Episode Summary: "Doug’s Great Adventure" | The Lone Ranger (01-12-51)

Host: Andrew Rines
Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Release Date: May 19, 2025

Introduction to the Wagon Train and Characters

The episode begins with the serene yet bustling life of a wagon train traversing the vast prairie. Judd Moss (played by Judd Moss) leads the wagon train, accompanied by his daughter Jane and his ten-year-old son, Douglas Moss (Douglas Moss). Douglas is depicted as an adventurous and inquisitive boy fascinated by tales of the legendary Lone Ranger and his faithful companion, Tonto.

Douglas Moss expresses his admiration for the Lone Ranger, stating at [05:14] "We don't want to meet masked hombres anymore when we want to meet hostile Indians." His father, Judd, along with Tonto, attempts to temper Douglas's enthusiasm, emphasizing the dangers of the Wild West and the reality of outlaws, as Judd remarks at [05:34], "That masked man is probably some sort of a legend out here."

Suspicious Activities: Jake Logan and Duke Thorne

Parallel to the main storyline, two characters, Jake Logan and his partner Duke Thorne, are introduced as members of the wagon train. However, they harbor a secret: instead of transporting goods for a hardware store, they are smuggling rifles and ammunition intended for hostile Native American tribes.

At [06:40], Duke Thorne discusses their covert operations: "Jake was saying, Duke, if the wagon master Judd Moss knew we had rifles and ammunition in the boxes on our wagon instead of merchandise for a hardware store, like he thinks, he'd have a fit."

Their scheme involves manipulating the wagons to carry these weapons, planning to supply them to Chief Red Wolf's tribe. Their dialogue reveals their deceptive intentions and the impending threat they pose to the wagon train.

Douglas’s Curiosity Leads to Discovery

Douglas's yearning for adventure leads him to witness suspicious activities. He observes Jake Logan interacting with an unknown Indian scout after hearing a coyote howl, which serves as a signal for their illicit operations. At [12:14], Douglas recounts his observation: "I saw Jake Logan, who has a wagon in the train, go into a grove. When a coyote howled, he talked to an Indian there. When the Indian left, I followed him."

Concerned for his safety and intrigued by the possibility of encountering the Lone Ranger, Douglas ventures alone, prompting worried remarks from his father and Tonto.

The Arrival of the Lone Ranger and Confrontation

The renowned Lone Ranger and Tonto are introduced as they discreetly follow the wagon train, staying vigilant for any signs of trouble. Their path converges with Douglas's adventure when the Lone Ranger intercepts Douglas, learning about the suspicious activities of Jake Logan and Duke Thorne.

At [15:31], Jake Logan confronts Douglas: "That's right, I still want to follow that Indian's trail. What do we do with boy? It may not be safe for him to return to the wagon camp right now." Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Lone Ranger decides to involve Douglas in thwarting the smugglers' plans.

Preventing the Raid and Exposing the Smugglers

As dawn breaks, the wagon train is ambushed by hostile Native Americans. The orchestrated attack is part of Jake and Duke's plan to arm the tribe, ensuring a profitable partnership through the smuggled rifles and ammunition. During the chaos, Douglas notices one wagon attempting to flee the encirclement, which leads to the unraveling of the smuggling operation.

At [21:24], Douglas alerts the Lone Ranger: "One of the wagons is pulling away from the circle." This critical observation helps expose Jake Logan and Duke Thorne as the true antagonists. The confrontation culminates when the Lone Ranger intervenes, capturing Jake and Duke, and presenting the evidence of their deceit to the wagon train and the military authorities.

Resolution and Recognition of Heroism

With the smugglers apprehended and the wagon train saved from disaster, the episode concludes by highlighting the bravery and initiative of Douglas Moss. His adventurous spirit and sharp observation skills were instrumental in uncovering the threat and ensuring the safety of the wagon train.

At [23:43], Douglas proudly states: "That's right. It's just like I told you, dad." His father, Judd Moss, acknowledges Douglas's role, saying at [23:51], "Mr. Morse, you owe a great deal to your boy Doug. He's a brave boy and in his search for adventure did his part in saving the train and exposing the gun smugglers."

The Lone Ranger and Tonto bid farewell, leaving a lasting impression of their unwavering commitment to justice and protection of the innocent.

Notable Quotes

• Douglas Moss [05:14]: "We don't want to meet masked hombres anymore when we want to meet hostile Indians."

• Duke Thorne [06:40]: "Jake was saying, Duke, if the wagon master Judd Moss knew we had rifles and ammunition in the boxes on our wagon instead of merchandise for a hardware store, like he thinks, he'd have a fit."

• Douglas Moss [12:14]: "I saw Jake Logan, who has a wagon in the train, go into a grove. When a coyote howled, he talked to an Indian there. When the Indian left, I followed him."

• Jake Logan [15:31]: "That's right, I still want to follow that Indian's trail. What do we do with boy? It may not be safe for him to return to the wagon camp right now."

• Douglas Moss [21:24]: "One of the wagons is pulling away from the circle."

• Judd Moss [23:51]: "Mr. Morse, you owe a great deal to your boy Doug. He's a brave boy and in his search for adventure did his part in saving the train and exposing the gun smugglers."

Conclusion

"Doug’s Great Adventure" masterfully intertwines the innocence and curiosity of youth with the perilous undercurrents of the Wild West. Through Douglas Moss's journey, listeners witness the classic struggle between good and evil, the importance of vigilance, and the unexpected heroes that emerge in times of crisis. The episode pays homage to the timeless allure of the Lone Ranger while delivering a compelling narrative that resonates with themes of bravery, family, and justice.

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of Old Time Radio Westerns, "Doug’s Great Adventure" offers a captivating glimpse into the legendary tales that defined a generation. Immerse yourself in this richly restored episode and experience the Wild West like never before.