Forced Sale | The Lone Ranger (03-18-42)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns: The Lone Ranger – "Forced Sale" (03-18-42)

Release Date: February 13, 2026
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Featured Episode: The Lone Ranger, "Forced Sale" (Original Air Date: March 18, 1942)

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns presents a digitally restored broadcast of The Lone Ranger titled "Forced Sale." The story dives deep into the themes of frontier justice, betrayal, and the struggle between small ranchers and ruthless opportunists in the Wild West. When Benjamin Steel’s hard-edged business practices and the violence of discharged cowhands threaten the peace in Leadville, the Lone Ranger and his loyal companion Tonto step in to navigate a labyrinth of grudges, ambushes, and the forced sale of a desperate rancher’s land. The drama is punctuated with classic elements: gunfights, a ransom plot, and a tense final showdown.

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Key Discussion Points and Major Plot Segments

1. Leadville’s Unrest and Wolf’s Rampage

• After a rowdy night at the Last Chance café, Wolf and the Tomahawk Trail crew escalate the town’s violence, leading to their firing by ranch owner Benjamin Steel.
• The abrupt dismissal sets Wolf and his cohorts on a path of revenge.
  • Memorable Moment:
    • Ben Steele [05:07]: “You’re fired. All of you. Pick up your pay and your war bags at the ranch. Get back to San Antonio where you belong.”

2. The Lone Ranger and Tonto Investigate

• In the hills outside Leadville, the Lone Ranger and Tonto track a suspiciously large group of men and uncover that Wolf and his fired crew are camping out, likely plotting further trouble.
• They consult local rancher Jim Carrey, who is wary of Benjamin Steel’s motives and methods.

3. Betrayals and the Threats of Forced Sale

• Tensions rise as Wolf orchestrates cattle rustling and kidnappings, likely in league with Steel, as part of a larger plot to force Carrey into a desperate position.
• Steel refuses help and maintains a harsh, defensive posture toward the Lone Ranger:
  • Ben Steele [10:17]: “That’s the way I feel. You and me are enemies, see? You’ll never get anything on me. But if you keep on trying, you won’t live long.”

4. Abduction and the Ransom Note

• Abby Carrey, Jim’s daughter, is kidnapped by Wolf’s gang, with a ransom demand of $10,000—well beyond what most frontier families could raise.
• The ransom note forces Carrey to consider selling his ranch to Steel at a huge loss.
  • Wolf [16:49]: “Don’t try to follow us or she’ll die. We want $10,000. Get it together pronto.”

5. Resourcefulness, Rescue, and Showdown

• As the community faces the loss of Abby and the threat to Carrey’s livelihood, the Lone Ranger and Tonto trail Wolf’s gang to a hidden canyon.
• Abby engineers her own escape during a moment of distraction at the outlaw camp, a testament to her grit and ingenuity.
  • Abby [21:23]: “I am not [the cook]! I wouldn’t fix any grub for you crooks to save my life.”
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto hold the mouth of the canyon against repeated attacks:
  • Narrator [23:07]: “All through the morning, the Lone Ranger and Tonto held the pass.”

6. Climax: Forced Sale Foiled

• Just as Jim Carrey is about to sign the bill of sale for his ranch to Steel, Abby bursts in with news of her escape and the Lone Ranger’s intervention.
  • Abby [25:57]: “Don’t sign that paper, Dad! They told me what you were up to. The Lone Ranger stopped them from coming after me.”
• Carrey tears up the bill of sale, publicly rejecting Steel’s predatory tactics:
  • Jim Carrey [26:12]: “Steel, here’s what I think of your bill of sale.”

7. Resolution and Justice

• The sheriff’s posse arrives to arrest Wolf’s gang, now demoralized after Wolf is shot by his own men.
  • Wolf [27:01]: “Wolf’s dead. Killed by his own men.”
• Steel’s future remains uncertain, as the Lone Ranger hints that justice may yet catch up with him:
  • Lone Ranger [27:47]: “Luck has been known to change... Just be careful, Steel. Your first mistake may be your last.”

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Authority Challenged:
  • Ben Steele [05:07]: “You’re fired. All of you… Get back to San Antonio where you belong.”
• Ranchers Divided:
  • Jim Carrey [08:15]: “You know what [Steel has] done? He stayed inside the law. But he’s just as much a crook as Wolf.”
• Tense Diplomacy:
  • Ben Steele [10:17]: “That’s the way I feel. You and me are enemies, see? You’ll never get anything on me. But if you keep on trying, you won’t live long.”
• Desperate Father:
  • Jim Carrey [17:27]: “I’m going to follow the instructions in this note to the letter. I’ll raise the $10,000 even if I have to sell out to Steel.”
• Abby’s Defiance:
  • Abby [21:23]: “I am not [your cook]! I wouldn’t fix any grub for you crooks to save my life.”
• Showdown Solution:
  • Lone Ranger [23:07]: “All through the morning, the Lone Ranger and Tonto held the pass.”
• Triumphant Return:
  • Abby [25:57]: “Don’t sign that paper, Dad!... The Lone Ranger stopped them from coming after me.”
• Justice Foreshadowed:
  • Lone Ranger [27:47]: “Luck has been known to change. Yours better not… Just be careful, Steel. Your first mistake may be your last.”

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Leadville violence erupts, Wolf fired: [04:07] – [05:15]
• Lone Ranger and Tonto spy on the outlaws: [06:08] – [07:40]
• Jim Carrey’s dilemma and Steel’s enmity revealed: [08:02] – [10:17]
• Ransom note & Abby kidnapped: [16:33] – [17:27]
• Abby’s escape and return: [21:17] – [25:57]
• Ranch’s forced sale thwarted: [25:57] – [26:12]
• Sheriff closes in, Wolf killed by his own men: [26:30] – [27:11]
• Lone Ranger cautions Steel: [27:47]

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Tone and Style

The episode retains the classic Western tone: grave, direct, and punctuated by sharp dialogue. Characters speak with the clipped, rugged cadences of the Old West, and moments of suspense and valor are underscored by the drama’s stirring narration and sound effects—now digitally restored for clarity and immersion.

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Summary

“Forced Sale” weaves a tale of greed, cunning, and ultimate justice on the Texas frontier. The Lone Ranger and Tonto must navigate a tangled web of feuds and forced choices as they battle against outlaw Wolf’s threats and Steel’s cold ambition. With the odds stacked against them, and with the Carrey family facing ruin and abduction, only the intervention of the legendary masked rider restores peace and exposes the treachery beneath Leadville’s frontier code.

In classic Lone Ranger fashion, the episode closes on a note of stern warning to those who manipulate the law for personal gain: “Just be careful, Steel. Your first mistake may be your last.”

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Transcript

[Ben Steele]

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[Wolf]

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[Narrator]

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.

[Lone Ranger]

Fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty hi, Silver. The Lone Ranger. Reggie, I just sold my car online.

[Ben Steele]

Let's go, Grandpa. Wait, you did?

[Lone Ranger]

Yep, on Carvana. Just put in the license plate, answered a few questions, got an offer in minutes. Easier than setting up that new digital picture frame.

[Ben Steele]

You don't say.

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah, they're even picking it up tomorrow. Talk about fast.

[Wolf]

Wow.

[Lone Ranger]

Way to go. So, about that picture frame. Ah, forget about it.

[Ben Steele]

Until Carvana makes one, I'm not interested.

[Announcer]

Car selling made easy on Carvana. Pickup fees may apply.

[Lone Ranger]

With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, the masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early Western United States. The 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. Leadville was on the western rim of the Tomahawk Basin. The main street was lined with cafes, and on Saturday night, all the cowboys from the surrounding country came into town to celebrate. The townspeople were used to fights and gunplay, but on the night the Tomahawk Trail crew returned from Clarksville, the violence reached A new High. A burly cowhand called Wolf was the leader of the crew. And when the bartender of the Last Last Chance refused him a drink.

[Wolf]

Why, you mangy sort of coyote. Nobody's going to tell me that get away with it. Come on, boys. Let's take the place apart.

[Lone Ranger]

In less than 10 minutes. The last Chance was a wreck.

[Wolf]

Then.

[Lone Ranger]

Wolf and his men moved on to the next cafe. But the sheriff and a group of hastily appointed deputies met them at the door.

[Wolf]

Where do you think you're going? They're going inside.

[Lone Ranger]

They're going to mount your horses and.

[Wolf]

High tails out of town. PR hey, listen to him. Wearing that tin badge makes him think he's tough. First one that moves, stops left. He wants to play. I mean it. Get out of town or you'll end up dead or in jail. How about it, boys?

[Ben Steele]

Get him.

[Wolf]

What are we waiting for?

[Ben Steele]

Slap ladder. Sheriff.

[Wolf]

Through here.

[Lone Ranger]

It's the F. Steel.

[Ben Steele]

Quiet down, boys.

[Lone Ranger]

What's going on?

[Wolf]

Your men have just wrecked the Last Chance, Steel. Now they want to start on this place. That right, Wolf? We're just having a little fun, boss.

[Ben Steele]

Isn't my idea of fun.

[Lone Ranger]

You're fired. A whole lot of you.

[Wolf]

What, sir?

[Ben Steele]

You're fired. Pick up your pay. And you war bags at the ranch. Get back to center two where you belong.

[Wolf]

You can't get rid of us that easy. Your foreman promised us we'd be kept on.

[Ben Steele]

That's what I intended to do. And I've got my regular crew and I can get along without you. You're not the kind of men I.

[Wolf]

Would at the tomahawking. I'm warning you, Steel. You better change your mind. So you want us to go back to San Antonio?

[Ben Steele]

I don't care where you go as long leave the basin.

[Wolf]

Sure, we'll leave the basin.

[Ben Steele]

Shut up.

[Wolf]

First we go to the ranch and get our money. After that, you follow me. Nobody ever got away with double crossing. Wolf, Garnet and Steel won't be the first. Remember that.

[Lone Ranger]

Lone Ranger and Toto were camped in the wooded hills to the west of Leadville. Toward morning, the masked man stirred in his sleep. Then when Silver whinnied, he sat bolt upright.

[Wolf]

What is it, boy? Are you awake, Tanto? Ah. Do you hear anything? He put ear to ground. Poop. Beats that.

[Lone Ranger]

Right.

[Wolf]

Many men riding hills. I wonder if it could be a posse. Tanto not know. There haven't been any rustlers or Indians around the basin. Better follow them and find out. A good idea. Here, Silver.

[Lone Ranger]

Here scout. The great white stallion and the paint potter to their masters. Quickly, the Lone Ranger and Tanto saddled them before they were mounted. The thunder of hoops had died away in the distance. It was a dark night and the faithful Indian had some trouble in picking up the trail. Once found, it was hard to lose, though they followed into the hills. At last, the Lone Ranger raised his arm and a signal to rain up the sound of many voices reached their ears. Dismounting, they led their horses through the trees to the top of a rise. Below them, they could see nearly a hundred men. Some of them were gathering firewood. Others were setting up a rope corral for their horses. At last, a campfire flamed up through the night as the Lone Ranger and Tonto watched.

[Wolf]

Their fire is getting brighter. I can see their faces now. That Wolf? Yes. And all the other men from the Tomahawk that breed hired in San Antonio. I wonder why they're camped out here. Them gunmen and them plenty banned. We'll ride at the Carrier Ranch, Kimosabe. Jim may be able to help us out.

[Lone Ranger]

The Lone Ranger and Tonto held their great horses in check until they had put a safe distance between themselves and the camp. Then Silver and Scout were given free reign down from the hills, over the rim of the basin, across the level rangeland. As they thundered to a stop in front of the Cary Ranch Jim Carrey himself opened the door and walked down the steps to meet them. They told their story of the men in the hills. And Jim told them of the fight between Steel and his men in town.

[Wolf]

The bull threatening to get even, Jim?

[Ben Steele]

That's the way I heard it. Serve Steel right for hiring a flock of gunmen.

[Wolf]

They turned to wrestling or attacked the Tomahawk Ranch. You and all the other small ranchers will have to help round them up.

[Ben Steele]

Help Ben Steele?

[Wolf]

Yes. You've got to when he's trying to.

[Ben Steele]

Drive us out of the basin.

[Wolf]

For your own protection, Jim. Wolf and his gang may start with the Tomahawk, but they won't stop there. Your ranch is closer to the hills. So is the Bar M and the Circle Dot.

[Ben Steele]

I can't persuade Aldrich and Jenks and the others to help steal. You know what he's done? He stayed inside the law. But he's just as much a crook as Wolf. That dog eat dog, I say. It won't stop there, masked man. This is one time I can't string along with you.

[Wolf]

You'll regret it.

[Ben Steele]

That can't be helped.

[Wolf]

I was hoping that you'd at least go to Steele and tell him where Wolf is. Warn him that he's in danger.

[Ben Steele]

I won't set foot on his land.

[Wolf]

It's up to Tyler and me.

[Ben Steele]

If it was anybody else, it'd be different.

[Wolf]

We'll see you later.

[Ben Steele]

Come on, Silver.

[Wolf]

Hit him up. It get light now? Yes. There's no one up yet, though, Steel. Not like you, Kimo. Sappy better have gun ready. He won't try anything when his men aren't around. Who is it?

[Lone Ranger]

Open up.

[Wolf]

You. What do you want? This is a friendly call. Steal friendly.

[Ben Steele]

You'd like nothing better to see me in jail.

[Wolf]

That's true.

[Lone Ranger]

What do you mean?

[Wolf]

I don't like the way you've been fighting the small ranchers. There's something in your past you'll never be able to live down. You were one of the leaders of the Black Arrow.

[Ben Steele]

That isn't so.

[Wolf]

It can't be proved. And for that reason, I'd never make the accusation, except to you. But in spite of all that, I'm willing to call a truce. Is it so? Right now you're staying within the law. There are men around here who won't. Wolf and the others you fired last night?

[Ben Steele]

It cleared us.

[Wolf]

They didn't go back to San Antonio. We can show you where they're camped in the hills.

[Ben Steele]

Thanks. Your old business, masked man.

[Wolf]

What's that?

[Ben Steele]

I can take care of my cattle, my rage. I don't need any help from you.

[Wolf]

Well, that's the way you feel about it.

[Ben Steele]

That's the way I feel you and me are enemies, see? You'll never get anything on me. But if you keep on trying, you won't live long.

[Wolf]

We understand each other, Steel. Adios.

[Ben Steele]

Keep away from my rats. The next time you set foot on it, you'll be shot as a trespasser.

[Lone Ranger]

Get him up. Scout.

[Wolf]

What's the matter, Kimasabi? Him they count a plenty man. We found out something. Easy, boy.

[Ben Steele]

Easy.

[Wolf]

More than that. It wasn't any surprise to him that Wolf and his gang were camped in the hills. That's right. Steel may have arranged everything. Fighting town and firing the men. All of it. Why him do that? We'll have to wait and see. T. Come on, boy. Hit him up. They have a ride this way? Yes, Hunna. But it's dark. They can't be seen back there in the trees. They're cattle too. Driving about 20 head in front of them. I recognize his horse right away. Those are tomahawk cows, huh? Well, that's the beginning. Well, we follow him. No. Steel doesn't want our help. He surely want the sheriffs. You'll have to be in Leadville tomorrow morning, Toto. Things are going to happen.

[Lone Ranger]

As Benjamin Steel reigned up in front of the sheriff's office the following morning. He dragged a hide from his saddlebag and carried it into the office with.

[Ben Steele]

Morning, Sheriff.

[Lone Ranger]

Howdy, Steele.

[Wolf]

What's that you got?

[Ben Steele]

I'll throw it on the floor so.

[Lone Ranger]

You get a good look.

[Wolf]

Or hide one of my cars. I can see the brand.

[Ben Steele]

There's more to see. Scratch the message and hide with a knife. Look close.

[Wolf]

What's this?

[Ben Steele]

I'll read it for you. It says 300 tonight, back tomorrow for a thousand.

[Wolf]

What's it mean?

[Ben Steele]

Rustlers. They killed one cow, skinned it, then drove off 300 more. They'll be back tonight for a thousand.

[Wolf]

Wolf.

[Lone Ranger]

Wolf.

[Ben Steele]

And all the rest of those guns shooting. All brakes are fired. They're out to get even. And nerve.

[Wolf]

I'm saying they'd be back again tonight.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll round up a posse and go.

[Wolf]

After him right away.

[Ben Steele]

Old Wood, Sheriff. There's no telling where they camped out.

[Wolf]

We can't let him get away with this.

[Ben Steele]

You save your posse for the night. He's got a lot of men working for me, but I got a lot of land. I can use every man you can find. Yeah, that's the idea.

[Wolf]

We'll lay low and wait for him.

[Ben Steele]

Get to the ranch as soon as it's dark.

[Wolf]

Kino Steel, you can expect us.

[Lone Ranger]

Just as Jim Carrey rose from his desk that night and started for bed he noticed his daughter Abby, looking out the window.

[Ben Steele]

What are you looking for, Abby?

[Abby]

Nothing.

[Ben Steele]

That must be his middle name.

[Abby]

I don't care. I'm worried. I don't like Ted riding the range at night when there's rustlers on the loose.

[Ben Steele]

Maybe he's got back from the Bar M already.

[Abby]

That's impossible.

[Ben Steele]

He could have gone straight to the.

[Abby]

Bunk house without saying good night to me.

[Ben Steele]

I'm not saying it's likely, but he could have.

[Abby]

I almost wish he had. Be home safe, anyway.

[Ben Steele]

Boy had a lot to talk over with Aldrich. He might even stay the night.

[Abby]

Then he should have told me before he.

[Ben Steele]

What's the matter?

[Abby]

Sky over to the west. It's a funny light moon. Couldn't be riding so late, could it?

[Ben Steele]

It's already set.

[Abby]

The Bar M's over there. The hills are beyond.

[Ben Steele]

Don't let your imagination get the better of you, Paul.

[Abby]

Here's Ted riding up now. Yeah, he looks to be in an awful hurry. We didn't know those rustlers were going out to steal the cattle tonight. I think that Tim. It is them. You can sit in this fish.

[Ben Steele]

Wolf and his game. Yeah. Where are they?

[Wolf]

The Bar M. I'm going back there. You've got to get the sheriff as.

[Ben Steele]

Fast as you can.

[Abby]

The lone mania yard again.

[Wolf]

Oh, he's already there. He and Tono got their little head of the gang and they helped us fight him off. Now he's helping Aldrich fight the fire.

[Abby]

That's what we saw, Pa.

[Wolf]

Hurry up, Jim.

[Ben Steele]

Right.

[Wolf]

Get back from that walls head. I'll be coming down in a minute. Yeah, you saved the house anyway. Here comes Jim with the sheriff and his posse. Nothing more to do here. We can start after Wolf.

[Lone Ranger]

Which way they go?

[Wolf]

Follow the trail. He'll be back for you any minute to lead us. Carrie said you knew where the camp was. They may have changed it.

[Ben Steele]

Here comes the engine now. Hold. Scout open holes.

[Wolf]

Which way, Kimosabe? Straight into the hills. No, them start that way and make big circles to south them. Right with Terry Ranch.

[Ben Steele]

My place.

[Wolf]

Hunter not know he not follow him all the way. Let him think so. Gary. What about your daughter?

[Ben Steele]

She's there all alone.

[Wolf]

Come on, we've got to get after that. Look out.

[Ben Steele]

We got the red wall.

[Wolf]

Let's go. Silver.

[Ben Steele]

Get him up.

[Wolf]

Silver.

[Ben Steele]

Get him, Silver. The curtain falls on the first act.

[Wolf]

Of our Lone Ranger story.

[Lone Ranger]

Before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Lone Ranger]

Now to continue our story as the Lone Ranger, Tonto and the sheriff's men raced across the plain. Their first sight of the carry ranch came from a pinpointed light. Carrie identified it as a lamp set in the living room window. And hope sprang up that the outlaws had left the ranch house alone when they rained up in front of the door.

[Wolf]

I hope friends are many horse around here. Yes. Hello, Abby.

[Ben Steele]

Are you all right?

[Wolf]

Abby?

[Ben Steele]

Why don't she answer?

[Wolf]

There's your answer.

[Ben Steele]

It looks like a cyclone's hit the place.

[Wolf]

Abby, where are you? Look, there's a note on the desk. Oh, Sonorikaio. What have you got there? Master?

[Ben Steele]

Let him read it.

[Wolf]

You've taken your daughter a prisoner?

[Ben Steele]

No.

[Wolf]

Don't try to follow us or she'll die. We want $10,000. Get it together pronto. We'll send you word in a few days where to take it.

[Ben Steele]

Let me see that.

[Wolf]

A ransom note. Steele's behind this. What makes you say that? He wants this ranch. How can Kerry raise $10,000 without selling it?

[Ben Steele]

I can't.

[Lone Ranger]

But Steel and Wolf Garrett.

[Wolf]

You're making them out to be partners, and that just don't make sense. Yes, it does. He had me get a posse together to catch Wolf. He made sure that nearly all the men in the district were riding his range. Tonight the outlaws attacked the Bar M. That drew Kerry and his men away from here. And Wolf circled back to take the girl a prisoner.

[Ben Steele]

That's just the way it works.

[Wolf]

But you can't prove any of that. Not unless we catch Wolf.

[Ben Steele]

I won't let you try to.

[Wolf]

You're afraid for your daughter.

[Ben Steele]

Sure I am. You can't blame me. I'm going to follow the instructions in this note to the letter. I'll raise the 10,000 even if I have to sell out to steal. And when I get word from Wolf, I'm going to pay off just like he says. Now listen. None of you are going to interfere with that. You can't go after Wolf until I get Abby back. Do you understand? Jim, we won't do any good to argue.

[Wolf]

I'm not arguing. I understand how you feel, but. Where's Ted?

[Ben Steele]

Ted? He's gone. I must be outside.

[Wolf]

I wonder about that. Hello, Ted. Come out here.

[Ben Steele]

That's right.

[Wolf]

Where did he go? Kimasabe him get on horse Right off that way for the hills.

[Ben Steele]

The young fool. He heard what the note said. What right is he?

[Wolf]

Don't blame him too much. You can't expect him to think twice at a time like this.

[Ben Steele]

What the note said.

[Wolf]

I know it did. He thought if only one man went after them, they'd never find out. And there might be a chance of rescuing Abby. The same thought came to me.

[Ben Steele]

He's no match for those crooks.

[Wolf]

You're right. Paton and I know where their camp is. They've got to let us go and get him and bring him back. Or they take him a prisoner, too.

[Ben Steele]

Go to it. Get him quick so he can't mess things up.

[Wolf]

Come on, Tunnel.

[Lone Ranger]

Lone Ranger and Tondo followed the trail left by the outlaws and Ted until they reached the rocky ground at the beginning of the foothill.

[Wolf]

And the trail's gone plenty dark and plenty hard to follow. I know you could do it if you had more time. But Timothabby.

[Ben Steele]

How, Ted?

[Wolf]

Polar trail. That's true. He couldn't have. When it came to the end here, he must have ridden on, desperate, hoping to find them someplace plenty Dangerous. Only one thing for us to do. Head straight for their camp.

[Ben Steele]

That's right.

[Wolf]

Come on, Senior, let's go.

[Lone Ranger]

When the Lone Ranger and Tunnel reached the spot where they had seen the outlaws before.

[Wolf]

Easy boy. Easy gone. Other proof that Steel and Wolf are working together. He warned him we knew where the camp was around. Plenty soft around here. There are plenty men. It's easy to follow where them go even at night. It's up to you then, Kimosabe. That's our only hope.

[Lone Ranger]

The trail led farther and farther into the tangled hills. At last, just as dawn was breaking, they came to the opening of a canyon nearly half a mile wide. Here Tonto dismounted.

[Wolf]

New trail. It come from east. Maybe the outlaws last night.

[Ben Steele]

That right?

[Wolf]

Then turn here and go into canyon. It narrows down as it goes on. Hunter know this place. Walls of canyon come close together. Only room for one man to ride through. Then canyon open into valley. The high wall all round. Only room for one man at a time to enter the place. Ah, pretty good hideout. I want a closer look at it. Kimosabe, come here. Sounded like Ted's voice. Blackie and that clump of trees over there. Come on. Get him up.

[Lone Ranger]

Scout. I'll stand steady. Well, if I can only grab hold.

[Wolf]

Of the stirrup, maybe I can. The masked man in Toronto. Easy boy. You've been wounded. Yeah, I guess I must have fainted. Contraviction. Oh, I'm all right now.

[Ben Steele]

Couldn't have been much hit.

[Wolf]

Left shoulder.

[Lone Ranger]

He vanished it up here.

[Wolf]

What happened? I don't know. Just riding along here and something hit me. I heard the shot.

[Lone Ranger]

Blackie bolted into the tree.

[Wolf]

That's all I remember. Must have been one of the gang they left behind to guard the trail.

[Ben Steele]

I didn't see anybody.

[Wolf]

They came this way. Are you. Are you strong enough to ride? Sure thing. Once I get in the saddle. That do for now. We're going on. I want to look at this canyon. But I'm pretty sure we'll be coming back here soon. Isn't there any chance of getting Abby away from them? We can't let ourselves be seen. You know what they threatened. They wouldn't dare. I'm afraid you're wrong. Human life means nothing to them. Then maybe we better ride straight back to the basin. We'll be careful. When the ransom is paid, there'll be a showdown. Help you into your saddle.

[Lone Ranger]

Meanwhile, in the outlaws camp, Wolf was cutting the ropes that bound Abby hand and foot.

[Abby]

About time you took these things off me.

[Wolf]

That's right.

[Lone Ranger]

Morning.

[Wolf]

Time for you to Cook us some grub.

[Abby]

What?

[Ben Steele]

You.

[Wolf]

You're the cook.

[Abby]

I am not. I wouldn't fix any grub for you crooks to save my life.

[Wolf]

You mean that?

[Abby]

You can't scare me.

[Wolf]

All right. You don't eat yourself, we tie you up again. Think about it, Sam. Aren't you hungry?

[Abby]

I.

[Wolf]

All right. That's better. Fire's already going.

[Lone Ranger]

Hop to it.

[Abby]

Have one of your men bring me some water.

[Wolf]

The spring ain't far. You get it.

[Abby]

Oh, the lady no come.

[Wolf]

Never mind a talk. Move.

[Lone Ranger]

Abby started toward the spring where Wolf's horse was drinking. And as she walked, the plan developed in her mind. She looked toward the opening of the valley.

[Ben Steele]

The guard was dozing, and as she neared the spring.

[Abby]

They will have to sleep, you mortals. It's worth a try, anyway. No, boy, don't go away. Steady. Have to stand up on this rock. Steady, boy.

[Wolf]

Get up.

[Ben Steele]

Get up.

[Wolf]

This is far enough. Keep us, Abby.

[Lone Ranger]

They're open enough ahead.

[Ben Steele]

Gosh, but it's narrow.

[Wolf]

Quick, there's someone coming behind the tree.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, no.

[Ben Steele]

Wait.

[Wolf]

Bass man.

[Lone Ranger]

It's Abby.

[Wolf]

Head right on with her back to the base. And get the sheriff. Oh, those outlaws will be coming after. They only come to the opening one at a time. Paul and I can hold them inside the valley. They're covered from Rob.

[Abby]

I can't stop him.

[Lone Ranger]

No trouble.

[Ben Steele]

Try keep riding.

[Lone Ranger]

Get up there, black kids. Get up.

[Wolf]

Get up. Ammunition. K. Here we go, then. That valley's a fine hideout, but it's a fine trap, too.

[Lone Ranger]

The Lone Ranger and Tonto urged their mounts toward the narrow opening of the valley. There they dismounted. Silver and Skull were ordered back out of danger and the masked man and the Indian took cover behind the rocks. Just in time. Wolf had ordered half a dozen of his men into the saddle, and now he rode in front of them toward the opening. The morning sun flashed in the six shooter in his hand. The Lone Ranger took careful aim. The Lone Ranger's bullet found its mark and the six shooter dropped from Wolf's hand. The outlaws rained up. They were unable to see who was holding the pass against them. But Wolf was determined to win his way through. He ordered the others to open. The bullets whined past the masked man and the Indian, but they stood their ground. Only when the outlaw started forward once more to the open fire. Another gun dropped from a nerveless hand. Once more, Wolf and his men were forced to rein up. Again they charged Again. They were turned back again and again. All through the morning, the Lone Ranger and Tonto held the pass. Later that day, Jim Carrey swallowed his pride and rode to the Tomahawk Ranch. Benjamin Steele was waiting for him.

[Ben Steele]

Sit right down here. State your business, Carrie. You know what my business is. It's a sad thing about you, Daddy. If you thought so, you wouldn't be smiling. I always believe in looking at the cheerful side of things. You'll get a bag, of course. I hope so. Of course you will. Didn't I hear that the Lone Ranger and Tartar went after him? They went after Ted. None of them have come back. It is too bad. He supposed Wolf and his men have killed him. I don't know one thing sure. Nobody else is going into those hills. I'm going to follow the instructions in that note to the letter. You mean pay ransom? Yes. It isn't wise. Honda's men shouldn't give in to outlaws. You do the same thing in my place. Only wouldn't have to sell your ranch to raise the money. Are you going to have to do that? I won't bother to answer that. My land and Buildings are worth $5,000. My cattle's worth another 15. You offered me 2,000 for everything once. There's no sense in doing that again. Because there's no sense in my selling unless I get canned. I understand well and I'm prepared to be generous. You'll. I'll give you 10,000. You can afford it. You'll probably get a split from the crooks. Are you suggesting that Wolf and I are partners? You can take it or leave it. I don't want to get out of my house. But I still sympathize, so I'll ignore your remarks. As a matter of fact, I have a bill of sale already made. Just sign here, Carrie, and I'll give you the money. Hand it over. We'll get this over quick. Here's the pen.

[Abby]

Oh, Joe. Abby, don't find that paper. They told me what you were up to.

[Ben Steele]

How did you get away?

[Abby]

I watched my chance and took it. The Lone Ranger stopped them from coming after me.

[Ben Steele]

What's that?

[Abby]

He and Tom are holding back the whole gang. But the sheriff and his men are.

[Wolf]

On the way to help.

[Abby]

Let's go after them.

[Ben Steele]

I've got something to attend to first.

[Wolf]

Here.

[Ben Steele]

Steel. Here's what I think of your bill of sale.

[Lone Ranger]

An hour later, the Lone Ranger and Tonto were relieved by the sheriff's men. And the masked man and the sheriff discussed ways and means of capturing the outlaws.

[Wolf]

They don't realize you're here yet, Sheriff. When they do, they won't try to get out. Going to be a siege.

[Ben Steele]

We're ready for it.

[Wolf]

Can't have much food in there. Are you sure there isn't some other way out? Tunnel says no. They'd have found it long before this if there were. Hell, I hope that Wolf will tell us the truth about Steel when we finally get him in jail.

[Lone Ranger]

Him or one of the others.

[Wolf]

Wolf's the leader, and Steel wouldn't trust more than one man.

[Ben Steele]

What's up?

[Wolf]

Here comes Ted.

[Ben Steele]

What is it, Ted? I want to surrender. Are you sure? Yeah.

[Wolf]

We yelled to him. There were more than a hundred men out here, and we could hear them arguing about it. Doesn't sound like Wolf to give up. I think he's dead.

[Lone Ranger]

What's that?

[Wolf]

Well, there was a shot. And after that, we didn't hear his voice. Killed by his own men.

[Lone Ranger]

They won't admit it, though.

[Wolf]

They'll say one of our shots got him. I didn't say you could prove it. Well, we'll send a whole bunch up to jail for 20 years anyway.

[Ben Steele]

Tell them to come out one by.

[Wolf]

One and reach for the sky while they're doing it. Kino. I'll go over there with you. King Fi there.

[Lone Ranger]

Steel.

[Wolf]

Him ride this way. Yes, I see him.

[Lone Ranger]

Plenty bad.

[Ben Steele]

Won't get shot.

[Wolf]

There might be others who can tie this pot up to Steel. He'll smile.

[Lone Ranger]

Howdy. Nice man.

[Ben Steele]

Did a wonderful job holding those crooks away.

[Wolf]

You did.

[Ben Steele]

And did you hear the news about Wool?

[Wolf]

Yes. He was the only one who knew about you, is that it? Yes.

[Ben Steele]

He was the only one. You can't beat my luck.

[Wolf]

Luck has been known to change.

[Ben Steele]

Yours Better not.

[Wolf]

Just be careful, Steel. Your first mistake may be your last.

[Ben Steele]

Pretty big fella. Yep.

[Wolf]

Gold?

[Ben Steele]

Silver?

[Wolf]

Anymore, Sam?

[Narrator]

Back in the old west, folks didn't run to the pharmacy every time trouble hit. They relied on the know how and natural remedies. Kind of like how Tonto always seems to have a special mixture ready for whatever came next. If you want to learn how to do that today, check out the Beginner's Guide to Herbal Remedies. Easy steps for teas, tinctures and salves. Even if you've never tried herbs before, visit otrwesterns.comherbs to learn more. Again, otrwesterns.com herbs.

[Wolf]

It's.

[Lone Ranger]

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

[Ben Steele]

Foreign.

[Narrator]

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 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 Copy. For more information, go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Ben Steele]

Sam.