Evan Stokes’ Property Deal | The Lone Ranger (10-06-39)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast

Episode: Evan Stokes’ Property Deal | The Lone Ranger (10-06-39)
Host: Andrew Rhines
Release Date: January 19, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rhines presents a meticulously restored classic radio drama featuring the legendary hero, The Lone Ranger, and his faithful companion, Tonto. Released on October 6, 1939, this episode, titled "Evan Stokes’ Property Deal," delves into themes of justice, deception, and heroism on the untamed frontier.

Plot Overview

The story revolves around Evan Stoke, a prosperous rancher facing a deceitful property deal orchestrated by two cunning conmen, Nick and Ben. As Stoke becomes entangled in their scheme, the Lone Ranger and Tonto ride into town to uncover the truth and protect the innocent from exploitation.

Detailed Summary

Setting the Scene

The episode opens with the Lone Ranger and Silver traversing the rugged landscapes of the Wild West. The rich soundscape—featuring the creak of saloon doors, thundering hooves, and crackling gunfire—immerses listeners in the era's ambiance.

Encounter with Evan Stoke

As the Lone Ranger and Tonto continue their journey, they stumble upon a distressing situation involving Evan Stoke:

• Evan Stoke arrives in a weakened state, revealing that he's been swindled out of his savings by Nick and Ben.

  [27:27] Narrator: "The great stallion gave a shrill when he and leaped forward, his hooves striking sparks from the flinty ground."

• Nick confronts Stoke with deceitful charm:

  [22:34] Nick: “Mr. Stoke, do you really mean to say that you've agreed to sell your property for $30 an acre?”

Unveiling the Deception

Nick and Ben have devised a scheme to acquire Stoke's land under false pretenses, exploiting his lack of knowledge about oil prospects on his property.

• Ben explains their business model:

  [14:01] Ben: “We're businessmen, Mr. Stokes. And our company ain't the only company looking for oil land.”

• Conflict arises as Stoke realizes the depth of their deception, attempting to renegotiate the terms:

  [28:35] Eben Stoke: “I'll give you 5,000.”

The Lone Ranger's Intervention

Sensing injustice, the Lone Ranger takes decisive action to protect Stoke and expose the conmen's malpractices.

• Mark Loomis (The Lone Ranger) commands Silver to spring into action:

  [27:14] Mark Loomis: “Come on, Silver. Come on.”

• A confrontation ensues at the hotel where Nick and Ben are finalizing their deceitful deal with Stoke:

  [29:37] Mark Loomis: “These fellows are swindlers. They've been working with two other men to put their scheme across.”

Climactic Showdown

With evidence of their past swindles and their attempt on Loomis's life, the Lone Ranger corner Nick and Ben, leading to their arrest and ensuring justice is served.

• Mark Loomis exposes their tactics:

  [30:22] Mark Loomis: “You'll soon see for yourself.”

• Jenny Stoke, Evan's wife, supports the Ranger's assertions:

  [26:27] Jenny Stoke: “How'd you know?”

Resolution

The episode concludes with Nick and Ben being taken into custody, Evan Stoke's property preserved, and the Lone Ranger reaffirming his role as the protector of the innocent.

• Mark Loomis ensures all evidence is in place:

  [30:25] Mark Loomis: “The jail's just down the street.”

• Jenny Stoke expresses gratitude:

  [27:05] Jenny Stoke: “You folks done for me.”

Character Insights

• The Lone Ranger (Mark Loomis): Embodies unwavering justice and moral integrity. His strategic thinking and bravery are pivotal in dismantling the conmen's scheme.

• Tonto (Referred to as Tato in the transcript): Demonstrates loyalty and resourcefulness, aiding the Lone Ranger in critical moments.

• Evan Stoke: Represents the innocent victim of greed, highlighting the struggles of honest ranchers against deceitful opportunists.

• Nick and Ben: Antagonists whose greed-driven actions showcase the darker side of frontier life, emphasizing themes of deception and exploitation.

Sound Restoration and Enhancements

Andrew Rhines emphasizes the podcast's commitment to quality through digital restoration. The enhanced audio delivers a "richness and clarity that surpasses the vintage versions," allowing listeners to fully engage with the atmospheric sounds and nuanced performances.

• Quote on Restoration:

  [01:44] Narrator: "A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and the hearty hi yo Silver the Lone Ranger sa."

Notable Quotes

1. Nick's Deception:

   [22:34] Nick: “Mr. Stoke, do you really mean to say that you've agreed to sell your property for $30 an acre?”

2. Ben’s Business Insight:

   [14:01] Ben: “We're businessmen, Mr. Stokes. And our company ain't the only company looking for oil land.”

3. The Lone Ranger's Justice:

   [30:22] Mark Loomis: “You'll soon see for yourself.”

4. Jenny Stoke's Gratitude:

   [27:05] Jenny Stoke: “You folks done for me.”

Conclusion

"Evan Stokes’ Property Deal" serves as a quintessential Lone Ranger story, blending thrilling narratives with moral lessons. Through Andrew Rhines’ expert curation and digital restoration, listeners are transported back to the golden age of radio Westerns, experiencing the timeless battles between good and evil with enhanced audio quality that brings the Wild West to life.

Listeners are encouraged to like, rate, and follow the podcast on their favorite platforms, join the community as ranch hands for exclusive content, and support the show through various engagement channels.

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This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the "Evan Stokes’ Property Deal" episode, highlighting key plot points, character development, and the enhanced listening experience provided by the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast.

Transcript

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[Mark Loomis]

Foreign.

[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 the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and the hearty hi yo Silver the Lone Ranger sa.

[Advertiser]

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[Narrator]

The Masked Rider of the Plains led the fight for law and order in the western United States, but justice meant more to him than the letter of the law. Confidence men, as well as criminals learned to respect his resourcefulness, and many honest ranchers were indebted to him for protecting their savings and their property. 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.

[Mark Loomis]

Come on, Silver. We're heading for the desert. Todd is waiting on the trail ahead. Hello, Silver. Away.

[Narrator]

Four horsemen had dismounted beside a large circular rock in whose hollow center water had collected from the rains. The men were well dressed and if it had not been for the expression of cunning that marked their features, they might have been mistaken for prosperous businessmen. The tallest of the group gave a curt order.

[Nick]

Ben from the canteen.

[Narrator]

Sure, Nick.

[Nick]

Yes.

[Ben]

Yeah.

[Nick]

We've got to decide what to do and decide in a hurry. This is our last opportunity. We don't reach Watergindle Maysville.

[Ben]

You figure Mark Volumes is still on our trail?

[Nick]

We can take that for granted, Nick. Well, Big, if you figure Loomis is fallen, why don't we hide the horses and wait for him here? We couldn't find a better place. We got water enough and there's plenty of COVID We could nail him before he suspicioned we was within a hundred miles. Loomis must be about 12 hours behind us. Sure. And if we do, once we get to Maysville, when we plant, old Stoke will be gone.

[Ben]

And if he is sold, about $5,000.

[Nick]

Exactly. Gone? But he's got a ranch there, ain't he?

[Ben]

Yeah, Deke, but he's supposed to be leaving for Denver real soon. We can catch him before he takes a stage. He likely put off the trip. Otherwise, we're clean out of luck.

[Nick]

And in that case, let's go on. And if Loomis reaches Maizeville in time to tell the law how we swindled him out of the $5,000. Gosh. Yes.

[Ben]

Forget that, Deke.

[Nick]

Gosh, I guess I did.

[Ben]

And the way I got it figured is this. If we lay for Loomis, then we miss Stoke. But if we go on and Loomis shows up before we can put this deal through, then we find ourselves in jail. Makes it kind of hard to decide.

[Nick]

Here. Go no further into we do I finish there, Ben, Just fill in this lesson.

[Deke]

That ought to be enough water to get us to where?

[Nick]

Water.

[Ben]

I've got it, Nick.

[Deke]

I've got it.

[Ben]

It's just the one thing we can do, and it's as easy as rolling off a log. Well, how much water did we have left when we got here?

[Nick]

We didn't have none.

[Ben]

Just so. And how much water is Loomis likely to have when he gets here?

[Nick]

You don't know where the gas.

[Ben]

Don't you see it, Nick?

[Deke]

Don't you?

[Ben]

There's no more water to be had till about 10 miles this side of Maysville. If Loomis is out of water when he reaches here, and if it just so happens that this water is gone, how's he gonna get that far? How is he?

[Nick]

Yes. You've hit it. We empty out this pool.

[Ben]

Sure. Why not? Splash it out the sides where it'll run into the ground. We got enough for ourselves.

[Deke]

Somebody else might come along and find him.

[Ben]

How often does anybody take this trail? Not once in a coon's age.

[Nick]

Anyone else would like to be in as bad a fix as him. Men, this is better than an ambush.

[Ben]

And nothing to show it was done a purpose. Gents, maybe I ain't as smart as Nick here, but there's times I get notions that ain't half bad. Come on, get busy. What are we waiting for?

[Narrator]

The following morning, two horsemen rode toward the rock. One was a famous Lone Ranger and his companion with his faithful Indian friend, Tonto. The masked man pointed ahead.

[Mark Loomis]

And we should find water there. Kimosabe.

[Eben Stoke]

That's right.

[Mark Loomis]

It's not a spring. But one of those rocks usually collects enough water when it rains to last quite a while. We got water enough if we don't find more ahead. But it'll be a close thing. Wait. Isn't that someone there?

[Ben]

There's Somer.

[Mark Loomis]

He must be the man whose trail we noticed. He was several hours ahead of us, though. Wonder why he hasn't gone on.

[Ben]

Maybe he may camp there.

[Narrator]

Perhaps.

[Ben]

Where? Him horse.

[Mark Loomis]

He's afoot. His horse must be tethered behind the rocks. Come on, Tado.

[Narrator]

He's waving to us.

[Deke]

Get him up, Scout.

[Mark Loomis]

Come on, Silver. Hi there.

[Narrator]

Come on, old fellow.

[Mark Loomis]

Get him up, Scout.

[Eben Stoke]

Get him up.

[Ben]

Fella's got water with you.

[Mark Loomis]

What's the matter? Oh, Silver. Oh, Skunk fella.

[Ben]

Water.

[Jenny Stoke]

You got water?

[Mark Loomis]

That pool's empty.

[Eben Stoke]

Oh, not bad.

[Jenny Stoke]

I just gotta have water. Stranger.

[Mark Loomis]

Give him some from your canteen. Tutter.

[Ben]

Ah.

[Mark Loomis]

Where's your horse friend?

[Jenny Stoke]

He got away during the night.

[Mark Loomis]

You're stranded here?

[Jenny Stoke]

Yeah. Thanks, Injun.

[Ben]

Not all right.

[Mark Loomis]

Take it easy, fella. Another swallow. Try to hold it in your mouth for a moment.

[Nick]

Yeah.

[Mark Loomis]

There's something here that needs explaining.

[Ben]

Ah. Look there.

[Mark Loomis]

That's what I noticed.

[Jenny Stoke]

Huh. What'd you see?

[Mark Loomis]

Look at the ground at the base of this rock where it isn't struck by the sun. It's still damp.

[Ben]

Long time no rain.

[Mark Loomis]

You mean that when all the water is evaporated from this pool, the ground roundabout should be baked dry? It isn't.

[Jenny Stoke]

I don't savvy.

[Mark Loomis]

I'm not sure I understand it either. But I do know the ground shouldn't be damp now.

[Jenny Stoke]

You don't think.

[Mark Loomis]

Think what?

[Jenny Stoke]

Think the skunks I was following, they wouldn't be low enough to empty this pool of purpose, would they?

[Mark Loomis]

You were trailing someone four Fellas.

[Jenny Stoke]

They done me out of every dollar I had in the world.

[Narrator]

How?

[Mark Loomis]

Who was it?

[Jenny Stoke]

They.

[Nick]

They.

[Mark Loomis]

He's fainted. He's in worse condition than I thought. Here, help me revive the fellow. And then we'.

[Narrator]

The skilled first aid of the Lone Ranger in Tonto soon brought the young man around again. And he told his story in answer to the Lone Ranger's questions when he had finished.

[Mark Loomis]

That's a clever scheme they have.

[Jenny Stoke]

I ain't the only fellow to fall for it. That one, the one they call Nick. Such a smooth talker. He'd make almost anybody fall for his line.

[Mark Loomis]

And they're headed for Maysville, huh?

[Jenny Stoke]

Before they cleared out of my district, I. I heard they was asking questions about a rancher there named Eben Stoke. Just as sure as shooting they're gonna try out the same scheme on him.

[Mark Loomis]

Now. I've heard of Stoke. He's quite well off.

[Jenny Stoke]

Then he's the kind they'd pick on.

[Mark Loomis]

Maybe we can do something about that.

[Jenny Stoke]

If you wouldn't mind riding double, we could push on.

[Mark Loomis]

It's not as easy as that. I'm afraid you don't seem to realize the situation we're in. Tom and I are used to emergencies and try to guard against them. That's why we happened to have water with us when we reached here. But even with that would have been a hard trip to the next water. Three of us could never make it.

[Jenny Stoke]

I shouldn't have asked. I just wasn't thinking. You and Tono. Right on. I'll try to hold out. When you get to water, maybe. Maybe you can send somebody back.

[Mark Loomis]

No, Mark. You're in bad shape.

[Jenny Stoke]

But I can't.

[Mark Loomis]

Two of us can make it. Three can't. Especially if one of the horses has to carry double.

[Jenny Stoke]

What can we do?

[Mark Loomis]

Tata will ride Silver. You can ride Tata's mount. I'll remain here. Tata will get you to a doctor, then pack water back. I'll make out.

[Jenny Stoke]

No, you can't.

[Mark Loomis]

You do as I decide.

[Ben]

Me stay, you go. No, Tado, you not go. Tonto not go.

[Mark Loomis]

And Mark? You think Mark's in any shape to reach town alone? Kimasabe?

[Ben]

Then you go.

[Mark Loomis]

No.

[Narrator]

Me no.

[Mark Loomis]

Toto. You mean well, good friend. But it has to be the way I say. As long as I give the orders, I must accept the responsibility. Get Mark to town. I'll trust you to get back here as quickly as possible. I know you won't fail me. I don't like we're wasting time. The longer we hesitate, the sooner our water Will be exhausted. Get to the saddle, both of you. I stay here.

[Narrator]

It was three days later. Evan Stoke, postponing his trip to Denver because of what he thought to be an unexpected opportunity to make money, had just completed a survey of his property in the company of two well dressed strangers. They reined in before. Evans ranch house.

[Eben Stoke]

Come on inside gents and we'll talk this over.

[Nick]

Sure.

[Ben]

Yes, thank you.

[Eben Stoke]

You really think my place about what you're gonna want?

[Ben]

Ain't much doubt of it, Mr. Stoke. Of course we ain't got the right to buy your place outright.

[Eben Stoke]

Uh huh. Just step in. Thank you. There's chairs. Make yourself to home.

[Nick]

Thank you, sir.

[Eben Stoke]

Jenny. Where are you? Jenny, Come here. Hello.

[Mark Loomis]

Hello.

[Ben]

Howdy, Mr. Stokes.

[Eben Stoke]

Jenny, guess what?

[Ben]

You gonna buy it looks as if.

[Eben Stoke]

Ain't that so, gents?

[Ben]

I think he can figure on it, Mr. Stoke. He'll know in a month for sure.

[Unknown]

Oh, a month?

[Nick]

Well, you see ma'am, me and Gus here were just sent out to have a look, see. We make our report to the company and then they decide whether chown's good enough or not. But you don't need to worry none. If there ain't oil under this yer land, then I never seen the place where there was.

[Unknown]

Well, I. We was sort of hoping we could go back east to live, ma'am.

[Ben]

You'll be going back in style. Don't you worry none at all.

[Unknown]

My dad'll be fine.

[Eben Stoke]

You. You will want us to promise to wait a month then before we try to sell to anybody else?

[Ben]

We're businessmen, Mr. Stokes.

[Eben Stoke]

Uh huh.

[Ben]

And our company ain't the only company looking for oil land. No siree. We've had trouble before with promises when somebody else come along and offered more just to beat us out. No, we'll have to be sure that we got a month to decide in, Mr. Stokes.

[Eben Stoke]

Sure.

[Ben]

Just so. Now I'll tell you what we'll do. We'll make it all legal and binding. We'll pay you, well, let's say a dollar an acre on your holdings. That's for the right to take a month for deciding. If at the end of the month the company says they don't want to buy, why, all that cash is yours anyhow. But if we do buy, then what we give you now applies in the full price. That fair enough?

[Eben Stoke]

Why it sounds all right.

[Unknown]

And we don't have to give back what you're paying us now if you don't buy.

[Nick]

Not a penny of it. Ma'am, I.

[Unknown]

We sure can't Lose out that way.

[Ben]

Of course you can. And it protects us, too. Don't you see? It's fair to both parties.

[Eben Stoke]

And if you do buy, you pay $30 an acre, right?

[Ben]

Isn't that enough that. Oh, man, it ain't for farming or raising cattle that we want your place. It's for oil. If we knew for sure there was oil underneath here, then you could get even more. But we're buying on speculation. $30 ain't a bad price at all. When will you pay the dollar an acre? Right now, if it's agreed.

[Eben Stoke]

It all right with you, Jenny?

[Unknown]

Well, I ain't agin it if you ain't, Eben. Seems real fair to me.

[Eben Stoke]

Then we can do business, mister. Now, a few.

[Nick]

I got to speak private with you a second. Would you excuse us for just a moment, folks?

[Eben Stoke]

Why, sure.

[Ben]

What's the matter?

[Nick]

Look through the window there. Up the trail. That umbra riding alongside the engine.

[Jenny Stoke]

Mark Lomas alive and heading for town.

[Nick]

You know what that means if he ever reaches the law.

[Ben]

Come on, folks. I'm sorry. We'll have to settle this later on. Deke here just thought of something I was forgetting. Something that can't be put off.

[Eben Stoke]

But you will be back just as.

[Nick]

Soon as we finish what we have to do. Come on, Gus. Hurry.

[Narrator]

Tonto and young Loomis unaware they had been seen cut from the trail and rained up at the spring when they had filled their canteens.

[Jenny Stoke]

Now you get back to the mask man, Tano, I. Oh, every time I think of him waiting there with just a little bit of water he let us give him. I feel like a low down dog.

[Ben]

Me go. You get doctor, all right?

[Jenny Stoke]

Sure. All I need is just a little rest. I'll never forget this tunnel. What you and your part done for me. I'd have been a goner for sure if you folks hadn't come along.

[Narrator]

Not.

[Ben]

All right, here's Scout.

[Jenny Stoke]

Take both horses with you. There's a ranch house just over the hill. I can walk that far. Most likely get the length of a horse. Go as far as town.

[Nick]

What the heck are moving will be your last one.

[Jenny Stoke]

You fellas the skunks that cheated me here.

[Ben]

Watch out for the horse.

[Nick]

Get him off.

[Mark Loomis]

Silver.

[Nick]

The white horse is getting away.

[Jenny Stoke]

The place is with him.

[Nick]

I got the engine. You keep a watch on Mark. Dad.

[Jenny Stoke]

What do you want? What are you gonna do with it?

[Ben]

Do? We're gonna do what we should have done before. Close your mouth so you can't spoil.

[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.

[Advertiser]

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[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. Nick and Ben had found a well hidden spot, convenient both to Maysville and to the Stoke ranch. But they made camp and kept out of sight. It was there that Deacon Gus brought their two prisoners.

[Nick]

They've cut Loomis. What?

[Deke]

Blazers?

[Mark Loomis]

Yeah.

[Ben]

Get down, you two.

[Nick]

Engine.

[Jenny Stoke]

Now, what do you figure to do?

[Nick]

That's for Nick to say. Where'd you find him? Who's the redskin?

[Ben]

It was just lucky for us we did see him, Nick. They was coming up the trail when Deke sighted him from Stokes Place. They headed for the spring and we sneaked up on him and caught him there. I don't know who the engine is.

[Nick]

Who are you?

[Narrator]

Me?

[Ben]

Named Tonto.

[Deke]

He must have found Loomis by the pool there and brought him on in.

[Jenny Stoke]

Yeah, and there's a mask fellow. Oh, sorry, Tonto.

[Nick]

What was you gonna say?

[Mark Loomis]

Nothing.

[Narrator]

Why?

[Nick]

I'll take care of this, Deke. He should have come here, Gus. I told you we'd stay separated until this day was put through. We're seen together and old Stoke hears of it. He's not so foolish that he can't add two and two.

[Ben]

We couldn't take him back to the hotel with us, could we?

[Nick]

What else was we to do? No one saw you come here.

[Ben]

We know enough to watch out for that.

[Nick]

Perhaps it doesn't matter. Then what'll we do? Finish them all. No need for it. As long as we have them where they can't do any harm. Oh, Ben.

[Eben Stoke]

Yeah?

[Nick]

You and Deke tie him up. Deacon, keep them covered while you handle the robes. All right. Get to it, De. Sure, Nick. Get along here, fellas.

[Jenny Stoke]

You dirty crooks.

[Nick]

You'll pay for this. Just see if you know and keep him quiet, you have that.

[Ben]

Now, get caught, you'll watch him here.

[Nick]

For the present, what's the use of murdering? We're not staying around when this deal's finished anyhow. How far along have you got with Stoke?

[Ben]

We was just getting ready to make out the papers and give them the cash when Deke seen them. Fellas. We can go back and finish them.

[Nick]

Up tonight and return to your hotel to stay there. Ben and I wait about three days before we call on Stoke. We don't want to follow so close. It'll look suspicious.

[Ben]

Sure.

[Nick]

Not in about 24 hours. After that. Guess we should leave this part of the country considerably rich.

[Narrator]

In the meantime, Silver, who had escaped when Kanto and Loomis were captured at the spring, had only one thought in mind. To return to the place where he had last seen his master. Alone and riderless, he had set himself to retrace the trail over which he had carried Tonto. Night and day he kept up a steady pace, and finally he arrived at the cluster of rocks beside them. A mask man, outstretched and unconscious, lay upon the ground. The great stallion gave a shrill when he and leaped forward, his hooves striking sparks from the flinty ground. He whirled to a stop beside his master's body when he'd loudly for attention, redoubled his efforts. When he saw he was not heard, he bent his powerful neck, pushing at the masked man with his muzzle, nipping him gently with his strong teeth. There was no answer until.

[Mark Loomis]

Silver. Silver. All fellow. Stand still, boy. Hold still. Get to my feet. Water the canteens. You brought water, old fellow?

[Narrator]

While the masked man revived himself with water from the canteens placed in Silver's saddlebag by Tonto, Nick and his companions were carrying out their scheme. Several days later, old Eben and his wife Jenny were listening in bewilderment as Nick talked to them.

[Nick]

Mr. Stoke, do you really mean to say that you've agreed to sell your property for $30 an acre?

[Eben Stoke]

Why, it seemed a fair enough price.

[Nick]

Ridiculous. For oil land. Why, you should have asked $100 more at the very least. Now, listen to me. In the name of the company I represent, I am prepared to offer you $150 an acre for every acre of land you own. Now, what do you think of that? Will you do business with us?

[Unknown]

But we can't.

[Nick]

Why not, Miss Stoke?

[Eben Stoke]

Well, you see, mister, those other fellows give us a dollar an acre just to promise not to sell for a month. So there's nothing we can do. Unless maybe they decide not to Buy then. Of course.

[Nick]

I'm sorry. If I could buy within the next week, my offer would hold. Good. However, a month from now would be too late.

[Eben Stoke]

I. I don't know what we could do.

[Unknown]

Oh, Eben, just think of missing out on all that cash.

[Eben Stoke]

It's a shame.

[Nick]

You people have my sympathy. Nevertheless.

[Deke]

Look here, Nick. I know what they could do. Yes, I seen them fellas they're telling about. They're staying at the hotel in town. Whatever they think, if they went to them fellas and give back the money they got, wouldn't that free them from their promise?

[Nick]

Nonsense. Life would be just the same as calling the whole deal off. Why would they do that?

[Deke]

All right, look at it this way. Them fellas paid a dollar an acre down for Mr. Stokes promise. What if Mr. Stoke went to them and offered two and three dollars to call off the deal? Wouldn't that give them a nice profit right here without no risk? Don't you think they wouldn't jump at the chance?

[Unknown]

But that'd mean giving them two or three times what they give us.

[Nick]

That would be nothing compared to the difference between $30 and $150 an acre.

[Eben Stoke]

However, he's right, Jenny. Why? Why? If we do what they say, it'll be like spending about 5,000 to make a couple of hundred thousand. Jenny. Just think what we could do back east with a couple of hundred thousand dollars in our pocket. Eh? Just think of it.

[Unknown]

It'd be right fine, Eben.

[Nick]

Ben's suggestion is the only course I can suggest, Mr. Stoking. Of course, it's up to you, Jenny.

[Eben Stoke]

Get my coat and hat. Get a move on, Jenny. I'm riding to town if them fellows we talked to are still there. I'm going to get that paper back that we signed. If it takes every penny we got to do it.

[Narrator]

Nick and Ben, returning to their camp, chuckled to themselves.

[Deke]

Nick, they fell for it hook, line and sinker. I'll bet we can pull stakes before morning.

[Nick]

Yeah. The fools, I guess. Indeed. Should be able to hold Stoke up for even more than we planned on. If they play the cards right.

[Deke]

I'd like to see the looks on the face of them folks when they finally get it through their head we ain't coming back. Them spending their cash to get Gus to let them off their promise. Then find out nobody wants to buy that dog gone ranch. I wouldn't hanker to be around Old even when he sees how he got tricked.

[Nick]

Remember when I first suggested this scheme? Remember how the rest of you claimed it wouldn't work.

[Deke]

Shucks. We never had no notion what idiots folks could be when they seen a chance to make a profit.

[Nick]

That's one thing to keep in mind, Ben. The shrewdest men lose their judgment when they offered easy money. Not one in ten takes the time to investigate. Yes, lucky for us they don't. If they did, you and I'd have to go to work or Jake.

[Deke]

There's Loomis in the engine. What do we do with them? You ain't turning them loose when we break camp, are you?

[Mark Loomis]

Yeah.

[Nick]

We'll leave them as they are. Someone will find them. And if they aren't found, well, it doesn't matter a great deal.

[Jenny Stoke]

I hope Stokes seen through your crooked scheme. I hope you crooks got fooled for once.

[Nick]

Well, thanks, Loomis, but I'm afraid we'll have to disappoint you.

[Deke]

He's gone to town to buy off Gus and Deke already.

[Jenny Stoke]

Someday you sidewinders will get caught. And when you do, I hope you go to jail for life.

[Deke]

You don't like us much, do you? What do you got to say, Injun?

[Ben]

You get caught all right?

[Nick]

Yeah, we've done all right so far. I doubt we'll have any trouble in the future.

[Ben]

You get caught?

[Nick]

No. By me.

[Jenny Stoke]

Private mask.

[Mark Loomis]

Don't slap mother.

[Nick]

Why, you.

[Mark Loomis]

Would you rather shoot it out?

[Nick]

Don't shoot it.

[Mark Loomis]

And keep your hands from those guns.

[Jenny Stoke]

Where'd you come from, stranger? How'd you get here? How'd you find this?

[Mark Loomis]

Silver found me. And I found the canteens you'd put in my saddlebags.

[Jenny Stoke]

But how'd you know?

[Mark Loomis]

I remembered what you told me about Evan Stoke. I headed there, picked up the trail of these fellows and followed.

[Jenny Stoke]

And lucky for us, you did.

[Nick]

You're blasted.

[Eben Stoke]

Quiet.

[Mark Loomis]

Untie those ropes, quick.

[Jenny Stoke]

Listen, friend. Well, these fellows have already worked their scheme. Stokes on his way to town. If he ain't stopped, he'll likely pay them other two crooks all the cash he's got.

[Mark Loomis]

You sure of that?

[Jenny Stoke]

These polecats just got through boasting about it.

[Mark Loomis]

Tutto, you run. Ty, take their gun. Make a move and I'll blast you. Get them, Tatum. He got em here, Silver.

[Ben]

Now what do.

[Mark Loomis]

I'm riding to town before Evan loses his money. When Mark's untied, rope these fellows and follow as quickly as you can. Come on, Silver. Come on.

[Narrator]

Evan Stoke had stopped first at the bank, and now, with the whole of his savings in his wallet, he pounded excitedly at the door of the hotel room where Gus and Deke Were staying.

[Ben]

What the. Oh, it's you, Mr. Stove. Well, well, come on in. Want to see us about something?

[Nick]

Howdy. What's on your mind?

[Eben Stoke]

I won't back that paper I signed.

[Ben]

Oh, here, now, you can't ask for that. We paid you and it's all legal and everything.

[Eben Stoke]

I'll give you back your cash, but.

[Nick]

We want your land. What's the matter? What's come up?

[Eben Stoke]

Ain't none of your business what's come up. I'm here to get back my promise, and I'm willing to pay for it.

[Ben]

Oh, but wait a minute now.

[Eben Stoke]

You know, if you won't give it back for the return of what you paid me, I'll. I'll give you some extra.

[Ben]

You sound mighty serious.

[Eben Stoke]

I want that paper. And you'll pay extra for it within reason.

[Ben]

No, I reckon we better not. It's all signed. And you gave your promised willingness, so I don't see why we should let you off it.

[Eben Stoke]

You gave me $2,000.

[Nick]

Mm.

[Eben Stoke]

I'll give you 3,000.

[Ben]

Shucks. Don't you think the chance to buy your place is worth more than a thousand to us? We're gonna.

[Eben Stoke]

4,000.

[Nick]

That'd only give us 2,000 profit. We couldn't do it.

[Eben Stoke]

I'll give you 5,000.

[Ben]

Nope.

[Eben Stoke]

But you got to sell it back to me. You just got to.

[Ben]

Look here, Mr.

[Deke]

Stoke.

[Ben]

Me and Dick ain't unreasonable fellas, but at the same time, we ain't blind. I know why you're doing this. Somebody's offered you the chance of getting more than our company pay if they bought. Now, ain't that so?

[Eben Stoke]

Why, I.

[Ben]

You don't have to admit it. It's plain enough to see. Now, I'll tell you how it is with us. The company we're working for just hires us for wages. If they get a good piece of property like yours dirt cheap, it ain't nothing in our pocket.

[Eben Stoke]

Why?

[Narrator]

What?

[Eben Stoke]

What do you mean?

[Ben]

How much cash you got? All told in that there wallet?

[Eben Stoke]

Why?

[Nick]

Better tell the truth, mister, if you aim to make a deal.

[Eben Stoke]

10,000.

[Ben]

Good enough. Keep your mouth closed so we don't get in trouble. Give us what you got there and we'll tear up the paper you signed. We'll tell the company that it wasn't made out legal. You protested it and there wasn't nothing we could do that. All right.

[Eben Stoke]

Here's to the money.

[Nick]

What's that?

[Deke]

No.

[Nick]

Hand back.

[Mark Loomis]

Evan, put that money back in your pocket.

[Eben Stoke]

Why?

[Ben]

What?

[Mark Loomis]

Here we are. You don't leave this room until the sheriff gets here.

[Nick]

I'm here right now. What's this mean, stranger bustle in here like this?

[Deke]

You put up your gun.

[Mark Loomis]

These fellows are swindlers. They've been working with two other men to put their scheme across. Evan, you were offered a large sum of money if you got back that paper promising these men the right to buy your property within 30 days.

[Eben Stoke]

How'd you know that?

[Mark Loomis]

It's an old trick, Evan, and a clever one. When you'd given these fellows all your money, that's the last you'd have seen of any of them. No oil company really wants your property. There was just one thing. Wanted your savings.

[Nick]

It's a lie.

[Ben]

That ain't so.

[Nick]

You can't prove a thing on us.

[Mark Loomis]

I'll prove plenty. Your partners have already been caught. Two friends of mine are bringing them here. And one of those two friends is Mark Loomis, who can testify that you already swindled him the same way.

[Nick]

Is that the truth, stranger?

[Mark Loomis]

You'll soon see for yourself.

[Eben Stoke]

There's some fellows coming now.

[Mark Loomis]

Let them through.

[Eben Stoke]

In here.

[Mark Loomis]

Fellers. These four men not only swindled Mark Loomis here and attempted to swindle Eben, but they tried to kill Mark when they knew he was on that trail.

[Nick]

This is an outrage. You shut up. You can testify again. Em, mister.

[Jenny Stoke]

That's what I trailed them for, Just to see em sent to jail where they belong.

[Nick]

Then the hull pack and passel of em are under arrest. Sheriff, you have no right to. I'm all here, and I've got all the right I need. You'll have your chances to clear yourself.

[Eben Stoke]

And if you don't, you'll get your needin's then. Then the masked man saved me from making a fool of myself. Where'd he go?

[Nick]

What?

[Mark Loomis]

Hail Silver.

[Nick]

He's gone. The mask on R is gone. But you skunks are staying on your way. The jail's just down the street.

[Narrator]

The story you 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 the following ranch hand, Steve, who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com 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 Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Mark Loomis]

It.