lone Ranger's got it.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

You fool. You couldn't hide it safely. You had to wear it Another six months and we could have taken it back to New York. Sail for Amsterdam.

[Rita Perry]

I move your head ramp and you're.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

The one who always talking about me not having any brains. I ought to break you. Come with me. Talk to Lone Ranger. It's an Injun.

[Rita Perry]

Be careful, he's got a gun. What does the Lone Ranger want with us?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Do not say any more. You come.

[Rita Perry]

Where is he?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I'm to show you.

[Rita Perry]

Rita, there's a chance he doesn't realize. It may work out all right. Very well, Injun. We'll go with you.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Well, friends say you must know how to ride horse.

[Rita Perry]

Oh, that was just another lie I told him. We have horses out in the back. You lead the way and we'll follow.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Led Ransom Rita out of town by way of the back streets and then on into the wild country north of the canyon. When they reached a great bluff cut by the dark opening of a cave, they rained up. There was a campfire near the opening, but no one in sight. Tonto ordered them to wait for the fire and disappeared in the cave. A moment later, the Lone Ranger appeared. Good evening. What do you want? Otto tells me you didn't make any trouble when he asked you to come out here.

[Rita Perry]

We wanted to make a bargain with you.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Yes? What sort of a bargain?

[Rita Perry]

You're still wanted by the law. I'm the only one who can clear your name.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

That's true.

[Rita Perry]

I'll tell the sheriff it was all a frame up if you'll give me back that strong box.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

And if I refuse?

[Rita Perry]

Sooner or later you'll be jailed for a holdup and I'll testify against you.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

But suppose I do this, Ms. Perry. Suppose I give myself up to the sheriff. Suppose I hand over not only the paste diamonds you gave me on the trail, but also the real ones I took from your room last night. No, no, no. You can't do that. And why not? I'll tell you what. You keep the real diamonds for yourself, and we'll fix everything up with the sheriff. That sounds like a bribe.

[Rita Perry]

You talk too much, Wren.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

There's only one way you two can save yourselves. How did Clark Drexel have anything to do with the theft of the Rockwell diamond?

[Rita Perry]

So you're not interested in small fry.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

If you two stole it by yourself? You couldn't be called that.

[Rita Perry]

I had no part in that suggestion Rance made. I was only interested in getting the diamond back. I can't do that. All right. But you can't send us to jail for stealing it. You took that strongbox from my room. You opened it. But there's only your word the diamond was inside. You could have put it there afterwards.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I have more proof than my word what you've given your own. You can come out of the cave now, Sheriff.

[Rita Perry]

About time.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I was just about getting ready to bust. He was inside there. He must have heard everything. I must have, and I did. You're just about the most worthless critter I ever set eyes on, Rands. If I weren't a gentleman, I'd say the same thing about your sister.

[Rita Perry]

You still can't prove that.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Begging your pardon, the Lone Ranger didn't break the lock on that box till I was with him. He's got my word as well as his own. You'll go to jail for a long, long time. There's only one way you can cut down your sentence.

[Rita Perry]

Clark Drexel didn't have anything to do with the diamond.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

It will help. If you can give us any other evidence against him.

[Rita Perry]

We'll go to jail alone.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

But read it.

[Rita Perry]

I'm not trying to save him. But it's better to go to jail than to die.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Yeah. Yeah, Clark. I guess you're right. Law will give you protection.

[Rita Perry]

You're a smart masked man. You've proved that tonight. But you still don't know how powerful Clark Drexel is. You ever find out? Well, maybe that'll be the last of the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Your mind is made up, isn't it?

[Rita Perry]

I want to live.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Same here. Well, we'll have to keep trying. Tullo. Yes, Silver. Yes, Scout. You have your prisoner, Sheriff. I sure have nothing more we can do to help you any, big fella. You've done plenty. The crooks that stole the Rockwell diamond. Adios. So long. Come on, Silver. Get him up. Get him up. Silver. Sam. Here on the job site with Dale, who's a framing contractor. Hey, good morning, Dale. Traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance for all his business vehicles. We're here where he needs us most. Yep, they sure are. We make it easy for him to save on all his insurance needs all in one place with coverage that fits his business and bottom line. Oh, I shouldn't have looked down. It's all right. We're so far up here.

[Vrbo Narrator]

Look at me.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Take a deep breath. I'm good.

[Rita Perry]

So good.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail] and see how much you could save. It feels good to Geico Back in.

[Andrew Rines]

The Old west, folks didn't run to the pharmacy every time trouble hit. They relied on the know how and natural remedies. Kind of like how Tonto always seems to have a special mixture ready for whatever came next. If you want to learn how to do that today, check out the Beginner's Guide to Herbal Remedies. Easy steps for Teas, Tinctures and Salves. Even if you've never tried herbs before, visit otrwesterns.com herbs to learn more again. Otrwesterns.com herbs.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Sam. The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.

[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 Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Sam.