Double Counterfeit | The Lone Ranger (09-30-42)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns: The Lone Ranger – “Double Counterfeit” (09-30-42)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Aired: June 8, 2026 (original episode: September 30, 1942)
Summary by: Podcast Summarizer AI

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Lone Ranger, titled “Double Counterfeit,” is a classic Old Time Radio Western adventure featuring the masked hero and his companion, Tonto, as they become embroiled in a web of forged banknotes, blackmail, and murder in the burgeoning frontier settlement of Prairie City. The story blends frontier justice, personal redemption, and fast-paced detective work, all delivered with the dramatic flair and atmosphere that makes the series a timeless favorite.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

Setting the Scene (04:35–05:46)

• Prairie City is introduced as a booming town, proud of its new institutions, especially its newspaper, the Prairie City Chronicle, run by John Denby and his daughter, Mary.
• John Denby's Past: John laments his troubled past. He is actually John Blake, wanted back east for counterfeiting, but insists he was forced by criminal Ormond King.
  • Memorable moment: “Well, if folks around here will find out my name is John Blake instead of Denby, that I'm wanted by the government for making counterfeit money in the east...” – John Denby (05:38)

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The Villain Reappears (06:27–09:26)

• Ormond King – The blackmailer from John’s past arrives, intent on restarting his counterfeiting operation.
  • King brandishes engraved plates Denby once made and threatens exposure unless John helps him use the newspaper’s press to print fake banknotes.
  • King: “You mean you're going to print counterfeit paper money from those plates on my press?” (08:12)
  • Mary pleads with her father not to yield, worried about the town’s reputation and future.

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Circulation of Counterfeit Bills (09:49–12:01)

• King, in disguise as a foreigner, successfully changes one of his counterfeited $100 bills for gold at the Prairie City bank, while banker Holmes grows suspicious.
• Holmes plans to alert James Baird, a federal agent, about potential counterfeiting activity.
  • Notable quote: “He can't be too careful. Yes, you're right, banker Holmes. There's a government circular I received just the other day about a counterfeiter named Ormond King. He used to be an actor and is clever at wearing disguise.” (10:13)

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A Murder and a Deception (12:01–16:14)

• James Baird, the federal agent, is intercepted on his way to town by King in disguise. King forces Baird to swap clothes and then murders him, planning to impersonate the agent.
  • Memorable moment: King (to Baird): “A touch of makeup added to these clothes of yours I'm wearing. I shouldn't have any difficulty at all impersonating James Baird.” (13:29)
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto discover Baird’s body. They quickly deduce the murderer left in boots but approached in shoes, realizing King has assumed Baird’s identity. They also identify the seized cash as counterfeit.
  • The Lone Ranger educates Tonto on spotting counterfeits: “The main point to remember is that the workmanship is inferior to that of real money. Now look here. See how smudgy the borders of this bill are? How blurred and broken are the lines in the portrait? In real money, the lines are clear and firm.” (15:30–15:45)

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Investigation and Unmasking (19:36–27:59)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto alert banker Holmes, but “Baird” (King in disguise) dismisses the Lone Ranger’s warnings and vouches for the fake bills’ authenticity.
• The real connection is made: King is both the murderer and the counterfeiter. The Lone Ranger’s sharp logic exposes King’s plot even as King tries to shift suspicion onto the masked man.
• Tonto tails King (as “Baird”) to the newspaper office. The Lone Ranger suspects Denby’s press is being used for the fakes.

Confrontation at the Chronicle (25:53–28:08)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto enter the Chronicle’s office and confront John and Mary.
• John admits his identity and role under duress, and the Lone Ranger supports them, vowing to clear John’s name:
  • Lone Ranger: “I believe you, Mary. Tonto and I overheard enough to know that you're telling the truth. That Ormond King who was here a while ago. Yes. That proves what I suspected in banker Holmes office Tanto. Ormond King is a man I met as James Baird.” (26:51–27:04)
• A crucial clue: John’s wallet, with initials J.D., was planted to frame him as Baird’s killer, but the Lone Ranger sees through the setup.

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King’s Trap and Resolution (28:19–30:48)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto set a trap at the ranch with Baird's body, tricking King into confessing his crimes.
• King is caught red-handed while attempting to ensure Baird's silence.
  • Classic showdown: “King…You shot my hand…You came here to shoot Baird, didn't you, King?...You murdered Baird. Out on the trail. Beneath these blankets are pillows arranged to look like a man.” (29:26–29:36)

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Restoration of Justice (30:49–31:30)

• King is apprehended and the plot foiled.

• The Lone Ranger asks Holmes to guarantee John Blake/Denby a fair hearing, acknowledging his unwilling involvement.

  • Banker Holmes: “Masked man. You saved Prairie City a lot of grief by capturing that counterfeiter. If enough of them phony notes he is gotten around, heaven knows what would have happened.” (30:06)

• Mary expresses deep gratitude: “You've both given my father hope for the future. A future in which he and the Chronicle may have a chance to help Prairie City grow.” (30:29)

• In typical fashion, the Lone Ranger slips away, leaving behind his silver bullet as a token of hope.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Bad pennies always do. Or should I say bad banknotes, huh?” – Ormond King (06:43)
• “It’s no use, Mary. I just can’t go on by printing more fake paper money for Ormond King. I’ll never be able to face Prairie City again.” – John Denby (26:02)
• “Don’t you see, dad? He’s the Lone Ranger.” – Mary Denby (28:08)
• “Masked man. You saved Prairie City a lot of grief by capturing that counterfeiter.” – Banker Holmes (30:06)

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Key Timestamps

• 04:35 – Prairie City and Denby’s past revealed.
• 06:27–09:26 – Ormond King confronts Denby and issues ultimatum.
• 09:49–12:01 – King passes fake bills at the bank.
• 12:01–16:14 – Federal agent Baird is ambushed and murdered.
• 15:10–15:45 – Lone Ranger explains how to detect counterfeit bills.
• 19:36–24:57 – Lone Ranger, Holmes, King (as Baird), and Tonto investigate.
• 25:53–28:08 – Lone Ranger reveals the conspiracy to Denby and Mary.
• 28:19–30:48 – Denouement: King is caught in the trap, confesses.
• 30:49–31:30 – Restoration of Denby's reputation; gratitude from Mary and Holmes.

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Tone and Atmosphere

The episode is suspenseful, dramatic, and morally tinged with optimism and hope—classic to The Lone Ranger's signature style, where justice prevails and the innocent are vindicated through cleverness, courage, and honor.

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Takeaways

• Double Counterfeit cleverly weaves a web of false identities and redemption, giving listeners both a crime mystery and a classic Western morality tale.
• The use of sound and the Lone Ranger’s calm authority, combined with Mary’s warm-heartedness and Tonto’s steadfast loyalty, create an immersive and uplifting drama.

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For listeners who missed the episode, this classic installment delivers all the action, suspense, and heart expected from the golden age of radio Westerns!

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]

Fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty Hio Silver the Lone Ranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sam.

[Andrew Rines]

Sa.

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[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, 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.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on Silver. We're heading for Prairie City. I owe Silver Hoy.

[Narrator]

Typical of the settlements which sprang in the wake of America's march westward, Prairie City was a lusty, fast growing boom town whose latest achievements included a bank, a new schoolhouse and a newspaper. The Prairie City Chronicle. In the ink stained office of the Chronicle, John Denby, proprietor, and his pretty daughter Mary quietly Celebrated the success of their paper's first year.

[Mary Denby]

Prairie city Chronicle, one year old today. Oh, dad, it looks lovely.

[The Lone Ranger]

One year old. Seems like only yesterday that we printed the first issue, doesn't it, Mary?

[Mary Denby]

Yes. Have you been happy here, dad?

[The Lone Ranger]

Happier than I ever thought I could be after. Well, after what happened back east. Mary.

[Mary Denby]

Don't think about it, dad.

[The Lone Ranger]

The west has a future, Mary. Young, strong, ambitious. Someday this town will be a city pushing out over the plain farther than your eye can see. When it does, I'd like to be able to say the Chronicle had a hand in making it grow. Yes, Mary, I'm happy here. But I can't help having a feeling.

[Mary Denby]

What, dad?

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, if folks around here will find out my name is John Blake instead of Denby, that I'm wanted by the government for making counterfeit money in the east.

[Mary Denby]

Dad, how could they?

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know, Mary.

[Mary Denby]

Besides, it wasn't your fault Ormond King forced you to engrave those counterfeit plates.

[The Lone Ranger]

The law doesn't know that, Mary, and I can't prove it. It's preyed on my conscience. So every time I see sheriff Bartlett, I'm tempted to tell him who I really am.

[Mary Denby]

Oh, no. It'll all work out in time, dad. I know it will. Promise you won't say a word to the sheriff.

[The Lone Ranger]

All right, Mary, I promise. Now, let's sit down to that turkey. I'm hungrier than a starved screech.

[Narrator]

Oop.

[The Lone Ranger]

There. Hey.

[Mary Denby]

Oh, sure. I'll go, dad. You carve the turkey.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good afternoon.

[Ormond King]

May I? Why, it's Mary, isn't it?

[Mary Denby]

You. No, it. It can't be.

[The Lone Ranger]

Grown, Mary.

[Ormond King]

Very pretty, too.

[Mary Denby]

What do you want?

[The Lone Ranger]

Who is it?

[Ormond King]

Mary, it's me, Blake.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ormond King.

[Ormond King]

Yes. Never expected to see me again after you skipped out on that last job, huh, Blake? I admit I've had a time trailing you, especially after you assumed the name Denby. But you should have known I'd turn up again someday. Bad pennies always do. Or should I say bad banknotes, huh?

[The Lone Ranger]

Blake, I can't believe it.

[Ormond King]

You seem to be celebrating something. Turkey plum pudding. Can it be that you anticipated my arrival?

[The Lone Ranger]

Why did you come here, King?

[Ormond King]

That last batch of phony paper money you made for me got too hot to handle in the east, so I decided to take Horace Greeley's advice and go west.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get two things straight at the start, King. Folks here know me as John Denby. You've made my real name John Blake a hunted, criminal thing which I dare not use again. Very well.

[Ormond King]

It's Denby from now on.

[The Lone Ranger]

And second, I'm through engraving plates to make bogus banknotes for you to pass on innocent people.

[Mary Denby]

Dad, what's the matter?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm all right, Mary.

[Ormond King]

You shouldn't excite yourself so, Denby. You'll overtax your heart. As it happens, asking you to engrave counterfeit plates never entered my thoughts.

[The Lone Ranger]

What do you want of me, then?

[Ormond King]

I want your press, Denby.

[The Lone Ranger]

Press?

[Ormond King]

Yes, press. In which you print your newspaper. I'm sure you'll understand when you see these Conifer plates. That's right, Denby. You engrave them yourself back east, remember? See, here's one to make $100 notes, another to make 50.

[The Lone Ranger]

You mean you're going to print counterfeit paper money from those plates on my press?

[Ormond King]

You're going to print it, Denby? I'm going to pass it, but I can't. Paper money is new to the West. It'll be easy to fool people here with the banknotes you print and exchange them for silver and gold.

[The Lone Ranger]

You won't get away with it, King. Someone will spot a notice counterfeit, and they'll trace it to you.

[Ormond King]

You forget that I'm an accomplished actor, Denby, with a talent for disguise. While they're hunting the man who passed the counterfeit, I'll be exchanging other paper notes masquerading as someone else.

[Mary Denby]

Don't let him do it, dad.

[Ormond King]

Freddie has no choice, Mary.

[Mary Denby]

What do you mean?

[Ormond King]

Your father is already wanted by the government for making counterfeit money. If he refuses to cooperate, I shall be forced to reveal his whereabouts and his assumed name to the federal agents.

[The Lone Ranger]

He's right, Mary. I have no choice.

[Mary Denby]

But, dad, you can't. If that worthless paper money is circulated in Prairie City, a lot of innocent people will lose their savings. It'll give the town a black eye from which it may never recover.

[The Lone Ranger]

I know that, Mary. A while ago, I dreamed of helping Prairie City grow. Now I'm forced to do everything I can to hold it back. I guess it just wasn't in the cards, Mary.

[Ormond King]

Now you're being sensible, Denby. Sit down at the table, Mary. We'll celebrate our new partnership. You know, turkey is my favorite dish.

[Narrator]

A week after Ormond King's arrival in Prairie City, a man wearing a suit that was obviously too small for him and carrying a battered old satchel entered the city bank and walked up to a teller's window. He looked and spoke like a foreigner.

[Ormond King]

I want to change this banknote to silver money.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hmm.

[Narrator]

$100.

[Banker Holmes]

That's a lot of money to be carrying around, stranger.

[Ormond King]

They bring it with me all the

[Banker Holmes]

way from New York.

[Ormond King]

It's been safer than carrying silver.

[Banker Holmes]

Yeah, we don't see much, this here folding money out west. Wait here till I get permission to cash it, will you? Yeah, Come in. Sorry to disturb your banker, Holmes, but there's a man outside wants to change this here bank note for hard cash, gold and silver. Hundred dollar note, eh? Kind of looking fella, is he? Well, he's a foreigner. It looks genuine enough. Them counterfeiters we've been warned against are so slick. He can't be too careful. Yes, you're right, banker Holmes. There's a government circular I received just the other day about a counterfeiter named Ormond King. He used to be an actor and is clever at wearing disguise. You think I better cash this here note? I guess it won't do any harm, but write down a description of this Furner. Keep track of him. Never can tell. We might need it.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll do that.

[Banker Holmes]

And when you're through, report back here. I'm going to write a letter to James Baird, the federal agent at the county seat who's been sending us them circulars about counterfeiters. I'm going to invite Baird to come to Prairie City and examine this here banknote. Want you to post a letter. Be back in a minute, banger Holmes. And I'm sorry to keep you waiting, stranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

That note of yours is the first

[Banker Holmes]

paper money we've seen in this town for some time. Here's your hundred. Hard cash.

[Ormond King]

Thank you, master. By y I bite me store with this, I bet you.

[Banker Holmes]

Now don't let anybody short change you, stranger.

[Ormond King]

They won't. Hey, see you again.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah, come in anytime. Stupid fool.

[Ormond King]

If he only knew it. He's the one who's been shortchanged. Coup $100 and by Ormond King.

[Narrator]

A few days later, a lone horseman picked his way along a rocky ravine that led to Prairie City. He was James Baird, the federal agent banker Holmes had sent for.

[The Lone Ranger]

Careful, Mal.

[Ormond King]

Rex, I want you breaking a leg on one of these rocks.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's as treacherous a trail as I've seen.

[Narrator]

Suddenly, from behind a boulder, a stranger appeared. He wore a suit that was obviously too small for him and carried a battered old satchel.

[Ormond King]

Morning, master. Your name been James Baird? Yeah.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh. Oh ho, Rex. Yes, that's me. Who are you?

[Ormond King]

I got message for you from banker Holmes.

[The Lone Ranger]

Banker Holmes, huh?

[Ormond King]

What is it?

[Narrator]

This.

[The Lone Ranger]

Say, that's a gun.

[Narrator]

Who are you anyway?

[Ormond King]

That's something you'll ever know, Baird.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, I don't understand.

[Ormond King]

A minute ago you talked like a foreigner. You aren't the first to be fooled by my disguise, Bear. Now climb off that horse.

[Banker Holmes]

This is your idea of a practical joke?

[Ormond King]

It's no joke, Baird. Get out of those clothes.

[Banker Holmes]

What?

[Ormond King]

I'm changing clothes with you, Baird.

[The Lone Ranger]

You'll pay for this, mister.

[Narrator]

Disarming the federal agent, Ormond King, forced Baird to trade clothes with him. After the change had been made, Baird continued to protest.

[Ormond King]

I don't know what's behind the shenanigans,

[Narrator]

stranger, but I warn you.

[Ormond King]

Coming. Very tiresome, Baird. Let me see how you look.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well?

[Ormond King]

Splendid. You look more like that foreigner I was impersonating than I did myself.

[The Lone Ranger]

What's this all about?

[Ormond King]

A touch of makeup added to these clothes of yours I'm wearing. I shouldn't have any difficulty at all impersonating James Baird.

[Kiana]

Indeed.

[Ormond King]

I doubt anyone will ever know the difference.

[Narrator]

What do you mean? As the shot reverberated through the rocky ravine, a white stallion pricked up his ears and his rider, a tall man wearing a white hat and a black mask, reined him in abruptly.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, Silver hole. There was a gunshot. Tallow. Come on, Silver. Get him up, Scout.

[Narrator]

Guiding their horses through the treacherous ravine, the masked rider and his faithful Indian friend soon sighted the target. For the shock they had heard, it was the body of a man lying face down the dusty trail. Beside the body was a battered old satchel.

[The Lone Ranger]

We're too late. Tunnel.

[Narrator]

Him dead.

[The Lone Ranger]

Judging by his clothes, he looks like a foreigner. He must have me. What? This? The satchel, Tonneau. Easterners use them on business trips. Doesn't seem to be anything in this one.

[Narrator]

Man with gun may be robbed. Foreigner?

[The Lone Ranger]

It's possible, Tonto. Wait. There's a wallet on the trail stamped with initials. The initials J.D. i wonder. Help me with this fellow, Tano. Look at the belt buckle. He's wearing. Initials checked. No, the initials on the belt are okay.

[Narrator]

Him not same man.

[The Lone Ranger]

No. And if the dead man isn't the owner of the wallet, the killer must be him.

[Narrator]

Maybe. Drop wallet Not No. Kimasabi.

[The Lone Ranger]

What is it, Tano?

[Narrator]

Me Open wallet. Find much money.

[The Lone Ranger]

Three one hundred dollar banknotes. That's a lot of money for a murderer to be. Wait, Tano. This money is counterfeit.

[Narrator]

What? Counterfeit?

[The Lone Ranger]

Bogus. Worthless. This paper money has been cleverly faked to resemble real currency and fool innocent people.

[Narrator]

How?

[The Lone Ranger]

You know it isn't always easy, Tano. The main point to remember is that the workmanship is inferior to that of real money. Now look here. See how smudgy the borders of this bill are? How blurred and broken are the lines in the portrait? In real money, the lines are clear and firm.

[Narrator]

Tons of savvy.

[The Lone Ranger]

I've heard that counterfeiters were operating near here. I didn't know they'd come this far west. You think the murderer is a counterfeiter too? His initials are J.D. come on, Toto. We have work to do.

[Narrator]

You wait. Kimasabe.

[The Lone Ranger]

What is it?

[Narrator]

Kimasabe Footprints murderer make before him shoot. Not same footprints. Him making getaway.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're right. The murderer left shoe prints when he approached this spot. When he left, he was wearing boots. That means that murder change clothes with

[Narrator]

dead man make believe him victim.

[The Lone Ranger]

Right, Tano? His tracks are headed for Prairie City. Here, Silver. Help me lift the body across Silver's saddle tunnel. We'll be off. Me help. There.

[Banker Holmes]

Easy.

[The Lone Ranger]

All right, big fella.

[Banker Holmes]

Get him up. Count.

[Narrator]

Get him up.

[Ormond King]

S.

[The Lone Ranger]

The curtain falls on the first

[Narrator]

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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[Kiana]

N.

[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. Leaving the dead man at a deserted ranch, the Lone Ranger and Tonto entered the outskirts of Prairie City and slowed their hard ridden horses to a walk. What we do now?

[The Lone Ranger]

If we only knew the identity of the man we found murdered on the trail. Tonto. As it stands, all we know is that the murderer is a counterfeiter. Any source here can give us a lead on the man we're looking for. It's a city bank. Let's go.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, in the private office of banker Holmes, a stranger identified himself as James Baird, the federal agent Holmes had sent for.

[Banker Holmes]

Your credentials seem in proper order, Baird.

[Ormond King]

Thank you, Banker Holmes. Now, if you let me see that note you asked me to examine.

[Banker Holmes]

Here it is. Hundred dollar bill. We don't often receive this here paper money at the bank. And after them circulars you sent out. I was a mite worried for fear this note wasn't genuine.

[Ormond King]

Naturally, you needn't worry about this note, however. It's quite genuine.

[Banker Holmes]

You're sure?

[Ormond King]

Certainly, counterfeit money is my business.

[Banker Holmes]

Yeah, that's right, ain't it? I'll just put this note away for safekeeping.

[Ormond King]

If you have nothing more to show me, I'll go along. But I'll be in Prairie City for a few days if you wish me to examine any more banknotes. I hear paper money's becoming popular in the west, so I shouldn't be surprised if more of it turned up at your bank while I'm in town.

[Banker Holmes]

Come in. Sorry to bother you, banker Holmes, but there's a masked man here says he wants to see you. A masked man? Yeah, says he's got important business with you. Oh, I don't want.

[The Lone Ranger]

Banker Holmes. I'd like to talk to you.

[Banker Holmes]

You can't. Now see here, who do you think you are? Shall I throw him out, boss?

[The Lone Ranger]

I wouldn't advise you to try it, my friend. Close the door.

[Banker Holmes]

Sure, sure.

[Ormond King]

Stranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

Banker. Holmes. Have any banknotes similar to these come to your attention recently?

[Banker Holmes]

Three one hundred dollar bills?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Banker Holmes]

Why yes. Stranger got one just the other day. Looked just like these. Furner brought it in.

[The Lone Ranger]

Did you say a foreigner? Yeah.

[Banker Holmes]

Wait a minute. Got a description of him in this drawer. One of my clerks write it out.

[The Lone Ranger]

Here it is as it described this man as about 6ft tall, dark hair, dressed in a suit that's too small for him and carrying an old satchel.

[Banker Holmes]

Yeah. Say, how did you know?

[The Lone Ranger]

My friend and I found a man answering that description on the trail. He was shot.

[Banker Holmes]

Shot?

[Ormond King]

Have you any idea who did it?

[Banker Holmes]

This gentleman's a federal agent, James Baird. I sent for him to come from the county seat and examine the foreigner's note.

[The Lone Ranger]

The county seat, huh? That's at the other end of the trail. Been in town long, Baird?

[Ormond King]

About an hour, why?

[The Lone Ranger]

I merely wondered if you'd had time to examine banker Holmes note.

[Ormond King]

Of course, it's genuine.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see. What's your opinion of these three bills?

[Ormond King]

Why yes, they seem to be genuine too.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sorry to call you a shot, Baird. These bills are counterfeit.

[Banker Holmes]

Counterfeit? Then the note the furriner brought must be counterfeit too.

[The Lone Ranger]

Probably. I found these bogus bills in a wallet near the place where the foreigner was shot.

[Banker Holmes]

What kind of a counterfeit expert do you call yourself, Baird? You told me the furriner's note was real.

[Ormond King]

It is real. Are you going to take the word of a masked man against mine? He may be the counterfeiter himself, or even the murderer.

[Banker Holmes]

Say, stranger, who are you anyway?

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, that's not as important as why I'm here. Have you any idea who the foreigner might be?

[Banker Holmes]

No, I ain't. Matter of fact, I didn't even see him when he came to the bank. If he was one of them counterfeiters though, these government circulars ought to give us a clue.

[The Lone Ranger]

Who's this one on top?

[Banker Holmes]

Ormond King, Just about the slickest of them all. Circular says he used to be an actor and is clever at wearing disguise.

[The Lone Ranger]

Norman King. The initials. Okay. Fitz.

[Banker Holmes]

Huh?

[Ormond King]

If you gentlemen will excuse me, I'll look into this case. I. I assume you left the murdered man as you found him.

[The Lone Ranger]

I didn't say he was murdered, Baird, I said he was shot.

[Ormond King]

Where can I find you? Later.

[The Lone Ranger]

My friend and I are staying at the old Rogers Ranch.

[Ormond King]

The old Rogers ranch. Well, I'll see you gentlemen later.

[Banker Holmes]

I don't know what to make of that fella.

[The Lone Ranger]

I do. Holmes, may I see that note you had?

[Banker Holmes]

Oh, sure, stranger. Here it is.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, just as I thought. This note is counterfeit, Holmes.

[Banker Holmes]

Counterfeit.

[Narrator]

But.

[Banker Holmes]

Hey, where you going? Hey, stranger.

[Narrator]

Hello.

[The Lone Ranger]

I saw the man who just left the bank.

[Narrator]

Can't you see him?

[The Lone Ranger]

Follow him. Find out if his accomplice is a man whose initials JD Are on this wallet. You not come too? I wait here for your return, Toto. Our friend suspected I was trailing him when he tried to escape. You think him that man is a murderer, Toto.

[Narrator]

Short time later, Toto returned from his mission and reported to the masked man what he had seen.

[The Lone Ranger]

Kimasabe Tato Von A. Bern.

[Narrator]

See him go. Newspaper office. Sign over door say John Denby.

[The Lone Ranger]

John Denby, huh? Well, that fits the initials J.D. i wouldn't be surprised if the counterfeit money is printed on Denby's press.

[Narrator]

What we do now?

[The Lone Ranger]

Was Baird there when you left?

[Narrator]

No, him only stay a few minutes.

[The Lone Ranger]

Him in plenty big hurry, I imagine he would be. Let's go, Toto. We're going to have a talk with John Denby. Come on, Silver, get him up. Come.

[Narrator]

Reining their horses, the masked man and his Indian quietly approached the office of the Prairie City Chronicle on foot. Downstairs was heavily shuttered as if to conceal from passersby some mysterious happenings inside. But in the second floor rear, a crossbar jutted from an unshuttered window.

[The Lone Ranger]

There's our entrance, Toddo. That window on the second floor.

[Narrator]

Ah, and how we get up.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll hook that crossbar with my lariat. There. Now we'll make a noose at one end for our feet. Fasten the other end of the pommel of Silver saddle. Yes, Silver. Guess that knot will hold.

[Narrator]

Ready, fellow? Don't go. Ready.

[The Lone Ranger]

All right, big fella. Oh, good boy. S.

[Narrator]

Miss Sleetin home?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, we must be just over the shop.

[Banker Holmes]

Listen.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's no use, Mary. I just can't go on by printing more fake paper money for Armand King. I'll never be able to face Prairie City again.

[Mary Denby]

But dad, you heard what he said. He'll expose you if you don't.

[The Lone Ranger]

I almost wish he would. At least I could resume my rightful name, John Blake instead of masquerading as Denby.

[Mary Denby]

Dad, there must be some way out.

[The Lone Ranger]

Some way there is, Mary. I'm going to Sheriff Bartlett and make a clean breast of everything. Dad, that won't be necessary. Blake. At Least not yet a mask man and an Indian. Don't be alarmed. I don't hire your friends. But who are you? Where did you come from? We came from upstairs, Blake. We made our entrance through a window. Then you know who I am.

[Mary Denby]

Yes, but it isn't his fault. Ormond King forced dad to work for him. Please, you, you've got to believe me.

[The Lone Ranger]

I believe you, Mary. Tonto and I overheard enough to know that you're telling the truth. That Ormond King who was here a while ago. Yes. That proves what I suspected in banker Holmes office Tanto. Ormond King is a man I met as James Baird.

[Narrator]

That's right.

[The Lone Ranger]

King murdered Baird and impersonated him. If it hadn't been for King's initials on the belt the dead man was wearing, we might never have known.

[Mary Denby]

Ormond King a murderer?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. King had a neat little scheme lined up to exchange his bogus bills for hard cash at the bank wearing his various disguises. And as James Baird, he planned to approve his fake banknotes as genuine. King or murderer. Well, that's one time our learned friend pushed his luck too far. Mary, I'm going down the sheriff Barton right now. Wait. Is this your wallet? The initials are J.D. well, yes, that's mine. King borrowed it from me a few days ago. Where did you find it? I found it on the trail beside Baird's body. King must have dropped it. If you accuse him, he'll swear by this wallet that you are Baird's murderer.

[Mary Denby]

But what shall we do?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll take care of everything, Mary. I've already arranged for Ormond King to betray himself.

[Narrator]

Come on, Donald.

[Mary Denby]

But who are you?

[The Lone Ranger]

Wait, Mask man. He's gone dead.

[Mary Denby]

Look on the table.

[The Lone Ranger]

A silver bullet. Now we're in Sunday.

[Mary Denby]

Don't you see, dad? He's the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

Dusk was falling as the Lone Ranger and Tonto arrived at the deserted Rogers ranch where they had taken Baird's body.

[The Lone Ranger]

I got to hurry, Tutto. Armin King believes Baird is still alive. It'll soon be dark enough for him to feel safe to come here. That's right. We better move this couch into that patch of moonlight near the window.

[Narrator]

Tado.

[The Lone Ranger]

The King will think he sees Barrett lying here. That's fine, Toto. Now we have nothing to do but wait for Ormond King to bait his own trap.

[Narrator]

The moon had risen from high in the heavens when suddenly through the window, the Lone Ranger in Tonto saw the shadow of a man's head fall across the couch.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's King Tunnel.

[Narrator]

And what we do now We've got

[The Lone Ranger]

to wait for him to make the first move. That way he'll sign his own confession. Shh. He's coming in.

[Ormond King]

I thought I settled your number on the trail, Baird, but I must have been mistaken. This time I'll make certain

[Mary Denby]

you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, King.

[Ormond King]

You shot my hand.

[The Lone Ranger]

You came here to shoot Bear, didn't you, King?

[Ormond King]

Why, you.

[The Lone Ranger]

But you're too. You murdered Baird. Out on the trail. Beneath these blankets are pillows arranged to look like a man.

[Ormond King]

But in the bank that day you said he was shot, you made me think.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's right, King. You twisted my words into believing Baird was still alive.

[Ormond King]

Are you double crosser? I'll get you for this.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, that'll do for you, King.

[Narrator]

Oh, kem sabi.

[The Lone Ranger]

You hit him plenty hard. Now we'll tie him up, Toto. Tomorrow we'll deliver him to Sheriff Bartlett. The hangman's noose,

[Banker Holmes]

Masked man. You saved Prairie City a lot of grief by capturing that counterfeiter. If enough of them phony notes he is gotten around, heaven knows what would have happened.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thank you, banker Holmes, but Tuttle deserves equal credit.

[Banker Holmes]

We're beholden to you both, masked man. And if there's anything I can do to repay the favor.

[The Lone Ranger]

You can do one thing, Holmes. See to it that John Blake gets a fair hearing for the part he was compelled to play in King's crooked activities. Thank you, Lone Ranger.

[Mary Denby]

Yes, thank you. And you, Tondo. You've both given my father hope for the future. A future in which he and the Chronicle may have a chance to help Prairie City grow.

[Banker Holmes]

You can count on me to do everything I. Why, he's gone.

[Mary Denby]

Yes, he's gone,

[The Lone Ranger]

Sam.

[Farm City Pro Rodeo Announcer]

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[The Lone Ranger]

Where's that dang paper boy? I need my news outdated and rolled up like a burrito. Finally, now I can read all about what happened forever ago.

[Farm City Pro Rodeo Announcer]

Get the most important news delivered reliably at the best price. Sling lets you do that? Visit sling.comnews to see your offer.

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[The Lone Ranger]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Satisfaction 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 Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Banker Holmes]

Foreign.

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