Driven Sheep | The Lone Ranger (11-14-49)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Episode Summary Title: Driven Sheep | The Lone Ranger (11-14-49)
Host/Author: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: December 9, 2024

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rhynes transports listeners back to the golden age of radio with a digitally restored rendition of a classic Lone Ranger adventure titled "Driven Sheep." This episode, originally aired on November 14, 1949, masterfully blends rich storytelling with enhanced audio quality, providing an immersive experience that breathes new life into the timeless tales of the Wild West.

Plot Overview

Setting the Stage

The story unfolds on the sprawling Dexter Ranch in the early western United States, a prosperous cattle operation led by the gruff yet kind-hearted Mort Dexter. His wife, Sarah, provides a calming influence, while their spirited daughter, Mary Lou Dexter, yearns for independence and greater challenges, particularly in horsemanship.

Rising Tensions

The tranquility of the Dexter Ranch is disrupted when news arrives that sheep herders, led by Jed Marshall and his son Craig, are planning to move into the Bar W Ranch, adjacent to Dexter's territory. Mort Dexter's progressive stance on coexistence with the sheep herders contrasts sharply with the antagonistic attitudes of other local cattlemen, particularly the town banker, John Garland.

Garland's Scheme

John Garland, harboring deep resentment towards Mort Dexter, secretly orchestrates a scheme to ignite a range war between the cattle ranchers and the sheep herders. By manipulating the situation, Garland aims to undermine Dexter's influence and cast the sheep herders as troublesome outsiders. This plot thickens as Garland convinces local ranchers to oppose the sheep herders, hoping to isolate Dexter and escalate tensions.

Lone Ranger's Intervention

Amidst the brewing conflict, the Lone Ranger and his faithful companion, Tonto, arrive in Rockridge. Their presence becomes pivotal as they uncover Garland's malicious plans. Tonto, exhibiting keen observational skills, overhears Garland's conversation plotting the sabotage of the sheep herders' operations (Timestamp [12:33]). Recognizing the threat of a range war, the Lone Ranger vows to thwart Garland's intentions.

Confrontation and Resolution

The plot reaches its climax when Garland and his men attempt to forcibly drive the sheep herders onto Dexter's cattle range, provoking Mort Dexter's wrath. The Lone Ranger intervenes just in time, revealing Garland's deceit to both Dexter and the sheep herders. Through strategic maneuvers and quick thinking, the Lone Ranger captures Garland and his cohorts, exposing their treachery and preventing the outbreak of hostilities.

Finale

The episode concludes with reconciliation and newfound alliances. Mort Dexter decides to sever ties with Garland, withdrawing his financial support and thereby dismantling Garland's influence in Rockridge. Mary Lou Dexter and Craig Marshall, now united against a common foe, acknowledge the importance of cooperation over conflict. The Lone Ranger's mystery remains intact, leaving listeners intrigued by his vigilant protection of justice.

Key Characters

• Mort Dexter: A staunch cattle rancher who values peace and cooperation. His leadership and integrity make him a respected figure in the community.

• Mary Lou Dexter: Mort's headstrong daughter who challenges traditional roles and strives for independence, particularly in her horsemanship.

• John Garland: The antagonistic town banker whose schemes aim to incite conflict between cattle ranchers and sheep herders for personal vendettas.

• Craig Marshall: Jed Marshall's son, a sheep rancher who embodies the potential for harmony and mutual respect between differing ranching practices.

• The Lone Ranger: The masked hero who embodies justice and righteousness, intervening to maintain peace and uphold truth.

• Tonto: The Lone Ranger's loyal Indian companion, whose wisdom and bravery are instrumental in uncovering and combating Garland's schemes.

• Dave: The foreman of Dexter Ranch, torn between loyalty to Mort and the escalating tensions fueled by Garland.

Notable Quotes

• Mary Lou Dexter: "I'm Mary Lou Dexter." (Timestamp [20:03])

• John Garland: "We’re taking you back so Mort Dexter can see who started all of this." (Timestamp [27:31])

• Lone Ranger: "I'm here to prevent a range war and to see that you sheep ranchers..." (Timestamp [26:06])

• Craig Marshall: "I can really handle a horse as well as you can." (Timestamp [05:30])

Themes and Insights

Conflict and Cooperation: The episode delves into the tensions between cattle ranchers and sheep herders, highlighting the destructive potential of misunderstanding and prejudice. Through the interactions between Mort Dexter and Craig Marshall, the narrative advocates for cooperation and mutual respect despite differing livelihoods.

Integrity and Leadership: Mort Dexter's unwavering commitment to fairness and his ability to resist Garland's manipulations underscore the importance of moral leadership in maintaining community harmony.

Heroism and Justice: The Lone Ranger epitomizes the classic Western hero—steadfast, just, and proactive in safeguarding peace. His strategic interventions demonstrate the value of vigilance and integrity in combating deceit and malice.

Generational Change: Mary Lou Dexter represents the younger generation's desire for autonomy and challenge, contrasting with her father's traditionalism. Her relationship with Craig Marshall symbolizes the bridging of generational and occupational divides.

Conclusion

"Driven Sheep | The Lone Ranger" is a quintessential example of classic Western storytelling, rich with drama, moral dilemmas, and the triumph of justice over deceit. Through its engaging narrative and well-developed characters, the episode not only entertains but also imparts enduring lessons on cooperation, integrity, and the quest for peace. Andrew Rhynes' meticulous digital restoration enhances the listening experience, making this timeless tale accessible and vibrant for contemporary audiences.

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For more summaries and to explore the rich archives of classic Western radio dramas, visit otrwesterns.com.

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 absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi O Silver the Lone Ranger. Here's.

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[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tottle, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. 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 hoofbeats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. Let's go. Victor fellow, out.

[Narrator]

Mort Dexter was a kindly man, and many a settler in the early west owed his start to the big gruff rancher whose spread was one of the most prosperous in the Southwest territory. Mort's wife Sarah, had been a great influence in his life. She was a quiet, soft spoken woman whose gentle ways had worn the edges off Mort's gruffness. On occasions, Mort Dexter let his suppressed temper come to the fore, and at such times his rage knew no bounds. But a soft word from Sarah seemed to be an antidote that brought him out of it immediately. But since their daughter Mary Lou had grown to womanhood, his temper flared more often. She was spirited and headstrong at 18 and inclined to do as she Pleased? One morning at breakfast, Mary Lou spoke to Morton.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

Dad, I want a better horse to ride. One with more spirit than Blackie has.

[Mort Dexter]

Mary Lou. I reckon Blackie will do for the time. He's a good horse for a woman to ride. He's a nice, gaited horse, easy to handle.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

That's why I don't want Blackie. I told Dave to saddle the palomino for me this morning.

[Mort Dexter]

Now, see here, Mary Lou, that palomino has hardly broke to the saddle yet. Anyway, a stallion isn't any kind of a horse for a woman to ride. I figure using that palomino myself, after Dave calms him down a bit more.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

Your father is right, Mary Lou. You better keep on riding Blackie. Land sakes, even Blackie would have frightened me near to death if I had to ride her when I was a girl. Well, things are different now than when you were my age, Ma. Well, I'll see you at dinner time. I'm riding over to the goodsons. All right, dear. Goodbye, dad. And don't worry about my riding. I can really handle a horse as well as you can.

[Mort Dexter]

Finally getting to realize that when I put my foot down. I mean it. Honest, Harris, sometimes I wonder how we come to have such a girl as Mary Lou.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

What's the matter with your eyes? Can't you see Mary Lou's just like you used to be, Excellus.

[Mort Dexter]

Well, maybe so, but it seems to me a girl ought to take after her mother. She ought to be quiet and ladylike like you said.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

Darling, maybe two in the family like me would be really Macy.

[John Garland]

Take it.

[Mort Dexter]

Look at that. Mary Lou. Mary Lou, come back here full of Ted Radid's strong hands.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

Now, now, Mort, no use losing your temper.

[Mort Dexter]

Yes, but look, there she goes right in that palomino Biggie's life. And right after I told her not to.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

Doesn't she ride him? Well, Lord, what she.

[Narrator]

Later that morning, Dave, the ranch foreman, rode up to Mort as he sat on his horse surveying his large herd of cattle grazing on the south range.

[Dave]

Howdy, boss. I've been looking for you.

[Mort Dexter]

Hey, Dave, what's on your mind?

[Dave]

Well, I just got word that there's an armory figuring on moving on to the Bar W Ranch. In fact, the deal for the place has been settled.

[Mort Dexter]

Well, lad friends, he's been standing there going to siege since old man Willie's died. Glad to hear we'll have neighbors again on the north side.

[Dave]

No, if you won't be glad at all, boss, back to us telling the boys we better do Something to stop them moving in there before it's too late.

[Mort Dexter]

Well, lads. Get to the point. Dave. What's wrong with the folks who are fixing to take it over?

[Dave]

Sheep herders. Just plain low down sheep herders.

[Mort Dexter]

Sheep rancher?

[Dave]

Yeah. Folks, that fool with those ornery dirty critters aren't ranchers. But a long shot, I allow as how we better let them know now that they aren't welcome.

[Mort Dexter]

That's where you're wrong, Dave. Far as I'm concerned, they are welcome. In fact, they can use part of our north range for grazing. Ain't much use for cattle anyhow, buddy. Hard to do for sheep from what I hear about them.

[Dave]

Holy mackerel, Boss. You mean to say you aim to let them bring sheep to that ranch?

[Mort Dexter]

Why not? I reckon if sheep were what they want, they got the right. Get your free country. Long as they stay good neighbors, I'm willing to be agreeable.

[Dave]

I'll be darned. You're the only one who's had a good word to say about it today.

[Mort Dexter]

Folks don't like it, eh?

[Dave]

They sure don't.

[Mort Dexter]

Just what folks? For instance?

[Dave]

Oh, Hank Grafton.

[Mort Dexter]

I recollect when I give Hank a small herd of cattle to make his start, he would have taken a herd of gophers at that time if he thought he'd make money raising them. All right, who else?

[Dave]

Town banker John Garland. He owns a small ranch the other side of the bar. W you know, he's plenty riled up about it.

[Mort Dexter]

Yeah, Garland. He's one hombre I never could get to like Dave anyhow. He always got peeved when he was going to grab off somebody's ranch for non payment of mortgage. And I up and paid for them. No, sir. John Garland never had any liking for me either. Is that all?

[Dave]

Oh, no. There's plenty others against them sheep herders going in there, you having the biggest spread and all. They were hoping you'd help to keep them out.

[Mort Dexter]

Hey, Dave, you're a foreman of my ranch and you get top wages. And as long as you are, I expect you to see things my way. You say?

[Dave]

Sure, boss. I was only telling you.

[Mort Dexter]

Well, now I'm telling you. I say let him come in. What's more, I say any help my hands can give him to get started. His airs if they want it, get it there.

[Narrator]

Get him. Several days later, the lone ranger and his Indian companion Toto pitched camp in the hills outside of the town of Rockridge. They have decided to interrupt a journey southward and take a few days to mend worn riding gear and to replace loose and worn horseshoes. It was dusk one evening when Tato returned from the blacksmith shop in town with Scout and Silver.

[Tonto]

Easy, Scout Easy, father. Ay, Kimasabi.

[Lone Ranger]

Ay. Well, Tano, that blacksmith did a fine job.

[Tonto]

That right. Him work slow, but him do good job.

[Lone Ranger]

He had a long wait in town.

[Tonto]

Oh, but me not mine. You listen round hear news of town?

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, what's going on? Anything of interest?

[Tonto]

Men in town talk about sheep rancher who just moved to Bar W Ranch. It north of Dexter spread.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, I think I remember the place. Used to be the old Willis Ranch.

[Tonto]

That right? New owner named Jed Marshall. Him widower, with grown son named Craig.

[Lone Ranger]

I see. Do you think Jed and Craig Marshall will have any trouble with the cattlemen around Rock Ridge?

[Tonto]

Well, men in town talk plenty against sheep ranchers, Kimasabi. But me find out people. Are Dexter spread friendly to sheep rancher?

[Lone Ranger]

More Dexter's like that. He always believed in giving the other fellow a chance.

[Tonto]

That right.

[Lone Ranger]

And Dexter has a lot of influence. As long as he favors the marshals, the rest of the ranchers will stay in line.

[Tonto]

Me hear feller in town say that, but other men say something not good.

[Lone Ranger]

Just what was it you heard them say?

[Tonto]

Tunnel Me go into cafe this afternoon. Stand in back and listen. Yes, me hear two men at table near back of cafe talking about sheepmen.

[Craig Marshall]

Dave the foreman out of Dexter's place said Mort Dexter gave orders for the cowheres to be friendly to them sheepherders at the Bar W. I already heard about that. As long as Dexter stays friendly to him, the rest of the ranchers left marshals alone. Dexter has plenty of influence around here. Yeah, that's right. But maybe Dexter will change toward him before long. And when that happens, it'll be too bad for them sheepmen. What makes you think he might change? Mort isn't the changeable kind of armory. Hey, look. John Garland the banker is dead. Sent against them sheepmen, as you know. Yeah, we all know that. Well, Garland's been passing the word around that he's got reason to feel that within a week Dexter will turn against the sheepmen at the Bar W ranch. Where would he get reason to know a thing like that? Garland hates Dexter, Mort Dexter hasn't any love for Garland either. Of course, I wouldn't put it past Garland to pull something that'd make Dexter get sort of sheepman.

[Lone Ranger]

So the town banker, John Garland, is determined to arouse the cattleman against the marshals.

[Tonto]

And that's what me think. After Me hear men talk. Keemasavi.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, if Garland did succeed in turning Dexter against the sheep rancher and his son, the other ranchers would openly move against them.

[Tonto]

That not good.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, I know. Taho, I want you to keep an eye on Garland. Find out all you can and let me know. He seems determined to start a range war.

[Narrator]

The following evening, Tonto trailed Garland when the banker left town and rode to the small ranch he owned beyond the sheepherders place. Toto left Scout in a grove of trees, then cautiously approached the ranch house. Just as he reached the foot of the front porch steps, he heard the door close. Tuttle hurriedly ducked into the opening alongside the steps and crouched there. Toto realized John Garland must have come out to sit on the porch. He was about to crawl out and attempt to get away unseen, when a group of men rode up and dismounted.

[John Garland]

I've come out here to set too hot inside. Hey, get a couple more chairs up here. Rest. You can sit on the porch steps while we talk.

[Narrator]

As Toto crouched under the steps, unable to leave, the men settled themselves on the porch and steps. Garland spoke.

[John Garland]

This private meeting is to discuss getting rid of the sheep herders.

[Craig Marshall]

Yeah, nothing much we can do. Dexter's friendly with us.

[John Garland]

Yes, of course, of course. I know you all want to keep Dexter's friendship, that he'd get plenty sore if you moved against them sheep herding marshals.

[Craig Marshall]

That's right, John. Through Mort. We get a good price for our cattle and cheaper shipping rates and all.

[John Garland]

I reckon all of you think I had you come out here with the idea of persuading you to go against the marshals in spite of how Mort feels about you. But that isn't true at all.

[Craig Marshall]

Then just why did you have us come out here to meet with you?

[John Garland]

I happen to know Mort met with Jed Marshall, made an agreement with him. What kind of an agreement?

[Craig Marshall]

Yeah, what are you talking about, John?

[John Garland]

Mort offered a part of his north rangeland to the sheepherder for one thing.

[Craig Marshall]

Well, what about it? We all know about that.

[John Garland]

Marshall promised Mort not to let sheep graze on the range to the west or south. Mort said if he ever broke his word, he'd join with the other ranchers and help run the sheep herders out of the territory.

[Craig Marshall]

Look, John, just what are you driving at? Why did you want us to come out here?

[John Garland]

All right, now listen a minute. Listen, the hands I have here on this place are pretty slick operators. When I want to get something done.

[Craig Marshall]

I guess we don't savvy.

[John Garland]

What if they are slick just this. My men will wait their chance. Then some night soon, they'll see to it that a lot of Marshall's sheep are driven onto the west range where Mort grazes cattle. You see, when Mort hears sheep are there, he'll turn against the sheepherders.

[Craig Marshall]

Man alive, that'll do the trick. Mortal run, Marshall Alprano.

[John Garland]

Before the end of the week, those sheep herders will wish they never heard of this Rock Ridge territory.

[Narrator]

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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[Narrator]

Please visit mentallyhealthynation.org to learn more. Now to continue our story. After hiding in the shadows and hearing the plan John Garland told to the hostile ranchers who met on the porch of Garland's small ranch house, Tuttle quietly but hastily went back to the grove of trees where he had left Scout. Easy, Scout.

[Tonto]

Easy, fella. Hear plenty to tell Lone Ranger. Get him up, Scout.

[Narrator]

When Tato arrived at the camp, he told the Lone Ranger what he had overheard Garland saying to some of the ranchers.

[Lone Ranger]

So John Garland is deliberately planning to start a range war between cattlemen and sheepmen. Because if they succeeded in running the marshals away, the news would spread and trouble would occur in other sections of the Southwest.

[Tonto]

That man Garland no good, Ki Masabi.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, you'll see to it that his plan doesn't work, Tonto. From now on, we'll watch Garland and his men every minute.

[Narrator]

The following day, Marilu Dexter rode her palomino along the trail to the north range. During the few days she had ridden the stallion, she had become accustomed to handling him and felt quite proud that she had proved her horsemanship in the face of her father's objections.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

You and I get along fine together, fella. I'm gonna name you Golden Boy. Our dad was so sure I wouldn't be able to handle. Easy, Golden Boy. Steady there, fella.

[John Garland]

Steady.

[Narrator]

Mary Lou tightened her grip on the reins a bit and was pleased to notice that the stallion didn't take advantage of it. But a few minutes later, the sight of a rattler on the Trail frightened the horse, and with a sudden side leap, he snorted in fear. Then, taking the bit in his teeth, the panicky horse sprang forward out of control.

[Mort Dexter]

Whoa there, Pel wo.

[Craig Marshall]

Practically.

[Narrator]

She tried to stop the racing palomino, but it was useless, and she realized that at any minute the uneven ground might cause him to fall. It was then she saw a horseman cutting across the range to intercept her galloping steed. She called out in fright.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

Help. Stop him.

[Narrator]

Help. Hold on.

[Craig Marshall]

I'll stop him.

[Narrator]

Come on, get up.

[Mort Dexter]

Come on.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

Ho.

[Narrator]

Ho.

[Mort Dexter]

Hold her.

[Narrator]

Reaching out and grabbing the stallion's bridle, Great Marshall gradually brought the frightened horse to a stop.

[John Garland]

Easy.

[Narrator]

Come on, boy. Easy.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

Thanks a lot. Oh, he was suddenly frightened on the trail. I couldn't control him.

[Craig Marshall]

That's a lot of horse for a girl to ride in.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

Dad told me not to ride him, but I wanted to.

[Craig Marshall]

Do you always do what you wanted?

[Mary Lou Dexter]

Most of the time. I'm Mary Lou Dexter.

[Craig Marshall]

My name's Marshall. Craig Marshall. My dad just moved on to the.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

Bar W. Oh, you're the sheep rancher's son.

[Craig Marshall]

Well, that's right. And thanks for calling the sheep ranchers instead of sheep herders like the others do.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

Personally, I don't know much about sheep, but, well, dad approves of having them here, so I'm sure it's as good as raising cattle.

[Craig Marshall]

Well, thanks again, ma'am. There's money in raising sheep, both for the wool and for the mutton. We sure wish other cattlemen would see things like you and your father.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

Mistakes do after you prove they won't affect cattle raising. Maybe they will. I'm certainly glad you came along just now. Frankly, I was a little frightened.

[Craig Marshall]

I'm glad I came along, too. It gave me a chance to meet you. Maybe you'd let me come to see you sometime.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

Sure. Why not? In fact, if you want to, you can ride along with me back to the ranch.

[Craig Marshall]

Oh, now, that'll be just fine. I'll be plenty Glad to, Ms. Dexter.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

Call me Mary Lou. There's no use being formal after practically saving my life. Cream, let's go.

[Craig Marshall]

All right, get up, Golden. Come on, get up.

[Narrator]

That night after supper, Dave the foreman spoke to Mort Dexter as they walked from the corral.

[Dave]

Boss, some of the boys saw an Armbre ride to the entrance to the ranch this afternoon with Ms. Mary Lou. And it was that Craig Marshall who rode here with her. The son of that sheep herder at the Bar W. I figured you wouldn't like that very much. And that's why I'm telling you about it.

[Mort Dexter]

Now listen to me, Dave. Mary Lou picks her own company. As far as I know, Craig Marshall is as good as any other hombre around Rock Ridge. Uh, let's not see any more buddy.

[Narrator]

The foreman Dave had been sincere in telling Mort about Craig riding with Mary Lou. He knew the Dexter ranch hands were very loyal to Mort but he also knew that they talk in town. John Garland made the most of it when he heard the report.

[John Garland]

Things are turning out our way, Hank. The ranchers will be all the more resentful of them sheep herders now. And the minute they hear Mort find sheep on his cattle range and shows he's riled up with the marshals, the cattlemen will go burn em out.

[Craig Marshall]

Yep, I reckon that's right, John. And it can't happen too soon to suit me.

[Narrator]

It was the following night when John Garland and Hank left town and rode out to the ranch he owned near the Bar W. They didn't know that they were trailed by a masked man, an Indian who waited in a nearby clump of cottonwoods while John went into the small ranch house to see the ranch manager. A short time later the two men left the ranch house and walked to the bunkhouse. The Lone Ranger waited until they had entered the bunkhouse. Then he spoke to Toto in a low voice.

[Lone Ranger]

We'll leave the horses here and see if we can get close enough to one of the windows to hear what he told his men.

[Tonto]

Let's go.

[Narrator]

Moving like shadows, the masked man and Indian soon reached the side of the bunkhouse and crouched beneath an open window. John Garfield was speaking to the man inside there.

[John Garland]

Only two sheepherders out there. I know about where each of camps when he's tending the sheep I'll point.

[Lone Ranger]

Him out to you.

[John Garland]

Then you can sneak up and get the drop out. What do we do with them? Tie them up. Dawn after the sheep's been driven to the west range, a couple of them come back, let them loose.

[Craig Marshall]

He'll tell what happened and Dexter'll know.

[Mort Dexter]

It was a framework.

[John Garland]

When you untie him, tell them to hit the trail pronoun leave Rock Ridge. Tell them if they talk or stay around the ranchers will hang them. Now when someone from Dexter's place sees those sheep in the morning. Dexter a figure Marshal pulled, a fast one. He'll turn against him or the others.

[Lone Ranger]

They'll be coming out in a minute. We'll get back to the horses before they spot us to.

[Craig Marshall]

Reach both of you. I got you covered. I'll take the Guns from you snoopers.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger waited, tense and ready as the man who had sneaked up behind him and Tahoe approached to take his guns. Then, as the would be captor reached out toward the masked man's holster, the Lone Ranger suddenly kicked back, same time throwing himself to one side.

[Lone Ranger]

That will do it.

[Narrator]

As the man with a gun bent over momentarily with pain, the Lone Ranger swung around and landed a hard, forceful blow to his chin.

[John Garland]

Take it.

[Tonto]

Oh, you move plenty fast, Chemist. Abby. Him out cold now.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, but the others heard the noise. Let's get going. Hurry, Wild Silver.

[Tonto]

And what we do now?

[Lone Ranger]

I'll follow Garland and his men. You ride to Dexter's ranch. Tell him sheep are being driven to the west range. Don't tell who's driving them.

[Tonto]

Be savvy.

[Lone Ranger]

When Dexter and his men get there, they'll catch Garland and his men red handed. Otherwise, he'd never believe it. Get going now. And hurry.

[Craig Marshall]

Get him up.

[Narrator]

While Toto rode to Mor Dexter with the news, John Garland and his men had gone ahead with their plan. They had caught the two sheep tenders unawares and had tied them up. After demolishing part of the newly erected fence, they started driving the sheep toward the west range. The Lone Ranger waited on Silver behind a large boulder back up the trail and watched what was going on. Finally, he heard hoofbeats approaching along the trail.

[Lone Ranger]

Must be tunnel with Dexter and his men. I'll go and meet them.

[John Garland]

All right.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Tinder. Wait a minute.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

Craig. It's a mask man.

[Craig Marshall]

Cover him, men. He's one of them. Don't let that owl hoot stop us, Craig. Somebody must have hired a bunch of outlaws to drive them sheep to get us into trouble. Yeah, looks like it, dad. I'll gun this hombre down so as we can get there and turn back the sheep.

[John Garland]

Hold it.

[Craig Marshall]

Did you see that quick draw? He can't fight all of us.

[Lone Ranger]

I could try if necessary. Now listen. Just one minute.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

Wait. Everybody hear what he has to say.

[Lone Ranger]

How did you find out about this?

[Mary Lou Dexter]

I rode over and told them they have to stop the drive before my father gets here.

[Lone Ranger]

You must be Dexter's daughter.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

That's right.

[Lone Ranger]

I sent an Indian friend to get your father to come here.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

Yes, an Indian did come to tell them.

[Lone Ranger]

I know. You're the marshals. The men driving those sheep are doing it to turn Dexter against you and arouse a cattleman. If you drive them off now and Dexter comes with his men, you still think you sheepmen are to blame?

[Craig Marshall]

What do you get at mister, you.

[Lone Ranger]

Stand to cover until after Dexter and his men arrive and catch Garland. Yes, that's right. He's the one who planned this. I'm not an outlaw, believe me. I'm here to prevent a range war and to see that you sheep ranchers.

[John Garland]

Get a fair deal.

[Lone Ranger]

Don't play into Garland's hands by going out there now.

[Craig Marshall]

Craig, I like this masked man's talk. It makes sense. I say let's wait and hide until Dexter gets here and finds Garland and his bunch of coyotes.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

I agree with Mr. Marshall.

[Craig Marshall]

All right, mister, we'll do as you say.

[Lone Ranger]

Good enough. Get your men off the trail and out of sight. Dexter should be here soon. Then if necessary, you can help him drive off those troublemakers.

[Narrator]

A short time later, Garland sat with the other rancher, Hank, watching his satisfaction as his men drove the sheet toward the west range. Suddenly they were startled by shooting as a large group of men closed in on them.

[Craig Marshall]

Hey, somebody found out what we're doing.

[John Garland]

I have to get away fast. I can't afford to be caught here with them. Let's keep going.

[Lone Ranger]

Quick.

[John Garland]

Get him back.

[Narrator]

As Garland and Hank started down the trail, two figures came from behind the boulders and started after them. Racing after the fleeing men, the Lone Ranger and Craig Marshall gradually closed up on them.

[John Garland]

Use your lariat, Craig.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

All right.

[Narrator]

Simultaneously, two snake like lariat shot forward and settled around the shoulders of Hank and Garland, dragging them from their saddle.

[Lone Ranger]

Hi. Come on.

[Craig Marshall]

I'm with you.

[John Garland]

My shoulder, Carlin.

[Craig Marshall]

You. You got me into this.

[Lone Ranger]

Get up both of you. We're taking you back so Mort Dexter can see who started all of this. All right, get up.

[Narrator]

A short time later, Garland's men were rounded up and surrounded by Dexter and his ranch.

[Mort Dexter]

Well, looks like we got all the coyotes men now. We'll make him tell if they was hired by Marshall.

[John Garland]

Hey, look, a Mayor Storm Ring him friendly.

[Tonto]

Tell you about.

[Lone Ranger]

Next year we brought you two more. One of them is the man who planned this. Look him over, John G. That dirty.

[Craig Marshall]

Low down coyote look Mart was all John's idea.

[Mort Dexter]

Hank, Gretchen, the man I gave a start to.

[Lone Ranger]

Garland and a few others plan to turn you against the sheepmen till the ranchers would be free to run them out.

[Craig Marshall]

Well, Mort, looks like you didn't need our help.

[Mary Lou Dexter]

I was sure they wouldn't break their word to you, dad.

[Mort Dexter]

Well, it's a good thing we got here first and found out the truth. I'm taking my funds out of Garlands bank and the other cattlemen will do the same. He's through in Rockridge.

[Lone Ranger]

The marshals will make good neighbors, Dexter.

[John Garland]

Let's go.

[Lone Ranger]

Toto. Munch.

[Craig Marshall]

Who they Masked man and Indian did us sheep in a mighty good turn.

[Mort Dexter]

Yep. Especially you, Craig. I reckon now you and Mary Lou can go on seeing each other a lot, eh?

[Mary Lou Dexter]

I've already decided that, dad.

[Mort Dexter]

Always a few jumps ahead of me, aren't you?

[Mary Lou Dexter]

Maybe you didn't notice that Craig is riding the Palomino. You see, that stallion will soon belong to both of us. Of course, the masked man did make it easier for us. But keeping you friendly with the sheepmen. I wonder who he is.

[Mort Dexter]

Well, I'm ahead of you on that, Mary Lou. He's the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created and produced by George W. Trendle, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Striker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer.

[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 Become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank the following ranch hand, 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 copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Narrator]

SA.