Dodge City or Bust | The Lone Ranger (04-25-41)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: Dodge City or Bust | The Lone Ranger (04-25-41)

Date of Release: April 12, 2026
Host: Andrew Rhynes

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Episode Overview

This episode is a digitally restored rebroadcast of the classic 1941 radio drama "Dodge City or Bust," featuring the legendary Lone Ranger. The story follows Peggy Andrews, a determined ranch owner, and her crew—most notably the troubled but honorable Tex Cameron—as they risk everything to drive a crucial cattle herd from Texas to Dodge City. Their journey is beset by sabotage, natural dangers, and the threat of outlaws. The Lone Ranger and his steadfast companion, Tonto, intervene to protect Peggy and Tex, ensuring justice prevails on the perilous Chisholm Trail.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

Setting the Scene: Hard Times on the Frontier

[04:03–05:00]

• Post-Civil War Kansas, cattle drives bring both opportunity and danger—outlaws, hostile Native Americans, and natural obstacles.
• The Lone Ranger is introduced as a heroic protector of the cattle trails.

Notable Moment:

"The Lone Ranger knew that the future of Texas depended on the safety of that trail, and with all his strength and courage...he fought to preserve it." – Narrator (04:10)

Tex Cameron’s Crossroads

[05:15–07:00]

• Tex, a gunman with a checkered past (acquitted for killing in self-defense), is offered a chance to work for a notorious rancher, Borneo Smith, but refuses a life as a ‘hired killer.’
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto encourage Tex to redeem himself:

  “Are you going to live it down or get yourself a bigger reputation?” – Lone Ranger (05:48)

• Tex is determined to "make people trust him," even if it means hardship.

Peggy Andrews’ Gamble & Trail Drive

[07:07–11:00]

• Peggy Andrews faces financial ruin unless she can sell her herd in Dodge City.
• Borneo aims to force her into selling out cheap, but Peggy refuses, declaring,

  "I'll sell them if I have to drive the herd to Dodge City myself!" – Peggy (08:42)

• Tex steps in, volunteering as her foreman; the two form a trail crew against the odds.

The Lone Ranger’s Warning

[11:01–12:02]

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto warn Tex and Peggy of Borneo’s plot to sabotage the drive, including potential stampedes and theft.
• The Lone Ranger promises to meet them near the end of the trail to help against direct threats.

Trials on the Trail

[12:02–13:34]

• Continuous trouble: attempted stampedes, horses stolen, gunfire at night.

  “They aren’t gonna beat us. It’s Dodge City or bust.” – Tex (12:37)

• The herd survives multiple river crossings and faces a tense negotiation with Black Crow, an Apache chief, resolved diplomatically by the Lone Ranger:

  “If you gave him guns and bullets, you'd be inviting a massacre.” – Lone Ranger (15:22)

An Escalating Threat: Borneo’s Desperation

[19:23–21:19]

• Borneo and Dirk plot to destroy Peggy's herd by stampeding a massive nearby buffalo herd into her cattle.

  “We stampede the buffalo and that's all there is to it.” – Dirk (20:51)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto detect the impending disaster by listening for the distant rumble of a bison stampede.

Race Against the Stampede

[22:36–26:51]

• The Lone Ranger advises Tex:

  “Not unless you stampede your own herd.” – Lone Ranger (24:24)

• Amidst a thunderstorm, Tex and Peggy’s herd is driven at a breakneck pace to outdistance the buffalo, culminating in a harrowing river crossing.
• Victory:

  “Good work, Silver. Good work, boy.” – Lone Ranger (26:51)

Showdown in Dodge City

[27:46–30:16]

• Borneo and Dirk, humiliated, plan to rob Peggy and Tex as they collect their cattle money, only to be thwarted by the masked man and the sheriff.
• The Lone Ranger disarms Dirk with a single shot:

  "The masked man just shot the gun out of your hand." – Sheriff (30:04)

• Both villains are arrested for attempted murder.
• Tex and Peggy, their lives and fortunes saved, decide to return to San Jose together.

  “A promise from the Lone Ranger is as good as gold.” – Tex (30:38)

• The Lone Ranger departs as quietly and heroically as he arrived.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Personal Redemption:

  “It may be a long time before you can make people trust you.” – Lone Ranger (06:33)
  “It’s worth it, isn’t it?” – Tex (06:36)

• Peggy’s Determination:

  "I'll sell that cattle... if I have to drive the herd to Dodge City myself." – Peggy (08:42)

• Lone Ranger’s Leadership:

  "If you gave him guns and bullets, you'd be inviting a massacre." – Lone Ranger (15:22)

• Dodge City’s Transformation:

  "There's a law in Dodge City now. And you're going to find out that it works fast." – Sheriff (30:17)

• Legacy of the Lone Ranger:

  “He saved the herd and then he saved our lives.” – Peggy (30:31)
  “A promise from the Lone Ranger is as good as gold.” – Tex (30:38)

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Important Timestamps

• [04:03] – Introduction to the perils and significance of the cattle trail
• [05:15] – Tex’s confrontation with his past
• [07:07] – Peggy Andrews faces down Borneo in the saloon
• [11:01] – Lone Ranger warns of Borneo’s sabotage
• [12:21] – The herd is attacked at night
• [13:07] – Parlay with Apache chief Black Crow
• [20:51] – Borneo’s plan to use a buffalo stampede
• [22:29] – Lone Ranger and Tonto discover the stampede
• [24:24] – Lone Ranger’s advice: stampede their own herd
• [27:46] – Arrival in Dodge City, villainous plot foiled
• [30:38] – “A promise from the Lone Ranger...” closure
• [30:47] – Lone Ranger rides off: “Hi-yo, Silver! Away!”

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Recap & Takeaways

This episode captures the spirit of the Old West: resolve in the face of adversity, the struggle for personal redemption, and the unwavering deliverance of justice by the Lone Ranger. The vivid, enhanced audio restoration amplifies the excitement and heart of the classic drama, making this episode a must-listen for fans of Western storytelling or those discovering it anew.

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Transcript

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[C]

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.

[D]

I O Silver away,

[F]

a fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty high. Or Silver the Lone Ranger.

[B]

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[F]

At the close of the Civil War, when the railroad pushed its way across Kansas, great trail herds were driven from Texas along the Chisholm Trail to Dodge City and Abilene. The drivers faced many dangers outlaws, hostile Indians, and the forces of nature. But they could always be certain of a friend in need. The Lone Ranger knew that the future of Texas depended on the safety of that trail, and with all his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness, he fought to preserve it. Return with us now to those thrilling days when the West Was young. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[D]

Come on, Silver.

[G]

We're heading for the cattle country. There's going to be trouble.

[D]

IO Silver.

[F]

A campfire gleamed at the bottom of a dry arroyo. A cowboy sat beside it. His eyes were young, but his jaw was set and determined. As he watched the flames, his hand crept nervously to the handle of his gun. Suddenly he leaped to his feet.

[H]

Who's there?

[I]

I'll reach for your gun. Tex, is it?

[H]

Is it the masked man?

[I]

We've been on your trail for three days.

[H]

The engine too, huh? Well, I guess you got me. Gonna take me back to Bennett City?

[I]

There's no need for that.

[H]

You mean Carson isn't dead?

[I]

You killed him. But Tonto and I know that it was in self defense. And the town was glad to get rid of Carson. Sheriff not want you.

[H]

They're not gonna arrest me.

[I]

Not as long as you stay away from Bennett City.

[H]

Oh, can't go back.

[I]

You made a name for yourself as a gunman. Now the question is, are you going to live it down or get yourself a bigger reputation?

[H]

I. I don't know what to do. I don't know where to go.

[I]

Borneo Smith's been looking for you. He'd like a man who's fast on the trigger to work for him. He wouldn't have to punch cows. You'd have an easy life.

[H]

You don't think so much of the idea, do you?

[I]

Borneo has one of the biggest breads around San Jose. And he needs gunmen to protect his range from rustlers.

[H]

I'm not a gunman.

[I]

The Smith crew always shoot in self defense. The law can never touch them.

[H]

And that's the only kind of job that's open to me. To hire out as a killer.

[I]

It'll be the easiest kind of a job to get. If you try to find something else, you may go hungry before you find it.

[H]

I don't mind pulling my belt a few notches.

[I]

It may be a long time before you can make people trust you.

[H]

It's worth it, isn't it?

[I]

What I think doesn't matter. You must decide for yourself.

[H]

I have. Maybe I'll. Maybe I'll kill again if I have to. But they're not gonna make me earn my living that way. I'll show em.

[I]

Good for you, Tex. The best luck in the world. If there's anything we can do to help you, you can depend on us.

[H]

That's fine, mister.

[G]

Come on, Silver. Hit em up.

[J]

Scout.

[G]

Playo Silver away.

[F]

A week later, Borneo Smith and his right hand man, Dirk Reynolds were standing at the bar of the Prairie Bell in San Jose. Dirk, lean, dark and dangerous, talked in low tones to his employer. A smile played around the lips of the big rancher.

[K]

Then I said, we aren't driving a trail herd north this year, Ms. Andrews. We aren't in the market for your cattle.

[L]

What'd you say to that?

[H]

Nothing.

[K]

Her eyes started to spark up but she didn't say a word. Just turned on her heel and walked

[L]

down the street hidden for Sterrett's place. Yeah, and when she finds out he isn't in the market either, Ms. Andrews is gonna boil over.

[K]

Yeah, I reckon she will.

[J]

Where's Barney O. Smith?

[K]

I reckon she's doing it right now.

[H]

Look out, boss.

[J]

So there you are.

[L]

Hello, Peggy.

[J]

Don't Peggy me, your ornery, low down sidewinder.

[L]

Now that's no way for a young and pretty girl like you to torch

[M]

or a talk with her six guns.

[L]

What's the matter, pig?

[M]

You don't have to be told. So you aren't in the market for cattle this year?

[L]

Nope. The railroad will be through here in the spring. I decided to let my cars fatten up until then. What's the use of taking chances on the trail?

[M]

No use at all, Borneo. Not when you can pick up my ranch for next to nothing.

[K]

Oh, that's right.

[L]

You do owe me a little money, don't you?

[M]

Just $5,000.

[L]

That'd be due in September as I remember it.

[M]

Yeah, and I've got a herd that'll

[J]

be worth 30,000 in Dark City.

[L]

That's a long way from here.

[M]

You think you've won, don't you, Borneo?

[J]

Well, I'm here to tell you that I'm not giving up without a fight. I'll sell that cattle.

[H]

Stern, no.

[L]

Wouldn't he buy your cars either, Miss Piggy?

[J]

I'll sell them if I have to drive the herd to Dodge City myself.

[F]

That's good.

[L]

The prettiest trail driver the state of Texas ever saw.

[D]

All by herself driving 2000 head.

[J]

I won't be alone. I'll find a queen.

[H]

Where?

[J]

Somewhere.

[L]

No, you won't, Piggy. You're making a mistake.

[J]

I've got my own hand.

[L]

That stove in bunch of mavericks wouldn't last a week on the trail. And there isn't an able bodied man in the county that'll work for you.

[M]

You've seen to that, I suppose.

[L]

I'm giving it to you straight.

[M]

We'll see about that, men.

[J]

I'm driving a trail herd to Dodge City and I'm looking for a crew. 40amonth who'll take the job.

[K]

40? You won't like it if you do.

[F]

Boys.

[L]

Looks like there aren't any takers.

[F]

You're on there, mister.

[H]

I'd like nothing better than to work on your crew.

[L]

Who are you?

[K]

Easy, boss.

[L]

It's Tex Cameron, boy from Venice City.

[J]

You're hired, Tex.

[L]

Just a second, Piggy. Look at the way he slings his guns. This hombre's a killer.

[H]

I'm not in the same place with Dirk.

[K]

You were better than Carson and that's saying a lot.

[H]

I still don't like to be riled much. I asked for a job and I'm waiting for the lady's answer.

[L]

You kept her.

[J]

I already have. He's a man.

[M]

And that's more than I can say

[J]

for anybody else in here.

[H]

Thank you.

[M]

You're my foreman, Tex, but you can't drive the herd a thousand miles by yourself. We can't pick up half a dozen more men. I. I'm late.

[H]

You just leave it to me. I figure I can round him up some way.

[L]

You're asking for trouble, Cameron.

[H]

We've met before. Borneo. I'm always ready for the next time.

[M]

Good.

[H]

You tend to the supplies in a wagon, miss. I'll tend to the men.

[M]

I've got to make it by the 1st of August, Tex.

[H]

Then we'll get started the first of the week.

[J]

You hear that, Borneo? We're starting for Dark City the first of the week.

[M]

2000 longhorns, 50 head of horses, chuck wagons loaded. We ready to go. Text.

[F]

Just say the word, miss. Beggy, wait.

[M]

Those two men over there by the cottonwoods, one of them's masked. Borneo sent him.

[H]

No, no, no, miss.

[M]

And an engine.

[H]

Well, they're friends of mine.

[M]

Friends? Man that wears a mask.

[H]

That's right. I want to speak to them before we go.

[M]

They're coming this way.

[K]

Yeah.

[M]

Go ahead and speak to them if you want to. It's your business.

[J]

Get up there.

[I]

Oh, wait.

[H]

You don't understand, Miss Peggy. They're not crooks.

[G]

You'll have a hard time explaining that, Tex.

[I]

It can wait.

[F]

Sure glad to see you.

[I]

I had to warn you, Tex.

[K]

What about?

[I]

Smith's going to do everything in his power to keep the herd from reaching Dodge City.

[H]

I didn't figure he'd just sit back and watch.

[I]

He'd ordered Dirk and three or four other men to follow you. Tonto's been keeping an eye on them.

[H]

I'll do the same, mister.

[I]

You'll have to post guards every night. They'll try to stampede the herd. They'll try to drive off your horses.

[H]

I reckon they will.

[I]

Tonto and I can't travel with you. It'll be nearly three months before you get to Dodge City. But we'll try to meet you north of Red River. Map. Buffalo country.

[H]

It's the home stretch too.

[I]

Dirk and his men won't use their guns before then. We'll try to be there to lend you a hand.

[J]

All right.

[I]

That's Miss Piggy calling to you.

[H]

Yes.

[G]

Adios. Come on, Silver. Hit him up, Scout.

[D]

Adios. Up here, Jim. You're riding for it with me. All set, Miss Peggy. We on our way, men. Dark. City of Bus.

[F]

The Chisholm Trail. The great herd moved toward the north. 10, 12, 15 miles a day. Day after day, week after week. And all was behind. The threat of violence followed the crew. Dirk and his gunmen were following orders. Rifle shots rang out through the night.

[D]

Roll out of your blankets, men. Slam and shout, he need our help. Hurry up there. They're trying to stampede the herd.

[F]

Cattle were shot. Horses were driven off. They got six.

[M]

Had a little chestnut.

[F]

Yes, Miss Peggy.

[H]

We'll double the guard tonight.

[J]

If only we could see them.

[H]

Don't you worry. They aren't gonna beat us. It's Dodge City or bust.

[F]

The days and miles dragged by. The Colorado was crossed, then the Brazos. At last, the Red river lay before them. It was the high water season and it took them a full day to ford the stream. That night they rested in a green valley. But just as the gray dawn was breaking, a new danger confronted them.

[K]

Injured Sex.

[G]

Looks like Apache.

[H]

Yes, I see them. They don't want cattle. Round up the horses and drive them into camp.

[F]

Right.

[G]

Get a fire.

[D]

Get your rifles, men.

[J]

Doesn't mean a fight yet.

[H]

I don't know. They'll parley first.

[M]

Are you sure?

[H]

That's their chief riding down the slope. Six braves with them. We only have eight men and eight rifles. They probably don't have many more. I'm going out to meet them.

[M]

I'm going with you.

[H]

You'll get inside that chuck wagon and stay there. I mean it, Miss Peggy.

[J]

All right.

[K]

Hurry.

[J]

Promise that you be careful.

[H]

I sure will. I'm a little young to lose my hair.

[D]

Get up

[F]

easy, Captain.

[H]

Not too fast. For all we know, that may be Geronimo up ahead waiting for us, Captain.

[G]

Hello there, chief.

[H]

What's on your mind?

[L]

Me?

[F]

Black Crow.

[H]

Pleased to make your acquaintance.

[F]

You give Black Crow many Horse. Many guns.

[H]

Well, we. We don't have many to spare, Chief.

[F]

This Black Crow country. You not pay, you not.

[H]

Go on now. We aim to be friendly, Chief. But after all you're asking.

[G]

Returner.

[H]

The masked man.

[F]

Black Crow. Know him?

[G]

My Nicta.

[H]

Let's wait for him.

[F]

Give Black Crow guns.

[H]

Hey, I don't suppose you'd be satisfied with two guns.

[L]

Three.

[F]

You give them three guns?

[H]

Well, we might be able to manage that many bullets.

[G]

Hello, Tex.

[H]

Welcome, mister.

[I]

What's Black Crow want?

[H]

Three guns and some bullets.

[F]

Not bad.

[I]

How are you fixed for flour and beans?

[H]

Plenty.

[I]

That's what he gets then. Two bags of each. Tell your men to bring them out here.

[D]

Hey, Slim.

[H]

Couple bags of flour and a couple of beans.

[F]

Me want guns.

[G]

No guns.

[I]

Black Crow and no bullets.

[F]

Indian fight.

[I]

We're ready. I warn you, though. You'd better take the flour and beans and clear out. We've met before, Black Crow. Remember that.

[F]

Meagle.

[G]

Cut him, Tex.

[F]

Give him to the chief.

[G]

Keep him covered. Can't I throw him on the ground?

[I]

No, that won't do. Ride right up to him.

[G]

Here you are, Chief.

[F]

Not many.

[I]

That's all. You get. Radios.

[H]

You sure knew how to handle him, ass man.

[I]

It's the only way with a chief like that. Him Pat, Indian. If you gave him guns and bullets, you'd be inviting a massacre.

[H]

Can we ride back to camp now?

[I]

No. We'll have to stay here until he's reached the top of the hill.

[M]

Very lady.

[J]

Can we go on Text?

[H]

I don't know.

[F]

How about it, Misty?

[M]

Do you have to take orders from your outlaw friend?

[H]

Ms. Peggy, this engine's name is Tonto. And the masked man calls his horse Silver. Does that mean anything to you?

[M]

A lone ranger.

[H]

He just got us out of one tight spot. So do you blame me for asking his advice?

[M]

I'm sorry, mister.

[H]

How about it? Is it all right to go on?

[I]

Before I answer that, I'm going to tell you what lies ahead and behind.

[M]

Behind Dirk and his men, of course.

[I]

Borneo's with them now. The matter, Wichita Falls. Borneo never thought you'd get this far. And he's determined that you won't get any farther.

[H]

We're not afraid of him.

[I]

I thought you'd say that. There's something else.

[H]

What's that?

[I]

The buffalo herd is drifting west. You may meet them before you reach the Canadian River.

[M]

What if we do? We're not afraid of Borneo and Dirk. Why should a herd of buffalo scare us?

[I]

You've never seen that herd, Miss Piggy. Them cover Playing like grass. Tono's not exaggerating. There's a million head of buffalo in that herd. If they surround your cattle, you'd never be able to drive through.

[H]

Is there any chance of getting to the Canadian first?

[I]

At the rate they're moving, Yes, a chance. But you'll have to travel fast. 20 miles a day.

[H]

Will you help us, mister?

[I]

And I'll see that Dirk and Borneo don't make any trouble. And we'll promise that that's plenty slim.

[H]

Back to camp.

[F]

Tell the boys to get the herd moving.

[I]

You're going on.

[M]

We have to.

[J]

We have to make Dart City by the first of all.

[H]

And we'll do it with your help, mister.

[D]

Come on, boys. It's Dart City or bus.

[F]

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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[O]

And maybe a good playlist.

[N]

But we've got the peace of mind part covered.

[F]

Now to continue our story. In spite of the danger from Borneo and his hired gunman behind them and the danger from the great buffalo herd to the east, Tex Cameron and Peggy Andrews decided to drive on toward Dodge City. The Lone Ranger had promised to give them protection from Borneo. But the rancher was still in Wichita Falls. Dirk Reynolds met him in the cafe.

[L]

Bill, where are they?

[K]

50 or 60 miles past the Red River.

[L]

You saw him yourself?

[F]

Yep.

[L]

How long before they get to the Canadian?

[K]

Another two days.

[L]

Yeah, they must be traveling fast.

[I]

They are.

[K]

And they got a good reason.

[L]

Meaning this? No, I mean they can't get away. We aren't driving any hurricane. You listen to me. I've been inquiring around the Canadians. Harden the Red. They'll have a tough job crossing it

[K]

if they get that far we'll let them.

[L]

But they sure to make camp on the bank for one night, anyway. And that's when we strike. Round up the boys and tell them we're leaving town tonight.

[J]

Wait, Boss.

[L]

I've given the orders.

[H]

Sure.

[K]

Only I got some more to tell you.

[L]

Hurry up, will it?

[K]

Well, it's the reason they're pushing their cattle so hard.

[L]

Out with it.

[K]

The buffalo herd, boss. They're racing to make the river ahead of it.

[L]

The buffalo herd?

[K]

Yeah, the big one. I wish you'd take a ride across the Red and have a look at it.

[L]

I know how big it is.

[K]

So big that it would swallow up Miss Peggy's longhorns like nothing at all.

[L]

Well, what's going to happen? Will they make it to the river ahead of them?

[K]

The way the buffalo are traveling now,

[L]

then what are you talking about?

[K]

They'd move a lot faster if somebody was to stampede them.

[L]

Why not?

[K]

I crossed the river with the boys just north of here. We stampede the buffalo and that's all there is to it.

[L]

Sounds good.

[K]

It's perfect. Ever been caught in a buffalo stampede?

[L]

Never.

[K]

Well, you wouldn't be here if you had. It's the end of the Andrews herd and the end of Tex and Miss Peggy.

[L]

Two more days to the Canadian.

[H]

Yeah.

[K]

Today and tomorrow.

[L]

We can get to the buffalo tonight.

[H]

Yeah.

[L]

They'll be able to see the river when they're cut.

[F]

Yeah.

[L]

Yeah. Hurry up. What are you waiting for?

[F]

I'm on my way.

[L]

Bo. It's taking us longer to get there than you said, Dirt.

[K]

Yeah. We'll see the stragglers as soon as we top the next rise.

[L]

It's close to morning.

[F]

Yeah.

[K]

There's still time.

[G]

Get up there, boy.

[L]

This rise here?

[D]

Yeah.

[G]

Come on, man.

[L]

The sky's platinum over. Maybe we're in for a storm.

[K]

A little thunder will make it easy.

[H]

Rain up, Boss.

[G]

Hold that.

[K]

W. Now, look to the north.

[L]

The plane's black with them from here

[K]

to the Canadian, but they're drifting west. It's 50 miles from here to the Andrews herd. And there's buffalo two thirds of the way.

[L]

It's hard to believe.

[K]

You can't see the end of it.

[L]

It's getting hard to see anything.

[K]

Thunder.

[L]

All right, go to work.

[D]

Follow me, boys.

[J]

Down the hill.

[D]

Use your gun.

[F]

40 miles to the west, the Lone Ranger and Tonto had made camp halfway between the buffalo and the trail herd. They were awake at dawn and rode to the top of a bluff where they could see the great plain for miles in every direction.

[H]

Storm and East.

[G]

Come this way.

[I]

Yes, Tanto. It's making the buffalo uneasy. That right? They're getting in their way already. But they won't reach the trail until tonight. By that time, Tex will have his herd across the river. Where we go now? We'll circle to the south. I can't believe that Borneo and his men are still in Wichita Falls.

[F]

No sign.

[I]

I know. We haven't found any sign yet. The trail is easy after the Canadian is crossed. Andrew's men can be on guard every minute. If Borneo is going to strike, he'll have to do it today. We ride. Wait, Tanto. What matter? Listen. Sound like wind.

[G]

How? Up the saddle.

[I]

Put your ear to the ground. You think? Maybe. Listen. Sounds like a stampede.

[M]

And?

[I]

You see any dust in the east sky? Dark there.

[G]

Dust. And it isn't the wind that's causing it stampede. That means the trail herd will be

[I]

cut off from the river.

[H]

That's right.

[I]

But the leaders won't start to run for another hour.

[G]

We'll have time to warn Tex before then. There's still a chance. Come on. Silver Emmett's count.

[D]

I own two.

[G]

Come on, Silver. There's Tex in front of the herd. Him right point. He hasn't heard anything yet. We get here plenty fast. Not any too soon. Rein up. Tanks. Head of the Rome and the big herds. Time feeding buffalo? Yes. You can't make the river before they catch you.

[H]

No chance at all.

[G]

Not unless you stampede your own herd.

[H]

That's dangerous.

[G]

It'd be more dangerous to be caught by the buffalo.

[H]

Anything you say, masked man.

[G]

We'll have our work cut out to keep them headed north. There's a storm going to break soon. And the winds from the east?

[H]

Storm and a stampede.

[G]

But at least the thunder will help start them running.

[I]

Spread the word among your men.

[F]

What's the point?

[G]

Tanto and I'll hold it. Hurry.

[D]

Right. Get up, Captain.

[G]

I'll circle the herd, Tonto. And as soon as I'm in position on the other side, we make them run. Run for their lives.

[D]

I owe Silver away.

[F]

The cowboys shouted. Six guns barked. The longhorn stopped grazing. And with the Lone Ranger and Tondo urging their leaders on they broke into a run. Faster and faster. A great red and white triangle swept across the plain toward the river. Then the storm broke. One of the dreaded electrical storms of the Great Plains. No rain fell, but the gray sky was cut by jagged streaks of lightning. Thunder crashed. The terror stricken cattle tried to break for the west. But the Lone Ranger and his great horse Silver, held. Sir.

[G]

Silver. Drive Them back. We can't let them break the point.

[F]

On they raced toward the river. On and on. 2000 head of cattle behind them. Peggy Andrews drove the chuck wagon at break neck speed. Tex rode to her side.

[D]

Are you all right?

[J]

Fine. But what's that cloud of dust to the east?

[G]

The buffalo.

[J]

They're getting closer every minute.

[D]

Knows a river. Drive them, Peggy.

[J]

Get up there. Get up.

[F]

A herd of 2,000 cattle, but small compared with the black sea that threatened to engulf it. The longhorns never faltered. But the grueling race was beginning to tell on the cowboys horses. A streak of lightning. A final thunder crash. And the sun broke through the clouds.

[G]

And ahead, the river. We made it, Silver. They'll try to stop at the bank. But we've got to drive them across.

[F]

They reached the low banks of the river. The Lone Ranger and Toto drove the leaders on by midstream. They were forced to swim, but still the point was kept. The first of the longhorns reached shallow water on the far side. Slowly they climbed the bank. The race was over.

[G]

Good work, Silver. Good work, boy.

[F]

On the opposite side, the great herd of buffalo raced by. And all the rest of that day the trail crew watched them. The race was over. The victory was theirs. Dodge City. The end of the trail. Dodge City, new and raw, but pulsing with life. Cowboys and cattle buyers, gamblers and confidence men. Hotels and cafes spilling over with noise and laughter. One night over a week later, Dirk Reynolds found Borneo Smith in the silver slipper.

[L]

Hello, Dirk. Sit down and have a drink.

[K]

Yeah. I got news.

[L]

Another trail herd commanding.

[K]

Yeah.

[L]

Any news, Miss Piggy and Takes.

[K]

It's their herd. What? Yeah.

[L]

It can't be.

[K]

They took a walk down to the corrals. They were just checking in the last few heads.

[L]

You saw Piggy and Takes it?

[H]

Yeah.

[K]

Follow them to Benson's office.

[L]

They're there now.

[K]

That's right. When they walk out, Miss Peggy will have $30,000.

[L]

She's got plenty of time to get back to San Jose.

[K]

She'll pay off that note if we let her. Boss, Benson's office is down a couple of blocks. There's nothing doing around there this time of night. It's dark in pits. Well, when they walk out of that office with the money, we could be waiting for him.

[L]

Shots will be heard.

[K]

They don't pay much attention to gunshots in Dart City.

[L]

That's right. Anything goes and no questions asked. Come on.

[F]

Footsteps sounded on the board sidewalk, moving away from the glare of the cafes and into the darkness where the offices of the cattle buyers were located. Footsteps drawing closer and closer to the one light in the district. Then silence. The door of Benson's office opened and Peggy and Tex stepped out onto the porch.

[M]

Texas, wait a minute.

[H]

What?

[M]

Perhaps I should have taken a check after all.

[H]

You'd have an awful lot of trouble cashing it in San Jose.

[M]

I suppose you're right. Now what do we do?

[H]

There's a stage leaving for the south in half an hour. I'm gonna put you on it.

[M]

You mean you're not coming with me?

[H]

I've gotta find myself another job.

[M]

What for? I want you to come home and be the foreman of my ranch.

[H]

Thanks, Peggy. But it's one thing to be the boss of a trail herd and it's another to be a ranch foreman. There's a lot about me you don't know. There's things I wouldn't like you to hear.

[M]

Well, I've heard him, Tex Cameron. They don't make a bit of difference. Masked man told me all about what happened in Bennett City.

[H]

He did?

[M]

He seems to think more of you than you think of yourself. And I'm inclined to agree with him.

[H]

You mean that, Peggy?

[M]

Well, I.

[H]

Come on, we're catching that stage together.

[L]

How you chew. Get him. But the.

[D]

My fan.

[G]

All right, Sheriff, arrest them.

[H]

That's Turk and Borney.

[J]

And the masked man.

[G]

Take out your hands, you two. My hand's broken. The masked man just shot the gun out of your hand.

[L]

I didn't have anything to do with this.

[G]

We've been following his sidewander for the last hour. We heard you give him the order to shoot. You're both under arrest for attempted murder.

[L]

No, you can't.

[G]

There's a law in Dodge City now. And you're going to find out that it works fast.

[J]

How do you like that, Borneo?

[G]

Come on, you're heading for jail.

[D]

Adios.

[M]

Hey, where's the masked man?

[H]

He's gone.

[M]

Oh, I wish I could have thanked him.

[H]

Same here. He saved the herd and then he saved our lives.

[M]

He promised that he'd take care of Borneo and Dirk, and he did.

[H]

Yeah, I guess we should have expected that promise from the Lone Ranger is as good as gold.

[M]

As good. Oh, Tex.

[D]

It's better I owe Silver away,

[M]

Sam.

[O]

With Vrbill's last minute deals, you can save over $50 on your spring getaway. So whether it's a mountain escape, city break or a week at the beach, there's still time to get great discounts. Book your next day Now. Average savings, $72.

[N]

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[N]

Support is available 247 with Verbo Care. We're here day or night, ready whenever you need help because a great trip starts with the right support.

[I]

Sam.

[F]

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

[M]

Foreign.

[C]

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 700-798-68739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[M]

Access to affordable credit helps me pay my employees, but I don't really need it.

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[Q]

the job site with Dale who's a framing contractor.

[D]

Hey.

[L]

Good morning.

[Q]

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[F]

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[F]

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