Divide and Conquer | The Lone Ranger (09-09-42)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Divide and Conquer | The Lone Ranger (09-09-42)
Date: May 26, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features the classic Lone Ranger radio drama, “Divide and Conquer,” first aired in 1942. The story thrusts listeners into a tale of courage, cunning, and the battle for justice in Boulder City, where the notorious Tarantula Gang and their Apache allies are terrorizing the town. Texas Jack, Dick Martin, and Lolita become embroiled in the fight, but only the mysterious Lone Ranger is shrewd and brave enough to dismantle the gang’s reign by outwitting its leader and dividing the Apache forces through strategy rather than brute force.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

Boulder City's Plight: The Tarantula Gang Strikes

• [02:52] The Tarantula Gang, trail robbers and murderers, have frightened Boulder City and killed Dan Martin in Texas Jack’s cafe.
• Texas Jack seeks vengeance and pins his hopes on Richard "Dick" Martin, Dan’s son, recently returned from a bullfighting career in Mexico.

Assembling Allies: Motives and Mourning

• [04:06] Texas Jack visits Lolita (the cafe singer and Dick's sweetheart) and discusses the local danger and the hope that Dick can help defeat the Tarantula Gang.
• Dick's background is revealed: he was blackmailed in Mexico by thugs allied with the Tarantulas, involving Lone Ranger’s previous intervention.
• Quote:
  • Texas Jack: “I’ll pay $5,000 in cash to see that gang smashed. When they murdered your father, they went too far. A finer man never lived.” [06:22]

The Lone Ranger's Entry and the Tarantulas' Reach

• [07:23] Suspense as a disguised gang member eavesdrops and is discovered, indicating the Tarantula Gang’s infiltration everywhere.
• [08:53] Tonto, the Lone Ranger’s companion, reports back about the gang’s use of an Apache tribe, led by a mysterious figure with a “belt that shines in the dark”—a symbol of magical power over the tribe.

Strategic Conversations and Warnings

• [11:18] The Lone Ranger meets Texas Jack privately, confronting the cafe owner’s willingness to send Dick into danger and pressing for information on the gang.
• Tension between personal revenge and justice surfaces.
• Quote:
  • Lone Ranger: “If you’re not one of them [Tarantula Gang], nothing to worry about—unless you’re the next victim. If you are one of them, you’ll pay with the others.” [13:23]

Dick Martin Goes Rogue

• [14:09] Lolita bursts in with news: Dick has struck out alone to Hawk River to confront the Tarantula Gang and the Apaches, risking his life without backup.
• Sense of urgency as the Lone Ranger and Tonto scramble to intercept Dick before he is outnumbered or killed.

The Lone Ranger’s Strategic Genius: Divide and Conquer

• [16:57] The Lone Ranger catches up with Dick, urges caution, and convenes with Tonto and Thundercloud, the chief wronged by the Tarantula Gang.
• Thundercloud explains his tribe’s “magic belt” stolen by the Tarantula leader, which hypnotizes and controls the Apaches.
• The Lone Ranger uses a metaphor of breaking sticks to explain his idea:
  • “These sticks are like the Apache tribe. Now, divide the sticks... me s make two small war parties of one big war party. Then conquer.” [21:40]

Nighttime Showdown: Outwitting the Apaches and the Tarantula

• [23:20] Using the belt, the Tarantula leads the hypnotized Apaches out for a raid, but the Lone Ranger intervenes, subduing him and splitting the “magic” belt in two.
• Ingeniously, Tonto and the Lone Ranger each wear half of the belt, tricking the Apache band into splitting into two followings—effectively dividing their forces.
• Quote:
  • Narrator: “If that tarantula sneaks out of his web, he may find that belt isn’t as magical as he thought.” [22:25]

Climactic Capture & Aftermath

• [26:28] The divided Apache bands are led into a trap where Thundercloud’s tribe can reclaim dominance and order is restored.
• [27:58] Texas Jack and the Lone Ranger reconvene as Dick Martin delivers the defeated Tarantula leader to justice.
• Lone Ranger on justice:
  • “There are still others in the Tarantula Gang. Yes, and if you wipe them all out, you can have anything you ask for. I’ll ask for a fair trial. And if they are guilty, the conviction.” [27:36]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Texas Jack: “I’ll pay $5,000 in cash to see that gang smashed. When they murdered your father, they went too far. A finer man never lived.” (06:22)
• Lone Ranger (to Texas Jack): “If you’re not one of them, nothing to worry about—unless you’re the next victim. If you are one of them, you’ll pay with the others.” (13:23)
• Lone Ranger: “These sticks are like the Apache tribe. Now, divide the sticks... me s make two small war parties of one big war party. Then conquer.” (21:40)
• Narrator: “If that tarantula sneaks out of his web, he may find that belt isn’t as magical as he thought.” (22:25)
• Lone Ranger (on justice): “I’ll ask for a fair trial. And if they are guilty, the conviction.” (27:36)
• Lolita: “But you will not stay. You will ride away...” (28:04)
• Texas Jack: “I'd lose a singer in the cafe and Dick Martin would lose his sweetheart.” (28:12)

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Important Timestamps

• 02:52: Boulder City introduction, introduction of Texas Jack and Lolita
• 06:22: Texas Jack’s vow for vengeance; Lone Ranger’s first mention
• 08:53: Tonto discovers the Tarantula’s infiltration among the Apaches
• 13:23: Tense confrontation between Lone Ranger and Texas Jack
• 14:09: Lolita reports Dick Martin has left on a dangerous mission
• 16:57: The Lone Ranger and Tonto begin strategic pursuit and planning
• 21:40: “Divide and conquer” method planned with Thundercloud
• 23:20: Execution of the plan—belt splitting, Tarantula’s capture
• 26:28: Final trap sprung; victory over the divided Apache forces
• 27:58: Justice for the Tarantula leader; Lone Ranger’s views on a fair trial
• 28:04: Closing reflection with Lolita and Texas Jack

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Episode Tone and Style

The episode combines suspenseful action, strategic thinking, and heartfelt moments in the style of classic 1940s radio westerns—complete with musical cues, brisk dialogue, and period-accurate speech. The Lone Ranger’s calm authority, Texas Jack’s bluster, Tonto’s loyalty, and Lolita’s earnestness paint a vivid picture of Western heroics and justice delivered with both gun and wisdom.

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Conclusion

“Divide and Conquer” exemplifies the classic Lone Ranger formula: outlaws threatening the peace, personal motivations driving the heroes, and a resolution guided by strategy and the Lone Ranger’s code of justice. The episode’s message—strength in unity, and vulnerability in division—resonates through both plot and metaphor, brought to life with rich sound effects and dramatic performances. This is a must-listen for fans of Western adventure dramas and classic radio.

Transcript

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[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

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[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Will you? Indian Companion Hunto, the masked rider of the plains, led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. The stories of his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness have come down to us through the generations. And 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. Silver on the trail of tarantulas. I am Silver. There was trouble in the town of Boulder City. A Vicious gang of cutthroats and trail robbers, banded under the sign of the tarantula, were spreading terror everywhere. Texas Jack, keeper of a cafe in Boulder City, had sworn to avenge the tarantula's murder of his friend Dan Martin. And he was pleased with the prospect of meeting Dan's son, Richard Martin, whom he knew would help him. Lolita, the girl who sang in Texas Jack's cafe in Boulder City, was a good friend of Dick Martin's. One noon, she was tidying up her small room on the first floor of the town's rooming house.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

That will be Ricardo, Richard Ricard. Oh, Texas Jack.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Howdy, Lolita. Ricardo got here?

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

No, but I expect him soon. Will you come in, Texas Jack?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Oh, thanks.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

Is something the matter?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

No.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

Sit down. Is there anything wrong with the cafe? Did you come to tell me you are going to fire me? I no longer sing there.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

No, not that. You've got a job as long as I own the cafe.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

But I do not understand. For a year I work for you, but never before you called on me at all.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

The fact is, Lolita, I came to see Dick Martin.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

Ricardo?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Well, now that he's coming back from Mexico and given up his career as a bullfighter, I reckon he'll take his own name again. Dick Martin.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

Oh, I hope so. But Dick, why do you want to see him?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

His father was murdered by that tarantula gang in my cafe.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

Yes, I know.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I thought I'd like to talk to Dick before the gang gets at him.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

My horse stopping. Perhaps that will be we see it. Oh, Ricardo. Dick Martin. Fioscaro.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Hello.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

Come in. I heard that you would arrive today.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I don't know what the loan means. You said to the governor of the state in Mexico. But I sure got a fine deal.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

Yes, I know. Oh, Dick, this is Texas Jack. He owns the cafe where I work.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Oh, sure. Howdy. Howdy yourself.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

I told you he was trying hard to break up this gang, the Tarantulas.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Yes, I heard about you, Texas, but.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

Sit down, eh?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I suppose you found out about the situation in Mexico. You'd have told me the two members of the gang had you in their power. This man called the Lone Ranger helped you out. And you gave the state enough evidence to hang them. Well, I didn't have much to do with it. What did those two crooks make you do? They knew I was a popular matador. I was always being invited to the homes of wealthy people. They made me help them rob those people. They told me they had my form in their hands and Would kill them if I refused. I see. The Lone Ranger told you the same gang and murdered your father. Yes. Then he roped the two before they could kill me. Dick, your father was a mighty good friend. One of my best friends. Yes, sir. I knew him when he was a Texas Ranger. Then he became a sheriff. Then he retired. But he came back to Border City to try and smash this gang of tarantulas. And they got him first. I came back to take us where he left off. Well, you have a friend on your side. I want to talk to him. This Lone Ranger. I wish. Wish I knew where to find you. You don't. No. And I owe my life to him. Dick, your good intentions won't get you any further than your father got you. Why not? The Tarantula Gang is smart, well organized. There's only one man alive who can fight crooks like those tarantulas.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

The Lone Ranger.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Yes. I hope you told the Lone Ranger all you knew about the game. I didn't know anything about it. I. I just knew those two who work south of the border. That's too bad. I hoped you'd be able to help. I'll pay $5,000 in cash to see that gang smashed when they murdered your father. They went too far. A finer man never lived. But they weren't quite fast enough. Your father told me a few things about the gang. He did? Well, what'd he tell you? Where can I start from? How can I go about getting them? No leader. Who's in that room?

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

Who takes this, Jack? A duenna for housekeepers. Whatever you call an old, old woman.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Hey, you. This is a private.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

She sees nothing and hears nothing.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Well, this is all that to talk in front of her? Sure it is. In Mexico, you get used to seeing, going around and just forget she's there.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

What did Dan Martin tell you about the Tarantula game?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

One of the ring leaders is with a tribe of Apaches near Hulk River. You got them lined up to follow? How'd he do that? I don't know. Got some sort of belt he wears that shines in the dark. Redskins think it's magic.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

What is that? This is not character.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

You pitch a tail of a redskin, he's got a blackened scarf. Put on that gun. You stay there. Come back here.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

What have you done with Forcer? I know.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Get that door open. I'll get him. Hold it, Dick. He got clear. I know you're shooting now. You couldn't hit him at that distance. Where'd Lolita go? Lolita? Lolita Why'd you tell us that was an old woman?

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

I too was surprised.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

The winner was tied up in here.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

The gang is everywhere now. It would be known that you are going after the tarantula. The tarantula who leads the Apache?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Tonto, the Indian, friend of a lone ranger, hurried to a small camp in a nearby woods for relief from his pain. Horse. Can he come fast? I see you dead was. I will after you. Me not know. Not wait to find out. Me Paula. Texas Jack him go to house a girl? Yes. Then what? Me go to window old woman see Tonto. Me put gag and rope on her. Jack not tight. It not hurt. Go on. Bullpiter come. Him friend with Texas Jack. You hear him talk, then sink me. Old woman. Did you learn anything? Texas Jack tell Dick Martin go to Hop River. Tribe of Apache. That's where tarantula boss, Indian boss. Got magic belts that glow in dark. Hello. There's only one belt like that. Me no. Chief Thundercloud had it. The installing coming. Maybe you come here. Then come past. We go Hop river in just a minute. Texas Jack or Dick Martin will see you. Ah, Me hold gun on them to make escape. They know that you heard about the bell. Not right now. Nothing got away from here and hide the trail. Wait for me in Barton's Pass. Hey, Silver, what you do? I've got to see Texas Jack. I'll meet you in the pass. Urging the great horse over to his greatest speed, the masked rider of the planes reached Border City in record time. He went immediately to the home of Texas Jack. The cafe owner was gone. He was at the cafe passing out words that he wanted men, lots of men. And Dick Martin was helping him round them up. Hey, Hank. Texas Jack wants all the men he can get. Meet him in the cafe right away. What's going on? Is there something wrong? Redskin escape. He's from a tribe of bad ones. False River Apaches. They're going to Scarlet country for Apaches, huh? Thought it might be something about the Tarantula gang. Maybe it is Tarantulas control those savages. Get to the cafe. I'm on my way. Hey, Jake, come on with me. Take the Jack. Texas Jack's place right away. I'm with you. Hey, you. Come over here. Texas Jack. Soon the cafe was filled with men awaiting orders from their friend Texas Jack. While they waited for him to come out of his private office in the rear, a masked man appeared at the swinging doors in front. All eyes turned toward him. No one spoke. Want to see Texas Jack? Where is He. Several of the men glanced toward the office door. The masked man stepped forward and a path opened. No one made a move toward a gun. There was something about the manner of the stranger that gave warning. I don't want to be disturbed. Hey, who's that? Back, Texas. You coming in, Texas Jack? I'll speak to you alone. Send those men away. Hey, you're the Lone Ranger. You don't need that possibility. Yeah, but I wait and I tell you. All right, wait. Hey boy, forget what you were told. I won't need you. Clear out. You got a gun in your back? No. Go on about your business. Cafe is closed tonight, Mabel. Now tell me, aren't you the Lone Ranger? What about the tarantula gang? I've been beating my brains out trying to find a way to get you. You're the only living man that can meet that gang with any chance of coming out on top. I'll pay any price to see every last one. I'm in jail or hanged. Why? Why? Because they not because they're outlaws, Texas. Their own past don't stand much inspection. Can't hold a man's past against him. I'm straight shooting now. Running a gambling place games around us. Anyway. Those tarantulas killed my friend Dan Martin. You know that. You were here when Dan was killed. But you were disguised so I didn't know who you were. Who killed Dan Martin? I don't know. If I did, I'd get him. Who's the man that's inside the Hawk River Indians? I don't know that. I don't even know that he's inside them. Dan Martin told me he was there and that he had the tribe in the palm of his hand. That's all I know. I figured he was a rousin. How do you know about. Well, I'll be hanged. What's so funny? Now I've got it. That red skinned, lonely this place was your friend. I've heard about Tondo. That's who it was. He told you. Well, I'm glad. I'm mighty glad you sent him there. But he ain't close to getting shot. That's nothing new. You're going to send Dick Martin out to get that man with the Apaches? Oh, why not? Would have been killed, wouldn't it? I didn't know. He's a good fighter. I thought it'd be a chance one to avenge his father. He wouldn't have gone after the tarantula yourself. Me? Well, I. You want Dick murdered the same as his father was. Of course not. Look here, I resent the way, but you're as much as accused me of being one of the Tarantula Gang. Every man in the Tarantula gang, Texas Jack, is going to be brought to justice. You're not one of them. Nothing to worry about. Unless you're the next victim. You are one of them. You'll pay with the others. But, dear, if only you wouldn't be suspicious of me. I want to help you. I'll do everything I can. Someone else takes the risks. Jess. Jess. Jess, you can't go in there.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

Jess, I'm a sick. Oh, I did not know. He's the masked man.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

What's the matter with you, Lolita?

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

I must tell you, both of you. It is Dick Martin. He's gone. He sent this note to me.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Gone where, Luke?

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

He said he cannot waste time in hunting for an Indian.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

That Indian was tandled along, Ranger's friend. The hunt for him has been called off.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

But Dickie's gone. He left as soon as he could. He said he was going to Aux River. He was going to find this tarantula himself.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

How long ago did he leave?

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

It would have an hour, perhaps longer. We will have no chance against the savages. He will be killed.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I'll see you again. Hey, wait. Hold on.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

Where is he going?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I don't know, but he's wasting no time getting there.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

Texas. Texas. Will he save McMartin?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I don't know.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

I don't do that.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

But I've got a feeling that he will. If he don't die trying. The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story. Before the next exciting scene, please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Now to continue our story. After leaving Texas Jacks, the Lone Ranger raised to Barton's Pass, where Tonto was waiting. Chemotabi Mentation call Scout. Scout. You come quick. Ride toward the Hog River Indians and go by the east trail. I'll ride the west. Martin's ahead of us. Get him. Come on, Silver. Gentlemen. And the Lone Ranger were several hundred yards apart as they raced north. At times they could see each other, but at other times there were trees and hills that came between the trails. After half an hour of a fast loaf that Silver could maintain indefinitely, the masked man saw a cloud of dust on the trail ahead. There he is, Silver. You'll catch him, big fella. The Lone Ranger drew nearer. He saw Dick Martin turn in the saddle. He knew that the dust would obscure the view. Dick saw only that he was being pursued. He called in his voice horse for a fresh output of speed up. Take it.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

A little boy. What are the parental.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Dick's horse was fast, but no match for the mighty white stallion. The masked man gained steadily until Dick saw the horse was white. The rider, masked, heard above the clatter of pounding hoops.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

Come on. Oh, there. The mask man.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

The little Ranger. Hold on, Dick Martin. Where are you going? This is my job. Don't stop me. Your job to commit suicide? I knew all about that. Expecting to meet an Apache tribe and fight them single handed. You're that one member of the gang that killed your father. Oh, Diatron. Exactly. Wait till I signal Tunnel Tano, the Indian you saw in Lolita's home. When he heard that someone with a magic belt was with those savages, he had to leave in a hurry. But I don't. That belt was the property of an Indian chief named Thundercloud. What do you expect me to do? Sit back and be still when I know where one of that gang can be found? I expect you to stay in the fight against the tarantulas. It won't help to get killed. You sure saved my life in Mexico. I reckon it's up to me to do anything you say. Here comes Toto. We'll hold a council of war and plan our attack. The Apache savages lived in the Hawk river valley several days travel to the north. Carlo went slowly so Dick Martin could stay with him. The Lone Ranger circled the Apache tribe and went on to another village where the friendly Indians called Thundercloud their chief. It is your belt those savages of captured. Is that right? White men come here, act like friends. Spend two day with me in steel away and dark with belt. You know where the Apaches are at East Thundercloud? No. Nino. Yes. You haven't tried to recapture your belt. Apache too strong, too many. Someday maybe we grow stronger. Maybe Apache grow weaker. Then get belt of magic back again. Chief Thundercloud. I went through pioneer settlements on my way here. And I learned that the Apache Indians were on the war path a few weeks ago. Go on war path every time moon go black. Go on war path. Between end of one moon, beginning of new moons and there's total darkness. That right? The old moon is waiting. Two day more moon is gone and those Apache may strike again. See, Thundercloud? That's when we're going to try to weaken the Apache so you can conquer them. How do that? Here, look. I have two sticks. You see? I hold them together and try to break them. They're strong. Here, you try. Me break them? Not break them. No, the sticks are together. You can't break them. These sticks are like the Apache tribe. Now, divide the sticks, take one of them, break it and the other like this. Me s make two small war party of one big war party. Then conquer. To do that, I must have knowledge of the country near Hawk River. You know that country? Well, Apache country. Help me. Help. Tell me everything you can about the land near Hawk River. Oh. Silver, Teddy, Mark, ho. Hello. You've been able to get near the Apaches? Ah, you go there at night, Come back to camp here at dawn. Did you find Chief Undercloud? Yes. Easy, fella. Talk to Thundercloud. The belt was stolen from him. What is there about that belt but made with a father Thundercloud. The beaded buckskin belt, several inches wide and studded with fox fire that glows in the dark. The Indians think it's magic. They think that the man who wears it has great power. That's what the Apache think. And that's why Apache follow Tarantula. We're going to have Thundercloud's help, Tunnel. He told me a lot about this Hawk river country. I think we'll be able to beat the Apache. That's good. They've raided a lot of villages. They've stolen thousands of dollars in cash and a lot of other stuff besides. Yes, I know. They strike when there's no moon. That means they're likely to go on the war path again tomorrow night. Tell me about this tarantula. Not much to tell him. Living big wigwam that guard the Indian. You couldn't get to him? No. He's right in the middle of all the wigwams. There isn't a chance to get him close to him. We're going to wait here until tomorrow night. Then. If that tarantula sneaks out of his web, he may find that belt isn't as magical as he thought. Sunset war dance is starting. Almost dark. Move out in a little while. Without the fires. Take up your guns.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

Follow the circle of medicine light.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I swear to make a tight. The tarantula saw the last light in the valley. Extinguished. Total darkness made the foxfire belt glow with an unearthly blue light that almost hypnotized the savages. They followed the glow out of the valley into the hills. Search. The leader glanced back from time to time, noting with satisfaction that the dark forms 20 yards in back of him rode silently, obediently, keeping a distance they can regard so they won't come too close. How they fight when I turn them loose in return. Tarantula no sooner finished gloating over his power than he noticed something white approaching from the side. Musician. Hey, you. Get back to the Elise. You can't ride with a leader.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

You hear me?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Get back by it. Who do you. Quiet. The gun in your side, tarantula. All right, who are you? What do you want to own? Morris? The Lone Ranger deftly gagged the tarantula, holding the gag with one hand while he pinioned the outlaw's arms. All right. I don't take that belt. I'll roll this fella. Where's Dick Martin? In the air. Go. You struggling, tarantula. Do it through. Next stop is jail, for you can tell the hiding place of all the loot you've had these Indians doodle for you. We have belt in minutes. Be sure you keep it so the Indians see the glow. Don't want them riding too close to find out what happens. Divide the belt. I'll be back in a minute. Come on, tarantula. The whole maneuver was executed with a smoothness that left the savages in the rear, totally unaware that the Belt had changed hands. N rode on steadily while the Lone Ranger, with his prisoner made to the side. Dick, there he is. Take charge of him. He's tied and gagged. I ought to kill him. Taking him to town alive so he can be made to tell all he knows about the other members of the Tarantula Gang. Here's the rope. Got it? Yeah, I got it. Hang on to us. Make him stay ahead of you. And what about the Indians? Leave them to us. How do you trail? The Tonto followed, led through a wood, steadily uphill. The masked man was once more at his side. He said, you cut Belt in two. We make bands for head of one part, band for hat of other. I see. You put the band around your head. Half right. Apache not notice difference. All right, I'll drop out of the line. I'll keep my hat band concealed until part of the savages have gone by. Where are you to lead them? Me? No. The next few moments of that sinister march through the woods called for every bit of the Lone Range's ingenuity. He hid his half of the Belt and waited in the total gloom while half the Apache band rode by. Then he quickly put the band about his hat, danced through the column and said, you go straight. You wait. At first, the savages didn't understand. Finally, the orders were made clear. Now the band was divided, the first part following the gleam of Tonto's headband, the other following the glow about the master man's hat. The trip continued until dawn. Some of the Indians found themselves at the base of a slope that rose to a natural fortress made of rocks. T wearing the headband called an order.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

Enemy.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Up there behind rocks. You keep them there, not let them out. While on the peak behind the rock, the masked man called up to his men, keep the enemy below from coming up. Hold this fortress for a time. Just before daybreak, spasmodic shooting came from the rocks and was returned by the Indians back of boulders down below. Then a cry, the masked man riding away became a signal to keep Thundercloud and his tribe nearby. They charged, attacking the Indians below. At noon a few days later, the masked man walked into the office of the sheriff, where Texas Jack was waiting for a verdict from the nearby court. At last you come. I wondered, when you get back, has Big Martin returned? He sure has. He brought Dirk in here. That's the crook has been leading those Apaches. He was one of the Tarantula gang. Yes, I know. But what about the Apache outfit? The outset was divided. The chief Thundercloud could conquer half the band and surround the other half. That's it. Will make no further trouble. I don't know how to think. Well, don't. Where's the sheriff? In court. They're deciding whether to bind Dirk over to federal court or try him here. I see. Whatever it is, he'll go on trial and that'll be his finish. There are still others in the Tarantula Gang. Yes, and if you wipe them all out, you can have anything you ask for. I'll ask for a fair trial. And if they are guilty, the conviction.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

Oh, you have come. Oh, Indigo, you have come back.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Yes, Lolita.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

But you will not stay. You will ride away.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I guess me and Dick Martin better be glad if he don't stay.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

Texas Jack, how can you stay there?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I'd lose a singer in a cafe and Dick Martin would lose his sweetheart.

[Texas Jack / Other Characters]

Senor, wait. Amigo, I want to thank you.

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[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

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.

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Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

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