Old Time Radio Westerns: The Lone Ranger – "Double-Cross" (03-28-52)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Title: Double-Cross | The Lone Ranger (03-28-52)
Release Date: October 3, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features "Double-Cross," a suspenseful Lone Ranger adventure originally aired in 1952. Host Andrew Rhynes brings listeners into a digitally restored world of classic radio drama, where the masked rider and his loyal companion, Tonto, intervene in a deadly plot threatening both settlers and Native Americans on the frontier. The story interweaves tension among ranchers, homesteaders, and the local indigenous tribe, with deception at the heart of the conflict. The episode exemplifies the classic Western themes of justice, betrayal, and unlikely alliances.

Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: Tensions in Springville

[03:15–04:00]

• Springville, a cattle country town, is fraught with conflict as ranchers resent homesteaders encroaching on traditional grazing land.
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto investigate rumors of trouble after learning that the ranchers have pooled money with an agent, Deal, to buy out or displace homesteaders.
• The masked duo visits Jack Abbott, the leading homesteader, discovering hostility, fear of Indian attacks, and deep mistrust.

Notable Quotes:

• The Lone Ranger to Abbott:
  “Is it the custom in Missouri to shoot travelers who stop for a drink of water?” (04:08)
• Jack Abbott:
  “What’s a fair price for a man’s heart and soul? You think there’s cash enough in the world to pay for what we went through to get here and settle this valley?” (05:00)

2. The Mysterious Agent and a Murderous Plot

[07:33–10:21]

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto ride to the Indian agency after learning that Agent Deal was supposed to act on behalf of the ranchers but is suspected of deception.
• They arrive just after Cass Martin, the Indian agent, has been shot. Before passing out, Martin identifies his attacker: “Isn’t... Amos Deal. He...” (08:16)
• Deal stole Martin’s credentials, intending to impersonate the agent and mislead the incoming army detachment.

Notable Moments:

• Tonto’s discovery: “Me try to follow tracks. ... Him go through woods, then guide horse into creek. That means we'll not be able to find the trail until morning.” (08:39)
• Revelation: The plot involves using the Indians as a tool to force homesteaders out, thereby nullifying the buyout and allowing Deal to keep the ranchers’ pooled money.

3. The Lone Ranger Undercover and a Dangerous Deception

[10:21–14:15]

• The Lone Ranger disguises himself as a homesteader to warn Captain Spires, leader of the approaching soldiers, about Deal’s treachery.
• Deal, masquerading as Cass Martin, tries to convince the Captain the Indian troubles have been settled.
• The Lone Ranger challenges Deal’s identity, only to be arrested as an alleged troublemaker. Deal tries to sway the Captain, but his deception begins to unravel.

Memorable Exchange:

• The Lone Ranger:
  “That man is not Cass Martin. His name is Deal. … After stealing Martin’s credentials, you tried to kill him.” (11:35)
• Captain Spires, skeptical:
  “Hold it, mister. That’s a serious charge.” (11:46)

4. Betrayal Exposed and An Attempted Murder

[16:03–18:13]

• Sergeant Aker, an old acquaintance of Deal’s from prison, discovers Deal’s plot and demands a cut of the scheme in return for silence.
• Aker is instructed to kill the Lone Ranger, making it look like an escape attempt gone wrong.
• The Lone Ranger overhears everything, realizing time is short to stop a massacre.

Key Confession:

• Deal, to Sergeant Aker:
  “The way it reads it doesn't matter how the homesteaders are driven out, just so they’re out. I’ve planned it so’s the Indians will drive ‘em out or kill ‘em off.” (17:04)

• Aker’s chilling aside:
  “Better than a bullet. I’ll use a knife. I’ll get him while he’s sleeping.” (17:50)

5. A Narrow Escape and a Race Against Time

[18:13–20:29]

• The Lone Ranger fakes sleep, then knocks out Sergeant Aker and escapes his bonds using the sergeant’s own knife.
• He ties and gags Aker, escapes the camp undetected, and makes for Big Bear’s village to warn the Indians before Deal can manipulate them into attacking the army.
• On the way, he dons his iconic mask and attire.

Memorable Moment:

• The Lone Ranger, freeing himself:
  “Now, Sergeant, your turn to be tied and gagged.” (19:25)

6. Truth at Sunrise: The Showdown with Big Bear

[20:40–22:41]

• At Big Bear’s village, the chief is preparing for war, having been convinced by Deal that Cass Martin, and by extension the white soldiers, plan to destroy his people.
• The Lone Ranger persuades him to meet the army under a flag of truce, promising to expose the real traitor.

Quote:

• Big Bear:
  “White men no longer want peace.”
• The Lone Ranger:
  “He’s [Deal] betraying the cattlemen, the army. And he'll betray you and your people when it suits his purpose.” (21:15)

7. The Truth Revealed and Justice Served

[22:41–29:15]

• At the canyon, the Lone Ranger, Big Bear, and Captain Spires confront Deal.
• The Lone Ranger’s true identity and the full extent of the plot are revealed as Sergeant Aker and Deal turn on each other.
• Big Bear is reassured of the army’s peaceful intentions and calls off the ambush.

Dramatic Highlights:

• The Lone Ranger to Captain Spires:
  “His credentials were stolen when he shot the real Cass Martin and left him for dead at the Indian agency.” (23:08)

• Sergeant Aker, betraying Deal:
  “You ain't the simplest part of the job, but you bungled it.” (24:07)

• Big Bear, resolved:
  “No crooked soldier work with Deal start war tween Indian white man. Me take deal back to village my people punish for lies.” (25:07)

• The Lone Ranger:
  “Chief Big Bear, the army will take charge of these two men. You may be sure they receive full punishment for what they've done.” (25:19)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Jack Abbott’s Declaration of Determination
  “We wouldn’t sell at any price anyhow. No one made an offer. … What’s a fair price for a man’s heart and soul?” (05:00)
• Deal’s Ruthless Revelation to Aker
  “I’ve planned it so’s the Indians will drive them out or kill them off. Only I didn't figure on your outfit moving in. That'll spoil your scheme.” (17:05)
• The Lone Ranger’s Escape
  “Now, Sergeant, your turn to be tied and gagged.” (19:25)
• Big Bear’s Final Judgment
  “Now that this chief know truth, me pretty sorry learn Cass Martin hurt. He'll recover with Tonto's care, Chief. You may be sure of that.” (28:36)

Important Timestamps

• Introduction and scene setting: [00:15–03:15]
• Abbott’s confrontation and exposition: [04:00–07:33]
• Shooting at the Indian agency: [07:33–08:39]
• Deal’s impersonation revealed: [10:51–13:03]
• Lone Ranger’s unsuccessful intervention: [13:04–14:15]
• Deal and Aker’s secret meeting: [16:03–18:13]
• Lone Ranger’s escape: [18:13–19:29]
• Appealing to Big Bear: [20:40–22:11]
• Showdown at the canyon: [22:41–29:15]
• Resolution: [29:15–29:51]

Episode Takeaways

• Classic themes of justice and standing up for what’s right pervade the story.
• Complicity, betrayal, and manipulation are exposed by courage, cleverness, and persistence.
• The Lone Ranger’s morality and resourcefulness once again save lives and restore peace.
• The sound-restored production brings new depth to iconic characters and classic storytelling.

For classic Western intrigue, sharp dialogue, and justice delivered at the speed of a galloping white horse, this episode stands as a high point in Lone Ranger lore.