Flashback | The Lone Ranger (01-11-52)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns – Flashback: The Lone Ranger (01-11-52)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: September 4, 2025
Featured Story: "The Lone Ranger" (original air date: 01-11-52)
Length: ~32 minutes

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns brings a digitally restored presentation of a classic Lone Ranger radio drama from 1952. Listeners are transported to the golden age of radio, following the legendary masked hero as he braves the harsh desert, faces an old nemesis, and reminisces about pivotal moments in his past. The episode weaves action, backstory, and suspense, while reflecting on the importance of perseverance, friendship, and justice on the American frontier.

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Key Discussion Points & Adventure Summary

1. Opening and Set-Up

• [01:18-03:28]
  • The narrator introduces the Lone Ranger and his legendary status as a champion of justice in the Old West.
  • Scene set in Sanville, now a ghost town on the edge of a vast desert.

2. The Outlaws’ Plot

• [03:45-06:20]
  • Three men arrive in Sanville, having escaped through rough terrain after a jailbreak.
  • "If I had to do it again, I'd ride straight across the desert, cut the distance in two." – Slim ([04:22])
  • Judd Pine, the leader, orders Slim to send a message to the warden, intending to trap the Lone Ranger. They know the Ranger will soon visit a young friend, Dan Reed, and plan to use him as bait.

3. News of Danger

• [06:20-08:19]
  • The Lone Ranger visits the territorial prison and learns from the warden that Judd Pine has escaped.
  • The warden relays—"He’s a killer. And he’ll kill again unless he’s recaptured very soon." – Warden ([06:45])
  • The warden gives the Lone Ranger a letter describing Dan Reed’s illness and his whereabouts near Sanville.
  • "According to this letter, Dan left school and was traveling to meet me when he was taken ill." – Lone Ranger ([08:02])
  • The urgency to find Dan is established; the Lone Ranger leaves for Sanville.

4. The Desert Ordeal

• [08:51-12:53]
  • The Lone Ranger rides Silver across the desert, determined to reach Dan as quickly as possible.
  • Both the Lone Ranger and Silver are injured in a fall; with water running low, they are stranded under a merciless sun.
  • "We can't last long on this desert without water... Time must be the healer for both of us." – Lone Ranger ([10:10])
  • Vultures circle as they grow weaker. The Lone Ranger uses gunshots in hope someone will hear.

5. Remembering the Past

• [12:53-15:41; 16:52-22:16]
  • The Lone Ranger, fading in and out of consciousness, recalls major events in his backstory:
    • The first encounter and bonding with Silver, his wild stallion ([13:09-14:30]).
      • "Big horse. Shine like Silver." – Tonto ([14:26])
      • "Silver. That's it, Toddo. That's what we'll call him." – Lone Ranger ([14:30])
    • The Texas Ranger ambush, his rescue by Tonto, and the birth of the Lone Ranger persona.
      • "I'll wear a mask. I'll ride as a lone survivor. A Lone Ranger." – Lone Ranger ([18:25])
    • Memories of legendary Western figures and friends intersect with his fading grip on reality.

6. Rescue and Revelations

• [22:16-27:47]
  • Weak and out of water, the Lone Ranger fires his last bullets.
  • He hallucinates, but then Tonto actually arrives with water and supplies, reviving him ([24:43-25:08]).
    • "Me bring plenty water." – Tonto ([24:54])
  • They make camp on the desert, tending to wounds and exhaustion.
  • The Warden explains their coordinated search and reveals the truth: the letter luring the Lone Ranger to the desert was a hoax by Judd Pine, hoping to trap and kill him.
    • "Judd Pine was hiding there. It was he who sent the letter, hoping to lead you into a trap." – Warden ([26:57])
    • "Judd Pine is a clever crook. He never made a move without a lot of research and careful planning." – Tonto ([27:10])
  • Dan Reed is safe and joins the group, having traveled with Tonto.
    • "Your friend is awake." – Tonto ([27:53])
    • "Oh, golly. I'm sure glad to see you, sir." – Dan ([27:54])
  • The group reunites, and Judd Pine is taken back into custody.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "I vowed I'd get square with him. It's the last thing I ever do." – Judd Pine, revealing his vendetta against the Lone Ranger ([05:10])
• "I'll make all crooks regret the day you nursed a dying Ranger back to life. I'll keep my identity a secret... I'll wear a mask. I'll ride as a lone survivor. A Lone Ranger." – The Lone Ranger, recalling his origin ([18:25])
• "Silver. That's it, Toddo. That's what we'll call him." – The Lone Ranger, naming his famous horse ([14:30])
• "Those birds, Silver, they see us. They're watching. Well, I'll let them know we're not dead yet." – The Lone Ranger, signaling for rescue ([11:40])
• "Me bring plenty water." – Tonto, when he finally reaches his friend in the desert ([24:54])
• "By the time Silver’s ready for action, I'll be ready to give the word. Word?" – The Lone Ranger to Dan, signaling their enduring readiness for new adventures ([27:57])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:18] – Iconic opening narration and theme
• [03:45-06:20] – Outlaws plot their revenge against the Lone Ranger
• [06:36-08:19] – The warden and Lone Ranger discuss Dan Reed and the forged letter
• [09:00-11:55] – Lone Ranger and Silver collapse; desperate desert struggle
• [12:53-15:41; 16:52-22:16] – Lone Ranger's recollections: Silver's rescue, the Texas Ranger ambush, birth of the Lone Ranger identity, and Western legends
• [24:43] – Tonto rescues the Lone Ranger: water and hope return
• [26:02-27:10] – The truth of the ambush and Judd Pine’s plot is revealed
• [27:49-27:57] – Reunion with Dan Reed; restoration of hope

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Tone and Style

The episode maintains a tone of earnest heroism and nostalgia, characteristic of classic radio Westerns. The language is gallant, earnest, and richly evocative, brimming with camaraderie and the spirit of rugged perseverance.

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Summary Conclusion

This restored Lone Ranger broadcast is a masterclass in radio storytelling, interweaving life-and-death stakes with the hero's emotional and historical reflections. Listeners are treated both to high tension, as the Lone Ranger battles the elements and a cunning enemy, and to moments of deep personal recollection—tracing the roots of his enduring partnership with Silver and Tonto, and the legacy of justice in the West.

The episode not only thrills with action and suspense, but also honors the iconic mythos of the Lone Ranger—his origins, ethos, and unbreakable friendships. For new listeners and longtime fans alike, this is a stirring return to “those thrilling days of yesteryear.”

Transcript

[The Lone Ranger]

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[Andrew Ryans]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Ryans 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 a hearty hio. Silver the Lone Ranger, 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]

The Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver. Let's go. Big boat. I am Silver. Away.

[Narrator]

Sanville had been a small community of crude homes and a trading post built around a water hole at the western edge of a vast expanse of arid desert. Then the water hole went dry, people moved away and the place became a ghost town. For years, there had been no life in Sanville. Then three men rode in and drew rein in front of the old building that had been the trading post.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, boys, we made it. We didn't leave tracks that anyone can follow.

[Tonto]

Yeah, we made it, Jud. It was a mighty rough trip. I never saw ground as rugged and.

[The Lone Ranger]

Broken as the ground around the southern edge of the desert. The northern route is just as bad, Mark. Maybe worse. If I had to do it again, I'd ride straight across the desert, cut the distance in two. Slim, you talk like a tenderfoot. That desert is murder. Yeah, it's all alkali. Without a wagon, you couldn't carry enough water to see you through. Well, I'd rather risk it than take that southern trail again. I'm sorry to hear you say that, Slim. Why? Because you're starting out first thing tomorrow morning to travel the same route in the opposite direction. You mean back to prison? That's it. I want to send a message to the warden. But, Judd, Bud, Bart might have been seen by someone during the jailbreak. But I know that no one could possibly have seen you in the woods where you waited with the horses. So you're the one who will have to go by morning. Your horse will be rested. I don't see why you want to send a message to the warden. It's just so as you can gloat about escaping it. Isn't that at all slim. As a matter of fact, the note won't be for the warden to be addressed to a certain hombre who's due to call on the warden within the next few days. The man who caught me and turned.

[Tonto]

Me over to the law.

[The Lone Ranger]

The man that I can thank for being sentenced to jail for the rest of my life. I thought you were captured by the Lone Ranger. Right. I vowed I'd get square with him. It's the last thing I ever do. How do you know he'll call on the warden? Because I heard the warden talking about it. He had a letter from the masked man. He's expecting them around the first of the month. The warden is expecting the Lone Ranger? Yeah. And the Lone Ranger said in his letter that he was going to visit a young friend named Dan. A kid who's in school somewhere. Yeah, I've heard about that kid. His name is Dan Reed. He travels once in a while with the Lone Ranger in Tono. That's right. I figured he'd use Dan to bait a trap for them masked men.

[Narrator]

True to the promise made in the letter, Judd Pine had heard the warden talking about. The Lone Ranger reached the territorial prison on the first of the month for one of his infrequent visits with his friend, the warden. He was surprised to learn that the notorious highwayman and killer named Judd Pine had escaped.

[Tonto]

Yes, he broke out of jail a week ago. He had help from the outside. Too bad he wasn't hanged.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, there wasn't as much proof of murder as there was of thievery.

[Tonto]

He's a killer. And he'll kill again unless he's recaptured very soon.

[The Lone Ranger]

Have any tracks been found? No.

[Tonto]

I sent men out with bloodhounds. They found the place where someone waited with horses in the woods between here and the desert. They followed the trail into a swamp and lost it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Judd Pine was always clever.

[Tonto]

You and Toddo ran him to earth.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, Toddo has no equal at finding a trail.

[Tonto]

I hoped you might do it again. Is Toddo outside?

[The Lone Ranger]

Toddo isn't with me. Oh? He wanted to visit Indian friends while I call on you. We're to meet in an old camp in a few days, then go to visit Dan Reed. In the meantime, I'll see if I can find any trace of Jud Pine.

[Tonto]

I knew I could count on you. Oh, by the way, I have a letter here in my desk. It was delivered yesterday.

[The Lone Ranger]

A letter for you.

[Tonto]

Here it is.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thanks.

[Narrator]

The letter spoke of a teenaged boy named Dan Reed. Only the Lone Ranger Tottle and the boy himself knew that Dan was the masked man's only living relative. His nephew. The warden noticed lines of tension beneath the mask. The Lone Ranger finished reading, folded the letter slowly and put it into his pocket. His eyes met those of the warden.

[The Lone Ranger]

Warden, do you remember the boy who was with me the last time I called on you?

[Tonto]

Dan Reed? Yes, I remember him very well. A fine lad. He was going west from here to his school.

[The Lone Ranger]

According to this letter, Dan left school and was traveling to meet me when he was taken ill. He was found by a prospector not far from Sandville.

[Tonto]

Is that letter from him?

[The Lone Ranger]

No, it's from the prospector. The time he wrote, Dan had a raging fever. He kept asking for me and you.

[Tonto]

Must go to him. By all means.

[The Lone Ranger]

The letter was written several days ago. By this time, Dan may.

[Tonto]

He may have recovered. I wonder how the prospector knew you'd be here.

[The Lone Ranger]

Dan gave him several names. You, a padre, Thunder Martin. He says he's writing all of these people. I'll leave the letter with you. Warden Tyler will probably come here when I don't meet him. As we plan to show it to him.

[Tonto]

Very well. You're leaving for Sandville at once?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Tonto]

Need anything? Food?

[The Lone Ranger]

Water? No. I have food for several days. My canteens are full.

[Tonto]

Well, you know, I'll hope for the best.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sykes.

[Narrator]

Monsoon the old ranger knew that the shortest distance to Sandville was straight across the desert. With utmost confidence in the strength of his great horse, Silver, he challenged the biting alkali sand and the merciless sun. He traveled at a steady gape through the remainder of the afternoon and the coolness that came with night, pausing infrequently to rest Silver and bathe the horse's nostrils. Morning found him still traveling due west and planning to stop and rest through the blistering noonday. Then suddenly the great horse stumbled as his front hoop found a hole. Silver, the masked man, was thrown from the saddle. Both horse and rider crashed to. The masked man raised his head slowly. Then he sat up and a stab of pain in one leg brought an involuntary gasp to his lips. He felt at his leg. There was no broken bone, but the knee had been wrenched. Ligaments had probably been torn Silver was nearby, standing on three legs.

[The Lone Ranger]

You too, Silver. Come here, boy. Come to me.

[Narrator]

The gallant horse hobbled to the side of its fallen master who examined the injured leg.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thank goodness it's not broken. Looks like you've strained a muscle, Silver. Well, time must be the healer for both of us. How long can we stay here on the desert?

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger struggled to his feet, but the pain in one knee made him giddy. He fought back the dizziness until he had grasped his two canteens then sank back to the ground. There was a little water in one canteen, but the other, which had been full, was smashed and empty, split open.

[The Lone Ranger]

We can't last long on this desert without water. You wait. Rest until the sun is gone. Then try to travel.

[Narrator]

The hot afternoon dragged slowly, but at last the sun went down. The Lone Ranger's knee was badly swollen. When he stood, he had to lean against his horse or cling to the saddle for support. He used a little of the precious water to moisten a bandana and wipe Silver's nostrils and took a few drops for himself. Then he started westward. Progress was painfully slow. Silver hobbled on three legs while the masked man gripped the saddle pommel and limped alongside. Pain lanced from his toes to shoulder each time he put his weight on the injured leg. After an hour of effort marked by increasing agony he abandoned the attempt to travel and lay down on the sandy ground. Through the night, the man and horse slept fitfully. Then dawn and another day of desert sun began. Overhead, big birds circled slowly. Vultures waiting for death.

[The Lone Ranger]

Those birds, Silver, they see us. They're watching. Well, I'll let them know we're not dead yet. Perhaps someone will hear the shots.

[Narrator]

That night, when it was cooler, the masked man made another attempt to travel on foot. After less than half a mile, he realized that neither he nor Silver had strength to go on. The night was one of sleeplessness and hopelessness. During the searing heat of the next day, strange thoughts ran through the Lone Ranger's mind and there arose visions of the past.

[The Lone Ranger]

Our yesterday's, Silver. Our wonderful yesterday's. There was a day that I first saw you galloping wild and free as the wind. The king of the valley. Then the day I found you after your battle with a buffalo. You were lying bruised and torn, too weak to move, and I approached Tano. Tano was with me. Your eyes watched every move I made. But I came towards you.

[Narrator]

The scene in Green Valley was recalled vividly. It was long ago, when Silver had been a wild horse that had never known the Weight of a saddle or the restraint of a bit. The Lone Ranger could hear once more the things that he and Toto had said at the side of the untamed white stallion.

[Tonto]

White horse.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hurt bad? Yes. Toto, give me some water, please. I'll obey. These wounds. Steady there, old fellow. I want to help you.

[Tonto]

Here, you canteen. You hold Bandana. Me pour water first.

[The Lone Ranger]

I wipe the dust from his nostrils. There now. Steady, boy. I'll not hurt you.

[Tonto]

Morsel's eye is not frightened now.

[The Lone Ranger]

He seems to know I want to be a friend. Let me wash those wounds, fella. Steady, boy. Steady. Whoa, there. Don't try to stand.

[Tonto]

Oh, him stand? You not hold down horse like that?

[The Lone Ranger]

You beauty. I wouldn't try to hold you. You were unsteady, Silver, and puzzled. You had learned to look on men as enemies. You wanted to run away, but you were too weak. You stayed until your wounds were healed. You were strong. During that time, you learned that we were friends, Tonto and I. You trusted us. You let us put a hauler on you and a saddle. You let us teach you to become a partner. I remember the day you stood with your white coat brushed and shining. You were the most beautiful horse Tonto and I had ever seen.

[Tonto]

Kumasabe. Big horse. Shine like Silver.

[The Lone Ranger]

Silver. That's it. Toddo. That's what we'll call him. Easy. Steady. Easy now on, Silver. Come on, Silver. You've always responded. Vultures. Vultures overhead again. Drive them back. Maybe someone will hear the shots. Someone like Toddo came once before. I was about to die. It was long before I found you, Silver. It was in the days when I was a Texas Ranger. There were six of us, all Rangers. One was my brother, Dan's father. I wonder if Dan survived the crisis. He needed a Silver. That day when his father died, all six of us were ambushed in a canyon. I saw my friends go down. And then my brother. Then a bullet struck me.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger adventure. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sam sat.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger lay with a wrenched knee in the middle of the desert. Silver, the muscles of one leg, strained from a fall, was beside him. Heat and hunger tortured both man and horse. Half awake, half sleeping, the masked man relived adventures of the past. He recalled the day when he and other Texas Rangers had been ambushed by outlaws. He had been shot and seriously wounded. He regained consciousness in a cave and heard the voice of an Indian.

[Tonto]

Are you awake at last?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Tonto]

Danger pass now you get well.

[The Lone Ranger]

I remember an ambush.

[Tonto]

That right me find you in canyon and carry you here.

[The Lone Ranger]

You. You seem familiar.

[Tonto]

Ah, many year ago when you boy, you find Indian boy in trouble, you help him.

[The Lone Ranger]

I remember his name. His name was Tonto.

[Tonto]

Ah, me Tonto.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tonto. My brothers, my friends. There were six of us in the canyon.

[Tonto]

Other Rangers.

[The Lone Ranger]

All dead. All dead.

[Tonto]

Me bury five men, make six mounds of dirt. Outlaws think you die with others.

[The Lone Ranger]

Then you're the only one who knows I'm still alive.

[Tonto]

That's right. Outlaws not know you live to get revenge.

[The Lone Ranger]

The lone survivor. I'll make those crooks pay, Toto. I'll make all crooks regret the day you nursed a dying Ranger back to life. I'll keep my identity a secret. Let it remain buried with the bodies of. Of my partners. I'll wear a mask. I'll ride as a lone survivor. A lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger remembered that time very well as he lay helpless on the desert. Bright stars seemed very close to earth that night. Weak from thirst and hunger, the Lone Ranger was hardly aware of the dull pain in his leg. The water was gone and almost all of his cartridges had been spent. There was little left for him but memories. Then full consciousness returned. For a moment, the Lone Ranger shifted his position. The slight movement sent new stabs of pain through his swollen leg. Then he lay back and closed his eyes. He seemed to be riding the great white horse. He thought he felt wind beat against his face. He thought he heard the thundering hoof beats. He was living again the thrilling adventure when he carried word from General Custer to the captain of a detachment of troops.

[The Lone Ranger]

Easy, said he, big fella. General Custer sent me to head you off. There are Indians waiting in the woods ahead. If you proceed as planned, your troopers will be ambushed. Am I supposed to take the word of a masked man? Why did General Custer send you? You had a full day start, Captain. I was the only one with a fresh horse, the only one with a chance to overtake you.

[Tonto]

Do you expect me to believe that? It's probably a trick. We'll proceed as planned.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, there may be one way to convince you I'm telling the truth. See what happens when I ride into the woods. I'll prove their Indians waiting. Monsieur.

[Narrator]

A masked man drew fire from the Indians rifles to prove his point. The captain ordered the charge. And the Indian's plan to surprise the troopers was defeated.

[The Lone Ranger]

Remember that fight, Silver? Both you and I were wounded. That other time when five outlaws waiting to kill Wild Bill Hickok, the lawman when he came out of a cafe, Don and I learned of the plan and arrived just as Wild Bill opened the door. Oh, Bill. Stay back. Stay back. Let him have it, boys. Why, you dirty dry cultures. Out. Wait a minute, Bill. They're gone. Mask. You sneak. An owl hooter. No. Stop. I hated to do it, Bill, but there was no time to tell you I was on your side. Totto.

[Tonto]

You hurt Kimothlammy.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm all right, but I had to wing Bill in self defense. Help me with him. Take your hands off me, both of you. Don't wound my arm. It's just a flesh wound. Bill, I'm sorry, but I had to shoot to keep you from killing me. I still can't figure why you. It was a trap. Those gun hands were waiting for you. Well, aren't you one of them? Todd and I are not outlaws. You've made a lot of enemies, Wild Bill Hickok. Every lawman does. Toto overheard your murder being planned. We tried to help you. I see. I can't figure out how you outgunned me. I had the drop on you. But I've heard of only one gent who can handle a six gun as fast as I can. You must be that man.

[Tonto]

You're the Lone Ranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

Do you remember the Hickok, Silver? Do you remember Thunder Martin? And the way he talked about his friend Clarabelle Hornblow? What if she does have a face like a horse? I've seen some downright handsome horses. Thunder was devoted to Clarabelle. Let anybody try saying anything bad about Clarabelle. Let him try. That's all I ask. I'll unhitch his arm and knock his ears off with his own elbow. Oh, there never was a pair like Thunder and Clarabel. I remember old Roy being the judge of Vinegaroon and Calamity Jane. And Barnaby Boggs. Doc Halliday, Pawnee Bill and Buffalo Bill. Ma Hank, Wyatt Earp, the James boys and the Younger brothers. Lawmen. Lawmen and builders. Outlaws and renegades. Yes, I see them all. Seem to be walking toward a great white light. And there's the padre. That light. That light. Silver. It's a sun come to torture us again. Not a drop of water left. Only six bullets. I'll fire three now, three more later and pray that someone's near enough to.

[Narrator]

The sun rose higher and higher in the sky, its searing rays beating down on the panting horse. And his half conscious master, the Lone Ranger, raised himself painfully.

[The Lone Ranger]

Three bullets left, Silver. I'll fire them now. It's no use. There's nobody. Nobody to hear them.

[Narrator]

What?

[The Lone Ranger]

Silver. I'm hearing voices again.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger mustered his strength to lift his head and turn his glazed eyes toward the west. He saw his friend approaching but thought it was only another figment of imagination. Then he sank to the ground, unconscious.

[Tonto]

Kimasabi.

[The Lone Ranger]

Taro. Is it. Is it true? Are you really here?

[Tonto]

Me here? Kimasabe.

[The Lone Ranger]

How?

[Tonto]

You take a sip of water. Then me bathe. Face some more water.

[The Lone Ranger]

Water.

[Tonto]

Me bring plenty water.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's good. But Silver is.

[Tonto]

He gives silver water too. Him be all right? Plenty. Soon we camp here till him ready to walk.

[The Lone Ranger]

Camp here? Tahno.

[Tonto]

The desert men come with heavy wagon. Plenty food, water and tent for shelter. You drink some more water now. Then have little food.

[The Lone Ranger]

But Taro. Dan Reed. He sent for me. Dan is sent.

[Tonto]

Dan Reed. Him all right. Now you drink, eat, then rest. Later me tell you all about Dan Reed.

[Narrator]

It was later in the day when the Lone Ranger awakened and felt considerably refreshed. Moreover, swelling in his leg had started to subside. He found himself in the shade of a tarpaulin thrown over a light frame. Nearby, he saw a heavy wagon and a team of strong horses. The warden was at his side with Toto. There was more water and a nourishing broth. While he ate, the Lone Ranger heard the warden's story.

[Tonto]

You left Toddo at a Padres mission when you came to see me.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's right.

[Tonto]

Warden Toddo planned to visit Indian friends and meet you in a camp.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Tonto]

Toddo changed his plans. He didn't call on Thundercloud. He came directly to the prison. And Dan Reed was with him.

[The Lone Ranger]

With Toddo? Yes.

[Tonto]

Dan had a vacation from school, so he went to the mission hoping to find you and his Indian friends. He and Tonto arrived soon after you left on your trip to Sandville.

[The Lone Ranger]

But that letter.

[Tonto]

Inasmuch as Dan was with Tonto, we knew the letter was a lie. We tried to overtake you. We didn't know whether you'd travel around the southern side of the desert or the northern side. So Tondo and Dan took the south trail accompanied by one of my men. Another man and I rode around the northern edge of the desert. We met in Sandville and there was a gunfight.

[The Lone Ranger]

A gunfight? Yes.

[Tonto]

Jud Pine was hiding there. It was he who sent the letter, hoping to lead you into a trap.

[The Lone Ranger]

A clever trap. It sounded convincing because he mentioned so many people I knew.

[Tonto]

Judd Pine is a clever crook. He never made a move without a lot of research and careful planning. He must have known you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, then he's back in prison.

[Tonto]

Yes. And with him, the two men who helped him escape. One of whom delivered Judd's letter.

[The Lone Ranger]

But you, Toto, here.

[Tonto]

We knew you were traveling towards Sandville. The only route we hadn't covered was straight across the desert. The fact that you hadn't reached your destination convinced Toddo you'd met with trouble. Toddle rode ahead. I followed with a wagon and supplies for any emergency.

[The Lone Ranger]

But Dan. Dan Reed.

[Tonto]

Where is he? Outside with Silver. Dan.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, sir.

[Tonto]

Your friend is awake.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, golly. I'm sure glad to see you, sir. Dan. Oh, Silver. Oh, he's fine, sir. He'll be as good as new in a short time. But how about you? My knee is improving, Dan. By the time Silver's ready for action, I'll be ready to give the word. Word? I'll tell you, warden, I owe Silver away.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger in Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Enterprises and directed by Charles D. Livingston. Tonight's drama was written by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer.

[The Lone Ranger]

Foreign.

[Andrew Ryans]

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 our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. 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 copyrighted under the Attribution non Commercial Share alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sam.