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First of the Five | The Lone Ranger (02-13-42) - Old Time Radio Westerns | Wave AI Podcast Notes

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First of the Five | The Lone Ranger (02-13-42)

Old Time Radio Westerns

Mon Jan 26 2026

Summary

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns — "First of the Five" | The Lone Ranger (02-13-42)
Host: Andrew Rhynes | Release Date: January 26, 2026

Episode Overview

In this digitally restored classic radio episode, “First of the Five,” the Lone Ranger is tasked with uncovering and bringing to justice five powerful men suspected of high-level treason in the Western United States. With intrigue, sabotage, and personal stakes at play, the masked hero navigates a dangerous landscape involving railroad expansion, loyal companions, and the threat of violence on the wild frontier. This episode delivers a timeless tale of courage, trust, and justice that echoes the enduring legends of the Old West.

Key Discussion Points & Narrative Highlights

1. The President’s Dilemma & Call for Justice (03:26–07:06)

The episode opens with a dramatic scene: a president and his secretary ponder a list of influential industrialists suspected of treason (“Names, Cotter. Nothing but names. They're amazing names, sir.” [03:26]).
The list includes powerful figures: John Kimberly (railroads), Jacob Webster (fur empire), Benjamin Steel (cattle), Ransom Page (financier/politician), and Clark Drexel (gold/silver).
A young woman stresses the weight of betrayal:
“I can't understand anyone being a traitor... When one thinks how much this country has given them... it's unbelievable.” [05:36]
The President identifies that, although evidence is lacking, justice must be served; he proposes using both Eastern (“Jameson”) and Western operatives, settling on the Lone Ranger for the West (“A month from the day in St. Louis, I'll meet the Lone Ranger.” [07:06]).

2. John Kimberly’s Plot & Moral Conflict (07:07–13:59)

Kimberly and his associate, Bill Haywood, approach lumberman Gene Caldwell to buy out his contract for delivering logs crucial to railroad construction.
Caldwell, motivated by pride and patriotism, refuses:
“It isn't just the extra 10,000... It's more than just a job. It's doing something big for the whole country.” [13:00]
Kimberly, though rebuffed, offers genuine help, highlighting divergent motivations on progress and legacy.
Subterfuge begins: Haywood and Kimberly discuss indirect sabotage, hinting at dark plans to cripple the log delivery without overt criminality (“You don't have to be run on the job to delay it.” [13:33]).

3. The Trapper’s Threat — Innocence vs. Progress (13:59–17:23)

Joan, the daughter of a local trapper, warns Caldwell of her father's intent to kill him for endangering his livelihood.
The conflict between progress (the railroad) and traditional ways (trapping) is made personal and poignant:
- “He says you're cutting down all the trees and driving all the game out... He's gonna kill you.” [14:04]
Joan’s plea for nonviolence and her love for her father showcases the emotional stakes for residents caught between eras.

4. The Lone Ranger Investigates (18:48–22:05)

The Lone Ranger and Tonto arrive in the area, planning to infiltrate Caldwell’s crew to uncover Kimberly’s true intentions.
A case of mistaken identity leads the trapper to shoot at Tonto, but the situation is defused, and mutual understanding is achieved:
- “You call your horse Silver and you wear a mask. You're not an outlaw.” [21:50]
The discussion of changing fortunes with the coming railroad bridges the old and the new:
- “When it's finished, you'll be getting a higher price for your pelts. And you won't be paying as much for your supplies, eh?” [22:00]

5. Sabotage Unfolds & Heroic Intervention (23:33–28:54)

Haywood prepares to sabotage the log run by blasting the riverbank, planning to frame the trapper for the destruction.
At dawn, the Lone Ranger notices suspicious activity and races to stop the sabotage, risking his life to extinguish a lit fuse and prevent a deadly explosion.
A thrilling horseback pursuit captures the tension between good and evil, culminating in Haywood’s capture:
- “[Kimberly:] ‘It'd be natural for you to assume that I had something to do with this.’ [Haywood:] ‘That's right.’ [Narrator:] ‘Enough that I found out your true character.’” [28:54–29:47]

6. Resolution & Themes of Trust and Redemption (28:54–31:05)

The Lone Ranger ensures justice is served; Haywood's betrayal devastates Kimberly but also brings clarity.
Joan’s gratitude is linked to a lost-and-found ring, serving as both a literal and symbolic token of luck and purpose:
- “You know, this ring saved your life. I'm more convinced than ever that there's a good luck charm connected with it. Don't lose it, masked man. You need your luck. Most people do.” [30:32]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

The President, weighing options:
“This paper has been on my desk for three days now. Have you thought it strange nothing's been made public?” [05:50]
Gene Caldwell, defending his honor:
“Maybe I feel the same way about the railroad you do. It's more than just a job. It's doing something big for the whole country.” [13:00]
Kimberly and Haywood, rationalizing sabotage:
“If I started being charitable, they might even send troops up here.” [13:46]
Joan, torn between family and right:
“It's just because I love you that I did it... You can't go gunning for him.” [15:20]
The Lone Ranger, bridging progress and tradition:
“You only think [the railroad] doesn't [mean anything to you]. When it's finished, you'll be getting a higher price for your pelts. And you won't be paying as much for your supplies, eh?” [22:00]
Lone Ranger’s unwavering quest for justice:
“Your task is a hard one. But remember, the future of the west may depend on your bringing these men to justice.” [07:59]
Joan, on the ring’s significance:
“Don't lose it, masked man. You need your luck. Most people do.” [30:32]

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

President’s Dilemma and Lone Ranger’s Mandate: 03:26–07:06
Kimberly & Caldwell Negotiations: 07:07–13:59
Joan Warns of the Trapper’s Threat: 13:59–17:23
Lone Ranger & Tonto Arrive, Tension with Trapper: 18:48–22:05
Sabotage Attempt & Heroic Intervention: 23:33–28:54
Resolution & Reflection on Justice and Luck: 28:54–31:05

Language, Tone, and Final Thoughts

The episode’s dialogue and narration maintain the earnest, dramatic tone of classic radio Westerns—marked by straightforward heroism, clear moral stakes, and a sense of suspenseful frontier justice. The story’s blend of action, emotional conflict, and social commentary on progress versus tradition makes it relevant and captivating, even decades after its original broadcast.

Listeners are left with a vision of the Lone Ranger as both a guardian of the law and a mediator between eras, upholding not just the letter but the spirit of justice in the untamed West.

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Transcript

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Andrew Rines (Podcast Host) (1:45)

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more Western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

Narrator / Lone Ranger (2:23)

Fiery Horse with the speed of light, the cloud of dust and a hearty high Old silver the Lone Ranger.

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Narrator / Lone Ranger (3:26)

With his faithful Indian companion, Ponto, the masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Stories of his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness, have come down to us through the generations. And 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 hoof beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. When the secretary opened the door of the study, he could see the president of his desk, a hand shading his eyes, the paper still in front of him. Secretary murmured to himself, half an hour. He hasn't moved since I left him. He walked across the room to the President's side. Mr. President. Names, Cotter. Nothing but names. They're amazing names, sir. What a bombshell would be if you.

Narrator / Lone Ranger (7:06)

Very well. A month from the day in St. Louis, I'll meet the Lone Ranger. And so it happened that a private car was drawn up in a siding outside of St. Louis shortly after dark. A masked man reigned up half a mile away. He left his white horse in the care of the Indians who had been riding with him, then started toward the train. Slipped like a shadow through the trees past an infantry encampment and onto the tracks. Carter was pacing up and down outside the private car when suddenly. Who's that? That's a guard. Oh. Sentry was to be posted this close and not the sentry. Oh, you've come. The President is waiting for you, Mr. President. The lone ranger. That would be our plan. In a way, this would be more difficult than rounding up the members of the Black Arrow. They had placed themselves outside the law and he could use the army and the local sheriffs against them. As far as we can prove these five are honest and public spirited citizens. So you must work alone until you obtain the evidence we need. I understand. Let's take the names one by one. I know where John Kimberly is. You do? Yes. He's an Omaha. That's strange. Well, he's a railroad man. But it's the Southern and Western that's building out of Omaha. He has no connection with that. He may want one. Yes, that's true. He tried to get the franchise, but Miles and Warren won out. And John Kimberly doesn't like to be beaten. I'll start with him, Mr. President. There couldn't be a better choice. Your task is a hard one. But remember, the future of the west may depend on your bringing these men to justice. John Kimberly and his right hand man, Bill Haywood had followed the Missouri to the north until they reached the Niota. Then they headed west until Gene Caldwell's lumber camp was reached. There they introduced themselves to the young lumberman and were made welcome. A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Kimberly Megat. John, please. Yes, sir. Naturally, I've heard a lot about you, but I have to admit it's a surprise. What are you seeing? You out here in the wilderness. Why, Gene, this country's practically civilized. When I first came out here, it was really a wilderness. I'm an old timer, you know, and I'll match your knowledge of the west against anyone. Oh, you can't go that far, Bill. Me? I'm from Michigan. Most of my crew is, too. Maybe you could give me some good advice. I got one piece of advice I hope you take. What's that? Sell out your contract to me. What? I want to buy all your equipment and give you a bonus beside. No, I couldn't sell. Why not? Well, I stand to make about 20,000 on the job. You wouldn't give me that much of a bonus. Give you 10,000 and you wouldn't be taking any risk. I've got two months to get the logs down to Omaha. And if you don't? That's plenty of time. If you don't, you lose money on the job. My way you can be sure of a profit. Would you mind answering a question? Not at all. Well, a logging contract like this must be pretty small potatoes for you. Why are you interested? That's a good question. Let me tell him, John. Go ahead. Bill knows all about my business. Gene, you've got to understand how John feels about the Southern and Western first. He's dreamed about this road for a long time. He's the one who should have got the franchise to build it. There's just some men I could mention who are better politicians than he is, that's all. Oh, yes, yes, I know all about the franchise going to Miles and Warren. But I still don't understand. This road means so much to John that he's just got to have a part in building it. You can't build a railroad without tags. So you. You want to see to it that the logs reach Omaha? I want that to be my contribution. I can't sell. This job means too much to me. It isn't just the extra 10,000. Well, that's important, of course, but. Or maybe I feel the same way about the railroad you do. It's more than just a job. It's doing something big for the whole country. Isn't that the way you feel, John? Yes. Yes, it is. But are you sure you're Being wise. Your offer isn't very wise. No, I can't sell. Same way with me as it is with you. Very well. We won't talk about it anymore. Sorry you came all the way up here to listen to me say no. Our trip won't be wasted if you grant me a paper. What's that? Let us stay here. Let us help you in any way we can. You mean as interested friends? Why is that your answer? I admire you, Mr. Kimberly. It's only a big man who could make an offer like that. You're welcome to stay just as long as you want to. Well, he's got a good crew. Yeah. The boy knows his business, too. He'll deliver the goods. Sure he will. That's the second raft I've seen start down the river today. Wait till they get working at top speed. What's 10,000 to you? Why didn't you offer him 20 and get the contract? For one thing, it might have made him suspicious. Might have made other people suspicious if they talked about it. What would stop him? I offered all I could. Maybe Milton Warren, for instance. They know me as a businessman. If I started being charitable, they might even send troops up here. Yeah, I see what you mean. But there are other ways. You don't have to be run on the job to delay it. You got any ideas? It's up to you to work out the ideas. I'm staying here to help Jean. And when I get hold of something, shall I just go ahead? No, Bill. I think you'd better tell me all about it first. Say, look. Where? Jean's cabin. There's a girl knocking at the door. Where'd she come from? Past the cabin on the high bank that belonged to a trapper. There's no law that there's a trapper here and have a family. Gene's letting her in. Come on. What for? That girl was crying. Something's wrong. Oh, don't, please. I can't help you if you don't tell me. What's the matter? Anything we can do? Gene? I don't know. Opened the door and said hello, and this kid started to cry. What's your name?

Narrator / Lone Ranger (23:33)

It was late that night that Bill Haywood entered the cabin he was sharing with John Kimberly. There was a smile of satisfaction on his lips as he sat across the table from the older man. You seem to be happy. I am. The boys are here. Well? Camped out in the wood. All right. What have you got in mind? Blasting powder. How are you going to use it? You know where the trapper's cabin is? Yeah, on the high bank. The river's cut underneath that bank. A few charges of blasting powder can send a hundred tons of dirt and rocks down into the river. Plenty to damage you and the river. Why not? It's the only way they got to send the logs down to Omaha. Of course, it's up to you. They got it all worked out just where to place the powder and everything. Does it have to be right at the spot where the cabin is? Almost. What about the trapper and his daughter? Well, I figured we wouldn't say anything to them at all. They'd be peeled in the blast. Sure they would. They won't be able to talk when they get blamed for it. If they get blamed for it, they will be. I already mentioned it to Cartwell that I saw a lot of blasting powder around the cabin. He didn't pay much attention at the time, but he'll remember it all right. Shall we? Go ahead. There's only one thing you must remember, Bill. If anything goes wrong, I had no part in this. I want those logs to get to Omaha on time. And if anybody tries to stop them, I'll have the law on them. You can have the law and the trapper and his daughter. If anything goes wrong. I know. That's what you're paying me for, John. If anything goes wrong, it's me that goes to jail. Oh, wish you. You might not stay there for long. You'd certainly be slipping if I did. Well, it'll be just at dawn. I've got plenty of time to get everything set. Go. Was awakened by Silver's Winnie shortly before dawn. When he rolled out of his blanket, he saw the Lone Ranger throwing his saddle on the great white stallion. All right. Plenty early Kimasabi. I haven't been able to sleep. Once when I awakened I thought I heard men moving through the forest a long way off. Maybe it's animal. It's possible. Where you go? Back to the Torrance cabin. Counter go with you here, scout. And you better get some more rest. Hunter. Hunter feel fine? Very well. And you stand still. Scout. Doctor saddle you. I know now why I've been uneasy, Kimosabe. What you mean? I've lost the ring. Oh, that's plenty bad. Helped us out so many times. I'm beginning to think there's a good luck charm connected with it. When you have ring last? I took it off as I was bandaging your wound. I don't remember picking it up again. That's why we're heading for the cabin. Ah. How to peel like you do about ring. We get it back plenty fast. Are you ready? Are you ready? Get him up. Yeah, that's fine. I kind of like the fuse now. You'll wait until you get a signal from me. I want all the blasts to go off at the same time. We haven't set the one closest to the cabin. You understand? Yeah. I'll just wave my arm like this. It'll be light and you can see Eno. Very nut fellows. Heavy Silver getting life. Can't be sure, but aren't those men near the cabin? Maybe so. What are they working at? Them pigs. I don't like this tunnel. Maybe good thing you lose ring. Bring it here in time. In time for what? I thought we'd better find out. Their man wave arm as if he were signaling. He's looking upstream. Half pounder sea man up there in run a blast. Put a charge a blasting powder over there are the bank falling to river. That's what they're doing in the cabin too. They're lighting the fuse which goes off into the extra cabin and kills Harper Ker. A little group of men near the cabin started to run as the lone range gala raced toward them. The masked man knew the fuse had been lit. But not for a moment did he stop. Urging Silver to his greatest speed. Straight toward the sputtering fuse, he rose. At last. It's out. There's no more danger here. Their Mantown river. Open fire. They have another charge set after them. 10. The fuse on the down river blast was never lit. The outlaws scattered into the woods. But the Lone Ranger caught sight of one of the men just as he was mounting his horse. There. I know that man. Do it for John Kimberly. We've got to catch him. Get him up. Bill. Haywood cut away from his men and tried to lose the masked man of the Indian. He spurred his horse on desperately, but the thunder of hoops behind him drew closer and closer. I've got to shoot, but I can't wake up, buddy. Trust the luck. It's no good. I'll stop. Then I'll let him have it. Oh. Oh, boy. Oh, boy. Bill pulled his mount to a stop. Then he turned in his saddle and raised his arm to fire point blank at the Lone Ranger. But before his finger could squeeze the trigger. Oh, my Silver. Steady. Steady. Oh, scout. Hole and a hole. Get the gun. Well, Haywood, what's the exclamation of that? Blasting powder.