Evils of Tobacco | The Lone Ranger (11-15-39)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Summary

Episode: Evils of Tobacco | The Lone Ranger (11-15-39)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: March 15, 2025

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Introduction

Old Time Radio Westerns transports listeners to the rugged terrains of the Wild West, reviving classic Western radio dramas with enhanced audio quality. In this episode titled Evils of Tobacco | The Lone Ranger (11-15-39), host Andrew Rhynes presents a gripping tale from the iconic Lone Ranger series, intertwining themes of justice, morality, and community dynamics.

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Setting the Stage

The episode opens with Mustang Mag’s cozy ranch house, where Old Missouri and Mustang Mag engage in a discussion about Reverend Jasper Kane's ongoing attempts to reform Missouri from his tobacco habits.

• Missouri: “You shouldn’t ever let him come to stay here.” ([07:22])

• Mustang Mag: “Eme old.” ([07:22])

The conversation highlights Missouri's resistance to the Reverend's strict moral codes, setting up a backdrop of personal struggle and community expectations.

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The Arrival of Rod Sampson

The calm is disrupted when Rod Sampson arrives at Mustang Mag’s ranch, seeking refuge from the relentless pursuit by Sheriff Seward, who accuses him of stealing cattle.

• Rod Sampson: “You just got to the sheriff's right after me for something I swear I never done.” ([10:06])

• Mustang Mag: “You heard him, Missouri. Hustle right outside...” ([10:11])

Rod's presence introduces a central conflict: the tension between legal obligations and personal loyalties within the tight-knit community.

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Confrontation and Rising Tensions

As Sheriff Seward arrives, the tension escalates. Mustang Mag and Missouri strive to protect Rod, leading to a heated exchange about the integrity of the law versus genuine justice.

• Missouri: “I just bet we ain't the law. We're the same as vigilantes.” ([27:33])

• Sheriff Seward: “You followed the letter of the law and defeated justice.” ([28:36])

Reverend Jasper Kane finds himself caught between upholding the law and witnessing the community's skewed sense of justice, culminating in a moral dilemma.

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Revelation of Corruption

The plot thickens as it is revealed that Sheriff Seward himself is corrupt, falsely accusing Rod Sampson to cover his own cattle rustling activities. This revelation shifts the community's perception and exposes the underlying corruption in authority figures.

• Rod Sampson: “Seward's a rustler himself. He thought that Rod had seen him at it.” ([28:59])

• Reverend Jasper Kane: “Then you were right, Seward. Seward lied.” ([29:16])

This discovery serves as a catalyst for change, questioning the blind adherence to flawed legal systems.

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Resolution and Character Growth

Faced with the truth, Reverend Jasper Kane undergoes significant character development. Recognizing his misjudgments, he admits his faults and contemplates resigning.

• Reverend Jasper Kane: “I was wrong and I admit it.” ([30:30])

Mustang Mag and Missouri confront him, emphasizing the importance of community and personal responsibility over rigid legalism.

• Mustang Mag: “You ain't stirring one step.” ([30:45])

• Cowboy: “He said when it come right down to where you seen you was wrong, you'd be man enough to admit it.” ([30:53])

Ultimately, Reverend Kane decides to stay and contribute positively to the community, symbolizing redemption and the triumph of justice over mere legality.

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Conclusion

Evils of Tobacco | The Lone Ranger masterfully weaves a narrative that transcends its Western setting, delving deep into themes of morality, justice, and the power of community. Through rich character interactions and a compelling plot, the episode underscores the importance of discerning true justice from rigid legalism, advocating for a balanced and empathetic approach to resolving conflicts.

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Notable Quotes

• Mustang Mag on Justice vs. Law:
  “We have to do what we feel is right, not just what the law says.” ([22:10])

• Reverend Jasper Kane on Integrity:
  “I won't permit this. Sheriff, these people have made a fool of you.” ([28:30])

• Missouri’s Realization:
  “He made his point. I was wrong.” ([30:55])

---

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, character developments, and moral lessons presented in the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

Transcript

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[Cowboy]

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.

[Cowboy]

Hi O Silver Away.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and the hearty hi Yo Silver the Lone Ranger.

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[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger was the greatest champion of law and order the early west ever knew. He fought crime and criminals through the length and breadth of seven states, but justice meant more to him than the letter of the law, and time after time, he saved innocent men from death or imprisonment. 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.

[Rod Sampson]

Come on, Silver.

[Missouri]

We're heading for Seward's Ranch. Oh, Silver. Away.

[Narrator]

Old Missouri opened the door that led into Mustang Mag's kitchen, cautiously looked inside, then called Softly to Mag.

[Missouri]

That Mag. Hi, Mag.

[Mustang Mag]

Oh, my gracious. You give me a scare. Thunderation. Can't you make a noise when you come around so the body wouldn't get scared half out of a skin?

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Hush.

[Missouri]

Sky pilot around?

[Mustang Mag]

Oh, it's him you're dodging, huh? I don't know where he is, but if you're coming in, hurry up about and close the door. You're letting in half the flies in creation.

[Missouri]

You don't mind if I smoke, do you?

[Mustang Mag]

Huh? Me? Ain't nothing to me. If you want to poison yourself, swallow arsenic if it'll make you feel any better.

[Missouri]

The sky pilot's a gimmick again.

[Mustang Mag]

Swallowing arsenic. Well, that ain't hard to understand.

[Missouri]

You know that ain't what I mean, Mag. He's again smoking. He caught me at it yesterday. That's why I never got my work done. Took him the better part of the afternoon to tell me how sinful I was.

[Mustang Mag]

Just the afternoon? Well, that goes to show he ain't so well acquainted with you yet.

[Missouri]

Aw, now, man.

[Mustang Mag]

Sin and laziness, Missouri. You're cram plum full of both of them.

[Missouri]

You think the sky pilot on all the time be hollering at a feller.

[Mustang Mag]

It hurting you Any day before yesterday.

[Missouri]

He caught me talking to that dog gone mule you bought off of Jake Newkin. Now I ask you, Mag, how's a fellow to talk to a mule polite and respectful? Shucks, the dern critter wouldn't have no notion what you get in there.

[Mustang Mag]

And the sky pilot heard you, huh? I'd have liked to be there.

[Missouri]

You shouldn't ever let him come to stay here.

[Mustang Mag]

Why, Missouri, outside of being a mite stubborn, I ain't never seen a more useful mule than that one.

[Missouri]

I'm talking about the sky pilot, and speak up plain. That's what I'm trying to do. Doggone it. He's agin smoking. He's agin cussing. You shouldn't carry a shooting iron. You oughtn't to ride a horse on Sunday. I'll bet he ain't even so sure. A fellow ought to go around with his shirt sleeves rolled up. It being kind of immodest.

[Mustang Mag]

Eme old.

[Missouri]

No, the sky pilot.

[Mustang Mag]

You better watch yourself, Missouri. You're letting yourself get a mite out of hell. As for the sky pilot, well, I'd say most times he's right. I don't hold with smoking myself, though I've never made a point of it. And there's a sight too much cussin. And gun slingin going on. Nope. It ain't his opinions that are wrong. It's the way he goes about spreadin em. He just ain't caught onto the knack of it yet. Like cuttin out a calf for Brandon. There's a right and a wrong way to it, man.

[Missouri]

You're just on his side. Cause I ain't. And I'm telling you plain. If he stays on here much longer, I'll go clean loco.

[Mustang Mag]

You're that already. Now shut up and give me a hand here. You can put this bread that's ready for baking atop the oven.

[Missouri]

Yes.

[Mustang Mag]

Careful you don't drop him.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Me?

[Missouri]

Drop anything? Why, I'm the carefulest feller in six states. I never.

[Mustang Mag]

Gosh, Missouri, you old fool. Look what you've done now. Just look at the mess you've made.

[Missouri]

I. Good morning, Reverend.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

What a shame.

[Mustang Mag]

Oh, I'll clean it up.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Did I startle you, Missouri?

[Missouri]

Shucks, no. I just. That is.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Do I smell smoke from the oven?

[Missouri]

Most likely a pipe. No.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Do you know to whom it belongs?

[Missouri]

My gosh, I ain't the slightest idea.

[Mustang Mag]

I have two, Missouri. It's yours.

[Missouri]

Mine? But I never loaned it to nobody.

[Mustang Mag]

You was just now smoking it.

[Missouri]

Me?

[Mustang Mag]

Yes, you.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Certainly. You can remember a simple thing like that, can't you, Missouri?

[Missouri]

I guess if Mag says I was smoking, I must have been. But ain't it funny how things can slip your mind? Why, only the other day I was.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Missouri, yesterday you gave me your solemn word that you were finished with tobacco.

[Missouri]

Did I?

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

You did. Now today I find that you were attempting to deceive me. Missouri, what am I to think of you?

[Missouri]

I tell you, Reverend, there ain't much use your trying to reform me. I'm too old. It'd just be wasting your valuable time. Now, why don't you try it out on the young folks? Like Mag there, for instance.

[Mustang Mag]

That'll be enough out of you, Mitchell. Right. But Mag, let's see who that was just rolled up outside.

[Missouri]

Yes, Meg.

[Mustang Mag]

Well, gory be if it ain't Rod Sampson. Rod.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Meg, you gotta hide me. You just got to the sheriff's right after me for something I swear I never done. You gotta hide me and my horse, too. Oh, please, Mag.

[Cowboy]

Please.

[Mustang Mag]

You heard him, Missouri. Hustle right outside, unsaddle Rod's horse and turn it out with the others where it won't be noticed.

[Missouri]

You betcha.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Oh, I must say.

[Mustang Mag]

Don't bother me now, Reverend. This is important. Rod, how far behind is the sheriff?

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

He'll be along most 20 minutes.

[Mustang Mag]

Then get in that closet there and close the door behind you.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Maga, I give you my word, I ain't guilty.

[Mustang Mag]

Of course you ain't. You think I have to to ask questions to know that I. Get in the closet like I said. Oh, bless you, Meg.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

I won't never be forgetting this.

[Missouri]

Shut the door, Mag.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Well, I trust that you're acquainted with a citizen's duty toward the law.

[Mustang Mag]

I trust I am. What about it?

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Very obviously, you intend to forget that duty. You're harboring a confessed fugitive. He.

[Mustang Mag]

He's my friend.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

But your duty.

[Mustang Mag]

I don't know how you figure things, but after you've been in the west for a while, you'll learn that a friend's somebody you don't never go back on.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

A very dangerous attitude of mine.

[Mustang Mag]

But it's my mind, such as it is. And it's my attitude. Denied apologizing for neither.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

I'm sorry to see you taking this tone.

[Mustang Mag]

We can talk it out some other time. Don't tell me you unsaddled, raw tall in this space of time. Missouri.

[Missouri]

Of course he can be trusted. I come back to tell you the sheriff's coming. He's right there. He is now.

[Mustang Mag]

And you let me handle this. And keep your mouth shut. For all your practice, Missouri, you never did amount to much as a storyteller.

[Missouri]

I didn't?

[Mustang Mag]

Quiet. Come in.

[Rod Sampson]

Howdy, folks. Howdy, sir.

[Missouri]

Howdy.

[Mustang Mag]

Well, heavenly days, Sheriff. What brings you here? You ain't after me for taxes this time, are you?

[Sheriff]

No. You can rest easy, Mag. I got other business. Ain't seen nothing of Rod Sampson, have you?

[Mustang Mag]

You joking?

[Sheriff]

No.

[Mustang Mag]

But Rod's place is clear the other side of Soda Springs. Say, you ain't after him for something, are you?

[Sheriff]

Afraid I am, man.

[Mustang Mag]

Oh, now you are joking.

[Rod Sampson]

Nope.

[Sheriff]

None at all. Ain't nothing the least funny about this. Rod's warrant. A right serious charge. I thought I seen him head in here. What charge, Russell?

[Narrator]

Him?

[Cowboy]

No.

[Narrator]

Yep.

[Sheriff]

Mr. Seward swore out a warrant for him. To where Rod's been stealing his cow. Says he's got a witness to it. So I reckon Rod will have to.

[Missouri]

Go to jail when you find him.

[Sheriff]

Oh, well, if you haven't seen him, he must have cut over to the north after I lost sight of him back at the the gully. I'll have to keep moving or I'll lose too much time.

[Mustang Mag]

You do better investigating Seward. I wouldn't take that high bonding polecat's word for the time of day.

[Sheriff]

Shouldn't let Your disliking him affect your judgment any.

[Cowboy]

Mag.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Well, pardon me.

[Cowboy]

Huh?

[Sheriff]

Do something.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

I. I feel it my duty, Sheriff, as one who has the highest respect for the law.

[Mustang Mag]

Sure, we all feel it's our duty, Reverend. And if anything should come up where we can be of any help, we'll be glad to. Well, goodbye, sheriff. Next time.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

One moment now.

[Mustang Mag]

Wait.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

I won't permit this. Sheriff, these people have made a fool of you.

[Missouri]

Now go.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

If you look here, the man you want, Sheriff, is in this house. He's here with the full knowledge of Mag and Missouri. You will find him skulking there in that closet.

[Missouri]

That blast fearful, Rod wasn't our fault.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

I know it wasn't, Mag neither was it Miss Hurley's Rod.

[Sheriff]

The best thing you could do would be to hush your mouth and start marching.

[Cowboy]

Come on.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Now, you understand, Sheriff, that if there's any reward, I couldn't accept it.

[Sheriff]

Mister, you'd better understand something. You just had to speak up and spoil everything, didn't you?

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Spoil everything.

[Sheriff]

I knew all the time that Rod was here. I seen Missouri leading his horse away. I seen the muddy tracks Rod left leading to that there closet door. But, doggone it, I didn't want Rod caught any more than Mag did. And if you just had the sense to keep still, I could have done my duty and kept Rod from going to jail. Next time, don't you meddle.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Well, the very idea.

[Mustang Mag]

A doggone good idea, I'd call it.

[Missouri]

Now do you see what I meant, man?

[Mustang Mag]

I reckon I do.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

It seems that in this part of the country, not even the men sworn to uphold it respect the law.

[Mustang Mag]

You know what they respect a doggone sight more?

[Missouri]

Well, Justice.

[Mustang Mag]

And when laws get in the way of it, they'd better watch out.

[Narrator]

Young Rod Sampson had been popular in the district, while Seward, the rancher who had sworn out the warrant for his arrest, was despised by everyone. Therefore, when the latter passed within hailing distance of Mag's ranch on his way to town, met a group of cowboys coming from the other direction. The encounter led to interesting developments.

[Missouri]

Well, if there ain't Mr.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Sword and Riding the top of a horse. Doggone if I didn't think snakes always crawled.

[Rod Sampson]

How don't you first start the wind.

[Cowboy]

What's the matter, Mr. Steward? You think you're the only fellow can.

[Rod Sampson]

Start anything you live me through now, don't you block that road.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

You had Rod jailed.

[Missouri]

He never stole a cow in all his life. And when a coyote like you says he did, it just about proves he didn't he did.

[Rod Sampson]

He's a thief.

[Missouri]

And don't call a part of ours a thief. Fellas, why do you say we give Mr. Seward a little working over? Maybe it'll teach him not to be so careless. Who he accuses next time.

[Rod Sampson]

No, no, no.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Wait.

[Cowboy]

You can't.

[Rod Sampson]

You wouldn't dare. No, no, no, please.

[Missouri]

Drag him off the horse.

[Cowboy]

Pull him down. Get his arm.

[Missouri]

Hey, watch out. The skunk's going for his gun.

[Rod Sampson]

Pass through you. It'll be self defensive.

[Missouri]

Watch out. He shot Lefty with a yellow pull cap. We ought to string him up. Lefty. Where'd he get you?

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Just my arm. But it burns like blazes.

[Cowboy]

He might have killed you.

[Rod Sampson]

It wasn't his fault. He didn't. Here's your own.

[Cowboy]

There's a three over there.

[Missouri]

Come on, grab him. We'll carry him.

[Rod Sampson]

There.

[Missouri]

A masked man with a red skin with him.

[Mustang Mag]

Help.

[Missouri]

Help.

[Rod Sampson]

This way. Help me. Help me.

[Missouri]

Get back. Stay away from here, stranger.

[Rod Sampson]

There.

[Missouri]

Button in.

[Rod Sampson]

Shoot him.

[Cowboy]

I'll get the engine.

[Missouri]

The Nashville is mine. I bow my hand.

[Cowboy]

You can't get away with this, stranger. Up with you.

[Mustang Mag]

Hold on.

[Cowboy]

Come on, Silver.

[Missouri]

Come on. Upstairs.

[Cowboy]

Head for Mustang Mag Space Tablet. You all right?

[Rod Sampson]

They would have hugged me.

[Cowboy]

I doubt it. I think they were trying mostly to scare you.

[Rod Sampson]

They would have. I tell you. They would have.

[Cowboy]

No, but things might have gone too far. Their place reign up. Oh, Scout.

[Rod Sampson]

Down with your head in my horser.

[Cowboy]

You can round him up later if he doesn't return to your place by himself. Right now, you had better stay out of sight. Heavenly Days hello, Meg. Oh, you.

[Mustang Mag]

You're Enchanto. Who's this you got here?

[Cowboy]

Seward. Some punchers were threatening to hang him.

[Mustang Mag]

Seward?

[Cowboy]

I want him to stay out of sight.

[Mustang Mag]

Friend, are you?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Cowboy]

Meg.

[Mustang Mag]

I know it ain't your style to let anybody get hurt if it can be helped.

[Cowboy]

Well.

[Mustang Mag]

But couldn't you have let Steward get hung just this once?

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger drama before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Missouri]

Geico's motorcycle expertise gives me the coverage I need. Like 24. Seven claims I'm on cloud nine.

[Geico]

Clouds are wholly unable to support the weight of an adult human.

[Mustang Mag]

What's happening?

[Geico]

Furthermore, clouds are not numbered. Even if you procured a jetpack and searched, you'd find no cloud number nine. However, at that altitude, you'd likely befriend a flock of migrating who'd encourage you to leave your 24.7geico motorcycle claims insurance behind as they would take you in and even share their dinner of crickets and clovers with you. GEICO assumes no liability for any indigestion that may occur from a clover cricket dinner. GEICO expertise for your motorcycle.

[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. After the Lone Ranger had rescued the rancher Seward from a group of cowboys and had taken him to the home of mustang Mag for protection, Tonto recaptured Seward's mount at last. When the way seemed clear, the rancher made ready to leave.

[Rod Sampson]

Well, we get along now. I won't thank you for nothing, Mag. Cause I savvy plain enough how you feel to admit.

[Mustang Mag]

And a good thing you do.

[Rod Sampson]

Did you save me from the cowboys, friend?

[Narrator]

You're mistaken.

[Rod Sampson]

But you did. They might have hung you up.

[Cowboy]

You misunderstood me. What I meant to say is that I'm not your friend. I have good reasons for saying that. I came to your raid as I would have helped anyone else, no matter who or what he was. But I'll tell you something before you leave so there'll be no further misunderstandings.

[Rod Sampson]

Yeah.

[Cowboy]

One of these days you'll end behind bars. And I hope I'm the man who puts you there.

[Missouri]

How do you like that, Seward? How do you take your straight talk?

[Cowboy]

Yes.

[Rod Sampson]

I have nothing to worry about. Time enough to stop worrying when I have to hide behind a mask to dodge the law.

[Missouri]

Right? Put out Warty.

[Mustang Mag]

Look at him. You know what he puts me in mind of? Nothing half so much as them white crawling things you'll find by turning over a rock.

[Cowboy]

But he's dangerous in the way all cowardly men are dangerous. They substitute cunning for physical courage.

[Mustang Mag]

You know, there's something that puzzles me about all this.

[Missouri]

What is it, Meg? I'LL put you right on it.

[Mustang Mag]

Thunderation. Missouri. Won't you never learn to keep shut? What puzzles me is why Seward accused Rod of rustling. Just don't seem to be any reason for it.

[Cowboy]

I have an idea I know the reason.

[Mustang Mag]

You do?

[Cowboy]

I'll know more about.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Pardon me.

[Mustang Mag]

Sure.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

I would like to speak to this gentleman with you.

[Cowboy]

Yes?

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Perhaps Mag or Missouri has mentioned me to you. I'm Jasper Kane. The Reverend Jasper Cain.

[Cowboy]

Yes, they mentioned you.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

I wonder, would you mind very much telling me why a man of your apparent education has chosen the life of an outlaw rather than to abide by the rules of society? Is it the easy money?

[Missouri]

Oh, that's a good un.

[Mustang Mag]

Reverend. This is one time you're barking up the wrong tree. Why, great land of Goshen, this man here is doing what you just wish you was doing. And he's doing it from here to the border, while you ain't even got a good start yet in this here county. Him a crook. He packs more law in them two guns of his than all the lawyers west of the Mississippi could write down in a month of Sundays if they was to work overtime at it.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

But the mask, Kane.

[Cowboy]

You're an Easterner, aren't you?

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

I have no reason to be ashamed of it.

[Cowboy]

Of course not.

[Narrator]

But whom?

[Cowboy]

The little Mag in Missouri have told me. I've gathered that you're trying to force a point of view you gained in the east upon the people bred here in the West.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

I'm not sure I know what you mean.

[Cowboy]

We'll put it this way. There's law and there's justice. In the east, the emphasis is upon the first. In the west, upon the latter, if.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

You rigidly enforce the law, then you're bound to have justice.

[Cowboy]

There have been cases where the one didn't follow the other. For instance, Rod Sampson. A warrant was sworn out for his arrest and the law said that warrant had to be served. But everyone in this district is aware that Rod's arrest was unjust.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

It isn't for us to judge in these matters.

[Cowboy]

That's the Easterner speaking. Where you come from, you scarcely know your next door neighbors. Here, people know everyone from miles around. Meg probably is acquainted with everyone within the 500 mile radius of her ranch. Well, when you know people that well, Kane, you're qualified to judge from their characters whether or not an accusation of this nature is true. In the east, you wouldn't be so qualified. And your only course would be to depend upon the letter of the law and hope that it served Justice. When you've realized that difference, I think you'll understand the people of this country better and have more success in your work.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

A barbarous theory.

[Missouri]

Doggone it then, if you think as little of us as you say you do, why in Tunket do you hang around?

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

For a very good reason, Missouri.

[Missouri]

Huh?

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

It's just where I find persons as ignorant and uncivilized as you. That there's the greatest need of my labor. Good day.

[Missouri]

What? What's that? He called me ignorant.

[Mustang Mag]

He said I was in your horns, Missouri. When he said you wasn't hardly civilized, he sure called a Turk.

[Missouri]

Now look here, Mag.

[Mustang Mag]

Oh, but all joking aside, just what is a fellow like that doing out here? Why don't he go on back east where folks wouldn't be all the time offending him? My land.

[Cowboy]

Seems to me he's honest, Meg, and he's sincere. Those are qualities that are always useful anywhere the west can use them. When he's learned to understand it.

[Mustang Mag]

Which sa never will.

[Cowboy]

Don't be too certain of that, Mag. I have an idea the Reverend Jasper Kane will change some of his opinions sooner than he thinks.

[Narrator]

That evening, the masked man and his faithful Indian companion Tanto were at their well hidden camp not far from Mustang Mag's ranch house.

[Cowboy]

Tado, did you find out the names of the two fellas who claimed they saw Rod stealing Seward's cattle? Uh, one feller named Blake, other feller named Shaw. Isn't Shaw a nester who's got a small place on Seward's range? That right. And it's clear why Shaw would back Seward's story. If he didn't, Seward would throw him off his land.

[Narrator]

But who's Blake?

[Cowboy]

Him.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Seward foreman.

[Cowboy]

So that's it. Both of Seward's witnesses. Men who depend upon Seward for their living. You and I know, kemosabe, that they lied. Others suspect it, but we know it. Them tell heap big lie. I wonder if they won't tell the truth with a little persuasion. Persuasion of the right kind, I'm positive. Shawwood. How about Blake? What do you think of him? How to make him talk. Call Scout here. Scout here. Silver. We ride. We're paying calls on Seward's two witnesses.

[Narrator]

Me savvy? Yep.

[Cowboy]

They learn a lesson from this. T and Seward and Kane with are that good. Ready? Get him up strong. Come on, Silver. Hail Silver.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Away.

[Narrator]

An hour later.

[Rod Sampson]

What do you want? A mask man.

[Cowboy]

John. That's me. You're coming with us. Hey, you can't do this to me. Let go. Get your hand off that Bridal Joe Blake, aren't you? You bet I am. Mr. Riding. Come on. Come on.

[Mustang Mag]

Go. Who's outside here? Who called my name?

[Cowboy]

It's me, Meg.

[Mustang Mag]

Well, I'll be sweet.

[Cowboy]

The mask, Mag. Listen closely, TS Two witnesses at our camp. They don't know that he wouldn't harm them and the badly frightened men. I think we'll get confessions from them. Things are going to happen. They'll happen fast. You'll have to know exactly what to expect.

[Narrator]

On the evening of the next day, a gathering of sober faced men assembled one by one in Mustang Mag's parlor. Much to the bewilderment of the Reverend Jasper Kane, to whom the proceedings were a mystery. When he asked questions, no one answered him. The group seemed to be waiting for a signal. A signal that came at last in the form of a loud knocking at the door.

[Mustang Mag]

That must be them all right. Come in.

[Cowboy]

Get him there.

[Rod Sampson]

Let me go. What did you bring me here for? You ain't got no right to do this to me. I'll have the law and y'all.

[Cowboy]

Hold him.

[Rod Sampson]

I got the scum.

[Cowboy]

Wyatt. Sit down. Sit down.

[Rod Sampson]

What am I here for, Magby? Masked man said you sent for me.

[Mustang Mag]

Why, you're on trial, Seward.

[Rod Sampson]

But I.

[Missouri]

For lying to get Rod Sampson jailed.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

And for shooting me.

[Cowboy]

And for being a general all round lowdown sidewinder that ain't fit to decorate.

[Missouri]

This county no more.

[Rod Sampson]

No. No, you can't. You're not the lie.

[Missouri]

I just bet we ain't the law. We're the same as vigilantes. That's what we are.

[Rod Sampson]

Please. Please. I've never harmed you. None of you. I've never done a thing.

[Cowboy]

We know plenty you've done. There's likely more. Much more we'll never learn about.

[Missouri]

Oh, no, you can't do that.

[Cowboy]

No. Has failed to punish you. Instead it's holding an innocent man because of you. We're here to do what the law has not done. See that you get what you deserve.

[Rod Sampson]

No, you're wrong. You're wrong.

[Mustang Mag]

I fell.

[Missouri]

The sky pilot's got a gun. Where'd he get it?

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

You can't do this. I won't allow it. It's not legal.

[Cowboy]

I told you once before, Kane, that we weren't interested in the law. We are interested in justice.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

This isn't justice and I won't stand for it.

[Rod Sampson]

Don't move.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Not a one of you. I. I'll shoot if you do.

[Cowboy]

Be careful, Missouri. He Means it.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Seward.

[Rod Sampson]

Yeah.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Get out. Hurry. I'll hold him while you get away. Bring the sheriff here. Every one of these persons has broken the law and is liable to arrest. Hurry. Bring him as quickly as you can.

[Rod Sampson]

I'll get him. I'll bring him here.

[Mustang Mag]

You. Yer coyote, Seward.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

There.

[Cowboy]

You've let a guilty man escape. You've done exactly what I told you you would do. You followed the letter of the law and defeated justice.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

That's not true.

[Cowboy]

No? Well, we had two witnesses here in this room who would have testified they'd been given a chance. Come out here.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Why, it's Mr. Shaw and Mr. Blake.

[Cowboy]

Tell Kane what you know or I'd turn you back to Tutto.

[Sheriff]

No, please.

[Cowboy]

That engine will kill us. You can't do that to us. After you promise. Talk. Did you see Rod Sampson steal cattle or didn't you? Quickly.

[Mustang Mag]

We.

[Rod Sampson]

We didn't.

[Cowboy]

We said that because Mr. Seward told us we had to. And I'll tell the rest of it. I'll tell you exactly why Seward wanted Rod jailed for rustling. It was because Seward's a rustler himself. He thought that Rod had seen him at it. He wanted Rod discredited, that anything he said would be ignored by the law.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Then you were right, Seward. Seward lied.

[Cowboy]

And how do you think I persuaded these fellows to tell the truth, Kane? By following the letter of the law? By handling them with gloves so they could go on with their lives and keep an innocent man in jail? I did not. As I told you before, it's justice I wanted.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

I let him go. He'll never go to the sheriff. He'll run away. Maybe he won't be caught.

[Cowboy]

You admit that this time we were right and that you were wrong?

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

I. I do. And. And you have my word, gentlemen, that I will do everything in my power to see that Mr. Seward is brought back to justice.

[Cowboy]

It won't be necessary. Miriam, Tanner. You too, Sheriff Seward.

[Rod Sampson]

Sure.

[Sheriff]

Me and Tyto didn't let the skunk get far. We was waiting for him out there all the time. Tamed you down some, too, didn't we, Seward?

[Rod Sampson]

You have nothing on me.

[Cowboy]

We have plenty, Seward, now that Blake and Shaw have talked.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Sheriff, you. You said you were waiting for him. How could you know that he'd get.

[Sheriff]

A chance to escape? Well, to tell the truth, I didn't. It was a masked man that did, I reckon. Kane, he had you sized up pretty well.

[Cowboy]

Kane, this whole thing was planned. Do you think you could have affected Seward's escape alone unless we permitted you. I knew how you'd react when you thought we were going outside the law. Missouri put that gun you're holding where you'd be sure to see it.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

I. Well, I. I guess there's nothing for me to say.

[Cowboy]

Nothing?

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Nothing beyond the fact that I've been a fool. You made your point. I was wrong and I admit it. And now.

[Mustang Mag]

And now what?

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

All that's left for me to do is resign and go back east where I'm fitted. A man like me can be of no use here.

[Mustang Mag]

You ain't stirring one step.

[Missouri]

Well, I should smile. Ye ain't.

[Cowboy]

But why?

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

What?

[Cowboy]

Kane.

[Sheriff]

You passed the hardest test of all. Just like the masked fellow said you.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Would test masked man.

[Sheriff]

He said when it come right down to where you seen you was wrong, you'd be man enough to admit it. And by thunder, he was right again. You did.

[Missouri]

100%.

[Cowboy]

And any fellow that ain't afraid to.

[Reverend Jasper Kane]

Tell it when he's been wrong is a feller I can tie to. You mean. You mean you really want me to stay?

[Cowboy]

Yes.

[Mustang Mag]

And Missouri and me'll be to meetin every Sunday in the year that there's a promise.

[Missouri]

Mag Hilbert away.

[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 donate send us an email podcast trwesterns.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.