Fools Gold for the Doctor | The Lone Ranger (09-16-40)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns: "Fools Gold for the Doctor" – The Lone Ranger (09-16-40)

Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Release Date: September 6, 2025
Classic Air Date: September 16, 1940
Length: ~30 min (main content ~00:48–28:43)

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Episode Overview

This installment of Old Time Radio Westerns showcases a digitally restored presentation of a classic Lone Ranger episode. Titled “Fools Gold for the Doctor,” the story revolves around Doc Withers, a well-meaning country doctor recently returned home after the Civil War. He is ensnared in a “get rich quick” gold mining scheme by the sly Cap Gabber, only to find his fortunes transform in a much different way when the Lone Ranger rides to his rescue. The episode explores themes of trust, community, selfless service, and true wealth.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Highlights

1. Doc Withers Returns Home (03:21–05:20)

• Doc Withers has returned to his family in Gilpin County, Colorado, after serving as a military doctor in the Civil War.
  • Family dynamics: His daughter Margie and wife Jesse are delighted but grounded regarding Doc’s generosity and lack of business sense.
  • The town is abuzz with rumors about returning soldiers, gold claims, and especially about Cap Gabber, Doc’s old army captain.

Notable Quote:

"Always wanting to do 10 times as much as he gets paid for."
— Margie Withers (04:11)

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2. Cap Gabber's Gold Mining Scheme (05:59–08:53)

• Cap Gabber is depicted as slick and persuasive, performing suspicious mining activities and firing three “danger signal” shots to lure attention.
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto, hearing the shots, determine to investigate, suspecting someone may need help (07:37).

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3. Doc Withers Is Hooked (08:35–11:49)

• Cap Gabber manipulates Doc Withers with promises of easily obtained gold and a better future for his family.
• Doc Withers, overwhelmed by the prospect, agrees to buy Gabber’s claim for $600—all his life savings.

Notable Quote:

"You see all these yellow flakes? Gold, my friend. Pure gold… The gold that turns a poorer man into a king."
— Cap Gabber (09:02)

• Margie and Jesse are suspicious; Margie confronts Doc bluntly about his dealings with “that swindling, scheming, talking crook” (11:03).

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4. The Truth About Fool’s Gold (12:03–13:40)

• Doc anxiously awaits an assay on his new claim, only to be told:

  "That stuff you brought in is... pyrites. Fool’s gold, that’s all."
  — Assay Office Clerk (12:24)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto intervene, revealing Gabber’s trick and inviting Doc to trust their plan, hinting at the respect and gratitude Doc has unknowingly accumulated.

Notable Quote:

"You've got a reserve that's worth a lot more than cash. Do you realize the number of men that would break their necks to help you?"
— Lone Ranger (13:44)

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5. The Plan for Redemption (15:32–17:59)

• The Lone Ranger organizes Doc’s many grateful friends—men whose lives Doc touched or saved—to help rebuild his home and “work” the claim (which is, in reality, a community project, not a gold mine).
• Doc is gently cajoled into listing his friends, orchestrating mutual aid.

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6. Community Mobilizes (18:11–19:43)

• Former soldiers and townspeople respond enthusiastically; Doc’s reputation and past service inspire broad support.
• Men arrive en masse to help, turning the failed gold claim into a hub of communal labor and fellowship.

Notable Moment:
Multiple characters reminisce about Doc’s past kindnesses:

"What I've got’s his."
— Various townsfolk, pledging support (17:38)

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7. Cap Gabber's Suspicion and Comeuppance (20:35–27:10)

• Gabber is bewildered by Doc’s good fortune and the construction at the worthless claim. He senses there’s a secret to the value but is continually stonewalled by Doc and Margie (21:10–22:14).
• Desperate, Gabber tries to buy the claim back for more money, involving the local sheriff as a witness (23:13–24:43).
  • Doc agrees, but after the deal is signed, it’s revealed that all the “ore” being removed is merely used to fill in a swamp for a new road and that the "fortune" is the cash Gabber himself just paid.

Notable Exchange:

Gabber: "Where’s the cash coming from?"
Lone Ranger: "You just gave the cash to Dr. Withers. He’ll pay the men with that." (26:33–26:37)

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8. Resolution & Moral (27:10–28:43)

• Gabber is left regretful, owning a worthless, half-built shack, while Doc’s home and the town’s road are improved, and his friends are paid.
• The episode closes with a reaffirmation of the wisdom in valuing friendship, character, and community over material greed.

Notable Quote:

"You got what you deserve."
— Doc Withers, to Gabber (27:10)

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Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• Margie’s Wisdom: "You mark what I say. If Gabby Gabber gets sick, you make sure he’s got cash. ... Don’t go feeling generous just because Gabber was your captain." (05:36)
• Assay Office Reality: "Doc, that stuff you brought in is the same as a pack of the samples I have seen. Parietes. Fool's gold, that's all." (12:24)
• Lone Ranger’s Guidance: "You stored up a reserve that's worth a lot more than cash." (13:44)
• Community Loyalty: "He saved my life... What I've got's his." (17:36–17:39)
• Gabber’s Downfall: "Sheriff, I've been fleeced." (26:46)

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Key Takeaways

• True wealth is measured by community, generosity, and earned respect—not by gold.
• Doc Withers’s selfless service comes back to save him when he’s at his lowest.
• Cap Gabber's trickery literally backfires—he pays to repair the town and Doc's home.
• The Lone Ranger orchestrates justice, not through violence, but through cleverness and community strength.

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Episode Structure (Timestamps)

• 00:00–00:48 — Intro (skip)
• 00:48–03:06 — Lone Ranger narration & setup
• 03:06–05:20 — Doc Withers returns, family discussion, town rumors
• 05:59–08:53 — Gabber’s scheme, Lone Ranger hears shots
• 08:35–11:49 — Gabber lures Doc, Doc buys claim, family argues
• 12:03–13:40 — Assay office reveals the truth
• 13:40–15:32 — Lone Ranger intervenes, initiates plan
• 15:32–17:59 — Organizing doc’s friends & town support
• 18:11–19:43 — Community action
• 20:35–22:25 — Gabber’s suspicion, confronts Doc and Margie
• 23:13–24:43 — Gabber involves sheriff, wants deal reversed
• 24:43–26:46 — Deal closes, reveal of the ruse
• 27:10–28:43 — Resolution, Gabber’s regret, closing

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Final Impression

This restored Lone Ranger episode captures the spirit of Old Time Radio at its best, combining melodrama, Western tropes, and sharp social commentary—reminding listeners that the bonds formed by integrity and kindness endure far longer than fool’s gold.

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Transcript

[Doc Withers]

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 a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi O. Silver. The Lone Ranger. The 10 years following the close of the Civil War was filled with unrest even in the western United States. And it was during this period that the Masked Rider of the Plains accomplished some of his greatest work in the cause of justice. With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, he fought crime and criminals throughout the new territory. And it was he more than any other man who brought law and order to the lawless frontier. 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.

[Doc Withers]

Hello, Silver. We're heading for the hill country. Hello, Silver. Hooray.

[Narrator]

After Lee's surrender, Doc Withers was mustered out of the army and returned to his wife and daughter in Gilpin County, Colorado.

[Doc Withers]

My sake's alive. How you've grown up, Margie. Why, you're a woman now.

[Margie Withers]

I do declare poor old silly. I'm only two years older than I was. Two years is a lot when it turns a girl from 15 to go. Nine, 18, Margie. It hasn't changed poor any. No, I'm afraid it ain't. He's still got the same big hearted look about him that's kept us poor all our lives. I won't complain. Hey, I'm that glad to have you back safe and sound. Oh, it must have been a frightful thing that war.

[Captain Gabber]

It sure was.

[Doc Withers]

But by ginger, I can say one thing about our company. Them boys all went home in better shape than they was when they joined.

[Margie Withers]

I might have knowed that. I suppose when you was called on to patch up a scratched arm or something, you wouldn't rest contented. It overhauled the critter in every way.

[Doc Withers]

Well, I learned a lot in that there army, Jesse.

[Margie Withers]

I expect so. I can just see you curing gout and rheumatism and pulling out the teeth that wasn't no good. And taking off the corns and everything else when some soldier wanted nothing more and something to cure his stomach ache. Oh, Ma, I never see a man like your father. Normal laugh, Margy. Always wanting to do 10 times as much as he gets paid for. I'll never forget the time he went to Sid Hart's place when the young un had the measles. Before he was done, he'd fixed up Sid and his wife and all seven of the youngsters. And all in the world he'd got for it was half a peck of.

[Doc Withers]

Taters what they was prying potatoes. Jesse.

[Margie Withers]

Well, you're home and we still got a little cash left in the bank. Now let's hope you get some customers with cash real soon.

[Doc Withers]

There was quite a number of Colorado boys in the army. Reckon I had most of them in my company.

[Margie Withers]

They all come back here?

[Doc Withers]

Oh, most of them have foolish notions about finding gold, getting rich quick and all that sort of thing.

[Margie Withers]

Oh, I heard that Mr. Gabber has come back.

[Doc Withers]

Gabber what? Well, he was captain of our company. Cap Gabber. So he's back, eh?

[Margie Withers]

They were talking about him in the store today. There's talk that he's got a good thing in that old claim he's taken before he went to war.

[Doc Withers]

Yes.

[Margie Withers]

Don't know how true it is. I wouldn't trust Gabber any further than I can throw a half of Gilpin County.

[Doc Withers]

Why, Jesse, Cap Gabber's all right. What's the matter with him?

[Margie Withers]

His talk.

[Doc Withers]

Talk?

[Margie Withers]

He's too doggone slick and smooth. Puts me in mind of a well greased wagon wheel. The way slick words slide out when he starts talking.

[Doc Withers]

Dirndest woman I ever see judge a man because of the way he talks.

[Margie Withers]

Just the same, Hay Withers, you mark what I say. If Gabby Gabber gets sick, you make sure he's got cash. If he started a story going round that he struck a gold mine and that no good claim of his, he's fiction to borrow money. Don't you lend him none, you hear? You ain't got no cash to lend. And don't go feeling generous just because Gabber was your captain.

[Narrator]

Outside of town, in the hills of Gilpin County, Cap Gabber lived in a small shack. One morning he worked hard on his claim with pickaxe and shovel for several hours and then there.

[Captain Gabber]

Reckon that'll do.

[Narrator]

Her captain threw down his shovel, picked up his rifle, tamped some yellow dust into the muzzle with a ramrod, aimed it at the ground and.

[Captain Gabber]

Better reload and give it a couple of more shots just to make sure. No use taking chances on anything not going right.

[Narrator]

Gabber reloaded his gun and once again tamped yellow dust into the muzzle.

[Captain Gabber]

You're the most likely critter I know is Doc Withers. Besides, he's got cash money left now right in the same Place.

[Narrator]

The shots echoed and re echoed through the hills miles away. The Lone Ranger and his faithful Indian companion Tonto heard them. Two shots. Tada. Can you tell where they came from? Sound that way. That's a third. Three shots. That bad sign. Three shots is the danger signal. Kimasabe. That plenty long way off. Someone may have fallen from a ledge or into an old abandoned shaft. Here, Silver. We ride. Of course we're riding. When people fire three shots, it's because they want help and want it badly. Tonto, get ready.

[Captain Gabber]

Here.

[Narrator]

Scout. Do you think you can locate where those shots came from? How to try. Steady there. Silver. You never object to cinching up? We ride east. Maybe find feller that way. There aren't any gold mines east of us. That's reason where gold mine located. Plenty feller around. Where no gold mine, no one lives. You've hit it. East of here. There are lots of abandoned shafts. Someone has probably dropped into one. Really?

[Doc Withers]

You ready? Kill old scout. Three shots.

[Narrator]

The danger signal started the Lone Ranger and Tonto on a search for trouble. They went along the narrow trails, listening for the signal to be repeated. But when no more shots were heard, Tonto's sense of direction became their only guide. Several hours passed. And then halfway down a hill. Two men there, Tanto. They don't seem to be in any trouble. And one colored deacon crown. There's a shack there, too. I didn't know there were any prospectors in this part of the county. No gold here. I suppose a lot of men from the army came out here. I've heard of the mustering out of the soldiers. The way so many of them headed west. We'll see what those two are doing. I doubt if the signal we heard could have meant anything. It hasn't been repeated. Quiet, boy.

[Captain Gabber]

Just dig your own sample, Doc. That's the best way. I don't want you to have any idea I'm trying to put anything over on you.

[Doc Withers]

Gosh, Captain Gabby, I don't know nothing about gold. If this here was cutting some poor critter up or curing aches and pains or something.

[Captain Gabber]

You don't have to know anything about gold mining. You know the gold's worth money, don't you?

[Doc Withers]

Sure I do.

[Captain Gabber]

You know that there's an office in town that'll assay your gold sample and tell you just what the claim is worth.

[Doc Withers]

Heard about it. I reckon that's a sample.

[Captain Gabber]

Now hold the sack. Throw it in. Now look. You see here? You see all these yellow flakes? Gold, my friend. Pure gold. The queen of the medals. The gold that men die for. The gold that turns a poorer man into a king. The medal will buy your wife and daughter all the things that bring joy to a woman's heart. Imagine, travel. Take them to the big cities, New York, Chicago. And buy them fine silks and jewels. Why, you can take them to Europe if you want to.

[Doc Withers]

Gosh, Captain Gabby.

[Captain Gabber]

Now, Doc, I told in the army that I'd never forget what you did for these boys.

[Doc Withers]

I know, Cap, but you see, I.

[Captain Gabber]

Want to pay my debt. Besides, I must leave here. Relatives in the east, you know, can't stay on it. I must sell my claim. And I want to be sure the man who gets it will be a deserving man. And that's why I called you.

[Doc Withers]

You say all this yellow stuff is gold?

[Captain Gabber]

That's right.

[Doc Withers]

How much you reckon this sack is worth?

[Captain Gabber]

Oh, well, that doesn't amount to anything. Well, you dug that with only a few shovels, and that was off the surface. The ore gets richer as you dig deeper.

[Doc Withers]

But what do you reckon she'd be worth this sack for a meal?

[Captain Gabber]

Take it to town. The clerk there can tell. I'll go with you. And if you want to grab this chance, we can close the deal right there on the spot.

[Doc Withers]

There. Just look, Jesse, look. Silk for a new dress for you and one for Maggie.

[Margie Withers]

A new silk dress? Oh, Paul Bingwettin. Our savings bank account.

[Doc Withers]

And here, Jesse, see this? These here earrings come all the way from New York. They're for you. And you know all I had to do to pay for the whole thing?

[Margie Withers]

Throw out our savings.

[Doc Withers]

No, siree. I stuck a spade in the ground, dumped the ground to a sack, and that was it. There was gold enough in just what I dug in two minutes, mind you, to buy all that.

[Margie Withers]

You been talking to Gabby?

[Doc Withers]

Why, we're going to. Huh?

[Margie Withers]

Hey.

[Doc Withers]

With us, Jesse. He had to leave. His folks in the east needed him. He wanted to repay me for all I'd done for the soldiers in his cup.

[Margie Withers]

How much?

[Doc Withers]

Now, look here.

[Margie Withers]

I said, how much did you give that swindling, scheming, talking crook?

[Doc Withers]

Well, what's the odds? We're going.

[Margie Withers]

Oh, hey, I tried to warn you. I told you to watch that. Daloot. I know this country better than you do, you poor, innocent old fool. Mama, maybe Paul had him to see me.

[Doc Withers]

I did. That's just it, Cap. Gabby went right to the office with me.

[Margie Withers]

I bet he did.

[Doc Withers]

I paid him for his claim, give him just $600. He wanted 2,000. But we only had 600.

[Margie Withers]

So you give him all the head.

[Doc Withers]

Oh, hey.

[Margie Withers]

Oh, Ma, stop crying. Stop clicking on. So. We haven't lost the house yet. And you don't know a thing about this gold, Min. For all we know, it might be real Gamma selling. It's so cheap there ain't a chance of it. Well, anyway, there's no harm in waiting till we find out.

[Doc Withers]

Now, Paul.

[Margie Withers]

Take some more of the ground into their state office tomorrow, won't you, Paul?

[Doc Withers]

Oh. Oh, yeah, sure thing, Margie.

[Margie Withers]

Ma, you put off crying till we hear what's what.

[Narrator]

On the following day, Doc Willard paced the floor of the assay office while he waited for his report. Finally, the clerk came out of the small back room and you.

[Doc Withers]

You got the report? You got her finished? It's all done, Doc. Well, well, speak up. What's it worth? Did you get this from the same place you did the sample yesterday? Sure. Same claim, same place.

[Captain Gabber]

Tell me what she's worth.

[Doc Withers]

I'm waiting. Look, Doc, why do you want to fiddle around with gold mining? The folks here needs a doctor a sight more than they need another prospector. Never mind sidetracking me, Jim. Gimme the report. What's he worth? I hate to tell you, Doc. What do you mean? Ain't it as good as yesterday? No, taint as good. Well, what's it worth? A ton? Nothing. What? Doc, that stuff you brought in is the same as a pack of the samples I have seen. Parietes. Fool's gold, that's all. Tis mean, you say. I. I've been stung, Doc. What in the hell?

[Narrator]

Doctor, with this mask.

[Doc Withers]

Where in Tonga did you come from? Who are you? This is a robbery.

[Narrator]

It isn't a robbery. Maybe the doctor just dug in the wrong place for his sample of ore. You come with me.

[Doc Withers]

Well, where. Where are you going?

[Narrator]

There's a man who needs your attention badly. Are you coming or will I take you?

[Doc Withers]

You mean I got a patient?

[Narrator]

Come on.

[Doc Withers]

You needn't be so fired definite about it, stranger.

[Narrator]

You needn't say too much where that clerk can hear you. Here he is, Tutter.

[Doc Withers]

Redskin, eh? What's aiming?

[Narrator]

He's not the patient, Doctor. It's your own welfare that we're going to take care of right now, eh? You've been swindled and very badly. But it needn't be the finish. That man Gabber pulled an old, old trick on you.

[Doc Withers]

I was afeared of that after talking with Jesse. I reckon I'm just a dog gone old fool.

[Narrator]

But you're not you have more of a savings account than either you or your wife realize.

[Doc Withers]

I know what my savings was.

[Narrator]

But you didn't then. You still don't. You stored up a reserve that's worth a lot more than cash. Do you realize the number of men in this part of the country that would break their necks to help you?

[Doc Withers]

Well, I can't ask for help. I made my bed. Now I've.

[Narrator]

You've got to listen to me. Who are you? Come on. You'll ride with me on Silver.

[Doc Withers]

Now, look, stranger, before I ride with you, you gotta take.

[Narrator]

We don't want to waste time.

[Doc Withers]

That's Jessie. What's the report?

[Margie Withers]

Is the gold mine worth anything or not?

[Narrator]

Tell her you'll see you later. You're going back to the claim right.

[Margie Withers]

Now, down from that horse. If you're gone club local. You can't ride a horse like that.

[Doc Withers]

Jesse, I'm going to the claim, but I can't do it. This gent. This man here.

[Narrator]

Come back by and by.

[Doc Withers]

I'll see. All sit on the hooray. Doc. Doc.

[Margie Withers]

Hey, come back here.

[Doc Withers]

Help.

[Margie Withers]

It's the doctor. He's being carried off. There he goes.

[Doc Withers]

A masked man's got him.

[Margie Withers]

A masked man in the Redskin.

[Doc Withers]

Get a posse. Get the sheriff. Get my husband back.

[Narrator]

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

[Doc Withers]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Satan, the Lone Ranger and Tonto rode out of town with Doc Withers and headed for the claim. When they reached the shack where Gabber had lived, the masked man outlined a series of improvements. Build out from this side of the shack for a big living room. Then from that side they make a kitchen and bedrooms. The shack itself will become a hall.

[Doc Withers]

That house you're describing, stranger, would cost a mint of money.

[Narrator]

Back there you'll have a saddle shed and stables to take care of 20 horses.

[Captain Gabber]

Oh, now look.

[Doc Withers]

This year's all grand talk.

[Narrator]

The shack will serve as your office for the time being. You see, we'll put about 10 men to work on digging the mine. The dirt will fly when they get started.

[Doc Withers]

Oh, that's enough. I can't listen to such tommy rot. Why, I don't have a dime.

[Narrator]

You forget what I told you, Withers. You have a reserve account to draw from.

[Doc Withers]

No, I haven't.

[Narrator]

There are at least 20 men in this part of the country and they'll all help you. But, stranger, give me the names of the men that you count on as your friends and let Me do the rest. Just act as if you were going to pay them handsomely for their work.

[Doc Withers]

I ain't that good an actor. I can't pay a thing.

[Narrator]

You'll pay them all, and in cash. And while we're at it, we're going to fix up your house in town. Now sit down somewhere and give me that list of names. Come with us. Tato and I have a lot of riding to do. You to do nothing but keep quiet.

[Captain Gabber]

Keep quiet.

[Narrator]

And remember that you're going to spend a lot of money. Lots of money. The Lone Ranger and Tato rode in opposite directions, calling on Silver and Scout for their greatest speed. When the last man reached the home of Caleb Walters, he reined up and shouted, Caleb.

[Doc Withers]

Caleb. Come out here working.

[Narrator]

It's Doc with us.

[Captain Gabber]

Good old Doc.

[Doc Withers]

What's about him?

[Narrator]

Take your best horse and a wagon and tools. He wants you to work for him. He needs you.

[Doc Withers]

I give my arm for him.

[Captain Gabber]

He saved my life.

[Narrator]

He wants you to help him.

[Doc Withers]

What I got's his.

[Captain Gabber]

Where I go and when.

[Doc Withers]

Withers? You bet I'll go to him. Maggie. Maggie. Pack things up. We're heaven. Forgot where this place. He needs it.

[Narrator]

Come on, Silver. Leave six more men to see. That only knew how these men are rushing to his help. He realized that money isn't everything.

[Doc Withers]

Get along there. Get going.

[Narrator]

Four nightfall, a dozen men were riding toward the little shack in the hills of Gilpin County. Their own work was set aside. It was Doc Withers who needed them. And they welcomed a chance to help the generous old man they love.

[Doc Withers]

Hi, he. Where you going? Doc Withers. No Doc Withers. I beat you there. Hey, Boss Pete. Jee it's the old 79 parts. Hillary gets together again. Doc Withers sent for me. We're all going there. There's Steve Jackson coming in from the south. Get up there.

[Narrator]

Wagons of every description, men on horseback, men who had fought side by side through the shock and shell of war. United once again to serve a common cause. As they neared their destination, they saw more friends coming from the west. The men who had been called by Tonto. A rousing cry rose from both parties.

[Doc Withers]

What Doc Withers want? Where's Doc?

[Captain Gabber]

What do we do now?

[Doc Withers]

Where are we going?

[Narrator]

And then from the north raced a solitary rider on a snow white horse. The man who had brought them together. He reined up and Alice hurried away.

[Doc Withers]

Men, Dr. Withers is waiting north of here. Just show us. Lead the way. We're right behind. 79. This year.

[Narrator]

There was a gala reunion when the men reached the worthless claim that Dr. Withers had bought. The doctor listened in amazement while the Lone Ranger took charge and explained his plan. Then the work began. The men divided into three groups and one went to work with their axes on the nearest trees. As the trees fell, their branches were lopped off and trimmed. Construction work began. Foundation piles were set in place. Then stringers and risers, a huge addition to the shack, began to take form in town. The second gang was to work remodeling and enlarging the little Withers home. In spite of Mrs. Withers protests, that.

[Margie Withers]

Man took leave of his senses.

[Doc Withers]

Margie, what's got into it? I don't know, Ma.

[Margie Withers]

We're sure going to have a scrumptious place.

[Narrator]

You ever heard the talk that circulated around town? Finally, his curiosity got the better on him. He run out to the claim and found Dr. Withers. Whoa, Withers.

[Captain Gabber]

Thought I'd find you here. Lots going on around this place, huh? Oh, Captain Gabby, I see you're hauling out the ore. Oh, sure.

[Doc Withers]

Ain't no good laying there in the ground, you know.

[Captain Gabber]

I was wondering where you were taking it.

[Doc Withers]

Captain Gabby, I'm afraid I can't tell you that.

[Captain Gabber]

You don't know?

[Doc Withers]

Well, you see, I sort of got.

[Captain Gabber]

A partner now, and he's made me.

[Doc Withers]

Promise not to say anything.

[Captain Gabber]

The gold content.

[Doc Withers]

Funny thing, Captain Gabby. Taint gold that's here.

[Captain Gabber]

Not gold.

[Doc Withers]

Sharks.

[Narrator]

No.

[Doc Withers]

Why, I bet you there ain't a dollar's worth of gold and 10 tons of that there stuff. Not in a hundred tons of it.

[Captain Gabber]

Then what is the value? Perhaps silver.

[Doc Withers]

You'll never guess it in a million years, Cap. Here comes Margie.

[Margie Withers]

Whatever to tell you.

[Doc Withers]

Bye and bye, Margie. Right now I'm busy with Captain Gabby.

[Margie Withers]

Just wanted to tell you it's going to cost about $3,000 for the things we want to do at the house.

[Doc Withers]

3,000, eh?

[Margie Withers]

Well, I thought I'd let you know because the first of the month is tea day. You want to see about having a little cash sent here from.

[Captain Gabber]

From where, Ms. Withers?

[Margie Withers]

Oh, I almost forgot. I. I shouldn't say anything in front of strangers, should I, Pa?

[Narrator]

Strangers?

[Captain Gabber]

Just hear the girl, Doc, calling me a stranger. Why, child, I'm the man who sold this to your father. Tell her about me, Doc.

[Margie Withers]

I'm still not supposed to say anything. You know what the next yes man said, Paul?

[Doc Withers]

Yes, that's right, Margie. Just so. We got to keep our own counsel these days. Yes, sir.

[Captain Gabber]

Yes, man.

[Doc Withers]

Stand over there, Cap. See that tall jet Watching the digging?

[Captain Gabber]

Oh, yeah.

[Doc Withers]

He's sort in charge, you see. Can't say nothing without him.

[Captain Gabber]

Well, I'll go and say hello to him if you don't mind.

[Doc Withers]

Mind? Sure not. I'd heap sooner you talk to him. Go right ahead, Cap. Go right ahead.

[Captain Gabber]

All right. So long, Doc. Prime is. Get up, old. Get along there.

[Margie Withers]

Get along darn crooked old tennip.

[Doc Withers]

Isn't it funny the way he trapped Gabby's nose around Margie?

[Margie Withers]

Oh, I'm worried we're pin up a side of Dick.

[Doc Withers]

I'm worried about that too, honey. But the masked man says to sit tight and say nothing.

[Margie Withers]

Ma must be sign herself with all that's going on.

[Doc Withers]

Oh, what was that message you fetched me?

[Margie Withers]

Oh, who's that? I just did what the mask man told me to. Look, Pa. Look at Gabby. Turning his smile on the masked man.

[Narrator]

Gabby spent a restless night the next day called at the claim again, he watched the construction and tried to talk with the masked man. Once more, the Lone Ranger had no time for him. Then, in desperation, Gabby went to the sheriff.

[Captain Gabber]

I see that you're took care of. You help me, Sheriff?

[Doc Withers]

You sure you know what you're talking about?

[Captain Gabber]

Why sure I am.

[Doc Withers]

I don't know, Gabby.

[Captain Gabber]

I know what I'm talking about. That claim's worth a fortune. I'm not fooled by the way that masked man and Doc Withers say it ain't. Well, they got something there I want. I got all my cash here, every dime of it. I aim to make a deal or bust. And I want you alone to witness it so's Withers can't back down by and by.

[Doc Withers]

Well, if you know what you're doing, it ain't no skin off my nose. Come on. Where is Doc Withers?

[Captain Gabber]

At the mine, of course. Spends all his time there watching himself get rich.

[Doc Withers]

Let's get started. Withers.

[Captain Gabber]

Hey, Doc.

[Doc Withers]

What's on your mind now, Gabby? Howdy, Jim.

[Captain Gabber]

Howdy, Doc. I sold you this plane for a song, you know that? Well, the only reason in the world I was willing to take such a sacrifice was that I. Well, I know you didn't have no more cash. Thought I had to go ease and now I don't have to go. And, well, it ain't right or fair for you to hold me to my bargain.

[Doc Withers]

Gabby, where are you getting at?

[Captain Gabber]

I want to call her deal off.

[Doc Withers]

Yucks, I can't do that. First place, look at all the improvement I've done. Second place, a masked man.

[Captain Gabber]

Now look, you got any written agreement with Him? Well, no, it's all right then. You own the claim and you can do what you want with it. I brought the sheriff here to tell you so.

[Doc Withers]

Well, Captain, ain't no gold. I ain't worried about that.

[Captain Gabber]

You got some secret place that you're lugging that dirt to, ain't that so?

[Doc Withers]

Well, yeah.

[Captain Gabber]

The masked man found the place and it's proven right Valuable, ain't it?

[Doc Withers]

Well, you'd have some value. Some.

[Captain Gabber]

I should smile. Now, look, Doc, I'll be fair with you. You'll be fair with me? I'm willing to pay for all the expense you've gone to.

[Doc Withers]

I've had a lot of men working. I reckon I must have got thousands of dollars worth of work done. Oh, I'll pay for that.

[Captain Gabber]

You let me have the claim back and that's fair, ain't it?

[Doc Withers]

But, Gabby, you shouldn't do that sort of thing, dad. Right at all. I ain't complaining about the deal. Even if there ain't no gold in the claim.

[Captain Gabber]

Aside from everything else, I misled you. There wasn't gold here, so I misrepresented and I want to make good.

[Doc Withers]

Don't you see? I wouldn't want to take around $5,000 off here for what you might call laughing.

[Captain Gabber]

Well, I only have 4,000 cash, but I'd give you back your mortgage. How will you do it?

[Doc Withers]

Oh, the masked man might.

[Captain Gabber]

He's got nothing to say. Only one thing I'd have to know, of course, and, well, that is where you're taking that dirt.

[Doc Withers]

Oh, I'd be willing to let you in on that, providing I take your offer.

[Captain Gabber]

I got a paper all drawn up here now, and your mortgage. And here's the cash. All you gotta do is sign right here. Here. You got the deed, of course, but you can give me that later on.

[Doc Withers]

Well, now remember, Cap, you gotta help me out if that mask man objects to me.

[Captain Gabber]

Oh, sure, sure. Sure thing, Doc. Now, just sign there. That's it. That's it. Oh, yeah.

[Doc Withers]

All the dreams I had.

[Captain Gabber]

There, there now, Sheriff. You sign so it's legal.

[Narrator]

Good work, doctor.

[Doc Withers]

I got the cash. Boys. Boys, come and get your pay. Remember, Gabby, we told you the darn thing's no good. Where you taking the ore to?

[Captain Gabber]

That's what I want to know.

[Narrator]

You found a bad swamp just beyond the next hill. Gabby.

[Doc Withers]

Swamp.

[Narrator]

These men have been working hard to haul dirt to that swamp and fill it in. When that job is done, a road can be built.

[Captain Gabber]

Where's the cash coming from?

[Narrator]

You just gave the cash to Dr. Withers. He'll pay the men with that.

[Doc Withers]

I mean what have you been digging for Sheriff?

[Narrator]

To fill in the swamp?

[Doc Withers]

Hold on.

[Narrator]

You were told the land was worthless. You knew it was worthless but you thought no one could tell the truth.

[Doc Withers]

Sheriff. Sheriff. I've been fleeced. It shows you darn well right. You thought the swindle dock huh? You didn't know that the Lone Ranger was his friend.

[Captain Gabber]

Lone Ranger? He ain't a mining expert.

[Narrator]

We can leave now. Tada Hell.

[Doc Withers]

Got what was coming to you Gabby. Doc got his home all fixed up and the swarms filled in and all Doc's friends have had some work for ready cash. We're more beast here than ever Document.

[Captain Gabber]

And I got I got a half built mess of house in the middle of nowhere.

[Doc Withers]

You got what you deserve.

[Captain Gabber]

Sam.

[Doc Withers]

It.

[Narrator]

The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.

[Captain Gabber]

Foreign.

[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.

[Doc Withers]

Become one.

[Andrew Rines]

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.

[Doc Withers]

Sam.