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Carvana is so easy. Just a click and we've got ourselves a car. See so many cars. That's a clicktastic inventory. And check out the financing options payments to fit our budget. I mean, that's Clickonomics101. Delivery to our door. Just a hop, skip and a click away. And bought. No better feeling than when everything just clicks. Buy your car today on Carvana. Delivery fees may apply. 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 by special recording. General Mills, makers of Wheaties Breakfast of Champions and Cheerios the Oat Cereal Ready to Eat presents the Lone Ranger. A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a haughty hi O Silver. The Lone Ranger. With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, the daring and resourceful mask rider of the plains, and 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 hoof beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver. Let's go, big fellow. Silver, away. This is the Lone Ranger. If you want to be a champion at anything, remember, others have done it in spite of obstacles. Take rodeo champion Bob Maynard. He did it the hard way. He proved champions are made, not born. Bob didn't even have the advantage of growing up on a western ranch. As a boy, he lived in Chicago. But Bob started riding when he was 8 years old. At 14 in California, he became a stable hand. Today, Bob Maynard is one of the top money winners in rodeo competition. He sure is Lone Ranger. And like many champions in all sports, Bob still chooses Wheaties for his favorite training dish. There's no question about it. Champions are made, not born. And there's no question why champions choose Wheaties for their training diet. They want that famous wheat energy. They get it with Wheaties because there's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties flake. Champions are made, not born. Get on your way with Wheaties Breakfast of champions. Dan Reed, the nephew of the Lone Ranger, rode into Eagle's and dismounted in front of the local office of the Hendricks Freight Line. As Dan entered the office, a mild mannered man looked up from the desk. He was the Eagle City manager named Sam Slater. Mr. Slater? That's right. My name's Dan Reed. Have you a message for me? Message for you? Well, no, I haven't. Is there supposed to be a message here for you? Well, I expected to meet friends here in Eagle City, but I haven't seen them. I thought they might have left a note for me. Not that I know of. I guess I'll be along soon. You're welcome to sit down and wait, son. It's cooler in here than outside in the sun. Thanks, Mr. Slater. It looks like there might be trouble. Jake Ronson's heading this way with a couple of friends. Huh? Jake owns a small gold claim. He's mad because of what it costs to ship his ore. You Slater? How'd Jake take it? Oh, let me alone, Joe. Slater. You think because the Hendricks land is the only freighting outfit you can rob people like me, eh, Jake? I don't set the prices. They're the same on all the Hendricks. They're too high. That ore shipment about. I told you not to ship the ore. You should have had it refined in the stamping mill and freighted the refined gold same as everyone else. Don't tell me how to run my business. All right, Jake. And don't get the idea that the other mine owners and I can't do without the Hendricks line. We're through with your outfit. Well, that's up to you, Jake. To me and the others. Boys, I'm seven notice lady. I'm going to start a freight line with honest prices. And I'll take away your business. I'm going to bust you in the Hendricks outfit. Are you, Jake? Yeah. I've already talked to some of the men. They promised me their business. You will learn a costly lesson, Jake. So you threaten me, eh? No, no, no, Jake. I owe you. You figure to teach me a lesson, eh? I expect you'll send gunmen to attack my wagons. Nonsense. You just try it, Slater. I'll be ready for your gunslingers. I'll have my wagons guarded. There'll be no gunplay as far as I'm concerned. You don't fool me with mealy my talks. I'll be ready for your attacks, you Stephen Crookes. That's about enough. You're free to complain all you want about the Hendricks rates, but don't you call me a crook. Another threat, huh? You hear that, boys? Now get out. Yes, I'm gone. But I'll break you, you crook. You're out. Come on, boys. Tonto, Arrived in town a few minutes after Jake Ronson and his friends had left the office. Dan Reed met his Indian friend and rode with him to the Lone Rangers camp on Eagle Mountain. There he told the masked man about the incident he had witnessed. The masked man was keenly interested. And then about 10 minutes after Jake Ronson left with his friends, Tano rode into town and we left right away. Dan, how did Slater take it when Ronson called him a crook? Golly, he was awfully mad. He said Ronson was mighty unfair. Ronson plenty big fool pay freight or nore. Well, that's what Mr. Slater said. All the other mine operators get them ore refined and then they pay freight on just the gold ingots. But Ronson insisted on shipping the ore just as it came from the ground. It was all packed in burlap sacks. Why him do thing like that? That's what I'm wondering. Mr. Slater said he tried to tell Ronson the freight bill would be more than the ore was worth. Ronson told him to mind his own business. Himasabi? Yes? You think Hendricks line crooked? As far as I know, Tano, the company's very fair. Mr. Slater said Ronson would go broke if he tried to carry freight at reduced rates. I'd like to know what Ronson has in mind. Kimasabe me scout around town for a few days. Maybe find out. Good idea, Toto. Dan Reed and Totto went into town the following day and returned to the camp after dark with a report. Jake Ronson wasn't fooling, sir. He really intends to start a freight line today. He bought a heavy wagon. That's right. And him talked to miners. Him promised to cut freight rate. He can't do it without losing money. What's behind his plan? The following night, when Dan and Totto returned from Eagle City, they brought further news of Jake Ronson's activities today. He bought six horses and plenty good horses. And him hired driver and good shotgun guard. Then he has one wagon ready to go. The next day, Jake Ranson spread word that he would make a special announcement that evening in the cafe. So instead of returning to camp as usual at sundown, Dan, Reed and Tottle remained in town to hear the announcement. Soon after dark, the cafe was crowded with mine operators and others who wanted to hear what Jake had to say. Sam Slater was not among those present, but the sheriff was there and so were Dan and Tottle. Presently, Dan nudged his Indian friend Tano. Bronson's climbing up on a chair. Maybe now he make announcement. Hey, gents. Quiet. Count over you. Quiet. Let's hear what Ronson has to say. Quiet, gents. You waiters hold up the service. I reckon you've all heard about my new freight line. I want you to know that I'm going ahead with my plans despite the threats. What are you talking about? Oh, yes, Chance. I've had a couple of letters that threatened trouble for me and my wagons if I tried to compete with the Hendricks outfit. Jake, you didn't tell me you had threats. I didn't mention the letters, Sheriff, because they were unsigned. I couldn't prove that Sam Slater wrote them. Golly tunnel. That doesn't sound like Sam Slater. Where are the letters? I burned him. That shows how little I think of Slater's threats. Boys, I say this is a free country. No one has the right to stand in the path of progress or to stifle competition. Of course, if you mine operators are afraid to use my freight and service, I'll go broke. Then the Hendricks line will have things its own way and be free to keep on robbing. Now, wait, Jake. We ain't afraid. Wait a minute. My leading starts for St. Joe one week from today. My rate for carrying gold bullion is just half of what the Hendrix people charge. Well, you'll have my business, Jake. Yeah, mine too. Count on me, Jake. I'm all for you. All right, boys, thanks. I do I get count on you? I'll have my office open to receive your shipments later in the week. Right now, I'm going home to do some paperwork for tea. I want to show my appreciation to you. The refreshments are on me. As Jake Ronson left the cafe, Dan Reed turned to Toto and said, do you think we should start for camp right away? You want to start now, Dan? Well, I'm mighty hungry. A half hour make no difference. Lone Ranger not mind if we stay? Jake Ronson will pay for the meal. He's no Dan. No, we pay for supper. All right, as long as we eat. I'm starved. Because of the decision to eat before starting the trip to the Lone Rangers camp, Dan and Toto were in the cafe a half hour later when a man rushed through the batwing doors and shouted excitedly. I'm glad you're still here. I ran all the way. What's the trouble, Sandy? I was passing Doc Smith's house on my way home. Doc was standing the open door. He asked me to hurry back here and tell you. Tell me what? Is Doc in trouble? No, no, no. Not Doc. It's Jake Ronson. What about Jake Ronson? He's in Doc's house. Someone shot him. 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. Did you ever wonder who'd replace present day Wheaties champions like Mickey Mantle or Roy Campanella when they finally retire? You know, as a sports announcer, I'm Mel Allen. I'd bet it's just an average guy. Maybe the boy next door. Sure, maybe he can't run or hit like Mantle or Campanella as of now. But don't forget, champions are made, not born. Mickey Mantle wasn't born a champion. Gosh, when he was only 12, he practiced hitting for hours and started training with Wheaties. Roy Campanella, a Wheaties eater since he was 13 years old, spent years learning enough baseball to make the grade for the Dodgers. Roy and Mickey started with no more raw ability than hundreds of other baseball hopefuls. But they got on their way with hard practice and the right food. You'll notice they both chose Wheaties and they still choose Wheaties. Why Wheaties? I can tell you the big energy reason. There's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties plate. I'd like to see you a champion someday. And just remember, champions are made, not born. Get on your way with Wheaties breakfast of champions. Now to continue. The sheriff left the cafe and hurried to the doctor's house a quarter mile away. He was followed by Dan and Toto and half a dozen men whose curiosity outweighed the desire for further refreshments. The group crowded Doc Smith's living room where Jake Ronson sat with one leg braced by splints and heavily bandaged. The doctor said, there's not much I can tell you, Sheriff. I heard a shot and went out the front door to investigate. I saw Jake Ronson lying in the street. Did you see who fired the shot? No. Looks like the bullet hit Jake in the leg. Yes, the tibia was broken. The what? The bone between the knee and the ankle. I carried Jake in here for treatment. I sent for you because I thought you should know about it. It may have been an attempted murder. Sam Slater's workout bet. That's right. Jake, what have you got to say? Nothing. Jake, I've got to arrest the man who shot you. Oh, forget it, Sheriff. I'll handle things my own way when I get back on my feet. You know who shot you? I wouldn't name anyone unless I had proof. Did you see him, Sheriff? I'm not gonna say anything about the shooting, but I'll tell you this, it's not gonna scare me out of start my freight line. My wagon will start on schedule. Good for you, Jake. It's a talk and we'll stick with you. I'll tell you this much. If anything happens to my freight wagon or the gold cargo, it's because it's Sam Slater. Remember that. We won't forget it. I'll remember it, Jake. Is Slater the one who shot you? I'm not talking about that. All right, Jake. I can't make you talk. But I'm gonna call on Slater and see what he has to say. Later that night, Dan Reed and Totto told the Lone Ranger all that had happened in town. Seated on the ground close to the campfire, a masked man listened with interest. So when the sheriff went to talk to Sam Slater, several of the townsmen tagged along and Tano and I went with him. Slater was alone in his house. How did he react when he heard that Bronson had been shot? Well, he seemed surprised. He said he knew nothing about the shooting. Tano and I stayed and talked to him for a few minutes after the others left. He's mighty worried, sir. Why? Well, he figures he'll be blamed if anything happens to Ronson's first wagon. Him offer Dan job? He did? Yes, sir. He said he needs someone to help him with the bookkeeping. Besides, he'd like to have someone who could swear to an alibi in case he does need it. Dan, that might be a good idea. You mean you want me to take the job? Yes, but Slater will want me to live at his house. That's all right. It'll be for only a week or so. Hunter will see you every day to receive a report. We'll know a lot more about Slater by the time the Ronson line starts operations next week. Dan Reed rode into town the next morning and went to work for Slater. During the following week, Jake Ronson conducted business from his home where he was confined with his leg in a heavy cast. On the appointed day, the freighter was supposed to start at noon. But Ronson found last minute details that needed attention. It was late afternoon when everything was ready. With the aid of crutches and friends, Ronson made his way to the center of town where his freighter was ready to start. Tonto and Dan were in the crowd that gathered. Did you get a copy of the route, Tono? Let me get it. You and the Lone Ranger are going to follow the wagon to make sure nothing happens. That right after wagons start, me ride to camp and tell Lone Ranger. Then we follow. I wish I could go with you. Kimosabe say you stay on guard. I know. Are you going to follow the gold all the way to St. Joe? Me not, no. Hey, driver. Now you have the best guard in the county. He should get through all right. We'll make it, Mr. Armson. You want the guy to keep your eyes on me? He sure will. Ready? Go. Get up there. There it goes, Toto. And now me. Go tell Lone Ranger. The wagon trail follows a winding route through the rugged mountains to avoid steep slopes. Because of this, the freighter had to travel over five times the V line distance between Eagle City and the landmark known as Blue Spring. The wagon was halfway to Blue Spring when darkness gathered. Get up there. Come on. You want to keep driving all night? Depends on the moonlight. Shotgun. I'll keep going as long as I see the trail. I want to make up the time we lost at the start. Get up there. Come on. Get up. At midnight, the moon was high and bright. And Blue Spring was just ahead. There a man waited in ambush. Though the ambusher had left town after dark. He had reached Blue Spring ahead of the freighter by riding over the mountains in a relatively straight line. Instead of following the meandering wagon trail, he waited behind a rock. When he heard the approaching wagon, he gripped his carbine and levered a cartridge into position. Get the guard first, then the driver. The Lone Ranger and Toto were on the wagon trail when they heard the gunfire some distance ahead. Guns mean trouble. Let's go, Taro. The last man and the Indian raced ahead on the rough road. Guiding their horses around dangerous turns at breakneck speed. Jake Ronson had already started to remove the gold from the wagon. He was holding a heavy ingot of bullion when he heard the approaching hoofbeats. As he glanced at the back trail, he saw two horsemen ride into view. His carbine had been left beside the trail, so he dropped the gold and drew his six gun. In a frenzy of fear, he opened fire without realizing that the range was too great for accur shooting. Bronson was gripped by panic when his gun was empty. Thinking only of escape, he leaped to the roadside, raced through the underbrush and mounted his waiting horse. Despite the gunfire, the Lone Ranger and Tahoe did not slacken their speed. They saw the gunman holster his empty weapon and ride away. A moment later, the masked man and his friend drew rein beside the halted wagon. Two men and wagon. Do what you can for them, Taro. I'm going after that gunman. The balloon ranger turned off the Trail and started an uphill pursuit. Kato climbed aboard the freighter. He found that the guard and driver, though wounded, were still alive. Both were unconscious. The driver opened his eyes while the Indian was dressing his wound. Now you'll be all right. Wound not kill. Dry. Gotcha. Shot without warning. You and guard both live. Turn wagon. Tie scout behind and drive to town. Ticketed up it the gold safe. Do not worry. Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger pursued the fugitive to the top of the mountain and down the other side. On the comparatively level floor of the valley. He called on Silver for greater speed. Come on, Silver. Faster, big fella. Silver seemed to know that he was expected to overtake the horse ahead. With every stride, the powerful stallion gained on the man ahead. Come on, Silver. Silver closed the gap. The Lone Ranger was riding alongside the gunman. He held his rope. Let me alone. Go away. Rain in or I'll rope you. You'll never get me alive. I want you. A rope snake through the air. The noose dropped over the fugitive. He was pulled from the saddle. He hit the ground and rolled, then wailed in pain. Easy, silly big fella. You should have stopped your horse all this time. My leg is really broke. Help me. Help me. I can't stand the pain. Jake Ronson. So you're the gunman. At about 8:30 in the morning, Dan Reed and Sam Slater were on their way from Slater's house to the Hendricks office when a crowd of men approached you. Slater, we want you. Dan, those men look ugly for bringing ropes. We'll picture. Try to steal our gold, huh? Hold on, gents. What's wrong? A penny Ronson's freighter was stuck up. The garden driver was shot. Mr. Slater didn't do it. He hired it. Don't you? Oh, no chance. I swear. The engine brought the wagon into town a few minutes ago. Doc is working on the garden driver right now. Jake Ronson said you'd do something like that. No, I swear. This is the first I knew of it. Grab him, boy. And the kid too. Take them both. Sheriff, stop these men. Sheriff, we just saw the Ronson freighter. The engine told us about the ambush. You let Dan and Slater go. They didn't do it. But, Sheriff. Look over yonder, boys. Our deputies are carrying a man into my office. You see who he is? It's Jake Ronson. Yeah, and this time his leg is really busted. Really busted. It took the man who caught him all night to bring him through the hills. From the place where he ambushed his own freighter? That's right, boys. Ronson schemed to get a Lot of gold on a freighter. He planned to dry gulch the garden driver and take the gold for himself. And he planned that Slater here'd be blamed for it. But Ronson had a broken leg. That was a fake. I got the whole story from Doc Smith. While he was working on the garden driver, the freighter, Ronson persuaded Doc to help him fake the story of a broken leg, showing all things Slater taking a shot at Ronson. That's right. Doc didn't know that Ronson planned to use a broken leg as an alibi while he went out and tried to murder his own garden driver. Well, Doc wouldn't have any part in an attempted murder, so he told the whole story. Then Ronson started the freight line thinking he'd get rich with one good haul. By stealing all the gold. That's right. And he'd have gotten away with it if that masked man hadn't come along. We oughta lynch Jake Ranson. Deal with him, boy. Now you let this be a lesson to you men. You can't get something for nothing. Any right thinking man would look for something underhanded. When Ranson offered to freight gold at half price later, I reckon we owe you an apology. That's all right, gents. I'm glad the truth came out. Oh, you. Dan. Yes, Sheriff. Masked man said he'd meet you in Tondo in camp. Yes, sir. I reckon he started for camp already. Dan, is that masked man a friend of yours? He sure is. Well, I'm deeply indebted to him. Aren't we all? Who is he? Why, you should know that later. He's the Lone Ranger. D man, Jimmy is 8 years old. He is strong and he is bold. He can capture outlaws. Cause he knows he's got go power from Cheerios. Yes, he's got go power. There he goes. He's feeling his Cheerios. Cheerios. Cheerios. That's Cheerios. The cereal shaped like little letter O's. You know, Cheerios is made from oats. And every delicious spoonful of Cheerios and milk is a real muscle building food. Each spoonful contains vitamins, minerals and proteins your body needs. Yes, the good things in a Cheerios breakfast do good things for your body. Help you have healthy nerves, good red blood, strong bones and muscles. Have Cheerios every morning. Then you'll hear people say he's feeling his Cheerios. The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated is created by George W. Crandall. Produced by Crandall Campbell Muir Incorporated. Directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Stryker the part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer. Your announcer, Fred Foy. The Lone Ranger is brought to you by General Mills every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at this same time. Be sure to list this recorded program has come to you from Detroit. This is ABC Radio Network. This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank 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. Sam.